Learning Disability Jobs
We are recruiting an Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive and PA to the Senior Leadership Team who will share our passion and commitment to members of the fire and rescue services community to live healthier and happier lives.
The post holder will work at a senior level to provide effective strategic executive support to the Chief Executive and proactive administrative assistance to all members of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT). The post can be based at one of our charity workbases (Littlehampton, Penrith, Exeter, Basingstoke) or homebased with occasional travel
This post holder is the primary point of support to the Chief Executive and directors. This is therefore a fast-paced, multi-faceted role with a number of varied and competing daily priorities to manage. The post holder will be situated at the beating heart of the senior team, enabling its effectiveness and agility.
Our Senior Leadership Team and colleagues throughout the organisation are ambitious for the charity and increasingly work in a contemporary and dynamic way, modelling progressive and inclusive leadership and always supporting one another to take opportunities and to manage competing and changeable priorities so we can achieve our shared and individual objectives. We are looking for someone who will thrive in this working style.
We are looking for a very special, experienced and positive executive assistant who will work in an agile and dynamic way. He/she/they will have a positive, observant, courteous and friendly manner and be resourceful and tenacious.
Generally, you will:
- Provide strategic executive support to the Chief Executive
- Provide administrative support to the Senior Leadership Team
- Provide exceptional stakeholder correspondence and engagement internally and externally
To be successful in this role, you need relevant experience:
- Providing executive, secretarial and/or administrative support at a senior level in an organisation of similar breadth and scope and in a pacey, dynamic and rapidly changing environment
- Managing multiple diaries
- Managing events and/or projects
- Researching, synthesising and summarising complex information for the purpose of briefing an executive
- Drafting sensitive correspondence to high-profile and/or key stakeholders
- Administering board or committee meetings
This post is subject to a disclosure and barring check.
How to apply
To apply for the role, please submit your CV and an introductory letter via our online portal. Alternatively, please contact us for an application form.
Closing Date 9.00am on 9 December 2024
We welcome applications from all sections of the community. When recruiting our new team members, regardless of the role, we are looking for people who share our values.
Interiew Dates
First interviews will take place via MS teams on 11 December 2024 with second round interviews to take place in person, in London, on 16 December 2024.
We reserve the right to close this role early should we receive a sufficient number of applications. Due to the number of applications we receive, we are unable to contact applicants who are not shortlisted for interview. If you do not hear from us within two weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application was not successful this time.
We offer specialist, lifelong support for members of the UK fire services community, empowering individuals to live happier and healthier lives
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Why work for us?
At CARE International UK we affirm the dignity, potential and contribution of participants, donors, partners and staff. Our actions are consistent with our mission. We are honest and transparent in what we do and say and accept responsibility for our collective and individual actions. We work together effectively to serve the larger community. We constantly challenge ourselves to the highest levels of learning and performance to achieve greater impact.
At CARE International UK, we are committed to creating a workplace that fosters innovation, collaboration, and personal growth. We believe in making a difference and offer you the opportunity to contribute to impactful humanitarian work. Our supportive environment, emphasis on professional development, and dedication to diversity and inclusion make CARE an exceptional place to advance your career.
We are seeking a Risk and Internal Audit Manager to lead our risk management and internal audit initiatives. This critical role involves developing a robust risk management framework, conducting thorough internal audits, and ensuring compliance with donor requirements. The successful candidate will demonstrate an understanding of humanitarian issues and standards, including codes of conduct and accountability principles, and possess a working knowledge of French or Spanish. Exceptional communication skills and the ability to influence stakeholders are essential.
About you
You are a highly skilled professional with a Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors (CIA) certification or a full CCAB qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA). Your extensive experience in risk management and internal audit, particularly within an international NGO or a similar environment, equips you with the necessary expertise to excel in this role. You are a strategic thinker with excellent communication skills, capable of engaging and influencing stakeholders at all levels. Your analytical prowess and problem-solving abilities, combined with your self-motivation and proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, set you apart.
About the role
As the Risk and Internal Audit Manager, you will play a pivotal role in fortifying our organisation by overseeing both risk management and internal audit operations. You will develop and manage CARE International UK’s risk management framework, maintain and update the organisation’s risk register, and provide regular risk management reports. You will also develop and execute an annual internal audit plan, ensuring compliance with recognised auditing standards. Your role involves coordinating with various CARE entities and overseeing specialist audits in areas like cybersecurity and GDPR. International travel will be required to support CARE International UK funded programmes.
About CARE
CARE International UK is part of a global confederation dedicated to fighting poverty and social injustice. We work in over 100 countries, supporting life-saving programs and advocating for policy changes to improve the lives of the world’s most vulnerable populations. Our mission is to save lives, defeat poverty, and achieve social justice. Joining CARE means becoming part of a team that is passionate about making a tangible difference in the world.
Safeguarding
CARE International UK has a zero-tolerance approach to any abuse to, sexual harassment of or exploitation of, a vulnerable adult or child by any of our staff, representatives or partners. CARE International UK expects all staff to share this commitment through our Safeguarding Policy (link here) and our Code of Conduct (link here). They are responsible for ensuring they understand and work within the remit of these policies throughout their time at CARE International UK.
Safeguarding our beneficiaries is our top priority in everything we do, including recruitment. All offers of employment at CARE International UK are subject to:
- satisfactory references. CARE International UK participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (link here).In line with this Scheme, we will request information from successful applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment.
- appropriate criminal record checks (including a Bridger check, link here).
By submitting an application, the applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.
Equality and Diversity
We are committed to Equality and value Diversity.
We are a Disability Confident Employer and particularly welcome applications from disabled people. We guarantee interviews to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role (see person specification). If you require the candidate brief or need to submit your application in an alternative format, because of a disability, please do get in touch by sending an email to our HR team.
We also encourage people from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds or LGBT+ to apply for roles at CARE International UK.
Please note that in compliance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, all job offers at Care International UK are conditional on eligibility to work in the UK
Closing date: 6 December 2024
Interview date: TBC
Group Marketing Executive (Content Focus)
Location: London/Hybrid
Department: Group Marketing and Communications
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: 35
Salary: Up to £31,000 depending on skills and experience
Are you a creative storyteller with a passion for social impact? The Big Issue Group is looking for a Group Marketing Executive to help us share powerful stories, drive engagement and grow our community across our mission-focused initiatives, including Big Issue Media, Campaigns, Big Issue Recruit, and Big Issue Invest.
In this exciting and newly created role, you'll work closely with our impact-driven marketing team to create compelling content across all channels, manage social media channels, and support key campaigns like Poverty Zero and Christmas.
Ideal for early-career marketers, this role offers:
- The chance to hone your content creation and storytelling skills to shape and execute key campaigns for the Big Issue Group
- Experience with social media management and short-form video creation.
- The opportunity to highlight the stories of people impacted by poverty while respecting their dignity.
- Exposure to all areas of the Group Marketing Team and wider Big Issue Group
Join us and help grow awareness of the Big Issue Group’s mission, drive revenue streams, and create real change for people affected by poverty in the UK.
For a full job description including the summary of responsibilities, skills, qualities and experience required for the role, please download from the link below.
Salary and Benefits:
- Salary £31,000 per annum depending on skills and experience
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays incrementally increasing with service.
- Flexible working policy
- Pension scheme
- Private Health care cover
- Enhanced Family benefits
- On-going learning and development
- Employee Assistance programme to support your health and wellbeing
- Blue Light Benefits scheme
Workplace details:
Whilst this role will be based at the Big Issue Group Head Office in Finsbury Park, the Group Marketing Team operates under a hybrid model - currently visiting the office every Thursday plus one other day each week at each individuals discretion and working the rest of the time from home. The successful candidate would be welcome to work in the office more frequently however if they desired.
Closing date – 5 December 2024. Please note that we may invite suitable candidates for interview before the closing date. So please apply asap.
Big Issue Group is striving towards Equal Opportunities. We particularly welcome applications from those who are underrepresented in our sector, such as women in senior roles, and people with disabilities and from Black and Minority Ethnic communities.
Since 1991, the Big Issue has sought to tackle poverty by creating opportunities through enterprise and working with individuals to rebuild their lives. Over time our organisation has grown, extending our mission so the Big Issue Group now consists of The Big Issue Company Ltd, Big Issue Invest Ltd (our social investment arm) and Big Issue Changing Lives Community Interest Company.
REF-218270
The Boaz Trust is a Manchester-based charity that started 20 years ago as an outworking of the founder's Christian faith. Last year we provided trauma-informed and person-centred housing and support for more than 200 people facing homelessness after seeking safety in the UK through our floating support and 17 properties that we manage.
This new role is a key part of our strategy to increase our capacity to provide accommodation for more people in the Greater Manchester area working in partnership with GMCA and a range of local and national stakeholders. You will report directly to the CEO and Board and be part of the Senior Leadership Team building on our unique experience of providing both housing-focused and floating support for people who have recently been granted refugee status, as well as those who have been refused asylum and who are facing homelessness.
In the current climate, this work is needed more than ever. We are therefore looking for an experienced and dynamic leader to develop our accommodation services. The ideal candidate will have experience / knowledge of;
- procuring and managing accommodation services (including shared housing)
- social housing standards, regulations and other relevant housing legislation
- project, contract or budgetary management
- managing a team of staff and contractors
- building relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, to increase impact and sustainability.
We are looking for someone with ambition and drive to build on our experience and reputation as well as getting involved in the day-to-day delivery of housing management in a small team.
This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to use their experience to make a big difference to the lives of hundreds of people and to shape the future direction and strategy of the organisation.
The successful candidate will need to be supportive of the Christian ethos and values of the charity. However, diversity, equity and inclusion are also important to us at Boaz Trust so we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.
For a full Job Description and Person Specification as well as more details about the role and the organisation download our 'recruitment pack'.
Our vision is that people who seek safety in the UK are welcomed here and are free to live life in all its fullness.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We have an exciting opportunity within our Multi-crime Service. We are looking for a Children and Young Person Case Worker, working full time (37.5 hours) Monday to Friday, with some out of office hours working, and occasional Saturdays, dependent on the needs of our service users. This post is to cover maternity leave until 30th September 2025.
Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change and improvement for those who need it?
Do you have resilience and adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on customer service and care?
If yes, then we would love to hear from you.....
What we offer:
At Victim Support we believe in attracting & retaining the best people and offer a competitive rewards & benefits package including:
- Flexible working options including hybrid working
- 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 33 days plus Bank Holidays
- An extra day off for your birthday
- Pension with 5% employer contribution
- Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity payments
- High Street, retail, holiday, entertainment & leisure discounts
- Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
- Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
- Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression
About the role:
As a Caseworker, you will play a vital role in providing high quality, end-to-end support to victims of crime to cope and recover. You will be responsible for establishing contact with victims to assess the impact of crime and providing appropriate information and support. As the needs and experiences of our clients are wide-ranging, the support you will provide will range from brief interventions over the telephone to longer term 1:1 and telephone based support.
You will be working 7.5 Hours a day between 8am-8pm, as part of a rota covering Monday to Friday and the occasional Saturday.
You will need:
You will have the skills to provide effective crisis intervention, carry out risk assessments, safety planning, assessment of needs and individual support planning. You should have demonstrable experience of working in a similar setting or position. An ability to work independently and prioritise a busy workload is essential.
Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.
About Us:
Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity providing a range of specialist services to people who have been affected by crime across England and Wales. We work towards a world where there are fewer victims but who have stronger rights, better support and a real influence in the Criminal Justice System. Everyone at VS is driven by our Vision Ambitions and Values to play their part in making a difference for those who experience crime and traumatic events. Working for VS gives you the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing high quality services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.
Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.
Victim Support strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.
As part of our commitment to the Race at Work Charter we particularly welcome applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.
If you have a disability, a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or a medical condition which you believe may affect your performance during any aspect of our selection process, we'll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to perform at your best.
How to apply:
To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website, and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.
We looking forward to hearing from you.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Service Delivery Assistant to directly support one of our Caseworkers by providing administrative support and assistance, working 15 hours per week.
Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change & improvement for those who need it?
Do you have resilience & adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on customer service and care?
If yes, then we'd love to hear from you…
What we offer:
At Victim Support we believe in attracting & retaining the best people and offer a competitive rewards & benefits package including:
- Flexible working options including hybrid working
- 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 33 days plus Bank Holidays (pro rata)
- An extra day off for your birthday
- Pension with 5% employer contribution
- Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity payments
- High Street, retail, holiday, entertainment & leisure discounts
- Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
- Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
- Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression
About the role:
Due to the requirements of the role, you will be required to work from the Southampton office for all shifts.
As a Service Delivery Assistant you will:
- Assist the caseworker in answering the telephone and contacting clients as required
- Update and maintain manual and computerised database and case management systems and records in accordance with the service's internal policies/procedures and organisational standards
- Assist the caseworker with navigation around the building, including greeting outside the entrance and escorting to desk.
- Communicate with victim's in a written format, including text, email and letter under the guidance of the caseworker.
You will need:
- Effective verbal/written communication and numerical skills.
- Excellent IT skills and experience of using all packages in the standard Microsoft Office suite and case management systems/databases.
- Excellent record keeping skills with a focus on quality and accuracy.
- Experience of working in a client focused service area or setting.
- Understanding and knowledge of equal opportunities and diversity
- Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.
About Us:
Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity providing a range of specialist services to people who have been affected by crime across England and Wales. We work towards a world where there are fewer victims but who have stronger rights, better support and a real influence in the Criminal Justice System. Everyone at VS is driven by our Vision Ambitions and Values to play their part in making a difference for those who experience crime and traumatic events. Working for VS gives you the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing high quality services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.
Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.
Victim Support strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.
As part of our commitment to the Race at Work Charter we particularly welcome applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.
If you have a disability, a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or a medical condition which you believe may affect your performance during any aspect of our selection process, we'll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to perform at your best.
How to apply:
To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.
We look forward to hearing from you.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date.
Under the direct supervision of the Resources Management Officer (RMO) and overall supervision of the Chief of Mission, and in close coordination with relevant team leads in the Country Office, the incumbent will perform HR and procurement duties in the IOM UK office.
Responsibilities and Accountabilities
Human Resources:
1. Perform a variety of administrative duties, e.g. contract extensions and requests for temporary staff, leave and attendance recording, budget preparation and follow-up; liaise with other units to maintain smooth running and expedition of work within the unit;
2. Process and follow-up administrative actions (human resources, contracts, procurement, accounting, finance, logistics) in IOM's computerized systems;
3. Organize, follow-up and process administrative actions (human resources, contracts, procurement, accounting, finance, logistics) in IOM's computerized systems;
4. Update and maintain electronic and physical archiving systems in the unit including personnel files with all supporting documentation, recruitment files, Human Resources policies, regulations, guidelines and manuals, internal controls, etc.
5. Draft certificates of employment, notices, letters, reports, presentations, graphs, update the organisational chart and support timely submission of documents.
6. Support the organization of Human Resources events including staff development and training activities in coordination with the Staff Development and Learning Unit and maintain updated records.
Procurement:
7. Assist to evaluate ongoing support requirements of the office, adapt service provision to meet changing needs and resolve as required.
8. Support and follow-up on the maintenance and repair of office facilities, including preventive maintenance. Contribute to the establishment of maintenance agreements with competent service providers when it is feasible and determined to be cost effective.
9. In coordination with relevant parties, contribute to the timely submission of asset, procurement and other reports within IOM UK office to Regional Office and relevant HQ departments, as appropriate.
10. Contribute to the review of the procurement requests, identify service providers, and evaluate information regarding vendor's performance in terms of quality, prices, and timely delivery of goods and services. Maintain a pool of qualified vendors.
11. Assist in maintaining up-to-date inventories and tracking systems for fast-moving goods and for fixed assets.
12. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.
If you are interested in this opportunity, please visit our website to apply:
https://unitedkingdom.iom.int/careers
This is an exciting and engaging job opportunity to join elop’s dedicated and enthusiastic team. You will be supporting us to continue to save lives and improve mental health for LGBTQ+ community members through ensuring the smooth administration of elop's counselling, mental health and other services.
As Services Administrator you will have a key role and direct responsibility for the administration of our counselling and mental health services, training and education services, and general office and organisational administrative duties. This will include:
· responding to enquirers & information requests, and sign-posting callers to relevant staff
· receiving and processing service referrals and training applications
· taking and processing service and training bookings, and administering associated payments
· liaising with staff, volunteers, service users, clients, students, professionals
· maintaining central office and service files, data records, inputting and collating data
· assisting with service promotion
· administration of volunteer and student recruitment
· supporting admin volunteers
· contributing to staffing front of house/ reception
· maintaining administration of central office systems and associated facilities
· minute taking at varied service and team meetings
· contributing to service and training monitoring and evaluation
You will work with the Senior Management Team to ensure and maintain well administered, organised, efficient, and smooth-running services, systems, office and centre environment.
You will be well supported with an in-depth induction, regular line management supervision, and additional reflective practice opportunity as required.
Ordinarily, this is an in-person/ onsite position, but will commence temporarily online via remote homebased working, whilst we relocate to our new location.
ELOP is a holistic lesbian and gay centre that offers a range of social, emotional and support services to LGBT communities, and our core services
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Triage & Interventions Officer to join the team in North Wales working 30 hours per week.
Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change & improvement for those who need it?
Do you have resilience & adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on customer service and care?
If yes, then we'd love to hear from you.
About the role:
This role is based in St Asaph North Wales
As a Victim Help Officer you will be:
You will be working in liaison with North Wales Police and other relevant agencies, and involves shift working on a rota basis between 8am-8pm Monday to Friday and 9am - 5pm on a Saturday. Ensuring the provision of individual assessment of impact and risk, within the framework of VS's Service Model.
Support will include providing resources, interventions, and information to all service users. In order to:
- support those affected by crime in understanding and asserting their rights and entitlements
- in understanding their journey through the criminal justice and legal systems including the Victims Code of Practice
- facilitating access additional services
- establish healthy coping mechanisms
- provide practical support and information
To provide high quality support to all victims and witnesses of crime, leading on completing initial impact and risk assessments that are comprehensive and holistic. Providing immediate and short term intervention via telephone to anyone impacted by crime.
Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.
What we offer:
At Victim Support we believe in attracting & retaining the best people and offer a competitive rewards & benefits package including:
- Flexible working options including hybrid working
- 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 33 days plus Bank Holidays
- An extra day off for your birthday
- Pension with 5% employer contribution
- Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity payments
- High Street, retail, holiday, entertainment & leisure discounts
- Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
- Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
- Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression
About Us:
Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity providing a range of specialist services to people who have been affected by crime across England and Wales. We work towards a world where there are fewer victims but who have stronger rights, better support and a real influence in the Criminal Justice System. Everyone at VS is driven by our Vision Ambitions and Values to play their part in making a difference for those who experience crime and traumatic events. Working for VS gives you the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing high quality services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.
Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.
Victim Support strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.
As part of our commitment to the Race at Work Charter we particularly welcome applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.
If you have a disability, a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or a medical condition which you believe may affect your performance during any aspect of our selection process, we'll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to perform at your best.
How to apply:
To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.
We look forward to hearing from you.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date.
Job title: Waste and Recycling Visitor and Education Centre Coordinator
Salary: £26,865 to £29,927 per annum
Hours: Full Time – 37 hours per week
Location: Waste and Recycling Visitor Education Centre - Campground HWRC, Wrekenton, Gateshead, NE9
About us
Groundwork aims to be the UK’s leading regeneration charity, working through partnership to create communities in which people are proud to live and work. This programme will deliver Groundwork’s mission of supporting people to improve their prospects and reach their full potential. As an organisation, we are proud of the effective role that our Community Project Managers play in delivering significant social, environmental and health outcomes with communities across the region.
About the role
Working as a member of Groundwork’s Local Programmes Team the postholder will develop, deliver and sustain programmes of waste education activity and learning and with communities across South Tyne and Wear. The post will be based at the South Tyne and Wear Waste Management Partnership’s (STWWMP) Visitor and Education Centre at the Campground Waste Transfer Station. This facility is operated by SUEZ and is the regions first centre for dedicated waste education opportunities. This post will provide a valuable resource for Groundwork, the Waste Partnership and SUEZ to achieve their respective organisational objectives.
A bit about you
We are looking for enthusiastic and experienced staff member to develop and lead a programme of community waste education activity across the South Tyne and Wear Partnership area as part of the South Tyne and Wear Waste Management Partnership PFI.
You will have a proven track record of successful project development and delivery backed with appropriate qualifications. Excellent communication skills and an ability to build positive working relationships with a diverse range of partners are essential. Experience of waste and recycling initiatives and a passion for working in local communities, ideally in educational and awareness raising settings, are required.
Based in a purpose built facility you will work largely autonomously to engage and encourage school visits and community ownership. You will develop and deliver an exciting programme of waste education sessions suitable for a range of centre users. Working five days a week the post will require outreach work across the South Tyne and Wear area as well as regular evening and weekend work.
Closing date: Midnight on Tuesday 3rd December 2024
Please note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
This role is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure endorsed by the Disclosure and Barring Service.
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.
Make yourself at home
We want you to be yourself at Groundwork and we value everything that makes you unique. We recognise and celebrate your difference and together we make Groundwork a special and great place to work. As a Disability Confident employer we offer a guaranteed interview to applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria for the role.
At Groundwork we ensure that we provide a safe environment for adults, children and young people to take part in any activity or service that we organise. We are committed to creating a culture that promotes safeguarding and the welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk. Our safer recruitment practices support this by ensuring that there is a consistent and comprehensive process of obtaining, collating, analysing and evaluating information from and about candidates to ensure that all the people we appoint are suitable to work with our children, young people and adults
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.
Are you a Corporate Fundraising specialist who passionately believes that every childhood is worth fighting for?
If you're looking to develop your fundraising experience with a sector-leading team, then this Corporate Partnerships Manager role is the one for you.
Salary: £28,687 - £33,801
Contract: 2-year fixed-term contract, 35 hours FTE, would consider reduced hours (e.g. 4 days)
Benefits: 29 holidays (+ bank) increasing to 32 with 5 years' service, 7% employer pension
Location: North of England, ideally based 1 hour from either Manchester or Leeds
Culture: Healthy, happy and both life and family-friendly*
Every childhood is worth fighting for. This is what drives this national children's charity to get out there and bring in the funds needed to protect children and prevent abuse. As Corporate
Partnerships Manager across the North of England, you'll get more people involved in change that means everything.
What's the story?
You'll join one of the longest established, national corporate teams in the third sector, with a track record of working with some of the largest and most dynamic businesses in the country. It has delivered strategic partnerships, commercial activity, and all sizes of Charity of the Year programmes.
They are incredibly passionate and committed to professional development and helping individuals to achieve their career goals and aspirations, which is at the heart of the team ethos. Previous members of the team have gone on to progress their careers internally, as well as going onto success with other well-known organisations.
About you
This role is a lovely mix of account management and new business. You'll work with long standing corporate partners, as well as identifying and winning new corporate support through commercial, strategic opportunities and Charity of the Year partnerships. You'll take the lead and support on existing and future accounts, providing creative account management to maximise impact for partners.
How do I know I'm the right person?
- You're confident in building and maintaining relationships with existing supporters and generating new leads with cold and warm prospects.
- With the right support, you'll feel confident in talking about the charity to influence others and secure partnerships, in both a one-to-one environment and to large audiences.
- You approach tasks with an open and creative mind, working well independently and with others to create powerful propositions.
- You're organised, tenacious, new business focussed and ready for a challenge.
Working environment and benefits
This role is primarily homebased, with an expectation to travel freely across your designated region (travel expensed), plus occasional wider travel for team meetings and training. You'll be offered a flexible working arrangement to ensure a healthy work/life balance, which can include working from your local hub from time to time if greater team engagement is important to you.
*There are a variety of additional benefits including:
- Employee benefits and assistance programme
- Life assurance scheme
- Family friendly policies including enhanced maternity and paternity leave, adoption leave and IVF leave
- A range of learning and development opportunities including apprenticeship opportunities
- A range of lived experience network groups including Black Workers Support Group, Thrive Network, Muslim Colleagues and Allies Group, Pride Group, the Family Network and Action 4 Deaf and Disabled as People Together.
This is a unique opportunity to join the UK's leading children's charity and work alongside a friendly, passionate and dedicated team.
If you are as excited by this opportunity as we are, then please get in touch with a copy of your CV to Amelia Lee at Charity People.
Deadline: 9am on Friday 6th December
Interviews: TBC and likely to be held online
Charity People actively promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion. We match charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we know greater diversity will lead to even greater results for the charities we work with.
Position: Digital Services Product Manager
Type: Full-time (35 hours a week), permanent
Location: Office-based in London with the flexibility to work remotely
Salary: £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 a passionate and dedicated product manager to lead the strategic development of our digital services products.
Our digital services provide support and information to thousands of people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). You’ll be joining us at an exciting stage of our digital programme as we transform the way we engage with people affected by MS.
You’ll play a pivotal role in driving evolution and improvement. This will include working with our existing products including our forum, webchat, symptom management tools and logged-in area of our website.
But you’ll also be leading efforts to conceptualise, design, build and implement new digital products that cater to the ever-evolving needs of our community.
We’re looking for the successful candidate to have proven experience in areas such as:
• Using a clearly defined digital project management methodology.
• Developing and executing product strategies and roadmaps.
• Overseeing the product development lifecycle.
• Maintaining the highest quality, compliance and accessibility standards.
• Collaborative working with cross-organisational stakeholders
You’ll have meticulous planning skills, be results and delivery focussed and bring a creative energy that nurtures innovation in those around you.
This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a supportive and vibrant team who are dedicated to making a difference for people with MS.
Closing date for applications: 9:00 on Monday 9 December 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.
To fund world-leading research, share the latest information and campaign for everyone's rights. Together we are a community. Together we can stop MS
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Philanthropy manager
· Full time: 37.5 hours per week (we welcome flexible working requests)
· Hybrid working for the foreseeable future, with regular attendance, including Thursdays, at our central office:
- Pears Building, Pond Street, London, NW3 2PP
Other office days may be worked from our other sites at:
- Barnet Hospital, Wellhouse Lane, Barnet, EN5 3DJ
- Chase Farm Hospital, 127 The Ridgeway, Enfield, EN2 8JL
HOW TO APPLY
To apply for this post send your:
➢ CV (please include your last employer and dates of employment)
➢ Cover letter (please use your written statement to explain why you are keen to work at the Royal Free Charity and your suitability for the role as detailed in the role description. Please also consider when writing your statement that strong writing skills are important for this role).
Closing date for application: Monday 2nd December
Interview date: Friday 13th December
You must be eligible to work in the UK
Job Purpose
We are seeking a creative and driven philanthropy manager to join our team on a permanent basis. Working alongside members of the wider team, you will help deliver the best possible experience to some of the charity’s most committed donors through a mixture of bespoke events, personalised communications, and recognition opportunities across our hospital sites.
Specifically, this role will lead the team’s efforts in working with our mid-level donors, developing our first ever patrons’ programme and providing them with a gold-standard experience that ensures continued support of the Royal Free Charity.
You will play an important role within our philanthropy & campaigns team, helping to build relationships, and increase income, in a pivotal year for the charity. The role will offer significant scope for development, giving you the opportunity to grow your relationship-building, communication, and project management skills in a supportive, ambitious, and high-performing team.
The role reports to the senior philanthropy manager.
Responsibilities
Leading the Royal Free Charity’s patrons’ programme
· Lead all aspects of the Royal Free Charity’s patrons’ programme, from recruitment through to stewardship and renewal efforts.
· Work with senior stakeholders to develop and launch a new strategy for the programme, illustrating the potential overlap between patronage and other areas of support for the charity, as well as opportunities to uplift levels of support or additional gifts.
· Manage the day-to-day delivery of the patrons’ programme including coordinating the renewals process and responding to enquiries.
· Effectively promote the programme across a range of audiences, working with colleagues to identify and recruit prospects and deliver retention activity to uplift individuals to patronage and beyond.
· Develop and deliver the engagement programme for patrons, collaborating with colleagues on stewardship and cultivation plans including a programme of communications and touchpoints, including events.
· Draft engaging materials, such as letters, invitations, and thank you communications, to ensure patrons feel valued and have a positive donor experience.
· Support colleagues who manage relationships with patrons by ensuring key materials are shared, and monitoring when annual renewals are due.
· Manage updates to patron recognition across our hospital sites, ensuring names are listed in accordance with donor wishes, and are added or removed at the appropriate time.
Leading the Royal Free Charity’s mid-level programme
· Alongside the patrons’ programme, lead and deliver a mid-level giving retention and recruitment strategy, for donors giving between £1,000 and £10,000 to the charity each year, working with colleagues to understand potential opportunities for uplift in giving.
· Support the development and delivery of engaging events, and bespoke communications for mid-level donors.
· Ensure that mid-level donors have the best possible experience of giving to the charity, by engaging with colleagues on the development of appeals to this audience, stewarding those giving at this level, and attracting new supporters to grow the programme.
· Contribute to analysis and commentary on the performance of the programme.
· Work with the public fundraising team to thank mid-level donors to fundraising appeals, creating updates and reports, and providing an excellent supporter experience to maximise the opportunity for a longer-term relationship beyond specific appeals.
· Work closely with charity colleagues and external suppliers to ensure fundraising activities are delivered to agreed plans, budgets, and timelines.
· Support the fundraising activities of the wider philanthropy & campaigns team through identifying donors who may give major gifts or be interested in legacy giving.
Cross-team working and individual development
· Lead the team’s work in stewarding existing legacy pledgers.
· Build relationships across the charity and with Royal Free London staff to enhance own work, raise the visibility of fundraising, and identify opportunities for collaboration.
· Represent the philanthropy & campaigns team, where appropriate, on cross-charity projects.
· Take time for personal development, contributing learning and ideas to the wider team.
· Keep up to date with fundraising sector trends and how they can be applied to our work.
· Undertake any other tasks commensurate with the role.
This job description is not exhaustive; the role will include other tasks and responsibilities commensurate with the post and subject to change to meet legislative requirements.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Qualifications
No specific qualifications are required for this role.
Experience
Essential
· Experience in fundraising and donor development in the charity or cultural sector, or a similar setting.
· Experience of working with supporters, customers, clients, or the general public, delivering an excellent service on the phone, in person, and in written communications.
· Experience of creating high quality written documents, such as tailored letters, proposals, slide decks, or other professional materials.
· Experience of planning, delivering, and evaluating a project from start to finish.
Desirable
· Experience of developing longer term relationships with supporters, clients, or equivalent audiences.
· Experience of leading on the creation and implementation of innovative events that are tailored towards a specific audience’s interests.
· Knowledge of fundraising regulations and best practice including Gift Aid and GDPR.
Skills and knowledge
· A keen interest in the fundraising sector, with a desire to learn and grow in the role.
· A passion for relationship-building, and working with a diverse range of audiences.
· Exceptional customer service skills.
· A positive can-do attitude and approach towards problem solving.
· Outstanding organisation skills, with the ability to juggle workload whilst maintaining an excellent service level to donors, charity colleagues, and external suppliers.
· A collaborative approach to working with other members of the team and senior stakeholders.
· Excellent written communication skills, with a strong eye for detail.
· Ability to deal with sensitive information in a confidential and professional manner.
· Comfortable with, and interested in, working in a healthcare related setting.
· Excellent IT skills, including a thorough knowledge of MS application (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Teams), and a willingness to learn new skills, such as how to use the relationship management database, Raisers Edge NXT.
· Engagement with equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion, and a commitment to act in accordance with best practice in these areas.
BENEFITS
Core benefits
· 25 days of paid holiday, plus three day office closure rest period between Christmas and New Year, and UK bank holidays. This increases to 30 days leave after five completed years of continuous employment (all leave is pro rata for part time employees).
· A contributory pension scheme, where we match your 4% contribution towards your pension. If you choose to increase your payments into your pension scheme, we’ll match your contribution up to 9%.
· A sick pay package that offers one month’s full pay and one month’s half pay in any 12-month period if you’ve been with us for less than two years. This rises to two months’ full pay and two months’ half pay in any 12-month period after two years of continuous employment.
· Occupational maternity pay and paternity pay packages that provide more generous support than statutory pay alone.
· A flexible working policy to support our employees’ work/life balance.
Support for your financial wellbeing
· Expert financial advice from our financial partner, the London Credit Union
· Salary Sacrifice Scheme
· Savings on purchases with the Blue Light Card
· Our Death in Service benefit
Support for your health and wellbeing
· Subsidised gym, pool and classes at our Rec Club in Hampstead
· Secure bicycle parking and shower facilities at our Hampstead site
· Fortnightly guided meditation
· Free massage therapy from our complementary therapy team
· Menopause peer support group
· Employee Assistance Programme offering 24-hour access to free confidential
advice and support on work and personal issues.
Fundraising department
Our dynamic fundraising department generated £4.5 million through donations in 2023/2024, and we are now preparing for an ambitious multi-million-pound campaign in support of a ground-breaking cancer centre on the Royal Free Hospital site.
We pride ourselves on being supporter focused and agile, working at the heart of the charity to deliver impact for patients and staff across our hospitals.
Responsible for attracting and retaining donors, and delivering an outstanding supporter experience, the fundraising department comprises two teams which work closely together to achieve our shared objectives:
· Our Philanthropy & Campaigns team builds relationships with individual philanthropists, trusts, foundations, corporate organisations, and intermediaries, giving or facilitating donations of £10,000 or more to the charity each year. They lead major appeal activity for the charity, currently focused on the acquisition of a new surgical robot, our forthcoming cancer campaign, our essential volunteering, complementary therapy and support services, the charity’s first patron programme, and special events to support these activities.
· Our Public Fundraising team harnesses the support and energy of individuals and groups, helping them to give back in the way that works for them. This includes committed giving, in memory support, gifts in wills, and fundraising events and challenges. Our database and supporter care teams sit within public fundraising, with their work underpinning and supporting the entire department.
Building on our achievements, our board of trustees has agreed to invest in expanding the fundraising team to develop a sustainable infrastructure that will support our growth ambitions.
To apply for this post, send your:
- CV (please include your last employer and dates of employment)
- Cover letter (please use your written statement to explain why you are keen to work at the Royal Free Charity and your suitability for the role as detailed in the role description. Please also consider when writing your statement that strong writing skills are important for this role).
Please note, that applications submitted without a cover letter may not be considered for this role.
Closing date for application: Monday 2nd December 2024 at 12 noon.
Interview date: Friday 13th December 2024
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Service Manager (Care and Support Services)
We have a great opportunity for a Service Manager who will be responsible for running a safe operational management of Care and Support services.
Position: Service Manager
Location: Rochdale, Keswick Gardens, Greater Manchester
Hours: 37.5 hours
Salary: 35,137.71 (£36,358.34 is achieved after 18 months successful performance in the role)
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 23rd December 2024 – Although applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.
About the role:
You will be working from one of the organisations supported services providing motivational leadership to empower and engage your team to deliver an outstanding service that puts customers first with responsibility for the safe operational management of care and support services.
Key responsibilities
- Leading and engaging a team
- Leading a service
- Housing and income management
- Supporting customers
About you:
We are looking for someone with:
- Experience of managing a team within a supported housing environment with a vulnerable and diverse group of customers
- Experience of working in challenging environments with the ability to plan, prioritise, organise tasks to achieve results
- Ability to listen and communicate clearly, encourage feedback and reflection, empower, motivate and gain improvements
- Have conflict resolution skills and be confident and consistent when making decisions
- Experience of reviewing, monitoring and evaluating outcomes in the delivery of support services
- Competent IT skills, including using databases, producing reports and other communications, and analysing key outcomes data to understand and drive service improvements
About the organisation:
A housing association with a difference – enhancing the everyday for all customers. For 90 years, they’ve been revitalising neighbourhoods and supporting communities by providing the homes they need to live full, fulfilling and rewarding lives.
They have a portfolio of over 75,000 affordable residential and retirement homes across the UK. Their work ranges from homelessness services to social care, employment support to retirement living, and we need the best people on board to help us.
Benefits you’ll enjoy:
- Competitive pay & generous pension
- 28 days holidays plus bank holidays
- Flexible working options available
- Investment in your learning, personal development and technology
- A wide range of benefits
The organisation values diversity in all its forms. They foster a workplace where all individuals are respected, empowered, and heard. Their commitment to inclusivity drives success and enriches the lives of customers and colleagues.
They are a Disability Confident Employer and operates a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for any applicant who declares they have a disability. If the applicant meets the minimum requirements for the role (as set out in the role profile and/or person specification) they will be guaranteed an interview.
This role also falls under the Ethnic Diversity guaranteed interview scheme. If you are Ethnically Diverse and demonstrate you meet the minimum criteria for the role you will be guaranteed an interview.
You may also have experience in areas such as Service Manager, Senior Service Manager, Junior Service Manager, Housing Service Manager, Housing and Support Service Manager, Homeless Service Manager, Housing Officer, Housing Adviser, Housing and Care Service Manager, Housing Support Officer, Housing Working, Social Housing Officer, Social Housing Service Manager, Rehabilitation Service Manager, Rehabilitation Service, Drug, Alcohol, Mental Health Service Manager, Mental Health, Recovery Worker, Recovery Service Manager.
PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.
Make a Difference. Lead with Purpose. Join Focus Birmingham.
Are you an experienced and passionate leader in human resources and resource management looking for a role where you can truly make a difference?
Focus Birmingham, are a leading local disability charity specialising in providing care and support for people with sight loss and complex needs. We believe that everyone deserves to live life to the full, and we are committed to empowering our community to unlock their potential.
About the Role:
Focus Birmingham are looking for a dynamic Director of People and Resources to join our executive team. In this role, you will be at the heart of that mission, leading our HR, finance, and resources teams to drive excellence, innovation, and impact.
As the Director of People and Resources, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our charity by leading our strategic initiatives around people and quality. You will work closely with our CEO and Board of Trustees to ensure we deliver on our mission while creating a workplace where our staff and volunteers thrive.
Key areas of responsibility include:
- People and Culture: Lead all aspects of HR, including recruitment, performance management, employee relations, and diversity and inclusion initiatives. Foster a supportive and dynamic work environment, ensuring legal compliance, and promoting staff development.
- Governance and Compliance: Ensure the charity operates within legal and regulatory frameworks, including Charity Commission and CQC standards. Oversee risk management, and governance practices, and provide key updates to the Board of Trustees.
- Finance and Resources: Work collaboratively to develop and implement a financial strategy that ensures the charity’s long-term sustainability. Oversee resource management, from IT systems to premises and transport, ensuring efficient, safe operations across the organisation.
About You:
We’re looking for a strategic and inspiring leader who thrives in both operational and hands-on environments. The ideal candidate will have:
- Proven experience in senior HR and resource management roles, ideally within the charity or care sector.
- Strong understanding of UK employment law, charity governance, and care regulations (CQC).
- A track record of accomplishment of leading change, fostering a positive organizational culture, and delivering impactful learning and development programs.
- Exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
- A passion for making a difference and helping people reach their full potential.
Why Join Us?
At Focus Birmingham, you will be part of a team that’s dedicated to changing lives. We are an equal opportunities employer committed to creating an inclusive and supportive work environment. As part of our executive team, you will have the opportunity to make a lasting impact, shape our future direction, and help us grow and support more people across Birmingham.
Benefits:
- Flexible hybrid working options
- 28 days annual leave including bank holidays, plus additional concessionary dates
- A great work-life balance with a normal working week of 35 hours
- Contributory pension scheme
- Subsidised canteen
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to employee discounts via Blue Light Card
How to Apply:
If you’re ready to lead with purpose and help us make lives better, we want to hear from you. To apply, please complete the application form.
Closing Date: 02/12/24
REF-218 185
We exist to make lives better