Communications And Engagement Manager Jobs in Leeds, West Yorkshire

We are seeking a dynamic director of member support and development, to lead a team that supports, inspires and champions hundreds of community groups across Britain, engaging people with their local railways and delivering empowering community projects. You’ll be helping communities to come together, take action and have a voice on sustainable and inclusive transport and development.

About this role

This role couldn’t be more crucial to who we are and what we do: putting our members and their local communities at the forefront, empowering them to achieve their goals, and ensuring we and our partners are listening to and learning from their insights.

As a member of our senior leadership team, reporting to our chief executive, you will manage, lead and develop our support and development team, with nine passionate and knowledgeable staff.

Your job is to ensure the team excels and thrives in its work supporting and developing our membership to increase its impact, in line with our strategic goals and members’ locally-determined plans and ambitions. This includes nurturing togetherness, positivity and innovation, ensuring strong collaboration with our other teams, external partners and funders, and bringing new opportunities into community rail, while sharing its insights and experiences.

It’s an exciting time to be joining community rail, with the movement expanding, increasingly influential in rail and transport development, a burgeoning evidence base, and growing recognition of its relevance in tackling the climate crisis and social inequalities.

Main responsibilities:

1. Manage, lead, support and develop our support and development (S&D) team, ensuring effective delivery and performance against our aims, objectives and plans, and ensuring the team’s work is well-planned, coordinated, evidenced and reported;
2. Lead on the development, delivery and regular review of a strategy and annual plans, targets and budgets for the S&D team, engaging the team and our funders effectively in this process, drawing on member, partner and Board input, and aligning with our overarching strategy;
3. Nurture a member-orientated, empowering, positive approach in the S&D team, in line with our values, ensuring high-quality provision of support, advice and signposting, balancing proactiveness and responsiveness, and being attentive to members’ needs and input, as well as wider contexts and opportunities;
4. Help our team to show positive leadership and provide intelligent, effective support, training and development services to our members around community engagement and empowerment, social inclusion and diversity, sustainable and healthy travel and socio-economic development – including by listening to members, continually developing the team’s knowledge, skills and networks, and enabling the team to signpost, refer to and collaborate with organisations with useful expertise/services;
5. Coordinating with our other teams, forge and maintain strong external partnerships, especially leading on those that help us support our members better and bring them opportunities, such as with train operators, corporate partners, third sector organisations, and at operational level with devolved/regional/combined authorities;
6. Continually monitor and develop the S&D team’s performance and impact, including using member, partner and colleague feedback, supporting staff to consider and maximise effectiveness, driving innovation and efficiencies, and developing ways to assess and evidence our impact, especially as our membership continues to grow;
7. Manage our activity supporting the creation and development of new or emerging community rail partnerships, station groups and community stations, and our support for those undergoing major change or challenges, ensuring this is carefully balanced with existing members’ needs;
8. Ensure our members’ voices, experiences and insights can be effectively used by our other teams and external partners, in their delivery, planning and strategic influencing work, especially ensuring that case studies, stories, examples and views are fed through to our communications, policy and events activity;
9. Play a key role in our liaison with and reporting to our own funders, and other major funders of our members, including ensuring effective monitoring and evaluation of our S&D work, collating good evidence of our own and our members’ impact, and maintaining a robust awareness of and ability to advocate on opportunities and risks in community rail;
10. As a member of our senior leadership team, work closely with senior colleagues and across the organisation, and liaise with our Board as relevant, to co-ordinate and manage the delivery of our overarching strategy, reinforce our values, ensure the whole team is engaged with our mission and purpose, and to show external leadership across our members, partners and beyond.

Skills and competencies:

1. Strong leadership and management skills, including a track record in managing, developing, drawing on and getting the best from a multi-faceted team, and working in and driving positive change in a complex, rapidly-evolving environment;
2. Significant experience and demonstrable experience in community engagement and community-led projects, ideally from both professional and voluntary positions, and ideally experience in supporting and advising community initiatives;
3. Experience in successfully planning, developing, delivering and evaluating programmes with positive social outcomes, including reporting to funders;
4. Experience working collaboratively and forming mutually-beneficial partnerships and professional networks, ideally with experience of developing corporate partnerships and/or funder relationships;
5. An understanding of how to evidence and increase social impact, particularly in relation to community development, empowerment and sustainability;
6. Awareness of and a strong commitment to community empowerment, social inclusion, social justice and sustainable development, with a good grasp of the importance of public transport and sustainable travel, and community-led action, to these agendas;
7. Excellent communication skills, articulate and assertive, with the ability to work constructively, diplomatically and persuasively with stakeholders at all levels and handle challenging situations;
8. Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines while dealing with competing priorities, and an evidenced ability to support a team to do so;
9. IT literate and competent using Office applications, the internet and CRM/database/recording systems;
10. Appropriate qualifications and professional development demonstrating knowledge and skills in line with the above, and a commitment to ongoing learning and development.

Other information

As you will be home-based and managing a dispersed team, we are flexible about your location. However, you will be expected to travel to our office in Huddersfield for in-person full-team meetings quarterly, and you will need to bring your team together at a central location with similar regularity in between. On top of this, attendance at occasional in-person events and partner meetings, and visits to members to learn more about community rail and assist the team, will be important. We therefore welcome applications from those with decent public transport links, not too far from a railway station to enable journeys to be made sustainably.

This is a full-time position, 37 hours per week. We use a flexi-time system, with the core hours 10am-3pm, and we are committed to being a flexible, supportive and understanding employer. This is a permanent position with a probationary period of six months.

Community Rail Network is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from disabled people and Black, Asian and other minoritised groups, who meet with the skills and competencies for this role. We will provide reasonable adjustments for interviews as required.

The Nystagmus Network is seeking a Development Coordinator to help build on our core services and develop new ones to meet the growing and changing needs of the nystagmus community and to support income generation to ensure those services can continue to be funded. You will need to be passionate about what we do, have the drive and enthusiasm to succeed and also be sensitive to the need to involve volunteers and stakeholders in service development and delivery.

You will plan to reach out to ever wider groups of potential beneficiaries and supporters through your communications, networking and business development skills, in collaboration with the Executive Information and Development Manager and Trustees and take the initiative on approaches to new partners. You will have a deep commitment to diversity and inclusion in the way we reach out to people in every aspect of our work.

We’re looking for an experienced Social Media Officer to support our team campaigning to stop the development of new oil and gas fields and for a rapid and fast phase out of oil & gas in the UK through a just transition.

About us

Uplift is a campaigning and research organisation which supports efforts to create a rapid and fair transition away from oil and gas production in the UK. We have coordinated and implemented major successful campaigns and developed cutting-edge campaign, communications and research tactics. We have grown rapidly as an organisation over the last three years and are now looking for a Social Media Officer.

The Role

Core responsibilities will include: 

• Maintaining and implementing content plan for social media channels (primarily Instagram, X, Tiktok and Facebook) including drafting copy, creating content and ensure consistent posting for all channels with the guidance of Digital campaigner/Digital Campaign Lead and campaign team
• Producing a range of daily digital content for Uplift’s social media channels - from simple social-first graphic design, to lo-fi effective social video content
• Working in collaboration with other creatives - ie graphic designers, video producers, creators and influencers - for additional campaign assets
• Creating reactive content and messaging to respond to current events, helping Uplift maximise opportunities for engagement and growth using the news cycle
• Community management across the various campaign channels
• Developing social media toolkits and coordinating with partners around big mobilisations
• Analysing the performance of social media outputs and their contribution towards the wider campaign, and making recommendations on how to improve
• Managing the distribution of key pieces of social media content to relevant stakeholders to increase online amplification (partners, groups and pages)
• Supporting the campaign team on other digital tasks as required: ie  maintaining campaign websites, digital action tools, online databases and email inbox

Our ideal candidate:

Our ideal candidate will be a person who can bring positive energy and can-do spirit to the team, supporting the campaign’s digital strategy, driving all elements forward to deadline, and who can work well with the campaign team and working group leads to keep coalition organisations engaged in key digital mobilisation and campaign moments.

Required skills/attributes:

• High attention to detail
• Positive, can-do attitude
• Capable of working independently and in collaboration with others to ideate and execute content
• Embraces constructive feedback
• Excellent written and spoken English and ability to write sharp concise copy for social media
• Experience in identifying social media trends and news moments to join online discussion and cut through online
• Familiar with social media monitoring and analysis and communicating key findings to stakeholders
• A track record of delivering high quality, proactive and reactive digital content across multiple platforms
• Ability to produce simple but effective static and video social-first creative
• A keen interest in, and up to date knowledge of, new digital communications trends and platform developments
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment, balancing multiple priorities
• A strong commitment to Uplift’s mission and core values of equity and climate justice

Desirable skills/attributes

• Experience (voluntary or paid) working on high-profile/ambitious campaigns
• An understanding of the debate surrounding the energy transition, and how it plays out in contemporary politics and current affairs
• Experience working with external freelancers and agencies
• Experience using Canva and the Adobe Creative Suite (or other similar creative software)

Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the core of Uplift’s values and therefore we strongly encourage applications from candidates whose backgrounds or accessibility/support needs mean they have been traditionally under-represented in the climate and environment sector. If you are unsure if you meet the requirements or feel you will be disadvantaged by the process then please email us so we can see how we might provide support.

Unfortunately, we can only consider candidates who are already eligible to work in the UK.

• Location: Remote  (within UK)
• Benefits: 3% employer pension contribution, Employee Assistance Programme, consideration of flexible working requirements and work/workplace adjustments where required
• Starting date: ASAP
• Closing date: Sunday 20 October 2024 - 11pm
• Proposed interviews: w/c 28 October 2024

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 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 Lepra

Lepra is dedicated to addressing leprosy and lymphatic filariasis (LF) and their consequences through direct support, advocacy, and the promotion of inclusive communities. We work in Bangladesh and in India, through our sister organisation, LEPRA Society. We work in partnership with people affected by leprosy and LF to improve detection, ensure access to treatment and care, and promote inclusion and wellbeing. We have just finalised our new Global Strategy for 2024-30, which will guide us in our efforts to accelerate progress towards global targets for leprosy and LF, and towards our vision of a world free from leprosy and LF.

Job Context

Our new Global Strategy introduces some new approaches and priorities to our work, including: our first ever global Theory of Change (ToC), the most detailed Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) approach ever, and a sub-strategy dedicated to research, innovation and technology: the Global Research, Innovation and Technology Strategy (GRITS). With the finalisation of the new strategy, and as part of our ongoing commitment to improving our impact and efficiency, we are now seeking a consultant to provide specialised research support and technical advice.

Job Purpose

The primary objectives of this role are to lead the transitional phase of the GRITS, creating a detailed operational plan for its implementation; support the management of the existing research portfolio ensuring technical soundness, budget adherence and timely delivery; establish a sustainable pathway for research expertise to be led by in-country professionals.

Working Relationships

• Reports to Lepra UK’s Director of Programmes and Advocacy
• Day-to-day management liaison with the Director of Programmes and Advocacy and team members of Lepra’ sister organisation in India, LEPRA Society
• Close working links and collaboration with UK Fundraising, Communications and Finance teams
• International travel as needed for programmes oversight and support, and external representation.

Key responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the transitional phase of the GRITS.
• Identify and address any gaps or challenges in the current strategy.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure alignment and smooth transition.
• Support Programmes in the design of new projects / programmes by ensuring proposals submitted are technically sound and capitalize upon learning. Lead on ethical approval applications.
• Support Programmes in identifying, maintaining and growing academic / research -related partnerships, according to Lepra’s strategic interests and capacities 
• Serve as a focal point for external research contacts that have an interest in people affected by leprosy and LF.

Operational Plan Management

• Develop a comprehensive operational plan for the rollout of the strategy.
• Establish the initial GRITS processes including the Go no Go; steering group established and functioning.
• Define clear timelines, milestones, and deliverables.
• Ensure the plan is realistic, achievable, and aligns with the charity’s objectives and resources.

Support Existing Research Profile

• Review and support ongoing research projects.
• Ensure all research activities are technically sound, within budget, and on time.
• Provide technical guidance and support to research teams.
• Provide ongoing mentoring and coaching to staff and partners.
• Ensure that data sets and tools are appropriately designed and employed.

Pathway to Sustainability

• Create a sustainability plan to ensure research expertise is transitioned to and led by in-country professionals.
• Develop capacity-building programmes for local researchers and institutions
• Establish mentorship and training frameworks to support local leadership in research.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Engage with internal and external stakeholders, including donors, research institutions, and community leaders.
• Facilitate collaboration and partnerships to enhance the research profile and strategy implementation.
• Ensure transparent and effective communication throughout the transition process.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Develop and implement a monitoring and evaluation framework to track progress and impact of the strategy.
• Regularly report on progress, challenges, and achievements to the Lepra’s leadership team.
• Adjust plans and strategies based on feedback and evaluation results.

Safeguarding

• Support the implementation of newly developed processes in relation to the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation & Abuse (PSEA) and Safeguarding (SG).
• Ensure safeguarding measures are integrated into all project activities.

Technical advisory

• Guide and advise on the implementation of leprosy and LF control tools and approaches, specific healthcare models and/or health solutions in partner countries, when appropriate and according to Lepra and donor standards.
• Provide strategic and technical advice on the development and roll-out of country programmes as well as the overall leprosy / LF programme in Lepra.

Monitoring, evaluation and impact

• Advise the programmes team on the development of appropriate results frameworks, objectives, outputs, indicators and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and support the analysis of Lepra datasets.  Advise the HPMEL on analysis of Lepra datasets.  Provide technical inputs to Lepra’s reports, according to Lepra’s needs.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Relevant degree level of education

Desirable

• Relevant post-graduate qualification
• Relevant professional health-related qualification

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Extensive knowledge of global health issues and an up-to-date familiarity with issues and practice in the international development sector
• Substantive experience in designing and leading research projects and of communicating research results to different audiences 
• Ability to analyse quantitative and qualitative data using a range of different approaches and software and to present this information so that it may be easily interpreted by different users and audiences

Desirable

• At least ten years’ experience as a health advisor or researcher, preferably gained with an overseas development organisation or in academia, in a similar health focused role
• Familiarity with data visualisation tools and packages
• Experience with the concept and use of dynamic datasets

Skills, Attitudes and Personal Qualities

• Strong research administrative skills, specifically excel; STATA; SPSS; Nvivo and significant experience in MS Office packages
• Excellent attention to detail, and organisational and time management skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills, verbal communication skills, and confidence at presenting and representing at international global to a wide range of stakeholders
• Ability to work independently, be flexible and prioritise workload.
• Ability to travel within the UK and overseas
• Permanent resident and legal rights to work in the UK.

The Urban Tree Canopy Trainee will join our Urban Tree Canopy Coordinator at the forefront of involving local communities in our tree-planting & urban greening projects around the Glasgow City Region and engage people in taking action for trees and the environment.

Do you love trees and want to learn more about them? Do you enjoy engaging directly with people? Are you passionate about connecting communities with environmental action? Then Trees for Cities needs you!

Reporting to the Youth Engagement Manager, you will be responsible for supporting the delivery of our Trees for Climate Action (TfCA) project funded by the National Lottery Community Fund. The project aims to bring people together, creating opportunities for young people (up to 30). The project will deliver intergenerational, tree-related activities for young people to build their knowledge and learn new skills from environmental professionals and experienced volunteers, mobilising young people to take positive action against climate change. This opportunity will also support the ambitious Clyde Climate Forest (CCF) partnership initiative across the Glasgow City Region.

ABOUT TREES FOR CITIES

Trees for Cities is an ambitious, far-reaching organisation.

Trees for Cities is the only charity that focuses on planting, protecting and promoting urban trees across the UK and overseas. We are a rapidly growing and developing organisation that suits ambitious, dedicated and passionate staff.

We are looking for energetic and organised individuals to support and deliver our community engagement activities for urban forest projects and initiatives. This involves planning, delivering, and reporting back on community consultations, educational workshops, public tree planting events and other activities.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The role is public facing, so we are looking for confident and adaptable communicators who are comfortable engaging residents in a range of communities, schools, and interest groups, and who are passionate about trees, and the environment.

We are seeking individuals who are happy to work hands-on, outdoors in all weathers at a variety of locations, and over some weekends, with TOIL (time off in lieu), as well as being comfortable working indoors in an office environment. We want practical and organised people capable of coordinating event logistics and are keen to support everything from small scale workshops to public community events.

Trees for Cities is committed to the principles of equal opportunity. We value diversity and are committed to promoting diversity within the workplace. We aim to ensure that our employees achieve their full potential and that all employment decisions, including recruitment, are taken without reference to irrelevant or discriminatory criteria. A full copy of our Equal Opportunities Policy can be provided on request.

HOW TO APPLY

Please visit our website to view the full job description. To apply for the role of Urban Tree Canopy Trainee, please send your CV and supporting statement (on no more than 2 sides of A4) outlining why you are interested in the role and your fit with the Person Specification with the subject heading ‘Urban Tree Canopy Trainee’. 

Please note we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role, you must therefore have a valid right to work in the UK to apply.

The deadline to apply is: 4th November 2024

Interviews are scheduled for: Week commencing 18th November 2024

If you are shortlisted for interview, you will normally be contacted within two weeks after applying. If you do not hear from us within this period then you should assume that on this occasion you have not been selected for interview.

Trees for Cities is the first UK environmental organisation to have been awarded social value certification. Trees for Cities is an equal opportunities employer. Registered Charity No: 1032154.

Previous applicants need not reapply. No Agencies Please.

Family Support Worker (School Practitioner) 

Location: Education Diversity, Blackpool

Hours: 35 hours per week, term time + 4 weeks

Salary: £24,271 - £27,020

Closing date: Monday 11th November 2024 - 9 am

Interview dates: Interviews will be held online, 21st November 2024 with second interviews in school during the following week.

This is a permanent position.

Our mission at School-Home Support is simple. We get children and young people back in school ready to learn, whatever it takes. Is this a mission for you? Yes? Then read on. 

We are looking for a Family Support Worker to join our team and to make a difference in children's lives every single day. As the Family Support Worker, you will work directly with families, in partnership with school staff to help improve attendance, punctuality and engagements in learning. You will also deliver a programme of casework to promote and improve educational outcomes for the children and their families we support. 

You will have excellent relationship building and communications skills with a proven ability to communicate with a wide group of people. This is an exciting role and vital to our success in achieving our goals. 

You’ll have previous experience of: 

• providing expert pastoral support

• working and engaging with parents, carers or guardians, children or individuals through individual and/or group-based support

• working in an educational or outreach environment 

• working effectively with social and emotional factors affecting a child’s capacity to learn

• working with families from diverse communities

Please see the job description and person specification attached to this advert. 

To apply for the role please click apply and complete the application form by Monday 11th November 2024 - 9 am.

We are committed to maximising staff wellbeing and creating an inclusive, safe environment where everyone feels comfortable bringing their authentic selves to work. To find out more about our current initiatives and offerings, please view our EDI & Wellbeing initiatives document which you can find attached to this advert.

As an employer we offer:

• Perkbox membership 

• Employee assistance programme

• Life assurance 

• Pension scheme

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community. 

School-Home Support​ ​takes very seriously the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and is committed to ensuring that our safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice. Our safeguarding policy recognises that the welfare and interests of children are paramount in all circumstances. All roles within schools at SHS are subject to an Enhanced DBS Check.

Peer Support Development Officer – Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire

 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 easy reach of Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire, 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 easy reach of Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire. Key development areas for this post will initially include; Oldham, Bury, Tameside, Doncaster, York and the East Riding of Yorkshire. You may be required to support the development of groups in North Lincolnshire. This role may also 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 date and interview details:

Closing date: 1 November 2024 12:00 pm

Interviews: Week Commencing 4 November 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. 

We are looking for an experienced and passionate IT Technical Specialist  to work as part of our IT / Technology Services Team.

Imagine being part of an organisation whose common purpose is to help those who are severely impacted by mental illness. We believe that everyone should be treated with respect and dignity – and that’s why equity is one of our core values. We draw on the expertise, unique perspectives and lived experience of our people – regardless of who they are or their background – to help us become inclusive and anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider that reflect the diverse communities we support as a mental health charity.

The Technology Services team supports the work of colleagues and the organisation, providing high quality, professional services which assist in the effective delivery of our services, our campaign agenda and our role as an employer.

How you will make a difference

The infrastructure team are looking for a dynamic Technical Specialist to take a central role in the Technology Services transformation programme of IT systems.

Rethink Mental Illness are transitioning away from legacy on-premise systems with a cloud first approach and over the last few years the Infrastructure team have made substantial transformation to the organisations infrastructure by:

• Fully Implementing SharePoint and OneDrive for over 1000 end-users 
• Transitioning hardware provisioning and management to Intune/Endpoint Manager 
• Migrating server estate and infrastructure resources to Azure 
• Increasing the security stature of the organisation and hardening the environment, reducing attack surface 
• Delivering a strategy to minimise the risk of human behaviour to security. 

The rapid pace of change within the charity has seen the evolution of existing ways of working and opening new aspects of innovation to drive efficiencies for the betterment of our staff and beneficiaries. 

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.

We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or questioning), Intersex and (asexual) (LGBTQIA+), people with a disability, and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.

This is a new and exciting opportunity for a seasoned climate campaigner to deploy their skills in new ways, developing change strategies that will shift the climate ambition and the investment decisions of key steel companies. The steel industry is a major driver of climate emissions and yet few in the industry feel urgency and few outside the industry know that. Your job will be to help us change that.

European-headquartered steelmakers account for a small share of production but have an important role to play in shaping a pathway for transforming the industry and setting the pace. There are companies that are innovating, while others that should be leading the way but are stuck in coal-based production. We are seeking a dynamic corporate campaigner based in Europe/Africa timezone who is able to use their creativity to design and implement campaigns to drive change in steel companies. 

ABOUT THE ORGANISATION

SteelWatch is an international climate campaign organisation established in June 2023, driving corporate accountability and action in the steel sector. Our vision is a steel industry that underpins a thriving zero emissions economy. Our priority is that the steel industry gets on track for a 1.5 degree trajectory this side of 2030. 

We run corporate campaigns and challenge the global industry to replace complacency with urgent action.  We currently focus on OECD countries, and specifically in Europe and Japan at present, with team members in UK/Europe and Asia Pacific timezones.  As a young organisation, we are evolving, testing, and learning, and seek team members who will enjoy breaking new ground with us. 

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for a dynamic Corporate Campaigner who will lead, develop and implement creative campaigns and strategies to drive change in steel companies. This will require using multiple pressure points across the steel value chain; shifting narratives, engaging with national campaigns,  exposing inadequacy of climate plans, harnessing investor pressure, driving demands for green steel and much more. The Corporate Campaigner will work closely with our CSO allies, notably from European Fossil Free Steel Network (EFFSN) and Fair Steel Coalition, to contribute to the impacts of the wider ecosystem and to sharply define the role of SteelWatch and its campaigns. This is likely to involve collaborations beyond Europe, in North America, Africa, Asia or Latin America. As a member of the first international climate NGO specialising in steel decarbonisation, you will work with other SteelWatch team members located across Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Europe. 

For the steel industry to move toward decarbonisation, technological advancement is not the only solution. We need to fundamentally drive  systemic changes to the long-held methods of steel production, the iron and steel value chain and the industrial structure, and going further, the relationship between the steel industry and the future of the decarbonised society. We are looking for someone who is able to use their creativity to engage not only in negotiations to achieve GHG emissions reductions, but also in critical thinking to provoke dialogues about what our climate needs from the industry’s corporate actors and other stakeholders today, to ensure a better future for people and the planet.

Responsibilities: 

• Develop campaign strategies and plans in collaboration with your analytical and communication colleagues and with partner organisations, where relevant;

• Track and monitor company and investment calendar, announcements and news to identify opportunities for driving change;

• Plan and deliver campaign outputs; public communications, on-ground activities, media appearance, corporate engagement and other tactics, responding to emerging campaign opportunities;

• Engage with relevant stakeholders, corporate actors, financial institutions, government officials, industry experts, in pursuit of the campaign strategy;

• Participate actively in coalition conversations and activities; 

• Undertake necessary research and report writing for the campaigns, working closely with the Steelwatch Steel Analyst;

• Give inputs to and deliver communication outputs and collaborate with the communication colleagues to respond timely to emerging news; 

• Contribute to measuring the impacts of the campaign and produce reports, including funder reports, where required;

• Other responsibilities assigned by the Campaigns Director.
               

APPLICATION CRITERIA

We seek applicants with several years experience in corporate campaigning and a track record of managing the A-Z of campaign delivery.  We will also consider, for entry at a more junior level, applicants with less experience but who have the campaigning mentality and strong delivery skills, with potential to grow in the role. Candidates with more substantial experience could be considered for a more senior role.  For candidates of any level of experience, an appetite to learn and grow in the role is expected, as this is pioneering work. 

Essential skills and experiences

• At least 6 years experience in designing and implementing campaigns; 

• Experience with change strategies that target corporate actors to change their behaviours and business models, and with driving climate action; 

• Ability to understand and articulate systemic problems and solutions; experience and/or appetite for change making; 

• Knowledge of and natural instinct to pick up on shifting socioeconomic contexts, societal narratives and political environments; 

• Ability to convey argument crisply and convincingly, verbally and in written form; 

• Ability to collaborate with effectively with a wide variety of partners, from allies to analysts to communication experts; 

• Proven strong organisational skills to coordinate multiple inputs and manage different deadlines, working on immediate tasks as well as longer pieces of work; 

• An appetite to work in a start-up, with all the curiosity, adaptivity and learning that it entails. 

Language requirements

• Ability to work in English at a professional level is a requirement. Additional language in Spanish, German, French or Portuguese is preferred.

Desired skills and experience

• Direct experience of work in climate, industry decarbonisation, and energy transition; 

• Awareness of global dynamics and ability to think beyond borders for campaign leverages, blockages and opportunities; 

• Excellent skills in writing for analytical reports as well as engaging media contents. 

For full list of working conditions, benefits and ways of working, please see our website.

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. 

Salary: £28,216.60 per annum, pro-rated

Location: Flexible, including home working

Contract: Fixed term contract ending April 2025, 6-month fixed term contract – we are looking for someone to start in the role by Wednesday the 6th of November please specify this on your application if you can start in post by this date.

Hours: Full time 37.5 hours per week

Interview date:  Friday the 25th of October

Closing date: Monday the 21st of October at 11:30pm 

Are you a positive and open-minded individual who has great time management and organisational skills, enjoys communicating with a variety of people and is keen to learn and develop a career in fundraising?

Then join Shelter as a Community & Events Assistant and you could soon be part of our welcoming and supportive Supporter Experience team.

About the role

The main objectives of this role will be to provide excellent supporter care to Shelter’s fundraisers, which will involve building relationships and giving fundraising and event support and advice and providing efficient administrative support to the department. We want to give you scope to grow into a confident and successful fundraiser, so you will receive training and provide supporter care and admin support across a variety of community & events activities, events and products across all three teams.

About you

Communicating with a variety of people: you will enjoy communicating with people in a variety of different ways, over the phone, face to face, by email, letter and over social media channels.

Time management & organisation: there’s a lot to do, particularly when we have fundraising products live and during the busy winter fundraising period, so it’s important to be able to manage your time well. The team has a really positive collective attitude to helping you do this, and they will suggest different tools and methods to stay on top of your work. But your being organised from the get-go is important.

Attention to detail: in all tasks, you will need to have a good eye for detail to make sure work is completed with a high level of accuracy.

Proactive: there are many activities to get involved with at Shelter, so being proactive ensures you get as much from your role as possible. Within your role you need to take initiative in setting up meetings, asking questions and suggesting/trying new ideas. Beyond this, taking advantage of volunteering in our shops or at events, and visiting local Shelter Hubs, is a great way to understand the cause and sector.

Willingness to be busy: everyone in the team has lots to do and has a range of responsibilities across different areas. To be successful in this role, you need to be willing to be busy during the working day and enjoy the variety this brings.

Flexibility: as this role will support work across the wider Community & Events team throughout the year, it is vital that the successful candidate is adaptable and willing to get stuck into different activities when needed. There will be occasional evening and weekend work to support events, for which time off in lieu will be given.

Positive attitude to learning: one of the most important aspects of the job is being positive and willing to learn. Being open-minded and keen to find solutions to problems is essential.

Apply to be part of our team and be the change you want to see in society.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.

Shelter helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through our advice, support and legal services. And we campaign to make sure that, one day, no one will have to turn to us for help. We’re here so no one has to fight bad housing or homelessness on their own.

We are happy to talk about flexible working, personal growth, and to promote a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.

About the team

The Supporter Experience team at Shelter exists to provide expert stewardship to build deep long-term relationships, enhancing the supporter experience to drive income now and increase lifetime values. We ensure supporters feel valued and appreciated by Shelter and understand the impact of their support. We’re part of a wider Community & Events team that sits within an Income Generation directorate.

Together, we look after a wide variety of fundraising activities to help fund our mission to ensure a safe home for all. Your team are welcoming and supportive, we work hard but try to have a lot of fun as well. Your line manager will be there to support you and encourage your personal development and you’ll have the opportunity to progress within the Community & Events team and beyond.

How to apply

Please click ‘Apply for Job’ below. You are required to submit a CV and a one-page expression of interest confirming you can start in post for the date required. The expression of interest should be relevant to the points in the ‘About You’ section of the job description attached to this advert.

Any applications submitted without an expression of interest will not be considered.

About Shelter

Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet everyday millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.

We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.

Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.

Safeguarding statement

Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.

Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

Our Head of Membership Services will lead the development and implementation of an ambitious membership strategy and engagement plan, ensuring our offer remains competitive and meaningful, meets our members’ needs, and is responsive to feedback.

In this senior management role, you will be responsible for strategic and operational leadership of the membership team, ensuring that members have a positive and engaging experience, that their voices and interests are heard within RCEW, and their interests represented in decision-making.

You will lead on supporting our members to work within the framework of the Rape Crisis National Service Standards (2024), producing and updating guidance and information as necessary and facilitate the sharing of best practice through peer support spaces.

We require the post holder to be female - Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR), Schedule 9 (Work; Exceptions), Part 1 (Occupational Requirements), of the Equality Act (2010) applies. RCEW and local Rape Crisis Centres provide space where women and children who have experienced sexual violence and abuse are supported and can access services.