Challenge events officer jobs

The Community Fundraising Manager plays a key part in delivering our ambitious Charity strategy, linking the hospital charity, NHS staff members, and the local community. This role will join a collaborative and energetic team, with line management responsibility for two Fundraising Coordinators, who raise funds from a variety of sources including events, community fundraisers and individual giving.

Relationship management is key to this role, along with the ability to connect with people on a very personal level, with compassion.

You’ll inspire and bring out the best in your team and our supporters, helping them to achieve their fundraising goals.

You will understand supporters’ motivations and help them to support Newcastle Hospitals Charity in the way that appeals to them.

An excellent communicator; you will provide fundraising guidance; suitably recognise their contribution; and demonstrate the impact of their support.

You will deliver exceptional donor stewardship that meaningfully connects with supporters and grows our supporter base, whilst developing a robust prospect pipeline.

Friends Provident Foundation is a small, independent, endowed charity based in York with a big ambition to build a fair economy and better world. We strive to challenge the way the current economic system operates and provide funding to an ecosystem of organisations that believe in making the system more equitable, just and accountable.

We are seeking a Grants Manager to join our small, friendly team.

As Grants Manager you will play an important role in the Foundation’s work to support our partner organisations in building a better economy, primarily through grant giving. This role will be vital in the delivery of our funding strategy.

We are looking for someone who has significant experience of autonomous project management, of managing relationships and of working in an organisation that has received or made grants previously. We need someone who is highly organised, a good communicator, good at making judgements and decisions, and who can handle conversations with the public with sensitivity and tact. This is an office-based or hybrid role, working at least one day per week from our office in central York, and involves some occasional travel within the UK to attend Trustee meetings and other events.

If you share our values and ambitions and are interested in joining our team please visit our website via the Apply button to download the application pack.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer, where equity and social justice is one of our central domains in creating a fair economy. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds including age, disability, class, race, sexuality, and gender identity. If you have a disability and would like to request an application form in a different format, or discuss your application at any point, please contact us.

Please note: Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in the UK, as we are not able to offer visa sponsorship.

Deadline for applications: 7 May 2025

Head of Philanthropy
Hours: 4 days per week (30 hours)
Salary: £42,000 (per annum pro rata)
Location: Berkhamsted, Herts.
Contract: FTC (6 months)
 
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Head of Philanthropy on an initial 6 month fixed term contract basis, working for a high performing and well-respected Hospice in the South East.

As Head of Philanthropy at The Hospice of St Francis, you will be accountable for the planning and delivery of at least £1.5 million annually and stewarding legacy income. You will curate a new vision for philanthropy bringing in new donors, funding vehicles and new five and six figure gifts. Develop and deliver an ambitious philanthropy strategy, driving sustainable income growth.

You will cultivate relationships with a range of donors creating high quality donor experiences, from exclusive events to visits that showcase our work. A credible ambassador, you will invest time in listening to supporters and partners to build networks and enhance trust and confidence in donation.

We are seeking a proactive, results-driven leader with strong financial acumen. You will have a creative and entrepreneurial mindset, with experience exploring innovative fundraising models and a proven track record in securing six figure gifts from individuals, trusts and foundations. You will bring relevant experience in Philanthropy from the third/ charitable sector.

The Hospice of St Francis is a charity with a powerful history and has provided outstanding hospice care for over 45 years. Rated ‘Outstanding’ by the CQC The Hospice helps 2,000 local people and their families in Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire, to live their lives well. Care is tailored to individual’s needs, supporting people managing or recovering from, serious illness. The Hospice works to deliver care at the Hospice, at Home, or in their Health and Wellbeing Centre. The work of the Hospice is vital – to the people they support, their families and to the community.

The Hospice works in collaboration with the NHS, other hospices and local councils to generate funding and to ensure it is easier for people to get the palliative and end of life care they need. Fundraising is crucial to the continuation of the services provided with c81% of monies coming in via gifts from the community.

This If this is the right challenge for you, we would love to hear from you.  

For further information and a confidential call, please contact Joe Joyce and Natasha Parmar at Finegreen

 

We are thrilled to be working in partnership with Honeypot Children’s Charity who are looking for a Corporate and Community Fundraising Executive responsible for maximising fundraising income from a pipeline of existing, and new, corporate partners and community groups.

With headquarters in London, and three respite houses situated in the South of England, Wales and Scotland, Honeypot supports young carers aged 5 to 12 years old, who perform a surrogate adult role as a carer for a loved one, often single-handedly, and whose wellbeing is at significant risk, leading to anxiety, isolation, poor confidence, and low self-esteem.

Reporting to the Senior Corporate Partnerships Manager, you will be responsible for growing support from businesses (currently 30 small corporates) plus local groups. You’ll manage existing partners and build new relationships to hit a £150K annual target. 

The successful candidate will:

• Have a minimum of two years’ experience in Fundraising
• Demonstrate strong relationship-building and networking skills.
• Have excellent communication skills (verbal and written) with the ability to deliver persuasive and dynamic presentations.
• Be analytical in approach to tracking performance and impact.
• Bring a creative approach, to create persuasive employee engagement and CSR campaigns, and exciting community events and fundraising campaigns that inspire support. 
• Ensure attention to detail and maintain accurate records of donor and sponsorship activities on CRM system with good working knowledge of MS Office

If you are target driven and ambitious, can work effectively on your own, and as part of a team, have good knowledge of fundraising regulations and best practices, and are happy to work flexible hours then please get in touch.

Please note: that you will be required to travel easily within the London area to attend community and corporate events.

For more information, please contact Louise Portnall, Recruitment Consultant, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Your application should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.

Location: Hammersmith, London – hybrid, minimum 2 days per week in office​Closing date for applications: 24 May 2025

However, applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis, so please apply without delay to avoid disappointment

Goodman Masson are delighted to be partnered with the Black Researcher Consortium to recruit for their Chair of the Board.

The Black Researcher Consortium is a newly formed community interest company (C.I.C.), designed, developed and built by people with Black heritage, for people with Black heritage. The Consortium objects are to address the systemic under-representation of Black researchers across educational institutions, research organisations, government, and industry environments in collaboration with Black researchers, Black-led community initiatives and all those bridging the systemic gap, connecting Black researchers.

As the Chair, you will be responsible for overseeing appraisal process for board members and consortium director.

Main Responsibilities Include:

• Lead the Board in ensuring it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the Consortium
• Work in partnership with any executive directors
• Carry out an annual appraisal of the Executive Directors
• Chair the Board meetings and Annual General Meeting
• Represent the Consortium at events and on other related boards or working parties

Essentials:

• Prior experience as a Chair
• Ability to adopt an inclusive chairing style

Monthly working pattern: 4 board meetings, 1-2 strategy days, and committee meetings, amounting to 3 days a month.

Salary: £4,680 per annum

Application Process:

To apply for the role please submit an updated CV along with your response (no more than 300 words to each question) to the following questions to Dan Kelner at Goodman Masson:

Video submissions are accepted as answers to these questions as well. Please do try to limit to around a minute long due to file size restrictions, please send these to also.

Questions:

• Culture, community, and collaboration have been key in the background to BRC thus far, can you tell us what actions you have undertaken in any arena that will help us to achieve a welcoming and inclusive panel, committee, or board.
• As a new organisation, the BRC will face numerous strategic challenges including navigating a complex external political environment, but also internal challenges in navigating and defining our own mission. Can you identify some of the challenges you anticipate for us and any experience you have had in addressing challenges in other arenas.
• In addressing the underrepresentation of Black researchers, a big part of the role of Chair will be in representing the Consortium in a public arena which does not always shine a positive light on initiatives like the BRC. Can you tell us about an experience of facing adversity when acting in a professional capacity in a public arena on a highly scrutinised topic?
• Please feel free to add any other comments that you think might be useful in understand what you will contribute to the role of Chair of the Board

Timelines:

• Q&A session on Thursday evening the 30^th of April Via Microsoft Teams (contact for an invite)
• Application deadline is 5^th of May
• First interviews are on 19^th of May
• Second interviews are on 2^nd of June

In our company values we aim for equity at all stages of the recruitment process, please let us know if we can do anything to make the process more accessible to you.

Winston’s Wish is a digital first organisation leading the way in Digital Transformation across the Bereavement sector. This role is new and exciting and will play a vital part in helping Winston’s Wish turn up the dial across our high value fundraising.

The Head of High Value Fundraising is responsible for delivering and significantly growing income from Corporate Partnerships, Philanthropy and Trusts and Grants. Leading a team of committed fundraisers, you will develop a robust strategy that delivers mutually beneficial partnerships, outstanding supporter relationships and long-term sustainable income.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES  

Specific Duties 

Leadership

• To lead and inspire the high value team fostering a collaborative and high culture that delivers against income and objectives
• Provide clear and supportive leadership that motivates staff to achieve, develop and grow in their roles
• Undertake quarterly reviews for all direct reports

High Value Fundraising

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with high-value donors, ensuring effective solicitation, stewardship, and follow-up to secure significant contributions (six-figure gifts)
• Build and maintain a portfolio of Trust & Grants supporters. Responsible for researching, approaching and developing compelling applications with a focus on ensuring Trusts & Grants provide a long-term, diverse and sustainable income stream
• Lead the development and stewardship of the Philanthropy board to identify and secure transformational (6-7 figure) gifts and the development of the Business development Board to open opportunities with Corporate Partners
• Write and design a compelling case for support that is tailored to our High Value audiences
• Build a portfolio of corporate partners, including securing high-value, multi-year partnerships. You will work with the team to grow this income stream from prospecting, approaches, applications, pitches, stewardship and providing excellent account management
• Lead on planning and delivering successful high value cultivation events

• Represent Winston’s Wish at fundraising events and meetings with internal and external stakeholders

Strategy, Planning and reporting

• To create and implement a strategy including corporate partnerships, trusts & foundations and major donors
• Lead on developing and delivering effective stewardship journeys and cultivation plans
• Produce regular reports on fundraising activity, analysing performance against targets, and identifying areas for improvement and growth.
• Work with the Director of Income Generation and the Head of Mass Participation Fundraising to develop the annual budget, including leading on monthly performance reports and contributing to quarterly reforecasts and reporting against KPI’s and milestones
• Undertake research and make use of tools to identify potential High Value partners.

Collaboration

• Work closely with the Director of Income Generation, Head of Mass Participation Fundraising, SLT and other teams to maximise high value fundraising opportunities
• Work with the Marketing team to deliver urgent and compelling high value messages tailed for the different audiences
• Work with the Trustees to build networks and increase the reach of Winston’s Wish

 

All Staff

• Contribute to the vision and mission of Winston's Wish; whilst embedding the values into your daily work activities. 
• Promote equality of opportunity, diversity and anti-racism in accordance with Winston’s Wish policies. 
• Contribute to the overall success of the charity’s fundraising needs by providing case studies, attending events and adding value to the experience of our supporters as required.
• Contribute to the brand and reach of the charity by working alongside our Marketing & Communications Team when relevant press opportunities arise or when required for social media and online content (including the use of photography).    
• Work to objectives, targets and work plans agreed with your line manager. 
• Undertake specific projects and other ad hoc duties agreed with your line manager, fulfilling any deadlines, reviews and reporting procedures required. 
• Take an active part in the Quarterly review process and participate in training agreed with your line manager. 
• Recognise and champion the lived experience of children and young people with bereavement within your work.
• Ensure the health and safety of all colleagues, volunteers and visitors in accordance with Winston’s Wish policy. 

 PERSON SPECIFICATION  

Essential 

• A proven track record in high-value fundraising, including securing 6-7 figure donations from high-net-worth individuals, trusts, foundations, and businesses
• Track record of converting cold prospects to planned gifts of 6-7 figures
• Demonstratable strong strategic planning skills and the ability to develop and implement long-term strategies to achieve fundraising targets and enhance the charity's mission
• Proven leadership and people management skills, with experience in overseeing multi-disciplinary teams. Essential experience includes team leadership, staff motivation, setting clear objectives, and fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Experience in effectively developing, managing and reporting complex income and expenditure budgets
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels and excellent written skills
• Experience of successfully engaging trustees and/or senior volunteer committees to drive philanthropic income.
• Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills
• Strong networking skills with the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders
• A proactive and results-driven mindset.

Desirable  

• Experience in managing, supporting, developing and motivating colleagues in a digital first organisation
• Experience of salesforce or other similar CRM system
• Evidence of continued professional development 

Recruitment Timetable

• Application deadline: Monday 28th April 2025
• Interviews: w/c 5th May 2025
• Interview location: MS Teams

Winston’s Wish reserves the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications for the role before the closing date.

Join the friendly Carers’ Hub team and make a vital difference to the lives of unpaid carers in Lambeth.

We are looking for a Hospital Carers' Lead to join our service supporting unpaid carers while the person they look after is in hospital and during the discharge process. We know that this can be a worrying and stressful time and that too often carers do not know where to turn to for information and support. Help us make sure that carers get the help and support they need, at this critical time. 

You will play a pivotal role in developing and delivering our offer for carers which seeks to increase the identification of carers within local hospitals, improve carer support during their cared for hospital stay and following their discharge from hospital. 

The Hospital Carers Lead will be responsible for: 

• Offering tailored short-term 1 to 1 support to unpaid carers, working together to develop and implement plans to help improve carers’ experiences during the hospital stay, prepare for discharge and to address carers’ own needs. 

• Supporting unpaid carers while the person they care for is in hospital via signposting to relevant support and information about their rights. 

• Working collaboratively with partners within the hospital, to raise awareness of carers and increase identification.

If you are a passionate individual looking for a fast paced, rewarding role that will make a real difference to carers, we would love to hear from you.

About us
Carers’ Hub plays a vital role in Lambeth, supporting the many unpaid carers across the borough. Our work stems from the fact that carers often go about their roles despite the toll it might take on their own wellbeing, often having to make sacrifices that hamper their own ability to lead a normal life. Whether financial, educational or otherwise, we seek to limit the challenges that carers face. We achieve this through four core workstreams: 

1. raising awareness of carers, 

2. Influencing local policy through community engagement activities, 

3. Improving carer wellbeing and

4. Connecting carers to each other and to support and training opportunities through our services. 

We welcome requests for informal chats to find out more about us as an organisation and the role. For more details, including how to get in touch, please see the Job Description.

Closing date: Friday 2nd May at 9 am. 

Interviews: Friday 9th May 

Goodman Masson are delighted to be partnered with the Black Researcher Consortium to recruit for their Chair of the Board.

The Black Researcher Consortium is a newly formed community interest company (C.I.C.), designed, developed and built by people with Black heritage, for people with Black heritage. The Consortium objects are to address the systemic under-representation of Black researchers across educational institutions, research organisations, government, and industry environments in collaboration with Black researchers, Black-led community initiatives and all those bridging the systemic gap, connecting Black researchers.

As the Chair, you will be responsible for overseeing appraisal process for board members and consortium director.

Main Responsibilities Include:

• Lead the Board in ensuring it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the Consortium
• Work in partnership with any executive directors
• Carry out an annual appraisal of the Executive Directors
• Chair the Board meetings and Annual General Meeting
• Represent the Consortium at events and on other related boards or working parties

Essentials:

• Prior experience as a Chair
• Ability to adopt an inclusive chairing style

Monthly working pattern: 4 board meetings, 1-2 strategy days, and committee meetings, amounting to 3 days a month.

Salary: £4,680 per annum

Application Process:

To apply for the role please submit an updated CV along with your response (no more than 300 words to each question) to the following questions to Dan Kelner at Goodman Masson:

Video submissions are accepted as answers to these questions as well. Please do try to limit to around a minute long due to file size restrictions, please send these to also.

Questions:

• Culture, community, and collaboration have been key in the background to BRC thus far, can you tell us what actions you have undertaken in any arena that will help us to achieve a welcoming and inclusive panel, committee, or board.
• As a new organisation, the BRC will face numerous strategic challenges including navigating a complex external political environment, but also internal challenges in navigating and defining our own mission. Can you identify some of the challenges you anticipate for us and any experience you have had in addressing challenges in other arenas.
• In addressing the under-representation of Black researchers, a big part of the role of Chair will be in representing the Consortium in a public arena which does not always shine a positive light on initiatives like the BRC. Can you tell us about an experience of facing adversity when acting in a professional capacity in a public arena on a highly scrutinised topic?
• Please feel free to add any other comments that you think might be useful in understand what you will contribute to the role of Chair of the Board

Timelines:

• Q&A session on Thursday evening the 30^th of April Via Microsoft Teams (contact for an invite)
• Application deadline is 5^th of May
• First interviews are on 19^th of May
• Second interviews are on 2^nd of June

In our company values we aim for equity at all stages of the recruitment process, please let us know if we can do anything to make the process more accessible to you.

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual with a can-do attitude to join our Fundraising & Engagement Team and help raise vital funds for children with cancer. You don’t need previous fundraising experience—just strong organisational skills, creativity, a talent for building relationships, and a genuine passion for making a difference and raising money for charitable causes. 

In this varied role, you’ll support the planning and delivery of fundraising events, care for our amazing supporters, and assist with individual, community, and corporate fundraising activities. You’ll gain hands-on experience across multiple fundraising areas, playing a key role in ensuring the smooth delivery of the team’s work through excellent administrative and project support. 

This is a hugely rewarding opportunity for someone looking to take their first step into the charity or fundraising sector, or to build on existing experience. If you’re ready to learn, grow, and be part of something meaningful—we’d love to hear from you! 

Who are we looking for? 

To succeed in this role, you will need to be passionate about fundraising and demonstrate key qualities that will help you thrive in a dynamic and supportive environment.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A keen interest in fundraising with a willingness to learn and develop as a professional fundraiser (and if the opportunity arose, a willingness to study for a Level 3 Fundraising Apprenticeship over 13 months)

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to provide excellent supporter care and build relationships. 

• A positive, enthusiastic and results-driven attitude with the ability to work on your own initiative or as part of a team. 

• IT literacy with knowledge of Microsoft packages.

See our Recruitment Pack for the full role description and specification and for more information about the charity.

Location: Home-based, ideally located in London or within a short commutable distance. Regular travel to the London office is a key requirement of the role, with occasional national travel also expected. 

Interviews: 20 May 2025 (London Office)

Safeguarding: As a safeguarding charity whose work and practice are underpinned by safeguarding principles to protect children and young people and enhance their welfare, we always work in accordance with legislation, statutory guidance, and best safeguarding practices. All our roles require a basic criminal record check.  

Promoting equality and diversity: We actively encourage applications from those with lived experience of neuroblastoma and/or other childhood cancers. As an equal opportunity employer, we also welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. 

About The Role

Personal Assistant to the Chair 

Closing Date: 25th April
Interviews: 9th and 14th May 

Contract:  14 hours per week (flexible hours spread across 4-5 days to be discussed at interview)

Application Process: Please ensure you apply with your most updated CV and a supporting statement on why you believe you would be the most suitable individual for this position.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Personal Assistant to the Chair of the Board. Reporting to the Governance Manager & Deputy Secretary, you will be part of the Finance and Assurance directorate.

In this role, you will be responsible for providing personal assistance to the Chair, including the coordination of a confidential calendar, managing requests for attendance, travel arrangements, meeting and event coordination, and ensuring the effective use of the Chair’s time. A high level of confidentiality and discretion will be essential in all aspects of your work. While the primary focus will be supporting the Chair, there may be occasional personal assistant support required for other Trustees.

You will bring extensive experience as a Personal Assistant, particularly in supporting senior staff and working within a large organisation. Experience working with C-Suite executives or Non-Executive Directors/Trustees is essential, along with an understanding of their priorities and the demands of their roles.

You will work closely with the Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive, who manages the Chief Executive’s schedule and personal arrangements, and with our Governance Admin Co-ordinator, who books travel and accommodation for board and committee meetings. Together, you will ensure the Chair has a well-organised calendar and is fully briefed in advance of key events.

The role is home-based, though you will be required to attend meetings in person, so a current UK passport and residence in the UK are essential.

The Society is dedicated to improving the lives of those living with dementia and, as a learning organisation, has individuals living with dementia among its board and committee members. We are committed to upholding our values and are looking for someone with a positive attitude, who is passionate about good governance and making a meaningful difference to those living with dementia.

About You

- Experience in supporting C-Suite directors: Demonstrable experience providing high-level administrative support to senior executives, effectively managing their needs and priorities.
- Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and responsibilities seamlessly.
- Complex diary management with the proven ability to manage intricate and demanding diaries, coordinating meetings, travel, and events efficiently.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
- Meticulous in managing itineraries and all related logistics, ensuring everything is in order.
- Collaborative and flexible, always ready to support colleagues and contribute to team success.

Person Specification

- Proactive and able to take initiative, with a strong ability to work independently while also thriving in a team environment.
- Tact and diplomacy - Diplomatic and professional, with the ability to navigate sensitive situations with care and discretion.
- in managing complex workloads, consistently delivering quality results within tight deadlines.
- Anticipates needs and plans ahead to ensure smooth operations and the successful delivery of tasks.

About Alzheimer's Society

Dementia is the biggest health and social challenge of our time.

There are currently estimated to be 900,000 people in the UK with dementia. Many are undiagnosed and facing the realities of their condition alone.

At Alzheimer’s Society we’re working towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives. We do this by giving help to those living with dementia today and providing hope for the future. We’re here for everyone living with dementia.
 
As a Society, we are made up of people with dementia, carers, trusted experts, campaigners, researchers and clinicians. We are the UK’s largest collective force of people with unparalleled knowledge and over 40 years of experience addressing the biggest challenges facing people living with dementia.

Our Values

We are Determined to make a difference when and where it matters most, by being passionate, focussed and making a lasting impact for people affected by dementia.

Every one of us is a Trusted expert, listening, learning and using evidence and experience. We are Better together by being open, combining our strengths, helping us to achieve more together. We are Compassionate, we are kind and honest, and we don’t shy away from challenges.

Through our values we will make the greatest difference for people affected by dementia.

For 140 years, the Forces Employment Charity has proudly supported Service leavers, veterans, and their families in building successful civilian careers.

We provide veterans with life-long, life-changing support, jobs, and training opportunities, regardless of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving.

Brief role description:

The Communications Manager will play a key role in sharing the inspiring and powerful stories of our clients and the wider military community we support across the UK. They will be responsible for securing high-profile, meaningful media coverage that raises awareness of our mission to provide life-long, life-changing support, employment and training opportunities to Service leavers, veterans, reservists and their families. As we mark our 140th anniversary, this is a pivotal time for the Communications Manager to develop and deliver an integrated communications strategy across PR, traditional and new media, social media, and public affairs. Reporting to the Head of Brand and Communications, you will work closely with the Marketing Manager and the Community Engagement Manager and their teams to ensure consistent and aligned messaging across all marketing and
communication activity.​​

Interested? Want to know more about the Charity? Please visit the Charity Website

Eager to know more the role? Have a look at the Job Description attached.                                                                           

What’s in it for you? Check out the Benefits sheet attached.

Have we convinced you to apply? If so, submit your CV and Covering Letter by closing date Wednesday 14 May 2025.

 

​Please note: Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert; therefore, we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as possible. ​If you are an internal applicant, please ensure you have made The People Team aware before applying.​

We are committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff by fostering an inclusive, supportive environment where everyone, including those with disabilities, can thrive, develop, and achieve their full potential. We actively encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and ensure reasonable adjustments are made to support candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.​

​We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process.

Who are Guts UK Charity?

Guts UK Charity is committed to a world where digestive conditions are better understood, better treated and everyone who lives with one gets the support they need. Too many people are suffering or dying in silence or alone. They don’t know where to turn for information or support, diagnosis takes too long for many, and treatment can often come too late.​

We are the only UK charity funding research into the digestive system. We raise vital awareness of digestive conditions, fund life-saving research, and provide patients and loved ones with expert information and support – we are informed by evidence and expertise, our community, and the patient voice.​ 

Our mission is simple: to improve the lives of millions of people affected by digestive conditions 

The role of Finance Manager

​The Finance Manager will oversee the finance operations and lead on the preparation of management accounts, budgets, funding requests and internal and external reporting. The Finance Manager plays a crucial role in helping the Board and leadership team understand their performance and their ability to deliver an ambitious growth plan over the next five years. This job presents a great opportunity for someone experienced with charity management accounting and reporting who has a keen eye for detail and process improvement and a desire to be part of a charity that’s only going to get bigger and more influential!  

Our ideal candidate will:

• Have significant experience with finance operations, management accounts, reporting and budgeting in a charity or NFP organisation
• Have a sound understanding of accounting practices, policies and Charity SORP
• Have experience supporting with the financial aspects of trust, grant and partnership applications
• Want to work hands-on as part of a small, dynamic team
• Have a passion for our cause, and a desire to advance the work that we do as a charity

The Finance Manager is one of just 3 members of the Finance & Operations team including the COO and the Finance & Administration Officer. We’re looking for someone dynamic and driven who likes to work autonomously, solve problems pragmatically and plan and organise their time effectively.

Location

We have offices in London and Huddersfield which are easily accessible by road or public transport. We support hybrid working but attendance in one of the offices [dependent on your location] is required on an average of 1 day per week. If you are interested in the role but have queries about office-base requirements, please contactus to discuss.

Please see the attached detail job pack for further information and how to apply. 

Reporting to: Director of Policy and Engagement 

Direct reports: 1 x Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager and Legislative Lead, 2 x Policy and Public Affairs Officers, 1 x England Policy and Public Affairs Manager 

Location of work: Home-based. The post holder must be easily and quickly commutable to London and will require frequent meetings in London. The role may involve some irregular travel throughout England and Scotland to attend events and meetings.

Contract type: Full-time, 35 hours per week,  flexible hours may be considered. The role may require occasional evening and weekend work 

Contract Length: Permanent 

Salary: £54,500 - £56,500 

BACKGROUND

Our work has never been more needed. The latest research suggesting that the number of children and young people at risk of hunger has rocketed to 2.6 million* means that one in five children don't have enough to eat.When a child is too hungry to learn, when they’re aching for something to eat, they can’t concentrate. They can’t absorb information. Big feelings and worries can be impossible to control. They fall behind in their studies.

Magic Breakfast provide a nutritious and filling breakfast to over 300,000 children and young people every school day. We work with schools in areas of high disadvantage, helping staff target the children most in need without barrier or stigma.  Magic Breakfast are ambitious to grow our impact to remove hunger as a barrier to learning for all children and young people in the UK.

 This is an exciting time to join Magic Breakfast if you wish to make a difference to the lives of children as we work to influence both policy implementation, with the national rollout of primary-aged universal school breakfast, and legislative change, through the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. There has also been commitment from the Scottish Government for a national breakfast scheme and we are seeking to expand our advocacy work into Wales. Magic Breakfast’s influence will be instrumental to ensuring school breakfasts are implemented in a way that is hunger-focused and barrier free.

In addition, thousands of secondary school children are at risk of losing their free school breakfasts from September next year. For many of these students, this is their only opportunity to have a nutritious meal before facing a demanding school day, including taking exams.  And for the very youngest, we know that the disadvantage gap begins before they even reach reception. With the Government commitment to another 100,000 places in school-based nurseries, early years is also a critical part of our advocacy work.

 Being part of the work of Magic Breakfast is your chance, together with parents, teachers and people across the UK, to demonstrate the power of school breakfasts and to shape the way forward to end morning hunger for good.

*Food Foundation Insecurity Tracker Jan 2025

JOB PURPOSE

The Head of Policy & Public Affairs will review, develop and implement our advocacy strategy and lead a team to influence the devolved legislatures across the UK to address child morning hunger, with a view to the underlying systemic causes of child poverty and hunger, by driving change through policy and legislation. The role operates at our ‘Head of level’ which is the most senior operational specialist level and provides both operational and strategic leadership.

This role will also provide wider leadership across the charity and input into organisational strategy development and planning as part of the Core Management Group. This role will ensure that the Policy and Public Affairs function is aligned to the wider strategic aims and outcomes of Magic Breakfast as well as the internal operational systems and delivery.

The strategic leadership will ensure an external and long term view, with an outward looking and forward thinking approach that builds thought leadership, relationships and partnerships, with positioning to anticipate and build on new opportunities to end child morning hunger for good.

It will require an experienced Policy and Public Affairs professional, with significant experience of high impact and demonstrable outcomes at a senior level in the field. The postholder will lead the policy and public affairs team to influence the Early Adopters Scheme, the national rollout of primary school breakfast provision in England and breakfast legislation in the Children’s Wellbeing Bill (CWB).

They will also develop, guide and lead plans to influence the Scottish government, particularly in the run up to the election in May 2026 and the influencing of manifestos; and will lead Magic Breakfast’s upcoming influencing work in Wales. 

In the external leadership that the role provides they will build relationships with politicians, political influencers, special advisors and civil servants to establish long-term, sustainable solutions to child morning hunger in the UK.

As a compassionate, people centric and inspiring leader they will work to enable their team to grow and develop in their skills ensuring they can step away from the detail whilst retaining accountability, build effective resource management and progression pathways. This role may manage external consultants where necessary, and work collaboratively with external organisations to amplify our voice and asks and strengthen our position as a thought leader. 

 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

· Review and define the advocacy strategy for 25/26 in line both with moving political environment and Magic Breakfast’s influencing agenda, considering the systemic barriers to ending child morning hunger for good.

· Develop and maintain close relationships with the Department for Education and other key departments including Department for Health and Social Care and Treasury, to secure hunger and child focus as key priorities for breakfast provision.

· Develop, monitor and evaluate influencing plans for each devolved nation

· Support the development of influencing plans with coalition groups and organisations to influence school breakfast policy, commitments and implementation

· Review policy positions in Wales and Northern Ireland and define our advocacy approach, gaining external insights and analysing available research and data to shape the plan

· Develop a vision for advocacy beyond current demands, considering political appetite and gaining insight from lived experience communities and relevant sectors, to ensure that we are clear on future asks, and can build the foundation towards them.

· Work with Impact and Insights team to define future research needs to meet our longer-term advocacy plans

· Enhance and establish internal processes and ensure good internal information dissemination 

· Work closely with key internal stakeholders to shape advocacy work and support broader organisational objectives

· Embed learnings and develop a fail fast, learn fast culture in the team

· Coach, support and lead direct reports enabling increased professional development, strategic decision making, proactive project management and robust political influencing

· Contribute to and help shape the work of the Core Management Group to ensure ongoing alignment for in year implementation of the strategic plan and create integrated future year plans which meet organisational goals

· Monitor and review KPIs to monitor and measure both team and cross organisational performance, using the results to guide teams and surface learnings

· Assess areas of risk and escalate where necessary and according to policy

· Develop and monitor annual team budgets

General

• Work collaboratively across the organisation, building good working relations and providing ad-hoc support to other teams and members of staff

• Passion and commitment to Magic Breakfast’s aim of alleviating morning hunger as a barrier to learning for children in the UK.

• Help to maintain a positive working environment; keeping the vision of Magic Breakfast at the heart of everything we do. 

• Share Magic Breakfast’s commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

• Establish and ensure existing Ways of Working are adhered to across team

• Adhere to all Magic Breakfast policies and procedures and ensure that all activity is compliant with current legislation, GDPR, data protection and child safeguarding requirements

• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role

 PERSON SPECIFICATION

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

· Strategy development, demonstrating a deep understanding of how to craft, implement, and evolve strategies that align to operational outcomes for the Policy and Advocacy function as well as enabling our organisation strategy in our aim to end child morning for good.

· Stakeholder management and partnership building with extensive experience of engaging, influencing, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including senior political figures, policymakers, funders and sector leaders.

· Ability to confidently and flexibly deal with volatile political environment, anticipating potential developments and adapting to emerging situations to meet aims

· Highly experienced in developing and shaping policy positions, using insights, research and data sets to inform and guide decision-making

· Understanding and experience of the role of the broader external environment to shape policy asks and political influencing, including the implications of a policy ask in one sector on another.

· Experience of influencing key political events such as budgets, national elections and the legislative process.

· Significant experience of coaching, supporting and managing the development of a team, with the ability to make difficult decisions and challenge where needed to deliver the organisational strategy.

Desirable

· Experience of education, food insecurity, child poverty or childcare sectors

Skills and Abilities

• Effective leadership mentality with confidence to step away from the detail and delegate responsibility, enabling others to use judgements, make decisions, learn from failures and continuously improve.

• Analytical and evidence based decision making, with the ability to turn data and analysis into policy and advocacy related recommendations or outcomes for action.

• Effective planning, prioritisation and project management skills. Able to organise self and team to meet planned objectives and strategic direction with the ability to pivot and manage the unexpected.

• Strong, influential and impactful interpersonal and communication skills and to advocate for own specialism, department and Magic Breakfast's mission, effectively conveying the organisation's impact and needs to a wide range of audiences.

• Operational and financial acumen and analysis: understanding and practical application of knowledge as required around funding considerations, budget development and management, risk management, and ensuring systems in place for efficiency by setting and maintaining policy and procedural frameworks.

• An outward looking and forward thinking approach that drives a sense of curiosity, innovation and continuous improvement. Always thinking what can we learn from others, what new developments can be explored and what are the opportunities for the function to improve and grow with others too.

WHAT WE OFFER

At Magic Breakfast we value our employees and work hard to develop offer a supportive, respectful culture which enables everyone to bring their whole self to work.

Please find attached our job pack

APPLICATION PROCCESS

Should you wish to discuss the role before applying please email our People and Culture Team, recruitment @ magicbreakfast. com

Shortlisting - w/c 5th May

Interview 1 - 15th and 16th May

Interview 2 - w/c 21st May

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications are received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately, once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.

Financial Controller (Ark and Ventures)

Reports to: Finance Director for Ark and Ventures

Location: Currently operating hybrid working in our West London Office

Contract: Permanent

Pattern: Full Time (standard hours 9am – 5.30pm)

Closing date: 05/05/2025

1st stage interviews: w/c 05/05/2025 (virtual)

2nd stage interviews: w/c 12/05/2025 (in person)

Salary: £60,000 to £75,000 (depending on experience)

About the role:

This is a vital and high-profile role for us and requires a person with strong technical skills and the power of independent thought; meticulous organisational skills and attention to detail; and drive to constantly develop new and improved ways of working. The successful candidate will be a qualified and committed accountant, ready to lead financial control for Ark’s central Finance team.

The Financial Controller will be mainly responsible for ensuring the highest standards of financial control are met across Ark, its subsidiaries and the various external ventures Ark supports. Within this, the role will be responsible for the processing and reporting of financial accounting data for Ark and its related entities, day-to-day cash flow management and compliant statutory returns (including VAT).

The Financial Controller for Ark and Ventures will report into Finance Director for Ark and Ventures. This role is currently operating hybrid working in our West London Office on a permanent basis working full time.

First-round interviews will take place virtually w/c Monday 5th May and second-round interviews will take place in person w/c Monday 12th May.

Key Responsibilities:

• Staff management including training and regular appraisals. The team currently consists of two Finance Officers. Also supporting two business partners.
• Provide up-to-date financial information and technical advice to Ark management and the Venture teams, including cash management.
• Lead the year-end process, including creation of annual accounts for Ark and its related entities (excluding Ark Schools) and overseeing the audits.
• First review of monthly management accounts.
• Take responsibility for the year-end audit and preparation/supervision of draft statutory accounts for the Group and 5 subsidiary entities in accordance with Charities SORP, Companies Act and UK GAAP. Liaise with auditors and ensure timetable and deadlines are met
• Management and oversight of the month-end process to ensure timely period close, including approval of all manual journals posted to the accounting system.
• Review and approval of balance sheets control account reconciliations, including bank reconciliation, petty cash, purchase ledger, staff loans, credit card, and Payroll accounts.
• Responsible for the day-to-day management of the Group’s cash flow and Treasury and preparation of performance reports for the Ark Management Team and Finance and Risk Committee.
• Set-up and maintenance of PS Financials (accounting system) and Concur (invoice and expense system), including maintaining workflows in accordance with the Scheme of Delegation.
• Relationship owner for Lloyds (banker), including set-up of Commercial Banking Online and credit cards in accordance with the Scheme of Delegation. Responsible for maintaining all bank accounts and mandates.
• Responsibility for writing and maintaining finance policies and processes, including the financial Scheme of Delegation, and ensuring these are freely available to all relevant staff.
• Accounts Payable Lead ensuring all suppliers are paid on time. Responsible for processing weekly BACs runs and authorisations in line with the Scheme of Delegation.
• Manage insurance provision for the Ark Group.

Key Requirements:

• Right to work in the UK.
• Professional Accounting Qualification (at least 3-years post-qualification).
• Educated to degree level or equivalent.
• A record of Continuing Professional Development activities.
• Audit experience.
• Hands on experience of producing statutory accounts.
• Experience of VAT, including international and/or construction industry scheme reverse charge, ideally in a charity context.
• Advanced level IT skills and ability to make effective use of standard software packages, e.g., Microsoft Words, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Staff management.
• Knowledge of the latest Charities SORP and Companies Act.
• Understanding and/or experience of working across a Group structure with a variety of business activities.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, influencing and relationship building skills at multiple levels.
• Self-motivated with excellent time-management skills and the ability to plan, manage and prioritise a varied workload, and to take responsibility for issues through to resolution.
• High attention to detail, proactive, confident, independent thinker and an enthusiastic ‘can do’ attitude.
• Ability to effectively present financial information at the appropriate level.
• Ability to challenge and influence assertively and cooperatively.

Benefits:

• Our hybrid working model aims to offer the best of both worlds, striking the right balance between in-person collaboration and remote working. You will work a minimum of two days per week in our state-of-the-art office in West London allowing you to connect with colleagues, with the flexibility to work remotely, or in the office over the remaining days
• In addition to our current hybrid working arrangements, employees can request to work fully remotely for up to 10 working days a year, whether this be in the UK or abroad
• Our flexitime policy allows you to work your hours around our core hours of 10.00 - 16.00, helping you prioritise your work-life balance and personal commitments
• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising with each year of service up to 30 days after 3-years’ service. This entitlement is pro rata for part time employees. This entitlement excludes bank holidays
• Full office closure between Christmas and New Year
• As an Ark employee, you will have the opportunity to be part of the TPT (The Pension Trust) scheme, our workplace pension scheme where we make an 11% contribution; you are not required to contribute towards this scheme unless you choose to
• Access to high-quality professional learning throughout your career, offering both face-to-face sessions and a bespoke online learning platform
• Access to Ark Rewards scheme offering savings from over 3,000 major retailers, interest-free loans available for season tickets or a bike, gym discounts offering up to 40% off your local gym and free eye tests.

About Us:

Ark is an education charity that exists to make sure that all children, regardless of their background, have access to a great education and real choices in life. Our network of 39 schools reaches traditionally underserved communities in Birmingham, Hastings, London and Portsmouth. We educate 30,000 pupils and have nearly 3,000 teaching staff across our network. We also incubate and scale innovative ventures, which we roll out beyond our network of schools for the benefit of teachers, pupils and the education system as a whole. Current Ventures include Ark Curriculum Plus, which equips teachers with the subject expertise needed to ensure students succeed, and Ark Start, a growing chain of nurseries offering affordable, high-quality early years education.

Recently, Ark moved to new offices at EdCity – a unique not-for-profit development in West London, in partnership with Hammersmith & Fulham council. EdCity is designed to bring mission-aligned organisations together to focus on improving the lives of children, especially through education. It offers leased offices, a range of venues for training and events, and an innovation hub for the education sector to connect, collaborate and learn together.

Diversity and Inclusion:

We aim to build a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone – staff and students – can do their best work and achieve their full potential. We want to reflect and represent diverse perspectives across our organisation because we know that doing so will make us stronger and more effective. To know more about Ark’s diversity and inclusion commitments, please click on this link.

Safeguarding statement:

Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants.

Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment - this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred. To read more about Ark’s safer recruitment process, please click this link.

Please note we will be reviewing applications on an on-going basis and this role may close earlier than advertised depending on the level of response. We strongly encourage to submit your application at your earliest convenience.