Education And Community Officer Jobs in Blackburn, England

The vacancy

We are seeking to appoint seven Advisory panel members for the following committees:

Companies Committee (one dispensing optician, one optometrist and one business registrant) 

Education Committee (one dispensing optician and one registered medical practitioner)

Registration Committee (one dispensing optician and one lay member)

Please note that applicants cannot be appointed to more than one committee.

About the GOC
We are the regulator for the optical professions in the UK. Our purpose is to protect the public by promoting high standards of education, performance and conduct.

About the Advisory Panel
The Advisory Panel is a meeting of the four Council’s committees (Companies, Education, Registration and Standards) in plenary session. They are established by statute for the purpose of giving advice and assistance to Council (whether or not in response to a request from them) on:

· matters relating to business registrants other than matters required by the Opticians Act to be referred to the Investigation Committee, the Registration Appeals Committee or the Fitness to Practise Committee;

· matters relating to optical training, education and assessment;

· matters relating to registration, other than matters required by the Opticians Act to be considered by the Registration Appeals Committee; and

· matters relating to the standards of conduct and performance expected of registrants or those seeking admission to the register.

The committees and the Advisory Panel meet about twice a year. You can read the current terms of reference for the Advisory Panel, Education Committee, Registration Committee and Standards Committee.

Remuneration and time commitment

A daily fee of £319 will be paid. This is in line with our member fees policy and member fee schedule.  This is taxable and subject to Class 1 National Insurance (NI) contributions. It is not pensionable.

Members can claim expenses for travel and subsistence costs incurred on Council business as set out in our expenses policy.

This role is part time with a commitment of approximately 2-3 days per year, including time spent preparing for meetings.  Meetings will usually take place via MS Teams but may on occasion be held at the GOC Offices in London or other suitable venues.

We would welcome applications from individuals who are disabled and from diverse ethnic backgrounds as these are currently under-represented on our council and committees.

For more information about these roles please see the attached candidate information pack.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  midnight Sunday 06 April 2025.

Online interviews will be held on either week commencing 02 June 2025 and 09 June 2025.

We strive to be as diverse as the public we protect and welcome applications from everyone, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity and geographical locations outside of London.

LOCATION - Remote 

Are you looking for an exciting and rewarding role in 2025? Apply for the National Communications Management role at homelessness charity Emmaus UK.

About Emmaus

Emmaus is a secular organisation supporting homeless and socially excluded people by providing a home for as long as it is needed, meaningful work experience in a social enterprise and a sense of belonging and community. There are currently 29 Emmaus communities in the UK stretching from Glasgow to Dover and Norfolk to South Wales, collectively supporting more than 850 people. There are also 3 Emmaus groups working towards the development of services in their areas. We understand that a home is more than just a roof over your head; it’s somewhere to belong, where you feel part of a community, and that’s what Emmaus offers.

About the role

The National Communications Manager is a vital role in enabling both Emmaus UK and Emmaus communities and groups across the UK to achieve our ambition and strategic goal to shout louder, growing our profile and reach in order to support more individuals on the pathway out of homelessness.

Who are we looking for?

The National Communications manager will work with the Director of Fundraising and Influence to develop an ambitious communications strategy for EUK.

The role will develop and coordinate national communications programmes and campaigns and will lead on press and media work for EUK. This role will also take lead responsibility for internal communication at EUK and across the federation in the UK, linking to Emmaus Internationally.

What we offer

· £47,500 per annum 

· Working hours: 5 days per week, Monday to Friday

· Contract: Permanent

· Pension: Stakeholder pension with 6% employer contribution

· Annual leave: 25 days + Bank Holidays + 3 concessionary days leave

· Training & development: Ongoing training and development

· Volunteering: 2 days allowance each year

· Employee assistance: 24/7 employee assistance scheme is available

· Wellbeing: Weekly wellbeing hour to promote personal wellbeing

· Flexible working: Options available, subject to the requirements of the role

· Life assurance: Death in service lump sum of 3 x salary

To apply

To apply for the role, please complete our application form and equal opportunities monitoring form and email us by 5pm on  Thursday 17 April 2025.

Please ensure you download the job pack and refer to the job description and person specification when completing your application form.

Those shortlisted will be invited to an interview conducted via Microsoft Teams between 28 and 30 April 2025.

If you would like to arrange an informal discussion about the role, please email us.

Equal Opportunities

Emmaus UK provides equal opportunity for all job applicants and employees and is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination. We are dedicated to an inclusive culture, and we strive to create a workplace where teams of people with diverse backgrounds, characteristic, perspectives, ideas and experiences work together. We welcome applications from all individuals irrespective of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion or belief, disability, marital status or parental responsibilities.

To ensure fairness and consistency to select the best candidate for our roles, all our applications are anonymised up until an interview has been confirmed so that shortlisting is based solely upon the suitability of the candidate’s experience.

Salary (UK): £30,170 plus benefits

The Role:

Mary’s Meals International is recruiting for an experienced Personal Assistant to join our Risk & Governance function. Reporting directly to the Support Services Lead, you will be responsible for providing efficient and effective support to our Chief Growth Officer, Chief Operations Officer and Chief People & Governance Officer, with ad hoc support to other members of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT). In this fast paced and varied role, you will work closely with our Boards, Committees and Leadership teams, providing a variety of support including diary management, attending meetings, taking minutes, managing follow up actions, travel arrangements, maintaining systems and processes and undertaking specific projects as required.

Key responsibilities & activities:

• Assess ELT priorities and re-directing emails, enquiries and requests as necessary.
• Drafting emails and other correspondence, proof-reading, and writing reports.
• Managing emails, phone calls, post, general correspondence, reports, minutes of meetings, forms and compiling address lists.
• Carrying out background research and providing reports on various subjects.
• Attending Board meetings for Programme Affiliates, and MMI Board meetings in the absence of the Support Services Lead, taking minutes at the same and preparing follow-up actions for circulation.
• Organising internal and external meetings and teleconferences, including booking venues, arranging accommodation, preparing agendas and meeting papers, disseminating meeting papers and liaising with board members.
• Organising and coordinating complex travel itineraries to optimise travel time and making all travel and accommodation arrangements necessary for the ELT and other key personnel as required.
• Undertaking projects from time to time on behalf of the ELT - examples include organisation of events.
• Attending regular ELT meetings in person in Glasgow.
• Attending sub-group meetings within each of the core pillars, including Senior Leadership Meetings, safeguarding committee meetings and other core committee meetings; taking minutes at the same and preparing follow-action

With fantastic interpersonal skills and robust experience as a Personal Assistant, you will thrive in a varied, fast paced role and will utilise your exceptional organisational skills to manage the balance of scheduled work with provision of unplanned support.  With great communication skills, you will work closely with a range of stakeholders across a variety of geographies and cultures. Confident, competent, resilient, with a solution-focussed approach, you will have the ability to take on a variety of projects with a high level of competence and confidentiality.

We are happy for you to work remotely and flexibly, in a way that best supports your work life balance. We also have an office near Glasgow city centre for those who live nearby and would like to work from here occasionally or on a regular basis.

Due to the nature of the role, regular attendance at our Glasgow office will be necessary, so the position requires proximity and ability for commuting on a quarterly basis.

About us:

Mary’s Meals is a global movement supported by people from all walks of life and we are focused on one goal – that every child receives a nutritious daily meal in a place of education. We continue to change the lives of over 2.4 million children who today will receive Mary’s Meals.

We believe in the innate goodness of people, respect the dignity of every human being and family life and believe in good stewardship of the resources entrusted to us. In line with our values, Mary’s Meals is fully committed to a culture of safeguarding. Mary’s Meals is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work and we expect all the Mary's Meals family to share this commitment and work in the best interest of the communities we serve. Our safe recruitment practices ensure that only those that are committed to our high standards join our movement.

This is a fantastic role where your daily work has real impact. Please click Apply to send your CV and a short covering note, highlighting your suitability and motivations in considering this role.

 Benefits (UK Based):

• 34 days annual leave (pro-rated for part time working patterns) including bank holidays, increasing by 1 day each completed calendar year, to a maximum of 39 days (+ option to buy another week)
• Flexible working
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Life assurance
• Pension - depending on the location of the candidate. Any pension contribution paid as part of salary will be subject to normal statutory deductions/ taxation 

Closing date for applications is Friday 18th April 2025.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Harris Hill is delighted to work exclusively with CISV International, a global non-profit dedicated to peace education, in seeking an experienced International Safeguarding and Risk Management Lead to ensure the safety and well-being of its volunteers and participants across its network of over 60 member associations worldwide.

This senior role is crucial in shaping, developing, and implementing safeguarding and risk management policies and processes that support CISV’s mission of fostering intercultural understanding. The post holder will oversee the safeguarding and risk management systems for all of CISV’s global peace education programmes, ensuring they meet high safety standards and comply with legal and regulatory frameworks. As part of the Senior Management Team, you will report directly to the CEO and lead a small staff team as well as a volunteer network of risk managers, providing training, guidance, and expert advice on risk management and safeguarding matters.

The successful candidate will be a people person and a charismatic leader, conscious that empowering colleagues and volunteers is more effective than just ‘managing them.’ You will bring significant senior-level safeguarding experience, ideally in child protection, along with a strong understanding of UK safeguarding laws and the regulatory requirements of the Charity Commission. This candidate will also show a good understanding and ability to lead a team in broader risk management concerns. You should have the ability to develop and enforce policies, manage serious incidents, and communicate effectively across diverse cultural contexts. Experience in international or volunteer-led organisations is desirable, as is the ability to work with volunteers in a multicultural environment.

To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to Giuseppe Di Maria, Principal Consultant at Harris Hill -

Please note, only successful applicants will be contacted with further information.

As a leading charity recruitment specialist and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality, or other protected characteristics.

Partnerships Executive (Interim)

The Partnerships Executive plays a key role in developing CST’s commercial relationships. Their primary responsibility is to secure conference exhibition sales to meet budget targets and manage all aspects of the exhibitor experience from prospecting to on-the-day support, to post-event communications. They also manage listings in the Directory of Services and work closely with the Partnerships Manager to support the prospecting process.

Reporting to: Partnerships Manager

Key responsibilities

1. Ensure that exhibition sales targets are met for each CST conference.

2. Maintain the CRM for commercial organisations, including creating and managing prospect groups and executing effective exhibition sales campaigns.

3. Create and maintain relevant webforms.

4. Provide excellent end-to-end support for exhibitors, including in person at larger conferences to ensure that all exhibitors’ needs are met on the day.

5. Gather feedback from exhibitors on the quality of their experience and report on what worked well and areas for improvement following each event.

6. Maintain and update marketing collateral to support CST’s commercial activities such as brochures, floorplans, briefings and manuals.

7. Cross-promote the Directory of Services to exhibitors along with other opportunities to work with CST where relevant.

8. Manage the sales and onboarding process for the Directory of Services, including overseeing the references, undertaken by a third party, sending out agreements and liaising with the marketing team on the promotion of new suppliers.

9. Support the Partnerships Manager in the development of the commercial pipeline for CST partnerships by holding initial meetings with new prospects and identifying opportunities for engagement.

Skills and Qualities of Applicant 

• Excellent customer facing skills
• Good communication
• Strong organisation skills and good attention to detail
• Independent worker
• Proactive and takes initiative
• Creative and solutions oriented
• Approachable and friendly
• A helpful team player
• Background and Experience 
• Sales experience appreciated •
• Target oriented
• Events/service industry experience beneficial

Closing date: Midday 7th April 2025.

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed via Microsoft Teams on 16th April 2025 with 2nd stage interviews via Microsoft Teams on 17th april 2025. 

Contract start Date: 2nd June 2025.

We reserve the right to close the advert early dependant on candidate responses volume.

As Bid Writer, you will work with the team to identify funding opportunities, and craft compelling bids and proposals that clearly articulate our vision, services, and value to commissioners and funders. This will include bids and applications to trusts and foundations, tenders for statutory funding, compiling reports to funders, and other organisational reports as needed.

This role is a part-time permanent position for a minimum of 15 hours per week but we are open to additional hours up to four days per week. The salary for this role is £40,560 FTE. You will be based at home but available to travel to our office in Vauxhall, London occasionally as needed.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a friendly, supportive and dynamic team, and play a pivotal role in supporting Housing Justice’s work. You will make a real difference to those we serve by securing vital funds to provide services for those experiencing homelessness. Your ability to create engaging, well-crafted proposals will be instrumental in helping Housing Justice to fulfil our Mission to mobilise Christian action on homelessness and housing need through love, justice, advocacy and nurture.

At More Partnership, we are fundraising consultants – and more. We support organisations of every size, across education, health, the arts, international development and more, on every step of their philanthropic journey. That means helping leadership, fundraisers and other professionals to understand the opportunity, set direction, tell their story, or review performance. We believe great partnerships lead to life-changing outcomes, so when it matters most, we go beyond what's expected of us to help organisations realise their vision. At the end of a project, our clients tell us they have more confidence, momentum, and a clear way forward.

We are partners in purpose, and since April 2020, equal owners of our firm. Each member of our team has an equal say in the decisions we make, a share in our success, and a responsibility to push us forward. We are a virtual firm, networked across Europe, America, Africa and beyond, with a head office in Scotland. More Partnership currently has 18 consultants, enabled by an Advancement team covering business development, finance, operations and IT.

We are now looking to recruit for a Head of Business Development responsible for designing and delivering a strategy to enable our growth, quality, learning and marketing. This is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our business development strategy at a key moment in our evolution. You will coordinate activity that helps deliver the highest quality work with lasting impact, continues to grow our reputation across sectors, and inspires clients to return to us time and again. Under your leadership, we'll continue to support colleagues' growth and to pass these benefits on to our clients. You'll work collaboratively with consultants and clients to seize the opportunity to enhance and refine our business development function – strengthening its impact for the long-term success of More Partnership and the organisations we serve. Reporting to the Managing Partner, you'll work closely with the Finance and Operations, and IT & Systems Lead as part of the Advancement Executive Team, and line manage the Business Development Manager.

The role involves regular travel across the UK (and occasionally further afield) – usually once or twice per month. This role is available full-time, but we welcome applications from those who would prefer to work part-time – at a minimum of 0.8FTE based on the requirements of the role.

The successful candidate will bring experience designing and delivering effective business development strategies that include, inspire and empower people. You'll be highly commercially aware and bring a sound knowledge of the challenges and opportunities in the not-for-profit sector. You'll have a strong track record of putting that knowledge and awareness into action, drawing on data and insight to shape strategies that drive measurable outcomes and growth. To ensure these strategies succeed, you'll be adept at project management and skilled at communicating and influencing those around you towards a shared goal.

To Apply

For further details please see the full Appointment Brief below. To apply please click the Apply Now button, submitting your CV and providing answers to the following three questions (no more than 350 words per answer):

• More Partnership is an employee-owned company, which means we each have an equal say in the decisions we make, a share in our success, and a responsibility to push the company forward. Which of our values (We challenge ourselves, We keep it real, We bring the joy, We go beyond) most resonates with you and how would you live that value to contribute to the collective success of the firm, and the organisations we support.

• Reflecting on the changing landscape of the non-profit sector, identify a specific challenge you think More Partnership will face in the next 1-2 years and how you'll help us respond to it. Tell us about a time you've faced something similar.

• This role will see you work alongside our expert consultant partners to deliver your objectives. Tell us about a time you had to influence people you didn't manage to get something done. What was the situation, what did you do, and what was the outcome?

Interview dates

• First stage interviews w/c 21st April (online)
• Final stage interviews – Thursday 1st May (in person – London)

Deaf Unity is seeking an Organisational Development Consultant with experience of successfully supporting small charities through growth and change.  

We are planning the transition from a freelance to a PAYE salary structure and require support with: 

• Designing an appropriate staffing structure 

• Benchmarking salaries 

• Business and financial planning 

• HR/employment systems and policies, related training 

• Governance 

The overall aim of this commission is to establish an effective and well-managed staffing structure for the organisation, with strong systems and policies embedded across our teams. Ultimately this will build Deaf Unity’s stability and resilience for the long-term. 

Deaf Unity: mission and purpose 

Deaf Unity is a deaf-led charity (CIO), based in London, that works to empower, nurture and train deaf individuals. Our particular focus is on three main points of transition that are pivotal in enabling deaf people to realise their potential – and to thrive within and contribute fully to society. These transition points are: 

• leaving school to enter further/higher education 

• entering the workforce 

• progressing in the workplace 

We work with our community in London to identify the barriers deaf people face at every stage of this journey, empowering them to make informed choices and to succeed. We partner with stakeholders (universities, employers, voluntary sector partners) to decrease, overcome or eradicate these barriers altogether. 

From our home base in London, we work alongside our community and partners to develop and deliver new initiatives in response to clearly identified needs. We directly engage 300+ deaf people each year: inspiring and supporting school-leavers to take their first steps into higher education; empowering graduates and employees to navigate the world of work with confidence; and connecting deaf people with each other to build community, tackle isolation, mobilise around key issues and break down barriers to learning and employment. Sharing and dissemination of our work (including online to reach the national community) goes on to engage far greater numbers. 

Deaf Unity generates much of its income from providing interpreting and consultancy services and delivering training (British Sign Language and deaf awareness courses).  This activity fully aligns with our charitable mission and generates essential unrestricted funding to support our wider activities. Income in the year ending December 2023 was £115,316, of which over 80% was generated from course delivery and interpreting services. That year we generated a surplus of £11,102. 

Context for the commission 

To date, deaf Unity’s programmes have been delivered entirely by a freelance team: CEO, administrator,  tutors and project managers/coordinators leading on different streams of activity.  We have recently recruited a Training and Operations Manager (freelance) to lead on training and interpreting services. 

Activity continues to grow. Turnover in 2024 was c. £175,000 (final accounts are currently being produced), demand for courses is strong and we have had a successful year of fundraising. 

Our activities engage a broad range of beneficiaries, participants and stakeholders: deaf students and employees; our local deaf community in London; and many different stakeholders – universities, employers and local councils – working with us to remove the barriers that disadvantage deaf people and prevent access to opportunity. We are proud of a track record of impactful interventions that have made a real difference in the prospects of deaf learners, jobseekers and employees. 

This said, we have not reaped the full benefits of the partnerships and experience that have contributed to this success. A wholly freelance workforce means skills, knowledge, relationships and learning are regularly lost. We now wish to bring a core team into a salaried, PAYE structure to assure greater stability and continuity. We wish to invest in our people and demonstrate good employability practices, as champions of Deaf parity in the workplace. Specialist support is needed to ensure a good process, an affordable structure, and that appropriate systems, policies and structures are in place to support future work.

In late 2023, the Board of Trustees agreed a forward plan, setting out the charity’s objectives and the activities we plan to deliver over the next 3-5 years. Our work is guided by 5 high-level, strategic objectives. We aim that by 2028:

1. Deaf Unity will have created in partnership with London schools a high-quality, effective careers advice pack/toolkit which can be accessed digitally by schools across the UK to inspire and support deaf learners on their FE/HE/vocational journey.

2. Deaf Unity will be providing a comprehensive package of support around employability, that is recognised and in use by 5 leading nationwide employers and by the National Union of Students (NUS). 

3.  We will be hosting in London a highly respected, impactful annual event for deaf people in work that is reaching 100 deaf people each year, directly or indirectly 

4. Deaf Unity will be able to evidence that the CIO is making a substantial positive difference in the lives of learners, students and employees - through quantitative and qualitative feedback including testimonials and case studies 

5. Our organisation will be stable, financially secure and resilient, supported by strong governance and management systems and effective partnership networks

This commission directly supports objective 5. 

In parallel with this: 

1. Deaf Unity will work with an Evaluation specialist to develop a practical, effective evaluation framework and plan enabling us to capture and analyse our impact across the full range of our activities. This will enable us to improve the design and delivery of our services and activities, on an ongoing basis and to better evidence the charity’s impact and the difference we are making in people’s lives. 

2. Staff and Trustees will undertake training to address identified skills and knowledge gaps (a modest budget is allocated for this) 

This programme of development activity is kindly funded by Trust for London. 

In the course of the year Deaf Unity will also be working with a corporate partner offering pro-bono support to redevelop the website and advise on online course delivery. 

Overview of role 

The consultant will be required to lead and support Deaf Unity’s CEO and Board through a systematic approach to agreeing, implementing and embedding the new structure. We currently envisage that this will include: 

• A review of the functions, skills and competencies required to deliver Deaf Unity’s forward plan 

• Producing a proposed, costed staff structure, with salaries, rates of pay and conditions that are benchmarked against the sector and meet good practice e.g. in terms of Living Wage parity 

• Business planning to include producing a revised budget for 2025 (currently indicative only) and an indicative budget for 2026, based on current levels of activity/growth, to ensure that the new structure is affordable. (An in-depth business development process is planned for a later stage, separate from this commission) 

• A review of governance and existing policies

• Support with the transition process e.g. ensuring that the moving of any freelance staff to salaried contracts is compliant with the law and with good employment practice

• Development of a training plan (spanning the Board, staff and freelance team) to address identified skills gaps 

We will however welcome alternative proposals for how this work might most effectively be structured.

Schedule 

We aim to start work in mid April 2025, completing by end October 2025 (7 months). The consultant will be required to work flexibly throughout this period and this will be negotiated with you on appointment, bearing in mind your other commitments. 

Time commitment: estimated 15-20 days over a 7-month period 

Fees: Fixed fee is £8,250 inclusive of VAT and expenses 

Specification 

The consultant will - 

• Inform and guide the transition to this new staffing model and way of working, to ensure the resulting structures are effective, affordable and compliant with statutory requirements and with best practice 

• Provide hands-on practical support where necessary e.g. benchmarking salaries, drafting job descriptions, reviewing and updating budgets, reviewing policies 

• Be aware of and alert to Deaf Unity’s ongoing, parallel streams of activity (e.g. evaluation work, development of website) and strive to maximise synergies and added value linked to these 

• Have due regard throughout the process to Deaf Unity’s charitable objects, so as to ensure that all progress is made with these and the good of our beneficiaries in mind 

Person specification 

Essential 

• Evidenced skills and experience in supporting projects of this nature for third sector organisations that have limited capacity and resources 

• Comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of employment/HR law and practice 

• An understanding of the operating context of a charity such as ours, that is reliant on mixed income streams including fees, public grants and charitable grants. 

• Experience of business planning for the voluntary sector 

• Exceptional communication and strong facilitation skills, coupled with sensitivity and a commitment to confidentiality 

Desirable 

• Some knowledge of British Sign Language 

• Familiarity with the XERO accounting system 

• Commitment to values of social justice and equity 

• Experience of working with the deaf community 

It is anticipated that you will work remotely: Deaf Unity currently does not use a main office. 

How to Apply 

To apply for this role, please submit an application of no more than 1000 words detailing your relevant experience and qualifications; two or more examples of past, comparable roles you have successfully completed and your interest in the project.  Please provide details of two referees.

Please submit this by 5pm on 7 April 2025.  Please use “Organisational Development” as your title.

This will be a Freelance contract. You will be responsible for paying your own Tax and NI contributions.

Interviews will be held online in the week commencing 14th or 21st April 2025 

Deaf Unity celebrates diversity and opportunity. We strive to ensure the deaf Community and its members have access to the same opportunities as those in wider society and the same chances to contribute their talent and skills to the workforce. We will guarantee an interview for all deaf applicants to this role who meet the essential criteria. 

Deaf Unity is seeking an experienced evaluation specialist to support evaluation of the charity’s projects, community activity and services.

Our activities engage a broad range of beneficiaries, participants and stakeholders: deaf students and employees; our local deaf community in London; and many different stakeholders – universities, employers and local councils – working with us to remove the barriers that disadvantage deaf people and prevent access to opportunity. 

The overall aim of this commission is to equip Deaf Unity with a practical, effective evaluation framework and plan enabling us to capture and analyse our impact across the full range of our activities. We require this in order (i) to improve the design and delivery of our services and activities, on an ongoing basis and (ii) to evidence the charity’s impact and the difference we are making in people’s lives, helping us to make a more powerful case for change and to recruit new funders and partners.  

Deaf Unity: mission and purpose 

Deaf Unity is a deaf-led charity, based in London, that works to empower, nurture and train deaf individuals. Our particular focus is on three main points of transition that are pivotal in enabling deaf people to realise their potential – and to thrive within and contribute fully to society. These transition points are: 

• leaving school to enter further/higher education 

• entering the workforce 

• progressing in the workplace 

We work with our community in London to identify the barriers deaf people face at every stage of this journey, empowering them to make informed choices and to succeed. We partner with stakeholders (universities, employers, voluntary sector partners) to decrease, overcome or eradicate these barriers altogether. 

From our home base in London, we work alongside our community and partners to develop and deliver new initiatives in response to clearly identified needs. We directly engage 300+ deaf people each year: inspiring and supporting school-leavers to take their first steps into higher education; empowering graduates and employees to navigate the world of work with confidence; and connecting deaf people with each other to build community, tackle isolation, mobilise around key issues and break down barriers to learning and employment. Sharing and dissemination of our work (including online to reach the national community) goes on to engage far greater numbers. 

Deaf Unity generates much of its income from providing interpreting and consultancy services and delivering training (British Sign Language and deaf awareness courses).  This activity fully aligns with our charitable mission and generates essential unrestricted funding to support our wider activities. 

Context for the commission 

In late 2023, the Board of Trustees agreed a forward plan, setting out the charity’s objectives and the activities we plan to deliver over the next 3-5 years. Our work is guided by 5 high-level, strategic objectives. We aim that by 2028:

1. Deaf Unity will have created in partnership with London schools a high-quality, effective careers advice pack/toolkit which can be accessed digitally by schools across the UK to inspire and support deaf learners on their FE/HE/vocational journey.

2. Deaf Unity will be providing a comprehensive package of support around employability, that is recognised and in use by 5 leading nationwide employers and by the National Union of Students (NUS). 

3.  We will be hosting in London a highly respected, impactful annual event for deaf people in work that is reaching 100 deaf people each year, directly or indirectly 

4. Deaf Unity will be able to evidence that the CIO is making a substantial positive difference in the lives of learners, students and employees - through quantitative and qualitative feedback including testimonials and case studies 

5. Our organisation will be stable, financially secure and resilient, supported by strong governance and management systems and effective partnership networks

This commission directly supports objective 4. 

In parallel with this, Deaf Unity will work with an Organisational Development consultant to make the transition from a freelance to an effective and well-managed PAYE staffing structure for the organisation, with strong systems and policies embedded across our teams.

This programme of development activity is kindly funded by Trust for London. 

In the course of the year Deaf Unity will also be working with a corporate partner offering pro-bono support to redevelop the website and advise on online course delivery. 

Overview of role 

The evaluation specialist will be required to support Deaf Unity’s CEO and Training & Services Manager in developing an appropriate evaluation framework and action plan to be applied across the breadth of the charity’s activities, with supporting materials (e.g. questionnaires; interview prompts; other approaches). This is in the context of projects that often serve the deaf community, where written responses to feedback forms/online surveys are not always appropriate. 

The consultant will support the leadership team to put in place training (not included in the fee) and systems to ensure that freelance teams delivering Deaf Unity’s project and training activities have the necessary understanding, guidance and confidence to support effective monitoring and evaluation of these activities. 

Elements of Deaf Unity’s work to be included in this framework are:

• interventions designed to support deaf people in successfully navigating key points of transition 

• regular community activity: we are keen to assess e.g. the wellbeing and community-building aspects of Deaf Unity’s programmes 

• learners’ experiences of our training courses 

• formative evaluation: ensuring that new issues, lived experience and insights emerging through our regular community programmes feed into the charity’s plans and methodologies 

We are keen to adopt relevant technology solutions to strengthen our evaluation systems and processes, and to integrate these with existing systems (e.g. CRM) wherever possible. 

Schedule 

We aim to start work on this evaluation project in April 2025, completing by end November 2025. We expect most of the work to be carried out in the first 4 months, with light-touch support thereafter. The evaluator will be required to work flexibly throughout this period and this will be negotiated with you on appointment, bearing in mind your other commitments. 

Time commitment: Expected approx. 10 days in total 

Fees: Fixed fee is £4,500 inclusive of VAT and expenses 

Specification 

The evaluator will - 

• Guide development of a suitable evaluation framework and supporting action plan for  Deaf Unity’s year-round activity, to ensure that appropriate, relevant data and feedback are captured and analysed at relevant stages of delivery 

• Support the training of staff and volunteers, to equip teams with the necessary skills and competencies in inviting and capturing feedback 

• Advise on mechanisms for feeding community feedback into ongoing content and programme development/creation – and evidencing this process 

• Advise on and support the introduction of appropriate technology/systems to support monitoring, evaluation and reporting 

• Have due regard throughout the process to Deaf Unity’s charitable objects, so as to ensure that the evaluation process as a whole provides meaningful insights into the charity’s success in meeting these aims. 

Person specification 

Essential

• Evidenced skills and experience in evaluating the impact of activities and projects of this kind - from inception to final reporting 

• Experience of designing and implementing successful approaches to collecting data and feedback, that encourage input from a range of audiences/communities 

• Technically proficient, with experience of using modern technologies and methodologies to support and strengthen data collection, monitoring, evaluation and reporting.

• Exceptional communication and strong facilitation skills, coupled with sensitivity and a commitment to confidentiality; comfortable engaging with staff, participants, learners, and partners. 

• Ability to produce evaluations that not only support funding requirements but also inform future decision-making and strategic planning. 

Desirable 

• An understanding of the operating context of a charity such as ours, that is reliant on mixed income streams including fees, public grants and charitable grants. 

• Some knowledge of British Sign Language 

It is anticipated that you’ll work remotely with occasional attendance at Deaf Unity events/programmes.

How to Apply 

To apply for this role, please submit an application of no more than 1000 words detailing your relevant experience and qualifications; two or more examples of past, comparable roles you have successfully completed and your interest in the project.  Please provide details of two referees.

Please submit this by 5pm on 7 April 2025. Please use “Evaluation Application” as your title.

This will be a Freelance contract. You will be responsible for paying your own Tax and NI contributions.

Interviews will be held online in the week commencing 14th or 21st April 2025 

Deaf Unity celebrates diversity and opportunity. We strive to ensure the deaf Community and its members have access to the same opportunities as those in wider society and the same chances to contribute their talent and skills to the workforce. We will guarantee an interview for all deaf applicants to this role who meet the essential criteria. 

Post Award Manager

£40,000-£46,000 per annum (dependent on skills and experience) plus generous benefits

Location – Remote, but with regular visits to Foundation funded sites within a defined region, as well as visits to the Foundation office as determined by business needs, including attendance at quarterly Squad Meet-Ups

We are the Football Foundation - the Premier League, the FA and government’s charity that delivers outstanding grassroots facilities, more and better places to play, transforming lives and communities where it is needed most. 

About the role

Are you passionate about maximising the impact of grant funding? Do you have experience supporting and monitoring grant recipients to ensure long-term success? We’re looking for a Post Award Manager to oversee the post-award process, ensuring that funded projects meet their objectives, remain compliant, and deliver lasting impact.

As Post Award Manager, you’ll work closely with grant recipients, funding partners, and internal teams to track project performance, resolve compliance issues, and provide expert support. Reporting to the Senior Post Award Manager, you’ll monitor how funding is used, ensure grant conditions are met, and contribute to the continuous improvement of post-award processes. Your role will be key in ensuring that investment delivers real and measurable impact.

Key responsibilities

· Manage ongoing relationships with grant recipients to ensure compliance and success.

· Provide specialist advice and support, helping projects stay on track.

· Oversee the adoption of post-award tools, such as booking systems and grant management platforms.

· Attend site visits to assess project performance and resolve issues.

· Collaborate with internal teams to ensure a seamless transition into post-award monitoring.

· Track and report on project performance, using data-driven insights to inform decision-making.

· Engage with external partners, including local authorities, governing bodies, and community organisations.

· Contribute to the development of processes, systems, and KPIs to enhance service delivery.

What are we looking for?

· Experience in grant management, post-award monitoring, or programme management.

· Strong ability to build relationships with grant recipients and funding partners.

· Skilled in compliance tracking, financial monitoring, and reporting.

· Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

· Ability to present data-driven insights to inform decision-making.

· Strong written and verbal communication skills for stakeholder engagement.

· Organised and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

For full details of the role and requirements, please download our recruitment pack below.

What can we offer you?

The salary band for this role is £40,000 - £46,000 per annum, dependent on relevant skills and experience.

You will start with 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (which increases after 2 years), plus additional time off to volunteer. We also offer a generous pension scheme (8% employer contribution), free health care provision, a monthly gym subsidy, death in service benefit and access to selected match tickets.

We are committed to helping our team members maintain a healthy work-life balance, so offer flexible working around core hours to help achieve that.

Equality and Diversity Commitment

The Football Foundation is committed to and values the principles of diversity, equality, equity, and inclusion. We strive to provide an inclusive and supportive working environment where all our team feel respected and supported in fulfilling their potential. We encourage and welcome applications from all, regardless of background and are particularly interested to hear from individuals belonging to under-represented groups including diverse ethnic communities, individuals with a disability and those from the LGBTQI+ community.

Should you need any adjustments to the recruitment process, at either application or interview stage, please get in touch. 

The closing date for applications is: Sunday 20 April 2025 at 23:59

 First interviews will be held via MS Teams and are currently scheduled for 2 May 2025.

 Second-stage interviews will be held in person and are currently scheduled for 7 May 2025.

 Please note that you must be eligible to work in the UK to apply.

Bowel Research UK is looking for an interim Research and Grants Manager to coordinate and evaluate the management of the charity’s research activities. This role covers all aspects of pre- and post-award research management, impact reporting, grant finance management and governance, co-ordination of the Charity’s scientific committees and shaping external scientific communications to supporters and other stakeholders. Additionally, you will foster and maintain strong relationships with researchers, serving as the primary point of contact for engaging with the research community. 

The charity has approximately 50 active research grants to the value of in the region of £1.5 million. The Interim Research & Grants Manager will be responsible for managing these. 

Bowel Research UK are bringing this role in as an interim position rather than permanent, to support the day-to-day duties whilst this post holder also supports with reviewing the research and grants functionality within the organization, and help senior leadership decide on future requirements. You will act as an internal consultant, using your career experience to critically assess and analyze the charity requirements and provide guidance and direction.  

This role would suit someone looking for a fresh and exciting challenge, who would be energized by both providing internal consultancy and managing the day-to-day.  

If you feel you have relevant expertise and the motivation and enthusiasm the role needs, but perhaps don't have experience across all areas in the person spec, please do still express interest. 

As part of the process candidates will have a screening call with THINK Recruitment, and there is the opportunity for screened candidates to have informal calls with the CEO (the recruiting manager for this role) to find out more.  

This is an opportunity to work with the UK’s leading specialist bowel cancer and bowel disease research charity. Bowel Research UK believe that a cure for bowel cancer and effective treatments to mitigate, or entirely eradicate, other bowel diseases is possible – but only if vital research is funded and investment made into the scientific and medical communities today, to see the benefits tomorrow. 

Bowel Research UK are a flexible employer, for this post they are looking for someone to be comfortable with joining the team in the London office once a month. If the post holder would prefer to work more regularly from an office base the charity has office space at Royal College of Surgeons in central London. Most team members work from here on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

The 21-hour week can be worked in the way that best suits the post holder, e.g. 3 full days or spread over 5 days.  

For further information relating to this position, please download the candidate pack.  The closing date is Sunday 6th April, however applications will only be considered from candidates who have had a screening call with THINK Recruitment, so please ensure you express interest by midday Friday 4th April to ensure time for a conversation.