Groups And Volunteering Development Manager Jobs in Lambeth, Greater London

The Role

We now seek a Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Research Manager to deliver a step change in organisational capacity in the MELR space, develop our approaches to data collection, and coordinate planning and reporting processes. This will require an experienced, self starting practitioner, capable of developing a long term strategic vision as well as getting deeply involved in ensuring its realisation.

The Organisation

Mothers’ Union is a global Christian movement working to transform lives, strengthen families and advocate for change. Active for nearly 150 years and now with 4 million members in 84 countries, our development programmes have extraordinary reach and an approach that is in line with best practice – our members serve in their local communities, have strong established relationships, and are there for the long term. They see what is needed, where it is needed and work as volunteers to facilitate change and help others. This local knowledge, combined with their Christian faith perspective enables transformation in the communities they serve.

Our programmes, which take an Asset Based Community Development approach, are focused around the three pillars identified by our members of stopping violence (especially gender based violence), poverty and injustice.

For further information, including details of how to apply, please see the job pack attached.

Closing date for applications is 31st October 2024.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Events and Partnerships Manager to join our Events and Partnerships Teams. This role will require the successful candidate to proactively lead our Events Team to review and overhaul our current events programme before implementing a varied and exciting refreshed programme which will engage new and current supporters as well as the local community and our children, young people and their families.

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

Role Requirements

• Working alongside the Head of Public Fundraising, you will strengthen and implement business planning, pipeline and budgeting processes as well as devise comprehensive audience-led stewardship plans, maintaining momentum and focus to achieve targets.  
• Lead the implementation and delivery of the strategy for the Events and Partnerships teams and work with the Head of Public Fundraising and the teams to develop and review strategies to maximise income from events and partnerships
• Manage partnership pipeline including building opportunities with new businesses to increase the range, value and number of partnerships for The Children’s Trust
• Lead the Events team to review and overhaul our current events programme so that we are maximising net income and ROI as well as meeting the needs of our supporters and local community, and building connections and long-term relationships with our events supporters
• Work across the Retail, Fundraising and Communications directorate to maximise opportunities for contact mapping, cross-sell and support the activity of other teams within the directorate (including but not limited to stock donations, sponsorship of committee-led events, pro bono support, gifts in kind etc.)
• Be responsible for the implementation of the budgets and delivery of income and expenditure against the plans
• Bring the Events and Partnerships teams together to ensure that we are seizing opportunities to integrate the programmes, for instance through corporate sponsorships of events, employee volunteering or participation, donated goods for raffles and auctions, match funding and more
• Develop relationships with colleagues across the Public Fundraising Team, wider directorate and organisation to ensure that opportunities for engagement, integration and promotion of events and partnerships are maximised and publicised

Interview Date: TBC

Terms and Conditions

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

Strictly no agencies, please.

About Us

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

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

Staff Benefits

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

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

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

Rehabilitation of Offenders

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

Equal Opportunity Employer

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

Online Searches

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

Are you looking for an engaging, fulfilling, and varied role? Young Enterprise is looking for a new an Educational Partnerships Manager in Essex and Outer East London. 

Young Enterprise is a national education charity working with schools and colleges to help young people prepare for their future. This role supports the continued development of YE’s impact by providing young people with opportunities to engage in YE’s enterprise and financial education programmes building vital skills, developing an enterprising mindset, and enabling them to make a positive contribution to their community and society.

As Educational Partnerships Manager you will be a key contributor to the regional London & South East Educational Partnerships team, working directly with young people and teachers in schools to deliver and support delivery of YE’s full suite of programmes.

The Educational Partnerships Manager role will suit someone that is able to work with young people, build rapport and engage young people from a range of backgrounds. You will need confidence in working within education settings, liaising with school staff, volunteers, and funders. Your experience of relationship development and management will help with growing our existing relationships while expanding our reach into brand new schools and colleges relationships.

We are looking for:
• A motivated self-starter
• Ability to develop new relationships with range of stakeholders, and support existing ones
• Confident in presenting and delivering to large audiences
• Good organisational, prioritisation, and problem-solving skills, with the resilience to work effectively under pressure
• Excellent manner, rapport and professionalism with young people
• An understanding or experience of managing relationships with volunteers
• A great promoter and inspirer in helping young people achieve their potential
• Experience of sales and/or fundraising
• Computer literacy with understanding of Microsoft suite

You'll be working within an experienced and passionate regional team, with a 'can-do' ethos of supporting each other and sharing knowledge across programmes and geographies.

Why work for us?
• People-focussed with a friendly and supportive work-place culture
• An active commitment to equality and diversity
• Access to mentoring scheme with a corporate partner
• Generous holiday allowance of 7.2 weeks (pro rata)
• Access to NHS top-up scheme, for money back on expenses such as dental and optical
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Group Life Assurance

Full details can be found in the Job Description. 

This is a home-based role, however, will require significant travel in Essex and Outer East London, as well as frequent travel across Greater London to support our school deliveries.

Please send your CV – with a covering letter (no more than 2 sides of A4) explaining why you think you would be right for this opportunity no later than midnight on 28th October 2024. Please note applications without a cover letter will not be considered. 

We will be assessing applications on a rolling basis and may shortlist and invite candidates to interview before the closing date. Interviews will take place via Teams.

Although we endeavour to respond to all applications, if you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date you should consider your application unsuccessful. 

LOCATION - Remote with travel required across the UK

Are you looking for an exciting and rewarding new role in 2024? Apply for the Learning and Development Manager role at homelessness charity Emmaus UK.

About Emmaus

Emmaus is a secular organisation supporting homeless and socially excluded people by providing a home for as it is needed, meaningful work in a social enterprise and a sense of belonging and community. There are currently 30 Emmaus communities in the UK stretching from Glasgow to Dover and Norfolk to South Wales, collectively supporting more than 850 people. There are also 3 Emmaus groups working towards the development of services in their areas. We understand that a home is more than just a roof over your head; it’s somewhere to belong, where you feel part of a community, and that’s what Emmaus offers.

About the role

We are seeking a Learning and Development Manager to work with the Director of Partnerships and Federation Development to develop an ambitious learning and development strategy for Emmaus UK.

As a hands-on Learning & Development Manager, you will play a critical role in developing the skills, knowledge, and capabilities of employees, companions, volunteers and trustees across the Emmaus Federation and within Emmaus UK.

Your primary focus will be on developing and delivering effective learning interventions, programs and initiatives that align with the goals of Emmaus and support the growth and development of its people.

You will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the growth and development of employees, companions, volunteers and trustees, contributing to a positive learning culture, and supporting the overall success of the federation. Your role will involve supporting the development and delivery of strategic plans, programme design and implementation, stakeholder management, and continuous evaluation and improvement of learning initiatives.

This role is home-based, with some travel required across the UK.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for a high-performing Learning and Development Manager, with experience working in a learning and development role, including experience of delivering training in-person and online to a range of stakeholders.

The successful applicant will be able to deliver effective and engaging learning and development programmes and will have experience of identifying and analysing learning and development needs, developing relevant approaches and evaluating effectiveness, developing a strong culture of continuous improvement across Emmaus UK and the wider federation.

This is an exciting and rewarding role for someone who thrives working with different people and pursuing new opportunities.

What we offer

· £37,878 pro rata (based on a standard working week of 37.5 hours)

· Working hours: 5 days per week, Monday – Friday

· Contract: Permanent

· Pension: Stakeholder pension with employer contribution

· Annual leave: 25 days + Bank Holidays + 3 concessionary days leave

· Training & development: Individually tailored induction. Ongoing training and development

· Volunteering: 2 days allowance each year

· Employee assistance: 24/7 employee assistance scheme is available

· Flexible working: Options available, subject to the requirements of the role

· Life assurance: Death in service lump sum of 3 x salary

To apply

To apply for the role, please complete our application form and equal opportunities monitoring form and email us by 12pm on Friday 1st November 2024.

Please ensure you download the job pack and refer to the job description and person specification when completing your application form.

Those shortlisted will be invited to an interview conducted via Microsoft Teams on Wednesday 13th November.

If you would like to arrange an informal discussion about the role, please email us.

Equal Opportunities

Emmaus UK provides equal opportunity for all job applicants and employees and is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination. We are dedicated to an inclusive culture, and we strive to create a workplace where teams of people with diverse backgrounds, characteristic, perspectives, ideas and experiences work together. We welcome applications from all individuals irrespective of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion or belief, disability, marital status or parental responsibilities.

To ensure fairness and consistency to select the best candidate for our roles, all our applications are anonymised up until an interview has been confirmed so that shortlisting is based solely upon the suitability of the candidate’s experience.

We are hiring a Grassroots Development Officer at BVSC on a 2 year contract. Responsible to the Funding and Development Manager, the role of Grassroots Development Officer will be to support the growth and sustainability of small voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations in Bexley. This role is funded by the VCSE Capacity Building & Infrastructure Fund 2024/2025 through the South East London Integrated Care System (SEL ICS) and aims to enhance the effectiveness of smaller, often informal groups delivering services that are both ‘by and for’ their service users that are crucial in addressing local health and wellbeing needs for the ‘under-served’ but face significant challenges in visibility and support.

The Grassroots Development Officer will be responsible for providing a wide range of organisational development support services and activities to assist grassroots VCSE organisations to develop, thrive and remain sustainable. This role is particularly interested in working with groups who deliver services to young people, the elderly, minority ethnic (global majority) and migrant groups, those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and residents in the north of the borough (areas with high deprivation and a higher proportion of small groups). 
You will be led by the VCSE sector within Bexley to ensure services are accessible, connected, consistent and to a high standard. Development work strives to build the capacity and capabilities of local groups, provide partnership/networking opportunities that enable them to carry out their own objectives effectively and offer high quality services. You will work flexibly and nimbly to provide consistent and seamless support to organisations. You will support across the whole spectrum of charity development, but focus on EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion), governance, funding, safeguarding and developing a holistic training package in a variety of formats suitable for grassroots VCS organisations.

To apply please send us your CV, cover letter & completed 'Applicant Questions' form by 11pm on Friday 1stNovember. Successful applicants will be notified by Thursday 7th November, for interviews the following week on Thursday 14th November.

If you have not heard from us by 7th November, please assume your application was not successful, we are unable to provide feedback on applications which are not shortlisted. 
 

Position: Campaigns Manager
Type: Full-time (35 hours a week), permanent 
Location: Office based in London with flexibility to work remotely 
Salary: £39,717* per annum plus excellent benefits  
Salary Band and Job Family: Band 3, Charity

*you will start at our entry point salary of £39,717 per annum, increasing to £42,199 after 6 months service and satisfactory performance and to £44,681 after a further 6 months.

About us

We make sure people living with MS are at the centre of everything we do. And it’s this commitment that unites us across the UK.  

Our strategy is based on what people affected by MS have told us is important to them. It gives us a clear and determined focus. 

Our work is based on the hopes and aspirations of our MS community. Together we campaign at all levels, fund ground-breaking research and provide award-winning support and information. 

Our people are our greatest asset and the key to our success. We offer a vibrant, progressive working environment where you'll be able to make a difference.  

About this job 

With a new UK government, elections upcoming in Scotland and Wales, a new MS Society strategy in the wings for 2025, it’s an exciting time to join our campaigns team as we look to take our campaigning up a gear.

Whether it’s about making sure people access ground-breaking treatments, tackling the poverty people face when living with MS, or making sure the right support is there when people need it most, as our campaigns manager you’ll be leading a team to empower, inspire and mobilise our community to become change-makers.

Do you want to make sure our digital actions hit the right note, that our emails pack a punch, and we bring energy and creativity to our campaigning? Are you keen to lead a team where we will prioritise personal development and foster a culture which supports learning, innovation, testing and giving things a go? Do you want to support people living with MS to be more involved in our campaigns and embed co-production throughout our work?

If this sounds of interest to you, we’d be really interested in hearing from you.

Closing date for applications: 9:00 on Thursday 31 October 2024

Interested?

PLEASE PRESS THE 'HOW TO APPLY' BUTTON FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Equal Opportunities 
We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and or from ethnic minority backgrounds.

We’d be grateful if you downloaded and completed the equality and diversity monitoring form and submit it with your application. 

Disability Confident Employer 
We’re a Disability Confident Employer and we’re committed to promoting equality and diversity.

You can ask for reasonable adjustments as part of both our recruitment and new starter on-boarding processes.

If you need any help or adjustments to apply for this role, please contact us. You can also ask for the application materials to be sent to you in a different format. Such as for them to be sent to you by email or in a larger word format.

More about our employee benefits:
We have a wide range of employee benefits including (but not limited to): 

Encouraging work life balance

• 38 days paid annual leave (including bank holidays), pro-rata for part-time
• More annual leave entitlement, based on length of employment
• Smart working options (with the opportunity to work remotely and find a smart working pattern that suits both you and us) 
• Flexible working options 

Caring for you and your family 

• Generous sick pay entitlement
• More sick pay entitlement, based on length of employment 
• Opportunity to buy and sell annual leave in each calendar year 
• Free access to a GP virtually 24 hours a day/7 days a week allowing you unlimited advice, reassurance and where appropriate diagnosis 
• Enhanced leave for new parents 
• Free access to a confidential 24 hours a day/7 days a week helpline service for both you and your family with a specialist range of support and information
• Special leave options (such as up to 5 days paid leave for domestic or personal emergencies a year)
• 10 days paid disability leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• 10 days paid carers’ leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• Cycle to work scheme 
• Death in service scheme
• New family-friendly benefits, including paid leave:
  • In the event of miscarriage or still birth 
  • To support fertility treatments
  • For antenatal appointments for both parents

Thinking about your finances 

• Enhanced salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Discounted season ticket loan and interest-free emergency loans
• Give as you earn to support other charities of your choice before tax
• New employee portal including lifestyle savings vouchers and personal wellbeing

Enriching your life at work

• Personalised development plans with a wide range of training courses and opportunities to source additional training options with your line manager
• Yearly internal apprenticeship opportunities
• New, modern offices that embrace working together both in-person and remotely 
• Various opportunities to influence how we internally operate (including surveys, and focus and committee groups) 
• Active and supportive internal employee networking groups for collaboration and peer support 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering for MS Society activities during normal working hours (such as fundraising events, or campaigning in the local community) 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering with other charities during normal

Safeguarding 
We’re committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone who uses our services and we come into contact with.

This is regardless of Gender, Race, Disability, Sexual orientation, Religion or belief, Pregnancy, Gender reassignment.

We recognise our particular responsibility to make sure vulnerable adults and children are protected.

We have measures in place to protect everyone we come into contact with from abuse and maltreatment of all kinds.

Your right to work in the UK 
You must have the right to work in the UK to work in paid employment with us. You’ll need to share documents showing you’re eligible to work in the UK if we offer you employment.

You can find the UK visas and permits granting you the right to work in the UK on the UK Government website. We currently don’t have a Sponsor Licence agreement with the Home Office and aren’t able to support you with your visa applications.

No agencies please.

Smart Works is a dynamic, high profile and fast-growing UK charity that dresses, coaches and empowers unemployed women for success at their job interview. After visiting Smart Works, 63% of clients secure a job within a month.

The Smart Works service is delivered in London, Manchester, Stockport, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Newcastle, Reading and Leeds. Over the past eleven years, Smart Works has helped over 40,000 women. It is our mission that any woman who needs our service should be able to find her way to a Smart Works centre.

In April 2022, Smart Works launched a Three-Year Plan that will see the charity double the number of women helped annually from 5,000 to 10,000 women a year. We are on track to achieve this by expanding the reach of our existing centres and opening new centres in areas of need including Bristol; set to open in early 2025.

About this role

Due to the significant growth phase, we require vital cornerstone funding from a new Major Gifts function that has just been established, to secure donations from high-net worth individuals, that will enable us to achieve our mission and help thousands of women to transform their lives.

The Philanthropy Manager is an exciting new role that provides an opportunity to build a new major gifts programme from scratch, raising £150,000 income by end of March 2025. Supported by the Director of Partnerships, you will work closely with the Board and our network of 750 volunteers, to develop a giving strategy that will engage and grow a new pool of crucial supporters for Smart Works.

The successful candidate will be responsible for building a new portfolio of major donors, including conducting prospect research, developing bespoke stewardship materials, and securing five-figure and six-figure repeat gifts.

We seek an excellent communicator, with significant experience in influencing, negotiating and exceeding set targets. Creativity, an understanding of women’s fashion, and knowledge of wealth circles would also be advantageous.

Smart Works is a collaborative environment, with dynamic teams and ambitious plans. It is also a rewarding place to work and a lot of fun, with valuable opportunities to attend nationwide fundraising events, expert leadership panel discussions, fashion sales and exclusive events.

The Fundraising and Partnerships team are based in London. This is a hybrid role, working from a London centre at least twice per week, with the opportunity to work across our North, West and South London centres. Some evening and weekend work is required to lead on philanthropic fundraising and support wider partnership team events.

If you are a dynamic, proactive self-starter, with exceptional interpersonal skills and are passionate about supporting women into work, then this could be the ideal opportunity for you. We would love to hear from you.

To apply for this role, please head to our website to view the full job description. If you require any reasonable adjustments or alterations for the application and recruitment processes, please contact our People team.

Interviews will be held on 24th October. 

Smart Works is committed to best practice employment practices, including reducing the burden for those seeking work. Smart Works will therefore reimburse reasonable costs of travel to interviews if required.

We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, disabled candidates, and candidates with lived experience of female unemployment as we would like to increase the representation of these groups at Smart Works.

Peer Support Group Development Officer - Midlands Area

Must live in the Midlands area (Birmingham, Nottingham, Coventry, Worcester etc)

Job Type:

Full-Time- 37 hours per week, remote working with travel across region and occasional national travel, flexible working negotiable by prior arrangement.

Overview:

Following the successful application of a National Lottery award, we are seeking two dedicated and compassionate Peer Support Group Development Officers to set up and sustain local peer support groups for people living with and affected by prostate cancer. These roles focus on building on our established networks to expand peer support in defined areas, facilitating group formation, and enhancing service delivery through strategic outreach and resource development.

This role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of individuals living with and affected by prostate cancer, providing crucial support through community-based initiatives. If you are enthusiastic about volunteer management and community service and have the skills and experience, we are looking for, we encourage you to apply.

Key Responsibilities:

• Group formation and support: Oversee the setup and operation of 10-12 self-sustaining and independent peer support groups within your assigned region across the lifetime of the three-year project. Ensure smooth delivery, monitoring, and evaluation of group activities. Support existing group leaders and organisers to reach more people living with and affected by prostate cancer with tools and resources.
• Volunteer Coordination: Recruit, train, and support volunteer Support Group Leaders. Assist in the co-production of training materials and resources, aimed at creating self-sustainable groups.
• Community Engagement: Conduct outreach to map existing support services and facilitate the integration of these services with the peer support groups. Host local engagement events to boost volunteer recruitment.
• Data and Case Management: Use a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system to support high-quality volunteer and case management, ensuring accurate data collection to support service outcomes.
• Training and Development: Develop and deliver tailored training programmes for volunteers based on the specific needs of Group Leaders and Organisers. Set up regional forums for sharing best practices and peer networking. Encourage use of Members Portal to share good practice.
• Documentation and Compliance: Ensure compliance with Best Practice Guidance document. Ensure adherence to safeguarding policies to maintain safe governance of peer support groups.

Skills and Qualities Required:

• Strong Facilitation and Communication Skills: Ability to engage effectively with diverse groups. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential.
• Project Management: Proven skills in managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders. Ability to meet deadlines and manage a varied workload.
• Volunteer Management: Experience in recruiting, training, and supporting volunteers in community settings. Knowledge of best practices in volunteer management.
• Influencing: Experience of influencing a wide range of partners and stakeholders, and in particular clinicians and voluntary and community providers within the health and wellbeing community.
• Community Development: Experience of developing and delivering community services with a range of stakeholders, including health and social care workers, commissioners, local authority and community and voluntary partners.
• Data-Driven Approach: Experience with data collection and CRM systems and a commitment to data-driven service evaluation.
• Community Sensitivity: Experience collaborating with people with a lived experience of cancer or other long-term conditions. Ability to understand and empathise with community needs.
• Administrative: Strong administration and IT skills to maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Safeguarding Knowledge: A good understanding of safeguarding practices, particularly concerning vulnerable populations.

Educational Qualifications:

• Relevant qualification or experience in Community Development, Psychology, Public Health, or a related field is preferred.

Essential Requirements:

• A genuine commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of the role.
• Right to work in the UK.
• Willingness to travel within the designated region and, on occasion, nationally when required.
• Live in the area/region - Midlands (Birmingham, Nottingham, Coventry, Worcester etc)

Independent Age is the national charity focused on improving the lives of people facing financial hardship in later life. We believe no one should face financial hardship in later life. Our Helpline and expert advisers offer free, practical support to older people without enough money to live on. Through our grants programme, we support hundreds of local organisations working with older people across the UK. 

We use the knowledge and insight gained from our support services and partnerships to highlight the issues experienced by older people in poverty and campaign for change. We would love to find individuals from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds to join us on this journey.

Responsibilities and Person Specification:

The Media Communications Manager is responsible for overseeing Independent Age’s media communications programme, including media and PR, social media, celebrities and stories. They will lead the team to secure profile-raising coverage for our work in a range of print, online and broadcast media outlets including national news, consumer, sector-specific, and regional titles, oversee our organic social media and ensure our channels amplify our work and reach older people, decision makers and other influential stakeholders.

The Media Communications Manager will build excellent relationships with older people with lived experience of poverty, ensuring the voices of older people in financial hardship are at the centre of everything we do. They will also grow the organisations relationships with journalists, channel owners, celebrities, ambassadors, and other influencers to ensure that our media communications activity supports our organisational objective to tackle poverty in later life.    

You should have broad experience of developing and implementing innovative, successful profile-raising plans (across digital and traditional channels).  You will bring an ability to work both proactively and reactively, and experience of handling reputational or crisis issues. You should also have a passion for, and affinity with, the charity’s cause. 

For full details on the role and requirements, please review the job description and person specification.  If your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all of the criteria in the person specification but you do meet most of them and are excited about the role, we encourage you to apply anyway. 

This is a full-time role, 35 hours per week, which you can choose to work over five days or a 9 day fortnight.

What it’s like to work at Independent Age:

We celebrate diversity at Independent Age and champion the differences that make each of us unique. We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. We aim to attract and retain a wide range of talent and create an environment where everyone can feel safe, protected, welcome and included.

We offer great benefits including 28 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme with life assurance, and fantastic learning and development opportunities. We also offer a number of enhanced leave provisions and benefits.

We know that a good work life balance helps us perform at our best and supports wellbeing. Flexible working hours and hybrid working is standard for all (those contracted to work in the office usually attend 1 day per week). But if you need a different form of flexibility, we are always happy to talk flexible working. 

You can find out more about what it’s like to work at Independent Age on our jobs website.

Application Process:

To apply, please submit a CV and a Supporting Statement, detailing how your skills and experience meet the criteria within the Job Description and Person Specification, by visiting our jobs website (please do not hesitate to contact us if you have specific requirements and need support to apply in an alternative format).

To support our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion our hiring managers use anonymous shortlisting. Therefore, please do not include your name, photo, or information to indicate your gender or age in your CV and supporting statement. Please do not omit dates of employment. Please ensure the title of any uploads does not contain your name. 

Independent Age is committed to safeguarding and follows Safer Recruitment practices to ensure we are safeguarding those we work with. We therefore ask that you supply your full work history with explanations for any gaps in the application documents you submit and, if offered the post, we will require two employment references including your current or most recent employer. A Basic DBS Certificate will also be required for this role.  

Closing Date: 27 October 2024

Interview Dates: 6 and 7 November 2024

Position: Policy Manager (Health and Care) 
Hours: Full-time (35 hours a week) 
Contract: Permanent 
Location: Office-based in London with flexibility to work remotely 
Salary: Starting from £43,342 per annum plus excellent benefits 
Salary Band and Job Family: Band 3*, Profession/Technical 
*you will start at our entry point salary of £43,342 per annum, increasing to £46,051 after 6 months service and satisfactory performance and to £48,760 after a further 6 months.

About us
We make sure people living with MS are at the centre of everything we do. And it’s this commitment that unites us across the UK.

Our strategy is based on what people affected by MS have told us is important to them. It gives us a clear and determined focus. 

Our work is based on the hopes and aspirations of our MS community. Together we campaign at all levels, fund ground-breaking research and provide award winning support and information. 

Our people are our greatest asset and the key to our success. We offer a vibrant, progressive working environment where you'll be able to make a difference. 

About this job
We’re looking for an experienced policy professional to join our Policy and Evidence team to lead our impactful health and care policy activity. You’ll lead a high-performing team operating at the heart of a friendly and supportive directorate with an excellent track record of influencing policy change. Working across a large and varied portfolio, you’ll take the lead in developing and leading our policy positions, campaigns and influencing programmes. 

We have strong relationships across the charity, clinical, and governmental sectors. You’ll have the opportunity to collaborate closely with external partners as a thought leader on major issues like access to treatments and neurology services, mental health, community rehabilitation, and support for carers. 

You’ll have a central leadership role across the team in ensuring that our policy work is built around strong evidence, informed by and developed with people living with MS, and drives impactful change.

Closing date for applications: 9:00 on Wednesday 30 October

Interested?

PLEASE PRESS THE 'HOW TO APPLY' BUTTON FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Equal Opportunities 
We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and or from ethnic minority backgrounds.

We’d be grateful if you downloaded and completed the equality and diversity monitoring form and submit it with your application. 

Disability Confident Employer 
We’re a Disability Confident Employer and we’re committed to promoting equality and diversity.

You can ask for reasonable adjustments as part of both our recruitment and new starter on-boarding processes.

If you need any help or adjustments to apply for this role, please contact us. You can also ask for the application materials to be sent to you in a different format. Such as for them to be sent to you by email or in a larger word format.

More about our employee benefits:
We have a wide range of employee benefits including (but not limited to): 

Encouraging work life balance

• 38 days paid annual leave (including bank holidays), pro-rata for part-time
• More annual leave entitlement, based on length of employment
• Smart working options (with the opportunity to work remotely and find a smart working pattern that suits both you and us) 
• Flexible working options 

Caring for you and your family 

• Generous sick pay entitlement
• More sick pay entitlement, based on length of employment 
• Opportunity to buy and sell annual leave in each calendar year 
• Free access to a GP virtually 24 hours a day/7 days a week allowing you unlimited advice, reassurance and where appropriate diagnosis 
• Enhanced leave for new parents 
• Free access to a confidential 24 hours a day/7 days a week helpline service for both you and your family with a specialist range of support and information
• Special leave options (such as up to 5 days paid leave for domestic or personal emergencies a year)
• 10 days paid disability leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• 10 days paid carers’ leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• Cycle to work scheme 
• Death in service scheme
• New family-friendly benefits, including paid leave:
  • In the event of miscarriage or still birth 
  • To support fertility treatments
  • For antenatal appointments for both parents

Thinking about your finances 

• Enhanced salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Discounted season ticket loan and interest-free emergency loans
• Give as you earn to support other charities of your choice before tax
• New employee portal including lifestyle savings vouchers and personal wellbeing

Enriching your life at work

• Personalised development plans with a wide range of training courses and opportunities to source additional training options with your line manager
• Yearly internal apprenticeship opportunities
• New, modern offices that embrace working together both in-person and remotely 
• Various opportunities to influence how we internally operate (including surveys, and focus and committee groups) 
• Active and supportive internal employee networking groups for collaboration and peer support 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering for MS Society activities during normal working hours (such as fundraising events, or campaigning in the local community) 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering with other charities during normal

Safeguarding 
We’re committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone who uses our services and we come into contact with.

This is regardless of Gender, Race, Disability, Sexual orientation, Religion or belief, Pregnancy, Gender reassignment.

We recognise our particular responsibility to make sure vulnerable adults and children are protected.

We have measures in place to protect everyone we come into contact with from abuse and maltreatment of all kinds.

Your right to work in the UK 
You must have the right to work in the UK to work in paid employment with us. You’ll need to share documents showing you’re eligible to work in the UK if we offer you employment.

You can find the UK visas and permits granting you the right to work in the UK on the UK Government website. We currently don’t have a Sponsor Licence agreement with the Home Office and aren’t able to support you with your visa applications.

No agencies please.

Location: Hybrid working - Any UK Trust office

Interviews: 18/11

For more information or to apply, please click 'apply now' to be directed to our careers site.

We’re looking for an experienced Change Programme Manager to join our Programme Development team on a maternity cover basis. This is a great opportunity to join a dynamic and innovative team who are responsible for the delivery of key changes to our programmes. The team develop market-leading programmes that combine face-to-face and digital learning to support young people.

In this role you will be responsible for supporting the delivery of the Programme Development roadmap, ensuring that projects are effectively initiated, scoped and delivered successfully; on time, on budget and to requirements. You will work closely with colleagues across The Trust to successfully deliver these projects throughout the delivery life cycle from inception to launch, including proactively managing risks and issues and ensuring control of project timelines, budgets and deliverables.

This role is perfect for you if you have excellent communication skills, enjoy defining solutions to resolve challenges and are great at bringing people together and leading a team.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We're now The King's Trust. And we're still working for young people.

We've changed our name from The Prince's Trust to The King’s Trust. Rest assured, the support we offer young people remains the same. This change marks an exciting new chapter for us, and we hope you'll continue supporting us to transform young lives.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What happens next?  

Please submit a CV, and Cover Letter that includes your experience, transferrable skills and motivation to work for The King's Trust! The Team will be in touch about the next steps shortly after the closing date. 

Why do we need Change Programme Managers? 

Last year, we helped more than 40,000 Young People, with three in four young people on our programmes moving into a positive outcome in work, education or training. The young people we help face a range of challenges, such as unemployment, mental health issues or some who have been in trouble with the law. We believe all young people should have the chance to succeed, and that young people are the key to a positive and prosperous future for all of us. We want to continue having a positive impact on young people’s lives and we couldn’t do this without the important work of Change Programme Managers! 

Perks for working at The Trust! 

• Great holiday package! 30 days annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays. Office closure on the days between Christmas and New Year 
• Flexible working! Where operationally possible, our roles require a combination of office days and working from home (please speak to the hiring manager about this particular role)
• You can volunteer for and/or attend events – music festivals, The King's Trust Awards, active events etc. 
• In-house learning platform! Develop your skills for your career and your role 
• Benefits platform! Everything from health and financial well-being support to discounts on your favourite restaurants, shops and cinemas. 
• Personal development opportunities through our Networks – KT CAN (Cultural Awareness Network), KT GEN (Gender Equality Network), KT DAWN (Disability & Wellbeing Network), and PULSE (LGBTQIA+ Network). 
• Fantastic Family leave! Receive 13 weeks of full pay and 13 weeks of half pay for maternity and adoption leave. Receive 8 weeks of full pay for paternity leave. 
• Interest-free season ticket loans 
• The Trust will contribute 5% of your salary to the Trust Pension Scheme 
• Generous life assurance cover (4 x annual salary) 

Equal Opportunities 

Here at The King's Trust, we're committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. We want to be an organisation that's representative of the communities we serve, which is why we strive for diversity of age, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, race, religion and sex. Our goal is to create an environment where everyone, from any background, can be themselves and do the best work of their lives. 

We are looking for people that can bring different perspectives and experiences and especially welcome applications from those who are underrepresented in our organisation and sector, such as candidates from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds.  

We’re a Stonewall Top 100 Employer and we are an employer that is Disability Confident. Our staff, volunteers and young people are supported by KT CAN (our Cultural Awareness Network), KT GEN (Gender Equality Network), KT DAWN (Disability & Wellbeing Network) and PULSE (LGBTQIA+ Network).

Safeguarding 

The King's Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of this commitment, we undertake basic disclosure checks in accordance with the Codes of Practice for all roles within the Trust, and for our roles working directly with young people, at an enhanced level. Having a criminal record will not automatically exclude applicants. 

A NOTE FOR RECRUITMENT AGENCIES:

We prefer to hire people directly, but we do have a preferred supplier list for when we need a helping hand. We'll be in touch directly if we need you!

Req ID: 3243 

We’re an award-winning charity that runs local learning centres in the heart of communities where the young people we support live. Our centres provide an innovative education programme which includes practical learning support and motivational and confidence-building activities for children and young people aged 7-18. Our aim is to inspire students from the least advantaged neighbourhoods to broaden their horizons and achieve their full potential.

As the UK’s leading university access organisation, our staff team is helping thousands of young people each year. We have thirty-nine centres and extension projects across England and Scotland, with ambitious plans to scale-up our provision further over the coming years.

We are looking for a Volunteering Manager to join our team on a fixed-term contract. The charity is hugely grateful for the important contributions of its dedicated volunteers. The Volunteering Manager will play the critical role, with the support of the Assistant Director of Operations, in ensuring the effective recruitment, placement and retention of volunteers at IntoUniversity – this will include supporting with initial recruitment and training (working closely with local to IntoUniversity teams to deliver this), ensuring that all volunteers across the charity are valued for the talents that they bring, and that the ethos and values of the charity are demonstrated in all aspects of the charity’s volunteering. 

The role at a glance

Contract

Full-time, fixed-term until early July 2025

Start date

January 2025

Working hours

09:00 to 17:30, Monday to Friday. However, we operate core working hours in Head Office so you can choose to start early and finish early (e.g. 8:00 to 16.30), or start later and finish later (e.g. 9.30 to 18:00).

We are a delivery organisation providing frontline educational services for young people. Our Head Office team is based on the site of our North Kensington centre in West London. We are an organisation with team members at different stages of their career, including many in their first roles: we are committed to nurturing talent and providing a developmental culture for all. Our Head Office team works in-person 4 days per week with 1 day from home.

Salary

£38,100 inclusive of £2,600 London contribution 

Location

IntoUniversity Head Office, 95 Sirdar Road, London W11 4EQ

Annual leave

33 days (inc bank & public holidays) + 3 closure days (two in December and one in July) + additional length of service entitlement (one day per year of service, up to 5 days)

Staff benefits

• Employer pension contributions of 6% (and up to 8% after two years)
• Year round ‘early finish’ Fridays at 4.30pm
• Employee Assistance Programme including access to wellbeing and legal support
• Life Assurance scheme with AIG including SmartHealth service with access to 24/7 online GP appointments
• Interest-free new starter loans of up to £1,000
• Cycle to Work Scheme and Travelcard Loan Scheme
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental and adoption pay and sick pay allowances
• Staff in FOCUS – rewards, competitions and prizes across the year 

What will my main duties be?

With the support of the Assistant Director of Operations:

Volunteer recruitment:

• To develop a volunteer recruitment plan to meet programme and organisational need; and to work closely with the corporate partnerships team and programme and regional managers to implement the recruitment plan, for example working with the Heads of Mentoring to implement a university student recruitment plan for the Mentoring programme
• To deliver guidance and training to support local IntoUniversity centres to implement the recruitment plan, including working with universities and community organisations
• To manage volunteer enquiries and national recruitment channels, such as volunteering sites and networks

Volunteer onboarding

• To use the charity’s Salesforce database to manage the volunteer pipeline - from application, to selection and training, to centre allocation
• To manage the process of onboarding steps including application form, training, Safer Recruitment checks, and support local IntoUniversity centres to implement the onboarding process consistently
• To work with the programmes and delivery team to ensure efficient induction takes place and to ensure staff are recording all volunteering activity on Salesforce

Volunteer training

• To implement a high-quality volunteer training programme for regular volunteer roles, including: organisation of a training schedule and staffing; facilitation of training (alongside delivery staff); providing guidance and training to staff to deliver volunteer training; reviewing training resources and facilitation

Volunteer experience:

• To provide support, resources, and training to centre staff and programme managers to ensure quality volunteer management throughout the volunteer lifecycle
• To implement volunteer development and recognition strategies to ensure volunteers feel valued as part of the IntoUniversity team and to support centre teams to build lasting relationships with volunteers to support retention
• To develop best practice in volunteering across IntoUniversity, including reviewing and evaluating current practice in the sector

Internal collaboration

To drive a joined up approach to managing volunteering within the charity, including:

• To work with the HR team to align staff and volunteer policies and processes, and support local teams to implement them consistently across the network
• To work with the Corporate Partnerships team to offer successful corporate volunteer roles
• To work with the Communications team to develop an online presence and resources promoting volunteering

Organisational wide

• To champion diversity and inclusion in your role at all times, referring to the Diversity and Inclusion Staff Responsibilities Guide.
• To ensure compliance with all necessary regulations and legal requirements, including the Children’s Act, Equal Opportunities, Data Protection Act, Health & Safety and Working with Vulnerable Groups
• To undertake any task that may be requested from time to time that may be consistent with the nature and scope of this post.

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. 

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.