Senior communications engagement lead jobs in alfreton, derbyshire

Location: Home based, or office based at Society Building, 8 All Saints Street, London N1, in line with NCVO’s flexible working policy or home working policy.

​Closing date: 08.00 Tuesday 6 May 2025

​Shortlisting date: Thursday 8 May 2025

Interviews: Thursday 15 May 2025

About NCVO

We are the charities charity. For over 100 years, NCVO has stood shoulder to shoulder with communities, championing and celebrating voluntary action.

Our membership is made up of over 17,000 voluntary organisations across England, from small, grassroots community groups and social enterprises, to large, far-reaching charities.

We believe that communities are strengthened by voluntary action. We therefore want charities to thrive and be empowered to deliver for people and communities.

About the Transformation directorate

This role sits within the newly formed Transformation Unit.

​​The Transformation Unit comprises the Strategic Review; People, Culture and Inclusion; Technology, Programmes and Innovation; and Data and Insight teams. It will deliver key strategic projects that have a demonstrable impact on the organisational culture, growth and capabilities.

About the Insights Hub team 

The Insights Hub sits within NCVO’s Transformation Directorate and acts as the organisation’s central intelligence engine.

Bringing together expertise in research, data, performance and CRM, the team supports strategic decision-making through robust research and data analysis. From delivering flagship research projects like the UK Civil Society Almanac to optimising data systems and supporting internal and external stakeholders, the Hub transforms complex data into clear, actionable insights.

The Insights Hub ensures that everything we do is grounded in robust evidence and aligned with real-world impact across the charity and voluntary sectors.

About the role

The Research Officer will contribute to the Insights Hub’s qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research.

This role supports the Research and Insights Manager with research projects including our flagship UK Civil Society Almanac, designing and analysing data, writing reports, and presenting findings to diverse stakeholders.

The Research Officer will also coordinate the Research Ethics Committee (REC) work, manage client relationships, and oversee research administration.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

NCVO is fully committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in our sector. We want this to be reflected in the diversity of the people who work for us and we welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and identities. We particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups in the voluntary sector and those with diverse, lived experience. As part of our commitment to employing disabled people, all disabled candidates who meet the minimum requirement for all competencies on the person specification will be guaranteed an interview.

If you have access needs or require reasonable adjustments as part of the recruitment process, please let us know. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a pre-interview task and will have one week to complete the exercise. Interview questions will be shared in advance. 

NCVO is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from everyone. Charity No. 225922.

Benefits for NCVO employees

NCVO offers attractive benefits including:

• 25 days’ annual leave (for full time staff and pro-rata for part-time staff) and office closure between 25 December and 1 January inclusive. After three years' service annual holiday increases to 27 days, and after five years to 30 days, (pro rata for part time staff)
• the option to purchase or sell up to five more days each year
• five days’ volunteering leave (pro rata for part-time staff)
• 2.5 extra ‘wellbeing’ days off during the year
• enhanced pay for sick/maternity/adoption leave
• subsidised gym membership
• season ticket loan
• flexible working, including opportunities to work from home/off site
• monthly homeworking allowance for permanent homeworkers
• monthly office worker allowance for those who have to work from the office on a daily basis
• generous employer pension contribution of up to 8.5% of salary, into our stakeholder pension scheme (linked to employee contribution)
• training and development opportunities.
• The opportunity to join Hospital Saturday Fund health cash plan for free at the basic level of cover, or at a reduced rate for other levels of cover
• 24-hour free and confidential employee assistance programme

We’re located a short walk from London King’s Cross station in a modern accessible building, overlooking Regent’s canal.

Contract:  12-month fixed term contract, full-time, 35 hours over 5 days (part time and flexible working can be considered)  

Salary: £35,000 - £40,000 per annum 

Location:  UK, Remote  

Closing date:  Tuesday 29 April 2025 

Interview date:  w/c 5 May 2025  

Are you a passionate and driven fundraiser with a talent for building meaningful relationships? We’re looking for an experienced Philanthropy Manager who thrives on engaging donors and inspiring support on a 12-month fixed term contract. 

More about the role 

Our Philanthropy team is responsible for engaging mid-value and major donors, as well as trusts and foundations. 

As Philanthropy Manager, you will be a vital part of the relationship management team, stewarding a mixed portfolio of donors, including individuals and trusts/foundations. You will cultivate and manage relationships with supporters typically giving five-figure gifts, with opportunities to secure six-figure donations. Through engaging conversations, impactful written proposals, and in-person meetings, you will inspire donors to invest in our mission and make a lasting difference for pets in need. 

This role is available on a full-time, 12-month fixed term basis. We are also happy to consider candidates who may be looking for part time/4 days instead of 5 and flexible working.

If you have a passion for philanthropy, excellent relationship-building skills, and a track record of securing major gifts, we’d love to hear from you! 

Key responsibilities: 

• Manage a mixed portfolio of donors and prospects

• Design and deliver innovative and engaging stewardship plans for prospects 

• Manage donor-led cultivation opportunities/events (e.g. private tours and dinners) 

• Work with existing advocates to identify opportunities within their networks to introduce new prospects to the work of Blue Cross 

• Build and manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders who can add value to the cultivation process 

• Create engaging and impressive donor communications including funding proposals and impact reports 

• Adhere to a suite of clear work processes demonstrating compliance with our privacy policy, GDPR, data protection legislation and fundraising best practice 

• Deliver a comprehensive set of KPIs including meeting an individual income target 

• Maintain accurate and up to date donor records and updates using our CRM 

Want to know more? We've attached a detailed job description that outlines the role, responsibilities, and how you can make a difference. 

About you 

You will have exceptional interpersonal skills and quickly understand donor motivations, delivering tailored and impactful stewardship. A natural communicator, you can adapt your approach to connect with any audience, whether through compelling written proposals or face-to-face meetings. 

Creative and strategic, you know how to craft inspiring fundraising materials for different audiences and settings. You’re proactive in moving prospects through the pipeline, building strong relationships, and confidently making the ask. 

With a results-driven mindset, you foster productive stakeholder relationships that drive philanthropy forward. You work with professionalism, confidentiality, and discretion, and you take pride in being part of a dedicated and supportive team. 

Knowledge, skills, and experience   

• Proven experience of mid to high-value fundraising with a track record of initiating new relationships, making the ask and developing long-term donor relationships 

• Experience of crafting compelling funding proposals and applications

• Experience of designing stewardship journeys for mid to high value supporters resulting in increased affinity to the organisation and donation uplift

• Experience of sharing philanthropic opportunities with high-net-individuals in a professional and engaging manner, with a flair for adapting to their individual aspirations

• Experience of successful developing senior stakeholder relationships (both internally and externally) 

• Experience of successfully delivering an income target 

• An ability to think laterally and proactively to problem solve 

• Demonstrated ability to work well under pressure, excellent attention to detail, prioritise work and meet deadlines 

• Experience of successfully conveying a fundraising need to donors in an engaging way both in person and in high quality written stewardship 

• Excellent interpersonal skills with a high level of professionalism and discretion 

• Full driving licence in order to travel to donor meetings 

A bonus if you have:  

• Experience of working within an animal welfare charity

• A fundraising qualification or evidence of CPD 

How to apply  

Click the apply button and complete the online application process before 23:59 on the closing date on Tuesday 29 April 2025. 

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response.   

Blue Cross benefits    

Our people are the most important part of delivering our purpose. If it weren’t for their amazing efforts and commitment, we wouldn’t be able to make the difference that we do today.  In return, we want to provide you with the best working environment we can.

With a wide range of perks aimed at enhancing your life both inside and outside of work, you'll 
thrive in a supportive and rewarding environment. 

Our generous benefits package includes:   

• Enhanced annual leave entitlement: 30 days plus bank holidays  

• Pension scheme with enhanced employer contribution  

• Life assurance  

• Unlimited access to an employee assistance programme 

• Programmes for physical and mental wellbeing support 

• Free access to GP via MetLife 

• Recognition scheme 

• Annual volunteer days  

• Claim for professional fees 

• Charity worker discounts across a variety of retailers.  

To read more about the benefits Blue Cross has to offer, please visit the 'why work for us' page on our website.  

Winston’s Wish is a digital first organisation leading the way in Digital Transformation across the Bereavement sector. This role is new and exciting and will play a vital part in helping Winston’s Wish turn up the dial across our Mass Participation strategy.

The Head of Mass Participation Fundraising is responsible for overseeing our mass fundraising team. Leading the Events, Community and Individual Giving teams to maximise income and to introduce and lead on a new and exciting mass participation programme. Developing outstanding supporter relationships and delivering long-term sustainable income through innovative, audience led fundraising.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES  

Specific Duties 

Leadership

• To lead and inspire the Mass Participation team fostering a collaborative and high performing culture that delivers against income and objectives
• Provide clear and supportive leadership that motivates staff to achieve, develop and grow in their roles
• Undertake quarterly reviews for all direct reports

Mass Participation Fundraising

• Lead the development of all fundraising products, propositions and community and events, to effectively acquire and engage our mass audience target markets
• Use innovation and donor and market research to help define and shape Winston Wish’s Mass fundraising offer
• Lead the development of a robust lottery programme
• Work collaboratively with the Director of Income Generation to develop an approach to Gifts in Wills and legacy marketing
• Maximise income, by overseeing the development of key income sources, including community, challenge events, in memoriam and regular giving programmes
• Drive an innovation-focused culture, constantly evolving our product offerings to expand the charity’s reach and impact
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge on sector and market trends, the legal environment impacting on public fundraising and ensure compliance with standards determined by Fundraising Regulator
• Lead on the development and execution of acquisition strategies to meet agreed targets
• Lead on the development and execution of retention, conversion and upgrade strategies to ensure donor LTV and sustainable income

Strategy, Planning and reporting

• Develop and execute bold strategies to grow the charity’s mass participation portfolio, optimising supporter journey and maximising income generation
• Work with the Director of Income Generation and the Head of Mass Participation Fundraising to develop the annual budget, including leading on monthly performance reports and contributing to quarterly reforecasts and reporting against KPI’s and milestones
• Oversee the development of supporter journeys and stewardship of all mass audiences and key community relationships to maximise retention and ensure long-term income growth

Collaboration

• In collaboration with the Marketing Communications team, oversee the development of compelling integrated fundraising acquisition and engagement plans
• Liaise with trustees’ internal stakeholders to develop Mass fundraising activity, and contribute to reporting for trustees and SLT as required
• Manage key agency relationships to deliver successful fundraising

All Staff 

• Contribute to the vision and mission of Winston's Wish; whilst embedding the values into your daily work activities. 
• Promote equality of opportunity, diversity and anti-racism in accordance with Winston’s Wish policies. 
• Contribute to the overall success of the charity’s fundraising needs by providing case studies, attending events and adding value to the experience of our supporters as required.
• Contribute to the brand and reach of the charity by working alongside our Marketing & Communications Team when relevant press opportunities arise or when required for social media and online content (including the use of photography).    
• Work to objectives, targets and work plans agreed with your line manager. 
• Undertake specific projects and other ad hoc duties agreed with your line manager, fulfilling any deadlines, reviews and reporting procedures required. 
• Take an active part in the Quarterly review process and participate in training agreed with your line manager. 
• Recognise and champion the lived experience of children and young people with bereavement within your work.
• Ensure the health and safety of all colleagues, volunteers and visitors in accordance with Winston’s Wish policy. 

PERSON SPECIFICATION  

Essential 

• A proven track record in mass participation or public fundraising roles leading on the development of new, successful programmes
• Demonstratable strong strategic planning skills and the ability to develop and implement long-term strategies to achieve fundraising targets and enhance the charity's mission
• Proven leadership and people management skills, with experience in overseeing multi-disciplinary teams. Essential experience includes team leadership, staff motivation, setting clear objectives, and fostering a collaborative work environment
• Experience in effectively developing, managing and reporting complex income and expenditure budgets
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels and excellent written skills
• Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills
• Excellent analytical skills, making informed and balanced decisions or recommendations, understanding the impact of decisions
• Experience of engaging supporters, volunteers and the public
• Understanding of the importance of delivering a positive supporter experience and experience in creating and delivering stewardship plans
• A proven track record of using data and insight to make effective decisions
• Experience of identifying and delivering innovative approaches
• Significant knowledge of the fundraising events and mass participation sector and understanding of the needs of participants
• A proactive and results-driven mindset.

Desirable  

• Experience in managing, supporting, developing and motivating colleagues in a digital first organisation
• Experience of salesforce or other similar CRM systems
• Evidence of continued professional development

Recruitment Timetable

• Application deadline: Monday 28th April 2025
• Interviews: w/c 5th May 2025
• Interview location: MS Teams

Winston’s Wish reserves the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications for the role before the closing date.

Corporate Partnership Executive

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

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

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

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

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

About the role

As one of two Regional Programmes Manager, you’ll inspire and lead a team of Senior Programmes Officers and Kinship Family Workers to effectively deliver high quality support services for kinship families across Greater London, the South of England and the Midlands.

You’ll do this by working in close collaboration with local authority teams who have commissioned our services and other funders where appropriate.

You’ll have accountability and ownership for ensuring we deliver impactful services for kinship carers and that we meet targets for our commissioned services. Working collaboratively with our other managers in other services, you’ll ensure we’re delivering high impact programmes.

You’ll ensure your team have real clarity and direction on their role and responsibilities - encouraging curiosity, learning and solutions-focused thinking. As a leader in the organisation, you are a key model for the team.

Your team will deliver the following programmes:

• Kinship Connected – in-person one-to-one support and support groups in the community
• Kinship Reach – remote one-to-one support and virtual support groups
• Kinship Ready – online workshops to prepare new and prospective special guardians for their role, as well as wraparound one-to-one support (in one local authority)

You will also manage a new role of Grants Officer - London, funded by the Aviva Foundation.

As one of our deputy safeguarding leads, you’ll be part of our key safeguarding structure.  This means you’ll take ownership to make sure our people feel confident and well supported to demonstrate best practice and making sure safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

Key responsibilities include:

• Oversee the day-to-day running of programmes, supporting mostly home-based Senior Programmes Workers and Kinship Family Workers to ensure high quality, consistent and impactful programme delivery.

• Meet performance targets as directed.

• Create and keep developing processes and systems which support consistency across all programmes, ensuring good quality documentation and manualisation on Notion.so

• Develop quality assurance frameworks with other service managers and directors.

• Support your team to establish and deliver in-person and virtual peer support groups regionally and generate engagement with kinship carers.

• Line management and supervision of Senior Programmes Workers and Kinship Family Workers as required.

• Actively encourage personal development and support staff to deliver key targets and outcomes and ensure high levels of wellbeing.

• Work with the Director of Services and Digital, Head of Programmes and the Business Development team to develop proposals and present to local authorities to secure commissions.

• Manage the delivery of commissioned contracts through collaborative relationships with local authorities, ensuring targets are met.

• Manage the programmes and services within budget, in accordance with Kinship’s financial procedures and ensure the reporting of progress in line with funder requirements.

• Work actively and positively with other managers within Kinship to ensure sharing of best practice, problem solving, relevant connections and consistency of delivery across England and Wales.

• Act as a deputy safeguarding lead at Kinship

Essential requirements include:

• Substantial experience in managing a regional service or programme with high quality outputs (national experience desirable but not essential).
• Substantial experience of managing, developing and evaluating effective and innovative services for families experiencing crisis and experience in reaching ‘hidden communities’ and a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Experience of leading and managing continuous improvement in changing contexts.
• Experience of governance and managing risk on high profile service delivery.
• Experience of ensuring that services are designed and led with user needs at the heart, ensuring that the voices of our kinship carers inform ongoing design and development of our programmes.
• High quality digital and data literacy and using technology to help us to be better in our processes. You’ll have to own Salesforce and be a massive champion for the team. You will be accountable for ensuring they use it well.
• Substantial experience of leading high-performing service teams including managing wellbeing, development and performance.

How to apply

In place of a cover letter, you will be asked to answer the following five questions, alongside providing your CV. Please keep your answers to a maximum of 250 words.

1. Tell us why you’re interested in working for Kinship in this role and what experience you bring that would make you successful? This is an opportunity to tell us about you, your experience and your values.
2. Please give an example where you have managed a successful regional programme or service (this could also be national). Please include scale, key performance indicators and outcome. What made it a success?
3. What makes you a great team manager? Give one example of how you have supported teams and individuals to flourish and one example when you have had to step in to address behaviour or performance issues. (This is an opportunity to share your enthusiasm for supporting others to develop and deliver to a high standard. You can share evidence of how your approach has worked and how you’ve tackled challenges and difficult conversations along the way).
4. Quality assurance and consistency is key to making sure our programmes deliver impact for our kinship carers. This includes ensuring your team are following processes, using our case management system effectively and have the tolls to do their role. Please describe how you would approach this at Kinship using a previous example.
5. In this role you will be a deputy safeguarding lead at Kinship. This is a key role, the lives of kinship carers are incredibly complex.  Give one example of a safeguarding situation that required your response in a previous role. Explain what your rationale and thought process was. How did you hold appropriate boundaries and progress actions to effectively safeguard vulnerable children and adults?

Key Dates

• Application deadline: Wednesday 30 April, 9am
• First interview: Online – Tuesday 6 May
• Second interview: In person (Vauxhall, London) – Tuesday 13 May (travel expenses covered if required)

About Kinship

We are Kinship. The leading kinship care charity in England and Wales. We’re here for kinship carers – friends or family who step up to raise a child when their parents aren’t able to.

We are made by and for our community of kinship carers. Like family, relationships run deep. And we hear their experiences; for too long they have been isolated without the help they need.

We support, advise and inform kinship carers. Connecting them so they feel empowered. Because a child needs the love and warmth of a thriving family.

We develop research, campaigns and policy solutions. Creating positive change across society. Because for kinship families, love alone is not enough.

Through our work we harness frustrations to fuel passion for change. And tough experiences to inspire ideas that transform lives.

And as we see momentum building, we keep using evidence to demonstrate the value of kinship care. Helping kinship carers navigate challenging circumstances. Believing in a child’s potential.

Join us. Together, let’s commit to change for kinship families.

Animal welfare charities the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) and the Humane Slaughter Association (HSA) are seeking a dynamic and dedicated Fundraising & Membership Officer to strengthen the Fundraising and Communications team. This pivotal role involves working with the Fundraising Manager to develop and deliver fundraising initiatives, enhance membership engagement and donor relationships to support and expand the impact of our animal welfare initiatives during an exciting period of growth and change for both charities. 

The ideal candidate will enjoy working as part of a small multi-disciplinary team but also be confident to take the lead and work unsupervised when necessary. 

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is looking for the next step in their fundraising career. 

This position can be office-based, or home-based. However, the postholder will be expected to attend our offices in Hertfordshire to carry out duties as required, and attend some meetings.  Travel costs and subsidence will be covered for the employee in these situations. The job may also require occasional travel within the UK and possibly overseas for conferences/meetings and other relevant events - some of which may occur at weekends or in the evening. Because we’re based in the UK, the appointee will need to be UK-based and legally entitled to work in the UK. 

We use anonymous recruitment at the screening stage to ensure an equitable recruitment process. 

Please see the Application Pack for a full job description, details on how to apply and further information.

Governance Manager

Home/Office Based (Matlock)

Fixed, 37.5 hour per week permanent contract

£45,560 - £53,600 per annum

Our Governance Manager is responsible for managing and coordinating all governance work, providing support to the Board, CEO and Executive Team in all matters relating to governance and in particular for the Board and Committee meetings.

You’ll ensure that transactional activities are accurately completed within specified timeframes and co-ordinate all committees of the YHA Board and advise on and implement good governance practice.

Why work for YHA?

Join our team and enjoy a range of exclusive staff benefits that support your well-being and career growth:

• 10 nights free hostel stays per year for you and up to 3 friends or family
• Access to YHA’s staff discount and cash back portal
• Free YHA Membership each year
• Access to support via our Employee Assistance Program

What will you be doing?

• Lead and advising on all matters relating to governance including the constitution, memorandum and articles of association, standing orders and codes of conduct, including leading the implementation of any changes agreed by the Board.
• Provide best practice governance advice and support to the Chair, Board, CEO and Executive team, ensuring regulatory/codes of practice compliance, ongoing review of consultations on charity governance and promoting good governance in practice.
• Provide governance support to the Board, Audit and Risk Committee, Finance Committee, People, Remuneration, Impact and Engagement Committee, and the National Officers and Committee Chairs meeting and any other meetings linked to governance.
• Monitor changes in relevant governance legislation and the regulatory environment and take appropriate action.
• Project manage the organisation and delivery of the Annual General Meeting
• Plan and co-ordinate the annual Trustee induction programme.
• Responsible for the administration of the Company, for example: maintaining statutory company records and making the appropriate governance filings to Companies House and the Charity Commission.
• You’ll be the Company Secretary for YHA (England and Wales) and YHA Trading Limited.
• Assist the CEO and Executive with internal and external promotion, PR or other publications and events as required and particularly in relation to corporate governance and Board related issues.
• Develop relationships of trust and confidence, working pro-actively with the Chair, individual Board members, the CEO, Executive team, and external lawyers, where appropriate. You’ll be key in liaising between National Office teams and Board members.

What Skills and Experience do you need?

• Experience of providing governance support at Board level.
• Chartered Membership of the Chartered Governance Institute (or equivalent) or studying towards the qualification or suitable other experience. Experience of working independently, pro-actively and sensitively with senior stakeholders (Chair, CEO, Board members, Exec directors).
• Excellent project management skills and experience.
• Project team leadership skills and experience.
• Experience of budgetary control.
• Experience and in-depth knowledge of corporate and charity governance, including of company secretary functional requirements.
• Friendly, supportive, authoritative and approachable with the ability to adapt communication style to build positive relationships and provide proactive support for internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
• Able to take comprehensive and accurate minutes at speed.
• Able to adapt written communication style to deal with formal Board and governance communications, but equally at home with more informal communications when appropriate.
• Good level of IT skills particularly Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint and a working knowledge of portals for distributing and viewing board and committee papers.
• Very well organised, self-motivated and able to demonstrate initiative, to deal authoritatively with providing best practice advice, peaks and troughs in workload, and conflicting priorities including between departments and individuals.
• Able and willing to flex hours worked in order to cover Board and AGM meeting at weekends and frequent evenings and occasional early mornings (for committee meetings and distribution of Board and Committee papers) and travel to hostels throughout the network to support Board and other meetings, for which Time Off in Lieu will be provided.
• Flexible and adaptable, and willing to support the Chair, Board, CEO, Executive Team, and External Affairs Team.
• A good understanding of charity governance, operational and departmental organisation and requirements.
• A discreet and trusted confidante and source of advice for the Chair and CEO when needed, including tactful handling of sensitive/political issues.
• An advocate of YHA at all times, supporting our charitable object, vision and HEART values.
• Holds a current driving licence or able to travel independently, including to rural locations. For more information about the role and the skills and experience required, please refer to the job description.

At YHA, we understand the richness of life experiences, and we place just as much importance on lived experiences as we do on skills and knowledge. We provide a robust induction, ongoing training, and opportunities for personal growth. While certain roles may require specific skills, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Who are YHA?

YHA is a social enterprise with a mission to enrich the lives of all, especially young people. YHA does this by providing brilliant hostel stays and experiences that improve physical health, mental wellbeing and life skills.

Everyone deserves a decent place to live – join Habitat for Humanity Great Britain as our new Director of Finance, Operations & Compliance, and support people to find a safe, affordable home. 

We’re on the lookout for an experienced finance and operations professional, with the energy and drive to lead a team focused on excellent service delivery, continuous improvement and sustainable growth. This is your chance to take charge of a support services team with a real purpose—helping families build a better future through safe and affordable housing.

Reporting to the CEO, you’ll take the lead on all financial, compliance, operational and people support activities.  This role demands a combination of the hands-on approach needed in a medium-sized charity with the strong people management skills to enable all members of your team to deliver high quality services and to thrive in their roles.

You’ll also be working closely with colleagues across the international Habitat network, so good communication and collaboration skills will be key to success in this role. 

Job Title: Director of Finance, Operations & Compliance 

Department: Finance, Operations & Compliance 

Reports to: National Director/CEO 

Budget responsibility: Yes 

Line management: Team of 6, with 3 direct reports (Head of People, Finance Manager, Finance Business Partner) 

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

About Habitat for Humanity Great Britain 

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

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

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

Job Purpose 

The Director of Finance, Operations & Compliance will be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, working to ensure the impact, sustainability, diligence and productivity of the organisation, with a commitment to organisational transformation within the framework of a values-led approach to people and culture. 

Taking a lead on all financial, support and compliance activities, the role demands a combination of the hands-on approach needed in a medium-sized charity with the strong people management skills to enable all members of their team to deliver high quality services and to thrive in their roles.

Key responsibilities include: 

• All aspects of financial strategy, planning and control. 

• Providing oversight of organisational priorities, productivity, performance, people & HR, risk and due diligence. 

• Support to fundraising and programmes. 

• Being an active leader across the organisation, collaborating effectively with teams, and contributing fully to organisational wide initiatives and opportunities. 

• Co-creating ways of working to enable an adaptive, collaborative and high performing organisational team. 

• Leading and managing a team of 6, including 3 direct reports. 

Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities:

Financial Strategy, Planning and Control: 

• Accountable for organisational financial strategy, working with senior staff and trustees to ensure multi-year planning, target setting and monitoring in line with Habitat GB’s strategic objectives.

• Accountable for all aspects of financial management and control, including budgeting, reforecasting, treasury management, cashflow, management information, performance and statutory reporting.

• Accountable for the development and continuous improvement of reporting frameworks, including leading regular reviews with Senior Leadership team and providing quantitative and qualitative reports for the Board including clear and accessible narrative analysis.

• Provision of financial management and accounting services, management information, and statutory reporting. 

• Lead the organisation of quarterly Finance, Audit & Risk Committee meetings, in line with the Committee Terms of Reference and in consultation with the Treasurer, and National Director/CEO. 

• Responsible for the preparation and submission of annual statutory accounts in accordance with SORP and legal requirements and coordinating the external audit exercise and seeing the process through to Board approvals and filing with statutory bodies. 

• Lead a positive and collaborative relationship with HFHI Finance teams and ensure that Habitat GB meets its regular reporting requirements. 

• Lead Habitat GB’s relationship with relevant external partners, including auditors, bankers, insurers, pension providers, HMRC, Charity Commission and Companies House. 

GB Homes Subsidiary Entity: 

• Working closely with the National Director/CEO on planning for the future wind-up of the entity, providing all financial management, reporting and compliance resources as required in the interim. 

• Working with the Director of Programme Delivery, provide financial resource and support to the management of the former GB Homes asset portfolio, developing appropriate reporting mechanisms that provide data which can be included into the combined budgeting and reporting of Habitat GB 

• Accountable for integration and ongoing provision of the operational requirements of the GB Homes subsidiary, including insurance, technology, and communications requirements. 

Fundraising & Programmes support: 

• Work closely with the Directors of Fundraising & Partnerships, and of Impact & Influence to set ambitious and achievable targets across restricted and unrestricted fundraising, track performance, and ensure high quality forecasting, reporting and budget management. 

• Be responsible for the development and oversight of policies, protocols and systems required for restricted fund management which align with Habitat for Humanity International and external donor requirements. 

• Work collaboratively across Habitat GB to agree service delivery expectations and ensure the timely provision of relevant inputs from the Finance, Operations & Compliance team across partnership and programme cycles.  For example, audit or financial reporting requirements from donors, up to date policies, review of proposal documents, grants and contract agreements. 

• Work closely with the Directors of Programme Delivery & Retail to ensure Habitat GB has the specialist knowledge and financial skills relevant to our diverse types of programmes, including a new and growing retail operation, as well as construction project delivery. 

Risk Management and Compliance: 

• Lead on the development and maintenance of the organisational Risk Register, being responsible for the management and mitigation of financial, regulatory and operational risks and coordinating with others on the reporting and review of other risk areas. 

• Ensure Habitat GB is fully compliant and up to date with all its data protection and insurance requirements and has access to appropriate legal and other expert resources where necessary. 

• Be responsible for technology infrastructure, hardware and the management of outsourced support services. 

People Policies and HR Administration: 

• Support the Head of People to deliver a high-quality People and HR service to the organisation and our partners, including efficient HR administration, pension and payroll, people management, safeguarding, strategy and leadership. 

• Working closely with the National Director and others, have overall responsibility for the provision of up to date, user-friendly and legally compliant policies and procedures which support an efficient and effective organisational culture and environment. 

Leadership & Management: 

• Lead a high performing and ambitious team, inspired to implement and grow the strategy and with a core focus on positive impact for Habitat GB’s community and strategic partners through the provisional of excellent functional and subject matter expertise. 

• Develop, lead and focus the Finance, Operations & Compliance team, its budget, activities and performance, to ensure the delivery against targets. 

• Manage, motivate and develop team members. Ensure regular 1-2-1s are held, set individual objectives, encourage a culture of giving and receiving feedback, where kindness and ambition support the progression of people and plans. 

• Set quality standards and meaningful KPIs to encourage ownership and accountability with direct reports, team, and others and effectively monitor progress towards agreed targets. 

• Role model our values in line with Habitat GB’s inclusive approach to people and culture. 

Organisational Leadership: 

• Support the National Director/CEO in delivering Habitat GB’s strategy and vision, acting as a collaborative and supportive member of a shared leadership team. 

• As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, provide oversight of organisational priorities, productivity, performance, risk and due diligence. 

• Be an active leader across the organisation, collaborating effectively with teams, and contributing fully to organisational wide initiatives and opportunities. 

• Co-create ways of working to enable an adaptive, collaborative and high performing organisational team. 

• Deputise for the National Director when required and represent HFHGB in external meetings and forums. 

Person profile: 

• Holder of a relevant professional or accounting qualification: e.g. ACCA or equivalent. 

• Expertise in charity sector compliance (FRS102) reporting requirements. 

• Expert knowledge of financial strategy, management and reporting, with experience relevant to funding and grants, retail, commercial or construction. 

• Proven track record of developing and leading complex financial strategies and supporting teams to deliver high quality functional inputs in an inclusive, collaborative environment. 

• Hands-on experience with relevant accounting systems and the ability to quickly learn new systems (Habitat GB uses SUN and SAGE systems). 

• Experience working in and leading teams responsible for operational and people related functions. 

• Experience of working in a similar organisation, collaborating across teams and operating in a highly effective way across a diverse, networked structure. 

• Significant and successful experience in senior management roles, encompassing strategic management and team leadership. 

• Understanding and experience of complex organisational change projects, including the ability to support new teams to develop and thrive. 

Skills and competencies: 

• You have excellent interpersonal skills and can communicate with impact across diverse audiences. 

• You are a strategic, analytical and details orientated thinker who can also appreciate the big picture, be pragmatic, collaborative and focus on increasing impact in line with Habitat GB’s mission. 

• You are resilient, able to lead positively in a role which carries significant responsibility and requires you to prioritise effectively across multiple areas of work, problem solve and demonstrate strong organisational and planning skills. 

• You are a values-led leader, who demonstrates integrity, respect for others and a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Strong leadership skills and commitment to the highest levels of integrity, honesty, openness and good governance with the capacity to inspire and motivate others. 

• You are an experienced manager, able to lead and inspire others, offering kind and constructive support to others enabling them to improve their impact and performance. 

• You are confident and able to work across different and competing priorities which require you to flex between hands on activities and strategic leadership. 

• You can demonstrate business planning acumen, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. 

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

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

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

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

Reporting to the CEO, you’ll take the lead on all financial, compliance, operational and people support activities.  This role demands a combination of the hands-on approach needed in a medium-sized charity with the strong people management skills to enable all members of your team to deliver high quality services and to thrive in their roles.

You’ll also be working closely with colleagues across the international Habitat network, so good communication and collaboration skills will be key to success in this role. 

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

Please note: this role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK. The sucessfull candidate will be required to have a DBS check before starting the role.

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

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

Unfortunately, because of high volume of applications we will not be able to contact unsuccessful applicants. If you haven’t heard from us within a month of the application deadline, please assume that your application has not been successful. 

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

CCT has an international award-winning reputation in heritage conservation and regeneration. All churches in our care are listed, mostly Grade I and II*, and some are Scheduled Ancient Monuments.

Without our care, these buildings might have disappeared entirely. Instead, they are enjoyed as social, tourism, educational and cultural resources, kept open, in use, and living once again in the heart of their communities.

The Head of Region provides strategic and operational leadership in the region, ensuring the effective and efficient operation of the regional team and the successful development and delivery of the regional business plan and projects. The role drives the achievement of key performance indicators and targets with a particular focus on church income and community engagement. 

Key relationships

Internally, the Head of Region works closely with the Director of Operations and other Heads of Region to support consistent operational delivery, and management and development of regional staff. The role also interacts closely with all other CCT teams including Conservation, Fundraising & Communication, Initiatives & Partnerships, and Finance.

Externally, the Head of Region is CCT’s regional representative, brokering joint working and engagement with statutory and Church of England stakeholders, funders, politicians at all levels, volunteers, communities and donors.

If you would like to apply for this role, please visit our recruitment portal to begin your application. You will be asked to submit a CV and a short supporting statement (max 2 sides A4) outlining why you’d like to apply and how you fulfil the person specification for this post, so you’ll need to refer to the job description.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 8am on Friday 9th May 2025

The interviews will take place in Northampton on Tuesday 20th May 2025. Please note that the interview date and location have been specifically chosen according to the availability of the panel.

We are a Disability Confident Committed Employer. Candidates who declare that they have a disability and who meet the essential criteria for the job will be offered an interview.

If you have any queries about this role, or if you have a disability and wish to request a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us.

We are an inclusive employer and offer equal opportunities to all regardless of an individual’s age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

We are not a licensed sponsor at this time. Any offer of employment will be made subject to valid right to work in the UK being provided.

About Chapter One

Chapter One is a dynamic, growing charity with a vision of a world in which all children have the literacy skills needed to thrive. Our mission is to close the reading gap by providing children with one-to-one support at the time they need it most. 

Our unique Online Reading Volunteer programme currently supports about 3,000 children a year. It pairs disadvantaged, struggling five to eight-year old (KS1) readers with reading support volunteers who come from over 140 local and national businesses. The volunteer ask is very focused: readers commit 30 minutes a week to read with a child using a bespoke digital platform for an entire academic year. The results are transformative, boosting children's reading confidence and ability. 

We have set ourselves ambitious targets to support thousands more children by 2029, and this role, with responsibility for managing, stewarding and nurturing our existing corporate partners, will be crucial to ensuring that we have sufficient volunteers and support to achieve not only this target, but also to develop other innovative pilot programmes.

For more information about our programmes please visit our website. Please also take some time to visit our social media channels and watch our videos.

About the role 

Chapter One is seeking a proactive, energetic and enthusiastic Corporate Partnerships Manager to be an integral part of a team which aims to both maximise corporate income and deliver an excellent partner and volunteer experience. 

Reporting to our Head of Corporate Partnerships, and responsible for the line management of our Corporate Partnerships Officer, you’ll deliver on our annual volunteer and income targets and maintain our strong partner retention rate (target 87%). This will involve supporting the account management of a portfolio of existing partners and the responsibility to nurture relationships to increase partner investment in Chapter One over time. The role involves collaborating across departments to ensure a seamless and positive experience for volunteers and partners

This is an opportunity for an experienced partnerships manager to take on a more senior role and demonstrate their sales acumen and creativity in a dynamic, flexible and agile charity.

Key Responsibilities

Partner Stewardship

• Lead the account management of a selected portfolio of corporate partners, ensuring Chapter One achieves its annual retention and growth targets 

• In collaboration with the Head of Corporate Partnerships, devise effective schemes of delegation and partner allocation within the Corporate Partnerships Team 

• Focus, in all corporate partnership discussions, on maximising income 

• Identify opportunities to increase a partner’s support eg by identifying other regional/divisional opportunities or inclusion of Chapter One as a social value partner in public sector bids

• Conduct regular partnership meetings, including mid and end of year reviews, proactively proposing tailored opportunities to retain and grow partner support

• Lead on producing high quality written communications, reports, proposals and pitches as per the requirements of each partner, collaborating with the Data and Systems Officer and Fundraising team as needed

• Advocate effectively, with passion and enthusiasm, for Chapter One’s programmes in a variety of internal and external settings

• Proactively network to deepen and strengthen external relationships with Chapter One partners, identifying speaking opportunities for Chapter One where possible

• Strategically use LinkedIn to identify, connect with, and actively engage key stakeholders within corporate partner organisations,

• Attend conference and events to represent Chapter One and talk about its work to existing and potential new partners

• Keep up to date with relevant business news and strategic shifts or developments at key partners and sectors, proactively seeking opportunities to broaden knowledge

• Regularly analyse data in Microsoft Excel / Google Sheets, working with formulas, pivot tables and data analysis tools to aid decision-making and create dashboards. 

• Oversee and maintain all Account Management related processes, including stewardship plans, recording of activity on the Salesforce CRM and internal platform databases

• Ensure, in conjunction with the Finance Assistant, that partners are invoiced for their Chapter One donations accurately and in a timely manner

Line management

• Line manage and develop the Corporate Partnerships Officer, ensuring adherence to all Chapter One’s HR Policies and Procedures

• Be a source of advice and guidance for the Corporate Partnerships Officer as they manage their allocated partner relationships

• Supervise the Corporate Partnerships Officer to lead volunteer recruitment meetings, including stepping in if necessary

• Supervise the Corporate Partnerships Officer to manage new partner onboarding meetings, stepping in to lead them if required

Partner/volunteer onboarding and experience

• Alongside the Head of Corporate Partnerships, use internal systems to assign partner teams and volunteers to specific schools and ensure that their needs are met

• Develop proactive, supportive relationships with Volunteer Coordinators in partner organisations, providing high-quality data and information in a timely manner

• Work closely with the Volunteer Support Team to ensure that partner and volunteer onboarding is a smooth, time-efficient experience 

• Support the Programme Management team to liaise with partner contacts about the organisation of in-person school/office visits and virtual meet and greets

• Attend Chapter One’s internal Volunteer Experience group and Corporate Engagement Group.

Marketing and Communications

• Work with the Marketing and Communications team to ensure that companies and volunteers have access to an array of promotional assets and recruitment materials

• Create and provide content for the regular volunteer and corporate partner newsletters, including working with partners to gather volunteer testimonials and partner profiles

• Work closely with the Marketing and Communications team to develop ways to promote, showcase and celebrate partnerships and individual volunteers across our social media channels and other digital platforms

• Encourage corporate partners to promote Chapter One through their own social media and channels

• Support the organisation of online and in person partner and volunteer recognition events

We are looking for the following key skills, though you might be more experienced in some areas than others:

Account Management Skills:

• Experience of managing Corporate Partnerships, or equivalent relationship-based roles in a fundraising, events, sales or marketing environment

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships with business professionals at all levels

• Expert meeting facilitation skills 

• Strategic thinker, able to maximise income and growth opportunities

• Understanding of CSR / ESG partner policies and social value trends

Communication Skills:

• Able to eloquently express commitment to Chapter One’s mission and values

• Outstanding presentation and storytelling skills, with the ability to excite and inspire an audience

• An ability to create compelling, attractive written pitches, ensuring messaging and brand are consistent

• Experience of engaging partners on social media (particularly LinkedIn)

• Experience of representing organisations at events 

Technical Skills:

• Excellent proficiency in Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets (including formulas, pivot tables, dashboard creation)

• CRM management (specifically Salesforce)

• Experience of complex data analysis 

You’ll be more successful in the role if you have:

• Experience of working in the charity/non-profit sector

• Line management experience

• Experience of mentoring and developing staff

• Experience of process oversight and improvement

Chapter One is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value and celebrate diversity in backgrounds and experience and are deliberate about the kind of teams we are building. Literacy is a universal concern, and we need people from all backgrounds to maximise our innovation, creativity and impact. We especially welcome applications from persons who have experienced disadvantage and/or from those who are of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities who are currently underrepresented in the organisation. 

Chapter One is committed to safeguarding children and young people. All postholders are subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service disclosure. Copies of our Safeguarding Policy and Safer Recruitment Policy are available on request.

Background:
Established in 2011, Kaleidoscope Trust (KT) is a UK-based charity focused on fighting for the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and gender diverse (LGBTI+) people across the Commonwealth and beyond. We fund, fight for and empower those upholding the human rights of LGBTI+ people by working with governments, changemakers and civil society organisations to effect meaningful and lasting change in the lives of LGBTI+ people.
 

The Role:
The UK Policy and Advocacy Manager will lead Kaleidoscope Trust’s UK-focused policy and public affairs activities, in line with the organisation’s strategic objectives, and support, where appropriate, the wider work of the Policy and Public Affairs Team, including with external relations, communications, campaigns and events.

This role aims to:
▪ Provide the Secretariat function to support the co-chairs of the APPG for Global LGBT+ Rights to deliver the APPG’s strategy and work plan.
▪ Build and maintain relationships with government officials and the wider policy community across the UK, strategically deploying senior organisational staff or representing Kaleidoscope Trust and the APPG in external meetings and civil society forums as directed, and support delivery of events where such stakeholders are to be engaged.
▪ Identify and share insights into relevant emerging international political and policy trends helping to anticipate issues, risks and opportunities and translate these for relevant UK stakeholders.
▪ Draft insightful and compelling policy submissions, briefings and papers under the guidance of KT’s Head of Policy and Public Affairs.
▪ Fulfil the key responsibilities of the job role in a professional manner while adapting to often changing circumstances and re-prioritising accordingly.
 

For more information on the role, please find the Job Description attached.

About the role

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

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

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

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

We’re looking for someone who:

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

Ready to make a difference?

Join Mind Retail. Join the fight for mental health.

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

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

About our benefits

As Head of Operations, you’ll receive:

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

About Mind Retail

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

Equality, diversity and inclusion

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

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

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

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

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

More details

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

Reporting to: Director of Policy and Engagement 

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

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

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

Contract Length: Permanent 

Salary: £54,500 - £56,500 

BACKGROUND

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

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

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

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

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

*Food Foundation Insecurity Tracker Jan 2025

JOB PURPOSE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

· Develop and monitor annual team budgets

General

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role

 PERSON SPECIFICATION

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Desirable

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

Skills and Abilities

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHAT WE OFFER

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

Please find attached our job pack

APPLICATION PROCCESS

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

Shortlisting - w/c 5th May

Interview 1 - 15th and 16th May

Interview 2 - w/c 21st May

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

Hours: 35 hours per week. We are open to considering a job share arrangement for the right candidates.  

Salary: £39,000.  

Location: Homeworking.  

Reports to: Head of Programmes.   

Oversight of a delivery team: Yes (currently 30 plus self-employed coordinators).    

Travel: Travel across the country to visit our activities, including overnight stays, is part of this role. All related expenses will be covered by The Country Trust.  

Annual leave: 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays (FTE).  

Benefits: Workplace pension. Homeworking, some flexibility on working hours.  

Are you passionate about connecting disadvantaged children with food, farming, and nature? 

We're looking for a dedicated and experienced Programme Manager—an inspiring, child-centred educator with a deep commitment to tackling poverty of opportunity. 

Through effective team management and leadership, and collaboration with colleagues, this role enables a large team of expert practitioners to deliver the charity’s mission of providing high quality, educational, relevant, safe and impactful Farm Discovery visits and related activities for disadvantaged children across England and North Wales.  

Could you:  

• Lead our dispersed Farm Discovery team of expert practitioners, ensuring all our processes - recruitment, training, administration, reporting, information management, communication, budgeting, evaluation and of course our delivery - enable us to achieve amazing things with primary school communities in disadvantaged areas around the country?  

• Work with others to grow and shape our programmes to achieve our vision?  

• As an inspiring advocate of our work, build our contribution to the national conversation around food, farming and nature education? 

 If so, would love to hear from you! 

 
Due to our safer recruitment process we are not able to accept CVs for this position. 

Applications close: noon 30th April  

First round interviews (held virtually) will be on Wednesday 7th May. Second round interviews will be held face-to-face in London on Wednesday 14th May.