Communications And Policy Officer Jobs in Manchester

About the role

You will

• Celebrate the achievements of brain injury survivors across the UK, promote the services that Headway UK offers and raise awareness of the prevalence of brain injury.
• Establish Headway as a leading voice in the area of brain injury, ensuring that relevant media outlets are presented with relevant information.

What you will do

• Obtain regular positive national and local media coverage for Headway
• Produce high-quality written materials for release to the media
• Communicate with and facilitate media coverage for independent Headway charities and volunteer-led branches, helping to raise their profiles locally
• Monitor and evaluate media coverage and PR activity to enable the effective tracking of the charity’s reputation.
• Be the first point of call for all media enquiries and take appropriate action
• Manage and cultivate relationships with local and national media.
• Liaise with the fundraising department and promote its initiatives in local and national media outlets.
• Source and interview individuals willing to share their personal experiences of brain injury & to draft personal testimonies and create a database of case studies ready to be used in reaction to relevant news stories.
• Assist in the production of Headway News and other regular communications
• Assist in the planning and execution of the national campaign for Action for Brain Injury Week and to assist in the implementation of additional campaigns throughout the year

About you

We’re open-minded & welcome all applicants who believe they can succeed. Though ideally, you will:

• Have experience of working with local, regional and national media outlets, including crafting in press releases and sell-in

• Have experience of interviewing people from all backgrounds

• Have a highly collaborative working style, fostering teamwork and cross-functional cooperation.

• Be comfortable being the first point of call for journalist enquiries

• Excellent organisational abilities, with a track record of managing multiple projects and meeting deadlines efficiently.

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, ensuring clear, effective messaging across all channels.

Visit our website to find out more about the role, the work of Headway, the benefits we offer and apply for this job. We look forward to hearing from you.

We are COSRT - a unique professional body for specialist psychotherapists in the UK and beyond.  We provide and accredit training, set professional standards, and support professionals and the public.  All so that people can access the best possible therapy no matter where or who they are.

Now, after an internal promotion, we are looking to recruit an Organisational Support Officer.  This is a vital, interesting and challenging role.  It will mean you're involved in everything we do.  You'll work alongside and give practical support to all colleagues, using your skills to help us deliver products and services smoothly.

This isn't a stereotypical administration post - it is true support across our functions.There will be four main areas where you will be most involved:

• Training....including setting up agreements with trainers, providing pre and post event support for online sessions, creating products on our online training platform.
• Operations...including processing membership applications, dealing with queries from the public and professionals, supporting internal financial and other processes.
• Standards and governance...clerking complaints, setting up and supporting committee meetings.
• Communications...including social media posting, updating website content, creating newsletters.

There is no doubt that this is an exciting role.  No week will be the same and you will be supported in getting involved in as many things as possible to help your professional development.

To succeed you'll need to be flexible, proactive and have a diverse skillset.  You'll have an eye for detail.  You'll be good with numbers and able to do key administrative tasks.  You'll be comfortable working with technology and learning how to do new things quickly.  You'll be able to work independently as well as in close collaboration with others.  You'll be an excellent communicator, comfortable speaking with a range of people and producing high quality written outputs.

About Chapter One

Chapter One is a growing charity dedicated to ensuring every child has access to one-to-one reading support at the time they need it most. 

Our innovative Online Reading Volunteers Programme aims to support 3,300 children facing disadvantage during the 2024-25 academic year, pairing five to eight-year-old children with reading support volunteers from over 140 local and national businesses. Our unique approach requires volunteers to commit just 30 minutes a week for an entire academic year, using our bespoke digital platform. The results are transformative, significantly boosting children's reading confidence and ability. Our ambitious five year plan targets growth of 20% year on year.

For more information about our programmes please visit our website. Please also take some time to visit our social media channels and watch our videos.

About the role 

With ambitious targets to support thousands more children by 2029, Chapter One is seeking a passionate, energetic Fundraising Officer to be an integral part of our Fundraising team. Reporting to our Trusts & Foundations Manager, you’ll generate income from a range of existing and new trusts and foundations, along with individual fundraising activities to contribute towards the 2024-25 fundraising target of £278,000, rising to £348,000 in 2025-26 in which you’ll have an individual target.

This new role is ideal for an early career professional who can write creative, compelling bids and build impactful relationships to make your mark in a fast-growing charity which is flexible and agile. You’ll be a proactive, determined self-starter and have high standards for yourself and others. You’ll develop and manage a funding pipeline by investing in thorough research and relationship cultivation, and you will thrive in working with funders, partners and supporters on a day -to-day basis. 

Key Responsibilities

Deliver the fundraising plan 

● Work collaboratively with the Trusts & Foundations Manager to grow Chapter One’s fundraising portfolio and meet agreed income targets from trusts and foundations. 

● Maintain a portfolio of existing trusts and foundations, ensuring an excellent cultivation and stewardship journey​ in order to build relationships and maximise income. 

● Proactively identify and research new prospective trust funders, finding creative ways to engage with them to secure support.

● Create compelling and tailored fundraising applications and reports, ensuring there is a strong emotional case for support and accuracy, to inspire prospects and supporters across trusts and foundations. 

● Contribute to the highest levels of donor care for supporters, including creative stewardship, adhering to all grant conditions and responding in a timely manner to all enquiries from supporters and prospects. 

● Research, interpret and present data about literacy and impact that makes a compelling case for Chapter One’s programmes. 

● Contribute to internal planning and budget setting for restricted and unrestricted activities, setting out clear plans and a pipeline for income generation from trusts and foundations.

● Work with the Trusts & Foundations Manager, Corporate Partnerships team and Communications team to support the development of strategies and campaigns to grow individual giving from existing volunteers and supporters.

● Undertake administrative duties to support the delivery of individual fundraising initiatives including matched-giving campaigns and Payroll Giving. 

● Work closely with the Trusts & Foundations Manager, Business Development Manager, Corporate Partnerships team and Communications team to ensure a cohesive approach and maximise all fundraising opportunities.

General

● Oversee and maintain specific fundraising administrative processes, including

recording of activity on the Salesforce CRM and internal databases.

● Maintain up-to-date knowledge of fundraising regulations, networks, and developments across the sector. 

● Adherence to Chapter One’s Donation Acceptance Policy.

● Contribute to forecasting and regular reporting, producing verbal and written reports for senior management as required.

We are looking for some of the following attributes, though you might be more experienced in some areas than others:

● A commitment to Chapter One’s mission and values.

● Experience of fundraising, ideally from trusts and foundations.

● A demonstrable track record of successfully generating income and achieving targets. 

● An ability to create compelling and successful fundraising applications and proposals. 

● Excellent written communication skills, with an understanding of how to tailor communications for different audiences/contexts.

● Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and manage relationships with a range of stakeholders, both internally and externally. 

● Evidence of effective prospect research, growing and managing a pipeline, planning for your portfolio and increasing income​.

● Good financial acumen and proven ability to present complex financial information accurately.

● Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail and high levels of accuracy.

● Ability to effectively work under pressure and manage conflicting priorities.

You’ll be more successful in the role if you have:

● Experience of individual giving or employee fundraising.

● Experience of working in a charity that has a strong corporate volunteering offer.​

● Experience using the Salesforce CRM Non-profit Success Pack.

Chapter One is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value and celebrate diversity in backgrounds and experience and are deliberate about the kind of teams we are building. Literacy is a universal concern, and we need people from all backgrounds to maximise our innovation, creativity and impact. We especially welcome applications from persons who have experienced disadvantage and/or from those who are of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities who are currently underrepresented in the organisation.

Chapter One is committed to safeguarding children and young people. All postholders are subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service disclosure. Copies of our Safeguarding Policy and Safer Recruitment Policy are available on request.

Do you want to make a real difference in the lives of survivors of sexual violence? An exciting opportunity has arisen for an exceptional professional to lead Greater Manchester Rape Crisis.

The Board is seeking to appoint a new CEO to lead the organisation and to provide strategic direction for its staff, volunteers and supporters. You will have effective and comprehensive leadership, management and communication skills, with experience of leading high performing teams. You will be a confident communicator and ambassador for GMRC.

If you have a strong empathy with this area of work; if you value integrity, compassion and teamwork; if you want to work in an inclusive and nurturing environment; if you have a feminist understanding of sexual violence and knowledge of the causes and impact then this could be the next career challenge for you.

Closing Date: Friday 14th February 2025 at 12 noon

Hours: 35 per week with the possibility of hybrid working

Annual Salary: PO7-PO8 starting at £52,805 - £56,073

Interview dates: TBA

FIXED TERM CONTRACT FOR 12 MONTHS WITH POSSIBILITY OF EXTENSION SUBJECT TO FUNDING

PLEASE NOTE this role is restricted to female applicants under the Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR), Schedule 9 (Work; Exceptions), Part 1 (Occupational Requirements), of the Equality Act (2010)

It is a policy of Greater Manchester Rape Crisis that ex-service users have a waiting period of six months before applying for any posts as a paid employee.

We’re recruiting for a Volunteer Officer to join our team.

ReachOut is a national youth development charity and a strategic partner for schools. Through collective mentoring and engaging activities, we build socio-emotional skills that transform outcomes for young people constrained by circumstance.

Our Volunteer Officer is responsible for the recruitment, onboarding, training and development of our volunteers – particularly those from our community partners. This role ensures that volunteers have a fantastic experience across a range of ReachOut opportunities that are highly impactful for the young people that we work with. The postholder will also play a key role in developing the ongoing training offer for volunteers and building networks with community organisations across our regions.

2025 is an exciting time to join ReachOut as we launch our new organisational strategy. You’ll be joining a friendly and supportive team, helping us make a real difference to the lives and futures of young people across London and Manchester.

Freshwater Habitats Trust is the UK’s leading charity for all freshwaters. We are an evidence-based, conservation charity that works to protect UK and European freshwater wildlife through practical and innovative nature conservation projects. 

Data and evidence are vital in prioritising our work across the organisation and building the Freshwater Network. They are also vital when influencing external audiences to achieve our mission to reverse the decline in freshwater biodiversity. 

This is a new role in the organisation and reflects an urgent requirement to collate, organise and manage a large volume of research, survey and other data collected by Freshwater Habitats Trust over the last four decades, the potential of which is not currently being fully realised. 

It is critical that through the development of an organisational data strategy we can:

· Provide evidence of our research and advocacy.

· Showcase Freshwater Habitats Trust’s expertise.

· Facilitate effective teamwork within and between project and organisational teams.

· Enable efficient project delivery and public / partner engagement.

· Guide the strategic delivery of conservation projects through Important Freshwater Area analysis mapping and reporting.

The role will work closely with the strategic Research and Data Sub-Group of the Senior Management Team who are responsible for driving this work forwards.

This position requires a creative, dynamic and enthusiastic person who works well as part of a team whilst being self-motivated and ambitious. 

Closing Date: 7th February 2025

Interview Dates: 28th February 2025

Fundraising Officer – North of England

Job description

A fantastic permanent opportunity has arisen for a part-time Fundraising Officer to join our dynamic, friendly and supportive fundraising team. This is a home-based role and will suit an individual living in the North of England. You will be reporting to the Corporate & Regional Fundraising Manager and working in a very varied and exciting working environment.

The perfect candidate will enjoy forging positive and robust relationships with supporters including corporate partners, small businesses, philanthropic groups as well as supporting community fundraisers across the North of England, to raise vital income for our Association.  

You will use your creative and professional skillset to provide high-quality account management, stewardship, and growth across all managed income streams. No two days are the same and we are looking for someone who can be flexible in their approach and able to multitask effectively.

Blesma is a unique membership Association as well as a charity. Our Members (limbless veterans) are at the heart of all our work – therefore, the impact of our fundraising is clearly visible in the experiences of our inspirational injured veterans.

We would love to hear from talented individuals who want to help us raise the funds that we need to support limbless veterans. If you would like to apply for this exciting role, please read the attached Job Description and apply with your C.V. and a Covering Letter detailing why you’d be an ideal candidate for the role and how your experience and skills match those detailed in the Person Specification.

If you are uncertain about your suitability for this role, we encourage you to apply and allow us to assess your fit.

Please note that we may close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of applications.

 We look forward to hearing from you.

FIT makes grants to organisations and provides individual fellowships for work that promotes sustainable transport as a universal basic right, reduces the environmental impact of our transport system, and reduces the dominance of the car in society. The Foundation also makes loans, repayable grants and equity investments to selected projects and innovations. For further information about our work and examples of our projects, please visit our website.

The Communications Officer will manage the Charity's communications activities including PR/press, the website and social media, as well as helping organise various events. We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced individual who cares passionately about achieving our aims. The role offers an opportunity to help shape the Foundation’s priorities and strategy, to be part of a movement for change, and to identify and work with some exceptional individuals and organisations. 

 JOB DESCRIPTION

1)   PR/ press:

• Promoting FIT and its work to a wider audience

• Publishing and promoting the work of FIT’s grantees, fellows and investees using blogs, social media, newsletters and press releases:

  • Communicating with grantees, fellows and investees to obtain relevant information

  • Drafting news articles for the FIT website and social media

  • Producing a quarterly newsletter detailing new grant awards, grantee news and upcoming events

  • Producing press releases and media articles

  • Liaising with external press and print media organisations

  • Creative use of other media as the post holder sees fit

• Creating a digital catalogue/ archive of all FIT-funded projects, fellowships and investments

• Adding FIT to directories of grant-giving organisations to allow us to be found by a wider audience.

2)      Website: 

• Maintaining and updating FIT’s website (in conjunction with the Executive Secretary & Grants Manager)

• Producing grant impact summaries for the individual project pages on the website using information provided in final project reports

• Adding missing past/ present funded projects to the website to create a complete online record of everything FIT has funded.

3)      Social media: 

• Managing FIT’s existing social media accounts including LinkedIn and X

• Setting up new social media accounts as necessary eg Facebook

• Drafting a social media policy for FIT.

4)   Events/ networking:

• Supporting the organisation of in person events and webinars to showcase the projects, fellowships and social investments which FIT supports, and to enable networking amongst those supported by FIT (in conjunction with the Executive Secretary & Grants Manager and Events Manager)

• Creating virtual sub-groups of grantees and fellows to further enable networking opportunities.

5)    Other: 

• Opportunity for drafting a communications strategy

• Other communications tasks from time to time as deemed reasonable by the trustees and Executive Secretary & Grants Manager.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The Communications Officer will actively and passionately promote the work of the Foundation and will be aligned with the aims of FIT, which are public transport as a universal basic right, reducing the environmental impact of our transport system, and reducing the dominance of the car in society.

Skills and competencies

• Excellent copywriting skills and experience in drafting copy for technical and non-technical audiences in a variety of formats, including web, social media, news articles, press releases, formal reports, etc (E)

• Experience in web editing using WordPress (E)

• Ability to work and liaise with a wide range of people (E)

• Accuracy and excellent attention to detail (E)

• Ability to work independently under own initiative (E)

• High level organisational and administrative skills (E)

• IT skills: competent in the use of Google Workspace, Zoom and social media, etc (E)

Knowledge and experience

• Experience of working in a communications role (E)

• Experience of working with social media (E)

• Experience of working with mainstream media (E)

• Familiarity with the charitable, not-for-profit or campaigning sector (E)

• Experience of working within a committee environment, for example, with a board of trustees or elected members (D)

• Interest in and support for sustainable transport (E)

• Knowledge of the sustainable transport sector (D)

E = Essential; D = Desirable

To apply for the role, please submit your CV and a covering letter (maximum 2 sides A4) outlining your relevant skills and experience, together with details of how you fit the requirements of the person specification. The deadline for applications is 23:55 on Friday 14th February 2025.

Director of Communications

Location: Global remote

Salary: £80,000 - 85,000

Reports to: CEO

Closing date: 15 January 2025

Our vision at UnitedGMH is a world where everyone everywhere can access mental health support. We use our expertise in advocacy, financing and campaigning to advance this vision, focussing on rights, health systems, ecosystems, and field building to deliver progress. We are looking for an experienced and creative Director to lead communications for UnitedGMH and the Global Mental Health Action Network (GMHAN). 

You will have deep experience of global advocacy communications with the ability to develop and execute communications strategies with stakeholders across government, international organisations, civil society, the private sector, the media, research and academia. You will be confident in developing and implementing an organisational communications strategy, with a strong emphasis on brand, advocacy and digital communications to engage global audiences with UnitedGMH and GMHAN.

Reporting to the CEO, you will lead a small central team, manage consultants, and provide communications advice and leadership to colleagues and partners worldwide. You will represent the organisation externally and manage high-level relationships with corporate partners, major health bodies, donors and board members. You will play an active role as a member of the senior management team, contributing to organisation-wide strategies, plans and fundraising.

You are a driven individual able to lead a cohesive and compelling communications approach, which harnesses our brands, profile, content, expertise, networks and channels to best effect. This is a great opportunity for a creative and confident communications leader to build on UnitedGMH’s successes to date, and to be part of an organisation at the forefront of tackling global mental health challenges.

Attributes and experience

Essential

• An ability to develop and execute communications strategies to help achieve change at the highest levels of government and international organisations.

• Proven experience of improving organisational brand and positioning to be a ‘go-to’ organisation in its field.

• An inspiring leader and manager, able to get the best from colleagues and stakeholders. 

• Experience of working in global health and/or international development communications at a global level.

• Proven experience of leading multi-disciplinary communications teams spanning brand, creative, social media, strategic communications, publications, events, and media relations.

• Experienced in building and developing high-level partnerships, especially with global media, and initiatives to reach and engage target audiences.

• Strong interpersonal and team working skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues at all levels.

• Fluent in English, with exceptional written and verbal communication and presentation skills. Able to turn technical policy information into engaging products.

• Political sensitivity, with the ability to apply good judgment in decision making.

• Proven ability to work and thrive in a fast-paced and changing environment.

• Effective in managing budgets, contracts and plans.

Desirable

• Knowledge and understanding of global health and associated networks.

• Additional language skills.

• Familiar with, and a champion of, communications informed by global and national experts including People With Lived Experience of mental health conditions. 

• Knowledge of best practice in communications for mental health

This is a global remote role and you must already have the right to work in the country where you are based.

To apply, please use the Charity Job website to upload a CV and Cover Letter and apply by 12pm GMT on 15th January 2025. No direct applications will be accepted.

Job title Support Line Officer

Reporting to Support Line Leader

Location Remote

Hours 35 hours full time, part time job share considered

Salary £27-30k

We are seeking a remote-based Support Line Operator to join our small and friendly team, answering enquiries from kidney patients, families and carers by telephone, email and social media channels, driven to provide an excellent experience for every contact.

The Kidney Care UK Support Line provides practical information and non-medical advice for anyone affected by chronic kidney disease.

From Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, the Support Line is accessible by telephone, email and social media. We provide best in class information and support at the first point of contact, knowledgably responding to enquiries with care and compassion.

About you
 

We are seeking someone with experience of responding to incoming enquiries for a health or care patient support/charity helpline or patient support service.

Ability to deal professionally, calmly, and sympathetically with people affected by kidney disease.

You must have Excellent communication skills, able to engage and reassure by phone and in writing.

You will need to be confident using social media and MS Office for professional communications.

Interviewing on 19th and 20th February

SCIE Vision

We are committed to building a society which enables people who draw on social care to live fulfilling lives.

At the SCIE, we are driven by our values:

· Progressive – always learning and developing.

· Inclusive – working together for equality, diversity, and fairness.

· Credible – evidence-based, robust, and reliable.

· Transparent – open and honest.

The role:

A great opportunity for you to join our small friendly team and make a real difference to people’s lives by:

· Ensuring that SCIE’s evidence, drawn from research and people’s lived experiences, influences social care policy and practice.

· Developing and delivering influencing strategies, drafting policy papers and legislative briefings, and managing relationships with various stakeholders and key partners.

· Growing SCIE’s profile as an influential, informed, and powerful voice in the social care sector.

· Positioning SCIE to work as a partner to government, responding independently to new government policy, supporting and advising on a range of national policy programmes, initiatives, and influencing guidance and practice.

· Producing high-quality research and evaluations demonstrating what works and makes a difference in social care, promoting evidence-based good practice.

What we are looking for:

· Knowledge of the policy and political landscape developed from previous experience working in a policy or public affairs role, either in government, the civil service, charities, or non-governmental organisations.

· Proven experience developing and delivering public affairs strategies and leading influencing activities.

· Proven experience producing policy papers and applying policy research skills, such as evidence gathering, analysis and reporting.

· Proven experience as a strategic and analytic thinker who can influence policymakers with persuasive arguments, policy ideas and campaigns.

· Proven ability to manage a wide range of internal and external stakeholder relationships, including at senior levels, and to engage with people with diverse viewpoints and backgrounds.

 

What we offer in return.

We offer excellent staff benefits including a competitive salary and homeworking allowance. We provide an employer pension contribution above the statutory minimum, an award-winning employee assistance programme, and an attractive holiday package which rises with length of service.

If you would like to access the application form in a different format or if would like any assistance that might help improve your experience while completing the application, please contact us. (You can find our contact email in the 'How to apply' section)

About The Role
If you want to tackle the biggest health and social care challenge facing the country then this is the role for you!
 
Dementia has a devastating impact on individuals, their families and society, at a cost of £42bn a year. Through our policy work, we are going to change that. As the UK’s largest dementia charity, the Alzheimer’s Society has thrown its weight behind achieving the better diagnosis, social care and treatment that people living with dementia urgently need.
In this role, you’ll work on evidence-based, collaborative, engaging and innovative policymaking across our Evidence, Policy & Influencing team. You’ll play a key part in determining what Alzheimer’s Society thinks about the big issues affecting people living with dementia today and help to drive major, impactful system and policy change across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
As Policy Officer, you’ll support Policy Managers to implement policy development strategies and be an expert policy advisor to colleagues across the Society.  You’ll also help to build compelling arguments to convince decision-makers of the need for action on dementia, empowered by robust evidence and collaborative relationships with key stakeholders.
 
Alzheimer's Society has recently been named on the Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2023! We have achieved excellent scores for workplace happiness, pride, and job satisfaction. This is a fantastic achievement and we're incredibly proud as this is a great indication of how far we’ve travelled over the past few years. We would love to welcome more outstanding people to join our exciting journey to make the greatest difference for people affected by dementia.

This is a homeworking role, but you may be required to travel to attend meetings, events and team-days, so you must reside in the UK, have the correct right to work documents to work in the UK and be comfortable/willing to travel to our offices (London or Birmingham) if/when required. Hybrid working is also available.
About you

- You will be someone with a sound knowledge of the health and care policy landscape across the UK, and ready to challenge the status quo.
- You’ll be able to proactively identify the action needed to affect policy change in dementia at national and local levels across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- You will be looking to hone your influencing skills in many different environments and within different systems, whilst engaging with stakeholders of varying levels of seniority.
- You will show excellent attention to detail, and enjoy producing and presenting high quality, innovative content including briefings, presentations and consultation responses.
- You will be a team player and ready to build consistency and understanding around our policymaking, while working on shared influencing priorities alongside others in the Evidence, Policy and Influencing team.

Person specification: 

- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Able to work collaboratively and prioritise workload effectively, remaining solution focussed throughout your areas of work.
- Strong interpersonal and interpretation skills which will allow you to have open and accessible conversations.
- Excellent organisational and timekeeping skills.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- A team player, supporting colleagues when there are deadlines and asking for help when needed.
- A self-starter and incredibly motivated.

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.

Equal Opportunities

We want everyone we work with, as a colleague, volunteer, supporter, or someone we support, to feel included and that they belong at Alzheimer's Society.

We are committed to building a diverse organisation that represents the communities we serve and ensuring inclusion in everything we do. During your recruitment process we want to make sure that you bring your whole self and be at your best.

In 2022 the charities Sands and Tommy’s came together to form a Joint Policy Unit. Our shared vision is for a future where fewer babies die, and inequalities in baby loss are eliminated so that everyone can benefit from the best possible outcomes.

Working together we want to secure policy changes that will reduce rates of miscarriage, stillbirth, pre-term birth and neonatal death, and to work to eliminate inequalities in these outcomes. We will do this by

• Holding governments across the UK to account on progress, and ensuring that saving babies lives and reducing inequalities is the national policy priority it deserves to be
• Working to ensure progress is being made to improve the safety of maternity and neonatal services, so that everyone can benefit from best-practice care.
• Promoting policy change so that new research and evidence leads to improvements in care

The Policy Officer will be key to helping the Joint Policy Unit achieve these objectives.

The role-holder will support the unit in delivering on our programme of policy work, and to support our external engagement so that saving babies’ lives is a key part of NHS/government policy across the UK. This will include work on a range of projects and outputs. The role-holder will play a lead role in supporting the unit’s responses to government consultations and inquiries, and engagement with new strategies and plans for the health service.

We are looking for someone with an understanding of the policy environment, ability to analyse policy and develop high-quality written outputs. You will be a great communicator with the ability to  translate insights into clear messages for different audiences (e.g. policymakers, stakeholders, supporters and the public).

Experience of leading and managing projects is essential for this role, as is a clear understanding of the relationship between research, policy and practice. Additionally, you will need to have a good understanding of the current policy environment as it relates to reducing baby loss and tackling inequalities, as well as enthusiasm for continued learning and a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances.

Please note this is a 1-year fixed term contract to cover maternity leave.

Fighting With Pride is a ‘lived experience’ LGBTQ+ military charity, created in January 2020.

FWP supports LGBTQ+ veterans, serving personnel and their families.  This support focuses on those who were affected by the ‘gay ban’.

The Chief Executive is responsible for providing leadership, developing, and implementing FWP strategic and operation plans, leading on partnership and development across Government, military charities and key stakeholders and being an advocate for the charity and its beneficiaries. They will be responsible for ensuring financial control and supporting and advising on good governance across all aspects of the Charity. This post directly reports to the Chair and Board of Trustees. 

The role is full-time, 37.5 hours per week and is on a permanent employment contract.  The salary is up to £60,000 per annum.

Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership

Be the principal ambassador of the charity.

To work in close partnership with the Chair and Board of Trustees to design, shape and implement the new strategy.

Lead, support, and motivate all staff, creating a positive culture throughout the organisation, delivering the charity’s aims, objectives, and ambitions.

Seek out, develop, and maintain effective working relationships with the Government and all relevant stakeholders to promote the work of the charity and facilitate the implementation of its strategic objectives.

Lead development of the vision, mission, core values and objectives in the Strategic Plan, providing advice, guidance and evidence-based proposals to the Chair and Board of Trustees. 

Strategy

Work with the Board to develop a new FWP strategic vision and be responsible for leading its implementation.

Work towards long-term sustainability, developing the charity’s business model and maximising income.

Adopt a creative and innovative approach to development, remaining open to new ideas and opportunities.

Identify appropriate methods for monitoring the performance of FWP and to report to the trustees on the performance of the charity in line with its strategy, business, operational and annual plans, and against the annual budget as approved by the Board. 

Operations

Take executive responsibility for all functions including service delivery, administration, finance, fundraising, marketing, and communications.

To run FWP efficiently and effectively by ensuring FWP has an appropriate management structure and systems, including financial reporting, to fulfil its strategic objectives and report to the Board of Trustees.

To ensure management policies and decisions support the agreed vision, mission, values, philosophy, and strategic priorities of FWP.

To ensure business, operational, and annual plans to underpin the strategic plan are developed, agreed, and implemented.

To ensure the recruitment, management, training, and development of staff reflect good employment practice and are directed towards achieving FWPs objectives.

Ensure FWP services and projects are delivered to the highest standard with due regard for timescales, risks and budgets.

Finance

Lead and direct the financial planning, forecasting, control reporting and management of the organisations finances and resources, ensuring regulatory compliance and sustainable organisational growth.

Take executive responsibility for the financial leadership of the charity, including forecasting and strategic budget leadership.

Ensure the charity’s financial resources are managed effectively and that FWP remains in good financial health, identifying risks and taking appropriate action.

Maintain effective financial management and control systems; ensure delivery within budgets and to performance targets and oversee the production of management accounts, statutory accounts and annual reports.

Governance and Compliance

Coordinate with the Board to ensure FWP overall governance structure and policies and procedures are appropriate and effective, taking remedial measures and implementing changes, as necessary.

Attend all Board meetings and prepare a written report in advance of the meeting detailing all matters of interest and concern regarding the charity’s activities, including the production of management accounts and cash flow forecasts.  Ensure the Board is made aware in a timely fashion of any matters arising requiring its attention.

Develop and maintain effective operational policies and processes in all the charity’s areas of operation. Review and update the policies and content to meet legal, regulatory and best practice needs.

Oversee the development and practical application of all organisational policies and procedures e.g. with regard to health and safety, equality and diversity, and safeguarding.

Ensure the charity complies with best practice in all areas of operation.

Oversee the designated safeguarding lead ensuring the safeguarding of the vulnerable adults with whom the charity works through rigorous DBS procedures and staff training.

Take responsibility for the collection and protection of personal information ensuring this complies with relevant Data Protection regulations.

Ensure all major risks are identified and regularly reviewed, and that systems and procedures are in place to mitigate all such risks. To be responsible for the development and implementation of the charity’s Risk Register.

Other Duties

The duties listed are not exhaustive and may be varied from time to time as required by the changing needs of the charity.  The post holder will be expected to undertake other duties as appropriate and as requested by the Board of Trustees.

Location

The postholder will be based within the UK, and work from home, with travel across the country, supported by the Board of Trustees.

Person Specification

Qualifications - Desirable criteria

Educated to degree level or equivalent professional experience and qualification, and evidence of CPD.

Experience of the armed forces community.

Experience - Essential criteria

Significant proven record of achievement in a senior position within a charity/not for profit organisation.

Experience of effective partnership working and development and external relationship management.

Experience of managing, motivating and developing staff.

Experience of business planning, business development and fundraising.

Experience of project management and service delivery across multiple functions.

Financial management skills including budgeting and delivery of cost and income targets.

Robust approach to governance, controls and definition/implementation of new processes.

Experience of financial and risk management.

Experience of managing organisational change.

Experience of line managing remote based teams.

Skills and knowledge - Essential criteria

Inspirational leadership, management and motivational skills.

Highly organised and personally effective.

Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.

Excellent interpersonal skills.

Ability to persuade and influence, both face to face and in writing.

Strong financial skills, including the ability to analyse budgets and accounts and manage an annual budget of over £500,000.

Outstanding business development skills.

A commitment to equal opportunities and inclusivity.

Rigorous analytical skills.

Personal attributes - Essential criteria

A thorough understanding of the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ / armed forces community and the ability to show a genuine and detailed interest in the work of the charity.

A commitment to improving the lives of others, ensuring all activities are in line with the charity’s aims, objectives, and values, and maintaining integrity and a professional approach, as a key ambassador to the charity.

Empathy for vulnerable people and those affected by the ban.

Positive, pro-active and dynamic.

Inclusive and flexible, with a consultative approach to leadership.

Confident and assertive.

Ability to pursue the mission and objectives of FWP with demonstrable passion, drive and commitment.

Committed to best practice and with a drive for continual improvement.

The appointee will also be expected to be fully IT literate.

The charity will consider reasonable methods of travel within the UK.

Safeguarding statement

FWP is committed to safeguarding and protecting the adults we work with. As such, all posts are subject to a safer recruitment process, including the disclosure of criminal records and vetting checks. We ensure we have policies and procedures in place which promote safeguarding and a safe working environment.