Digital Engagement Officer Jobs in Greater London

Post summary

This is an exciting position for an exceptional person with fundraising, campaigning, policy, communications and management/leadership experience to temporarily direct one of the UK’s leading human rights NGOs. In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to oversee high-impact civil liberties campaigns to achieve real change and manage a high-performing multi-disciplinary team to further privacy, free expression and data protection rights in the United Kingdom. Importantly, you’ll be an experienced fundraiser, responsible for leading our grants and major giving to maintain Big Brother Watch’s income growth, and have experience with financial reporting.

You’ll have a diverse skill-set enabling you to line manage our Advocacy Manager, Digital Communications Manager and Head of Research and Investigations. An ideal candidate will also be responsible for leading the development of policy positions on new and emerging issues alongside our talented team.

You may also share spokesperson responsibilities, taking up our role as a recognised voice on civil liberties matters in the national media, though this is not essential.

The start and end of the position will include comprehensive handover periods with the current Director, and may include a period of co-working full time with the current Director.

We recognise that applicants may not have all the skills relevant to this role, or policy expertise across all of our key campaign areas. However, if you are a committed and experienced civil liberties advocate with significant fundraising and management experience, we would like to hear from you.

About you

We’re looking for highly experienced professional with a track record of NGO fundraising and management with a demonstrable passion for protecting civil liberties, especially privacy and freedom of expression. Ideally, you’ll have a high level of experience of or interest in working on new and emerging technologies.

Importantly, you’ll have excellent political judgement. You’ll have strong knowledge of British politics, a strong network of relevant contacts and significant experience both fundraising and advocating for change.

You’ll have an entrepreneurial approach, always identifying opportunities to boost Big Brother Watch’s campaigns, resources and reputation. The ideal candidate will appreciate the importance of winning in the court of public opinion in order to win in parliament, and have the skills to do both.

You’ll be a brilliant communicator internally and externally, able to simplify complex technology issues and convey powerful messages whether in campaign slogans or in interviews as a Big Brother Watch spokesperson.

You’ll be at ease working on a strictly non-partisan, cross-party basis and grounding our campaigns and communications strategies in human rights and liberal principles. You’ll also embody our principles of equality, respect and accountability.

We’re looking for someone with natural leadership qualities, ideally with experience of managing managers, who will bring the best out of our highly capable team as a motivating and compassionate director.

If you’re committed to Big Brother Watch’s mission, we’d like to hear from you.

Big Brother Watch

Big Brother Watch is a UK civil liberties campaign group fighting for a free future. We’re determined to reclaim our privacy and defend freedoms at this time of enormous technological change. And we fight to win.

We’re a fiercely independent, diverse, non-partisan and non-profit group of campaigners and researchers who work to roll back the surveillance state and protect rights in parliament, the media or the courts if we have to. We publish unique investigations and pursue powerful public campaigns to pursue real change. We work relentlessly to inform and empower the public to collectively reclaim privacy, defend our civil liberties and protect freedoms for the future.

We’re a small, dedicated and highly effective team of seven full-time staff, in addition to contractors and volunteers.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Fundraising

• Seeking fundraising opportunities and writing fundraising applications

• Reporting to funders, including trusts/grants and individual donors

Management and finances

• Day to day operational management of the office, ensuring policies are upheld

• Management of the Advocacy Manager, including overseeing the development of quarterly campaign plans and evaluations across our priority areas

• Management of the Digital Communications Officer and our public communications strategy/scheduling, encompassing digital fundraising

• Management of the Head of Research and Investigations, ensuring ongoing production of high-quality research, investigations and reports to support priority campaign areas

• Ensuring the highest level of quality of all campaigns, communications and research output

• Manage staff performance and development, and ensure wellbeing

• Help foster a positive, supportive work environment

• Financial management of the organisation, liaising with our accountants, with quarterly financial reporting to the Board of Directors, and maintenance of our annual budget

• Organise quarterly meetings of the Board of Directors and prepare papers, including financial and campaign updates

Advocacy

• Lead a high-performing, multi-disciplinary team to further our strategic aims across campaigns, communications, research and some litigation

• Identify advocacy and press opportunities to further campaign aims, with the team

• Oversee and ultimately authorise our public messaging, from press quotes to public stunts, in line with our strategic aims

• Work with the team to promote Big Brother Watch’s campaigns externally/in the media, supporting spokespeople or personally undertaking speaking engagements, media interviews/opinion writing, etc.

• Uphold Big Brother Watch’s reputational excellence in public fora

• Work with the team to communicate complex issues to varied audiences, whether parliament, press or public

• Identify opportunities to further our strategic aims whether in parliament, the press or through legal action

• Identify and support opportunities for the team to work with stakeholders and pursue collaborative campaigns/coalitions on key issues

• Develop and advance Big Brother Watch’s relationships with allies across Government, legislative bodies, international organisations & NGOs in a strictly cross-party manner

• Produce formal correspondence, blog posts, presentations, and other documents articulating Big Brother Watch’s strategic goals

• Reflect, evaluate and implement learning from Big Brother Watch’s performance

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

• Successful experience (2y+) fundraising from trusts and individual donors for a non-profit/NGO

• Experience of budget management and financial reporting, particularly in a non-profit context

• Proven leadership in a senior management role (2y+) in a similar role or environment

• Proven experience with high-level political judgement and decision-making

• A strong understanding of the external political environment, including levers for change and knowledge of what changes the minds of decision-makers

• A demonstrated commitment to defending rights and civil liberties in the UK

• Strong problem-solving skills

• Proven ability to work successfully in a non-party, cross-party environment

• Proven ability to represent an organisation as a responsible and high-impact ambassador

• Proven commitment to organisational excellence across all outputs

Desirable

• Experience managing managers

• Expertise and experience on UK issues relating to data protection, civil liberties, privacy, surveillance and/or free expression

• Excellent and persuasive communications skills

• Aptitude for managing and building relationships with stakeholders

• Familiarity with relevant UK surveillance and data protection laws

Senior Marketing Officer (Supporter Activation)
Contract: 10 Months Fixed term contract, Maternity Cover, 35 hours per week

Salary: £39,358 - £41,325 with excellent benefits

Location: London, UK
Hybrid Working: A minimum of 40% of working time is spent face to face, either in London office, or as a result of external engagement or travel for WaterAid. WaterAid is located at Canary Wharf, London and this will be your location and contract base.

About WaterAid:
Want to make a splash in fundraising? To use your skills to play a vital role in making clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene normal for everyone everywhere? We need passionate, creative and dedicated people. In return, you will be encouraged and empowered to be yourself at your very best. Together, we will make a bigger difference.

Join WaterAid as a Senior Marketing Officer (Supporter Activation) in the Activation team to change normal for millions of people so they can unlock their potential, break free from poverty and change their lives for good. 

About the Team: 
The Supporter Activation team sits within the Supporter Marketing team and plays a key role in our successful and innovative fundraising programme. The team is vital to the long-term income growth of the organisation; recruiting new individual givers through audience led communications across a range of activation channels.

About the Role:
As our Senior Marketing Officer (Supporter Activation) you will project lead our highly successful water bill insert campaign (managed in close collaboration with the Water Industry Partnership Team). Overseeing the delivery of these campaigns from briefing through to post-campaign analysis, as well as the development of new ideas to maximise the opportunities offered by this relationship.

You’ll support the Marketing Manager and wider team in the day-to-day development, management and delivery of a number of fundraising campaigns. In particular our successful DRTV programme, managing the relationship with our telemarketing agency and support in planning and delivery of new creative.

You’ll also: 

• Managing our response handling agency to ensure effective conversion of response for our DRTV campaigns through regular monitoring and testing; providing training and development and analysing results regularly. 
• Manage agency relationships; overseeing the management and development of any campaigns from briefing through to post-campaign analysis, collaborating with external partners, taking responsibility for resolving queries, trafficking all stages of the project and escalation of potential problems.
• Help develop and manage expenditure and income budgets. Help create the budget, to monitor monthly management accounts and key performance indicators and to undertake reforecasts as required. 
• Regularly monitor, evaluate and analyse campaigns, providing regular results and recommendations for strategy development based on reviews and analysis.
• Liaise with team leaders and project managers in other departments to identify and implement new cross-working opportunities utilising specialist knowledge and experience in direct marketing. 
• Remain up-to-date about developments in the external market-place and assess the suitability of new, innovative approaches for recruiting supporters to remain competitive.
• Take responsibility for ensuring that all supporter communications are consistent with the WaterAid brand, working closely with the International, Policy and Campaigns, and Communications teams.

About You:

• Successful track record of working in a direct marketing role, including proven experience of planning and executing campaigns across different channels, including digital.
• Experience of managing telemarketing, call handling and large-scale print campaigns
• Experience of managing creative development, including writing creative briefs, working with creative agencies, ensuring the correct sign off procedures are followed, and appropriate stakeholders consulted. 
• Project management experience including identifying opportunities and managing through to implementation.
• Ability to work flexibly and independently, to manage varying competing priorities and meet strict deadlines with often changing priorities.
• The ability to work as part of a team and collaboratively with a diverse group to deliver cross-organisational projects or objectives. 
• Excellent numeracy skills with attention to detail and experience in monitoring, evaluating and analysing campaigns. 
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrable experience managing external suppliers.

Although not essential, we also prefer you to have:

• Experience of working in the voluntary / fundraising sector.
• Experience of delivering supporter direct mail and communication programmes.
• Experience managing new product development and/or innovation projects.
• Empathy with and understanding of overseas development issues.

Closing date: Applications will close at 23:59 on Sunday 10th November 2024. Shortlisting and interviews may take place on a rolling basis and the application process will close if a suitable candidate is found prior to the advertised closing date..

How to Apply: To see the full job pack, please click ‘Apply’. Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter into one document in either Word Document or PDF format. 

Pre-employment screening: In order to apply for this post, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the UK. All our vacancies require a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to comply with our Safer Recruitment policy.

Our Benefits:

• 36 days' holiday (including 8 Bank Holidays)
• Option to buy an extra 5 days annual leave
• We offer a generous pension plan with employer contribution of up to 10%
• Wide range of flexible and agile-working arrangement
• Season Ticket Loan
• Free annual eye tests
• Pay as You Give charitable giving scheme
• Enhanced Maternity and Adoption/Surrogacy pay, Shared Parental Leave and Paternity Leave
• Sabbaticals
• Volunteer Day

Our Commitment

Our People Promise:
We will work with passion and focus to ensure safe and sustainable water, toilets and hygiene are available to everyone, everywhere. WaterAid is a place of purpose – where people have a real commitment and shared responsibility for the impact we have.  We are a global community with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, motivated by inspiring, stimulating work. We are determined to put the wellbeing of our people first, to be a place where people feel safe and able to contribute their voice and truly live our values.  

Equal opportunities:
We are an equal opportunity, disability-confident employer and are dedicated to achieving the highest standards of diversity, equity and inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions and ways of life. This includes, but is not limited to, race, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion, national or social origin, health status, and economic or social situation.

Safeguarding:
We are also committed to protecting everyone we come into contact with. We have a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of power, privilege or trust across our global work, and any form of inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, abuse, bullying, harassment, or exploitation. Safeguarding the people and communities we work with, our staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously.

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 have an exciting opportunity to join our thriving and committed Community and Events Fundraising team. We are looking for someone who is experienced in project management and implementation of ambitious supporter retention and stewardship programmes to maximize income generation.  We are looking for someone who is creative, ambitious, and passionate about ensuring an excellent supporter experience, to help us drive income growth. This is a new role, offering you the opportunity to truly bring your strengths to it.

As the Community and Events Retention Officer, you will be an excellent communicator, a strategic thinker, take a test and learn approach and be able to demonstrate success of your strategies against KPIs and clear income targets.  You'll be joining a team of friendly and passionate fundraisers, and you'll be supported to develop your skills and personal development plans.

This is a permanent full-time position based either at our new Headquarters: -The Salvation Army, Territorial Headquarters, 1 Champion Park, London SE5 8FJ, or flexible agile working from home.

Our exciting new building provides a more effective workplace to help The Salvation Army better achieve its mission. Applicants must be able to work within the Christian ethos of The Salvation Army.

Applicants must be able to work within the Christian ethos of The Salvation Army.

Benefits:
25 days annual leave + bank holidays (pro rata for part-time); a contributory pension scheme; season ticket loan and an employee assistance programme.

Closing date: 10th November 2024 at 23.59pm

Interview date: To be confirmed - weekly on an ongoing basis - You are encouraged to apply early. 

In order to complete your application please download and read the job profile and any other attachments. In the job profile you will find the criteria required for the role please make sure that you address this in your supporting statement as this forms the basis of our shortlisting. 

Appointment subject to satisfactory references and proof of right to work in the UK. 

We reserve the right to close this advert earlier if we feel that we have received sufficient applications.

Promoting equality in the workplace and as a disability confident scheme employer, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.

Location: Remote, with regular meetings in London, UK

Hours: 2.5 days per week

Sustainability First is a leading UK think tank and charity that acts as a critical friend to businesses, regulators, governments, and civil society, to create more sustainable energy and water sectors in the UK. We work tirelessly to advocate for policies that support environmental and consumer protection and to engage the public through accessible and impactful communication. We believe that it is possible to create a thriving economy that respects environmental limits and enables social equity.

Role overview:

We are seeking a dynamic and committed Advocacy and Communications Officer to join our team. This new role is integral to amplifying our voice with decision-makers, including business leaders, senior officials in central government and regulatory bodies, and amongst politicians. You will help to shape public policy and drive our communications strategy.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in advocacy, excellent communication skills, and a shared commitment to our values. This is an excellent opportunity to develop a core role in our charity, as well as make a tangible impact on the environment and social equity in the UK. We will also be rolling out a refreshed brand and updated website – you will have the opportunity to help us make the most of our new branding.

What we offer:

• A supportive and inclusive working environment
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression
• The chance to make a tangible impact on environmental and public policy, and public awareness
• Flexible working hours including remote working
• 25 days' annual leave, pro-rata.

For further information and to apply, please visit our website via the ‘apply’ button.

Closing date: Sunday 3rd November 2024.

Sustainability First is committed to creating a diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, or age.

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. 

InCommon is a charity bringing generations together. We create opportunities for young people and older people to learn from one another, fostering mutual inspiration, growth, and a stronger sense of community.

We're looking for a Programme Manager to develop our Empower programme. In this role, you'll be supporting grassroots intergenerational projects across the country to start and flourish through an online platform and support offer.

You’ll match up schools and retirement homes, build relationships with key stakeholders and support them to use the platform to coordinate intergenerational projects. Your efficient, thoughtful and professional approach will build trust and lead to close working relationships.

This is a really exciting new stage of the programme’s development and has the potential for you to build the Empower team. You’ll also be joining InCommon at an exciting stage of our evolution, with lots of opportunity to add value and guide the direction of a growing charity.

This is the perfect role for you if:

• You’re reliable, trustworthy and authentic
• You take responsibility and deliver results
• You’re a collaborative team player and great communicator
• You’re creative and excited by digital design
• You’re flexible, self-motivated and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment
• You can lead collaboratively and have experience of line management

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. 

A leading cultural, social change organisation is looking for two Fellowship Growth and Partnerships Officers.

Location: London. Hybrid working (3 days office-based)

Salary: £30,000 – £32,000

As Fellowship Growth and Partnerships Officer you will be responsible for delivering the growth and development of the organisations network of over 31,000 Fellows in line with the overarching operational strategy. This involves promoting Fellowship internally and externally through events, presentations, responding to enquiries effectively, generating leads, and delivering digital recruitment campaigns.

One Fellowship Officer will focus on recruitment through internal and external events. The other will focus on communications and recruitment campaigns.

Key responsibilities include:

• Achieving individual and team recruitment targets by recruiting on a rolling basis suitable individuals for Fellowship.
• Leading on specific recruitment sources to bring in new Fellows, particularly through internal and external events, other engagement opportunities, and digital recruitment campaigns.
• Acting as a point of contact for prospective Fellows, being able to outline in a compelling and confident manner the value of the organisation’s Fellowship to different audiences (including by emails, phone calls, face to face or virtual meetings).
• Managing and delivering webinars and events for those interested in hearing more about the Fellowship, to convince them to join.
• Using the CRM system (Salesforce) and reporting software (Power-Bi) to track and monitor Fellowship recruitment, drawing on data to measure success of different approaches and make decisions about priorities.
• Working across multiple platforms (Salesforce, Eventbrite, Pardot, SharePoint) to coordinate Fellows and team administration, including keeping records up to date, running reports and ensuring a positive Fellowship.

The successful candidate will have experience in persuading others to take an action through one-to-one conversations and public speaking, whether in sales, marketing, campaigns or another capacity and will be comfortable working to targets, particularly relating to growth or income. Excellent networking skills and the ability to engage new people effectively at events is crucial, as is the ability to think creatively and be able to spot and take advantage of opportunities. Finally, you must have strong data inputting skills and confidence with a  broad range of IT systems/the ability to quickly pick up new systems and technology.

If you’re an entrepreneurial self-starter who can work productively in a group setting and are looking for an opportunity to put your strong persuasive and excellent interpersonal skills, then please do get in touch!

Please note, only successful candidates will be contacted with further information.

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

About us

We’re Breast Cancer Now, the research and support charity. We’re the place to turn to for anything and everything to do with breast cancer. However you’re experiencing breast cancer, we’re here. 

The brightest minds in breast cancer research are here. Making life-saving research happen in labs across the UK and Ireland. Support services, trustworthy breast cancer information and specialist nurses are here. Ready to support you whenever you need it. Dedicated campaigners are here. Fighting for the best possible treatment, services and care for anyone affected by breast cancer.

About the role

Breast Cancer Now are excited to recruit the new role of fundraising compliance officer to support its growing fundraising ambitions. As our fundraising compliance officer, you will play an essential role in ensuring our fundraising and marketing activities meet the highest standards in an ever-changing regulatory landscape, to mitigate potential risks for the charity and to maintain the trust of our supporters.

The varied role will work collaboratively with fundraising colleagues from across the charity. No day will feel the same, as you provide expert advice and assurance on a diverse range of fundraising products and marketing communications, this includes TV ads, prize competitions, social lotteries, and direct marketing campaigns. The role will work closely with individual giving team and our professional fundraising agencies to assure we are meeting our compliance commitments.

The successful candidate will also support the compliance team as it continues to develop the culture and maturity in fundraising compliance across the charity, with continuous improvement to our training, resources, process, communication and reporting.  

About you

The successful candidate will possess a blend of technical knowledge, analytical skills, interpersonal abilities and a keen eye for detail to ensure adherence to regulations and internal policies.

The ideal candidate will have some prior understanding of charity fundraising and the needs of working in an assurance role, but training can be provided.  Prior knowledge some data protection legislation and fundraising regulations would also be beneficial, such as the data protection act, fundraising code of practice, CAP code, gambling commission code, and HMRC gift aid rules. You will also be self-motivated and have an eagerness to learn and develop in line with the ever-changing regulatory landscape and the charities needs and goals.  

Ideal attributes of a candidate include an analytical mind, with the ability to review information, ask questions and make informed decisions to support the charity to meet its objectives, whilst also mitigating unnecessary risk.

You will be an approachable, confident and clear communicator, that can adapt your communication stye to a verity of audiences in order to convey complex information in a clear and understandable manner, that is both educational and builds productive relationships with colleagues.

Excellent organisation and IT skills are also essential tools of a potential candidate, as the role will require effective task prioritisation to manage an active schedule, record management of compliance registers and folders, plus the analysis and production of detailed guidance procedures and reports.  

Job description and benefits

Please download the job description and our attractive benefits package.

Primary location of role and hybrid working

This role is primarily based in our London or Sheffield office. Our hybrid working model allows you to work up to 3 days per week at home. Occasional travel will also be required for the role.

When applying

We hope you choose to apply for this role. To support your application, you’ll be asked to submit your anonymised CV and a supporting statement. Please refer to the essential criteria on the person specification and clearly provide as much information as you can with examples, to demonstrate how and where you meet the criteria. If you’ve any immediate questions please contact The Breast Cancer Now Recruitment Team. 

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

We’re committed to promoting equity, valuing diversity and creating an inclusive environment – for everyone who works for us, works with us, supports us and who we support.

Closing date 9am on Tuesday 5 November 2024

Interview date Monday 11 November 2024

Position Type: Part-Time (32 hours)

Location: Home based – London

Salary: £34,500 full time equivalent (including London weighting)

About Chiva:

Chiva is a charity in the UK and Ireland whose mission is to ensure that children, young people and young adults growing up with HIV become healthier, happier and more in control of their own futures.

Chiva works to ensure that young people living with HIV have the treatment and care, knowledge, understanding, skills and wider support needed to live well and achieve their greatest potential.

Job purpose:

The Specialist Support Officer will provide both individual and family based emotional and social support, advocacy, and HIV education to children, young people and young adults living with HIV. Working closely with paediatric, adolescent, and adult HIV clinic teams across the London region.

At Chiva we believe that a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace is key to fostering innovation and growth. We are committed to building a team that reflects a wide variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals of all identities, including race, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation. Our goal is to create an environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work.

Please see the full Job Description and Person Specification at the link below.

Please note that we are only able to accept applications submitted on our branded application form. We cannot accept CVs in respect of this post.

Please apply via our website.

Deadline for applications: Friday 22nd November.

Interviews to take place: Wednesday 27th November or Thursday 28th November (AM)

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. 

We are recruiting a General Advice Officer to support with the delivery of advice and welfare support to guests who access Sufra’s Food Bank, Community Kitchen and the Community Wellbeing Project. The General Advice Officer will support our guests on a range of areas including benefits, immigration, housing, wellbeing, money management and access to training and employment services. The post-holder will provide high quality welfare advice and guidance through weekly one-to-one advice sessions, undertake case work, work with partners to facilitate referrals, and provide support to advice volunteers.

The successful candidate must have at least two years’ experience delivering effective advice in a similar capacity, demonstrate empathy, an understanding of the issues facing vulnerable people, and have in-depth and up-to-date knowledge of welfare benefits with a strong focus on achieving tangible outcomes for our guests.

We understand that working in the charity sector can be both deeply rewarding and demanding, we provide comprehensive training and support so our team can expand their skills and take on new challenges. We are looking for an General Advice Officer who is passionate, reflective and ambitious about bringing about positive change for our guests. The right candidate should be empathetic and patient, skilled at problem-solving, highly organised and diligent.

This is more than just a job; it’s an opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of our guests. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and life experiences, as we believe this diversity makes us better able to serve the diverse communities of Brent.

We are looking for an exceptionally committed individual who is willing to go the extra mile. If you are dedicated to bringing about positive change for some of the most marginalised communities in Brent through advice, we would love to hear from you!

Role: Associate Director of Communications

Location: Remote

Work pattern: 35 hours per week

Salary: Up to £71,460 per annum

Contract: Permanent

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

Will you join us and make life better for cats?

Responsibilities of our Associate Director of Communications:

• take accountability and leadership for Cats Protection’s integrated communications, providing strategic leadership of the function
• take a strategic approach to integrating different approaches to communications to a deliver a proactive strategy which delivers against agreed organisational priorities
• lead, manage, and motivate the Communications team in line with Cats Protection’s people policies
• responsible for the successful delivery of Public Relations campaigns ensuring objectives are met and work is achieved within budget
• build a culture of positive engagement across functions and promote and role model the values and behaviours of the charity
• maximise the value for money achieved by the charity’s expenditure, with responsibility and accountability for the planning and management of the Communications budget
• work in collaboration with members of the Senior Management team, to fulfil all duties and responsibilities set out in the terms of reference

About the Communications Department

The newly formed Communications department consists of three functions;

• Digital – respnsible for the digital footprint of the organisation across social media and website, creating content and supporting engagement across branches and teams
• Internal communications – delivering creative and effective communications strategies to ensure effective engagement of employees and volunteers
• Media – responsible for developing and delivering innovative strategies to enhance and protect Cats Protection’s reputation in the media, through national stories and supporting local branches and centres

Together, these functions are responsible for the external voice and visibility of Cats Protection, delivering integrated, impactful messages and campaigns in support of organisational priorities.

What we’re looking for in our Associate Director of Communications:

• experience developing and integrating new teams
• excellent understanding of communications metrics
• experience of working with media outlets and/or social media channels
• significant experience of overseeing the work of a communications team
• experience of working and developing an internal communication function
• a thorough understanding of strategy, planning, risk management and dependency planning
• the ability to make sound and logical decisions
• ability to build strong, trusted relationships and influence where needed
• strong planning and organisational skills
• excellent management skills, including change management
• knowledge of UK communications outlets
• experience with databases & monitoring systems
• an understanding of working with a network of volunteers to deliver impact

What we can offer you:

• range of health benefits
• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service
• Salary Finance, which empowers you to take control of your financial wellbeing
• and much more, which you can learn about

Interested?

Application closing date: 06 November 2024

Virtual interview date: TBC

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

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