Welfare benefit advisor jobs

Main Purpose of Position:

To provide urgent information, advice and guidance support for individuals in dealing with complex interlinked issues through intensive 1-1 personalised support service. Ensure clients are equipped with the knowledge and understanding needed to make a tangible, material difference to their lives. Ensure excellence in project and service delivery throughout the Information, Advice and Guidance service and deliver work as an integral part of the organisation.  

Responsibilities/ Core Duties:

To provide a support service through 1-1 interview sessions, telephone contact, face-to-face and in-depth support with follow-up and record keeping. This post primarily involves providing focused support to help individuals deal with urgent financial, housing, health and benefits issues and provide ongoing support often acting as a conduit, with liaison, advocacy and referral to specialist agencies in health, housing, finance and debt advice, counselling, benefits, domestic violence, immigration and other legal matters. The post-holder must support Nova’s aims, objectives and ethos for clients, staff, senior managers and trustees.

About Refugee Action Kingston

At Refugee Action Kingston (RAK) we're dedicated to helping the successful integration of refugees and people seeking asylum into the local community. With over three decades of experience, we provide a comprehensive range of services including welfare support, immigration and legal advice, education, counselling, and career guidance.

RAK employs 15 staff and currently has nearly 200 volunteers. In 2023/24 more than 2,000 people benefited from our services

What we can offer you

· Work in a highly respected organisation punching above its weight – providing quality support to over 2,000 individuals and families a year

· A friendly and supportive environment, with an experienced team of professional teachers, counsellors, solicitors and advisers and a dedicated team of experienced volunteers

Opportunities for flexible and hybrid working

· Real potential for a creative thinking individual to build on and shape a dynamic responsive programme

Our values

· Empathy: we put ourselves in the shoes of those we work with.

· Enterprise: we're innovative and resourceful in our approach to supporting refugees and people seeking asylum.

· Empowerment: we strive to empower our clients, helping them achieve their aspirations.

Role overview

The main duties of the post

· Overall strategic development and management programmes for adults at the Community Hub

· Collaborative work with and engagement of project partners and other agencies in the borough

· Ensuring Monitoring and evaluation takes place

· General responsibilities within the organisation

1. Overall strategic development and management of the Community Hub Programme

Manage and develop the Community Hub providing activities, personal development opportunities and information for refugees and people seeking asylum.

Line manage ESOL Coordinator with supervision and appraisals supporting their CPD

Work with the ESOL Coordinator and volunteers to develop activities and client engagement within the project.

Plan and ensure delivery of short courses, workshops and events either in house or facilitated by partners.  Promote local activity and encourage client participation in line with the requirements of the Big Lottery funding.

Oversee project activities in all venues ensuring practical and active implementation of all policies and procedures, particularly Health and Safety, Risk Assessments, and Safeguarding 

Work with Volunteer Coordinator to support and supervise volunteers to a high standard.

Manage Venue bookings

2. Collaborative work with and engagement of project partners and other agencies in the borough

Source and work with project partners on successful delivery of activities and events within the project and promotion of wider activities in the borough

Build relationships to facilitate client progression and promote the organisation

Work with the volunteer coordinator to use local networks and food resvue partnerships to ensure the provision of Food and refreshments

3 Monitoring and evaluation

Ensure up to date records are maintained on the RAK database

Maintain and further develop Monitoring and Evaluation, recording participation and achievements implementing rigorous consultation processes for all participants, regular surveys and clients focus group activities

Prepare reports for the funders

4 General Responsibilities within the organisation

Team responsibilities including attending staff meetings, dealing sensitively with service users and facilitating internal and external referrals.

Work within the team to deliver a holistic service for clients.

Work within the team to undertake duties to ensure a clean and safe working environment.

Represent RAK at external meetings as agreed with the CEO, attend training, keep

up-to-date with changes in the asylum system.

Undertake any other duties that may reasonably be required.

Please note the duties outlined in this Job Description may be reviewed and amended from time to time.

Do you want to work for an organisation that makes a real difference, every day, to people from all walks of life? Do you have a passion for fighting homelessness and advocating for vulnerable people? If so, this is an exciting opportunity for you to take the next step in your career by joining the Brent Irish Advisory Service (BIAS) as our Housing Adviser.

BIAS’s housing advice service supports members of the local Irish community and beyond with a range of complex housing issues, including homelessness, rehousing, tenancy sustainment and disrepair. We are looking to appoint a dynamic, enthusiastic person who has a background or demonstrable interest in advice, housing or homelessness to join our friendly advice team. Your role will involve contributing to the day-to-day running of BIAS’s advice service, providing specialist advice on housing via one-to-one client appointments, completing casework and advocating for positive outcomes for your clients.

You will need to have strong people skills and the ability to build good working relationships with colleagues and clients, excellent organisational skills and the ability to digest complex briefs. You will be required to manage an active caseload, ensuring that cases are appropriately actioned and recorded and that deadlines are met.

If you are interested in working in housing advice but don’t yet have all the knowledge or experience required, please consider applying as we are willing to consider appointing the right candidate in a trainee role.

KEY WORK AREAS AND MAIN DUTIES

• Providing appropriate advice, information and practical help to clients, via in-person appointments, outreach visits, telephone, letter or email. Where necessary, advocating on behalf of clients in the appropriate forums.
• Ensuring that all casework records are kept up to date and completed clearly and effectively.
• Contributing to monitoring service delivery and recording client outcomes.
• Maintaining a good knowledge of other available services, and signposting or referring clients as needed.
• Participating in regular team file reviews and supervision sessions, and contributing to maintaining BIAS’s high-quality service in line with Advice Quality Standard (AQS) requirements.  
• Engaging positively and constructively with other service providers, including local authorities and housing providers, to maintain partnerships.
• Staying up to date with developments in housing legislation and identifying opportunities to effect positive change to housing policy, together with the Advice Manager.

These are the basic duties required of the Housing Adviser. However, it is necessary for all staff to be flexible and you may be required from time to time to perform other reasonable duties which are required for the efficient running of the organisation. We will also offer training opportunities to support your career development.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK. This role will be based primarily in our advice offices in Willesden (Brent), with some outreach work in Haringey borough. There may be some options for flexible working (one day per week)

WHAT DOES BIAS DO?

BIAS is a local charity which has supported England’s largest Irish community in Brent for over forty-five years. We deliver our support through our welfare advice drop-in service, our Active Ageing Clubs and our Be-a-friend volunteer scheme. We raise over £2 million in extra income for the most vulnerable every year and have over 3000 attendances at our club services. BIAS has exciting plans for further expansion in Haringey in 2025 and has a range of medium- to long-term grant funding, including from Ireland’s Emigrant Support Programme.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please send a CV and cover letter. Your cover letter should demonstrate how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for this role.

The deadline for applications is Friday 20th June 2025. We would strongly encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as applications will be assessed on a rolling basis.

City & Hackney Carers is a warm, welcoming and inclusive organisation which aims to improve the quality of life for unpaid carers. A cornerstone of our organisation is the provision of information and advice, enabling carers to understand their rights and entitlements.

We are seeking a bi or multi-lingual advisor (Bengali, Urdu, Hindi or Turkish) to deliver face-to-face, telephone and e-mail advice to unpaid carers and the people they support.

This post would suit someone with some advice experience who is looking to develop their skills. Our team work in a hybrid way with some office and community based delivery and some home working.  

We seek a motivated, enthusiastic, self-starter who enjoys meeting people and being part of a team and wants to deliver the highest quality advice to unpaid carers

Please send in your CV and covering letter telling us how you meet the requirements of the person specification and we will select suitable applicants for interview. 

Interviews are planned for week commencing 16th June but candidates with the right experience may be invited to interview before the closing date. 

Hours: 37.5 hours/week (1 FTE), Part time or Job share applications welcomed

About Us

Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell is a local charity that provides advice and information for anyone that lives, works or studies in Epsom and Ewell.

We deliver our service through as many different channels as we can to make sure we are accessible to everyone.  This includes face to face, phone, video conferencing, and email. The role is based in our Epsom office.

About the Role

This post will provide advice via a number of different channels including telephone, outreach and appointments. It is the main point of access for clients and provides a first response on the full range of advice issues including benefits, debt, housing, family and employment.  This adviser role offers great variety, providing holistic advice answering queries and supplementing existing advice, empowering clients to understand and assert their rights.

We are looking for a self-motivated, enthusiastic and organised team player.  No experience of working in the charity sector is needed but the successful candidate will have a keen interest in helping people in need no matter what their background. You will have effective communication skills and an ability to work pro-actively, both individually and within a team, along with being able to demonstrate effective computer literacy.

This is a great opportunity for someone looking to make a difference in people’s lives, supporting some of the most vulnerable people in society and helping them to find a way forward.

Closing date: 13th June 2025

Interview Date: 18th June 2025

Energy Adviser (3 Days/Week – Supporting Vulnerable Communities)
Be the difference. Help people take control of their energy bills, reduce fuel debt, and stay warm and well.

Salary: £16,200 – £19,530 (3 days/week, FTE £27,000 – £32,550) depending on experience

Location: Office based and community outreach

Contract: Part-time (3 days/week)

We’re seeking a compassionate, proactive Energy Adviser to join our team and support households struggling with high energy bills, fuel poverty, and debt. This role goes beyond advice – it’s about empowering individuals and families to take control of their energy use and improve their financial wellbeing.

Whether you're an experienced adviser or someone with the right skills and passion ready to train into the role, we'd love to hear from you. 

What You’ll Do

• Provide one-to-one energy efficiency advice and practical support, tailored to each client’s situation.
• Deliver casework-level support for households facing fuel debt and financial hardship.
• Raise awareness about energy-saving strategies and encourage peer learning in local communities.
• Help vulnerable households prepare for and manage rising energy costs.
• Support clients in identifying and claiming benefits and entitlements to increase their household income.

Why Join Us?

• Make a tangible difference in people’s lives every day
• Work in a flexible, supportive, and purpose-driven environment
• Access ongoing training and development opportunities
• Be part of a team committed to support the community 

How to Apply: 

• Email your CV with a personal statement 
• Application Closing Date: Monday, 9th June 2025 (9 am) 
• Interview Date: TBC

Limehouse Project is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.

Join us at Limehouse Project and be part of a team that is transforming lives!

Title: Advice Services Manager

Responsible to: Operations Manager

Hours: 35 hours per week

Salary: £36,000 - £42,000 FT (depending on experience and qualifications)

Based: Willesden, NW10 2JR; Haringey borough (including Hornsey, N8 9LP) + other locations if required

Contract: Permanent (subject to continuation of funding)

Please Note: DBS check will be required

JOB OVERVIEW

Do you want to work for an organisation that makes a real difference, every day, to people from all walks of life? This is an exciting opportunity for someone already working in an advice role and looking to take the next step in their career to join the Brent Irish Advisory Service (BIAS) as Advice Services Manager.

The Advice Services Manager will take the lead on BIAS’s day-to-day advice services, managing a small team of welfare and housing advice specialists to ensure that we provide the highest-quality service to our clients. You will need to have experience of delivering front-line benefits and/or housing advice, strong people skills and the ability to build good working relationships with staff and clients, along with excellent organisational abilities to ensure that casework and projects are delivered on time.

In 2025, BIAS is expanding its successful Brent-based welfare and housing advice service into Haringey borough. The Advice Services Manager will work closely with the Operations Manager to build and develop the new advice service in Haringey, ensuring that we replicate our excellent quality of service, strong record of positive outcomes and loyal client base.

This role will also involve working with the leadership team to help identify areas for future development and support grant applications and reporting, which will give you the opportunity to have a direct impact on shaping the organisation’s future strategy and direction.

If you are an experienced advice specialist and are looking to step up but don’t have all the skills required, please consider applying as we are willing to consider appointing the right candidate as a training and development role.

KEY WORK AREAS AND MAIN DUTIES

Staff management

• Managing a small advice team, ensuring the quality of the advice provided.
• Providing support, supervision and training to staff on the delivery of advice services, ensuring that appropriate advice is provided and casework deadlines are met.
• Ensuring good teamwork and lines of communication between staff and partner organisations.
• Creating a positive working environment in which equity and diversity are promoted and staff can do their best.

Quality and service delivery

• Leading the welfare advice services in both Brent and Haringey boroughs, and contributing to further expansion.
• Maintaining a small personal caseload (approximately one to two days’ work per week).
• Working with the Operations Manager to ensure that BIAS complies with Advice Quality Standard (AQS) requirements.
• Leading on monitoring service delivery, recording outcomes and ensuring efficient allocation of resources.
• Managing all aspects of risk relating to advice delivery, complaints handling, safeguarding and GDPR.

Operational support

• Working with the leadership team as required on operational matters, including planning, strategy for future development and grant applications and reporting.

These are the basic duties required of the Advice Services Manager. However, it is necessary for all staff to be flexible and you may be required from time to time to perform other reasonable duties which are required for the efficient running of the organisation. We will also offer training opportunities to support your career development.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK. This role will be based in our advice offices in Willesden and Haringey[1] but there may be some options for flexible working (i.e. one or two days per week).

ABOUT BIAS

BIAS is a local charity which has supported England’s largest Irish community in Brent for over forty-five years. We deliver our support through our welfare advice drop-in service, our active ageing clubs and our Be-a-Friend volunteer scheme. We raise over £2 million in extra income for the most vulnerable every year and have over 3000 attendances at our club services. BIAS has exciting plans for further expansion in 2025 and has a range of medium- to long-term grant funding, including from Ireland’s Emigrant Support Programme.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please submit a CV and cover letter. Your cover letter should demonstrate how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for this role (detailed in the PDF job description), with supporting examples.

The deadline for applications is 6th June 2025 but we encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible as interviews may be carried out on a rolling basis.

[1] BIAS is currently running its Haringey advice services from the Hornsey Vale Community Centre, with plans to establish a permanent office in Haringey later in 2025.

Location: Home-based, with occasional travel to Respect’s office at Voluntary Action Islington (VAI), 200A Pentonville Rd, London N1 9JP or other meeting locations including staff meetings twice a year

Responsible to: Head of Helplines

Responsible for: Helplines Advisors and service

Salary: Point 36-39 £38,349.28 - £41,585.25 (a London Allowance of £3,299.00 will be applied to employees who live in London

We are pleased to offer a starting salary at the beginning point of the salary band. This position offers opportunities for salary increases based on performance and tenure. 

Hours: 35 Hours per week; Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm

Job type: Fixed Term Contract until 31st March 2026, with a possibility to extend, subject to funding.  Please note that there are two full time positions avaialble for this role.

Benefits:

• Friendly and collaborative working environment
• Remote working 
• 25 to 30 days holidays per annum plus bank holidays (depending on length of service and pro-rata for part-time employees) 
• Contributory pension scheme including 6% employer’s contribution (subject to employee’s minimum 2% contribution) 
• Enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity pay 
• Occupational sick pay depending on length of service and pro-rata for part-time employees.
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme 
• Access to staff discounts

Closing date: 9th June 2025, 17:00

Interviews to take place: 25th June 2025. These will be held in-person at the VAI address above

About the role:

Respect is seeking two Helplines Team Leaders. You will be the main point of contact for the team of Advisors and provide line management support along with other focused meetings that guide their work with service users.

You will manage concerns raised by Advisors and make decisions on safety actions, and deal with complaints. You will oversee the implementation of a rota system that maximises resource capacity at peak call times to meet high demands. Work collaboratively with partner agencies that deliver programmes of support for both male victims and perpetrators, and set up signposting and referral processes that supports our work.

About you:

• At least two years’ experience of working on complex cases in a multi-agency environment and working with other professionals/agency to manage risk and safeguard vulnerable adults and children 
• An understanding of the root causes of domestic abuse, both individually and societal, and its effects on victims, in particular male victims 
• An understanding of the help-seeking barriers for male victims of domestic abuse 
• Ability to lead a team using motivational strategies that inspire and create a positive working atmosphere
• A commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and an approach that centres survivors, in particular Black and minoritised survivors.

About Respect 

Respect is a pioneering UK membership organisation in the domestic abuse sector.  Founded in 2000, we have built our expertise over the last 25 years in what was then a fledgling sector and recently have seen significant and rapid growth.

How to apply 

You must download an application form from Respect's job page, and submit to our Operations Department in word doc. format only, please. 

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact our HR Team directly.

Closing date: 9th June 2025, 17:00

Interviews to take place: 25th June 2025. These will be held in-person at the VAI address above
 

If you are committed to reducing poverty in our communities, excited by our vision and ethos, and keen to use your debt advice experience to support those most in need, we would love you to consider applying for this role – it could be the best decision you ever make! 

The primary purpose of this role is to provide debt advice and money education on a case management basis and to support the provision of advice by volunteers. The post holder will be expected to manage their own cases and lead appointment sessions.

Ideally we are looking for someone with prior debt or social welfare experience, and who has experience of working with and supporting volunteers. However we will also consider employing someone as a trainee adviser if you are able to demonstrate that you possess the skills, maturity and determination to become proficient in this role. 

The role will be based in one of our branches in west London, but hybrid and remote options will be considered for the right candidate.

Crosslight Advice offers a comprehensive range of benefits to employees including access to a Health Cash Back Plan and EAP and is committed to offering comprehensive learning and development opportunities. Full and part time working options will be considered.

To find out more please see our Job Pack attached.

We are currently seeking a HR Business Partner to join us at Battersea. This role business partners with our Operations, Intake & Rehoming, Volunteering, Animal Welfare and Clinic teams. The postholder will build collaborative relationships with leaders and managers to drive change and create positive impact for teams and individuals through a range of people practices and interventions.

The role of the HRBP is to critically question information and evaluate it to make judgements and decisions that mitigate people risks. We are looking for someone to consistently role model professional principles, behaviours and values, collaborating with colleagues and providing insights and guidance to co-create solutions that help business areas to achieve their plans and positively impact on the employee experience.

What we can offer you:

In return for your commitment to our cause and to recognise the value of our employees, Battersea offers a range of benefits to support the wellbeing of our employees. These include:

• 28 days of annual leave (plus 8 days paid public holidays) per year
• Discounted gym memberships and cycle to work schemes
• Employee Assistance Programme and access to Wellbeing Resources.
• Generous pension contributions – up to 10% employer contribution
• Free healthcare cash plan, where you can claim for a range of treatment including dental, optical, physiotherapy, chiropody and acupuncture every year.
• Annual interest-free season ticket loans

We are also committed to providing learning and development to our employees. During your time with us, we provide support for your professional and career development, including access to digital and in-person training programmes, leadership and management training, mentoring and much more.

Our hybrid working model:

We operate a 50% onsite hybrid working model, with our office-based staff splitting their time between site based and home working. This enables our office-based staff to balance the benefits of home working with onsite collaboration and maintaining a connection to our cause.

Diversity and inclusion:

We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive experience for all staff, volunteers and trustees and those hoping to join us. We operate an anonymised shortlisting process and actively seek to ensure our process is fair and equitable for all.

We understand the value of diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences to help us deliver even more for our dogs and cats, and we welcome applicants from all sections of the community.

As a Disability Confident Committed Employer we will ask about any adjustments you may need at application and/or interview stage, and if you are offered a role with us, we’ll talk to you about any workplace adjustments you may need to help you perform at your best.

More about us:

At Battersea, we aim to never turn away a dog or cat in need of help. We give each one lots of love, expert care and get to know their characters and quirks so we can find them a new home that’s just right for them. Join us and help us be here for every dog and cat, wherever they are, for as long as they need us.

Closing date: 23rd May 2025
Interview date(s): w/c 2nd June 2025

All applications must be submitted before the closing date advertised. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received.

About SPANA

SPANA is the global charity for the working animals of the world. Since our foundation in 1923, we have worked where they work, to support the welfare of working animals, including horses, donkeys, mules, oxen, dogs and camels.This is an exciting time to join us, as we grow and expand our global programmatic work and team.   

About this role

SPANA’s mission is to transform the welfare of working animals in a world where animals, people and the environment are respected and thrive. 

The Head of Community Engagement, SBCC and Education holds a key leadership position in delivering our mission—ensuring our global partners implement high-quality, evidence-based programmes that foster meaningful community engagement, promote effective learning and drive lasting behaviour change. 

This role provides strategic and technical leadership across SPANA’s work in community engagement, education and Social Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC), ensuring that all interventions are contextually relevant, grounded in best practice and aligned with SPANA’s 2023–2027 strategy.  

The postholder will shape the direction of these critical programme areas, support capacity strengthening across our partner network and ensure measurable contributions to SPANA’s strategic objectives and key performance indicators

Salary, contract and location

This is a full-time (34.5 hours per week) permanent role. This role is hybrid UK based, with regular attendance (approximately 1-2 times per month) in our London office. The salary for this role is approximately £55,000-£60,000, dependent on expereiunce. SPANA is also pleased to offer employees benefits including a generous company pension scheme and health care cash plan. 

Further details and how to apply

Please review the job description for full details. To apply, please email a CV and cover letter outlining how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role. Applicants must have the current right to work in the UK.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling deadline until the role is filled. 

Hours: 14hpw (2 days/week)

Salary: £28,830–£34,110 FTE / £11,532–£13,644 actual (depending on experience)

Fixed-term to 31 March 2026 | Hybrid working (on-site required)

Do you want to play a vital role supporting the wellbeing of NHS staff and their families?

Citizens Advice Camden is looking for a Generalist Adviser (or Trainee Generalist Adviser) to deliver a dedicated advice service to hospital workers at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

As the adviser delivering this particular service, you’ll provide one-to-one advice and casework on a range of issues, from housing and benefits to debt and employment, helping staff navigate the real-world pressures they face. You’ll be based within the hospital's staff support environment and work alongside other Citizens Advice advisers delivering a separate service.

Whether you’re an experienced adviser or looking to train, we’ll support your development with supervision and access to the full Citizens Advice training programme. You will  manage your own caseload, shape how the service is delivered, and build strong links with hospital staff and departments.

What we offer:

• A meaningful role supporting frontline NHS staff and their families
• Training and progression as a Citizens Advice adviser (if not yet qualified)
• A flexible, hybrid working pattern with a regular on-site presence at GOSH
• Supportive supervision and access to the wider Citizens Advice Camden team

This is a part-time, 2-day-a-week role based at Great Ormond Street Hospital in central London. The service is well-established and valued by the hospital. You will need to meet the criteria for honorary staff status at GOSH, including an enhanced DBS check.

If you’re empathetic, organised, and committed to delivering impactful advice, we’d love to hear from you.

For further details and how to apply please click on the apply button.

Closing date: Monday 2 June

Independent Age is the national charity focused on improving the lives of people facing financial hardship in later life. We believe no one should face financial hardship in later life. 

Our Helpline and expert advisers offer free, practical support to older people without enough money to live on. Through our grants programme, we support hundreds of local organisations working with older people across the UK.

We use the knowledge and insight gained from our support services and partnerships to highlight the issues experienced by older people in poverty and campaign for change.

We would love to find individuals from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds to join us on this journey. 

Responsibilities and Person Specification: 

This role requires a proactive and results-oriented individual to provide expert marketing support across a range of projects and initiatives. The successful candidate will possess a strong understanding of marketing principles and best practices, with a particular focus on service marketing. 

Key responsibilities will include providing marketing advice and guidance to internal and external stakeholders, resolving marketing challenges effectively and efficiently, and selecting the most appropriate marketing techniques to achieve desired outcomes. 

The postholder will lead on various marketing projects, build strong relationships with key stakeholders, and collaborate effectively with both internal and external partners, including marketing service suppliers and external organizations.

You should possess a proven track record of success within a fast-paced marketing environment with relevant experience in successfully implementing innovative marketing campaigns across both digital and traditional channels is essential. 

We require someone with proven experience in coordinating innovative marketing campaigns to effectively engage service users, build communities, and achieve desired outcomes across various channels and media is crucial. 

A thorough understanding of relevant marketing legislation and regulations is essential. 

For full details on the role and requirements, please review the job description and person specification.  If your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all of the criteria in the person specification but you do meet most of them and are excited about the role, we encourage you to apply anyway.

This is a full-time role, 35 hours per week, which you can choose to work over five days or a 9 day fortnight. It is a maternity cover role of up to 8 months.

What it’s like to work at Independent Age: 

We celebrate diversity at Independent Age and champion the differences that make each of us unique. We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. We aim to attract and retain a wide range of talent and create an environment where everyone can feel safe, protected, welcome and included.

We offer great benefits including 28 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme with life assurance, and fantastic learning and development opportunities. We also offer a number of enhanced leave provisions and benefits. 

We know that a good work life balance helps us perform at our best and supports wellbeing. Flexible working hours and hybrid working is standard for all (those contracted to work in the office usually attend 1 day per week). But if you need a different form of flexibility, we are always happy to talk flexible working.

You can find out more about what it’s like to work at Independent Age on the careers page of our website. 

Application Process: 

To apply, please submit a CV and a Supporting Statement, detailing how your skills and experience meet the criteria within the Job Description and Person Specification, by visiting our jobs website (please do not hesitate to contact us if you have specific requirements and need support to apply in an alternative format). 

To support our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion our hiring managers use anonymous shortlisting. Therefore, please do not include your name, photo, or information to indicate your gender or age in your CV and supporting statement. Please do not omit dates of employment. Please ensure the title of any uploads does not contain your name.

Independent Age is committed to safeguarding and follows Safer Recruitment practices to ensure we are safeguarding those we work with. We therefore ask that you supply your full work history with explanations for any gaps in the application documents you submit and, if offered the post, we will require two employment references including your current or most recent employer. A Basic DBS Certificate will be required for this role. 

Closing Date: Sunday 1st June at 11:59pm 

Salary: £65,000 FTE (£55,714 - £65,000 depending on working hours)
Working hours: Flexible - 30-35 hours/week - This role is being offered for between 30 and 35 hours per week. We’re open to discussing how those hours are distributed across the week and can accommodate school hours, early starts, or condensed days where possible.
Department: Human Resources
Number of posts needed: 1
Location: Hybrid - at least 2 days/week in Toynbee Hall office 
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday (flexible)
Reporting to: Chief Operations Officer
Contract: Permanent
Application Closing Date: 9 June 2025 

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications from suitably qualified candidates. Early application is encouraged. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis, and we encourage early applications, as the vacancy may close ahead of the stated deadline due to high volumes of interest.

At Toynbee Hall, our HR Team supports our most important asset – our people. We are committed to delivering a high-quality, inclusive HR service and to exploring new ideas and perspectives so we can grow and develop the function together. 

The HR Team supports colleagues throughout the employee lifecycle – from recruitment and onboarding to people development – ensuring that every experience at work is a positive one. Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do, and we are dedicated to fostering a workplace culture that reflects our values and where everyone feels respected, valued, and able to thrive.

Scope of role

The Head of People and Culture is a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT), responsible for leading and embedding a strategic and inclusive People function that supports Toynbee Hall’s purpose, values, and vision for a fairer and more equitable society. This role will shape and champion a workplace culture that is people-first, values-driven, and committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (EDIB).
The Head provides strategic and operational direction and hands-on leadership to ensure every colleague’s experience at Toynbee Hall is supportive, developmental, and empowering.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities

Strategic Leadership

• Co-create and implement a progressive People Strategy aligned with Toynbee Hall’s organisational goals and values, with a strong focus on equity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Lead the development of measurable KPIs and outcomes to evaluate progress in people and
  culture initiatives.
• Partner with SMT and staff to embed a co-produced EDIB strategy, including a clear statement of intent, inclusive action plan, and transparent reporting processes.
• Act as a cultural ambassador, promoting practices and policies that reinforce a positive, inclusive, and purpose-driven working environment.

HR Operations

• Deliver a high-quality, person-centred HR service, with clear, accessible, and values-aligned policies and processes.
• Ensure policies are inclusive, legally compliant, and regularly reviewed—covering remuneration, flexible working, wellbeing, performance, and development.
• Oversee a fair and inclusive recruitment and resourcing process that reflects our commitment to equity and community.
• Lead performance management practices that are developmental, supportive, and reflective of individual and team contributions.
• Maintain robust, GDPR-compliant employee records and HR systems.
• Oversee compliance in employment checks, safeguarding requirements (including DBS), and risk management procedures.
• Lead the HR team with all case work on a weekly basis to review and guide on case load.Take on complex HR case work with the support of the COO and HR consultants/Advisors.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Engagement & Culture

• Be a visible leader in embedding a culture of inclusion, care, and psychological safety across the organisation.
• Champion well-being and engagement initiatives that reflect the diverse needs of our people and foster belonging.
• Co-lead EDIB learning and development opportunities for staff, ensuring ongoing reflection, growth, and dialogue.
• Review and promote equitable pay, terms, and recognition practices in line with our values and commitment to fairness.
• Work closely with managers to foster inclusive leadership and team cultures through coaching and support.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead, coach, and support direct reports and the broader organisation in creating a high-performing, values-led People function.
• Promote a culture of learning, empowerment, and proactivity within the People team and across all departments.
• Create and deliver a meaningful annual work plan aligned with strategic priorities and cultural aspirations.

Senior Leadership Responsibilities

• Contribute actively to SMT discussions and organisational decision-making, ensuring People considerations are central to planning and implementation.
• Collaborate with the COO and CE on organisational performance, people data, and budget alignment.
• Build strong cross-organisational relationships to support change management and continuous
  improvement.
• Communicate openly and regularly with staff and stakeholders about People-related developments and opportunities.

Safeguarding, Risk, and Wellbeing

• Ensure all People-led activities are risk assessed and comply with health, safety, and safeguarding requirements.
• Promote a culture of care and responsibility, supporting psychological and physical safety across the organisation.
• Ensure systems are in place for reporting incidents and learning from them.

Finance and Payroll

• Work collaboratively with the finance team to ensure payroll is updated and released on time each month.
• Support with the Year End Audit requirements that relate to staffing.
• Overall responsibility of the HR function budget including training and resources.

What You’ll Bring

• A commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice in every aspect of your work.
• Significant experience in senior HR/People leadership roles, ideally within a mission-led or community-focused organisation.
• A deep understanding of inclusive and trauma-informed HR practices.
• Excellent people leadership and coaching skills, with a strong focus on collaboration, development, and wellbeing.
• Up-to-date knowledge of employment law, HR best practice, and change management.
• Experience working with Trade Unions and employee voice mechanisms.

Additional Information 

• We are in the process of reviewing the HR function and you will be leading on the implementation of this to ensure that the team is working with inclusive strategies, as well as ensuring that we can best support the organisation with the needed support in a timely and efficient manner.
• Toynbee Hall are in the process of reviewing the pay banding and scales and this will be a part of your role to implement the changes and work closely with the finance team to achieve this.

Essential Criteria:

• Very good knowledge of UK employment regulation and HR practices.
• Experience of advising, coaching and challenging senior staff when needed
• Significant practical experience in delivering human resources functions /activities
• An excellent understanding of and commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion and proven experience of implementing successful EDI strategies and plans.
• That they are proactive in spotting challenges and offering solutions
• Excellent organisation, time and project management skills with demonstrable experience of combining effective operational delivery and strategic work.
• Effective in setting out and delivering against plans; and reporting against objectives.
• First rate communication skills; able to relate to and work alongside colleagues at all levels in the organisation, with the ability to explain technical issues to non-HR colleagues, reinforce difficult messaging when needed, and to coach and support managers.
• Good written English with proven ability to write policies, complex correspondence and business reports.
• Emotionally Intelligent, transparent, principled.
• Ability to work independently but also be champion of collaborative working
• Attention to detail and thorough review of HR related documents
• An understanding of safeguarding and safer recruitment
• Alignment with Toynbee Hall’s mission and strategy
• HR related qualification (CIPD level 5) / Degree in HR
• Ability to present HR data/ analytics to SMT and Trustee with thorough evidence and clear decision-making information

Alignment and willingness to work in line to our values

• Inclusive - open-minded, transparent, convening and collaborative; seeking fresh and alternative perspectives.
• Courageous – principled, ambitious and acting with integrity.
• Empowering – shifting power, sharing our knowledge, enabling people to take action for themselves

Please download the full Job Description for more details.

Our Benefits Package

We believe in supporting our employees with a well-rounded benefits package designed to enhance work-life balance, financial security, and overall well-being.

Annual Leave

• 25 days of annual leave, plus 3 additional days for our Christmas shutdown (on top of bank holidays).
• After 2 years: +3 extra days of leave.
• After 3 years: +1 additional day.
• After 5 years: A total of 30 days annual leave, plus the 3-day Christmas shutdown.

Pension

• Standard Life Pension Scheme – Employer contribution: 4%, Employee contribution: 5%

Additional Perks & Support

• Enhanced Sick Pay for peace of mind during illness
• Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Leave to support growing families
• Employee Eyecare Vouchers to support your vision health
• Employee Assistance Programme for free, confidential advice and support
• Mental Health First Aid to ensure workplace well-being
• Tenancy Deposit Scheme to help secure your home
• Interest-Free Season Ticket Loan for cost-effective commuting
• Cycle to Work Scheme to promote a healthier, greener way to travel
• Charity Mentoring Network to support professional development and networking

We’re committed to creating a supportive and rewarding work environment, because when our team thrives, we all succeed!

About Toynbee Hall

Based in the East End of London since 1884, Toynbee Hall is a charity working alongside people facing poverty, injustice, and inequality to build a fairer East London. We provide vital advice and support, working in partnership to tackle unfairness and ensure everyone has an equal chance to thrive.

We have recently launched a new strategic plan which reinforces that our purpose is to build a fairer future with an end to poverty, injustice and inequality.

We work towards this by:

• Addressing poverty and injustice through advice and support and influencing systemic change.
• Shifting power to people and communities affected by injustice and inequality.
• Collaborating to end poverty and build fairer systems and institutions. What we want to see in the world starts with our community and our organisation.

This means:

• Working together to build a thriving local community where people have the resources they need, feel their voices are heard and are optimistic about the future.
• Being a good employer, where people are treated fairly, feel engaged and empowered, and work together to achieve our shared vision.
• Acknowledging the role Toynbee Hall has historically played in civic society while recognising that our role now is to shift power, to be an effective partner, and to amplify voices that are less likely to be heard.

What we learn from our work in east London we use to inform and influence wider policy – working to influence change in structures, systems and policies.