Charity Development Manager Jobs in Birmingham, West Midlands

SOS Children’s Villages UK is part of a global federation, founded in 1949. SOS Children’s Villages exists to ensure that each child and young person grows up with the healthy relationships they need to become their strongest selves. Working in over 130 countries, we are the world’s largest non-governmental organisation focused on supporting children and young people who don’t have, or who are at risk of losing, parental care.

We are now recruiting for a Trust and Foundations Officer, with experience of securing funds in any sector who enjoys picking up the phone and building relationships with donors. This is an exciting opportunity to join an ambitious and progressive team, working within an international federation that supports children and young people across the world.

You will have the opportunity to:

• manage and grow a portfolio of small to medium trusts and foundations, increasing income by identifying new prospects and through the stewardship of existing donors.
• write high quality applications and communicate accurately and transparently on the progress made with donors’ funds. 
• work with our network of international programme experts to develop expertise in key programme areas and build your knowledge of international development.
• support colleagues with applications and reports to large funders, building experience of working with institutional partners. 

This role sits within the Programme Funding Team and suits an ambitious self-starter with excellent IT, research, communication, writing and organisational skills with an interest in developing their knowledge of international development.

To Apply

Please read the full job description within the Candidate Pack, and submit a copy of your CV and a covering letter.

The deadline for applications is Sunday 17th November at 17.00 UK time. We reserve the right to close the application process early if a successful candidate is found.

Please note: The post-holder must be UK-based. We are unable to provide employment sponsorship if required and unfortunately cannot progress applications without the required right to live and work in the UK on a permanent contract.

Are you a detail-oriented, motivated, and focused professional? As we embark on a new five-year strategy, we are seeking a Network and Learning Coordinator to support the development, implementation and engagement in our Advantaged Thinking Learning Community (ATLC) framework and digital platform across our national network of youth Foyers.

Position: Network and Learning Coordinator

Accountable to: Head of Programmes and Network

Contract: Permanent

Salary: £28,000-32,000 per year, based on experience

Benefits include: Contributory Pension Scheme; Enhanced Maternity/Paternity package; Own Macbook, iPhone and support to work from home; Training and development; travel expenses; Annual leave increases year on year after 3 years service (up to 30 days), Discretionary 3 days leave at Christmas.

Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week

Location: Home-based with some travel to Foyers and team meetings

Holiday: 25 days plus bank holidays (pro rata)

Application deadline: 7th November 2024

First Interviews (Online): 14th and 15th November 2024

Second Interviews (In Person): 21st or 22nd November 2024

How to apply

Please download the job pack below and send a copy of your CV, a completed application form and the equality and diversity form to inbox[at]foyer[dot]net

For over two decades, Social Investment Business has provided finance and support to charities and social enterprises. We empower these organisations to do what they do best - serve the communities they operate within. 

To find out more about what we do, our values and our generous benefits please visit our website.

Our values are: People First, Curious, Bold, Collaborative, Accountable

About the Role

Reporting to our Marketing Manager this role plays an important part in supporting SIB’s strategy and focus.

We are looking for someone who:

• Can create compelling communications showcasing our programmes and funds

• Can provide expertise and oversight in the shaping and embedding of SIB’s external messaging

• Can produce accessible and well-written marketing materials for our programmes and funds

• Can update website communications and manage newsletters

• Can organise external events and coordinate team member attendance

• Can support formal and informal engagement with SIB’s customers and the internal team

• Is an enthusiastic self-starter with a commitment to open and transparent communication with a wide range of stakeholders

Key responsibilities

Marketing

1 Working with Marketing Manager to implement the Marketing Strategy, including contributing to campaigns, messages and stakeholder relations.

2. Supporting the implementation of marketing plans for specific funds, working with our delivery partners and sub-contractors, as appropriate, and helping with programme and fund roundtables and events.

3. Supporting the Director of Investments and the Marketing Manager in delivering new business strategies by providing market analysis and data, publicity plans, key messages, event planning, set up and coordination as necessary.

4. Supporting the Marketing Manager with marketing contacts in partner, investee and other stakeholder organisations, maintaining contacts and ensuring that SIB funds and programmes are represented across sector events and in peer publications.

5. Liaise with the Business Development Manager to contribute effectively to new tenders, including supplying accurate marketing and communications data and deliverable activities.

Communications

6. Working with the CEO, Deputy CEO and Marketing Manager to implement the Marketing Strategy, including developing and managing campaigns, messages and stakeholder relations.

7. Supporting the development of content and publications as required including newsletters, brochures and reports, case studies, blogs, articles, website content, e-newsletter content.

8. Working with the Marketing Manager and Policy and Communications Manager to liaise with external networks – national, third sector and key regional press contacts, other communications managers – to increase the reach of SIB’s work and to disseminate it widely.

9. To adopt our continuous improvement and learning ethos.

10. To support and embed equality, diversity and inclusion into day-to-day behaviours and activities within your role as well as contributing more widely across SIB’s commitment to E, D & I.

11. To support and contribute to the implementation and delivery of SIB’s strategy.

12. In agreement with manager to undertake other tasks and work on cross team projects that support the objectives of SIB as required.

13. To work within the organisation's values, principles, and processes to achieve operational excellence.

Core competencies

• Experience of creating impactful marketing materials and campaigns utilising multiple channels and platforms.
• Excellent oral communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Experience of event set up and coordination including booking venues, managing guest lists and arranging speakers.
• Excellent written communication skills with the ability to write accurate, engaging and crisp copy for a range of different channels.
• Technical knowledge of website management and working with a range of different CMS such as Drupal and Wordpress.
• Good organisational, planning, and project management skills and the ability to work to tight deadlines
• Comprehensive knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook)
• Comprehensive knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite apps, including Acrobat Pro DC, InDesign, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, and After Effect
• Commitment to equalities and customer care
• Good knowledge of the voluntary and community sector, local and central government and the statutory sector as a whole.
• Commitment to equality, diversity & inclusion

A fantastic opportunity has arisen within our Award Winning fundraising team, to join us as a Face to Face Fundraiser. At Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital Charity, we believe there’s always more we can do for our sick kids and women. It’s our mission to raise the vital funds needed to make a real difference to all who use our hospitals and to make our hospital feel just like home.

We’re looking for an ambitious, experienced, target driven Face to Face fundraiser to join our fast-paced team. You will have strong experience in communicating and building relationships in a face to face capacity, as well as empathising, motivating and persuading members of the public to support our charity.

To be successful in this role you will:

• Have previous experience in a sales or fundraising acquisition role
• Be self-motivated, independent, and target-driven
•  Possess a natural confidence in talking to people and encouraging their support, as well as strong personal resilience and experience in objection handling
• Be able to work on their own for significant periods of time, as well as acting as an effective and engaged team-player.
• Have excellent communication skills - be friendly, approachable and engaging, as well as possess strong persuasive and negotiation skills and the ability to communicate and respond sensitively to information provided by members of the Public.
• Have responsibility for ensuring all acquisition activities comply in full with Data Protection (GDPR) legislation and the Fundraising Regulator Code of Practice.
• Be a driver with a full clean driving license, and own a car preferable

What we offer:

• Flexitime
• Additional leave
• Sick pay
• Company pension
• Enhanced maternity leave
• Free flu jabs
• Paid volunteer time
• Company events

The Charity is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.

Successful candidates will have access to vulnerable beneficiaries and will therefore require an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

If you think you have the qualities we are looking for and the desire to contribute, please download the Job Description and Person Specification and then send us a CV and covering letter explaining how you meet the criteria for the role and making clear why you would like to be considered for it.

The closing date for return of applications is Tuesday 12th November. Interviews will be held in Birmingham on Friday 22nd November 2024.

Location: To cover the Dorset, Avon and Somerset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire area 

Working pattern: Remote work with frequent travel required. You will be expected to deliver a face-to-face service to clients in their own home or safe meeting place within the South West area. 

Deadline for applications: 1st November 2024 (we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications)

Interviews to be conducted: Early November 

Start date in role: 6th January 2025 

Rare opportunity: Help those affected by road crashes and create lasting change with Brake, the renowned road safety charity. 

Who we are: Brake has been supporting victims of road carnage since 1995, and we're on a mission to prevent future collisions. Every 20 minutes, someone is killed or seriously injured on our roads, impacting lives profoundly. 

Join our team: We're expanding our National Road Victim Service and need a dedicated caseworker to join our dynamic, compassionate team. Your role will involve delivering world-class support services to those at their most vulnerable. 

Not your average job: This isn't a 9 to 5. You could play a significant part in rolling out trauma-informed support services nationwide. Make a real difference in the lives of those affected by road crashes. 

What we offer: 

• A generous 35 days of annual leave (including bank holidays and 3-day shutdown period between Christmas and New Year, pro-rata for part-time working patterns) 

• Birthday day off 

• Enhanced sick pay and compassionate leave 

• Death in service benefit 

• Pension 

• Employee Assistance Programme 

• Flexible working 

• A rewarding role with purpose 

• Be part of a skilled, friendly team with an engaged Board of Trustees  

Who you are: We need passionate, self-starters with a background in providing high-quality emotional support and advocacy. Your experience in roles within the police, criminal justice, counselling, caseworker or health and social care sectors could make you an ideal candidate.

Specifically seeking candidates with: 

• frontline support service experience 

• a full, clean UK driving licence, access to your own transport and are willing to use it for work purposes (we reimburse travelling expenses) 

• experience supporting people who have suffered sudden bereavement or working with those with heightened vulnerabilities. 

• research and advocacy skills – you will reach out to other organisations to support your cases where required 

• competent IT skills for remote work 

Join our mission: Your greatest reward will be knowing you've made a positive difference in someone's recovery from psychological trauma. 

About us: Brake is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity. We welcome your application whatever your background or situation. We particularly welcome applications from those who are part of the global majority, the LGBTQIA+ community or disabled. We are proud to be a disability confident employer. We don’t want you to ‘fit’ our culture, we want you to enrich it. So, if you have a passion for making a difference and share in our vision for a world where no one is killed on our roads, we would love to hear from you. 

Apply now: If you're up for a new challenge and have the skills, apply now. 

Not for traffic offenders: Due to the nature of our work we can't accept applications from traffic offenders. Candidates will be asked to disclose whether they have any unspent points on their licence at interview. 

A DBS check is required due to the sensitive nature of our service. 

Join us today and be part of the solution!  

Head of Brain Injury Service

Lead a passionate team dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families affected by acquired brain injury. Join us as our Head of Brain Injury Service and make a lasting impact through our inclusive, compassionate and innovative support programme.

The Child Brain Injury Trust was originally set up by a group of medical professionals. The organisation has evolved over the years and is now the leading UK organisation supporting families and professionals affected by childhood acquired brain injury. Working in consultation and collaboration with families and professionals, the charity aims to ensure families can access the support they need, when they need it and to ensure they have the best possible chance of reaching their potential.

As Head of our Brain Injury Service, you will be joining the charity at an exciting time, as we have just launched our new five-year strategy – Elevating families, enriching futures. The strategy is our most exciting yet as we look to increase our reach and embed 4 key areas of support: early intervention (currently we work in  major trauma centres and specialist hospitals across the UK), community inclusion, educational services and virtual support. Although our programme delivery model is not  completely defined and embedded, we have a strong framework and a dedicated team who are eager and committed to our strategic goals. We are developing our service in line with the future needs of families and as such we are looking to appoint an individual who is passionate about childhood acquired brain injury, team development and leadership.  By joining an inclusive, compassionate and forward-thinking team, you will be part of developing and growing our highly regarded charity.

The purpose of this role is to provide overall strategic input, direction, development and operational management for the national brain Injury support service. To lead our whole brain injury service team to achieve the five-year strategy.

As well as exceptional leadership and management skills, you will need to enjoy developing and maintaining relationships with a large range of key stakeholders from the clinical, legal and corporate sectors.

We are looking for a confident and experienced individual who has evidenced previous compassionate leadership experience which will be essential and your values will lead your success.

This is a varied and exciting leadership role for the right individual, where no two days are the same.  If you are adaptable, solution focused and have excellent management and leadership skills then we are keen to hear from you. Thank you for your interest in this position.

Sports & Community Centre Manager (permanent or interim role for 12 months)

Salary: £36k to £42k per annum (depending on experience) 35 hours per week average (flexible – would consider reduced hours) 25 days A/L + contributory pension scheme.

Since 1899, Birmingham Settlement has been working to create opportunity and choice – connecting and empowering people through action, activities, and shared learning to build and sustain wellbeing for all.

This is a great opportunity for the right person to join us as we continue to develop and invest to support the communities and individuals we serve. The Sports & Community Centre has a newly installed sports pitch, small gym, sports hall, and community halls/rooms. It also has a large outside field prime for development as part of our nature and wellbeing programmes in tandem with our second centre, our Nature & Wellbeing Centre by Edgbaston Reservoir.

The Centre hosts a wide range of community activities – Sports & Fitness, Little Settlers, Ageing Well, Training, Learning & Wellbeing, accredited Money Advice Services, and other social activities to bring people together to share and build community and personal wellbeing.

As Centre Manager and as a key member of the Settlements’ Management Team, you will manage and lead the Centre through this important phase of development, ensuring we are fit and focused for the years to come, delivering high-quality services and activities our people want, deserve, and expect. You will have energy and vision, a track record in community development and enterprise, excellent leadership qualities with ability to motivate and inspire others. This is a busy but rewarding hands on role that cuts across all aspects of the charity.

For an informal chat please call Theresa Gniadkowski.

Previous applicants need not apply. No agencies please.

Closing date: 12 noon, Wednesday 20 November 2024

Interviews: Friday 29 November 2024

Birmingham Settlement is committed to Equality of Opportunity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Registered charity number 517303

Do you want to work with a leading advocacy, voice and rights organisation that helps people to be heard when it matters most?

Are you creative, with a knack for design and attention to detail?

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of those who need support?

If so, we’d love for you to join us at VoiceAbility.

About the role

We're looking for a motivated Marketing Executive to join our team. 

You will be providing creative and administrative support of our marketing communications as well as co-ordinating our marketing activity.

If you are passionate about raising awareness of our values and the empowerment of individuals to make their voices heard when it matters most, then this role is for you.

This position is a full-time, 35 hours a week, 6-month fixed term contract with a starting salary between £22,500 - £29,500 per annum pro-rata depending on skills and experience. We are open to a conversation about flexible working or job sharing.

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 influence policy and practice to make sure that people’s voices are heard and we have ambitious plans to continue to grow our influence.

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. 

How will you make a difference?

You will support the creation of and dissemination of marketing collateral to increase awareness of VoiceAbility and the services offered

You will coordinate the creation and production of agreed marketing collateral to budget and schedule.

About you

You’re an organised and detail-oriented professional with a talent for managing multiple tasks and priorities. Your strong time management and problem-solving abilities enable you to make decisions confidently within your scope of responsibilities.

You are self-motivated and eager to grow, always seeking opportunities to improve your skills and adopt best practices. Collaboration is key for you, and you excel at building relationships and communicating effectively with both colleagues and external stakeholders.

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.

Professional Development

You will have plenty of opportunities to enhance your professional abilities through in-house opportunities for training and through personal development conversations with your line manager where you can explore career development together.

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.

Important Dates:

Closing date for applications: midnight on Sunday 17 November 2024, however, VoiceAbility reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy before this date.

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.

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 look forward to hearing from you.

VoiceAbility reserve the right to close this vacancy early should a sufficient number of candidates apply.

The UK Men’s Sheds Association (UKMSA) is seeking a skilled and inspirational CEO to lead our charity through the next stage of its development and the continued delivery of our core mission of improving the lives and wellbeing of men (and women) through the Men’s Shed movement across the UK.

We are looking for a Chief Executive with the energy, vision and experience to take on the strategic leadership and direction of our well-respected and fast-growing national charity, which brings tangible benefits to men’s health, mental health and suicide prevention across the UK. Our strategy is one of ambitious targets to support the expansion, reach, diversity and sustainability of the Men’s Shed movement, in line with our vision of happier and healthier men by virtue of reduced loneliness, anxiety and depression, improved wellbeing, and saved lives.

Our new CEO will be a proven and exemplary strategic leader, who will head our mission, guide the team, represent our charity with partners, funders and politicians, and support the Shed Movement we exist to serve. Your track record of inspirational leadership and excellent communications skills will be a key part of building and diversifying our funding (including developing sustainable income growth strategies and bringing in commercial sponsorship), broadening and deepening our partnerships and our relationships with government, and driving our future success. Your experience in executive leadership in the nonprofit sectors will ensure the good management and statutory compliance of UKMSA. We recognise that you may not have a background in the Men’s Shed movement, but your strong emotional intelligence will enable you to quickly develop a good understanding of the community we serve.

Key Skills

• Leadership – the ability to motivate, develop, and deliver through a team of staff and volunteers such that the organisation meets its goals.
• Interpersonal & Communication Skills – these will need to be excellent (including written communication) in order to build rapport and effective relationships across a range of people, from our members to the general public, political figures and senior executives in other organisations. As UKMSA’s public face, the CEO must also be adept at showcasing our work, including in the media and to parliamentary and other government bodies.
• Financial Acumen – the CEO will be expected to operate the budget and develop our new strategy for ensuring sustainable income, actively leading the development of corporate sponsorships and other significant income streams.
• Flexibility & Adaptability – the new CEO will be expected to learn about the world of Men’s Sheds quickly, to be able confidently to represent UKMSA and to build strong relationships within the Men’s Shed community (both within the UK and internationally). And as we only have a staff team of 13 (geographically dispersed), it is expected that the CEO will actively engage in some of the more tactical work, including being ‘hands on’ at events.

Commercial Development Consultant

Location: Homebased with weekly UK-wide travel
Department: Trading Support
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: 35
Salary: £40,982.00

Who are we? 

The National Union of Students (NUS) is a voluntary membership organisation which makes a real difference to the lives of students and its member students' unions. 

We are a confederation of over 440 students’ unions representing just under 4m students and apprentices across Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Wales. In Scotland, there are over 40 students’ associations representing 460,000 students.  

We do professional differently. We are a progressive charity representing students’ unions across the UK. The sector is inclusive, fun, dynamic and representative and we put students and students’ unions at the heart of everything we do. We are challenging but are committed to creating a supportive and flexible environment which pushes your personal development in your everyday activity.

What we do

NUS Services Limited (NUSSL) is the leading purchasing group serving students’ unions and the educational sector.

NUS Services being the commercial arm of the National Union of Students, resourcing the student movement through three core services: purchasing, commercial development and infrastructure support.

Owned by students’ unions and NUS, all of NUS Services work is membership-led and driven by powerful commercial intelligence, making it the gateway to the student market.

What’s the job?

We are searching for a talented commercial operator to join the team as Commercial Development Consultant. The role is fast paced, working with students’ union commercial teams around the UK, with frequent travel and some nights away involved.

A key part of the role is to initiate, grow and maintain engaging relationships with member students’ union commercial teams across retail, licensed hospitality and food service environments to enable them to grow their profitable contribution in a compliant, insight-led way.

The role has responsibility for implementing our inhouse compliance programmes, ensuring improved understanding and awareness to create programme longevity and continued benefits for both members and suppliers.

Our members take part in the Best Bar None accreditation, demonstrating that their licensed spaces are being operated in a safe and responsible manner. The role holder would therefore become a Best Bar None assessor and complete a number of in person assessments during the year.

Who you are

A talented operator who has experience in the commercial world of hospitality (catering and licensed), retail experience would be a bonus, either within a Students’ Union or a high street operator.

You will have held roles where you can demonstrate a vast knowledge of operating commercial outlets whilst controlling costs, managing margins, and delivering great operating standards.

Understanding the market is key as you’ll be helping our member students’ unions to interpret current trends and develop them into successful action within member commercial operations. 

Having a good eye for detail and understanding the need for compliance comes easy to you, along with the skill to challenge where non-compliance may be apparent, so you’ll have strong interpersonal and influencing skills and be a good communicator.

Why apply?

As well as a great place to work, we offer a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday entitlement (starting at 27 days per year rising with service to 30 days, pro rata for part time) 
• Enhanced sick, maternity, paternity, shared parental and adoption pay
• Health Cash Plan
• Pension scheme with employer matched contributions up to 6%
• Employee Assistance Scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Childcare Allowance
• Paid volunteering days – three days per year for full time staff

Committed to Inclusion

We’re committed to equality of opportunity for all. We welcome applications from individuals regardless of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, age, gender, or disability. You can be yourself here whoever you are, be proud of the work you do and build a career in a place that knows different is good.

We recognise that candidates from Black, Asian and Minoritised-Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds are under-represented in our organisation, and that there are often additional barriers present for people from these groups when applying for roles in the charity sector and beyond. We are committed to taking positive action to expand the diversity of our staff team, and if you meet the essential criteria for a role and are from a BAME background, you'll be guaranteed a first stage interview. It is important to note that this scheme guarantees an interview for candidates who meet the minimum criteria and tell us that they'd like to be considered under the scheme. The selection decision at interview will be based on the most suitable candidate, regardless of any protected characteristic.

Please apply via our online application form, we are unable to accept CVs.

Closing date for applications is Sunday 3rd November 2024 (23:59).
If you’re successfully shortlisted, we’ll see you at an interview on either Wednesday 13th or Thursday 14th November 2024.

REF-217420

About the role 

Our passionate Regional Casework Coordinators are SSAFA’s front line of support for members of the armed forces community in need. They are the first point of contact for all beneficiaries into the Regional Office, assessing needs and allocating the case to one of our volunteer caseworkers. 

You will sometimes handle complex problems from individuals who may be distressed, identifying the presenting and potential underlying needs to determine the best way to support the beneficiary. You will have ownership of cases from beginning to end, coordinating the casework process in a timely manner and ensure that the beneficiary journey is at the centre of the Service. You will have the opportunity to shape processes and procedures within the office which will lead to improvements in the service offered to clients.

To help you establish yourself in this new post you will receive excellent training and induction to SSAFA. 

Whilst the post is homebased, to be eligible for this role you are required to live in the South West region in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire or Somerset. There will be occasional travel around the South West Region, and you will be required to travel for quarterly face to face team meetings. 

About the team 

The team work remotely and pride themselves in maintaining a close working bond which ensures the smooth operation of the office. You will work closely with volunteers from the eight SSAFA branches in the South West, supporting them to administer casework for SSAFA beneficiaries. The successful candidate will work as part of a larger team of 10, which includes two Regional Casework Managers and a Regional Operations Manager. 

About you 

To carry out this role successfully you will have a track record of providing welfare advice in key areas such as housing benefits, debt, disability, mobility or immigration issues. You will have knowledge of safeguarding and GDPR and experience in dealing with sensitive information and people in vulnerable situations. You will be able to provide excellent customer service by telephone, e-mail and face to face. You will have used Microsoft Office 365 to a high standard. It is important that you have experience of planning and managing your own workload, with minimal supervision.

 It would be advantageous if you have an understanding of the way of life for today’s Armed Forces, veterans and their families and if you have experience of recruiting and supporting volunteers. An understanding of the voluntary sector and preferably the military charity sector landscape across the South West would be valuable

About SSAFA

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity is a trusted source of support for the Armed Forces community in their time of need. In 2023 our trained teams of volunteers and employees helped more than 53,000 people, including veterans, serving personnel (regulars and reserves) and their families.

SSAFA understands that behind every uniform is a person. And we are here for that person and their family, any time they need us and in any way they need us.

Diversity and Inclusion at SSAFA

SSAFA exists to support a diverse range of beneficiaries within the armed forces community, and we believe diversity within our teams is key to ensuring we can deliver our services effectively. We thrive on differences and believe it is critical to our success as a worldwide charity. SSAFA is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace that seeks to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We therefore encourage applications from all genders, races, religions, ages and sexual orientations, as well as parents, veterans, people living with disabilities, and any other groups that could bring diverse perspectives to our business.

SSAFA is committed to using the Disclosure & Barring Service to ensure we, as an employer, safeguard those we serve.

Further information about the role

For more information and to apply, please click on the Apply button.

If you have any queries or would like to speak to someone about this role, please contact Alex Swinard, Regional Casework Manager for an informal discussion.

No agencies please. Any unsolicited submissions from agencies will be accepted as a direct application from the candidate and no fees will be payable.

If you've applied for this role previously within the last six months, we encourage you not to reapply as we already have your details saved on our system and will contact you if a suitable position becomes available.

If you need any adjustments to support you with the application process, please contact us.

Closing date: Midnight on 10 November 2024. SSAFA reserves the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Interviews: 15 and 19 November 2024

As part of the selection process, you will be required to complete an IT assessment.

PLEASE NOTE: Although this role is homebased, candidates MUST be based in the north or south west of England.  The ability to undertake regular travel across Southwest or North England is essential.

About LawWorks

What we do 

LawWorks is the operating name of the Solicitors Pro Bono Group. We are a charity, and our aim is to enable access to justice through supporting and developing the contribution of legal pro bono.

With support from the Law Society of England and Wales, we encourage, facilitate and celebrate pro bono across the solicitor profession and at law schools in England and Wales.

Who we work with 

We work primarily with solicitors (firms and in-house teams), and also with law schools and law students, and other legal and non-legal volunteers and organisations.

LawWorks has around 150 member organisations including some of the largest City firms and international firms with an office in London, national, regional and local firms, in-house teams, law schools and charities.

Who we are 

LawWorks is a relatively small organisation with 18 members of staff (5 full-time) and a small team of volunteers and interns.  We operate a flexible working policy, with several members of staff working hybrid, or where appropriate, from home.

We are a busy and (for our size) complex charity, with a friendly team, a positive ethos and a commitment to doing all we can to ensure LawWorks is a strong and efficient organisation and a great place to work. 

Our projects 

There are a number of key strands to our work to support and facilitate pro bono:

• we support a growing network of around 300 local independent pro bono advice clinics across England and Wales. We work with lawyers, advice agencies, charities and others to establish or develop new clinics, and provide ongoing information and support, training and resources, for clinic volunteers and coordinators; 

• our Not-for-Profits Programme facilitates the provision of free legal advice for smaller charities and not-for-profit organisations, supported by volunteer lawyers from LawWorks’ members; 

• our Secondary Specialisation Programme supports the development of more ‘in-depth’ pro bono in areas of social welfare law.  This currently includes an unpaid wages project and ‘Voices for Families’, with the charity Together for Short Lives, supporting parents and carers of children with life-limiting conditions;

• we support collaborative projects including: Pro Bono Connect: a project which facilitates barristers and solicitors working together on pro bono cases; the Domestic Abuse Response Alliance and IP Pro Bono. 

• we have launched new online tools and digital platforms including a website called ‘Free Legal Answers’ and the Pro Bono Portal UK (with Justice Connect, an Australian access to justice charity). 

In addition to encouraging and supporting pro bono delivery, we also work to address barriers to justice and to provide a ‘policy voice’ for pro bono - for example, working to address regulatory and other barriers to pro bono volunteering, and working with our members and others to influence policy on legal aid and other aspects of access to justice.

The role 

Our experience in the different regions in England and Wales has shown the valueof having staff based locally to support pro bono initiatives, develop new pro bono opportunities and to increase engagement from the local legal profession. 

This role will include helping to develop and support your own set of clinics, building on existing relationships in the Southwest or North of England.  You will work with our members and the local advice sector to support the development of new pro bono clinics to meet unmet legal needs. We take an innovative, tailored approach to the support we provide, and you will provide one-to one support for individual clinics, allowing you to identify and address need, providing help with insurance, regulatory queries, finding volunteers and access to online tools.

A small part of the role (1 day per week) will involve working closely with the part-time Engagement & Training Officer (Wales) focusing on expanding stakeholder engagement to increase the number of independent legal advice clinics in Wales and promote pro bono involvement by the legal profession. You will work to identify and engage new stakeholders, develop training sessions and support impact monitoring. This role will also work closely with the Clinic Support and Development Officer (Wales), who acts as the first point of contact for guidance and support for clinics in Wales. 

Key priorities for this role will be: 

• To provide guidance and support to independent pro bono clinics registered with the LawWorks Clinics Network in the Southwest or North of England; 

• To increase the number of individuals in Southwest or North England provided with free legal advice at clinics in the LawWorks Clinics Network by identifying opportunities for new pro bono advice clinics, supporting local stakeholders to develop new services to meet unmet legal needs in their area; 

• To support and grow pro bono volunteering and LawWorks’ membership (e.g., law firms and in-house legal teams); 

• To identify the training needs of LawWorks’ members, clinics and their volunteers in Southwest or North England, working with colleagues to arrange regional training and other events. 

• To support the Engagement & Training Officer (Wales) with the delivery of the training plan in Wales. 

• To lead on communications with LawWorks’ members, clinics and their volunteers in Southwest or North England. 

We are looking for a confident networker who is able to identify opportunities andestablish new partnerships. All of LawWorks’ work is delivered through partnerships so it is essential that the candidate is personable, collaborative and an effective communicator. 

A background in the legal or advice sector will be an advantage, but not essential - training and support will be provided for someone from another sector who is passionate about pro bono and access to justice and willing to learn. Experience of managing multiple projects and seeing them through to completion will also be an advantage. 

The role offers variety, autonomy, the opportunity to help develop new initiatives from idea to launch, and a chance to support local communities and volunteer lawyers. 

The position will be predominantly home based, with some travel throughout the Southwest or North of England, and occasional travel to LawWorks’ office in central London. 

Primary purpose of role  

To increase the amount and quality of pro bono legal advice being delivered in the Southwest or North of England and Wales through legal advice clinics, working with the local legal profession, law schools, advice agencies and other stakeholders, to identify new pro bono opportunities and ways in which LawWorks can better support the delivery of pro bono. 

Key task areas and duties  

• To develop relationships with law firms, legal teams, free legal advice clinics and other relevant stakeholders to identify their needs, plans and priorities in relation to pro bono. 

• To facilitate sharing between stakeholders in the region to identify best practice, local opportunities for collaborative working and local training and support needs, and to assist in taking these forward.

• Support LawWorks’ clinic development work in the region, in line with annual support and development targets. 

• As the first point of contact for our stakeholders in the Southwest or North, support clinics and members with troubleshooting queries, accessing resources and ensuring that contact information and website content related to their services is kept up to date. 

• To work with the wider LawWorks team to support member recruitment and the delivery of local engagement events. 

• To work with clinics in the region to support data collection, evaluation and impact assessment for internal and donor purposes and to inform policy. 

• To contribute to the overall development and running of LawWorks, undertaking any other tasks which may from time to time be required. 

Person Specification 

Essential 

• Experience of working on (or demonstrable ability to deliver) comparable or similar projects (e.g., involving networking, support and project development) 
• Experience of excellent of stakeholder support, relationship building, and collaborative working 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including making presentations 
• Excellent interpersonal skills and confident in networking with people of varying seniority and backgrounds 
• Experience of devising and following project plans, and ensuring personal and organisational targets are met or exceeded 
• Experience of working effectively in a partnership or team to achieve shared objectives 
• Ability to undertake regular travel across Southwest or North England is essential. This may involve early starts, late finishes and occasional overnight stays 
• Ability to work on your own initiative and as part of a team, and confidence in your ability to develop strategies to overcome the challenges of working remotely from the rest of your team 
• A genuine commitment to driving forward LawWorks’ aims and work to meet the needs of our beneficiaries 
• A demonstratable commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion 

Desireable

• Good knowledge of legal advice clinics and the context in which they operate, including how law schools and the legal profession engage in volunteering 
• Previous experience working at a membership/network-based organisation, and/or working with volunteers 
• Experience of coordinating events or training (online and in-person) 
• A sound understanding of web-based communications and strong IT skills 

About Kinship:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Team

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

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

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

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

 About the role

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

Who we are looking for:

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

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

· Supervise a small team of Peer Support Development Officers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Key responsibilities: 

Service delivery:

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

Service quality, development and data management:

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

Management and supervision: 

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

Team culture:

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

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

 Essential: 

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

 Desirable:

· Lived experience of kinship care.

· Understanding of children’s social care.

· Digital community building (Facebook / WhatsApp etc).

· Full, clean driving licence/own car.

· Permission to work in the UK.

Equality Diversity and Inclusion 

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

Candidate Application Information

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

Closing date: 1 November 2024 12:00 pm

Interviews: 1st Interview Week Commencing 4 November

2nd Interview Week Commencing 11 November

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

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

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

About the role 

Our passionate Regional Casework Coordinators are SSAFA’s front line of support for members of the armed forces community in need. They are the first point of contact for all beneficiaries into the Regional Office, assessing needs and allocating the case to one of our volunteer caseworkers. 

You will sometimes handle complex problems from individuals who may be distressed, identifying the presenting and potential underlying needs to determine the best way to support the beneficiary. You will have ownership of cases from beginning to end, coordinating the casework process in a timely manner and ensure that the beneficiary journey is at the centre of the Service. You will have the opportunity to shape processes and procedures within the office which will lead to improvements in the service offered to clients.

To help you establish yourself in this new post you will receive excellent training and induction to SSAFA. 

Whilst the post is homebased, to be eligible for this role you are required to live in the East of England region in Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, or Essex. There will be occasional travel around the East of England Region, and you will be required to travel for quarterly face to face team meetings.

About the team 

The team work remotely and pride themselves in maintaining a close working bond which ensures the smooth operation of the office. You will work closely with volunteers from the five SSAFA branches in the East of England, supporting them to administer casework for SSAFA beneficiaries. The successful candidate will work as part of a team of six, which includes a Regional Casework Manager and a Regional Operations Manager.

About you 

To carry out this role successfully you will have a track record of providing welfare advice in key areas such as housing benefits, debt, disability, mobility or immigration issues. You will have knowledge of safeguarding and GDPR and experience in dealing with sensitive information and people in vulnerable situations. You will be able to provide excellent customer service by telephone, e-mail and face to face. You will have used Microsoft Office 365 to a high standard. It is important that you have experience of planning and managing your own workload, with minimal supervision.

It would be advantageous if you have an understanding of the way of life for today’s Armed Forces, veterans and their families and if you have experience of recruiting and supporting volunteers. An understanding of the voluntary sector and preferably the military charity sector landscape across the South West would be valuable

About SSAFA

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity is a trusted source of support for the Armed Forces community in their time of need. In 2023 our trained teams of volunteers and employees helped more than 53,000 people, including veterans, serving personnel (regulars and reserves) and their families.

SSAFA understands that behind every uniform is a person. And we are here for that person and their family, any time they need us and in any way they need us.

Diversity and Inclusion at SSAFA

SSAFA exists to support a diverse range of beneficiaries within the armed forces community, and we believe diversity within our teams is key to ensuring we can deliver our services effectively. We thrive on differences and believe it is critical to our success as a worldwide charity. SSAFA is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace that seeks to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We therefore encourage applications from all genders, races, religions, ages and sexual orientations, as well as parents, veterans, people living with disabilities, and any other groups that could bring diverse perspectives to our business.

SSAFA is committed to using the Disclosure & Barring Service to ensure we, as an employer, safeguard those we serve.

Further information about the role

For more information and to apply, please click on the Apply button.

If you have any queries or would like to speak to someone about this role, please contact Mandy Yardley, Regional Casework Manager for an informal discussion.

No agencies please. Any unsolicited submissions from agencies will be accepted as a direct application from the candidate and no fees will be payable.

Recently unsuccessful candidates need not reapply

If you need any adjustments to support you with the application process, please contact us.

Closing date: Midnight on 15 November 2024. SSAFA reserves the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Interviews: W/C 25 November 2024

As part of the selection process, you will be required to complete an IT assessment.