Communications director jobs

We are recruiting a General Advice Officer to support with the delivery of advice and welfare support to vulnerable guests who access the Community Wellbeing Service, a local support hub offering relief from the rising cost of living for local families. The General Advice Officer will support our guests on a range of areas including benefits, immigration, housing, money management and access to training and employment services. The postholder will provide high quality welfare advice and guidance through weekly one-to-one advice sessions, undertake case work, work with partners to facilitate referrals, and provide support to advice volunteers. 

The successful candidate must have at least two years’ experience delivering effective advice or in a similar capacity, demonstrate empathy, an understanding of the issues facing vulnerable people, and have in-depth and up-to-date knowledge of welfare benefits and housing policies/legislations, with a strong focus on achieving tangible outcomes for our guests.

Advice Work

• Carry out assessments to identify urgent needs and appropriate support pathways for members at the Community Wellbeing Service.
• Support outreach or community engagement activities as needed.
• Provide holistic and person-centred advice and casework on the main enquiry areas, particularly welfare benefits, housing, employment, health and wellbeing, immigration and money management.
• Maintain Sufra’s Advice Quality Standards and meeting tangible outcomes.
• Produce detailed case records on our case management system for the purpose of continuity, statistical monitoring and report preparation
• Apply for funds from trusts and foundations to support individuals and families with essential costs such as housing deposits or white-goods and/or cancellation of debts;
• Develop and maintain good working relationships with external stakeholders for joined up working, including statutory and voluntary service providers, making referrals for guests where appropriate.
• Enable and support guests to act for themselves, wherever appropriate.
• Monitor the progression of all cases to the point of resolution.
• Conduct follow-up calls with guests where needed and track outcomes
• Support volunteers who are working on delivering Advice Services e.g triage volunteers and pathways volunteers
• Provide advice to the General Advice Service as and when required

Case Management

• Manage own caseload and work independently to support guests
• Use of Case Management System (AdvicePro) as well as Microsoft Office for communication and document production.
• Support with developing case studies and gathering guest feedback
• Collect statistical information as requested for reporting purposes.
• Feed into the development of monitoring reports for funders and other stakeholders

Other Responsibilities

• Maintain and update the charity’s record of referral and signposting agencies;
• Ensure data protection regulations are adhered to, and that sensitive data is handled in accordance with relevant legislation and organisational procedures.
• Keep informed of new and changing legislation relevant to the post, and of local issues and policies
• Be committed to the aims, procedures and policies of Sufra’s advice service in every aspect of service delivery.
• Take part in supervisions, personal development training, team meetings and appraisals
• Undertake any other reasonable duties to support the operations of the charity.

Interested in managing the CRM database of an International Development Charity? You will help deliver continuous improvement to the CRM system and data quality within it. You will need to be able to effectively analyse and configure the CRM system, adding new fields as and when approved via a change approval process.

Mothers' Union is a global Christian movement working with people of all faiths and none to develop communities, strengthen families and advocate for change. Our members are active in 83 countries and work tirelessly to serve their communities to build a future where everyone thrives.

The Role

We have recently launched our new CRM based on Microsoft Dynamics 365, and are looking for a CRM Manager to join an end user Charity in Central London. The Charity has a direct front end CRM user base of around 30 staff. It also has a power platforms bespoke portal for between 64-120 regional staff to login to, who contribute to the membership programme, creating new memberships and managing the renewals process which happens each year. It also has a power portals Donation portal which directly integrates to Dynamics 365 and Business central. This role is to support our internal staff (30) and external Staff (120) with the day to day activities ensuring business processes are fit for purpose and seek out possible improvements in the long term roadmap.

Key Functional Areas

• Data architecture– Lead on the review and structure of data on CRM.
• Systems Governance - Ensuring system best practices are followed, producing dashboards to identify common errors to follow up with users offering tailored training for common issues.
• Training and Support - training of new members, ongoing training and refreshing areas where common issues are found in regular training sessions all staff and portal users can attend.
• Information Governance and Data Protection - Ensuring data is kept up to date and added in the correct formats and standards. Leading on data compliance and legalisation for the charity

Please refer our job description for more information

Key skills & experience we are looking for

• 3 years’ CRM experience with at least 2+ years experience with administering Dynamics CRM/365/2016.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365.
• Experience in systems and requirements analysis/Systems documentation.
• Managing issues and maintaining issue management systems.
• Microsoft Office 365 automation, including Microsoft Flow.
• Business Process Modelling Notation (BPMN).
• Business Central.
• Power BI.

Benefits

• 25 days of annual leave (full time) plus up to 4 days of leave (full time) given at the discretion of Mothers’ Union.
• Employer pension contribution of 6.5%.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay.
• Two volunteering days per calendar year.
• One away day per calendar year.
• Enhanced sick pay.
• Bereavement leave & Compassionate leave
• Season ticket loan.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Employee assistance programme.
• Eye care voucher and an allowance towards glasses.

Work Location/Hybrid Working Pattern

This role will be based at our Head Office in central London. Mothers’ Union operates a hybrid working model. Staff are required to work an aggregate minimum of 90 days per calendar year (pro rata for part timers) at our Head Office, Mary Sumner House in central London. Tuesdays are our anchor days where every staff member is expected to be at the office. The 90 days includes anchor Tuesdays. In addition, Thursday is a core working day where part time staff are expected to work, either at home or from the office as needed.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this position, please apply by sending your CV and a Cover Letter via Charity Job. The Cover Letter should clearly outline how your skills match the main responsibilities of the role. Please note – only applications with a cover letter, alongside a CV, will be considered.

Application Deadline

The deadline for applications is 08 May 2025 at 5:00 pm. Due to the number of applications we may receive, we will not be able to individually respond to each applicant. Kindly note, we will only be getting in touch with the applicants shortlisted for an interview. We aim to get in touch with the shortlisted candidates after the application deadline. We will be conducting interviews for suitable candidates as we go along and may fill the role before the closing date.

Equal Opportunity

Mothers’ Union is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to create an inclusive environment for all employees.

About Reprieve

Reprieve works with the most disenfranchised people in society. Our aim is simple: to consign the death penalty and abuses carried out in the name of “counter-terrorism” or “national security” to history, drawing public and political attention to these past harms with a view to preventing them from occurring again.

In our view, you can best judge a society by how it treats prisoners, criminal defendants, and the far-flung targets of an ever-changing counter-terror policy. To us, the rule of law means little if we selectively apply it to people we agree with. It is for all of us. Liberty is always eroded at the margins.

Reprieve’s staff is made up of courageous and committed human rights defenders. Founded in 1999, we provide free legal and investigative support to people facing the death penalty and those victimised by states’ abusive counter-terror policies – rendition, torture, arbitrary detention and extrajudicial killing.

We fight our clients’ cases in courts around the world; investigate their mistreatment; and advocate on their behalf, encouraging public and political debate of human rights issues.

Reprieve’s main office is in Aldgate, London, UK. Reprieve also supports full-time Fellows, who work as lawyers, investigators and campaigners in the countries in which we work. We work closely with a number of partner organisations in jurisdictions all over the world, who provide access to clients, expertise, knowledge and guidance on specific issues or regions. We work in cooperation with relevant government officials, individual lawyers and human rights defenders, as well as individual, corporate and foundation funders to further the cause of our shared goals.

Reprieve works in close partnership with its independent sibling organisation Reprieve US. This collaboration is mutually beneficial to both Reprieve and Reprieve US as it enables each organisation to work more effectively and take advantage of the strategic locations to increase the impact of our work.

Reprieve is an equal opportunity employer and we particularly welcome applicants from Black and minority ethnic communities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and those with disabilities. Reprieve is committed to fighting racism and advancing racial justice, both in our work and within Reprieve. 

About the Role

This is a fantastic opportunity to join Reprieve’s dynamic Development Team to secure vital income to power our high-impact human rights work. Working across both Reprieve and Reprieve US, you will make a real impact by focusing on Government and Trusts and Foundation donors. With proven fundraising experience, you will bring specialist expertise in at least one of these fundraising disciplines.

Working with the Head of Development, you will manage relationships with a portfolio of Trusts & Foundations and Government donors, building strong partnerships, and identifying opportunities to enhance collaboration. You will be responsible for securing new grants, managing funding in line with donor requirements, and leading on the preparation of accurate and compelling applications, reports and communications.

You will also be responsible for prospecting and working with the Casework Team and senior leadership team to cultivate new donor relationships, expanding our grants and trusts income in a sustainable and strategic way. Your role will be key in driving sustainable growth and maximising the impact of our funding partnerships

You will be highly-organised, with sound judgment, and the ability to build excellent relationships – both with donors, and colleagues across the organisation. Your exceptional writing skills will enable you to translate technical language into engaging and accessible content for donor audiences. You will have a solid understanding of financial processes, allowing you to be able to work effectively with the Finance and Casework teams to develop project budget and financial reports. A critical thinker and a quick learner, you thrive when taking on new challenges and getting stuck in. You will be ambitious, and excited about raising money for Reprieve.

In return, you will join a friendly, supportive and high-performing Development Team, working together towards shared income targets. As part of a small team, you will benefit from a flexible and collaborative approach, where colleagues step in and support each other. You will have opportunities to develop expertise, gain experience, and access training and professional development as needed. You will work with brilliant human rights lawyers, investigators, and campaigners and will contribute towards addressing some of the most pressing human rights abuses across the world.

You will share our commitment to fighting against racism and advancing racial justice, and understand our responsibility to do our work in a way that does not compound racist structures.

For full details, please download the job description.

Length and Salary

This is a full-time role, on a permanent contract. The annual salary is £42,193 full-time per annum, less any required deductions for income tax and national insurance.

Reprieve operates a hybrid working model and we ask staff to work two days per week from the London office and the rest of the week from home. However, we are open to discussions on a flexible working arrangement on a case-by-case basis. This is a role that may require travel and work outside of core office hours from time to time, for example for donor events.

Reprieve is proud to have an open and transparent pay structure, governed by a 2:1 pay ratio between the highest-paid member of staff and the lowest-paid member of staff. We are a flexible employer and offer a range of nonfinancial benefits to employees. We welcome applications from a range of backgrounds. Learn more about Reprieve’s salary structure and ethos.

Full details and how to apply

Please review the job description and person specification for full details.To apply, please submit the application form at the web address provided. Please note that CVs and cover letters cannot be accepted for this role. 

The deadline for applications is 23:58 BST on 5 May 2025. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK currently and for the duration of the contract. 

The head of business development will play a pivotal role in driving the NCTJ’s growth and sustainability by identifying and securing revenue opportunities for new and existing projects and forming strategic business partnerships.

The successful candidate will be responsible for securing income to support our mission and charitable objectives while supporting the commercial development of our Journalism Skills Academy and our awarding organisation. This senior leadership role requires a proactive and strategic individual with an appreciation of the business and media landscape and the ability to cultivate and manage high-value relationships.

The head of business development will have two direct management reports: our fundraising manager and our Journalism Skills Academy manager.

The responsibilities of this role cover business growth, sales and revenue generation, commercial partnerships, industry engagement, strategic leadership and operational management.

This is an exceptional opportunity to play a pivotal senior leadership role in shaping the future of journalism. Join a passionate, driven team within an organisation deeply committed to journalistic excellence.

The Role

The key purpose of this role is to work as a “right hand” to the Associate Vicar, as an Executive Assistant and lead of key projects. Listed below are the key elements that the role holder will be doing:

Email, Diary Management & General Administration

• Drafting high volume of emails, correspondence, enquiries, managing the email inbox and ensuring that replies and responses are timely and appropriate
• Oversee diary of AV and manage key dates and appointments in church cycle, book and set-up appointments, coordinate meetings, set-up Zoom links, include briefing notes for AV and coordinate all relevant information for meetings
• Handle administrative duties on behalf of the AV including supporting with rotas for clergy, key comms (internal and external), congregational comms, review information as first point of contact and assist AV with supporting duties
• Assist the AV with processing of expenses and approve expenses with AV’s authorisation and oversee the reconciliation of the AV’s credit card on a monthly basis
• Research and support as needed related to preaching assignments and other projects related to other ministry areas
• Assist AV with key comms with donors, key stakeholders including PCC, church wardens and HTB Group Entity Heads
• Represent AV at a senior level with internal and external parties and assisting with sensitive pastoral matters
• Assist the AV with travel arrangements, booking train tickets and flights, arranging hotel accommodation, organizing schedules, managing insurance requirements and adhering to all HTB Group policies relating to travel and assisting AV with expense
reimbursement and processing regularly

Sunday Services

• Support AV in the running and oversight of 10 services across 6 sites at HTB and specifically with the 9.30am and 11.30am services at HTB Brompton Road
• Organise information and map out strategy and plan for special services, key points in the church calendar (Christmas, Easter, Vision series, Leadership Conference, Focus)
• Liaising with external speakers, processing honorariums, handling comms and coordination logistics for all outside speaker invitations and serving as the point of contact for guests – including sourcing books and resources, organising transportation, liaising with speaker team and coordinating with Director of Comms on any major requests

Budget, Strategy & Governance

• Assist AV with budget and strategy and annual salary review process for all HTB staff and also help with HR and recruitment issues where necessary
• Assist AV with strategy documents for HTB and the annual strategy process to ensure all HTB ministry departments aligned with overall goals and objectives for HTB set by the vicar
• Ensure accountability and clear communications with HTB Department Heads for all ministry areas and drafting of internal comms for internal HTB staff team

PCC & wider Church of England

• Assist with drafting PCC reports and documents for HTB where needed working closely with the Group COO’s office
• Support AV with communications with Chelsea Area Deanery, Kensington Area Council and all wider Church of England matters and requests (Diocese of London, Archdeacons, Legal Agreements, etc)
• Help HTB to ensure it is compliant with all C of E requirements and maintains good working relationships with the Diocese of London
• Support AV to ensure that all safeguarding matters/requirements fulfilled and clear communication with Safeguarding Officer
• Assist AV with managing matters relating to HTB’s accessibility matters (i.e. disability and special needs), sustainability policy and approaches, recruitment and staff policies, etc.

Project Management

• Support AV with any special projects or assignments as needed – i.e. School of Preaching Course, special Alpha projects, Electoral Roll, crisis management, projects for the PCC, key events, donor comms, fundraising and stewardship, racial diversity working group matters, research assignments, etc.

The Right Candidate

• This role requires strong skills in administration, attention to detail, writing and drafting and excellent organisational skills.
• Experience supporting a senior leader or C-Level executive in a supporting capacity in a fast-paced and fast-moving organisation.
• A strong Christian faith and an active member of HTB, worshipping regularly at one of HTB's services or church plants.

MSF UK/IE is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all staff and for everyone that comes into contact with the charity. The Safeguarding Manager is the focal point for our efforts both leading and assuring delivery within MSF UK/IE and working in collaboration across the MSF movement with key partners and sections to advance and support the development of safeguarding within MSF.

Department: People Department

Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours a week

Length of contract: Fixed Term Contract - 12 Months (maternity cover)

Location: London Hybrid 2 days per week London Office

Salary:£52,866.48 per annum

Internal salary grade: 16.1

Requirements

• Relevant experience in protection/safeguarding, experience in managing safeguarding cases is desirable.
• Safeguarding-related background, e.g. dedicated safeguarding role, NHS, social work, HR investigations or NGO experience.
• Strong people skills with the ability to read and navigate complex political interactions.
• Confident and engaging presenter.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to synthesise information from various sources.
• Knowledge of UK/IE Safeguarding Legislation.
• Ability to think critically and analytically enabling excellent decision-making abilities around the protection of vulnerable people.
• Ability to work strategically across a complex organisational structure.
• Diplomatic, with excellent communication skills and strong cross-cultural communication abilities.
• Motivated by desire to ensure MSF UK/IE is a safe, diverse and inclusive place to work, where people are heard and concerns addressed.
• Excellent listening skills; approachable, enthusiastic and dynamic.
• Strong organisation and time management skills.
• Discreet and able to handle information sensitively.

The Sociological Review Foundation is seeking its first Development Manager to join its team. This role, reporting directly to the Operations Director, presents a unique opportunity to drive the organisation’s strategic growth initiatives and fundraising calls, expand partnerships, and generate revenue through the sale of services.

Note: We can only accept applications from applicants who are based in, and eligible to work in, the UK.

Starting Salary: £34,629 - £37,868 (pro rata) This is the full-time amount, and the salary will be prorated based on the hours of the post. 

Hours: Part-time time 4 days per week (28 hours per week)

Contract: Permanent

Location:Nottingham Diocese volunteer centre currently in Nottingham 

The successful candidate must be able to travel widely around the area covered 

Job Profile

CAFOD’s work in the Catholic community of England and Wales is to inspire and resource Catholics to participate in the Church’s mission to overcome poverty and injustice in partnership with CAFOD. 

The main purpose of this role is to inspire and increase the participation in CAFOD’s work of Catholic parishes, schools and the broader Catholic community within the Nottingham Diocese. This will be accomplished partly by the recruitment and support of a team of committed, inspired and well-resourced volunteers working in parish and school communities to enable and equip Catholics to give, act and pray. The work will also involve meeting gatekeepers, networks and other stakeholders within the diocese to build fruitful and positive relationships.

The Community Participation Co-ordinator (CPC) is part of a regional team working across a group of dioceses and whilst having a primary focus on one diocese, is responsible for the results of the regional team plans in relation to volunteer recruitment and retention and parishion and school participation.

The role will be hybrid (40-60% of time at home and 40-60% based from the volunteer centre) or fully based from CAFOD’s Nottingham Diocese volunteer centre currently in Nottingham city centre, although it is expected that the post holder will be mobile and flexible to meet volunteers, clergy and other stakeholders as required. The post holder will also be meeting with other regional team members as required both virtually and face to face. At times it will be necessary to transport some equipment and resources and to be flexible to work evenings and weekends. 

The role requires a willingness to be adaptable to support the work of the regional team, deploying skills, knowledge and at times activity in other parts of the regional team area. This is likely to require some additional travel (which would be reimbursed by CAFOD). The post also requires weekend and evening work for while time off in lieu (toil) can be claimed.

CPCs are accountable for delivering CAFOD’s annual participation plans locally across England and Wales. As well as growing the number of parishes participating, the plan is also focused on enabling parish communities to expand the breadth of their participation. Through greater numbers and activity of schools volunteers and volunteer co-ordinators, more schools will be visited by a CAFOD volunteer. It is not expected that the post-holder will routinely visit schools but that the vast majority of visits be completed by volunteers. 

The post reports to the Community Participation Manager. 

Key Responsibilities

Delivering participation plans  

• Share accountability for delivery of annual participation plans for the region (a group of dioceses) with a primary focus on one diocese, and for fundraising, education, campaigns, and other targets, as delineated by the participation plan for the region. It is anticipated that the role will have an 80% focus on parish communities and a 20% focus on school communities 

• Contribute to the development and delivery of a regional plan across a number of dioceses in support of the annual participation plans and appropriate for local contexts 

• Achieve targets for increasing parishioner and children & young people participation primarily through recruitment and retention of volunteers and working with gatekeepers 

• Be willing and able to share reports and information around community participation and recruitment, activity, development and retention of volunteers

• Closely monitor parish participation activity

Managing volunteers  

• Be the local volunteer manager in a specific diocese or dioceses 

• Hold the relationship with, and coordinate the work of, a number of volunteers in order to achieve the annual participation plan in the region 

• Contribute to increasing the number and activity of parish and school volunteers and volunteer co-ordinators in line with the regional team plan 

• Contribute to development of volunteering opportunities especially the growth of volunteer leaders 

• Match the offers, skills, experiences and expectations of volunteers with opportunities and needs in relation to CAFOD’s plans for parishioners and children & young people 

• Ensure each volunteer is appropriately inducted, briefed, trained and resourced

• Increase and ensure volunteer retention through induction, support, affirmation and effective management of the volunteer throughout their involvement with CAFOD 

• Organize and promote volunteer meetings and training opportunities to be delivered either by national programme teams or self or members of her/his regional team 

• Ensure volunteer records are accurate and up to date on the database. 

Managing relationships 

• Build and maintain key relationships including with priests, school staff, academy trusts and others within a diocese as determined in the regional plan. Be point of contact with local Bishop.

• Build and maintain effective working relationships with diocesan communications officers and press and be a point of contact for local broadcast and print media, to increase opportunities for Catholics to hear about CAFOD’s work, working with and through media volunteers where possible. 

All staff are expected: 

• To attend and contribute to regular Team, Group and CAFOD-wide meetings and briefings 

• To participate in training and other activities as requested by the line manager 

• To work as a supportive member of the team, providing cover for and training of other team members and volunteers as required 

• To be accountable for the achievement of objectives set by the line manager 

Safeguarding for Children and Vulnerable Adults  

CAFOD recognises the personal dignity and rights of children and vulnerable adults, towards whom it has a special responsibility and a duty of care and respect. CAFOD, and all its staff and volunteers, undertake to do all in our power to create a safe environment for children, young people and vulnerable adults and to prevent their physical, sexual or emotional abuse. CAFOD is committed to acting at all times in the best interests of children and vulnerable adults, seeing these interests as paramount. Any candidate offered

Person Specification/ Essential Criteria 

Understanding our context  

A Understanding Catholic identity: sympathetic knowledge of the life, culture and structure of the Catholic Church in England and Wales and an ability to work effectively within it and especially an understanding of parish community life 

B Understanding CAFOD: I understand, demonstrate and actively support CAFOD’s vision, mission and values and what we aim to achieve. 

C Understanding international development: I have an understanding of the nature and causes of world poverty and how it affects different individuals, groups and communities 

Working together  

D Managing ourselves:  Strong interpersonal skills including an ability to develop personal relationships quickly and to inspire and convince others.  Ability to be self-motivated and able to work in isolation at times.

E Working with others: builds positive and fruitful partnerships particularly with volunteers; works effectively as part of a regional team to ensure sharing of good practice and shared workload; being willing and able to help other team members and be helped to achieve delivery of a regional team plan

F Communicating: can communicate strongly CAFOD’s vision for community participation and volunteer partnership; share knowledge and information across CAFOD 

G Looking outwards: Collaborates with partners, supporters and donors to achieve the best balance between their objectives and CAFOD’s Mission

Making change happen  

H Managing resources: confident with analysing and using data for planning, monitoring and reporting:  Proven planning, time-management and organisational skills 

I Achieving results: Ability and willingness to focus on achieving results, especially for the delivery of shared regional plans for community participation and income growth 

J Managing our performance:Ability and willingness to work to targets and achieve results

 K Taking the lead: Motivates others to get things done 

Job-specific competencies 

1. A demonstrable commitment to volunteering and understanding of its potential as a force for change
2. Experience of managing multiple relationships eg with clergy, stakeholders and a wide variety of volunteers. 
3. Experience of managing volunteers including recruitment, retention, deployment and celebration.

Please click here for a full list of CAFOD’s Staff Benefits 

Come and join us and help make a real difference in the lives of the world’s poorest communities. 

Safeguarding for Children and Vulnerable Adults

CAFOD recognises the personal dignity and rights of children and vulnerable adults, towards whom it has a special responsibility and a duty of care and respect.  CAFOD, and all its staff and volunteers, undertake to do all in our power to create a safe environment for children, young people and vulnerable adults and to prevent their physical, sexual or emotional abuse.  CAFOD is committed to acting at all times in the best interests of children and vulnerable adults, seeing these interests as paramount.  Any candidate offered a job with CAFOD will be expected to adhere to CAFOD’s Safeguarding policy and sign CAFOD’s Code of Behavior as an appendix to their contract of employment and agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the provisions of these documents.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references, and appropriate screening checks can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. CAFOD also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of, and consent to, these recruitment procedures.

CAFOD is an equal opportunities employer. Recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. 

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.

You will be responsible for working across the charity to identify new funding opportunities, preparing high-quality applications, and maintaining relationships with key funders. 

This is an exciting opportunity for a proactive and highly-organized individual with experience in fundraising and grant writing.

Key Responsibilities:

• Research and identify potential trusts and foundations to approach for funding.

• Work with the Head of Advice and Director of Policy to identify projects and proposals.

• Write compelling funding applications and reports to secure financial support for the charity’s projects and initiatives.

• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key funders, keeping them informed of progress and the impact of their donations.

• Manage a portfolio of existing trusts and foundations, ensuring timely reporting and stewardship.

• Track and manage fundraising data, ensuring accurate records of all communications and activities.

• Prepare regular fundraising reports.

  Required Skills and Experience:

  • Proven experience in fundraising, with a strong focus on trusts and foundations.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write persuasive proposals and reports.

  • Strong research skills and the ability to identify new funding opportunities.

  • Experience in managing donor relationships.

  • Highly organized, able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

  • Self-motivated and comfortable working independently.

  • Knowledge of Salesforce would be desirable

  • A commitment to making a positive impact.

Protect is happy to discuss flexible working and we currently offer hybrid working between our office in Bethnal Green, London and home.

Please apply by midday Friday 2 May 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed on 9 May. 

• Location: London, Birmingham or Bristol (Remote/Hybrid) 

• Permanent contract

• Part time: 3-4 days a week (21-28 hours) 

• £34,000-£38,000 per annum pro- rata, dependent on skills and experience 

A fantastic opportunity for individuals with experience in financial management to join our team as Finance Manager. Envision launched its latest, three-year strategy this year. We aim to build the reach and impact of our work, deepening our presence in our hub cities and expanding into new areas of high need and low charity presence. You will join a team that is determined and energetic; reflective and collaborative; and values the experiences and backgrounds of each person we work with.   

As our Finance Manager you will be responsible for the smooth running of the financial administration of the charity. Working closely with the Director of Finance & Operations, you’ll create timely financial reports, budgets & forecasts to inform decision making. 

As an experienced manager, you will bring strong financial management skills, efficient administrative systems oversight, and a proven track record of working effectively within small teams. Excellent communication and organisational abilities are essential, along with a proactive, solution-focused approach 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Financial Management: Oversee daily operations of the finance function, ensuring accurate month-end processes, preparation of management accounts, maintenance of the Xero accounting system, and strong financial controls and procedures. 

• Team Leadership and Oversight: Manage and support the Business Administration and Finance Officer, reviewing reconciliations and ensuring effective financial operations, including accounts payable/receivable, cash flow, and corporate cards. 

• Forecasting and Budgeting: Lead monthly and quarterly financial forecasting and support the Director of Finance and Operations in developing and monitoring the annual budget. 

• Financial Processing: Ensure all transactions are supported with appropriate documentation, manage income recording with the philanthropy team, and oversee gift aid submissions. 

• Payroll and Pensions: Process monthly payroll and pension contributions through Xero, manage HMRC obligations, and ensure staff expense claims are handled accurately and timely. 

• Compliance and Governance: Prepare statutory returns for the Charity Commission and Companies House, ensuring compliance with all financial and legal reporting requirements. 

• Uphold Envision’s values and be a role model for young people and volunteers. 

• Ensure that all activity is delivered in line with Envision policies and procedures.

Essential Experience, Knowledge and Competencies: 

• Prior experience of working in a similar role (min 2 years) 

• Accounting qualification (e.g.  AAT Level 3 or above, ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or Qualified by Experience 

• Experience with IT systems – Office365, Shared drives 

• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to present financial reports and information effectively to a wide variety of audiences.

• Commitment to Envision’s vision, mission and values and ability to work well in, and contribute to, our organisational culture 

Desirable Experience, Knowledge and Competencies: 

• Experience with IT systems – Xero, SafeHR, Salesforce, Docusign 

• Experience of the charity sector and its accounting requirements 

• Understanding of, and/ or lived experience of, the barriers that young people face, that contribute to the education and employment gap 

Envision seeks to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce and that all applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability or nationality.

Please note, we are unable to support visa applications and therefore applicants must have the right to work in the UK. 

We encourage applications with lived experience to apply as they are currently under- represented in our organisation. Envision graduates will be guaranteed a first round interview.  

To apply you must please read the application pack and apply online. 

Deadline - Midnight Tuesday 29th April 

Please note: 

- We will only be contacting candidates who have been shortlisted for interview. Therefore, if we do not contact you, please assume you have been unsuccessful. 

- We also regret to inform you that, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we will be unable to provide you with feedback regarding your application. 

Centre for Mental Health is an established independent mental health research charity which for forty years has taken the lead in challenging policies, systems and society, so that everyone can have better mental health.

You will join a team developing mental health research and policy ideas, as we equip services and decision makers to meet people’s needs and reduce mental health disparities.

Join us in our work driving forward sustainable policy change, tackling inequalities and working tirelessly for social justice and good mental health for all.

Job Title: Policy and Research Officer 

Location: Liverpool/Hybrid (Remote working a possibility)

Salary: £33,000

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time. Monday to Friday, 8:45am-4:45pm

Join Us in Ending Furniture Poverty!

Are you passionate about social housing and making a difference in people’s lives? Do you want to use research to make a real difference in tackling furniture poverty across the UK?

We’re looking for a Policy & Research Officer to join End Furniture Poverty, the campaigning arm of FRC Group. This is an exciting opportunity to be at the heart of impactful social research that shapes policy and drives change.

About End Furniture Poverty

End Furniture Poverty is the campaigning arm of FRC Group, a social enterprise with a mission to End Furniture Poverty. We are committed to making a tangible difference in our communities by providing quality, affordable furniture to those in need. Our values—Bravery, Creativity, Passion, and Professionalism—drive us to tackle social issues head-on, innovating to create sustainable solutions and inspiring positive change.

Operating for over 35 years, FRC Group includes a family of social businesses such as the Furniture Resource Centre and Buckingham Interiors. Our operations are not just about providing furniture; they’re about empowering lives, supporting the community, and ensuring everyone has access to the essential items that make a house a home.

Our team is our greatest asset, and we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive working environment where employees can thrive both personally and professionally. We invest in our people through comprehensive training, development opportunities, and a culture that celebrates achievements and milestones.

The Role

As part of the End Furniture Poverty team, you’ll work closely with the Director of End Furniture Poverty to lead and deliver our research strategy. You’ll develop and deliver high-quality research, analyse complex data, and create publications that inform policy and influence real-world change.

This is a great opportunity for someone who thrives on juggling multiple projects, has a strong grasp of social research methods, and wants to see their work have a national impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading primary and secondary research into the causes, effects, and solutions to furniture poverty

• Designing qualitative and quantitative studies

• Handling large datasets and using tools like SPSS, Stata or R for analysis

• Writing publication-standard reports and policy briefings

• Mapping services and interventions in the sector

• Staying up to date with key policy developments

• Supporting our influencing work with powerful evidence and insight

Skills and Experience:

• Strong experience of both qualitative and quantitative social research

• Educated to degree level (ideally in a relevant field such as social or political science)

• Postgraduate social research qualification

• Excellent communication skills – written and verbal

• Proficiency in statistical software (e.g. SPSS, R, Stata)

• Confidence in managing complex datasets and distilling insights

• A creative and analytical mindset

• Knowledge of social justice, government policy, and socioeconomic issues

• A passion for ending furniture poverty and aligning with our values: Bravery, Creativity, Passion, and Professionalism

Benefits

• 27 days holiday per year plus bank holidays
• Christmas shutdown
• Up to 9% pension match
• Staff purchase schemes
• Medicash health insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Travel passes
• Cycle to work scheme
• Birthday celebrations and meals
• Values awards & vouchers
• 3 paid volunteering days per year
• Free parking
• Death in service
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Free tea, coffee, and fruit
• Wonderful Wednesdays – Free Toast and gatherings
• Training and Development opportunities
• A great place to work with a positive social impact

At End Furniture Poverty, you'll be part of a passionate team working to create lasting social change. This is a unique opportunity to lead meaningful research that directly informs national policy and helps end furniture poverty in the UK. We’re a values-driven organisation that champions innovation, creativity, and impact. With a flexible, supportive working environment and the chance to grow and develop your skills, you’ll be making a real difference—every single day.

If you're ready to use your skills to drive change and help shape a fairer society, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and be part of ending furniture poverty.

Ex Cathedra is a world-class ensemble that leads the choral sector in the fields of performance, learning and wellbeing. Thanks to a recent donation, we are excited to create this new role for a skilled fundraiser to join our team to help us identify, recruit and manage a pipeline of individual donors capable of giving upwards of £5,000 to support Ex Cathedra’s agreed strategic priorities. You will join a supportive, dedicated staff team, which includes an Individual Giving Officer and freelance trusts fundraiser plus access to an external mentor if desirable.

We believe that the benefits of singing are for everyone, and seek to reach and engage as many people as possible through outstanding vocal experiences. We do this by exploring, commissioning and performing the finest choral music, nurturing young singers, and delivering an extensive, inspirational learning and wellbeing offer for participants of all ages – engaging 80,000+ people every year in a range of venues, schools, hospitals and communities, including through our acclaimed Singing Schools and Singing Medicine projects.

It is an exciting time to join us and shape this new role. Over the next 5 years we will celebrate the legacy of founder Jeffrey Skidmore OBE and welcome a new artistic director. We are enjoying audience growth, our projects are being recognised at Award ceremonies, and we already have an established individual giving scheme which we hope you will help us grow.

Find the full application pack on our website. The following is extracted:

Key responsibilities

The Individual Giving Manager will contribute towards Ex Cathedra’s ongoing sustainability and success by maximising philanthropic income:

Strategy and research

• build, maintain and continually seek to expand a pipeline of prospects capable of making gifts at a high 4-, 5- and 6-figure level, making sure that all progress is tracked, monitored and reviewed on a routine basis

• explore our existing data to identify major gift prospects, working in line with data protection law and fundraising regulations

Individual giving

• work closely with the General Manager and Individual Giving Officer to further develop and implement strategies that will increase major gifts and legacy donations to Ex Cathedra, dovetailing with the Trusts and Foundations consultant where appropriate

• arrange and conduct face-to-face meetings with prospects and donors to help build and progress meaningful relationships through regular dialogue

• use their judgement to involve the artistic director, trustees and colleagues where most beneficial/advantageous

• align prospective donors with high-value funding opportunities for the performance programme, education and participation work, or area of greatest need according to the interests of the donor

• promote and encourage giving towards the establishment of an Endowment Fund that will provide long-term financial sustainability for the organisation

• meet agreed targets for activity (i.e. number of prospect meetings and solicitations) and income generation (i.e. funds raised)

• personally manage the portfolio of higher level donors and prospective donors.

Communications

• manage the delivery of specific appeals to prospects and donors

• work with the General Manager and freelance designer to devise and produce materials in support of Ex Cathedra’s fundraising aims

• create and refresh inspiring copy for inclusion in print, on our website and other relevant materials

Other

• record and maintain progress, ensuring that income can be projected as accurately as possible, liaising with the Finance Manager as appropriate

• carry out any other duties as are within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job, as requested by the General Manager

About you

You will be a skilled fundraiser, able to help us identify, recruit and manage a pipeline of individual donors, capable of giving upwards of £5,000 to support Ex Cathedra’s agreed strategic priorities.

You will join a supportive, dedicated staff team, which includes an Individual Giving Officer and freelance trusts fundraiser plus access to an external mentor if desirable.

The ideal candidate will have:

Experience

• demonstrable experience in a similar role

• direct experience of securing gifts and donations at 4- and 5-figure level from individuals by initiating, building and stewarding relationships

• experience of developing engaging and attractive gift opportunities; and scoping, developing and articulating fundraising projects

• experience of working in a target-driven environment

Knowledge

• knowledge of the principles of major gift fundraising and Donor Relations (including stewardship)

• knowledge of the Arts and/or Charity funding landscape and UK philanthropic trends

• knowledge and understanding of donor motivations, and how to align philanthropic interests with organisational priorities

• a sound working knowledge of data protection legislation and national fundraising best practice

Skills and abilities

• good organisation and planning skills, with an ability to prioritise the things that matter most

• excellent communication skills with an ability to persuade and influence with tact and diplomacy

• an ability to work effectively with a range of internal and external stakeholders

• an ability to adapt communication styles to different audiences

• an ability to think both creatively and tactically about the relations between potential donors and fundraising goals

• good listening skills

Attributes and attitudes

• a strong team player, who enjoys building and maintaining productive relationships with others

• pro-active, results-oriented and ambitious, with a determination to succeed and improve

• resilient, focused, tenacious and confident

• a creative thinker, with a keen interest in trying new approaches to bring about enduring, positive change

• a willingness to work outside normal hours and travel when required

• a genuine affinity and passion for music and the Arts, and their transformational power

How to apply

Full details on how to apply can be found in the Application Pack, which is available from our website. We welcome informal, pre-application conversations, and details on how to arrange this with Peter Trethewey, General Manager, are also set out in the pack.

Application deadline: Thursday 1 May, 5pm

If you have any access needs relevant to your application, please contact Peter.