Life skills trainers jobs

Our family support workers really focus on what we do at a grass roots level. Providing support to families on a daily basis as well as supporting and coordinating volunteers. Prior work with children and families is advantageous as is some knowledge of bereavement. However, full training and support will be given to the successful candidate.

Bereavement support is a challenging area of work, but also extremely fulfilling whether as a long-term career, or to develop experience and knowledge that can be transfered into other roles within the education, health and social care sectors. Attitude and aptitude are as important as prior skills and experience.

The ability to communicate through the medium of Welsh would also be an advantage to this position or the willingness to learn.

This post is to support existing staff. As such it could be based anywhere within South Wales.

This post is offered on a full or part-time basis (Minimum three days per week)

This role plays a crucial part in our student journey, focusing on student attendance, attainment and assessment. Supporting the student body in the academic aspects of their day-to-day training the Academic Services Officer is both an important student-facing and administrative member of the Fourth Monkey team.

The ideal candidate will have excellent communication, administrative and organisational skills, proficiency in data management and experience of operating a student virtual learning environment. Additionally we would expect a firm commitment to achieving Fourth Monkey’s vision and values, with a passion for a transformative and holistic student experience alongside a commitment to deliver and promote equality, diversity and inclusivity in the day to day work of the role.

An interest in performing arts is beneficial.

This role is about supporting student success. 

Role: Nutley Edge Activity Breaks Manager

Full-time – 38 hours per week

Salary: £41,170.00 per annum  

Location: East Sussex / London

Do you love the excitement of being on holiday? Are you enthusiastic, motivated, and committed to empowering people with learning disabilities and/or autism? If so, we want you to lead our dedicated Activity Breaks team to help us create treasured memories for our guests!

What is a Nutley Edge Activity Break?

Nutley Edge Activity Breaks are Outward’s supported holidays for adults with learning disabilities and autism. They are five days and four nights long and take place at our beautiful holiday site near Uckfield in East Sussex. Every break is themed and guests take part in a range of activities such as archery, art, music, yoga, and day trips to local towns, cities, and historical sites. Our breaks give guests the opportunity to get away for a holiday, meet new people, and explore the best of East Sussex.

“Outward have employed the best activity team because the compassion and care they showed to us was better than I have ever seen before. They gave me the acceptance of anxiety disorders to believe and achieve. To me, acceptance is more important than any other medicine. Nutley Edge will be my new home from home.” – Activity Break Guest

What is the role of the Manager? 

As manager, with the support of the deputy(s), you will organise varied and fun breaks for our guests. This includes carrying out assessments for new guests, supporting the team to deliver respite care, coaching the staff team, and embedding high standards in the service. We run 20 breaks a year and wish to grow this number, around about 10 of which are led by the Activity Team Manager on site in East Sussex. During activity breaks food and your own room is provided and an additional sleep in payment for each night supporting a break is paid.  

We are a London based charity and welcome applicants for this role on the understanding they are able to support at least 10 breaks throughout a year (providing day and overnight support for 5 days/ 4 nights at a time in East Sussex), are able to travel to our North East London offices to attend meetings and training sessions, and travel to assessments and marketing events as required. 

In the role, you will: 

• Manage all aspects of the activity breaks

• Engage, enable, and empower people to achieve their goals and ambitions  

• Strive to promote individual choice, independence, and self confidence in our guests

• Build and maintain strong relationships with families, professionals, and other stakeholders. 

• Mentor your  team of support workers to deliver high quality and person-centred support

• Embed a culture of positive behaviour support

• Ensure the service is safe, effective, caring, responsive and managed to meet CQC essential standards

• Conduct assessments and develop risk assessments

• Manage the budget

• Complete fundraising applications if required

• Grow the number of activity breaks

• Market and promote activity breaks including attend local events, forums, carers groups and talking with professionals in order to grow our service and ensure the success of the activity breaks

What qualities and experience should the ideal candidate have?

We are looking for somebody who has:

• Experience managing the support provided for people with a learning disability, autism, and complex needs (including behaviours of distress)

• Excellent communication skills and IT skills

• Experience of staff management and the ability to lead by example to develop a strong team

• Creativity and flexibility, with experience of dealing with the unexpected

• Experience carrying out needs assessments and creating support and risk management plans

• A commitment to providing high quality and personalised active support 

• A commitment to upholding the rights of people we support to be involved at all levels of decision making. 

• A passion for engaging, enabling, and empowering people with autism or a learning disability to lead the lives they want

• Knowledge of managing a budget

• A driving licence and willingness to drive a minibus is desirable 

Employee Benefits

We value everything our staff do for the people we support, so we provide a great benefits package:

• 25 days Annual Leave excluding Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time)

• Comprehensive Learning & Development Programme

• Computing Scheme 

• Credit Union Scheme

• Cycle-to-Work Scheme

• Death in Service Benefit

• Health Assured – Employee Assistance Programme

• Eye care Vouchers

• Flu Jab Reimbursement

• Long Service Awards

• Pension Scheme

• Purchase Additional Annual Leave

• Refer-a-Friend Scheme

• Retirements

• Loans (including season tickets and parking permit loans)

• Blue Light Card

About Outward

Outward was set up in 1975 by parents of children with a disability looking for alternatives to institutional care.  Ever since then, we have been providing high-quality support and care services to vulnerable people. Our aim is to support people to have genuine control over their lives, play an active role in the community, accept responsibilities, and develop as individuals.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults at risk and expect all staff to share this commitment. If the post you apply for involves working with or having access to adults at risk and/or their records, we will require an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Services. This will be fully subsidised by Outward.

How to Apply

If you think you are who we are looking for, please submit a CV and statement detailing how you meet the requirements of the role by referring to the Job Description and the Person Specification.

The closing Date for all Applications is 6th May 2025

Interviews will be held week beginning 12th May 2025

Outward is committed to equality and diversity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

We’re looking for a Head of Volunteering Development to lead and inspire new approaches to social action in Somerset.

We are seeking someone who is passionate about volunteering and the huge benefits it can bring for individuals and community organisations. You will explore new and innovative ways of working that help ensure volunteering is accessible to all, well supported, and provides a positive experience for everyone. In addition, you will build strong partnerships across the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector to help bring this vision to life.

Key responsibilities include:

• Engaging with partners, stakeholders and the wider VCFSE sector and build strong relationships to develop and implement a Somerset Vision for Volunteering
• Working with partners across the health system to deliver the Volunteer for Health programme, an initiative that seeks to develop volunteering infrastructure to support health and wellbeing outcomes
• Identifying and developing training support Volunteer Coordinators and Managers so volunteers feel supported
• Working with grassroots community groups to co-produce ways to enable place-based volunteer engagement
• Developing and implement innovative ways to engage new and returning volunteers and address barriers that exist
• Developing and growing our Volunteer Coordinators Forum; a network that allows shared learning, networking and best practice
• Working with the wider Spark Somerset team to develop our digital volunteering platform, Spark a Change, that matches residents of Somerset to a range of volunteering opportunities
• Collect and use a range of quantitative and qualitative data to demonstrate impact and champion the value of volunteering

You’ll bring experience in developing and delivering volunteer opportunities, a strong understanding of the local and national volunteering landscape, excellent communication and partnership-building skills, and the ability to work creatively and independently in a fast-paced environment.

In return, we offer flexible, hybrid working options, a free Employee Assistance Programme, and up to 7.5 hours of volunteering leave per year.

This is a full time role, although we welcome applicants seeking part time or flexible working. The annual salary is £36-£38k (full time equivalent and dependent upon experience).

For further information about the position and who we’re looking for, or to apply, please visit our website.

Are you looking for a dynamic and rewarding role working for an organisation with the feminist agenda at the core of its ethos? Then Advance Charity could be the career choice for you!

We are looking for a Senior Keyworker

Salary: £22,000 - £27,000

Location: Portsmouth Office

Hours: 28 Hours per week

Contract: Fixed term until 2027

This post is open to female applicants only as being female is deemed to be a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.

Please note: Any offer of employment will be made subject to references, confirmation of the right to work in the UK, and satisfactory enhanced DBS check. This role is also subject to Police Vetting.

About us

Advance is an award-winning and innovative women-only organisation, established in 1998, providing emotional and practical support to women and girls survivors of domestic abuse and supporting women with short-term sentences to reduce offending. We believe in empowering women and girls to lead safe, non-violent, equal lives so that they can flourish and contribute to the community.

We are a community-based organisation who lead in best practice approaches to supporting women in their local community. We achieve this by being available to meet and support women in local settings and at our women’s centres, and by working in close partnership with other agencies.

Our values are to listen and support, to empower and respect, collaboration, innovation, and accountability.

About the role:

Working as a Senior Keyworker you will be responsible for supervising a small group of keyworkers, planned and ad-hoc supervision is an integral part of the Senior role, and you will be supporting keyworkers with monthly supervision and have oversight of safeguarding for the women they work with. You will be supporting the quality control for the region which will include dip-checks and data input.

About You:

To be successful as the Senior Keyworker you will need the below experience and skills:

You will have an in-depth knowledge of the range of needs and interventions required for women offenders. The ability to lead a small team to deliver inclusive, innovative and professional services. The ability to not only maintain own a small caseload of women, never compromising on quality engagements, but also to role model best practice and lead a team of Keyworkers

How to apply:

Please submit your up-to-date CV with a supporting statement. Please note that only applications made via the job advert on the Advance careers page, and those that include a cover letter will be considered.

· Closing Date for Applications: 11th May 2025

· Interviews are taking place on a rolling basis

*Advance reserves the right to close the advert early, or on the appointment of a candidate.

What we can offer you - Employee Benefits:

• An exceptional 30 days of paid holiday per year (pro rata for part time), PLUS public holidays on top (that's nearly 40 days paid holiday per year!)
• Additional days off to celebrate International Women’s Day, and for religious observance and moving home
• Perkbox - an employee discount platform where you can receive free rewards as well as take advantage of savings on clothes, groceries, travel, leisure and more
• Pension scheme
• Enhanced maternity/adoption provision
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee eye-care scheme
• Clinical supervision for front line staff and first line management roles
• Refer a Friend Scheme - £250 for each referral who passes probation
• Organisation wide away days
• Thorough induction and training
• Career development pathways

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Under the Equality Act 2010, we are required to make any reasonable adjustments. If you have a disability as defined under this act and/or have additional needs, please email the Talent Acquisition Team via the Advance website and will aim to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs.

Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunities

We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and actively seek to recruit people from groups underrepresented in our current team. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay and benefits.

Safeguarding

Advance is committed to safeguarding and creating a culture of zero-tolerance of harm and expects all staff, including volunteers to share this commitment. We believe all individuals have the right to live their life free from violence and abuse and the right to feel and be safe. We have a suite of safeguarding policies, procedures and practice guidance, accessible to all staff, which promotes safeguarding and safer working practices across all our services and activities. When we recruit staff, we follow rigorous safer recruitment practices, this involves carrying out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, and identity checks. We ensure all staff undertake mandatory safeguarding training relevant to their role and responsibilities, to empower them to be competent and feel confident in recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding issues and promote wellbeing.

Could you be our new Community & Events Fundraising Manager? This is an exciting role with real purpose, helping us build a sustainable funding future that supports our values and the people at the heart of our work. 

We are seeking to grow our income in the coming years by diversifying our revenue streams and increasing our community engagement to include:

• individual giving
• support from schools, churches and local community groups
• corporate donations and sponsorships in and around our local area

In establishing this new role, you’ll proactively create and grow fundraising income across all fundraising streams to enable us to continue supporting people in crisis and meet local need.

Please see all details in our attached job description and person specification.

Are you a highly motivated and dedicated Fundraising professional looking for a role where your skills can make a real difference? The Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth is seeking a Fundraising Manager. This is an exciting time to join our friendly, busy, and supportive team as we implement our 10-year Mission Plan, shaping the future of our Diocese and the communities we serve.

Covering Hampshire, Berkshire, South Oxford, and the Channel Islands, our Diocese is home to 87 parishes and 50 schools, serving over 27,000 practising Catholics and supporting 32,000 children and their families. Our work is both challenging and deeply rewarding, offering the opportunity to be part of something truly meaningful.

The Fundraising Manager is responsible for developing and implementing effective fundraising strategies to support the Diocese’s mission. This includes stewarding major campaigns, securing grant funding, promoting digital and online giving, implementing a CRM system, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and fostering local fundraising initiatives in parishes.

This role will support the financial sustainability of the Diocese, enabling parishes and the wider faith community to serve their people effectively, while ensuring alignment with Catholic teaching and values.

The postholder will work closely with the Chief Operating Officer and senior leadership team to support the Diocesan 10-year Mission Plan, ‘You Will Be My Witnesses.’

This role is based at St. Edmund House, Bishop Crispian Way, Portsmouth, PO1 3QA. Offering a competitive salary of £40,000 - £48,000 depending on experience, working 37.5 hours per week. Employee benefits include 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, life assurance and employee wellbeing, contributory pension scheme, free onsite parking.

If you are inspired by the idea of working in a values-driven environment where your efforts will have a lasting impact, we would love to hear from you.

Come and be part of our mission!

Role Purpose

The Fundraising Manager is responsible for developing and implementing effective fundraising strategies to support the Diocese’s mission. This includes stewarding major campaigns, securing grant funding, promoting digital and online giving, implementing a CRM system, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and fostering local fundraising initiatives in parishes.

This role will support the financial sustainability of the Diocese, enabling parishes and the wider faith community to serve their people effectively, while ensuring alignment with Catholic teaching and values.

The postholder will work closely with the Chief Operating Officer and senior leadership team to support the Diocesan 10-year Mission Plan, “You Will Be My Witnesses.”

Key Responsibilities:

1. Fundraising Strategy and Campaigns

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy to meet agreed financial targets.
• Oversee and manage significant fundraising campaigns, ensuring their effective delivery and long-term sustainability.
• Work closely with the Finance Department to align fundraising efforts with financial objectives, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Identify and secure grant funding opportunities, including the preparation of high-quality applications and maintaining relationships with funders.
• Support parishes in designing and delivering local stewardship campaigns, ensuring consistency in messaging and impact.
• Procure and implement an appropriate CRM system, working with key stakeholders to ensure effective donor management and fundraising efficiency.

2. Digital and Online Giving

• Support parishes in growing regular and ad hoc online donations by:
• Developing and promoting digital giving solutions across parishes, including training and implementation support.
• Expanding online giving platforms to improve accessibility and donor engagement.

3. Donor Relationships and Stewardship

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key donors, including major benefactors, grant funders, and parish-level supporters.
• Implement donor stewardship strategies to retain and grow the donor base through regular communication, engagement opportunities, and recognition initiatives.
• Foster a culture of stewardship across the Diocese communicating the difference it makes.
• Provide regular updates and high-quality reports, driven by Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), on fundraising performance and initiatives.
• Report on fundraising outcomes to senior management and the Board of Trustees, ensuring alignment with the Diocese’s mission and strategic priorities.

4. Parish Support and Capacity Building

• Equip parishes with tools, training, guidance, and hands-on support to run successful local fundraising initiatives.
• Facilitate workshops and support sessions for parish fundraising committees, helping them develop sustainable funding strategies.
• Support the promotion and coordination of Second Collections across the Diocese for key causes, ensuring that parishes are well-equipped with:
• Clear guidance on collection dates and processes.
• Good-quality promotional materials (posters, leaflets, digital assets) to help communicate the impact of these collections.
• Regular updates on fundraising results to encourage participation and engagement.

5. Compliance, Policy Development, and Governance

• Develop and implement fundraising policies and procedures to ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and ethical standards.
• Stay up to date with fundraising laws and best practices, ensuring all activities meet Charity Commission, GDPR, and financial regulations.
• Ensure that data protection regulations are upheld in all fundraising activities, particularly regarding donor records and CRM management.

6. Collaboration and Communication

• Work closely with the Communications Manager to ensure that fundraising messages align with Diocesan values and the Mission Plan.
• Share compelling impact stories to inspire and encourage giving across the Diocese.

7. Meeting Attendance and Reporting

• Attend meetings of the Finance, Audit, and Risk Committee, providing updates on fundraising activities and seeking necessary approvals.
• Participate in parish meetings across the Diocese as required, offering fundraising guidance and support.
• Maintain a professional approach to both in-person and online meetings.

8. Ad Hoc Duties

• Carry out additional duties as requested by the line manager, ensuring flexibility and responsiveness to emerging needs.

Fundraising Manager - Person Specification

Competence, Expertise and Knowledge:

Essential

• Degree level education
• Proven track record of delivering significant fundraising results in the charity sector, with demonstrable experience of achieving and exceeding financial targets.
• Experience and aptitude for detailed project planning and record keeping.
• Strong commitment to the mission and values of the Catholic Church.
• Experience in grant writing and securing substantial funding.
• Numerate, with outstanding writing and presentation skills.
• Strong influencing skills, capable of working collaboratively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Self-motivated, hardworking, and able to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Demonstrable experience in building and sustaining relationships with donors and stakeholders.
• Competent in use of Microsoft office and CRM platforms.

Desirable

• Formal degree level qualification relevant to sector
• Familiarity with digital giving platforms and tools.
• Experience in training and capacity-building initiatives.
• Membership of relevant professional bodies (e.g., Chartered Institute of Fundraising).

How to Apply

Please send a comprehensive and up to date Curriculum Vitae with a covering letter setting out your suitability for the role and motivation in applying (no more than 2 sides A4).

The Diocese of Portsmouth is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all who support the ethos and values of the Catholic Church.

Closing date is Saturday 3rd May 2025, at 6.00 pm.

Interview Details

You will be notified shortly after the closing date, should we wish to progress your application and invite you to an interview.

Appointment

Any offer of employment to work at the Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth is conditional upon receipt of two satisfactory employment references, provision of relevant certification of qualifications held, and completion of pre-employment checks.

You must have a valid UK Right to Work, as the Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth does not offer UK Visa Sponsorship.

This position is subject to the completion of an initial probationary period of six months.

We are looking for an experienced, visionary and strategic Director of Community Services to lead and develop our Advice and Support Services and our Engagement and Development Programmes. You will have a passion for, and a demonstrable track record of, building strong, resilient, and inclusive communities as well as developing and motivating a team of staff and volunteers. You will be a supportive, compassionate, enthusiastic, and experienced leader and manager of Community led and quality-led Community services.

An effective change manager, you will be passionate about making a real difference to the Irish and wider communities across London. This is a great opportunity to join the leadership team of the London Irish Centre (LIC) as it embarks upon a significant turning point in its 70-year history, helping the charity deliver its ambitious organisational strategy to empower and enrich even more lives through Irish Community and Culture.

About You

• You have demonstrable experience of leading and managing community services in the independent or public sector for a minimum of ten years.
• You are a professional, enthusiastic leader who can bring your sector experience to benefit this critical role and the wider organisation.
• You are an inspirational leader, bringing a team and others with you and leading by example.
• You have a proven track record in successfully leading a team, across multiple service delivery areas, and in implementing change.
• You are well-organised, able to manage several competing requirements with the ability to prioritise your work effectively to meet tight deadlines.
• You demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal and are comfortable working with people across a wide portfolio, with various levels of experience and socio-economic backgrounds.

Key areas of responsibility

 Workforce

• Maintain a positive culture within the Centre in line with the London Irish Centre values and expectations.
• Overall responsibility for management, development, motivation, support and appraisal of the community services teams, and other team members when agreed with the line manager.
• Maintain and implement effective policies and processes for managing staff and volunteers, including recruitment and retention, induction, training and appraisals. 
• Ensure adequate and appropriately skilled staffing of the community services team.
• Monitor performance against budgets, targets and Key Performance Indicators.
• Ensure best practice and quality assured delivery of Community Services and Programmes.

Financial 

• Overall responsibility for management and reporting of community services budget. 
• Overall responsibility for management and monitoring of all community services` grants. 
• Responsibility for ensuring services are managed within delegated budget.
• Operating within financial governance arrangements at London Irish Centre.

Income generation

• Ensure relationships with all supporters and donors are managed and developed effectively, including trusts, individuals, major donors and corporate partners. 
• Identify suitable new grant and trust funds and lead on applications.
• Lead on monitoring, reporting and submissions for current grant and trust funds in accordance with funders` requirements.

Impact and Innovation 

• Overall responsibility for the service`s impact management in line with the London Irish Centre’s theory of change. 
• Lead on identification and adoption of innovative technology to improve the processes and impact on community services.
• Overall responsibility for communicating the outcomes and impact of the community services and programmes.
• Strategic Development.
• Work with the CEO, other management and the Board of Trustees to set and achieve the charity`s strategic objectives. 
• Ensure Community Services resources are effectively targeted. 
• Lead in implementing a strategic plan for Community Services and support team leaders to deliver against performance targets. 
• Develop and foster positive relationships with external stakeholders. 
• Engage with existing and new partners to ensure the charity meets the increasing needs of those who use our community services.

This job description is a guide to the nature of the work required of the Director of Community Services. It is not wholly comprehensive or restrictive and may be reviewed as required.

In our application pack we have included a job description and person specification to support your candidature. The details in the job description and person specification should be addressed in a maximum one-page cover letter. The cover letter should include your current job title, salary and position within banding where relevant. Click apply, upload your CV and cover letter to the portal on our website link.

 Please note that all roles at the London Irish Centre are subject to enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks as part of our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable individuals.

 The deadline for applications is Wednesday 30th April 9:00 a.m.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and we will be actively interviewing. We reserve the right to close applications before the stated deadline. Interviews will begin with an initial online screening, followed by in-person interviews at the Centre, likely during the week commencing May 5th.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Community Hub Co-ordinator to lead the development and day-to-day running of our exciting new Community Hub, made possible thanks to five years of National Lottery funding. This is an incredible opportunity to be part of a member-led organisation that supports people with a learning disability and autistic people to thrive.

You’ll shape a vibrant, inclusive and accessible community space at the heart of Bexley—one that offers a range of activities, support, and services. The exact shape of the Hub is still to come—because we’re co-creating it with our community. From creative workshops and peer-led support, to potential social enterprises like a community café—your ideas, energy and leadership will help make it happen.

You’ll lead a team that includes staff with learning disabilities or autism, and you’ll work closely with our partners and other charities to open up new opportunities for local people.

This role is ideal for someone who is dynamic, compassionate, and organised—with experience of coordinating projects, working with people with learning disabilities and/or autistic people, and a strong belief in inclusive community-led change.

About Us

Bexley Mencap is a small but growing local charity working exclusively with people with a learning disability and their families. Our vision is a world where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to live life to the full.

We provide support, activities and opportunities for people to thrive. We’re proudly member-led, passionate about inclusion, and committed to creating spaces that feel welcoming and safe for all.

We’ve just secured five years of National Lottery funding to create a brand-new Community Hub in Bexley. This will be a truly shared space—designed with and for our members—where people with a learning disability, autistic people, and the wider community can come together, connect, and grow.

About the role

 As Community Hub Co-ordinator, you’ll lead the launch and development of this exciting new space. You’ll manage the day-to-day running of the Hub, support and line-manage a small team (including staff with lived experience of learning disability or autism), and co-design a wide variety of services, events, and partnerships with our members and community.

You’ll also work with other local organisations and charities to expand the support on offer—exploring exciting ideas like social enterprises, creative groups, advice drop-ins or a community café. This is a hands-on role. Some days you’ll be welcoming people and helping with a session, other days you’ll be planning future activities, liaising with partners, or exploring funding ideas. No two days will be the same.

We’re a growing organisation with big ambitions—so this is a great time to join and shape something truly special.

About You

 You’re proactive, passionate, and organised. You love bringing people together, creating welcoming spaces, and making things happen.

You’ll have experience of managing community-facing services, working with diverse groups (ideally including people with learning disabilities or autistic people), and leading a team.

You’re happy rolling up your sleeves to get things done—and you’re confident developing new ideas, building partnerships, and planning activities.  Being a car driver is a plus (but not essential), and some evening or weekend working may be required. We’re happy to talk about flexible working, part-time options and job shares.

What we offer

 We offer a range of benefits including discounts at local shops and restaurants (through a Blue Light Card), training and development opportunities and flexible working.  We also offer 22 days holiday plus all English bank holidays, as well as a variety of other leave such as volunteering days and enhanced carers leave.

Person Specification

Our work is underpinned by our values and you will be expected to demonstrate these in your daily work:

Nurturing:  You work in a person-centred way supporting every individual to reach their full potential.  You empower people to take risks and develop their skills

Approachable:  You can communicate with a range of people with differing abilities and maintain a welcoming and friendly atmosphere for the people you support and their families.

Inclusive:  You involve people you support in all aspects of services.  You are able to communicate effectively with people with a learning disability and adapt your approach where need.

Passionate:  You are dedicated to improving the lives of the people that we support.  You will professionally challenge where necessary whilst maintain effective working relationships.

Respectful:  You treat everybody with compassion, dignity and respect ensuring privacy and confidentiality for the people we support.

You will also be able to demonstrate or tell us about the following areas in your application and at interview:

Skills, Abilities and Knowledge

Essential

· Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to plan and prioritise a varied workload.

· Strong interpersonal and communication skills, able to work effectively with a wide range of people including people with learning disabilities and autistic people.

· Ability to coordinate multiple projects or activities, ensuring smooth delivery and follow-up.

· Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, using initiative and sound judgment.

· Confident IT user, including Microsoft 365 (e.g. Outlook, Word, Excel), Canva, and database/CRM systems.

· Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and how to implement them in a community setting.

· Good working knowledge of inclusion, accessibility and equality in service delivery.

 Desirable

· Understanding of the voluntary and community sector and the opportunities and challenges it faces 

· Understanding of the support needs of people with a learning disability and/or autistic people.

Experience

 Essential

· Proven experience of running or coordinating community-based services, hubs, or similar projects.

· Experience of working directly with people with a learning disability and/or autistic people (in either a paid or voluntary capacity).

· Experience of line managing or supervising staff and/or volunteers, including giving feedback and supporting development.

· Experience of organising and delivering events, activities or workshops.

· Experience of maintaining records and reporting on impact or outcomes.

Desirable

· Experience of working in partnership with other organisations or agencies.

· Experience supporting or delivering social enterprise or community business activity.

Values and Personal Qualities

 Essential

· A strong commitment to the rights, inclusion and empowerment of people with learning disabilities and autistic people.

· A values-led approach aligned with Bexley Mencap’s ethos: Nurturing, Approachable, Inclusive, Passionate, and Respectful.

· Calm and approachable under pressure, able to adapt to unexpected challenges and find practical solutions.

· Willingness to “muck in” and take a hands-on approach to running the Hub—including setting up rooms, greeting visitors or supporting a group activity.

· Creative, enthusiastic and pro-active—always looking for ways to improve what we offer and how we work.

· Commitment to learning, personal development and continuous improvement.

· Willing to work occasional evenings or weekends and travel locally when required.

Desirable

· Lived experience of disability or of supporting someone with a disability.

· Holds a full driving licence and access to a vehicle (or equivalent ability to travel within the borough).

We are seeking a driven and dedicated Lead Community Advice Worker to join our community advocacy and advice service centred on the community that gathers in Gillett Square in Dalston, Hackney. This is an opportunity to make a real impact on the lives of people facing complex challenges, including poverty, homelessness, poor mental and physical health, disability, and racism and discrimination.

About Side by Side

Our Side by Side service has developed through several years of outreach on Gillett Square in Dalston. Recognising that many in the community that gathers there face severe disadvantages on multiple levels yet rarely seek support, we set about getting to know people, listening to their stories, and slowly building trust whilst offering practical help, advice and support. Now, our community advice workers are considered part of the community themselves and without hesitation, people refer themselves and their friends, neighbours and families to us for support. 

The Role

As our Lead Community Advice Worker, you will provide holistic advice, advocacy, and practical support to people connected to the marginalised and excluded Gillett Square community in Dalston. You will help them access essential services, navigate welfare benefits and housing issues, and challenge decisions they believe are unjust. You will also provide guidance and supervision to one Community Advice Worker. This role involves occasional outreach in Gillett Square and through home visits.

The role is offered on a part-time, 4 day week basis (0.8 FTE) with a salary of £36,050 pro rata per annum.

We are looking for someone with:

• Experience in supporting people with complex lives who face multiple disadvantages and social exclusion. 

• A proven ability to build trust and positive relationships with individuals who may be distrustful of services.

• A strong understanding of social justice and a commitment to working side by side with people in a way that empowers them to claim their rights.

• Knowledge of welfare rights and housing regulations.

• Excellent communication and advocacy skills.

• An understanding of the effects of racial discrimination and the ability to work effectively with diverse communities.

• Leadership skills and the ability to drive the service forward with service users’ needs at the forefront.

If you are passionate about social justice and meet the requirements, we encourage you to apply or get in touch to arrange an informal chat about the role.

Job Title: Policy and Research Officer 

Location: Liverpool/Hybrid (Remote working a possibility)

Salary: £33,000

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time. Monday to Friday, 8:45am-4:45pm

Join Us in Ending Furniture Poverty!

Are you passionate about social housing and making a difference in people’s lives? Do you want to use research to make a real difference in tackling furniture poverty across the UK?

We’re looking for a Policy & Research Officer to join End Furniture Poverty, the campaigning arm of FRC Group. This is an exciting opportunity to be at the heart of impactful social research that shapes policy and drives change.

About End Furniture Poverty

End Furniture Poverty is the campaigning arm of FRC Group, a social enterprise with a mission to End Furniture Poverty. We are committed to making a tangible difference in our communities by providing quality, affordable furniture to those in need. Our values—Bravery, Creativity, Passion, and Professionalism—drive us to tackle social issues head-on, innovating to create sustainable solutions and inspiring positive change.

Operating for over 35 years, FRC Group includes a family of social businesses such as the Furniture Resource Centre and Buckingham Interiors. Our operations are not just about providing furniture; they’re about empowering lives, supporting the community, and ensuring everyone has access to the essential items that make a house a home.

Our team is our greatest asset, and we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive working environment where employees can thrive both personally and professionally. We invest in our people through comprehensive training, development opportunities, and a culture that celebrates achievements and milestones.

The Role

As part of the End Furniture Poverty team, you’ll work closely with the Director of End Furniture Poverty to lead and deliver our research strategy. You’ll develop and deliver high-quality research, analyse complex data, and create publications that inform policy and influence real-world change.

This is a great opportunity for someone who thrives on juggling multiple projects, has a strong grasp of social research methods, and wants to see their work have a national impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading primary and secondary research into the causes, effects, and solutions to furniture poverty

• Designing qualitative and quantitative studies

• Handling large datasets and using tools like SPSS, Stata or R for analysis

• Writing publication-standard reports and policy briefings

• Mapping services and interventions in the sector

• Staying up to date with key policy developments

• Supporting our influencing work with powerful evidence and insight

Skills and Experience:

• Strong experience of both qualitative and quantitative social research

• Educated to degree level (ideally in a relevant field such as social or political science)

• Postgraduate social research qualification

• Excellent communication skills – written and verbal

• Proficiency in statistical software (e.g. SPSS, R, Stata)

• Confidence in managing complex datasets and distilling insights

• A creative and analytical mindset

• Knowledge of social justice, government policy, and socioeconomic issues

• A passion for ending furniture poverty and aligning with our values: Bravery, Creativity, Passion, and Professionalism

Benefits

• 27 days holiday per year plus bank holidays
• Christmas shutdown
• Up to 9% pension match
• Staff purchase schemes
• Medicash health insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Travel passes
• Cycle to work scheme
• Birthday celebrations and meals
• Values awards & vouchers
• 3 paid volunteering days per year
• Free parking
• Death in service
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Free tea, coffee, and fruit
• Wonderful Wednesdays – Free Toast and gatherings
• Training and Development opportunities
• A great place to work with a positive social impact

At End Furniture Poverty, you'll be part of a passionate team working to create lasting social change. This is a unique opportunity to lead meaningful research that directly informs national policy and helps end furniture poverty in the UK. We’re a values-driven organisation that champions innovation, creativity, and impact. With a flexible, supportive working environment and the chance to grow and develop your skills, you’ll be making a real difference—every single day.

If you're ready to use your skills to drive change and help shape a fairer society, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and be part of ending furniture poverty.

Family Support Worker

£23,000 pa + benefits (including 25 days annual leave, company car and pension)

Liverpool and the surrounding areas

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity is going through an exciting time where we are growing, with the aim of reaching more families in need.

About the role:

We are is looking to appoint a Family Support Worker to deliver a high-quality family support service as part of our Liverpool Team.

Reporting to the Family Support Manager and working in partnership with health, education and social care professionals, you will take responsibility for providing needs-led emotional, social and practical support to families where a child/young person has a life threatening or terminal illness.

Having worked in a stressful and emotional environment you will have a genuine interest in building supportive relationships and helping people; and having provided bereavement support to families, you understand processes of grief, loss, and change - and how best to help others deal with its impact.

Location:

This role covers Liverpool and surrounding areas. 

What we’re looking for:

· An experienced child health, education or social care professional - applications will be particularly welcome from those who have worked in a community environment and those with a recognised qualification in education, health or social care.

· A warm, inclusive approach to achieving goals quickly and correctly.

· Practiced in child protection, information sharing and the rules around data protection - you lead by example, drawing on your own professional experience and working within established guidelines.

· Practical and people-oriented - you will thrive working at a fast pace whilst maintaining accuracy and be a confident user of IT (including MSOffice)

· A persuasive and open communicator, you will work collaboratively with your team and volunteers to ensure delivery of a high-quality service and support fundraising colleagues by writing case studies and family updates

· A practical knowledge of diversity issues affecting children, young people, and their families – aware that being responsive to others needs and concerns, is essential.

What we offer:

We have a range of fantastic benefits that we offer our employees, this includes.

· Flexible working hours to balance home and working life

· 25 days of annual leave plus public holidays – rising to 26 days after 1 year, 27 days after 5 years and 30 days after 11 years, with an additional 5 years to use in your 10th or 20th year of service (pro rata for part time)

· Employee Assistance Programme with access to remote GP, counselling, physiotherapy, resources to support your mental health and financial wellbeing, as well as a 24/7 helpline via Help@Hand

· Company car for front line care posts

· Access to the Blue Light Card Scheme, and other rewards and discounts

· Bike to work, season ticket loan and payroll giving schemes, as well as a recommend a friend recruitment bonus

· Family friendly policies, focused on employee wellbeing, and an active cross-organisational wellbeing group running a number of initiatives throughout the year

· Pension scheme where we contribute 5% of your salary and you contribute at least 3%

· The option to buy/sell annual leave, as well as additional leave for your birthday, wedding/civil ceremony and an extra half day off for Christmas shopping

· Robust training and development programmes to support your learning and growth

We have a range of fantastic benefits that we offer our employees. If you’d like to find out more about these benefits and working with us, please visit our website.

We also have a fantastic learning and development programme - the Anne Harris skills development programme - in which we aim to provide a high level of training and development opportunities for all staff, so you are able to perform to the best of your ability, achieve individual and team objectives aligned to Rainbow Trusts strategic plan, supporting staff to be the best they can be, and feel a valued member of a high performing organisation.

Our Family Support Workers are given the opportunity to complete a number of diverse training courses in their first 12 months, including but not limited to: Mental Health First Aid, Makaton, counselling skills, and Introduction to Play.

The programme aims to provide a building block for you to individually tailor your own learning and development needs, with all family support workers having a foundation level of skills within their first year.

About us:

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity enables families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness to make the most of their time together, providing expert practical and emotional support where they need, it for as long as it is needed. For families living with childhood illness, time is everything. Right now, there are too many families coping alone with no support, no time to think, no time to make memories and no time for each other. We believe that no family should go through this alone, so we are here to change that.

How to apply:

To apply please visit our website via the link and apply online.

Interviews will take place via Teams or in person with a date to be confirmed. We will only contact those applicants who have been successful.

There will be a requirement for flexible working and a full current driver’s licence to accommodate the team and family need. An enhanced DBS disclosure will be required for this post.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and we expect all employees to share this commitment.

Rainbow Trust is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are a Best Companies One-Star rated organisation.

The Restored Beacon Network is a national network of churches that provide a place of welcome and safety for those who have experienced domestic abuse. Beacon churches partner with us to receive training, guidance and resources so that they can effectively support survivors in their congregations and communities, shining a light in the darkness of domestic abuse and journeying with them on the road to recovery. 

The Restored Beacon Network manager will work with the CEO to grow and develop this important network of churches. You will meet and recruit new church partners and walk them through the journey to becoming a Restored Beacon and beyond. This will involve meeting with church leadership, assessing their readiness to become a Beacon, arranging a training schedule, and supporting Restored Beacon Co-ordinators. You'll care for our church partners, providing spiritual, emotional and practical support to them as they work at the front line of supporting survivors. Relationship management is a key part of this role, not only with each individual Restored Beacon coordinator but also in facilitating peer support across the network. 

Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week​

Location:​Home-based with frequent travel to projects across Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Hartlepool​

Contract:Permanent​

Do you want to work with multiple award-winning charity, FoodCycle? As Regional Manager you will represent, manage and co-ordinate FoodCycle for your allocated regional Projects. Our Projects are spaces where volunteers are empowered to run their own community meals using surplus food.​

You will manage local relationships with supermarkets, volunteer recruitment channels and venues to enable this to happen. As an excellent communicator, you will manage the volunteers at each Project ensuring they are trained, supported and on-message with FoodCycle strategy, ensuring that volunteers are confident enough to self-organise and make a success of their Projects.​

You will have experience of programme planning and delivery, and working with volunteers. You will be experienced in building relationships with a range of stakeholders, and be passionate about food and cooking.​

There will be frequent travel to our projects in the North East, with some evening and weekend work needed to cover our projects. A full driving license and access to a vehicle for work purposes is essential for this rewarding role.​

Benefits: We offer 26.5 days holiday plus bank holidays, and additional holiday for length of service (pro-rata for part-time). Our healthcare package allows staff to claim money back on healthcare bills and includes access to telephone counselling and online GP appointments.​

How to apply:Please upload a CV of no more than two sides, and a covering note/letter of no more than two sides explaining why you are suitable for the role, via our vacancy website.

Deadline for your application:11.59pm on Wednesday 30 April 2025.

Interview process: Shortlisted candidates will need to complete a 30 minute task prior to being invited to interview.

Inclusivity: FoodCycle is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We are a Disability Confident Scheme member. 

Safeguarding: Safeguarding is Everyone’s business – FoodCycle is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare / wellbeing of children, young people and adults at risk. This role will therefore require a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check.

Please note that you will need to have existing Right to Work in the UK to apply for this role. We are unable to provide visa sponsorship.​

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