Youth and children jobs

Barnardo's is looking for an exceptional Responsible Individual to provide inspiring, values‑driven leadership across four residential children's homes, each committed to delivering therapeutic, relational care and each aspiring to be Outstanding.

This is more than a regulatory role. It is a chance to influence culture, strengthen practice, mentor Registered Managers, and ensure our homes are places where children feel happier, healthier, safer and more hopeful, fully aligned with Barnardo's vision of Changing Childhoods, Changing Lives.

Our homes are grounded in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) and PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy). Every relationship, every team decision, and every child's plan is shaped by these principles. We are looking for a leader who not only understands trauma-informed, attachment-focused practice but lives it.

What Our Children Say They Want from the People Who Lead Their Homes

“Please make sure our staff feel supported. It helps us feel safe too.” – J, age 14
“We want people who don't give up on us… even when things get hard.” – S, age 11
“Help the homes be happy places.” – L, age 9

Who wouldn't want their work to be guided by such powerful voices?

Your Role

As the Responsible Individual, you will:

• Provide strategic and operational oversight for four children's homes
• Drive quality and consistency, ensuring each home is safe, thriving, and inspection‑ready
• Embed DDP and PACE across teams, culture, and decision‑making
• Lead improvement journeys towards Outstanding
• Promote a strong safeguarding culture and regulatory compliance
• Champion the voice of the child and high‑quality relational practice
• Build collaborative working across internal and external partners
• Model reflective, compassionate, trauma‑informed leadership

What You'll Bring

• Significant leadership experience in residential childcare
• A Level 5 qualification (or equivalent) in Leadership and Management
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements across residential settings
• Experience in supporting and improving multiple sites/services
• Emotional resilience, reflective capacity, and clarity of purpose
• The ability to inspire, influence, and develop others
• A passion for helping children feel safer, more hopeful, and more connected

What We Offer

• Comprehensive leadership development and access to sector‑leading training
• Regular supervision and reflective practice support
• A values‑driven organisation where care, compassion, and curiosity are central

 Due to high application volumes, this vacancy may close earlier than the advertised date. We encourage early applications.

What Our Colleagues Say About Working for Barnardo's
“Barnardo's invests in us. The training, the support, the supervision… it's the best I've had.” – Registered Manager
“I love that our values aren't just words, they show up in decisions, relationships, and how we treat each other.” – Deputy Manager

As Responsible Individual, you will nurture this culture, one where colleagues feel valued, reflective, motivated, and proud of the care they provide.

Join Us

If you are a courageous, compassionate leader who wants to help children feel happier, healthier, safer and more hopeful, and if you're ready to support managers and teams to achieve Outstanding, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now and help us continue changing childhoods and changing lives.

PROJECT OPERATIONS MANAGER

Brand-new operations and project role with Free to Fly, supporting expectant mothers affected by domestic abuse to build safe, independent futures.

Location: Hybrid – Hope Centre, Portsmouth, plus networking and field work

Free to Fly exists to break cycles of abuse for future generations by raising awareness of domestic abuse and supporting mums-to-be on their journey to safety and independence. Through compassionate, person-centred practical and emotional support, the charity helps expectant mothers bring their children safely into the world and build stable, positive futures. Free to Fly is rooted in strong partnerships, community engagement and a deep respect for the dignity of every survivor.

Why work for Free to Fly?

• Flexible hours and hybrid working to suit your schedule
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (FTE)
• Opportunity for growth as the organisation expands
• Support for your professional development and relevant training
• The opportunity to build something that makes a real impact

The Project Operations Manager is a brand-new role, created to shape and drive the charity’s next phase of growth and impact. This is a wonderful opportunity to build and lead something meaningful from the ground up, playing a central role in how the organisation expands its reach and supports more women.

We’re looking for a practical, solutions-focused individual who thrives in a hands-on environment and enjoys turning ideas into reality. More than anything, this role calls for a genuine passion for the cause and a strong understanding of domestic abuse and trauma-informed practice, ideally gained through direct experience in a relevant service.

You’ll bring the confidence to take initiative, the ability to build trusted relationships, and the drive to create systems, partnerships and ways of working that make a real and lasting difference.

In this role, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Lead design and delivery of funded projects, including a scalable volunteer support model
• Establish project plans, systems, processes, safeguarding standards and operational frameworks
• Recruit, train and support volunteers to deliver safe, high-quality services
• Build referral partnerships across churches, health, community and support organisations
• Track impact, manage budgets, and ensure effective reporting to funders and Trustees

As the role involves regular travel for partnership meetings and delivery activity, you’ll need a full driving licence and access to a vehicle.

This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check.  For further details please have a look at the candidate pack.

For an informal chat to ask any questions, please contact Nick Thomas, Senior Consultant, Charisma Charity Recruitment.  Please apply through the Charisma Charity Recruitment website with your CV and supporting statement. 

Applications are being reviewed on receipt and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. When a suitable candidate is found the role will close, so please apply without delay to avoid disappointment.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender*, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law.

*In accordance with paragraph 1 of Schedule 9 to the Equality Act 2010, this role is subject to an occupational requirement to recruit only an individual who is biologically female, due to the specific nature of the duties involved.

37 hours per week / permanent / based on site at our Hove office, with some travel across Sussex and Surrey. Hybrid - three days from our office in Hove and up to two days working from home, working Monday to Friday (hours to be discussed at interview).

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

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

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

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

Working within the Impact and Improvement Team, you will be responsible for championing data- driven decision making. You will analyse and report on risk and performance across large and complex datasets, translating this into actionable insights to inform strategic decision making.

In delivering the role, you will develop the organisation's data strategy and oversee the creation of engaging dashboards and efficient data models in Microsoft Power BI, Pyramid, In-Form/Salesforce, MS Business Central, HealthBoxHR and other analytics platforms.

With excellent people skills, you will act as a mentor in the development of the Data C Systems Support Officer and will help to improve data literacy skills across the organisation as a whole.

Key responsibilities:

Insights, analytics and reporting

• Use data visualisation tools to regularly present and communicate insights and complex analysis to a range of audiences in a clear, concise, and compelling way
• Lead on small analysis projects and support on larger analysis projects throughout the full project lifecycle
• Work with the Head of Impact and Improvement, identify and proactively exploit opportunities to streamline or automate data collection processes for greater efficiency

Data systems and processes

• Lead on data migration and system deployment for the upgrades in 2026 for our key system In- Form, contribute to defining and setting up of new reporting, dashboards, and process mapping where needed
• Reporting to the Digital Manager and working closely with business system owners, the Head of Impact and Improvement and IT Managed Service Provider, establishing high quality systems and tools for capturing, organising and using data
• Act the lead for our build on the Salesforce platform, dashboards and reports. Working with service managers, support the design, production, and continuous improvement of this client management system
• Lead the design and delivery of a regular programme of induction and training sessions to build organisational knowledge and capabilities around our data systems

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.

You will already have experience of complex data analysis and reporting on performance across large datasets, along with experience of building engaging dashboards and efficient data models in Microsoft Power BI, Salesforce, or similar analytics platforms. You have analytical and problem- solving skills to interpret and present complex data, along with expert digital skills around use of MS Office 365 and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel to summarise and graphically represent data. You will understand data migration across systems and how to map effective reporting requirements. Experience with MS Fabric or similar data lakes/warehouses would be very beneficial.

You are a team player who can work with others to deliver a service and challenge colleagues appropriately where required. You have strong planning and time management skills, with ability to deal with competing priorities and deliver results to tight deadlines. You will already have a good understanding of the importance of data and information security, with experience of managing and working with information, systems and databases, designing and producing reports from them.

CLOSING DATE: Sunday 19th July 2026 at midnight.

PLEASE NOTE: We are unable to provide work permits or visa sponsorship for this role, so applicants must already have the right to live and work in the UK independently.

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

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

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

Successful applicants will undergo a thorough background screening process, conducted by an accredited third-party provider. This includes an Enhanced DBS check (with Children’s and Adults’ Barred Lists) as well as comprehensive reference and activity check.

Role Purpose

To provide administrative support for the People and Culture team ensuring efficient and effective HR and volunteer processes from onboarding right through to exit. This role requires excellent internal customer service skills and a willingness to help, support and find answers to staff and volunteer queries and questions.

Main Responsibilities

·  To provide administrative support to the People and Culture Team in the recruitment of staff and volunteers.

· To assist with the onboarding of staff and volunteers.

· To carry out routine and ad hoc administrative duties to support HR and volunteer processes.

· To issue letters and documentation to staff and volunteers, ensuring copies are filed in relevant online files.

· To update HR and volunteer systems ensuring data is accurate and up to date

· To assist in monitoring and updating HR and volunteer records such as training, DBS checks or health and safety.

· To monitor HR and volunteer e-mail in-boxes and calendars responding to queries where relevant and sending meeting invites where necessary.

· To run reports from HR/volunteers systems as and when required.

· To attend HR/volunteer meetings as and when required which may include occasional out of hours work for volunteer training sessions or social events.

· To be pro-active and responsive to volunteer and staff queries.

· To carry out any other reasonable tasks as discussed and agreed with your line manager.

Person Specification

Essential

· Located within commutable distance from our office in central Gloucester.

· A team player who works flexibly to meet the needs of the organisation.

· Excellent organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritise work and meet tight deadlines.

· Strong written and verbal communication skills.

· Ability to work quickly and accurately with data.

· Excellent interpersonal skills.

· Strong IT skills.

· Ability to use own initiative.

Desirable

· Driver, with access to own vehicle.

· Previous experience of working in a charity or HR.

We are willing to consider full or part-time working for this role.

Benefits

· 28 days’ holiday plus bank holidays (pro rata if applicable) with increase for long service.

· TOIL for our hours work.

· Contributory pension scheme.

· Company sick pay.

· Employee Assistance Programme.

· Life assurance.

· Training loans.

· Enhanced family friendly policies.

Recruitment Timetable

Application deadline: 12th July 2026 at midnight

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications for the role before the closing date.

Join a growing Therapeutic service supporting children, young people and families.

Link Adoption & Family Support Service provides therapeutic support services for children, young people, and families across the UK. Much of our work is focused within adoption services, supporting adoptive families, children, and young people who have been adopted. We also provide therapeutic services to Special Guardians, kinship carers, and foster carers.

More recently, we have expanded our provision to support wider communities through partnerships with Barnardo's projects, health authorities, charities and voluntary sector organisations. Services are delivered both face-to-face and virtually across the UK.

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Therapeutic Social Worker to join our dynamic therapeutic services team.

This is an exciting opportunity for a qualified Social Worker to play a key role in coordinating therapeutic interventions that make a meaningful difference to the lives of children and families.

Working within a trauma-informed and attachment-focused service, you will manage referrals from initial enquiry through to case closure, ensuring children and families receive timely, appropriate support. You will work collaboratively  with therapists, commissioners, local authorities, and families to coordinate high-quality therapeutic interventions and help achieve positive outcomes.

The successful candidate will:

• Lead the assessment, planning and case management of therapeutic support packages, coordinating referrals from enquiry to closure and ensuring children, young people and families receive tailored, child-centred interventions.
• Provide safeguarding leadership, by assessing and managing risk, responding to safeguarding concerns, participating in the safeguarding duty rota and ensuring compliance with safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Offer professional consultation and support to therapists and practitioners, offering guidance on case management, safeguarding, risk management and best practice, contributing to quality assurance and continuous professional development.
• Build and maintain effective partnerships with families, social workers, health professionals and partner agencies, acting as a key point of contact and ensuring collaborative, outcome-focused service delivery.
• Develop and maintain relationships with commissioners and referral partners, providing outcome reports, attending review meetings and identifying opportunities to enhance service delivery and grow referrals.
• Contribute to the growth and development of the service by identifying and delivering new service opportunities, leading improvement initiatives, supporting business development, and deputising for the Practice Manager when required.

This is a hybrid role, primarily home-based with occasional travel for training, team meetings and service-related activities. The successful candidate will become an integral member of our multi-disciplinary team, working collaboratively to deliver high-quality therapeutic services to children, young people and families.

About You

We are looking for someone who has:

• Professional Social Work qualification and registration.
• Experience of safeguarding practice and risk assessment.
• Additional training or qualifications in therapeutic practice, trauma informed approaches, attachment, adoption support, or related areas would be desirable.
• Experience within adoption, fostering, kinship care, Special Guardianship, or related children's services would be desirable.
• Excellent assessment and analytical skills.
• Strong organisational and case management abilities.
• Ability to manage a complex caseload and competing priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills.

If you are passionate about therapeutic social work and want to work in a role that combines safeguarding, relationship-building, service development, and therapeutic coordination, we'd love to hear from you.

Additional Information

You must demonstrate within your application how you currently use, or have previously used, the skills outlined above and within the Job Description and Person Specification. This may be through employment or other relevant experience. Applications should demonstrate an understanding of the context and demands of the service described.

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date.  We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible

Role Purpose

As part of the Clinical Services leadership team, the Adult Team Manager provides operational oversight, line management, and clinical leadership to a multidisciplinary team delivering bereavement support to adults after the death of a child. The post holder ensures the delivery of safe, high-quality, and evidence-informed therapeutic support that is in line with organisational standards and clinical governance frameworks. They maintain a small caseload to ensure continued practice relevance and lead by example through high quality therapeutic work. The role balances hands-on leadership with operational management, contributing to service development, outcome measurement and quality improvement under the direction of the Head of Clinical Services.

Main Responsibilities

Operational and Team Management

· Oversee the daily operations of the adult bereavement service, ensuring effective coordination, delivery, and monitoring of therapeutic interventions

· Provide regular line management to counsellors and practitioners, supporting professional growth, wellbeing, and accountability

· Contribute to the safe and effective clinical triage of all referrals, informed by individualised needs, evidence-based practice and ensuring decisions align with clinical governance, safeguarding and risk, and recognised best practice standards

· Support in the allocation and management of team caseloads, ensuring referrals are prioritised and distributed appropriately to meet clinical need

· Monitor team performance, service activity, and adherence to quality standards and policies

· Support recruitment, induction, and development of new team members, modelling the organisation’s values and culture

· Foster a supportive, cohesive team culture driven by compassion, accountability and inclusion

· Work collaboratively with the Head of Clinical Services to identify service gaps, pressures, risks, and staffing needs, proposing solutions and adjustments as required

Clinical Leadership

· Provide clinical leadership and guidance to ensure the delivery of high-quality, evidence-informed interventions

· Maintain a personal caseload of complex cases, modelling best practice and demonstrating clinical credibility

· Lead group peer supervision sessions and promote an environment of continual learning and professional growth

· Support risk assessment, management, and escalation processes, ensuring that safeguarding and ethical practice are consistently applied

· Offer consultation and advice to bereavement specialists, counsellors, volunteers on complex bereavement and trauma presentations

· Ensure staff receive appropriate clinical supervision in accordance with organisational guidelines

Service Delivery and Quality

· Oversee consistent delivery of individual, couple, group, and workshop bereavement support in line with agreed frameworks

· Ensure effective use of outcome measures and client feedback to assess impact, promote clinical reflection, and inform continuous improvement

· Contribute to the monitoring and auditing of service quality

· Contribute to the development and implementation of new models of care, services, resources, and practice improvement initiatives

· Support compliance with relevant legislation, safeguarding standards, and regulatory frameworks

Communication and Relationships

· Communicate effectively and sensitively within the organisation and with external professionals, including health and mental health services such as CMHTs and GPs

· Convey complex and emotionally sensitive information with clarity, empathy, and professionalism

· Manage interactions with individuals or groups who may be distressed or emotionally impacted by information shared

· Develop and maintain strong, positive working relationships with colleagues and peers to promote effective teamwork and collaboration

· Model organisational values and behaviours, demonstrating respect, compassion, and integrity in all communication and relationships

Knowledge, Training and Experience

· Undertake therapeutic assessments and interventions with adults in line with evidence-based and best practice approaches

· Complete comprehensive assessments, including risk assessments, and determine appropriate levels of intervention and response

· Ensure all practice meets professional standards and complies with relevant codes of conduct and national guidance

· Maintain up-to-date knowledge of current research, evidence-based practice, and developments in bereavement and trauma-informed care

· Engage in continuous professional development and maintain an active professional portfolio in line with professional body requirements

· Demonstrate knowledge and compliance with organisational policies, procedures, and safeguarding legislation, including Safeguarding Children and Adults and the Mental Capacity Act

· Provide guidance, supervision, and support to volunteers individually or in groups as required

Analytical and Judgement Skills

· Apply sound professional judgment and analytical skills to assess needs, plan interventions, and evaluate outcomes in accordance with best-practice frameworks

· Participate actively in team meetings to plan, review, and evaluate care strategies and approaches

· Ensure the accurate and timely recording of data and information to support monitoring, evaluation, and service development

· Contribute to the collection, analysis and reporting of outcome measures to support quality assurance, demonstrate

Person Specification

Education/Professional Qualification

Essential

· MA/MSc or Postgraduate Degree (minimum Level 6 or equivalent) in Counselling, Psychotherapy, Arts Therapy

· Registration with a professional body (ie. NCPS, HCPC, UKCP, BACP, BAAT, etc)

· Evidence of continuing professional development

· Training in safeguarding children and adults at risk (Level 3 minimum)

Desirable

· Additional training in clinical leadership

· Certificate/diploma in supervision

· Dual qualification (social work and counselling/psychotherapy)

· BACP accreditation or eligible for BACP accreditation

Skills and Experience

Essential

· Strong clinical leadership skills with the ability to support, motivate and develop others

· A strong understanding and knowledge of relevant psychological theories, therapeutic interventions, and models of grief work for adults, especially those bereaved of a child

· Able to make clear psychosocial assessments and managing complex emotional and mental health needs, risk, and safeguarding

· Evidence of working in a psychological framework with adults who have experienced common mental health problems (ie. anxiety and depression)

· Very strong assessment, formulation and planning skills within a therapeutic context

· Experience of triaging cases based on evidence and clinical need with the ability to make sound clinical judgements and risk assessments

· Significant experience of working therapeutically with adults who experience trauma and significant emotional distress

· Experience of using outcome measures, feedback tools and data to evaluate effectiveness and impact of interventions

· Ability to oversee operational delivery, managing clinical and management responsibilities

· Experience of safeguarding decision-making and managing complex cases involving risk

Desirable

· Experience in line management and clinical supervision within a therapeutic or mental health environment

Knowledge and Understanding

· In-depth understanding of the psychological impact of bereavement, trauma, and loss following the death of a child

· In-depth knowledge and understanding of relevant psychological theories, therapeutic interventions, and models of grief work

· Knowledge of therapeutic models and interventions relevant to adult trauma and grief

· Strong understanding of risk assessment and management, safeguarding legislation and frameworks and ethics in practice

· In-depth knowledge of evidence-based models of counselling and therapeutic interventions including creative and systemic approaches

· Proven ability to design, deliver and adapt psychological assessments and therapeutic interventions effectively through digital platforms, maintaining therapeutic alliance, safety, and impact when working remotely with adults

· Strong understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion relevant to bereavement and mental health

· Knowledge of service outcomes, quality standards, and measurement systems

Recruitment Timetable

Application deadline: 9th July 2026 at midnight

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications for the role before the closing date.

Interviews

First Stage Screening Interviews

You may be asked to attend a 10-minute Screening Interview on MS Teams with the Hiring Managers for the vacancy, to assess your suitability for the role. During the interview, you will be asked two skills-based questions.

Second Stage Interviews

If you are progressed to a second stage interview, you will be invited to attend a 1-hour formal interview on MS Teams with the Hiring Managers for the role. It is our policy to share the role-specific interview questions with applicants ahead of the interview, to aid their preparation. You may also be asked to complete an interview task, which will also be shared with you in advance.

For further information please see the Recruitment Pack for this role.

Barnardo's Adoption Midlands and South West has an exciting vacancy for a Social Worker to join its Service covering work predominantly in the Midlands, East & West.  You will be joining an experienced and stable staff group who embrace working in a creative, open and transparent manner with adopters, to provide children with permanence in a family who understand the lifelong nature of adoption and the impact of issues such as developmental trauma, attachment and neuroscience.

As a Social Worker you have the chance to make a real difference in the lives of Children, Young People and Families by:

• Recruiting, assessing and approving a diverse range of adoptive families to meet the needs of waiting children
• Matching the needs of children nationwide with the skills of appropriate adopters
• Ensuring all adopters have access to excellent training, guidance and support when they require it, including managing ongoing contact with birth family
• Working directly with adoptive families promoting a trauma informed approach and helping build and maintain family relationships
• Being part of Barnardo's undertaking to children, young people and adopters to continuously learn and improve

If you have a passion and drive to make a positive difference to children and adopters we would like to hear from you.

This vacancy is for a qualified Social Worker who is registered with SW England or is able to register with SW England.

The duties of this post require the applicant to have a full current driving license that enables them to drive in the UK and have use of a car and business use insurance.  Barnardo's is, however, willing to consider any proposals put forward by applicants that would allow them to do the job by other means.

The applicant will need to be able to participate in an "Helpline" rota Out of Office hours. There is additional remuneration for providing this service.

Barnardo's believe in creating equality of opportunity in the workplace and supporting people to manage their work life balance we therefore offer flexible working arrangements as the role involves some evening/weekend working and travel with occasional overnight stays.

Barnardo's believe in creating equality of opportunity in the workplace and supporting people to manage their work-life balance; we are therefore open to offering flexible working arrangements.

When completing the application please refer to the Person Specification, Job Description and Additional Information document. This should be done with an understanding of the context of the Service described. 

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date.  We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible

Harris Hill is delighted to be partnering with a well-established children’s charity in London in their search for a Deputy Play Manager.

Full-time | £36,000 per annum

The charity has been supporting children, young people and families for over 25 years through a range of play, family support and youth programmes. Their Ofsted-registered after-school and holiday play schemes provide children aged 4–11 with safe, engaging and nurturing environments to explore, grow and thrive.

As Deputy Play Manager, you’ll play a key leadership role within the play service, helping to design, deliver and evaluate a high-quality programme of activities. You’ll support the Play Manager in day-to-day operations (including managing enquiries/collection of fees), team management and ensuring compliance with all safeguarding, health and safety, and Ofsted standards.

This is a hands-on role combining leadership, planning, and active delivery — you’ll work directly with children and families to create safe, inclusive, and stimulating play environments.

About You

Essential skills and experience:

• Level 3 qualification (or above) in Playwork, Early Years, or a related field.
• Minimum of three years’ experience working directly with children aged 4–11.
• Strong understanding of EYFS and Ofsted requirements.
• Experience planning and delivering engaging, age-appropriate play activities.
• Confident leading active, outdoor or adventure-based play.
• Sound understanding of safeguarding and child protection.
• Excellent communication and team leadership skills.
• Strong organisational and IT skills.

Desirable:

• Experience supporting children with additional needs or from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience supervising others or managing volunteers.
• Knowledge of current issues affecting children and families.
• Relevant training such as paediatric first aid or food hygiene.

Play is at the heart of what they do — the organisation believes that every child deserves the opportunity to enjoy a happy, fulfilling childhood through both free and guided play experiences.

If you’re passionate about play, child development and helping young people thrive, we’d love to hear from you.

For more information, please submit your CV to

 Please note, CVs are being reviewed on a rolling basis, and only successful applicants will be contacted with more information.

 As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

For over 60 years the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) has been building a better childhood for all.

Senior Researcher
Contract: Fixed term for 24 months
Work Pattern: Full Time, 35 hours per week (We are open to flexible hours and working patterns, including accommodating part-time and compressed hours where possible).
Salary: £40,855 per annum, Nationwide – £44,167 per annum for London
Location: NCB has offices in London, Sheffield, Newton Abbot and Belfast that staff can work from should they choose, or this role can be homebased. NCB promotes a hybrid, flexible way of working with 2 days working in the office if based in London.

The Vacancy

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Researcher to make a significant contribution on a 2-year fixed term contract to the design, delivery and management of research and evidence projects at NCB. Research projects at NCB involve a range of methods, often using a mixed-methods approach, that include evidence synthesis and systematic reviews, literature reviews, primary research using qualitative and quantitative methods and secondary data analysis.

A key focus of this role will be leading and delivering high-quality evidence synthesis, as a core component of our research portfolio.

NCB’s research focuses on a broad range of topic areas on behalf of a range of trusts and foundations, statutory, academic, voluntary and community sector funders, including social care and the transition to adulthood; education; mental health & wellbeing; youth violence and early years.

The postholder will work across a range of projects including the topics above and using a range of methods as appropriate, ensuring their work is delivered to NCB’s quality standards.

About NCB

For more than 60 years, the National Children’s Bureau has championed the rights and amplified the voice of children and young people in the UK. We interrogate policy and uncover evidence, blending in lived and learnt experience to shape future legislation and develop more effective ways of supporting children and families.

Bringing people and organisations together is fundamental to how we improve the systems that babies, children, young people and their families rely on to thrive. We push boundaries, even looking beyond childhood itself to consider transitions into adulthood and the impact of childhood issues on an entire lifespan. We are united for better childhoods and brighter futures.

The Benefits

• 30 Days Annual Leave
• Winter Holiday Closure & Break
• Generous Pension Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Flexible Working
• Employee Assistance Programme

Closing date: 8am, Tuesday 7th July 2026
Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications as soon as possible.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

We are actively seeking to broaden the diversity of our staff group and warmly welcome applications from candidates underrepresented in the charity sector, including those from Black and Global Majority communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with lived experience of the issues NCB works on.

No agencies please.

Qualified Play Therapist

Location: South Hampshire Women’s Refuge, Southampton

Salary: £15,806 per annum

Vacancy Type: Permanent, Part Time (20 hours per week)

Make a real difference to the lives of children and young people affected by domestic abuse.
At Stonewater, we believe every child deserves a safe space to heal and thrive. We’re looking for a compassionate, creative and qualified Play Therapist (known internally as Play Therapy Worker) to join our Domestic Abuse Services team. This is a unique opportunity to use your skills to empower children and young people through therapeutic play and person-centred support.

What you’ll do

• Deliver age-appropriate, strengths-based play therapy to children and young people living in our refuge accommodation.
• Use a variety of creative techniques – from storytelling and art to music and role play – to help themselves and build resilience.
• Work with the children, young people and families development workers to create individual support plans and work closely with parents to create safe, nurturing environments.
• Collaborate with multi-agency partners and contribute to safeguarding best practice.
• Play a key role in shaping our children and family support programme.

What we’re looking for

• A recognised Play Therapy qualification and registration with a relevant professional body (e.g., UKCP, BACP, BAPT).
• Experience delivering outcomes-focused therapy to children and young people.
• Strong understanding of child development, attachment theory, and the impact of domestic abuse.
• Ability to work creatively, flexibly, and in a non-judgemental way.
• Excellent communication and partnership skills.

Ready to make an impact?

Apply today and help us create safe, supportive spaces where children and young people can flourish.

**This post is restricted to female applicants only under the provisions of the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1. The role is based within a female-only domestic abuse refuge, where the provision of services requires a female worker to ensure the privacy, dignity, and safety of residents.

Discover Stonewater:

Stonewater have 20+ years’ experience delivering refuge, safe accommodation and community based domestic abuse services. Our services include Women and Children’s Refuges, LGBTQ+ Safe Space, a South Asian Women’s Refuge and dispersed accommodation to support those that are unable to access traditional Refuges such as male survivors, those with pets and those facing multiple and complex disadvantage. Our dispersed model of safe accommodation ensures equal access for all.

Stonewater is a leading housing provider. We manage around 40,000 homes, serving 93,000 survivors across our portfolio of affordable properties for general rent, shared ownership and sale, alongside specialist accommodation, with an ambitious house-building programme.

Our mission is to provide quality homes and services for people whose needs are not met by the open market.

We’re looking for like-minded people to join our team of over 800 talented colleagues who embody our values of being ethical, ambitious, passionate, agile and commercial, as well as people who want to make a difference and transform people’s lives.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and working towards accreditation for becoming a Disability Confident Leader, which allows us to record and report on disability, mental health and wellbeing in the workplace to better support our colleagues. We have also achieved accreditation for being an Advanced Employer for Investing in Ethnicity Maturity Matrix. We are committed to being a Menopause Friendly employer and working towards accreditation our Menopause Friendly accreditation.

Stonewater reserve the right to bring the closing date forward should enough quality applications be received prior to the current closing date.

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Stonewater, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application.

The Specialist Practitioner role sits under the direction of the Clinical Manager and within the Therapy Team. The role is multifaceted which includes professional liaison, other types of support and direct client work through therapy and Initial Meetings. This role has been developing since 2023 to meet the needs of the service and the children and families that TGH supports. 2026 will see further change to this role as TGH aims to support children and young people within a new pathway. The post holder must be self-governing as lone working may be required within sites across BNSSG and BANES, which upholds TGHs mission to more accessible to families, meeting them where they live.

Job Title: Assistant Shop Manager (Maternity Cover)

Salary: £15,736 per annum (pro-rata of full time equivalent £26,227)

Team: Knaphill

Hours: Part Time, 22.5 hours per week

Contract Type: Fixed Term

Location: Knaphill Shop,2PP GU21

About the role

Your key purpose will be to support, and in the absence of the Shop Manager, lead a team of volunteers to maximise sales and deliver excellent customer service. You will also ensure the shop premises and assets are maintained to a high standard, in line with legal requirements and Shooting Star Children’s Hospices (SSCH) policies and procedures.

About you

You will be a proactive and organised team player, confident in supporting, and in the absence of the Shop Manager, leading a team of volunteers. With a strong focus on customer service, you will be comfortable dealing with enquiries and resolving issues professionally, while creating a welcoming and positive environment for both customers and volunteers. You will have the ability to plan and prioritise tasks effectively, including coordinating rotas, delegating responsibilities, and ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the shop.

You will bring a keen eye for detail and a commercial mindset, with experience or an interest in merchandising, stock management, and sales performance. You will be confident making decisions on pricing, product suitability, and display to maximise income. Working collaboratively with a wide range of internal teams and stakeholders, you will communicate effectively and contribute to achieving shared goals. Enthusiastic and adaptable, you will take pride in maintaining high standards across all areas of the shop, ensuring compliance with policies, procedures, and legal requirements.

Please see the attached job description for more information about this opportunity at Shooting Star Children’s Hospices.

What we offer

In return you will receive a competitive salary along with a range of benefits, which include:

Pension scheme

• NHS Pension Scheme (for eligible employees) or our stakeholder pension scheme, with up to 7% employer contributions

Annual leave

• 27 days plus Bank Holidays rising with length of service
• 2 weeks paid sabbatical leave after 5, 10 and 15 years’ service

Contractual benefits

• Generous sick pay scheme
• Enhanced maternity, adoption, and paternity leave pay
• Flexible working arrangements
• Death in service benefits
• Reimbursed professional membership fees
• Eye care
• Employee referral scheme
• Blue Light discount card

Health and wellbeing

• Employee Assistance Programme
• Occupational Health
• Mindfulness sessions
• Mental Health First Aiders

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff to share this commitment. Also, we are committed to equal opportunities and consider all applicants to be in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Employment is subject to receipt of satisfactory references and a DBS check.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Shooting Star Children’s Hospices is committed to inclusion and diversity in everything we do. We know that getting things right is critical for us to live our organisation’s values: Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Diversity and Excellence.

We are always trying to improve our way of working to be more inclusive and equal. Our vision is for Shooting Star Children’s Hospices to be a place where people of all backgrounds, groups and communities feel welcomed to work and volunteer.

Anticipated closing Date: 03/07/2026

Please note that vacancies may close at any time once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We therefore recommend submitting your application as early as possible.

We have an exciting opportunity for an CYP Independent Domestic Violence Advisor to join our growing Children & Young People Team in Rochdale, working 37.5 hours a week.

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 believe in attracting & retaining the best people and offer a competitive rewards & benefits package including:

• Flexible working options including hybrid working
• 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 33 days plus Bank Holidays
• An extra day off for your birthday & options to buy or sell annual leave
• Pension with 5% employer contribution
• Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity payments
• High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment & leisure discounts
• Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
• Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
• Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes
• Cycle to work scheme & season ticket loans
• Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression

About the role

This role is based in Rochdale Police station along with some hybrid working, you must be prepared to travel across the borough of Rochdale.

As a CYP IDVA you will deliver specialist and enhanced support to Children and Young People aged 4-17 who have experienced Domestic Violence Abuse in the home. You will be responsible for providing high quality interventions to children & young people affected by DVA through the development of individually tailored & risk assessed support and safety plans. You will offer support through one-to-one sessions to address issues of self-esteem, manage emotions and feelings of blame and responsibility with the aim to improve understanding of abusive behaviour, healthy relationships and conflict resolution.

You will need:

To conduct comprehensive needs and risk assessments and ensure each CYP receives an individual tailored support package that fully meets their identified needs, including safety planning, advocacy, emotional and practical support.

To advocate on behalf of children and young people with experience of domestic abuse to ensure the diverse needs of children and young people using the service are met.

To provide one to one support to children and young people living in families affected by domestic abuse.

The ability to review the assessment of risk on an ongoing basis, ensuring appropriate and immediate action is taken in respect of any CYP facing significant harm, making the necessary referrals to MARAC and local safeguarding processes as required given the legal framework relating to the protection of children and the policy and procedures of the Local Safeguarding Children's Board.

To establish links with relevant statutory partners in Social Care, Education, Health, Police and Housing, with the intention of supporting children and young people who have been impacted by domestic abuse. Attend meetings as required.

Ideally a background in Social Worker, Domestic Abuse or Children & Young People services would be advantageous.

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.

Are you interested in using your administration skills to support teams that work with children and young people?

The Mental Health Support Teams  ( MHSTs) in the West locality team in North Cumbria are recruiting a Service administrator  for 30 hours a week due to the growth of the teams.

The teams work in schools offering low intensity Cognitive Behaviour Therapy to children and young people as part of an NHS contract.  

You will be working with the teams that cover Egremont, Whitehaven, Workington, Maryport, Cockermouth and Keswick. It is expected that you will be able to work from the service bases in Workington and Cockermouth on a weekly basis and the role will involve  attending regular meetings in Carlisle.

The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating delivery of all administrative/ data functions across the service and ensuring that consistent processes are in place for finance, data and health & safety in line with contractual and Barnardo's requirements. 

You will implement new, and revise existing, systems for financial and data management across the service as required and prepare financial information dealing with, and checking income and expenditure, including payroll. 

Reporting to the Children's Services Manager you will support with designated work in terms of planning, development, projects, and business support tasks across the localities.

The post holder will be required to compile reports as required for presentation both internally and externally and support and work with the Regional Finance Team, Health and Safety Officer to ensure that all compliance requirements and targets are met/exceeded.  There will also be Line management responsibilities as designated and you will work with, and provide support to, the Children's Services Manager to ensure all compliance requirements are met

It is essential that you have:

• Excellent literacy and numeracy skills at a level that enables you to perform difficult calculations and produce reports
• Substantial experience of using IT packages particularly MS applications
• Experience of Health and Safety and premises/facilities management
• Experience of financial administration 

You must be:

• Able to work independently without direct supervision, demonstrating initiative when required.
• Able to delegate work effectively if applicable.
• Able to maintain strict confidentiality and work within data protection guidelines.
• Able to work effectively as a member of a team.
• Able to work in a thorough and systematic way, paying attention to detail.
• Able to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders.
• Able to prioritise own workload and meet tight deadlines.

Experience of formally line managing staff is advantageous, as this role will include directly line managing staff.

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date.  We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible