Child Safeguarding Officer Jobs

Job Title: Programmes Officer - Sierra Leone
Reporting to: Head of Programmes – Sierra Leone & Liberia
Salary: £25,000 - £30,000
Contract Type: Full time (37.5 hours per week)
Principal Location: Freetown, with frequent travel across Sierra Leone
Updated: October 2024

Our Organisation:

Street Child believes that every child deserves the chance to go to school and learn. Our projects focus on a combination of education, child protection and livelihood support to address the social, economic and structural issues that underpin today’s education crisis. We partner with local organisations and communities to deliver our locally rooted programmes, using evidence to drive learning and the refinement and scale up of programmes to create maximum impact for the most children at the lowest cost. We pride ourselves on being willing to go to the world’s toughest places where others won’t, including remote, hard-to-reach areas and fragile, disaster-affected states across sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Since 2008 we have helped over 1,000,000 children to go to school and learn.

Part 1: Role Purpose:

We are seeking an outstanding Programmes Officer for an exciting opportunity to support Street Child’s programme portfolio in Sierra Leone. The key objectives of this role are to work closely with Street Child’s national partner to support the effective implementation of adaptive programming, and to support accurate and timely donor reporting across a range of institutional, trust & foundations, and corporate donors. The ideal candidate will have strong written and excel skills, with experience of MEAL and financial management processes, and a strong preference for German language skills and experience of working with Bengo funding. The role will include regular, detailed interaction with Street Child’s UK and European fundraising community, in support of donor reporting and future funding opportunities

The role holder will work in close collaboration with Street Child’s regional Head of Programmes, based in Freetown, as well as partner Programmes, MEAL and Finance teams to coordinate timely and quality implementation and reporting across the programmes portfolio.

Part 2: Key Responsibilities:

1) Reporting & Programme Funding Engagement – 35%

• Review narrative and financial quarterly reporting from country teams and provide feedback.
• Lead on the consolidation of narrative reporting (low-mid value donors) for a variety of donors within the portfolio.
• Ensure regular information flow to Street Child communications and fundraising teams, inclusive of collection and drafting of case studies and photos.
• Supporting income-generation opportunities - potentially including supporting donor visits, in-country donor engagement and broad-based support to the group’s global programme-funding efforts for Sierra Leone.

2) Programme & MEAL Management – 35%

• Work in collaboration with national partner and cross-country implementation teams across Liberia and Sierra Leone to ensure quality and timely implementation of project activities.
• Work alongside social, enterprise and education teams across both countries to support a joined-up approach to project implementation and MEAL, ensuring relevant data are collected with due care and utilised for project planning, reporting and learning.
• Provide strong support to programme staff and partners in Sierra Leone in programme and MEAL department.
• Alongside colleagues provide training, guidance and advice to partner delivery staff to ensure effective and accurate use of programme documents and tools.
• In liaison with Safeguarding Focal Points monitor safeguarding policies ensuring adequate implementation of policies and procedures, and support to close feedback loops with partners & project participants.

3) Financial Support – 25%

• Support the country teams in compiling requisitions in line with programme forecasts and budgets.
• Support on the collation of financial reporting requirements for low-mid value donors.
• Support on tracking of donors & match funding.

4) Other – 5%

• Cordinating staff, stakeholders and donor visits.
• A strong commitment to Street Childs vision, mission and values
• Adhere to all Street Child’s policies and procedures.
• Represent Street Child appropriately both internally and externally.
• Carry out all reasonable requests that are within the broad remit of the role.

Part 3: Person Specification

Attributes / Essential / Beneficial

Experience and Knowledge:

• Relevant field experience of development programming, with a commitment to and respect for local partnership.
• Experience of successful delivery of team objectives by working closely and collaboratively within a team at all levels
• Experience of data collection, cleaning and analysis.
• Relevant experience of working in support of local partners.
• Demonstrable experience of quality programme implementation.
• Demonstrable experience of budget management.
• Demonstrable experience of capacity building with national staff.
• Demonstrable experience of donor reporting.
• Strong working knowledge of education, child protection and livelihoods approaches.
• Strong working knowledge of the Liberia and/or Liberia context.
• Experience with Bengo funding and/or other German donors.

Attributes / Essential / Beneficial

Skills and Abilities:

• Good organisation and administrative skills and an ability to forward plan
• Coaching / Capacity Strengthening Skills
• Good time management skills, able to work to tight deadlines and an ability to work under pressure

Attributes / Essential / Beneficial

Other:

• Excellent written and spoken communications in English (additional languages welcome).
• A ‘can-do’, and agile attitude, a passion for problem solving and adaptive thinking.
• Self-starter with strong motivation to succeed and ability to work independently in carrying out assigned tasks within a fast-paced team.
• German language skills advantageous.

Attributes / Essential / Beneficial

Education / Qualifications:

• Degree or Higher in International Development or related field; or relevant training courses in MEAL

Street Child’s commitment to Safeguarding:

Street Child is committed to the safeguarding and protection of the communities we serve, our partners, our volunteers, and our staff.

As part of this commitment to safeguarding, all offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate background checks. Street Child also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment.

To apply:

Please submit your CV and a covering note explaining why you think you could make an extraordinary impact in this role. Please also answer the pre-application questions in depth.

We will be reviewing applications as they are submitted so interested candidates are encouraged to apply early.

Are you a visionary financial leader passionate about making a real impact? UK Youth is looking for an experienced Finance Director to lead the financial strategy and operations that support our mission to empower young people across the UK. 

Purpose of the job

As Finance Director, you will oversee all financial aspects of the charity and lead long-term financial sustainability while advancing UK Youth’s mission. You will work closely with the Executive Team, Finance Committee, and Board of Trustees to deliver strategic financial leadership and ensure robust financial planning, forecasting, and reporting. 

This role offers the unique opportunity to influence high-level decision-making and provide strategic insights that shape our organisation’s future. You’ll champion the finance team’s development, drive operational efficiency, and explore innovative financial solutions to ensure our financial health. 

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the formulation and execution of UK Youth’s financial strategy aligned with our goals 

• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes 

• Provide strategic financial analysis and insights for social investment, grants, and commercial financing 

• Manage financial risks, compliance with regulations, and relationships with auditors and stakeholders 

• Drive technological innovation in financial reporting and operations 

• Mentor and develop the finance team to foster a high-performance culture 

About You: 

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA, or equivalent) 

• Significant experience in a senior financial leadership role 

• Proven track record in providing financial leadership at Board and Executive levels 

• Strong knowledge of charity finance regulations (including Charity SORP) and tax compliance 

• Experience working within the voluntary sector is highly desirable 

• Skilled communicator able to convey complex financial information to diverse stakeholders 

Who we are

UK Youth is a leading charity that exists to ensure all young people are equipped to thrive and empowered to contribute at every stage of their lives. We work with others to ensure that the youth sector is strengthened, supported, and that provision is youth-led, evidence-informed and delivers high-quality outcomes.

UK Youth plays a unique role in addressing; the lack of investment in the youth sector, the lack of cross sector understanding in how youth work makes a difference and the limited opportunities to embed effective solutions. These factors lead to mass inequality of access to youth services for young people. To find more about us and how we make an impact, please visit UK Youth Website.

Why work at UK Youth? 

UK Youth is a leading charity that exists to ensure all young people are equipped to thrive and empowered to contribute at every stage of their lives. We work with others to ensure that theyouth sector is strengthened, supported, and that provision is youth-led, evidence-informed and delivers high-quality outcomes. UK Youth plays a unique role in addressing; the lack of investment in the youth sector, the lack of cross-sector understanding in how youth work makes a difference and the limited opportunities to embed effective solutions. These factors lead to massinequality of access to youth services for young people.

What we can offer you

We offer a competitive range of benefits, good work/life balance, excellent learning and development opportunities and vibrant organisational culture:

• Flexible/Agile Working

• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time employees)

• Funded training provided in; Safeguarding, GDPR, Information and Cyber Security & Equality & Diversity

• Other training available in support of your personal and professional development

• Pension scheme (currently UK Youth match employee contributions up to 5%)

• Membership of our life insurance scheme which would pay-out up to 4 times your salary

• Employee Assistance Programme to support employees both professionally and personally

• 20% discount off bookings at Avon Tyrrell, our New Forest Outdoor Centre, including camping, lodges and outdoor activities.

• IT equipment provided for the duration of contract

• CycleScheme and TechScheme

How to apply

If you would like to be considered for this fantastic opportunity, please complete an application via our completely anonymised recruitment system provided by Applied which looks to create a fair and unbiased application process for all. Scroll to the top of the page and start your application.

Closing date: Friday 8th November 2024 at 11:59pm (midnight)

Round 1 (Teams) Interview date(s) proposed: w/c 18th November 2024

Round 2 (In Person) Interview date(s) proposed: w/c 9th December 2024

This is a new role giving you the opportunity and responsibility to build on our successful fundraising and extend our appeal to new donors as well as maintain our existing supporters. You will need demonstrable fundraising experience and the ability to work confidently as a strategic thinker and as a practical fundraiser. You will hit the ground running and come with strong ideas and skills to implement them.

As head of fundraising you will work closely with the CEO to grow charitable income and philanthropic support from governments, individuals, trusts and foundations, corporate companies and other areas. You will help her drive the charity's work forward and work closely with our project teams and see the direct impact of your efforts.

You will have developed your portfolio of fundraising skills over time within charities that work for social good and can demonstrate experiene in securing fundraising income particularly in securing five and six figure grants/donations. Experience of securing statutory funding will be essential. You will have experience of line managing junior fundraising staff and will be keen to develop your managerial responsibility.

You will be a confident and capable leader who will work with colleagues towards supporting an annual programme of circa £3m. This role is crucial to building the charity's long-term sustainability, with a focus on exploring innovative opportunities.

The role offers an exciting opportuinity for an experienced fundraising professional with a passion for tackling social problems particularly in child protection or related areas. It is a great opportunity to take the next step in your fundraising career and make an impact.

The charity is currently in a period of strategic review and over the coming years as our new strategy gets implemented and new projects are developed to widen our reach, the head of fundraising will develop a strong case for support and articulate the aims and impact of our work to funders. You will work with the CEO and the directors to turn this strategy into the growth that our work requires if we are to keep children safe from harm.

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and protecting the vulnerable adults, children and young people that we work with. As such, all posts are subject to a safer recruitment process including the disclosure of criminal records and vetting checks. We ensure that we have a range of policies and procedures in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practices across our services.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We believe in creating a positive environment where our differences are respected and each of us feels valued for our contribution. Showing respect and consideration to all is part of our values and at the core of our culture.

As an inclusive employer, all qualified candidates will be considered regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or belief, age, socioeconomic background, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity and caring responsibilities, marital status, nationality and disability including invisible disabilities and neurodiversity. As part of our safer recruitment process we actively remove bias from applications i.e applications are anonymised prior to sharing with the recruiting panel and equal opportunity monitoring forms are removed from applications on receipt and retained by HR for analysis reporting.

Who we are:

Muslim Aid is a UK faith-based international development organisation that provides support to communities around the world affected by disasters, conflict, or endemic poverty without regard to their social, religious, or ethnic background. 

Established in 1985, Muslim Aid has facilitated the engagement of the British Muslim and non-Muslim community in support of its work in a variety of ways. Over the years, its humanitarian work has included responses to major crises around the world including, famine in East Africa, earthquakes and flooding in Pakistan and Bangladesh as well as conflicts in Syria and Yemen. 

We place strong emphasis on long-term development projects that build the capacity of local people helping themselves. In addition to the 5 country offices worldwide we also work with multiple partner offices focusing on sustainable Development Programmes and providing humanitarian relief during times of crisis.

Summary of the role:

The UK Programmes Officer will provide a mixture of administration and project support to the UK Programmes Manager. The role will primarily focus on project document collation, identifying funding opportunities, outreach events and UK organisations that Muslim Aid (MA) can partner in support of our strategy. The role will also oversee the delivery of planned projects ensuring timelines are adhered to within the Muslim Aid thematic areas: Emergencies, Livelihoods, Housing, Health, Education. Focus projects for UK Programmes which the UK Programmes Officer with play a key role are: Winterisation, Ramadan, Qurbani and Food Assistance.

About the Role:

1. Collaborate with the UK Programmes Manager to develop ideas into executable projects in line with the workplan.
2. Identify UK funding opportunities and their viability for grant distribution that align with MA’s thematic areas and governance requirements.
3. Oversee the coordination of project implementation plans and monitor deliverables, following up with stakeholders to ensure they remain on time.
4. Track project expenditures highlighting possibilities of over/underspend to budget holder.
5. Ensure all policies, practices and procedures are followed in implementation of all projects.
6. Analyse government institutions and relevant bodies research, reports and statistics to enhance UK Programmes and strategy.

About You:

To be successful in this role, you will need:

1. Educated to bachelor’s degree level.
2. Understanding of development programmes design, implementation and evaluation.
3. Experience in monitoring programmes; using research in support of programme development.
4. Interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders and team members.
5. Adaptable to changing deadlines and priorities.
6. Articulate and knowledgeable in presenting information in networking environments. 

Why you should Apply:

Join Muslim Aid as a UK Programmes Officer and help drive our mission across the UK. If you excel in project management, administration, and outreach, we want you on our team. You'll work with the UK Programmes Manager to secure funding, coordinate events, and deliver key initiatives like Winterisation, Ramadan, and Qurbani. Be part of a team making a real impact in areas such as Emergencies, Livelihoods, Housing, Health, and Education. Apply now and help transform lives in the UK!

Benefits you will enjoy if you work for us: 

• 37 days holiday (including Bank Holidays and Privilege days) 
• Hybrid working
• Paid time off for medical appointments 
• 2 hours lunch break on Fridays 
• Time off in Lieu (TOIL) 

How to apply:

To apply please submit your cover letter (no more than 1 page) and CV. 

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. 

Senior Peer Support Development Officer – North West

About Kinship:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Team

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

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

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

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

 About the role

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

Who we are looking for:

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

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

· Supervise a small team of Peer Support Development Officers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Key responsibilities: 

Service delivery:

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

Service quality, development and data management:

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

Management and supervision: 

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

Team culture:

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

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

 Essential: 

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

 Desirable:

· Lived experience of kinship care.

· Understanding of children’s social care.

· Digital community building (Facebook / WhatsApp etc).

· Full, clean driving licence/own car.

 General characteristics and attributes:

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

· Drive and have access to a vehicle.

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

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

· Good standard of written and spoken English.

· Permission to work in the UK.

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

Equality Diversity and Inclusion 

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

Candidate Application Information

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

Closing date: 1 November 2024 12:00 pm

Interviews:  1st Interview Week Commencing 4 November

2nd Interview Week Commencing 11 November

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

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

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

We believe in a world where no child ever has to live on the streets.

Looking for  a rewarding role where you can make a difference? Do you have the drive to create positive change in children’s lives and inspire others to do the same? If the answer is yes, then read on to hear about this exciting opportunity.

We’re Railway Children, an international charity working to create long-lasting change for street-connected children and young people in the UK, India and Tanzania. Founded in 1996, we’ve dedicated over a quarter of a century to developing outstanding practice and services for vulnerable children and their families. As we embark on our new strategy to 2027, we have ambitious plans to ensure no child is left behind, wherever we work. 

We are looking for a Regional Manager (based in the Glasgow area) to come and join our UK Programme Team.

As part of a dynamic team delivering the Safeguarding on Transport (ST) project, you will be responsible for developing our community engagement work across Yorkshire as well as supporting our wider UK programme.  The role will require you to engage the public and work closely with British Transport Police, station staff and employees as well as local services in the area. You will support our innovative Safeguarding Action Groups that catalyse communities working in and around stations to combine efforts and resources to keep people safe.

Your engaging manner, strong people skills and experience managing stakeholder relationships will ensure that you are able to help create a safer rail network that is actively seeking to look out for and protect vulnerable young people.

This Glasgow based role will combine a blend of working from home with being out meeting members of the community across Glasgow and the Northwest of England - especially in and around some of the busiest stations.  

What we offer

As well as helping some of the world’s most vulnerable children and young people, we offer some great perks:

·Time out. You’ll start with 25 days holiday per year to recharge the batteries. After three years, this will increase by an extra day per year until you reach a relaxing 30 days leave.

·Pension. We offer a pension contribution of 6% of annual salary.

·Birthday leave and ‘Railway Children Day’. You’ll get two additional days of annual leave in your birthday month and around Christmas time.

·A culture we’re proud of. Driven by our CEO, family values are at the heart of our culture and make Railway Children an incredible place to work.

·Flexible working environment and home working. It’s one of the reasons why our staff retention is so impressive!

HOW TO APPLY...

A full person specification can be found in the job pack on our website.

Please note that Railway Children will only accept applications made using this application form and will not accept CVs, academic certificates or covering letters.

Closing date: 9am Monday 4th November.

Candidates will be assessed on application and may be contacted before the closing date.

At Railway Children, we are committed to the safeguarding and protection of all those who come into contact with us in our work. We follow a range of procedures to ensure that only those who are suitable to work with children and vulnerable people are recruited to work for us. This post is subject to a range of background and reference checks including criminal records check.

Due to the number of applications often received, only those to be invited for interview will be informed of the outcome of their application. Applicants who have not heard within two weeks of the closing date should assume they have been unsuccessful.

THANK YOU

Connected Futures is Youth Futures’ systems change programme. It aims to foster joined-up solutions to the complex issues and barriers facing disadvantaged young people.

We are looking for a capable, proactive person to support the overall programme management approach for Connected Futures. The Senior Programme Support Officer will support the Head of Programmes to develop and deliver an approach to programme and project management across Connected Futures. The postholder will take the lead on specific tasks, and coordinate the work of the wider cross-organisational Connected Futures team.

You will liaise with external partners and stakeholders, as well as supporting multiple internal customers and workstreams, often to tight deadlines. You will support key external and internal engagement processes, working with colleagues to ensure the smooth running of meetings and capture key decisions and inputs to feed back into programme delivery.

This is primarily a project management role, enabling a cross-functional team to work effectively and efficiently together on a complex, fast-moving and high profile programme. As well as dealing with tasks as they emerge, you will work across the team to keep track of progress, identifying any issues and risks, and enabling the Head of Programmes and other internal stakeholders to gain an overview of the programme as a whole.

This role is fixed term to January 2026 and can be based at any of our hubs located in London, Birmingham or Leeds.  We currently operate a hybrid model of two-days per week in the office and three-days from home.

For more information, please download the job recruitment pack.

The young people we aim to serve – and the challenges they face - are all unique. We are looking to build a team that reflects this diversity. Our commitment to inclusion across race, gender, age, class, religion, identity, and experience forms the cornerstone of our work. We are an equal opportunities, Living Wage and Disability Confident employer and encourage applications from a diverse range of backgrounds representative of our communities.  We offer a welcoming and inclusive workplace, where employees are encouraged to have a voice.

Trust Funding Officer

Location: Hybrid, Old Street, London
Salary: £39,626 per annum
Department: Major Partnerships
Hours: 34.5 hours per week
Contract Type: Fixed-term for up to 12 months to cover maternity leave.

Plan International UK is a global children’s charity striving for an equal world. One where every child can reach their full potential and every girl can choose her own future.   
 
We bring people together to protect children’s rights and keep girls safe, in school and in control of their bodies – even when disaster strikes. And we won’t stop until we are all equal. 
 
We have an exciting opportunity for a passionate Trust Funding Officer to join our high achieving Major Partnerships Unit as a 12 month maternity cover.
 
As Trust Funding Officer, you will independently deliver excellent account management and stewardship to a portfolio of existing donors, contributing to our goals of sustaining and increasing income from trusts and foundations. You will also identify and research new prospects, follow through leads and deliver persuasive and professional proposals to secure potential donors.
 
We are therefore looking for solid experience of working in a fundraising environment, managing and prioritising a portfolio of existing and prospective funders. You will have worked with a diverse range of donors, particularly with trusts and foundations and have strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, as well as being a collaborative team member. You’ll have a proven track record of soliciting five and six-figure gifts from existing donors and prospects.
 
It’s an exciting time to join Plan International UK as we deliver our ambitious new fundraising strategy. Over the next year our Major Partnerships Unit will generate over £9m of income from companies, trusts, foundations and major donors. This role sits in The Philanthropic Partnerships Team, which is specifically responsible for all trust, foundation and major donor relationships and income.
 
This is a great opportunity to use your skills and experience to make an impact on Plan’s ground-breaking and important work.
 
If this sounds like you, and you have a passion for our values, feminist leadership principles and vision, we would love for you to apply! 

Please click on the button below to apply.
 
The deadline for applications is 23:59 on Sunday 3 November 2024
Interviews will take place on Monday 11 November 2024 and Tuesday 12 November 2024. 
 
We are committed to the safeguarding and protection of children, young people and adults in our work.  We, therefore, apply rigorous recruitment and selection processes to ensure that only those who are suitable are recruited to work for us.  Accordingly, appointment to all our roles is subject to a range of vetting checks and for this role this will include a Basic Disclosure and Barring (DBS) check. A criminal record will not necessarily bar you from working for us; this will depend on the circumstances of any offences.
 
Plan International UK is committed to being an inclusive employer and we welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

REF-217533

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. 

The AFRUCA Child Protection Family Support Service sits within AFRUCA as one of our most impactful programmes targeting families from a range of ethnic backgrounds across England and Wales. The service works closely with local authorities children’s services in cases involving families on child protection plans or in court proceedings. We provide direct one to one training and support for parents to aid their ability to provide appropriate parenting and ensure a safer, happier home environment for their children.

The AFRUCA Child Protection Service currently has a team of five qualified social workers and supports over 50 families each year. We also provide a therapeutic service where children are being reunified with their parents. We are establishing a child protection legal drop in service for families in contact with children’s services and an advocacy service for parents in the child protection system.

Most of our families are referred by local authorities children’s services as a result of cultural and religious practices which are deemed harmful to children’s well-being. We offer qualified social workers who do not wish to work in the statutory sector with an alternative approach to practising social work where empathy, kindness and support is key to our work with families. Our ultimate aim is a reduction of children in Black and Ethnic communities going into or remaining in foster care. We offer a non oppressive and non judgemental service that helps to promote the well-being of children in safe families.

We are looking to attract a qualified social worker who supports our ethos and is willing to contribute to our work with families to protect more children in our communities.

The role is open to applicants based on London Hackney or Manchester. The role will include office and remote working as well as allocated work for home arrangements.

We are interested in applicants who reflect our service users particularly those from marginalised or minority groups, and individuals who are bi-lingual and we are particularly interested in male social workers to support our families and children.

At AFRUCA Safeguarding Children, we pride ourselves on being more than just an employer. We view our workplace as more than just a place to perform tasks; we are a community where we grow together, collaborate, and support each other. A happy staff team has been crucial to the success of AFRUCA. We believe it is essential to foster an environment where all our staff feel valued and motivated.

As an employer, we strive to do the best for our team. As such, in addition to the basic salary on offer, we provide all our staff with additional benefits including:

• Financial Wellbeing Programmes: Supporting our staff to make the most of their finances by joining our voluntary, staff-led Money Management Club.
• We pay 5% Employer Contributions into our pension scheme with a mandatory employee contribution of 3%
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible working and work from home opportunities
• Opportunities to further your social work career through gaining in-depth, specialist experience of working with Black and Ethnic families, learning about different cultural and religious practices that influence child upbringing
• 28 days Annual Leave plus all bank holidays
• AFRUCA Staff Wellbeing Day: We provide an extra paid day off with funds for you to focus on your personal well-being.
• Annual Staff Retreat: Enjoy team-building and relaxation at our yearly staff residential programme.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): Access professional support for your mental health, debt management, emotional support, GP Line and legal advice lines whenever you need it.
• Cash Health Plans: Benefit from our comprehensive cash health plans and claim money back on glasses, dentist treatments and massages.
• Store and Gym Discounts: Enjoy discounts at various gyms and high street shops and supermarkets.
• Paid end of year team activities
• Annual Social Work Registration fee covered

For Further information continue to our job pack. 

Purpose of the job

Are you the right person to lead a team who are passionate about improving mental health and wellbeing for the people of Hammersmith, Fulham, Ealing, and Hounslow?

We are seeking an interim Chief Executive to cover maternity leave. This role will have shorter term goals namely:

1. Supporting the SLT
2. Developing an annual business plan
3. Reporting to the board
4. Identifying areas for growth and income generation
5. Recovering reserves to ensure financial resilience over the next year

With strong strategic and leadership skills to continue to support the charity, the interim Chief Executive will continue to lead and inspiring our passionate and dedicated team as we work through our 2023-2026 strategy. The interim Chief Executive will act as the main link between the charity and Board. Together with the Chair, they will enable the Board of Trustees to fulfil its duties and responsibilities for the proper governance of the charity.

The right candidate will have a strong focus on business development, financial stability, thinking creatively and courageously about opportunities for growth and new income streams. You will be a passionate advocate for mental health and wellbeing, ensuring the charity is a place where people feel valued, listened to, and supported.

About Hammersmith, Fulham, Ealing, and Hounslow Mind

We’re Hammersmith, Fulham, Ealing, and Hounslow Mind (HFEH Mind), part of Mind the mental health charity. We provide advice and support to empower anybody experiencing a mental health problem and we campaign to improve services, raise awareness, and promote understanding of mental health.

We work in Hammersmith, Fulham, Ealing, and Hounslow and have a range of services and products to help children, young people and adults maintain and regain their mental health. We work with employers, partners, community groups and other charities to achieve our aims.

Key Responsibilities​

• Strategy and Vision 
  • Ensure that business, operational, and annual plans to underpin the strategic plan are developed, agreed, and implemented.
  • Identify and assess strategic risks, issues and opportunities and take responsibility for leading an effective response to each.
• Organisational Development
  • Ensuring the charity has an appropriate organisation structure and management system to fulfil strategic objectives. 
  • Identifying and prioritising funding and commissioning opportunities.
  • Ensuring the charity is aware of best practice and maintains a high quality of work. 
• People & Culture
  • Continue building a staff culture where everyone is valued, clear on their role and equipped to do their job.
  • Provide leadership, supervision, annual appraisals and mentoring of the SLT. 
  • Maintain a diverse workforce that reflects the community, and working towards being a anti-racist organisation.
• Finance
  • Be responsible for overall financial health of the charity. 
  • Recover reserves and identify further areas of cost saving. 
  • Have an overview of finances and resources, ensuring to operate within agreed annual budget.
  • Ensure robust financial management of Charity's resources.
  • Consult with Board and Treasurer to prepare an Annual Budget, to be approved by the Board.
  • Ensure that there are effective mechanisms to ensure the robustness of external and internal controls (financial and non-financial).
• Governance, Reporting and Risk
  • Review major risks which charity is exposed to regularly by the Board and the management team. 
  • Ensure Board are appropriately informed and involved in organisational activities and the organisation benefits from their experience, skills and expertise.
  • Ensure that there are effective mechanisms to ensure the robustness of external and internal controls (financial and non-financial).
• External and internal relations
  • Foster good communication throughout charity and externally. 
  • Actively develop charity's public profile, professional networks and foster good relationships with external stakeholders.
  • Set up mechanisms for listening to the views of current and future beneficiaries. 
  • Regular one-to-one meetings with the Chair. 
• Legal and regulatory compliance 
  • Ensure charity fulfils all its legal, statutory, and regulatory responsibilities.
  • Engage with National Mind. 
  • Ensure organisation continues to deliver the Mind Quality Mark accreditation. 

The successful candidate will need to evidence the following:

You will have knowledge and experience in:

• Demonstrable track record of operating at CEO level or similar, managing, and embedding change.
• Proven track record of managing, growing, and developing support services in line with best practice in different and diverse communities, ideally in health or social care sectors (within Mental Health specifically preferred).
• Experience in recovering reserves and developing cost-saving efficiencies.
• Experience in restructures.
• Experience working with statutory and non-statutory bodies to achieve commissioning and grant targets and to grow the charity.
• Experience of working strategically to source and secure sustainable funding solutions working within tight financial constraints.
• Building effective partnerships with internal and external stakeholders including service users based on principles of co-production.
• Educated to degree level or equivalent, with demonstrable evidence of continuous professional and personal development.
• Excellent people management and conflict resolution skills, and the ability to lead, delegate appropriately, motivate and support the performance of staff. 
• Excellent understanding of safeguarding legislation and processes, safety, and quality management.

Your qualities will include:

• An inspiring and empathetic leader, strategist, and communicator, ideally from a mental health background, who can cultivate a culture of learning, creativity, inclusion, and excellence.
• Able to demonstrate passion and commitment for HFEH Mind’s mission (lived experience a plus).
• Strong financial experience and abilities.
• Clear and inspirational leadership and people management skills with the ability to build and lead teams across multiple locations.
• Ability to think and act strategically, developing practical, innovative, and creative solutions to the management of issues and complex problems.
• Ability to identify opportunities to improve business outcomes through partnership at all levels.
• Energy and passion to deliver at pace and cut through obstacles. 
• Highly effective influencing and negotiating skills, with the ability to develop partnerships and alliances across a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Politically astute and resilient, with the ability to manage conflict and ambiguity.
• Outcome focused, with the capability and tenacity to drive the agenda forward. 

Benefits & Support

We want all our team to thrive at HFEH Mind and we offer a competitive range of benefits, good work/life balance, and excellent learning and development opportunities.  We are proud of our organisational culture, and we offer a supportive, flexible, and enjoyable place to work.

Employee benefits include:

• Opportunities for flexible working
• 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) increasing with years of service up to 30 days.
• Workplace pension scheme
• Occupational sick pay scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Regular supervision
• A variety of learning and development opportunities
• Access to “Perkbox” employee benefits
• Cycle to Work Scheme

HFEH Mind are an equal opportunities employer; and are proud to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons from all backgrounds.

HFEH Mind are committed to creating and fostering a culture that promotes safeguarding and the welfare of all children and adults at risk. Our safer recruitment practices support this by ensuring that there is a consistent and thorough process of obtaining, collating, analysing, and evaluating information from and about candidates to ensure that all persons appointed are suitable to work with children and vulnerable adults.

Post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

We are seeking to recruit a Children and Families’ Pioneer to work in the valley’s town of Tredegar. As part of a team you will lead regular activities and events to impact the lives of children and families so that they can discover the deep love of God. From toddler groups to holiday clubs, school engagement to parenting classes, the opportunities are endless. If you are someone with energy and vision who can make connections and build relationships, we have a supportive team waiting to work with you in this well-resourced project. Together we will plant a new worshipping community based at St George’s Tredegar.

This post is suitable for someone who has previously worked with children possibly as a teacher, TA or as a children’s worker within the church. You may have previously worked in the third sector or for the local authority with families?

Main Tasks:

• Pioneer new initiatives to develop children and families’ ministry and expand our outreach in the local area; including appropriate use of the liturgical calendar and community initiatives such as holiday clubs, and toddler groups.
• Recruit and coach voluntary teams, pastoring all members on the Children and Youth teams.
• Build relationships and partnerships with schools, colleges and community groups, and where applicable, be the first point of contact for them.
• To ensure the Church in Wales constitution, policies, and practises are followed and strong safeguarding practises are embedded into their ethos so that all pipeline activities are a safe space.
• Oversee all child protection, organising training and DBS checks.

This role has a Genuine Occupational Requirement under the Equality Act 2010 for the postholder to be a communicant member of the Church in Wales or of a Church in communion with it or of a Member of CYTUN. If you are unsure, please do be in contact. Satisfactory enhanced DBS checks will be sought.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Placement Officer to join our Business development & Commissioning Team. This will include providing clerical support in planning, attending, and minuting meetings, as well as managing and executing processes associated with children’s placements.

Staff benefits include shuttle bus, and more… Read more below

Role Requirements

The role of Placement Officer is to provide high quality support to all placement, admission and discharge processes associated with all children’s placements.

This will include providing clerical support in planning, attending, and minuting meetings, as well as managing and executing processes associated with children’s placements, including managing and updating our children’s records system, supporting on billing processes, in particular debtors’ management, and contracting, whilst also supporting the wider business development and commissioning team on clerical matters, ensuring operations run smoothly.

You will liaise with internal and external stakeholders, including families, referrers, and commissioners, maintaining excellent relationships and delivering exception customer service at all times, acting as an ambassador for The Children’s Trust.

Interview Date: 24th & 25th October 2024

Terms and Conditions

PLEASE NOTE: The Children's Trust Application Form MUST be completed and submitted, for your application to be considered. As part of the shortlisting process, gaps in employment will be examined and further explored during the interview process. 

Strictly no agencies, please.

About Us

The Children’s Trust is the UK’s leading charity for children with acquired brain injury, providing expert rehabilitation, education, therapy, and care at our national specialist centre in Tadworth, and to children and their families across the UK, via our Brain Injury Community Service.

Boasting a beautiful 24-acre site in Surrey, we are located just outside of London, close to the M25 (accessible via Junction 8, A217 to Tadworth) and easily accessible via National Rail, by way of: Clapham Junction, Sutton, and Epsom.

Staff Benefits

The work we do is highly rewarding, and in addition to an attractive salary, we offer a valuable range of benefits, including, Zest; our staff flexible benefits platform, on-site nursery, free eye tests, enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay, time out days for those experiencing menopause symptoms and time off for gender reassignment.

We also offer additional annual leave days for those with long service, with entitlements ranging from 35 to 41 days (including bank holidays) depending on your length of service.

Other benefits include free on-site parking; a staff shuttle service from Epsom and Sutton train stations to Tadworth Court, subsidised cafeteria, on-site staff accommodation (subject to availability), the ability to retain your NHS pension (where applicable), Teacher’s pension (where applicable) or the opportunity to join an alternative scheme, and the opportunity to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Rehabilitation of Offenders

Many roles at The Children’s Trust are exempt from the provisions of Section 4 (2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, by virtue of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 and 2020) and as such, are subject to an Enhanced DBS check.  Successful applicants will be required to complete an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check, which will disclose all unspent convictions and adult cautions and any spent convictions or adult cautions that would not be protected.  The exceptions to this are our retail roles within The Children’s Trust shops, which are subject to Basic DBS checks which will disclose unspent convictions or adult cautions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

To help us achieve our ambition to give children and young people with brain injury and neurodisability the opportunity to live the best life possible, we want to accurately reflect the UK’s diverse population. We want equity, diversity, and inclusion to be at the heart of everything we do, and our people, services, and culture to reflect the diverse needs of all. Through our diversity and inclusion strategy, we have made a commitment to increase the diversity of our charity and create an inclusive culture. We have networks across the organisation working to ensure that these aims are met - including an LGBTQIA2S+ group, Ethnic Diversity Group, and Spark – our broad EDI group. Read more about our EDI work here. We welcome applications from all who share our ambition regardless of background. We will strive to ensure that any reasonable adjustments are made in respect of interview and working arrangements.

Online Searches

In accordance with statutory safeguarding and child protection guidance, online searches will be conducted for shortlisted candidates before interview. The online searches will be conducted by a person who is independent of the interview and selection process and will focus on relevant information returned via searches of the candidate’s name (and variations thereof). Social media searches will be limited to professional platforms such as LinkedIn. Any concerns relating to suitability for work with children and young people will be forwarded to the interview panel, for discussion during the interview.