Advocacy Jobs

Role Outline 

The Benefit and Entitlements Advocate (BEA) is an important position within Stay Safe East. The successful candidate will work closely with our Independent Disability Domestic Violence Advocates and Independent Victims’ Advocates, supporting disabled people who have been impacted by domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate crime and other forms of crime. You will also work collaboratively with the full-time Benefits and Entitlements Advocate.

The Benefits and Entitlements Advocate will provide support with financial empowerment, income maximisation and help with managing debt. Many of our clients experience economic abuse and it takes empathy and understanding to unpick the impacts.

You will work collaboratively with clients to carry out financial empowerment assessments; creating and delivering on action plans to meet their needs relating to income, budgeting and debt.

We are recruiting for an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) to join our team in Warwickshire

Job Title: Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA)

Location: Warwickshire
Salary: £25,104 per annum
Contract type: Fixed Term (12 Months), Full Time

Hours: 37.5 hours per week with occasional late shift 12:30 – 20:30 on a rota basis (approximately twice per month)

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as Independent Domestic Violence Advocate to supporting women and children who are impacted by domestic violence. You will work closely with victims of domestic abuse from the point of crisis, to provide high quality independent advocacy and support to survivors of domestic abuse at the highest risk and their children.

The job involves working within a multi-agency framework consisting of the MARAC and local partnership protocols and procedures that prioritise the safety of survivors. The post holder will empower survivors by providing them with emotional, practical and personal welfare support. The job involves ensuring that women are provided with a safe, supportive and welcoming environment and enabling them to access their rights, make decisions and increase their life options. The job involves informing survivors of the full range of civil, criminal and practical options that might increase their safety.

This role includes attendance at the office in Warwick district. Travel around Warwickshire for client appointments is essential to role, therefore use of a car essential.

Please note that this post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

Closing Date: 09:00am 11 December 2024

Interview Date: 18 December 2024

Refuge is the UK’s largest provider of specialist services, and we are proud to be a leader in our field and an employer of choice, with leading edge systems for supervision, quality management and development.

Refuge offers a variety of exciting opportunities to learn, develop and grow in your career. We recognise the value everyone brings to the organisation to achieve our aims and are dedicated to developing and rewarding our staff. More details of our benefits can be found in Job Information Pack.

Advocating for persecuted Christians in fulfillment of the ACN (UK) Strategic Plan for Advocacy. Working as part of a dynamic and growing team, this post would enable the successful candidate to expand the advocacy outreach of ACN (UK), while supporting the department’s other responsibilities including press and media work, research and article-writing, and the preparation of fund-raising materials (text and visuals).

ACN (UK) is a Catholic charity, supporting persecuted and suffering Christians around the world.

Do you want to work with a leading advocacy charity organisation supporting those in need?  

Do you have experience of working or volunteering in welfare, support or health and social care and are looking for a new challenge? 

Are you keen to make a difference to people who want to be heard? 

Then come and join us here at VoiceAbility. 

We have an exciting opportunity for an Advocate to join our team in Oldham.  Your role will require you to travel to locations such as hospitals and care homes across the area to meet with clients and professionals and be home based for administration; therefore, a suitable home internet connection is essential. 

About us 

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website. 

About you

Desirably you will have some experience of working as an Advocate, providing welfare, supporting, or caring for Adults or young people who have support needs, ideally for those with a variety of communication needs, mental ill health, physical health issues, or barriers to accessing education and support.

You should have worked or volunteered in health, social care, welfare, support services, education or young person’s services, or advice and guidance.

How will you make a difference?

You will be responsible for ensuring the individual’s wishes, feelings, beliefs, needs, and values are met to create positive outcomes for the people you support.

You will support people to speak up for themselves and grow in confidence, equip them to understand and exercise their rights and options, and will assist them in the decision-making process relating to their care, treatment, and support.

You will work resourcefully and collaboratively with the individuals you support.  You’ll be creative in your approach to empower our clients by ensuring you meaningfully explain people’s options and rights to them.  You’ll support individuals to fully participate in decisions affecting them and will make sure they have their voices heard. 

Professional Development?

You will have plenty of opportunities to enhance your professional abilities and you will make a real difference every day. Advocates are expected to be willing to gain, or to already hold, the Level 3 Award in Independent Advocacy Practice with disciplines suitable for the role they work in.

Benefits:

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays, pro-rata
• 5% employer pension & 3% employee contribution
• Salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Separate Life Assurance Cover
• Staff discount scheme including retail discounts, entertainment, holidays etc
• Discounted Gym Membership; Employee Assistance programme
• Supportive working environment fostering a good work/life balance
• Support with continuous professional development

Equality and Diversity

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact us for further options.

How to apply

To apply for this role please sign up for a recruitment account on by clicking the apply button on our website. Follow the instructions to create your account, upload your CV, and complete our short application form. 

Important Dates:

Closing date for applications: 10/12/2024

Don’t forget to read the person specification so you can tell us about yourself and how your skills, abilities and experiences match the criteria outlined in the person specification.

We are recruiting self-employed advocates to provide independent and confidential advocacy on behalf of NYAS to children, young people and adults in a variety of settings such as children’s homes, schools, secure units etc. We are looking for people to service areas in West Berkshire, Wokingham or Slough.

Your role will enable them to ensure their voices are heard within decision-making processes that effect their lives. You will do this by listening to what they want and by informing them of their rights to get their wishes and feeling heard.

To be considered you must have significant experience of direct work with children, young people or adults in a related setting.

For more information, please view the attached contract delivery specification.

To meet the requirements of the role you must live within one of the geographical areas.

Note for candidates - when completing the application form, it is important that you refer to the person specification within the contract delivery specification and detail how you can evidence the criteria.

NB: As part of the recruitment process to become a Self-Employed Advocate with NYAS, all candidates who have been successfully interviewed and completed our safer recruitment process will be required to attend and complete accredited Advocacy training. This is a recognised qualification across this sector.

NYAS provides this training at a significantly reduced rate for self-employed advocates. Further details are discussed at interview.

You will also be required to complete annual safeguarding and compliance including, Personal Safety, Data Protection, Information Security, Safeguarding and Equality and Diversity. You will be able to subscribe to an e-learning platform provided by NYAS. The platform will provide you with the opportunity to undertake a number of other professional courses that you can complete in your own time to maintain your own CPD. You can do this on the e-learning platform at a significantly reduced cost compared to undertaking each course individually with different providers.

NYAS operates robust safe procedures to ensure the protection of the children, young people and adults at risk we work with. To comply with NYAS’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, references and a Digital Risk Assessment.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early once we receive a high number of applications.

About NYAS

As an established leading rights-based charity, NYAS (National Youth Advocacy Service) is well positioned to ensure that children, young people, and adults across England and Wales are fully respected, represented, and supported in expressing their views and having their rights upheld.

We work with care-experienced children, young people, and adults who are often reliant on statutory services suffering the negative impact of the cuts in public expenditure. Our combination of social care and legal services places us in a unique position to ensure that they receive the services they need and that their voices are heard.

We are an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment which means NYAS welcomes applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, nationality, religion or belief, or any other protected characteristic.

NYAS is proud to share that we are a Disability Confident Employer and we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for our vacancies.

Work with us to help change young lives.

For more information on this position, please click the link to apply which will take you to our vacancy website where you can find our contact details. 

Team: Advocacy

Location: Remote - commutable distance to Cardiff

Work pattern: Mon-Fri, 7 hours per day

Salary: Up to £36,649 per year

Contract: Permanent

We are the UK’s largest cat welfare charity. All over the country, our passionate employees, volunteers and supporters are using their kindness and expertise to make life better for millions of cats and the people who care for them.

Will you join us and make life better for cats?

Responsibilities of our Advocacy and Government Relations Officer for Wales:

- Lead engagement with the Welsh Government and MSs

- Support engagement with the UK Parliament

- Monitor parliamentary activity daily and conducting online research

- Preparing position statements and responses to external policy developments

- Developing public-facing charity campaigns including online resources, organising events and delivering presentations

- Media spokesperson for Cats Protection

About the Advocacy team:

You will be working as part of the Advocacy & Government Relations team in the Advocacy & Influence Directorate. The team is made up of 8 members who work across the whole of the UK speaking up for cats. Our campaigns change laws to better protect the health and welfare of cats.

What we’re looking for in our Advocacy and Government Relations Officer for Wales:

- Experience of advocacy, public affairs or influencing work (which may include campaigns), ideally in Wales

- Lives within a commutable distance of Cardiff or willing to relocate to the area

- Experience of policy work and research

- Experience of dealing with high profile/ VIP individuals e.g. Ministers, MSs, MPs, MSPs, MLAs, Government Officials, Local Councillors and officers, corporate executives; professional organisations

- Proven ability to multi-task and work independently on own initiative, accurately and under pressure

- Experience of effective use of social media and the internet in an advocacy/campaign context

- A confident communicator with good written and oral skills; and great people skills

- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to be flexible and adaptable

- Intermediate skills using Microsoft Office – Teams, Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint

- Full, valid, UK  driving licence

What we can offer you:

- range of health benefits

- 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service

- Salary Finance, which empowers you to take control of your financial wellbeing

- Access to a wide range of internal and external learning and development opportunities

- A friendly and supportive team

- and much more

Application closing date: 8th December 2024

Virtual interview date: 18th & 19th December 2024

Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment. Please note, applications received after the closing date may not be responded to.

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

If successful, your recruitment journey will include:

1. Anonymised application form

2. Video screening

3. Virtual interview

Please note, the process may change slightly dependent on application numbers. We will inform you of any relevant changes.

Please email us if you require any adjustments to be made for you to complete your application or to participate in the recruitment journey.

The Vacancy

We are looking for a Senior Advocate who will have day to day responsibility for the running and promotion of the advocacy service in Dorset.

You will manage a pool of advocates which involves recruitment, supporting them through induction and by conducting supervision and best practice meetings, ensuring the provisions of the service we offer to children and young people is to a high standard.

You will be responsible in managing the advocacy referrals and allocating these to the most appropriate advocate to meet the needs of the child or young person, whilst also carrying a small caseload of advocacy referrals yourself where you will provide independent and confidential advocacy to children and young people to empower them to express their wishes and feelings in decision that affect their lives to ensure that their voices are heard.

You will help drive the performance of the service by monitoring the referrals, activity and budgets, and using bespoke system, to prepare statistical and qualitative data reports for monitoring meetings to evidence service target achievements. This will also enable you to identify recurring themes and concerns which can be escalated.

This role also provides the opportunity to work in co-operation with other NYAS services and departments and well as acting the link between NYAS and the local authority.

Although the role is home based, there will be some travel around the Dorset area so we are looking for our successful candidate to live within the Dorset area or within a close surrounding area. You will be encouraged to engage in virtual meetings with your local team and attend NYAS wide virtual monthly meetings.

About NYAS

As an established leading rights-based charity, NYAS (National Youth Advocacy Service) is well positioned to ensure that children, young people, and adults across England and Wales are fully respected, represented, and supported in expressing their views and having their rights upheld.

We work with care-experienced children, young people, and adults who are often reliant on statutory services suffering the negative impact of the cuts in public expenditure. Our combination of social care and legal services places us in a unique position to ensure that they receive the services they need and that their voices are heard.

We are an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment which means NYAS welcomes applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, nationality, religion or belief, or any other protected characteristic.

 NYAS is proud to share that we are a Disability Confident Employer and we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for our vacancies.

Work with us to help change young lives.

NYAS employees will receive the following benefits:

• Pro rata of 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Salary sacrifice pension contribution
• Additional sick pay
• Enhanced pay for family friendly leave
• Health care plan
• Employee assistance programme
• Death in service
• Learning and development opportunities

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation is the international charity that drives and encourages the Award’s growth, access and impact across the globe. Working in partnership with organisations and governing bodies, we oversee the licensing of Award operators – including schools, youth groups, employers and custodial institutions – in more than 120 countries and territories. With our guidance, operators deliver the globally-recognised Award, which provides opportunities for 14 to 24-year-olds of all backgrounds, locations, cultures and abilities, to develop their interests, skills and life aspirations.

The Global Advocacy Manager is responsible for the development and delivery of the Foundation’s global advocacy work, working closely with the Director of External Affairs and Communications to build our approach to influencing at a global level and through our network of Award operators and advocates at a national level.

This role supports the development, prioritisation and tracking of our global advocacy relationships, including delivering engagement with stakeholders in global institutions and multilateral spaces.

You will work with the Director to build – over the longer term - an overall approach to influence across our global network, including empowering our National Award Operators and Award Ambassadors as national advocates, and coordinating between their national influence and the Foundation’s engagement with global stakeholders and in global advocacy spaces.

You will lead the development of policy and advocacy briefings and materials, working with the Research and Insight team to ensure our briefings are informed by topical, robust evidence, and with Communications colleagues to bring our advocacy narrative to life across our communications.

You will plan impactful strategic country visits and engagement in multilateral spaces, working closely with stakeholders in the ‘Big 6’ youth organisations, National Award Operators and diplomatic contacts to plan targeted engagements that can help shift the dial on support for non-formal education and learning at a global and country level. You will lead on briefing for Foundation and country representatives to equip them as effective advocates around these engagements.

You will also actively support work to develop advocacy skills and programmes across the Award alumni community and National Award Operators, supporting the delivery of capacity-building training online and at global events. 

How this role fits into the vision and objectives of Causeway

We currently have an exciting opportunity for an Accommodation Advocate working within our North West safe-houses. This role includes providing Service Users with emotional and practical support; advocating on their behalf, communicating with other organisations including but not limited to health professionals, legal representation and the Home office. You will also have duties in relation to the accommodation, including cleaning and preparing service user bedrooms for new arrivals.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Case working service users identified as PVOHT (Potential Victims of Human Trafficking).
• Regular feedback and review meetings with Accommodation Coordinator.
• Arranging and attending appointments with Service users including families.
• Following up all the paperwork and details of VOHT in adherence to the terms of the contract; including on line reporting. Including but not limited to; weekly reviews, risk assessments, support plans and inductions.
• Ensuring that volunteers who work with you on shift have the proper level of support and adhere to policies and procedures.
• Ensuring that all Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are met.
• Ensuring progression of PVOHT through system;
• Liaising with organizations and individuals regarding VOHT and Causeway in a professional manner - including but not limited to SATco, UK Visas and Immigration, Modern Slavery Human Trafficking Unit, other agencies, police, and medical professionals.
• Identifying support hours and ensuring accurate logging of all hours.
• Ensuring paperwork is being completed correctly and in a timely fashion.
• Ensuring exit strategies are being prepared in a timely fashion.
• Dealing with out of hour crisis in accordance with standby rota.
• Receiving out of hours’ referrals, carrying out inductions, weekly reviews and updating the IT system.
• Ensuring adherence to all internal procedures regarding Causeway, the Safe Houses and any legislation.
• Promoting Causeway in adherence to the terms of the contract – this may include attending events on behalf of Causeway as a whole.

Please only apply if you live in the Manchester area and can get to Tameside easily.

Do you have experience working with children and young people in a social care setting? Do you have experience supporting members of staff?

Morgan Hunt are working with The National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS), on their search for a Senior Advocate who will be responsible for the delivery and promotion of advocacy. Allocating referrals and providing case support for advocates, you will develop a pool of advocates by recruiting and supporting them through induction.

As a senior member of staff you will carry a small caseload of advocacy referrals while monitoring advocacy cases through the case management system, ensuring advocates' case notes are of expected standard. Ideally we would love someone who has some experience working with commissioners.

As a leading childrens rights charity and providers of advocacy services to children, NYAS ensures all young persons are fully represented, respected and supported to actively participate in decisions that affect their lives and reach their full potential.

The role is remote however we require someone who lives in the Manchester area as it will involve visits to clients so you need access to your own vehicle.

The role is part time at 17.5 hours a week.

To find out more please get in touch with Amara Howe or Lois Buckland on the Social Care team at Morgan Hunt.

Morgan Hunt is a multi-award-winning recruitment business for interim, contract and temporary recruitment and acts as an Employment Agency in relation to permanent vacancies. Morgan Hunt is an equal opportunities employer. Job suitability is assessed on merit in accordance with the individual's skills, qualifications and abilities to perform the relevant duties required in a particular role.

Assert is a small team of advocates working as a project within Mental Health Resource charity and as part of the Kent Advocacy partnership. We provide high quality, issue-based advocacy and statutory IMHA services to individuals affected by mental health problems, often detained in medium and low secure units and in acute inpatient settings. We also provide community advocacy in West Kent, Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley.It can be a tough job, but in return you will receive competitive pay, training, benefits and have the support of a strong team. You will have the opportunity to expand on your existing skills and attributes required for the role. Training will be provided if you are not yet qualified as an IMHA.

You will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and show confidence and assertiveness when required. You will understand the diverse needs of people affected by mental health problems and how these differ for those detained in inpatient settings from those requiring support in the community. You will need to be resilient, comfortable working within professional boundaries and have the ability to cope with sometimes challenging people and environments. In addition, you will have strong organisational skills and be able to work on your own initiative, as well as within a team.

You will have a natural confident and calm manner and key skills of honesty, trustworthiness, and respect for confidentiality.

You will be passionate about mental health advocacy. Ideally, you will have experience of working as an advocate, and if you are not qualified as an IMHA, you will be expected to undertake training. The IMHA training takes approx. 1 year. *

A willingness to work within a diverse range of environments is essential as is the ability to work with people from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. A current driving licence and access to your own transport is essential. 

The role is offered on a full-time basis, however part-time hours will also be considered. You will be office-based in Maidstone with scope for hybrid working where practical. We offer attractive benefits including a competitive salary, flexible working, up to 4% pension contributions, generous annual leave rising to 30 days after 10 years’ service, birthday leave, winter wellbeing leave,  employee assistance programme, strong team support and clinical supervision.

An Enhanced DBS check will be required for the role.

For further information please read the job description and person specification. If you would like to have an informal conversation about the role or require further information, please contact Leigh Attwood. To apply, send a covering letter explaining how you meet the criteria in the person specification with copy of your current CV.

Only applications with a covering letter will be considered for shortlisting.

Closing date: Monday 2nd December at 9am

Interview date: Tuesday 10th December in person in Maidstone

Mental Health Resource is committed to equal opportunities and promoting diversity and encourage applications from all sections of the community.

* In line with our organisational policy, if you leave within a certain timeframe, you may be asked to repay the cost of the training

JOB SUMMARY

To provide statutory issue-based advocacy to people detained in acute psychiatric hospitals and forensic hospitals/rehab units across West Kent and community advocacy to people with mental health difficulties in the community in West Kent, ensuring that their views, wishes and needs are taken into account and expressed and heard.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. To provide independent mental health advocacy to eligible patients in accordance with the provisions Mental Health Act 2007 as amended and as detailed in the Code of Practice to the Act

2. To provide independent, issue-based advocacy in the community as appropriate.

3. Ascertain the needs and wishes of clients and act only under instruction of clients.

4. To telephone and meet with clients on the ward or another convenient location to help them prepare for meetings and to attend appointments with them to speak on their behalf if required, take notes and ensure that they understand the proceedings.

5. To help clients understand what is being considered around their care, treatment and support and the impact of any decisions made.

6. For independent mental health advocacy, to explain to people what their options and rights are and to support them to communicate their wishes so that they can participate as fully as possible in the decisions affecting their care.

7. To liaise with, and on occasion to challenge, NHS, care professionals or local authorities as appropriate to ensure that due processes have been followed.

8. To raise any safeguarding issues in line with Mental Health Resource’s policy and procedures.

9. To maintain accurate and timely records of all interactions with clients in accordance with statutory requirements, relevant legislation and in line with the requirements of our funders.

10.  To meet monthly targets for chargeable work, by service delivery and accurately recording details of work completed on the database in a timely manner.

11.  To provide information, reports and statistics as required.

12.  To develop and share good practice and learning with colleagues and contribute to the promotion of a culture of continuous service improvement and support.

13.  To deliver awareness raising sessions to staff on wards and training to staff on advocacy and the service available.

14.  To build and maintain good working relationships with professionals, attending meetings and promoting the service.

15.  To promote the service through the distribution of publicity material, liaison with statutory and voluntary services and where appropriate through the media and presentations to local groups within the agreed charity policies

16.  To undertake appropriate training in order to gain an advocacy qualification.

GENERAL

17.  To attend and participate in meetings of the project team, charity staff and other bodies as required.

18.  Adhere to and keep up-to-date with organisational policies, guidelines and procedures and best practice requirements

19.  Represent Mental Health Resource in a knowledgeable and professional manner at all times

20.  To participate in charity events, networking events, and any other relevant event as and when required.

21.  Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times

22.  Participate in regular supervision, team meetings and other meetings as required

23.  Identify own training and development needs in conjunction with your line manager and participate in training opportunities as directed

24.  Undertake any such additional duties as necessary in relation to the role or as requested by the Charity Manager

25.  To maintain records of hours worked and to complete accurate expense returns.

26.  To carry out any tasks reasonably requested of them by the Line Manager

An enhanced DBS check is required for this role.

ADVOCATE (IMHA and General)

PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential Criteria

Assessment process (A = demonstrated through application / I = demonstrated at interview) 

• Understanding and knowledge of the needs of people with mental health problems, including those detained under the mental health act   (A.I) 
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with people from a variety of backgrounds and experiences (A.I)
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including on the telephone, in person, over video link and through presentations, demonstrating confidence and assertiveness (A.I)
• Emotional resilience and the ability to cope with sometimes challenging people and environments (A.I) 
• Experience of identifying and meeting the needs of individual people (A.I) 
• Ability to work within professional boundaries (A.I) 
• Good organisational and administration skills to manage own workload and appointments (A) 
• Ability to work under pressure and to meet targets and deadlines (A.I) 
• Good time management and ability to work flexibly and prioritise tasks required (A.I) 
• Computer Literacy and a good working knowledge of Outlook and Word (A) 
• Ability to work as part of a team and act on own initiative (A.I)
• Personal commitment to equal opportunities (A.I) 
• Hold a valid driving license with access to transport in order to visit locations across West Kent (A)

Desirable Criteria

• Previous experience of working as an advocate. (A) 
• Experience of working with people with mental health problems either in a professional or voluntary capacity (A) 
• Experience of facilitating training (A)
• Experience of working with a database and using Excel spreadsheets (A) 
• An understanding of the statutory rights of people detained under the mental health act (A) 

A fantastic opportunity as Director of Advocacy and Influence. This innovative role will play a pivotal part in bringing the non-profits’ five new strategic goals to life through targeted advocacy work; made possible through strong campaigning, influential communications activity and effective partnership building with key stakeholders. 

As they embark on the next phase of their evolution, they are looking for a strategic influencer and advocacy expert and a senior leader with a background in campaigns and/or communications who can play a hands-on role in turning strategy into action via strong project management, delivery and organisational skills. The role reports directly to the CEO and manages a team of 4.

The organisation:

We are a non-profit organisation with a strong commitment to our vision: a future in which humanity co-exists in harmony with nature, recognises and respects ecological boundaries, and prospers on a healthy planet. One in which future generations of children grow up in a regenerating, wildlife-rich world, sustained by resilient, thriving ecosystems.

We foreground human rights, women’s empowerment and global justice. We are informed by experts with input from our Expert Advisory Group, our Patrons and other key stakeholders and partners.

Your experience (essential):

• Senior leadership of an integrated advocacy/campaigns and communications strategy and team working alongside other senior experts and advising the CEO and the Board
• Experience in leading, motivating and developing a high performing team
• Experience of designing and delivering effective and successful advocacy strategies that had impact and have delivered change in policy and/or practice in the UK or internationally 
• Experience of networking and lobbying, advocacy communications to generate public mobilisation in an international development or environmental context
• Good knowledge of UK politics and international affairs
• How digital channels can transform organisational delivery and stakeholder engagement
• A talented communicator who can pull different strategic levers to attract a variety of audiences and stakeholders from grassroots communities to international politicians.

If you are passionate about making a tangible difference in the world and shaping the future of our planet, we invite you to consider joining the team. Together, we can drive positive action towards a sustainable future.

• Location- Home-based/ remote in the UK, with travel to the London office as required (approx twice a month).
• Salary- £60,000- £65,000
• Permanent role, full-time hours, open to flexible working styles.

Please get in touch for more details. Firm deadline 9am Friday 29th November.

Interviews: 1st stage online 5th December, 2nd stage in person Tuesday 17th December.

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

As MCF's Policy and Advocacy Lead, you will have the opportunity to bring your skills and passion for creating change at an exciting time for the sector. With a growing network and community, MCF has been the infrastructure charity to British Muslim-led charities since 2007. Join our impactful and diverse team as we support our organisations and those that rhey serve.

Job role: Policy and Advocacy Lead

Employer: Muslim Charities Forum (MCF)

Salary: £35,000 – £37,500 per annum (Dependent on experience)

Hours: Full-time, 36 hours per week, Mon – Fri, in-office

Position: 24 month Fixed Term Contract

Location: London SE1 (nearest stations Waterloo and Lambeth North) 

Closing date for applications: extended to 13th December.

Further information and to apply:

Please read the full Job Description and Person Specification 

Background: Muslim Charities Forum (MCF) is the UK network for British Muslim-led Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations. MCF seeks to support, connect, and represent these organisations so that they can all experience the blessings of the collective. Through our network we support almost 300 charities and community organisations.

We aim to collectively build a more accountable, transparent, and efficient British Muslim-led Voluntary and Community Sector, to improve our ability—both as individual organisations and as a sector—to contribute to a more just and sustainable world. With the support of our member organisations and the strategic investors of MCF, we work with a wider network of partners that includes non-member NGOs, regulatory bodies, civil society partners, academics and over key stakeholders in the sector.

Job Purpose: This post is kindly supported by City Bridge Foundation.

MCF has a small team, but our impact is far-reaching. Following a period of expansion, MCF is seeking an innovative, motivated and passionate individual to lead on its advocacy capacity building work, sector-wide advocacy work, and delivery of its strategic policy work.

The primary purpose of the role is to build capacity in Muslim-led Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations with differing scales of operating and programmatic focus areas. There will be a particular focus on those Muslim led organisations based in London.

You can expect to be leading on some of the areas as a priority in this role:

• Engaging in outreach with Muslim-led Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations.

• Producing relevant policy and advocacy capacity building materials suitable for those involved in Muslim-led Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations.

• Delivering capacity building engagements with those involved in Muslim-led Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations.

• Hosting roundtables and other group engagements to learn more about the policy and advocacy priorities of Muslim-led Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations.

• Strategically Managing a programmatic budget to outsource elements of MCF’s policy and advocacy capacity building initiatives.

• Building relationships with a range of stakeholders from across the Voluntary and Community Sector, Private Sector, and Public Sector to support capacity building initiatives with Muslim-led Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations. This is an exciting role overseeing MCF’s Policy and Advocacy Unit.

In addition to the above, you can also expect to be involved in:

• Monitoring the media for commentary relevant to the British Muslim led Voluntary and Community Sector and preparing responses on behalf of MCF.

• Engaging with parliamentarians and other key public sector stakeholders by representing MCF at a range of engagements.

• Leading MCF’s Policy and Advocacy Unit’s strategy and delivering associated outputs.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

You will be passionate about driving positive cultural change in the Muslim led Voluntary and Community Sector by encouraging more productive engagement with public sector stakeholders.

You will be agreeing to, and working in alignment with MCF’s ethical principles, mission areas, and strategic priorities.

You will feel are energised by the prospect of becoming an expert within a small team, collaborating with a range of other skilled and talented colleagues within the sector.

You will feel comfortable with upholding a high degree of confidentiality, as the role is privy to sensitive discussions and being in environments where you have access to confidential information.

You will feel confident in fulfilling the key responsibilities listed in the sections below.

Advocacy Capacity Building:

• Directly communicating and interacting with Muslim-led Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations.

• Effectively managing relationships with Muslim-led Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations. • Proactively responding to requests for guidance and/or support on policy and advocacy related matters.

• Drafting briefings, primers, training materials and other capacity building materials to enhance understanding of policy and advocacy amongst key stakeholders.

• Scheduling and hosting roundtables and other events.

• Build and manage methods of two-way learning between British Muslim-led Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations and key public sector stakeholders.

• Building relationships with associates and other contractors focusing on matters relevant to advocacy, campaigning, political activity, political processes, research, or any other matters.

• Managing an advocacy capacity building programme.

• Managing a budget and seeing to the delivery of its associated projects.

• Representing MCF at public engagements hosted by Parliamentarians, Combined Authorities, Local Authorities, and other public sector organisations interacting directly with Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations.

• Building relationships with key stakeholders at different levels of public sector organisations. Broader advocacy, political engagement and external influencing:

• Support the CEO and the rest of the MCF team by developing policy reform suggestions supported by appropriate forms of evidence.

• Support activities to maintain MCF as a thought-leader and trusted source of guidance for policy and advocacy matters relevant to the British Muslim-led Voluntary and Community Sector.

• Identify opportunities to further develop MCF’s policy and advocacy strategy to fulfil MCF’s mission areas and strategic priorities as an infrastructure organisation.

• Coordinate activities to deliver outputs aligned with MCF’s policy and advocacy strategy.

• Monitor developments from the public and other sectors relevant to British Muslim-led Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations reported in the media, and draft appropriate responses.

• Provide guidance to MCF members and other organisations on navigating policy issues.

• Host and participate in MCF member roundtables, working groups and other events to learn more about their policy priorities and provide guidance where relevant.

• Coordinate research projects to develop bodies of evidence on matters relating to the Muslim-led Voluntary and Community Sector.

• Support the delivery of MCF’s advocacy campaigns and associated campaign activities.

• Commission external research and analysis to gather evidence to support MCF’s campaigns.

• Represent MCF in media engagement opportunities or requests for information from media stakeholders.

• Represent MCF at a range of events and other external engagements. 

Please note: This role is based in our office in London SE1 (closest Tube station Lambeth North) Monday to Friday.

We are unable to sponsor applicants for visas. Applicants must be resident in the UK and have the Right To Work.

Successful applicants will be subject to relevant reference and identification checks.

Due to the volume of applications, we may be unable to respond to all candidates. If your application is short-listed, we will get in touch. If you have not heard from our team within 8 weeks, please assume your application has not met the criteria on this occasion.

No agencies please.

Thank you for your interest in Muslim Charities Forum. We look forward to receiving your application.

BACKGROUND

Habitat for Humanity Great Britain (Habitat GB) is part of the international Habitat for Humanity network.  We tackle housing poverty around the world by working in partnership with communities and families to achieve their dreams of a safe and decent place to live. 

“Home Equals” is a five-year global advocacy campaign, launched by Habitat for Humanity International last year and dedicated to achieving policy change, at all levels, to ensure that people living in informal settlements especially in the Global South have equitable access to adequate housing. Together, with partners, governments and communities, we can create lasting change so that people living in informal settlements have safe and secure homes.

As a global housing leader, Habitat for Humanity has a unique opportunity in ensuring that access to adequate housing is prioritised around the world. Together, we can advance policies that unlock the potential of people who deserve an equal shot at a decent home.

Purpose of The role

Habitat GB is seeking a dedicated and experienced Global Advocacy Manager to lead our efforts in advocating for policy change within the UK government (in particular targeting the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) to prioritise housing in international development. This pivotal role will play a crucial part in supporting Habitat for Humanity's global advocacy agenda which aims to promote equitable access to adequate housing worldwide, focusing on informal settlements in the Global South. The Global Advocacy Manager will be instrumental in building Habitat GB's profile and influence, establishing strong relationships and coalitions with stakeholders in the UK, identifying lobbying opportunities, providing strategic political insight, and ensuring systematic monitoring and analysis of the international development political landscape. By collaborating with internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders, the successful candidate will drive meaningful change and contribute to addressing housing challenges on a global scale.

Main Responsibilities 

These responsibilities outline the multifaceted nature of Global Advocacy Manager role, highlighting the importance of strategic planning, relationship building, political engagement, and impact evaluation in advancing Habitat GB's advocacy objectives related to housing and poverty reduction.

· Strategic Development, Engagement and Implementation: Lead the development of a comprehensive global advocacy strategy aligned with Habitat GB's mission and the "Home Equals" campaign objectives, engaging key people in Habitat for Humanity's global advocacy team. This strategy should focus on advocating for policy change within the UK government to prioritise housing in international development and align with our UK facing advocacy strategy where relevant.

· Policy Research and Positioning: Synthesise research on housing policies, trends, and best practice to inform advocacy priorities and positions. Develop policy briefs, reports, and other materials to communicate key findings and recommendations to policymakers and stakeholders.

· Stakeholder Engagement: Establish and maintain strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including UK policymakers, government officials, NGOs, advocacy groups, and other relevant organisations.

· Lobbying and Political Insight: Identify lobbying opportunities within the UK government, including engagement with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and other relevant entities. Provide strategic political insight and guidance to strengthen advocacy impact.

· Advocacy Campaigns: Lead the development and implementation of global advocacy campaigns, initiatives, and events to mobilise support for housing priorities. Collaborate with internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders to design and implement these initiatives.

· Evaluation, Reporting and Learning: Establish mechanisms for systematic monitoring, analysis, and dissemination of political intelligence related to housing and international development issues in alignment with Habitat for Humanity International’s global metric tracking on advocacy impacts. Prepare regular reports on advocacy outcomes, lessons learned, and recommendations for future action.

· Collaboration and Coordination: Collaborate closely with teams across Habitat GB and Habitat for Humanity's global advocacy team especially on G7 related advocacy and implementation of the Home Equals campaign, other affiliates, and external partners to align advocacy efforts and share best practice.

Person Specification

· Strong understanding of UK government structures, policy-making processes, and key stakeholders involved in international development.

· Significant experience in UK-facing advocacy, policy analysis, or government relations, with a focus on international development, housing, or related issues.

· Experience delivering targeted advocacy strategies and implementing communication strategies to support advocacy efforts.

· Proven track record of successfully influencing policy change and mobilising support for advocacy campaigns.

· Experience of directly engaging stakeholders and decision makers through events, networks, meetings and other mechanisms.

· Experience working in a cross-cultural or international context is desirable.

Skills and competencies:

· Excellent communication skills, including the ability to articulate complex issues clearly and persuasively in written and verbal formats.

· Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, NGOs, and civil society organizations.

· Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and implement advocacy plans, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to changing circumstances.

· Ability to collaborate with diverse teams across multiple locations and different cultures.

· Self-motivated, organized, and capable of working under pressure to meet deadlines and adapt to challenges.

· Enthusiastic, positive, and proactive with a solution-oriented mindset.

· Demonstrated interest in our work and commitment to continuous learning and development.

· Dedication to contributing to the inclusive, people-positive culture at Habitat GB.

The role and responsibilities will be carried out in a way which reflects:

· Habitat GB’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable adults and children in accordance with the Safeguarding Policy.

· A commitment to Habitat GB’s vision, mission, values and approach.

· A commitment to effective management of risk, by operating within the Charity’s code of conduct, policies, procedures and controls and by carrying out the risk management and assurance responsibilities of the role as set out in relevant Policy and Procedures.

This is not intended to be an exhaustive list.  Job descriptions may be subject to change.

Flexibility   

Habitat GB is seeking to rapidly expand its activities and impact to fight poverty across the world. This means that the organisation must be adaptable and flexible and have an ambitious, dynamic and flexible team.  It is a requirement of the post holder to be flexible in terms of location (within reason), line management, and duties and responsibilities.

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

Start your Habitat journey

We want the recruitment process to give you the opportunity to share your skills and experience, and to find out more about Habitat. You are welcome to get in touch and arrange an informal chat with a member of the team before submitting an application. To apply for the role, please send us your CV and a cover letter telling us about yourself, how you meet the person specification, and your motivation for applying – we don’t expect this to be more than two sides of A4. 

The deadline for applications is 8 December 2024 (at 11:59 pm).

Interviews will take place online from the week beginning 16 December 2024. Selected candidates will be contacted to agree a suitable time for interview.

Please note that we do not reimburse any expenses incurred during interviews.

We’d prefer to hear directly from applicants – we won’t be working with third party recruiters on this role. 

This post profile is not set in stone. It gives insight into the main purpose of the role, and expected responsibilities, but it might be reviewed in the future to meet the changing requirements of Habitat for Humanity GB – any changes will be made in discussion with the post-holder. 

Habitat for Humanity requires that all employees take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguard our intended beneficiaries, their communities, and all those with whom we work.  Managers at all levels have responsibilities to support and develop systems that create and maintain an environment that prevents harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, safeguards the rights of beneficiaries and community members (especially children), and promotes the implementation of our code of conduct. The employment of this position will be subject to a satisfactory reference check and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

At Habitat for Humanity GB, we aim to build, develop and retain a talented workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, skills and experiences. We welcome and actively encourage applications from anyone who feels they’d be a good fit for our organisation, regardless of race, religion, colour, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, neurodiversity or any other protected characteristics.

Unfortunately, because of high volume of applications we will not be able to contact unsuccessful applicants. If you haven’t heard from us within a month of the application deadline, please assume that your application has not been successful.