Services manager jobs in darlaston, west midlands
This is an exciting and high-profile role that will allow you to have system-wide impact through the successful delivery of teacher development programmes.
As Director, Programmes you’ll be a key member of the senior leadership team within our Programmes Division.
You will be accountable for the successful delivery and oversight of high-profile educator development programmes, and specifically our Early Career Teacher programme. You will hold a clear vision for the purpose and impact of the programme and will ensure it remains of the highest quality, meets key performance indicators and is financially sustainable for us and our delivery partners.
Building strong relationships with key stakeholders, you will act as an external voice for the organisation in several fora and deputise for your Executive Director when required.
Who are Ambition Institute?
A great teacher changes the future every day. Especially for children who have had a tough start in life, a teacher can be the critical factor in their success.
At Ambition Institute we help schools tackling educational disadvantage to keep getting better and help their teachers and school leaders to become more expert over time.
That’s how we’ll make sure every child gets a great education and the best possible start in life.
- We train teachers and leaders at all levels to get better at the things that make the biggest difference: what you teach, how you teach it, and how you create the conditions for schools to thrive.
- We share what works. Everyone can benefit from evidence of how great teaching and leadership can improve schools and change lives, so we connect people to the latest research and best practice.
- We champion every teacher and school leader’s potential to develop, as the driving force for sustainable school improvement.
We would like you to:
- Take end to end responsibility for the successful delivery of large-scale teacher development programmes
- Build strong relationships and develop deep knowledge of our delivery partners, ensuring effective programme delivery across the national network
- Lead a programme team, building capacity and capability
- Take responsibility and oversight of the budgets of delivery teams and delivery costs
- Act as an external voice for the organisation in relation to our programmes, and advocate for professional development
Ambition Institute works in a hybrid way and you’ll be attached to either our Birmingham, London or Manchester office. In this role, working closely with external partners, you will need to travel and be with your teams and our partners regularly.
Skills, Knowledge and Experience
To excel in this role, you will understand the principles of high-quality professional development and be able to work strategically to translate these into successful development programmes at scale.
You will be strongly focussed on partners and participants, with the ability to respond effectively to participant feedback and to oversee effective communications strategies.
You will have experience of managing a large multifaceted team and its budget and overseeing end to end delivery . You will be able to effectively influence and build strong strategic relationships.
If you are someone who will think and act innovatively and collaboratively in the development of the ECT programme and our wider product suite, we would love to receive an application from you.
What’s in it for you….?
- Competitive annual salary
- Professional development for all staff
- 25 days’ annual leave, plus bank holidays and 'winter shut down’ at the end of December/beginning of January
- Employer pension contribution of 11%
- Agile, hybrid working culture, so you can manage when and where you work
- Staff affinity networks that help keep equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of our work
- Blind recruitment process to ensure equality and fairness in our hiring
- Enhanced maternity pay after a year’s service
- Shared parental leave package
- Access to free, confidential 24/7 wellbeing and support line
- Comfortable and collaborative workspaces in the city centres of Manchester, Birmingham and London
- Work-from-home technology package to support hybrid working
- Interest free season ticket / bike loans
We don’t expect the person we hire to have all of the following, but this should give you a sense of what would enable you to thrive in this role and in our organisation:
You should apply for this role if:
- You care deeply about educational disadvantage and being part of an organisation that challenges inequality
- You have a good work ethic and strive to make a difference in the job you do
- You always give maximum effort to understand and meet the needs of our partners and participants
- You always have a great attitude so we “can do” for all our colleagues, partners and participants
- You are open to feedback and learning because we want to keep getting better
- You work with your initiative to bring new ideas and a fresh perspective
- You are well organised and can prioritise work that will have the greatest impact
You'll love working at Ambition if…
- You want a career with a person-centred organisation with a cause at its heart.
- You have a collaborative work ethos, bring warmth and good humour to work and constructive outlook to every situation
- You enjoy working in a fast-moving workplace, with a great support structure around you
- You would like to grow with an ambitious organisation as it progresses over time
- Want flexibility in how you work – splitting your time between one of our offices and remote working and managing your own working patterns to get the job done.
How to apply…
Applications will be accepted for all office locations.
All applications must be received by the closing date 23:59 on 30 April 2025. First stage interviews are expected to take place on Wednesday 14 May. There will be a second round on Wednesday 21 May.
Please note when you click apply, you'll be taken to the Birmingham posting of the role. You can still apply via this posting as it won't determine your location if successful.
Equality and diversity matters to us. If you think you’d be suited to one of our roles we’d love to hear from you regardless of age, disability status, ethnicity, gender, religion or sexuality.
We are committed to the safeguarding of children and the most vulnerable in our society and, as such, we are unable to employ individuals with relevant convictions, including the following: a conviction for an offence involving violence or dishonesty, of a sexual nature or against minors, or for any other offence that is relevant to the nature of the services provided by our organisation.
As an employer, we have a responsibility to prevent illegal working in the UK by ensuring that our employees have the right to work in the UK. Therefore, as part of the recruitment process to verify your eligibility you will be required to produce relevant documentation.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Macular disease is the biggest cause of sight loss in the UK, with around 300 people diagnosed every day. The Macular Society is the only charity determined to beat the fear and isolation of macular disease with world class research, and the best advice and support.
To support people affected by macular disease now, the Macular Society provides a range of support, information and services. Our research programme is focused on finding new treatments and a cure to Beat Macular Disease forever.
This exciting role is responsible for delivering income from a range of donors and prospects, with a focus on trusts and foundations, lottery and statutory sources, as well as HNWI. We are looking for an ambitious and strategic fundraiser with a proven track record of raising significant funds from charitable trusts and foundations, lottery and statutory sources as well as HNWI, who, alongside our existing team, will help to grow and develop this area of fundraising for the Macular Society. The post holder will have a proven eye for detail, an analytical nature, first class relationship management skills and a flair for writing successful applications.
In return, we provide a great working culture – we do something worthwhile and are proud to work together to Beat Macular Disease – as recognised by our inclusion in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2023 list.
We offer flexible working options, 26 days annual leave, rising to 27 after one years’ service, the ability to buy or sell annual leave, supportive family policies, and 6% pension contribution.
We are passionate about treating people fairly and as equals, doing so is instinctive to us. To Beat Macular Disease for all we know we have work to do. That’s why we are keen to hear from people of all backgrounds who have the skills and experience we are looking for. We particularly encourage applications from people from under-represented groups, to help ensure what we do and how we do it is inclusive – for everyone.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
NO CVs accepted.
Applicants must complete an sub,it an application form via our recxruitment website.
JOB PURPOSE:
- To coordinate support for children aged 2-5 with SEND at Springfield Park Road Nursery or Mini-Springers Nursery, working alongside nursery staff, parents and outside agencies to ensure the nursery provides high quality inclusive EYFS provision in line with the SEND Code of Practice and EYFS Framework.
· To promote an ethos of inclusive practice within the nursery, high expectations for children with SEND and the best possible outcomes.
- To provide advice and support to Children’s Centre colleagues in relation to SEND.
- To provide advice and support to other staff within the Springfield Project in relation to SEND, including Seedlings Stay and Play.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Lead the SEND provision for the nursery
· Work with the nursery manager to regularly review the SEND policy and practice within the setting and agree how it will be implemented.
· Be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the setting’s SEND policy, and for coordinating provision across the setting.
· Implement SEN support and the graduated approach of: assess, plan, do, review to meet the outcomes identified for the child, including writing and reviewing SEN support plans as well as statutory paperwork, such as EHC needs assessment requests (with support from Area SENCO).
· Apply for ISEY funding for individual children and ensure funding is implemented to support children effectively.
Support colleagues
· Ensure all practitioners in the setting understand:
o their responsibilities to children with SEN
o how to work actively and effectively within the Assess Plan Do Review cycle.
· Support individual practitioners in implementing the approach for individual children
· Identify and use training and other sources of support available to colleagues.
· Support the nursery manager and staff during inspections by regulatory bodies and assist in the implementation of any recommendations.
Partnership working
· Make sure parents receive the information, advice and support that they need in order to participate in the SEN decision-making process.
· Involve parents in the discussion of any early concerns, in identifying any SEN, and at all stages of the graduated approach.
· Ensure parents are closely involved and that their insights inform action taken by the setting.
· Work closely with the Area SENCO and other professionals from education, health and social care agencies as required, making referrals as needed.
· Understand the Birmingham local offer.
· Work alongside Springfield Children’s Centre in running a stay & play for children with SEND
· Provide advice on SEND to Children’s Centre colleagues.
· Provide advice on SEND to other Project staff and volunteers including Seedlings Stay and Play group and our Child Friendly Neighbourhood team.
Continually develop own practice
- Reflect on own practice and undertake continuous professional development, including training related to SEND as well as attending relevant and mandatory training courses and maintaining appropriate Safeguarding and First Aid Certificates.
- Alongside the nursery manager, regularly evaluate the effectiveness of provision.
Other
- promote the Springfield project’s ethos, vision statement, and benefits.
- attend all staff meetings and Project training days as required.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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.
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.
Winston’s Wish is a charity that helps children, teenagers and young adults find their feet when their worlds are turned upside down.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Overall job purpose
This is a fundamental role within our North regional team, internally the role is known as Local Community Officer. The future of CCT’s outstanding collection of historic churches depends on communities supporting their local CCT church with funds, events, inspiring interpretation, visitor services and preventive conservation. The Local Community Officer will engage and support communities and volunteers to care for 23 historic churches across Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside, W. Yorkshire, N. Yorkshire (part), ensuring each site achieves agreed standards.
Key relationships
You will work closely with the Lead Local Community Officer (North), regional and national colleagues, volunteers, community groups and other local stakeholders.
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 Monday 28th April 2025.
The interviews will take place in Leeds on Wednesday 7th 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 provide
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Director, Home-Start London
Lead. Innovate. Transform Families’ Lives.
Are you a visionary leader with the drive to make a real impact? Do you thrive in an entrepreneurial environment where collaboration and innovation are at the heart of everything you do? Join us as our next Director!
Home-Start London is seeking a dynamic and strategic Director to lead our charity and drive the growth of our family support network across the capital. This is an opportunity to lead a forward-thinking organisation helping to empower families through vital community support.
Location: Home-based
Salary: £50-55,000
Type: Permanent
Hours: 4 days per week (28 hours). Hours can be worked flexibly.
About Home-Start London
We have a big ambition: to ensure that no parent in London feels alone and every child has the best start in life. Our network of 16 local Home-Start charities in the capital provides volunteer-led home visiting, group and other support to parents and carers with young children facing challenges such as social isolation, mental health difficulties, and poverty. Our work focuses on building new partnerships and securing funding, facilitating shared learning and more coordinated services, and amplifying the voices of disadvantaged families with young children to drive wider change. We are part of the national Home-Start movement.
About the role
As Director, you will be the public face of an impactful and dynamic charity. You will ensure successful delivery of our strategy and lead on developing new partnerships that build financial sustainability of the charity and grow support for our wider network. Working with your small but mighty team and Home-Start staff and trustees across London, you will ensure we provide quality support to our network that drives increased impact. Your professional development and growth will be well supported.
What you’ll do:
- Lead and inspire – Be the public face of our impactful charity, shaping strategic direction and acting as a key advocate and spokesperson.
- Drive growth – Identify funding opportunities, promote collaboration, and build new partnerships.
- Oversee strategy and operations – Ensure good governance, robust financial management, and effective implementation of policy and plans.
- Innovate and evolve – Respond to new opportunities and challenges with creativity and resiliance to drive sustainability and impact.
About you
To thrive in this role, you will be a highly collaborative leader with experience in a senior role. You will be a brilliant networker and communicator, able to inspire and build trusted relationships. You will be a strategic thinker who can balance big picture vision with the practicalities of running a small charity. You will be a skilled fundraiser with a track record of securing income from a range of sources and you will be a passionate champion for families with young children in London.
Inclusion matters
At Home-Start London we believe that equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion are fundamental to achieving our purpose. We encourage applications from all parts of the community irrespective of gender, race, colour, age, sexual orientation or disability. Appointments will be based on merit, following an open and fair selection process.
Don't meet every single requirement? Who does! If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly, we'd love you to apply anyway. If you’d like to, then give us a call for a confidential conversation about the role and/or how we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you.
How to apply
See job pack for full details. To apply for this role, please click the "quick apply" button below. You will be asked to provide a CV and cover letter (no more than two pages).
Closing date for applications is Monday 28th April.
First round interviews will be held w/c 5th May.
Second round interviews will be held w/c 12th May.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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.
Mind Retail are a network of over 170 Mind charity shops across England and Wales.




The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Family Support Worker (SHS School Practitioner)
Location: Haberdashers' Abraham Darby
Hours: 5 days per week term time only - 35 hours per week
Salary: £22,274 - £24,796 per annum (This is the actual salary)
Contract type: Fixed term contract until August 2027
Closing date: Monday 04th April 2025
Interview dates: Interviews will be held online week commencing 28th April 2025
Please note: We reserve the right to interview candidates prior to the closing date, and as such we encourage you to submit applications early to avoid disappointment.
Our mission at School-Home Support is simple. We get children and young people back in school ready to learn, whatever it takes.
Is this a mission for you? Yes? Then read on.
We are looking for a Family Support Worker to join our team and to make a difference in children's lives every single day. As a Family Support Worker, you will work in close partnership with families and school staff to deliver a programme of casework to promote and improve educational outcomes for the children we support.
You will also focus your support to help improve attendance, punctuality, engagement in learning, improved behaviour in school and the local community as well as improving social and emotional regulation and well-being.
You will have excellent relationship building and communications skills with a proven ability to communicate with a wide group of people.
You’ll have previous experience of:
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working and engaging with parents, carers or guardians, children or individuals through individual and/or group-based support
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working in an educational or outreach environment
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working effectively with social and emotional factors affecting a child’s capacity to learn
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Delivering family support
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working with families from diverse communities
We are committed to maximising staff wellbeing and creating an inclusive, safe environment where everyone feels comfortable bringing their authentic selves to work. To find out more about our current initiatives and offerings, please view our EDI & Wellbeing initiatives document which you can find here.
As an employer we offer:
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Perkbox membership
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Employee assistance programme
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Life assurance
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Pension scheme
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
School-Home Support takes very seriously the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and is committed to ensuring that our safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice. Our safeguarding policy recognises that the welfare and interests of children are paramount in all circumstances. All roles at SHS are subject to an Enhanced DBS Check.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you passionate about User Research?
We are looking for a User Research Officer to join our Continuous Improvement Team in England. This is a 12 month contract opportunity.
We are a friendly, collaborative team that works with funding teams across England, and colleagues from the wider organisation, to support continuous improvement.
We work with people to identify and deliver improvements to our funding programmes, systems, processes, knowledge and skills. We are passionate about continuously learning and improving to maximise our impact for communities across England.
This is an excellent opportunity for a user researcher who is passionate about understanding user experience and influencing change for both customers and colleagues.
Key responsibilities
This role requires a highly motivated person who is able to build excellent working relationships with people and teams across the Fund. The successful candidate will design and lead on a wide range of different types of user research. The types of research may include:
- Understanding and supporting the improvement of our funding programmes, processes and internal grant making system
- Targeted research with minoritised communities to better understand barriers to our funding
- Discovery of user needs to inform a Learning and Development plan
Interview Date: Tuesday 6 May - virtual
Location: We have a hybrid approach to working, work pattern and location will be agreed with the successful candidate. You can be based anywhere in England to ensure easy access to all of our England offices. Our England offices are based in Birmingham, Exeter, Leeds, London, Manchester and Newcastle.
Essential criteria
- Experience of planning and designing research that is appropriate, inclusive and ethical
- Experience of how to use different research techniques to understand situations or problems
- Strong analytical skills to interpret data and create clear, actionable findings
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to connect with diverse audiences and present insights effectively
- A values-driven mindset, passionate about the Fund’s mission
- Ability to work flexibly and handle multiple competing priorities within a small team
Desirable criteria
- A good understanding of grant giving/ not for profit sector and the customer facing services needed
- Experience working within a multi-disciplinary team
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Communities in the UK come in all shapes and sizes. National Lottery funding is for everyone – therefore, we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and we work hard to ensure our funding reaches where it is needed.
We also believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. That’s why The National Lottery Community Fund is committed to being an inclusive employer and a great place to work. We recognise and celebrate the fact that our people come from diverse backgrounds. We positively welcome applications from people from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities or longstanding health conditions, people who are LGBTQ+, and people from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds, as well as people of all ages.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we take a proactive approach in making reasonable adjustments, if needed, throughout the recruitment process and during employment. (This can be related to a physical and mental health condition.)
It starts with community.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are seeking a full-time Primary Science Mentor to join our team of experts. Through your knowledge of and passion for primary science education, you will inspire transformational change in schools.
You'll be home based and able to support schools in one of the following regions: East Midlands, North East England, North West England or South Wales Valleys.
About the Primary Science Teaching Trust (PSTT)
PSTT is a registered charity with a clear vision – we want to see excellent teaching of science in every primary classroom in the UK. We believe it is vital that children are engaged and inspired by science from an early age. We want to draw on their natural curiosity to help them explore, understand and ask questions about the world around them.
We’ve built a Primary Science Teacher College of over 200 outstanding teachers; each helping to shape and influence science teaching across the UK. We produce great resources that improve how science is taught and planned. We organise engaging professional learning events for teachers, and work with partner organisations to further enhance how science is taught. Our 2023-28 strategy is building on these strengths to reach more teachers across a more diverse range of schools.
We’re dedicating our most intensive efforts to areas of the UK requiring most development in primary science. Our Priority Areas initiative is being piloted in 30 schools, and in September 2025 we plan to launch this programme in a further 30 schools. Our Regional Mentors have worked with more than 3,000 schools across England, with exceptionally positive feedback.
Job summary
There are two parts to the Primary Science Mentor role. The majority of the role will focus on strengthening primary science teaching and leadership by leading our second Priority Areas initiative. Through their knowledge of and passion for primary science education, the successful candidate will inspire transformational change in schools taking part in this project. They will build close working relationships with participating schools and create a vibrant and exciting learning community based on mutual support and the sharing of expertise.
The remaining hours in the role will be as a Regional Mentor: joining PSTT’s growing team of primary science experts who provide bespoke support directly to individual schools, multi-academy trusts and other school groupings and organisations. This includes developing and delivering training in a variety of contexts, including online; working individually with Science Leaders; being a leading voice, expert and advocate for primary science (both regionally and nationally); and creating partnerships with other organisations that support science within the region.
A crucial part of the role is to ensure collection of appropriate data for both Priority Areas and Regional Mentor activities, so that we can evaluate our work against intended outcomes.
Key facts about this role
Salary
PSTT band E(ii): starting salary £49,149. A cost-of-living increase will be applied on 1 September 2025; amount TBC.
Pension and benefits
Employer pension scheme, sick pay and maternity/paternity/adoption pay as detailed in our pay and reward scheme
Location
Home based in either the East Midlands, North East England, North West England or the South Wales Valleys.
Travel
The job requires extensive travel to schools within the Primary Science Mentor’s working region, and sometimes beyond that region (including occasional meetings at PSTT’s Bristol office). Expenses will be reimbursed.
Line manager
Director of Regional Programme
Start date
1 September 2025. Potential for some work prior to 1 September to support with identification and recruitment of schools (to be discussed at interview).
Contractual basis
2 years
Hours
35 hours per week (full time), usually worked between Monday-Friday. You may occasionally be required to work during evenings and weekends.
Annual leave
28 days (of which 3 must be taken during the Christmas closure period) plus public holidays
Our vision is to see excellent teaching of science in every primary classroom in the UK.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We're recruiting for a new role for someone to lead on People and Culture at Involve.
Involve has grown in terms of both its turnover and staffing headcount in recent years. In 2024, we marked our 20th anniversary and the need for this new role reflects the growth and maturity of the organisation as we build the infrastructure to support the larger, more established organisation of around 30 people.
The People and Culture lead will report to the Director of Finance and Support Services and be responsible for developing our HR policy and practice taking a holistic approach and embedding our values into HR policy, leading consultation with our union on policy development. They will work closely with the management team to support the development and implementation of strategies to foster a positive organisational culture and provide HR generalist support to our team.
The People and Culture lead will be a CIPD qualified HR professional with strong HR generalist experience allied with a participatory approach that supports us in developing an inclusive environment in which everyone is supported to grow, develop and contribute to achieving our mission.
We work across the UK, with offices in Belfast and London. Many of our staff work from home across the UK or in a hybrid pattern, rather than being based at one of our offices, though we meet up regularly as a team.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Birmingham Cathedral is a beautiful building with a wonderful community of worshippers, volunteers and staff. We are inspired by a strong sense of social justice, a passion for supporting those who are marginalised within the city and a commitment to celebrating all that is wonderful in our diverse city and diocese. We strive for our Cathedral to be fully representative of the richly diverse communities we serve, and have an unwavering desire to share God’s love, and the good news of Jesus Christ in a spirit of service.
Birmingham Cathedral demonstrates daily its attraction as a house of prayer to the people of the city and its international visitors. Alongside daily worship, enriched by the Anglican choral tradition, the Cathedral hosts diocesan, regional and national events and is responsive to immediate community needs for celebration and lament. With growing confidence and newly refurbished Burne-Jones windows, the Cathedral has a clear vision and strategy. The Cathedral’s strategic plan focusses on three priorities: Pray, Serve and Grow and gives Birmingham Cathedral a clear sense of purpose and direction.
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is the senior lay officer in the Cathedral and has the responsibility for managing the business functions of the Cathedral and monitoring operational performance.
As COO. you will be pivotal to the delivery of the Cathedral’s vision and strategy and the development of business and operational plans to ensure delivery of the Cathedral’s strategic outcomes. You will work with the Dean and the Senior Management Team to develop and implement strategy and policy, ensuring good governance, the effective and professional administration of the Cathedral in compliance with all policies and procedures and relevant statutory legislation.
The Cathedral Chapter (our Trustee Board) is looking for a collaborative colleague who will enhance the Cathedral’s caring culture, working closely with the staff team, volunteers and the wider cathedral community. Chapter’s strategic priorities include working towards financial sustainability; reviewing the operating model of the Cathedral and managing change; working towards environmental sustainability; creating partnerships to support the Cathedral’s work with the vulnerable and marginalised and ensuring effective safeguarding.
Birmingham Cathedral is a Christian Church of the Anglican Communion and the seat of the Bishop of Birmingham. As the Church of England cathedral chur

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are looking for an experienced Trust Fundraiser with a background in securing income from charitable trusts and foundations to join our team to help Groundswell continue to create positive change in the lives of people, services and systems on their mission to tackle homeless health inequalities. Recently kicking off our new ‘Creating Positive Change’ strategy, coproduced by over 130 staff, volunteers, clients and partners, we have ambitious plans and a compelling model which in its simplest form promotes healthier lives and a better future for anyone who has experienced homelessness.
The successful post holder will have experience in leading the development of well-written, compelling proposals and reports to charitable trusts and corporate foundations; demonstrating key relationship management skills to ensure all our funders feel part of Groundswell’s mission. You will be a flexible worker with strong organisational, research and written communication skills. You will pride yourself in collaborative working to ensure the most successful chance of securing income, whilst being a self-starter who can manage their own workload effectively.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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 high value fundraising.
The Head of High Value Fundraising is responsible for delivering and significantly growing income from Corporate Partnerships, Philanthropy and Trusts and Grants. Leading a team of committed fundraisers, you will develop a robust strategy that delivers mutually beneficial partnerships, outstanding supporter relationships and long-term sustainable income.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
Specific Duties
Leadership
- To lead and inspire the high value team fostering a collaborative and high 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
High Value Fundraising
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with high-value donors, ensuring effective solicitation, stewardship, and follow-up to secure significant contributions (six-figure gifts)
- Build and maintain a portfolio of Trust & Grants supporters. Responsible for researching, approaching and developing compelling applications with a focus on ensuring Trusts & Grants provide a long-term, diverse and sustainable income stream
- Lead the development and stewardship of the Philanthropy board to identify and secure transformational (6-7 figure) gifts and the development of the Business development Board to open opportunities with Corporate Partners
- Write and design a compelling case for support that is tailored to our High Value audiences
- Build a portfolio of corporate partners, including securing high-value, multi-year partnerships. You will work with the team to grow this income stream from prospecting, approaches, applications, pitches, stewardship and providing excellent account management
- Lead on planning and delivering successful high value cultivation events
- Represent Winston’s Wish at fundraising events and meetings with internal and external stakeholders
Strategy, Planning and reporting
- To create and implement a strategy including corporate partnerships, trusts & foundations and major donors
- Lead on developing and delivering effective stewardship journeys and cultivation plans
- Produce regular reports on fundraising activity, analysing performance against targets, and identifying areas for improvement and growth.
- 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
- Undertake research and make use of tools to identify potential High Value partners.
Collaboration
- Work closely with the Director of Income Generation, Head of Mass Participation Fundraising, SLT and other teams to maximise high value fundraising opportunities
- Work with the Marketing team to deliver urgent and compelling high value messages tailed for the different audiences
- Work with the Trustees to build networks and increase the reach of Winston’s Wish
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 high-value fundraising, including securing 6-7 figure donations from high-net-worth individuals, trusts, foundations, and businesses
- Track record of converting cold prospects to planned gifts of 6-7 figures
- 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
- Experience of successfully engaging trustees and/or senior volunteer committees to drive philanthropic income.
- Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills
- Strong networking skills with the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders
- 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 system
- 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.
Winston’s Wish is a charity that helps children, teenagers and young adults find their feet when their worlds are turned upside down.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.