Welfare rights jobs

We're looking for an imaginative, resourceful, and resilient Developments Officer to join our Business Development team, located at our Head Office in Islington.

£30,000.00 - £40,000.00 per annum depending on experience, working 35 hours per week.

Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.

Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Our benefits include:

• Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
• Free DBS
• Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
• Fully paid induction programme and further training
• ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
• Healthcare Cashplan through our partner Healthshield
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
• Online wellbeing resources
• A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
• Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution

Look Ahead supports thousands of people across London and the South East with a diverse range of needs, helping them to make individual choices, achieve goals and take control of their own lives by providing tailor-made support, care and accommodation services. To support this we are seeking a highly motivated individual to work within Business Development Directorate. The principal objectives of the role will be to:

Focus on the development of a new offer for Look Ahead's homelessness directorate

Play a vital role as Look Ahead seeks to deliver ambitious growth targets and new services of the highest quality by supporting with proposal development and, where needed, tendering.

The postholder will be expected to work closely with other members of the wider Business Development Directorate, operational colleagues and central service teams to support delivery of annual growth targets circa £4-5M (reviewed annually).

This is a hybrid role with a minimum of two days in the office or services.

This role is also available on a 6-month trial secondment for internal applicants.

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.

For a full job description, please visit our website

What you'll bring:

Essential:

• Eligible to live and work in the UK
• Excellent writing skills including the ability to critically research and analyse relevant information and to be able to write compelling and persuasive reports
• Business development experience including completing tender documentation
• Able to write clearly and persuasively and articulate innovative ideas
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office, word, excel, PowerPoint
• Numerate
• Able to work flexibly, including assisting other staff in the Business Development Team with their work when priorities dictate.

Desirable:

• Specific knowledge of learning disabilities mental health, and complex needs would be a distinct advantage
• Experience of new models of care in the homelessness sector

About us:

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

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

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

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

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

This dynamic role is perfect for someone who’s confident building relationships with businesses and passionate about connecting people with our mission.

You’ll focus 60% of your time on securing and managing corporate partnerships – from Charity of the Year collaborations to sponsorships and brand activations – and the remaining 40% supporting campaigns, appeals, and fundraising events.

What you’ll bring:

• A track record in business development, sales, or corporate fundraising
• Strong communication, proposal writing, and relationship-building skills
• An eye for opportunity and a collaborative, can-do attitude
• The ability to juggle multiple priorities while keeping supporters engaged
• Knowledge of fundraising practices, data protection, and CRM systems

A driving licence and access to your own vehicle is essential. If you're creative, driven, and ready to help protect wildlife, we want to hear from you.

In return we will offer you support, training and continued professional development, not to mention a fantastic working environment! You can also expect free entry to the park.

If you would like to join our unique and vibrant organisation to become a part of the Marwell Family, please view the full candidate brief on our website and complete a Marwell application form. 

Firstly, thanks for your interest in this post.  We hope you see a role for you here at Age UK Lambeth. 

This is an exciting time for us and Age UK Lambeth. We have just been awarded a contract to deliver Preventative Services in Lambeth for five years with a possibility for an extension for two years. As well as holding a contract with them for delivery of the Adult Social Care Front Door service.

We are looking for a Finance Manager with experience in contract negotiation to join our  Senior Management Team (SMT) for two days a week.  We have a track record in successful grant applications and are looking to generate income from the delivery of services.

We want to find someone who can use their financial and analytical skills to support our SMT in growing our Charity to support residents in Lambeth. The postholder will be supported by our Finance Officer in delivering our finance operations.

If you would like an informal conversation about the post, please feel free to contact me by m email.

We hope that you find this post an exciting prospect for you and look forward to receiving your application. 

I wish you well in your application 

Paul Coles 

Chief Executive 

The Countess of Brecknock Hospice provides expert, compassionate palliative care to people with life-limiting illnesses in Andover and the surrounding areas. Care is delivered both within the hospice’s beautiful new premises and out in the local community — and made possible by the generosity of local people and the work of our dedicated charity team.

The Countess of Brecknock Hospice Charity is now seeking an experienced and inspirational Deputy Charity Director & Fundraiser to help shape and grow our future. This is a pivotal new role, created at an exciting moment of expansion, and offers the opportunity to significantly increase our fundraising capacity, strengthen our impact and deepen our reach across the community.

If you are a strategic, hands-on fundraising leader with a strong track record of income growth across a variety of streams, we would love to hear from you. You will bring fresh thinking and proven experience in engaging individual supporters, trusts, corporates and the wider community — along with the drive and resilience to grow income from £800k to over £1m in the next few years.

This is a varied, rewarding role in a small, passionate team, where your ideas will be welcomed, and your impact will be clear.

Role: Deputy Charity Director & Fundraiser
Location: Offices based at the Countess of Brecknock Hospice in Andover, with some flexibility for hybrid working
Salary: circa £50,000 per annum depending on experience
Contract: Full-time, permanent (35 hours per week)

Amongst other criteria, the successful candidate will have:

• A proven track record of successful income generation across multiple fundraising streams, ideally including major donors, events, trusts and foundations, legacies, corporate partnerships and community fundraising.
• A proactive and strategic mindset, with the ability to spot opportunities, shape compelling cases for support, and deliver results.
• The confidence to operate at a senior level and deputise for the Charity Director when needed.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to build meaningful, lasting relationships with supporters, donors and volunteers.
• A deep connection to the mission of hospice care, and a commitment to our values of compassion, dignity and respect.

If you would like to receive a full candidate information pack for this role with details on how to apply, please contact Faye Marshall at Harris Hill via the apply button.Tthe Information Pack can also be found as an attachment to this advert.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Tuesday 27th May 2025

Interview Date (in person): Tuesday 3rd June 2025

Harris Hill is a certified B Corp™ and a leading charity recruitment agency, committed to equitable and inclusive recruitment practices. Applications from all sections of the community are actively welcomed, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality or other protected characteristics.

About the role

We’re recruiting for a Head of Retail Operations for our Southern Division. In this role, you’ll be at the heart of driving success within five regions, leading a team of dedicated Regional Managers across 85 shops with around 270 colleagues.

This isn’t just about overseeing operations – it’s about owning them. You’ll have the freedom and autonomy to shape the strategy for your division, making key decisions on everything from financial performance to people development. You’ll build a values-led, inclusive culture – one where our people feel appreciated, respected and supported.

As part of the senior leadership team, you’ll play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of Mind Retail, bringing fresh ideas and driving initiatives that make a real impact. And because every pound we make in our shops helps support Mind’s mission, the work you do will have a lasting and meaningful impact.

This is a role for an ambitious leader – someone ready to take ownership, think strategically and inspire a team to do great things.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Is a natural leader, passionate about creating high-performing teams and building an inclusive culture
• Has senior-level experience leading multi-site, large-scale retail operations and knows how to drive commercial success
• Understands retail finances inside out, from managing P&L’s, to spotting opportunities for growth
• Thinks strategically, but isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and make things happen
• Embodies our values and behaviours

Ready to make a difference?

Join Mind Retail. Join the fight for mental health.

Due to our commitment to work/life balance, you must live within reasonable travelling distance of the division. The geography of the division covers the South East, South West, South Wales, Norfolk and Suffolk.

Mind Retail reserve the right to close the vacancy to applications earlier, should we receive a high volume of strong candidates. Therefore we encourage an early application.

About our benefits

As Head of Operations, you’ll receive:

• A competitive salary of £59,753 per year
• A company car
• A strong commitment to work-life balance with a working pattern that supports this, with the occasional weekend working
• 25 days’ paid holiday per year, plus bank holidays
• Development workshops & courses, to help build your career
• Comprehensive, personalised induction programmes, tailored to your role when you join us
• A huge variety of additional qualifications & development programmes for anyone looking to grow their skills
• Family friendly policies & enhanced pay
• A competitive pension scheme & life assurance, available to all our employees
• 25% staff discount in all Mind shops
• Access to exclusive discounts at over 160 retailers through our employee savings app
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Interest free season ticket loan

About Mind Retail

Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating an income of around £25 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we’re going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve. There’s never been a more exciting time to join us.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We value the power of diversity. We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We are creating an inclusive working environment where everyone is appreciated for being authentic and bringing their whole selves to work.

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working with us to share this commitment. In line with our Safer Recruitment policy, the successful candidate will be required to provide references and will be expected to undertake an enhanced DBS check with a check of the Children's Barred List and/or ‘Work with Adults' workforce check based on their role and responsibilities. A DBS check is a process to check someone's criminal record (if they have any). A Barred List is a list of people who are barred from working with children. To enable you to predetermine what might be disclosed in your DBS check, please use this disclosure calculator.

Mind Retail is an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applicants from all communities. We are committed to the fair treatment of our staff, potential staff and volunteers, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, responsibilities for dependants, age, physical/mental disability or offending background.

This job vacancy is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. 

More details

For more information and a full person specification, please review the job description.

Major Gifts Fundraiser

£27,000 pa + benefits (including 25 days annual leave and pension, flexible working options available)

Leatherhead, Surrey (Office-based with some flexible, remote working options available)

Rainbow Trust Children's Charity is going through an exciting time where we are growing, with the aim of reaching more families in need.

About the role:

We are looking to appoint a self-motivated, proactive and excellent communicator to help our major donors achieve their philanthropic goals through their relationship with Rainbow Trust.

Reporting to the Major Donor and Trusts Manager, this newly created role, in our expanding team, will help manage and cultivate relationships with high-net-worth individuals as part of our major gift programme. The Major Gifts Fundraiser will be responsible for reaching new donors and increasing sustainable income growth, contributing to driving our key fundraising campaigns and events, and will also manage a small portfolio of donors.

With our growth plans, this is an exciting time to join the team and raise funds to support seriously ill children and their families. Whilst previous experience of fundraising or working with high-net-worth individuals would be useful, it is not essential as this role will provide an opportunity to develop fundraising, research and communication skills.

What we’re looking for:

· A poised, confident and persuasive communicator – you have clear and creative writing and presentation skills, communicate confidently in person and over the phone

· People-oriented and outgoing – you are naturally warm with a sincere appreciation for people and how they are each uniquely motivated. An ability to quickly connect with and motivate others

· A goal-oriented and analytical problem solver – you respond quickly to varied activities and can adapt quickly to change

· A helpful and supportive team member

· 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 MSOffice with a strong attention to detail, comfortable working with data, and produce high quality accurate work.

What we offer:

We have a range of fantastic benefits that we offer our employees, this includes:

· Flexible working hours to balance home and working life

· 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

· 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)

· Company car for front line care posts

· Time off in lieu

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

· Bike to work, season ticket loan and payroll giving schemes

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

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

· 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

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

· A recommend a friend recruitment referral bonus scheme

About us:

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity provides emotional and practical support to 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.

How to apply:

Please send your CV and a covering letter to us via the link.

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.

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

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

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 a Best Companies One-Star rated organisation, and we welcome applications from all backgrounds.

About us

We are National Energy Action (NEA) – and our vision is to end fuel poverty. Our work to improve and promote energy efficiency brings social, environmental, housing and employment benefits.  We believe everyone should be able to afford to keep their homes warm and safe. However, low incomes, high energy bills and poor energy efficiency currently deny this to millions of households across the UK.  Never has this been more important than today. 

NEA’s teams are friendly, knowledgeable and are dedicated to what we do.  We are proud of our expertise and proud of the service we deliver to our clients. 

We offer colleagues a friendly, rewarding workplace and the chance to build a worthwhile career with a not-for-profit organisation that makes a genuine difference to people’s lives each and every day.

The role

NEA has an exciting opportunity for a Training and Education Officer to support with the delivery of our accredited training and qualifications to stakeholders across the United Kingdom as well as develop and deliver our expanding education programme nationwide.

You will work across both the training and education teams to develop and deliver training courses and education workshops to frontline workers, volunteers and young people from a wide range of organisations, including local authorities, housing associations, voluntary and community groups, and commercial organisations.

Our training courses and workshops cover key issues associated with fuel poverty, fuel debt, affordable warmth, low-carbon technologies and practical energy efficiency advice. You will work alongside the training team to develop, design and deliver these engaging online and face-to-face courses and qualifications.  You will act as an examiner for all NEA qualifications, assist in the development of future assessment-based qualifications; and have the ability to identify new opportunities for training and assessment product development.

You will work closely with the existing education team to enhance the current education provision of the charity; you will develop and deliver education sessions in line with programme and funding needs. Delivery will include both Primary and Secondary school sessions as well as bespoke education sessions for care leavers, young carers, youth offenders and children soon to be attending university or college.

We are accepting applications from across the United Kingdom however, we are particularly interested in hearing from applicants in the Midlands, Yorkshire, and the North-East of England.

What you will need to succeed

You will possess a relevant training or education qualification and have recent, demonstrable experience in delivering adult training and or primary / secondary school sessions. Ideally, you will also bring experience in one or more of the following fields: energy, community development, debt or money advice, consumer issues, or housing.

With excellent communication skills and IT skills, you will be adaptable and bring a lot of energy to the team.  You’ll be brimming with ideas and enthusiasm and have a passion to deliver training and education to people from diverse backgrounds and the desire to make a positive difference to people’s lives.

You will be expected to deliver training and education sessions depending on organisational need, as well as occasionally delivery in wider England and Wales. This will require overnight stays and flexibility on the part of the post holder.

The role of Training and Education Officer will be part of the Development and Partnerships Directorate and the postholder will report to NEA’s Training Programme Delivery Manager.

Hybrid working is subject to necessary H&S and GDPR checks. Post holders must be resident within the UK and be able to provide their Right to Work in the UK. 

The job description provides a list of the duties of the post and the person specification provides the list of essential and desirable criteria. 

We are offering:

• £31,068 - £35,836 (Points 18 -25) (plus £3,300 London Weighting if applicable). New appointments are usually made at the starting point of the scale.
• 11.5% non-contributory pension.
• 25 days annual leave plus 3 additional days in between Christmas New Year Period when our offices close; plus, all public holidays per annum.
• Flexible working arrangements including the opportunity for Hybrid working.
• Enhanced family friendly payments.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Employee benefits platform.

The closing date for applications is Tuesday 06 May2025 at 12 noon.  Interviews will be held Wednesday 21 May 2025.

Please be aware that National Energy Action is not a sponsoring organisation. Therefore, the successful applicant must already possess the right to work in the UK or be able to secure the right to work in the UK independently.

Please note CVs will not be accepted as part of the application process.  No agency or advertising enquiries please.

NEA aims to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all people with the necessary skills and experience for the post. Charity Registration No. 290511.  Company Registration No:  01853927

The London Metropolitan University Students' Union is looking to grow our team of dedicated Student Advisers. Our Student Advisers support students to navigate the university’s academic regulations, offering impartial advice, supporting with written submissions and attending formal hearings in support of students. 

We are looking for someone who is a good listener, is empathic and non-judgemental and who has a genuine desire to ensure that every student has the best student experience whilst studying at London Metropolitan University. The ideal candidate will be organised and efficient, confident in working with academic regulations, and excellent at communicating complex information clearly verbally and in writing. 

We are looking for a full time adviser, but we are open to applications from those seeking either full time or part time work, for a minimum of 2.5 days per week (please state your availability in your cover letter). 

Job purpose for the role 

· To deliver a high-quality professional academic advice to students at London Metropolitan University 

· To provide independent, confidential and impartial advice and representation that has a positive impact on the experience of students 

· To ensure the advice service operates in line with best practice and that students and elected officers are well-informed on the issues affecting students 

· To support the Advocacy & Communications team in identifying and reporting on issues affecting the wider student body, providing evidence-based support for the Students’ Union’s representative work.

Application deadline: 1pm on 9th May 2025 
 
Interviews will take place on the week commencing 19th May 2025 

 
What's in it for you? 
 
Hybrid and Flexible working arrangements  
Learning and development opportunities  
27 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, office closure and sick leave  
Cycle to work scheme  
DSE assessments and eye tests  
Free access to Gym & Classes

Competitive pension contribution scheme 
Interest-free loans - Seasonal ticket and tenancy deposit loans 

Other Standard employees’ benefits 
 
At LMSU we are committed to maintaining a diverse workforce, as we understand the importance of having staff with varied lived experiences and backgrounds that reflect various needs of our student community. We welcome applications from all interested applicants, and we strongly encourage applications from people of ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, people with dependants and people who identify as LGBTQIA+. We conduct anonymous shortlisting, and ll of our interview panels have Unconscious Bias Training in order to support a fair recruitment process.

We're looking for a strategic, analytical, and leadership-oriented Director of Governance and Assurance to join our Head Office located in Islington.

£85,000.00 per annum, working 35 hours per week.

Want to feel like you're making a difference? 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.

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.

For a full job description, please visit our website.

As the Director of Governance and Assurance, you will provide sector-leading company secretariat, governance, and assurance, ensuring the governance structure efficiently manages regulated activities and commercial group entities. The post-holder will also advise and support the Chief Executive, Chair, and SLT on all aspects of regulation, corporate governance, and effective business conduct for the organisation, ensuring the highest standards of probity and according to statutory and legislative requirements.

The Director of Governance and Assurance will oversee risk management and assurance functions, ensuring effective systems for internal controls and regulatory compliance, including internal audit management. They will provide administrative support for Board and Committee meetings, including agenda planning, minute taking, and record keeping.

This role is a key contact with the Regulator of Social Housing and other external government or regulatory organisations including CQC and Ofsted.

The Director of Governance and Assurance must embody a strategic and principled leadership style, ensuring the highest standards of governance, risk management and regulatory compliance. This individual will demonstrate exceptional integrity, attention to detail, and the ability to navigate complex legal and regulatory landscapes with confidence. With strong analytical and communication skills, they will provide expert guidance to the Board and Senior Leadership Team while fostering a culture of transparency and accountability. Adept at balancing strategic oversight with operational efficiency, they will drive continuous improvement in governance practices, ensuring that Look Ahead remains resilient, compliant, and well-positioned to fulfil its mission in the housing and social care sector.

What you'll bring:

Skills

Leadership: Strong leadership and management skills to oversee governance and assurance functions.

Organisational skills: Extremely organised with a planned approach to ensure leading the activity in this remit.

Analytical Skills: Ability to analyse and interpret legal and regulatory requirements.

Communication: Excellent communication skills to provide clear advice and support to Board and Committee members.

Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy in record-keeping and compliance monitoring.

Qualifications

Educational Background: Typically, a bachelor's degree in business administration, law, finance, or a related field. A master's degree or MBA can be advantageous.

Professional Certifications: Relevant certifications such as Certified Governance, Risk and Compliance (CGRC), Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC), or Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA) can enhance your credentials

Qualified Company Secretary

Experience

Leadership Experience: Significant experience in a senior leadership role, preferably within governance, risk management, or compliance.

Industry Experience: Significant experience in the Housing sector

Track Record: Proven track record of successfully implementing governance and assurance frameworks and driving improvements in organisational performance

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.

Deputy Head of Youth Work

The Deputy Head of Youth Work (Targeted & Partnerships) is a crucial role sitting within the Youth Zone Delivery Team. Reporting to the Head of Youth Work, you will be responsible for closely supporting the co-ordination, planning and delivery of an exceptional seven day per week youth offer within a state-of-the-art multi-million-pound centre.

If you have a passion for putting young people first, then we want to hear from you!

Position: Deputy Head of Youth Work (Targeted & Partnerships)

Location: London W12 7TF

Salary: £38,000 - £42,000 per annum

Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: Friday 23rd May 2025

About the Role

Through line management of your team and in collaboration with partners, you will ensure that the Youth Zone is accessed by all young people who need it the most. You will oversee community engagement outreach as part of the delivery ensuring the organisation continues to have a strong reputation and there remains a good awareness of the offer.

You will also be accountable for ensuring strong evidence of effective performance in line with vision, mission, values, and strategic objectives and that the team are afforded continuing professional development opportunities. You will need to be a big voice within a large team, owning and demonstrating a strong ethos, commitment, and dedication to improving the lives of children and young people and uniting them to fulfil their full potential. You will be confident in your abilities and able to deputise effectively for our Head of Youth Work as and when required. You will also be a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Officer.

Key responsibilities include:

• Line management of Female Engagement, Employability, Inclusion Coordinator and Outreach

• Monitoring, evaluation and reporting of all sessions including restricted-funding projects 

• Ensure the quality of the youth work offer across all direct report areas meet the standards of the organisation 

• Develop and maintain relationships and partnerships

• Manage one off projects, events and promotional activities 

• Identify suitable restricted-funding projects 

• Support, and in some cases manage, targeted projects as and when they come up, including budget management, and ensuring full monitoring and evaluation compliance

• Ensure that overall programme participation targets are consistently met

• Oversee budget lines of direct reports

• Work with the Head of Youth Work to prepare rotas 

• Working alongside the Head of Youth Work to ensure programmes are structured effectively and safely

• Lead sessions when required (usually this will be to cover annual leave or other staff absence)

• Produce the required reporting for Trustee and Board Sub-Committee meetings

Once you click to apply, you will be able to read the full Job Pack and scope of the role. 

About You

You will have strong safeguarding and sign posting experience and proven experience within the youth sector, including overcoming barriers to participation.

You will also have experience of:

• Successfully project managing programmes including reporting to funders on outcomes

• Working with young people

• Project management, including project design, coordination of logistics, coordination of project staff, monitoring and evaluation

• Working in partnerships with communities and organisations to improve positive outcomes of young people

• Line management

If you’re excited about this role but your past experience does not align perfectly with every requirement in the person specification, we encourage you to still apply and demonstrate how your experience is transferrable for this role. You may be just the right candidate.

About the Organisation

Hammersmith & Fulham (H&F) is a London Borough of wide disparities, with an acute need for youth services. This vast difference between those living in different parts of our borough can lead to radically different life outcomes. The Youth Zone is a vital provision that will make a huge impact on the lives of young people, and on the whole borough, levelling the playing field for our young people. 

Open 7 days a week, while schools are closed - that’s evenings and weekends, plus all through the school holidays. We offer a safe and active space for young people to flourish in their leisure time, where their interests can be nurtured, and they can grow as individuals. This is a charity that the whole community can be proud of, and you can be part of that journey

As an equal opportunities’ employer, applications are welcome from under-represented groups; in particular from Black, Asian, Mixed Race and other ethnically diverse individuals, people with disabilities, and members of LGBTQ+ communities.  Our dedicated Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Group, with support from the Senior Leadership Team, is actively promoting and advancing diversity and inclusion at OnSide, ensuring a culture where everyone can be themselves and thrive.

The charity is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable groups. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. They value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds. 

You may have experience in areas such as Youth Work, Head of Youth Work, Deputy Head of Youth Work, Director of Youth Work, Youth Work Manager, Partnerships Manager, Youth Work Partnerships Manager. #INDNFP

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

Purpose of the Job

Advice Quality and Operations Managers will make sure clients get accurate and appropriate advice and that advisers are supported and can develop their skills.

Maintain a consistent quality of advice and help for clients by providing support, guidance and feedback on a day-to-day basis and using those insights to drive advice service development.

This role is vital in fostering a culture of quality and excellence within the agency, ensuring that both staff and volunteers are well-equipped to deliver exceptional advice services to clients.

Job Description

Strategy and planning

• Work with the Head of Advice to develop and deliver an operational plan to support delivery of the strategic priorities, which is measured, monitored and reported up to the CEO and Board of Trustees.
• Co-ordinate activities, procedures and systems so as to promote the common policies and practices with the appropriate advice services.
• Ensure that the strategy is accessible to and understood by all staff and volunteers and they know the role they play in achieving our goals.

Risk management and compliance

• Regularly review the risks to which the charity is exposed to relating to Advice Services and provide assurance that systems or procedures are in effective operation to manage those risks.
• Ensure the use of systems in place to meet the requirements of all applicable regulatory bodies relating to the Advice Service Delivery.
• Working with the rest of the management team ensures that good data protection practices are embedded in our day-to-day operations.
• Assess requests made in relation to GDPR.

People management and development

• Support team members in continuous learning that will equip and develop people to deliver outstanding advice delivery. Responsibility for the delivery of the training and development plan for the Advice Services Department including, sourcing, delivering, evaluating and maintaining records.
• Supervise the work of paid staff and volunteers
• Maintain and develop standards of service delivery.
• Advise the Head of Advice on staffing and service-related issues.
• Plan and allocate work, monitor achievements of deadlines and key performance indicators and provide support as appropriate.
• Ensure that the service area and projects are adequately resourced.
• Ensure recruitment and selection of paid staff and volunteers as appropriate.
• Develop inclusive learning and development activities to meet quality standards and the organisation’s learning and development plan. Facilitate inclusive group and / or one-to-one learning and development activities. Organise internal and external learning and development activities to ensure the competence and continuing development of staff and volunteers.
• Contribute to the assessment of competence of staff and volunteers. Co-ordinate assessment activities and make final decisions on competence.
• Working with the rest of the leadership team ensures the organisation delivers a fair, inclusive, equitable and transparent employee and volunteer experience, taking account of our EDI aims and in line with employment law and the Equality Act 2010.
• Ensure Open and timely communication that provides information about the organisation and context for decisions that are made, helps to build trust and confidence and earn legitimacy. 
• Ensure the effective performance management and development of staff through regular supervision sessions, appraisals and learning and development.
• Ensure Training is delivered and records confirm all client facing paid staff and volunteers that may be involved in providing money and debt information and advice have completed an accredited training programme
• Direct reports: Dependent on advice area, between 5 to 11 Advisors per AQOM, plus volunteers.

Operational performance management

• Maintain, develop and monitor effective and relevant performance indicators and management processes, with particular emphasis on the application of customer insight data and feedback on complaints.
• In line with the Advice Quality Standard, work with the Head of Advice and the other Advice Quality and Operations Managers to ensure that staff and volunteers have adequate supervision and that advisers have access to support at all times when delivering advice to clients. 
• Ensuring quality - actively supporting the quality of advice by guiding the team to information sources, checking that all aspects of a client's situation have been considered, checking that follow up work is progressed, and that research and campaigns issues are identified.
• Monitor the quality of advice given to clients to ensure that standards meet Citizens Advice requirements. Completing Case Checking, QAA Audits and independent file reviews (IFR) to ensure quality assurance at a whole service level. Using the insights to further develop the services to clients and skills of advisers.
• Maintain and develop standards of service delivery. 
• Take part in internal consistency exercises at least quarterly.
• Providing support - actively supporting each team member to develop their skills and competences, by explaining, guiding, demonstrating, encouraging, suggesting, coaching, giving constructive feedback and challenging appropriately - adapting the level of support to individual competence and need, and taking account of the team as a whole.
• Manage the practicalities of the service: Including overseeing all practical issues relating to the service delivery, ensuring service delivery and adequate cover is in place, allocating the team to face-to-face work and other communication methods, checking waiting times and interview lengths, and if necessary, dealing with client or Citizens Advice emergencies.
• Provide technical support and act as consultant to the advisers.
• Monitoring of service delivery and advice service contracts performance to report against KPIs, with reference to outcomes for clients, identifying any issues and proposed actions. Reporting significant risks to the Head of Advice. Ensure that appropriate systems are developed and maintained for case recording, statistics, follow up work and quality control.
• Client Experience: Use our written process for dealing with complaints, ensuring that regulatory requirements are met (for debt and money advice complaints) to ensure Complaints are handled effectively and data is used to drive improvements where appropriate. 
• Ensuring that appropriate data protection procedures are in place and are followed by all workers.
• Lead on safeguarding and gender violence issues in accordance with policies.

Other duties and responsibilities

• Understanding and acceptance of the need to work occasional evenings and weekends, both on site and on-call, as required.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with management and other departments to align quality standards with organisational goals.
• Engage with external partners and regulators to ensure compliance with industry standards and share best practices.

Reporting and Analysis

• Prepare and present reports on advice quality metrics to management and stakeholders.
• Utilise data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.

Confidentiality and safeguarding

• Confidentiality is a core principle of Citizens Advice. Support the team with the application of the confidentiality policy.
• Implementing adult and child safeguarding policies and training staff and volunteers how to identify and deal with safeguarding concerns.
• Dealing with a conflict of interest and ensuring our service takes the right action to protect the client, our staff and volunteers and the service.

Research and Campaigns

• Ensure that staff and volunteers consistently and accurately generate Advice Issue Codes (AICs), evidence forms and profile data and participate in the Network Panel Surveys

Person Specification | What you need to do this job

Essential Criteria 

• Ability to lead and contribute to a team, including the ability to prioritise own work and the work of others, and take decisions in the day to day running of a busy service area.
• Ability to plan and manage projects.
• Commitment to continuing professional development.
• Experience of monitoring and maintaining service delivery against agreed targets.
• Ability to plan and prioritise own time and work and work of others in a pressured environment.
• Experience of analysing information to produce reports.
• Leadership and management ability within the context of understanding the needs of a voluntary sector organisation.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, in writing and over the telephone with individuals and with a wide variety of organisations and audiences.
• Ability to meet Citizens Advice competence with a minimum of three years’ experience of involvement with advice giving.
• Ability to research, analyse and interpret complex information and to produce and present clear verbal and written reports. 

Desired Criteria

• Significant experience managing large advice and helpline services which includes supporting individuals within at least one of the areas of – (for example) welfare benefits, debt management, housing, or health and social care issues.
• Demonstrable experience of driving innovation and service improvement within an advisory/customer focused service.
• Experience of supporting change.
• Well-developed staff management and leadership skills, with strong experience of implementing robust performance management processes.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, including excellent IT skills.
• Proven ability to create a positive working environment in which equality and diversity are well managed, dignity at work is upheld and staff are empowered and motivated to do their best.
• Experience in managing budgets.
• Ability to ensure best use of IT systems and packages in the provision of advice services and the ability to monitor and maintain casework systems and procedures.
• Ability to work with a variety of organisations and to earn and maintain the trust of those people with whom the Bureau deals.
• Ability to contribute to the team combined with willingness to learn and develop and have a positive attitude to change with an ability to plan ahead.
• Access to own transport and able to work at any service location in the Bureau’s area of operation as required.

Application Process:

To apply, please complete the application process on CharityJob. Please submit a concise supporting statement which includes examples and evidence of when you have demonstrated the attributes listed within the person specification. You will be expected to address each point separately and, in the order listed.

If you do not complete a full supporting statement in the requested format, your application may be rejected.

Addressing each point of the person specification

This is a key section of the application which allows you to provide evidence of your experience, knowledge, skills and abilities that are relevant to the role as described in the role profile.  Selection is based on an assessment of the evidence you provide against the requirements of the role as set out in the person specification.  It is important that you tailor your response to clearly demonstrate how you meet each requirement. No assumptions will be made about your achievements and abilities. 

Please provide one example for each requirement.  You should choose examples of past experience that clearly demonstrate what we are looking for, and be precise about what you did, how you did it and the outcome or result of your actions. Please try to limit your response to each criterion to a maximum of 200 words. 

A useful guide might be S.T.A.R:

• Specific – give a specific example
• Task – briefly describe the task/objective/problem
• Action – tell us what you did
• Results – describe what results were achieved

Please provide recent work examples wherever possible.  However, do remember that relevant examples from other aspects of your life, for example: voluntary or unpaid work, school or college work, family or home responsibilities, can also be given.

We are an equal opportunity employer. If you have any requirements (e.g. for attending an interview) please note these clearly on in your letter.

Interview Process:

The closing date is Friday 2nd May 2025, 6pm

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by telephone, so please give a daytime telephone number or somewhere we can leave a message to arrange an interview.

Our selection process consists of three stages:

• Stage 1 – Telephone Interview:

            Initial interviews will take place via telephone on Thursday 15th May 2025.

• Stage 2 – Formal Interview (In-Person):

            Candidates who are successful at Stage 1 will be invited to our Stevenage office for a formal face-to-face interview                on Monday 19th May 2025.

• Stage 3 – Practical Activity & Final Q&A:

            Following the formal interview, candidates will complete a short activity and have the opportunity to ask any final                   questions.

Please note that Stages 2 and 3 will take place on the same day.

37.5 hours per week / permanent / working across Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, office based in Eastbourne, delivering Transitional Services in the community across Eastbourne, Bexhill, St Leonards and Hastings.

Our mission is to help children and young people have a fair chance to be who they want to be. We do this by providing a safe home, increasing life skills and self-confidence, and improving emotional wellbeing and mental health.

East Sussex Transitional Housing is a low-support service, providing safe, secure, supported accommodation for 102 young people between the ages of 18-25 who have been, or are, at risk of homelessness. We have a small, supportive, and established team which manages 19 housing properties across, Eastbourne, Bexhill and Hastings. We adopt a trauma informed and psychologically informed approach to supporting our residents to help them build essential life skills, identify their goals and work towards aspirations so that they can move on to enjoy fully independent futures.

We are looking for a Supported Housing Support Worker to join our East Sussex Transitional team. You will be based at the YMCA office in Eastbourne but will be visiting our seven properties around Eastbourne each week, meeting with residents in their homes and at the office - main areas of responsibilities are:

Housing

• You will hold a caseload of young people who are housed across our sites with the support of the team.Support provided is light touch, and a good knowledge of partner agencies is essential for relevant signposting
• Interview young people to assess their suitability for our housing
• Support young people to manage their occupancy agreement and adhere to house rules in preparation for independent living.Helping young people navigate shared living skills is key to this role and includes facilitating house meetings, rotas and cleaning sessions
• Support young people to keep up to date with all payments for rent and liaise with housing benefit
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of housing and welfare benefits for young people
• Complete Occupancy Sign up and induction with incoming residents
• Deal effectively with non-compliance issues, such as non-payment of rent, ASB or breaches of Health and Safety, using restorative practices
• Contribute to maintaining properties to a high standard including conducting health and safety checks

Support and Engagement

• Light touch support to residents, signposting to partner agencies as appropriate
• Support each resident to develop their own person-centred Support Plan with short- and long-term goals to work towards independent living skills and their next accommodation steps
• Arrange Review Meetings with young people at least once every 3 months to update and review risk assessments and support plans
• Check in with each resident at least once a week
• Encourage a culture of education, employment and engagement
• Ensure consistent standards of safeguarding and Trauma Informed Practice when supporting young people, observing our safeguarding procedures, and keeping yourself and residents safe by respecting professional boundaries
• Maintain client records on In-Form (client database) detailing the young person’s journey in relation to their strengths and needs, any risks, and any outcomes (to monitor service performance)

General 

• Work as part of a team
• Treat young people at the service in a non-judgmental and psychologically informed way
• Contribute to a great working environment, with a calm, yet assertive manner, being able to handle potentially difficult situations
• Participate in relevant continuing professional development and utilise Reflective Practice Supervision as part of leading psychologically informed practice
• Liaise effectively with other professionals and services

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

This is a dynamic and varied role; you will be passionate about being involved in the support and growth of young people.

Experience and Knowledge

• Experience relating to housing, support work, and/or working with young people
• Experience of working proactively with a caseload of young people with multiple and complex needs to enable them to achieve independent living
• Knowledge of statutory and voluntary resources available to young people with multiple and complex needs
• Knowledge of good safeguarding procedures in relation to young people and the ability to maintain effective professional boundaries
• Demonstrated confidence and competence in recording notes/actions in service log, incident forms and health and safety check lists

Skills and Abilities 

• Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing for appropriate recording of a resident’s progression, and to evidence outcomes achieved
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with all stakeholders, including signposting and advocating for clients as necessary
• Ability to work autonomously, and use own initiative, as well as being part of a team
• Clear verbal and written communication skills, good IT, and keyboard skills
• Strong time management skills with the ability to plan and prioritise

Job Introduction

• Location:  Oxfordshire
•  Annual Salary: £47,710.05
•  Hours per week: Full time (37.5 hours) 
•  Required: Full UK driving licence and access to a car/vehicle. 
•  Sponsorship is not available for this position

Help lead the kind of support that helps people live life their way.

At Affinity Trust, we support people with Learning Disabilities, Autism and related support needs to live the kind of lives most of us take for granted - ordinary, full, and led by choice. As an Operations Manager, you will be leading a team that is all about making that happen.

How will I be effective?

You will show others what good support looks like, helping managers and teams grow their confidence and skills to do their best.

You will build relationships with families and stakeholders so that the people we support can achieve great outcomes in life. 

You will encourage teams to be creative, courageous, and practical in helping people live life their way. 

What will I do as an Operations Manager?

You will ensure people are in receipt of amazing, safe, and consistent support which is always shaped around them.

You will lead with heart, setting a clear example and creating a place where everyone feels respected and valued.

You will bring people together to work in the same direction, making sure the people we support are truly at the centre of everything.

You will help people have real choice and say in their lives. 

You will maintain and manage an effective budget. 

You will be responsible for enhancing and maintaining quality and compliance across all the locations under your management.

You will be the Registered Manager for your locations and be part of the on-call rota 

This post reports into the Divisional Director. 

What do I need?

You will have previous experience managing teams (managers) in supported living, ideally supporting adults with Learning Disabilities and Autism.

You will have a clear understanding of the expectations set by our regulators, the CQC.

You will need previous experience in managing and maintaining a budget.

A proven history in driving and maintaining KPIs, compliance, and quality.

A confident use of tools like Word, Excel, and other everyday IT systems.

You will need to work flexibly, as required and be prepared to frequently travel across the area

What do I get in return?

We have a range of benefits that you can mix and match to suit you, such as:

• Buy and sell annual leave – transfer windows open twice a year. 
• Wagestream – an app that gives you access to a percentage of your pay as you earn it, access to coaching, vouchers, discounts, cashback and more.  
• Vivup – spread the cost of home and electronics items, or a bike to cycle to work through fixed salary reductions throughout the year. 
• Simply Health - Fully funded health cash plans giving you access to a 24-hour GP, money back on prescriptions, dental treatment, opticians, and access to many more health benefits.
• Blue light card – we will reimburse your Blue Light Card membership which provides discounts in your favourite shops and restaurants
• Care Friends - our employee referral and reward app. You’ll receive points which can be exchanged for extra money. 
• Pension and Life Assurance - you’ll be enrolled into our Scottish Widows pension scheme and Life Assurance scheme. 

If you want to lead a team that helps people live life the way they choose, with purpose and pride, apply today.

If you are offered a role with us, you will need to complete an enhanced DBS check. We will submit your application and pay for your check. 

We’re committed to being Disability Confident and we guarantee to interview all applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if sufficient applications are received.

We're looking for 2 kind, compassionate, and resilient Deputy Service Managers to join our Mental Health service in Southwark.

£35,700.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.

Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Our benefits include:

Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service

Free DBS

Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card

Fully paid induction programme and further training

ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes

Healthcare Cashplan through our partner Healthshield

Cycle to work scheme

Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support

Online wellbeing resources

A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)

Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution

The Deputy Contract Manager is responsible for the operational management of our specialist customer focused support services across the service. Working in partnership with stakeholders, external agencies and our Commissioning Team, you lead your Team to offer high quality support to customers who experience severe mental health diagnosis to maintain their tenancies and empower people to live their best lives and move to independence. Responsible for Safeguarding our Customers, you will promote sector best practice and legislative compliance to keep our customers safe within their environment.

The role provides direct line management, leadership, coaching and support to Support Workers, Specialist Support Workers and Night Support Workers, ensuring compliance with current legislation, contractual requirements financial regulations and Look Ahead Policy and Procedures.

You will ensure that your teams meet all statutory requirements and that all support is delivered in compliance with CQC expectations and Look Ahead's policy and procedures. You will take responsibly alongside the Service manager for maintaining compliance with the regulations and ensure that the appropriate notifications are made where necessary.

This role deputises for the Contract Manager and/or Area Service Manager and may when required.

The shift pattern for this role is 5 x 8 hour shifts per week, depending on service needs.

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.

For a full job description please visit our website

What you'll bring:

Experience of managing accommodation-based services and resources and delivering to budget and performance targets

Experience of supervising staff teams supporting vulnerable adults

GCSEs in English and Maths (grade A-C).

Health and Social Care qualification

Knowledge of Safeguarding and Mental Capacity processes.

Up to date knowledge of current social care legislation

Experience of leading and managing a team

Possess excellent leadership skills with a positive, can-do attitude

Experience managing the support of customers with high complex needs

Experience of CQC standards and how they apply to services

Ability to demonstrate positive personal authority and maintain proactive working relationships

Ability to create and maintain excellent working relationships with stakeholders

Demonstrable verbal and written communication skills
Experience of using Microsoft Outlook, Excel and Word

Desirable:

Other relevant professional memberships and/or specialist qualifications

Holds relevant CMI/NVQ Level 4 or other business/management qualification

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.