Legal Officer Jobs in Leeds

CSH are looking for a full time Administration and Finance Assistant to join our team.

• Home-based remote working with monthly travel to Oxford
• Full time: 37.5 hours per week (30 hours per week on request for the right candidate)
• Salary for full time hours: £25,500 per annum (plus contributory pension).
• 25 days of annual leave per annum plus bank holidays (pro rata if employed at 4 days per week)
• Permanent role
• Apply by 12 noon on 5 February 2025
• Expected online interview date: Tuesday 18 February 2025

About The Centre for Sustainable Healthcare

The Centre for Sustainable Healthcare is a charity that supports healthcare staff, and the systems they work in to be more environmentally sustainable. Our Education team provides training in sustainable healthcare and planetary health for health professionals. Our Clinical Transformation Programme mainstreams environmental sustainability within clinical areas so that it is integral to the planning of health systems and the practice of healthcare professionals. Our Green Space for Health Programme works to realise the value of the NHS green estate for physical and mental health, supporting NHS sites to develop their green space for the benefit of patients, staff and communities, while improving biodiversity and combatting climate change.

About the role

We are looking for a detail-oriented Administration and Finance Assistant to join our team. You will work with the Chief Operating Officer to ensure payroll, invoicing and finance tasks are completed and with the wider team on administrative support.

Key Responsibilies:

Finance (estimated 60% of work hours)

• Working under the direction of the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and external accounting team, and using the Xero finance system to;
  • Prepare, send, and chase invoices through co-ordinating with wider team members
  • Liaise with accountants & COO to ensure correct income allocation across department codes
  • Arrange refund and credit notes when needed
  • Order equipment for staff. Complete supplier details requests. Ensure costs are correctly allocated across the department codes on Xero
  • Pay expenses to staff
  • Reconcile Xero with bank account
  • Deal with external suppliers

Admin and operations (estimated 40% of work hours)

Ensuring the smooth running of CSH operations including:

• Setting up regular team meetings
• HR systems administration – Keeping track of staff holidays, sick leave. Updating and maintenance of staff details and HR folders
• Helping with recruitment admin including filing applications, sending replies and responding to queries
• Organising office days once a month- booking venues, catering and technical support
• Timely management of CSH general inbox and phoneline, ensuring there is holiday cover in place when needed
• General CSH administration; providing additional administration tasks for the CSH team as required
• Working with the COO and Directors to prioritise continuous improvement and ensure administrative processes are smooth across the organisation.
• Dealing with external suppliers e.g. IT support, software providers.
• Ensuring compliance with health and safety standards is facilitated and prompted across CSH (e.g. Display Screen Equipment training)
• Administrative support to new starters
• Supporting offboarding of staff: calculating remaining annual leave, supporting leavers with handover, arranging leaving card and gifts, ensuring recovery of CSH assets; IT equipment, systems access and software etc.
• Supporting COO with EDI initiatives and actions (RACE report etc.)

We are looking for an organised individual who is confident with IT, quick to learn and who enjoys working as part of a team. Please read the full job specification. 

Location

The role may occasionally require travel within the UK. We encourage the use of sustainable travel wherever feasible. CSH is based in Oxford, UK. Staff are requested to attend team meeting days in person once a month. Travel costs for attending these meetings are reimbursed.

Closing date: 12 noon on 5 February 2025

Grants Fundraiser

Would you like to use your fundraising expertise to help disadvantaged young people access life-changing educational support? We Are Seeking a Freelance Fundraiser to work flexibly over 8 days a month.

Position: Freelance Fundraiser
Daily Rate: Circa £250 per day
Location: Home-based, with monthly travel to London
Hours: 8 days per month (flexible)
Closing Date: 24th February 2025

About the Role

Team Up is looking for a passionate and experienced Freelance Fundraiser to drive our fundraising efforts and secure vital funding to support our mission. You will develop and implement fundraising strategies, focusing on securing income from trusts, foundations, corporate partners, and high-net-worth individuals (HNWI’s).

Key responsibilities include:

· Developing and executing a fundraising plan to meet annual targets (c. £300k).

· Researching, writing, and submitting compelling funding bids.

· Building and managing relationships with funders, ensuring long-term partnerships.

· Driving multi-year funding opportunities, securing grants of £10k-£50k+.

· Overseeing the work of a junior part-time fundraiser focused on small grants.

· Managing all grant reporting, ensuring timely submissions to funders.

· Ensuring compliance with GDPR and fundraising best practices.

· Supporting the CEO with corporate and strategic HNWI fundraising projects.

About You

You will need to be a self-motivated and proactive fundraiser with a strong track record of securing income for small to medium-sized charities.

Essential skills and experience include:

· Proven success in fundraising from trusts, foundations, corporates, and HNWIs.

· Ability to research funders, write compelling bids, and manage relationships.

· Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

· Ability to work independently and meet targets.

· A commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Desirable:

· Experience working with education or socio-economic disadvantage charities.

If you thrive in an environment that values responsibility, accountability, and results, this role is perfect for you.

About the Organisation

Team Up helps disadvantaged young people double their expected progress through high-impact tutoring. Our volunteers, supported by qualified teachers, not only improve academic attainment but also build confidence and resilience. We have ambitious plans for regional growth and new programme offerings, making this an exciting time to join our team.

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Fundraising Consultant, Grants Manager, Development Manager, Trusts and Foundations Lead, Bid Writer, Fundraising Manager, Freelance Grants Fundraiser, Grants Programmes Manager, etc.

Apply today for a fantastic opportunity to work flexibly while making a real impact in a growing charity!

Join Racing Welfare as Head of Fundraising and Make a Lasting Impact!

Are you an ambitious, results-driven fundraising leader with a passion for making a difference? Racing Welfare is looking for an exceptional Head of Fundraising to join our senior management team and take the helm of a thriving, high-performance fundraising operation. This is a unique opportunity for someone who wants to shape the future of British horseracing’s charitable support, driving growth and innovation in a vital sector.

 About Racing Welfare:

Racing Welfare is a registered charity dedicated to supporting the workforce of British horseracing – from stud, stable, and racecourse staff to those in related professions. Our mission is to help these dedicated individuals thrive in their careers and lives, offering guidance, practical assistance, and support throughout their journey – from recruitment to retirement.

The Role:

As Head of Fundraising, you will play a central role in Racing Welfare’s strategic direction and growth. You’ll work closely with the Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer to craft and execute an ambitious fundraising strategy that delivers innovative income streams to fund our vital services. You’ll lead, inspire, and develop a talented team, empowering them to deliver outstanding fundraising initiatives and events that drive real change.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop & Deliver Fundraising Strategy: Work with senior leadership to shape the charity’s fundraising vision, ensuring the strategy aligns with our wider goals and drives long-term sustainability.
• Innovative Fundraising Campaigns: Create and implement engaging campaigns, managing budgets and evaluating performance to optimise success.
• Team Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and motivate a high-performing fundraising team, supporting their professional growth and achieving collective goals.
• Building Strategic Partnerships: Cultivate relationships with trusts, foundations, and corporate partners to build lasting, mutually beneficial collaborations.
• Drive Operational Excellence: Oversee day-to-day fundraising operations, ensuring smooth management of income, expenditure, and compliance.

You Will Bring:

• Proven experience in fundraising or commercial management, with a track record of successfully recruiting donors and sponsors.
• A natural leader with exceptional people management skills, able to inspire and empower teams to excel.
• Solid experience in budgeting, financial planning, and performance management.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage and motivate diverse stakeholders.
• A passion for innovation and the ability to think strategically about fundraising opportunities.

Bonus: Experience in the horseracing industry is desirable, but not essential. 

Why Racing Welfare?

This is your chance to take on a leadership role in a respected and impactful charity. You’ll be part of a passionate team, working in a dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth. The role offers flexibility with the option to work from home or our Newmarket office, alongside occasional travel across the UK (including evenings and weekends).

As a charity, wellbeing is at the forefront of all we do. We aim to be a leading employer in the industry and make sure everyone at Racing Welfare has the opportunity to thrive.

If you’re ready to make a significant contribution to the future of Racing Welfare and help improve the lives of those who dedicate themselves to British horseracing, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply Today:
Submit your CV and covering letter to join Racing Welfare and lead our fundraising efforts to new heights.

We welcome enquiries from everyone and value diversity in our workforce. The closing date for this role is 14 February 2025. Interviews will be held the week commencing 25 February 2025. We reserve the right to bring forward the closing date if we receive a large number of suitable applications.

Salary: £50,000 p.a.

Racing Welfare is committed to safeguarding and will always recruit all personnel in line with government guidelines, relevant legislation, and the Charity Commission's best practice guidance.

 This post is not exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. We only ask applicants to disclose convictions which are not yet spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 

Racing Welfare’s Safeguarding Statement of Intent can be found on our website.

Role:      Finance Manager

Salary:    £38.000

Location:    Work remotely 

Status:  Full time (35 hours per week) permanent. 

Part time will be considered 4 days per week minimum

Reports to:    Executive Director

     Treasurer

Start date:             ASAP

Closing Date for Applications: Sunday the 9th of February

Online finance test: Friday the 14th of February

Online interviews: Thursday the 20th of February

About Children Change Colombia

Children Change Colombia is a UK registered charity with 33 years' experience in defending children's rights in Colombia. Today we are the UK's largest charity working exclusively in Colombia. We work with children whose rights to a safe, happy childhood, and a fulfilling future, are threatened by poverty, inequality and violence. We work with the children most at risk, to keep them safe and defend their rights in the long term, to tackle neglected issues that few others address and to strengthen children's organisations.

Through local partnerships, we currently work on three neglected issues:

• Sexual and gender-based violence 

• Access to education

• Forced recruitment into armed groups and reintegration into society

We believe that, with knowledge of their rights and the confidence to assert them, children can transform their own lives, their communities and Colombia itself.

We are a small and lively organisation and you will quickly become an essential part of our friendly team, involved in all areas of discussion and supporting the many areas of our work. Since 2020, we have tripled the number of beneficiaries and doubled our number of projects, geographical areas of work, and annual income —all while keeping administrative costs low.

In 2024 alone, our programs positively impacted the lives of 4,320 children and 1,920 adults in Colombia, plus 126 children from London, and their families. We also conducted three workshops with our local partners - online and in person - as part of our capacity-building programme. In 2024 we supported 7 local grassroots organisations with 11 different projects.

Purpose of the role:

• To keep the Executive Director and Trustees informed on the charity’s financial status through the production of management accounts and other financial reports 

• To introduce and supervise the implementation of systems, procedures and controls to ensure the smooth running of the charity’s finances and maximise accountability.

• To ensure that Children Change Colombia complies with its statutory obligations – specifically those relating to Charity Commission, Companie House and Inland Revenue.

• To work closely with the Executive Director to help run CCC.

Key Financial responsibilities

UK Finance:

• Prepare annual consolidated statutory accounts, guaranteeing compliance with SORP requirements, liaising with external examiners, consolidating with Colombian accounts.

• Prepare monthly management accounts, regular analytical reports on budget performance and cash flow forecasts for Executive Director (ED), Trustees and Treasurer at Finance Committee meetings, highlighting any specific areas of concern.

• Attend Finance Committee and Board meetings.

• Check and authorise bank payments and transfers in the UK office.

• Data input into Quickbooks of all accounting transactions, monthly reconciliation of 10 UK bank accounts, plus all balance sheet accounts. Keep the chart of accounts up-to-date, create new income or expenditure accounts and restricted funds when necessary, and ensure these correspond correctly with live projects.

• Run the monthly payroll & pension process.

• Maintain procedures and financial controls, ensuring their compliance with Charity Commission and Companies House guidelines and guaranteeing their application by Fundraising and Project Management teams.

• Coordinate production of the annual income and expenditure budgets (full budget and unrestricted budget). Enter these onto Quickbooks, to allow Actuals v Budget reports to be run from Quickbooks. Also create a mid-year re-forecast.

• Process grant transfers to the Colombia Office, to ensure project funds and Colombian operating costs are cash flowed in a timely manner.

• Oversee financial reporting for statutory and large funding sources.

• Prepare and submit Gift-Aid returns. Enter Gift Aid declarations onto the database.

• Update Finance Manuals for the London office and the Colombia Office annually.

• Provide guidance and financial information as requested by all.

• Liaise with Programmes regarding our partners & their accounts i.e. their financial health.

• Assist with funding applications, project budgets & financial reporting to funders.

• Download and code monthly fundraising reports for all online income platforms (including CAF, Donorbox, JustGiving, Benevity, Stewardship, Facebook) and Payroll Giving platforms (including Charitable Giving, Charities Trust). Code into Quickbooks.

• Process all cheques received into the office by scanning, coding and depositing into the bank; and compile a list of donors to be thanked.

• Maintain the list of Major Donors.

• Maintain the Newsletter income analysis document.

• Annually recalculate the Reserves traffic light values for monitoring unrestricted reserves.

• Monitor Treasury management under the approval of the Treasurer, manage savings accounts, open new savings accounts when needed, ensure funds are held within the Financial Services Compensation Scheme safety levels.

Colombia Finance

• In collaboration with JGS (our Colombian accounting firm) process and approve all Colombian payments to partners, suppliers, core staff and project staff.

• Ensure supporting documents are provided for all Colombian expenditure and file on the drive accordingly.

• Enter all Colombian financial transactions onto Quickbooks using the correct exchange rates, and ensure details match those recorded by JGS in Siigo Nube.

• Monitor expenditure in Colombia against the Colombia office budget and project budgets.

• Reconcile 2 Colombian Bank accounts and 1 Colombian credit card on a monthly basis.

• Consolidate Colombian annual accounts into CCC’s UK consolidated annual accounts.

• Check the  Fundraising Grants Tracker monthly to ensure the project funds match the information recorded on Quickbooks.

• Lead a monthly meeting to ensure all staff  are aligned with the latest project details.

Key Governance responsibilities:

• Keep Charity Commission and Companies House records updated and ensure that annual accounts and annual returns are submitted on time.

• Inform Charity Commission and Companies House of any changes to constitution or Trustee membership. 

• Ensure CCC complies with Inland Revenue requirements and the Colombia equivalent.

• Ensure CCC’s insurance policies are renewed and reviewed annually on time. And that all projects are correctly covered by liability insurance.

• Ensure CCC remains up to date in meeting its obligations set by the Pensions Regulator.

• Support maintaining the financial aspects of the Risk Register.

• Renew the annual Microsoft Office and Antivirus subscriptions, providing links to all relevant staff.

• Monitor the info@childrenchangecolombia account, forward emails to relevant staff.

• Write Finance Committee minutes after each meeting.

Key HR responsibilities:

• Ensure staff understand their choices regarding pension deductions.

• Calculate entitlements and set up the annual leave chart annually.

• Calculate annual salaries based on pay rises or changes approved by the Finance Committee.

• Send expense claim & DBS information to new Interns, and pay their monthly expenses.

• Support updating HR policies.

• Run DBS checks for all staff, Trustees and volunteers, making sure these are renewed every 3 years, and keeping records of these.

Person Specification:

Essential

• A professional accounting qualification and- or finance experience

• Experience working in the Charity Sector ideally International Development

• A sound understanding of the need to differentiate between unrestricted and restricted funds

• Proven experience of using computerised accounting systems

• Experienced leading on the budgeting and forecasting process

• Experience of working in a cross-cultural environment

• Good IT skills, including proficiency in MS Word and Excel

• Accuracy and attention to detail, as well as the ability to maintain a management and strategic overview of the finance function

• Great interpersonal and communication skills

• Empathy with the aims and objectives of our organisation

• Ability to use QuickBooks or similar accounting software

Desirable

• Basic Spanish - spoken and written. We can offer Spanish lessons.

• Ability to use Civi CRM Database

Application Process

To apply please send your CV (2 pages max) and a short cover letter (1 page max) to Executive Director, Angela Carreno. In the cover letter please state clearly why you want this role and the skills and experience you possess relevant to this post and how you meet the person specification.

We will acknowledge all applications, but to minimise administrative costs we cannot provide feedback if you are not preselected for an interview.

Children Change Colombia is committed to equality of opportunity and to non-discrimination for all applicants and employees, and we seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce regardless of gender, race, religious beliefs, nationality, ethnic/national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability. We particularly encourage applications from people with diverse Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI), as well as Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates and people with disabilities. Diversity is not just a legal requirement for us, but the value found in our differences adds enormously to our work and enriches our lives.

About Us

Essential Christian is a multi-faceted Christian charity and the home of Spring Harvest – an evangelical Christian event where thousands of people have encountered God and experienced life changing moments.   Our vision is to create events, media and songs that with Jesus, change lives and help build a better world. Core to safeguarding our ministry is excellent governance that ensures we operate within legal best practice in every aspect of our activities.

About the Role

Due to the retirement of our Company Secretary, we are looking for a meticulous professional who has spare time on their hands and the knowledge and skills to step into this crucial role.   

Working with our Group CEO on governance matters for our multi-faceted organisation, we will look to you to research and advise on charity and company law.  You will be responsible for preparing and circulating papers to trustees, minuting complex Board meetings, and collating and presenting annual company reports.

About You

You will be a highly diligent administrator with proven senior management or board-level experience of charity law and governance matters. You will be familiar with collating and presenting annual reports and demonstrate the organisational ability and technical competency to manage comprehensive company records.

A passion for the vision and purpose of Essential Christian and its key brands is a foundational requirement for the successful candidate.  Your heart to serve in this role will be driven by your personal relationship with Jesus and your desire to see lives impacted by the ministry of Essential Christian.  You will be a regular and active member of an evangelical Christian church, ideally with a good understanding of the diversity and breadth of the UK Christian church which we seek to serve.

What Makes this Role Special?

• Home-based

This role is home-based, with bi-monthly attendance at Company Board meetings, either hybrid or in-person, as required.   

• Flexibility

The annualised hours employment contract will provide for 16 hours per month, to be worked in accordance with the annual schedule of Board meetings on a salary of £3,000 per annum (F.T.E. £30,000 per annum)

• Spiritual Community

As part of the wider Essential Christian staff team, you will be welcome to engage voluntarily in our weekly staff catch-ups and prayer times to keep abreast of our activities and engage with our culture.

If you’re a skilled administrator who loves to serve and are wants to spend your time in a role where your input will make a lasting impact, we’d love to hear from you.

We are seeking a skilled and proactive Director. It’s not often such an opportunity arises: one that combines operational management of a dynamic local charity and social enterprise, with a pathway to taking on visionary leadership, driving further growth and innovation.

 As our Director of Operations you will be responsible for the operational excellence of our corporate functions, services and trading activities, helping to ensure our effectiveness, efficiency, strong financial performance and real impact.

You will bring a passion for making a difference, proven track record in operational management, preferably in a similar organisation, with a creative, problem-solving mindset and lots of skills and enthusiasm.

The Fundraising Manager will play a key role in shaping the future of Leeds Children's Charity by delivering the new ambitious fundraising strategy. This pivotal role will focus on driving sustainable income growth, fostering strong donor relationships, and identifying new opportunities to support the charity’s mission of transforming the lives of the Children in Leeds.

With exciting future projects on the horizon, this role will provide the opportunity to collaborate with a wide range of partners, create innovative fundraising initiatives, and contribute to long-term organisational success. You will work within a supportive team to maximise the charity’s impact and help bring meaningful change to children’s lives.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Delivering the New Fundraising Strategy

• Implement and drive the new fundraising strategy to achieve ambitious income growth targets.
• Build on existing income streams and explore innovative ways to diversify revenue, including corporate partnerships, trusts, major donors, and regular giving digital campaigns.
• Develop creative fundraising initiatives and plans aligned with the charity’s goals and future projects.

2. Collaboration and Partnerships

• Forge new partnerships with corporate sponsors, community organisations, and other stakeholders to expand the charity’s network.
• Collaborate with the CEO, trustees, and team members to identify and capitalise on strategic opportunities for growth.
• Represent the charity at events, building relationships with key donors and partners to secure support for upcoming projects.

3. Oversight of Marketing Activities

• Work closely with the external communications team to deliver the marketing strategy, ensuring alignment with fundraising objectives with current external providers.
• Oversee the development of impactful campaigns that enhance the charity’s profile and attract new supporters.
• Support brand management efforts to maintain a consistent and engaging presence across all platforms.

4. Financial and Performance Management

• Monitor and report on fundraising progress against set targets, using data to adapt and optimise approaches.
• Manage budgets related to fundraising activities, ensuring resources are allocated effectively and cost-efficiently.
• Maintain accurate records of income pipelines and donor information using the charity database.
• Manage staff currently one staff member and build in new roles when appropriate.

5. Team Collaboration and Leadership

• Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure seamless integration of fundraising and marketing efforts.
• Manage and build a team as we grow.
• Support and guide team members, fostering a culture of innovation and teamwork.

6. Compliance and Best Practice

• Ensure all fundraising activities comply with legal and regulatory standards, including GDPR and Fundraising Regulator guidelines.
• Stay up to date with sector trends and adopt new tools, technologies, and methods to enhance fundraising efforts.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

• Proven track record of delivering successful fundraising campaigns and strategies in the charity sector.
• Experience in donor engagement and managing diverse income streams, including corporate partnerships and trust applications.
• Understanding of marketing and communications principles, particularly their role in supporting fundraising.
• Strong financial management skills, including budgeting and reporting.
• Proficiency in digital fundraising tools, platforms, and techniques.
• CRM experience in using a customer relationship management system

Essential Skills and Attributes:

• Exceptional relationship-building and networking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities, with the capacity to inspire and engage diverse audiences.
• Analytical and data-driven approach to monitoring and optimising fundraising performance.
• Organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Public speaking experience in the speaking to audiences large and small.

Desirable:

• Relevant qualifications such as IoF (Institute of Fundraising).
• Familiarity with the Leeds and Yorkshire fundraising landscape.
• Experience working in children’s charities or similar organisations.

Personal Qualities:

• Passionate about improving the lives of children and committed to the charity’s mission.
• Results-focused and proactive in achieving fundraising targets.
• Collaborative team player with the ability to work across functions.
• High integrity and commitment to ethical fundraising practices.

Role Impact:

The Fundraising Manager will be at the heart of Leeds Children's Charity’s efforts to secure the resources needed for transformative projects and sustainable growth. This role offers a unique opportunity to deliver a new fundraising strategy, collaborate with key partners, and create exciting opportunities that will positively impact children across Leeds for years to come.

Are you passionate about making a difference and have experience in relationship management and project delivery? 

​

Join the Samaritans as a Regional Development Lead for the Southern Region and play a key role in our mission to reduce suicides on the rail network.

• Fixed term contract until 20 February 2026 

• £32,850 per annum pro rata plus benefits 

• Full time (35 hours per week) 

•​The successful candidate should live within or adjacent to the Southern region (Dorset, Hampshire, East and West Sussex, Surrey, Kent and South London). Do get in touch with any queries about location prior to applying.

• We are passionate about flexible working, please talk to us about your preferences

• Hybrid working: A blend of working from home and from regional rail and Samaritans offices. Significant travel throughout the Southern region shall be required.  The successful candidate should live within or adjacent to the Southern region . Do get in touch with any queries about location prior to applying.

About the Role:

As a Regional Development Lead, you'll be at the forefront of our work with key stakeholders, including Network Rail, British Transport Police, train operating companies, and local organizations. You'll represent the Samaritans Rail Programme at regional and local levels, guiding and supporting stakeholders on suicide prevention initiatives and developing Joint Suicide Prevention Plans (JSSPs). Your role will be to:

• Act as a central point of contact for rail contacts, sharing information on national campaigns, internal communications, crisis signage, policy, and research.

• Manage regional suicide prevention activities, collaborating with various stakeholders to deliver impactful results.

• Lead community activities and post-incident support, ensuring local applicability of national guidelines and strategies.

• Promote responsible and ethical language around suicide and foster a culture change within the rail industry.

About You:

To be successful in this role, you’ll need: 

• Strong project management skills with the ability to lead initiatives from start to finish.

• Experience in relationship management, with the ability to influence and collaborate with multiple stakeholders.

• Excellent communication skills to convey complex information clearly and accurately.

• A proactive, problem-solving approach with a strong sense of empathy and emotional intelligence.

This role can be exposed to emotionally challenging material and data relating to suicide and self-harm, including personal individual lived experience, which can be traumatic. You’ll receive training and support throughout your time at Samaritans to manage the demands of the role, but it’s important to be sure that this role is right for you.

​

Why Samaritans?

Samaritans is a unique workplace. Here, you’ll find an organisation that’s dedicated to making a real difference. We offer a supportive and inclusive environment, where you will have the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded people and grow professionally.​

Working at Samaritans

For further information about Samaritans, including our charity structure, values, employee benefits, and application process, please read our recruitment brochure here - Recruitment Brochure

Being Inclusive  

We recognise the enormous benefits and the social justice imperatives of ensuring diversity at every level of our organisation. Samaritans is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. To ensure Samaritans is representative of those we support and who support us, we particularly welcome applications from Disabled, BAME and LGBTQ+ candidates, as these people are under-represented at Samaritans.

Application 

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, please upload your CV and a 2 page cover letter, outlining your motivations for applying and your transferable skills and experience. Applications close at 9 am on Wednesday 5 February, with video interviews w/c 10 February. 

Whilst we appreciate that the use of generative AI functions like ChatGPT is quickly becoming part of working life for many people, through our recruitment process we want to see your own unique ideas and writing skills. We want your application to stand out from the rest and showcase your own strengths. Therefore, we kindly ask that you don’t rely on AI tools for your application answers, cover letter or to generate interview answers.

Apply today and make a real difference to people’s lives.

At Student Minds, we’re seeking a dynamic Programmes Lead - Sector Improvement to oversee our flagship University Mental Health Charter (UMHC) Programme and Award, supporting universities to adopt a whole-organisation approach to mental health and wellbeing.
 

This is your chance to:

• Lead a team delivering sector-wide impact.
• Develop and oversee the delivery of ambitious programmes, ensuring they are sustainable and high quality.
• Build strategic partnerships across the HE and mental health sectors.

If you’re a strong leader with experience in programme management, stakeholder engagement, and change management, join us in creating conditions where every student can belong and thrive.

About Student Minds:
Student Minds is the UK’s student mental health charity. We work with students, professionals, and leaders to change the state of student mental health. Our work is growing, and we are looking for an experienced and dynamic Programmes Lead - Sector Improvement to join our team.

The Role:
As the Programmes Lead - Sector Improvement, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing our sector improvement programmes, providing strategic guidance, and driving change across the HE sector to improve mental health outcomes.

The UMHC framework, launched in 2019, is a set of evidence-informed principles supporting universities to adopt a whole-university approach to mental health and wellbeing. To support its adoption, Student Minds introduced the UMHC Award assessment process and a holistic membership programme (‘Programme’) for universities in 2021.

Through the UMHC Award and Programme, we aim to ensure every university and HE organisation in the UK adopts a strategic, whole-organisation approach to wellbeing and mental health, creating conditions where all students can belong and succeed in the ways that matter to them. This ambitious, impactful programme sits at the heart of the Student Minds strategy.
 

The Programmes Lead - Sector Improvement will:

• Lead National Programmes: Manage a team delivering the UMHC Programme and Award Assessments, working closely with the Head of Programmes to set strategic direction and ensure successful delivery.
• Recruit and Train Assessors: Lead a team of over 40 Assessors to deliver the UMHC Award Assessment process to approximately 16 universities annually.
• Develop Events and Resources: Plan and deliver conferences, online and in-person events, and resources for our growing membership base (113 universities and counting in 2024/25).
• Build Strategic Relationships: Engage with the HE and mental health sectors to foster partnerships, identify needs, and drive improvement.
• Financial Oversight: Support annual fee reviews and manage a complex programme budget with significant income and expenditure.
• Drive Organisational Thinking: As part of the Leadership Group, contribute to shaping the future of sector improvement opportunities at Student Minds.

We are seeking a resilient, adaptable, and accountable leader who thrives in a dynamic and evolving environment.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Proven experience managing complex programmes and achieving strategic objectives.
• Strong commercial awareness with a track record of balancing cost, quality, and time effectively.
• Extensive experience in change management, including leading teams through transitions.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, building and sustaining strong relationships.
• Strong team management and conflict resolution capabilities.
• Public speaking experience, with confidence in presenting complex ideas to diverse audiences.
• Knowledge of system change approaches, with adaptability to evolving processes.

Desirable Skills and Experience:

• Experience leading an Award Assessment Programme.
• Knowledge of the HE sector.
• Experience in or knowledge of the mental health sector.

How to apply

If you’re ready to lead our digital evolution and make a meaningful impact, we’d love to hear from you!

1. Download the recruitment pack in the document section at the bottom of this page, where you’ll find more information about the role including responsibilities and person specifications. 
2. Download and complete our application form -instead of collecting CVs, we use an application form to ensure fairness and equal opportunity for all. 
3. Upload your completed application form. 

Application deadline: 23rd February
1st stage interview:5th March (online via Google Meets)
2nd stage interview: 12th March in person at our Leeds office