Supporter Services Officer Jobs

SOS Children’s Villages UK is part of a global federation, founded in 1949. SOS Children’s Villages exists to ensure that each child and young person grows up with the healthy relationships they need to become their strongest selves. Working in over 130 countries, we are the world’s largest non-governmental organisation focused on supporting children and young people who don’t have, or who are at risk of losing, parental care.

We are now recruiting for a Trust and Foundations Officer, with experience of securing funds in any sector who enjoys picking up the phone and building relationships with donors. This is an exciting opportunity to join an ambitious and progressive team, working within an international federation that supports children and young people across the world.

You will have the opportunity to:

• manage and grow a portfolio of small to medium trusts and foundations, increasing income by identifying new prospects and through the stewardship of existing donors.
• write high quality applications and communicate accurately and transparently on the progress made with donors’ funds. 
• work with our network of international programme experts to develop expertise in key programme areas and build your knowledge of international development.
• support colleagues with applications and reports to large funders, building experience of working with institutional partners. 

This role sits within the Programme Funding Team and suits an ambitious self-starter with excellent IT, research, communication, writing and organisational skills with an interest in developing their knowledge of international development.

To Apply

Please read the full job description within the Candidate Pack, and submit a copy of your CV and a covering letter.

The deadline for applications is Sunday 17th November at 17.00 UK time. We reserve the right to close the application process early if a successful candidate is found.

Please note: The post-holder must be UK-based. We are unable to provide employment sponsorship if required and unfortunately cannot progress applications without the required right to live and work in the UK on a permanent contract.

This role requires you to be out in the community raising awareness and attending community events, giving awareness talks in schools/businesses etc, please only apply if this role would be suitable for you based on your location.

Midlands - BIRMINGHAM, COVENTRY, LEICESTER, DERBY, NOTTINGHAM, NORTHHAMPTION.

North East - NEWCASTLE, SUNDERLAND, MIDDLESBROUGH, DURHAM.

The Robin Cancer Trust is looking for two Community Engagement Officers to help make our vision of reaching every young person in the UK with our life-saving cancer campaigns a reality. This will be a regional role, based in either the Midlands, or North East. We are the UK’s germ cell cancer community, and our mission is to save lives!

We do this by:

• Educating young people with our life-saving cancer awareness talks.
• ​Engaging young people with our award-winning cancer campaigns.
• Empowering young people affected by germ cell cancer, all across the UK.

Our values:

• Respect: Not only for the important work we undertake, but also for the people who support our mission. We believe in open, honest, and empathetic communication between ourselves and to our community.
• Creativity: We are a small team with a big vision – in order to drive the change we want to see in the world, we must innovate, disrupt and experiment.
• Trust: We are accountable to each other & our beneficiaries. We are responsible for upholding these values and the quality of work we undertake – and will do so with integrity at all times.

If our mission, vision, and values inspire you and resonate with you, please apply to join our team – we want to hear from you!

Overview:

• Salary: £15,000 (FTE £25,000)
• Hours: 21 hours per week flexible working between 7am and 7pm (evenings and weekends as required)
• Location: Home-based in in Midlands or North East but this is an outreach role so you'll be out and about in the community raising awareness.
• Contract type: 3-year contract - This post is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund

Staff benefits:

• Annual Leave - 33 days (pro-rated based on hours + 8 public/bank holidays)
• Mental Health days (whenever you need them, obvs)
• Flexible working (around you, not us)
• Remote working (we all are)
• Work Laptop (+ whatever else you need to do your job)
• Work Phone (we like a Google Pixel)
• Health & Wellbeing initiatives (Health Cash Plan + Free Counselling)
• Employee Perks (Discounts & Exclusive Deals)

Our culture is the most important thing to us – we want someone to join our team with passion, creativity, versatility, and strategy. We are looking for someone to make this role their own, to help guide our charity through the next phase of our growth, and for someone who will learn and grow with us.

Job Purpose

The Community Engagement Officer will work as a core part of our Service Delivery team. The role will lead work to coordinate and deliver community-based activities, using evidence-based approaches, to support early diagnosis of germ cell cancer. They will engage younger adults face-to-face (through a variety of methods including training, awareness raising and outreach activities) to provide information on germ cell cancers, cancer prevention, self-examinations, and early signs and symptoms. 

Key Responsibilities 

• To build a deeper and more localised understanding of the population in their region and develop effective approaches to engage communities of younger adults who may be underserved by cancer education in order to break down barriers to early presentation.
• To deliver key cancer-related health messages through a variety of methods, for example providing cancer education and awareness presentations to community groups, community talks and delivery of awareness-raising activities.
• To support other public health initiatives and cancer awareness outreach activities across their region.
• To develop awareness of signs and symptoms of germ cell cancers amongst young adults and encourage people to seek earlier medical intervention.
• To support recruitment of Survivor Ambassador Volunteers and support them to be involved with cancer awareness activity where appropriate.

Person Specifications:

• Be experienced in community engagement and partnership working in a community environment.
• Experience in building and maintaining partnerships.
• Positive and proactive with the ability to motivate, engage and support the delivery of our awareness programme.
• A confident and approachable communicator who adapts the message to fit the needs of our audience.
• Build strong relationships; Foster trust and co-operation among colleagues, stakeholders, community leaders and commissioners.
• Quality driven; you naturally seek high standards and actively seek to improve them. 
• Value and remain open to new ideas and perspectives.

Essential qualifications, skills, and experience:

• Excellent relationship-building and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• A proactive approach to challenges, employing a flexible approach to achieve goals.​
• Full driving licence.

Please note: the duties outlined in this job description are not intended to be exhaustive and may be subject to periodic review and amendment to meet the needs of The Robin Cancer Trust. Recruitment will be subject to the successful completion of an enhanced DBS check.

We encourage all applicants to write a cover letter explaining why you are interested in joining our team - please use this opportunity to clarify which regional role you are applying for - the Midlands, or North East.

Closing Date:  Saturday 23rd Nov 2024

Depending on the number of applications we received for this job vacancy, we may close the application window early, so we would encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible. We will provide all applicants with an outcome on your application, this will usually be within 1 week of the application window closing.

The Robin Cancer Trust is committed to being an equal opportunity employer, we recruit based upon capability and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

At The Robin Cancer Trust we know we are not as diverse as we want to be, so we are actively searching for people who share our passion for our mission, with different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, to collectively make a difference.

If there is anything we can do to assist you in your application or preparations to be interviewed for this job vacancy, please let us know so we can ensure you have a positive and comfortable experience.

Senior Peer Support Development Officer – North West

About Kinship:

Kinship is the leading kinship care charity in England and Wales. We offer kinship carers financial, legal, practical and emotional support and understanding from the moment they need it, for as long as they need it. Our expert advice, information and guidance helps with complicated and stressful decisions that so many kinship families have to make. We are always there to support them through challenging times and celebrate the good. 

Kinship carers are strong and determined. Together, they are powerful. We help them build communities of support and action by connecting families locally and across England and Wales. 

We are at the heart of kinship networks, partnering with and influencing service providers, local and national government and other organisations. We give everything we have to fight for each family and their rights, changing society until every kinship family is recognised, valued and supported. 

Kinship care often begins in crisis. A child has parents who are unable to care for them, for whatever reason. It can be frightening, confusing and heart-breaking.

Instinctively, a loved one steps in – a grandparent, brother, sister, aunt, uncle or family friend. They are now a kinship carer, bringing up the children they love. There is often no chance to prepare. Plans may be pushed aside. Relationships, jobs and savings are frequently sacrificed.

It is life changing and challenging raising children who have been hurt or neglected, but kinship carers do it anyway because they put the children first. We know how hard life can be for kinship carers, but we have seen the amazing things they are capable of, with someone by their side. With the right support, children raised in kinship families can flourish. 

That is why we support, connect and campaign – to keep kinship families stronger by keeping them together.

About the Team

The Peer Support and Community team at Kinship is dedicated to enhancing the lives of kinship carers across England and Wales by delivering the first national peer support service. With a focus on building and sustaining networks of peer support groups, the team aims to empower kinship carers through access to resources, training, and development opportunities.

By fostering connections within local, regional, and national ecosystems, the team plays a vital role in ensuring that every kinship carer has access to a supportive community.

As part of our commitment to growth and impact, the team develops innovative approaches to peer support, creating an inclusive environment where kinship carers can share experiences and access essential services. We prioritize collaboration across various departments, ensuring that support group leaders receive high-quality advice and training, facilitating their sustainability and effectiveness. This integrated approach also includes alignment with national and local campaigning efforts to further engage and support the kinship carer community.

In line with our strategic focus on cultivating a vibrant Kinship Community of over 10,000 carers, the team leads initiatives aimed at enhancing community connection and empowering kinship families. By developing a robust model of community engagement that encompasses both in-person and digital services, the team aims to amplify the voices of kinship carers, enabling them to effect meaningful change in their lives and communities.

 About the role

This role is community-based and focuses on engaging kinship carers, bringing them together to form Peer Support Groups, and supporting them to achieve independence at which point they will receive ongoing support from our national Hub. You will do this by working with local authorities, schools, other charities and community groups. Arranging information events such as coffee mornings to engage kinship carers. You’ll create a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive community for kinship carers, building belonging, resilience, and empowerment. Funded by the Department of Education, the National Peer Support Service is a game-changing service that creates a sustainable and life-changing legacy. It builds on Kinship’s 10 years of experience in developing peer support groups and two years of delivering a national service that has set up 145 new groups.

Who we are looking for:

We are seeking an individual located in or around Greater Manchester, and willing to travel across the North West of England who possesses the drive, passion, and skills to:

· Establish new Peer Support Groups across a diverse range of communities

· Supervise a small team of Peer Support Development Officers

· Demonstrate the energy and enthusiasm required to inspire yourself and your team to achieve key targets and objectives

· Work collaboratively within the Peer Support and Community Team, as well as throughout the broader organisation, to ensure the delivery of safe and effective support services for the kinship community.

· Maintain current Peer Support Groups, taking the lead from the national Hub.

· Maintain accurate records that are used to populate reports, identify learning and share key insights across Kinship that allow the organisation to continuously improve our services and products.

In the role of Senior Peer Support Officer, you will be instrumental in ensuring the delivery of a high-quality, consistent, and sustainable peer support service that has a significant impact on the lives of kinship carers.

You should have experience in developing and maintaining meaningful relationships with various community-based stakeholders such as local authorities, health services, schools, charities, and kinship carers. You will need to understand the key success factors involved in establishing and developing new in-person groups in areas of high need, as well as how to support existing groups in their journey towards sustainability.

As a practical thinker, you will work creatively to identify stakeholders and assets in areas of high need. You will build local connections and bring together kinship carers across the region, empowering them to build resilient and robust peer support communities.

You will be confident in building relationships that generate referrals from external stakeholders and in contacting kinship carers directly to secure engagement with local coffee mornings, community, and training events that will help kick start a thriving peer support group.

As you establish new groups, you will provide training to help them lead their groups effectively, and develop their group culture, resilience, and skills to function independently while offering reassurance and support to empower them.

You will be an inspirational and energetic team leader with experience in providing day-to-day line management and operational support for a small team.

We are ideally looking for candidates based in or around Greater Manchester but willing to work initially across the whole of the North West. This role may involve working to establish groups in West Yorkshire and into North Staffordshire.

A valid driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes are essential, as this role may require travel across London and its periphery to reach areas in need of dedicated support.

Key responsibilities: 

Service delivery:

• In person (face-to-face) strategic outreach into local and regional communities including setting up and attending local engagement events.
• Work creatively to set up and develop new sustainable in peer support groups, attending up to six sessions in person (if needed) before transition to self-sufficiency.  Existing groups that are at risk, closed or need support will need replacing or rejuvenating to maintain DfE service level agreements across the team, in addition to new groups. 
• Recruit and retain support group leaders to develop their peer support groups.
• Deliver training to support group leaders (group roles and responsibilities, safeguarding, setting up, running and promoting a group).
• Develop strong boundaries and positive relationships with support group leaders – building resilience, empowerment and community.
• Support established groups in your area to access support group leader networks and training (this includes visiting groups in person) to build a peer community. 
• Help develop and deliver a service blueprint for sustainable peer support groups, thinking strategically about how to develop groups.
• You'll collaborate closely with the ‘Hub’ team to provide a joined up and positive user experience for kinship carers. This collaborative approach is key to our success and ensures that kinship carers receive the best possible support.
• Manage special interest groups and regional online groups as required, transitioning to ‘Hub’ team for sustainability and work with partners. 

Service quality, development and data management:

• Accurately record all recruitment, contact information and volunteer case management in Salesforce in line with service framework and data protection requirements.
• Ensure accurate data entry in Salesforce to support service performance, evaluation and learning.
• Provide regular reports to ensure targets and SLA are met for the service.
• Support continuous development and improvement of the service (new systems and processes) as required.

Management and supervision: 

• Inspire, motivate and be responsible for day-to-day line management and supervising up to 4 staff members
• Oversee tactical development of new sustainable groups in your area and your team.
• Help set clear objectives to achieve targets and outcomes.
• Actively encourage personal development and learning.
• Increase efficiencies and impact across the team.
• Ensure good team induction processes and systems are in place.
• Role model Kinship values. 

Team culture:

• Act in the best interest of Kinship and the families we support.
• Maintain and contribute up to date understanding of kinship care.
• Deliver effective administration with attention to detail and keeping to deadlines.
• Identify and contribute to appropriate case studies to demonstrate the impact of Kinship services and contribute to policy and campaigns work.
• Actively contribute to delivering and evidencing a high performing service.
• Take responsibility for your ongoing continued professional development.
• Work in line with the Kinship values.

 Knowledge, abilities, skills and experience (person spec):

 Essential: 

• Experience of team leadership or line management and supervision of a small team and managing performance to deliver targets effectively.
• Proven experience in reaching and establishing strong relationships with hidden or underserved communities in person.
•  Experience developing peer support communities.
• Proven experience of recruiting, managing, training and supporting volunteers in community settings with an emphasis on understanding and working with vulnerable volunteers. 
• Proven experience of ensuring outcomes and impacts of services is evidenced through high-quality data collection. 
• Evidence of delivering training/support to volunteers,
• Strong facilitation skills and essential experience of peer support or user led groups with charity beneficiaries. 
• Understanding of safeguarding particularly around vulnerable families. 
• Excellent communication and engagement skills, with good attention to detail.
• Full driving licence and use of a car for work purposes.

 Desirable:

· Lived experience of kinship care.

· Understanding of children’s social care.

· Digital community building (Facebook / WhatsApp etc).

· Full, clean driving licence/own car.

 General characteristics and attributes:

· Flexible and willing to travel for work across England and Wales.

· Drive and have access to a vehicle.

· Commitment to the values, aims and objectives of Kinship.

· A real commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion within your role and a respectful approach to working with people from a range of backgrounds.

· Good standard of written and spoken English.

· Permission to work in the UK.

· Able to remain focused on the primary task of establishing new peer support groups, ensuring that more kinship carers have access to high-quality peer support.

Equality Diversity and Inclusion 

Kinship is committed to championing equality, diversity and inclusion.  We believe our work is greatly enhanced by the varied backgrounds, experiences and views represented within our teams.  We aim to create inclusive teams, celebrate differences and encourage everyone to join us and be their true self at work. We therefore encourage applications from anyone who fits our values, whatever their religion or belief, sex, gender identity, race, age, sexuality or disability and are actively seeking candidates that can bring real innovation and commitment to us. 

Candidate Application Information

Please refer to the Job Description for this role to check that you meet the criteria necessary for the job. Closing date and interview details:

Closing date: 1 November 2024 12:00 pm

Interviews:  1st Interview Week Commencing 4 November

2nd Interview Week Commencing 11 November

We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the stated deadline.

We will guarantee interviews to any candidates with experience of kinship care (either of being in kinship care or of being a kinship carer) who demonstrate they meet the essential skills and experience outlined.

Please tell us if there are any reasonable adjustments, we can make to assist you in your application. If you have a disability, which you would like us to consider, please tell us about this when you apply.  Please let us know if we can help and remember that you can request information in large print or in a different format. 

Salary: £31,133 per annum

Contract: Fixed term until April 2026

Location: Blackburn Central Library

Hours:37.5 hours per week  

Closing date: Wednesday 13th November at 11.30pm

Do you have a good understanding of how lived experience of bad housing or homelessness can impact an individual, plus a real desire and proven ability to help individuals to share their feedback, stories and experiences so that we can better help them in the future?

Then join Shelter as an Involvement Officer and you could soon be playing a vital role within a brand new project that aims to reach more people at risk of losing their homes and work with communities before they reach crisis point.

About the role

Your role will involve planning and delivering a programme of involvement activities with the aim of ensuring the views and experiences of individuals with lived experience of bad housing or homelessness informs all of Shelter’s work. We will also rely on you to deliver involvement activities across the organisation which will shape the ongoing design, delivery and governance of our work.

People with lived experience will be involved in a variety of ways too, including involvement groups, taking part in events within local communities, co-designing services and campaigns, sharing stories and speaking out about the housing emergency. You will work closely alongside people with lived experience to influence and steer the direction of Shelter’s work, so that lived experience informs everything we do.

We are happy to talk about flexible working, personal growth, and to promote a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.

About you

To succeed, you will ideally need some experience of facilitating involvement groups and other activities in order to involve people with lived experience in Shelter’s work while ensuring a safe and inclusive space where everybody can contribute. You will have a good understanding of how lived experience of housing problems can impact people and be able to support them to talk about their experiences.

The ability to plan and co-ordinate involvement activities with local teams and have several activities running during the same time period, is important too, as is a flair for developing successful relationships with colleagues across a large organisation, as well as with local organisations and partners. Some experience of presenting information verbally and in writing is also required, as is proficiency using IT tools to carry out your day-to-day work, including case management systems, Microsoft Office, internet, email and online meetings.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave (pro rata), enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.

About the team

We have launched a new 3-year project with a leading UK Bank which aims to help more than 3,000 people at risk of losing their home during the cost of living crisis and build financial resilience in local communities to help prevent homelessness.

Every day Shelter’s frontline services hear from people who are really struggling and don’t know how they’re going to pay their rent or put food on their table. Our ambition is to do more to stop people from becoming homeless in the first place by working with them before they reach crisis point.

About Shelter

A home is a fundamental human need, as essential as education or healthcare. Yet millions of people across Britain struggle on a daily basis with homelessness, bad housing conditions, soaring rents, discrimination and the threat of eviction. So, we are striving for change, with individuals, in communities, across society, and leading the way to a safe home. We need ambitious, best-in-class individuals who are passionate about our cause to join us at this exciting time. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.

At Shelter we are united by our purpose to defend the right to a safe home. Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. We believe that to win that fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement for change. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, fair, equitable and transparent.

We have committed to combat racism both within and outside Shelter and welcome you on our journey to becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.

How to Apply

Please click ‘Apply for Job’ below. You are required to submit a CV and responses to the 'About You' points outlined in the job description of no more than 350 words each. Please provide specific examples following the STAR format and ensure you demonstrate how you address the behaviour below throughout your responses:

• We prioritise diversity and have an inclusive and open mindset

Any applications submitted without a supporting statement will not be considered.

Shelter helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through our advice, support and legal services. And we campaign to make sure that, one day, no one will have to turn to us for help. We’re here so no one has to fight bad housing or homelessness on their own.

To find out more about the role and the benefits of working for Shelter please visit our website. Apply to be part of our team and be the change you want to see in society.

Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.

Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

This peer support project is delivered in partnership with South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust to support Carers of people with mental health conditions.  This project will work to support Carers through one-to-one support, outreach, training and peer support groups.

About The Role: 

Using your lived experience of caring for someone with a mental health condition, and a strengths-based approach, you will support mental health Carers in their caring role.  You will provide person centred one-to-one- support, information, signposting, and advocacy, develop, and facilitate peer support groups and deliver training and outreach sessions at different locations across the borough. 

Key Requirements Include: 

• Lived experience of Caring for someone with a mental health condition 

• Knowledge and understanding of mental health and the associated challenges and support needs. 

• The ability to work within the principles and values of peer support. 

• Confidence supporting people on a one-to-one basis. 

• Experience of / ability to facilitate peer support groups and training. 

• Clear communication and good interpersonal skills  

• Efficient organisation and time management skills 

• Developed IT skills, with experience using databases and communication platforms. 

This is an exciting opportunity to work as a refuge worker within a refuge service, supporting women and their children fleeing domestic abuse. Your responsibilities will include supporting and advocating for women and children, taking part in the on-call rota, managing day to day running of the refuge; health & safety, safeguarding, supporting the service and deputy manager. 

Some of the key accountabilities are: 

• Providing practical and emotional support to survivors of domestic violence and other forms of violence and abuse in accordance with Refuge’s philosophical principles. This will include conducting  key work sessions on a regular basis and keeping casework records up to date.  

• Welcoming new residents, explaining and arranging for them to sign occupancy agreements, ensuring that they are aware of their options for moving on to more permanent accommodation and to develop a proactive move on strategy for individual residents.  

• Establishing the risks to, and the needs of survivors of, domestic violence and their children through assessing their practical and emotional support needs throughout their stay at the refuge.  

• Developing individual support and risk management plans which address the risk of harm to survivors of domestic violence and other forms of violence and abuse and their children, and to ensure that such plans are in place for each resident.  

• Ensuring that any issues in relation to safeguarding children or vulnerable adults are brought to the immediate attention of the service manager, or if unavailable another manager.  

• Working in partnership with other agencies and to advocate for survivors to ensure their needs are met.  

For more information, please view our job pack.

As part of this role, you will be required to participate in an out-of-hours on call rota. 

This post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies. 

As part of its strategy, The Trust has ambitious plans to grow its access to the workplace programmes at both pre and post 18 age groups, in new and innovative ways. We are looking for a dynamic and enthusiastic Programmes Senior Officer to join our team and support the expansion of the Sutton Trust programmes.

The successful candidate will deliver the existing Careers Plus programme and will be responsible for s setting up two new industry strands in Tech and Consulting. They will also be responsible for the employer engagement of its Pathways to Engineering programme. They will join a small team and will play an important role in contributing to the on-going success of our programme work and industry engagement strategy.

The Senior Officer will work closely with the Programmes and Development teams to develop and deliver impactful programmes across a range of sectors. This is an extremely exciting time to be at the Trust and the role will require individuals to be creative and to think strategically about our approach.

This role will fit into a team of nine, led by the Head of Employability, and will be line managed by the Senior Employer Engagement Manager.

Main duties

• Plan and implement delivery for the three Careers Plus programmes, including skills sessions, work experience and mentoring across a range of sectors (Tech, Consulting and Law)
• Liaise with external delivery organisations to ensure the sessions and content of the programme meets its intended aims
• Recruit and manage a cohort of Careers Plus students (three strands, 30-60 students per strand), leading on communication to drive engagement and attendance across programme activities
• Evaluate the programme activities and delivery model to enable future programme development
• Supporting the effective delivery of high-quality in-person and virtual work experience and employer engagement as part of the Trust’s Pathways to Engineering and Access Apprenticeships in Engineering programmes.
• Liaising with a range of stakeholders such as employers, universities, and Sutton Trust colleagues to match students with relevant employer engagement activities.
• Following up with students in the case of any unexpected absence or non-attendance at work experience placements.
• Working with employer partners to promote volunteering opportunities at Engineering Pathways and Apprenticeship events in person and online.
• Working closely with the Senior Employer Engagement Manager and the Development team to manage and steward a range of placement providers and funders.
• Working with the Development team, manage the evaluation and reporting of programme activities including reporting/presenting to funders
• Other duties as necessary from time to time

Person Specification

We welcome applications from individuals who have experience in:

• Leading projects, including planning, administration and delivery;
• Delivering young person facing interventions, ideally with experience of digital delivery
• Facilitation of sessions with young people in person or online
• Building and maintaining relationships diverse stakeholder groups young people, universities and employers
• Monitoring and evaluation, reporting, and administration
• Using data to design and deliver programmes
• Using a CRM (ideally Salesforce)
• Working within or an understanding of the not for profit sector

We are also looking for an individual who:

• Is sympathetic to the aims of the Trust and its mission to address educational disadvantage
• Has knowledge and experience of the higher education and/or education and/or careers sectors
• Has strong analytical and problem solving skills, and uses their initiative to identify issues and propose improvements to programmes or processes
• Has excellent attention to detail
• Has first-class interpersonal skills - a natural ambassador able to represent the Sutton Trust in a range of settings
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Personable, flexible and discreet; able to fit in to a small team
• Is eligible to work in the UK (see here for information about right to work)

Terms of Appointment

• Contract: Full-time, 1-year fixed term contract
• Salary: £34,000-£36,000
• Office location: The Sutton Trust, 9th Floor, Millbank Tower, 21-24 Millbank, London, SW1P 4QP. Our home working policy gives staff the option to work from home for up to 60% of the time, with approval from their line manager.
• Hours: The standard working hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday and may also be required to attend events / meetings outside of their normal working hours during weekday evenings and occasionally at weekends
• DBS check will be required

Interviews

Applications should reach us by 9am, Wednesday 11th November, with first round interviews held over Zoom on Wednesday, 20th November, and second round interviews held at our London offices on Wednesday, 27th November.

Safeguarding statement

The Sutton Trust believes that a child, young person or vulnerable adult should never experience abuse of any kind. We all have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people and to keep them safe. Therefore all posts undergo a safer recruitment process, including but not limited to, disclosure of criminal records where necessary and eligibility to work in the UK. We have procedures in place to promote safeguarding and a safe culture at the Trust.

Contextual recruitment

The Trust is committed to ensuring equality of opportunity and that all applicants receive equal consideration for employment. We strongly encourage individuals from all backgrounds, including those underrepresented at present at the Trust, to apply for this role. As such we particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities, Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ and from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds. We are committed to being an inclusive and welcoming place to work and know that greater diversity will lead to even greater results for the young people we support.

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for disabled candidates throughout our recruitment process and during employment.

We also operate contextual recruitment at the Sutton Trust. Our application process gives you the option to include information about your background, such as whether you were eligible for free school meals, whether your parents went to university, or whether you attended a state school. For more examples and information on contextual recruitment, please see our website.

Support Coordinator

This is an exciting opportunity to work with stroke survivors and their families to support them following stroke. We are looking for an innovative, passionate and professional individual with excellent interpersonal and organisational skills to join our Stroke Recovery Service.

This is an exciting home based opportunity working with stroke survivors and their families to support them following a stroke.

Position: S11216 Stroke Association Support Coordinator

Location: Home-based Surrey however, extensive travel will be required as part of this role (may include team meetings or other work-related meetings)

Hours: Part-time, 21 hours per week (flexible working available)

Salary: Circa £16,043 per annum (inner London weighting £2,370 per annum or outer London weighting £1,260 per annum may be applied in accordance to where you live) (FTE circa £26,700 per annum)

Contract: Our services are contracted, we currently have funding for this contract until 31 August 2025.

Benefits: 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (this will increase with service up to 30 days, full time equivalent) cashback and discount scheme, employee assistance programme, learning and development, pension scheme, Life Assurance, Eye Care vouchers, Long Service Award, Tax-free childcare, Health Cash Plan, Working Pattern Agreement, flexible working opportunities available.

Closing Date: 3 November 2024. 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.

Interview Date: To be confirmed

Interviews will be held via video conferencing. Please let us know if this will present any challenges when you email your application.

The Role

The service aims to identify and address the needs of stroke survivors and carers across the stroke pathway, by providing a range of innovative support solutions, supporting them to meet their desired outcomes. A key part of the role will be to support service users and the delivery of the service.

Reporting to the Stroke Association Service Delivery Coach, the Stroke Association Support Coordinator will:

· Support new stroke survivors and their carers from hospital discharge into the community.

· Provide personalised information, advice and support.

· Support clients to make informed lifestyle changes which will help them to prevent further strokes

· Be accountable for volunteers, so experience of recruiting, training and managing volunteers would be an advantage.

· You will have excellent IT skills and demonstrate a flexible approach to your role.

About You

The post holder will have experience/background in:

· A caring profession ideally with experience of supporting people with disabilities.

· Setting up and running virtual groups.

This role requires extensive travel across a large geographical locality to visit people at home and in community settings. Candidates must be able to demonstrate how they can meet this requirement of the role.

To fulfil the role, you must be resident in the UK and have the right to work in the UK.

When you click to apply, you will be able to see the full responsibilities and person specification for further

information on the role.

Please submit your CV and a supporting statement of no more than two pages, demonstrating how you meet the person specification and what you bring to the role in terms of your skills and experience.

Stroke Association

Finding strength through support

When stroke strikes, part of your brain shuts down. And so does a part of you. That’s because a stroke happens in the brain, the control centre for who we are and what we can do. It happens every five minutes in the UK and changes lives instantly. Recovery is tough, but with the right specialist support and a ton of courage and determination, the brain can adapt.

We believe everyone deserves to live the best life they can after stroke. And it’s a team effort to get there.

We provide specialist support, fund critical research and campaign to make sure people affected by stroke get the very best care and support to rebuild their lives.

The Stroke Association is the only charity in the UK providing lifelong support for all stroke survivors and their families. We provide tailored support to tens of thousands of stroke survivors each year. This support includes one-to-one and group support, funding vital scientific research into stroke prevention, acute treatment, recovery and long-term care, and campaigning to secure the best care for everyone affected by stroke. 

We’re here for stroke survivors and their loved ones, from the moment they enter the new and frightening post-stroke world, supporting them every step of the way as they find their strength and their way back to life.

It’s only thanks to the generosity of our supporters and donors that we can provide vital support.

We’re working to improve the diversity of our people. We know that individuality leads to a richer experience for our people and better support for all those affected by stroke.

We strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply. We’re particularly looking to increase the number of applications from those with lived experience of stroke, and those from under-represented communities. 

You may also have experience in areas such as Care Coordinator, Stroke Support, Stroke, Care, Care Worker, Support Worker, Carer, Care Team Leader, Support Team Leader, Volunteering Manager, Volunteer Coordinator, Support Group, Support and Advice, Social Care, Carer Support, Support Service, Vulnerable Adult, Social Care and Support Officer, Rehabilitation Coordinator, Volunteering Manager, Care and Support Officer, Social Care Worker, Health, Health Care, Support Worker, Care Worker, Social Care Support Worker, Residential Support Worker, Relief Support Worker, Support Worker Disabilities, Day Centre Support Worker, Rehabilitation Support Worker, Night Support Worker, Stroke Support Worker, Disability, Disability Support, Stroke.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

Executive Support Officer

Do you want to make a difference every day?  Do you want to contribute to change and improvement for those who need it?

Are you excited to support the Chief Executive on high profile projects and in meeting important stakeholders working together to bring change for victims?

We have an exciting new opportunity for an Executive Support Officer to support the Chief Executive in this new and exciting role, where you will play a key role in delivering the Chief Executive's day-to-day tasks as well as being a key part in new projects and research.

Position: Executive Support Officer

Location: Homebased (with regular travel to London and other locations as required)

Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours Monday- Friday (flexible working)

Contract: Permanent

Salary: £30,000

Closing Date: 22nd November. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if enough suitable applications are received.

The Role

As Executive Support Officer, you will:

• Support the CEO in the delivery of their role by providing secretarial and administrative support.
• Proactively manage the CEO’s diary, identifying and resolving conflicts before they arise.
• Arrange and support at a range of meetings, ensuring that the CEO is adequately prepared and taking minutes as required.
• Act as a first point of contact for the office of the CEO, responding to emails, calls and correspondence appropriately and effectively
• Support the CEO and Senior Leadership Team on designated projects, conducting research and preparatory work.

This is the perfect opportunity for a candidate who has excellent organisational skills and is motivated and skilled, to support the Chief Executive of the leading victims' support organisation to deliver her role.

About You

You will need:

• Previous experience of delivering administrative support and diary management
• Good computer skills with the ability to use MS Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook effectively
• Strong communication skills, able to engage with a range of internal and external stakeholders
• The ability to arrange and manage meetings taking notes and providing minutes
• Robust organisational skills, able to manage time effectively and deal with conflicting priorities
• The ability to work in a fast-paced environment, able to anticipate issues and deliver solutions
• Experience of conducting research and presenting findings

In Return…

Benefits include:

• 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 and paternity payments
• High Street, retail, holiday, entertainment and leisure discounts
• Access to our financial wellbeing hub and salary deducted finance
• Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
• Ongoing training and support with opportunities for career development and progression

About the Organisation

This independent charity provides a range of specialist services to people who have been affected by crime across England and Wales. Working 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 the charity is driven by the Vision Ambitions and Values to play their part in making a difference for those who experience crime and traumatic events.

The organisation is 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.

Applicants are welcome from all communities and monitor the diversity of applicants to analyse if they are representative of the communities it serves in terms of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, age and socio-economic status. As part of the commitment to the Race at Work Charter applicants are particularly welcome from BAME communities

You may have experience in areas such as Executive Assistant, PA, Personal Assistant, Executive Support Assistant, PA to the CEO, EA, EA to CEO, Administration Manager, Senior Administrator, Administrator, Senior Administrator, Secretary, Secretarial.

Please note this role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of our client.  

Would you like to work in a forward looking, faith based charity? One where you can bring your current skill and experience and develop and earn  points through our global training programme to become a Certified Fundraising Executive?

From its humble beginnings, ICC has become a trusted advocate and innovative leader in providing compassionate care for children with disabilities. For over 30 years, thousands of vulnerable children’s lives have been transformed by the essential services we provide.

Within China’s ever-changing social landscape, ICC’s nurturing care is modeling a new standard of support and empowerment for children with disabilities. Our dedicated team of therapists , special educators, social workers, vocational trainers and medical staff work tirelessly to help children live with hope, dignity and opportunity.

This Job Is For You If…….

You have fundraising experience in a charity environment and you’re ready to take the next step up in your career.
You already know how to retain donors and increase income
You love to project manage integrated fundraising campaigns and achieve your goals
You want to treat donors as VIP’s so they stay committed and engaged and you use a customer relationship management systems (CRM) to achieve that.
You can write engaging fundraising copy, or you’re willing to learn
You thrive developing innovative fundraising ideas and campaigns
You can embrace our culture, vision and mission wholeheartedly. 
You have ideas and energy to initiate new processes, you’re excited about getting things done better
You are a team player, willing to collaborate and serve to get the job done.
You are a Christian who wants to put your faith into action at work

Our preference is for a full-time candidate working from the Newcastle Office (Hybrid working offered). However, we are willing to consider applications from exceptional candidates who would only be able to take the post working fully remotely or who are interested in working part time

For the full Job Description and person spec, please refer to the attachment below.

Our mission is to supports adults, young people and children living with long-term neurological conditions and/or neuro diversities to access specialist therapies, support, and information in a safe, supportive environment to help them improve their physical and mental well-being.

The Merlin Neuro Therapy Centre, located in mid-Cornwall, is a Cornish charity providing a place of support, therapy, information, and community for people living with a long-term neurological condition and/or those who are neurodiverse. We give financial assistance to our beneficiaries in the form of subsidised specialist therapies. Our purpose built, fully accessible Centre, opened in 2009 and offers physiotherapy; exercise classes; Ayres’ Sensory Integration (ASI) therapy (a discipline of Occupational Therapy), and oxygen therapy. The Primrose Hydrotherapy Pool facility, which was built in the grounds, opened in 2019, providing both individual and group hydrotherapy sessions. 

Living with a long-term health condition brings many challenges, not just for those diagnosed, but also for family members. Symptoms can affect physical, cognitive, emotional, and psychological health. For our clients who have sensory processing difficulties, due to being neurodivergent, everyday situations and relationships can be perplexing and taxing. 

Our main aims are to improve the health and well-being of our community; help people manage their symptoms and situations; and support their main care giver, often a family member. Services are delivered by a highly experienced team, with a broad range of skills and experience in delivering specialist therapies.

The Role

We are looking for a Community Fundraising Officer who has the key skills to help us raise vital income for our charity.  You will develop and deliver fundraising initiatives through partnerships with local groups, schools, associations and individuals.  This role will also involve delivering fundraising events. Organisation and creativity are essential skills for this role.  

Volunteers are at the heart of our charity, and it is essential our community volunteer base is grown and supported to ensure successful community fundraising in Cornwall. Being friendly, approachable and leading by example are key attributes to the success of this role. 

To devise, plan and support a strong and successful events programme to raise substantial income and awareness across Cornwall, attracting different sections of the community including family members and corporates. 

No day is ever the same but as one of our team you can be certain that each day, you’ll be making a real difference to the lives of people who are affected by neurological conditions.

About you 

• To raise and maximise fundraising within the Cornish community 

• Recruit, train and lead a community volunteer base who will be advocates for The Merlin Centre by promoting and fundraising for the charity.

• Attending group, school and community presentations/talks across the county to successfully communicate our charities mission. 

• Attending cheque presentations from individual and community fundraising efforts. 

• Research and identify new community fundraising and promotional activities that are appropriate for the Merlin Centre to take part in. 

• Support with all event planning for the Merlin Centre 

• To assist the Income Generation Team in delivering against their financial and non-financial targets as specified within the Income Generation strategy. 

• Be an outstanding advocate for the Merlin Neurotherapy Centre in line with the core values of the organisation.  

• To act as a spokesperson for the charity when required, including representing at external events as appropriate  

• Attend and support events run by the fundraising teams where required.  

• Gain and maintain in-depth knowledge and understanding of the charity’s work, priorities, future plans and act as a spokesperson for the Charity when required 

• Any other reasonable duties as required by your line manager. 

Desirable skills and experience

• Proven success in community fundraising 

• Experience in working or volunteering in a charity setting

• Leading a team 

• Confident speaker 

• Organised, efficient and able to manage workload effectively 

• Ability to work within a team but also comfortable lone working 

Additional 

• Driver's licence and access to a car is essential for this role to maximise our reach and availability to each community in Cornwall 

About us

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

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

About the role

A fantastic opportunity to lead the development and delivery of our Service Pledge programme, working with healthcare professionals and patients to improve experience of care in breast cancer services. You’ll manage a small team based across the UK as well as working closely with colleagues in services and policy to ensure people with breast cancer receive the best possible standards of care across the UK.

About you

As a strong project manager, you’ll be experienced in patient involvement and service improvement with excellent interpersonal and organisational skills. You’ll be confident managing a team working in a hybrid environment, supporting them to deliver long-term projects within agreed timelines and budget.

Job description and benefits

Please download the job description and our attractive benefits package.

Primary location of role and hybrid working

This role has a flexible location, with the successful candidate being primarily based in one of our 4 offices (Cardiff, Glasgow, London or Sheffield). Our hybrid working model allows you to work up to 3 days per week at home.

When applying

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

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

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

Closing date: 9am on Wednesday 6 November 2024

Interview date: Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 Novemserber 2024 (interviews will take place virtually via MS Teams)

Senior Media Officer

Contract:12 Months Fixed Term Contract, Full-time, 35 hours per week

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

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

About WaterAid:
From delivering proactive data-driven stories on the global water crisis, to creating impactful media stunts and campaigns and responding to breaking news such as flooding events and disease outbreaks, the role of a Senior Media Officer at WaterAid is varied and exciting.

If you have sound news judgement, a creative approach to PR, excellent writing skills and are passionate about making a difference to people's lives across the globe, this could be the role for you. Join WaterAid as a Senior Media Officer to change normal for millions of people so they can unlock their potential, break free from poverty and change their lives for good.  

This role will be pivotal in delivering high impact, high profile UK and global media coverage for upcoming priority advocacy moments and public engagement campaigns, as well as supporting the day to day running of a reactive press office function. 
 
About the Team:
To support an exciting and busy time in the WaterAid UK communications team, we are seeking an experienced Senior Press Officer to join our team on a 12 month contract. This role will involve close collaboration with our UK teams, country and regional offices, as well as managing relationships with external partners and stakeholders.
This is a full-time, Monday to Friday role. You will be expected to take part in our out of hours press office rota approx. every 8 weeks, and international may be required from time to time.

About the Role:
You will ideally have newsroom or busy press office or agency experience, work well under pressure, and be full of creative media ideas. As a news driven, creative and ambitious Senior Media Officer, you will lead on a wide range of media activities including timely statements, ground-breaking research reports, fundraising appeals and events, and key policy and advocacy moments.  
 
You will also work on projects with celebrity ambassadors, corporate partners and staff from across WaterAid's global federation - all in support of WaterAid's mission to change normal for millions of people living without water, decent toilets and good hygiene so they can unlock their potential, break free from poverty and change their lives for good. 
 
You will drive, develop and implement proactive and reactive media strategies, use your warm media contacts and build new contacts to achieve organisational communications objectives, including increasing awareness of the global water and sanitation crisis as well as our work around the world and our policy, fundraising and campaigning activities.

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Write audience centric media strategies for advocacy research and reports and campaigns, with political and public stakeholders in mind.  
• Build and ensure effective media relations by establishing and nurturing relationships with key journalists and media outlets, maintaining media lists using relevant media databases.    
• Ensure a responsive, agile news desk and respond to enquiries on the key issues we work on.  
• Draft and distribute first class media materials, including press releases, media messages, statements, op-eds and thought leadership pieces, and lines against enquiry. 
• Integrate media activity across communications and the wider communications and fundraising directorate to ensure media work is impactful and supports wider strategic objectives.  
• Advise WaterAid staff up to the Chief Executive using your media expertise. 
• Build on and maintain excellent relationships with teams across the organisation and in countries where we work. 
• Help drive WaterAid's online media work and engage with bloggers, online journalists and social media influencers. 
• Evaluate and report back on key campaigns to the team and rest of the organisation 
• Brief journalists on and off the record, arrange radio and TV interviews where necessary and brief staff in preparation. 
• Join the 24/7 on-call rota 

About You:

• Proven experience in media relations, working in a busy press office, agency or as a journalist.
• Experience of working in a large, matrix organisation 
• Experience of liaising with journalists of all levels 
• Strong understanding of the UK and global media landscape, with an excellent nose for a story and established relationships with key journalists and media outlets for major UK and global titles. 
• Proven experience in launching policy and research reports and data-driven stories to the media 
• Proven experience on working on public engagement and supporter focused media  
• Excellent command of written English and editing skills, with the ability to craft compelling media materials and media messages at the highest quality 
• Experience in developing and executing media strategies and securing impactful coverage.  
• To have initiative, deadline driven, strong project management skills, able to work autonomously while contributing to a high performing team 
• Willing to travel within and outside of the UK infrequently on travel to further media objectives. 
• Creativity and tenacity. 
• Ability to handle multiple projects and a variety of work simultaneously

Although not essential, we also prefer you to have:

• Experience running events with media audiences or attendance, including organising press events/press conferences. 
• Experience of working on international issues including development, rights or humanitarian.
• Good understanding of social media  
• Experience of working with corporate partners  

Closing date: Applications will close 23:59 on Wednesday 20th November, 2024. Availability for interview is required week commencing Monday 25th November 2025.

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

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

Our Benefits:

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

Our Commitment

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

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

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

Peer Support Development Officer – Greater London

 About Kinship:

Kinship is the leading kinship care charity in England and Wales. We offer kinship carers financial, legal, practical and emotional support and understanding from the moment they need it, for as long as they need it. Our expert advice, information and guidance helps with complicated and stressful decisions that so many kinship families have to make. We are always there to support them through challenging times and celebrate the good. 

Kinship carers are strong and determined. Together, they are powerful. We help them build communities of support and action by connecting families locally and across England and Wales. 

We are at the heart of kinship networks, partnering with and influencing service providers, local and national government and other organisations. We give everything we have to fight for each family and their rights, changing society until every kinship family is recognised, valued and supported. 

Kinship care often begins in crisis. A child has parents who are unable to care for them, for whatever reason. It can be frightening, confusing and heart-breaking.

Instinctively, a loved one steps in – a grandparent, brother, sister, aunt, uncle or family friend. They are now a kinship carer, bringing up the children they love. There is often no chance to prepare. Plans may be pushed aside. Relationships, jobs and savings are frequently sacrificed.

It is life changing and challenging raising children who have been hurt or neglected, but kinship carers do it anyway because they put the children first.

We know how hard life can be for kinship carers, but we have seen the amazing things they are capable of, with someone by their side. With the right support, children raised in kinship families can flourish. 

That is why we support, connect and campaign – to keep kinship families stronger by keeping them together.

About the Team

The Peer Support and Community team at Kinship is dedicated to enhancing the lives of kinship carers across England and Wales by delivering the first national peer support service. With a focus on building and sustaining networks of peer support groups, the team aims to empower kinship carers through access to resources, training, and development opportunities.

By fostering connections within local, regional, and national ecosystems, the team plays a vital role in ensuring that every kinship carer has access to a supportive community.

As part of our commitment to growth and impact, the team develops innovative approaches to peer support, creating an inclusive environment where kinship carers can share experiences and access essential services. We prioritize collaboration across various departments, ensuring that support group leaders receive high-quality advice and training, facilitating their sustainability and effectiveness. This integrated approach also includes alignment with national and local campaigning efforts to further engage and support the kinship carer community.

In line with our strategic focus on cultivating a vibrant Kinship Community of over 10,000 carers, the team leads initiatives aimed at enhancing community connection and empowering kinship families. By developing a robust model of community engagement that encompasses both in-person and digital services, the team aims to amplify the voices of kinship carers, enabling them to effect meaningful change in their lives and communities.

 About the role

This role is community-based and focuses on engaging kinship carers, bringing them together to form Peer Support Groups, and supporting them to achieve independence at which point they will receive ongoing support from our national Hub.

You will do this by working with local authorities, schools, other charities and community groups. Arranging information events such as coffee mornings to engage kinship carers. You’ll create a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive community for kinship carers, building belonging, resilience, and empowerment.

Funded by the Department of Education, the National Peer Support Service is a game-changing service that creates a sustainable and life-changing legacy. It builds on Kinship’s 10 years of experience in developing peer support groups and two years of delivering a national service that has set up 145 new groups.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking an individual located in Greater London, who possesses the drive, passion, and skills to:

• Develop new Peer Support Groups across a diverse range of communities
• Demonstrate the energy and enthusiasm required to achieve key targets and objectives
• Work collaboratively within the Peer Support and Community Team, as well as throughout the broader organisation, to ensure the development of safe and effective support services for the kinship community.
• Maintain current Peer Support Group levels, taking the lead from the national Hub.
• Maintain accurate records that are used to populate reports, identify learning and share key insights across Kinship that allow the organisation to continuously improve our services and products.

You should have experience in developing and maintaining meaningful relationships with various community-based stakeholders such as local authorities, health services, schools, charities, and kinship carers. You will need to understand the key success factors involved in establishing and developing new in-person groups in areas of high need, as well as how to support existing groups in their journey towards sustainability.

As a practical thinker, you will work creatively to identify stakeholders and assets in areas of high need. You will build local connections and bring together kinship carers across the region, empowering them to build resilient and robust peer support communities.

You will be confident in building relationships that generate referrals from external stakeholders and in contacting kinship carers directly to secure engagement with local coffee mornings, community, and training events that will help kick-start a thriving peer support group.

As you establish new groups, you will provide support and training to help them lead their groups effectively, and develop their group culture, resilience, and skills to function independently while offering reassurance and support to empower them.

We are ideally looking for candidates based in or around Greater London and willing to work initially across London Boroughs. This role may involve work to establish groups on the periphery of this area that currently have no dedicated Development staff.

An essential requirement of the role is to be a driver with access to a vehicle for work purposes.

 Key responsibilities: 

Service delivery:

• In-person (face-to-face) strategic outreach into local communities including setting up and attending local engagement events.
• Set up and develop sustainable in person peer support groups, initially attending and leading sessions in person before transition to self-sufficiency. 
• Working with existing groups that are at risk, closed or need support that need replacing or rejuvenating to maintain DfE service level agreement, in addition to new groups. Targets are subject to change and are not fixed. 
• Recruit and retain support group leaders to develop their peer support groups.
• Assist with the delivery of training to support group leaders and groups to become self-sufficient.
• Develop strong boundaried and positive relationships with support group leaders – building resilience, empowerment and community.
• Support established groups (including independent) in your area to access support group leader networks and training (this includes visiting groups in person) to build a peer community. 
• Follow (and where appropriate support further development off) the service blueprint to develop sustainable peer support groups.
• Collaborate with the Peer Support Hub team to provide a joined-up and positive user experience for kinship carers.
• Manage special interest groups and regional online groups as required, transitioning to ‘Hub’ team for sustainability and work with partners. 

Service quality, development and data management:

• Accurately record all recruitment, contact information and volunteer case management in Salesforce in line with service framework and data protection requirements.
• Ensure accurate data entry in Salesforce to support service performance, evaluation and learning.
• Provide regular reports to ensure targets and SLA are met for the service.
• Support continuous development and improvement of the service (new systems and processes) as required.
  

Team culture:

• Act in the best interest of Kinship and the families we support.
• Maintain and contribute up to date understanding of kinship care.
• Deliver effective administration with attention to detail and keeping to deadlines.
• Identify and contribute to appropriate case studies to demonstrate the impact of Kinship services and contribute to policy and campaigns work.
• Actively contribute to delivering and evidencing a high performing service.
• Take responsibility for your ongoing continued professional development.
• Work in line with the Kinship values.

 Knowledge, abilities, skills and experience (person spec):

 Essential:

· Proven experience in reaching and establishing strong relationships with hidden or underserved communities in person.

· Significant experience developing peer support communities.

· Proven experience of recruiting, managing, training and supporting volunteers in community settings with an emphasis on understanding and working with vulnerable volunteers.

· Proven experience of ensuring outcomes and impacts of services are evidenced through high-quality data collection.

· Evidence of developing and delivering training/support to volunteers, based on the needs of service users (in this case kinship carers).

· Strong facilitation skills and essential experience of peer support or user-led groups with charity beneficiaries.

· Proven experience of using a customer relationship management system effectively (we use Salesforce).

· In-depth understanding of safeguarding particularly around vulnerable families.

· Excellent communication and engagement skills, with good attention to detail.

Desirable:

· Lived experience of kinship care.

· Understanding of children’s social care.

· Digital community building (Facebook / WhatsApp etc).

· Full, clean driving licence/own car.

General characteristics and attributes:

· Flexible and willing to travel for work across England.

· Commitment to the values, aims and objectives of Kinship.

· A real commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion within your role and a respectful approach to working with people from a range of backgrounds.

· Excellent written and spoken English.

· Permission to work in the UK.

Equality Diversity and Inclusion 

Kinship is committed to championing equality, diversity and inclusion.  We believe our work is greatly enhanced by the varied backgrounds, experiences and views represented within our teams.  We aim to create inclusive teams, celebrate differences and encourage everyone to join us and be their true self at work. We therefore encourage applications from anyone who fits our values, whatever their religion or belief, sex, gender identity, race, age, sexuality or disability and are actively seeking candidates that can bring real innovation and commitment to us. 

Candidate Application Information

Please refer to the Job Description for this role to check that you meet the criteria necessary for the job. Closing and Interview details are:

Closing date: 1 November 2024 12:00 pm

Interviews: Week Commencing 4 November

We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the stated deadline.

We will guarantee interviews to any candidates with experience of kinship care (either of being in kinship care or of being a kinship carer) who demonstrate they meet the essential skills and experience outlined.

Please tell us if there are any reasonable adjustments, we can make to assist you in your application. If you have a disability, which you would like us to consider, please tell us about this when you apply.

Equality Diversity and Inclusion 

Kinship is committed to championing equality, diversity and inclusion.  We believe our work is greatly enhanced by the varied backgrounds, experiences and views represented within our teams.  We aim to create inclusive teams, celebrate differences and encourage everyone to join us and be their true self at work. We therefore encourage applications from anyone who fits our values, whatever their religion or belief, sex, gender identity, race, age, sexuality or disability and are actively seeking candidates that can bring real innovation and commitment to us. 

Candidate Application Information

Please refer to the Job Description for this role to check that you meet the criteria necessary for the job. Closing and Interview details are:

Closing date: 1 November 2024 12:00 pm

Interviews: Week Commencing 4 November

We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the stated deadline.

We will guarantee interviews to any candidates with experience of kinship care (either of being in kinship care or of being a kinship carer) who demonstrate they meet the essential skills and experience outlined.

Please tell us if there are any reasonable adjustments, we can make to assist you in your application. If you have a disability, which you would like us to consider, please tell us about this when you apply.  Please let us know if we can help and remember that you can request information in large print or in a different format.