Welfare rights jobs in waltham forest, greater london

Salary: £34,814 - £38,683

Job Level: 4A

Job Type: Permanent

Hours: 35 hours per week 

Shifts: Term Time: Monday – Thursday & Sunday (including some evening work). School Holidays: Monday – Friday.

Accountable to: Head of Children and Family Services

Department: Children and Family Services

Location: The Hub, Finchley

Do you have experience of leading teams in delivering high quality, responsive, holistic services for neurodivergent children and young people? Perhaps you have previously worked within special educational needs settings or residential settings with young people? Do you have a natural ability to lead, motivate and influence others with initiative and enthusiasm? If so, this role may be of interest to you!

About The Hub and Short Breaks service:

For over 20 years Norwood has run a Short Break service called Unity for young people on Sundays and during school holidays. Many families have benefited from this service, and it remains popular with families and local authority commissioners. There is a waiting list of children and young people across Barnet and Herts who wish to access this provision.

That’s why as part of our recently launched strategy, we’re expanding the Short Break Service offering, to support families and young people with a variety of choice and cohort-based opportunities including after school clubs. The opening of the Hub allows the expansion of activities throughout the week, term-time, and during school holidays, evenings and weekends.

With a recent refurbishment, we can now offer a location dedicated to supporting children throughout the week. The building has outdoor space, a sensory room, kitchen, activity rooms and multipurpose spaces which allow children the opportunity to thrive in a bespoke space for them.

The Children and Family Service Department will deliver an ambitious Whole Family Centred, Strengths and Needs Based Model to empower children, young people, and their families. This expert-led coordinated approach underpinned by robust governance and outcome and impact measures will seek to ensure families with a neurodivergent or neurodevelopmentally disabled child can realise their full potential and thrive. The objectives for each team member will be clear, ensuring a meaningful and positive impact on those accessing the services, with consistency in support and communications, and the ability to access services required effectively.

About the role:

This is one of a number of new vacancies being recruited as part of a dedicated team for the further development of the Hub and Short Breaks offering to extend the reach to more children and young people throughout the week. 

As the Hub and Short Breaks Operations Manager, you will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the service, plus take the lead in the growth and development of the service to maximize the reach and opportunities for young people within the community. The role will ensure the service is compliant with Ofsted, offers a varied timetable with clear criteria for each club/activity, undertakes referrals and assessments and works collaboratively with wider Norwood colleagues to flex, grow and change to meet the ever-changing needs of the community. 

You will utilise your existing experience of operational, funding, budget and staff management, plus knowledge of children and young people curriculum to take ownership in shaping and driving the future of our Short Breaks provision through extensive strategic development and innovative ideas for our weekday, weekend and holiday programmes, ensuring Norwood continually responds to the wishes, aspirations and needs reflected by the young people we support to provide a meaningful, flexible and creative offering. 

You will be responsible for all aspects of the management and delivery of the service including the management and recruitment of a team of permanent sessional workers, ad hoc sessional workers and volunteers. You will assess the suitability of young people to participate in the provision, design and develop choice and cohort-based sessions, whilst working within the framework of OFSTED to ensure quality and compliance.

Benefits at Norwood include:

• The opportunity to work for a leading UK charity
• Competitive salary & benefits package
• 21 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays and Jewish festivals where they fall on a working day and work is not permitted (FTE)
• Workplace Pension Scheme: Plan for your future with confidence.
• Employee Assistance Programme: We care about your well-being.
• £300 When You Introduce a Friend: Spread the word and reap the rewards.
• Free Eye test & Eyewear allowance
• Access to ‘Blue Light’ discount scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Excellent career progression pathway
• Enhanced benefits coming in July 2025

Essential skills and experience:

• Ability to commit to a full-time role with flexibility, covering the shifts required
• Significant experience of working with neurodivergent children, young people and parents/carers and of facilitating an inclusive child-centred service
• Experience of working in partnership with other agencies and organisations, with awareness of the support and advice which may be offered
• Recent experience of managing contract compliance with a demonstrable knowledge of regulatory frameworks (Ofsted, CQC contract compliance etc) and how to put these into practice
• Experience of financial and budget management
• An appropriate qualification at Level 3 or equivalent
• Knowledge and understanding of the range of interventions and approaches that can be used to support disabled children and young people
• An understanding of various communication aids including Makaton, PECS, AAC etc
• Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding policies and procedures
• A team player with strong leadership skills who enjoys working with others to achieve shared goals
• Excellent communication skills with a flexible style to communicate with people in a form and manner that is consistent with their level of understanding, culture, background and preferred ways of communicating
• Excellent time management skills who can work under pressure to meet deadlines
• Flexibility, initiative and the ability to respond appropriately to child and family needs
• Excellent active listening and problem-solving skills
• Embraces change and responds positively to new opportunities
• Motivates colleagues to understand the importance of inclusion and encourage them to improve standards of inclusive practice
• Design and deliver innovative sessions to support neurodivergent young people to develop new skills in a fun environment
• Develops and maintains mutually beneficial working relationships with key delivery partners
• Experience using observation to inform assessment and planning
• Flexibility, initiative and the ability to respond appropriately to child and family needs

About Norwood:

Founded in 1795, Norwood is the oldest Jewish charity in the UK. We support and empower neurodiverse children, their families and people with neurodevelopmental disabilities to live their best lives.

Click here to find out more about Norwood. 

Our Norwood Values and Behaviours underpin everything we do as we continue to support and empower neurodiverse children, their families and people with neurodevelopmental disabilities to live their best lives: 

Here is a short Norwood video highlighting the vital work we do and the people we support.

If this opportunity interests you, please apply today and our Recruitment team will be in touch.

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Due to the high number of candidates who apply to our roles at Norwood, please note we can only provide feedback following an interview, if shortlisted.

We actively celebrate everyone's different abilities, sexual orientation, ethnicity, faith, and gender. Everyone is welcome and supported in their development at all stages in their journey with us.

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.

Over the past decade Pembroke House’s activities in Walworth have grown considerably, with annual turnover rising from £200k to £1 million. Further growth is expected as a result of a new strategy anchored around five 10-year commitments to the neighbourhood, consolidation of our activities across two community buildings and continuing to build wide-ranging partnerships in Walworth.

We are looking for an experienced and skilled financial professional who can steward us through this crucial period of development.  You will be someone who combines a passion for our mission, a keen eye for detail and a flair for interpreting financial information and supporting non-specialists to make sound financial decisions. 

Days will be varied spanning everything from helping budget holders report to funders; preparing accurate financial reports and management accounts; to creating the budgets and frameworks for long-term financial planning. The rest of the core finance team comprises a Bookkeeper and a pro bono Payroll Officer based in Pembroke College, Cambridge. Other members of the team manage petty cash, look after the room hire business (including invoicing and credit control) and administer pensions. 

The trustee’s Finance and Risk Subcommittee formed two years ago and a new trustee position of Treasurer is currently being recruited. The Finance Manager will service and attend the subcommittee’s quarterly meetings and be the main contact point with the Treasurer between meetings.

As a new role there will be plenty of opportunity to mould finance operations across the organisation. Finance systems are currently in place, and have satisfied the auditor over the past few years, but there remains scope for improvement, including through automation and upskilling of the wider team.

About Pembroke House

Pembroke House is a centre for social action and residential community in Walworth, south-east London. 

We were founded in 1885, by students from Pembroke College, Cambridge, as one of the first settlement houses. Shocked by growing poverty and inequality, the pioneers of the settlement movement sought a new approach: taking up residence to live, work and solve problems alongside local communities. We continue to share a building with St Christopher’s church, which has its routes in the same student settlement.

For over 130 years, we’ve been working to bridge traditional divides and unite people – whatever their background or walk of life – in building a better Walworth.