Volunteer Advocate Jobs

A little bit about the role 

This role will be closing at 12pm on Thursday 14 November.

This role will sit within the Fellowship team, within the wider external relations directorate, and be managed by the Fellowship and engagement lead, supported by our chief social worker and a steering group of staff and trustees. This will ensure that we are connecting fellows – social workers who have completed one of Frontline’s programmes – to our young people’s work. The postholder will also have strong links with our communications and fundraising teams, which also sit within the external relations directorate.

The postholder will shape and grow all our work with and for young people with experience of social work, ensuring all involved have a positive experience. Our goal is to improve social work by listening to the needs of children and young people with lived experience. By involving them in all aspects of our work, we can make social work more effective and responsive for vulnerable children and families across England

We are seeking a dedicated professional who excels in youth-centred social work, with hands-on experience supporting young people aged 14-25. You will understand the unique challenges they face, especially those with care experience, and have insight into relevant social care policies. Working collaboratively with senior leadership, you will support inclusive, cohesive programme delivery.

The successful candidate will be an effective communicator and strategic relationship builder who prioritises youth voices and partnership. Skilled in managing complex workloads and securing funding, you will also bring a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and using technology to enhance impact.

Some key responsibilities include:

• Bringing individuals with care and social work experience together, helping them to have a bigger influence on Frontline's mission to create social change for vulnerable children without a safe and stable home.
• Leading and growing the young people’s advisory board, recruiting and inducting new members.
• Developing a programme of activities for the young people’s advisory board and other experts by experience which includes quarterly meetings, day sessions and residentials each year.
• Collaborating with the Fellowship team to aid the development of future opportunities available fellows, using insights, voices and experiences from young people directly.
• Developing a mentoring programme for all of Frontline’s experts by experience through our Fellowship.

Please see job pack for full list of role responsibilities

A little bit about you 

This role will suit an experienced leader who is passionate about empowering young people with lived experience and integrating their perspectives into impactful social work. The hiring panel will be looking for candidates who demonstrate a deep commitment to inclusive leadership, strong coordination skills across diverse teams, and a proven ability to build meaningful engagement with young people and stakeholders.

We have a fast-moving culture within the team and organisation, so we’re looking for someone who is who is well organised, details-focused and can use their initiative to do what works. You will have excellent communication skills, be able to build relationships with people and be willing to learn. There are lots of opportunities for growth and development in this role – and for the right candidate to make the role their own. 

If you feel you have the skills to make a real impact and contribute to creating lasting social change for children and families, we would love to hear from you. 

Important information

We have increased the diversity of Frontline’s workforce in the last 12 months, but we need to do more to have greater racialised minority representation in our senior roles. We know the value racialised minority voices bring and therefore, we are strongly encouraging applicants from these backgrounds to apply. We are also a disability confident employer and welcome applicants with disabilities. Please let us know how we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you .

We recognise that artificial intelligence (AI) such as ‘ChatGPT’ etc can be useful for applicants e.g. to shorten an initial draft, so we do not attempt to have an absolute ban on AI in applications. However we would caution applicants not to rely too much on AI in drafting answers to application questions. We want to hear your authentic voice arising out of your experience, and we will be looking for answers that use examples and experiences that are specific to you. You are more likely to be able to produce that kind of content yourself than an AI will.

We reserve the right to close this role ahead of the deadline once we reach a suitable number of applications, so please apply as soon as you can!

You will need to have current right-to-work in the UK prior to application and for at least the first six months (for permanent positions) or for the full duration of the contract (for fixed-term positions). Visa sponsorship is not guaranteed.

If you would like to find out more about the role, please contact Jackie Sanders, External Relations Director, contact details can be found in the job pack.

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Refuge Worker. You will be responsible for providing high quality practical and emotional support to survivors of domestic violence and their children living in our refuges.

The post holder will provide high quality support and safety planning to women and children in crisis. This includes enabling women to access housing, welfare, benefits, and legal advice. A key requirement is to provide personal welfare support and to ensure that women are provided with a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment in accordance with Refuge’s philosophical principles.

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. 

This role sits within the Community Education and Training team, working to support our learners to access, complete and progress through our wide range of adult learning provision. The main focus will be on providing additional support for learners who need wrap-around support relating to a range of additional personal and educational needs. This could include welfare, personal and family support and wider mental health and wellbeing support or additional learning needs such as dyslexia, ADHD, literacy support and other needs.

You will work with the team to implement strategies and support plans for individuals to aid learning and enhance educational experience. You will support the team’s administrator to monitor learner’s attendance, contacting them via phone, email or arranging a meeting in person where pastoral support is needed.

You will work with our Adult Safeguarding Lead to support safeguarding cases across our departments, including keeping safeguarding records, making referrals and building a database of local support services available to learners and other service users.

We are looking for a dedicated individual who is passionate about supporting learners to ensure they have the best opportunity to thrive on their learning journey.

You will also support wider functions in the team such as contributing to the organisation of our termly learners’ forum to celebrate achievement and attending events in the community to publicise our work.

The successful applicant will have experience of working with vulnerable individuals or groups, be committed to safeguarding, have excellent administration skills, be flexible and excited about being at the heart of a busy team and committed to providing an excellent service to High Trees’ users.

Benefits of working at High Trees

• 35 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays and 3 Christmas days) rising by 1 day each year after 2 years’ service (capped at an additional 8 days)
• Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption leave after 2 years’ service
• Save money off a new bike with the Cycle to Work scheme
• Up to 7% contribution to the staff pension scheme
• 24/7 Employee Support Line
• Clear pay structure with yearly increments (based on performance)
• Annual staff away day
• Premium eye-care vouchers through Specsavers and season ticket loans

This post will deliver policy outputs across the Young Lives programme, with a strong focus on laying the foundations for a new Young Lives ResearchHub on Climate Change and Environmental Shocks. The delivery of high-quality impactful policy outputs is central to the success of Young Lives as an innovative international longitudinal study, including supporting new fundraising opportunities.

The post holder will report directly to the Young Lives Deputy Director, and will work closely with the Young Lives Director, Senior Researchers and Head of Communications based in Oxford. S/he will also collaborate closely with researchers and policy leads in each of the four Young Lives study countries.

At ODID we embrace and cherish our differences, and endeavour to be considerate and welcoming of all. You are most welcome at ODID, without the need to hide any part of who you are. We acknowledge societal inequalities and how these affect us, and those around us, personally and professionally. We hold an Athena Swan bronze award in recognition of our efforts to introduce organisational and cultural changes which promote equality, cherish diversity and create a better working environment for all. We are also taking active steps to promote race equality and reduce the risk of bias and discrimination. We work together to enrich, fortify and grow our community and dedicate our combined efforts to teaching and research to increase our impact and influence in development debates at the national and global level. We encourage all eligible candidates to apply for our vacancies and join us in pursuing our goals.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to laying the foundations for a new Young Lives (YL) Research Hub on Climate Change and Environmental Shocks.
• Support the Deputy Director to deliver the YL Policy Influencing Strategy and key research-to-policy outputs across the YL programme, including key messages, policy briefs, impact case studies, blogs and other policy focused materials relating to YL research themes. Key themes include education and skills, employment, health & wellbeing and family lives, with a specific focus on the crosscutting impacts of climate change and environmental shocks, poverty and inequalities.
• Track and analyse international and national policy debates, with a specific focus on the impact of poverty, inequalities and climate change on young people in low- and middle-income (LMICs) countries, including the disproportionate effects on girls and women.
• Proactively engage and build relationships with key international policy stakeholders working on the impacts of poverty, inequalities and climate change in LMICs, including policy influencers and practitioners (e.g. governments, donors and civil society), research-to-policy networks and researchers.
• Work closely with the Deputy Director and YL Country Directors to identify opportunities to influence policy debates both internationally and in the four study countries and provide technical support in developing research-to-policy engagement plans.
• Work closely with the YL Head of Communications to ensure research findings and related policy implications are effectively disseminated for maximum impact, including through website and social media, webinars, conferences, policy events and meetings to encourage the maximum uptake and impact of Young Lives evidence. Represent Young Lives at external events and meetings where necessary.
• Provide support to the Young Lives Director and Deputy Director in the development of fundraising proposals and submission of grant applications to generate future Young Lives research income. 

Selection Criteria 

Essential selection criteria 

• Education to Degree level in a relevant subject (e.g. social or public policy, development studies, sociology, anthropology, or economics).
• Substantial experience in a policy analysis/advocacy role within the international development arena, including experience of developing and implementing policy influencing and engagement strategies.
• Proven track record of contributing to high-quality policy-related publications, including policy briefs and blogs. Significant experience of using research evidence to engage with policy and practice.
• Broad knowledge of relevant international policy and practice debates including the cross-cutting impacts of climate change, poverty and inequalities on young people in LMICs.
• Excellent analytical skills, able to synthesise and distil key messages from a wide range of technical academic research and policy reports.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to write quickly for publication, tailor communications to different audiences for maximum user access and impact, and experience of presenting at external events and high-profile meetings.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills. Ability to work collaboratively within a large team as well as independently, to prioritise tasks, to manage multiple demands and to work to deadlines. 

Desirable selection criteria

• Experience of writing fundraising proposals.
• Experience of working in a multidisciplinary, multi-national research team and contributing ideas for new research projects.
• Willingness to undertake overseas travel. 

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Refuge Worker. You will be responsible for providing high quality practical and emotional support to survivors of domestic violence and their children living in our refuges.

The post holder will provide high quality support and safety planning to women and children in crisis. This includes enabling women to access housing, welfare, benefits, and legal advice. A key requirement is to provide personal welfare support and to ensure that women are provided with a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment in accordance with Refuge’s philosophical principles.

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. 

About Impetus

Impetus transforms the lives of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds by ensuring they get the right support to succeed in school, in work and in life.

We find, fund and build the most promising charities working with these young people, providing core funding and working shoulder-to-shoulder with their leaders over the long term to help them become stronger organisations.

At Impetus we focus on the critical factors that influence the education and employment outcomes for disadvantaged young people in the UK, working with charities that have the potential for impact at scale, helping their leaders to deliver lifechanging, benchmark-beating, sustained outcomes.

We provide these charities with the funding and the tools to grow and deliver on their promises to the young people they serve. We also seek to influence government and the wider sector to back effective support for young people and invest with other like-minded organisations to tackle the most difficult and under-supported challenges. We are resolutely focused on outcomes and impact, driven by quality evidence.

Impetus is a registered charity and our charity number is 1152262.

About the Investment Team

The Investment Team is responsible for selecting charity partners, managing our charity investments and supporting our charity partners to improve and scale their impact.

The Investment Team also leads the Impetus Leadership Academy, a leadership development programme to support talent from ethnic minority backgrounds in the UK youth sector to progress into senior leadership roles.

The team is made up of 18 people, including former teachers, charity chief executives, charity impact leads, management consultants, social investment portfolio managers and impact consultants.

The team is led by a Portfolio Director who sits on the Senior Management Team. The Portfolio Director has 5 direct reports: a Deputy Portfolio Director, three Sector Leads (who lead our work in School engagement, School attainment and Employment Sectors) and an Impact Lead. Sector Leads line manage 6 Investment Directors. Investment Directors line manage Investment Managers (currently 5). Investment Directors and Investment Managers tend to primarily focus on a sector but might have mixed portfolios, depending on need, experience and interest.

The Investment Team has a good track record of role progression. All four Leads and a number of our Investment Directors were promoted from within the team.

The team is passionate, rigorous, determined, creative and warm. We come from a range of backgrounds and bring a broad mix of perspectives.  We care deeply for our colleagues, our charity partners and the young people we serve.

Job description – Investment Director

The Investment Director (ID) is a key member of the Investment Team, playing a leading role in identifying, assessing, and supporting portfolio partner charities and other non-profit organisations to deepen their impact and scale their outcomes. This role works closely with other Investment Directors and Investment Managers to deliver external facing support to portfolio partners as well as internal projects to support the development of the investment model and portfolio strategy.

Investment Directors use strategic thinking, analytical rigour, and senior relationship skills to support a portfolio of amazing organisations that, together, will help shift the life chances and outcomes of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in the UK.

Key responsibilities

Finding high potential charities and non-profit partners for our portfolio

• Identifying potential charitable organisations for investment.
• Leading in-depth due diligence process to assess and build partnership foundations with potential partners – covering leadership and governance, and their impact, scale, and partnership potential.
• Modelling from first contact of origination, our approach to engaged and trust-based investment management support.
• Developing and championing high quality investment propositions to our Investment Committee.

Managing partnerships with portfolio partners

• Managing relationships with partner Chairs and CEOs 
• Agreeing Service Funding Agreements, including appropriate annual investment milestones to allow for a clear assessment of re-investment potential at end of phase 
• Regularly monitoring and assessing partner progress / risks against milestones and making recommendations for progression or exit
• Escalating key risks on performance, leadership and safeguarding
• Conducting annual partnership review with Sector Leads and partner CEOs
• Working with Impetus Finance colleagues to ensure timely distribution of grant payments, in line with Service Funding Agreements.

Supporting portfolio partners

• Providing direct support to CEOs and senior colleagues on key strategic topics, using a mix of at least monthly one-to-one meetings and group facilitation to:
  • clarify theory of change
  • define long term ambition
  • develop growth strategy
  • achieve a step change in the delivery and performance management of outcomes
  • strengthen leadership (individual and collective) and governance capabilities
  • develop path to scale
  • build financial resilience
• Scoping and project managing pro bono capacity-building projects (in addition to providing direct management support). Ensure projects are delivered to a high standard and contribute to charity progression
• Identifying engagement opportunities for our donors and supporters with charity partners that are aligned with the charity’s activities and do not distract or undermine their core work
• Collaborating with Impetus philanthropy team to develop new funding streams (additional to direct Impetus grant funding) that support our partners’ ability to deliver impact at scale
• Effectively leveraging the support of investment managers to advance the objectives developed for each charity partner that is managed by an Investment Director
• Identifying engagement opportunities for our donors and supporters with charity partners that are aligned with the charity’s activities and do not distract or undermine their core work
• Collaborating with Impetus Philanthropy team to develop new funding streams (additional to direct Impetus grant funding) that support our partners’ ability to deliver impact at scale
• Effectively leveraging the support of investment managers to advance the objectives developed for each charity partner that is managed by an Investment Director. 

Support to Impetus

• Developing expertise about “what works” in the sector through cultivation and use of expert input and engagement as well as investigation into key research and evaluative literature
• Working closely with team colleagues to use learnings from our work and domain expertise to inform our strategy, our model and delivery over time
• Leading on and contributing to internal topics, such as team strategy development, digital transformation, or equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Contribute towards Impetus’ public affairs and philanthropy objectives through input into case studies, research and policy campaigns, donor reports and fundraising events
• Sharing the learning from our work across the team, across the organisation and externally working within Impetus strategy, policies and procedures
• Engaging in Impetus pro bono, communications, and advocacy events, and engage charity partners appropriately in these events
• Where appropriate, line-managing and supporting Investment Managers on the team to grow and develop, and achieve their project, role and team objectives.

Person specification

The successful candidate will need to show evidence that they meet many of the following skills, capabilities and experience.

Essential

• A commitment to Impetus’ mission
• Senior level responsibility and a strong track record of building trust-based relationships with senior stakeholders, advising them on key strategic decisions, and challenging them in a respectful and collaborative manner
• A talent for strategic thinking around complex issues
• Strong financial acumen and analytical skills
• Understanding of impact measurement and evaluation fundamentals
• Tenacity and initiative
• Ability to flex personal style to needs of charity and leadership
• Growth mind-set to seek out and act on feedback
• Proven ability to work independently, and to exercise good judgment
• Strong planning and time management skills
• Interest in partnering closely with charities that are doing what it takes to get better
• A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

If you don't tick all these boxes, but still feel that you fit the profile, please apply anyway.

Desirable

• Experience in the non-profit (charity or social enterprise) sector, through work, as a pro-bono volunteer or Trustee capacity 
• Experience in consulting, investment management, senior charity management, or other in-depth grant making and advisory work
• Knowledge and expertise in UK education or youth employability sectors
• Board experience in private, public or third sector
• Understanding of or experience with commissioning impact evaluations.

How to apply

• Complete the online form (including the equal opportunities monitoring form)
• Upload a comprehensive CV and supporting statement

The supporting statement should be no more than two sides of A4 and should address the criteria in the person specification.

You should also include the contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be approached with your express permission.

As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at interview stage.

The deadline for applications is 11.59pm Sunday 10 November 2024.

Interviews

First round interviews and an assessment task will take place on 18 and 19 November 2024.

Second round interviews will take place on 27 November 2024.

You will also be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK.

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

We believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more open, creative and gets better results.

We want our team at Impetus to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our team to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.

We want to reach a diverse pool of candidates. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need in order to be successful.

Impetus is an equal opportunity employer and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, race, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation or marital status. We value diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

Personal Data

Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.

The Organisation:
The Hardman Trust is the only UK charity focused specifically on the needs of people on long term sentences. We support people during their sentence, as they prepare for release, and as they settle back into the community. Our vision is a future where everyone can achieve their potential within and beyond prison.

To find out more about The Hardman Trust, visit our website.

The Role:
The Hardman Trust is at an exciting point in its development as it celebrates the arrival of its new team, the realisation of its first ever strategy and looks forward to the next phase of its journey.

Our recently successful applications to both the Lottery (Reaching Communities) and the City Bridge Trust means we will continue to be part-funded by them until 2027. Deeply rooted in the criminal justice sector, we plan to develop further our programme of support for those on long sentences both within and, we hope, beyond prison too; we aim to extend the reach and deepen the impact of our support and grants; and attract new partnerships with funders and like-minded third sector organisations. We have recently completed a merger with another charity and are open to further such mergers in the future.

Person Specification:
You will bring the following skills and experience to the role:

•  Strategic development
•  Leadership and management
•  Financial and commercial 
•  Outreach and communications

Please download our Candidate Information Pack for the person specification and more information on the role.

How to Apply
If you would like to apply for this fantastic opportunity, please provide the following with your application:

•  An up-to-date CV
•  A supporting statement of no more than 2 sides of A4, outlining your experience, motivations and suitability for the role.

All applications are being handled by our recruitment partner, Russam. All applications should be uploaded via the Russam website. 

If you have any difficulty uploading your application or if you would like to have an informal and confidential discussion about the role, please contact Melissa Baxter - Managing Partner, Charities.

Application Closing Date: Friday 22nd November 2024
Interviews with The Hardman Trust:4th/ 10th/ 13th December 2024

We look forward to recieving your application.

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Refuge Worker to provide high quality support and safety planning to women and children in crisis. This includes enabling women to access housing, welfare, benefits and legal advice.  A key requirement is to provide personal welfare support and to ensure that women are provided with a safe, supportive and welcoming environment in accordance with Refuge’s philosophical principles. 

Please note that 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 this role, you will be required to participate in an out-of-hours on call rota. An enhanced DBS will also be required for the successful applicant.

A driving license and access to a car is essential to the role.

Job Purpose and Key Responsibilities

The Senior Programme Development Specialist  will work on complex and major bids, often on multimillion consortia, commercial contracts and multi-country partnerships, and will be expected to take a high degree of responsibility for developing successful bids including negotiations with internal and external partners. 

This position will drive a high-quality bidding process with institutional donors and large foundations to build a healthy and sustainable funding pipeline so that CIUK can achieve our programme goals. You will work closely with technical advisory teams, country offices, finance colleagues, and other partners in order to deliver winning bids, which showcase CARE’s programme innovation and deliver impact as well as ensuring adequate cost recovery for CIUK. 

Why work with us?

The Programme Funding Team is at the very centre of CIUK’s new strategy for the development of high quality and impactful programming within CARE.  The team shapes and builds our institutional programme portfolio in line with the CARE International 2030 vision and ensures that our programmes save lives and bring lasting change through consistent and high standards of programme design, partnerships building and learning.

About You

To succeed in this role, you will be a passionate and experienced funding specialist, with experience in institutional funding and a very good knowledge of our key donors’ requirements (FCDO). You must have the ability to lead and coordinate multi-disciplinary teams during proposal preparation, working with partners and colleagues in multiple locations. Experience in and a very good understanding of programme design is key to this role, as is excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. Capable of building strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders; you are a positive collaborator and a strong team player.

About CARE

CARE International is one of the world’s leading humanitarian and development charities. We fight poverty and injustice in the world’s most vulnerable places.  We save lives in disasters and conflicts. We stand with women, girls and their communities to achieve lasting change for a better future.

Safeguarding

CARE International UK has a zero-tolerance approach to any abuse to, sexual harassment of or exploitation of a vulnerable adult or child by any of our staff, representatives or partners. CARE International UK expects all staff to share this commitment through our Safeguarding Policy (link here) and our Code of Conduct (link here). They are responsible for ensuring they understand and work within the remit of these policies throughout their time at CARE International UK.

Safeguarding our beneficiaries is our top priority in everything we do, including recruitment. All offers of employment at CARE International UK are subject to satisfactory references.

CARE International UK participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (link here).In line with this Scheme, we will request information from successful applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. 

- Appropriate criminal record checks (including a Bridger check, link here).

By submitting an application, the applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.

Equality and Diversity

We are committed to Equality and value Diversity.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and particularly welcome applications from disabled people. We guarantee interviews to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role (see person specification). If you require the candidate brief or need to submit your application in an alternative format, because of a disability, please do get in touch by sending an email to the HR team.

We also encourage people from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds or LGBT+ to apply for roles at CARE International UK.

Please note that in compliance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, all job offers at Care International UK are conditional on eligibility to work in the UK.

To Apply:

To apply, please visit our website, download and read the Senior Programme Development Specialist Recruitment Pack, including the Job Description and Person Specification. Applications are completed online. If you require a copy of the recruitment pack in large print or an alternative format, please contact the HR Team. Please note, Curriculum Vitae (CVs) will not be accepted.

Closing date: Thursday 7 November at 11pm

Interview date: Week commencing 11 November