415 Welfare benefits jobs

We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Night Support Worker to join our Learning Disabilities Service located in Tower Hamlets. No personal care or experience required, just the right values.

£15,392.00 per annum, working 20 hours per week.

Want to feel in control of your career? 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
A generous pension - we will contribute up to 8% and life assurance cover up to 3x Pensionable Salary (T&Cs apply)
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
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.

Night Support Workers enable people with particular needs to manage their tenancies and live independent lives of their choosing in the community. Night Support Workers are responsible for ensuring continuity of a support service at night and for keeping customers and the building safe.

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 and creating a positive atmosphere

Working proactively with other members of the team to handle the service caseload and administrative responsibilities
Conducting key work sessions as required, 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'
Providing support with daily living activities, including practical assistance to support customers to independent living e.g. budgeting, cooking, establishing a night time routine
Supporting customers to maintain a healthy environment and where appropriate assisting them to clean their accommodation and maintain good personal hygiene
Assisting in the recording and reporting of customer incidents
Managing customer referrals, completing assessments and obtaining and maintaining all relevant paperwork
Developing productive relationships with partner organisations to improve service outcomes

About you:

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

What you'll bring:

Essential:

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

About us:

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

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

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

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

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 the full job description on our website

Corporate and Community Fundraising Executive
Up to £30,000 per annum + excellent benefits

Leatherhead, Surrey

About the role:

We are looking to appoint a Corporate and Community Fundraising Executive who will be responsible for developing relationships and stewarding supporters, with a particular focus on community organisations and individual fundraisers. 

The post holder will take the lead on managing the community fundraising programme whilst working with the wider team to support corporate fundraising events as well as providing account management to some regional businesses. 

Working collaboratively towards a “one team one target” the post holder will build and maintain the pipeline by identifying new funding opportunities, attend meetings with potential supporters and complete written applications

What we’re looking for: 

• People-oriented and outgoing – you are naturally warm with a sincere appreciation for people and how they are each uniquely motivated.
• A motivating, empathetic and persuasive communicator – you will enjoy building relationships within the community, inspiring individuals, groups and organisations to support our work, and delivering engaging presentations and conversations that generate fundraising income.
• Friendly, enthusiastic and socially-focused – you quickly connect with others and build effective working relationships. An ability to empathise with donors and communicate effectively about our work with children and families, and our strategy, is key.
• Knowledge of the principles that underpin good customer care, and competent in charity law as it applies to fundraising – you adhere to established guidelines, policies and procedures, and provide outstanding account management. 
• You thrive working at a faster-than-average pace on multiple priorities simultaneously – results-oriented and a fast learner, you respond quickly to pressure and a changing environment.
• Confident use of MS Office and experience of using a CRM database – you have strong attention to detail, are comfortable working with data, and produce high quality accurate work.
• Applications will be particularly welcome from those who have experience of working for a fundraising charity 

Why join us?

We’re proud to be a Two-Star Best Companies Top 50 mid-sized organisation and a Top 10 Charity, and we’re committed to creating a great place to work. You will benefit from:

• Pension scheme where we contribute 5% of your salary and you contribute at least 3%.
• A life assurance scheme for all employees which provides a death in service benefit of three times’ basic pay.
• Flexible working hours to balance home and working life.
• 25 days of annual leave plus public holidays – rising to 26 days after 1 year, 27 days after 5 years and 30 days after 11 years, with an additional 5 days to use in your 10th or 20th year of service (pro rata for part time).
• The option to buy/sell annual leave, as well as additional leave for your birthday, wedding/civil ceremony and an extra half day off for Christmas shopping.
• Time off in Lieu.
• Employee Assistance Programme with access to remote GP, counselling, physiotherapy, resources to support your mental health and financial wellbeing, as well as a 24/7 helpline via Help@Hand.
• Family friendly policies, focused on employee wellbeing, and an active cross-organisational wellbeing group running a number of initiatives throughout the year.
• Access to the Blue Light Card Scheme, and other rewards and discounts.
• Bike to work, season ticket loan and payroll giving schemes.
• A recommend a friend recruitment bonus scheme.
• Robust training and development programmes to support your learning and growth

If you’d like to find out more about these benefits and working with us, please visit our website

About us:

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity enables families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness to make the most of time together, providing expert, practical and emotional support, where they need it for as long as it is needed. For families living with childhood illness, time is everything. Right now, there are too many families coping alone with no support, no time to think, no time to make memories and no time for each other. We believe that no family should go through this alone, so we are here to change that.

Apply now:

To apply please send your CV and Covering letter to us via the link.

Closing date: 30 September 2026

Interview dates to be confirmed

Your covering letter should highlight why your application should be considered above others and clearly state how your experience matches the essential criteria outlined in the Person Specification.

For a full job description and person specification visit our website

Please disclose in your covering letter if you have used AI for any part of your job application.

Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early.

Interviews will take place at our Head Office in Leatherhead. We will only contact those applicants who have been successful. If you require any adjustments during the interview process, please let us know.

An enhanced DBS disclosure will be required for this post.

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

Rainbow Trust is an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all backgrounds.

We have an exciting opportunity for Helpline Advisors to join the growing National Contact Centre team in Cardiff, working 37.5 hours a week over a 24/7 rota. These positions are offered on a fixed term basis until 1 October 2027.

Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change & improvement for those who need it?

Do you have resilience & adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on customer service and care? If yes, then we'd love to hear from you…

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

This role is based at our National Contact Centre in Cardiff. There will be an initial induction period that will run Monday to Friday 9am-5pm for a 4 week period. After successfully completing your induction, you will move to your fixed rota hours.

As a Helpline Adviser you will:

• Able to respond to victims of and those affected by crime by providing emotional support, information and referrals on to Victim Support services and other agencies
• Providing immediate support, advice and trauma first aid referrals to victims of and those affected by major incidents and terrorism.
• Seamlessly working across multiple services with different processes, procedures and recording mechanisms.
• Managing and responding appropriately to competing priorities, services and needs.
• Responsible for taking disclosures and responding appropriately by either escalating the safeguarding concern to the 'Designated Safeguarding Officer' or to respond immediately to life threatening situations.

You will need:

• Experience of working in challenging and changing environments with the emphasis on excellence in service delivery.
• Experience of organising and prioritising a complex workload.
• The ability to deal sensitively with challenging and emotionally charged situations, demonstrate empathy and control own emotions.
• The ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in written form, including telephone skills
• Knowledge and understanding of:
• Relevant agencies and resources
• Importance of confidentiality and safe working practice
• Diversity issues and principles
• The impact of crime

Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

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.

Role: Trust and Statutory Fundraising Manager

Salary: £40000 to £43000 per annum (DoE) + benefits

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Location: Cheadle Hulme, SK8 6RQ

Type: Permanent, Full Time - 37.5 hours per week

About Us

Originally founded in 1823, Seashell Trust is a nationally recognised and registered charity based in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport. The Trust comprises of the Royal School Manchester, the Royal College Manchester, 17 bespoke Residential Care Homes, Outreach Health and Family Services. We provide expert Residential care and Education for children and young people with severe, profound, and complex learning difficulties and disabilities, sensory impairments, communication disorders and autism. Our fantastic services are based all on one-site, which deepens our sense of community for our children and young people and the wider Seashell team

The Role

Were hiring for a Trust and Statutory Fundraising manager to join us at Seashell to lead on the trust and foundations fundraising strategy for the charity, driving increased income for capital redevelopment projects and day to day revenue fundraising. They will extend the portfolio of high profile, grant-making trusts and foundations that support the charity along with securing significant funds from statutory funders such as government, Lottery and Sports England.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on trust and statutory fundraising, developing and delivering the strategy for both capital and revenue fundraising to drive increased restricted and unrestricted income.
• Set trust and statutory income targets and oversee income forecasting for capital and revenue, keeping the Head of Fundraising abreast of performance against target.
• Lead on developing and overseeing due diligence procedures for trust, statutory and major donor prospects to ensure staff follow due process.
• Share project information, budgets and statistics gathered for appeals with the wider fundraising and marketing team.
• Work with the Data Officer to ensure the database is maintained with accurate and consistent donor and prospect information in line with GDPR and related legislation

Requirements

• Extensive experience in a trust fundraising role in the charity sector and the process behind it.
• A demonstrable track record of income generation through personally securing six and seven figure gifts from grant-making trusts, foundations and statutory sources
• Experience of leading and delivering effective and practical fundraising strategies to include target setting, forecasting and income reporting
• An ability to think and act strategically to move forward complex donor relationships, understanding their needs and what motivates them
• Experience of working with and influencing senior leaders and peers within an organisation

Benefits

• Detailed 2-week induction programme for all new employees
• Access to our on-site inclusive gym, fitness classes and swimming pool
• Blue light discount scheme
• Benenden Health Care Membership – access to 24/7 GP, physiotherapy, medical treatments, mental health support including counselling service, cancer support, care planning and social care advice
• Access to a wide range of vocational programmes to support you in your job role
• Life Assurance (3x Annual base salary) subject to terms and conditions
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free on-site parking
• Paid Enhanced DBS

About Recruitment at Seashell

Our vision is for the children and young people in our care to be safe, happy and to achieve the best possible outcomes so that they are valued and valuable members of their communities.

Our Core Values are represented within the three ‘I’s’ – Integrity, Innovation, and Involvement. We value diversity and are committed to equal opportunities.

Disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria on the person specification will be guaranteed an interview. We are an inclusive employer and welcome all applications.

This charity is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We provide an environment that is safeguarded and as part of our safer recruitment policy, the successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and full references will be taken.

At Yeldall Manor, we have been helping men overcome drug and alcohol addiction for over 50 years through our residential rehabilitation programme and Christian recovery community. We believe that lasting recovery is possible and are committed to supporting individuals to rebuild their lives, restore relationships and discover renewed hope and purpose. 

We are looking for a committed Christian to join our Recovery Coordination Team as a Recovery Officer. This is a rewarding and varied role at the heart of our recovery programme, providing practical, emotional and spiritual support to men seeking freedom from addiction. 

As a Recovery Officer, you will act as a keyworker for residents, helping them navigate their recovery journey, achieve personal goals and overcome challenges along the way. You will work closely with residents, colleagues, families, commissioners and external agencies to coordinate support and ensure each individual receives the care they need to thrive. 

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about recovery, enjoys building meaningful relationships and wants to make a genuine difference in people's lives every day.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising to 30 days after 3 years' service. 
• Company pension. 
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Death in service benefit. 
• Meals provided whilst on site. 
• Ongoing training and development opportunities. 
• Supportive supervision and appraisal process.

What will you do?

• Act as a keyworker, providing personalised support to assigned residents. 
• Develop, monitor and review care plans and risk assessments.
• Support residents in achieving programme goals and progressing through the stages of recovery. 
• Conduct resident inductions and provide ongoing guidance and encouragement.
• Coordinate move-on planning and support residents to prepare for independent living.
• Liaise with families, support networks and partner agencies. 
• Work closely with healthcare professionals, probation services, local authorities and other stakeholders. 
• Monitor resident wellbeing, behaviour and engagement with the programme. 
• Carry out drug and alcohol testing, room searches and other safeguarding responsibilities in line with policy. 
• Dispense medication following training and competency assessment. 
• Contribute to resident reviews, reports and multi-agency meetings. 
• Support admissions by conducting assessments and interviews with prospective residents. 
• Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with data protection requirements. 
• Participate in the Christian life of the organisation, including prayer meetings, fellowship gatherings and celebrations. 

What are we looking for?

• Experience working with vulnerable adults, addiction recovery, rehabilitation, social care, housing or related services.
• Understanding of the challenges faced by people recovering from addiction.
• Strong organisational, administration and record-keeping skills. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Ability to build positive, professional relationships with residents and external agencies. 
• Experience of care planning, risk assessment or keyworking is desirable.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team. 
• Good boundaries, conflict management and problem-solving skills.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and case management systems. 
• Full UK driving licence. 
• Demonstrated commitment to the Christian faith, ability to encourage others in their faith and able to support the Yeldall Basis of Faith, Ethos Statement and values. 

About You

You will be someone who genuinely enjoys helping people grow, overcome challenges and achieve lasting change. You will be compassionate and resilient, able to support residents through difficult situations while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.

You will be organised, adaptable and comfortable working in a dynamic residential environment where no two days are the same. Most importantly, you will be passionate about seeing lives transformed and committed to supporting men as they rebuild their lives free from addiction.

We welcome applications from people in recovery who can demonstrate appropriate stability and readiness for the responsibilities of the role.

As a Christian charity, we bring our faith to the work we do and the men we work with, so you will be someone with a deep-rooted Christian faith, able to inspire others in their faith journeys, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit in all key decisions.

Our Christian Ethos

Yeldall Manor is a Christian faith-based charity and recovery community. We welcome applications from people who are committed to our Christian ethos and values and who are willing to actively contribute to the Christian life of the organisation. 

Safeguarding

Yeldall Manor is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults. The successful applicant will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check including a check against the Adults' Barred List due to the nature of the role.

About Yeldall Manor

For over five decades, Yeldall Manor has supported men seeking freedom from addiction through a structured residential rehabilitation programme, therapeutic support, work-based activities and Christian community life. We are passionate about seeing lives transformed and are looking for people who share our commitment to recovery, compassion and hope. 

This is more than a job. It's an opportunity to walk alongside people at one of the most important moments of their lives and help them discover a future filled with hope, purpose and lasting recovery.

Help Shape a Brighter Future for Bedford

Do you have the vision to turn great ideas into impactful programmes? Are you committed to creating opportunities for children and young people, and helping communities to thrive?

The Harpur Trust is a charitable organisation that operates four leading independent schools, delivers a substantial community grants programme and sponsors the Heart Academies Trust. With more than 1,200 employees, we invest in education, community development and initiatives that improve life chances across Bedford Borough.

We are also a founding partner and host of Bedford Giving, a movement of businesses, charities and other partners, who have all come together to form Bedford Giving to help create a brighter future for the next generation in Bedford.

We're looking for a dynamic Programmes and Grants Manager to play a central role in delivering these missions. This is a unique opportunity to join a respected local charity and help shape the future of Bedford Giving.

About the Role

As Programmes and Grants Manager, you will lead the development, commissioning and management of high-impact programmes and partnerships across The Harpur Trust and Bedford Giving.

You'll take ideas from concept to delivery, identifying community needs, researching solutions, commissioning services, managing partnerships and ensuring programmes achieve meaningful outcomes.

This is a varied and rewarding role combining strategy, programme development, stakeholder engagement, grant-making and contract management.

You'll work closely with senior leaders, trustees, community organisations and delivery partners, helping to ensure that every pound invested delivers maximum impact.

About You

We're looking for someone who combines strong project or programme management skills with a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for children, young people and communities.

You will bring:

• Experience of programme development, commissioning, grant-making or service delivery within the charitable, public or voluntary sector.

• Strong project and contract management skills.

• Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder engagement abilities.

• Confidence managing multiple priorities and delivering work to a high standard.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• A proactive, solutions-focused approach and a willingness to take initiative.

• A passion for creating positive social impact.

Why Join Us?

At The Harpur Trust, you'll be part of an organisation with a long history of investing in people and communities.

In return, we offer:

• A competitive salary up to £40,000.

• The opportunity to influence programmes that improve lives across Bedford.

• A supportive and collaborative working environment.

• Professional development and learning opportunities.

• Generous pension and employee benefits.

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements where appropriate.

• The chance to work with inspiring partners across the charity, education and community sectors.

Interested?

Find out more by viewing the full job description and click on apply to find out where to send your CV and covering letter.

We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Support Worker to join our Learning disabilities Social Care Service in Tower Hamlets.

£30,784.00 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
* A generous pension - we will contribute up to 8% and life assurance cover up to 3x Pensionable Salary (T&Cs apply)
* 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
* Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
* Free DBS
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

Support Workers are responsible for the customer's emotional, psychological wellbeing as well as providing support to help them develop the life skills they require to meet the assessed needs.

What you'll do:
Behaviour Analysis:
- You are liable to observing and monitoring the customer's behaviours, the duration, the intensity, and the damage, as well as factors that may alleviate or trigger the behaviour
- You understand and collaborate with the different support organizations accessible in the community
- You will have ability and skill to present and feedback to other professionals in a formal setting
- Reports possible cases of abuse, neglect or endangerment appropriately

Other Responsibilities:
- If a need arises, deliver all aspects of support to enable a customer to develop independent living skills as appropriate to the individual needs of the customer. In some services, this will include delivering personal and physical care as appropriate
- 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
- Participate in the support planning and risk management, as facilitated by the lead Support Worker.
- Carry out security duties to ensure the safety of the customers and premises
- Enable customers to make full use of community facilities by providing support as directed
- Carry out support duties to enable customers to integrate into the community including e.g. accompanying the customer to attend benefit agency appointments and meetings, go shopping, to enquire at colleges about possible courses, to visit various public amenities

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

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

What you'll bring:
Essential:
- NVQ Level 2 or equivalent

Desirable:
 Experience with PBS Approach

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

About The Refugee Council

The Refugee Council is the nation’s refugee charity. Together with community groups, partners and volunteers, we help people who have escaped war and persecution to rebuild their lives, integrate into communities, and play their part in Britain. Born in the aftermath of World War II, our frontline services support over 14,000 refugees each year to find safety, get to know their neighbours, and enter education, training or work. We share our evidence and expertise with policymakers to help build integrated communities where everyone can contribute. 

We have offices across the UK where our Services teams provide support to refugees at the local level.

Inclusion and Accessibility

Ensuring that the Refugee Council is an inclusive and accessible place to work is important to us. We want to enable people from different backgrounds to apply and thrive with us. We believe our recruitment process enables that and are also happy to make adjustments on request.

Our Values

Our values underpin everything we do: 

• Inclusive: We are inclusive. We work with – not for – refugees and people seeking asylum so they have an equal voice, co-producing projects and ensuring their expertise and experiences are at the heart of what we do.
• Collaborative: We are collaborative. Working with others is a priority in order to have the collective impact that is vital to achieve policy and practice reform. 
• Courageous: We speak out when we see injustice, cruelty and unfairness. We always stand up for what we believe is the right thing to do to transform the experiences of those seeking protection in our country. 
• Respectful: We are respectful of all those we interact with. We treat everyone – our staff, volunteers, beneficiaries, partners and people we disagree with – with the same respect, professionalism and understanding.

About the Role

The Safeguarding, Risk & Incidents Manager leads the operational delivery of Refugee Council's safeguarding, incidents, complaints, risk and data protection functions, ensuring concerns are managed effectively, risks are identified and mitigated, and robust processes are in place to support safe, compliant and high-quality services. The postholder identifies learning arising from safeguarding, incidents, complaints and risk, working closely with the Head of Quality Improvement, Safeguarding & Risk and the Quality Improvement Manager to ensure it informs organisational improvement.

Staff Benefits

To reward our staff for the value they bring, we offer a variety of enhanced terms and conditions and a wide range of benefits, including:

• Training & Development
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Pension Scheme
• Work/Life Balance Policies
• Employer-Sponsored Volunteering
• And more.

Let’s work together to improve the lives of refugees in the UK – apply on our website today.

Closing date: 17 September 2026.

We encourage early applications as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications.

Ensuring that the Refugee Council is an inclusive and accessible place to work is important to us. We want to enable people from different backgrounds to apply and thrive with us. We believe our recruitment process enables that and are also happy to make adjustments on request.

What are we looking for?

Are you a confident relationship-builder who can spot potential in a conversation and inspire businesses to support a local cause? We are looking for a creative and results-focused Business Development Executive who understands what motivates businesses and can build mutually beneficial partnerships. You will develop new business, build relationships with prospective partners and create tailored opportunities that generate income and wider support for St. Michael’s Hospice, while helping existing corporate supporters deepen their involvement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Be an active and visible presence within the local business community, building new relationships through purposeful networking, meetings and consistent follow-up.
• Research and approach prospective corporate partners, identify shared opportunities and develop a strong pipeline of new business.
• Secure new income and support by presenting compelling ideas, making confident asks, negotiating effectively and following opportunities through to agreement.
• Develop fresh and creative partnership opportunities that go beyond traditional fundraising and offer genuine value to both the business and the Hospice.
• Grow existing corporate relationships by understanding each business’s priorities and identifying opportunities to increase or broaden its support.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the Hospice to shape and deliver successful corporate partnerships.

What We’re Looking For:

• Experience in business development, sales, recruitment, account management, corporate partnerships or fundraising. Charity-sector experience is welcome but not essential.
• A proactive and self-motivated approach, with the confidence to take ownership, initiate conversations and actively seek out new opportunities.
• A track record of building strong relationships and securing new business, partnerships or other tangible results.
• Confidence in networking, presenting, negotiating and making a clear ask, combined with the determination to follow opportunities through.
• A creative thinker who can spot potential, generate new ideas, make a persuasive case for them and take responsibility for turning them into action.
• Highly organised, with a consistent approach to follow-up and the ability to manage multiple relationships at different stages.
• A collaborative approach, a full driving licence, access to a car and flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Why work with us?

You will join a supportive and ambitious fundraising team with an established network of corporate relationships and a clear corporate strategy to build upon. This is an outward-facing role with genuine scope to take ownership, introduce new ideas, test different approaches and influence the next stage of our corporate development.

We offer office or hybrid working with an expectation to be in the office a minimum of 3 days per week and a location close to the hospice for ease of access. Plus, you’ll love working in an environment where every day brings new challenges and rewards.

St. Michael’s Hospice is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults, children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment. Successful candidates will be required to undergo relevant background checks, including a DBS check and provide satisfactory reference before starting the role.

About St. Michael’s Hospice

St. Michael’s Hospice (North Hampshire) is a registered charity and provides support to people diagnosed with a life-limiting illness. It is a Hospice for adults providing invaluable palliative and end-of-life care services in North Hampshire, offering comfort, support, and dignity to those facing life's most challenging moments.

As a charity, we depend on the kindness and support of our local community to continue offering our services free of charge. It may come as a surprise, but only 22% of our funding comes from the government. End-of-life care is an essential service, not a luxury, yet it is not funded like other care services. To keep the Hospice’s services running, we need raise an additional £15,000 every day.

Our benefits

We offer a competitive salary with attractive benefits, including, free parking, life assurance, 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays, and an extensive health and wellbeing plan and company pension.

Interested?
For more information or an informal chat about the role, please contact the fundraising team.

How to Apply:
To be considered for this role, please submit the following:

• Cover letter explaining why you’re an ideal candidate for this position. Please note that applications without this will not be considered.
• CV outlining your relevant experience and skills.

Closing date: Friday 25 September at 12 noon

Interview Date: Wednesday 30th September in person at Millennium House, Priestley Road, RG24 9GZ

Corporate Partnerships Fundraiser 

Up to £31,000 per annum + excellent benefits 

Leatherhead, Surrey 

About the role: 

We are looking to appoint an experienced fundraiser to manage a portfolio of corporate partnerships to help fund the growth of our care services, and to build relationships with companies to help them achieve their CSR goals. 

Reporting to the Corporate and Community Fundraising Manager. You will be part of a team driving Rainbow Trust’s Corporate income, building and maintaining the pipeline through effective networking and stewardship. You will be responsible for the stewardship of varied corporate accounts to whom you will become a main contact and provide excellent account management. Some accounts raising six figure sums.

You will work collaboratively towards a ‘one team one target’ approach across the Fundraising and Engagement department and ensure that the use of technology is maximized and all processes are subject to continuous improvement. 

This is an excellent opportunity to maintain a breadth of fundraising experience to position yourself for future fundraising roles with increased responsibility. 

Location: Leatherhead, Surrey, flexible working options available. 

What we’re looking for:  

• Friendly, enthusiastic and socially-focused – you quickly connect with others and build effective working relationships. An ability to empathise and communicate effectively about our work with children and families is key. You are naturally warm with a sincere appreciation for people and how they are each uniquely motivated. 

• A motivating, empathetic and persuasive communicator – you will enjoy preparing and presenting high-quality presentations 

• Knowledge of the principles that underpin good customer care – you adhere to established guidelines,

• policies and procedures, and provide excellent relationship management 

• You thrive working in a busy environment on multiple priorities simultaneously – results-oriented and a fast learner, you respond quickly to pressure and a changing environment. 

• Confident use of MSOffice and some experience of using a database – you have strong attention to detail, are comfortable working with data, and produce high quality accurate work. 

• Applications will be particularly welcome from those who have experience of building relationships and raising income –providing exceptional account management.

Why join us? 

• We’re proud to be a Two-Star Best Companies Top 50 mid-sized organisation and a Top 10 Charity, and we’re committed to creating a great place to work. You will benefit from: 

• Pension scheme where we contribute 5% of your salary and you contribute at least 3%. 

• A life assurance scheme for all employees which provides a death in service benefit of three times’ basic pay. 

• Flexible working hours to balance home and working life. 

• 25 days of annual leave plus public holidays – rising to 26 days after 1 year, 27 days after 5 years and 30 days after 11 years, with an additional 5 days to use in your 10th or 20th year of service (pro rata for part time). 

• The option to buy/sell annual leave, as well as additional leave for your birthday, wedding/civil ceremony and an extra half day off for Christmas shopping. 

• Time off in Lieu. 

• Employee Assistance Programme with access to remote GP, counselling, physiotherapy, resources to support your mental health and financial wellbeing, as well as a 24/7 helpline via Help@Hand. 

• Family friendly policies, focused on employee wellbeing, and an active cross-organisational wellbeing group running a number of initiatives throughout the year. 

• Access to the Blue Light Card Scheme, and other rewards and discounts. 

• Bike to work, season ticket loan and payroll giving schemes. 

• A recommend a friend recruitment bonus scheme. 

• Robust training and development programmes to support your learning and growth 

• If you’d like to find out more about these benefits and working with us, please visit our website. 

  About us: 

  Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity enables families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness to make the most of time together, providing expert, practical and emotional support, where they need it for as long as it is needed. For families living with childhood illness, time is everything. Right now, there are too many families coping alone with no support, no time to think, no time to make memories and no time for each other. We believe that no family should go through this alone, so we are here to change that. 

  Apply now: 

  Please visit our website and apply online. 

  Closing date: 06 October 2026 

  Interview dates: Interview dates to be confirmed 

  Your covering letter should highlight why your application should be considered above others and clearly state how your experience matches the essential criteria outlined in the Person Specification.

  Please disclose in your covering letter if you have used AI for any part of your job application. 

  Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early. 

  Interviews will take place at our Head Office in Leatherhead. We will only contact those applicants who have been successful. If you require any adjustments during the interview process, please let us know. 

  An enhanced DBS disclosure will be required for this post. 

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

  Rainbow Trust is an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all backgrounds.

We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Specialist Behavioural Support Worker to join our Learning disabilities Social Care Service in Hertfordshire.

£29,672.00 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
* A generous pension - we will contribute up to 8% and life assurance cover up to 3x Pensionable Salary (T&Cs apply)
* 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
* Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
* Free DBS
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.

Specialist Behaviour Support Workers are responsible for supporting people with learning disabilities and behavioural needs to live full lives, develop skills and maintain their wellbeing.

The working pattern for this role consist of:
40-hour days. Possession of a full driving licence (a full driving licence that enables them to drive a manual and automatic car as part of their duties) is a mandatory requirement.

Wood Lane End Shift Pattern Breakdown: 40 hours role days Core Shifts
* Early Shift: 07:00 - 15:00 subject to change
* Late Shift: 14:00 - 22:00 subject to change
Sleep In Duties
* Sleep In 9:30pm-7:30 am (handover starts at 9:30pm):
Staff remain on-site overnight and sleep on the premises and need to respond to emergencies/situations that require their support. The sleep in will be paid a s a block.

What you'll do:
* Supporting the customer to lead a full and active life and do things they enjoy, sensitively and persistently trying to new things to open up new opportunities for the customer;
* Developing the customer's independent living skills and involving them in aspects of maintaining and developing their home, including cooking, shopping, cleaning and decorating;
* Supporting the customer in their sensory routine, trialling and testing new sensory experiences;

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 with the hobbies and interests of the customer and is able to facilitate connections with new people and places;
* Has a reasonable level of physical fitness and is able / likes to participate in active pursuits such as running and swimming;
* Is confident enough to try new things and take positive risks on a regular basis;
* Exudes a warm friendly and fun presence;
* Prefers working as part of a group or team;

What you'll bring:
Essential:
* NVQ Level 2 or equivalent
* Minimum 2 years of experience working with customers with Autism/Challenging Behaviour/learning disabilities
* Driving licence and a willingness to drive as part of support duties;

Desirable:
* Experience of engaging vulnerable people with complex needs in meaningful activities.

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

We have an exciting opportunity to join our Family Support Team. This role will suit someone with experience supporting parents and carers of ADHD and autistic children and young people, who is highly organised and shares our passion for making a difference.

About the Role

• Provide specialist advice, information and support to families through one‑to‑one appointments.
• Facilitate groups, courses and workshops which help parents understand ADHD and autism.
• Signpost families to appropriate services and resources across North-West London.
• Work collaboratively with professionals to share best practice, support reasonable adjustments, and contribute to developing autism‑aware communities.

In this role, you will join the CAAS Family Support Team as we work to educate, empower and improve quality of life for neurodivergent individuals, their families, and the communities they live in.

We work in a variety of settings, so a flexible approach is essential.

Some evening or weekend work may be required depending on scheduled sessions

Who We Are Looking For

• Someone with a genuine passion for supporting neurodivergent children and families.
• Strong organisational, IT and communication skills.
• The ability to offer empathetic, strengths‑based support.
• Lived experience as a parent or carer of a neurodivergent child is highly valued at CAAS

About Us:

The Centre for ADHD and Autism Support (CAAS) is a registered charity (Charity Registration Number: 1193799) and we provide information, training, support groups and practical help to residents of North-West London. Our support services encompass education, benefits, parenting and care advice with signposting to other agencies if appropriate.

Remuneration Package & Contract Details

Annual FTE salary: up to £33,000 (pro-rata for part time), depending on experience

Contract Type: 12 month fixed term contract (potential to extend)

Working Weeks Per Annum: 52 weeks

Working Hours Per Week: 35

Working Days: Mon-Fri, some weekend and evening work will be required.   

Annual Leave Entitlement: 33 days, including UK bank holidays, plus your birthday off each year

If you’re looking for a supportive, inclusive workplace with an excellent reputation for family‑centred practice, we’d be delighted to receive your application, along with a short covering note.

Safeguarding Statement:

The Centre for ADHD and Autism Support is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to provide two satisfactory references, undertake pre-employment checks and have a cleared Enhanced Disclosure & Barring check.

Please note

If you haven’t heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted for interview. Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are unfortunately unable to respond to everyone individually.

Thank you for considering a role with us – we genuinely value your interest and hope you will consider applying for future opportunities.

Rural Refugee Network (RRN) is a small local charity in East Hampshire, Havant and Portsmouth, working alongside refugees and people seeking asylum through the work of six board members, thirty operational volunteers, one part-time permanent employee and a small bank of project staff and contractors. The charity is widely recognised by stakeholders and the local community for sensitively and effectively addressing the many challenges people arriving in the UK face as they strive to resettle and thrive in our community.

RRN is seeking an experienced Head of Operations to lead its support for refugees and people seeking asylum. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a small charity through a period of significant change, with overall operational responsibility for the charity, including partnerships, funding, coordination of delivery, safeguarding and compliance. 

Working directly with a range of stakeholders and beneficiaries, the ideal candidate for this complex and high trust role will be self-reliant, adaptable, and able to engage and influence through excellent face-to-face and online communication skills. This is a genuinely flexible role, with significant autonomy over when and where work is undertaken. There will be regular opportunities for in-person team management and relationship-building, alongside substantial flexibility in how the wider working week is structured and where work is carried out. We are looking for someone who is confident working independently, manages their own time effectively and values the trust and responsibility that come with this level of autonomy.

A candidate who is energised by working flexibly and sensitively with a small team will thrive in this role, which offers the opportunity to make a direct and meaningful impact on people’s lives.

Experience in the refugee sector is desirable.

Deadline: 5pm Monday 21 September

To apply, please send your CV and a supporting statement of not more than 2 sides, explaining your motivation, reflecting on how you would approach being RRN’s only core employed leader, and demonstrating your fit against the specification below. Please use the email subject heading “Head of Operations Application”. Unfortunately, we are unable to respond to all applications.

Job Description

Title: Rural Refugee Network Head of Operations

Reports to:  Board of Trustees

Hours:  Part-time (0.5 FTE, negotiable). Permanent contract.

Salary range: £40,000 - £45,000 FTE depending on experience.

Benefits: 25 days plus bank holidays (pro rata to hours agreed). 3% employer pension contribution.

Location and expectations: Flexible hybrid working with frequent travel to projects, events and stakeholder meetings in Portsmouth, Havant, Petersfield and the wider Hampshire area. Occasional evening and weekend in-person working required.

Purpose: To lead the day-to-day operation, development and sustainability of Rural Refugee Network, working with trustees, volunteers, funders and partner organisations to ensure refugees and asylum seekers receive practical support and RRN maintains compliance and operational sustainability.

About the role:. 

In this small charity, the Head of Operations combines operational coordination, programme oversight, partnership development and income generation, with delivery shared across volunteers, trustees and contracted staff.The role offers a high degree of autonomy and flexibility, alongside the opportunity to shape how the organisation works and develops. It requires strong judgement in balancing opportunities, risks and priorities within limited capacity, and the confidence to work independently while bringing others with you.

RRN is volunteer-led, and the Head of Operations is the organisation’s only permanent employee, holding overall coordination and accountability for day-to-day operations. This is therefore a broad, high-trust role: rather than delivering everything directly, you will enable and coordinate others, working closely with trustees, volunteers and contractors who deliver significant elements of the activity you lead.

The role will suit someone who enjoys variety, autonomy and a flexible working pattern, and who is comfortable taking ownership while knowing when to collaborate, delegate or seek support.

Key responsibilities:

Leadership, coordination and partnerships

• Deliver agreed strategic objectives and support trustees in developing future priorities.

• Prepare quarterly Board reports.

• Coordinate relationships with statutory, voluntary and community partners.

• With the support of trustees, represent the charity in local forums, develop opportunities for collaboration and promote RRN in the local community.

Programme and volunteer coordination

• Provide oversight of funded and core programmes.

• Recruit, train and manage project staff (currently two youth workers) and contracted/sessional staff.

• Recruit, train, support and retain volunteers.

• Oversee referral pathways and access.

• Support volunteer-led communications activity including website, newsletters, social media, impact reports and case studies.

Income development and funding

• Write grant applications and manage reporting requirements (with volunteer/trustee input).

• Maintain and develop funding pipeline and actively develop new funding streams.

• Support relationship-building with donors and community supporters.

Finance and compliance 

• Monitor programme budgets, working with the Treasurer.

• Support trustees in governance, reporting and compliance responsibilities.

• Maintain organisational policies and procedures.

• Lead safeguarding practice and reporting, acting as Designated Safeguarding Lead and ensuring policies are implemented by staff, volunteers, and contractors.

• Maintain oversight of organisational risk, compliance with Charity Commission, data protection, employment requirements and insurance arrangements.

• Ensure appropriate administrative systems are in place and followed, including maintaining up-to-date records in the CRM, Lamplight.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

• Substantial experience managing programmes or services in the charity/social impact sector, including line management, budgeting and financial oversight, and grant compliance/reporting.

• Strong partnership-building and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Experience leading and recruiting volunteer teams. 

• Deep understanding of safeguarding and compliance and recent experience leading safeguarding practice and decision-making. Up to date on requirements and best practice.

• Ability to work independently, exercising sound judgement about what trustees need to know and when, and to prioritise effectively within limited capacity and competing demands.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, IT proficiency.

Desirable

• Experience working with refugees, asylum seekers or other vulnerable groups.

• Understanding of immigration, integration or resettlement issues.

• Successful fundraising and bid-writing experience. 

• Experience of local authority commissioning or grant funding.

• Comfort and experience in IT, data and/or CRMs.

RRN is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. Appointment is subject to an enhanced DBS check, including a check of the relevant barred list, two satisfactory references, including your most recent employer, and safer recruitment practice including verification of employment history and a right to work check. RRN is unable to sponsor work visas, so applicants must already have the right to work in the UK.

Shannon Trust Reading Strategy Facilitator – HMP Bristol

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy levels amongst people in prison?

Shannon Trust are delighted to be working with His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) to provide peer-led learning programmes at HMP Bristol. Working closely with the prison and their staff, people in prison, Shannon Trust volunteers and mentors, this post will support the management of a prison-wide reading strategy designed to encourage reading across the prison. It will also lead the delivery of a reading and numeracy programme for learners working below Level 1, maximising opportunities for people in prison to learn to read.

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

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

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

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and interviews will be held on a rolling basis. We therefore encourage early applications.