Advice And Information Team Leader Jobs
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Senior Finance and Operations Manager to join our small but dynamic team at a critical stage of our work. With a refreshed strategy, expanded team and extended life we are looking for someone to manage the day-to-day delivery of an effective and efficient finance and operations function and provide vital support to the Director of Finance and Operations and Business Support Officer.
The successful candidate will become an integral part of the Access team, working in a collaborative and supportive environment with opportunities for growth and development.
Key Responsibilities:
· Day to day management of the finance and operations functions
· Financial reporting
· Treasury management
· Line management and development of the Business Support Officer
· HR and IT support to colleagues
· Governance support to trustees
If this opportunity aligns with your career goals, please review our job pack, which includes the job description and person specification. We encourage you to familiarise yourself with the requirements before applying. If you feel this is this the right role for you, do not hesitate to apply, we would love to hear from you.
We are committed to being an inclusive organisation and actively promote equality of opportunity for all. We believe in the value of a diverse workforce and encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Selection for roles is based solely on individual merit, talent, skills, and potential.
As a charity, we are dedicated to reflecting the communities and individuals we aim to support. We particularly welcome applications from candidates who share lived experiences or come from backgrounds that align with those we serve. Diversity strengthens our ability to make a meaningful impact, and we encourage all who feel passionate about our mission to apply.
First round of interviews (via Zoom) will be held on Thursday, 7th November 2024.
Second round of interviews (in person) will be held on Tuesday, 12th November 2024.
We want to see a social investment ecosystem that works for all charities and social enterprises.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Our system keeps your personal information hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Glaucoma UK is the charity for people with glaucoma. Our vision is to end preventable glaucoma sight loss.
We offer a wide range of free information and advice leaflets, a telephone helpline, digital support groups, an online patient forum, and volunteer Buddies who provide peer to peer support.
Our services are open to everyone, and thanks to the generosity of our supporters, they are free to all who need them. As well as supporting patients directly, we work closely with healthcare professionals to improve care and increase understanding of patients’ needs.
As the leader of a dedicated, qualified and experienced team, you will help to keep our communications strategy on track during the coming year by ensuring that the annual operating plan is delivered and that the desired impacts are achieved.
Position: Head of Communications (maternity cover)
Responsible to: Chief Executive Officer
Location: Flexible and hybrid working between home and our Head office in Ashford, Kent
Hours: 35 hours per week (full-time)
Salary: £43,945.00 per annum
Annual leave and benefits:
- 25 days holiday per annum, plus Bank Holidays
- Benenden Healthcare cover
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- Up to 5% contributory pension
- Enhanced maternity & paternity pay
- Funded support for learning and development
How to apply: Click the Quick Apply button below. You'll be asked to submit a CV and covering letter, and answer a few short screening questions about your relevant skills and motivation.
Interviews will take place on Friday 15 November 2024 at our Head office in Ashford, Kent.
Closing date: 9am on Monday 11 November 2024
What you'll be working on:
- Develop and maintain the annual operating plan for the charity's communications, marketing and public relations activity.
- Ensure that all press releases, articles and statements reflect the charity's brand values and core messages.
- Lead of the development and delivery of compelling awareness raising and public engagement campaigns, including World Glaucoma Week, Glaucoma Awareness Week, Ramadan, National Eye Health Week, etc.
- Commission and evaluate an annual Glaucoma Insights and Brand Awareness Survey.
- Set, manage and review the budget for communications, reporting on variances and taking corrective action where necessary.
This job is for you if.....
- you're qualified in communications, public relations, marketing, or a related field.
- you have proven experience in a senior communications role, preferably within a non-profit organisation.
- you have excellent line management skills, able to inspire and motivate staff to deliver organisational strategies through a supportive, collaborative and inclusive staff management approach.
- you have strong understanding of media relations and social media management.
- you have experience of managing finances, including monitoring monthly management accounts.
We will respond to all shortlisted candidates by 12 November 2024.
Please note that only applications including a covering letter which clearly details how you meet the requirements of the person specification, will be considered.
To download a job pack please visit Glaucoma UK's website.
Our vision is to end preventable glaucoma sight loss.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Over the past few years, Families in Grief (FiG) has grown significantly to meet the needs of our North Devon and Torridge community. We have just completed a piece of work to expand our reach, enhance our accessibility to healthcare professionals and schools, and broaden our range of services to better support children, young people and families who have been bereaved. We are now looking for an experienced leader with a passion for making a difference to continue this work.
Our aims:
- To provide a credible and high-quality bereavement support service to all grieving families children, young people and families in need of our help.
- To better educate and support professionals who come into contact with bereaved children and young people.
- To improve family relationships after a member of the family dies, to reduce bereaved families' feelings of social isolation, to improve a child or young person’s engagement with school and the wider community for families to learn further about the impact of grief.
- To ensure all families and professionals working with families in North Devon and the Torridge area are aware of FiG’s services.
We are looking for someone who can:
- Continue to shape the vision: leading FiG with clarity and purpose, ensuring the charity remains responsive to the needs of bereaved families in Northern Devon.
- Drive strategy: collaborating with the Board to develop and implement a rolling 3-year strategic plan that aligns with FiG’s goals and adapts to changing needs. Champion innovation and continuous improvement, ensuring the charity thrives in a dynamic environment.
- Inspire teams: providing inspirational leadership to employees and volunteers, fostering a culture of collaboration, compassion, and excellence.
- Impact focus: regularly evaluating and refining FiG’s strategy to maximize its impact, delivering meaningful, sustainable support to the community.
- Operational and Financial Management: ensure smooth day-to-day office logistics, manage budgets, oversee financial processes and health and safety in order to ensure compliance with all charity requirements
If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you feel motivated to help victims of stalking?
Do you want to shape the future of our response to stalking and personal safety?
Do you have resilience and flexibility to meet the demands this role brings, and enjoy working in a sharing and learning environment?
If yes, then read on.
About the Suzy Lamplugh Trust
The post represents a unique opportunity for a pre-emptive, results-driven, and resilient candidate to join the UK’s founding personal safety charity and leading authority on stalking.
The Suzy Lamplugh Trust was born out of the tragic story of Suzy Lamplugh, a 25-year-old estate agent who went missing whilst at work in 1986, was never found, and was eventually declared deceased in 1993. The Trust was set up in Suzy’s name to empower individuals and organisations to make a stand against all forms of abuse, aggression, and violence, across their personal and professional lives.
You will be working for a growing charity that delivers high value impact to its beneficiaries, through its legacy, integrity, and credibility. We are an organisation that has been responsible for the education of millions of lone and frontline workers across all sectors for three and half decades, has:
- campaigned heavily and played a pivotal role to drive changes in the law;
- has supported over 55,000 victims and survivors of stalking since the inception of its National Stalking Helpline service in 2010; and
- always had the aim of tackling violence against women and girls at the core of what it does.
Purpose of Role:
- To provide guidance and support by telephone, email and face-to-face to those affected by stalking.
- To provide support to victims of stalking, liasing with both voluntary and satutory services to ensure positive outcomes for victims.
- To support the National Stalking Helpline Team Leader and Stalking Advocates where necessary.
What we offer in return
In return for our staff’s commitment and dedication, we offer a range of benefits:
- Hybrid working (minimum 40% in the office and agile working enabled to work from home)
- Flexitime Policy
- 28 days annual leave (which increases after 3 and 5 years to a maximum of 33 days pro rata) + public holiday
- Special leave for life events, such as 1 day off for moving house, and a day off for your birthday
- Pension scheme with 5% employer contribution
- Health & Wellbeing App with access to advice, counselling, support and a wide range of discounts
- Occupational Sick Pay (which increases after 3 years)
- Cycle to Work scheme (cycle racks on site)
- Interest-free travel loan for annual season ticket
- Regular all-staff off-site meetings and events
Work Location: The post holder will be required to be office-based initially to support their induction and integration with the service. Thereafter, a blended model (40 office/60 home), with office working in London and home working (must have adequate and confidential workspace when remote working). Candidates should ideally be located in London or immediate surrounding area (but locations outside of these areas may be considered).
Please refer to the attached pack for the detailed Job Description and Person Specification.
Please note that applications without a covering letter will not be considered.
We reserve the right to close this role early.
To reduce the risk and prevalence of abuse, aggression and violence - with a specific focus on stalking and harassment
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Peer Support Development Officer – Greater London
About Kinship:
Kinship is the leading kinship care charity in England and Wales. We offer kinship carers financial, legal, practical and emotional support and understanding from the moment they need it, for as long as they need it. Our expert advice, information and guidance helps with complicated and stressful decisions that so many kinship families have to make. We are always there to support them through challenging times and celebrate the good.
Kinship carers are strong and determined. Together, they are powerful. We help them build communities of support and action by connecting families locally and across England and Wales.
We are at the heart of kinship networks, partnering with and influencing service providers, local and national government and other organisations. We give everything we have to fight for each family and their rights, changing society until every kinship family is recognised, valued and supported.
Kinship care often begins in crisis. A child has parents who are unable to care for them, for whatever reason. It can be frightening, confusing and heart-breaking.
Instinctively, a loved one steps in – a grandparent, brother, sister, aunt, uncle or family friend. They are now a kinship carer, bringing up the children they love. There is often no chance to prepare. Plans may be pushed aside. Relationships, jobs and savings are frequently sacrificed.
It is life changing and challenging raising children who have been hurt or neglected, but kinship carers do it anyway because they put the children first.
We know how hard life can be for kinship carers, but we have seen the amazing things they are capable of, with someone by their side. With the right support, children raised in kinship families can flourish.
That is why we support, connect and campaign – to keep kinship families stronger by keeping them together.
About the Team
The Peer Support and Community team at Kinship is dedicated to enhancing the lives of kinship carers across England and Wales by delivering the first national peer support service. With a focus on building and sustaining networks of peer support groups, the team aims to empower kinship carers through access to resources, training, and development opportunities.
By fostering connections within local, regional, and national ecosystems, the team plays a vital role in ensuring that every kinship carer has access to a supportive community.
As part of our commitment to growth and impact, the team develops innovative approaches to peer support, creating an inclusive environment where kinship carers can share experiences and access essential services. We prioritize collaboration across various departments, ensuring that support group leaders receive high-quality advice and training, facilitating their sustainability and effectiveness. This integrated approach also includes alignment with national and local campaigning efforts to further engage and support the kinship carer community.
In line with our strategic focus on cultivating a vibrant Kinship Community of over 10,000 carers, the team leads initiatives aimed at enhancing community connection and empowering kinship families. By developing a robust model of community engagement that encompasses both in-person and digital services, the team aims to amplify the voices of kinship carers, enabling them to effect meaningful change in their lives and communities.
About the role
This role is community-based and focuses on engaging kinship carers, bringing them together to form Peer Support Groups, and supporting them to achieve independence at which point they will receive ongoing support from our national Hub.
You will do this by working with local authorities, schools, other charities and community groups. Arranging information events such as coffee mornings to engage kinship carers. You’ll create a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive community for kinship carers, building belonging, resilience, and empowerment.
Funded by the Department of Education, the National Peer Support Service is a game-changing service that creates a sustainable and life-changing legacy. It builds on Kinship’s 10 years of experience in developing peer support groups and two years of delivering a national service that has set up 145 new groups.
Who we are looking for
We are seeking an individual located in Greater London, who possesses the drive, passion, and skills to:
- Develop new Peer Support Groups across a diverse range of communities
- Demonstrate the energy and enthusiasm required to achieve key targets and objectives
- Work collaboratively within the Peer Support and Community Team, as well as throughout the broader organisation, to ensure the development of safe and effective support services for the kinship community.
- Maintain current Peer Support Group levels, taking the lead from the national Hub.
- Maintain accurate records that are used to populate reports, identify learning and share key insights across Kinship that allow the organisation to continuously improve our services and products.
You should have experience in developing and maintaining meaningful relationships with various community-based stakeholders such as local authorities, health services, schools, charities, and kinship carers. You will need to understand the key success factors involved in establishing and developing new in-person groups in areas of high need, as well as how to support existing groups in their journey towards sustainability.
As a practical thinker, you will work creatively to identify stakeholders and assets in areas of high need. You will build local connections and bring together kinship carers across the region, empowering them to build resilient and robust peer support communities.
You will be confident in building relationships that generate referrals from external stakeholders and in contacting kinship carers directly to secure engagement with local coffee mornings, community, and training events that will help kick-start a thriving peer support group.
As you establish new groups, you will provide support and training to help them lead their groups effectively, and develop their group culture, resilience, and skills to function independently while offering reassurance and support to empower them.
We are ideally looking for candidates based in or around Greater London and willing to work initially across London Boroughs. This role may involve work to establish groups on the periphery of this area that currently have no dedicated Development staff.
An essential requirement of the role is to be a driver with access to a vehicle for work purposes.
Key responsibilities:
Service delivery:
- In-person (face-to-face) strategic outreach into local communities including setting up and attending local engagement events.
- Set up and develop sustainable in person peer support groups, initially attending and leading sessions in person before transition to self-sufficiency.
- Working with existing groups that are at risk, closed or need support that need replacing or rejuvenating to maintain DfE service level agreement, in addition to new groups. Targets are subject to change and are not fixed.
- Recruit and retain support group leaders to develop their peer support groups.
- Assist with the delivery of training to support group leaders and groups to become self-sufficient.
- Develop strong boundaried and positive relationships with support group leaders – building resilience, empowerment and community.
- Support established groups (including independent) in your area to access support group leader networks and training (this includes visiting groups in person) to build a peer community.
- Follow (and where appropriate support further development off) the service blueprint to develop sustainable peer support groups.
- Collaborate with the Peer Support Hub team to provide a joined-up and positive user experience for kinship carers.
- Manage special interest groups and regional online groups as required, transitioning to ‘Hub’ team for sustainability and work with partners.
Service quality, development and data management:
- Accurately record all recruitment, contact information and volunteer case management in Salesforce in line with service framework and data protection requirements.
- Ensure accurate data entry in Salesforce to support service performance, evaluation and learning.
- Provide regular reports to ensure targets and SLA are met for the service.
- Support continuous development and improvement of the service (new systems and processes) as required.
Team culture:
- Act in the best interest of Kinship and the families we support.
- Maintain and contribute up to date understanding of kinship care.
- Deliver effective administration with attention to detail and keeping to deadlines.
- Identify and contribute to appropriate case studies to demonstrate the impact of Kinship services and contribute to policy and campaigns work.
- Actively contribute to delivering and evidencing a high performing service.
- Take responsibility for your ongoing continued professional development.
- Work in line with the Kinship values.
Knowledge, abilities, skills and experience (person spec):
Essential:
· Proven experience in reaching and establishing strong relationships with hidden or underserved communities in person.
· Significant experience developing peer support communities.
· Proven experience of recruiting, managing, training and supporting volunteers in community settings with an emphasis on understanding and working with vulnerable volunteers.
· Proven experience of ensuring outcomes and impacts of services are evidenced through high-quality data collection.
· Evidence of developing and delivering training/support to volunteers, based on the needs of service users (in this case kinship carers).
· Strong facilitation skills and essential experience of peer support or user-led groups with charity beneficiaries.
· Proven experience of using a customer relationship management system effectively (we use Salesforce).
· In-depth understanding of safeguarding particularly around vulnerable families.
· Excellent communication and engagement skills, with good attention to detail.
Desirable:
· Lived experience of kinship care.
· Understanding of children’s social care.
· Digital community building (Facebook / WhatsApp etc).
· Full, clean driving licence/own car.
General characteristics and attributes:
· Flexible and willing to travel for work across England.
· Commitment to the values, aims and objectives of Kinship.
· A real commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion within your role and a respectful approach to working with people from a range of backgrounds.
· Excellent written and spoken English.
· Permission to work in the UK.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Kinship is committed to championing equality, diversity and inclusion. We believe our work is greatly enhanced by the varied backgrounds, experiences and views represented within our teams. We aim to create inclusive teams, celebrate differences and encourage everyone to join us and be their true self at work. We therefore encourage applications from anyone who fits our values, whatever their religion or belief, sex, gender identity, race, age, sexuality or disability and are actively seeking candidates that can bring real innovation and commitment to us.
Candidate Application Information
Please refer to the Job Description for this role to check that you meet the criteria necessary for the job. Closing and Interview details are:
Closing date: 1 November 2024 12:00 pm
Interviews: Week Commencing 4 November
We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the stated deadline.
We will guarantee interviews to any candidates with experience of kinship care (either of being in kinship care or of being a kinship carer) who demonstrate they meet the essential skills and experience outlined.
Please tell us if there are any reasonable adjustments, we can make to assist you in your application. If you have a disability, which you would like us to consider, please tell us about this when you apply.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Kinship is committed to championing equality, diversity and inclusion. We believe our work is greatly enhanced by the varied backgrounds, experiences and views represented within our teams. We aim to create inclusive teams, celebrate differences and encourage everyone to join us and be their true self at work. We therefore encourage applications from anyone who fits our values, whatever their religion or belief, sex, gender identity, race, age, sexuality or disability and are actively seeking candidates that can bring real innovation and commitment to us.
Candidate Application Information
Please refer to the Job Description for this role to check that you meet the criteria necessary for the job. Closing and Interview details are:
Closing date: 1 November 2024 12:00 pm
Interviews: Week Commencing 4 November
We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the stated deadline.
We will guarantee interviews to any candidates with experience of kinship care (either of being in kinship care or of being a kinship carer) who demonstrate they meet the essential skills and experience outlined.
Please tell us if there are any reasonable adjustments, we can make to assist you in your application. If you have a disability, which you would like us to consider, please tell us about this when you apply. Please let us know if we can help and remember that you can request information in large print or in a different format.
We support kinship carers in their homes and communities, giving advice and helping them work through problems to find the best way forward.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About Impetus
Impetus transforms the lives of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds by ensuring they get the right support to succeed in school, in work and in life.
We find, fund and build the most promising charities working with these young people, providing core funding and working shoulder-to-shoulder with their leaders over the long term to help them become stronger organisations.
At Impetus we focus on the critical factors that influence the education and employment outcomes for disadvantaged young people in the UK, working with charities that have the potential for impact at scale, helping their leaders to deliver lifechanging, benchmark-beating, sustained outcomes.
We provide these charities with the funding and the tools to grow and deliver on their promises to the young people they serve. We also seek to influence government and the wider sector to back effective support for young people and invest with other like-minded organisations to tackle the most difficult and under-supported challenges. We are resolutely focused on outcomes and impact, driven by quality evidence.
Impetus is a registered charity and our charity number is 1152262.
About the Investment Team
The Investment Team is responsible for selecting charity partners, managing our charity investments and supporting our charity partners to improve and scale their impact.
The Investment Team also leads the Impetus Leadership Academy, a leadership development programme to support talent from ethnic minority backgrounds in the UK youth sector to progress into senior leadership roles.
The team is made up of 18 people, including former teachers, charity chief executives, charity impact leads, management consultants, social investment portfolio managers and impact consultants.
The team is led by a Portfolio Director who sits on the Senior Management Team. The Portfolio Director has 5 direct reports: a Deputy Portfolio Director, three Sector Leads (who lead our work in School engagement, School attainment and Employment Sectors) and an Impact Lead. Sector Leads line manage 6 Investment Directors. Investment Directors line manage Investment Managers (currently 5). Investment Directors and Investment Managers tend to primarily focus on a sector but might have mixed portfolios, depending on need, experience and interest.
The Investment Team has a good track record of role progression. All four Leads and a number of our Investment Directors were promoted from within the team.
The team is passionate, rigorous, determined, creative and warm. We come from a range of backgrounds and bring a broad mix of perspectives. We care deeply for our colleagues, our charity partners and the young people we serve.
Job description – Investment Director
The Investment Director (ID) is a key member of the Investment Team, playing a leading role in identifying, assessing, and supporting portfolio partner charities and other non-profit organisations to deepen their impact and scale their outcomes. This role works closely with other Investment Directors and Investment Managers to deliver external facing support to portfolio partners as well as internal projects to support the development of the investment model and portfolio strategy.
Investment Directors use strategic thinking, analytical rigour, and senior relationship skills to support a portfolio of amazing organisations that, together, will help shift the life chances and outcomes of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in the UK.
Key responsibilities
Finding high potential charities and non-profit partners for our portfolio
- Identifying potential charitable organisations for investment.
- Leading in-depth due diligence process to assess and build partnership foundations with potential partners – covering leadership and governance, and their impact, scale, and partnership potential.
- Modelling from first contact of origination, our approach to engaged and trust-based investment management support.
- Developing and championing high quality investment propositions to our Investment Committee.
Managing partnerships with portfolio partners
- Managing relationships with partner Chairs and CEOs
- Agreeing Service Funding Agreements, including appropriate annual investment milestones to allow for a clear assessment of re-investment potential at end of phase
- Regularly monitoring and assessing partner progress / risks against milestones and making recommendations for progression or exit
- Escalating key risks on performance, leadership and safeguarding
- Conducting annual partnership review with Sector Leads and partner CEOs
- Working with Impetus Finance colleagues to ensure timely distribution of grant payments, in line with Service Funding Agreements.
Supporting portfolio partners
- Providing direct support to CEOs and senior colleagues on key strategic topics, using a mix of at least monthly one-to-one meetings and group facilitation to:
- clarify theory of change
- define long term ambition
- develop growth strategy
- achieve a step change in the delivery and performance management of outcomes
- strengthen leadership (individual and collective) and governance capabilities
- develop path to scale
- build financial resilience
- Scoping and project managing pro bono capacity-building projects (in addition to providing direct management support). Ensure projects are delivered to a high standard and contribute to charity progression
- Identifying engagement opportunities for our donors and supporters with charity partners that are aligned with the charity’s activities and do not distract or undermine their core work
- Collaborating with Impetus philanthropy team to develop new funding streams (additional to direct Impetus grant funding) that support our partners’ ability to deliver impact at scale
- Effectively leveraging the support of investment managers to advance the objectives developed for each charity partner that is managed by an Investment Director
- Identifying engagement opportunities for our donors and supporters with charity partners that are aligned with the charity’s activities and do not distract or undermine their core work
- Collaborating with Impetus Philanthropy team to develop new funding streams (additional to direct Impetus grant funding) that support our partners’ ability to deliver impact at scale
- Effectively leveraging the support of investment managers to advance the objectives developed for each charity partner that is managed by an Investment Director.
Support to Impetus
- Developing expertise about “what works” in the sector through cultivation and use of expert input and engagement as well as investigation into key research and evaluative literature
- Working closely with team colleagues to use learnings from our work and domain expertise to inform our strategy, our model and delivery over time
- Leading on and contributing to internal topics, such as team strategy development, digital transformation, or equity, diversity, and inclusion
- Contribute towards Impetus’ public affairs and philanthropy objectives through input into case studies, research and policy campaigns, donor reports and fundraising events
- Sharing the learning from our work across the team, across the organisation and externally working within Impetus strategy, policies and procedures
- Engaging in Impetus pro bono, communications, and advocacy events, and engage charity partners appropriately in these events
- Where appropriate, line-managing and supporting Investment Managers on the team to grow and develop, and achieve their project, role and team objectives.
Person specification
The successful candidate will need to show evidence that they meet many of the following skills, capabilities and experience.
Essential
- A commitment to Impetus’ mission
- Senior level responsibility and a strong track record of building trust-based relationships with senior stakeholders, advising them on key strategic decisions, and challenging them in a respectful and collaborative manner
- A talent for strategic thinking around complex issues
- Strong financial acumen and analytical skills
- Understanding of impact measurement and evaluation fundamentals
- Tenacity and initiative
- Ability to flex personal style to needs of charity and leadership
- Growth mind-set to seek out and act on feedback
- Proven ability to work independently, and to exercise good judgment
- Strong planning and time management skills
- Interest in partnering closely with charities that are doing what it takes to get better
- A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
If you don't tick all these boxes, but still feel that you fit the profile, please apply anyway.
Desirable
- Experience in the non-profit (charity or social enterprise) sector, through work, as a pro-bono volunteer or Trustee capacity
- Experience in consulting, investment management, senior charity management, or other in-depth grant making and advisory work
- Knowledge and expertise in UK education or youth employability sectors
- Board experience in private, public or third sector
- Understanding of or experience with commissioning impact evaluations.
How to apply
- Complete the online form (including the equal opportunities monitoring form)
- Upload a comprehensive CV and supporting statement
The supporting statement should be no more than two sides of A4 and should address the criteria in the person specification.
You should also include the contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be approached with your express permission.
As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at interview stage.
The deadline for applications is 11.59pm Sunday 10 November 2024.
Interviews
First round interviews and an assessment task will take place on 18 and 19 November 2024.
Second round interviews will take place on 27 November 2024.
You will also be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK.
Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
We believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more open, creative and gets better results.
We want our team at Impetus to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our team to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.
We want to reach a diverse pool of candidates. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need in order to be successful.
Impetus is an equal opportunity employer and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, race, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation or marital status. We value diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.
Personal Data
Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.
Impetus transforms the lives of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds by ensuring they get support to succeed in school, in work and in life.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Enquiries Officer
Full time, Fixed Term Contract – 9 months
£31,525 to £34,306 per annum plus pension, medical and dental insurance
25 days holiday (plus 3 additional days to be taken between Christmas and New Year)
4pm finish on Fridays
Central London location (Covent Garden) – hybrid working available after induction
REPORTS TO
Enquiries Team Leader
OVERVIEW
The Masonic Charitable Foundation is looking for an experienced adviser to join our frontline Advice, Support & Enquiries Team managing all enquiries via the advice line and electronic/mail channels. Each month we receive hundreds of phone calls and emails from people who need our help. The team’s Advisers are often the first point of contact with the MCF and play a key role in our grants process.
You will need excellent customer service skills, a high level of personal resilience, ability to quickly build a good rapport with callers and be a team player who is willing to support colleagues and prioritise the needs of the team. Previous experience in a comparable role is desirable.
Day to day responsibilities include answering calls and responding to emails from individuals and families for a range of support (including daily living costs, health and care and education), liaising with our Advice and Support Advisers and Visiting Volunteers, awarding grants for counselling and consultations and keeping the grants system up to date.
The team is based in our central London office on the edge of Covent Garden, with hybrid working available
Please note this job is subject to a basic DBS check.
MAIN DUTIES
· To answer calls and voicemails professionally and courteously, providing an excellent first impression of the charity
· To make an initial assessment of each enquiry to determine likely eligibility for support and to manage expectations appropriately
· To accurately record details of enquiries on the grants system
· To process small grants to enable applicants to access medical consultations and Mental Health Assessments
· To signpost applicants to other sources of advice as appropriate
· To work effectively as part of the team, collaborating and supporting colleagues
· To act as the first point of contact and to build and maintain excellent working relationships with our Provincial contacts
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential
· Previous experience of working/volunteering within the charity, advocacy or social sector, or a grant making organisation
· Excellent customer service skills
· Polite and calm telephone manner
· Ability to tailor communication to suit audience
· Ability to diffuse high-emotion calls
· Able to quickly establish rapport
· Strong written skills – ability to communicate in a clear and concise manner
· High levels of emotional intelligence and personal resilience, some callers will be distressed and their circumstances can be distressing
· Ability to work well under pressure
· Organisation and effectiveness
· Prioritisation
· Meeting deadlines
· Attention to detail
· Team working
· Ability and willingness to put the team first
· Supporting and collaborating with colleagues
· Build and maintain effective working relationships
· IT, particularly MS Office applications
Desirable
· Experience of working on an advice line, helpline, contact centre or similar
· Previous customer-facing role
· Working within an advisory role
· Experience of working alongside volunteers.
· Administration
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit both a CV and covering letter explaining why you are interested in the role and how you meet the person specification
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About Kinship:
Kinship is the leading kinship care charity in England and Wales. We offer kinship carers financial, legal, practical and emotional support and understanding from the moment they need it, for as long as they need it. Our expert advice, information and guidance helps with complicated and stressful decisions that so many kinship families have to make. We are always there to support them through challenging times and celebrate the good.
Kinship carers are strong and determined. Together, they are powerful. We help them build communities of support and action by connecting families locally and across England and Wales.
We are at the heart of kinship networks, partnering with and influencing service providers, local and national government and other organisations. We give everything we have to fight for each family and their rights, changing society until every kinship family is recognised, valued and supported.
Kinship care often begins in crisis. A child has parents who are unable to care for them, for whatever reason. It can be frightening, confusing and heart-breaking.
Instinctively, a loved one steps in – a grandparent, brother, sister, aunt, uncle or family friend. They are now a kinship carer, bringing up the children they love. There is often no chance to prepare. Plans may be pushed aside. Relationships, jobs and savings are frequently sacrificed.
It is life changing and challenging raising children who have been hurt or neglected, but kinship carers do it anyway because they put the children first.
We know how hard life can be for kinship carers, but we have seen the amazing things they are capable of, with someone by their side. With the right support, children raised in kinship families can flourish.
That is why we support, connect and campaign – to keep kinship families stronger by keeping them together.
About the Team
The Peer Support and Community team at Kinship is dedicated to enhancing the lives of kinship carers across England and Wales by delivering the first national peer support service. With a focus on building and sustaining networks of peer support groups, the team aims to empower kinship carers through access to resources, training, and development opportunities.
By fostering connections within local, regional, and national ecosystems, the team plays a vital role in ensuring that every kinship carer has access to a supportive community.
As part of our commitment to growth and impact, the team develops innovative approaches to peer support, creating an inclusive environment where kinship carers can share experiences and access essential services. We prioritize collaboration across various departments, ensuring that support group leaders receive high-quality advice and training, facilitating their sustainability and effectiveness. This integrated approach also includes alignment with national and local campaigning efforts to further engage and support the kinship carer community.
In line with our strategic focus on cultivating a vibrant Kinship Community of over 10,000 carers, the team leads initiatives aimed at enhancing community connection and empowering kinship families. By developing a robust model of community engagement that encompasses both in-person and digital services, the team aims to amplify the voices of kinship carers, enabling them to effect meaningful change in their lives and communities.
About the role
This role is community-based and focuses on engaging kinship carers, bringing them together to form Peer Support Groups, and supporting them to achieve independence at which point they will receive ongoing support from our national Hub. You will do this by working with local authorities, schools, other charities and community groups. Arranging information events such as coffee mornings to engage kinship carers. You’ll create a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive community for kinship carers, building belonging, resilience, and empowerment. Funded by the Department of Education, the National Peer Support Service is a game-changing service that creates a sustainable and life-changing legacy. It builds on Kinship’s 10 years of experience in developing peer support groups and two years of delivering a national service that has set up 145 new groups.
Who we are looking for:
We are seeking an individual located in Greater London, and willing to travel across the South East of England who possesses the drive, passion, and skills to:
· Establish new Peer Support Groups across a diverse range of communities
· Supervise a small team of Peer Support Development Officers
· Demonstrate the energy and enthusiasm required to inspire yourself and your team to achieve key targets and objectives
· Work collaboratively within the Peer Support and Community Team, as well as throughout the broader organisation, to ensure the delivery of safe and effective support services for the kinship community.
· Maintain current Peer Support Groups, taking the lead from the national Hub.
· Maintain accurate records that are used to populate reports, identify learning and share key insights across Kinship that allow the organisation to continuously improve our services and products.
In the role of Senior Peer Support Officer, you will be instrumental in ensuring the delivery of a high-quality, consistent, and sustainable peer support service that has a significant impact on the lives of kinship carers.
You should have experience in developing and maintaining meaningful relationships with various community-based stakeholders such as local authorities, health services, schools, charities, and kinship carers. You will need to understand the key success factors involved in establishing and developing new in-person groups in areas of high need, as well as how to support existing groups in their journey towards sustainability.
As a practical thinker, you will work creatively to identify stakeholders and assets in areas of high need. You will build local connections and bring together kinship carers across the region, empowering them to build resilient and robust peer support communities.
You will be confident in building relationships that generate referrals from external stakeholders and in contacting kinship carers directly to secure engagement with local coffee mornings, community, and training events that will help kick start a thriving peer support group.
As you establish new groups, you will provide training to help them lead their groups effectively, and develop their group culture, resilience, and skills to function independently while offering reassurance and support to empower them.
You will be an inspirational and energetic team leader with experience in providing day-to-day line management and operational support for a small team.
We are ideally looking for candidates based in or around Greater London and willing to work initially across the London Boroughs and into the South East of England. This role may involve work to establish groups on the periphery of this area that currently have no dedicated development staff.
A valid driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes are essential, as this role may require travel across London and its periphery to reach areas in need of dedicated support.
Key responsibilities:
Service delivery:
- In person (face-to-face) strategic outreach into local and regional communities including setting up and attending local engagement events.
- Work creatively to set up and develop new sustainable in peer support groups, attending up to six sessions in person (if needed) before transition to self-sufficiency. Existing groups that are at risk, closed or need support will need replacing or rejuvenating to maintain DfE service level agreements across the team, in addition to new groups.
- Recruit and retain support group leaders to develop their peer support groups.
- Deliver training to support group leaders (group roles and responsibilities, safeguarding, setting up, running and promoting a group).
- Develop strong boundaries and positive relationships with support group leaders – building resilience, empowerment and community.
- Support established groups in your area to access support group leader networks and training (this includes visiting groups in person) to build a peer community.
- Help develop and deliver a service blueprint for sustainable peer support groups, thinking strategically about how to develop groups.
- You'll collaborate closely with the ‘Hub’ team to provide a joined up and positive user experience for kinship carers. This collaborative approach is key to our success and ensures that kinship carers receive the best possible support.
- Manage special interest groups and regional online groups as required, transitioning to ‘Hub’ team for sustainability and work with partners.
Service quality, development and data management:
- Accurately record all recruitment, contact information and volunteer case management in Salesforce in line with service framework and data protection requirements.
- Ensure accurate data entry in Salesforce to support service performance, evaluation and learning.
- Provide regular reports to ensure targets and SLA are met for the service.
- Support continuous development and improvement of the service (new systems and processes) as required.
Management and supervision:
- Inspire, motivate and be responsible for day-to-day line management and supervising up to 4 staff members
- Oversee tactical development of new sustainable groups in your area and your team.
- Help set clear objectives to achieve targets and outcomes.
- Actively encourage personal development and learning.
- Increase efficiencies and impact across the team.
- Ensure good team induction processes and systems are in place.
- Role model Kinship values.
Team culture:
- Act in the best interest of Kinship and the families we support.
- Maintain and contribute up to date understanding of kinship care.
- Deliver effective administration with attention to detail and keeping to deadlines.
- Identify and contribute to appropriate case studies to demonstrate the impact of Kinship services and contribute to policy and campaigns work.
- Actively contribute to delivering and evidencing a high performing service.
- Take responsibility for your ongoing continued professional development.
- Work in line with the Kinship values.
Knowledge, abilities, skills and experience (person spec):
Essential:
- Experience of team leadership or line management and supervision of a small team and managing performance to deliver targets effectively.
- Proven experience in reaching and establishing strong relationships with hidden or underserved communities in person.
- Experience developing peer support communities.
- Proven experience of recruiting, managing, training and supporting volunteers in community settings with an emphasis on understanding and working with vulnerable volunteers.
- Proven experience of ensuring outcomes and impacts of services is evidenced through high-quality data collection.
- Evidence of delivering training/support to volunteers,
- Strong facilitation skills and essential experience of peer support or user led groups with charity beneficiaries.
- Understanding of safeguarding particularly around vulnerable families.
- Excellent communication and engagement skills, with good attention to detail.
- Full driving licence and use of a car for work purposes.
Desirable:
· Lived experience of kinship care.
· Understanding of children’s social care.
· Digital community building (Facebook / WhatsApp etc).
· Full, clean driving licence/own car.
· Permission to work in the UK.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Kinship is committed to championing equality, diversity and inclusion. We believe our work is greatly enhanced by the varied backgrounds, experiences and views represented within our teams. We aim to create inclusive teams, celebrate differences and encourage everyone to join us and be their true self at work. We therefore encourage applications from anyone who fits our values, whatever their religion or belief, sex, gender identity, race, age, sexuality or disability and are actively seeking candidates that can bring real innovation and commitment to us.
Candidate Application Information
Please refer to the Job Description for this role to check that you meet the criteria necessary for the job. Closing date and interview details:
Closing date: 1 November 2024 12:00 pm
Interviews: 1st Interview Week Commencing 4 November
2nd Interview Week Commencing 11 November
We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the stated deadline.
We will guarantee interviews to any candidates with experience of kinship care (either of being in kinship care or of being a kinship carer) who demonstrate they meet the essential skills and experience outlined.
Please tell us if there are any reasonable adjustments, we can make to assist you in your application. If you have a disability, which you would like us to consider, please tell us about this when you apply. Please let us know if we can help and remember that you can request information in large print or in a different format.
We support kinship carers in their homes and communities, giving advice and helping them work through problems to find the best way forward.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Senior Peer Support Development Officer – North West
About Kinship:
Kinship is the leading kinship care charity in England and Wales. We offer kinship carers financial, legal, practical and emotional support and understanding from the moment they need it, for as long as they need it. Our expert advice, information and guidance helps with complicated and stressful decisions that so many kinship families have to make. We are always there to support them through challenging times and celebrate the good.
Kinship carers are strong and determined. Together, they are powerful. We help them build communities of support and action by connecting families locally and across England and Wales.
We are at the heart of kinship networks, partnering with and influencing service providers, local and national government and other organisations. We give everything we have to fight for each family and their rights, changing society until every kinship family is recognised, valued and supported.
Kinship care often begins in crisis. A child has parents who are unable to care for them, for whatever reason. It can be frightening, confusing and heart-breaking.
Instinctively, a loved one steps in – a grandparent, brother, sister, aunt, uncle or family friend. They are now a kinship carer, bringing up the children they love. There is often no chance to prepare. Plans may be pushed aside. Relationships, jobs and savings are frequently sacrificed.
It is life changing and challenging raising children who have been hurt or neglected, but kinship carers do it anyway because they put the children first. We know how hard life can be for kinship carers, but we have seen the amazing things they are capable of, with someone by their side. With the right support, children raised in kinship families can flourish.
That is why we support, connect and campaign – to keep kinship families stronger by keeping them together.
About the Team
The Peer Support and Community team at Kinship is dedicated to enhancing the lives of kinship carers across England and Wales by delivering the first national peer support service. With a focus on building and sustaining networks of peer support groups, the team aims to empower kinship carers through access to resources, training, and development opportunities.
By fostering connections within local, regional, and national ecosystems, the team plays a vital role in ensuring that every kinship carer has access to a supportive community.
As part of our commitment to growth and impact, the team develops innovative approaches to peer support, creating an inclusive environment where kinship carers can share experiences and access essential services. We prioritize collaboration across various departments, ensuring that support group leaders receive high-quality advice and training, facilitating their sustainability and effectiveness. This integrated approach also includes alignment with national and local campaigning efforts to further engage and support the kinship carer community.
In line with our strategic focus on cultivating a vibrant Kinship Community of over 10,000 carers, the team leads initiatives aimed at enhancing community connection and empowering kinship families. By developing a robust model of community engagement that encompasses both in-person and digital services, the team aims to amplify the voices of kinship carers, enabling them to effect meaningful change in their lives and communities.
About the role
This role is community-based and focuses on engaging kinship carers, bringing them together to form Peer Support Groups, and supporting them to achieve independence at which point they will receive ongoing support from our national Hub. You will do this by working with local authorities, schools, other charities and community groups. Arranging information events such as coffee mornings to engage kinship carers. You’ll create a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive community for kinship carers, building belonging, resilience, and empowerment. Funded by the Department of Education, the National Peer Support Service is a game-changing service that creates a sustainable and life-changing legacy. It builds on Kinship’s 10 years of experience in developing peer support groups and two years of delivering a national service that has set up 145 new groups.
Who we are looking for:
We are seeking an individual located in or around Greater Manchester, and willing to travel across the North West of England who possesses the drive, passion, and skills to:
· Establish new Peer Support Groups across a diverse range of communities
· Supervise a small team of Peer Support Development Officers
· Demonstrate the energy and enthusiasm required to inspire yourself and your team to achieve key targets and objectives
· Work collaboratively within the Peer Support and Community Team, as well as throughout the broader organisation, to ensure the delivery of safe and effective support services for the kinship community.
· Maintain current Peer Support Groups, taking the lead from the national Hub.
· Maintain accurate records that are used to populate reports, identify learning and share key insights across Kinship that allow the organisation to continuously improve our services and products.
In the role of Senior Peer Support Officer, you will be instrumental in ensuring the delivery of a high-quality, consistent, and sustainable peer support service that has a significant impact on the lives of kinship carers.
You should have experience in developing and maintaining meaningful relationships with various community-based stakeholders such as local authorities, health services, schools, charities, and kinship carers. You will need to understand the key success factors involved in establishing and developing new in-person groups in areas of high need, as well as how to support existing groups in their journey towards sustainability.
As a practical thinker, you will work creatively to identify stakeholders and assets in areas of high need. You will build local connections and bring together kinship carers across the region, empowering them to build resilient and robust peer support communities.
You will be confident in building relationships that generate referrals from external stakeholders and in contacting kinship carers directly to secure engagement with local coffee mornings, community, and training events that will help kick start a thriving peer support group.
As you establish new groups, you will provide training to help them lead their groups effectively, and develop their group culture, resilience, and skills to function independently while offering reassurance and support to empower them.
You will be an inspirational and energetic team leader with experience in providing day-to-day line management and operational support for a small team.
We are ideally looking for candidates based in or around Greater Manchester but willing to work initially across the whole of the North West. This role may involve working to establish groups in West Yorkshire and into North Staffordshire.
A valid driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes are essential, as this role may require travel across London and its periphery to reach areas in need of dedicated support.
Key responsibilities:
Service delivery:
- In person (face-to-face) strategic outreach into local and regional communities including setting up and attending local engagement events.
- Work creatively to set up and develop new sustainable in peer support groups, attending up to six sessions in person (if needed) before transition to self-sufficiency. Existing groups that are at risk, closed or need support will need replacing or rejuvenating to maintain DfE service level agreements across the team, in addition to new groups.
- Recruit and retain support group leaders to develop their peer support groups.
- Deliver training to support group leaders (group roles and responsibilities, safeguarding, setting up, running and promoting a group).
- Develop strong boundaries and positive relationships with support group leaders – building resilience, empowerment and community.
- Support established groups in your area to access support group leader networks and training (this includes visiting groups in person) to build a peer community.
- Help develop and deliver a service blueprint for sustainable peer support groups, thinking strategically about how to develop groups.
- You'll collaborate closely with the ‘Hub’ team to provide a joined up and positive user experience for kinship carers. This collaborative approach is key to our success and ensures that kinship carers receive the best possible support.
- Manage special interest groups and regional online groups as required, transitioning to ‘Hub’ team for sustainability and work with partners.
Service quality, development and data management:
- Accurately record all recruitment, contact information and volunteer case management in Salesforce in line with service framework and data protection requirements.
- Ensure accurate data entry in Salesforce to support service performance, evaluation and learning.
- Provide regular reports to ensure targets and SLA are met for the service.
- Support continuous development and improvement of the service (new systems and processes) as required.
Management and supervision:
- Inspire, motivate and be responsible for day-to-day line management and supervising up to 4 staff members
- Oversee tactical development of new sustainable groups in your area and your team.
- Help set clear objectives to achieve targets and outcomes.
- Actively encourage personal development and learning.
- Increase efficiencies and impact across the team.
- Ensure good team induction processes and systems are in place.
- Role model Kinship values.
Team culture:
- Act in the best interest of Kinship and the families we support.
- Maintain and contribute up to date understanding of kinship care.
- Deliver effective administration with attention to detail and keeping to deadlines.
- Identify and contribute to appropriate case studies to demonstrate the impact of Kinship services and contribute to policy and campaigns work.
- Actively contribute to delivering and evidencing a high performing service.
- Take responsibility for your ongoing continued professional development.
- Work in line with the Kinship values.
Knowledge, abilities, skills and experience (person spec):
Essential:
- Experience of team leadership or line management and supervision of a small team and managing performance to deliver targets effectively.
- Proven experience in reaching and establishing strong relationships with hidden or underserved communities in person.
- Experience developing peer support communities.
- Proven experience of recruiting, managing, training and supporting volunteers in community settings with an emphasis on understanding and working with vulnerable volunteers.
- Proven experience of ensuring outcomes and impacts of services is evidenced through high-quality data collection.
- Evidence of delivering training/support to volunteers,
- Strong facilitation skills and essential experience of peer support or user led groups with charity beneficiaries.
- Understanding of safeguarding particularly around vulnerable families.
- Excellent communication and engagement skills, with good attention to detail.
- Full driving licence and use of a car for work purposes.
Desirable:
· Lived experience of kinship care.
· Understanding of children’s social care.
· Digital community building (Facebook / WhatsApp etc).
· Full, clean driving licence/own car.
General characteristics and attributes:
· Flexible and willing to travel for work across England and Wales.
· Drive and have access to a vehicle.
· Commitment to the values, aims and objectives of Kinship.
· A real commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion within your role and a respectful approach to working with people from a range of backgrounds.
· Good standard of written and spoken English.
· Permission to work in the UK.
· Able to remain focused on the primary task of establishing new peer support groups, ensuring that more kinship carers have access to high-quality peer support.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Kinship is committed to championing equality, diversity and inclusion. We believe our work is greatly enhanced by the varied backgrounds, experiences and views represented within our teams. We aim to create inclusive teams, celebrate differences and encourage everyone to join us and be their true self at work. We therefore encourage applications from anyone who fits our values, whatever their religion or belief, sex, gender identity, race, age, sexuality or disability and are actively seeking candidates that can bring real innovation and commitment to us.
Candidate Application Information
Please refer to the Job Description for this role to check that you meet the criteria necessary for the job. Closing date and interview details:
Closing date: 1 November 2024 12:00 pm
Interviews: 1st Interview Week Commencing 4 November
2nd Interview Week Commencing 11 November
We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the stated deadline.
We will guarantee interviews to any candidates with experience of kinship care (either of being in kinship care or of being a kinship carer) who demonstrate they meet the essential skills and experience outlined.
Please tell us if there are any reasonable adjustments, we can make to assist you in your application. If you have a disability, which you would like us to consider, please tell us about this when you apply. Please let us know if we can help and remember that you can request information in large print or in a different format.
We support kinship carers in their homes and communities, giving advice and helping them work through problems to find the best way forward.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Peer Support Development Officer – South East and M4 Corridor
Thank you for your interest in the above role. This pack tells you more about Kinship, how we work, and details of the role and the people you will be working with. It also gives information on how to apply.
About Kinship:
Kinship is the leading kinship care charity in England and Wales. We offer kinship carers financial, legal, practical and emotional support and understanding from the moment they need it, for as long as they need it. Our expert advice, information and guidance helps with complicated and stressful decisions that so many kinship families have to make. We are always there to support them through challenging times and celebrate the good.
Kinship carers are strong and determined. Together, they are powerful. We help them build communities of support and action by connecting families locally and across England and Wales.
We are at the heart of kinship networks, partnering with and influencing service providers, local and national government and other organisations. We give everything we have to fight for each family and their rights, changing society until every kinship family is recognised, valued and supported.
Kinship care often begins in crisis. A child has parents who are unable to care for them, for whatever reason. It can be frightening, confusing and heart-breaking.
Instinctively, a loved one steps in – a grandparent, brother, sister, aunt, uncle or family friend. They are now a kinship carer, bringing up the children they love. There is often no chance to prepare. Plans may be pushed aside. Relationships, jobs and savings are frequently sacrificed.
It is life changing and challenging raising children who have been hurt or neglected, but kinship carers do it anyway because they put the children first.
We know how hard life can be for kinship carers, but we have seen the amazing things they are capable of, with someone by their side. With the right support, children raised in kinship families can flourish.
That is why we support, connect and campaign – to keep kinship families stronger by keeping them together
About the Team
The Peer Support and Community team at Kinship is dedicated to enhancing the lives of kinship carers across England and Wales by delivering the first national peer support service. With a focus on building and sustaining networks of peer support groups, the team aims to empower kinship carers through access to resources, training, and development opportunities.
By fostering connections within local, regional, and national ecosystems, the team plays a vital role in ensuring that every kinship carer has access to a supportive community.
As part of our commitment to growth and impact, the team develops innovative approaches to peer support, creating an inclusive environment where kinship carers can share experiences and access essential services. We prioritize collaboration across various departments, ensuring that support group leaders receive high-quality advice and training, facilitating their sustainability and effectiveness. This integrated approach also includes alignment with national and local campaigning efforts to further engage and support the kinship carer community.
In line with our strategic focus on cultivating a vibrant Kinship Community of over 10,000 carers, the team leads initiatives aimed at enhancing community connection and empowering kinship families. By developing a robust model of community engagement that encompasses both in-person and digital services, the team aims to amplify the voices of kinship carers, enabling them to effect meaningful change in their lives and communities.
About the role
This role is community-based and focuses on engaging kinship carers, bringing them together to form Peer Support Groups, and supporting them to achieve independence at which point they will receive ongoing support from our national Hub.
You will do this by working with local authorities, schools, other charities and community groups. Arranging information events such as coffee mornings to engage kinship carers. You’ll create a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive community for kinship carers, building belonging, resilience, and empowerment.
Funded by the Department of Education, the National Peer Support Service is a game-changing service that creates a sustainable and life-changing legacy. It builds on Kinship’s 10 years of experience in developing peer support groups and two years of delivering a national service that has set up 145 new groups.
Who we are looking for
We are seeking an individual located in South East of England, who possesses the drive, passion, and skills to:
- Develop new Peer Support Groups across a diverse range of communities
- Demonstrate the energy and enthusiasm required to achieve key targets and objectives
- Work collaboratively within the Peer Support and Community Team, as well as throughout the broader organisation, to ensure the development of safe and effective support services for the kinship community.
- Maintain current Peer Support Group levels, taking the lead from the national Hub.
- Maintain accurate records that are used to populate reports, identify learning and share key insights across Kinship that allow the organisation to continuously improve our services and products.
You should have experience in developing and maintaining meaningful relationships with various community-based stakeholders such as local authorities, health services, schools, charities, and kinship carers. You will need to understand the key success factors involved in establishing and developing new in-person groups in areas of high need, as well as how to support existing groups in their journey towards sustainability.
As a practical thinker, you will work creatively to identify stakeholders and assets in areas of high need. You will build local connections and bring together kinship carers across the region, empowering them to build resilient and robust peer support communities.
You will be confident in building relationships that generate referrals from external stakeholders and in contacting kinship carers directly to secure engagement with local coffee mornings, community, and training events that will help kick-start a thriving peer support group.
As you establish new groups, you will provide support and training to help them lead their groups effectively, and develop their group culture, resilience, and skills to function independently while offering reassurance and support to empower them.
We are ideally looking for candidates based close or within easy reach of our priority development areas in the South East of England which include; Reading, Oxfordshire, West Berkshire, Slough and Hampshire but also able to travel to locations along the M4 corridor.
An essential requirement of the role is to be a driver with access to a vehicle for work purposes.
Key responsibilities:
Service delivery:
- In-person (face-to-face) strategic outreach into local communities including setting up and attending local engagement events.
- Set up and develop sustainable in person peer support groups, initially attending and leading sessions in person before transition to self-sufficiency.
- Working with existing groups that are at risk, closed or need support that need replacing or rejuvenating to maintain DfE service level agreement, in addition to new groups. Targets are subject to change and are not fixed.
- Recruit and retain support group leaders to develop their peer support groups.
- Assist with the delivery of training to support group leaders and groups to become self-sufficient.
- Develop strong boundaries and positive relationships with support group leaders – building resilience, empowerment and community.
- Support established groups (including independent) in your area to access support group leader networks and training (this includes visiting groups in person) to build a peer community.
- Follow (and where appropriate support further development off) the service blueprint to develop sustainable peer support groups.
- Collaborate with the Peer Support Hub team to provide a joined-up and positive user experience for kinship carers.
- Manage special interest groups and regional online groups as required, transitioning to ‘Hub’ team for sustainability and work with partners.
Service quality, development and data management:
- Accurately record all recruitment, contact information and volunteer case management in Salesforce in line with service framework and data protection requirements.
- Ensure accurate data entry in Salesforce to support service performance, evaluation and learning.
- Provide regular reports to ensure targets and SLA are met for the service.
- Support continuous development and improvement of the service (new systems and processes) as required.
Team culture:
- Act in the best interest of Kinship and the families we support.
- Maintain and contribute up to date understanding of kinship care.
- Deliver effective administration with attention to detail and keeping to deadlines.
- Identify and contribute to appropriate case studies to demonstrate the impact of Kinship services and contribute to policy and campaigns work.
- Actively contribute to delivering and evidencing a high performing service.
- Take responsibility for your ongoing continued professional development.
- Work in line with the Kinship values.
Knowledge, abilities, skills and experience (person spec):
Essential:
· Proven experience in reaching and establishing strong relationships with hidden or underserved communities in person.
· Significant experience developing peer support communities.
· Proven experience of recruiting, managing, training and supporting volunteers in community settings with an emphasis on understanding and working with vulnerable volunteers.
· Proven experience of ensuring outcomes and impacts of services are evidenced through high-quality data collection.
· Evidence of developing and delivering training/support to volunteers, based on the needs of service users (in this case kinship carers).
· Strong facilitation skills and essential experience of peer support or user-led groups with charity beneficiaries.
· Proven experience of using a customer relationship management system effectively (we use Salesforce).
· In-depth understanding of safeguarding particularly around vulnerable families.
· Excellent communication and engagement skills, with good attention to detail.
Desirable:
· Lived experience of kinship care.
· Understanding of children’s social care.
· Digital community building (Facebook / WhatsApp etc.).
· Full, clean driving license/own car.
General characteristics and attributes:
· Flexible and willing to travel for work across England.
· Commitment to the values, aims and objectives of Kinship.
· A real commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion within your role and a respectful approach to working with people from a range of backgrounds.
· Excellent written and spoken English.
· Permission to work in the UK.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Kinship is committed to championing equality, diversity and inclusion. We believe our work is greatly enhanced by the varied backgrounds, experiences and views represented within our teams. We aim to create inclusive teams, celebrate differences and encourage everyone to join us and be their true self at work. We therefore encourage applications from anyone who fits our values, whatever their religion or belief, sex, gender identity, race, age, sexuality or disability and are actively seeking candidates that can bring real innovation and commitment to us.
Candidate Application Information
Please refer to the Job Description for this role to check that you meet the criteria necessary for the job. Closing date and interview details:
Closing date: 1 November 2024 12:00 pm
Interviews: Week Commencing 2024
We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the stated deadline.
We will guarantee interviews to any candidates with experience of kinship care (either of being in kinship care or of being a kinship carer) who demonstrate they meet the essential skills and experience outlined.
Please tell us if there are any reasonable adjustments, we can make to assist you in your application. If you have a disability, which you would like us to consider, please tell us about this when you apply. Please let us know if we can help and remember that you can request information in large print or in a different format.
We support kinship carers in their homes and communities, giving advice and helping them work through problems to find the best way forward.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We’re an award-winning charity running local learning centres in the heart of the communities where the young people we support live. Our centres provide a high-impact education programme which includes practical learning support, pastoral care, and motivational and confidence-building activities for young people aged 7-18. Our aim is to enable students from the least advantaged neighbourhoods to realise their ambitions and achieve their wonderful potential.
As the UK’s leading university access organisation, our staff team is helping over 50,000 young people each year at its 43 learning centres and extension projects across England and Scotland, and we plan to scale-up our provision to 50 centres over the coming years.
We are looking for a high-calibre candidate to take up a permanent role as Centre Leader at our new IntoUniversity centre in Gateshead. You will have responsibility for setting up, launching and running your IntoUniversity centre, including managing your team, planning and delivering the programme, liaising with external stakeholders and meeting IntoUniversity’s targets for delivery. However, a substantial element of this role is delivering our education programme to children and young people aged 7-18, so you will need to have a genuine passion and enthusiasm for working with young people, including leading a class of 30 from the front, working with small teams of children and providing one-to-one support.
Location: At our brand new IntoUniversity centre in Gateshead
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Applications close: 9am Monday 21st October 2024
Start date: January 2025
Salary
£35,500 per annum
Eligibility for the role
In order to be eligible for the Centre Leader role, applicants will:
- Have completed an undergraduate degree to a 2.2 or higher.
- Have achieved a grade C/ grade 4 or higher in GCSE Maths and English/ achieved National 5s or Standard Grade at Credit level (grades 1-2) in Maths and English (or equivalent).
- Have EITHER a minimum of 18 months full-time paid experience working in a delivery role at IntoUniversity; OR a minimum of 2 years full-time paid or voluntary experience working with children and young people, either at IntoUniversity, or external organisations, or a combination of both. Please note that we will not take part-time, seasonal or ad-hoc work into account when calculating the length of full-time experience.
- Have the right to work in the UK (please note that as a charity we do not have the capacity to sponsor work visas).
- Be able to apply knowledge of F.E. and H.E. (e.g. UCAS applications) to help young people decide about their futures; and have knowledge of national developments in H.E. and their impact on young people traditionally underrepresented in H.E.
- Have experience of confidently negotiating with a variety of stakeholders, for example: head teachers, funders, universities.
What will my main dutires be?
To lead the staff team at the centre, generating a positive and inclusive working environment and ethos and ensuring that the team are well motivated, are managing their workloads effectively, and are providing a high quality service.
You will initially be involved in the set up of this brand new centre, including developing local school relationships..
To ensure that the ethos and values of the charity are maintained in the IntoUniversity centre.
To act as the Centre’s Designated Safeguarding Officer (full training and support will be provided to become the Designated Safeguarding Officer). To create and oversee relationships with local education providers.
To oversee the successful delivery of our educational programme at the centre using positive behaviour management and adhering to the IntoUniversity safeguarding policy.
Please note: that there will be times throughout the year when you will be required to travel to London for meetings.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This is an exciting opportunity to lead our South West team as the Head of Region, to maximise the impact of our funding and lead the strategic direction and management of our regional portfolio.You will be responsible for delivering our strategy It Starts with Community and the ambitions of our England Portfolio within the region.
Our South West region spans a diverse and complex geography, taking in coastal shores, eight cities and two national parks, with a complexity of deprivation in seemingly wealthy areas.
You will:
- be accountable for all aspects of strategic and operational management within the dedicated region, including local prioritisation, grant budget management, operational excellence, and key stakeholder management.
- You will be the key representative of The National Lottery Community Fund in the South West.
- You will oversee awards of approximately £21m per annum within the region alongside being responsible for a portfolio of over £80m grants in management.
- You will lead a team of 15 largely remotely-based, mobile team members in the region.
- You will be a core member of the England Leadership Team, maintaining strong relationships with other Regional Heads as well as with colleagues in the Central Funding and Partnership Teams.
We’re looking for someone who is passionate about making a difference through our funding, with a deep understanding of the communities we serve.
- You will have experience of building and leading teams and driving a culture of inclusion with an ability to coach, inspire, and empower people.
- Your ability to build and maintain excellent relationships with a diverse range of senior level internal and external stakeholders will be second to none
- You will have experience in creating connections and facilitating diverse stakeholder networks and you will be a confident communicator, comfortable in all environments.
- You will demonstrate an ability to work in an agile way, ensuring we are flexible and continue to improve in line with feedback and insights from customers and frontline staff.
Interview Date: 25-26th November – Face to Face - Exeter
Location: Exeter will be your contracted office but we operate hybrid working and this role requires frequent travel around the entire South West.
On application, please align your supporting statement to the criteria below
Essential criteria
As an experienced senior leader, you may, or may not come from a funding background but you may have significant experience of working with communities in the VCSE sector, and/or developing strategies involving stakeholders from different sectors and backgrounds, designed to deliver greater joint impact. You will need to be a good communicator, able to translate a vision into reality. The role will give you the flexibility to make the role your own and develop alongside the organisation; working collaboratively with the team to produce a broad portfolio of relationships and investments across the South West region.
- Evidence a strong commitment to make a positive impact in communities across the South West
- You are an inclusive leader, experienced in leading through change, with highly developed people skills, using your gravitas to enable others to achieve their full potential.
- You have the ability to offer guidance and direction through consistent and realistic core principles, setting priorities and deliverables based on an understanding of the organisational as well as external context
- Good decision-making skills, considering evidence, analysis and personal experience to take and mitigate risk as appropriate
- Implementing effective performance management, planning, risk analysis and governance resulting in greater impact and efficiency
- Developing and enhancing relationships with senior stakeholders across sectors, representing the Fund externally
- Experience in budgeting and data analysis, as well as developing and delivering annual and longer-term strategic operating plans
- Values-driven and passionate about the Fund’s purpose
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Communities in the UK come in all shapes and sizes. National Lottery funding is for everyone – therefore, we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and we work hard to ensure our funding reaches where it is needed.
We also believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. That’s why The National Lottery Community Fund is committed to being an inclusive employer and a great place to work. We recognise and celebrate the fact that our people come from diverse backgrounds. We positively welcome applications from people from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities or longstanding health conditions, people who are LGBTQ+, and people from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds, as well as people of all ages.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we take a proactive approach in making reasonable adjustments, if needed, throughout the recruitment process and during employment. (This can be related to a physical and mental health condition.)
It starts with community.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We’re an award-winning charity running local learning centres in the heart of the communities where the young people we support live. Our centres provide a high-impact education programme which includes practical learning support, pastoral care, and motivational and confidence-building activities for young people aged 7-18. Our aim is to enable students from the least advantaged neighbourhoods to realise their ambitions and achieve their wonderful potential.
As the UK’s leading university access organisation, our staff team is helping over 50,000 young people each year at its 43 learning centres and extension projects across England and Scotland, and we plan to scale-up our provision to 50 centres over the coming years.
We are looking for a high-calibre candidate to take up a fixed-term role as Centre Leader at our IntoUniversity centre in Manchester North. You will have responsibility for running your IntoUniversity centre, including managing your team, planning and delivering the programme, liaising with external stakeholders and meeting IntoUniversity’s targets for delivery. A substantial element of this role is delivering our education programme to children and young people aged 7-18, so you will need to have a genuine passion and enthusiasm for working with young people, including leading a class of 30 from the front, working with small teams of children and providing one-to-one support.
Location: IntoUniversity Manchester North
Contract: Full-time, fixed-term until May 2025
Applications close: 9am Wednesday 23rd October 2024
Start date: As soon as possible, to be agreed directly with the candidate
Salary
£35,500 per annum
Eligibility for the role
In order to be eligible for the Centre Leader role, applicants will:
- Have completed an undergraduate degree to a 2.2 or higher.
- Have achieved a grade C/ grade 4 or higher in GCSE Maths and English/ achieved National 5s or Standard Grade at Credit level (grades 1-2) in Maths and English (or equivalent).
- Have EITHER a minimum of 18 months full-time paid experience working in a delivery role at IntoUniversity; OR a minimum of 2 years full-time paid or voluntary experience working with children and young people, either at IntoUniversity, or external organisations, or a combination of both. Please note that we will not take part-time, seasonal or ad-hoc work into account when calculating the length of full-time experience.
- Have the right to work in the UK (please note that as a charity we do not have the capacity to sponsor work visas).
- Be able to apply knowledge of F.E. and H.E. (e.g. UCAS applications) to help young people decide about their futures; and have knowledge of national developments in H.E. and their impact on young people traditionally underrepresented in H.E.
- Have experience of confidently negotiating with a variety of stakeholders, for example: head teachers, funders, universities.
What will my main dutires be?
To lead the staff team at the centre, generating a positive and inclusive working environment and ethos and ensuring that the team are well motivated, are managing their workloads effectively, and are providing a high quality service.
You will initially be involved in the set up of this brand new centre, including developing local school relationships and we anticipate that delivery of the IntoUniversity programmes will begin in the 2024 summer term.
To ensure that the ethos and values of the charity are maintained in the IntoUniversity centre.
To act as the Centre’s Designated Safeguarding Officer (full training and support will be provided to become the Designated Safeguarding Officer). To create and oversee relationships with local education providers.
To oversee the successful delivery of our educational programme at the centre using positive behaviour management and adhering to the IntoUniversity safeguarding policy.
Please note: that there will be times throughout the year when you will be required to travel to London for meetings.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
North Paddington Foodbank (NPFB) is the UK’s first and only full cash-first foodbank, pioneering a transformative approach by providing customers with emergency cash grants alongside advice and support services. We’re looking for a dedicated and passionate Welfare Benefits Advisor to help deliver life-changing financial support to individuals in Westminster who may be missing out on benefits or are struggling with debt.
This is an exciting opportunity to work directly with those in need, offering tailored guidance on welfare benefits, income maximisation, and budgeting. You will have the chance to make a real impact on the lives of vulnerable people, ensuring they receive the financial assistance and advice they deserve.
Role Overview:
We are seeking a passionate and driven Welfare Benefits Advisor to join our team and make a significant impact on the lives of those in need. This position is vital in ensuring that underserved communities in Westminster access the financial support they deserve. The ideal candidate thrives in a dynamic environment and embodies a positive, solution-oriented mindset.
Key Responsibilities:
- Casework Support: Provide comprehensive casework support to NPFB service users, assisting with welfare benefit claims (PIP, ESA, Universal Credit) and addressing independent reviews.
- Debt Support: Offer basic debt advice, focusing on priority debts, applying for Local Housing Allowance, and facilitating referrals to specialists for complex cases.
- Financial Capability: Help clients create realistic budgets and develop essential financial skills to foster independence.
- Income Maximization: Deliver tailored advice to maximize household income through benefit checks, applications, and challenges to ensure clients receive their rightful support.
- Outreach Coordination: Manage outreach clinics and community events, collaborating with partners to enhance service delivery.
- Client Engagement: Provide advice across various settings, including the NPFB office, community outreach, and digital platforms.
- Record Keeping: Maintain accurate case records and ensure timely completion of funding reports and evaluations.
- Training: Stay updated on welfare legislation and provide training sessions for staff and volunteers on welfare rights issues.
Qualifications:
- Proven experience in delivering social welfare advice.
- Ability to empower clients facing welfare benefits and debt challenges through empathetic support.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage challenging situations effectively.
- Proficient in managing a caseload and meeting deadlines to ensure timely client support.
Personal Attributes:
- Commitment to quality, continuous improvement, and excellence in service delivery.
- Demonstrated leadership qualities and emotional intelligence.
- Passionate about equity, diversity, and inclusion, with a willingness to challenge discrimination.
Other Requirements:
- Willingness to travel across Westminster and work occasional weekends or evenings.
- Right to work in the UK and willingness to undergo an enhanced DBS check
If you thrive in fast-paced environments, are driven to create positive change, and want to work with an innovative team that believes in the power of cash-first interventions, we’d love to hear from you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Job Title: Technical Security Manager
Reporting to: Director of IT and Security
Contract: Six-month fixed term contract
Hours: Full-time
Salary: £60 - £65k FTE depending on experience
Base: Hybrid, home and minimum two days per week in London office
Job purpose: To operate our information security management system and maintain Mental Health Innovations’ ISO 27001 certification
Closing Date: 8th November 2024, 5pm
Key Responsibilities
- Building and maintaining excellent relationships with team leads across the organisation to raise awareness of security and work through issues
- Deputising for the Director in security matters as required
- Operation of the ISMS and Data Protection processes
- Managing risk register, preparing for management review meetings
- Developing/maintaining controls and ensuring they are implemented across the organisation
- Refining our security KPIs and maintaining them
- Proposing actions from KPIs, events and incidents and coordinating resultant work
- Working with the Director to track threats and vulnerabilities, evaluate risk levels and progress treatment plans
- Ensuring secure endpoint and cloud posture
- Working with the team to plan consultancy days; e.g. work items requiring deep knowledge of a specific security domain or a technical specialist
- Monitoring our processes and suggesting improvements Proposing and progressing other continuous improvement work
- Feeding into training and awareness programmes and improving security culture
- Preparing for audits and carrying out remediation work
- Working with the Director to create, maintain and manage policies and ensure compliance
- Planning and participating in incident response exercises
- Managing major incidents and conducting post mortems/reviews
Person Specification
Essential
- Experience of risk management
- Working knowledge of security standards and frameworks, particularly ISO 27001
- Knowledge (and preferably experience) of GDPR and DPA 2018
- Experience of incident management
- Excellent knowledge of high level security concepts and best practice
- Excellent documentation skills, including policies and standards
- Knowledge of the following areas (deeper experience of one or more preferred):
- Endpoint security
- Network security
- Cloud security
- Application security
- Identity and access management
- Secure distributed working practices
- Excellent written and verbal communicator
- Ability and desire to learn new tools, skills and consider other perspectives
- Growth mindset. Comfortable performing a wide range of activities, including stretching to new skill/experience areas
- Ability to manage own time, confirm priorities and expectations
- Independent worker who knows when to ask questions
- Comfortable working with the wider team and organisation
- Comfortable dealing with ambiguous situations and objectives
Desirable
- Professional qualifications, such CompTIA+, CISSP, CCSP, ISO 27001 Auditor
Exposure to ITIL (ITIL Foundation or higher preferred) - Experience in one or more of the following:
- Cloud (AWS preferred)
- Salesforce
- SSO & federated identities
- Network security, SASE & VPNs
- Endpoint security
- Infrastructure security and best practices
- Working knowledge of encryption technologies
- Password management and access control
- Security training and awareness
- Secure distributed working practices
- Securing domains
- Detection and response, with excellent troubleshooting skills
- Working knowledge of one or more of these tools/products:
- Salesforce
- JIRA & Confluence
- Mac/iOS & ChromeOS
- Windows/Office365
- Google Workspace
- Creative thinker, but understands the importance of seeing a piece of work through to the end and on time
- Decisive, proactive, knows when to check the boundaries
We will be interviewing on a rolling basis and reserve the right to close the job advert early if we receive a high number of applicants.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.