At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead feedback activities to amplify local voices in health and social care.
- Company: Join The Advocacy People, a leading charity focused on empowering communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, training opportunities, and an employee discount scheme.
- Other info: Home-based role with travel across Somerset; flexible hours available.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in health services while engaging with diverse communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in health or social care, strong communication, and organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 29250 - 35750 £ per year.
Health and social care are continuously changing, with big shifts happening now in how services are designed and delivered. You will join us at an exciting time to ensure the independent public voice is heard, making sure those services work with and for people. We’re looking for someone who is passionate about making a difference to how health and social care services are delivered to the people of Somerset. This is a challenging, exciting and varied role, line-managing a small team where your input really matters with an employer who is committed to flexible working.
Healthwatch is all about people - capturing the views of local people on their experiences of using services, taking this feedback to NHS leaders and other local decision-makers to improve care, now and in the future, to make a health and social care system that is made for and includes everyone.
In Somerset, the Healthwatch service is hosted by The Advocacy People, who would be your employer. The Advocacy People and Healthwatch share core values which are all about people’s voices: empowering people to speak up; amplifying service user voices; enabling people to participate in, and influence decision-making about health and social care; and provide information which helps people make informed decisions.
About the role: In this exciting role you will be leading our feedback gathering activities to ensure that people’s views and experiences of health and social care are captured, listened to and taken account of by decision makers in Somerset at a key time of change and development. Developing and leading engagement activities and projects with a wide range of communities in Somerset including those seldom heard or marginalised. Line managing and enhancing the leadership of the local Healthwatch team.
What we need from you: We are looking for someone with the creativity and enthusiasm to engage with people and take their experience of health and care services to help improve and shape services across Somerset. This role is initially fixed term to 31st March 2028 but with a view to becoming permanent. Ideally, we are looking for someone with experience of working collaboratively in a team in a health or social care role, with great communication and organising skills. The role is home-based with frequent travel within Somerset, attending meetings and events.
The hours are Monday to Friday with very occasional weekend or evening work. As this role is home-based but with regular travel, you will need a full driving licence and your own transport, with full business cover insurance, as well as good mobile and internet connections and flexibility with working hours. You will also need to be based in Somerset or very close as you may only be paid expenses within the county boundary.
What happens next: Anyone joining our team is subject to The Advocacy People’s Safer Recruitment pre-appointment checks. Applicants invited to interview will need to bring evidence (photographic) of their right to work in the UK and new employee start dates will only be confirmed once other mandatory checks, including the appropriate DBS clearance and 2 satisfactory references, one of which will need to be from your most recent or current employer, have been received. If you’d like to know more, the job description and information about how to apply can be found on The Advocacy People’s website vacancies page.
We really look forward to hearing from you!
Closing Date: 9am 14th September 2026
Interview Date: W/C 18th September 2026
Interview venue: Online, via Teams
If you would like to discuss the role further, please email: Steve John, Head of Operations, at: Stephen.John@theadvocacypeople.org.uk
We’re keen to meet great candidates as soon as possible. Interviews may be held as applications come in, and we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we have a high response, so don’t wait, apply early!
By embracing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, we can build a stronger, more resilient organisation and work together to create a more just and equitable society. We invite all members of our community to join us in this important journey toward positive change.
Healthwatch Somerset Manager: Up to 37 hours per week (minimum 30 hours) Monday – Friday with very occasional weekend or evening work employer: The Advocacy People
The Advocacy People is an exceptional employer, dedicated to empowering individuals and ensuring their voices are heard in the health and social care sector. With a strong commitment to flexible working, a supportive work culture, and opportunities for professional growth, employees can thrive while making a meaningful impact in Somerset. Join us to be part of a passionate team that values collaboration and strives to improve services for the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Healthwatch Somerset Manager: Up to 37 hours per week (minimum 30 hours) Monday – Friday with very occasional weekend or evening work
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at The Advocacy People.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from The Advocacy People!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like The Advocacy People, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at The Advocacy People or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Healthwatch Somerset Manager: Up to 37 hours per week (minimum 30 hours) Monday – Friday with very occasional weekend or evening work
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to The Advocacy People:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to The Advocacy People! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Advocacy People
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
