The Furniture Makers’ Company: Welfare Officer
(Part-time, two days a week)

Salary
£14,000 – 15,000 plus benefits

Location
Hybrid – City of London

Job Description
The Furniture Makers’ Company is the City of London’s furnishing industry charity and livery company. We provide practical support, grants, and welfare assistance to people who have worked in the UK furnishing sector when they need it most.

We are seeking a compassionate, organised, and proactive Welfare Officer to lead our welfare grant programme and ensure individuals facing hardship receive timely and effective support. This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who combines excellent administration skills with empathy, sound judgement, and a genuine commitment to helping others.

About the role

As Welfare Officer working two days per week, you will be the primary point of contact for all welfare grant applications, managing cases from initial enquiry through to award and ongoing support. You will work closely with our Chief Executive and Grants & Welfare Trustee to deliver a professional, responsive, and impactful welfare service.

You will typically manage up to 50 active cases and process around 10 new applications each week, ensuring all grants are assessed fairly, confidentially, and in line with our policies and procedures.

Key Responsibilities

Welfare Grants and Support

  • Manage the end-to-end welfare grant application process.
  • Assess applications and supporting evidence to determine eligibility and need.
  • Prepare case summaries and recommendations for grant awards.
  • Coordinate grant payments through our CRM system.
  • Maintain accurate and confidential records in line with GDPR requirements.
  • Provide compassionate support to applicants and beneficiaries.
  • Signpost individuals to additional sources of statutory and voluntary sector assistance.
  • Ensure invoices, quotations, and grant requests are appropriate and represent good value.

Programme and Development

  • Support and coordinate our network of Regional Welfare Ambassadors.
  • Monitor and report on Mental Health Text Service referrals.
  • Identify opportunities to improve welfare services and grant processes.
  • Keep up to date with developments and legislation affecting the grant-giving and welfare sectors.
  • Assist with welfare-related communications, case studies, and publicity activities.

Reporting and Governance

  • Present grant recommendations to the Chief Executive and Welfare Trustee for approval.
  • Produce reports and maintain up-to-date welfare records.
  • Contribute to policy and procedure reviews and updates.

About you

We’re looking for someone who is:

  • Passionate about supporting people through challenging circumstances.
  • Highly organised with excellent administrative skills.
  • Able to manage a varied workload and prioritise effectively.
  • A strong communicator with empathy, discretion, and professionalism.
  • Detail-oriented with good judgement and decision-making skills.
  • Comfortable working independently and as part of a small, collaborative team.
  • Flexible and willing to contribute to a broad range of organisational activities.

Essential Skills and Experience

  • Two years’ experience in welfare, grant-making, charitable support, social care, advice services, or a related field.
  • Strong case management and record-keeping skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Experience handling sensitive and confidential information.
  • Good IT skills, including experience using CRM or case management systems.
  • Ability to analyse information and make balanced recommendations.

If you are an organised, compassionate professional who wants to use your skills to make a meaningful impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now and help us support those who have dedicated their careers to the furnishing industry.

How to apply
To apply for this role, please send a copy of your CV and cover letter to clerk@furnituremakers.org.uk

Closing date
31 July 2026