External Consultant Jobs in Edinburgh

Global Canopy is a data-driven not for profit that targets the market forces destroying nature. We do this by improving transparency and accountability. Our focus is on open data, aligned metrics and strong regulation, to help powerful organisations stop nature-related impacts and realise opportunities for positive action. 

 We do this through an interlinked portfolio of programmes: 

1. Our Supply Chain Transparency Programme delivers a step change in the transparency of the trade and financing of high-risk commodity supply chains – like soy, palm oil and cattle (see Trase).
2. Our Corporate Performance Programme works to improve the quality and uptake of sustainability and social metrics for the global companies most impacting forests and nature (Forest 500, ForestIQ).
3. Our Nature-related Finance Programme creates the tools and frameworks to help Financial Institutions, corporates and governments to shift global financial flows away from nature-negative outcomes and toward nature-positive outcomes (see ENCORE and TNFD).

Our tools and platforms are used by Fortune 500 companies, major financial institutions, national and regional governments, and some of the world’s most effective campaigning organisations.

GC is supported by governments including the UK, Norway, Germany and Switzerland; by major trusts and foundations including the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation,  Quadrature and the Waterloo Foundations; and by a growing group of individual major donors and family offices. We have deep partnerships with the UNEP Finance Initiative, Stockholm Environment Institute, UNDP, WWF and ZSL among others. 

We work globally, but have focal regions in Latin America, Indonesia, Europe and China. Our team of around 45 people is mostly based out of our Oxford office, but we have team members also based across forest regions and major markets worldwide.

Purpose

Global Canopy (GC) is looking for an experienced Earth Observation Specialist who can step in and work with the team to deliver an ‘Earth Observation for Nature Finance’ pilot. The pilot project aims to explore and strengthen the role of open access earth observation (EO) data towards leveraging financial mechanisms for nature finance. The pilot will focus on agricultural portfolios, with scope to include forestry portfolios to conduct analysis leveraging ESA Sentinel data on a use case to be defined by a financial service institution project partner. The exact use case will be specified over the coming months and can both be to conduct an analysis leveraging satellite data to assess land use change linked to financed companies and their supply chains or to assess sustainable practices of financed companies in the forestry sector.

Today, few corporations disclose geolocation-specific supplier lists for key high-risk commodities including soft commodities and timber. If and when they do disclose, the data is often at jurisdiction or municipality-level, lacking asset-level detail. As a result, land conversion is difficult to link to corporate supply chains. If the final use case will be to analyse land conversion in financed agricultural supply chains then the EO expert will use Sentinel data to conduct an analysis which enables identification of land conversion events alongside potential underlying drivers, allowing FIs to engage with financed companies and support disclosure. This approach aims to improve FI understanding of land conversion dynamics, enhancing engagement with investees towards more sustainable land management practices. If the use case instead will focus on the forestry sector, then the EO expert will conduct analysis using Sentinel data to identify what types of insights on sustainable forest management practices can be generated from Sentinel data sets and conduct that analysis. The results will be shared and discussed with the financial service institution and the EO expert will need to conduct and lead the technical presentation.

The consultant will be responsible for researching geolocation specific datasets, available open source and in proprietary databases. If the final use case will be for agriculture then the consultant will leverage the supply shed approach, utilising datasets such as the TRASE database and the Universal Mill List to determine supply shed sizes. This will serve as a starting point to address current challenges. If the final use case will be on sustainable forestry then the EO expert will leverage geolocation data from  the financial service institution to overlay with satellite data to conduct the technical analysis.

What work do we want a consultant to do?

Global Canopy is seeking a supply chain EO expert for two to three days a week over the course of 14 months to conduct technical hands-on data analysis work for the specific final use case to be selected. The EO expert will work collaboratively as part of a small team, predominantly collaborating with the project coordinator and the piloting bank to deliver this pilot. The EO expert will be responsible for undertaking the technical data analysis applying Sentinel data to the use case. The successful candidate will research relevant datasets to be tested and support the financial institution to utilise the supply shed approach, if the final use case will be in the agricultural sector, and other relevant approaches if the final use case is for the forestry sector. 

The EO expert must have previous experience dealing with earth observation data.

Applicants should be able to complete the work remotely between May 2025 until the end of June 2026, with the work being completed during 8-6pm UK time (hours are flexible within this period). 

Key Responsibilities

1. Pilot design 

The EO expert, in collaboration with the FI, will be responsible for designing the pilot, identifying the methodology to be used for the purpose of the analysis. 

2. Research, analysis and measurement of supply sheds 

The EO expert will research geolocation specific datasets available open source and in proprietary databases. The EO Expert will conduct the technical analysis using Sentinel EO data to answer the key questions of the use case for either financed agricultural or forestry supply chains. This analysis will link the company data sets with the EO data sets to generate key insights and results to answer the use case questions. The EO expert will write a technical specification report of the analysis as a key output including specification of any data quality issues to be aware of in the use of the results. 

3. Drafting and publication of final output

The final is a paper describing the results of the EO analysis to answer the key use case questions. It will be packaged as a use case for publication detailing the pilot journey, methodology used, technical analysis output, the findings and challenges encountered during the course of the pilot project. This output will be developed to be used as a replicable example by other organisations to illustrate a financial institution’s nature journey. 

Note: The above-mentioned tasks are intended as a guide and may be modified following discussion with the selected consultant. 

Lines of communication 

The consultant will be part of Global Canopy’s Nature-related Finance programme team, working closely with the pilot project coordinator within the Nature-related Finance team, Nature-related Finance Director sitting within the consortium leadership team, as well as external piloting partners and other consortium members.

Location 

The Consultancy is able to be completed on a remote basis but location is required to be within 3hrs of CET.

Timeline 

May 2025 to the end of June 2026. 

Outputs: 

A technical analysis leveraging Sentinel data to answer the questions specified by the use case in either financed agricultural or forestry supply chains. The key questions will be on the nature-related impacts of financed supply chains, either negative or positive impacts for nature. The deliverables include a technical EO analysis answering the use case questions, the technical specifications of methodology and description of algorithms use, description of data leveraged for the analysis. This information will be used by the EO expert to collaboratively draft a use case with the team. 

Requirements

As a successful applicant you will have a strong background in spatial data and analyses, linking agricultural production systems and environmental and social impacts, preferably with a focus on tropical ecosystems and supply chains. You will be motivated by making data and research accessible to a diverse range of audiences, including the private sector, governments and civil society, and ideally have practical experience in how to drive uptake and use of data products by different users. 

Global Canopy is looking for an individual consultant with the skills and experience as detailed below. 

Essential

1. Deep knowledge of earth observation (EO) datasets and tools. Track record in design of algorithms to analyse satellite data to generate desired insights.
2. Strong writing skills with a track record of successfully delivering projects from start to finish. 
3. A strong drive to contribute to Global Canopy’s mission, a passion for sustainability and the role that the finance sector can play to drive change. 

Desirable

1. Comprehensive understanding of ESG metrics, nature-related data, tools, assessment approaches, disclosure initiatives and frameworks, sustainable finance and its mechanisms.
2. Experience engaging with the financial sector, specifically engaging financial institutions in the assessment of their nature-related issues, as well as engaging and developing good working relationships with multiple stakeholders.

Other information

Whilst our office is based in Oxford, we strongly welcome interest from candidates based in other parts of the UK, and internationally.

How to apply

To apply for the position, please use the apply button or visit our website and submit your application by 9am GMT 31st March 2025, including: 

• A cover letter – outlining your interest in our work, and how your expertise, experience and working style maps to our focal areas and requirements
• An up-to-date CV
• Your day rate in GBP 

We welcome early applications, and expressions of interest will be considered as they are received. 

By submitting your application, you consent to us holding your data in line with our policies. GC is under no obligation to engage anyone as a result of this search. Individual contracts will be negotiated as we initiate the work.

We require an exceptionally organised and skilled administrator to support the Bikeability Quality Team, who deal with all enquiries from Bikeability Instructors and Training Providers.This role will ensure enquiries are responded to efficiently, support on the administration of key meetings and help us to gather information for reporting. 

It is an exciting time to be joining Engineers Against Poverty (EAP) with the organisation growing in its impact to improve infrastructure transparency, advocating for greater openness and integrity in climate finance, and promoting our work on green cities and infrastructure.

EAP is a leader in infrastructure and international development with strong links with development agencies, government and industry. We develop research, policy and practice in infrastructure investment, labour standards, climate change, transparency and accountability and local content in line with our mission to help reduce poverty.

The appointee will also take on for the same role for CoST, the Infrastructure Transparency Initiative – a transparency, participation and accountability programme which operates in 20 countries and for which EAP hosts its International Secretariat. 

As Senior Finance Manager 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 liaise directly with the organisation's external auditors.

You will be an experienced finance professional with at least 5 years’ experience in a finance or accounting role (including at management level) and ideally in a not-for profit organisation. You will possess qualification or part-qualification in AAT/ACCA/ACA/CIMA with knowledge of UK charity accounting. You will show high levels of initiative, an ability to work with minimum supervision across a varied workload, and possess strong communication skills. Further detail on requirements of this role in the attached job pack.

Key responsibilities include:

• As a member of the senior management team, you are responsible for the management of the financial systems including producing, maintaining and managing budgets and financial management reports (including management accounts, preparation of annual accounts and other statutory reports)
• Ensure compliance with corporate and charitable law, and ensure that financial systems comply with statutory and other requirements (e.g. SORP)
• General finance management such as ensuring financial management policies and procedures are up to date, assist in the preparation of financial proposals and bids, and other responsibilities that may be required to meet the needs of the organisation.

We are a flexible employer and are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements with potential candidates. We are an international team and this is a fully remote role (with travel and in-person attendance required at meetings a few times a year likely in London, UK). We encourage applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds.

About us:

The Humane League UK (THL UK) is a charity ending the abuse of animals raised for food by influencing the policies of the world's biggest companies, demanding legislation, and empowering others to take action. 

We're a mission-driven, energetic team focused on problem-solving and effective teamwork, and have grown significantly over the last few years. 

Thanks to our effectiveness, The Humane League has been named Top Charity by the independent evaluator Animal Charity Evaluators for every rating period since 2012.

THL UK is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to furthering equity and inclusion, and we value diversity. We seek people from a wide range of backgrounds who will bring a fresh perspective to the team, not just because it is the right thing to do, but because it makes us stronger. 

We make employment decisions by matching our organisational needs with the skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, neurodiversity, age, or veteran status.

​We are proud to be a Disability Confident Committed Employer, demonstrating our commitment to recruiting, retaining, and supporting disabled people and people with health conditions, based on their skills and talent.

You can read more about how The Humane League UK is working on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion on our website.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding accessibility, please contact us via our website and we will be happy to discuss, via email or telephone, reasonable adjustments that you may require throughout the process.

The position:

The Humane League UK (THL UK) is seeking a data-focussed and strategic individual, with a strong background in digital fundraising, to help drive long-lasting improvements for millions of farmed animals.

This is an exciting time to join a growing organisation, with ambitious fundraising targets over the coming years as we work toward greater financial self-reliance and stability. 

To achieve those targets we need to accelerate our individual giving and digital fundraising programme. 

You can be part of our Development Team helping to make this happen.

You’ll develop and execute our digital fundraising strategy, utilising data to maximise acquisition, engagement, optimisation and conversion of our supporter base to grow our income. By significantly increasing the number of regular givers, converting a higher percentage of non-givers to donors, and acquiring new supporters who can be converted into future donors, you can make sure that our work continues to have long-lasting impacts - ending cages for egg-laying hens, convincing corporates to commit to improving chicken welfare in their supply chains, challenging the Government over the use of fast-growing breeds of chicken, and working to secure the first legislation to protect farmed fish.

We will be holding a webinar on Wednesday 19th March at 7pm GMT for you to find out more about the role and to ask any questions you may have. The webinar will be hosted by Gavin Chappell-Bates, Head of Development and Holly Spindler, Digital Communications Manager. If you’re interested, please register by following the 'Apply via website' button.

Who you are:

We are looking for someone with demonstrable experience of analysing, assessing and utilising data, making the most of technical solutions and making informed decisions to optimise and enhance fundraising performance. You’ll have good experience working with CRMs and donor data. If you have experience implementing a new CRM solution in an organisation, this will be a big plus. You will have excellent attention to detail and high standards - ensuring clean and good quality data, maintaining consistent data use across the organisation.

You will have a proven track record of delivering digital fundraising strategies and successful digital fundraising campaigns, as well as developing supporter journeys. You will be someone who thrives on collaborating across an organisation to ensure communications and campaigns are as effective as possible, leading to increased acquisition, engagement and conversion.

You are someone who is able to use their initiative to solve problems and overcome challenges. You are self-motivated, able to work autonomously, be proactive and resourceful. You are a good organiser and project manager, able to manage complex tasks and keep projects on track, ensuring good internal communication and collaboration.

We foster an environment of feedback, development and learning at THL UK. You’ll be someone that values receiving feedback, is able to assess your own performance, and has a desire to want to learn, develop and improve as an individual.

We are looking for someone committed to the work we do for animals, who aligns with our values and has a passion and enthusiasm for digital fundraising. Prior experience of digital fundraising is essential.

We will provide relevant learning and development opportunities, tailored to your experience and personal needs, which could include in-house training, external training, and fundraising events and conferences.

Be part of our mission to end the abuse of animals raised for food.

Primary Duties:

• Lead on developing and executing our digital fundraising strategy: working with our Digital Communications Manager to make sure it aligns with and feeds into our wider organisational digital strategy, as well as with the Head of Development to make sure it aligns with our wider fundraising strategy.

• Management of our new CRM: we are in the process of selecting a new CRM solution to support fundraising at THL UK. This role will initially take responsibility for getting this implemented and embedded in the organisation, and then take on the day-to-day management and responsibility of the CRM to make sure we utilise the platform to its full potential and resolve any challenges or issues.

• Coordinating our end of year fundraising appeal: our biggest of the year, working with our Digital Fundraiser to develop engaging content and communications, and with our Major Gifts Fundraiser and Head of Development to secure match funds and major gifts, to ensure we secure valuable income each year (this appeal raised over £100k in 2024). You’ll help set and track the targets and metrics for the campaign, and conduct post-campaign analysis to capture what we learn to inform our future activities.

• With a focus on acquisition, retention, and conversion, work with our Digital Communications Manager to map out and develop donor journeys as part of our wider supporter journeys, using technological solutions to ensure supporters are progressing effectively.

• Regularly assess and analyse supporter and donor data, using these insights to shape our strategy and activities. This includes monitoring engagement levels across various touch points, such as donating, volunteering, taking digital actions, or engaging with our communications, as well as evaluating segmentation and targeting of key audiences. Identify the data needed to inform decision-making and establish mechanisms to capture it effectively.

• Work with the Finance Operations Lead to make sure all supporter and donation data in our CRM is accurate, complete and up-to-date: this includes ensuring that Gift Aid claims are regularly made, donation data is regularly reconciled with our finance system, that we have a holistic picture of our supporters, and we have a regular programme of data cleansing in place.

• Ensure our donation processes are optimised: allowing us to minimise any possible friction on our donation pages and increase the percentage of those going on to make a donation. Ensuring that we have processes in place to capture abandoned baskets and failed payments, and any technical issues which could disrupt our ability to collect payments are monitored and resolved quickly, working with our technical partners or external experts where necessary.

• Oversee the development of any new donation pages or donor data collection forms: whether those are created in-house or by an external consult or agency.

• Make sure THL UK team members are getting what they need from our CRM and technical solutions. Ensuring that they are using systems correctly and consistently, to avoid poor practices which might result in bad data or sub-optimal functionality. Including access and user permissions, notifications and alerts for new donors and donations, training and support, and access to dashboards and reports needed to inform their work.

• Manage any external support required to optimise our CRM and technological solutions: including our CRM partner, payment processing partner and any additional consultants or third parties. Work with them to make sure any technical issues or significant architectural changes are addressed.

• Provide day-to-day support to our Digital Fundraiser: offering advice and guidance,  working with them on campaigns and communications to help us achieve the goals as set out in our digital fundraising strategy, including regular pushes for key income streams such as regular giving.

• Make sure we optimise any available budget to increase acquisition and conversion to help us achieve our strategic goals.

• Keep colleagues up-to-date on our digital fundraising plans and make sure those plans are fed into our organisation-wide planning tools.

• Look for opportunities for technology to enhance fundraising at THL UK, including use of AI.

In addition:

• Attending relevant events and conferences as necessary: whether to increase your learning, engage with peers in the animal protection or fundraising sectors, or to help raise our profile and support our wider fundraising efforts.

• Helping drive understanding of and engagement with fundraising across the organisation, with staff, volunteers and trustees: sharing updates through presentations, workshops, written communications, or other effective formats to keep the wider team informed on fundraising progress. 

• Participating in team meetings including note-taking and facilitation.

• Help us make THL UK an inclusive workplace where employees and supporters are proud to be members of the movement

• Demonstrate commitment to creating a stronger and more effective animal protection movement through inclusion and belonging.Recognising the need for all of us to do better for social justice on a personal and organisational level.

• Attending in-person team workshops several times a year.

• Performing any other duties assigned by the Head of Development.

For full details of the role, including the key competencies we see as the the most important requirements for being successful in this position, please visit our website by following the 'Apply via Website' button.

Hours:

This is a full time position of 37.5 hours per week over Monday to Friday.

From 1st July 2024 we are piloting a four day working week across the whole of the UK organisation. The pilot is planned to run for 12 months, at which point a decision will be made by our Board of Trustees as to whether this will become permanent. Success of the trial relies on the organisation being able to achieve the same or improved level of impact in four working days as five, with staff experiencing either the same or improved levels of wellbeing.

During the four day week pilot, working hours for this position will be reduced to 30 hours per week, to be worked across Monday to Thursday, with no reduction in salary. This will be a temporary change to the contractual terms for the successful candidate. The appointed person must be prepared to increase their working hours to 37.5 hours per week if a return to a five-day working week is decided. In the event that THL UK considers before the end of the trial period that the trial is having an adverse operational impact, we reserve the right to bring the trial to end on one month’s notice.

Good to know:

You will have access to:

• ​A fully remote work environment and team (all equipment is provided)
• A 4 day working week (note: this is a year long pilot until July 2025 when its continuation will be assessed)
• 25 days leave plus Public Holidays (reduced proportionately during four day week trial)
• ​Flexible working hours
• ​A workplace pension
• An annual learning and development budget
• Support for mental and physical wellbeing 
• £25 per month reimbursement towards home working costs

At The Humane League UK, animal welfare is at the forefront of our everyday work and as such, many of our employees are vegan by personal choice. All of our events and workshops offer only plant-based meals. We welcome all mission-aligned candidates to apply, no matter where you are in your journey to end the abuse of animals raised for food.

We are looking to speak to a wide range of candidates with diverse backgrounds - #NonGraduatesWelcome

Our employees all work remotely but still enjoy a supportive, collaborative environment.

For our salaries to be fair, transparent and equitable we want to provide a system that delivers a competitive salary in the market and could eliminate potential biases in compensation (such as the gender pay gap). For more information about the Digital Fundraising Lead salary please the attached document.

All applicants need to be:

1. ​Fluent in written and spoken English.
2. ​Live and have the right to work in the UK (we are unable to consider applications from those without the right to work in the UK).
3. ​Committed to our mission to end the abuse of animals raised for food.

The Process:

All applicants will be contacted within one week of the closing date to let you know if you have been successful in reaching the next stage.

Our full interview process comprises of the following stages:

• A skills test to give us an opportunity to see your skills in action (completed remotely).
• Join an online interview (via video call) so we can learn more about each other.
• Final Interview (via video call as above)

For full details of our recruitment process please see the attached document. 

Reporting to the Director of Training and Quality, the Head of Quality will have responsibility for maintaining high quality standards across all operations relating to the delivery of Bikeability, the government’s national cycle training programme.

The post-holder will be familiar with the vocational qualification landscape and will hold (at least) Level 4 qualification in quality assurance.

They will ensure that quality is at the heart of Bikeability by development and delivery of the quality assurance system. 

The Bikeability Trust 

The Bikeability Trust’s purpose is to ensure that all cycle training is delivered to a gold standard, inspiring everyone to cycle with competence and confidence.   

We are:  

• Expert: The Trust has successfully administered the Bikeability programme on behalf of government since 2018, delivering high-quality delivery guides and instructor training, and our workforce has thousands of years combined experience teaching people to cycle.  

• Inspiring: Every rider completes our training feeling able, confident and motivated to cycle safely on the roads for short journeys. Transforming the traditional image of cycling to an everyday, everyone activity.    

• Quality focussed: Our instructors deliver high-quality, consistent and standardised cycle training. We aim to ensure that every rider achieves the same outcomes to the same standard, taking into account their individual capabilities, including special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).  

• Inclusive: We take action to reduce barriers to participation, support underrepresented groups and ensure that anyone who wishes to access Bikeability cycle training is able to do so, and cycling is seen as an activity for all.   

• Efficient: Our delivery programme offers value for money and is delivered in an economic, proportional and efficient way.  

• Influential: We share our evidence of the impact of cycle training across a variety of sectors (transport, education, environment, health, leisure, etc) and work collaboratively with stakeholders, partners and commercial organisations to achieve our vision and influence behaviour change.  

Responsibilities  

Quality Assurance Management  

• Develop with Director of Training and Quality the annual plan of quality improvement and training standardisation for the Bikeability Industry. This may include but not limited to: 

• Writing and continually improving IQA guidance for training providers. This may include written guidance, video, webinar and other resources 

• Developing and leading CPD for instructors and training providers 

• Developing procurement guidance for grant recipients to assess quality 

• Assimilating learning from complaints and serious incidents into quality improvement and training standardisation plan 

• Keeping informed around any legislation or guidance changes that require amends to the Bikeability Delivery Guide. Ensure the guide is updated and communicated effectively 

• Leading guidance, training and support to Quality Consultants to ensure standardisation and consistency of visits and reports 

• Introducing and leading on training for training providers’ IQA leads 

• Running the quarterly meeting for training providers’ IQA leads 

• Produce an annual thematic report on quality

• Develop initiatives to support and improve instructor recruitment and retainment. 

• Work with communications team to effectively communicate the quality assurance system to Bikeability Industry

• Offer subject matter expertise, expert insight and support to the Bikeability Effectiveness Advisory Group and Regional Networks 

• Manage the quality team for the Bikeability programme: 

• Safeguarding, complaints and serious incidents monitoring, reporting and learnings 

• Training Provider External Quality Assurance visits and standardisation of delivery to identify industry needs 

• Acting on whistleblowing concerning misuse of public funds or the Bikeability brand 

• Annual system of registrations and renewals for instructors, training providers and grant recipients

• Responding to enquiries from members of the public and professionals through contactus

• Awards materials delivery and monitoring 

• Supporting digitisation enquiries from the Bikeability Industry 

• Overseeing the Bikeability conference 

• Collating, analysing, reporting and acting on data/feedback collected through digitisation 

• Monthly and quarterly reports on delivery of core services for Department for Transport and Board of Trustees 

• Lead the Bikeability annual conference planning (working with a cross departmental project team) 

Digitisation 

• Ensure that grant recipients, training providers and instructors receive timely support on digitisation and technical help where required working across the quality team 

• Work with the operations team to report on the impact of quality 

Get Cycling in Schools (GCiS) 

• Provide leadership to the project team to fulfil objectives and outcomes of the programme 

• Ensure financial processes are followed and budgets are reconciled on GCIS spend 

• Ensure GCiS outcomes reporting as part of the quality team monthly and quality reporting

General  

• Recognise the need to be flexible when working for a small organisation and carry out other duties that may be required 

• Commitment to personal continuing professional development

• Take on another other task as agreed with line manager 

Person specification 

The successful applicant will have: 

• A first or higher degree 

• L2 Award in Instructing Cycle Training qualification status and enhanced DBS 

• Level 4 Quality Assurance

• Excellent organisational and customer care skills 

• Strong written and oral communication skills 

• Have a growth and continuous improvement mindset 

• Ability to use Microsoft 365 packages including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams 

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently 

• It is also essential that the post holder has experience of one or more of the following:

• Experience of managing Bikeability programmes

• Customer service and complaints

• Safeguarding

Skills 

• Excellent communicator (both orally and in writing) with effective listening, influencing and negotiation skills 

• Highly effective decision-making skills with excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities 

• Excellent administrative, organisational and IT skills 

• Intellectual rigour, financial acumen and the ability to accurately analyse and explain complex issues 

We value staff and a range of experience at the Bikeability Trust, so the person specification is a guide to the skills. We encourage diverse applicants and transferable skills.

Our Time Charity is a unique and pioneering organization dedicated to supporting children and young people who have parents with mental illness. Our mission is to ensure that these young individuals do not feel isolated, misunderstood, or overlooked, and to provide them with the tools and resources they need to thrive. We achieve this through innovative programmes, education, and advocacy, making a tangible difference in their lives.

Established in 2012, Our Time has grown from a small initiative into a nationally recognized charity. Our founders, driven by personal experiences and a profound understanding of the challenges faced by children of parents with mental illness, have created a compassionate and impactful organization. Over the years, we have developed a range of innovative interventions and expanded our reach, positively improving the lives of thousands of young people across the UK.

You will join a passionate, collaborative team eager to drive meaningful change. Our key initiatives include:

KidsTime Workshops: Safe spaces where young people share experiences, learn about mental illness, and build coping skills through creative activities. The workshops combine therapeutic support with peer interaction, fostering resilience and community.

Training and Education: Courses designed to support professionals (healthcare, social work, and education) who work with children affected by parental mental illness. We offer tailored workshops, resources, and ongoing support, equipping professionals to meet the unique needs of these young people.

Campaigns and Advocacy: Our advocacy efforts seek to influence policy, reduce stigma, and improve services for families dealing with mental illness, helping to create systemic change.

We are looking for an experienced Partnership Development Lead to strengthen and expand partnerships helping to extend our reach and impact.

Key Responsibilites

This role will lead on the business development for the charity’s key initiatives. Reporting to the CEO, your responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Work with the CEO, Operations Director, and wider team to implement the strategy for securing income-generating partnerships for 2025-2029.
• Identify organisations and key individuals within them to develop new opportunities for partnerships across the UK.
• Build, develop and strengthen relationships that will lead to increased projects.

• Propose, build and develop long term strategic partnerships.
• Manage Our Time’s partner recruitment cycle from launch to contract, ensuring you meet goals in our target areas.
• Build relationships with health and social care providers, academic institutions and conference organisers to enable the charity to be represented when children and young people’s mental health is the focus.
• UK wide travel for in-person meetings with partners.
• Represent Our Time externally in meetings with potential partners.
• Work alongside marketing and communications, promoting products and services to potential new customers.

Requirements

• Proven track record (5–10 years) in relationship management, demonstrating the ability to cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships that drive growth.
• Experience in the not-for-profit sector (desirable), particularly in charities, social enterprises, or mission-driven organisations.
• Demonstrated success in converting enquiries into long-term relationships, showing a proactive approach to engagement and stakeholder retention.
• Ability to persuade and influence senior external stakeholders, including decision-makers in local authorities, educational institutions, and healthcare organisations.
• Strong business development acumen, with the ability to identify opportunities, develop proposals, and secure funding or partnerships.
• Strategic planning skills, including the ability to assess market trends, set goals, and develop effective strategies for scaling KidsTime Workshops.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, ensuring clear and compelling messaging to potential partners, funders, and stakeholders.
• Outstanding interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with individuals and organisations at various levels.
• Knowledge of the commissioning environment within education, health, and social care (desirable), including understanding funding mechanisms and partnership opportunities.
• Strong negotiation skills, enabling the ability to secure favourable terms in partnerships and contracts.

As a small team, we value individuals who are proactive, take personal responsibility, and are comfortable working independently. Each team member plays a crucial role in advancing our charity's mission to support children and young people with a parent struggling with mental illness. In this role, you'll have the freedom to shape the charity's work, allowing you to see your ideas and efforts make a meaningful impact.

We are fully remote and meet in-person approximately 2 – 3 times per year in a range of locations easily reachable by public transport (recently London and York).

Are you passionate and self-motivated? Do you have excellent written and verbal communication skills? If you would like to use your abilities to raise funds for charities, Chell Perkins Ltd's Grant Fundraising Traineeships will teach you everything you need to know and you’ll get the chance to join our team of trained consultants.

Chell Perkins Ltd are looking for FOUR people who are passionate about bringing positive change through fundraising. We want to nurture a new generation of fundraisers to provide charities with access to exceptional fundraising support.

We offer a four-month/16-week fully paid traineeship (approx £1,733pm gross) working with real clients in a fundraising consultancy and gaining a recognised certificate with education credits towards CFRE to give you a real headstart in working in the charity sector. There are a number of vacancies at Chell Perkins, and at the end of the course trainees will be eligible to apply for a permanent position.

This immersive programme starts on 1st September 2025 and is home-based, with high-quality training and plenty of support from our experienced fundraising team.

Why Chell Perkins?

At the end of our Grant Fundraising Traineeship, you will be a confident and capable grant fundraiser. But there’s much more to the scheme than that. The Chell Perkins team are a great bunch of people to work with. We really care about our partner charities and YOUR future. Our supportive and empowering work culture will enable you to realise your own potential.

“This programme is truly unique and rewarding. I recommend it to anyone thinking of beginning a fundraising career.” Junior Fundraiser, 2020

“The traineeship was an amazing opportunity, and I learnt so much about fundraising and the charity sector in such an engaging way. Everyone in the team is so friendly and supportive, you couldn't work with or learn from anyone better.” Class of 2023 and now a Fundraising Officer with Chell Perkins

“This traineeship has given me a headstart in my fundraising career and I couldn’t be more grateful! I left university with a love for charity work but little idea as to how I could use that passion in my everyday life, but this traineeship has helped me develop the skills and knowledge I need to make a real difference in the charity sector.” Class of 2023 and now a Fundraising Officer with Chell Perkins

Client mix

Candidates should be aware that at present 70% of our partner charities come from a Christian background (churches or Christian charities). While it is not a requirement to be Christian, candidates must be happy to write for a faith-based audience.

Further information

This role is home-based; however, we hold quarterly in-person team days, and you may occasionally be required to work from client sites (nationally, with a North West focus).

The traineeship will start on 1 September and will run until 19 December 2025. Candidates must be available to start on the first day of the traineeship. Interviews and offers will take place from March onwards.

For more details, download a copy of the Job Description and Person Specification document.

How to apply

If our Grant Fundraising Traineeship sounds like it could be a perfect fit for you, why not apply?

Email a completed application form, a recent CV and a covering letter to our Office Manager (see 'How to apply' below).

In your covering letter, we are looking for:
● Evidence of strong written communication skills, and ability to write persuasively
● Passion for the third sector, and in particular fundraising
● Evidence that you have carefully researched the role and our organisation.

Using AI

We recognise that many applicants use AI tools like ChatGPT for drafting applications. Whilst these tools can be helpful, we advise you to first write your application personally and then use AI to refine it. This approach ensures your application remains original and truly reflective of your unique experiences. Last year, we noticed a trend of AI-generated applications lacking individuality, which hindered our ability to connect with applicants. Remember, it's your personal story, passions and motivations that make you stand out. Let AI assist you, but let your own voice lead the way.

We are looking for an experienced Communications Officer, with a strategic mindset and passion for crafting compelling campaigns and content which inspires action to join our team and play a pivotal role in shaping and sharing the story of the Award’s international impact.

In this role, you’ll bring to life the experiences of young people undertaking the Award, showcasing its global influence and the transformative power of non-formal education and learning. You’ll design and execute creative campaigns, produce dynamic multimedia content, and develop narratives that connect to wider themes across society.

You’ll work closely with teams across the Foundation as well as our international network of Operators, equipping them with the tools and confidence to maximise their communications efforts. Whether crafting engaging social media content, producing impactful video stories, or coordinating high-profile marketing initiatives, your work will drive awareness, engagement, and participation in the Award.

Key Responsibilities

• Content creation and storytelling: develop a diverse range of multimedia content including video, visual templates and assets, marketing materials, infographics, and written case studies that highlight the Award’s impact and align with broader strategic objectives.
• Creative campaign development: plan and execute innovative communications campaigns that resonate with global audiences, ensuring messages are compelling and strategically aligned with the Award’s mission.
• Digital and social media management: lead the day-to-day management of our digital platforms (website, social media channels), optimising content for engagement and reach while analysing performance data to refine strategies.
• Capacity building and support: empower Operators by collaborating with them to champion communications best practices and deliver effective storytelling.
• Brand and messaging coordination: maintain a cohesive brand voice and visual identity across all communications channels, ensuring consistency and impact.
• Internal coordination: work alongside Fundraising, Events, and Operations teams to develop materials that support their objectives while reinforcing the overarching narrative of the Award.
• Strategic planning: developing campaigns nd messaging that are backed up by a clear Theory of Change, and underpinned with a communications calendar, internal coordination and forward-planning.