Volunteer support worker at homeless day centre jobs

About You:

Those who know you describe you as kind, understanding, and open-minded. You listen without judgement and treat everyone with dignity and respect.

In the workplace, you are recognised as reliable, approachable, and professional. You communicate clearly, remain calm under pressure, and are confident managing competing priorities. You have a natural ability to encourage, empower, and motivate others to make positive changes, even in challenging circumstances.

You are reflective and emotionally intelligent, with a strong desire to support individuals to achieve greater independence and wellbeing. Making a meaningful difference isn’t just important to you — it’s what drives you.

You may already have an understanding of the complex challenges faced by people who are vulnerable or at risk of exclusion. This experience could come from previous employment, volunteering, training, or your own lived experience, and you are keen to use this knowledge to support others.

If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you and welcome you to join our dedicated and supportive team.

Main Purpose Of The Job:

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate individual to join our team in a dual-role capacity, supporting two vital services run in partnership with Homeless Oxfordshire and Connection Support. The role covers both our Step Down provision—designed for individuals discharged from hospital under the Discharge to Assess model—and our service at Mawle Court, which provides temporary accommodation and support for people with complex needs, including those preparing for more independent living or in need of emergency provision. Working as part of a small, dynamic, and enthusiastic team, you will be responsible for delivering a safe and supportive environment across both services. You will lead on the case management of clients with complex needs, working collaboratively with partner agencies to develop and implement holistic, individualised support and move-on plans. This is a rewarding opportunity for someone passionate about making a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals, helping them on their journey towards stability and independence.

Main Areas of Responsibility:

• To proactively and dynamically assess, monitor, manage and respond to risk for individuals and in the service.

• To assess risk and suitability of referrals to the service and book new clients in.

• Ensure the effective delivery of high-quality care, support and housing management according to Homeless Oxfordshire policies and procedures.

• To work collaboratively with partner agencies to ensure the creation and delivery of holistic wrap around support and risk management plans for clients with complex needs as well as to ensure clients have access to appropriate healthcare as needed.

• To work collaboratively with clients to identify and work towards suitable move on.

• To work with other agencies to provide client centred support & risk management plans for clients with complex needs to identify work towards a suitable move on option within 6 weeks.

• To work alongside the Client Engagement Co-Ordinator to ensure clients have access to opportunities to be empowered, build their confidence and develop independent living skills; to facilitate groups and activities as part of this.

• To make and maintain Housing Benefit claims.

• Ensure that IT systems are updated as required clear, concise and up to date record keeping is maintained and ensure information is shared with the team and external agencies as required.

• To represent Homeless Oxfordshire at interagency meetings, as required.

• Manage challenging situations and report any safeguarding concerns without delay in line with procedures and to ensure the safety of yourself and others.

• Maintain positive relationships with all stakeholders.

• Contribute to a positive working environment in which equality and diversity are valued and staff are enabled to do their best.

• To be a supportive and effective part of the team, including contributing to the induction of new colleagues and work of the broader team.

• To ensure that Homeless Oxfordshire’s Equal Opportunities Policies are complied with and promoted in carrying out duties of the post.

• Comply with Homeless Oxfordshire’s policies and procedures.

• To undertake any other duties that can be reasonably required to meet the operational needs of Homeless Oxfordshire.

About Us:

We are an open door for people experiencing homelessness whose lives have been shaped by trauma and disadvantage; providing safety, stability and support when it is needed most. We deliver this support across Oxfordshire by providing a range of accommodation with access to high quality support, offering a safe and welcoming space for people to take control of their own lives. We are an accredited Oxford Living Wage employer, and benefits to the role include: annual leave starting at 26 days (excluding bank holidays), flexible working, enhanced benefits with qualifying service, retail discounts with our Homeless Oxfordshire Benefits Hub, and life assurance up to four times your salary and a £250 bonus if you successfully refer a someone as a new colleague through our Employee Referral Scheme as a thanks from us!

What’s Next: Have a look at the job description to find out more about the role and apply on our website. Please be aware that this role is subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure check and will be undertaken for the successful candidate .

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we identify a suitable candidate before the advertised closing date.

We are seeking an organised and proactive Facilities Manager to lead the proactive maintenance of our hostel, day centre, offices and residential properties. This is a vital role combining building management, health and safety compliance and development of our estate in alignment with our strategic plan.

You will have a good practical knowledge of building maintenance and ensure our facility remains a safe, functional and welcoming environment for residents, visitors and staff alike.

Key responsibilities:

• Building management: Overseeing all planned and reactive maintenance, managing contractors and ensuring the physical site is secure and well-maintained.
• Practical knowledge:  the ability to speak with a level of authority and insight to contractors about maintenance issues.
• Health and safety: Acting as the lead for fire safety, COSHH and general risk assessments to ensure full legal compliance.
• Operations and logistics: managing our cleaner and ensuring the purchase of stock for cleaning and maintenance.
• Compliance: Ensuring our accommodation meets all regulatory standards including environmental health and HMO licensing regulations.

What we are looking for:

• Proven experience in facilities and/or building management (a relevant qualification is preferred)
• Strong knowledge of health and safety legislation (IOSH/NEBOSH preferred).
• A calm, resilient and non-judgmental approach to working within a homeless service environment.

Requirements and benefits:

• Enhanced DBS check: Due to the nature of our work with vulnerable adults, an enhanced DBS check is required for this role.  We will manage and pay for this check in full.
• Purpose-driven work: The chance to make a real impact on the lives of people experiencing homelessness.

Crisis is the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. We have embarked on our 10-year strategy for ending homelessness. We know it is not inevitable. We know together we can end it.

About the role

The Critical Time Intervention (CTI) Worker will provide person centred assistance during the transition from custody to community integration. By following the Critical Time Intervention model the CTI Worker will collaborate with a range of services to enable the individual to access them and use a range of appropriate interventions to assist the individual to become more independent and connected.

We are bold with a culture of continuous improvement and there will be opportunities to contribute to ensure we are providing the best possible service. This also combines with an equitable approach to ensure that any systemic barriers are challenged and that the voices, experiences and stories of people navigating this transition are heard. The impact of this work will continue to build on the evidence that the CTI service ends homelessness.

About you

• Being person centred to build relationships, use assessments and develop goals and actions that are based on what is important for the individual.
• Working within the principles of the Critical Time Intervention model and understanding the challenges faced in the transition from custody to community integration.
• Building and maintaining good working relationships within HM Prison & Probation Service and other organisations to assist with receiving referrals, signposting, making external referrals and advocacy.
• Promote engagement with co-production opportunities within the service as well as actively seeking feedback on service delivery and improvement from the people accessing the service.
• Using reflective practice, caseload management meetings and personal development opportunities to deliver a quality service and work within the values of Crisis.
• Being able to identify and manage safeguarding concerns utilising a range of communication methods.

Please see the full Job Pack linked below, for a full list of requirements for this role. We realise that long lists of criteria can be daunting, and you may not want to apply for a role unless you feel 100% qualified. However, if you feel you have relevant examples to answer the screening questions, we encourage you to apply.

We believe diversity is a strength, and our aim is to make sure that Crisis truly reflects the communities we serve. We are actively working towards our organisation being a place where everyone can thrive and make their best contribution to our mission of ending homelessness for good. We know that the more perspectives, voices, and experiences we can bring to this work, the better. We particularly welcome applications from people who have lived experience of homelessness, and people from all marginalised groups, communities, and backgrounds.

Working at Crisis

Our values, Bold, Impactful, Collaborative and Equitable, are at the heart of everything we do as we continue in our mission to end homelessness.

Our staff, members and volunteers are vital to getting the right government policies in place, providing breakthrough services, and building a supportive community. We’ll lead by example to nurture a positive and ambitious workplace guided by ending homelessness.

As a member of the team, you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits including:

• A competitive salary. Please note our salaries are fixed to counter inequity and we do not negotiate at offer stage.
• Interest free loans for travel season ticket, cycle to work, and deposit to secure a tenancy.
• Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8.5%.
• 28 days’ annual leave (pro rata) which increases with service to 31 days and the option to purchase up to 10 additional days leave.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption pay.
• Wellbeing Leave to be used flexibly.
• And more! (Full list of benefits available on website).

Alongside our excellent staff benefits, we will support your ongoing development to build your skills, experience, and career.

When you join us, you will have the opportunity to join our staff diversity networks, which aim to champion issues across the organisation, enable staff to be their authentic and best selves and contribute to making Crisis a truly diverse organisation.

How do I apply?

Please click on the 'Apply for Job' button below. Our shortlisting process is anonymised as part of our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We do not ask for CVs, instead we ask you complete the work history section and answer the screening questions for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively. At least two members of staff score all applications.

Closing date: Wednesday 22 April 2026 at 23:59

Interview process: Competency-based interview followed by a service user panel interview

Interview date and location: Wednesday 6 May 2026 in-person at Crisis Skylight South Wales, 163 St Helens Road, Swansea, SA14DQ

Accessibility

We want our recruitment process to be as accessible as possible. If you need us to make an adjustment or provide additional support as you apply for a role, please email our Talent Acquisition team to discuss how we can help.

Crisis is the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. We have embarked on our 10-year strategy for ending homelessness. We know it is not inevitable. We know together we can end it.

Location: Crisis Skylight Oxford Skylight, Old Fire Station, OX1 2AQ. Please note this is an onsite role

Contract: Permanent

Crisis is the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. We know that homelessness is not inevitable. We know that together we can end it. It is an exciting and important time to be joining Crisis. We work with thousands of people across the country so they can leave homelessness behind for good. We have recently adapted the way our services work to maximise our impact in ending homelessness. We have increased our capacity to work with people one to one and strengthened our ability to support those people facing the most barriers to preventing or ending their homelessness. 

About the role 

As an Engagement and Assessment Worker, you will be the first point of contact for someone who comes to Crisis for help to end their homelessness. The Engagement and Assessment team provide a dynamic, engaging, and welcoming response to people who may be struggling to cope with overwhelming emotional and psychological distress. You will be responding to the immediate presenting needs of new members, completing urgent assessment of need and care planning. The support you offer will be person centred and holistic and will draw on individuals’ strengths and resilience. You will identify presenting needs, and establish if they meet the criteria for Skylight, using your expertise on homelessness, housing and benefits, signpost to appropriate services, or offer on-going support and interventions. This role is based onsite with no option for homeworking.

About you 

To be successful in this role you will have experience of working within a relevant sector delivering support to vulnerable adults. You will have exceptional knowledge of relevant housing, homelessness, and welfare legislation. You will have an awareness of the barriers to engagement and participation experience by homeless and marginalised people and will understand how these barriers will be overcome. You will have the ability to make collaborative, consistent and persistent relationships with each person, and will have strong networking and partnership development skills to ensure the best outcomes for everyone, 

You may have experience in, Housing, homelessness, welfare, complex needs, mental health, social care, offender management, support work, or well-being.

Please see the full Job Pack linked below, for a full list of requirements for this role. We realise that long lists of criteria can be daunting, and you may not want to apply for a role unless you feel 100% qualified. However, if you feel you have relevant examples to answer the screening questions, we encourage you to apply.

We believe diversity is a strength, and our aim is to make sure that Crisis truly reflects the communities we serve. We are actively working towards our organisation being a place where everyone can thrive and make their best contribution to our mission of ending homelessness for good. We know that the more perspectives, voices, and experiences we can bring to this work, the better. We particularly welcome applications from people who have lived experience of homelessness, and people from all marginalised groups, communities, and backgrounds.  

Working at Crisis  

Our values, Bold, Impactful, Collaborative and Equitable, are at the heart of everything we do as we continue in our mission to end homelessness.

Our staff, members and volunteers are vital to getting the right government policies in place, providing breakthrough services, and building a supportive community. We’ll lead by example to nurture a positive and ambitious workplace guided by ending homelessness.

As a member of the team, you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits including:  

• A competitive salary. Please note, our salaries are fixed to counter inequity and we do not negotiate at offer stage
• Interest free loans for travel season ticket, cycle to work, and deposit to secure a tenancy
• Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8.5%  
• 28 days’ annual leave (pro rata) which increases with service to 31 days and the option to purchase up to 10 additional days leave
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption pay
• Wellbeing Leave to be used flexibly and more! (Full list of benefits available on website)  

Alongside our excellent staff benefits, we will support your ongoing development to build your skills, experience, and career.  

When you join us, you will have the opportunity to join our staff diversity networks, which aim to champion issues across the organisation, enable staff to be their authentic and best selves and contribute to making Crisis a truly diverse organisation.

How do I apply? 

Please click on the 'Apply for Job' button below. Our shortlisting process is anonymised as part of our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We do not ask for CVs, instead we ask you complete the work history section and answer the screening questions for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively. At least two members of staff score all applications.

Closing date: Sunday 12th April at 23:59

Interview process: Competency-based interview and interview task to Case Study sent to shortlisted candidates prior to the interview

Interview date and location: Thursday 23rd April (in-person) at Crisis Skylight Oxford, Old Fire Station, OX1 2AQ

AI in Job Applications

We understand some candidates use AI tools when applying. Whilst we welcome the use of technology to support clear communication and structure, we want to learn more about you, so please ensure that your application reflects your own skills, knowledge and experiences

Accessibility 

We want our recruitment process to be as accessible as possible. If you need us to make an adjustment or provide additional support as you apply for a role, please contact our Talent Acquisition team to discuss how we can help. 

Registered Charity Numbers: E&W1082947, SC040094 

Crisis is the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. We have embarked on our 10-year strategy for ending homelessness. We know it is not inevitable. We know together we can end it.

Location: Crisis Skylight Croydon, 12 Surrey Street Croydon CR0 1RG

Contract: Permanent

Crisis is the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. We know that homelessness is not inevitable. We know that together we can end it. It is an exciting and important time to be joining Crisis. We work with thousands of people across the country so they can leave homelessness behind for good. We have recently adapted the way our services work to maximise our impact in ending homelessness. We have increased our capacity to work with people one to one and strengthened our ability to support those people facing the most barriers to preventing or ending their homelessness. 

About the role 

As an Engagement and Assessment Worker, you’ll be part of Crisis Skylight Croydon’s exceptional Engagement and Assessment Team, providing a high quality, non-judgemental and safe service to individuals who approach Crisis Croydon including some of the most excluded, vulnerable people in the borough. The Engagement and Assessment Advisors are the first point of contact for a range of enquiries from people who are experiencing homelessness for the first time, individuals with complex and multiple needs, visitors, volunteers and supporters. You will be providing information about Crisis services, delivering a high-quality triage and assessment service and offering Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) on local homelessness and other related services. As well as managing a small caseload.
Crisis uses a case management approach, and the successful candidate will be expected to attend case management meetings as well as reflective practice and full team meetings. You will also be expected to work collaboratively with external partners and Crisis Skylight Croydon’s Progression and Learning Teams.

About you 

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Experience of working with homeless or other vulnerable groups and understanding of the importance of respecting confidentiality, showing empathy and sensitivity, and working in a boundried way.
• Experience of working in a Psychologically Informed Environment and in a way that ensures that members with all levels of need can access the service
• Customer service experience with a commitment to delivering the highest standard of customer care
• Strong interpersonal skills including effective written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of homelessness, housing and benefits
• Ability to manage a caseload
• Good working knowledge of Word, Excel and Outlook

Please see the full Job Pack linked below, for a full list of requirements for this role. We realise that long lists of criteria can be daunting, and you may not want to apply for a role unless you feel 100% qualified. However, if you feel you have relevant examples to answer the screening questions, we encourage you to apply.

We believe diversity is a strength, and our aim is to make sure that Crisis truly reflects the communities we serve. We are actively working towards our organisation being a place where everyone can thrive and make their best contribution to our mission of ending homelessness for good. We know that the more perspectives, voices, and experiences we can bring to this work, the better. We particularly welcome applications from people who have lived experience of homelessness, and people from all marginalised groups, communities, and backgrounds.  

Working at Crisis  

Our values, Bold, Impactful, Collaborative and Equitable, are at the heart of everything we do as we continue in our mission to end homelessness.

Our staff, members and volunteers are vital to getting the right government policies in place, providing breakthrough services, and building a supportive community. We’ll lead by example to nurture a positive and ambitious workplace guided by ending homelessness.

As a member of the team, you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits including:  

• A competitive salary. Please note, our salaries are fixed to counter inequity and we do not negotiate at offer stage
• Interest free loans for travel season ticket, cycle to work, and deposit to secure a tenancy
• Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8.5%  
• 28 days’ annual leave (pro rata) which increases with service to 31 days and the option to purchase up to 10 additional days leave
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption pay
• Wellbeing Leave to be used flexibly and more! (Full list of benefits available on website)  

Alongside our excellent staff benefits, we will support your ongoing development to build your skills, experience, and career.  

When you join us, you will have the opportunity to join our staff diversity networks, which aim to champion issues across the organisation, enable staff to be their authentic and best selves and contribute to making Crisis a truly diverse organisation.

How do I apply? 

Please click on the 'Apply for Job' button below. Our shortlisting process is anonymised as part of our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We do not ask for CVs, instead we ask you complete the work history section and answer the screening questions for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively. At least two members of staff score all applications.

Closing date: Monday 6th April at 23:59

Interview process: Competency-based interview and interview task to Case Study sent to shortlisted candidates prior to the interview

Interview date and location: Wednesday 15th April (in-person) at Crisis Skylight Croydon, 12 Surrey Street Croydon CR0 1RG

AI in Job Applications

We understand some candidates use AI tools when applying. Whilst we welcome the use of technology to support clear communication and structure, we want to learn more about you, so please ensure that your application reflects your own skills, knowledge and experiences

Accessibility 

We want our recruitment process to be as accessible as possible. If you need us to make an adjustment or provide additional support as you apply for a role, please contact our Talent Acquisition team to discuss how we can help. 

Registered Charity Numbers: E&W1082947, SC040094 

Why This Role Matters

Every day, people in our borough face the reality of homelessness. Every person facing homelessness needs practical support, stability and someone who believes their situation can change.This role is central to making that change happen.

As Operations Manager, you will help ensure that our services run effectively and compassionately, enabling people experiencing homelessness to access the support they need to rebuild their lives. You will manage a small, committed team, strengthen how our services operate, and help shape the way we respond to homelessness locally.

About Us

FCENS is a small and ambitious charity working alongside local partners, volunteers and people with lived experience of homelessness to deliver meaningful change in the community in Waltham Forest.

Our Vision is that no-one needs to be homeless in Waltham Forest and everyone has a place to go. Our Mission is to support single homeless adults in Waltham Forest towards transforming their lives.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Operations Manager to oversee the effective day-to-day running of the charity’s services and internal operations.

Reporting to the Director, you will ensure that services are delivered safely, efficiently and to a high standard. You will also play an important role in strengthening operational systems and processes, helping the charity improve and grow its impact.

You will manage a small operational team including caseworkers, lived experience coaches, an administrator and an evening worker, supporting them to deliver high-quality, trauma-informed and person-centred support to people experiencing homelessness. You’ll also use your strategic thinking skills to help improve service provision.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Management

• Oversee the day-to-day delivery of the charity’s services.
• Plan and manage the annual night shelter season and the year-round drop-in centre.
• Maintain oversight of case management, outreach activity and data systems.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, health and safety, and organisational policies.
• Oversee administrative and IT systems, including effective use of the case management system.

Service Development

• Review operational systems and processes to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Implement changes that improve efficiency, quality and impact.
• Use data, feedback and lived experience insight to inform service development.

Leadership and Team Management

• Line manage operational staff, providing supervision, guidance and performance management.
• Foster a supportive, inclusive and accountable team culture.
• Support staff wellbeing, training and reflective practice.
• Oversee the recruitment, induction and support of volunteers.

Strategic Contribution

• Work closely with the Charity Director to translate strategic aims into operational plans.
• Contribute to organisational planning, policy development and reporting.
• Provide operational insight and updates to the Charity Director and Trustees.

Partnership Working

• Work collaboratively with other homelessness organisations and local partners.
• Support the development of positive relationships with local authorities, funders and stakeholders.
• Represent the charity in meetings and forums where appropriate.

About You

We are looking for someone with both strong operational experience in the homelessness sector and a commitment to supporting people experiencing homelessness. You will identify with FCENS values, with a strong focus on trauma-informed care and lived experience.

You will bring:

• Significant experience in the homelessness sector or a related field such as housing, rough sleeping, outreach or multiple disadvantage.
• Experience managing services or operations within a small team or organisation.
• Experience line managing staff and supporting frontline practitioners.
• A strong understanding of safeguarding, risk management and good practice in frontline support services.
• Excellent organisational, communication and problem-solving skills.

You will also be:

• Positive, resilient and solutions-focused.
• Calm under pressure and confident making decisions.
• Values-driven and committed to improving outcomes for people experiencing homelessness.
• Comfortable working within the charity’s Christian ethos.

Flexible Working

We support flexible hours where operationally viable. Requests for flexible working arrangements and compressed hours will be considered.

Equality, Diversity and Safer Recruitment. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

As part of our commitment to safeguarding the people we support, this role will be subject to safer recruitment procedures, including reference checks and an enhanced DBS check.

Closing date for applications:5pm  Monday 13th April 2026.Interviews expected week commencing April 27th 2026.

SMART CJS – Trust and Foundations Bid Writer

Role Overview

Are you committed to supporting people who are homeless or rough sleeping?

Are you proactive with a positive attitude?

Job Title: Trust and Foundations Bid Writer (with some responsibility for corporate fundraising)

The salary will be in the range of £36,000 to £42,000.

Hours: 37 hours per week

Term: Permanent

Location: Working from our office in central Bedford, with some provision for remote working.

About SMART CJS

Founded in 1997, we are a charity that provides safe spaces for people who are facing or experiencing homelessness, are rough sleeping or have fallen on tough times. As times have changed, our services have adapted and grown, but we’ve always kept the people we support at the centre of all that we do. We believe that everyone needs a little help sometimes and, with trust, respect and honesty, people can make incredible changes. Our vision is to transform communities so that everyone has the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential, participate in and contribute to all aspects of life. Our mission is to provide safe spaces to work with vulnerable people within our communities, empowering them to make positive changes and take control of their lives.

Why Join Us?

We believe in diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Benefits include:

• 27 days Annual Leave (rising to 30 after 3 years) + Bank Holidays (pro rata)
• Generous Pension scheme (after successfully completing a probation period)
• Excellent Development and Growth Opportunities
• Access to a Charity Worker Discount scheme
• Access to the company health and wellbeing service including support with mental health, legal advice and more
• Access to an online GP service

We require all staff and volunteers to be committed to safeguarding and to respond proactively to safeguarding concerns. Successful applicants are required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). This job description will be supplemented by annual objectives which will be developed in conjunction with the post holder.

The Role

SMART CJS is looking to recruit a Trusts and Foundations Bid Writer. The successful candidate will also have some responsibility for corporate fundraising with businesses based in Bedford and beyond; this responsibility will be shared with our Community and Corporate Fundraiser.

The main responsibility, though, will be to generate income by writing bids to charitable trusts and foundations, and to statutory funders.

The role will include researching and identifying charity trusts and similar bodies which are able to make an award to SMART. It will also include keeping abreast of developments in fundraising in the charity sector as a whole, especially in the field of grant awarding and, to a lesser extent, of corporate giving.

There will be a probationary period for the role. As it generally takes six months for a grant to be awarded (though some arrive more quickly), the probationary period will need to be for a minimum of seven months, though its precise duration can be negotiated with the successful candidate.

Training will be given; the scope of the training will depend on the candidate’s previous experience.

This is an exciting opportunity to join SMART’s friendly and dedicated team. You’ll need to be able to manage your time effectively; the role is primarily self-directed. We envisage that you’ll be working primarily from our offices in Prebend Street, Bedford, though you'll be able to work from home for some of the time as well. Given the nature of our work, personal resilience is important; some of the stories we use when applying for funding can be emotionally challenging.

Our fundraising comes from regular gifts, donations from the community (individuals and groups), and corporate bodies (businesses). The majority of our fundraising income comes from grants. There will be a realistic target for the amount you need to raise; this will reflect the performance for grant applications in the charity sector as a whole and it will not be unrealistic. Fundraising is not an exact science; the assessment of performance against the targets will be fair and reasonable. The final responsibility for SMART’s fundraising rests with the trustees; they appreciate and understand the complexity of the issues involved.

Main Purpose of the Role

You will work closely with the CEO, the Chair of Trustees, the Head of Business and the fundraising team. The post involves gathering information, writing the bids, tracking the progress of submissions, and reporting back to grant awarders on how their money has been spent, if they require this.

There will also be a responsibility for corporate fundraising. This will involve building relationships with businesses in and beyond the Bedford area. The responsibility for this will be shared with our Community and Corporate Fundraiser.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising and Bid Writing

• Research and identify suitable grant and funding opportunities from charitable trusts, foundations, and statutory bodies.
• Write and submit high-quality funding applications and proposals in line with SMART’s strategic priorities.
• Work collaboratively with service leads and front line teams to gather accurate, up-to-date data and service information for applications.
• Tailor the applications to the funder’s criteria, using storytelling effectively.
• Manage a pipeline of applications and submissions, ensuring deadlines are met and income targets are tracked.
• Maintain and build relationships with key funders, providing timely reports and updates on grant-funded work.
• Work to realistic targets and be able to provide feedback on these.
• Organisational Development and Support
• Contribute to the strategic development of SMART’s income generation plans.
• Support development of strong internal bid and grant management systems.
• Monitor success rates and provide monthly reporting on funding performance to the Head of Business and to the Chair of Trustees.
• Represent SMART CJS at funding briefings, webinars, and networking opportunities where appropriate.

Other Responsibilities

• Participate in SMART’s performance management and appraisal process.
• Attend the monthly meetings of the Fundraising Committee (a sub‑committee of the Board of Trustees).
• Comply with health and safety policies and procedures.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role, as required by the CEO, the Head of Business or the Chair of Trustees.

Person Specification

Whether you’re already an experienced bid-writer, or whether you think this is something that you could learn to do effectively, we’d like to hear from you. You need to have excellent skills in written English and be able to write in prose that’s clear and readily understandable to the general reader. The criteria for each grant awarder are different; you need to be able to match your bid to what they would like to fund (homelessness, mental health, relief of poverty, women’s issues and so on). You need, then, to tell SMART’s story in a way which appeals to each funder.

You need to have excellent inter-personal skills and be able to work as part of a team. While there is a strong element of self-direction in the role, you need to be able to work closely with senior management and also with the trustees; the trustees have the final responsibility for fundraising in the charity.

You will need, too, to have a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and to have a genuine interest in homelessness and the work of the charity, and a commitment to improving our clients’ lives and wellbeing.