Action for children jobs

We are looking for an experienced full time Statutory Fundraiser with a strong track record of generating income and managing multi-year grants from Statutory funders and Trusts.

The ideal candidate will have experience of translating complex information into inspiring written narratives and compelling cases for support through written proposals. Experience in multi-year Government and National Lottery funding and grant management is essential.

This is a great time to join the team as we start on a new future strategy at Guide Dogs. The role is hybrid with opportunities to travel and collaborate with both internal and external stakeholders and offers a great salary and benefits package.  Minimum one day a week in the office, based close to one of our Guide Dogs offices, ideally in Leamington Spa or Reading.

Why Guide Dogs?

By joining our team, you’ll become part of a charity that transforms lives. You’ll help amplify our mission and work alongside a group of passionate, dedicated professionals. We offer a supportive work environment where your expertise can truly make a difference.

No two people with sight loss are the same, and none of our people are either. So, we are proud to offer a range of person-centred benefits that can support each member of staff in ways that really mean something to them – and show them how much they mean to us. We offer a flexible benefits package, discounts and cashback scheme, a generous holiday allowance and matched contributory pension scheme to care for our people.

For the complete list of essential and desirable criteria please view the job description attached to this advert. 

The Statutory and Trusts Marketing Officer is known at The Guide Dogs as Statutory Grants and Trusts Officer.

Shoreditch Trust is recruiting  for a Community Builder, to build relationships with residents, community leaders and organisations in the City of London in order to:

• Facilitate engagement into We Connect and wider programmes
• Build community leadership opportunities
• Reduce social isolation and loneliness
• Improve wellbeing
• Working effectively with clients from Bangladeshi and Spanish-speaking South American communities.

Fluency in Bengali (particularly the Sylheti dialect) and/or Spanish is essential for this role, as you will be required to communicate effectively with clients from Bangladeshi and Spanish-speaking South American communities.

To continue being fully representative of our Neighbourhoods, we are particularly keen to hear from people from diverse communities, from bilingual candidates and from people with strong links to East London generally.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a team that values equality, connection, compassion and independence
• Contribute to meaningful change in the community
• Enjoy extensive training opportunities and staff support programs

Are you a highly experienced, driven and proactive finance & operations professional? Are you passionate about creativity and social impact? Would you like to join a multi-award-winning charity at a time of exceptional growth and impact? We would love to hear from you.

Create has just entered Year Five of its ambitious seven-year strategy to double its reach/impact by the charity’s 25th anniversary in 2028. As the charity progresses into this critical phase of development, we have been awarded a major (£320k) grant to support capacity building. This will enable the further implementation of Salesforce as the charity’s CRM, focusing on the project management and finance functions of operation, transforming efficiency and reducing administrative strain. This will be achieved by creating the position of Technical Project Lead to project manage and oversee implementation of Salesforce; increasing capacity in the finance team by appointing a Finance Manager; and implementing new cloud-based financial accounting software to work alongside Salesforce. This is an incredibly exciting time to join the charity and make your mark.

The Director of Finance & Operations will direct, administer and coordinate the financial, governance, HR, IT and operational activities of the charity in accordance with company policies and the Strategic Plan established by the Chief Executive (CE) and the Board of Trustees, and to assure the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of the planning, delivery and reporting of these activities.

Salary: £46,000-£51,000 per annum depending on experience.

How to apply

Download the application pack from our website which includes a full job description and person specification.

The deadline for applications is 9am on Wednesday 7 May 2025.

1st Interviews: Thursday 15 May at Create’s offices
2nd Interviews: Tuesday 20 May at Create’s offices

To apply, please send a completed application form with a short email providing a telephone number where you can be contacted in confidence.

Completed application forms should be returned to Create with the job title in the subject field).

Create is committed to a policy of equal opportunities embracing diversity in all areas of activity and welcomes applications from disabled people and people of all ethnicities.

No agencies / consultancies.

About Lord’s Taverners

The Lord’s Taverners exist to positively impact the lives of young people facing the challenges of inequality. We work to provide inclusive and impactful cricket programmes, empowering young people with disabilities and from disadvantaged communities to develop the knowledge, skills, capabilities and confidence required to overcome the challenges of inequality, raise their aspirations and reach their potential. 

Lord's Taverners are an evolving and transforming Charity with a heritage of 75 years, with an ambition to impact the lives of more young people than ever before. 

Lord’s Taveners is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion among our workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination. Our workforce should be truly representative of all sections of society and the communities we serve.

Each employee should feel respected and able to give their best.

Our values: We Include, We Inspire and We Empower drive everything we do. 

About the Role

This is an exciting time to be joining the Lords Taverners as a Senior Corporate Partnership Manager. Over the last 2 years we have really grown our corporate fundraising portfolio and proposition, and we are now looking for someone to continue and build on the success we’ve had. Working alongside the Head of Corporate Partnerships, Trusts, and Foundations, you will be responsible for growing and maintaining our existing portfolio of Corporate Partnerships, as well as developing pipeline of new prospects to find the next set of partners to work with the charity.

By finding new and building on our existing pipeline of contacts with corporate foundations, to commercial partners and sponsorship opportunities linked to our charitable programmes and events programme, you will drive our corporate proposition forward and build on the success we have already had in this area of the income portfolio.

Benefits

- 25 days annual leave + Bank Holidays 

- Five additional holiday days between Christmas and New Year 

- Pension contribution of 6% 

- Group income protection (long-term incapacity pay) 

- Critical illness 

- Life assurance (death in service) 

- Health Cash Plan 

- Enhanced maternity and paternity leave pay 

- Employee Assistance Programme (Health Assured) 

- Two volunteering days 

- Birthday day off 

- Season ticket loan 

- Flexible working 

- Wellbeing plan 

Hybrid Expectations

This role is based out of HQ (London based) in a co-working space with other charity organisations. There is a minimum requirement to attend at least 2 days per week.

First Stage Interview

Friday 9th May

Second Stage Interview

Wednesday 14th May (AM)

At The Trust, every role plays a part in creating brighter futures for young people. As our new Funding & Compliance Manager, you’ll help ensure the funding that powers our life-changing programmes is managed accurately, efficiently, and in line with compliance standards.

You will oversee the preparation and submission of funding claims, manage internal audits, and lead on compliance reviews to support the integrity and impact of our work. Working closely with delivery teams, you’ll identify and resolve any compliance issues, provide clear processes and training to colleagues, and help drive continuous improvement across our services.

Your expertise will make a real difference. By safeguarding the funding and quality of our work, you’ll enable us to reach more young people with the support, training, and opportunities they deserve.

If you have strong experience in compliance monitoring, audits, reporting, and team management — and you're passionate about making a lasting impact — we would love to hear from you.

Together, we can help young people build a better future.

Are you a passionate and proven fundraiser looking for your next big challenge? Do you want your work to genuinely make a difference – not just today, but for generations to come? This is your chance to join a dynamic, mission-driven team and help shape the future of people and nature thriving together. 

The Role 
We’re looking for a talented, motivated Fundraising Officer to build and lead a new income stream. Reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with the leadership team, you’ll play a vital role in developing a fundraising strategy that supports our transformational programmes for people and planet. 

This is a unique opportunity to: 

• Craft compelling, high-impact funding bids to trusts, foundations, and statutory funders 

• Build meaningful relationships with donors who share our mission 

• Shape the future of fundraising at Bore Place – and help us grow a team around it 

• Join a culture of ‘can do’, where your ideas and drive can truly flourish 

You’ll Bring: 
✅ A strong track record in trust/foundation fundraising 
✅ Excellent bid writing and communication skills 
✅ Strategic thinking and analytical abilities to deliver results 
✅ A proactive, self-starting approach – ready to build something new 
✅ A real passion for sustainability, education, and social change 

Bonus if you have: 
✨ Experience in the environmental or charitable sector 
✨ Fundraising qualifications or relevant degree 

Why Join Us? 
This isn’t just another fundraising role. It’s your chance to be part of something meaningful – helping to build a better, more sustainable future by bringing people and nature back into balance. Plus, you’ll work in one of the most beautiful settings in Kent with a warm, collaborative team. 

About Free to Run

Free to Run’s mission is to advance gender equity globally through running. We are a registered nonprofit/nongovernmental organization that has been operating community-led programs for adolescent girls and young women since 2014. We are known for delivering long-term, youth-led, progressive running, leadership, rights, and health programs directly to girls and young women living in protracted conflict zones. However, the longer-term impact of our work is building enduring social change - decreasing barriers to public participation, increasing women in leadership, and making power structures more equitable and inclusive. Free to Run identifies as an organization working at the intersections of feminism, human rights, development, and humanitarian interventions.

The organization is in a position of significant growth, in terms of our strategy, reach, impact, and operating budget. In 2024, we embarked on a new three-year strategic plan that positions us to reach 50,000 people by 2026. We will meet this goal through our work across three strategic pillars: direct service (EMPOWER), capacity building for local, women-led NGOs (EQUIP), and building a global movement of activists who are passionate about gender equity and running (MOVE).

Position Overview

A new role within the organization, the Philanthropy Officer, Trusts and Foundations is responsible for identifying, building, and managing a (new) portfolio of trust, foundation, and grant funders from identification to stewardship, developing high-quality proposals, budgets, and reports. Alongside ownership of this portfolio, the Philanthropy Officer, Trusts and Foundations will support the broader Free to Run team with prospect research and assist with applications and reports for institutional/transformational funders.

This position offers a high degree of flexibility and would suit a proactive self-starter with a strong ability to self-manage to achieve goals and a demonstrated passion for the work of Free to Run.  This is a unique opportunity for an experienced trusts and foundations fundraiser to build and grow a new, high-potential portfolio from the ground up, with strong support from program and leadership teams.

While some support for larger institutional grants is part of the role, we are particularly seeking applicants with experience managing and growing portfolios of charitable trusts, private foundations, or family foundations, rather than institutional grant management alone.

This role reports to the Director of Development and Communications and is a part-time (20 hours per week), fully remote position. While Free to Run is registered in the U.S., our team is based around the world.

Core Accountabilities
 

1. Create and manage a portfolio of trust and foundation donors at the four- to five-figure level (60%)

• Take primary responsibility for developing, growing, and building strong relationships with a portfolio of trust/foundation/grant funders through the full donor cycle.

• Take an active role in meeting and exceeding annual income targets by developing strategies to maximize foundation and grant funding, regularly assessing progress, and reporting to senior management.

• Develop a formal pipeline of foundation funding opportunities for Free to Run

• Develop compelling, high-quality funding applications tailored to donor requirements, leveraging program data and impact narratives.

• Work with the Programs team to oversee budget tracking and reporting requirements for grants, ensuring accurate fund allocation, compliance with donor requirements, and timely submission of financial and impact reports.

• Collaborate with the global Free to Run team to identify and develop new funding opportunities and projects

2.  Support the process of donor qualification and prospect research (15%)

• Use research tools to support the ED and Development Team with in-depth prospect research profiles for individual major donor prospects, family foundations, and other prospective funders

3. Provide support to the Free to Run team with institutional grant applications (20%)

• Monitor grant tracking tools to identify and qualify new opportunities for institutional or transformational grants

• Keep up to date with the funder landscape and giving trends across multiple geographies 

• Support the ED and Programs with the development of grant applications, project budgets, or other related materials where needed

• Work with internal stakeholders to lead organizational grant tracking within the donor database (EveryAction), ensuring accurate documentation of all interactions, proposals, and gifts.

4.  Engage with the Free to Run Team (5%)

• Participate in weekly 1 on 1 meetings with manager

• Participate in performance planning, goal setting, and evaluation activities

• Liaise with key staff across functions of this position

• Attend team meetings and participate in strategic planning and evaluation meetings

Location

• This is a fully remote position that can be carried out from anywhere in the world. Travel may be required occasionally to attend fundraising events or organizational/donor meetings.
• For candidates outside the U.S., this role will be offered as an independent contractor position, allowing for flexible working hours and location.

Working Hours

• This position is a part-time role at 20 hours/week. The role offers a high degree of flexibility, although working hours may occasionally fluctuate outside regular core hours to attend meetings across time zones. 

Compensation

• The full-time equivalent (FTE) salary for this role is $45,000–$50,000 USD per year (approximately £35,500–£39,500 GBP based on current exchange rates). The actual salary will be pro rata based on 50% FTE, i.e., $22,500–$25,000 per year, and will be paid in USD.

Experience and Competencies

Below is what we are looking for as we evaluate applications.  Candidates don’t need to have all these experiences and competencies but should be able to display strengths across multiple areas. 

Language: 

• English (full fluency required, written and spoken)

Experience

• 3+ years of experience successfully managing a portfolio of charitable trusts, private or family foundations, or similar funders, with a proven track record of securing and stewarding gifts in the $5,000–$100,000 range

• Direct experience crafting tailored funding applications, budgets, and impact reports for US, UK, or international philanthropic funders, in collaboration with Programs teams

• Confidence in independently managing the full donor lifecycle — from prospecting and cultivation to application, reporting, and stewardship

• A demonstrable track record of developing long-term relationships with grantmakers or major donors

• Experience in prospect identification and research using relevant tools and databases

• Familiarity with the funding and donor landscape in the UK, EU, North America, and/or MENA region

• Experience using a CRM system for fundraising (EveryAction or similar) to manage donor records, track proposals, and support donor stewardship

Skills and Competencies

• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to write compelling and persuasive cases for support

• Ability to effectively convey the impact of social justice, gender equity, and the power of running, hiking, and outdoor sport in driving positive change

• Ability to think creatively and spot opportunities for new or increased funding

• A results-oriented mindset with the ability to self-organize, meet deadlines, and deliver on goals

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with people from diverse racial, ethnic, geographic, religious, sexual orientation, gender, and generational backgrounds

• Interest in international girls’, women’s, and human rights or running/outdoor sports 

Free to Run is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We don’t just accept differences — we celebrate, support and thrive on them for the benefit of our team, our programs, and our organizational strength. We are proud to be an affirmative action employer, committed to diversity, equity and inclusion of ALL people in our hiring and employment practices. We encourage applications from people who have non-dominant identities based on race, ethnicity, migration status, ability, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic class, etc.

Governance Manager

Home/Office Based (Matlock)

Fixed, 37.5 hour per week permanent contract

£45,560 - £53,600 per annum

Our Governance Manager is responsible for managing and coordinating all governance work, providing support to the Board, CEO and Executive Team in all matters relating to governance and in particular for the Board and Committee meetings.

You’ll ensure that transactional activities are accurately completed within specified timeframes and co-ordinate all committees of the YHA Board and advise on and implement good governance practice.

Why work for YHA?

Join our team and enjoy a range of exclusive staff benefits that support your well-being and career growth:

• 10 nights free hostel stays per year for you and up to 3 friends or family
• Access to YHA’s staff discount and cash back portal
• Free YHA Membership each year
• Access to support via our Employee Assistance Program

What will you be doing?

• Lead and advising on all matters relating to governance including the constitution, memorandum and articles of association, standing orders and codes of conduct, including leading the implementation of any changes agreed by the Board.
• Provide best practice governance advice and support to the Chair, Board, CEO and Executive team, ensuring regulatory/codes of practice compliance, ongoing review of consultations on charity governance and promoting good governance in practice.
• Provide governance support to the Board, Audit and Risk Committee, Finance Committee, People, Remuneration, Impact and Engagement Committee, and the National Officers and Committee Chairs meeting and any other meetings linked to governance.
• Monitor changes in relevant governance legislation and the regulatory environment and take appropriate action.
• Project manage the organisation and delivery of the Annual General Meeting
• Plan and co-ordinate the annual Trustee induction programme.
• Responsible for the administration of the Company, for example: maintaining statutory company records and making the appropriate governance filings to Companies House and the Charity Commission.
• You’ll be the Company Secretary for YHA (England and Wales) and YHA Trading Limited.
• Assist the CEO and Executive with internal and external promotion, PR or other publications and events as required and particularly in relation to corporate governance and Board related issues.
• Develop relationships of trust and confidence, working pro-actively with the Chair, individual Board members, the CEO, Executive team, and external lawyers, where appropriate. You’ll be key in liaising between National Office teams and Board members.

What Skills and Experience do you need?

• Experience of providing governance support at Board level.
• Chartered Membership of the Chartered Governance Institute (or equivalent) or studying towards the qualification or suitable other experience. Experience of working independently, pro-actively and sensitively with senior stakeholders (Chair, CEO, Board members, Exec directors).
• Excellent project management skills and experience.
• Project team leadership skills and experience.
• Experience of budgetary control.
• Experience and in-depth knowledge of corporate and charity governance, including of company secretary functional requirements.
• Friendly, supportive, authoritative and approachable with the ability to adapt communication style to build positive relationships and provide proactive support for internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
• Able to take comprehensive and accurate minutes at speed.
• Able to adapt written communication style to deal with formal Board and governance communications, but equally at home with more informal communications when appropriate.
• Good level of IT skills particularly Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint and a working knowledge of portals for distributing and viewing board and committee papers.
• Very well organised, self-motivated and able to demonstrate initiative, to deal authoritatively with providing best practice advice, peaks and troughs in workload, and conflicting priorities including between departments and individuals.
• Able and willing to flex hours worked in order to cover Board and AGM meeting at weekends and frequent evenings and occasional early mornings (for committee meetings and distribution of Board and Committee papers) and travel to hostels throughout the network to support Board and other meetings, for which Time Off in Lieu will be provided.
• Flexible and adaptable, and willing to support the Chair, Board, CEO, Executive Team, and External Affairs Team.
• A good understanding of charity governance, operational and departmental organisation and requirements.
• A discreet and trusted confidante and source of advice for the Chair and CEO when needed, including tactful handling of sensitive/political issues.
• An advocate of YHA at all times, supporting our charitable object, vision and HEART values.
• Holds a current driving licence or able to travel independently, including to rural locations. For more information about the role and the skills and experience required, please refer to the job description.

At YHA, we understand the richness of life experiences, and we place just as much importance on lived experiences as we do on skills and knowledge. We provide a robust induction, ongoing training, and opportunities for personal growth. While certain roles may require specific skills, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Who are YHA?

YHA is a social enterprise with a mission to enrich the lives of all, especially young people. YHA does this by providing brilliant hostel stays and experiences that improve physical health, mental wellbeing and life skills.

Special Olympics GB is a charity dedicated to providing year-round training and competition for
children and adults with intellectual disabilities. We are much more than just a sports organisation – we are a movement that breaks down barriers, fosters inclusion, and changes lives. With over 10,000 athletes, 6000 volunteers, and 100+ accredited clubs across England, Scotland, and Wales, we are committed to creating opportunities for everyone to thrive through sport.

Our athletes are at the heart of everything we do – they are inspirational, courageous, passionate, and insightful, embodying the core values of Special Olympics GB every single day. This is your opportunity to be part of something truly special and contribute to an organisation that creates real impact at a grassroots level.

About the Roles

• Hours: 35 hours per week (full-time) – flexible options negotiable
• Salary: £25,000 - £28,000 per annum
• Location: Home-based with regular travel
• Contract: 2 years with possible extension dependent on funding
• Benefits: Flexible working, generous Time Off in Lieu policy, annual CPD/training investment, employer’s pension scheme, 25 days annual leave + bank holidays + birthday leave, employee health scheme, and opportunities to attend exciting, inclusivity-driven events.

As part of our small yet ambitious and agile team, you will work closely with the Head of Network, our Accredited Clubs/Programmes, and Volunteers to drive grassroots development, build community engagement, and enhance opportunities for athletes.

Who We’re Looking For

We want to hear from you if you are:

• Passionate about inclusion and making a difference in people’s lives
• A great communicator who enjoys working with volunteers, athletes, and families incommunities
• Adaptable, agile and proactive, with the ability to troubleshoot and solve problems effectively
• Dedicated to personal growth and career development
• Driven by values that promote social change through sport

The Opportunity of a Lifetime

This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to be part of a global movement that empowers individuals, builds confidence, and fosters lifelong friendships. The journey is great, but the rewards are even greater. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of something truly life-changing.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your CV (2 pages)and a cover letter (1-2 pages) detailing:

• Why Special Olympics GB? Why do you want to join us now, and why are you the right person for the role?
• What impact do you hope to make in the role? How do you see yourself contributing to Special Olympics GB and the role you are applying for?
• Why should we choose you? Highlight your skills, knowledge, experience, and determination that make you the best fit.

Please tailor your application to the role—generic or combined applications will not be considered.

Key Dates

•  Application deadline: Sunday 27th April 2025, 9pm
•  Interview Stages: Stage 1 – week beginning 19th May 2025, Stage 2 week beginning 2nd June 2025
•  Final decision: Week beginning 9th June 2025

We are committed to equality and diversity and encourage all candidates who meet the job role requirements to apply. Please note that applicants will need to provide evidence of their right to live and work in the UK and will be required to undertake a DBS check .

We will only contact candidates selected for interviews.
No agency contact, please.
​For job role specifics, please see the Job Descriptions.

Be part of a movement that changes lives. Apply today!

Join our dynamic Communications team and be part of a rare opportunity to shape the narratives and visuals that amplify the life-changing initiatives of 1625 Independent People. If you're passionate about crafting powerful communications that make a difference, this is your chance to affect change and leave a lasting impression.

Please find full details of how to apply via our website in the advert below. The deadline for application submissions is 23:59 Thursday 08 May 2025.

We are striving to better represent the young people we support and therefore are particularly keen to increase applications from minoritized ethnic groups, Muslim and male candidates as they are currently under-represented in our organisation. We also encourage applications from people with relevant lived experience. 

If you need an adjustment to be made to any part of the recruitment process, please let us know as soon as possible. 

Who are we?

We are a leading youth homelessness charity based in the Southwest, working with over 1,500 young people. At 1625ip we are driven by Social Justice and Passion: we strive to do something that matters and take pride in seeing the results of our work in social outcomes and improving young people’s lives.

What you will be doing:

• By being empathetic and seeking to understanding the complex needs of homeless young people, young people leaving care, and the barriers they face, you will work with them and their support workers to tell their stories. 
• Utilising your creative skill’s, you will create branded collateral that supports a variety of campaigns and events.
• Through your enthusiasm, you will be able to work on own initiative but also alongside your team, ensuring all communications are suitable for specific audiences. 
• By being detail orientated you will be managing a variety of platforms including the website and all social media channels.
• You build strong relationships both internally and externally; you communicate excellently, and you influence others externally to support 1625 Independent People

You will be in Fundraising and Communications Team and your line manager will be our Communications and Community Fundraising Manager.

At 1625 we are led by our Competency Development Framework. This connects our values to our behaviours in everything we do and gives us the tools to develop. The framework ensures our recruitment is better informed, applications and interviews are behaviourally based, and job profiles are developed on the ‘how’ of a job. 

If you have transferrable skills and you are interested in this role, but you are worried about the application process, please get in touch with us. We encourage you to have an informal chat with the recruiting manager to discuss how your personal or professional experience and skills could be transferred to this role. Details of how you can do that are further down in this advert.

Contract details 

• Hours per week: 37.5 (this represents 1 FTE)
• Contract type: 1 year contract (Maternity Cover)
• Pay: £27,852 - £29,439 per annum 
• The location: Kingsley Hall, Old Market - there is also flexibility and support to manage working from home. We currently meet as a team 2 days a week at Kingsley Hall. 

A few benefits at 1625ip

In return for your dedication, we offer:

• A generous annual leave entitlement of 30 days per annum plus all Bank Holidays
• Employee Health Cash Plan with HSF
• A supportive and approachable team with an emphasis on colleague wellbeing 
• “1625 Independent People is an amazing organisation, and I feel very lucky to work here”, Colleague Wellbeing Survey 2024.
• “I couldn’t be happier with the opportunities and support I have received in my career progression that has led me to my dream job!” See what other colleagues have said about their career development with us, on the vacancy page of our website. 
• 1625ip is a Disability Confident Employer.
• Flexible working

Important dates

• Application deadline closes: 23:59 Thursday 08 May 2025.
• If you have not heard from us by the end of the day on Wednesday 14 May 2025, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. 
• Interviews are on Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 May 2025. 

Application information

Ready to see yourself in this rewarding role? We can’t wait to hear from you.

• To access the Job Pack and submit an application, please visit the vacancy page on our website.
• You will be asked to answer 3 questions at the end of the Word application form. These are required to ensure your application can be shortlisted. 
• Please note the online e-application form cannot be saved so we recommend you prepare your Word application form before you start filling in the e-form.
• Please get in touch with us if a hard copy of the application form would be preferred. We will organise a time for you to collect it from and return it to Kingsley Hall (our main office in Old Market). An online application will then be created for you. 

Equitable opportunities for everyone

We believe those with a criminal record should have an equal chance to become employees or volunteers and encourage applications. 

As an organisation who safeguard and promote the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk, any job offer will depend on a satisfactory DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. Successful candidates will need to provide our organisation with sufficient documentation to prove ID. We comply fully with the DBS code of practice and undertake to treat all applications for positions fairly. For successful candidates with a criminal record, a risk assessment process will take place with the recruiting manager.

We also pride ourselves on being an equitable opportunities employer for everyone regardless of age, disability, gender identity, race, religion and beliefs, sex and sexual orientation. We have committed to being a Disability Confident Employer, and have made the Menopause Workplace, Mental Health at Work, and Bristol Equality Charter pledges.

Please see our Policies section on the website, for further information.   

Special Olympics GB is a charity dedicated to providing year-round training and competition for
children and adults with intellectual disabilities. We are much more than just a sports organisation – we are a movement that breaks down barriers, fosters inclusion, and changes lives. With over 10,000 athletes, 6000 volunteers, and 100+ accredited clubs across England, Scotland, and Wales, we are committed to creating opportunities for everyone to thrive through sport.

Our athletes are at the heart of everything we do – they are inspirational, courageous, passionate, and insightful, embodying the core values of Special Olympics GB every single day. This is your opportunity to be part of something truly special and contribute to an organisation that creates real impact at a grassroots level.

About the Roles

• Hours: 35 hours per week (full-time) – flexible options negotiable
• Salary: £25,000 - £28,000 per annum
• Location: Home-based with regular travel
• Contract: 2 years with possible extension dependent on funding
• Benefits: Flexible working, generous Time Off in Lieu policy, annual CPD/training investment, employer’s pension scheme, 25 days annual leave + bank holidays + birthday leave, employee health scheme, and opportunities to attend exciting, inclusivity-driven events.

As part of our small yet ambitious and agile team, you will work closely with the Head of Network, our Accredited Clubs/Programmes, and Volunteers to drive grassroots development, build community engagement, and enhance opportunities for athletes.

Who We’re Looking For

We want to hear from you if you are:

• Passionate about inclusion and making a difference in people’s lives
• A great communicator who enjoys working with volunteers, athletes, and families incommunities
• Adaptable, agile and proactive, with the ability to troubleshoot and solve problems effectively
• Dedicated to personal growth and career development
• Driven by values that promote social change through sport

The Opportunity of a Lifetime

This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to be part of a global movement that empowers individuals, builds confidence, and fosters lifelong friendships. The journey is great, but the rewards are even greater. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of something truly life-changing.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your CV (2 pages)and a cover letter (1-2 pages) detailing:

• Why Special Olympics GB? Why do you want to join us now, and why are you the right person for the role?
• What impact do you hope to make in the role? How do you see yourself contributing to Special Olympics GB and the role you are applying for?
• Why should we choose you? Highlight your skills, knowledge, experience, and determination that make you the best fit.

Please tailor your application to the role—generic or combined applications will not be considered.

Key Dates

•  Application deadline: Sunday 27th April 2025, 9pm
•  Interview Stages: Stage 1 – week beginning 19th May 2025, Stage 2 week beginning 2nd June 2025
•  Final decision: Week beginning 9th June 2025

We are committed to equality and diversity and encourage all candidates who meet the job role requirements to apply. Please note that applicants will need to provide evidence of their right to live and work in the UK and will be required to undertake a DBS check .

We will only contact candidates selected for interviews.
No agency contact, please.
For job role specifics, please see the Job Descriptions.

Be part of a movement that changes lives. Apply today!

About us 

The Early Education and Childcare Coalition unites the voices of parents, children, providers, early years professionals and the wider business community, working together for investment and reform of early education and childcare in England. 

We believe that we all benefit from investing in early education and childcare, and we all have a role to play in shaping a system that delivers for children, families and the economy. 

We are backed by some of the most high-profile campaign and research organisations in England. Our members include early years provider membership bodies, parent campaign groups, early childhood experts, trade unions, the business lobby, anti-poverty campaigners and NGOs. Together, we use our collective voice and research to build public and political support for early education and childcare.

And it’s worked. Thanks to the dedication of our members, early years is now one of the top six priorities for the new government’s Plan for Change, but our work isn’t done – we have an ambitious agenda to ‘rescue and reform’ the system, ensuring that: 

• every child can access high-quality education and care that their parents can afford and that will support them to thrive 

• every provider is funded fairly for the places they offer 

• every early years professional is rewarded and recognised for the skilled work they do 

About the role

We are now recruiting a Senior Research and Policy Officer on a fixed-term contract to help drive our aims during this exciting period. 

• Hours: 37.5 hours (5 days per week). Some out-of-hours work may be required for which TOIL will be given. 

• Duration: One-year contract with possible extension subject to funding. 

• Location: Home-working but located in Greater Manchester 

• Salary: £44,755 per annum 

Your time will be split between two key strands of work: 

• Our core research and policy function which responds to emerging early years policy, government consultations and shapes our own original research 

• A ‘test and learn’ pilot on workforce development. 

The former will require you to have a good grasp of mixed research methods, some understanding of the challenges facing early education and childcare, as well as a good understanding of the political and economic climate we’re working in. Naturally, you should be able to produce clear and compelling briefings that can be of use to policymakers and our members. 

The latter is an exciting new project that is a key output in our three-year programme, ‘Building the Early Education Workforce in England’. It will see you partner with combined authorities, think tanks and coalition partners. You will need to be comfortable handling data in this role.

We are a fully remote organisation, but ideally you should be based in Greater Manchester where the ‘test and learn’ pilot is being conducted. This will be important in building relationships with providers and local authorities that are participating in the project. 

We work flexibly and it won’t come as a surprise to you that we understand the challenge of caring commitments. We trust you to manage your time, but as a minimum requirement, we expect you to be available on Thursday mornings for our staff meeting. As a remote team this helps us to stay in touch and connect. 

The Coalition has experienced significant growth over the last two years and with early years firmly on the political agenda, we expect this to continue. Our hope is that this role will evolve and the successful candidate will continue to progress within this growing and impactful organisation. 

For the last two years, the Coalition has been incubated by the Women’s Budget Group, the UK’s leading feminist economic think tank. Our growth means that we are now ready to spin out into a separate and independent legal entity. That means that your employment contract will initially be with WBG on behalf of the Coalition but will then transfer across to the newly constituted organisation. This won’t change your role, your terms or your pay, but we want to tell you now. We are happy to answer questions at interview about that. 

What you can expect to be doing 

• Use detailed knowledge of quantitative and qualitative methodologies to produce policy papers  and reports on topics relevant to the Coalition’s aims 

• Work closely with our Associate Director of Research and Coproduction, to deliver our ‘test and learn’ pilot analysing data from local authorities and early years providers and codesigning the final outputs with stakeholders. 

• Support our response to key fiscal events including the Spending Review 

• Work with Coalition members to promote shared learning of innovative practices and coordinate joint research 

• Maintain awareness and knowledge of research and policy literature related to early education and childcare 

• Support the advocacy and communications team with the dissemination of research and policy 

About you 

You will have experience in a research or policy role where you’ve been responsible for responding to government policy, producing briefings and reports, and shaping future research. Given the nature of coalition-working, experience of working with a broad range of stakeholders would be beneficial, as would any experience of codesigning policy solutions, although this is not essential.

We are looking for someone who is comfortable handling data and using data to make policy recommendations. Experience of working on public service reform would be a bonus. 

Person specification 

Essential 

• Educated to degree level in social sciences and/or demonstrable research experience in public service reform issues 

• Experience of data collation and statistical analysis, working with large datasets and data analysis packages 

• Experience of working in research within an applied setting 

• Knowledge and experience of analysing and summarising quantitative and qualitative research 

• Comfortable with remote-working with the ability to work on own initiative 

• Commitment to the aims of the EECC and our principles. 

• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to write reports for a policy audience 

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and in person with a range of different audiences 

• Experience of liaising with a wide range of stakeholders in the context of a research and policy project 

Desirable 

• Experience of leading on research projects 

• Experience of working on codesigned projects 

• Some knowledge of the challenges facing the early education and childcare system 

• Experience of stakeholder engagement or engaging research participants

The application process 

Please apply with CV and cover letter by the listed closing date. No agencies please. We are using anonymous recruitment via Charity Jobs so please apply via that process.

The EECC is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We use anonymous recruiting during the application process and we use positive action under section 159 of the Equality Act in relation to disability or race. This means that if we have two candidates of equal merit in our process, we will seek to take forward the disabled or Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic candidate in order to diversify our staff team. 

Please note we can only consider applications from candidates with the right to work in the UK.

We regret that our small team does not have capacity to respond to unsuccessful applicants individually. 

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 12th May

Interviews: w/c 19th May 

Start date: ASAP 

Be the voice that drives change. Be the bridge between families and prison healthcare.
For too long, families and carers have been shut out of the prison healthcare system, unable to support their loved ones when they need it most. Yet, their knowledge, experience, and insight are invaluable. When families are involved, outcomes improve—for prisoners, families, the NHS, and the criminal justice system as a whole.

That’s where Listen to Families London comes in. This groundbreaking project, commissioned by NHS London, is transforming how prison healthcare services engage with families and carers. Over the past two years, we’ve gathered the voices of more than 1,500 people, ensuring their experiences shape better healthcare in prisons.

The Role: Champion Lived Experience, Drive Real Change

We are looking for an inspiring individual to take this pioneering initiative to the next level. This is a rare opportunity to work at the intersection of healthcare, justice, and lived experience—ensuring that families and carers are not just heard, but listened to.

You will lead a dynamic project that operates in a quarterly cycle of listening, feedback, and action—working directly with families, NHS teams, prison services, and policymakers to make real, lasting improvements in prison healthcare.

At the heart of this project is our Family Team—a group of people with lived experience of supporting loved ones in prison. You will ensure their voices remain central to everything we do, consulting and involving them at every stage.

What We’re Looking For

We need a strategic thinker, a powerful communicator, and a fearless advocate. You’ll have:

• Experience leading service user involvement or public voice programmes.
• A deep understanding of the criminal justice system, prison healthcare, or both.
• The ability to engage with families from diverse backgrounds—understanding their struggles, frustrations, and hopes.
• Confidence to work at a senior level, influencing NHS decision-makers and challenging the system where necessary.
• We strongly encourage applications from people with lived experience—whether you’ve had a family member in prison, or have been in prison yourself.

Why This Role Matters

This is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to challenge, influence, and change the way prison healthcare services work. If you are passionate about amplifying the voices of families, breaking down barriers, and creating a more just and compassionate system, we want to hear from you.

Join us. Be the voice that makes a difference. Apply today.

Organisation:

Pact is a highly respected independent charity, working across England and Wales to develop and deliver a range of innovative services. We provide practical and emotional support to prisoner’s children and families, to prisoners and those who have resettled back into the community. Our work is founded on core values, the first of which is a belief in the innate dignity of every human being, and our work focusses on human relationships, family and community. We are committed to achieving high standards of quality in all that we do.

What we offer:

Pact offers a range of benefits including a free advice, information and counselling service, contributory pension, corporate eye care scheme, cycle to work scheme and generous holiday entitlement. You will have the opportunity to attend training events to further develop yourself as a professional training and interventions worker. You will undergo a thorough induction process and be supported by a friendly and enthusiastic team.

How to apply:

If you feel that you meet the requirements of this exciting new role please complete an application form by clicking the 'apply now' button.

Other information:

Pact is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all applications including those with a criminal conviction (appointment to post is subject to a risk assessment).
This post is subject to a 6-month probationary period, verification of identity and proven right to work in the UK, satisfactory references from previous employers covering a 3-year period, declaration of any unspent criminal convictions (and where appropriate a satisfactory risk assessment), Prison Vetting and a Disclosure and Barring Service check. Please note that being bankrupt or having County Court Judgments may affect your ability to be successfully vetted to work in a prison.

You may also have experience in the following: Director of Family Engagement and Advocacy, Family and Carer Liaison Manager, Head of Family Involvement in Prison Healthcare, Family Voice and Support Programme Lead, Senior Manager, Prison Family Services, Director of Prison Healthcare Advocacy, Family and Justice Liaison Director, Lead Advocate for Families in Prison Healthcare, Prison Healthcare Family Relations Manager, Strategic Lead for Family Engagement in Criminal Justice, ETC.

REF-220 962

We are commissioned to carry out Quality Checks of support services where people with a disability or mental ill health live, including Supported Living settings, Residential Homes, Day Services, Assessment and Treatment units and individual homes. The purpose of the Quality Checks is to ensure that people who live in these settings are safe, and living healthy, happy and meaningful lives and that the support they receive is appropriate to their needs.

All our Quality Checks involve a Quality Checker (an Expert by Experience) with lived experience of disability or mental ill health working alongside a Quality Checking Coordinator.  On visits, we talk with people living in these settings to gather information regarding their quality of life and the quality of care and support they have.

The Coordinator’s role is to organise the checks and facilitate them on the day, whilst the Expert by Experience asks most of the questions. The Coordinator is responsible for compiling all the information gathered during the Quality Check and producing a report which is shared with the Provider and Commissioners. The Coordinator also has line management responsibility for a small number of the quality checkers on the team.

As part of this role, you will also provide floating coordination support for a range of other projects.

Hours and pay:

Hours: 26 hours per week

Pension: IG operates the NEST pension scheme and will contribute 3% subject to qualifying status

Salary: FTE (£29,444.46) pro rata, or £15.10 per hour.

Location: Railway House, Bruton Way, Gloucester, GL1 1DG and offsite at locations across and occasionally outside of Gloucestershire.  There is the opportunity to work flexibly from home when not engaged in onsite visits.

Holiday: 28 days + bank holidays pro rata

We are proud to have been recognised with an Inclusive Employer award but realise that people from some backgrounds are under-represented in our workforce and across the wider charity sector. A more diverse workforce will enable us to deliver even more impact, and we particularly encourage applications from communities which are currently underrepresented. This includes people from ethnically diverse communities, people with lived experience of disability or mental ill health, and people who are neurodiverse.

 For further information or an informal chat about the role, please contact: Emily Luckham.

Please note we do not accept CVs, although you are welcome to attach your CV with your application form. Applications that are entirely generated by artificial intelligence will not be shortlisted, please ensure that you are referencing your own experience.

You can find an application form and job description on our website, or please emai our info address.

Closing date for completed applications: 28th April at midnight.

 Shortlisting: 30th April

 Intended Interview date:  8th/9th May

Charity Number – 1171559

An application form will be included in the Job Pack. We do not accept CVs without an application form.

This role isn’t funded by National Lottery funds or any other funds raised through the proceeds of a lottery, gambling or through interest or investments