Area Manager Jobs in Leeds, West Yorkshire

Senior Peer Support Development Officer – North West

About Kinship:

Kinship is the leading kinship care charity in England and Wales. We offer kinship carers financial, legal, practical and emotional support and understanding from the moment they need it, for as long as they need it. Our expert advice, information and guidance helps with complicated and stressful decisions that so many kinship families have to make. We are always there to support them through challenging times and celebrate the good. 

Kinship carers are strong and determined. Together, they are powerful. We help them build communities of support and action by connecting families locally and across England and Wales. 

We are at the heart of kinship networks, partnering with and influencing service providers, local and national government and other organisations. We give everything we have to fight for each family and their rights, changing society until every kinship family is recognised, valued and supported. 

Kinship care often begins in crisis. A child has parents who are unable to care for them, for whatever reason. It can be frightening, confusing and heart-breaking.

Instinctively, a loved one steps in – a grandparent, brother, sister, aunt, uncle or family friend. They are now a kinship carer, bringing up the children they love. There is often no chance to prepare. Plans may be pushed aside. Relationships, jobs and savings are frequently sacrificed.

It is life changing and challenging raising children who have been hurt or neglected, but kinship carers do it anyway because they put the children first. We know how hard life can be for kinship carers, but we have seen the amazing things they are capable of, with someone by their side. With the right support, children raised in kinship families can flourish. 

That is why we support, connect and campaign – to keep kinship families stronger by keeping them together.

About the Team

The Peer Support and Community team at Kinship is dedicated to enhancing the lives of kinship carers across England and Wales by delivering the first national peer support service. With a focus on building and sustaining networks of peer support groups, the team aims to empower kinship carers through access to resources, training, and development opportunities.

By fostering connections within local, regional, and national ecosystems, the team plays a vital role in ensuring that every kinship carer has access to a supportive community.

As part of our commitment to growth and impact, the team develops innovative approaches to peer support, creating an inclusive environment where kinship carers can share experiences and access essential services. We prioritize collaboration across various departments, ensuring that support group leaders receive high-quality advice and training, facilitating their sustainability and effectiveness. This integrated approach also includes alignment with national and local campaigning efforts to further engage and support the kinship carer community.

In line with our strategic focus on cultivating a vibrant Kinship Community of over 10,000 carers, the team leads initiatives aimed at enhancing community connection and empowering kinship families. By developing a robust model of community engagement that encompasses both in-person and digital services, the team aims to amplify the voices of kinship carers, enabling them to effect meaningful change in their lives and communities.

 About the role

This role is community-based and focuses on engaging kinship carers, bringing them together to form Peer Support Groups, and supporting them to achieve independence at which point they will receive ongoing support from our national Hub. You will do this by working with local authorities, schools, other charities and community groups. Arranging information events such as coffee mornings to engage kinship carers. You’ll create a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive community for kinship carers, building belonging, resilience, and empowerment. Funded by the Department of Education, the National Peer Support Service is a game-changing service that creates a sustainable and life-changing legacy. It builds on Kinship’s 10 years of experience in developing peer support groups and two years of delivering a national service that has set up 145 new groups.

Who we are looking for:

We are seeking an individual located in or around Greater Manchester, and willing to travel across the North West of England who possesses the drive, passion, and skills to:

· Establish new Peer Support Groups across a diverse range of communities

· Supervise a small team of Peer Support Development Officers

· Demonstrate the energy and enthusiasm required to inspire yourself and your team to achieve key targets and objectives

· Work collaboratively within the Peer Support and Community Team, as well as throughout the broader organisation, to ensure the delivery of safe and effective support services for the kinship community.

· Maintain current Peer Support Groups, taking the lead from the national Hub.

· Maintain accurate records that are used to populate reports, identify learning and share key insights across Kinship that allow the organisation to continuously improve our services and products.

In the role of Senior Peer Support Officer, you will be instrumental in ensuring the delivery of a high-quality, consistent, and sustainable peer support service that has a significant impact on the lives of kinship carers.

You should have experience in developing and maintaining meaningful relationships with various community-based stakeholders such as local authorities, health services, schools, charities, and kinship carers. You will need to understand the key success factors involved in establishing and developing new in-person groups in areas of high need, as well as how to support existing groups in their journey towards sustainability.

As a practical thinker, you will work creatively to identify stakeholders and assets in areas of high need. You will build local connections and bring together kinship carers across the region, empowering them to build resilient and robust peer support communities.

You will be confident in building relationships that generate referrals from external stakeholders and in contacting kinship carers directly to secure engagement with local coffee mornings, community, and training events that will help kick start a thriving peer support group.

As you establish new groups, you will provide training to help them lead their groups effectively, and develop their group culture, resilience, and skills to function independently while offering reassurance and support to empower them.

You will be an inspirational and energetic team leader with experience in providing day-to-day line management and operational support for a small team.

We are ideally looking for candidates based in or around Greater Manchester but willing to work initially across the whole of the North West. This role may involve working to establish groups in West Yorkshire and into North Staffordshire.

A valid driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes are essential, as this role may require travel across London and its periphery to reach areas in need of dedicated support.

Key responsibilities: 

Service delivery:

• In person (face-to-face) strategic outreach into local and regional communities including setting up and attending local engagement events.
• Work creatively to set up and develop new sustainable in peer support groups, attending up to six sessions in person (if needed) before transition to self-sufficiency.  Existing groups that are at risk, closed or need support will need replacing or rejuvenating to maintain DfE service level agreements across the team, in addition to new groups. 
• Recruit and retain support group leaders to develop their peer support groups.
• Deliver training to support group leaders (group roles and responsibilities, safeguarding, setting up, running and promoting a group).
• Develop strong boundaries and positive relationships with support group leaders – building resilience, empowerment and community.
• Support established groups in your area to access support group leader networks and training (this includes visiting groups in person) to build a peer community. 
• Help develop and deliver a service blueprint for sustainable peer support groups, thinking strategically about how to develop groups.
• You'll collaborate closely with the ‘Hub’ team to provide a joined up and positive user experience for kinship carers. This collaborative approach is key to our success and ensures that kinship carers receive the best possible support.
• Manage special interest groups and regional online groups as required, transitioning to ‘Hub’ team for sustainability and work with partners. 

Service quality, development and data management:

• Accurately record all recruitment, contact information and volunteer case management in Salesforce in line with service framework and data protection requirements.
• Ensure accurate data entry in Salesforce to support service performance, evaluation and learning.
• Provide regular reports to ensure targets and SLA are met for the service.
• Support continuous development and improvement of the service (new systems and processes) as required.

Management and supervision: 

• Inspire, motivate and be responsible for day-to-day line management and supervising up to 4 staff members
• Oversee tactical development of new sustainable groups in your area and your team.
• Help set clear objectives to achieve targets and outcomes.
• Actively encourage personal development and learning.
• Increase efficiencies and impact across the team.
• Ensure good team induction processes and systems are in place.
• Role model Kinship values. 

Team culture:

• Act in the best interest of Kinship and the families we support.
• Maintain and contribute up to date understanding of kinship care.
• Deliver effective administration with attention to detail and keeping to deadlines.
• Identify and contribute to appropriate case studies to demonstrate the impact of Kinship services and contribute to policy and campaigns work.
• Actively contribute to delivering and evidencing a high performing service.
• Take responsibility for your ongoing continued professional development.
• Work in line with the Kinship values.

 Knowledge, abilities, skills and experience (person spec):

 Essential: 

• Experience of team leadership or line management and supervision of a small team and managing performance to deliver targets effectively.
• Proven experience in reaching and establishing strong relationships with hidden or underserved communities in person.
•  Experience developing peer support communities.
• Proven experience of recruiting, managing, training and supporting volunteers in community settings with an emphasis on understanding and working with vulnerable volunteers. 
• Proven experience of ensuring outcomes and impacts of services is evidenced through high-quality data collection. 
• Evidence of delivering training/support to volunteers,
• Strong facilitation skills and essential experience of peer support or user led groups with charity beneficiaries. 
• Understanding of safeguarding particularly around vulnerable families. 
• Excellent communication and engagement skills, with good attention to detail.
• Full driving licence and use of a car for work purposes.

 Desirable:

· Lived experience of kinship care.

· Understanding of children’s social care.

· Digital community building (Facebook / WhatsApp etc).

· Full, clean driving licence/own car.

 General characteristics and attributes:

· Flexible and willing to travel for work across England and Wales.

· Drive and have access to a vehicle.

· Commitment to the values, aims and objectives of Kinship.

· A real commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion within your role and a respectful approach to working with people from a range of backgrounds.

· Good standard of written and spoken English.

· Permission to work in the UK.

· Able to remain focused on the primary task of establishing new peer support groups, ensuring that more kinship carers have access to high-quality peer support.

Equality Diversity and Inclusion 

Kinship is committed to championing equality, diversity and inclusion.  We believe our work is greatly enhanced by the varied backgrounds, experiences and views represented within our teams.  We aim to create inclusive teams, celebrate differences and encourage everyone to join us and be their true self at work. We therefore encourage applications from anyone who fits our values, whatever their religion or belief, sex, gender identity, race, age, sexuality or disability and are actively seeking candidates that can bring real innovation and commitment to us. 

Candidate Application Information

Please refer to the Job Description for this role to check that you meet the criteria necessary for the job. Closing date and interview details:

Closing date: 1 November 2024 12:00 pm

Interviews:  1st Interview Week Commencing 4 November

2nd Interview Week Commencing 11 November

We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the stated deadline.

We will guarantee interviews to any candidates with experience of kinship care (either of being in kinship care or of being a kinship carer) who demonstrate they meet the essential skills and experience outlined.

Please tell us if there are any reasonable adjustments, we can make to assist you in your application. If you have a disability, which you would like us to consider, please tell us about this when you apply.  Please let us know if we can help and remember that you can request information in large print or in a different format. 

Job Title: Money & Energy Adviser

Reports to: Money & Energy Advice Service Lead

Location: Based at home/preferred place of work, with travel across the region as required

Hours: 37.5 (full time) Monday to Friday. Hours to be agreed with successful candidate. Must be sufficiently flexible to work irregular hours as demanded by the requirements of the post

Contract: Full fixed term contract, ending 31 March 2026

Salary: 35 hpw £27,000 pa - pay review pending Jan 2025

(plus expenses, pension, and generous annual leave)

To deliver money and energy advice service for kidney patients struggling with their energy and water bills and other costs of living challenges. You will provide subject matter expert support within our Patient Support Services team, and will work closely with our Patient Support & Advocacy Officers to develop and grow this service in your area.

Summary
To raise awareness of the service and build strong relationships with kidney patients, professionals, and other kidney stakeholder groups in your defined geographic region.

Key responsibilities
• With support, establish the Kidney Care UK Money & Energy Advice Service in the region for patients and carers at risk of fuel poverty to access independent support on money and energy matters
• Responsible for the day-to-day delivery of the Money & Energy Advice Service across the region, effectively managing an ongoing caseload
• Provide practical advice to patients, assessing their needs and identifying sources of support to resolve financial, practical and psychosocial challenges.

• Activities will include creating budget plans, completing income maximisation checks and benefit claims, carrying out switching exercises and Home Energy Surveys (this is not an exclusive list of tasks)
• Responsible for identifying cases where FSA approved advice is required, and supporting patients in the referral of their case to our approved partner organisation or other appropriate regional/national services

• Act as a gateway to local information and access to:

• Kidney Care UK Patient Grants service, raising awareness of the service and supporting applications
• Kidney Care UK Patient Support & Advocacy Service, to ensure patients have access to reliable and accurate patient information relating to kidney disease, patient pathways, models of care, and patient choice
• Kidney Care UK Counselling Service and other appropriate services to meet patients’ emotional and physiological needs

• Work closely with local Kidney Care UK Patient Support & Advocacy Officers to ensure that patients receive expert advice in all areas of need, with smooth, effective handovers ensuring that patients feel supported and part of the Kidney Care UK ‘family’ at all times
• Maintain records on the Kidney Care UK database to support service delivery and communications with patients, and facility effective reporting to Kidney Care UK and our funders
• Raise awareness of Kidney Care UK and the benefit of its full range of Patient Support Services amongst kidney patients, their families, carers and professionals across the region
• Provide insight on patients’ concerns and unmet needs to inform Kidney Care UK research, campaigns, and new service development activity
• Work in a way that respects the personal, social, cultural and spiritual needs of the individual and maintains the confidentiality of information they may have shared with you

IMPORTANT NOTE: We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and encourage you to submit your application as early as possible. We will close applications and move to the interview stage when we have a pool of strong applicants to interview, likely towards the end of October.

People’s Economy aims to build the agency and power of people facing injustice and working for social change so that they have the expertise, capabilities and resources to develop their own analysis of how the economic system is a root cause of the injustice they face, develop strategies to change it and then take action with others. Our vision is for a world with economies that meet the needs and priorities of people currently experiencing economic injustice.

The Movement Collaboration Lead or Senior Movement Collaboration Lead (depending on experience) will work closely with the Programme Director and the Programme Team to lead the development and delivery of an exciting emerging programme of work building collaboration for economic system change between grassroots groups and new economy organisations. 

We are looking for people who are: passionate about addressing economic injustice, are excited about the role of collaboration in creating systems change and capable of creating partnerships and strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.

The first twelve months of this programme will take an action inquiry approach to facilitate a mixed group of new economy organisations and grassroots groups through a collaborative process that will develop shared knowledge and practice about  how we  can effectively and equitably collaborate on economic systems change work through practical experiments, facilitated dialogue and collaborative research.

The role will involve responsibilities for project managing and delivering this work including programme development and delivery, developing partnerships, changemaker recruitment and support, conducting desk research and interviews, managing and running events, supporting project related fundraising, conducting project learning and evaluation and writing a learning report about the project. 

Following this first year we plan to scale work on supporting collaboration between grassroots groups and new economy organisations, subject to funding we hope this could become a permanent role.

All programme roles in the People’s Economy team support work across the programme team and we see a postholder likely working on the Action Inquiry for 0.4 FTE and supporting other work strands depending on their relevant skills, experiences and interests for 0.2 FTE.

Online Open House

Come and meet us! We are hosting an online open house on Monday October 28th at 12pm for anyone who is interested in hearing more about the roles we’re currently hiring for or what People’s Economy is all about.

You can use this space to ask any questions you might have about the role, find out more about the organisation and meet some of our staff team. Curious?  This will be hosted as a webinar and questions can be submitted via the Q&A function so you will be able to remain anonymous unless you choose to unmute or turn on your video to ask a question.

Sign up here:  https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_w2oUR_ckS6ycbSMqExXrkw#/registration

Job Description

Project Development

• Working closely with the Programme Director and the Programme Team, lead the translation of existing strategic thinking, planning and relationship building into a project plan.
• Working closely with the Programme Director and the Programme Team, contribute to business planning and fundraising for future development of the action inquiry beyond the first year.
• Working closely with Programme Director lead outreach and relationship building with new economy organisations, funders and other relevant stakeholders.
• Working closely with the Head of Community, lead outreach and relationship building with changemakers and grassroots groups for the action inquiry.
• Working closely with the Programme Director, develop a plan for learning and evaluation of the project.

Project Delivery

• Working closely with the Programme Team, coordinate the delivery of the action inquiry.
• Lead on organising the logistics and resources required to effectively deliver the action inquiry 
• Working closely with the Programme Team, recruit and onboard changemakers to the project
• With support from the Head of Training, contribute to the delivery of learning and skills sessions as part of the inquiry
• Manage and execute the delivery of events as part of the action inquiry
• Maintain relationships with changemakers while they are involved in the project and act as a key point of contact
• Working closely with the Programme Team, coordinate the monitoring, evaluation and learning of the project
• With input from the Programme Team and relevant project partners write a learning report at the end of the first year of the action inquiry.
• Plan and deliver a research element of the project aimed at gathering learnings from other sectors on equitable and effective collaboration.
• Working with the Programme team develop a communications plan to raise the profile of the project and share learnings throughout the year.

Supporting other work strands

• Manage (or contribute to) other projects that contribute to achieving People’s Economy’s goals, as agreed with the Programme Director
• Work collaboratively with the Programme Team to ensure a joined-up approach across People’s Economy’s work
• These areas will be discussed and identified depending on the appointed candidates' relevant skills, experience and expertise - examples include providing programme management support of our migrant justice programme or supporting the development of our regional work in London.

Financial management and income generation

• With support from the Programme Director, develop and manage budgets for the action inquiry
• With support from the Programme Director, contribute to income generation by leading the development of agreed identified opportunities, including by holding key relationships with existing and potential funders

For full role description and person specification see attached application pack

Job Title: Advocacy and Campaigns Officer
Contract: 12 Months Fixed Term
Hours: Part Time (15-18 hours per week)
Salary: £25,290 - £27,100 FTE
Location: Homeworking

About Us:
Pathfinders Neuromuscular Alliance is a user-led charity dedicated to promoting choice, control, and quality of life for teenagers and adults with muscle-weakening conditions. We strive to empower our members by ensuring they have access to essential support, resources, and opportunities to thrive in their communities.

The Role:
Are you passionate about advocacy and driven to make a real difference in the lives of individuals with muscle-weakening conditions? We are seeking a dynamic Advocacy and Campaigns Officer to lead the expansion of our advocacy services and drive impactful campaigns. In this role, you will be instrumental in shaping our advocacy provision across housing, healthcare, social care, and benefits, ensuring that our members feel empowered to express their needs and rights.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and manage the advocacy service, supporting members in navigating complex systems of support.

• Conduct outreach and marketing efforts to raise awareness of our advocacy services.

• Create and maintain a database to track advocacy needs and support, informing future funding applications.

• Lead our campaigning initiatives, collaborating with members and stakeholders to highlight key issues and drive policy changes.

• Produce engaging campaign materials for our website, newsletter, and social media platforms.

Who You Are:
You will have at least two years of experience in advocacy or advisory roles, ideally connected to housing, healthcare, or social care for disabled individuals. Your understanding of the challenges faced by those with muscle-weakening conditions is essential. Strong communication and organisational skills, combined with a commitment to equality and diversity, are crucial for this role.

Why Join Us?
This is an exciting opportunity to play a vital role in advocating for those seeking better support and influencing policy for better services. As part of a passionate team, you'll have the chance to drive meaningful change and contribute to the development of a supportive community.

Application Details:
To apply, please send a completed application form by Sunday, 10th November at 11:59 PM. Interviews will be conducted between 13th-22nd November. You can download the application form from our website or request it via email.

Join us at Pathfinders Neuromuscular Alliance and help empower individuals to take charge of their health and future!

Financial Controller

We are seeking a qualified / part-qualified accountant for an exciting Financial Controller position working with an important international charity

Position: Financial Controller

Location: Remote – may require some international travel

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full-time

Salary: £50,000 - £60,000 per annum, depending on experience

Closing Date: 17th November 2024

Please note that candidates for this role must have the right to work in the UK, and will be asked to provide evidence of this, we are unable to sponsor people who do not currently have the right to work in the UK.

About the Role

Reporting to the Group Finance Director, this is a dynamic and varied role that involves working directly with country offices as well as with the Central Team.

The position may require some international travel. As this is a relatively small and close-knit organisation, the Financial Controller will be expected to have a flexible, practical, and ‘hands on’ approach to getting tasks completed.

Key responsibilities include:

• Financial Planning and Budgeting
• Book-keeping and Accounting
• Financial Reports
• Annual Statutory Audit
• Grants and Funds Management
• Payroll & Employee Benefits
• Bank / Cash Management
• Group Accounting Oversight

About You

Working on both charity and commercial finances, as Financial Controller you will be a resourceful and entrepreneurial problem solver with a strong attention detail and able to build positive and productive working relationships with a variety of different stakeholders.

Key skills required for this role:

Have excellent financial analysis and reporting skills, with ability to produce and present concise financial reports

• Strong technical accounting knowledge
• Experience in managing and developing teams
• Recognised accounting qualification (ACCA/CIMA) or part qualified and in final stages of completion
• Proven experience gained in the International NGO sector
• Experience of producing year end consolidated statutory accounts in Charity UK SORP format and managing year end audits in a complex, multi-site, international organization
• Experience of multi-currency accounting and grant accounting
• Extensive experience of financial processes, procedures and related systems
• Experience of leading a month end process, including preparation and presentation of monthly management a/cs
• Understanding of commercial accounting and Gift Aid
• Experience of using cloud-based accounting system software, preferably QuickBooks and/or Xero

About the Organisation

The employer is a British charity that was founded in 2006. They believe artisanal heritage matters and has the power to transform lives. The charity supports artisans to thrive and to revitalise traditions in regions of the world where artisanal heritage is endangered, and to connect people through heritage.

A fast-growing organisation with offices in Afghanistan, Myanmar, Saudi Arabia, and the Levant, and with over 400 international and local staff members worldwide. They combine a cultural heritage focus with a wide scope of activities.

You may have experience in areas such as: Group Financial Controller, Financial Controller/Senior Manager, Management Accountant, ACCA, ACA, CIMA, Accountant, Divisional Financial Controller, Chartered Accountant, Assistant Group Financial Controller etc.

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

About us 

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

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

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

The Role 

We have a fantastic opportunity for someone to join us in the position of Data Analyst to work on a full-time basis, 37 hours per week. Alternatively, we will consider part-time hours on a Job Share basis. The role is offered on a hybrid or remote basis depending on proximity to a NEA office.

As part of NEA’s Policy and Advocacy Directorate, you will work within our highly effective Insights and Impact team, as we focus on a decade of delivery that guarantees a fair energy future for all, and  ensures those on the lowest incomes and living in the least efficient homes receive the support needed to protect health and wellbeing.

The post holder will support National Energy Action in harnessing the power of data analysis and visualisation in the delivery of our charitable aims. They will form part of a process to embed a ‘data driven culture’ within the charity, enhancing our capability and capacity to: 

• Understand and evidence the needs of fuel poor households.

• Develop and apply data insights to directly inform the management, development, and delivery of NEA services. 

• Effectively communicate our data insights to diverse audiences and through different mediums

• Develop and apply data insights to inform and support our advocacy and policy-related campaigning. 

• Develop and apply data insights to inform and develop fundraising and partnership opportunities. 

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.

What you will need to succeed 

You will have demonstrable and applied experience in a data analyst role and hold an appropriate qualification in a relevant subject. You will be familiar and confident in using data visualization tools and programming languages to manipulate, analyse and present data. 

A compelling communicator you will have the ability to translate complex data into easily digestible, accessible and actionable insights that can be easily understood by diverse stakeholders. The right candidate will have excellent interpersonal skills and will build relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.

Finally, we are passionate about what we do, and we would like you to be too; you will be able to demonstrate an understanding of NEA’s mission to eradicate fuel poverty.

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

We are offering 

• £32,641 - £37,304 per annum, Scale SO1 – SO2, Points 23-28.

• 2-year Fixed term contract. 

• 11½% non-contributory pension. 

• 25 days annual leave (FTE) plus additional days in between Christmas New Year Period when our offices close; plus, all public holidays per annum. 

• Flexible working arrangements including the opportunity for hybrid working. 

• Enhanced family friendly payments. 

• Employee Assistance Programme. 

• Employee benefits platform. 

No recruitment agency or advertising enquiries, please. 

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 11 November 2024.  Interviews will be held in the two weeks commencing 25 November 2024.  Full details of this post and an application form are available on our website.

Only shortlisted candidates selected for interview will be notified of the confirmed time and location of interview.

How to apply: 

Apply online by clicking apply now. 

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

Please note CVs will not be accepted as part of the application process.   

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 

You may have heard of our special charity already. We are Brandon Centre, a long-established charity, 55 years in fact, based in Kentish Town with a history of supporting young people under the age of 25 in the Islington and Camden areas of London.

In everything we do, we live by the very meaning of what we stand for; we are ‘Here for Young People’. We firmly believe that all young people should be able to access the highest quality care and support in a safe and welcoming environment. We have an amazing team, we challenge the status quo when it comes to giving young people a chance to be the best version of themselves, often in challenging circumstances. We are supported by fantastic Trustees and generous funders who we have the privilege to work with and who support us to help even more young people.

Our services encompass many facets of Mental Health (psychological, medical, sexual and social needs of young people) including individual Counselling & Psychotherapy, Systemic Integrative Treatment using a range of evidence-based therapies and a variety of outreach professionals in community settings. Also Clinical Training and Consultancy including healthy living, parent programmes and other aligned group work.

To continue our fantastic journey, we are looking for a new Head of Finance. Someone who is aligned to our own core values – maybe you have worked for a similar organisation or you relish the opportunity to work for us – a special place to bring your skills to a new role.

You will work closely with our CEO and Treasurer to take responsibility for the overall financial sustainability of the organisation. This means focusing on accurate and timely accounting of our charity’s finances, the delivery of actual results in line with budget, timely identification of financial risks and proper financial procedures. Moreover, you will have the opportunity of working with our CEO and Senior Leadership Team to develop an overall strategy for the organisation with a corresponding financial plan.

Is this part-time, permanent role the kind of position you are seeking? If so, we would love to receive your application. Further details can be found on the attached Job Description.

Peer Support Development Officer – Greater London

 About Kinship:

Kinship is the leading kinship care charity in England and Wales. We offer kinship carers financial, legal, practical and emotional support and understanding from the moment they need it, for as long as they need it. Our expert advice, information and guidance helps with complicated and stressful decisions that so many kinship families have to make. We are always there to support them through challenging times and celebrate the good. 

Kinship carers are strong and determined. Together, they are powerful. We help them build communities of support and action by connecting families locally and across England and Wales. 

We are at the heart of kinship networks, partnering with and influencing service providers, local and national government and other organisations. We give everything we have to fight for each family and their rights, changing society until every kinship family is recognised, valued and supported. 

Kinship care often begins in crisis. A child has parents who are unable to care for them, for whatever reason. It can be frightening, confusing and heart-breaking.

Instinctively, a loved one steps in – a grandparent, brother, sister, aunt, uncle or family friend. They are now a kinship carer, bringing up the children they love. There is often no chance to prepare. Plans may be pushed aside. Relationships, jobs and savings are frequently sacrificed.

It is life changing and challenging raising children who have been hurt or neglected, but kinship carers do it anyway because they put the children first.

We know how hard life can be for kinship carers, but we have seen the amazing things they are capable of, with someone by their side. With the right support, children raised in kinship families can flourish. 

That is why we support, connect and campaign – to keep kinship families stronger by keeping them together.

About the Team

The Peer Support and Community team at Kinship is dedicated to enhancing the lives of kinship carers across England and Wales by delivering the first national peer support service. With a focus on building and sustaining networks of peer support groups, the team aims to empower kinship carers through access to resources, training, and development opportunities.

By fostering connections within local, regional, and national ecosystems, the team plays a vital role in ensuring that every kinship carer has access to a supportive community.

As part of our commitment to growth and impact, the team develops innovative approaches to peer support, creating an inclusive environment where kinship carers can share experiences and access essential services. We prioritize collaboration across various departments, ensuring that support group leaders receive high-quality advice and training, facilitating their sustainability and effectiveness. This integrated approach also includes alignment with national and local campaigning efforts to further engage and support the kinship carer community.

In line with our strategic focus on cultivating a vibrant Kinship Community of over 10,000 carers, the team leads initiatives aimed at enhancing community connection and empowering kinship families. By developing a robust model of community engagement that encompasses both in-person and digital services, the team aims to amplify the voices of kinship carers, enabling them to effect meaningful change in their lives and communities.

 About the role

This role is community-based and focuses on engaging kinship carers, bringing them together to form Peer Support Groups, and supporting them to achieve independence at which point they will receive ongoing support from our national Hub.

You will do this by working with local authorities, schools, other charities and community groups. Arranging information events such as coffee mornings to engage kinship carers. You’ll create a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive community for kinship carers, building belonging, resilience, and empowerment.

Funded by the Department of Education, the National Peer Support Service is a game-changing service that creates a sustainable and life-changing legacy. It builds on Kinship’s 10 years of experience in developing peer support groups and two years of delivering a national service that has set up 145 new groups.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking an individual located in Greater London, who possesses the drive, passion, and skills to:

• Develop new Peer Support Groups across a diverse range of communities
• Demonstrate the energy and enthusiasm required to achieve key targets and objectives
• Work collaboratively within the Peer Support and Community Team, as well as throughout the broader organisation, to ensure the development of safe and effective support services for the kinship community.
• Maintain current Peer Support Group levels, taking the lead from the national Hub.
• Maintain accurate records that are used to populate reports, identify learning and share key insights across Kinship that allow the organisation to continuously improve our services and products.

You should have experience in developing and maintaining meaningful relationships with various community-based stakeholders such as local authorities, health services, schools, charities, and kinship carers. You will need to understand the key success factors involved in establishing and developing new in-person groups in areas of high need, as well as how to support existing groups in their journey towards sustainability.

As a practical thinker, you will work creatively to identify stakeholders and assets in areas of high need. You will build local connections and bring together kinship carers across the region, empowering them to build resilient and robust peer support communities.

You will be confident in building relationships that generate referrals from external stakeholders and in contacting kinship carers directly to secure engagement with local coffee mornings, community, and training events that will help kick-start a thriving peer support group.

As you establish new groups, you will provide support and training to help them lead their groups effectively, and develop their group culture, resilience, and skills to function independently while offering reassurance and support to empower them.

We are ideally looking for candidates based in or around Greater London and willing to work initially across London Boroughs. This role may involve work to establish groups on the periphery of this area that currently have no dedicated Development staff.

An essential requirement of the role is to be a driver with access to a vehicle for work purposes.

 Key responsibilities: 

Service delivery:

• In-person (face-to-face) strategic outreach into local communities including setting up and attending local engagement events.
• Set up and develop sustainable in person peer support groups, initially attending and leading sessions in person before transition to self-sufficiency. 
• Working with existing groups that are at risk, closed or need support that need replacing or rejuvenating to maintain DfE service level agreement, in addition to new groups. Targets are subject to change and are not fixed. 
• Recruit and retain support group leaders to develop their peer support groups.
• Assist with the delivery of training to support group leaders and groups to become self-sufficient.
• Develop strong boundaried and positive relationships with support group leaders – building resilience, empowerment and community.
• Support established groups (including independent) in your area to access support group leader networks and training (this includes visiting groups in person) to build a peer community. 
• Follow (and where appropriate support further development off) the service blueprint to develop sustainable peer support groups.
• Collaborate with the Peer Support Hub team to provide a joined-up and positive user experience for kinship carers.
• Manage special interest groups and regional online groups as required, transitioning to ‘Hub’ team for sustainability and work with partners. 

Service quality, development and data management:

• Accurately record all recruitment, contact information and volunteer case management in Salesforce in line with service framework and data protection requirements.
• Ensure accurate data entry in Salesforce to support service performance, evaluation and learning.
• Provide regular reports to ensure targets and SLA are met for the service.
• Support continuous development and improvement of the service (new systems and processes) as required.
  

Team culture:

• Act in the best interest of Kinship and the families we support.
• Maintain and contribute up to date understanding of kinship care.
• Deliver effective administration with attention to detail and keeping to deadlines.
• Identify and contribute to appropriate case studies to demonstrate the impact of Kinship services and contribute to policy and campaigns work.
• Actively contribute to delivering and evidencing a high performing service.
• Take responsibility for your ongoing continued professional development.
• Work in line with the Kinship values.

 Knowledge, abilities, skills and experience (person spec):

 Essential:

· Proven experience in reaching and establishing strong relationships with hidden or underserved communities in person.

· Significant experience developing peer support communities.

· Proven experience of recruiting, managing, training and supporting volunteers in community settings with an emphasis on understanding and working with vulnerable volunteers.

· Proven experience of ensuring outcomes and impacts of services are evidenced through high-quality data collection.

· Evidence of developing and delivering training/support to volunteers, based on the needs of service users (in this case kinship carers).

· Strong facilitation skills and essential experience of peer support or user-led groups with charity beneficiaries.

· Proven experience of using a customer relationship management system effectively (we use Salesforce).

· In-depth understanding of safeguarding particularly around vulnerable families.

· Excellent communication and engagement skills, with good attention to detail.

Desirable:

· Lived experience of kinship care.

· Understanding of children’s social care.

· Digital community building (Facebook / WhatsApp etc).

· Full, clean driving licence/own car.

General characteristics and attributes:

· Flexible and willing to travel for work across England.

· Commitment to the values, aims and objectives of Kinship.

· A real commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion within your role and a respectful approach to working with people from a range of backgrounds.

· Excellent written and spoken English.

· Permission to work in the UK.

Equality Diversity and Inclusion 

Kinship is committed to championing equality, diversity and inclusion.  We believe our work is greatly enhanced by the varied backgrounds, experiences and views represented within our teams.  We aim to create inclusive teams, celebrate differences and encourage everyone to join us and be their true self at work. We therefore encourage applications from anyone who fits our values, whatever their religion or belief, sex, gender identity, race, age, sexuality or disability and are actively seeking candidates that can bring real innovation and commitment to us. 

Candidate Application Information

Please refer to the Job Description for this role to check that you meet the criteria necessary for the job. Closing and Interview details are:

Closing date: 1 November 2024 12:00 pm

Interviews: Week Commencing 4 November

We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the stated deadline.

We will guarantee interviews to any candidates with experience of kinship care (either of being in kinship care or of being a kinship carer) who demonstrate they meet the essential skills and experience outlined.

Please tell us if there are any reasonable adjustments, we can make to assist you in your application. If you have a disability, which you would like us to consider, please tell us about this when you apply.

Equality Diversity and Inclusion 

Kinship is committed to championing equality, diversity and inclusion.  We believe our work is greatly enhanced by the varied backgrounds, experiences and views represented within our teams.  We aim to create inclusive teams, celebrate differences and encourage everyone to join us and be their true self at work. We therefore encourage applications from anyone who fits our values, whatever their religion or belief, sex, gender identity, race, age, sexuality or disability and are actively seeking candidates that can bring real innovation and commitment to us. 

Candidate Application Information

Please refer to the Job Description for this role to check that you meet the criteria necessary for the job. Closing and Interview details are:

Closing date: 1 November 2024 12:00 pm

Interviews: Week Commencing 4 November

We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the stated deadline.

We will guarantee interviews to any candidates with experience of kinship care (either of being in kinship care or of being a kinship carer) who demonstrate they meet the essential skills and experience outlined.

Please tell us if there are any reasonable adjustments, we can make to assist you in your application. If you have a disability, which you would like us to consider, please tell us about this when you apply.  Please let us know if we can help and remember that you can request information in large print or in a different format. 

Church and Christian Engagement Specialist

We’re looking for TWO experienced Church & Christian Engagement Specialists to join World Vision, an important charity helping vulnerable children across the world.
 

Position: Church and Christian Engagement Specialist

Location: Homebased (positions available covering the north of the M62 corridor or Northern Ireland)

Hours: Full-time and Part-time 15 hours per week (including occasional Sundays)

Contract: Permanent

Salary: £12,688 per annum (£30,874 FTE) + good range of benefits

Closing date: 6th November 2024

**Please Note: Applications without a CV and cover letter will not be considered.**

About the role:

We have an exciting opportunity for an amazing fundraiser to join our Church and Christian Engagement team. The heart of our work centres around engaging and inspiring Churches and Christians to join us- through regular giving, one off donations, action and prayer. Whether in churches, at festivals or events you will be sharing World Vision’s work around the world helping the most vulnerable children overcome poverty and experience fullness of life.  You will be a confident communicator, a sharer of stories, a focused fundraiser.

You will join a team working across various fundraising and engagement activities throughout the year. You will build and manage your own caseload of external relationships across the UK, combining face-to-face, online and telephone work, to connect with churches and individuals. Using our existing resources, you will offer people the opportunity to join us- whether through sponsoring a child, donating to our work in emergencies, using our discipleship resources or praying for our work around the world.

In this team, we love that each day is different - from online meetings with longstanding church supporters, to meeting new audiences at Christian festivals, or on the road supporting our work on tour with an event partner. As a key member of the team, you'll be confident managing your own workload within the context of our wider team plans, working together with colleagues in wider teams to bring our work alive. You will have an eye for detail and fantastic relationship-building skills. You'll be confident working to targets, and excited about sharing World Vision’s work with new and existing donors.

Key areas of responsibility include:  

• Confidently building connections with churches and their leaders towards engaging with World Vision’s work, creating opportunities for individual giving or gifts from the church community.
• Using existing resources, campaigns and engagement tools to engage churches and individual Christians to support our work.
• Build a caseload of engaged church contacts to meet or exceed annual fundraising & acquisition goals, managing your time & workload.
• Ensure churches are on the correct supporter journey for their level of engagement, using appropriate touchpoints (telephone, email, meetings, hand written notes etc) to intelligently engage with key contacts. Maintenance of records, use of CRM system, monthly reporting on income and financial management including making sure gifts are properly allocated.
• Sharing WV’s work through in an audience appropriate way, including (but not limited to) presentations to church leaders, speaking in church services, or other external opportunities. Making a clear and compelling ask.
• Attending events (online and in person) to connect with individuals and leaders as a member of the WV team.

About you:

To be successful in this role, you will need to have excellent attention to detail and be able to juggle multiple projects/pieces of information and form them into well-ordered activity plans and be able to prioritise.

Key skills required for this role:

• Superb communication skills, both in formal and informal settings
• Fundraising or sales experience
• Strong relational skills, potentially with experience in nurturing relationships towards financial engagement
• A good understanding of the UK church and Christian landscape

About the organisation:

World Vision UK is an international children’s charity working with children, their communities, and with supporters and partners, in almost 100 countries. Through long-term development projects, emergency responses and advocacy we’ve helped bring lasting change to millions of children, over more than 60 years. As a Christian organisation, everything we do is motivated by our faith as we strive to reflect God’s unconditional love.

As a child-focused organisation, we are committed to the safeguarding of children, therefore any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of applicable background checks, including a criminal records check.

We are a registered organisation operating the Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS) and we shall check with your previous employers about your behaviour and conduct. We will be requesting you to complete a form known as a Statement of Conduct. For more information see: The Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.

Please note we can only consider applicants who presently have the right to work in the UK and all candidates must be personally committed to the Christian faith and be able to respect, uphold and work within our client’s Christian mission, values, culture, and faith statements. This individual will represent and speak on behalf of a Christian charity and as such the Occupational Requirement for an active Christian faith is justified under the Equality Act 2010 Schedule 9, Part 1, clause 3.

As a Disability committed employer we encourage qualified individuals with a disability to apply and request a reasonable adjustment if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access as a result of your disability.

You may also have experience in areas such as: as Donor Development Coordinator, Donor Funding, Donor Fundraising, Supporter Development Coordinator, Corporate Partnerships Manager, Senior Corporate Fundraiser, Fundraising, Fundraiser, Head of Fundraising, Individual Giving Manager, Regional Fundraising Manager, Development Manager, Income Generation Manager, Senior Fundraiser, Major Giving Manager.

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

Live Music Coordinator

We have an exciting opportunity for a Live Music Coordinator in the North of England to support the delivery of live music experiences improving the health and wellbeing of children and adults through the healing power of live music.

This is remote working role in the North of England, so please only apply if you live within a commutable distance of the area.

Position: Live Music Coordinator

Location: Remote based in the North of England (Yorkshire and Humberside, North West or North East).

Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week

Salary: £23,400 per annum

Contract: Fixed term contract until end of June 2025, with the potential to extend beyond this date.

Closing Date: 5pm on Friday 8th November

Interviews: Interviews will be held on 20th and 21st November.

The Role

The Live Music Coordinator will facilitate the delivery of live music experiences across the North of England, improving the health and wellbeing of children and adults through the healing power of live music.

You will work with professional musicians to share live music with people who may not otherwise get to experience it, organising programmes with partner organisations, in line with the organisation’s strategy and operational plan.

You will also support the delivery of the annual programme of live music experiences communicating with hospitals, hospices, care homes and the community. This includes those living with dementia, who have mental health problems, or who are seriously ill.

Main duties and responsibilities include:

• Coordination of the live music programme
• Prepare reports and appropriate feedback to the Live Music Manager and support to the Fundraising and Communications team as per the reporting timeframes required
• Inform the Live Music Manager of progress and developments
• Support the Live Music Manager to manage and deliver services
• Encourage, collate and monitor feedback reports from healthcare centres, participants and musicians
• Ensure effective administration in accordance with the UK-wide system for facilitating and contracting of individual health and care settings and musicians
• Provide copy for publications such the newsletter and Annual Report.
• Support Safeguarding and Health and Safety compliance within geographic area of responsibility

Why join the team?

You will be offered on the job training and support for your development alongside other fantastic benefits:

• Opportunity to work your hours flexibly
• 35 days annual leave per year (pro rata) including the opportunity to take most bank holidays when you choose
• Employer pension contribution of up to 6%
• Employee assistance programme
• Enhanced Maternity Pay
• Budget for personal development and training
• Positive organisation culture with a firm understanding of supporting remote (hybrid) teams
• Opportunity to help share live music with people who may not otherwise get to experience it. 

About You

You will have proven administration experience ideally delivering a similar provision within health and social care or arts setting and a passion for live music.

You will have:

• Effective communication skills
• Good knowledge and understanding of data protection
• Proficiency in using MS Office and database systems
• Proven ability to form good working relationships both internally and externally with people on all levels

When applying for this role you will be asked to submit a CV and Covering letter of no more than 2 sides of A4.

About the Organisation

The charity seeks to give joy through live music through the provision of live music sessions for people receiving care or treatment in healthcare settings across the UK, including those who are vulnerable, the elderly, those with dementia and in critical care.

Their live music concerts are presented by individual or small groups of skilled musicians who have been carefully selected through a process of audition. Sessions are tailored to the both the setting and the audience to ensure that they can reach and connect people, encourage communication and meaningful interactions and evoke emotions and memories to make people feel good one tune at a time.

The successful applicants will require a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) or equivalent check.

The charity is committed to becoming an organisation that reflects society and promotes diversity and inclusion, and would particularly welcome applications from people who are currently under-represented, including disabled people and those from Black, Asian and other minority ethnic communities.

You may have experience in areas such as Coordinator, Events Coordinator, Conference Coordinator, Concert Coordinator, Music Coordinator, Programme Coordinator, Service Coordinator, Marketing Coordinator, Events Administrator, Conference Administrator, Concert Administrator, Music Administrator, Programme Administrator, Service Administrator, Marketing Administrator, Music, Theatre, Arts, Culture, Events, Entertainment, Admin, Administration.

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

Child Bereavement UK helps children and young people (up to the age of 25) and families, to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies.

Their mission is to tackle the inequalities that exist in the availability, accessibility and quality of bereavement support and training across the UK and to build capacity within communities to manage the impact of child bereavement.

In addition to supporting families experiencing bereavement, the charity also provide training to professionals, equipping them to provide the best possible care to bereaved families.

As Philanthropy Officer, you will join a passionate and collaborative Fundraising Team, working closely with the Head of Corporate, Philanthropy & Events and other CBUK departments. With support, you will take personal ownership of a portfolio of high-value donors and prospects, contributing to the charity’s Major Donor strategy. You’ll be part of a supportive team that fosters creativity and teamwork, working together to secure essential funding that directly impacts the lives of bereaved families across the UK.

We are seeking someone creative and analytical who has strong research, administration, relationship management and database skills, and who can provide excellent donor stewardship.

As Philanthropy Officer, you will: 

• Identify and research new potential major donors supporting a team income target c.£1.5m
• Manage a portfolio of major donor relationships at 4-5 figure level
• Develop donor cultivation and stewardship plans
• Implement a patron and celebrity stewardship plan

Ideal skills and experience: 

• Fundraising experience from core income streams such as major donor, corporate or trusts and foundations
• Experience of prospect research and preparing donor materials
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Managing records using CRM systems like Raiser’s Edge

About WeSwim:
WeSwim is a pioneering charity dedicated to promoting inclusivity in swimming and enabling people with disabilities to be active. We believe that everyone, regardless of ability, should have access to the mental and physical benefits of the water. Through our community-driven approach, we provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities to engage in swimming activities, fostering confidence, well-being, and social connection.

Role Overview:
The Volunteer Coordinator for WeSwim is a key role responsible for recruiting and onboarding volunteers to support all our activities and events, ensuring a positive and rewarding experience for all. This role also supports the setup of new WeSwim clubs in London, raising profile in new areas and developing relationships with new stakeholders to promote the organisation. This position requires a strategic person with excellent marketing, communication and project management skills. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Volunteer recruitment & training: Develop and implement a marketing and outreach plan to  to attract new volunteers. Create marketing materials to advertise volunteer opportunities & use data to inform recruitment activity. Manage onboarding of volunteers including interviews, DBS and references. Organise and run induction sessions for new volunteers.
• Volunteer management & support: Maintain an up-to-date database of volunteers, including contact information, availability, and skills. Schedule and assign volunteers to sessions based on their availability & monitor attendance. Serve as the main point of contact for all volunteers, addressing enquiries and resolving any issues. Work with Club Committees (lead volunteers) to foster a positive and inclusive environment for volunteers, encouraging teamwork and community spirit.
• Marketing & Communications: Develop social media marketing and email communications to support recruitment and retention of volunteers in line with strategy.
• Setup of new swimming clubs: Scope & contact future pool partners, develop and deliver engagement plans to recruit new volunteers and swimmers to attend the club when it opens in partnership with WeSwim team. 
• Stakeholder engagement: Build and maintain relationships with local stakeholders including: local authorities, community organisations, disability charities & sports clubs. Represent WeSwim at community events, meetings, and public engagements. Develop and implement strategies to increase the club’s visibility and reputation in the community. 

Skills & Experience:
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Marketing and social media experience.
Strong organisational, administrative, and project management skills.
Experience in volunteer coordination or a related field.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Development of project plans and use of data.
Knowledge of the local community and relevant stakeholder networks is an asset.
Proficient use of IT including GSuite, Slack, Canva, Facebook & Instagram

Personal Attributes:
Personable with a knack for building relationships.
Strategic thinker with the ability to identify and capitalise on opportunities.
Proactive and self-motivated with a results-oriented mindset.
Creative and resourceful in problem-solving and developing initiatives.
Passionate about swimming and community engagement.

Requirements:
This role is remote with travel across London. The post holder should be London based.

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 are looking for a new Advocate to join our team in Bradford. We are seeking applicants who have transferable skills, a willingness to learn and a desire to help those in need of support.

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 the role

We have an exciting opportunity for an Advocate to join our team covering Bradford. Your role will require you to travel to locations such as clients’ homes, hospitals, care homes and within community settings across the area to meet with clients and professionals. You will be home based for administration; therefore, access to your own transportation and a suitable home internet connection is essential.  

About you

Desirably you will have some experience of working in advocacy, or 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 HR for further options.

How to apply

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

Important Dates:

Closing date for applications; 12:00 on 5th November, however, VoiceAbility reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy before this date.

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.

Hint: you can use work, personal and/or voluntary experiences, and examples to tell us why you should be our next Advocate.

NB:

If you don't already hold the Independent Advocacy Practice qualification, and you are successful in your application, it is a requirement that you complete the core element within 12 months of commencing the training.  VoiceAbility will fund this training.

Peer Support Development Officer – South East and M4 Corridor

Thank you for your interest in the above role.  This pack tells you more about Kinship, how we work, and details of the role and the people you will be working with. It also gives information on how to apply.

About Kinship:

Kinship is the leading kinship care charity in England and Wales. We offer kinship carers financial, legal, practical and emotional support and understanding from the moment they need it, for as long as they need it. Our expert advice, information and guidance helps with complicated and stressful decisions that so many kinship families have to make. We are always there to support them through challenging times and celebrate the good. 

Kinship carers are strong and determined. Together, they are powerful. We help them build communities of support and action by connecting families locally and across England and Wales. 

We are at the heart of kinship networks, partnering with and influencing service providers, local and national government and other organisations. We give everything we have to fight for each family and their rights, changing society until every kinship family is recognised, valued and supported. 

Kinship care often begins in crisis. A child has parents who are unable to care for them, for whatever reason. It can be frightening, confusing and heart-breaking.

Instinctively, a loved one steps in – a grandparent, brother, sister, aunt, uncle or family friend. They are now a kinship carer, bringing up the children they love. There is often no chance to prepare. Plans may be pushed aside. Relationships, jobs and savings are frequently sacrificed.

It is life changing and challenging raising children who have been hurt or neglected, but kinship carers do it anyway because they put the children first.

We know how hard life can be for kinship carers, but we have seen the amazing things they are capable of, with someone by their side. With the right support, children raised in kinship families can flourish. 

That is why we support, connect and campaign – to keep kinship families stronger by keeping them together

About the Team

The Peer Support and Community team at Kinship is dedicated to enhancing the lives of kinship carers across England and Wales by delivering the first national peer support service. With a focus on building and sustaining networks of peer support groups, the team aims to empower kinship carers through access to resources, training, and development opportunities.

By fostering connections within local, regional, and national ecosystems, the team plays a vital role in ensuring that every kinship carer has access to a supportive community.

As part of our commitment to growth and impact, the team develops innovative approaches to peer support, creating an inclusive environment where kinship carers can share experiences and access essential services. We prioritize collaboration across various departments, ensuring that support group leaders receive high-quality advice and training, facilitating their sustainability and effectiveness. This integrated approach also includes alignment with national and local campaigning efforts to further engage and support the kinship carer community.

In line with our strategic focus on cultivating a vibrant Kinship Community of over 10,000 carers, the team leads initiatives aimed at enhancing community connection and empowering kinship families. By developing a robust model of community engagement that encompasses both in-person and digital services, the team aims to amplify the voices of kinship carers, enabling them to effect meaningful change in their lives and communities.

 About the role

This role is community-based and focuses on engaging kinship carers, bringing them together to form Peer Support Groups, and supporting them to achieve independence at which point they will receive ongoing support from our national Hub.

You will do this by working with local authorities, schools, other charities and community groups. Arranging information events such as coffee mornings to engage kinship carers. You’ll create a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive community for kinship carers, building belonging, resilience, and empowerment.

Funded by the Department of Education, the National Peer Support Service is a game-changing service that creates a sustainable and life-changing legacy. It builds on Kinship’s 10 years of experience in developing peer support groups and two years of delivering a national service that has set up 145 new groups.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking an individual located in South East of England, who possesses the drive, passion, and skills to:

• Develop new Peer Support Groups across a diverse range of communities
• Demonstrate the energy and enthusiasm required to achieve key targets and objectives
• Work collaboratively within the Peer Support and Community Team, as well as throughout the broader organisation, to ensure the development of safe and effective support services for the kinship community.
• Maintain current Peer Support Group levels, taking the lead from the national Hub.
• Maintain accurate records that are used to populate reports, identify learning and share key insights across Kinship that allow the organisation to continuously improve our services and products.

You should have experience in developing and maintaining meaningful relationships with various community-based stakeholders such as local authorities, health services, schools, charities, and kinship carers. You will need to understand the key success factors involved in establishing and developing new in-person groups in areas of high need, as well as how to support existing groups in their journey towards sustainability.

As a practical thinker, you will work creatively to identify stakeholders and assets in areas of high need. You will build local connections and bring together kinship carers across the region, empowering them to build resilient and robust peer support communities.

You will be confident in building relationships that generate referrals from external stakeholders and in contacting kinship carers directly to secure engagement with local coffee mornings, community, and training events that will help kick-start a thriving peer support group.

As you establish new groups, you will provide support and training to help them lead their groups effectively, and develop their group culture, resilience, and skills to function independently while offering reassurance and support to empower them.

We are ideally looking for candidates based close or within easy reach of our priority development areas in the South East of England which include; Reading, Oxfordshire, West Berkshire, Slough and Hampshire but also able to travel to locations along the M4 corridor.

An essential requirement of the role is to be a driver with access to a vehicle for work purposes.

 Key responsibilities: 

Service delivery:

• In-person (face-to-face) strategic outreach into local communities including setting up and attending local engagement events.
• Set up and develop sustainable in person peer support groups, initially attending and leading sessions in person before transition to self-sufficiency. 
• Working with existing groups that are at risk, closed or need support that need replacing or rejuvenating to maintain DfE service level agreement, in addition to new groups. Targets are subject to change and are not fixed. 
• Recruit and retain support group leaders to develop their peer support groups.
• Assist with the delivery of training to support group leaders and groups to become self-sufficient.
• Develop strong boundaries and positive relationships with support group leaders – building resilience, empowerment and community.
• Support established groups (including independent) in your area to access support group leader networks and training (this includes visiting groups in person) to build a peer community. 
• Follow (and where appropriate support further development off) the service blueprint to develop sustainable peer support groups.
• Collaborate with the Peer Support Hub team to provide a joined-up and positive user experience for kinship carers.
• Manage special interest groups and regional online groups as required, transitioning to ‘Hub’ team for sustainability and work with partners. 

Service quality, development and data management:

• Accurately record all recruitment, contact information and volunteer case management in Salesforce in line with service framework and data protection requirements.
• Ensure accurate data entry in Salesforce to support service performance, evaluation and learning.
• Provide regular reports to ensure targets and SLA are met for the service.
• Support continuous development and improvement of the service (new systems and processes) as required.
  

Team culture:

• Act in the best interest of Kinship and the families we support.
• Maintain and contribute up to date understanding of kinship care.
• Deliver effective administration with attention to detail and keeping to deadlines.
• Identify and contribute to appropriate case studies to demonstrate the impact of Kinship services and contribute to policy and campaigns work.
• Actively contribute to delivering and evidencing a high performing service.
• Take responsibility for your ongoing continued professional development.
• Work in line with the Kinship values.

 Knowledge, abilities, skills and experience (person spec):

 Essential:

· Proven experience in reaching and establishing strong relationships with hidden or underserved communities in person.

· Significant experience developing peer support communities.

· Proven experience of recruiting, managing, training and supporting volunteers in community settings with an emphasis on understanding and working with vulnerable volunteers.

· Proven experience of ensuring outcomes and impacts of services are evidenced through high-quality data collection.

· Evidence of developing and delivering training/support to volunteers, based on the needs of service users (in this case kinship carers).

· Strong facilitation skills and essential experience of peer support or user-led groups with charity beneficiaries.

· Proven experience of using a customer relationship management system effectively (we use Salesforce).

· In-depth understanding of safeguarding particularly around vulnerable families.

· Excellent communication and engagement skills, with good attention to detail.

Desirable:

· Lived experience of kinship care.

· Understanding of children’s social care.

· Digital community building (Facebook / WhatsApp etc.).

· Full, clean driving license/own car.

General characteristics and attributes:

· Flexible and willing to travel for work across England.

· Commitment to the values, aims and objectives of Kinship.

· A real commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion within your role and a respectful approach to working with people from a range of backgrounds.

· Excellent written and spoken English.

· Permission to work in the UK.

Equality Diversity and Inclusion 

Kinship is committed to championing equality, diversity and inclusion.  We believe our work is greatly enhanced by the varied backgrounds, experiences and views represented within our teams.  We aim to create inclusive teams, celebrate differences and encourage everyone to join us and be their true self at work. We therefore encourage applications from anyone who fits our values, whatever their religion or belief, sex, gender identity, race, age, sexuality or disability and are actively seeking candidates that can bring real innovation and commitment to us. 

Candidate Application Information

Please refer to the Job Description for this role to check that you meet the criteria necessary for the job. Closing date and interview details:

Closing date: 1 November 2024 12:00 pm

Interviews:  Week Commencing 2024

We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the stated deadline.

We will guarantee interviews to any candidates with experience of kinship care (either of being in kinship care or of being a kinship carer) who demonstrate they meet the essential skills and experience outlined.

Please tell us if there are any reasonable adjustments, we can make to assist you in your application. If you have a disability, which you would like us to consider, please tell us about this when you apply.  Please let us know if we can help and remember that you can request information in large print or in a different format.