Advice Officer Jobs in Manchester

About Us

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

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

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

The Role

We have a fantastic opportunity for someone to join us in the position of Energy Adviser, to work on either a full or part time basis. Job share applications are also welcome. This role provides an exciting and rewarding opportunity to help the charity build its profile amongst regional stakeholders whilst delivering projects that seek to bring an end to fuel poverty and to the misery of cold homes that is experienced by over 6.5 million households in the UK.

NEA’s Energy Advisers are empathetic, polite and have good listening skills but are also knowledgeable, assertive, and confident. Their main role is to provide one to one advice to clients referred through the charity’s Warm and Safe Homes helpline and to deliver energy advice presentations to groups.  They also get involved in a range of tasks to support these activities.  Energy Advisers sit within the Communities Directorate and are part of a dynamic and caring team of professionals who go the extra mile to support their clients, some of whom may be in difficult circumstances.

This post is subject to enhanced vetting and barring check.

What you will need to succeed

Working within our Communities Directorate you will have demonstrable experience of delivering Energy Advice and helping others.  Therefore, it is vital that you have empathy, confidence and knowledge of the issues facing vulnerable low-income households.

You will have knowledge and understanding of the environmental, social and economic problems of deprived areas and the roles of the public, private and voluntary sectors in tackling them.

You will also have knowledge of assistance available for energy efficiency improvements to low-income households.

You will be an excellent communicator, with proven experience and understanding of how to effectively address the energy needs of low income, vulnerable or disadvantaged householders – with the desire to make a positive difference to people’s lives.

The successful candidate will operate within Yorkshire and the Humber, East Midlands or Eastern region of England. Home working and office-based locations are available depending on your proximity to a NEA office. Preferences will be discussed with candidates at interview. Hybrid working is subject to necessary H&S and GDPR checks. Post holders must be resident within the UK and be able to provide their Right to Work in the UK. 

 We are offering:

• £28,163 – £33,205 (FTE) – Scale 5-6, Points 12-22 (plus £3,300 London Weighting if applicable). New appointments are usually made at the starting point of the scale.
• 11½% non-contributory pension.
• 25 days annual leave plus 3 additional days in between Christmas New Year Period when our offices close; plus, all public holidays per annum for full time staff, pro-rata for part time staff.
• Flexible working arrangements including the opportunity for Hybrid working.
• Enhanced family friendly payments.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Employee benefits platform.
• 2-Year Fixed Term Post.

The closing date for all applications is 12:00 noon Monday 13 January 2025. We anticipate interviewing the two weeks commencing Monday 20 January 2025. Full details of the posts and an application form are available on our website.

How to apply:

Apply online by clicking 'apply via website'.

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

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

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

ABOUT US

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

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

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

THE ROLE

We have a fantastic opportunity for someone to join us in the position of Benefits Entitlements and Claims Support Officer, to work on either a full or part time basis. Job Share applications are also welcome.

This role provides an exciting and rewarding opportunity to help the charity build its profile amongst regional stakeholders whilst delivering projects that seek to bring an end to fuel poverty and to the misery of cold homes that is experienced by over 6 million households in the UK.

NEA’s Benefits Entitlements and Claims Support Officers are empathetic, polite and have good listening skills but are also knowledgeable, assertive, and confident. The post holder will be responsible for giving comprehensive benefit entitlement advice and support to householders. The post holder will obtain relevant information about a client’s circumstances and offer accurate guidance about potential eligibility for additional benefit entitlements. This will include the completion of application forms as appropriate. Advice will be given over the phone, via online contact and in face-to-face settings where appropriate.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO SUCCEED

You will have a good understanding of Welfare Rights, including entitlements, systems, claim processes and current legislation and practices. Demonstrable experience of providing advice via telephone and face to face.

You will need good organisational skills, excellent communication skills as well as an understanding of the needs of low income, vulnerable or disadvantaged householders.

NEA has several office locations throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and welcomes applicants from all regions. Home working and office-based locations are available depending on proximity to a NEA office. Preferences will be discussed with candidates at interview. Post holders must be resident within the UK and be able to provide their Right to Work in the UK. Hybrid working is subject to a risk assessment to ensure the working environment is appropriate under health and safety and GDPR requirements.

WE ARE OFFERING

· £28,163 – £33,205 (FTE) – Scale 5-6, Points 12-22 (plus £3,300 London Weighting if applicable). Appointments are usually made at the starting point of the scale.

· 11½% non-contributory pension.

· 25 days annual leave (FTE) plus 3 additional days in between Christmas New Year Period when our offices close; plus, all public holidays per annum for full time staff, pro-rata for part time staff.

· Flexible working arrangements including the opportunity for Hybrid working.

· Enhanced family friendly payments.

· Employee Assistance Programme.

· Employee benefits platform.

· 18-Month Fixed Term Post.

The closing date for all applications is 12:00 noon 13 January 2025. We anticipate interviewing the two weeks commencing 20 January 2025. Full details of the posts and an application form are available on our website.

HOW TO APPLY:

To apply click 'apply via website'.

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

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

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

About Us

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

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

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

The Role

We have a fantastic opportunity for someone to join us in the position of Energy Adviser, to work on either a full or part time basis. Job share applications are also welcome. This role provides an exciting and rewarding opportunity to help the charity build its profile amongst regional stakeholders whilst delivering projects that seek to bring an end to fuel poverty and to the misery of cold homes that is experienced by over 6.5 million households in the UK.

NEA’s Energy Advisers are empathetic, polite and have good listening skills but are also knowledgeable, assertive, and confident. Their main role is to provide one to one advice to clients referred through the charity’s Warm and Safe Homes helpline and to deliver energy advice presentations to groups.  They also get involved in a range of tasks to support these activities.  Energy Advisers sit within the Communities Directorate and are part of a dynamic and caring team of professionals who go the extra mile to support their clients, some of whom may be in difficult circumstances.

This post is subject to enhanced vetting and barring check.

What you will need to succeed

Working within our Communities Directorate you will have demonstrable experience of delivering Energy Advice and helping others.  Therefore, it is vital that you have empathy, confidence and knowledge of the issues facing vulnerable low-income households.

You will have knowledge and understanding of the environmental, social and economic problems of deprived areas and the roles of the public, private and voluntary sectors in tackling them.

You will also have knowledge of assistance available for energy efficiency improvements to low-income households.

You will be an excellent communicator, with proven experience and understanding of how to effectively address the energy needs of low income, vulnerable or disadvantaged householders – with the desire to make a positive difference to people’s lives.

NEA has several office locations throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and welcomes applicants from all regions, however we would particularly welcome applications from those living in Kent and the South-East.  Home working and office-based locations are available. Preferences will be discussed with candidates at interview. Hybrid working is subject to necessary H&S and GDPR checks. Post holders must be resident within the UK and be able to provide their Right to Work in the UK. 

We are offering:

 £28,163 – £33,205 (FTE) – Scale 5-6, Points 12-22 (plus £3,300 London Weighting if applicable). New appointments are usually made at the starting point of the scale.

• 11½% non-contributory pension.
• 25 days annual leave plus 3 additional days in between Christmas New Year Period when our offices close; plus, all public holidays per annum for full time staff, pro-rata for part time staff.
• Flexible working arrangements including the opportunity for Hybrid working.
• Enhanced family friendly payments.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Employee benefits platform.
• 18-Month Fixed Term Post.

The closing date for all applications is 12:00 noon Monday 13 January 2025. We anticipate interviewing the two weeks commencing Monday 20 January 2025. Full details of the posts and an application form are available on our website.

How to apply:

Apply online by clicking 'apply via website'.

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

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

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

• Department: Community Fundraising
• Location: Remote – home with some travel including meetings in London
• Hours of work: 37.5 hours
• Contract: Permanent, full time
• Salary: £30,000 – £33,000 per annum
• Closing date: Sunday 5th January at 11.59pm
• Interview date: 15th and 16th January 2025
• Annual leave: 33 days (plus eight bank holidays)

Benefits:

• enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave, and shared parental pay
• family-friendly policies
• 8% employer pension contribution (Aviva) or opportunity to continue NHS pension
• free health cashback plan (Medicash): employee cover plus up to four dependent children
• 24/7 virtual GP access (UK registered), plus access to Best Doctors
• free, confidential employee assistance programme (Medicash)
• access to a wellbeing appflexible working options including hybrid working, flexible working patterns such as part-time, compressed hours, and more*
• learning and development opportunities including bespoke training and access to LinkedIn Learning)
• commitment to employee health and wellbeing. We have a Menopause Friendly accreditation and are a Disability Confident employer

Background

Every three minutes someone in the UK develops dementia: a progressive and complex condition that can be devastating for the whole family. One in two of us will be affected by dementia in our lifetime – either by caring for someone with the condition, developing it ourselves, or both.

Dementia UK is the specialist dementia nursing charity that is there for the whole family. Our specialist nurses, known as Admiral Nurses, provide free, expert advice, support and understanding to help families care for their loved one. Every day, Admiral Nurses help families up and down the country to have the best life possible, for as long as possible.

Purpose of the job/about the role

Join our Community Fundraising team in this brand-new role to coordinate our growing Volunteer Ambassador (VA) programme delivering the recruitment, training, and ongoing support of Volunteer Ambassadors, ensuring they are equipped to represent our cause effectively.

As the Community Fundraising Volunteer Officer, you will be a a key point of contact for VAs, handling requests for their support from both internal and external sources. Collaborating with Community Fundraising Managers and Regional Fundraisers, you’ll build strong relationships with VAs, delivering exceptional stewardship and designing multi-channel supporter journeys in partnership with Regional Fundraisers.

You will deliver effective recruitment campaigns across various channels and coordinate the induction and training of VAs, both virtually and in person. You’ll also represent the charity at supporter events, networking and delivering presentations to inspire engagement.

Additionally, you will produce regular reports on marketing activities and stewardship performance, monitor financial and non-financial KPIs, and ensure accurate supporter database records in line with Dementia UK’s policies and processes.

To succeed in this role, you will bring experience in managing volunteers or a background in relationship management, with an understanding of volunteer engagement. You will have a track record of planning and developing projects, utilising databases effectively, and delivering impactful presentations.

If this sounds like you, join us now and be part of a team dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of those affected by dementia.

Our culture

In addition to a competitive salary and a generous benefits package, we truly value our people. It’s important for us to create a working environment that looks after our workforce to support them in achieving their full potential. You will become part of a diverse and dedicated team who are supported to use and develop their skills. We recognise and value the key role you will play in delivering our strategic plans for the benefit of those living with dementia.

Our staff have a voice. Representatives from different roles and levels across the organisation positively contribute to and lead on our working groups around health and wellbeing, menopause, and equity, diversity and inclusion.

Dementia UK is proud to welcome everyone. We aim for a truly inclusive culture with talented, diverse teams that represent a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We celebrate difference and individuality and encourage everyone to join us and be their whole selves always.

This role will be subject to a Basic DBS check.

By applying to join Dementia UK, you acknowledge that in the event you are successful for the role, any offer and your ongoing employment will be conditional on you having or obtaining the right to work in the UK.

*Please note that any decision on flexible working is based on business needs

The Worker Support Centre (WSC) is a Scotland based charity that promotes decent work and prevents exploitation. We support marginalised and isolated workers in labour sectors where there is a high risk of abuse and exploitation. We work in partnership with workers to build power to secure and advance workplace rights. We prevent human trafficking for forced labour by acting to reduce the risks of worker exploitation. WSC values include: respect for human rights, representation, transparency, equality and innovation. 

WSC support includes advice, mediation, advocacy and assisted reporting to enforcement agencies. Our worker engagement informs policy change activity to address harms faced by those in high-risk work. In 2023 and 2024 WSC activities were targeted at workers in seasonal agriculture on the UK Seasonal Worker visa (SWV). During this time, we provided advice, support, and information to 1031 people in relation to the SWV. WSC is now embarking on a new project to engage workers in health and social care to advance care workers’ rights through worker education and power sessions. 

About the role

This role is focussed on advancing care workers’ rights by supporting WSC’s peer engagement work including actively conducting outreach to workers and facilitating worker education and power sessions. In this role you will support WSC meet two of its four core objectives to work together with workers to claim spaces for power and representation in decision making; and to build the field of knowledge about workers and their experiences to influence policy. This role also includes handling a small caseload, providing health and social care workers with information, support and impartial advice with any issues that may arise during outreach or sessions.  This role will work closely together with our Peer Engagement team and Outreach Caseworker.

WSC strives to achieve representation of individuals with lived experience of the issues on which we work at all levels of our organisation and actively promotes applications from individuals with experience of the issues on which we work. For this role we would especially welcome applications from individuals with experience of working in the health and social care sector.  

NB A Basic Disclosure Check is required for this role.

Main tasks and responsibilities

Peer engagement and outreach

· To develop, together with WSC’s Peer Engagement team, a programme of outreach and engagement to workers in social care.

· To conduct social engagement and outreach activities in person and remotely.

· To contribute to the development of WSC’s programme of activities to build worker solidarity.

· To contribute to and translate information for communication with workers on their rights and entitlements and to support WSC Worker Power work.

· Liaising with community and civil society organisations to build strong community networks.

· To ensure that those in need of support access WSC’s Casework service, and/or are signposted to available services, including legal advice.

Casework

· To provide high-quality casework support around housing, debt and employment rights;

· To monitor and respond to email, phone and message enquiries from workers.

· To liaise with external services, including lawyers on legal advice sessions and make appointments for workers to access such advice.

· To support workers to navigate support and advice from external agencies;

· To record worker information using Advice Pro case management software.

Participation

· Support participatory analysis workshops with workers to jointly analyse concerns articulated in order to establish standards workers would like to see upheld for health and social care workers.

· Actively support workers to engage in advocacy, including by providing worker-centred briefings on advocacy processes and meetings, ensuring meaningful participation and leadership by workers.

· Engage with workers via social media and other online tools, through clear communications outputs.

General

· Support the whole organisation goal to integrate workers in all our work at all levels of the organisation.

Person Specification

1) KNOWLEDGE AND TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Understanding of how NGOs operate and knowledge of the issues on which WSC works: labour rights, migrant rights, organising, anti-trafficking and human rights.
• Experience in worker organising, engaging with workers and upholding labour rights, or support provision to workers through casework.

2) QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree level in public policy, law, or human rights or equivalent experience.
• A valid UK Driving license

3) EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

•  Experience in labour organising or worker support - 2 years
• Experience of engaging with people with lived experience of the issues on which the organisation works and ensuring they are involved in decision-making processes - 1 year
• Use of equipment and case management systems & Standard Microsoft Office suite - 1 year
• Fluency in English (verbal and written)
• Working competence in at least one other language spoken by migrant social care workers (eg Arabic, Urdu, Hindi, Bengali)
• Experience of work in a precarious sector (eg social care, agriculture, hospitality)
• Experience of work in social care
• Experience of handling a caseload and providing impartial, confidential advice - 1 year
• Experience of facilitating public outreach sessions/events - 1 year
• Experience of communication to wide audiences via a range of social media platforms (eg Tik-tok, Instagram, Telegram, X, Bluesky) - 2 years
• Experience of building and developing relationships with community and civil society organisations - 1 year 

4. PERSONAL QUALITIES

• Enthusiastic and committed to advancing workers’ rights.
• Empathy with workers in high-risk labour sectors and the work of WSC.
• Strong work ethic: A self-starter with high-energy levels, ability to use own initiative, prioritise, make decisions and implement them, function to deadlines.
• Ability to build and maintain collaborative and respectful relationships across the organisation and with workers.
• Ability to work flexible hours as required, to travel and spend occasional nights away from home. 
• Sound understanding of equal opportunities, data protection and confidentiality.

Applications to consist of a CV and supporting statement no longer than one side of A4 outlining how you meet the skills and experience required.

The Worker Support Centre (WSC) is a Scotland based charity that promotes decent work and prevents exploitation. We support marginalised and isolated workers in labour sectors where there is a high risk of abuse and exploitation. We work in partnership with workers to build power to secure and advance workplace rights. We prevent human trafficking for forced labour by acting to reduce the risks of worker exploitation. WSC values include: respect for human rights, representation, transparency, equality and innovation. 

WSC support includes advice, mediation, advocacy and assisted reporting to enforcement agencies. Our worker engagement informs policy change activity to address harms faced by those in high-risk work. In 2023 and 2024 WSC activities were targeted at workers in seasonal agriculture on the UK Seasonal Worker visa (SWV). During this time, we provided advice, support, and information to 1031 people in relation to the SWV. 

About the role

This role is focussed on advancing seasonal agricultural workers’ rights by supporting WSC’s peer engagement work including actively conducting outreach to workers and facilitating worker education and power sessions. In this role you will support WSC meet two of its four core objectives to work together with workers to claim spaces for power and representation in decision making; and to build the field of knowledge about workers and their experiences to influence policy. This role will work closely together with our Peer Engagement team and Outreach Caseworkers.

WSC strives to achieve representation of individuals with lived experience of the issues on which we work at all levels of our organisation and actively promote applications from individuals with experience of the issues on which we work. For this role we would especially welcome applications from individuals with experience of working in seasonal agriculture.

Main tasks and responsibilities

Peer engagement and outreach

· To conduct social engagement and outreach activities in person and remotely.

· To contribute to the development of WSC’s programme of activities to build worker solidarity.

· To ensure that those in need of support access WSC’s Casework service, and/or are signposted to available services, including legal advice.

· To contribute to and translate information for communication with workers, on their rights and entitlements and to support WSC Worker Power work.

· To monitor and respond to email, phone and message enquiries from workers.

· Support workers to access external services when needed

· Liaising with community and civil society organisations to build strong community networks

Participation

· Support participatory analysis workshops with workers to jointly analyse concerns articulated in order to establish standards workers would like to see upheld for seasonal workers.

· Actively support workers to engage in advocacy, including by providing worker-centred briefings on advocacy processes and meetings, ensuring meaningful participation and leadership by workers.

· Engage with workers via social media and other online tools, through clear communications outputs.

General

· Support the whole organisation goal to integrate workers in all our work at all levels of the organisation.

Person Specification

1) KNOWLEDGE AND TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Understanding of how NGOs operate, and knowledge of the issues on which WSC works: labour rights, migrant rights, organising, anti-trafficking and human rights.
• Experience in worker organising, engaging with workers and upholding labour rights.

2) QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree level in public policy, law, or human rights or equivalent experience.
• A valid UK Driving license

3) EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

•  Experience in labour organising or worker support - 2 years
• Experience of engaging with people with lived experience of the issues on which the organisation works and ensuring they are involved in decision-making processes - 1 year
• Use of equipment and case recording systems & Standard Microsoft Office suite - 1 year
• Fluency in English (verbal and written)
• Working competence in Russian and/or a Central Asian language
• Experience of work in a precarious labour sector (eg seasonal agriculture, social care, or other)
• Experience of work in seasonal agriculture
• Experience of developing and facilitating workshops/educational events- 1 year
• Experience of facilitating public outreach sessions/events - 1 year 
• Experience of building and developing relationships with community and civil society organisations - 1 year
• Experience of communication to wide audiences via a range of social media platforms (eg Tik-tok, Instagram, Telegram, X, Bluesky) - 2 years

4. PERSONAL QUALITIES

• Enthusiastic and committed to advancing workers’ rights.
• Empathy with workers in high-risk labour sectors and the work of WSC.
• Strong work ethic: A self-starter with high-energy levels, ability to use own initiative, prioritise, make decisions and implement them, function to deadlines.
• Ability to build and maintain collaborative and respectful relationships across the organisation and with workers.
• Ability to work flexible hours as required, to travel and spend occasional nights away from home. 
• Sound understanding of equal opportunities, data protection and confidentiality. 

Applications to consist of a CV and supporting statement no longer than one side of A4 outlining how you meet the skills and experience required

This is a great opportunity to become part of a team, which makes a real difference.

The post holder will be a source of support and expertise to Helpline Volunteers during a shift, providing emotional support and signposting options to bereaved people in their initial contact with Cruse Bereavement Support, (in call / Email / Casework). Support ongoing growth and development of the helpline through call monitoring, onboarding new volunteers and implementation of the Quality framework. 

Working alongside the Helpline Service Manager, the role will support the development and growth of the helpline.

This role will be working closely with a Project Team in Cruse who are managing our Southern Gas Network (SGN) partnership. We would like this role to participate in the development of the partnership to ensure effective rollout within our National Helpline. This would require you to attend National Energy Action (NEA) Fuel Debt Advice in the Community Training and become the point of contact for the National Helpline staff and volunteers for SGN related queries.

Due to the nature of the role, you would be expected to work flexibly on a shift basis (with availability to work between 9am and 8:15pm), including some Bank Holidays.

Criminal Record Checks

All staff are required to complete a Criminal Record check. Staff working directly with clients will be required to complete an enhanced check. We comply with the relevant codes of practice and they can be viewed online: 

• Applicants in England and Wales: DBS Code of Practice
• Applicants in Northern Ireland: AccessNI Code of Practice

Previous convictions will not prevent full consideration of your application to work with Cruse. Our Recruitment of Ex-offenders' Policy & Handling Criminal Record Check Data Policy are available on request by email.

We comply with all relevant data protection legislation and process your data fairly.

This role will deliver tailored, one to one support and case work to support and resolve both immediate, crisis situations experienced by people and on a longer-term basis in the community. In the main people we support are Irish or of Irish descent including the Traveller Community. However, our services are open to all.

Additionally, part of the role will include working across the project team and wider role of ICCM in early intervention and prevention.  Informing and supporting community-based advocacy, awareness, and public campaigns to inform and increase knowledge and education of the community on how to access help, and the availability of support which is open to people as needs develop. Thus, increasing the wider public and social value of ICCM and brining more service users in to receive one to one support when needed. 

This will attract and support our community by making our services local, appropriate, and accessible to those who mainly do not access mainstream services. This will include advocacy and representative services in order for people to secure welfare benefits, enabling people to access the financial benefits they are entitled to.

This will support people experiencing mental and physical health issues, substance misuse, facing legal issues, those who require debt management, threatened with eviction, domestic abuse, and bereavement. This will be done mainly on an outreach basis across Manchester, supporting people in their own homes, in care homes, hospital and where they are resettled to their home environment.

The overall aim of the service is to improve quality of life, access to appropriate support services and improved health and wellbeing outcomes by acting as an advocate and to negotiate with other agencies, where necessary, on our client’s behalf.

Key Responsibilities:

• To make contact with members of the Irish and Traveller communities across Manchester.
• To provide Advocacy and Support via outreach, accompanying to appointments, advocacy to other agencies to address presenting needs who are vulnerable and ‘at risk’ through age, poor physical or mental health, homelessness, risk of homelessness, drug and alcohol use, offending, abuse, and social and cultural isolation.
• Undertake an initial assessment of service users’ needs, presenting issues and risks and to develop a care plan working alongside other statutory and voluntary agencies.
• To offer comprehensive information, advocacy, advice and support services to our community to meet individual needs and achieve positive outcomes.
• Make referrals to statutory and community and voluntary organisations working in partnership to achieve the best level of care and support.
• Develop care plans in order to improve the health of our communities, working with service users and relevant agencies
• To attend and participate in meetings and forums highlighting community issues, cultural needs and experiences.
• To support volunteers and students at ICCM. Volunteers will also support service users to meet presenting needs as highlighted in the assessment and care plan.
• To maintain accurate and up to date records of all areas of work.
• To closely monitor progress of work and report this to your line manager.
• To present accurate and clear reports on all cases as requested by the Advocacy & Advice Manager.
• Attend appropriate networking and training opportunities for personal and professional development.
• To attend and participate in team meetings.
• To participate and engage in supervision and appraisal provided by your line manager.
• To attend conferences and seminars locally, regionally and nationally as directed by line manager.
• To promote the work of ICCM as requested by your line manager.
• To work as an accountable member of the staff team, working within the Charity's policies and procedures
• It is the nature of the work at ICCM that staff are expected to work in a flexible way, when the occasion arises, when tasks not specifically covered in their job have to be undertaken for the benefit of our beneficiaries.
• To ensure you fully embrace ICCM’s values in all your work:

The Worker Support Centre (WSC) is a Scotland based charity that promotes decent work and prevents exploitation. We support marginalised and isolated workers in labour sectors where there is a high risk of abuse and exploitation. We work in partnership with workers to build power to secure and advance workplace rights. We prevent human trafficking for forced labour by acting to reduce the risks of worker exploitation. WSC values include: respect for human rights, representation, transparency, equality and innovation. 

WSC support includes advice, mediation, advocacy and assisted reporting to enforcement agencies. Our worker engagement informs policy change activity to address harms faced by those in high-risk work. In 2023 and 2024 WSC activities were targeted at workers in seasonal agriculture on the UK Seasonal Worker visa (SWV). During this time, we provided advice, support, and information to 1031 people in relation to the SWV. WSC is now embarking on a new project to engage workers in health and social care to advance social care workers’ rights through worker education and power sessions. 

About the role

This role is focused on advancing seasonal agricultural and social care workers’ rights by supporting WSC’s policy and advocacy work. In this role you will support WSC meet two of its four core objectives to work together with workers to claim spaces for power and representation in decision making; and to build the field of knowledge about workers and their experiences to influence policy. As well as work delivered directly by WSC, our policy work includes coordinating with coalitions such as the Ethical Trading Initiative, the Seasonal Worker Interest Group and the Scottish Food Coalition.

WSC strives to achieve representation of individuals with lived experience of the issues on which we work at all levels of our organisation and actively promote applications from individuals with experience of the issues on which we work. 

Main tasks and responsibilities

Policy and advocacy

· Lead in the development of components of policy, ensuring engagement of workers and cross-organisational engagement.

· Identify emerging legislation and develop an influencing strategy.

· Lead key influencing moments and processes, working in collaboration with policy coalitions of which WSC is part.

· Draft worker-informed and evidenced briefings, submissions to consultations in support of worker policy priorities and engage closely with civil servants, Government officials and other decision makers on policy objectives.

· Support participatory engagement with workers to understand what democratic engagement platforms might best suit them and help create opportunities to influence processes.

· Track, assess, understand and respond to future legislative developments and the strategic direction being taken by UK Government, UK Parliament, Scottish Parliament and Scottish Government.

Stakeholder engagement

· Develop and maintain strong working relationships with senior stakeholders in Government, enforcement authorities and industry.

· Contribute to wider sectoral networks and groups, including attending meetings and setting joint policy strategy objectives.

· Provide high-quality support to the CEO and other senior staff with external stakeholder engagement, developing targeted briefings.

Participation

· Support WSC Peer Engagement Officers to conduct participatory workshops with workers to understand their concerns and to develop and articulate collective concerns through influencing strategies.

· Support participatory analysis workshops with workers to jointly analyse concerns articulated in order to establish standards workers would like to see upheld for seasonal workers.

· Support the review and documentation of barriers to democratic engagement for seasonal agricultural workers and migrant social carers.  

· Actively support workers to engage in advocacy, including by providing worker-centred briefings on advocacy processes and meetings, ensuring meaningful participation and leadership by workers.

· Support workers to create spaces for policy influence, engaging in actively listening to worker priorities and concerns.

General

· Support the whole organisation goal to integrate workers in all our work at all levels of the organisation.

· Ensure effective monitoring, evaluation and learning of our work including contributing to organisational processes.

Person Specification

1) KNOWLEDGE AND TECHNICAL SKILLS

• WSC Organisational knowledge, and/or knowledge of the issues on which we work: labour rights, migrant rights, organising, anti-trafficking and human rights.
• Technical understanding of policy specific to the subject areas on which WSC works, particularly opportunity scanning, strategic entry points and key stakeholders of influence.
• Legislation/Policy: The post-holder will lead on the development of policy, engagement with legislation in passage through parliament (UK or Scottish) and implementation of legislation.  Considerable liaison with external stakeholders is required, understanding on how policy/legislation is made and knowledge and understanding of its technical content is essential. 
• Influencing and advocacy: Proven ability to identify key stakeholders of influence and to form strong relationships of influence.

2) QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree level in public policy, law, or human rights or equivalent experience.
• Postgraduate qualification in public policy, law or human rights.
• A valid UK Driving license.

3) EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Technical professional experience in labour rights, organising, migrant rights and anti-trafficking -4 years
• Direct parliamentary experience with knowledge of UK and Scottish political systems - 2 years
• Engagement with people with lived experience of the issues on which developing policy. - 1 year
• Use of equipment and systems; Standard Microsoft suite; Microsoft Project - 1 year
• Experience of policy development - 2 years
• Fluency in English (verbal and written)
• Working competence in Russian or a Central Asian language.
• Experience of work in a precarious labour sector (eg seasonal agriculture, social care, hospitality or other) 

4) COMMUNICATION SKILLS

• Written communication:  A high standard of written communication on diverse, issues eg strategies, formal letters, briefings.Rep
• Report writing: The postholder must be able to prepare robust, concise, coherent, well argued policy reports.
• Oral communication: The postholder works with a wide range of external and internal stakeholders very often seeking to inform, influence, persuade.  This requires high level oral communication skills. 

5. PERSONAL QUALITIES

• Empathy with workers in high-risk labour sectors and the work of WSC
• Strong work ethic: A self-starter with high-energy levels, ability to use own initiative, prioritise, make decisions and implement them, function to deadlines.
• Ability to build and maintain collaborative and respectful relationships across the organisation.
• Ability to work flexible hours as required, to travel and spend occasional nights away from home.
• Sound understanding of equal opportunities.

Timeline:

· Applications to consist of a CV and supporting statement no longer than one side of A4 outlining how you meet the skills and experience required.   

We are looking for a Funding Officer to join the enthusiastic, friendly Lancashire team in the North West Region.  You will play a major role in ensuring our funding supports a wide variety of communities and places across Lancashire and the North West region.

12 month Fixed Term Contract - based in Lancashire

As a member of the funding team you will assess applications for funding and manage grants from our Reaching Communities and Partnerships programmes. You will use your local knowledge and experience, and the experience of our grant holders and local stakeholders, to ensure we are making the best decisions on the grants we make. By working closely with people and communities from a defined geographical area, you will understand what matters to them and where our funding can make the biggest difference.
In your role you will work within the Fund’s policies and procedures and the necessary legislation, in line with our vision and principles.  You will gain an understanding of our vision, our commitment to equity and inclusion and our funding programmes. 

The role is varied and will require you to: 

• Be responsible for your own caseload: visiting projects, liaising with grant recipients, identify and manage risks and supporting organisations to delivery their projects and measure their impact
• Understand and respond to the different needs of our applicants and grant holders by providing advice and feedback and be willing to have challenging but constructive conversations.
• Represent the Fund within your local area, at funding fairs and external meetings and create opportunities for people to come together.
• Share learning from your conversations, events, grant holder reports and evaluations to support the Fund in maximining our impact as a grant maker. 

Working from home and community locations, ideally the successful candidate will live in Lancashire, will be part of the local team, led by a Funding Manager, and comprised of several other Funding Officers.  Travel across the region will be required. 

Interview Date: In person interviews – 14th January

Location: Mobile working – Flexible and hybrid working - Home and community based

On application, please align your supporting statement to the criteria below

Essential criteria

• Communication skills: Strong listening, written and verbal communication with an emphasis on written communication for assessment purposes.
• Relational skills: Ability to nurture, develop and promote effective relationships and communication with colleagues, community organisations and other external agencies with a strong commitment to equity and inclusion
• Analytical skills: Ability to assess a high volume of applications, make good judgements, challenge when appropriate and manage risk. 
•  Knowledge of the local areas you would be covering and their charity sectors.

Desirable criteria

• Experience working with under-represented communities in the area of Lancashire
• Understanding of financial planning and business plans, ability to analyse accounts and numerical data.
• Demonstrable IT skills and the ability to learn detailed processes quickly and accurately.
• An ability to manage your own workload with minimal supervision

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.) 

As the major trade body of credit unions across England, Scotland and Wales, we are now seeking to appoint an exceptional individual to lead the trade body.

As the leader of the business the successful role holder will be responsible, along with the Board for setting the strategic direction and steering ABCUL to positive and successful outcomes.

We expect;
▪ As the leader of our business, we look to you to set the strategic direction and steer ABCUL to positive and successful outcomes.
▪ You are ethical, approachable, collaborative and authentic.
▪ You drive a positive business culture, you set the tone and lead by example.
▪ You ensure that the business has the right resources and structure to deliver against its’ vision and plans.
▪ You ensure that the services we offer and the level of service to our members is of a high quality and fits with our member needs.
▪ You develop and implement practice plans and risk strategies to ensure our business is protected.
▪ You maintain and develop your own awareness of regulatory and legal expectations of the business and proactively share this knowledge to the team.
▪ You work to empower our team to deliver successfully against their roles.
▪ You take a collaborative approach and promote a culture of collective responsibility.
▪ Your stakeholder management, lobbying and influencing skills are strong and you utilise appropriate networks for the benefit of ABCUL and its members.
▪ You put our members and our staff first

The Organisation

Beat is the UK’s eating disorder charity. Founded in 1989 as the Eating Disorders Association, Beat's mission is to end the pain and suffering caused by eating disorders. Its national Helpline exists to encourage and empower people to seek help quickly, as early treatment greatly increases the chances of recovery. Individuals can reach out to Beat online or by phone, where they will be listened to, helped to understand the illness, and supported in taking positive steps towards recovery.

Beat also extends support to family and friends, providing them with essential skills and advice to assist their loved ones while maintaining their own mental well-being. Beat shares a vision of ending the pain and suffering caused by eating disorders and is driven by the people it serves, the impact it can make, and the commitment shared among its members.

More information about Beat can be found on their website.

The Role

The Chief Executive Officer will line manage the executive team and any other relevant roles. 
As the leader of the charity the Chief Executive Officer will interact with staff and volunteers across Beat setting a successful and positive culture to enable Beat to meet its objectives. 
The Chief Executive Officer will build and manage relationships with numerous stakeholders including donors, politicians and experts in eating disorders.

Person Specification

• Evidence of leading the development and delivery of organisational strategy, key targets, service improvements and management of change within an organisation of similar size and complexity.
• Solid track record of effectively managing resources and budgets, with experience of delivering long term financial sustainability and stewardship of valuable resources.
• Ability to forge and nurture effective partnerships and collaborative relationships with a range of organisations both inside and outside the research, healthcare and/or charitable sectors.
• Demonstrable evidence of strategic development and leading and inspiring people /organisations and developing effective partnerships. 

Please download the Candidate Information Pack for further information on the role.

How to Apply

If you would like to apply for this fantastic opportunity, please provide the following with your application: 

•  An up-to-date CV
•  A supporting statement of no more than 2 sides of A4, outlining your experience, motivations and suitability for the role.

All applications are being handled by our recruitment partner, Russam. All applications should be uploaded via the Russam website.
 
If you have any difficulty uploading your application or if you would like to have an informal and confidential discussion about the role, please contact Melissa Baxter - Managing Partner, Charities.

Application Closing Date: Monday 13th January 2025
Interviews with Beat (Panel & Informal):  w/c 3rd February 2025 and  w/c 10th February 2025 (Norwich)

Job title: Employment Adviser

Location: Hybrid, contracted to work at our Manchester office at least 2 days a week

Salary: £24,000-£26,500

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, with occasional evening/weekend work (TOIL provided)

Contract: 12 month fixed term contract

Language Requirements: Fluency in English and at least one target language is desirable e.g. Arabic, Cantonese, Amharic, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Pashto, or Tigrinya.

Overall purpose:

We are looking for candidates with experience of supporting individuals with barriers to work into paid employment. Within this role you will carry a significant responsibility, managing a caseload of clients from a refugee background and supporting them in securing meaningful employment, training, and education opportunities.

You will provide one-to-one personalised support, delivering quality Information Advice and Guidance (IAG), alongside ongoing support to ensure your clients have all the skills they need to get into work. This involves working with clients to produce individual action plans with clear goals and actions to overcome identified needs and barriers and provide a clear pathway towards the labour market.

You will work with clients online and by phone, as well as in person to monitor their progress towards their goals. Complementary support will be delivered through our volunteers who are trained in delivering employment advice, and you will book weekly appointments for clients, allocating time slots according to availability and the volunteer’s specialty.

You will also work with specialist referral partners to support clients to overcome complex barriers to employment.

We offer a strong team environment, where your ideas and drive will be welcomed and where you as an individual can make a real difference to people’s lives. 

To view the full job description and person specification, as well as details on our accessible recruitment process, please view the attached recruitment pack.

Other considerations

• As part of our safeguarding commitment to our clients, we carry out preemployment checks to ensure that successful applicants are suitable to work with adults at risk. These include basic DBS checks, obtaining references and verifying a candidate’s identity and right to work in the UK.
• Some travel between our different areas of operation (including London, Birmingham and Manchester) will be required. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required. Time off in lieu would be provided in this case.
• We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion or belief.

How to apply

If you are looking for a role where you can make a real difference, we want to hear from you. To apply, please submit a CV and statement (up to approximately 500 words/1 A4 page) outlining:

• Why you are interested in the role
• What skills you would bring to be successful in this role
• Any experience you would like to highlight
• Any reasonable adjustments you require for the interview process
• Disclosure of disabilities if you wish to do so (as a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role)

Please note that applications without a covering letter will not be considered.

Closing date for applications is 11:30pm on Sunday 12th January. Interviews will be held on a rolling basis so please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

We belong to the Experts by Experience Employment Initiative, which advocates and supports organisations to employ more people from a refugee background. With this in mind, we particularly welcome applicants with experience of seeking asylum and/or a refugee background. 

If you are an expert by experience (a refugee or a migrant with direct, first-hand experience of issues and challenges of the UK asylum or immigration system), you can ask for an independent and confidential support for your job application from the Experts by Experience Employment Network. Please reach out to HR Manager Dani Meier for further details (we are unable to include email addresses in this advert, but you can find contact details on the final page of the attached recruitment pack).

MLC is proud to be partnered with Citizens Advice to recruit their new Strategic Lead within their business development team, who provide analysis around the funding opportunities and challenges for the organisation as well as overseeing the strategy for the markets that the organisation currently operate in as well as new opportunities to drive further growth.

This year Citizens Advice are celebrating their 85th anniversary and during that time they have been helping to shape a society that’s fairer for everyone – working on issues that affect the whole of society. Last year they directly helped over 2.66 million people find a way forward with one-to-one advice, in addition to over 60 million views of their online self-help advice. As part of their commitment to supporting society, they are one of a small number of statutory consumer watchdogs with the ability to submit super-complaints to government. Their value to society has been estimated at £4.7 billion.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join an organisation which places high value on staff engagement and growth, with a proven track record of supporting career development with internal promotions and training. The role joins at the end of a period of change for the charity and is a great chance for you to make your mark and develop the role further.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the development and implementation of a number of market strategies, identifying opportunities for growth in existing markets as well developing business cases for new areas.
• Work with the customer journey team to develop new service design concepts, improving the user experience when interacting with local teams.
• Horizon scanning for new business development opportunities to ensure annual market growth.
• Grow and maintain relationships with a range of external stakeholders, including; directors of government departments and briefing the CEO on their meetings with government ministers.

The successful candidate will:

• Demonstrate a proven aptitude to develop and influence markets, with ability to switch flexibly between different topic areas.
• Be able to develop business cases, showing routes to market with pro’s and con’s outlined and analysed.
• Show ability to build strong working relationships and provide contributions to external advisory boards and working groups.

For more information on the opportunity or an informal discussion on your job search in general, please contact Jamie Elliott at MLC Partners.