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Join Early Years - The Organisation for Young Children as a Senior Policy and Communications Officer

Location: Early Years Headquarters, 6c Wildflower Way, Belfast, BT12 6TA

Hours: 37 hours per week

Tenure: Permanent

Salary: Point 32 - 35 (£43,532.22 - £46,834.62) per annum pro-rata

Do you have a passion for making a meaningful impact in early childhood education?

Do you believe in the power of play to unlock potential?

Be part of our team and help shape the futures of children by fostering growth and learning through purposeful opportunities.

At Early Years, we are committed to fostering growth for both children and our staff. Joining means an opportunity to enhance your skills, make a meaningful difference, and collaborate with a team that upholds dedication, compassion, and excellence in early years care and education.

In return, Early Years provides a comprehensive rewards package, including a competitive salary, 36 days of annual leave (pro-rata), inclusive of statutory/public holidays, a contributory pension scheme, options to purchase additional leave, and access to healthcare schemes.

The role

The post-holder will support the Senior Communications and Engagement Manager in setting the strategic direction for Early Years, advising on policy issues to support communications and wider organisational activity, while maintaining close and cohesive links with project communications across the organisation.

The role will create a pipeline between organisational learning, evidence, policy development and external influence. Key responsibilities will include; using evidence to inform policy, communications and campaign activity; the development of policy briefings, consultation responses, position statements and other evidence-based materials; maintaining effective relationships with relevant stakeholders; identifying opportunities to raise the profile and influence of Early Years'; using monitoring and evaluation insights to strengthen advocacy; representing the organisation in relevant impact, evaluation, research and policy arenas and contributing to communications planning, content development and campaigns.

We're looking for people who at the closing date have:

Essential criteria

• A relevant degree or professional-level qualification, or an equivalent or higher qualification accepted by Early Years.
• A minimum of two years practical experience of working within a UK or Irish public policy context.
• A minimum of two years' experience of writing for different audiences using a range of different media.
• Experience using research and evidence to develop policy or communications materials
• Understanding of public policy development and opportunities to influence policy in the UK or Ireland.
• Understanding effective communications, including tailoring messages and choosing appropriate channels.
• A full current driving licence enabling the holder to drive in NI and have the use of a vehicle for official purposes or have access to a form of transport that will enable the candidate to meet the requirements of the post in full
• Ability to analyse policy and research, identify key issues and make evidence-based recommendations.
• Clear written and verbal communication, including producing accurate briefings and presenting an organisation's position.
• Ability to build working relationships, listen to different views and resolve differences professionally.
• Ability to organise competing priorities, coordinate contributions and meet deadlines.
• Ability to use digital communication tools and work accurately, responsibly and in line with organisational values.

Desirable criteria

• Experience preparing consultation responses or supporting policy advocacy.
• Experience coordinating newsletters, briefings, events or contributions from external speakers.
• Knowledge of policy issues affecting young children, families and the early years sector.
• Knowledge of the audiences and communication channels relevant to a membership or voluntary organisation.
• Ability to identify emerging policy opportunities and suggest practical advocacy actions.
• Ability to evaluate communication approaches and recommend improvements to reach and engagement.

To find out more about the role and to apply, visit our website by clicking the Apply button below.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is Thursday, 5 November 2026.

For successful applicants, the interview date will be Monday, 16 November 2026.

A reserve list may be held for a period of up to six months for the same or similar roles - if this applies to you, we'll let you know via email.

Early Years is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to providing flexible friendly working conditions. As Protestants and males are currently known to be under-represented in the Organisation, we would particularly welcome applications from these groups.

Work and Health Coach

A local authority is looking for an experienced Work and Health Coach to join its WorkWell service, providing personalised support to residents who are managing physical or mental health conditions.

The role is focused on helping participants take positive steps towards returning to work, staying in employment and improving their overall wellbeing. You will manage your own caseload and provide one-to-one support through face-to-face, online and telephone appointments.

A health and wellbeing coaching background is highly desirable and is more important than a traditional employability background.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide personalised health, wellbeing and employment coaching
• Assess participants' health, wellbeing and employment needs
• Create individual action plans and support participants to achieve their goals
• Provide health and wellbeing advice and signpost to appropriate services
• Offer career and employment guidance, including CVs, job searching and interview support
• Help participants identify reasonable workplace adjustments to support their health needs
• Manage your own caseload and work towards agreed targets and service levels
• Build relationships with GP practices, primary care, employers and other community services
• Make referrals and develop cross-referral opportunities with partner organisations
• Maintain accurate records and monitor participant progress and outcomes

About You

You will ideally have experience in health and wellbeing coaching, supporting people with physical or mental health needs and providing one-to-one coaching, assessments or key working support.

Experience within employability, careers or employment support would be beneficial, but a strong health and wellbeing coaching background is the priority.

You will need excellent communication skills, the ability to build trust with participants and confidence working independently while managing a varied caseload.

Location

The role will involve 3 days per week working within the borough, including the Leemore Centre and community-based settings such as GP practices, with some remote working available.

Enhanced DBS required. Occasional evening or weekend events may also be required.

Health and Work Coach WorkWell Norfolk

Location: Multiple localities across Norfolk Norwich, North Norfolk, Breckland, Great Yarmouth, South Norfolk & Broadland, and King s Lynn & West Norfolk
Hours: Full and part time roles available
Contract: Fixed term to 31 March 2029 (extension subject to funding), with other contract types depending on the employing organisation
Salary: circa £28,500 pa (pro rata for part time). Depending on the employing organisation, local T&Cs may differ
Leave: Set by the employing organisation
Application Deadline: Wednesday 4th November 2026
Reports to: Local WorkWell Team Lead

About the Role

WorkWell Norfolk is a new countywide service launching in November 2026, helping people with health conditions stay in work, return after sickness absence or move towards suitable employment. It is delivered by a partnership of local organisations led by Future Projects.

As a Health and Work Coach, you will be the main point of contact for participants, providing one-to-one work and health coaching and, with their consent, working with employers on reasonable adjustments and return-to-work plans. This is a non-clinical role.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of around participants (full time).
• Complete holistic assessments and co-produce Personalised Care Plans with clear goals.
• Support stay-in-work and return-to-work plans, including reasonable adjustments and phased returns.
• Provide employment coaching, including confidence building, CVs, job search and interview preparation.
• Connect participants with clinical, community, employment and specialist support through warm handovers.
• Keep accurate records and escalate safeguarding or health concerns through agreed pathways.

About You

• Experience supporting people one-to-one in a coaching, advice or support role.
• Empathetic and non-judgemental, able to build rapport with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Confident discussing health and work, with strong communication and listening skills.
• Organised, with good IT and record-keeping skills.
• Able to work independently and know when to seek advice or escalate.
• No formal qualification required, just a willingness to learn.

Where We Are Recruiting

• Future Projects: Norwich, North Norfolk and Breckland.
• Action Community Enterprises CIC (ACE): Great Yarmouth, and South Norfolk & Broadland.
• Community Action Norfolk (CAN): King s Lynn & West Norfolk.
• 8.5 FTE roles across six localities, which may be split into full and part time posts.

How to Apply

• Apply through this advert to receive an application form, along with the full job description.
• On the form, choose the employing organisation(s), locality/localities, hours and contract type you would like to be considered for. You can select more than one.
• Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a selection day in Norwich on Monday 9th November 2026.

Additional Information

• Community, office and remote working, with regular travel within your locality (driving licence desirable).
• Induction and training provided, including Safeguarding.
• Appointment subject to pre-employment checks, including right to work, references and an appropriate DBS check.
• All partner organisations are committed to safeguarding and equal opportunities.

Health and Work Coach - WorkWell Norfolk

Location: Multiple localities across Norfolk - Norwich, North Norfolk, Breckland, Great Yarmouth, South Norfolk & Broadland, and King's Lynn & West Norfolk
Hours: Full and part time roles available
Contract: Fixed term to 31 March 2029 (extension subject to funding), with other contract types depending on the employing organisation
Salary: circa £28,500 pa ( click apply for full job details

Our client is recruiting a confident, friendly and motivated Health and Wellbeing Practitioner to join a mobile Health MOT service operating across Oxfordshire.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working with people and is passionate about promoting health, wellbeing and healthier lifestyles click apply for full job details

Health and Wellbeing Practitioner

Location: Cardiff

Salary: £26,786.93 per annum

Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full Time

We are looking for a Health and Wellbeing Practitioner to join our Integrated Substance Misuse Team. This is a rewarding opportunity to support male adults with both substance misuse needs and low-level mental health or emotional wellbeing difficulties.

As a dual-trained practitioner, you will work holistically with service users, helping them to make positive changes, improve their wellbeing and take steps towards recovery. You will work both one-to-one and within group settings, building strong relationships with service users and partner agencies.

We are committed to providing inclusive services that recognise and value individual differences, and we welcome people from all cultural backgrounds, ages, sexual orientations and walks of life.

What you ll be doing

As a Health and Wellbeing Practitioner, you will:

• Manage a caseload of service users and provide ongoing support throughout their journey.
• Work with male adults experiencing substance misuse and low-level mental health or emotional wellbeing needs.
• Provide one-to-one, face-to-face support.
• Deliver and facilitate group interventions.
• Complete assessments and develop appropriate care plans with service users.
• Provide advice, information and guidance around substance misuse, health and wellbeing.
• Identify service users' needs and make appropriate referrals to specialist services where required.
• Work collaboratively with service users to identify goals and support positive, sustainable change.
• Monitor progress and contribute to measuring outcomes.
• Work closely with colleagues and external agencies to provide coordinated support.
• Attend meetings with multi-agency partners when required, representing Forward Trust professionally.

What we re looking for

We re looking for someone who:

• Has experience of working within substance misuse, health and wellbeing, mental health or a related support setting.
• Has relevant knowledge, training or qualifications in substance misuse and/or low-level mental health and emotional wellbeing.
• Is passionate about supporting people to make positive and lasting changes.
• Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Can build trusting, respectful and professional relationships with service users.
• Is confident delivering both individual and group-based interventions.
• Is able to assess needs, develop care plans and identify appropriate referrals.
• Can manage a caseload effectively and prioritise competing demands.
• Works well both independently and as part of a wider team.
• Is confident working collaboratively with external agencies and multi-agency partners.
• Understands the importance of measuring outcomes and working towards agreed targets.
• Is organised, reliable and able to maintain accurate records.

Our mission is to bring lasting change to people s lives by delivering services that inspire the belief in a better life and provide clear steps to achieve this change.

As a Health and Wellbeing Practitioner, you will have the opportunity to work alongside people on their recovery journey, helping them to address substance misuse, improve their emotional wellbeing and build the skills and confidence needed for a healthier future.

About Us

We are The Forward Trust, the social enterprise with charitable status that empowers people to break the often interlinked cycles of crime and addiction to move forward with their lives. For more than 25 years we have been working with people to build positive and productive lives, whatever their past. We believe that anyone is capable of lasting change. Our services have supported thousands of people to make positive changes and build productive lives with a job, family, friends and a sense of community.

We are committed to our cause and the work we carry out as a charity. Equally the wellbeing and the employees who work for us are also important. Joining us an employee, we will offer you the following benefits -

Flexible working

Support for Families We support our employees through every stage of family life by offering enhanced maternity and paternity pay for eligible employees who have completed 26 weeks' continuous service, alongside family-friendly policies and a supportive, inclusive workplace.

Training and development opportunities

Simply Health Cashback Scheme (optional)

Season Ticket Loan Scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Crisis Loan Scheme

Electric Car Scheme

3 x Wellbeing Days (pro rata'd for part time employees)

Access to Blue Light Card

25 days (rising to 30 with length of service) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays

Contributory Pension Scheme Employer matched contributions of up to 6% in the first two years service and up to 9% thereafter

Death in Service Payment (2x annual salary)

Critical Illness Insurance (subject to qualifying criteria)

Please note that remote roles may require occasional travel for site visits, training and meetings.

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Forward Trust, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application.

Health and Social Care Graduate - Learning Support Assistant

Location: Barking and Dagenham

Are you a Health and Social Care Graduate looking to begin a rewarding career supporting children and young people? We are seeking a caring, enthusiastic and motivated graduate to work as a Learning Support Assistant in a special school in Barking and Dagenham click apply for full job details

Safety, Health & Wellbeing Practitioner

Location: Sheffield
Contract: 6 Months
Sector: Defence

Our defence client is seeking an experienced Health, Safety & Wellbeing (HS&W) Practitioner to join their Sheffield site on an initial 6-month contract click apply for full job details

Science and Health Technician
When registering to this job board you will be redirected to the online application form. Please ensure that this is completed in full in order that your application can be reviewed.

Step into a hands-on role where science , creativity and student success come together at Yeovil College click apply for full job details

This role has a starting salary of 42,958 per annum, based on a 36 hour working week.

This is a 36 month fixed-term full-time position at 36 hours per week. The apprenticeship is 22 months, and is followed by 14 months full-time paid employment to embed the learning.

We have a great opportunity to join our Public Health Intelligence and Insights team as a Public Health Analyst - Health and Care Intelligence Specialist Apprenticeship. The successful candidate for this role will complete a Level 7 Health and Care Intelligence Specialist Apprenticeship as part of the role.

Our Offer to You

• 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
• A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents.

About The Role

Are you curious about how data and evidence can be used to improve people in Surrey's health and reduce inequalities? Would you like to gain a master's level qualification while being part of a friendly, supportive and highly experienced team? If so, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

The Surrey Public Health Intelligence and Insight Team (PHIIT) is excited to offer a Level 7 Health and Care Intelligence Specialist Apprenticeship, delivered in partnership with Jane Goodwin Associates. Starting in January 2027, this programme allows you to work towards a master's degree while gaining valuable hands-on experience in a real public health intelligence role.

During the first 22 months, you will spend some of your time studying and developing new skills through the apprenticeship programme, while the remaining time will be spent working alongside our welcoming, knowledgeable and supportive team. You'll learn from experienced analysts and public health professionals and apply this learning to real-world projects. The final 14 months will focus on putting your new knowledge into practice and developing your expertise further.

What will you be doing?

PHIIT provides the data, intelligence and insight that helps improve health outcomes across Surrey. We work with colleagues in Public Health and the wider Integrated Care System to understand population health needs and support action to reduce health inequalities.

As part of the team, you will:

• Analyse health and population datasets to identify trends, patterns and opportunities for improvement.
• Transform complex data into clear, meaningful insights that support decision-making.
• Work with colleagues and stakeholders across the system to understand their questions and provide the intelligence they need.
• Support a range of projects that help shape services and improve health outcomes for local communities.
• Contribute to important pieces of work such as the Joint Strategic Needs Assessments (JSNAs).

What will you be learning?

Through the master's-level apprenticeship, you will develop skills in:

• Leadership and management
• Project and change management
• Health and social care systems
• Research, evaluation and study design
• Advanced data analysis
• Communicating intelligence and insight effectively.

Are you eligible?

The programme is suitable for junior level staff with no more than 3 years of experience who want to grow their career from a junior analyst position to a more senior role. It is not suitable for those who hold a public health degree or are educated higher than a master's degree level. Learners will need to have studied a statistical module at university or have a willingness to learn and ability to apply stats in a project.

Your application

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:

• Experience of using statistical and/or epidemiological methods for analysing data sets
• Experience of working with multiple sets of health-related data
• Experience of, or passion for, using analytics as evidence within assessments of need, dashboards, or other statistical reporting
• Knowledge of a coding language such as R, Python or SQL and experience of using code for data analysis and/or reports
• Experience of using, or interest in learning, Tableau for data visualisation.

To apply, we request that you submit a CV and you will be asked the following 4 questions:

1. Please tell us about an example of a project where you have analysed a complex data set, what statistical and/or epidemiological methods you used to interpret the results. Please detail the project, your role, and the results from your contributions.
2. Please describe your experience, to-date, in the use of software such as R, python or SQL. For the language you are most familiar with, please provide an example of a recent data transformation or statistical analysis you have carried out, describing your approach.
3. Please describe your experience, to-date, in the use of software such as Tableau or Power BI. For the software you are most familiar with, please provide an example of a recent visualisation you have produce and how your visualisation added clarity and value over the original data.
4. Tell us about your experience of stakeholder management, either external or internal. Please describe a recent project in which stakeholder management was important and the role that you took within it.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 18 October 2026 with interviews planned in the first two weeks of November.

Due to local government reorganisation, the successful candidate will need to be available to start with us by January 2027.

Local Government Organisation (LGR)

Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation and will move to new authorities in April 2027. This role is currently employed by Surrey County Council and will remain so until then. If you are employed by Surrey County Council on 1 April 2027, your employment will transfer under TUPE arrangements to one of the new councils, with your current terms and conditions protected. The provisional allocation for this post is East Surrey, subject to final confirmation through the wider transition process later this year.

Our Commitment

We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview.

Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.