Volunteer youth support worker jobs

Accommodation Support Worker(Future Roots 2 Project) 
Salary Banding: £28,893 per annum with potential to progress through salary band.  Plus additional payment for overnight shifts on occasion.  (£85 per night shift required / £50 per on call shift)
Contract: Permanent 
Hours: Full Time, 37 Hours Per Week 
Location:Hatfield, Hertfordshire, but will include travel across hertfordshire and cover of future roots 1 in WGC when required  - Candidates must have a full driving license and use of own vehicle for business purposes.

Herts Young Homeless is an independent charity that has supported vulnerable young people across Hertfordshire since 1998. We are a professional, compassionate and collaborative organisation, committed to helping young people build safe, independent futures.

About the service

Future Roots Hatfield provides supported accommodation for six young people. The service focuses on developing the practical, emotional and life skills needed for independent living, within a safe, respectful and homely environment.

We’re looking for a Supported Accommodation Worker to support residents on their journey towards independence. The role requires flexibility to meet the needs of the house, which may include changes to working patterns and very occasional paid sleep-in shifts.

Future Roots Hatfield is a welcoming, supported home for up to six young people. We focus on helping them build the practical skills, confidence and resilience they need to live independently.

Our approach is simple: create a safe, respectful and homely environment where every young person feels valued, supported and able to grow.

About the Role

We’re looking for a Supported Accommodation Worker to join our team and play a key role in helping young people move towards independence.

This is a flexible role that adapts to the needs of the home, including occasional changes to working patterns and very occasional paid sleep-in shifts.

The Difference You’ll Make

In this role, you’ll help create a positive and empowering space where young people feel encouraged to take ownership of their lives and futures.

You’ll support them to develop life skills, build confidence and navigate challenges—while ensuring the home remains safe, respectful and supportive for everyone.

The young people we work with are resilient and inspiring, but may face complex challenges. We’re looking for someone who brings patience, empathy and curiosity, and who can support them through difficult moments with encouragement and consistency.

 What You’ll Be Doing

You’ll have a varied and meaningful role, including:

• Managing a diverse caseload with different needs and priorities
• Building trusting, professional relationships with young people
• Delivering 1:1 and group sessions focused on independent living skills, such as:
  • Understanding rights and responsibilities
  • Setting boundaries and making decisions
  • Health and wellbeing
  • Education, employment and volunteering
  • Budgeting, rent and managing money
  • Everyday practical living skills
• Supporting the screening and interview process for new residents
• Facilitating group activities and workshops
• Responding to breaches of house rules in line with policies
• Identifying and managing risk, including safeguarding concerns
• Working collaboratively with colleagues to provide consistent support
• Liaising with external agencies and partners
• Keeping accurate and timely records
• Taking part in the on-call rota (after probation)
• Supporting occasional paid sleep-in shifts

What We’re Looking For

We’re keen to hear from people who are:

• Compassionate, resilient and motivated to make a difference
• Skilled at building relationships and setting healthy boundaries
• Confident communicators with strong interpersonal skills
• Organised, reliable and able to manage competing priorities
• Knowledgeable about safeguarding, confidentiality and professional boundaries
• Flexible and responsive to changing needs

You’ll also need:

• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work
• An understanding of the challenges faced by young people experiencing homelessness

Experience in supported accommodation or the voluntary sector is helpful, but not essential—we value attitude, values and potential just as much.

This post is classed as having a high degree of contact with children or young adults and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. An enhanced disclosure will be sought through the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) as part of Herts Young Homeless’ pre-employment checks. Please note that additional information referring to the DBS is in the guidance notes to the application form.

What We Offer

We want you to feel supported, valued and able to thrive. We offer:

• A friendly, experienced and supportive team
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays (rising to 28 with service)
• An extra day off for your birthday 
• Holiday purchase scheme
• Hybrid working opportunities
• Refer-a-friend scheme
• Discretionary sick pay (subject to eligibility)
• Paid mileage for work travel
• Long service awards
• Blue Light Card discounts
• Pension and Group Life Insurance
• Health Cash Plan & Employee Assistance Programme
• Ongoing training, development and career opportunities
• Monthly staff perks and prize draws
• Whole-organisation events and celebrations

Full JD available and a day in the life video will be availbale to view via our website and social media platforms..If you are passionate, conscientious and take pride in doing a job well and making a difference, then we would love to hear from you!

Application and Interview Process 

How to Apply

To apply, please visit our website and complete the online application by submitting:

• Your CV
• A covering letter or short video showcasing your skills and experience

Closing date: 4th June 2026 
Recruitment afternoon: 10th June 2026
(Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a further Personal interview stage)

If you need any reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please let us know—we’re committed to supporting you.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued and able to be themselves. We actively promote equality of opportunity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences.

We will always challenge discrimination and strive to build an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive.

Our Promise to You

We will handle your personal information with the utmost care and integrity. Your details will never be shared without your knowledge and consent.

Outreach Housing Support Worker 
Salary Banding: £28,893.00 per annum with potential to progress through salary band.
Contract: 12 month Fixed Term contract
Hours: Full Time, 37 Hours Per Week 
Location: Hatfield / Hybrid / Hertfordshire travel  - Candidates must have a full driving license and use of own vehicle for business purposes

About us 

Herts Young Homeless is an independent charity that has supported vulnerable young people across Hertfordshire since 1998.

We’re a passionate, professional and supportive team, working together to prevent and relieve youth homelessness and help young people build safer, more stable futures.

 About the Role

We’re looking for an Outreach Housing Support Worker to join our team and provide high‑quality housing advice and support to young people aged 18–24.

This is a flexible role that responds to the needs of young people in the community, helping them navigate housing challenges and avoid or move on from homelessness.

The Difference You’ll Make

In this role, you’ll deliver tailored housing advice that helps young people understand their realistic options and take positive steps forward—particularly during times of crisis.

You’ll play a key role in preventing both first-time and repeat homelessness by building strong relationships and supporting meaningful engagement.

The young people we work with are resilient and inspiring, but may face complex barriers with limited support. We’re looking for someone who brings empathy, patience and determination, and who is committed to helping others grow in confidence and independence.

 What You’ll Be Doing

You’ll have a varied and rewarding role, including:

• Delivering high-quality housing advice and guidance to young people aged 18–24
• Supporting individuals to understand their housing rights, options and responsibilities
• Building trusting, professional relationships to encourage engagement and positive outcomes
• Working with colleagues and external partners to prevent homelessness and coordinate support
• Managing a varied caseload with competing priorities and timescales
• Identifying and responding to risk, including safeguarding concerns
• Supporting young people through crisis situations and helping them plan next steps
• Maintaining accurate, timely records and case notes
• Promoting independence, resilience and informed decision-making

What We’re Looking For

We’re keen to hear from people who are:

• Passionate about supporting individuals with diverse and complex needs
• Committed to providing inclusive, compassionate and person-centred support
• Knowledgeable about the challenges facing young people experiencing homelessness
• Skilled at building rapport, motivating others and maintaining professional boundaries
• Confident managing workloads and balancing competing priorities
• Well organised, with strong administration and IT skills (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook)
• Clear on confidentiality, safeguarding and professional integrity
• Able to work independently and collaboratively within a team
• Flexible, adaptable and committed to ongoing learning

You’ll also need:

• A full, clean UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle

Experience in the voluntary sector is helpful but not essential—we value transferable skills, lived values and a willingness to learn.

This post is classed as having a high degree of contact with children or young adults and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. An enhanced disclosure will be sought through the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) as part of Herts Young Homeless’ pre-employment checks. Please note that additional information referring to the DBS is in the guidance notes to the application form.

What We Offer

We want you to feel valued, supported and able to thrive. We offer:

• A supportive, knowledgeable and collaborative team
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (rising to 28 with service)
• An extra day off for your birthday 
• Holiday purchase scheme and hybrid working opportunities
• Mileage paid for work-related travel
• Pension scheme and Group Life Insurance
• BHSF Health Cash Plan and Employee Assistance Programme
• Blue Light Card discounts
• Company sick pay (subject to eligibility)
• Ongoing training and development, including secondment opportunities
• Long service awards, refer-a-friend scheme and monthly staff draws

How to Apply

To apply, please visit our website and submit:

• Your CV
• A covering letter or short video highlighting your skills and experience

Closing date: 4th June 2026 
Recruitment afternoon: 10th May 2026 
(Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a further interview stage)

If you need any reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please let us know—we’re committed to supporting you.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences, and actively challenge discrimination in all its forms.

Our Promise to You

We will always handle your personal data with care, integrity and respect, and will never share your information without your knowledge and consent.

You will support the development and delivery of our schools, youth centre and detached programmes. This will consist of one to ones and group work with young people within schools, detached work in designated areas as well as centre-based provision. You will be responsible for building strong, professional relationships with young people and adapting and coordinating a service around their needs. You will work in partnership with the other Youth Workers on the team, the Youth & Community Manager, schools and youth organisations around the county as well as the wider voluntary sector and statutory partners

You will work also in the community to identify and support volunteers to become engaged within our services and provision. You will collate a range of data, information and imagery that creates evidence of your work and the impact it is making not only to young people but also to the wider community.

Allsorts is seeking an enthusiastic, dedicated and dynamic Youth Worker to help us deliver our vision of a world where LGBTQ+ children and young people are free to be themselves. The Youth Worker will primarily deliver high-quality, inclusive and responsive youth groups and short programmes that empower LGBTQ+ young people to thrive. This includes planning, facilitating and evaluating sessions alongside Youth Group Workers and working collaboratively with local youth organisations to be present in their youth spaces. The role will also have a focus on supporting trans and non binary young people through dedicated programmes such as Evolve and Waiting Well.

Working collaboratively with colleagues, volunteers and partner organisations, the Youth Worker will ensure that young people have access to safe spaces, meaningful activities and holistic support that build confidence, wellbeing and life skills. They will champion youth participation throughout service delivery, maintain high standards of safeguarding and record keeping, and contribute to ongoing monitoring, evaluation and impact reporting

Key responsibilities:

• Plan, deliver and evaluate inclusive youth groups pan Sussex
• Youth participation and youth voice
• Partnership and multi-agency working
• Monitor, record and evaluate impact

About You:

You have experience working with children and young people in a youth or similar setting. You bring strong energy, enthusiasm and creativity to frontline youth provision. While you don’t need to identify as LGBTQ+, you must have a deep understanding of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ communities and a commitment to equity and inclusion.

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting opportunity to help develop the Youth & Education Service at a well-respected Sussex-based organisation. You’ll be part of a team that’s passionate about making a real difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ children, young people, and their families.

About Allsorts:

Allsorts' mission is to listen to, connect, and support children and young people under the age of 26 who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer (LGBTQ+), or exploring their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. 

By placing children and young people’s voices at the centre of our work, we ensure that our understanding of their ongoing and evolving needs continues to inform our service provision.

There are three main strands to our service provision, all of which aim to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ children and young people.

Youth and Education Service

We offer youth groups, programmes, one-to-one support, activities, residential trips, in-school support, and much more for children and young people across Sussex.

Parents & Carers Service.

We offer groups, one-to-one support, activities, information sessions, and much more for parents & carers of LGBTQ+ children and young people across Sussex.

Training and Consultancy Service

We provide LGBTQ+ Inclusion Training for a wide range of organisations, with a focus on organisations working with children and young people.  Our goal is to help build people’s knowledge of LGBTQ+ issues and their confidence in being effective allies to LGBTQ+ children, young people and adults.
 

Annual Leave: 27 days, plus bank holidays, pro rata.

Pension:Allsorts Youth Project is part of Royal London’s pension scheme and contributes 8% towards your pension.

DBS &  References: All staff are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service  (DBS) check & references.

We're looking for an organised, kind and resilient Senior Support Worker to join our Mental health service in Kensington & Chelsea.

£29,684.00 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
* 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.

To enable vulnerable people to manage their licences and move towards greater independence within the community by providing a flexible and individually tailored support package.

The shift pattern for this role is as follows: Scattered sites 9 - 5pm Monday till Friday and weekend occasional

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
* Support customers to move on from the service through their identified move on pathway liaising with Tower Hamlet's HOST and Clearing House.

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

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 description

 Job Title: Grandmentors Project Coordinator

Reference Number:  V568

Location: Wolverhampton (Home-based with local travel)

Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Hours: 35

Salary: £25,625

DBS/PVG: Enhanced

Job Family: 3

Line Manager:                       Senior Project Manager

Closing date: 14th June 2026

Interview:                               W/C 15th June 2026

Anticipated start date: 4 weeks after job offer acceptance

Volunteering Matters  

Who we are
At Volunteering Matters, we believe people have the power to create change. Whether through volunteering by helping others and giving time, or through social action such as speaking up, campaigning, or leading change, everyone can make a difference. We bring people together to build stronger communities across England, Scotland and Wales, making sure everyone has the chance to get involved and create real change.

Creating stronger communities through the power of volunteering

Volunteering Matters is a nationwide charity that exists to create stronger communities through the power of volunteering. We work with local partners to develop impactful programmes that support individuals and communities across the UK.

Since 1962, we’ve used our influence to champion volunteering as a powerful tool to build a thriving, resilient society. Our projects are co-created with the people and communities we work alongside: an approach that encourages our participants to become future volunteers and leaders, not just beneficiaries.

We understand the pressures of day-to-day life and create flexible, inclusive opportunities for people at all stages of life. And beyond delivering projects on the ground, we use our voice to shape policy and practice – ensuring volunteering stays recognised, supported and sustainable for generations to come.

What we do
We help people of all ages and backgrounds get involved in volunteering and social action. We focus on making sure that everyone, no matter their situation, has the chance to take part. We work with local people.

How we do this

We support people to share their time and skills to help others and tackle big challenges in their communities.

· We remove barriers to volunteering and social action, making it easier for people who don’t always get the chance to take part.

· We listen to and amplify voices that aren’t always heard, helping volunteers and communities influence change.

· We help volunteers beyond their first experience, offering training, support, and pathways to new opportunities.

· We connect businesses with communities, creating meaningful employee volunteering projects.

· We show the impact of volunteering and social action, proving how it changes lives for the better.

Our promise to volunteers

We are always looking for new ways for volunteers to make a difference. We bring people together across generations and backgrounds to learn from each other and create change. At the same time, we make sure that all our volunteers are trained, supported, and valued, so they feel confident in what they do.

It’s a brilliant time to join us. We’re evolving, growing our impact, and shaping a future where everyone can take part and feel they belong. 

Job Purpose

Grandmentors Wolverhampton is a well-established and successful project that has been connecting mature volunteers with care experienced young people since 2019. As Project Coordinator, you will lead the core programme while heading up our brand new ‘Through the Gates’ pilot, which provides vital support for young people transitioning from custody back into the community. Your role is to foster high impact mentoring relationships while ensuring clear professional boundaries are maintained, complementing the work of our statutory partners in the Local Authority.

Key Responsibilities:

· Project Coordination: Lead the day-to-day delivery of Grandmentors in Wolverhampton, ensuring the project meets match targets for both the core service and the new pilot.

· Volunteer Leadership: Recruit, train, and supervise a dedicated team of mentors, ensuring they feel supported and understand how their role fits alongside other professional services.

· Boundary Management: Act as the key link to statutory leads, such as Social Workers or Personal Advisors, ensuring support remains mentor-led and escalating any professional concerns appropriately.

· Partnership Working: Build and maintain strong, professional relationships with the Local Authority and other relevant partners.

· Safety & Compliance: Oversee risk assessments and strictly follow safeguarding procedures to ensure the safety of our volunteers and the young people we support.

· Impact Reporting: Use our CRM system to track progress and collate data for annual reports and meetings that demonstrate the project’s impact to our stakeholders.

Our Values & Way of Working

In all that we are guided by our values: Empowering, Inclusive, Compassionate, Positive & Straightforward. 

Diversity & Inclusion

Volunteering Matters welcomes all applicants and are keen to ensure our team reflects the diversity of the UK and the communities we serve. We encourage applications from disabled, LGBT and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, along with candidates with any protected characteristics and from disadvantaged groups.

Disability Confident & Reasonable Adjustments

We guarantee to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the role. Please provide evidence in your application, which demonstrates that you meet the level of competence required in the Job Description under skill and experience. To be considered for a guaranteed interview or to discuss any reasonable adjustments during the process, please state this in your cover letter. 

Benefits

Our employee benefits reflect our culture which is built on an approach of full flexibility with accountability, and designed to let you make your most positive contribution; we offer:

· Flexible Working by Default (re hours & place of work) 

· Unlimited Annual Leave 

· Employee Pension scheme 

· Life Assurance 

· Cycle to Work Scheme 

· Season Ticket Loan 

· Employee Assistance Programme 

· Enhanced sick and family leave.

· Lifestyle Discount Scheme

We are also open to discussing job share applications.

GDPR Statement

If you apply for a role with us, we will retain your contact details including your name, address, email address and phone number to help us manage your application for up to six months.  We will not use your personal data for any other purpose or share it with any third party. You can contact us at any point to update your personal information or ask us to delete it from our records.

Policy on AI-Generated Applications 

Applications are accepted on trust, and we expect all submissions to reflect the applicant’s own words, experiences, and motivations. While tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) may support the application process, applications should not be generated wholly by AI. 

To Apply

Please send an updated, complete CV and cover letter via the Charity Job Apply button above. In your application clearly state which role you are applying for. In the cover letter please demonstrate how you would fulfil the role requirements, what previous relevant achievements you have (both in life and at work), what skills & experience you can offer, and what you believe you can contribute to Volunteering Matters.

We welcome applications from everyone, but please note that if we receive an extremely large number of responses, we may close this advert early to fully consider applications. We encourage you to apply promptly so you don’t miss the opportunity to join our community.

Right to Work in the UK
Please note that while we hold a license to sponsor employees on a skilled worker visa, the number of applications we can make each year is very limited. Unfortunately, this role does not meet the criteria for sponsorship, therefore, you must already have the right to work in the UK to be considered for this position.

If you have any questions about current vacancies, the recruitment process, or need support, our team is here to help

What we offer

At Victim Support, we are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent. Our competitive rewards and benefits package includes:

• Flexible Working Options: Including hybrid working.
• Generous Annual Leave: 28 days plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 33 days plus Bank Holidays, with options to buy or sell annual leave.
• Birthday Leave: An extra day off for your birthday.
• Pension Plan: 5% employer contribution.
• Enhanced Allowances: Enhanced sick pay, maternity, and paternity payments.
• Exclusive Discounts: High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment, and leisure discounts.
• Financial Wellbeing: Access to our financial wellbeing hub and salary-deducted finance.
• Wellbeing Support: Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
• Inclusive Networks: Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes.
• Sustainable Travel: Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loans.
• Career Development: Ongoing training and support with opportunities for career progression.

About the Role

As a Sexual Violence Outreach Worker you will provide compassionate, flexible, and connected support to clients who have experienced childhood sexual abuse and/or adult sexual assault, in order to help them engage with the support provided by the new Integrated Plymouth Sexual Violence Service.

Many individuals accessing the service will have experienced multiple adverse experiences and may present with complex, intersecting needs such as insecure housing, substance misuse, domestic abuse, and significant mental health challenges. You will provide support that aims to meet people where they are in order to build rapport and trust as the foundation for longer-term support and interventions.

Key Responsibilities

• To build secure, consistent, and trusting relationships through a highly person centred approach as previous experiences and trauma can lead to mistrust of services, and inconsistent engagement.
• Support individuals to explore their holistic needs to increase their physical and psychological safety, sense of control and while working collaboratively with multi agency partners to ensure coordinated, wrap around support.
• Identify barriers to individuals accessing the service and determine solutions
• Actively promote and maintain a visible service presence within relevant community and partner settings to build trust and encourage referrals
• Utilise a case management system to maintain accurate and professional recording of case records and contribute to monitoring information for the service including the collection of outcomes

About You

You will need:

• An understanding of the impact of sexual violence and complex trauma
• Strong and effective verbal and written communication skills
• Experience of successfully delivering services and working directly within a statutory, voluntary or multi agency setting(s)
• An ability to balance competing needs and priorities
• An ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Experience of building effective working relationships across internal and external stakeholders
• Personal resilience to manage exposure to highly emotional or sensitive demands of the role
• An ability to manage a caseload including complex case management
• An ability to use generic IT applications competently

This role requires regular travel and due to the location, a driving license and access to a vehicle is considered an essential requirement. If you are unable to drive because of a disability, please indicate this in your application in your personal statement so we can explore the feasibility of alternative arrangements.

About Us

Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We put them at the heart of our organisation and our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences.

Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.

At Victim Support, we're proud to celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We're committed to being an antiracist organisation, and we actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black and Asian and other minoritised communities.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet all essential criteria for a job where it is practicable to do so. We are also happy to make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment and selection process.

How to apply:

To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date. If you have already registered & started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible.

Location: Loughborough, England (Travel required to all Baca Services locations)

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: £26,750 per annum

Working Hours: 37.5 hrs per week (including evening and weekend hours on a rota)

Start date: June 2026

About Us:

Baca is dedicated to providing support and care to 16 to 18 year old unaccompanied asylum seeking children who are newly arrived in the country, helping them rebuild their strength, dignity, and hope for the future. We work closely with social workers and representatives from other agencies to benefit the young people in our care.

Role Overview:

As a Support Worker, you will be a key worker for several young people in Baca's care, providing high-quality holistic and therapeutic support for their transition to adulthood. You will deliver services in line with Baca’s Theory of Change, ensuring the highest quality outcomes in physical and emotional wellbeing, education, employment, training, social engagement, and personal safety.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support young people using trauma-informed approaches (including PACE and recovery models)
• Promote safety and safeguard young people from exploitation and harm
• Support emotional wellbeing, independence, and life skills development
• Encourage engagement in education, training, and community activities
• Maintain accurate and compliant records
• Work closely with social workers, schools, and partner agencies
• Contribute to a reflective, learning-focused team culture
• Be a role model, offering care and compassion without discrimination.
• Plan and participate in day trips and annual residential weeks.

Requirements:

• Alignment with Baca’s values and mission.
• Ability to respond to change and work as part of a diverse team.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to take initiative.
• Knowledge of safeguarding practices and issues faced by unaccompanied asylum-seeking, young people.
• Relevant training or willingness to complete essential training within the first year.
• Experience working with young people, especially in cross-cultural settings.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and ICT skills.
• Driving licence and access to a car.
• Enhanced DBS check required.

Personal Attributes:

• Approachable, reliable, and a strong team worker.
• Supportive, responsible, and personable.
• Flexible and able to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Holidays and benefits:

• 33 days’ holiday a year (pro rata for part-time staff) including bank holidays.
• Pension scheme
• Health & Wellbeing programme
• Free parking
• Casual dress

How to Apply:

If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of young asylum seekers and have the skills and attributes we are looking for, we would love to hear from you.

Please note: You must have the right to work in the UK for this role as Baca is not on the Home Office list.

Are you passionate about seeing young people flourish?
Do you long to build authentic relationships, create safe and joyful spaces, and help young people explore faith, purpose and belonging?​

We are seeking a creative, relational and faith-filled Christian Youth & Community Worker to pioneer and grow youth ministry among 11–18s in Furzedown and the wider local community.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape and develop a vibrant youth ministry in a warm, inclusive, multicultural church that seeks to Love God, Love People and Love Life.

We’re looking for someone who:

· Loves Jesus and is committed to helping young people encounter faith in authentic and relevant ways

· Can build strong relationships with young people from diverse backgrounds

· Is excited by both hands-on youth work and long-term vision building

· Can develop engaging youth programmes, discipleship opportunities and community outreach

· Enjoys working collaboratively within a church and community setting

· Will become an active part of the worshipping and relational life of the church

The role includes:

· Leading weekly youth sessions and discipleship groups

· Building connections with local schools and the wider community

· Mentoring and supporting young people pastorally

· Developing volunteers and young leaders

· Helping shape intergenerational worship at MLBC

· Creating welcoming spaces where every young person is valued and included

The role includes regular evening and Sunday working as part of the contracted hours, with active participation in Sunday worship forming a core part of the role. We are also open to conversations around part-time working, job share arrangements, paid student placements linked to relevant training courses.

Location: Mitcham Lane Baptist Church, Furzedown, South London

Hours: Full Time – 37.5 hours per week

Salary: £30,000–£32,500 (depending on experience)

Contract type: 3 Year Fixed-Term Contract​

We warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences who can help us reflect the inclusive heart of Jesus in our community.

Young People Support Worker (Stockport)

We promise you that no day will be the same, and you will get so much out of working with our residents as you ensure that they are well-cared for, and empowered to make progress in their recovery.

Location: Stockport Pathway

Salary: £28,836 per annum

Closing date: 27 May, 2026

Employment Type: Permanent

Hours per week: 37.5

About the Role

Make a real impact in the lives of young people at risk of homelessness as a Young People Support Worker. You’ll deliver strengths‑based, psychologically informed support that builds confidence and independence, creating safe and empowering spaces where young people can thrive. From shaping personalised plans to running meaningful activities, your work will help each person move closer to a stable, positive future.

Working a rotating shift pattern, you’ll build trusted relationships, champion safeguarding and collaborate with local partners to ensure every young person receives consistent, high‑quality support. Your creativity, communication skills and professional integrity will help clients engage in education, training, employment or volunteering opportunities—supporting them to take the next step towards independence.

Please note that this job opportunity is offered as a full-time (37.5 hours a week), permanent role.

In this role, you will:

• Provide strengths‑based, trauma‑informed support to young people at risk of homelessness

• Complete high‑quality risk assessments, SMART support plans and accurate case records

• Deliver one‑to‑one sessions and group activities that build resilience and independence

• Support young people to access education, training, employment and volunteering

• Maintain a safe, welcoming accommodation environment with regular health and safety checks

• Work collaboratively with partners and follow safeguarding procedures across a rotating shift pattern

About You (What we are looking for from you – Person Specification)

When completing your application form please address all the points set out below.

• Experience of working with young people or those who have experienced homelessness

• An understanding of the needs of people who have experienced homelessness, poor mental health, substance misuse or the care system

• A knowledge and understanding of Risk Assessments and Support Planning

• Good literacy, numeracy and IT skills

• Able to demonstrate clear understanding of Safeguarding requirements and procedures

• Commitment to working in a manner which promotes diversity and equality, ensuring that everyone is treated with respect and dignity and no one suffers from discrimination

• Commitment to promoting an environment, which has the highest regard for the Health and Safety of others

• Personal and professional integrity

• High level understanding of professional boundaries and ability to maintain these

• Effective collaborative working

• Ability to effectively reflect on own practices for ongoing learning and development

• Respect for the values and ethos of Depaul and its founding partners

What You’ll Receive

· Tailored training and development

· Flexible working options where suitable

· 26 days annual leave, rising with service

· Family friendly leave policies

· Pension scheme with employer contributions up to 7%

· Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 GP access

· Discounts across retail, travel, food, fitness and more

· Cash health plan for you and your family

· Death in service benefit

· Access to legal and practical support

Safer Recruitment

Depaul UK is committed to fair and inclusive recruitment, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. If a role requires it under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, we will carry out the appropriate Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check. We only look at information that is relevant to the role, and a criminal record will never be treated as an automatic barrier to employment. All DBS information is handled sensitively, confidentially and in line with the DBS Code of Practice, and we encourage applicants to discuss any concerns with us openly.

About Depaul UK

In the 1980s, high unemployment and steep inflation was contributing to a shocking rise in youth homelessness across London. Thousands of young people were sleeping rough every night, with many areas notoriously dubbed “cardboard cities” due to the visible rise in street homelessness. Appalled by the scenes playing out across the capital, a group of people came together to tackle the challenge head on. Led by Cardinal Basil Hume and Mark McGreevy OBE, in 1989 Depaul UK was born.

What began as a single housing project in North London soon expanded across London, Greater Manchester and the North East of England. Today, Depaul UK provides accommodation, prevention and support services to thousands of marginalised young people across the UK each year.

As our name suggests, the work of Depaul UK has been inspired by St. Vincent de Paul – a man who devoted his life to helping vast numbers of people throughout the 17th century. St. Vincent de Paul’s belief in the intrinsic worth of all people and his commitment to taking bold action remain central to our values today. Depaul UK now forms part of a family of Depaul charities around the world. We each focus on the specific challenges in our own countries, but we’re united by our shared values and mission to end homelessness.

Part-Time Young People Support Worker

We promise you that no day will be the same, and you will get so much out of working with our residents as you ensure that they are well-cared for, and empowered to make progress into Independence.

Location: Whitley Bay (Depaul House)

Salary: £19,738.88 per annum

Closing date: 27 May, 2026

Employment Type: Permanent

Hours per week: 28

About the Role

You’ll play a vital part in delivering our mission: tackling homelessness, widening opportunity and championing fairness. Whatever your specialism, you’ll help create a safe, inclusive and empowering environment where people can thrive and move forward with confidence.

As a Young People Support Worker (Whitley Bay), you will provide practical, emotional, and goal-focused support to young people, helping them develop the skills, confidence, and resilience needed to move towards independent living.

You will manage a caseload of young people with a range of support needs, building trusted relationships and delivering structured, person-centred support plans. The role involves supporting young people through key transitions, including leaving care, sustaining accommodation, and accessing education, training, or employment.

Your work will be underpinned by the Depaul Endeavour Model, an assets-based and psychologically informed approach, ensuring young people are supported to build on their strengths and achieve positive outcomes.

Please note that this job opportunity is offered as a part-time (28 hours a week), permanent role.

Shift Pattern: Saturday & Sunday - 08:00 to 22:00

In this role, you will:

• Provide safe, supportive accommodation and champion the wellbeing of every client.

• Deliver personalised support plans that empower individuals to achieve independence.

• Build positive, respectful relationships with colleagues, partners and the people we support.

• Encourage participation in education, training, employment, and volunteering opportunities.

• Contribute to a positive team culture and maintain a safe, welcoming environment.

• Commit to continuous learning and uphold Depaul’s values of respect, inclusion, and action.

About You

You believe in people — their strengths, their rights and their potential. You bring empathy, energy and a solution‑focused mindset to your work. You communicate clearly, stay organised and adapt well in a fast‑moving environment. You’re committed to inclusion, fairness and continuous learning, and you turn values into meaningful action, whatever your role.

What You’ll Receive

· Tailored training and development

· Flexible working options where suitable

· 26 days annual leave, rising with service

· Family friendly leave policies

· Pension scheme with employer contributions up to 7%

· Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 GP access

· Discounts across retail, travel, food, fitness and more

· Cash health plan for you and your family

· Death in service benefit

· Access to legal and practical support

Safer Recruitment

Depaul UK is committed to fair and inclusive recruitment, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. If a role requires it under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, we will carry out the appropriate Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check. We only look at information that is relevant to the role, and a criminal record will never be treated as an automatic barrier to employment. All DBS information is handled sensitively, confidentially and in line with the DBS Code of Practice, and we encourage applicants to discuss any concerns with us openly.

About Depaul UK

In the 1980s, high unemployment and steep inflation was contributing to a shocking rise in youth homelessness across London. Thousands of young people were sleeping rough every night, with many areas notoriously dubbed “cardboard cities” due to the visible rise in street homelessness. Appalled by the scenes playing out across the capital, a group of people came together to tackle the challenge head on. Led by Cardinal Basil Hume and Mark McGreevy OBE, in 1989 Depaul UK was born.

What began as a single housing project in North London soon expanded across London, Greater Manchester and the North East of England. Today, Depaul UK provides accommodation, prevention and support services to thousands of marginalised young people across the UK each year.

As our name suggests, the work of Depaul UK has been inspired by St. Vincent de Paul – a man who devoted his life to helping vast numbers of people throughout the 17th century. St. Vincent de Paul’s belief in the intrinsic worth of all people and his commitment to taking bold action remain central to our values today. Depaul UK now forms part of a family of Depaul charities around the world. We each focus on the specific challenges in our own countries, but we’re united by our shared values and mission to end homelessness.

37.5 hours per week / permanent / working Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm with the requirement of working one late shift per week, one shift at the weekend per month and be part of an out of hours ‘on-call rota’

YMCA DownsLink Group is the leading charity for children and young people across Sussex and Surrey. We offer safe homes, mental health support and trusted advice.

We believe that every child and young person has the right to be safe, heard and to shape their own future. We work alongside them to make that happen.

We are here for children and young people, many of whom face multiple challenges and need our support.

Our Values - we do what’s right, we work with heart, and we build real connections – guide us in all our actions.

Are you a person‑centred leader who thrives on empowering others and driving positive outcomes for young people?

If so, we are searching for a motivational and resilient leader who thrives on developing others, championing best practice, and nurturing a collaborative and compassionate culture. You will bring a trauma-informed and psychologically informed approach to both your team and the young people we support, ensuring everyone feels understood, safe, and empowered. If you are energised by leading teams, shaping services, and supporting staff to deliver exceptional, person-centred support - even in challenging moments - this could be the role for you.

As Deputy Supported Housing Manager, you will play a central role in our Eastbourne and Hailsham services - supported accommodation for young people aged 16–25 who are at risk of homelessness. Our services operate 24/7 to provide a safe, stable home where young people can feel understood, encouraged and supported. You will be based at our Eastbourne Foyer, located in the heart of Eastbourne, where the service maintains strong connections with and contributes actively to the local community. The role also involves travel across Eastbourne and Hailsham to our other East Sussex sites.

Across our East Sussex sites, we work with around 50 young people, each with their own story, strengths, challenges and ambitions. Support Workers hold individual caseloads and meet regularly with residents to build support plans, celebrate progress, and set meaningful goals for the future. Your leadership will help create the environment where this work thrives - one where young people feel empowered and staff feel confident and supported. 

What you will be doing

As Deputy Supported Housing Manager, you will play a key role in the running, quality, and impact of our services. Working closely with the Supported Housing Manager, you will help lead a safe, supportive, and high‑performing environment where young people can thrive.

Service Provision

You will support the Supported Housing Manager with the day‑to‑day delivery of the service, ensuring we meet all requirements set out in the service specification and remain fully compliant with Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) and Ofsted standards. Your responsibilities will include:

• Overseeing the full referral, interview, and induction process for all bedspaces and ensuring that every resident understands their Occupancy Agreement and House Rules.
• Maintaining the quality, safety, and presentation of the accommodation by working closely with our Housing and Property Services team to coordinate estate inspections, health and safety risk assessments, repairs, and the timely turnaround of void rooms.
• Supporting effective income collection across the service, working with the Rents team to build and maintain a positive rent‑payment culture among residents. 

Leadership and People Management

You will directly line‑manage members of the staff team, ensuring their practice, professionalism, and development reflect our high standards. You will:

• Provide coaching, guidance, and clear expectations to ensure staff feel confident, supported, and motivated in their work with young people.
• Create a team culture rooted in creativity, consistency, and best practice, ensuring staff are equipped to empower young people to reach their goals while maintaining appropriate and safe boundaries.
• Be responsible for creating and maintaining staff rotas to ensure adequate service coverage at all times.

General Responsibilities

• Participate in the management on‑call rota, offering out‑of‑hours support to services across the wider locality.
• Embed Psychologically Informed Environments (PIEs), Trauma‑Informed approaches, and restorative practices throughout your work, ensuring our support model is compassionate, reflective, and person‑centred.

If you are enthusiastic about this opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway and demonstrate how your experience is transferrable. You may be just the right candidate.

You have experience line managing staff and building positive, supportive team cultures. You bring consistency, are well organised and approachable, and are confident in setting clear expectations. You enjoy motivating others, supporting staff development, and planning effective rotas to ensure high‑quality service delivery.

You will bring experience working in supported housing or similar services, supporting young people and/or adults at risk, along with proven experience in managing or supervising a team. You will already have a solid understanding of the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) and Ofsted frameworks, as well as a strong working knowledge of Trauma‑Informed Care and Psychologically Informed Environments (PIE).

You will be an effective communicator with strong facilitation skills, able to navigate challenging situations with confidence, calmness, and a solution‑focused approach. You will also have experience overseeing safeguarding procedures within residential settings, ensuring safety, accountability, and robust decision‑making. Just as importantly, you will understand the importance of maintaining professional boundaries, modelling best practice for the team and the young people we support.

CLOSING DATE: Sunday 31 May 2026 at midnight. Please note applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and we may invite strong candidates to interview before the closing date, so early applications are encouraged.

We are not able to support a work permit or offer a visa sponsorship for this role. Candidates must already have the right to live and work in the UK independently.

An inclusive workplace We are committed to policies and practices of equity, diversity, and inclusion and to supporting our people to make sure our culture is consistent with this commitment. 

Accessibility If you require assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please do contact us.

YMCA DLG requires all staff and volunteers to be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and to respond proactively to safeguarding concerns. 

Successful applicants are required to undertake an Enhanced DBS (including the Children’s and Adults’ barred lists) check, along with a reference and background check carried out by a third-party service provider.

Young People Support Worker

We promise you that no day will be the same, and you will get so much out of working with our residents as you ensure that they are well-cared for, and empowered to make progress into Independence.

Location: Whitley Bay (Depaul House)

Salary: £26,436 per annum

Closing date: 27 May, 2026

Employment Type: Permanent

Hours per week: 37.5

About the Role

You’ll play a vital part in delivering our mission: tackling homelessness, widening opportunity and championing fairness. Whatever your specialism, you’ll help create a safe, inclusive and empowering environment where people can thrive and move forward with confidence.

As a Young People Support Worker (Whitley Bay), you will provide practical, emotional, and goal-focused support to young people, helping them develop the skills, confidence, and resilience needed to move towards independent living.

You will manage a caseload of young people with a range of support needs, building trusted relationships and delivering structured, person-centred support plans. The role involves supporting young people through key transitions, including leaving care, sustaining accommodation, and accessing education, training, or employment.

Your work will be underpinned by the Depaul Endeavour Model, an assets-based and psychologically informed approach, ensuring young people are supported to build on their strengths and achieve positive outcomes.

Please note that this job opportunity is offered as a full-time (37.5 hour per week), permanent role.

Shift Pattern: Monday - Friday - 15:00 to 22:30

In this role, you will:

• Provide safe, supportive accommodation and champion the wellbeing of every client.

• Deliver personalised support plans that empower individuals to achieve independence.

• Build positive, respectful relationships with colleagues, partners and the people we support.

• Encourage participation in education, training, employment, and volunteering opportunities.

• Contribute to a positive team culture and maintain a safe, welcoming environment.

• Commit to continuous learning and uphold Depaul’s values of respect, inclusion, and action.

About You

You believe in people — their strengths, their rights and their potential. You bring empathy, energy and a solution‑focused mindset to your work. You communicate clearly, stay organised and adapt well in a fast‑moving environment. You’re committed to inclusion, fairness and continuous learning, and you turn values into meaningful action, whatever your role.

What You’ll Receive

· Tailored training and development

· Flexible working options where suitable

· 26 days annual leave, rising with service

· Family friendly leave policies

· Pension scheme with employer contributions up to 7%

· Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 GP access

· Discounts across retail, travel, food, fitness and more

· Cash health plan for you and your family

· Death in service benefit

· Access to legal and practical support

Safer Recruitment

Depaul UK is committed to fair and inclusive recruitment, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. If a role requires it under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, we will carry out the appropriate Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check. We only look at information that is relevant to the role, and a criminal record will never be treated as an automatic barrier to employment. All DBS information is handled sensitively, confidentially and in line with the DBS Code of Practice, and we encourage applicants to discuss any concerns with us openly.

About Depaul UK

In the 1980s, high unemployment and steep inflation was contributing to a shocking rise in youth homelessness across London. Thousands of young people were sleeping rough every night, with many areas notoriously dubbed “cardboard cities” due to the visible rise in street homelessness. Appalled by the scenes playing out across the capital, a group of people came together to tackle the challenge head on. Led by Cardinal Basil Hume and Mark McGreevy OBE, in 1989 Depaul UK was born.

What began as a single housing project in North London soon expanded across London, Greater Manchester and the North East of England. Today, Depaul UK provides accommodation, prevention and support services to thousands of marginalised young people across the UK each year.

As our name suggests, the work of Depaul UK has been inspired by St. Vincent de Paul – a man who devoted his life to helping vast numbers of people throughout the 17th century. St. Vincent de Paul’s belief in the intrinsic worth of all people and his commitment to taking bold action remain central to our values today. Depaul UK now forms part of a family of Depaul charities around the world. We each focus on the specific challenges in our own countries, but we’re united by our shared values and mission to end homelessness.

We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Floating Support Worker's to join our Young People Social Care Service in Tower Hamlets. No personal care or experience required, just the right values.

£30,784.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

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

Our benefits include:

• Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
• Free DBS
• A generous pension - we will contribute up to 8% and life assurance cover up to 3x pensionable salary (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.

Floating Support Worker will provide time limited support to young people who hold their own tenancy which is at risk of being lost. Floating support Worker will give practical support to help a young person keep their tenancy, stay well, exercise choice and control in their care and lives and participate on an equal footing in the community..

What you'll do:

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

• Building supportive, trusting relationships with customers
• Working proactively with other members of the team to handle the service caseload and administrative responsibilities
• Supporting key customers to set personalised goals in the form of a Support Plan
• Conducting regular key work sessions that are innovative and engaging in order to achieve Support Plan goals
• Ensuring ongoing assessment and management of risks associated with customers within an attitude of 'positive risk taking'
• Proactively manage risk and safety both in and outside of their physical living environment
• Providing tenancy sustainment related support to customer in their own property

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
• Able to work alone with good initiative Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement when under pressure

Essential:

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

Desirable:

• Experience of working with young people (18-25) / Youth Work/ TA/ YOT

About 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.