Volunteer activities coordinator jobs

Job Description

Spires was established as a response to homelessness in the late 1980s. Initially providing a hot meal, clothing, and advice to those who came for help, Spires has developed into an organization that provides a range of services, including day centre style drop ins for homeless people, a Women’s drop in, a Refugee drop in and outreach targeted at supporting Women who are sex working. 

Our core mission is to support homeless people into housing and to assist those who have been homeless in maintaining their accommodation, reducing the risks they face, and increasing their choices. We assess need, create support plans, and provide ongoing key work to empower people to improve their circumstances.

Purpose of Role:

• Support the effective delivery of Spires services across the range of activities provided, 
• Provide casework, support planning, and key working sessions for Spires’ clients.
• Assess and respond to client needs, ensuring high-quality, person-centred support.

Position in Organisation:

Part of the Spires Support Team, reporting to the Head of Clients Services. This is a new position and will work across all of Spires’ services. 

Working Contacts:

• Internal: Collaboration with staff and volunteers, particularly the head of client Services, Service Coordinators, and other support workers.
• External: Direct engagement with vulnerable individuals and coordination with partner agencies as part of a multi-agency approach.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure smooth and safe running of drop-in sessions in collaboration with staff and volunteers.
• Welcome and assess new clients, providing appropriate support and referrals.
• Maintain a psychologically informed environment and manage challenging behaviours effectively.
• Supervise and support volunteers.

Outreach and Support Work:

• Engage with individuals in various settings to connect them with relevant services.
• Conduct needs assessments, crisis interventions, and ongoing support planning.
• Assist clients in achieving support plan goals, including attending appointments.
• Work with partner agencies to coordinate multi-agency support.

Information Management:

• Maintain accurate, GDPR-compliant client records and case notes.
• Report safeguarding concerns and contribute to service improvements.
• Keep up to date with sector developments and best practices.

General Duties:

• Adhere to Spires’ policies and contribute to organisational development.
• Engage in personal development and team collaboration.
• Undertake other duties as required, including session cover.

Person Specification:

Essential Experience:

• Supporting people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
• Working with vulnerable adults with complex needs.
• Managing a caseload within a support setting.
• Maintaining professional boundaries while managing challenging behaviour.
• Liaising with service providers to improve client access to support.

Desirable Experience:

• Working with volunteers.
• Supporting individuals engaged in high-risk activities.

Essential Knowledge:

• Understanding issues faced by vulnerable individuals, including those in high-risk activities.
• Trauma-informed practice and safeguarding principles.
• Confidentiality, data protection, and social care services.

Desirable Knowledge:

• NVQ2/3 or equivalent in a relevant field.
• Understanding of health promotion and sexual health.
• Current UK  Driver Licence

Essential Skills and Qualities:

• Flexibility to work varied hours, including evenings.
• Strong communication and IT skills.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage time effectively, and work independently.
• Commitment to inclusivity and equality.

Summary of Terms and Conditions:

• Location: Based at Spires’ Offices, 5 Stockwell Mews, SW9 9GX
• Probation: Six-month probation period.
• Notice: One week’s notice during probation, four weeks thereafter.
• Annual Leave: 35 days pro rata (including bank holidays and three closure days over Christmas).
• Pension: Employer contribution of 5%, employee contribution of 3%.
• Other Benefits: Life and income protection insurance for eligible employees.
• Expenses: Travel expenses reimbursed as per policy.
• Safeguarding: Adherence to Spires’ safeguarding policy; subject to a DBS check.

this is rolling recruitment and we will be actively interviewing throughout the recruitment process.

​

Community Resettlement Worker

About The Connection at St Martin’s

We believe that no one should have to sleep rough on London’s streets, and that everyone should get the support they need to find a place to call home. We get to know every person we work with, understanding what they need to recover, helping them build on their strengths, and supporting them to find their own way home. Help us make London a city where no one sleeps rough on our streets.

London’s diversity is its biggest asset and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London’s diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability.

We particularly encourage applications from candidates with lived experience of homelessness who we believe are an essential asset in our sector.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and welcome the opportunity to consider flexible working arrangements.

About the Role

• Community Resettlement Workers support clients who have moved in to independent accommodation, usually from the street or hostels. The accommodation is across London and your role is to work alongside individuals as they transition towards independence.
• By adopting a flexible, creative and personalised approach you will support individuals to manage their tenancies in the community and improve their quality of life.
• This service is a stepping stone towards independence and you will continue to work with these clients for up to two years to prevent them from returning to the street, to support them to build networks of support in their local community and to help them to move on into permanent accommodation.
• This role is offered as a fixed term contract until 31st March 2026.
• This role will require travel to various London boroughs.

Full job description can be found on our website.

Hours: 17.5 hours per week (2.5 days)
Salary: £18,776 (£37,551 FTE)
Closing Date: Tuesday 3rd June
Interview Date: Thursday 12th June

Our Benefits

· 30 days holiday plus bank holidays

· Generous training budget, plus an annual personal training budget

· Enhanced Sick Pay Policy

· Enhanced family friendly policies

· Day off for moving house

· Hybrid working (depending on role requirements)

· Pension – 5% Employer, 3% Employee

· Cycle to Work Scheme

· Season Ticket Loan

· Employee Assistance Programme

· Reward Gateway (access to discount vouchers and cashback at the UK’s favourite retailers)

We are a London Living Wage employe

Home-Start Epsom, Ewell and Banstead is a voluntary organisation committed to promoting the welfare of families and children.  Staff and Volunteers offer regular support including emotional and practical help to families in their own homes and specialist projects within the community.

We are recruiting for a part-time Administrator/ Finance Assistant who will work with the Manager and a small team to ensure the organised and efficient operation of the charity. You will need excellent administrative, organisational, IT and finance skills to provide administrative and financial support for all aspects of Home-Start’s work.  Experience of running payroll and using online accounting/payroll software would be beneficial.  Ideally suited to an excellent administrator who can develop into the finance role.  Training will be provided.

A good standard of education (GCSE, and relevant administration/ finance qualifications and/or experience), together with sensitivity and excellent communication skills are essential. You should understand and be committed to the role of the voluntary sector, be able to work in a small team, and demonstrate the ability of taking initiative.  An enhanced disclosure check will be required.

The closing date for applications is Monday 2nd June (11:59pm)

Interviews will take place during the weeks of 9th & 16th June 2025

For an informal discussion or for more information, please contact the office at the details on our website and our CharityLog profile.

Please note: Following Safer Recruitment standards, we do not accept CVs. Home-Start Epsom, Ewell and Banstead is committed to safer recruitment practice as an important part of safeguarding and protecting children and adults at risk.

Home-Start is committed to equality of opportunity and diversity and actively encourages applicants with different backgrounds and experiences.

Home-Start Epsom, Ewell and Banstead is a Company Limited by Guarantee No 8765689 and Registered Charity No 1156539

Reading Specialist - HMP New Hall

Location: HMP New Hall
Department: Prison delivery
Salary: £16,964 per annum
Hours: 21 hours (3 days a week)
Job Type: Part time
Contract Type: Permanent

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing illiteracy amongst people in prison?

Shannon Trust are delighted to be working with His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) and G4S to provide peer-led literacy and numeracy programmes across a number of prisons.  We now have the opportunity to provide a service at HMP New Hall. Working closely with the prison and their staff, people in prison, Shannon Trust Team Members, this is an exciting role leading on the delivery and development of creative and exciting literacy initiatives and an ambitious Reading Strategy at HMP New Hall, maximising opportunities for people in prison to learn to read.

Ideally you will have some experience of prison settings underpinned by the ability to build relationships and personal qualities that include resilience, determination and a problem-solving approach.

This role will be prison-based. Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday (when full time) plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme.  The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.

‍We welcome job applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions. These roles do require prison security clearance, so we will need to ask for details of any relevant criminal convictions before an offer of employment is finalised.

Interviews are to be held on a rolling schedule.

Please note the vacancy may close early if we find a suitable applicant.

Benefits: Standard Shannon Trust: Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme.

REF-221630

The Head of Operations will be part of the senior leadership team and support the CEO in the leadership, management and day-to-day operations of Sound Minds. They will deputise as required and make a significant contribution to strategic planning for the organisation, with a strong focus on operational activity. They will lead on all operational, health and safety, premises, IT, systems, human resources, governance, reporting and fundraising activity, whilst maintaining key relationships with external stakeholders.

Sound Minds is a creative place and the Head of Operations will need a passion for administration and organisation.

The Godolphin and Latymer School is one of the country’s leading independent day schools for girls, located on a six acre site in Hammersmith, London.  The School’s facilities are excellent, making it an exciting place to learn and work.  The students at Godolphin and Latymer receive unrivalled academic and pastoral support and outstanding examination results are achieved.

Transform young lives through the power of philanthropy

At Godolphin and Latymer, we're not just raising funds, we're creating life-changing opportunities for talented students regardless of their financial circumstances.

As our next Director of Development, you will have the support of our Senior Leadership Team and engaged alumnae who are committed to building philanthropic success in the long term, and who understand the value which development brings to the School. Despite global economic challenges, our Development Office consistently raises significant funds for bursaries - and we're ready to aim even higher with the right Director of Development.

This is no ordinary Development role

The Godolphin and Latymer School seeks an exceptional Director of Development to lead our philanthropic strategy in collaboration with the Head. Our bursary programme currently supports 80 students; but with the right person in post, we aim to significantly increase this number, diversifying our school community and changing more young lives.

The Director of Development will work closely with the Head to develop and implement a sustainable development strategy, focussing on major gifts. The ideal candidate will elevate the School's engagement strategy through innovative events, strategic communications, and meaningful relationship-building with the school’s community ensuring high standards across all engagement and fundraising activities.

The Director of Development will manage the Development Office, currently a team of three, with responsibility for developing both potential within the team and fundraising programmes and process. 

Collaboration, communication and positive professional relationships are key to this role. The most successful school development programmes are built, not on transactions, but on relationships - with donors, with colleagues, with school leadership, and with the broader School community. The ideal candidate will understand that relationships drive results. Not only will the successful candidate bring major gift fundraising experience, but they will also be adept at cultivating relationships with high-net-worth individuals and have a deep understanding of how to inspire others and get the best from their team.

What makes this role exceptional:

● Direct collaboration with the Head to develop and implement a sustainable development strategy

● Focus on major gifts fundraising for real impact

● Support from committed stakeholders who understand the long-term value development brings

● Opportunity to significantly diversify our school community

The ideal candidate:

● Has proven major gift fundraising experience

● Excels at cultivating relationships with high-net-worth individuals

● Understands that relationships - not transactions - drive results

● Can inspire others and bring out the best in their team

● Believes in the transformative power of education

The salary will be commensurate with the post and will depend upon qualifications and experience.

If you're an experienced Director of Development, Head of Philanthropy or major gifts or you are an experienced Deputy and are ready for the next step, we invite you to submit your application outlining how your experience matches our requirements.

The National Lottery Community Fund is seeking a Senior Government Relationship Manager to lead our relationships with governments across the UK as part of our newly restructured communications function. This role represents a significant opportunity in our new function as we implement our ambitious communications strategy that shifts from traditional grant-making support to demonstrating the powerful impact that communities have across the UK.

As a senior member of the External Affairs team and a key part of our wider communications team, you will lead our relationship with DCMS as our sponsor department and build a coherent approach to government relations across the UK that recognises the needs of all of the devolved administrations.  You will build connections with relevant government departments, acting as the key coordinator and source of knowledge and insight for all government-related activity at the Fund.

Your role as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on government relations and building our reputation will be critical to our success. Your political insight will help the Fund maintain its identity as a champion of community-led change while providing senior counsel on engaging with ministers and officials.

You will work in close collaboration with communications and funding colleagues to anticipate and mitigate risks in a structured way, handling sensitive issues when they arise. Your strong understanding of the political landscape and ability to build strong relationships will support the Fund’s wider strategic objectives.

We're looking for a government relations professional with significant experience who can build influential relationships across all levels of government and who can provide expert analysis of policy developments. The ideal candidate will bring a sophisticated understanding of the UK political landscape and the workings of government. You will be politically astute with experience navigating complex stakeholder environments and balancing diverse priorities. Your background might include policy development, stakeholder or government relations or public affairs in a government department, a public body or a large mission-driven organisation.

Key responsibilities

• Design and deliver a consistent approach to government relations across the UK, maintaining systems and processes for ensuring effective delivery
• Lead our sponsor relationship with DCMS and build relationships and connections with relevant departments, managing and co-ordinating responses to departmental requirements and identifying opportunities to demonstrate our value.
• Provide strategic horizon scanning and expert policy analysis, disseminating information and advice to senior leaders
• Coordinate the Fund's interactions with governments across the UK
• Develop engagement plans for ministers and senior officials
• Create high-quality briefing materials for senior leadership for meetings with government ministers and senior officials, attending meetings as appropriate
• Lead on policy positioning papers on key issues
• Support Communications colleagues to ensure country and regional government relations are aligned

Location: We have a hybrid approach to working. Work pattern and location will be agreed with the successful candidate. The role can be based at any of our UK offices: Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Exeter, Glasgow, Leeds, London, Newcastle and Newtown.

Interview dates: Week commencing 30th June and 7th July

On application, please align your supporting statement to the criteria below

Essential criteria

• Significant experience in government relations, policy and public affairs, working with government departments, ministers and officials
• Understanding of DCMS and its broader universe, particularly related to VCSE sector
• Strong background in political analysis skills, parliamentary and legislative knowledge
• Demonstrable success in influencing policy outcomes
• Experience advising senior leadership
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, evidence of ability to turn complex policy into useful briefings at short notice
• Ability to engage diverse political and other stakeholder audiences
• Project and matrix management experience, particularly in complex organisations managing competing deadlines.

Desirable criteria

• Experience with devolved administrations
• Background in non-departmental or arms-length public bodies
• Relevant professional qualification

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion 

Communities in the UK come in all shapes and sizes. National Lottery funding is for everyone – therefore, we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and we work hard to ensure our funding reaches where it is needed. 

We also believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. That’s why the National Lottery Community Fund is committed to being an inclusive employer and a great place to work. We recognise and celebrate the fact that our people come from diverse backgrounds. We positively welcome applications from people from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities or longstanding health conditions, people who are LGBTQ+, and people from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds, as well as people of all ages.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we take a proactive approach in making reasonable adjustments, if needed, throughout the recruitment process and during employment. (This can be related to a physical and mental health condition.)

Donated income – whether from individuals, trusts and foundations, or fundraising events – constitutes approximately 60% JW3’s income. As part of our new organisational five-year strategy, we are set to raise £2.9m in 2025, with a target of £3.5m+ by 2031.

As a key member of JW3's Senior Leadership Team (SLT), you will lead, manage and motivate the small but mighty JW3 Development fundraising team, currently including: Head of Philanthropy, Trust & Foundations Manager, Individual Giving & Legacies Manager, and Fundraising Coordinator. You will work closely with the CEO, Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) and Trustees, to accelerate the growth of fundraising across a diversified range of income streams to achieve long-term, sustainable income growth.

You will have responsibility for further developing and implementing an ambitious fundraising strategy in line with the organisational objectives and priorities. You will work closely with key professional and lay stakeholders - including Trustees - and will be responsible for initiating, developing and sustaining productive relationships with a range of new and existing donors; identifying and developing new prospects; creating and implementing an effective stewardship programme and initiatives; overseeing budgets; and proactively managing individual relationships. You will have the proven ability to build strong personal networks, and to engage and influence senior stakeholders both internally and externally.

If our mission and ambition resonates with you, and you are ready to help drive the next chapter of JW3, we’d love to hear from you!

Full details of the role are outlined in the job pack accessible on JW3's Jobs page.

Do you share our dream of a UK where poverty is a thing of the past? 

Founded in 2019, the Poverty Truth Network believes that this can only happen when those most impacted by poverty are at the heart of the movement to end it. Our specific contribution brings together people experiencing poverty with those with responsibilities for alleviating it. “Nothing About Us Without Us Is For Us.” 

Thanks to funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, the PTN is recruiting a Partnerships Manager who will provide management and oversight of key partnerships essential to the delivery of the Network’s Strategic Plan, with a specific focus on the development and delivery of Regional Hubs.

You will have experience of establishing and delivering partnerships; dedicated to social justice; a commitment to collaborative working; and proven management experience.

Key Tasks

• To form part of the Core Leadership Team, providing overall strategic leadership across the Network 
• To manage the Partnership team, setting clear goals and objectives linked to the Strategic Plan 
• To lead on the development and support of Regional Hubs, including support with grant funding and income generation
• To act as the primary point of contact with Regional Hubs, for initial enquiries and ongoing relationships, including with staff and trustees
• To provide oversight of the Network’s Parliamentary work in Westminster and across the devolved administrations
• To oversee the Network’s Learning & Evaluation framework, offering insight and advice as appropriate, ensuring that agreed activities are delivered on time and in budget 
• To be the primary point of contact for partners working alongside the Network to deliver change in line with its Strategic Plan
• To recruit external partners to participate in the Mutual Mentoring programme
• To liaise closely with members of the Amplify Team in the development of national partnerships
• To develop and support work with creative partners to highlight the resilience of those struggling to overcome poverty
• To deputise for the Director as and when required
• To undertake other activities as needed dependent on jobholder’s knowledge, skills and experience

This role involves working from home with some travel.

Community Project Lead 

• Two-year fixed term, full-time (35 hours per week) or part-time (minimum 21 hours per week considered), £28,000 – £32,000 per annum depending on experience (pro rata if part-time)  
• Remote or office-based. Occasional visits to IPSEA’s office in Takeley or a London venue required. This role will also include frequent travel to meet with community partners. 

Do you have experience working with under-served communities and leading impactful outreach projects? Are you passionate about improving access to support for families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)?

IPSEA is the leading charity in the field of SEND law in England, and we provide free and independent legal advice and support to families of children and young people with SEND. We also provide training on the SEND legal framework, and we influence policy at both a local and national level.

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Community Project Lead to join our team and lead the development of our advice services for under-served communities. This two-year, fixed-term role is a key part of our strategy to reach groups who may not traditionally engage with IPSEA’s support - including children and families with English as an additional language, cared-for children (children in care), migrant children, detained children, and Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.

The project builds on a detailed scoping exercise we’ve recently completed, which involved working closely with a wide range of charities and organisations that support these communities. The resulting report outlines the barriers they face, and will form the foundation for this project and directly inform the work you will lead.

What you’ll do 

• Design and develop pilot advice services that are tailored to the needs of under-served communities, using findings from IPSEA’s research 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with community groups, charities and service providers to co-produce accessible services 

• Collaborate with IPSEA’s advice, legal and policy teams to address the barriers these communities face in accessing SEND legal advice 

• Contribute to and share outreach materials, training resources and toolkits to support families of under-served communities and empower local advocates 

• Plan and lead workshops, focus groups and community events to raise awareness, gather feedback and enhance service delivery 

• Monitor and report on project outcomes and impact, providing regular updates to IPSEA staff and stakeholders 

You can work remotely or from IPSEA’s office in Takeley, with frequent travel required for essential meetings and community engagement.

If you share our commitment to protecting, promoting, and upholding the rights of children and young people with SEND, and would like to use your skills to improve access to vital advice and support, we would love to hear from you.

Visit our website to download a recruitment pack and application form.

Closing date for applications: 9am on Monday 16 June 2025 
First-round interviews: Wednesday 25 June 2025 (London) 

Do you share our dream of a UK where poverty is a thing of the past? 

Founded in 2019, the Poverty Truth Network believes that this can only happen when those most impacted by poverty are at the heart of the movement to end it. Our specific contribution brings together people experiencing poverty with those with responsibilities for alleviating it. “Nothing About Us Without Us Is For Us.” 

Thanks to funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, we are recruiting for an Operations Manager who will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Poverty Truth Network, including the oversight of systems, staff performance and finances. 

You will be a highly motivated person with a clear leadership record; dedicated to social justice; with a proven track record of operational delivery, including financial, administrative and governance management.

Key tasks of the role:

• To form part of the Core Leadership Team, providing overall strategic leadership across the Network 
• To lead on the financial management of the Poverty Truth Network, including the delivery of Management Accounts and the production of an annual budget
• To manage the Operations Team, setting clear goals and objectives linked to the Strategic Plan
• To lead on and establish the appropriate processes to ensure high levels of staff performance and development, including appraisals and performance management 
• To develop, and where necessary implement, administrative systems which ensure effective, efficient and safe practice across the Network
• To ensure that the Network operates in line with its charitable purposes, overseeing changes to its constitution as and when necessary
• To regularly update the Charity’s policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with the relevant regulations / legislation, providing advice to the Director and trustees as appropriate 
• To oversee the production and sharing of papers for trustees in an organised and timeous manner
• To oversee the effective running of online and in-person meetings and events for the Network, liaising with other teams as appropriate
• To lead on the delivery of the Network’s Support Grant Programme
• To deputise for the Director as and when required
• Undertake other activities as needed dependent on jobholder’s knowledge, skills and experience

This role involves working from home with some travel.

Are you passionate about leading high-impact services that support individuals facing multiple disadvantage? Do you thrive in complex environments and have the leadership skills to shape a psychologically informed, client-centred team? If so, we’d love to hear from you.

About the role:

We’re looking for a dedicated Service Manager to lead our specialist 18-bed 24/7 Complex Needs hostel in Camden. Leading a team of Project Worker Complex Needs, Specialist Multiple Disadvantage Workers, Trainee Project Workers, an Apprentice, ETE Worker, Night Concierges, and locums - the service supports individuals who have experienced significant disadvantage. This includes long-term rough sleeping, substance use, severe and enduring mental health issues, involvement with the criminal justice system, and self-care challenges.

This is not a typical hostel service - it is a dynamic, intensive, and highly specialist environment requiring compassionate leadership, robust risk management, and strong inter-agency collaboration. You will be at the forefront of driving a psychologically informed and trauma-responsive service that not only provides accommodation, but creates a platform for meaningful recovery, connection, and progress.

As Service Manager, you will lead a skilled team in delivering high quality, person-centred support and accommodation. You’ll be responsible for staff development, operational oversight, risk management, partnership engagement, and ensuring compliance with service specifications and safeguarding standards.

In return, we offer a strong culture of learning, access to a sector-leading leadership development programme, and the opportunity to shape practice in one of the most critical and challenging areas of homelessness work. Join us in creating a place of safety, growth and transformation in the heart of Camden.

About you:

• You’ll bring a deep understanding of complex trauma and how to translate this into Psychologically Informed Environments (PIE).
• You’ll have a proven ability to lead and motivate staff teams, respond to crisis, and ensure that frontline practice is effective, compassionate, and empowering.
• Demonstrable experience working with people facing multiple disadvantage in a supported accommodation or complex needs setting.
• A strong track record of managing or leading teams to deliver measurable, client-centred outcomes.
• Confidence in working in partnership with statutory and voluntary agencies to build integrated and effective support pathways.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
• A reflective, emotionally intelligent leadership style grounded in values of inclusion, equity, and respect.

About us:

Single Homeless Project is a London-wide charity. Our vision is of a society where everyone has a place to call home and the chance to live a fulfilling life.

We help single Londoners by preventing homelessness, providing support and accommodation, promoting wellbeing, enhancing opportunity, and being a voice for change. From supporting people in crisis to helping people take the final steps towards independence and employment, we make a difference to 12,000 lives every year across all 32 boroughs.

We offer you more than a job; we offer you a chance to be part of a compassionate, driven team that's committed to making a real difference in people's lives. You'll have the opportunity to lead, co-create, and inspire change while enjoying a collaborative, growth-oriented environment.

Join us in creating a brighter, more hopeful future for individuals in need. 

Important info:

Closing date: Sunday 1st June at midnight

Interview date: Thursday 12th and Friday 13th at SHP Head Office in Kings Cross

This post will require an Enhanced DBS check to be processed (by SHP) for the successful applicant. 

This is an exciting opportunity to steer Asylum Aid at an important time in its 30-year existence. As Executive Director you will be responsible for delivering on our strategy for impact. You will oversee our work to increase access to expert, trauma-informed legal representation to those in the asylum, trafficking and statelessness systems and lead our policy and strategic legal work to achieve systemic change that contributes towards our vision.

You will line manage the Director of Legal Casework to oversee the provision of supportive and enabling leadership to Asylum Aid caseworkers so that they can continue to deliver high quality expert advice in complex cases, while being supported in their professional development and wellbeing. You will also manage and develop the work of our welfare advice team within the Westminster Advice Services Partnership and beyond, and work collaboratively with colleagues in the sector to build capacity and increase our impact. 

The ideal candidate, who may be legally qualified, will have experience of leadership in the charity/NGO sector and a sound understanding of the asylum, human rights and trafficking processes in the UK and the legal frameworks which govern the protection of refugees, survivors of trafficking and stateless people, and of the role of law in achieving system change.

We are looking for someone who is strategically minded and passionate about providing supportive and inclusive leadership to our expert team. You will be committed to our objectives and to the role which expert legal representation plays in enabling people in need of protection in the UK to obtain it.

As is the nature of this sector, the role may be exposed to a high volume of traumatic and distressing material and, whilst they will be supported by the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO and surrounding team, the candidate should also be able to demonstrate knowledge of good self-care principles in an intense work environment and dissemination of those principles to junior members of the team.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and strategy

·Be responsible, with the support of the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO, for the development, implementation and monitoring of Asylum Aid’s organisational strategy

·Provide leadership and strategic direction at Asylum Aid in accordance with its aims and objectives, with the support of the Director of Legal Casework

·Act as external spokesperson for Asylum Aid, maintaining and strengthening Asylum Aid’s position as a leader in the refugee rights, statelessness and legal aid sectors;

·Work collaboratively with others in the sector to promote and strengthen Asylum Aid’s work, identify and establish potential partnerships, with the support of the Director of Legal Casework;

·Work collaboratively with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO and Executive Leadership team to drive the implementation of the Group strategic framework;

·Ensure that all reporting and monitoring requirements are met to support fundraising, contract compliance and monitoring strategic impact;

·Support the cross collaboration of the Asylum Aid team with the Helen Bamber Foundation team and play an active part in the management of the Helen Bamber Foundation Group.

Governance  

·Act as the Data Protection Supervisor with responsibility for data protection and cyber security within Asylum Aid

·Together with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO and designated safeguarding leads, be responsible for child and adult safeguarding within Asylum Aid

·In collaboration with the Director of Legal Casework, ensure compliance by Asylum Aid with all legal and regulatory obligations, including the Legal Aid Agency contract, the Immigration Advice Authority and Solicitors Regulation Authority;

·Lead on the preparation and presentation of quarterly reports on Asylum Aid’s activities, strategy and risks to the Asylum Aid Board, the Finance and Fundraising Committee and the People and Governance Committee;

·Lead on the preparation of the Trustees’ annual report and ensure that monitoring and evaluation systems are adequate to enable reporting on Asylum Aid’s activities and impact.

Management and Supervision 

·Responsible for line management of the Director of Legal Casework and Welfare Advice service coordinator, and other team supervisors as required;

·Together with the Group Director of People, responsible for Human Resources and implementation of the People Strategy within Asylum Aid, including development and implementation of HR policies and procedures;

·Together with the Director of Legal Casework and team supervisors, drive the effective management and supervision of the Asylum Aid team and ensure that they comply with relevant professional standards and accreditation;

·Foster a supportive and inclusive team culture at Asylum Aid in which each member feels valued and supported to develop professionally and to perform to the best of their ability;

·Ensure the team’s well-being and that self-care practices are established and work in tandem with the Director of Legal Casework and supervisors to ensure trauma-informed ways of working.

Policy & Strategic Legal Work

·Together with the Group Director of Policy, identify policy priorities and coordinate the preparation of evidence and briefings drawing on Asylum Aid’s experience and expertise to influence system change;

·Build and maintain relationships and partnerships with sector colleagues to support joint strategic engagement including policy advocacy and strategic legal work;

·Work closely with the Director of Legal Casework and team supervisors to drive changes in the UK asylum, trafficking and statelessness systems through strategic legal work.

Finance & Fundraising

·Work closely with the CEO and the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Finance Team to set and manage budget(s) and general financial matters for Asylum Aid

·Together with the Director of Legal Casework and the Group Finance Team, establish systems for monitoring legal aid Work In Progress and billing, and securing casework income including legal aid, and inter partes income from judicial review cases;

·Work closely with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Fundraising and Communications Team to secure funding for Asylum Aid from a range of sources including trusts and foundations, corporate philanthropy and major donors;

·Ensure that Legal Aid and other income is maximised, and targets are achieved.

Other duties

·Manage the recruitment and supervision of volunteers where necessary in collaboration with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Volunteers Coordinator;

·Support the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Facilities team to ensure the smooth running of the office and that the facilities meet the needs of Asylum Aid;

·Work outside normal office hours as required and travel in order to carry out the responsibilities of the post.

·To undertake any task that may be requested from time to time that may be consistent with the nature and scope of this post.

Essential Experience, Skills and Knowledge

•Experience of running a small to medium sized charity/legal NGO and/or legal department within the NGO sector (or other equivalent senior management role);

•Demonstrable experience of managing and leading a successful team and the ability to manage a growing team with mixed roles from team supervisors to administrative support staff, working co-operatively with colleagues to maintain transparency and effective working relationships within the team;

•Strong communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with people from a wide range of backgrounds

•Strong understanding of good governance including legal, regulatory and financial responsibilities;

•Ability to work with a range of stakeholders from trustees to external partners;

•Experience of leading and/or participating in organisational strategic planning;

·Experience of legal policy work within the human rights field and /or of strategic litigation, whether as an NGO claimant or legal representative;

•Experience of managing diverse funding sources and setting and implementing budgets;

•Experience of working in a service delivery partnership with other organisations;

•Experience of fundraising, especially grants from trusts and foundations;

•Sound working knowledge of the law and policy as it relates to immigration,  asylum, human rights and modern slavery/trafficking;

•Demonstrable understanding of the asylum and human rights sector in the UK;

•An understanding of the barriers migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers face regarding access to legal advice, reasons why they may become destitute and why this makes it more difficult to access advice and support; and

•The passion for working empathetically and supportively with migrants, refugees, stateless people and asylum seekers.

Desirable Experience

·Experience of managing the delivery of frontline casework with people in the asylum or trafficking systems

·Experience of tendering for and delivering publicly funded contracts e.g. LAA or local authority funding;

·Working knowledge of Legal Aid Agency contracts, including the delivery of casework and billing under a legal aid contract in the immigration and asylum category and/or the public law category;

How to apply 

The first stage is to complete on our online application form on our website by 9am on 23 June 2025.

The website form will ask you to:

1.Upload a short covering letter. Please tell us why the position appeals to you, and how your relevant skills and experience, including any voluntary experience and lived experience, matches the listed responsibilities and person specification. Please also state in your covering letter when you would be available to start the role.

2.Upload your current CV

3.Complete an online Equal Opportunities monitoring form – completion of this form will help us ensure that our recruitment procedures operate in such a way as to provide genuine equality of opportunity. The questions are entirely optional, and this information will not be available to members of the selection panel.

For an informal conversation about the post before applying, please contact Alison Pickup, the current Executive Director.

Selection Process

We anticipate that we will invite candidates to an initial online interview on Wednesday 3rd July 2025, followed by shortlisted candidates attending in-person interviews at our office in Old Street on Wednesday 9 July 2025.

We regret that we can only respond to applicants who make it to the interview stage.

We offer a guaranteed initial interview for refugees, stateless people and others with lived experience of forced migration, provided that they meet at least 50% of the essential criteria.

Eligibility

Please note that the successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK (as a small charity we do not have the capacity to sponsor work visas).

Successful candidates will also be subject to a basic DBS check. If appointed, you will also be required to give your consent to the charity to receive regular updates on your criminal records status throughout your employment and to disclose any relevant convictions incurred during your time with us.

Adjustments

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. If you require a different format of the application form, such as large print or Word format, or if you would like to discuss any specific requirements, please get in touch with us.

EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Our commitment to principles of equity, diversity and inclusion is an integral part of our approach to our clients, our volunteers and our staff, and we are an equal opportunities and Living Wage employer.

We are committed to attracting and recruiting diverse candidates because we are keen to make sure that our staff, trustees, volunteers and ambassadors reflect the communities we serve and the wider community we work in.

We genuinely welcome and encourage applications from candidates from a range of backgrounds, especially people of colour, people with disabilities, people from low socio-economic backgrounds, refugees, stateless people and others with lived experience of forced migration or trauma and of the housing and welfare system, who are under-represented in our organisation.

We recognise and value the role of lived experience in meeting the needs of our clients and acknowledge the under-representation of people with lived experience of forced migration and statelessness in the advice sector. We value experience gained overseas as well as in the UK.

We are also proud to be a member of the Experts by Experience Employment Network which aims to increase representation of people with lived experience in the charitable sector.

If you are an expert by experience (a refugee or a migrant with direct, first-hand experience of issues and challenges of the UK asylum or immigration system), you can ask for an independent and confidential support for your job application from the Experts by Experience Employment Network and access other information and resources which may help in preparing your job application.

Please complete the form on their website to request support and they will confirm if they can match you with a mentor to support your application.

Are you an experienced domestic abuse professional — or ready to take the next step into a leadership role?

Join our small, dynamic team at FLAG DV as Service Manager, and help empower survivors navigating the family court system with specialist legal and emotional support.

This is an opportunity to blend frontline delivery with strategic leadership. You’ll oversee our Legal Advice Clinic and Court Support Services, hold a small caseload, manage a committed team, and act as our Designated Safeguarding Lead — with support from our Director of Service Development & Engagement and a Deputy DSL.

You’ll be at the heart of a trauma-informed, passionate organisation, playing a pivotal role in shaping our services and ensuring survivors receive the support they need. Whether you already have leadership experience or are ready to step up, we’re looking for someone who’s confident, compassionate, and committed to survivor empowerment.