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Research Associate - National Youth Agency

Contract: 12-month Fixed Term Contract (with potential to extend)
Hours: Full-time - 37 hours per week 
Salary: £30,000 – £35,000 per annum, dependent on experience
Remote: This role is 100% homebased with occasional travel for staff residentials and other events.

What we do

As the national body for youth work, the NYA has a dual function. We are the professional statutory and regulatory body (PSRB) responsible for qualifications, quality standards, and safeguarding for youth work and services in England. In line with our charity mission and aims, we also champion youth work through research, advocacy, campaigns, and programmes.

We work in partnership and believe in collaborative leadership, listening to youth workers and the youth work sector so that we can understand their needs and respond to the challenges they face. We are ambitious for youth work and for young people and integrate youth voice and influence across our work

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join our Knowledge Team, working alongside two existing Research Associates and a Data Analyst. 

You will be integral in delivering research, data, and insights that support organisational development and programme delivery across NYA.

We are looking for an experienced mixed-methods researcher with a strong understanding of social research and evaluation approaches. Ideally, you will have experience working in or alongside the youth sector and be confident using both qualitative and quantitative methods.

You’ll need to be flexible, proactive, and a strong communicator, able to explain complex ideas to varied audiences. 

This role is ideal for someone looking to make a tangible difference through evidence-led approaches that shape policy, practice, and impact in youth work.

Key responsibilities for this role will include:

• Designing and delivering research projects using a range of methods including surveys, interviews, and focus groups.
• Supporting the development of the NYA research and data hub, including external research collation and data visualisation.
• Leading on evaluations to meet funder requirements and contribute to NYA’s growing evidence base.
• Analysing data from NYA programmes to support impact measurement.
• Promoting evidence-based practice across NYA and the wider youth sector.
• Communicating findings clearly through reports, briefings, and presentations.
• Managing research projects and collaborating with internal and external partners to deliver on time and to quality.
• Responding to internal and external research enquiries.

The ideal candidate will have experience in social research, familiarity with various research methodologies, and the ability to communicate complex findings to diverse audiences. 

Please refer to our Candidate Pack for more information on the role and the requirements.

Why Work for NYA?

NYA operates as a people-first organisation, prioritising the well-being and needs of its employees.

NYA offers an exceptional flexible working approach which encourages our team to balance professional responsibilities with their personal life.

A remote based team, spread across England, fostering inclusivity and diverse talent. Despite geographical distances between team members, NYA maintains a highly motivated and connected team through the optimisation of digital tools.

NYA is committed to supporting the continual personal and professional development of our team and helping them achieve their ambitions.

We provide 25 days leave plus 8 days, life assurance scheme, 5% employer pension contribution and a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme via Spectrum.life with unlimited specialist support available to all NYA employees.

How to Apply:

Please download our applicant pack to find out more about the role and requirements

To apply, please submit the following via our online application platform by 11:59pm on Monday 12th May 2025:

A detailed CV setting out your career history, with responsibilities and achievements in line with the person specification in the About You section. 

A covering letter (maximum two sides) highlighting your suitability for the role and how you meet the requirements in the

About You section. 

We will request data for our EEDI monitoring purposes, providing this is optional.

Please note: the covering letter is an essential part of the application process and will be assessed as part of your full application. We use AI detector software, so cover letters or CV’s with over 30% AI generated content with be disregarded. We understand that AI tools can offer support to candidates who have learning differences, which is why we will accept applications with some AI assistance. CV’s will not be accepted without a cover letter.

The National Youth Agency is an equal opportunities employer. 

At NYA our inclusive culture means that we embrace individual differences and understand that we need a diverse team to achieve our organisations mission. 

We wish to recruit candidates from all backgrounds to ensure our team reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We encourage applications from anyone regardless of disability, ethnicity, heritage, gender, sexuality, religion, socio-economic background and political beliefs but we particularly welcome applications from global majority candidates and those from other minoritised ethnic groups in the UK as they are currently underrepresented in our team.

Youth Work changes lives

Which is why we’re committed to ensuring that as many young people as possible get to benefit from it. As the national body for youth work in England, the National Youth Agency (NYA) exists to champion its transformative power.  We believe all young people should have the opportunity to benefit from the life-changing impact of extraordinary youth workers and trained volunteers.

We help to grow youth work provision in ways that keep it effective, relevant, safe and engaging, to help millions of young people reach their potential and thrive. We do this by providing guidance, support, advice, training and staff development opportunities for youth workers and youth work organisations. At the heart of everything we do are young people themselves. We work hard to ensure their voices are integrated into all our work, to develop provision that truly meets their needs.

REF-221126

About the role

We’re recruiting for a Head of Retail Operations for our Southern Division. In this role, you’ll be at the heart of driving success within five regions, leading a team of dedicated Regional Managers across 85 shops with around 270 colleagues.

This isn’t just about overseeing operations – it’s about owning them. You’ll have the freedom and autonomy to shape the strategy for your division, making key decisions on everything from financial performance to people development. You’ll build a values-led, inclusive culture – one where our people feel appreciated, respected and supported.

As part of the senior leadership team, you’ll play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of Mind Retail, bringing fresh ideas and driving initiatives that make a real impact. And because every pound we make in our shops helps support Mind’s mission, the work you do will have a lasting and meaningful impact.

This is a role for an ambitious leader – someone ready to take ownership, think strategically and inspire a team to do great things.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Is a natural leader, passionate about creating high-performing teams and building an inclusive culture
• Has senior-level experience leading multi-site, large-scale retail operations and knows how to drive commercial success
• Understands retail finances inside out, from managing P&L’s, to spotting opportunities for growth
• Thinks strategically, but isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and make things happen
• Embodies our values and behaviours

Ready to make a difference?

Join Mind Retail. Join the fight for mental health.

Due to our commitment to work/life balance, you must live within reasonable travelling distance of the division. The geography of the division covers the South East, South West, South Wales, Norfolk and Suffolk.

Mind Retail reserve the right to close the vacancy to applications earlier, should we receive a high volume of strong candidates. Therefore we encourage an early application.

About our benefits

As Head of Operations, you’ll receive:

• A competitive salary of £59,753 per year
• A company car
• A strong commitment to work-life balance with a working pattern that supports this, with the occasional weekend working
• 25 days’ paid holiday per year, plus bank holidays
• Development workshops & courses, to help build your career
• Comprehensive, personalised induction programmes, tailored to your role when you join us
• A huge variety of additional qualifications & development programmes for anyone looking to grow their skills
• Family friendly policies & enhanced pay
• A competitive pension scheme & life assurance, available to all our employees
• 25% staff discount in all Mind shops
• Access to exclusive discounts at over 160 retailers through our employee savings app
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Interest free season ticket loan

About Mind Retail

Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating an income of around £25 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we’re going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve. There’s never been a more exciting time to join us.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We value the power of diversity. We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We are creating an inclusive working environment where everyone is appreciated for being authentic and bringing their whole selves to work.

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working with us to share this commitment. In line with our Safer Recruitment policy, the successful candidate will be required to provide references and will be expected to undertake an enhanced DBS check with a check of the Children's Barred List and/or ‘Work with Adults' workforce check based on their role and responsibilities. A DBS check is a process to check someone's criminal record (if they have any). A Barred List is a list of people who are barred from working with children. To enable you to predetermine what might be disclosed in your DBS check, please use this disclosure calculator.

Mind Retail is an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applicants from all communities. We are committed to the fair treatment of our staff, potential staff and volunteers, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, responsibilities for dependants, age, physical/mental disability or offending background.

This job vacancy is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. 

More details

For more information and a full person specification, please review the job description.

Corporate Partnership Executive

Do you want to be part of a passionate team and help support a lifesaving cause? If so then read on for more details as to how you can work for our Charity!

As part of Midland Air Ambulance Charity’s (MAAC) corporate team, the Corporate Partnership Executive is responsible for taking a proactive approach to raising the profile of the charity and deepening relationships with businesses in the communities we serve.

You will provide support to the Senior Partnership Executive and the wider team helping to implement the corporate fundraising strategy via in person and online engagement methods, leading on activity within Staffordshire.

Your focus will be to ensure income growth from corporate sources and activity comprising of new business development, account management and affinity partnerships.  As a longstanding charity, we have established networks in place, however alongside this the post holder will need to innovate and develop new ways of working in line with the ever-changing external environment (i.e., global/national trends, corporate best practise such as CSR and ESG) as well as in response to opportunities and challenges happening in the south of our region.

#Corporate_Partnership_Executive #Corporate_Partnerships #Staffordshire #Partnerships #Corporate_Fundraising #Fundraising 

Civitas Recruitment are delighted to be working with a forthcoming non-profit organisation with a strategic focus on protecting and advancing the rights of Muslims across the UK. An exciting opportunity exists for a Director to join the team. As Director, you will lead the organisations’ vision and direction across all areas, overseeing strategic litigation that sets important legal precedents; driving research and policy initiatives that influence debate and decision-making ensuring the delivery of accessible advice and guidance to those navigating legal or civic challenges. This is a full-time, permanent role, home based within the UK with meetings and in person events in London.

Who are we looking for?

Ideal candidates will possess senior leadership experience in a legal, policy or advocacy organisation with a track record of strategic delivery and managing external partnerships. A strong understanding of UK legal and political issues affecting Muslim communities, including civil liberties, counter-terrorism and discrimination. You will be a confident communicator with experience representing organisations publicly and will have excellent written and verbal communication skills. Experience with fundraising, donor engagement and knowledge of non-profit operations or governance would be an advantage however it is not essential for the role.

If the above role description sounds of interest and you feel like you meet the criteria; please apply immediately or for further information, please contact Syed at Civitas Recruitment for a full JD and informal discussion. Early applications are encouraged as we will be reviewing on a rolling basis and roles may closer earlier than initially indicated.

Join Our Team!

The National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs (NFYFC) is seeking a dynamic and experienced Fundraising Manager to develop and implement strategies for securing funding from trusts, grant-making bodies, and corporate partners. This role is crucial in ensuring NFYFC’s financial sustainability and growth, collaborating with team members and engaging with our vibrant community of young farmers.

Everyone deserves a decent place to live. Join Habitat for Humanity Great Britain as our new Finance Manager and support people to find a safe, affordable home.

Are you an experienced and effective finance professional looking to make a difference in the charity sector? Habitat for Humanity is seeking a Finance Manager to take day-to-day responsibility for our financial systems and procedures, and so promote the long-term sustainability of our organisation.

Reporting to the Director of Finance and working closely with the Senior Leadership Team and colleagues across the organisation, you will be a key person ensuring that our financial data is complete and accurate, overseeing reporting to our programme funders and our international network, and ensuring best practice in all aspects of financial management. You’ll supervise the Database and Income Processing Officer and the Finance Assistant (position currently vacant). 

 Job Title: Finance Manager

 Department: Finance, Operations & Compliance

 Reports to: Finance Director

Budget responsibility: Yes

 Line management: 2 direct reports

Location: Home-based with regular travel to internal meetings and team events, and occasional  travel to our registered office in Slough

About Habitat for Humanity Great Britain

Habitat for Humanity Great Britain (Habitat GB) is part of the global Habitat for Humanity network fighting global poverty and homelessness. We believe that a decent home helps to permanently break the cycle of poverty and allows families to achieve strength, stability, and self-reliance.

Habitat GB has recently completed a strategic review, resulting in a new National Strategy and an organisational restructure, to ensure the charity is able to deliver the Strategy with impact, efficiently and effectively. This has included the integration of a subsidiary entity (GB Homes) into Habitat GB.  As a result, the Finance, Operations & Compliance team has been expanded to ensure the right capacity and capability for these crucial functions. 

Habitat’s turnover for the financial year ended 30 June 2023 was £3.0m with net assets of £2.5m: for the year ended 30 June 2024, it was £3.5m with assets of £2.1m.

Job Purpose

As our Finance Manager, reporting to the Director of Finance and working closely with the Senior Leadership Team and colleagues across the organisation, you will be a key person ensuring that our financial data is complete and accurate, overseeing reporting to our programme funders and our international network, and ensuring best practice in all aspects of financial management. You’ll supervise the Database and Income Processing Officer and the Finance Assistant (position currently vacant).

Key responsibilities

Ensure the integrity of financial data and controls, including budgeting, forecasting, Treasury and cash flow management

· Prepare data ready for monthly accounts, reports, and financial statements. This will include the normal monthly journals, reconciliations, and checks

· Support financial planning, risk management, and decision-making

· Liaise as necessary with colleagues in Habitat for Humanity’s international network for reporting and efficient transmission of funds to overseas affiliates

· Manage payroll, tax returns, and financial reporting for funders

· Provide leadership to finance team members and develop financial policies

Accountabilities and Responsibilities

 Purchasing / Expenditure

· Administering commitment and invoice approvals in line with our Delegation of Authority

· Coordinating and verifying expense coding by non-finance staff

· Administering transfers to international partners according to policy

· Other ad hoc payments, including foreign currency transactions

· Reconciling supplier accounts each month

· Ensuring VAT records are accurate and returns made on time

· Maintaining auditable financial records

Income / Donations

· Manage income processing team

· Working with fund-raising teams to ensure all income is appropriately coded and documented

· Importing grants and donations from the CRM system (Raiser’s Edge) to the accounting system and reconciling to bank

· Regular reconciliations between the accounting and CRM systems

· Coding, processing and reconciling other income

· Assisting with Gift Aid claims

Bank

· Administering weekly payment runs and coordinating on-time authorisations

· Processing international transfers

· Currency and treasury management

· Bank account reconciliations

General queries

· Dealing politely and efficiently with questions from inside and outside the organisation

· Dealing assertively and effectively with cases of any deviations from policies and procedures

Record keeping

· Complete and accurate record keeping bearing in mind detailed level of audit compliance

· Logical filing of evidence of transactions, primarily electronic.

Month- and Quarter-End processes

· Preparing nominal journals, such as accruals/prepayments, payroll allocations, depreciation

· Monthly reconciliations of balance sheet accounts.

Other duties

 · Checking Employee Expenses Claims (processed by the Office Manager) and final processing

· Assisting Director of Finance and other relevant staff with finance-related questions

· Assisting with the annual audit and preparation of financial statements

· Additional finance admin duties as required

· Run donor budget reports for the Europe region office and internal stakeholders

What we’re looking for

 · A qualified or part-qualified finance professional with at least 3 years’ experience in charity finance, including fund accounting

· Skills in financial control, compliance, management, and reporting

· Knowledge of accounting software (Sage50 and Sun ideally) and downstream spreadsheet and similar tools; a willingness to learn new ways of handling data

· Good summarising and communication skills with the ability to influence colleagues and senior leaders

· A pragmatic, efficient character with a dedication to accuracy and reliability

· A questioning mindset, finding opportunities to improve every day

The role and responsibilities will be carried out in a way that reflects

 · Habitat GB’s commitment to safeguarding children in accordance with the Safeguarding Policy

· A commitment to Habitat GB’s vision, mission, values, and approach

· A commitment to effective management of risk, by operating within the Charity’s code of conduct, policies, procedures and controls and by carrying out the risk management and assurance responsibilities of the role as set out in relevant Policy and Procedures

We offer a flexible and supportive working environment with options for hybrid working and training and other arrangements to help you thrive in your role.

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If this sounds like it could be a good match for you, please take a look at the Candidate Pack.

 Please note: this role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK.

Start your Habitat journey here…

Applications comprising a CV and cover letter explaining how your skills and experience match the job requirements should be sent by email (referencing the job title in the subject line) to:  (See candidate pack for email) 

Tell us about the skills and experience you would bring to the role and your motivation for applying.

The deadline for applications is 11th  May 2025 (at 11:59 pm).

Habitat for Humanity requires all employees to take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguard our intended beneficiaries, their communities, and all those with whom we work.  Managers at all levels have responsibilities to support and develop systems that create and maintain an environment that prevents harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, safeguards the rights of beneficiaries and community members (especially children), and promotes the implementation of our code of conduct. The employment of this position will be subject to a satisfactory reference check and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

 At Habitat for Humanity GB, we aim to build, develop and retain a talented workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, skills and experiences. We welcome and actively encourage applications from anyone who feels they’d be a good fit for our organisation, regardless of race, religion, colour, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, neurodiversity or any other protected characteristics.

We’d prefer to hear directly from applicants – we won’t be working with third party recruiters on this role.

WHY WORK FOR US?
At the BPNA, we value a supportive, collaborative, and inclusive work culture. The BPNA is a medium sized charitable organization (income £1,000,000+) with big ambitions, and we work closely together to make an impact.
You'll join a welcoming team that values mutual respect, flexibility, and work-life balance. We believe in continuous learning and career progression. As a member of the BPNA team, you'll have access to ongoing training opportunities and support for professional development, ensuring that you can grow both within this role and across future career aspirations. 

ABOUT THE ROLE 
You will be responsible for the financial management and reporting of the organisation. You will
also lead on the charity’s year-end accounts ensuring that financial statements are prepared in line with the latest SORP requirements, and liaising directly with the organisation's external auditors.
The main purpose of this role is to:
- Manage the accounts department to run efficiently and effectively. 
- Ensure sales and purchase ledgers are accurate and up to date, other income is recorded accurately, profit and loss reports provided monthly and management reports are provided quarterly and end-of-year is completed on time. 
- Manage banking arrangements to make supplier payments, collect income through direct debits and online payment gateway.

Candidates must have the Right To Work in the UK

Department: Programmes

Reports to: Head of Programmes

Location: Home-based, with travel across England, Scotland, and Wales

Contract: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

• 25 days holiday plus England bank holidays
• Employer pension contribution up to 5%
• Life insurance, critical illness cover & private health benefits
• 37.5-hour workweek

Note: This role requires travel with overnight stays across England, Scotland, and Wales.

About British Gas Energy Trust (BGET)

British Gas Energy Trust (BGET) supports individuals and families across England, Scotland, and Wales who are struggling with energy debt and financial hardship. This is an exciting opportunity to support the effective management of the Trust’s third party funded organisation grant programmes across England, Scotland and Wales

Key Responsibilities

· To act as the managerial point of contact between the Trust’s Grantees & the Trust ensuring programme materials up to date.

· To create documentation linked to grant programmes, such as Applications, Review Templates, Scoring Matrix and Grant Agreements.

· Build & manage positive “listening & learning” relationships with organisational grant applicants.

· Help ensure BGET learns from best practice delivery, and identify, recognize & respond to issues or opportunities as they arise.

· Undertaking both face to face and virtual monitoring visits as part of the project initiation, ongoing KPI and impact evaluation process, creating comprehensive follow-up reports and end of year reports.

· Ensure visibility & assurance of current policies and practice are in place with funded entities, identifying any risk to the Trust e.g. Safeguarding & Data Protection.

· Collect communication materials and help the Trust to amplify the voices of the organisations we support.

· In-put to the day-to-day contractual relationship with our Grant Management System provider, keeping data current and identifying improvements.

Reporting & Contract Management:

· Help ensure that organisations are supported to meet their obligations under their grant agreement, including KPIs and other reporting tools.  Including identifying risks to delivery and supporting the grantee to help resolve any challenges with delivery that impact on the grant obligations. 

· Collate comprehensive and clear feedback, data and information to monitor performance and impact on an ongoing and regular basis.

· Input into coordination, collection and analysis of Ofgem end of year reporting information.

· Ensure all data collection aligned to current Data Protection regulations and use and storage of data is in line with the Trust’s own policies and provide reassurance to the CEO and Board.

· Prepare clear and informative monthly programme updates and support the preparation of quarterly programme reports to the Board to clearly evidence operational delivery across the grant portfolio. 

· Ensure that the outcomes and KPI information are used to create impact reports during the contract period.

· Conduct monitoring visits to funded projects, (in person and online) ensuring accurate briefing notes and write up of meetings are compiled and logged appropriately.

· Establish clear reporting systems with each grant organisation and ensure accurate notes of quarterly meetings with portfolio of projects.

· Work with Finance to ensure grant funds are expended in line with grant agreements and any regulatory requirements.

· Ensure accurate data is in place for year-end reporting.

Knowledge Sharing

· Identify and develop opportunities for the organisational grant applicants to work collaboratively and share learning.

· Create and deliver events for our projects either online or annually at our Annual Advisors Gathering.

· Ensure case studies and other content is collated from the projects to share through our channels.

Person Specification:

Skills and Knowledge:
Essential:

· Strong project management skills, with relevant project management software training.

· Good written communication skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships.

· Strong at operational and project management with the ability to meet deadlines.

· Accuracy and attention to detail with a methodical approach.

· Flexible approach to changing circumstances, prepared to re-order priorities as required. 

· Practical “can do” approach with ability to manage multiple work streams.

· Highly adept at Office 365 and Excel, technically confident in managing Grant Management systems.

· Significant experience monitoring grant programmes including KPI reporting, assessment and write-up.

· Excellent written communication skills, with an ability to communicate with confidence to a wide range of individuals and audiences.

· Excellent analytical & numerical skills with the ability to interpret data and share insights.

Desirable:

· Stakeholder management experience

Experience:

· A proven track record of managing effective operational delivery of impact focused grant making projects or programmes. Including grant programme design.

· Experience of developing and managing positive, equitable partnerships.

· Responsibility for managing our Grant Management System including establishing reporting systems and dashboards for the Senior Leadership Team and Board.

This role is an opportunity to make a real difference in communities across the UK, working directly with organisations that deliver tangible support to those who need it most. If you are passionate about tackling fuel poverty and have the skills to drive a high-impact programmes initiative, we encourage you to apply.

Please note that we are not able to offer sponsorship and the successful candidate must hold the right to work in the United Kingdom. 

A basic DBS check is a requirement of this role. 

The Volunteer Relationship Manager will play a crucial role in overseeing and optimising the volunteer programme within the College of Paramedics.

With a focus on enhancing volunteer relationships and strengthening organisational capabilities, you will lead strategic initiatives to help to create a positive, productive, and rewarding experience for volunteers while maximising their contribution to our strategic objectives.

The Volunteer Relationship Manager will be required to:

• Recruitment and Onboarding – Develop best practice volunteer recruitment strategies, conduct interviews and volunteer screening and organise required induction sessions
• Volunteer Management – Match volunteers with appropriate roles, coordinate schedules and maintain the volunteer database
• Support and Development – Provide ongoing support to volunteers, identify opportunities for skill development and address any concerns
• Recognition and Retention – Implement volunteer recognition programs and events, developing strategies to improve volunteer retention rates and gather feedback from volunteers to enhance their experience
• Policy and Compliance – Ensuring volunteer activities comply with relevant laws and regulations, develop and updating volunteer policies and conduct risk assessments for volunteer roles
• Reporting and Evaluation – Track volunteer impact and prepare reports to identify effectiveness of the volunteer programme
• Collaboration – Work closely with all departments to integrate volunteers effectively and build relationships with external organisations for potential partnerships
• Diversity, Equity and Belonging
  • Inspire and enable paramedics to participate in the profession within an environment based on safety, collegiality, inclusiveness, mental and physical wellbeing, and innovation
  • Review activities in relation to the role to ensure alignment with the College of Paramedics ‘Belonging and Inclusion’ Strategy 
  • Ensure diversity equity and belonging is an integral aspect of volunteers

Qualifications and/or Knowledge (essential)

• Be educated to degree level or equivalent through experience 
• Knowledge of best practices in volunteering, safeguarding, and inclusion
• Commitment to keeping up to date with best practice in volunteering and ensuring compliance with latest legislation

Experience (essential)

•  Have proven experience in volunteer management and implementation of volunteer programmes
• Have experience of successfully managing a project or team

Experience (desirable)

• Experience of working in the voluntary sector, NHS, or public sector 
• Experience of working in a membership organisation

Aptitude and Abilities (essential)

• Strong ability to recruit, train, and support diverse groups of volunteers
• Have demonstrable and evidenced leadership skills and the ability to enthuse and motivate individuals. 
• Be able to manage a delegated budget and contribute to financial planning and budget setting activity 
• Have the ability to think strategically and to develop and present plans clearly 
• Be able to manage multiple work-streams, conflicting priorities and an ability to meet deadlines 
• Be able to collect and analyse data from IT systems, reports and research to measure volunteer impact
• Have evidence of well developed communication skills (written, verbal and digital) with the ability to 
  engage with a wide range of stakeholders

Values

• Be self-motivated and have personal drive, integrity, and adaptability, with the ability to work flexibly, under pressure and to deadlines, as required
• Be reliable with a high degree of personal integrity, acting with positivity, energy, and compassion to inspire those around them to achieve their full potential
• Flexible attitude to working hours 
• Have a commitment to the aims and ethos of the College of Paramedics, demonstrating a passion and desire to lead positive developments and improvements in volunteer management within the College
• Have personal insight with regards to values and behaviours and the impact on others, with the skills to build relationships and create a shared vision 

Other (important)

• Be eligible to work in the UK
• Be able to work remotely as necessary and be willing to travel as required, to attend meetings or support College events across the UK or attend the College head office in Bridgwater, Somerset

Macular disease is the biggest cause of sight loss in the UK, with around 300 people diagnosed every day. The Macular Society is the only charity determined to beat the fear and isolation of macular disease with world class research, and the best advice and support.

To support people affected by macular disease now, the Macular Society provides a range of support, information and services. Our research programme is focused on finding new treatments and a cure to Beat Macular Disease forever.

This exciting role is responsible for delivering income from a range of donors and prospects, with a focus on trusts and foundations, lottery and statutory sources, as well as HNWI. We are looking for an ambitious and strategic fundraiser with a proven track record of raising significant funds from charitable trusts and foundations, lottery and statutory sources as well as HNWI, who, alongside our existing team, will help to grow and develop this area of fundraising for the Macular Society. The post holder will have a proven eye for detail, an analytical nature, first class relationship management skills and a flair for writing successful applications.

In return, we provide a great working culture – we do something worthwhile and are proud to work together to Beat Macular Disease – as recognised by our inclusion in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2023 list. 

We offer flexible working options, 26 days annual leave, rising to 27 after one years’ service, the ability to buy or sell annual leave, supportive family policies, and 6% pension contribution.

We are passionate about treating people fairly and as equals, doing so is instinctive to us. To Beat Macular Disease for all we know we have work to do. That’s why we are keen to hear from people of all backgrounds who have the skills and experience we are looking for. We particularly encourage applications from people from under-represented groups, to help ensure what we do and how we do it is inclusive – for everyone.

Purpose of the Position 

This role is central to driving and expanding our fundraising efforts through the strategic cultivation and stewardship of trusts and foundation relationships. This position is instrumental in identifying and securing sustainable funding sources to support World Bicycle Relief’s mission, ensuring that more people are mobilised through the Power of Bicycles.

This role requires a strong partnership with the UK Managing Director, ensuring that fundraising strategies are robustly executed and aligned with organisational goals.

The ideal candidate will be eager to work with a small, but impactful UK team while collaborating with a dynamic international team of change champions, dedicated to transforming lives through The Power of Bicycle.

About Us 

World Bicycle Relief (WBR) is a global organisation that mobilises people through the Power of Bicycles. We envision a world where distance is no longer a barrier to education, health services, and economic opportunity. A catalyst for change, World Bicycle Relief helps people in need realise their goals by providing a tool that will support them to access education, markets, health facilities and vital services they need to thrive. Equipped with a purpose-designed Buffalo Bicycle from World Bicycle Relief, students, health workers and entrepreneurs in low-income regions create opportunities for themselves, their families and entire communities. 

WBR UK is a registered charity and a subsidiary of World Bicycle Relief NFP (WBR NFP).  WBR NFP operates through WBR not for profit subsidiaries and through its social enterprise company, Buffalo Bicycles.  Together the WBR Group provides transport solutions to those who cannot afford them, with donations through WBR and sales of bicycles and spare parts through Buffalo Bicycle Limited.  Buffalo Bicycle Limited also offers users repair and maintenance services via a retail network of shops and local mechanics. WBR has distributed over 870,000 fit-for-purpose bicycles and trained over 3,350 community-based mechanics. Our impact is clear: girls with Buffalo Bicycles boost their school attendance by almost a third; health care workers see nearly twice as many patients each day and 80% of households using a Buffalo bicycle report higher incomes.

Responsibilities

• Collaborative Strategy Execution: Works closely with the UK Managing Director, incorporating programmatic priorities for developing key funding partnerships, to align and execute the trusts and foundations fundraising strategy.
• Strategic Growth & Income Diversification: Supports the development of and executes a growth strategy to increase trust and foundation income, leveraging both existing and new opportunities, including institutional fundraising and government funding where relevant.
• Prospecting & Pipeline Development: Proactively identifies, researches, and cultivates new trust and foundation prospects to expand the current portfolio and drive significant new revenue growth in alignment with fundraising targets.
• Relationship Management & Stewardship: Establishes, nurtures, and manages strong relationships with trust and foundation donors, ensuring tailored engagement, timely reporting, and strategic alignment with donor priorities to maximize long-term support.
• Proposal & Fund Development: Leads the development and submission of compelling funding proposals to generate revenue, while ensuring collaboration with the global proposal development enablement function for high-value (£100k+) opportunities. Edits concepts, proposals, pitch decks and stewardships materials. 
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Works closely with WBR’s global Development & Marcomm and proposal development team to source insights, data, and programmatic information that strengthen proposals and enhance donor engagement, ensuring UK efforts align with international fundraising strategies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education, Training and Experience Requirements

• A combination of education and experience that yields the required knowledge, skills and abilities
• Advanced knowledge of and proven skills in grant writing 
• Experience securing new income and growing existing income from Trusts and Foundations partnerships.
• Proven skills in relationship management 
• Advanced written and oral communication skills
• Proven customer service skills
• Detail oriented with strong time management
• Ability to work independently and as a team member
• Ability to adapt to the constant change of a fast-growing organization
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
• Ability to maintain integrity, honesty and ethics in all work-related matters
• Advanced knowledge and skills in standard office procedures and software (e.g., Microsoft Office suite, Asana, Google Suite and Salesforce).

Remote Work Location with some UK and International Travel Required

Make a Change 

Make a Change is a community-wide, early response approach to people using abusive behaviours (or who are concerned that they might be) towards a current or ex-partner. The model has been developed by Respect in partnership with Women’s Aid Federation England, drawing inspiration from their Change that Lasts approach. It includes three strands: expert support programme for perpetrators with parallel support for survivors, workforce development and community outreach.

Improving the safety, freedom and wellbeing of adult and child survivors of domestic abuse is a key outcome for our work with perpetrators.  The Make a Change model is a multi-partner project offering local areas a framework for delivering perpetrator work. Where feasible, we aim to establish partnerships with local survivor domestic abuse service to deliver parallel support for survivors (referred to as Integrated Support Service) as part the expert support strand.

This is a new and exciting role within the Make a Change team. This exciting new role offers a unique opportunity to join our team at a pivotal moment.  As the first person to fill this position, you'll play a key role in shaping its development and collaborating with the team to define its future direction.  This is a fantastic time to join us as we grow, and you'll be an integral part of establishing this important function and contributing to our collective and continued success 

We are seeking a Make a Change Development Lead to drive the development and innovation plans for the model for 2025-28. This pivotal role will focus on enhancing the three core strands of Make a Change: Expert Support, Workforce Development, and Community Outreach.

This role requires innovation, leadership and collaboration with a range of stakeholders, ensuring these strands work seamlessly together to achieve meaningful, measurable outcomes for individuals and communities.

You will need to think long-term and understand how different components of the programme fit together. Strong leadership skills are necessary to guide teams, inspire collaboration, and make decisions that will influence both the direction of the programme and its day-to-day operations. You will have a passion for innovation and continuous improvement to develop and test new strategies, tools, and methodologies, ensuring that the programme remains dynamic and responsive to changing needs.

This is an exciting opportunity within a creative and proactive team, where members are encouraged to seek out and share learning. The role focuses on continuously developing our work with perpetrators, contributing to the growing evidence base on effective behaviour change and strategies to keep survivors safe. 

Reporting to: Director of Policy and Engagement 

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

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

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

Contract Length: Permanent 

Salary: £54,500 - £56,500 

BACKGROUND

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

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

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

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

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

*Food Foundation Insecurity Tracker Jan 2025

JOB PURPOSE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

· Develop and monitor annual team budgets

General

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role

 PERSON SPECIFICATION

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Desirable

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

Skills and Abilities

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHAT WE OFFER

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

Please find attached our job pack

APPLICATION PROCCESS

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

Shortlisting - w/c 5th May

Interview 1 - 15th and 16th May

Interview 2 - w/c 21st May

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

We are looking to appoint an exceptional individual to join our team of six Strategic Partnership Advisors across England. In this role, you will support key partners, including Active Partnerships, National Governing Bodies of Sport, local authorities, and leisure providers to become more effective in their role of enabling more disabled people to be active.

You will possess a strong understanding of the sport and activity sector, including its operations, and be able to advocate for improvements that help more disabled people become active. Additionally, you will be aware of the broader systems and barriers that disabled people encounter in sports and activities, as well as organisations such as disabled people’s user-led organisations and various charities, to build relationships and foster effective cross-sector partnerships.

We are looking for an individual with experience of working strategically at a place based and/or locality level within the South West region. Someone who can positively influence local developments, systems and investments to tackle the inequalities disabled people face in sport and activity through inclusive practice.

The successful candidate will work remotely from home and be based in the South West region. This role will involve travel across the region and occasional travel to our Loughborough and Manchester offices.

This role is full-time (36 hours) and permanent.

We offer 26.5 days of annual leave, including birthday leave, plus bank holidays. Activity Alliance also closes between Christmas and New Year which means that employees are not expected to work during this time and they are not required to use their annual leave allowance to have this time free from work.

Activity Alliance currently offers the following benefits:

• Hybrid working
• Time off in lieu
• A contributory pension scheme (employee 6%, employer 9%)
• Childcare vouchers
• Cycle to work scheme
• Eye care
• Employee engagement initiatives such as away days
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme
• Menopause policy
• Enhanced sickness pay
• Group Income Protection
• Death in service
• Training and development opportunities