Jobs in Alfreton

You will have a strong knowledge of how a variety of communities function, both formally and informally. You will be skilled at working with groups to help them explore issues, strengthen and grow.  You will coordinate and develop programmes, deliver learning, work with associate tutors to deliver courses, and oversee the development of resources.

This is an exciting role that provides the opportunity to contribute to our expanding vision as we respond to changing patterns of Quaker belonging while continuing to support meetings of all types and sizes.

Are you passionate about inspiring others to make a difference? We are looking for a Community Relationship Fundraiser to join our Income Generation team at the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association. Fundraising plays a crucial role in sustaining and advancing our care services and research collaborations within the Association. This support is essential for helping people living with and affected by MND.

You will play a key role in supporting fundraisers, helping them to reach their goals while building lasting connections with our charity. Ensuring income to the Association and lifetime value is maximised. Meeting agreed income and expenditure budgets to deliver high standards of supporter care and maximising the return on investment of fundraising activities will be an essential part of your role.

Providing essential guidance and support to fundraisers within your area, your focus will be on ensuring supporters feel valued and engaged, helping them to maximise their fundraising potential. You will achieve this through effective communication across various channels, including phone, email, and face-to-face interactions. By building strong relationships, you'll also help to increase their fundraising impact, introducing them to other opportunities within the charity and offering tailored advice.

Collaboration is key in this position. You will work closely with internal teams to create the best possible fundraising experience. By signposting to local volunteering branches and groups, you will help increase the overall value of community fundraising efforts.

You'll work closely with our wider team to maintain accurate records in the CRM system, ensuring consistency and high standards of supporter care. Keeping funds on track and received within the right timescales will also be a key part of your role. You will ensure that all funds raised are received promptly and in compliance with legal and internal guidelines.

Location: Home-based. Option to work on a hybrid-basis from the Northampton office is available.

What are we looking for?

A background in fundraising or sales and account management. You should have experience in coaching and motivating others, helping them to achieve their fundraising targets.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential. You will need to connect with supporters through various channels, fostering an inclusive environment that respects diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Your ability to understand and relate to the motivations of our fundraisers will be crucial.

Resilience and flexibility are important as you adapt to changing circumstances. You should also be skilled in time management, able to prioritise your workload and manage competing priorities effectively. If you are passionate about inspiring others and making a positive impact, we would love to hear from you.

For full role responsibilities please view the job description located within the Candidate Pack.

Our Benefits

• 28 days holiday, rising to 33 days after 5 years' service, plus Bank Holidays
• Access to UK Healthcare which includes reimbursement for dental appointments, eyecare, Health & Wellbeing screening and therapies
• Access to a 24/7 phone and video GP Service
• Life assurance
• Confidential counselling helplines
• Salary sacrifice schemes to include: Cycle to work & Buy and sell annual leave
• BenefitHub which offers lifestyle discounts and offers on everyday shopping
• Enhanced pension scheme
• Opportunities for training and personal development
• Hybrid working

About Us

Our vision is a world free from MND. Our mission is to improve care and support for people with MND, their families and carers. We fund and promote research that leads to new understanding and treatments and brings us closer to a cure for MND. The Association also campaigns and raises awareness so the needs of people with MND, and everyone who cares for them, are recognised, and addressed by wider society.

We are committed to equality and value diversity. We are working hard to remove perceived and actual barriers to participation for people with and affected by MND, current and future staff, volunteers, and stakeholders.

We guarantee interviews for disabled applicants that meet the requirements of the role as part of our commitment to the Disability Confident Scheme.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Adverts may be closed early, or interviews arranged once sufficient applications are received. Early applications are encouraged.

Sponsorship: If you require sponsorship for this role, you must clearly declare this with/on your application form so that we can consider whether you meet the eligibility criteria for sponsorship, either as a skilled worker or new entrant.

DBS: Depending on the nature of your role you may be required to complete a criminal records check with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Reasonable Adjustments and Alternative Applications: Should you need any adjustments to the recruitment process, at either application or interview please contact us for support.

To provide an inclusive application process, we are open to receiving alternative applications from candidates who may find it difficult to complete our online form.

Recruitment Agencies: We work hard to fill our roles directly and request that recruitment agencies do not contact us in relation to this role.

Relationship Fundraising Executive.
Salary: £27,400 per annum.
Location: Homebased, covering South Wales and Southwest England.
Contract: Permanent, 35 hours per week.
Benefits:  
- 29 days annual leave PLUS bank holidays, with up to 5 additional days for continuous service and option to buy or sell leave.
- Gain professional qualifications and excellent training/development opportunities.
- Flexible maternity, adoption, and paternity packages.
- Pension with up to 7% employer contribution with included life assurance cover.
- Staff discount portal and Blue Light Card eligibility with 15,000 national retailer's discounts.
Why Action for Children?  
Working here is more than a job. Everyone in the Action for Children family is passionate about protecting and supporting children. It is the sense of purpose that drives us every single day. Because we know that, when we work together, we can make a huge difference to bring lasting improvements to vulnerable children's lives. 
A bit about the role 
An additional role in an existing, established team, this is an exciting opportunity to join a national children's charity and contribute towards making children's lives safer and happier. You will be supporting delivery of the Community Fundraising strategy to increase income and deliver fundraising collaboratively within the wider Relationship Fundraising team. Our ideal candidate will live within the region and be willing and able to travel around the area.
How you'll help to create brighter futures 
- Support the delivery of a range of fundraising campaigns and activities locally that provide significant income and are in line with the Community Fundraising strategy.
- Oversee the required stewardship of local corporates, organisations/clubs, volunteer fundraising groups, and Methodists that encourages further involvement in our work.
- Manage the stewardship and support for the sports participants, who sign up to run, walk and cycle for Action for Children.
- Support the delivery of a range of fundraising campaigns and activities locally that provide significant income and are in line with the regional fundraising strategy.
- Establish relationships to demonstrate accountability to our supporters and volunteers.
- Deliver set financial targets and non-financial targets and outcomes locally, along with the Relationship Fundraising Managers, through agreed objectives.
- Ensure expected income has been received and banked within the predicted timeframes.
Let's talk about you 
- Experience of delivering successful fundraising activity in at least one of the following areas: sports participants, DIY, church fundraising, volunteer fundraising groups, regional corporates or events.
- Proven experience of networking and of developing and stewarding excellent personal relationships with senior external and internal stakeholders, donors, and volunteers.
- Proven ability to project manage a team of volunteers to achieve against specific financial goals where appropriate.
Please see the Job Description for the full list of accountabilities and requirements. 
Contact: David Simpson on 01923361732 or email us at  quoting reference 10257.
Good to know
Application Process
Please note we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.
There are five sections to complete: Personal Details, CV, Supporting Statement & Information, Equality & Diversity, Submission & Declaration.
Diversity, equality, and inclusion
At Action for Children, we're dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace.
We actively encourage applications from Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic, and disabled candidates as they are under-represented within Action for Children. We want to take deliberate and purposeful action to ensure equal opportunity to all groups in society and for Action for Children.
Want to know more about Action for Children?
Find us on X, Linkedin, Facebook or YouTube to get to know us better.
Closing Date: Tuesday 5th November 2024.
Interviews dates are scheduled for week commencing 11th November 2024.
Job Description
See below for further information about working with us:
Action for Children Employee Benefits
AfC Commitment Statement

LimeCulture is recruiting for our new Director of Sexual Violence Services

The Director of Sexual Violence Services is a strategic leadership role. You will be responsible for leading, overseeing and managing LimeCulture’s Sexual Violence Services Division, bringing together our full range of consultancy services and bespoke training initiatives focusing on the prevention of and response to sexual violence.

Our Sexual Violence Services division has clients and projects spanning a range of different sectors, so you will be confident in operating across multiple sectors, organisations and workforces.

We are looking for a charismatic leader - dynamic and confident in your approach with a ‘can-do’ attitude. You will be a highly skilled operator with the ability to influence, and develop effective, robust working relationships with a range of key external stakeholders to strengthen LimeCulture’s reputation as a sector leader and attract new business.

The Director role is primarily home-based with some planned travel and so candidates can be based anywhere in the UK. 

Studies have shown that people from underrepresented backgrounds are less likely to apply for roles where they don’t match the job description criteria exactly. If you are excited about this role and think that you have what it takes, but your experience doesn’t align 100%, we still want to hear from you and would encourage you to apply.

We value diverse perspectives and the contribucon everyone makes to form our culture. Put simply - you can be yourself here! 

Job Description

Title: Healthcare Assistant

Reports to:  Patient Services Manager  

Based at: Remote Worker – Remotely – however must be able to travel as and when required to meetings and/or events

Job Purpose: To provide direct support to patients and support to all areas of the Charity Group

Working Hours: Monday – Thursday 09:00 – 17.30, Friday 09.00 – 17.00

Key Responsibilities:

· Responding to enquiries via telephone, email, online forums or social media with empathy, a listening ear, informative and supportive manner, whilst demonstrating confidentiality and sensitivity. Stay fully informed on the conditions and treatments associated with all three charities, ensuring the ability to respond to related inquiries becomes second nature

· Co-ordinate and action messages in the Patient services Mailbox and distribute messages accordingly to the wider team where needed

· Maintain that Patient services documentation is updated with clear and concise details

· Identifying gaps in patient information and assist in developing and proofreading relevant medically approved resources to reflect current guidelines, treatments, services and advances

· Frequently reviewing and assisting with update of content on Charity Websites and social media channels current and relevant Forums

· Supporting the organisation, promotion and delivery of all charity events including Patients Day, World Heart Rhythm Week, Global AF Aware Week, Know Your Pulse & Support Groups, Coffee mornings, Living with ...Series etc

· Build a central database of case studies / Patient Stories whether written or recorded

· Contribute content for the monthly e news and regular newsletters including patient stories, FAQ’s and latest news and updates with resources to Patient Service Manager

· Propose titles and speakers for patient educational events and develop virtual educational videos

· Co-ordinate the day-to-day running of the Fundraising Service to include planning and organisation of the fundraising activities programme and deal with related telephone calls, emails, social media etc. Maintain effective communication with the fundraisers whilst adhering to GDPR

· Support Patient Services Manager with Administrative tasks/requests

Person specification:

- Full Driving Licence with access to a vehicle

- Healthcare knowledge advantageous but not essential

- Educated to GCSE level minimum

- Excellent verbal and written communication skills

- Excellent knowledge in Microsoft Suite of tools including Word, Excel and PowerPoint

- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise and manage own workload

- Can undertake a wide variety of tasks and multi-task with ease

- Ability to work on own initiative as well as part of a team

- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy

- Professional, methodical and thorough approach to work with a Friendly and polite manner

Financial Accountant

An exciting opportunity has arisen within Caxton Youth Organisation, a specialist youth charity, that empowers learning disabled and autistic young people aged 11-25 living in the London borough of Westminster.

We have a part-time, fully online/ remote role available to produce monthly management accounts, budgets and forecasts. The role requires good working knowledge and experience of Xero accounting software, as well as experience working with a small organisation.

We require someone to work 3-4 days a month. The working hours are flexible and would suit someone who may be re-entering the job market or is retiring, but looking for some additional work.

We have a Finance and Facilities Officer who is responsible for the day-to-day input of transactions into Xero, reconciling bank statements, producing invoices and remittance advice for grants and liaising with payroll. The payroll function is outsourced to CET Payroll. The unaudited financial statements are prepared by the independent examiner. The CEO is responsible for the financial management of the organisation.

Your role

The work would include:

•  monthly preparation and posting of payroll journals
• reconciliation of the monthly accounts (including rectifying any discrepancies).
• monthly income and expenditure report and variance analysis
• monthly cashflow forecast on a cumulative basis
• processing of accruals and adjustment Production of quarterly and annual budgets and reforecasts
•  Supporting the annual independent examinatio
• Meeting with the Treasurer, CEO and Finance and Facilities Officer as and when needed.

Successful candidate profile:

• Fully AAT qualified
• Minimum of 5 years experience of bookeeping
• Minimum of 2 years experience of using Xero Software
• Advanced Microsoft Excel user
• Strong experience of managing month end and year end processes
• Fluent English speaker with strong communication skills
• Experience working with a small organisation
• Ability to work independently 

Head of Business Conservation Advice - Maternity cover
Reference: OCT20242499
Location: Flexible in UK
Salary: £43,095.00 - £46,264.00 Per Annum
Benefits: Pension, Life Assurance and Annual Leave
Contract: 12-month Fixed Term
Hours: 37.5 per week

This is a unique opportunity to lead a highly skilled and committed team of 17 advisers and specialists who together are working in partnership with businesses to deliver real nature positive improvements for biodiversity across the economy.

What's the role about?

You will be responsible for the team that secures business conservation partnerships and delivery of the RSPB's aims of conservation impact, nature positive business change and additional income. In particular you will:

• Lead a team of business conservation advisors
• Develop the skills and capabilities of the team towards high performance and a positive culture
• Be responsible for the quality of RSPB inputs into business conservation partnerships and alignment with outcomes
• Work across RSPB teams to ensure there is a robust plan to bring new partnerships
• Be responsible for effective stakeholder management and collaborative external and internal relationships
• Lead the communications, impact reporting and promotion of the team’s work
• Direct the team’s activities and work plans, meeting the required ambition and managing risks
• Work collaboratively with teams across RSPB
• Oversee the budget so financial targets are met
• Report to and liaise with relevant RSPB governance boards

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Good understanding of nature conservation and businesses engagement on sustainability
• Strong track record of engaging with business partners
• Experience of leading teams and uniting them to deliver impact
• A strong customer focus and experience of contract management
• Demonstrable experience in developing and implementing business plans
• Strong financial management skills
• Proven experience meeting targets and delivering impact
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Extensive stakeholder management experience

Closing date: 23:59, Mon, 4th Nov 2024

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position as soon as possible after closing date.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

As part of this application process you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their whole selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people on nature's side and more diverse people. People of colour and disabled people are underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sectors. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

No agencies please.

Contract:  Permanent, full time 37.5 hours per week  

Salary:  £25,787 - £27,886 per annum 

Location: Sheffield, S7 2PY 

Closing date:  Sunday 10 November 2024 

Interview date:  19 & 20 November 2024 

We’re recruiting an Assistant Manager – Client Services to oversee the smooth operational delivery for our client journeys across our rehoming services at our rehoming, advice and behaviour unit in Sheffield. You will help us ensure the right pet is placed in the right service, in the quickest amount of time and our clients, pets and people, receive excellent care throughout the admission and adoption stages of the rehoming process. 

More about the role

At Blue Cross, our ambition drives us, and our Sheffield rehoming, advice, and behaviour unit in South Yorkshire, just a short drive from the beautiful Peak District, plays a vital role in helping us achieve our goals and support more pets in need. Our proactive team is dedicated to assisting the local community in various ways, from helping people and pets in need through our food bank to providing rehoming services for a wide range of pets. Without cattery or kennel facilities, we must be innovative as a team to ensure we can address the most urgent cases. 

This is an exciting opportunity to join Blue Cross as the Assistant Manager – Client Services, where you'll lead a dynamic team committed to providing exceptional client care. You'll make informed decisions that prioritise pet welfare and deliver outstanding rehoming services. 

In this role, you'll actively enhance our clients' experiences, ensuring every interaction is positive, efficient, and upholds our high standards. You’ll play a key part in helping the centre meet its targets for pet-related income, adopter and admitter satisfaction, and supporter engagement. 

You’ll also take charge of client service reporting, collaborating closely with the centre’s senior leadership team to understand pet throughflow and client journey satisfaction. This insight will empower you to identify, create, and implement continuous improvements. Additionally, you’ll be involved in the admission and adoption processes, managing enquiries from the public wishing to relinquish pets, prioritising admissions, promoting pets in care, and facilitating successful adoptions. 

As the Assistant Manager for Client Services, you’ll ensure that outstanding customer service is at the heart of every interaction. You’ll help create welcoming and engaging public areas, ensuring the administration of admission and adoption processes adheres to internal protocols and regulations, including GDPR. 

This is a full-time position, working 37.5 hours per week on a rota that includes weekends and bank holidays. 

About you

You have a deep understanding of the processes and stages involved in admitting and matching pets with their new owners. Your passion for exceptional client service, coupled with strong analytical skills, allows you to rigorously monitor, assess, and evaluate to drive meaningful improvements. 

As a positive and innovative manager, you know how to inspire and motivate your team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. You’ll lead a team of Pet Welfare Assistants, empowering them through effective management and coaching to reach their full potential. 

With excellent communication skills, you adapt your approach to resonate with different audiences. You thrive in a fast-paced environment, staying calm and organised while juggling multiple tasks and making sound decisions under pressure. 

Having worked in emotionally charged settings, you understand the importance of resilience and possess excellent “bounce-back ability.” Your emotional intelligence and empathy enable you to support both your team and members of the public, creating a compassionate and effective workplace. 

Knowledge, skills, and experience  

• Experience of working in a rescue welfare environment. 
• Significant experience of managing a team. 
• Experience in delivering high level client service. 
• Experience of working in a fast-paced environment. 
• High standard of verbal and written communication. 
• Proven decision-making ability. 
• Current full driving licence. 
• The ability to demonstrate, understand and apply our Blue Cross Values 

It would be great (but not essential) if you also had:  

• Performance management and improvement experience.  
• Understanding of safeguarding issues. 

Want to know more detail? Great! We have attached the job description which hopefully gives you everything you need.  

How to apply  

Please visit our webiste, click the apply button and complete the online application process before the closing date Sunday 10 November 2024. 

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response.  

Blue Cross benefits   

Our people are the most important part of delivering our purpose. If it were not for their amazing efforts and commitment, we would not be able to make the difference that we do today.  

In return, Blue Cross wants to ensure we provide you with the best working environment we can. We want you to be happy working for us and will do everything we can to make sure you are.  

Our generous benefits package includes:  

• Enhanced annual leave entitlement: 30 days plus bank holidays  
• Pension scheme with enhanced employer contribution  
• Health cash plan  
• Life assurance  
• Unlimited access to an employee assistance programme  
• Programmes for physical and mental wellbeing support  
• Free access to GP via MetLife  
• Recognition scheme Annual volunteer days 
• Claim for professional fees  

To read more about the benefits Blue Cross has to offer, please visit the 'why work for us' page on our website.

About Blue Cross

Blue Cross is a national charity that has been helping sick, injured and homeless pets since 1897. 

Every month we help thousands of pets and their people by providing veterinary care, expert behaviour advice and find homeless pets loving families. We also offer education for future generations plus pet bereavement support for those who have lost their beloved pet companion. 

We love the ways that pets can make such an amazing difference to the people they live with and we offer lifelong support and advice to help that unique relationship thrive. With your support we can give back to more pets and their families who need our help. 

Pets change lives. We change theirs.
 

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion 

We believe that every pet should enjoy a healthy life in a happy home, and we always seek to recruit the best people who share our values and commitment so we can continue to help and support pet owners across the UK to achieve this. 

At Blue Cross, we want you to feel that you belong, without the need to hide any part of who you are.  

Diversity and inclusion at Blue Cross means creating a workplace where all people, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, nation or country of origin, disability, age, and socioeconomic backgrounds are welcome, respected, supported, and have access to equal opportunities.   

We are working hard to reflect the world we live in and the communities we serve at every level of our organisation. As much as we have made positive advances, we consider diversity and inclusion to be a work in progress – a continual commitment that remains a priority for all of us.  

If you would like to talk to us about any reasonable adjustments or changes to our recruitment process to support you to be your best, then please get in touch.

Our values    

Our values define the way we do things. We use them every day to guide us, and to make sure we put people and pets at the heart of everything we do.  

Compassionate: We listen, we are non-judgmental, we are kind and caring to the pets and people we encounter, and we offer support in difficult times  
 

Courageous: We make brave decisions, embrace change, and encourage innovation, ensuring we always act with integrity – doing the right thing even when no one is looking  
 

Inclusive: We value all our relationships and work in an open and positive culture where we celebrate our diverse talents and empower you to be you 

Contract:  Permanent, full time 37.5 hours per week  

Salary:  £25,011 - £27,047 per annum 

Location: Sheffield, S7 2PY  

Closing date:  Sunday 10 November 2024 

Interview date:  19 & 20 November 2024 

We're recruiting an Assistant Manager – Offsite Services to lead and streamline our home-based pet operations. In this role, you'll ensure that every pet finds the perfect match with their new family as quickly as possible, while maintaining top-quality care for both our pets and clients throughout the entire adoption journey. Join us in making a difference, one pet at a time! 

More about the role

This is an exciting opportunity to join Blue Cross and lead a dedicated team at our Sheffield rehoming, advice, and behaviour unit, located just a short drive from the stunning Peak District. Our proactive team is committed to helping the local community in various ways, from supporting people and pets in need through our food bank to offering rehoming services for a wide range of pets. 

In this role, you’ll play a key part in ensuring exceptional care for both pets and clients while making well-connected, efficient decisions that prioritise pet welfare. As the leader of our home-based pet operations, you’ll oversee the smooth running of daily activities, acting as the subject matter expert in practical animal handling and assessment. Your goal will be to prepare pets for adoption as quickly and effectively as possible. You’ll work closely with your team to ensure timely pet assessments, behaviour management, and training, while providing full support to foster carers. 

You’ll also be responsible for achieving pet-related targets, ensuring your team of Pet Welfare Assistants maintains the highest standards of animal care and adheres to national processes in case management. Since we don’t have cattery or kennel facilities, innovation and teamwork are essential to address the most urgent cases effectively. 

Motivating and managing your team is central to this role, enabling the centre to provide top-quality home-based pet care while helping your team develop professionally. 

This is a full-time position, working 37.5 hours per week, including weekends and bank holidays. 

About you

You’ll be a great people manager, bringing finely honed skills from your experience in an animal-related environment, along with expert knowledge of pet welfare and care. 

As a dynamic and innovative leader, you know how to inspire and motivate your team, driving continuous improvement. You’ll lead a team of Pet Welfare Assistants, empowering them through effective management and coaching. 

With excellent communication skills, you adapt your approach for different audiences, ensuring your message resonates. While juggling multiple tasks, you remain calm and organised, making confident decisions in high-pressure situations. 

Your strong analytical skills enable you to monitor and evaluate effectively, implementing meaningful improvements. Rather than resting on your laurels, you’ll have a genuine desire to enhance onsite facilities and services, actively engaging your team in the process. 

Having worked in emotionally charged environments, you understand the importance of resilience and have excellent “bounce-back ability.” Your emotional intelligence and empathy will shine as you support your team and the public, creating a compassionate and effective workplace. 

Knowledge, skills, and experience  

• Significant experience in managing a team. 
• Significant experience in delivering high level Customer service in a fast-paced environment. 
• Significant subject matter expertise and application of pet welfare and handline of domestic animals 
• High standard of verbal and written communication. 
• Current full driving licence 
• The ability to demonstrate, understand and apply our Blue Cross values 

It would be great (but not essential) if you also had:  

• Performance management and improvement experience.  
• Experience working with volunteers. 
• Understanding of safeguarding issues. 

Want to know more detail? Great! We have attached the job description which hopefully gives you everything you need.  

How to apply  

Please visit our website, click the apply button and complete the online application process before the closing date on Sunday 10 November 2024.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response.  

Job Benefits

Our people are the most important part of delivering our purpose. If it were not for their amazing efforts and commitment, we would not be able to make the difference that we do today.  

In return, Blue Cross wants to ensure we provide you with the best working environment we can. We want you to be happy working for us and will do everything we can to make sure you are.  

Our generous benefits package includes:  

• Enhanced annual leave entitlement: 30 days plus bank holidays  
• Pension scheme with enhanced employer contribution  
• Health cash plan  
• Life assurance  
• Unlimited access to an employee assistance programme  
• Programmes for physical and mental wellbeing support  
• Free access to GP via MetLife  
• Recognition scheme Annual volunteer days 
• Claim for professional fees  

To read more about the benefits Blue Cross has to offer, please visit the 'why work for us' page on our website.  

About Blue Cross

Blue Cross is a national charity that has been helping sick, injured and homeless pets since 1897. 

Every month we help thousands of pets and their people by providing veterinary care, expert behaviour advice and find homeless pets loving families. We also offer education for future generations plus pet bereavement support for those who have lost their beloved pet companion. 

We love the ways that pets can make such an amazing difference to the people they live with and we offer lifelong support and advice to help that unique relationship thrive. With your support we can give back to more pets and their families who need our help. 

Pets change lives. We change theirs.
 

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion 

We believe that every pet should enjoy a healthy life in a happy home, and we always seek to recruit the best people who share our values and commitment so we can continue to help and support pet owners across the UK to achieve this. 

At Blue Cross, we want you to feel that you belong, without the need to hide any part of who you are.  

Diversity and inclusion at Blue Cross means creating a workplace where all people, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, nation or country of origin, disability, age, and socioeconomic backgrounds are welcome, respected, supported, and have access to equal opportunities.   

We are working hard to reflect the world we live in and the communities we serve at every level of our organisation. As much as we have made positive advances, we consider diversity and inclusion to be a work in progress – a continual commitment that remains a priority for all of us.  

If you would like to talk to us about any reasonable adjustments or changes to our recruitment process to support you to be your best, then please get in touch. 
 

Our values    

Our values define the way we do things. We use them every day to guide us, and to make sure we put people and pets at the heart of everything we do.  

Compassionate: We listen, we are non-judgmental, we are kind and caring to the pets and people we encounter, and we offer support in difficult times  

Courageous: We make brave decisions, embrace change, and encourage innovation, ensuring we always act with integrity – doing the right thing even when no one is looking  
 

Inclusive: We value all our relationships and work in an open and positive culture where we celebrate our diverse talents and empower you to be you 

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. 

JOB TITLE: Fundraising Manager

RESPONSIBLE TO: Head of Partnerships

LOCATION: Home based

DURATION: Full-time - Permanent

SALARY/GRADE: £32,859.00

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

· Chief Operating Officer

· Head of Partnerships

· Trusts and Foundations Manager

· Nation Directors

· Membership Team and Public Affairs and Communications Team

· Major Donors and corporate partnerships

ABOUT YOU

Are you an energetic multi-tasker with the passion, skills and experience to make an immediate impact on our community fundraising, regular donors and high net-worth individual income generating activities? Are you a self-starter and team player, accustomed to rolling your sleeves up to get the job done? Are you looking for a role to stretch you and are keen to take on a more strategic and project management role?

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The Fundraising Manager will be responsible for growing income from our community fundraising and major donor relationships, so that an even greater impact can be made on adopted young people and their families. You will lead on all community fundraising initiatives, including appeals, fundraising campaigns, and external challenge events. You will drive innovation in our approach to fundraising. In addition, you will work closely with the Head of Partnerships and Senior Leadership Team to help us secure and manage all key fundraising relationships with major donors.  

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· Supported by the Head of Partnerships and Senior Leadership team, take ownership of developing, delivering and monitoring fundraising events and activities in line with our fundraising strategy

· Manage existing and develop new innovative fundraising campaigns and activities to engage new and existing supporters & donors including legacies, external challenge events, digital fundraising campaigns, community activities, and large-scale events.

· Work with the team marketing lead to create compelling copy to promote events and help recruit supporters and donors.

· Work with all Adoption UK teams to support local fundraising activities in each of the four nations including membership and community teams

· Create and manage a volunteer fundraising programme to support more community fundraising across the organisation, including volunteer fundraiser recruitment.

· Analyse and report on the success of campaigns and programmes.

Person Specification criteria

Knowledge And Experience

• Experience of a fundraising, marketing, or event management role (E)
• Experience of delivering multiple projects on time and to budget (E)
• Experience of managing compelling, successful appeals (E)
• Experience of managing multiple stakeholders including individual fundraisers, High net worth individuals(E)

Qualifications and Education

• Professional fundraising qualifications (D)
• Marketing qualifications (D)
•  Event Management qualifications (D)

Skills and Abilities

• Delivers high quality work with minimal supervision and direction (E)
• Able to demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, be competent with Microsoft Office (E)
• An exceptional administrator and coordinator with excellent organisation and writing skills (E)
• Communicate, engage and secure positive external relationships with stakeholders and supporters (E)
•  Has the capacity to deal with complex issues and is good at problem solving (D)
• Self-starter, used to working to deadlines and delivering against KPIs (D)
• Able to work communicate and engage with internal senior stakeholders effectively

Accountability

• Developing fundraising opportunities (E)
• Event administration (D)
• Stewardship and relationship management (E)
• Contribute to departmental strategic goals, in liaison with the Chief Operating Officer, Head of Partnerships and Trusts and Foundations Manager (E)

Behaviours

• Takes pride in Adoption UK and promotes its values and mission in all interactions with external stakeholders.
•  Demonstrates commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of role at all times.
• Contributes to an open and honest culture
• Encourages challenge and creativity, transparency and consistency.
• Leads by example.
• Offers outstanding service to members.
• Promotes cross functional team working, sharing skills and knowledge
• Communicates clearly, seeking clarity when unclear and valuing the opinion of others.
•  Valuing the opinion of other. Treating colleagues and other stakeholders with respect.
• Takes pride in own development, committed to achieving high standards and agreed objectives.

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. 

Are you interested in working for a wonderful national children’s charity as an Individual Giving Executive? This charity seeks to improve the lives and wellbeing of children and young people in the UK, by running specialist services and campaigning to improve the way the system works.

This role will manage a range of Individual Giving campaigns mainly within the Acquisition team, supporting in other areas as required. As part of the role, you will coordinate the running of individual giving campaigns, including campaign planning, overseeing creative development, liaising with key stakeholders, co-ordinating print and production, and analysing results and feeding back to agencies. You will oversee the invoicing process and campaign income and expenditure.

This is an excellent opportunity for a passionate individual who is keen to start developing their career in Individual Giving Fundraising to step into an entry level position and start developing into amazing fundraisers, all within an incredible charity.

To be successful in the role of Individual Giving Executive, you will need: 

• Proven experience of managing and delivering projects to an agreed timescale.
• Demonstrable experience of managing and analysing data, including experience or understanding of using databases.
• Knowledge and understanding of fundraising/marketing

Salary: £24,000 - £27,000
Contract: Permanent, full-time
Location: Remote – Home based
Deadline:  20th October

If you would like to have an informal discussion, please call Jake on 02030 062787 or email your interest along with your CV to [email protected]

Ashby Jenkins Recruitment are a specialist charity recruitment agency, we use our extensive sector knowledge and experience to match candidates to the most suitable roles. We take a relationship-led approach to recruitment, working ethically, supporting people to find their perfect role within the not-for-profit sector. 

We are passionate about improving equality across the sector, you can read more about our commitment to diversity here. 

If enough applications are received the charity reserve the right to end the application period sooner.