Volunteer community manager jobs in beaconsfield, buckinghamshire

The Senior Children’s and Families Pastor is a key role within the staff team at St Stephen’s.

We are looking for someone with a passion to see children (0-11s) and their families grow as whole life disciples of Jesus, with direct experience working with children, and proven strategic leadership skills, to lead this ministry into continued growth at this exciting time for St Stephen’s.

Currently there are 4 main strands to children’s ministry at St Stephen’s:

1. Church based kid’s ministry and discipleship

2. Community pre-school and families

3. School’s ministry (St Stephen’s primary and 2 other local primary schools); and

4. Parenting (building community and pastoral support).

We expect the director of children’s ministry to oversee all these strands but directly lead the church-based ministry and at least one other area.

The successful candidate will take responsibility and strategic oversight for all 0-11 ministry, leading the kids and families team (presently consisting of a part time community families pastor, and the Associate kids pastor, to be appointed.) and the recruitment and training of a large volunteer team.

Support Network Coordinator (London coverage)
Location: Home based within Greater London
Salary: £35,040 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week Monday to Friday

We are seeking a Support Network Coordinator to cover the London region.

About Us

The Spinal Injuries Association is committed to a singular vision: a fulfilled life for everyone affected by spinal cord injury.

Everyone has a right to live a fulfilled life and that means the life they choose, a life that has the same opportunities as everyone else. We are the expert guiding voice for life after spinal cord injury. 

About the role

Each of the Support Network Coordinators have the responsibility for delivering, maintaining, and expanding the support services available to spinal cord injured (SCI) people and their region of the UK.

The post coordinates two vital parallel strands:

1. In your region, to reach and support newly and long-term spinal cord injured people and their families developing a strong partnership with all available specialist services, charity and business partners; managing a dedicated team of volunteers as well as providing direct support to SCI people with more complex support needs.
2. Nationally, working to facilitate the link between SCI people and SIA and the network of services; referring SCI people and their families to our clinical / health expert support teams and advocacy services; working with the Digital Engagement team to build on-line links to regional partners in your area; supporting fundraising, campaigns and communications.

Duties and Responsibilities

This is the job for your if you’re good at:

• Building strong relationships – you’ll be talking to everyone from people with SCI and their families, to healthcare professionals, solicitors and partners who deliver key services.
• Identifying opportunities – to expand SIA’s portfolio of services, we’ll need your knowledge of organisations and individuals that provide services to those affected by spinal cord injury.
• Engaging People – whether it’s service users or your team of volunteers, the success of our work relies on you being able to keep people engaged with what we’re doing.
• Being organised – managing your own diary, keeping in touch with your contacts, ensuring your volunteers are being utilised effectively, providing support to those in greatest need, referring to internal & external service providers and keeping records of the support SIA is delivering.
• Providing life-changing support to those that need it most – you’ll be facing up to the most difficult challenges our service users face.
• Making the ask – whether it’s growing the fundraising activities that underpin the charity, securing the use of a venue for a support group meeting, or ensuring healthcare professionals are promoting our services.

Benefits

• Annual leave: 28 days per holiday year plus bank holidays, increasing to 30 days after two years of service (pro-rated for part time employees)
• Access to Group pension scheme (6% employer contribution)
• Access to Group life assurance scheme
• Access to Healthcare cash plan
• Access to discounted gym membership
• Access to Employee assistance programme (EAP)
• Employee volunteer days
• Free car parking at Milton Keynes, Head Office
• Investing in their people - all members of staff are encouraged to discuss their development plans and aspirations with their line manager. A budget is available for talent development.

Please note, for this role it is essential that an applicant has a personal lived experience of a spinal cord injury (SCI) or Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES), and lives in the Greater London region.

This post will play a critical role in achieving our ambitions. We hope that the role inspires you and we look forward to receiving your application.

Closing date: 28 July 2025, 9am
Interview dates: 6 or 7 August 2025 at SIA House, Milton Keynes OR London area

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

At SIA, we value diversity. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment as we believe diversity fosters a more innovative, creative, and caring culture.

We are striving to create a culture that fully represents all the communities we serve. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will be considered for employment regardless of race, age, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, family or parental status, or disability status.

Disabled candidates who meet the standard job criteria will be offered a guaranteed interview.

No agencies please.

The Education Access Coordinator will equip young asylum seekers and refugees to access further (FE) and higher education (HE) through advice and guidance, 1:1 casework and training for other professionals. 

This role sits within the Education Access team: everything we do is focussed on supporting young refugees and asylum seekers into an appropriate form of education from primary school right the way up to university.

The team is separated into three work streams: access to schools, access to FE and access to HE. We also run a national email and telephone advice service through which young people, their families and the professionals who support them, can receive timely and accurate advice and support about any aspect of accessing education in the UK.

This role straddles the access to FE and HE streams of work and, although it would be helpful to have some experience of working in these sectors, our experience is that this knowledge can be taught and is not as important to us as other qualities and experience.

The successful candidate will, however, need to be able to understand and retain a great deal of complex information and then clearly articulate this to others both verbally and in writing. The ideal candidate would be someone who would relish becoming an expert in refugee access to FE and HE and would enjoy the problem solving element of navigating complex regulations to find the right solution for an individual struggling to access education. 

The successful candidate will also need to have experience of and enjoy working with vulnerable young people both individually and in groups. A key element of this role is ongoing casework with individuals - where you will need to build a supportive and trusting relationship over the long term - alongside running one-off workshops for large groups where the priority is to quickly gain young people’s confidence and attention. 

Finally, the successful candidate will be responsible for representing REUK’s access pillar externally.  You will co-deliver training to a high standard as well as maintaining relationships with key stakeholders including local authorities, FE colleges, universities and other NGOs - it is therefore imperative that you have excellent people skills.

This role can be done 4 or 5 days per week, depending on preference (salary would be pro rata for 4 days). 

Make a difference in Dads lives – become our new Dad Matters Coordinator!

Job Opportunity: Dad Matters Coordinator
Location: Across Surrey, with a focus on East Surrey 
Employer: Home-Start Surrey
Hours: Full time, 37 hours a week
Salary: £27,000 - £30,000 
Contract: Permanent 

About Us
Home-Start Surrey is a voluntary organisation committed to promoting the welfare of families with young children. Our mission is to give children the best start in life by supporting parents, especially during challenging times.

Dad Matters Surrey exists to support dads to have the best possible relationship with their families. We do this by providing 1:1 and group peer support, helping Dads make sense of parenthood, and providing or signposting Dads to mental health support and access to relevant services. Working closely with other professionals, we are able to better support dads in the first 1001 days of their parenting journey.

We are excited to be expanding Dad Matters project in Surrey and are looking for an enthusiastic, passionate and confident Dad Matters Coordinator to help us drive this important work forward.

As Dad Matters Coordinator your key responsibilities will include:

• Deliver 1:1 and group sessions for dads, with a focus on East Surrey.
• Raise awareness of mental health and parenting support available to fathers.
• Support volunteers with lived experience of fatherhood.
• Collaborate with Home-Start Coordinators to ensure holistic family support.

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about supporting dads and families.
• An excellent communicator and relationship-builder.
• Confident working independently and as part of a small team.
• Knowledgeable about perinatal mental health and the challenges faced by dads.

What We Offer

• Flexible working hours and locations.
• A supportive, values-driven team culture.
• The chance to make a real, lasting impact on families in your community.

Deadline for applications: 5pm Friday 8th August 
First Interviews: Thursday 18th & Friday 19th September 
Second interviews: w/c 22nd September

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

Home-Start Surrey is committed to equal opportunities and safeguarding children. All roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check and references.

​No agencies please.

Mary’s Meals is a global movement supported by people from all walks of life and we are focused on one goal – that every child receives a nutritious daily meal in their place of education. We are currently reaching over 2.6 million children every school day, across 16 countries.

We are recruiting for a dynamic, visionary leader to join us as Director of Strategic Initiatives – a vital role in helping us grow our global movement. Reporting to our Chief Growth Officer, you’ll lead a talented team responsible for designing and delivering bold new strategies to increase revenue and build long-term, sustainable income growth and grow the strength of our National Affiliate network.

You will:

• Drive a programme of high-impact, global initiatives, from new fundraising products and digital solutions to youth and faith engagement strategies.
• Provide expert support and coaching to Executive Directors leading National Affiliates across the world.
• Guide strategic planning and change programmes with measurable outcomes, clear delivery plans and a deep focus on stewardship.
• Lead and inspire a high-performing team of specialists focused on audience insights, product development and market expansion.
• Collaborate closely with senior leadership across our global family to ensure alignment, shared learning and sustainable growth.
• Support the development of effective governance, technology and safeguarding practices across affiliates.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the MMI Executive Leadership Team and contribute regularly at the highest levels of decision-making.

About you:

You will bring significant senior-level experience in strategy, programme leadership, and/or business development – ideally in a global or multi-entity context within the charity sector.

• A strong track record of driving income growth and leading successful change initiatives.
• Experience working across cultures, with the ability to influence, inspire and build trust in diverse settings.
• A sharp focus on what works in fundraising, product innovation and audience engagement – particularly in the context of international development.
• Experience collaborating closely with technology teams to deliver digital and tech-enabled solutions.
• Proven leadership and coaching experience, with the ability to build high-performing teams and work with autonomy, agility and purpose.

Most of all, you’ll be motivated by our mission and ready to play a key role in helping us reach the next child waiting for Mary’s Meals.

About us:

We believe in the innate goodness of people, respect the dignity of every human being and family life and believe in good stewardship of the resources entrusted to us. In line with our values, Mary’s Meals is fully committed to a culture of safeguarding. Mary’s Meals is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work and we expect all the Mary's Meals family to share this commitment and work in the best interest of the communities we serve. Our safe recruitment practices ensure that only those that are committed to our high standards join our movement.

Salary advertised is for UK based candidates, our salary philosophy ensures consistency across locations where Mary’s Meals operates, please reach out for more information on salary & benefits if you are based outside the UK. 

To apply:

If you are inspired to join our movement and our vision, mission and values resonate with you, we would love to hear from you. To apply, please click below to send your CV and a short covering note (no more than 1 page) telling us why you are a great fit for this role and why you would like to work for Mary’s Meals International.

Are you an experienced Salesforce professional who thrives on managing complex release cycles and deploying high-quality CRM enhancements? Do you want to use your technical expertise to contribute to the success of a respected professional membership organisation?

A well-established and forward-thinking professional membership organisation is seeking a Salesforce Release Specialist to play a vital role in the delivery and continuous improvement of its CRM platform.

This organisation champions professional development, knowledge-sharing, and community-building, reinvesting in tools and initiatives that support both individual members and corporate partners. If you’re passionate about enabling meaningful change through technology, this could be a perfect fit.

About the Role This is a fantastic opportunity to take ownership of the release and deployment process across Salesforce and Fonteva platforms, with a strong focus on automation, governance, and best practice. You’ll be the go-to expert for coordinating deployments, managing environment strategies, and ensuring smooth release cycles using Copado. The role includes supporting Salesforce administration tasks and ensuring stability, security, and scalability across the CRM landscape. You’ll work collaboratively with developers, admins, QA teams, and business stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of system improvements. 

Benefits

• 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays), increasing with service.
• Private medical and dental cover (after probation).
• Pension scheme with up to 8% employer contribution.
• Life assurance (4x salary).
• Salary sacrifice schemes (pension, cycle to work, additional leave).
• Free on-site parking.
• Employee Assistance Programme and performance-related bonus scheme.
• One paid volunteering day per year.
• Hybrid working with office attendance required approx. 4 times per month.
• 
  
  Key Responsibilities
• Own and manage the full Salesforce release lifecycle.
• Lead version control, pipeline automation, and deployment orchestration using Copado.
• Ensure platform stability and data security through strong admin practices.
• Facilitate testing and environment management for multiple deployments.
• Provide technical documentation and contribute to continuous process improvement.

Skills & Experience

• Salesforce Certified Administrator qualification essential.
• Copado DevOps Fundamentals or Advanced Certification highly desirable.
• Strong hands-on experience in Salesforce Administration, including user and permission management, flows, and custom objects.
• Proven experience in Copado deployment pipelines, Git version control, and managing change across multiple environments.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a collaborative mindset.

Apply Now If you're a proactive and technically skilled Salesforce Specialist looking to join a dynamic and supportive membership organisation, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today with your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your suitability.

Please note: We may close this role early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.





We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Housing Support Worker to join our North Surrey Floating Support service in Surrey.

£25,437.98 per annum, working 35 hours per week.

Want to feel valued? You'll feel at home here.

Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

To enable vulnerable people living in a variety of different tenures to manage their tenancies/ licences and prevent homelessness by providing a flexible and individually tailored support package.

What you'll do:

* Undertake key-working responsibilities for a caseload assigned by the Manager
* Ensure that referrals to the service are managed effectively and in line with the referrals and assessment procedure
* Undertake initial and assessments and continuous reviews of support needs and potential risks, and agree levels of support and actions
* Create and review support/ action plans for providing appropriate housing-related support based on the assessment and reflecting the services and resources available
* Develop and maintain links with key agencies and service providers in the local community
* Empower customers to ensure they receive the benefits and services they are entitled to
* Signpost customers to support services that can help them address additional support needs such as mental or physical health, employment and education, adult social care, domestic abuse and family support
* Encourage and enable customers to pay their rent and other housing-related costs, and to ensure that rent accounts are managed effectively in conjunction with the relevant housing provider
* Encourage and enable customers to adhere to all other conditions of their tenancies/ licences, eg maintaining a satisfactory living environment, refraining from anti-social behaviour, allowing access for essential work
* Encourage and enable customers to take necessary steps to seeking and preparing for alternative accommodation where maintaining their current housing situation is unsuitable or unviable
* Ensure that all safeguarding concerns are managed in line with safeguarding protocols and are reported to Contract Manager/Head of Operations, as appropriate
* Undertake all administrative work and keep accurate and comprehensive customer records to professional standards
* Adhere to Look Ahead's Policies and Procedures
* Engage in learning and development activity to increase knowledge and skills
* Work closely with the team and communicate openly
* Undertake any other duties consistent with the grade and nature of the post as may be reasonably assigned by the manager within the remit of the service and contract.

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead

About you:

* Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement
* Approachable and open behaviour
* Prefers working as part of a group or team
* Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
* Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised
* Flexible
* Open to feedback and self development
* Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments
* Is confident with high levels of self-esteem
* Is respectful, articulate and sensitive in style of communication
* Is essentially customer-focused
* Is motivated towards excellence and improvement of personal performance with a can do attitude
* Ability to cope positively with challenging and diverse behaviours

What you'll bring:
About us:

Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

Family Support Worker

£23,000 pa + benefits (including 25 days annual leave, company car and pension)

This roles covers Thames Valley and the surrounding area.

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity is going through an exciting time where we are growing, with the aim of reaching more families in need.

About the role:

We are looking to appoint a Family Support Worker to deliver high-quality family support services as part of our Thames Valley Team.

Reporting to the Family Support Manager and working in partnership with health, education, and social care professionals, you will take responsibility for providing needs-led emotional, social, and practical support to families where a child/young person has a life threatening or terminal illness.

Having worked in a stressful and emotional environment you will have a genuine interest in building supportive relationships and helping people; and having provided bereavement support to families, you understand processes of grief, loss, and change - and how best to help others deal with its impact.

Location:

This role covers Thames Valley and surrounding areas. The role does require travel, however you have the freedom to plan your own diary around the demands of both the families you are working with, your team, and also any personal appointments you may need to attend.

What we’re looking for:

· An experienced child health, education or social care professional - applications will be particularly welcome from those who have worked in a community environment and those with a recognised qualification in education, health or social care.

· A warm, inclusive approach to achieving goals quickly and correctly.

· Practiced in child protection, information sharing and the rules around data protection - you lead by example, drawing on your own professional experience and working within established guidelines.

· Practical and people-oriented - you will thrive working at a fast pace whilst maintaining accuracy and be a confident user of IT (including MSOffice)

· A persuasive and open communicator, you will work collaboratively with your team and volunteers to ensure delivery of a high-quality service and support fundraising colleagues by writing case studies and family updates

· A practical knowledge of diversity issues affecting children, young people, and their families – aware that being responsive to others needs and concerns, is essential.

What we offer:

We have a range of fantastic benefits that we offer our employees. If you’d like to find out more about these benefits and working with us, please visit our website. More information can also be found in our Candidate Pack.

We also have a fantastic learning and development programme - the Anne Harris skills development programme - in which we aim to provide a high level of training and development opportunities for all staff, so you are able to perform to the best of your ability, achieve individual and team objectives aligned to Rainbow Trusts strategic plan, supporting staff to be the best they can be, and feel a valued member of a high performing organisation.

Our Family Support Workers are given the opportunity to complete a number of diverse training courses in their first 12 months, including but not limited to: Mental Health First Aid, Makaton, counselling skills, and Introduction to Play.

The programme aims to provide a building block for you to individually tailor your own learning and development needs, with all family support workers having a foundation level of skills within their first year.

How to apply:

To apply please visit our website via the link.

Interview dates: Interview Dates to be confirmed.

Interviews will take place via Teams or in person with a date to be confirmed. We will only contact those applicants who have been successful.

There will be a requirement for flexible working and a full current driver’s licence to accommodate the team and family need. An enhanced DBS disclosure will be required for this post.

Rainbow Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees to share this commitment.

Rainbow Trust is an equal opportunities employer and a Best Companies One-Star rated organisation. Registered Charity No: 1070532

We're looking for a kind, compassionate, and resilient Night Support Worker to join our Young People service in Maidenhead.

£28,173.60 per annum, working 43 hours per week.

Want to feel like you're making a difference? You'll feel at home here.

Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

The shift pattern for this role includes 4 days on, 4 days off with 12 hour shifts.

What you'll do:

Building supportive, trusting relationships with customers and creating a positive atmosphere
Carrying out holistic assessments of new customers which incorporate relevant statutory referral information
Conducting regular key work sessions that are innovative and engaging in order to achieve Support Plan goals
Create support plans for providing appropriate services based on on-going assessment and reflecting the services and resources available to enable customer to progress in their recovery
Ensuring ongoing assessment and management of risks associated with customers within an attitude of 'positive risk taking
Provide support and access to relevant services to enable customers to continue their recovery and empower customers to self-manage their medication regimes through individual re-enablement programmes and informed decision making
Undertake support work in partnership with external stakeholders to compliment their interventions
Developing productive relationships with partner organisations to improve service outcomes
Demonstrate strong commitment to the functioning of the staff team and to support colleagues in providing a high level of service and safety to customers
Involving customers in the design, development and delivery of the service
Adhering to lone working protocols and maintaining high levels of awareness in relation to the health and safety of yourself and colleagues
Ensuring Look Ahead Health and Safety policies and local protocols are adhered to at all times e.g. fire risk assessments, fire alarm checks etc.
Being responsible for the handover of key information between shifts
Provide structured support and guidance to other front line staff in their area of expertise
To lead groups and activities - offering a range of appropriate therapeutic and recovery focused interactions and activities
Adhering to all other Look Ahead's policies and procedures. Engaging in learning and development activity to increase knowledge and skills
Undertaking any other duties consistent with the grade and nature of the post as assigned by the Team Leader/ Manager
Maintain records in accordance with Look Ahead's Information Management policies, procedures and guidance under the direction of the manager.
Keep a clear desk at all times and assist with archiving and secure disposal of records when required.

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead

About you:

Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement
Exudes a warm friendly presence and open behaviour
Prefers working as part of a group or team
Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised
Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments
Is confident with high levels of self-esteem
Is respectful, articulate and sensitive in style of communication
Is motivated towards excellence and improvement of personal performance with a can do attitude
Ability to cope positively with challenging and diverse behaviour

What you'll bring:

NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent with some or equivalent sector work experience

About us:

Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:

We focus on Excellence and innovation.
We are Caring and Compassionate.
We are Inclusive and Trusted.
We work in Partnership and are One-Team.

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

The vacancy

We are seeking to appoint one lay member to sit on our GOC Council.

About the GOC

We are the regulator for the optical professions in the UK. Our purpose is to protect the public by promoting high standards of education, performance and conduct.  For more information about us please visit our website:optical. org.

About the Council

The role of Council is to lead on the GOC’s mission to protect the public by upholding high standards in eye care services.  The Council is composed of six lay members (including the Chair) and six registrant members (i.e. registered optometrists and dispensing opticians).  At least one member of the Council must work wholly or mainly in each of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.  One Council member acts as a Senior Council Member whose role is to carry out the Chair’s appraisal as well as provide a sounding board for the Chair and serve as an intermediary for Council members, Executive and stakeholders as necessary. 

The successful candidate will contribute to Council by exercising oversight, ensuring effective corporate governance, and making high-level policy decisions. They will be able to operate strategically and impartially; listen, communicate, and influence effectively; exercise judgment; and inspire confidence and support amongst our stakeholders. 

Remuneration and time commitment

Council members are remunerated in accordance with our member fees policy (£13,962 per annum plus reasonable travel and subsistence expenses).  The member fee includes time for reading and preparation.

The appointed member will be expected to commit approximately 2-3 days per month.  Meetings will usually take place via MS Teams but may on occasion be held at the GOC Offices at Level 29, One Canada Square, London, E14 5AA. There are occasional online catch-up meetings - these are currently scheduled on a Tuesday evening every 6-8 weeks, from 5.30pm – 6.30pm.

How to apply:

Please email the the following to appointment@optical. org

· your CV outlining your employment history, any relevant voluntary work, public service or other experience; together with any relevant professional, academic or vocational qualifications;

· the application form, stating how your experience matches the criteria for the vacancy you are applying for; and

· complete the EDI monitoring form linked in the candidate pack (this is an online form and does not need to be included in the email with your CV and application form).

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  midnight on Sunday 10 August 2025.

Online interviews will be held on between Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 October 2025.

If you have any questions, please email them to appointment@optical. org and we will aim to respond to you within 48 hours. 

We welcome applications from individuals who are disabled and from diverse ethnic backgrounds as these are currently under-represented on our council and committees.

We strive to be as diverse as the public we protect and welcome applications from everyone, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity and geographical locations outside of London.

 

 

We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Support Worker to join our Mental Health service in Slough

£26,208.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Our benefits include:

• Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
• Free DBS
• Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
• Fully paid induction programme and further training
• ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
• Healthcare Cashplan through our partner Healthshield

All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

Support Workers will provide support to customers to help them develop the life skills they require to meet the assessed needs of the customers of the service. In some services, this will include providing physical, domestic, emotional and social care.

This role involves working on a rota pattern made by early, late, weekend and bank holidays.

What you'll do:

• Undertake key-working responsibilities for a caseload assigned by the Team Leader/ Manager
• Undertake initial and continuous assessment of needs and potential risks and agree levels of support and actions
• Create support/action plans for providing appropriate services based on the assessment and reflecting the services and resources available
• Support customers to undertake all domestic tasks wherever possible, including practical assistance where they have not yet developed the skills, to ensure customers enjoy a high quality of accommodation
• Develop and maintain links with all key agencies and service providers in the local community

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead

About you:

• Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement
• Approachable and open behaviour
• Prefers working as part of a group or team
• Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
• Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised
• Flexible

What you'll bring:

Essential:

• Up to NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent or experience in the social care/charity sector

Desirable:

• Experience working in mental health

About us:

Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.
We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:

• We focus on Excellence and innovation.
• We are Caring and Compassionate.
• We are Inclusive and Trusted.
• We work in Partnership and are One-Team.

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

Please see the full Job decription on our website

We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Support Worker to join our Homelessness and Complex needs service in Brent.
£28,808.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Our benefits include:
* Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
* Free DBS (take this out if BSW advert)
* Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
* Fully paid induction programme and further training
* ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
* Healthcare Cashplan through our partner Healthshield
* Cycle to work scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
* Online wellbeing resources
* A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
* Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.
Livingstone House is a 24 hour staffed 92 bed mix gender hostel, which provides short term supported housing for single homeless vulnerable people with Low to Medium support needs. Look ahead provides the support function and Riverside provides the housing management and night concierge. The Service provides on average 5 hours of weekly support to customers who reside in the hostel with the aim to provide them with the tools to move on within the community and live independently. On occasions, we may need support within our scattered sites based in Brent.

The Shift pattern of this role consist: 8am -4pm and 1.30pm - 9pm. Over a 7 day rota with 2 days off with weekend working

What you'll do:
- To provide support to peers and management, being flexible and responsive and help bespoke support for each customer's abilities and aspirations
- To implement the principles of personalisation, as part of a local service plan.
- To help support your colleagues to maximise the customers' independence.
- To motivate customers to access educational and training opportunities and to integrate fully in the community
- To support up to 14 customers to sustain their tenancies
- To promote customer involvement in all aspects of your work
- To take on a project that will help assist the service move forward
- To work closely with peers/customers and lead on initial referral assessments, aiding their journey for betterment & lead on the resettlement of customersThis is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead

About you:
- Excellent communication and a team player
- Excellent customer relationship management
- Professional manner in everything that you do
- Proven experience of motivating, supporting customers or transferable skills than can complete this task and beyond.
- A essential willingness to work evenings, weekends and bank holidays on a shift rota basis
- Ability to think outside the box (Essential)
- Work upon your own initiative which is essential

What you'll bring:

Essential:
- Time management with is key in all area's
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Resilience
- IT skills

Desirable:
- Problem solving
- Ability to work under pressure
- Confidence
- Change management

About us:

Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.
We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:
* We focus on Excellence and innovation.
* We are Caring and Compassionate.
* We are Inclusive and Trusted.
* We work in Partnership and are One-Team.
Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

Please see our website for full job decription

We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Support Worker to join our Hope House service in Slough

£26,208.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

Want to feel valued? You'll feel at home here.

Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.
Staff work closely with Slough Community Mental Health Team (SCMHT) we also have a designated Occupational Therapist working along side supporting staff. Customers also attend Hope College which is facilitated via Slough Mental Health Team as part of their recovery process needed in preparation into independent living.
This is a great opportunity for any support worker to gain exceptional experience within the mental health field, based on the solid working relationship with (SCMHT) We have since implemented training directly from SCMHT to support staff with understanding Mental Health diagnosis and Managing Crisis with our customers in-house.

What you'll do:

- Undertake key-working responsibilities for a caseload assigned by the Team Leader/ Manager
- Undertake initial and continuous assessment of needs and potential risks and agree levels of support and actions
- Create support/action plans for providing appropriate services based on the assessment and reflecting the services and resources available
- Support customers to undertake all domestic tasks wherever possible, including practical assistance where they have not yet developed the skills, to ensure customers enjoy a high quality of accommodation
- Develop and maintain links with all key agencies and service providers in the local community
- Empower customers to ensure they receive the service and benefits they are entitled to
- Undertake all administrative work and keep accurate and comprehensive tenant/customer records to professional standards
- Encourage and enable tenants to pay their rent and to ensure that rent accounts are managed effectively in conjunction with the Housing Management team
- Ensure that referrals are chased proactively so that properties which can be used to house those in need are filled as efficiently as possible
- Adhere to Look Ahead's Policies and Procedures
- Engage in learning and development activity to increase knowledge and skills
- Undertake any other duties consistent with the grade and nature of the post as may be reasonably assigned

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead

About you:

- Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement
- Approachable and open behaviour
- Prefers working as part of a group or team
- Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
- Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised
- Flexible
- Open to feedback and self development
- Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments
- Is confident with high levels of self-esteem
- Is respectful, articulate and sensitive in style of communication
- Is essentially customer-focused
- Is motivated towards excellence and improvement of personal performance with a can do attitude
- Ability to cope positively with challenging and diverse behaviours

What you'll bring:

Essential:

- Up to NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent or experience in the social care/charity sector

Desirable:

- Experience working in mental health

About us:

Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.
We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:
* We focus on Excellence and innovation.
* We are Caring and Compassionate.
* We are Inclusive and Trusted.
* We work in Partnership and are One-Team.
Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

Please see our website for the ful Job Description.

Schools Development Officer
We are seeking a passionate and proactive Schools Development Officer to lead and grow outreach with schools across Barnet.

Position: Schools Development Officer
Salary: £29,500 – £31,500 pro rata (based on experience)
Location: Burnt Oak. HA8 0DT
Hours: 20 hours per week (fixed rota)
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: We will interview candidates as they apply and reserve the right to close applications once we have made an appointment.

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to lead one of the organisation’s most important and fast-growing programmes – their schools outreach. You’ll design and deliver creative, engaging sessions in line with school priorities, and build strong relationships across Barnet’s education community.

From leading on curriculum-linked workshops to managing the Jack Petchey Foundation Achievement Awards, your work will directly contribute to raising aspirations and increasing youth participation across services. You’ll be supported by a dedicated team and play a vital role in delivering on the mission to increase young people’s access to opportunities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Designing and delivering programmes in line with school priorities
• Promoting the programme to schools and encouraging participation
• Building and maintaining strong partnerships with teachers and school leaders
• Tracking impact and gathering feedback to continuously improve
• Supporting sessional staff and volunteers to deliver high-quality activities
• Managing the Jack Petchey Awards programme
• Championing inclusive practice and youth voice in everything we do

About You

You’ll bring a strong commitment to young people, creative energy and the ability to work independently and collaboratively. You’ll be an excellent communicator who can build trust and enthusiasm in schools and across the wider youth sector.

You will have:

• Experience delivering face-to-face youth or education programmes
• Experience working with children and young people facing social or emotional barriers
• Strong understanding of issues affecting young people today
• Confidence managing groups and engaging with a wide range of stakeholders
• The ability to design and deliver engaging, impactful learning
• A flexible and positive attitude, with a willingness to work evenings or weekends when needed

About the Organisation

Our client is an independent charity and purpose-built youth centre for Barnet’s young people aged 8 to 19, and up to 25 for those with additional needs. They support North London’s young people with three things they deserve and need; somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to. Open 6 days a week including school holidays, their vision is to ensure every young person is supported and empowered to reach their potential.

Join them in making a difference and raising the aspirations of young people across North London. They embrace diversity and welcome applications from individuals with non-traditional backgrounds. Safeguarding is paramount, and an enhanced DBS check is required. As an equal opportunity employer, they value individuals regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Youth Engagement Officer, Schools Liaison Officer, Youth Worker, Education Coordinator, Programme Officer, Learning and Development Officer, Outreach Worker #INDNFP

Be part of something meaningful – apply now to help us grow our impact in schools and inspire more young people to reach their potential.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.