At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a national service supporting children's rights and managing dedicated teams.
- Company: Coram, the UK's oldest children's charity, making a difference since 1739.
- Benefits: Flexible home-based work, part-time hours, and access to London offices.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to safeguarding children.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on vulnerable children’s lives and champion their rights.
- Qualifications: Experience in childcare and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Location: Home based
Work Pattern: Part-time, 25 hours (ideally over 3-4 days)
Contract Type: Permanent
About Coram
Coram is committed to improving the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable children and young people. We support children and young people from birth to independence, creating a change that lasts a lifetime. Coram is the UK’s oldest children’s charity founded by Thomas Coram in London helping vulnerable children and young people since 1739. Today, the Coram group helps more than one million children, young people, families and professionals every year by providing access to the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.
About Coram Voice
Coram Voice is part of the Coram Group of charities. We are a leading children’s rights organisation. We champion the rights of children. We get young voices heard in decisions that matter to them and work to improve the lives of children in care, care leavers and others who depend upon the help of the state.
About the Independent Service Manager role
We are looking for an experienced childcare professional to manage our England wide service for complaints under the Children Act (1989) and Independent Person service for Secure Accommodation Reviews for children placed in secure children’s homes under section 25 of the Children Act (1989). The role will be responsible for the delivery of this national service managing a group of committed and dedicated Associate Independent Persons, as well as managing the relationships with our commissioning authorities. You will have the credibility to work at a management level, and the skills and experience in the sector to support and manage people, relationships with commissioners whilst maintaining high standards of professional practice.
We want a leader who will build and develop our team of associate Independent Persons who act as Investigating Officers, Independent Persons, Stage 3 Panel chairs and panel members for Children Act (1989) complaints against local authorities, and Independent Persons for Secure Accommodation Reviews. The post holder will be responsible for ensuring excellent service delivery that meets internal and external performance measures. They will hold responsibility for quality assuring work undertaken via contact with Independent Persons and scrutiny of investigation reports.
We are seeking candidates who are committed to our objectives for children and young people and equally committed to the organisation and the development of our services. This post will be home based (with access to our attractive Central London offices for those who wish to do so). The post holder may on occasion be asked to travel within England as part of contract management or to attend staff and management events in London.
Closing Date: Monday 3rd August 2026 at 9am
Interview Date: Wednesday 12th August 2026
Coram is an equal opportunities employer and we believe a diverse workforce enables us to improve the services to the children and families we help. We are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from all sections of the community we seek to support. This includes those from Asian, African, Caribbean and other minority ethnic backgrounds, those that identify as LGBQT+, those with disabilities, those with lived experience of care, those with neuro-diversity, and those from other groups who are underrepresented at Coram. If applicants feel comfortable, we would encourage them to draw on lived experience as well as professional experience in their personal statement as part of their application.
We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Independent Services Manager employer: Coram
Coram, located in the heart of Central London, is an exceptional employer that offers a vibrant work culture focused on making a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable children. Employees benefit from a supportive environment that encourages professional growth and development, alongside the opportunity to engage in diverse projects that promote equality and safeguarding practices. Joining our team means being part of a historic charity where your contributions truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Services Manager
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Coram, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Coram. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Coram's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Services Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Coram. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Coram.
How to prepare for a job interview at Coram
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Coram.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Independent Services Manager at Coram.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Coram that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Independent Services Manager role.
