Who are Fair Ways and what do we stand for?
Fair Ways is a leading children’s services charity based in the Solent, delivering Fostering, Education, Residential and Family services and caring for over 400 children, families, young people and vulnerable adults each year. At Fair Ways we believe in making a difference through passionate care, support and education. We are one team, we care about each other and are committed to changing the lives of the young people and service users in our care. We celebrate our staff by shouting it from the rooftops!
Where and when do we need you?
Fair Ways has an exciting opportunity to join our IT Team as 1st line Support. We are looking for an organised and confident individual with strong problem‑solving skills and excellent attention to detail to provide effective technical support and maintenance of IT systems, protect networks, systems and data from cyber threats, and troubleshoot and implement solutions while ensuring compliance with security standards.
Responsibilities
* Work creatively to resolve IT issues on‑site, via remote access or through our support desk, removing roadblocks.
* Keep Fair Ways IT systems secure and operational: diagnose and resolve software and network issues swiftly, ensuring seamless business continuity and preventing disruptions through monitoring and reporting.
* Maintain, develop and enhance IT security defences: lead vulnerability scanning, patch management and phishing simulations, identify, escalade and remediate security vulnerabilities across systems and applications.
* Maintain Cyber Essentials certification and lead the journey to Cyber Essentials Plus by strengthening technical controls, documentation and processes in line with organisational growth and strategic development.
* Champion cyber awareness and best practices: foster a culture of security across the organisation, building professional relationships with colleagues, internal teams and external stakeholders.
* Manage a varied workload effectively: use excellent attention to detail, time management and forward thinking to meet deadlines and handle challenges calmly and supportively.
* Collaborate and communicate: support IT colleagues on key workstreams and assist the IT Lead with budgeting, cost management and strategic projects, delivering diligent, conscientious IT security contributing to continuous improvement.
* Stay a step ahead: stay informed on emerging threats, trends and technologies, manage personal and continuous professional development through self‑assessment, supervision, training and learning opportunities to remain skilled and competent with current legislation.
* Work as a trauma‑informed professional: play your part in growing a compassionate, resilient and trauma‑formed community that embraces learning and improves the lives and outcomes of every individual.
Education & Qualifications
Our internal community is core to achieving our mission of making a difference through passionate care, support and education. You will be extremely efficient, proactive and knowledgeable providing a professional service to internal customers and external stakeholders.
* Established experience across a range of organisations.
* Proficiency with remote support tools (e.g., TeamViewer, AnyDesk, RDP).
* Strong understanding of networking, operating systems (Windows/Linux) and cloud security.
* Familiarity with security tools.
* Track record of managing multiple tasks remotely.
* Strong problem‑solving and troubleshooting skills.
Location & Travel
The role will be based from home with a minimum of one day per week at our Central Support Office in Cosham, Portsmouth. All candidates must have a full driving licence and access to a car. Candidates will be required to provide an enhanced Disclosure (DBS), cost covered by Fair Ways. Fair Ways are unable to provide VISA sponsorship; applicants must have proof of right to work in the UK.
Benefits
* Exciting opportunities: participate in free staff lotteries with amazing prizes, such as £1000 holiday vouchers, weekend away, luxury hampers, £1000 fostering referral scheme and vouchers.
* Work‑life balance: Holiday Accrual Scheme, an extra day of annual leave as a ‘wellbeing day’ and the option to purchase additional holidays (up to 5 days).
* Health and support: Simply Health, health cash plan, Employee Assistance Scheme, early pay and 24/7 counselling services.
* Growth and development: Education Grant funding up to master’s level, leadership courses and career progression support.
* Wellbeing matters: team‑building days, summer festivals, well‑being initiatives, discounted gym memberships and cycle‑to‑work scheme.
* Recognition and rewards: annual Staff Awards, Long Service Awards, pension scheme and Blue Light Card eligibility.
* Supportive community: diverse workforce embracing all communities, inclusive and vibrant culture.
* Benefits may differ depending on contract type.
Become a part of our community
If you’re passionate about making a difference and are ready to embark on an incredible journey, apply today and be a part of something amazing at Fair Ways. Join our team and help shape brighter futures!
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