Strategic Development Officer Jobs in Edinburgh

The vacancy

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

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

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

Registration Committee (one dispensing optician and one lay member)

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

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

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

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

· matters relating to optical training, education and assessment;

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

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

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

Remuneration and time commitment

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

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

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

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

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

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  midnight Sunday 06 April 2025.

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

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

Job Title: Systems Analyst (Power Platform) 

Salary: £43,000 

Contract Type: Permanent, ideally, full-time (35 hours per week) although 4 days a week will be considered.

Working location: Home based. The post holder should expect to come into the London based office a maximum of three days per quarter and for team/organisational away days.The role may require occasional evening and weekend work

Reporting to: Systems and Data Manager 

BACKGROUND    

The latest research suggesting that the number of children and young people at risk of hunger has rocketed to 2.7 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 200,000 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.

The new UK government’s Children’s Wellbeing Bill outlined in the King’s Speech, includes a requirement for free school breakfast clubs in every English primary school. This is a fantastic start towards ending child morning hunger. Magic Breakfast’s influence will be instrumental to ensuring school breakfasts are introduced in a way that is hunger-focused and barrier free. In 2021, the Scottish Government, pledged a not yet enacted promise to provide breakfast to primary children.

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.

Solutions across all UK nations are currently either not yet actioned or are severely underserving the current need. 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 2024 

JOB PURPOSE  

We are seeking a highly skilled Systems Analyst with expertise in Microsoft (Power Platform) who is looking for an exciting opportunity to play an instrumental part in Magic Breakfast’s ongoing data transformation. In this multi-faceted position, you’ll lead the design and development of data-driven solutions using Microsoft Fabric and the Power Platform, while also championing the ongoing evolution and smooth operation of the system. Your expertise will be critical in shaping how the organisation gathers, analyses and utilises data to automate workflows, generate reports and dashboards, and ultimately achieve our strategic objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:   

System analysis and development 

• Provide expert advice and guidance to shape solutions for data collection, aggregation, dissemination, and workflow automation using Microsoft Fabric and the Power Platform. 

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand business needs and design, prototype, implement and test scalable data solutions. 

• Design and maintain scalable data models in Microsoft Fabric to optimise data organisation, ensuring efficient and effective data usage across the organisation. 

• Extract, cleanse, and transform data using Power Automate from multiple sources into Microsoft Fabric, ensuring high-quality, reliable, and scalable data for analytics and reporting. 

• Drive innovation and continuous improvement of data systems, processes, and tools within the Microsoft Power Platform and Microsoft Fabric ecosystem. 

• Design and maintain data pipelines tailored to business reporting and analytics needs. 

• Support and manage integrations between Microsoft Fabric with other systems and tools, including Dynamics 365 and Salesforce, to streamline operations and enhance decision-making. 

System administration 

• Lead the continuous evolution of systems, processes, and tools within the Microsoft Power Platform and Microsoft Fabric ecosystem. 

• Ensure that Microsoft data tools and systems are optimised for performance, scalability, and security. 

• Implement and maintain data governance policies, ensuring data compliance, security, and accessibility across platforms. 

• Create process documentation and guides. 

User support 

• Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) for including Power BI), providing guidance, training and support to internal teams. 

• Work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless collaboration and data accessibility. 

• Provide support to users of Microsoft tools including Power BI, ensuring they can effectively leverage the platform for their needs. 

• Triaging points for escalations to Systems and Data Manager. 

General:   

• Contribute to team meetings, sharing best practice and supporting team members where necessary 

• Help to maintain a positive working environment, keeping the vision of Magic

• Breakfast at the heart of everything we do 

• Uphold a culture that encourages curiosity, continuous improvement, optimism, and a steadfast commitment to social impact 

• Work collaboratively across the organisation more widely to build good working relations across the organisation and provide ad-hoc support to other teams and members of staff 

• Adhere to all Magic Breakfast policies and procedures 

• Ensure that all activity is compliant with current legislation, GDPR and child

safeguarding requirements 

• Participate in occasional work-related events at external venues and perform

support related activities as required be willing to undertake occasional work

outside of regular office hours and UK travel 

• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role 

PERSON SPECIFICATION: 

Skills and abilities   

• Ability to collaborate with stakeholders to design, prototype, implement, and test scalable data solutions. 

• Excellent communication skills to collaborate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, ensuring clear understanding of data needs and solutions. 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify challenges and develop innovative, data-driven solutions that meet business requirements. 

• Keen eye for detail to ensure data accuracy, consistency, and high-quality reporting and analytics. 

• Strong organisational skills to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery of projects while meeting deadlines effectively. 

Knowledge and experience   

• Significant hands-on experience with or strong knowledge of Microsoft Fabric and Microsoft Power Platform, including Power Apps, Power BI, and Power Automate, to design and deploy effective data solutions.

• Hands-on experience in developing and maintaining data pipelines tailored to business reporting and analytics needs. 

• Experience managing integrations between Microsoft Fabric, Dynamics 365, and Salesforce to streamline operations. 

• Experience creating process documentation, training materials, and guides to ensure efficient use of systems and adherence to best practices. 

• Working knowledge of SQL, with experience using it for data querying, manipulation, and reporting to enhance decision-making processes. 

Other   

• Passion for Magic Breakfast’s mission of ensuring that no child is too hungry to learn.  

• Shared commitment to our values and active contributor to our enabled and empowered culture 

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 - 17th-19th March

Interview 1 - w/c 24th March

Interview 2 - 3rd April

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.

The Girls’ Network is an award-winning charity with a large and growing network of supporters, mentors and schools across eight regions of England.

We believe that no girl's future should be limited by her background, gender or parental income. Our mission is to inspire and empower girls from the least advantaged communities by connecting them with a mentor and a network of professional role models who are women.

We are looking for a Head of Fundraising to join our team.

The Head of Fundraising will lead our income generation strategy to ensure The Girls’ Network can continue empowering young women from the least advantaged backgrounds. This role will drive the development and stewardship of high-value partnerships, oversee strategic growth in fundraising, and contribute to the charity’s long-term sustainability. 

Key roles and responsibilities

Fundraising

· Develop and implement a fundraising strategy to define and meet annual income targets from corporate partners, Trusts & Foundations, individuals and third party events, identifying opportunities for growth

· Identify, steward and secure high value relationships with corporate partners, Trusts & Foundations and major donors to achieve and exceed own targets, working with the support of the CEO, as required

· Develop compelling propositions to secure funding and wider support from corporate partners, working with the Head of Programmes and Ambassador Community Lead to ensure operational alignment

· Develop and submit funding bids for high value Trusts & Foundations in support of operational plans and agreed budgets

· Identify and steward major donors to meet future targets, working with the support of the CEO, as required

· Develop new activities to increase income from individuals e.g. proprietary campaigns, regular donors, digital fundraising and events, working with external suppliers within available budget

· Ensure regular review and update of case for support to align with external and internal developments.

· Ensure compliance with organisational policies and fundraising regulations working with Head of Finance & Operations, CEO, Trustees and external support, as required.

Leadership

· Provide strategic leadership and direction to Fundraising, ensuring the strategy aligns with our wider goals, delivering high-impact fundraising campaigns and driving long term sustainability.

· Take an active role in the Senior Leadership Team (with CEO, Head of Programmes, Head of Finance & Operations) to ensure efficient management of the charity, developing annual operational plans and budgets, monitoring performance and risk against quarterly targets and attending quarterly Board meetings.

· Work closely with the Head of Programmes to identify and assess new partnership opportunities to develop the strategy and success of the charity.

· Work closely with Head of Finance & Operations on data migration to enable effective fundraising and ensure a high quality supporter experience.

· Develop understanding of policy and issues affecting our mentees and the impact and implications for The Girls’ Network programmes and funders.

· Build productive internal and external relationships, role-modelling our values.

· Act as Ambassador for TGN.

Reporting

· Report quarterly to the CEO and Board of Trustees on KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and KRIs (Key Risk Indicators) including progress against income targets and value of pipeline, working with the Head of Finance and Operations to align management information

· Ensure restricted grant funding information is shared with the Head of Finance and Operations to enable tracking and with the Monitoring, Evaluation Research and Learning Manager to enable programme data reporting

Staff Management

· Ensure the Fundraising team are well supported to perform their roles, meeting virtually and in person on regular basis, conducting one-to-ones, annual appraisals and personal development plans to support learning.

· Lead and support the Fundraising Manager and Partnerships Manager to achieve their targets from corporate partners and Trusts & Foundations, tracking performance through quarterly reports, including pipeline values

· Work closely with Communications Manager to ensure fundraising opportunities and campaigns are coordinated in a timely fashion to the correct audiences.

· Handle administrative duties such as recruitment, training, performance management seeking support from HR as required

· Ensure direct reports are engaged and motivated and working to a high standard

· Provide appropriate information and guidance to direct reports on a timely basis

Other duties

· As a small charity with limited resources, all staff are expected to be flexible with their work and as such you may be required to undertake other duties and tasks as assigned from time to time. 

Person specification

Essential

Fundraising expertise

· Significant experience (5+ years) gained in senior fundraising and within the not for profit sector

· Significant experience in developing effective fundraising and communications strategies to meet organisational goals, leading teams to achieve success

· Proven experience overseeing a Trusts & Foundations programme, including pipeline and prospect management to meet multi-year targets

· Excellent written skills with the ability to produce a concise, compelling and creative case for support

· Financial analysis skills to track and report on quarterly income performance

Relationship Management

· Demonstrable experience of developing compelling funding propositions to secure high value partnerships with corporates and Trusts & Foundations

· Ability to develop productive relationships with colleagues, donors, suppliers, media contacts and Board-level decision makers

Leadership

· An aptitude for working with high degree of autonomy, managing multiple priorities and within the resource limitations of a small organisation

· An ambition to achieve the vision and mission of The Girls' Network and commitment to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion  

· Proven experience in developing fundraising content to meet communications objectives

Desirable

· Experience of major donor stewardship to secure gifts

· Experience of developing individual giving activity to achieve income growth

· Experience in using Salesforce, Hootsuite, Canva, Access (website), Mailchimp

· Understanding or experience of working from home

· Experience of working in a small charity

For more information about the role and our organnisation download the candidate pack.

The Philanthropy and Major Giving team is responsible for an annual budget of around £3.5m with an ambition to grow this to £5m by the end of our current strategic period in 2026. In 2021, the team doubled their income after the passing of HRH the late Duke of Edinburgh provided a significant opportunity to raise awareness and the profile of the charity. 

The Philanthropy and Major Giving team looks after a variety of relationships with high-net-worth individuals, family trusts and foundations, many of whom are long-term supporters of the charity committed to supporting young people to fulfil their potential. The team is proactive when it comes to new business, seeking opportunities from our current networks and events. We collaborate with multiple internal stakeholders including our CEO and Executive Leadership Team (ELT), Trustees, Strategy & Engagement and Operations teams. 

You will be joining a successful and ambitious team at a pivotal moment for the charity as we prepare to celebrate our 70th Anniversary in 2026 and launch a new five-year strategy.

The successful candidate will play an active and integral role in the Philanthropy team, feeding into team plans and working collaboratively to reach new donors and increase income raised.

We are looking for someone who is ambitious with the drive and tenacity to engage new high-level donors, as well as develop existing relationships with our network of generous and long-standing supporters.

• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrable success in fundraising, networking and relationship building, which has led to significant financial support.
• Can demonstrate a proven experience in generating new business of six figures and above, including multi-year gifts, and managing and growing a diverse portfolio.

We offer excellent staff benefits including a generous pension contribution, flexible working, Heath care cash plan, life assurance, attractive holiday package, ongoing training, and an employee assistance programme.

A full job description can be viewed below.

If you feel excited by this role and believe you have the necessary skills and experience to become a valued team member, please go to our website and apply.

The deadline for applying for this role is: Sunday 16t March – Midnight

1st  interviews will take place on WC: 31st March to be held via Teams

2Nd interviews will take place on WC: 7th April – in person at the London office.

If you would like to access the application form in a different format or if you would like any assistance that might help improve your experience please contact us.

The DofE are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. All successful applicants will be required to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service check. (e.g. DBS/PVG or similar), including references covering any gaps of employment/education, confirm eligibility to work in the UK and complete a health check.

**The geographical allowance is based on a member of staff having a home or office-based postcode within 30 miles (as the crow flies) from Charing Cross, WC2N 5HS. The allowance is 7% capped at £4,000 per annum.

Head of Finance

Join an ambitious international non-profit with high growth aspirations for a newly created Head of Finance role!

About the organisation 

The organisation is a small but growing global non-profit with a mission to use the power of education to transform the lives of refugees, their communities and the world.

The organisation has developed the first accredited upper secondary level programme and qualification for out of school refugees and crisis affected youth. They also offer Changemaker Courses in areas such as Peace-building, Ethical Leadership, and Social Entrepreneurship.

Working with around 1,500 young refugees a year in learning centres in Jordan and Kenya, as well as with partners in Uganda and Malaysia, the organisation aims to drive systemic change and create lasting impact.

The non-profit was born in 2017 and now has a global and fully remote team of around 25 employees. Predominantly donor funded, with a current turnover of around £900k per annum, the organisation has secured some additional funding which will act as the catalyst for a new exciting phase of growth.

About the role

The organisation is seeking a Head of Finance on a permanent, part-time basis. The Head of Finance is a newly created position as the organisation seeks to create a fully functioning internal finance department as they aim to scale-up operations over the coming years.

The Head of Finance will play a transformative role in evolving and overseeing all financial operations, including budgeting, financial reporting, compliance, and strategic financial planning. You will also work closely with the Co-Executive Directors, senior leadership team, board of trustees and newly created finance committee to support the organisation’s mission and objectives by providing financial insights and guidance.

Your responsibilities will include preparing financial statements, managing donor funds, ensuring compliance with accounting standards and grant requirements in the UK and internationally, as well as developing and leading a brand-new finance team.

 The role will be highly varied and would best suit someone who is passionate about international development and education, with a growth-mindset and a diverse range of finance skills. Additional duties may include developing financial pricing models and assisting with fundraising proposals.

The organisation currently uses Xero accounting software, with a payroll of 6 salaried employees plus a number of internationally based consultants.

The role is offered on a permanent, part-time basis for 4 days per week. The salary offered is £62,500 - £68,750 per annum FTE (£50,000- £55,000 for 4 days / 0.8 FTE) for UK based candidates. For candidates based outside of the UK, salary will be benchmarked against local context.

The role is fully remote, preferably within a time zone GMT +/- 3 hours. Benefits include a flexible time off policy, parental leave, flexible working & access to a wide variety of courses through Develop, an online training platform.

Key Requirements

● Fully-qualified ACA, CIMA or ACCA accountant

● Proven experience in a senior financial management role within the non-profit sector, ideally within international development

● Strong understanding of charity accounting principles, charity regulations, and grant compliance, including SORP and restricted fund accounting

● Expertise in financial planning, modelling, analysis, budgeting, and forecasting

● Excellent communication and presentation skills to effectively convey complex financial information

● Leadership abilities to manage and motivate a finance team

The role would be best suited to someone who is committed to making a difference to the lives of young refugees, with a strong grounding in charity sector accounting and international donor funding.

How to apply

Please reply to this advert with your CV or contact Jamie at Marble Mayne for a further discussion on the full application process.

Key dates

Closing date: Tuesday 25th March at 5pm

1st stage interviews: 1st & 2nd April - remote

Final interviews: 7th April – ideally in person in London, however remote interviews will be considered.

Title:Policy and Advocacy Manager

Salary:From £40,000 per annum

Contract:Permanent

Hours:37.5 per week (Monday to Friday)

Holiday:25 days per year plus bank holidays 

Location:Home based with travel within / to London and across the UK

Probationary Period:3 months

Reports to:Head of Legal and Policy

Benefits:An additional 3 days holiday between Christmas and New Year, Flexitime policy, 5% pension contribution

Start date:As soon as possible / flexible

We are River Action

We are a small and agile campaigning organisation on a mission to rescue Britain's rivers from a toxic cocktail of agricultural, sewage and industrial pollution. We support community action, galvanise and mobilise public opinion, influence government policy, and call out destructive industrial practices to incentivise changes that end pollution. 

We are building a talented team of positive disrupters and community mobilisers to deliver our strategy to urgently protect and restore our rivers for the benefit of community and wildlife.

Britain’s rivers are our life support system and they are dying. We need urgent action to bring them back to life.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking a dynamic and self-motivated individual who shares our passion for protecting rivers to join our team to drive forward our policy and advocacy work. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong policy insights capable of blending analytical problem-solving with intelligent advocacy to drive meaningful change. This role requires someone to have excellent writing skills and the ability to draft complex policy documents as well as top line arguments for wider communication. 

The ideal person will bring a combination of expertise, energy and ideas to amplify our impact, holding decision-makers and polluters accountable with a professional and diplomatic approach. 

If you thrive in fast-paced environments and want to be at the forefront of environmental policy and advocacy, we’d love to hear from you.

What you’ll be doing

As our Policy and Advocacy Manager, you will play a key role in shaping and advancing River Action’s political and policy influence, working closely with the Head of Legal and Policy, Chief Executive and wider team to develop and execute an impactful policy and advocacy strategy.

River Action is the Co-Secretariat for the APPG on Water Pollution, offering our Policy and Advocacy Manager a unique opportunity to shape the policy direction for River Action and also to influence policy development across Parliament. 

You will also work closely with our public affairs agency who manage our daily Westminster activities. 

You will:

• Lead River Action’s policy and advocacy work. 

• Collaborate with River Action’s team and external partners to ensure our collective work is underpinned by robust and forward-thinking policy analysis.

• Develop policy analysis to support campaign, communications and policy strategies, based on a strong evidence base and a sound understanding of the relevant legal and policy frameworks.

• Translate complex policy and evidence into clear messages and compelling campaigns to engage political and policy stakeholders.

• Monitor and analyse political and policy developments, interpreting their implications and opportunities for River Action and its supporters.

• Generate analysis to enable participation in public consultation processes, including drafting high-quality and persuasive consultation responses and briefings for Westminster and Whitehall audiences.

• Increase our political influence with exciting policy interventions, ensuring River Action’s voice is heard at the highest levels of decision-making.

• Build and maintain relationships with key policymakers, civil servants, and partner organisations.

• Support grassroots community groups in engaging with their local representatives for effective advocacy.

• Organise and attend key political meetings and events, including the Water Pollution APPG.

• Manage strategic policy partnerships, including our relationship with Wildlife and Countryside Link and other third-sector organisations.

• Ensure River Action’s policy and advocacy efforts align with our creative campaigns, maximising reach and impact.

You will also:

• Actively engage in professional development and training.

• Adhere to health and safety policies while working in different locations.

• Maintain confidentiality in all areas of work at River Action.

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to an inclusive, equal and diverse workplace.

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across River Action to collectively deliver our mission while being true to our values. 

UK travel will be required. Training and operational activities may require overnight stays away from home, in which case costs will be covered and standard River Action procedures will apply.

What you’ll bring

The position will suit a self-motivated, strategic and determined person. You will be an excellent communicator, comfortable representing River Action and engaging with diverse stakeholders. You will have a passion to protect and restore our waterways and to hold decision-makers and polluters to account.

Essential knowledge, skills and experience:

• Experience in a similar policy and advocacy role, ideally within the environmental sector. 

• Policy and/or legislative experience, with a good understanding of the workings of the UK government and Parliamentary procedure.

• A good understanding of the UK water industry, the key UK water-related policies and the issues that are impacting our rivers, land and wildlife.

• Excellent communication and writing skills with close attention to detail and the ability to produce concise and persuasive political briefings and consultation responses.

• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach to working with colleagues, stakeholders and partners. 

• Excellent organisational skills, including the ability to proactively plan and prioritise work.

• Ability to work flexible hours as necessary.

• A good and supportive team player with a willingness to muck in as and when required.

Why join us?

• Be part of a mission-driven organisation working to restore and protect the UK’s rivers.

• Work at the heart of political and environmental change, influencing decision-makers at the highest levels.

• Work in an agile, supportive and happy work environment where your ideas and expertise will have real impact.

• Opportunities for professional development and growth within the organisation.

Diversity and inclusion

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies show that women and people of colour are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single criteria. We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace. So if you like the look of this role but your past experience does not align perfectly with everything in the job description, we’d still love to hear from you. You may be just the right person for this role.

How to apply

To apply, please submit to jobs at riveractionuk dot com with the subject ‘Policy and Advocacy Manager’:

• your CV (2 pages), 

• a cover letter (2 pages) explaining why you want to work for River Action and how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role, and 

• a written submission (2 pages) as described below. 

Only applications including all three documents will be accepted. Please provide your documents in pdf format. 

Written submission

Please prepare a 2 page policy briefing for MPs on a current issue affecting the health of UK rivers. Your briefing should be written in a clear, persuasive style suitable for a Parliamentary and government audience and:

• Identify a water-related issue (e.g. agricultural pollution, sewage discharges or water management).

• Provide a concise analysis of the impact on rivers and biodiversity.

• Summarise relevant UK Government policies and legislation.

• Propose two or three practical policy recommendations for decision-makers.

Application process

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until 23:59 on Sunday 16 March 2025.

Should your application be selected during sift, the next stage will involve a panel interview. You may also be invited to attend a second interview. 

Interviews will be held on 20, 24 and 26 March 2025 via video conference. Some questions will be provided in advance for equity and to give you the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge, skills and experience most effectively. 

Please indicate in your covering letter or in a covering email your availability for an interview on those dates. 

If you have any questions about the role or your application, please contact us on jobs at riveractionuk dot com.

Head of People and Culture

Location: UK-based / Hybrid

Permanent

37 hours per week

Job Overview
National Energy Action (NEA) is seeking a dynamic Head of People and Culture to develop a positive, inclusive work environment where colleagues feel supported, engaged, and empowered to perform at their best to help the millions of vulnerable people who are facing sky high energy bills.

Responsibilities

Reporting into the Deputy Chief Executive, and working with the leadership team, you will foster strong employee relations and well-aligned policies to indirectly enhance the quality of services provided to our beneficiaries. Embedding our values and behaviours, ensuring legal compliance, and promoting inclusion and diversity, you will facilitate a workplace that better reflects and serves the diverse communities NEA supports.

Why National Energy Action?

It is a key time for the charity as the energy crisis highlighted the importance of the work we do - on the ground and with government. And, over the coming years the drive towards a net zero carbon future could help to eradicate fuel poverty across the UK.

We provide a flexible and supportive working environment. You are likely to work from one of our offices, but we are a geographically dispersed organisation, and you may be based elsewhere. Wherever you are, you will make a huge difference for colleagues who are helping people forced to live in cold and damp homes.

NEA is changing how we work in lots of different ways. We are developing a new values and behaviours framework to help drive the future direction of the charity, including as an employer. This is an exciting period in the charity’s life and the Head of People and Culture will be a critical part of this journey.

About you:

You will want to make an impact. You will want to be part of a passionate team. You will be motivated by working in a values-driven organisation. You will want to help NEA be an exemplary employer. You will share our passion for creating big change so that everyone can afford to keep their homes warm and safe.

You will have had significant experience working within a motivated and mission-led environment, possibly but not essentially, in another charitable organisation. You will have experience in inclusion, organisation reporting and change management.

We are committed to improving our approach to diversity and inclusion and as a senior leader and member of the Directors team, you will be a champion of our work in this area. For this role we would strongly encourage applications from underrepresented groups, in particular people of colour and disabled people.

NEA's headquarters are in Newcastle upon Tyne, although we have other offices within the UK. We anticipate the post will be based in one of our offices for at least one day each week.

Hybrid working is subject to necessary H&S and GDPR checks.

Post holders must be resident within the UK and be able to provide their Right to Work in the UK.

We are offering:

£57,576 – £61,461 – (plus £3,300 London Weighting if applicable). New appointments are usually made at the starting point of the scale.

• 11½% non-contributory pension.
• 25 days annual leave plus 3 additional days in between Christmas New Year Period when our offices close; plus, all public holidays per annum for full time staff, pro-rata for part time staff.
• Flexible working arrangements including the opportunity for Hybrid working.
• Enhanced family friendly payments.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Employee benefits platform.

Communications Manager

Terms: 22.5 hours per week / 0.6 FTE, 3 days per week; one year contract with possibility for extension
Salary: £39,000 - £47,000 per annum (pro rata)
Location: Remote working and quarterly in-person team away days.

Closing Date: Friday 30th March 2025. On submission of your application, please add​ ‘Communications Manager’ in the subject line. Your application should include the following:

• Cover Letter
• CV
• ​A one-page document (including images) highlighting a previous communications campaign that you worked on. Please use the following format: clearly outline the a) purpose, b) key message(s), c) description, and d) outcome/impact of the campaign.

Please note that you must have the right to work in the UK. Due to the large number of applications we receive, we are not able to acknowledge receipt of all applications and only shortlisted candidates will be notified. If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, you have not been successful.

About BASIC

BASIC is an independent think tank whose mission is to safeguard humanity and Earth’s ecosystem from nuclear weapons risks and interconnected security threats, for generations to come. Founded in 1987, we have 40 years’ experience of convening meaningful dialogues across complex political divides, and a reputation for generating innovative, high-quality research and policy advice.

BASIC sees its role as one of drawing together different perspectives within the nuclear weapons / security debate and pushing the boundaries of policy discussions. We cherish our independence and freedom of speech. We are independent, receive no core funding from any state, and our project work is funded transparently.

BASIC is a fast-paced, inclusive, and rewarding environment in which to work. We have experienced 5x growth since 2017, and our intention is to continue this growth trajectory, and have an exceptionally positive team culture.

Role Description

BASIC is seeking an experienced and strategic Communications Manager to lead and implement effective communication strategies that amplify our mission, enhance our brand identity, and strengthen engagement with key audiences. The ideal candidate will have exceptional written and verbal communication skills, a proactive approach to storytelling, and the ability to collaborate across the organisation to ensure clear, consistent, and impactful messaging.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Communications Manager will play a central role in shaping BASIC’s external presence, working across programmes to craft compelling narratives for social media, the website, and other digital platforms, as well as press contacts.

The Communications Manager will be the point of contact for all communication activity and will be responsible for setting the strategy and communicating this to the team. As an organisation, BASIC is keen to develop brand identity, particularly amongst our programmes and the Communications Manager will be instrumental in developing this work. 

Main Duties

Organisational Communications & Strategy

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with BASIC’s mission and objectives including a strong link to impact.

• Lead the evolution of our social media strategy, ensuring increased engagement and impact.

• Develop and implement strategic online communication plans to enhance BASIC’s digital presence, ensuring consistent and engaging messaging across all platforms.

• Oversee BASIC’s branding and identity development, ensuring consistency across programmes and platforms. This includes: organisational brand asset, image, review and refresh.

• Act as BASIC’s press officer, managing media engagement, journalistic contacts, and public relations.

• Plan and execute BASIC’s website redevelopment strategy, including better functionality for fundraising efforts and overseeing all aspects of website content/management.

• Draft, edit, and manage organisational newsletters using MailerLite, ensuring clear, engaging, and audience-focused content that aligns with BASIC’s communications strategy.

• Provide communications training to staff, fostering a culture of shared responsibility for communications.

• Create promotional materials to advance BASIC’s initiatives

• Strengthen BASIC’s internal and external communications, ensuring alignment with key stakeholders.

Programme Responsibilities

• Develop and execute tailored communications plans for specific programmes, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and effective audience engagement.

• Collaborate with programme teams to create and distribute engaging content that highlights programme achievements and key messages

• Work with programme teams to define the strategy, vision and purpose of newsletters

• Coordinate programme events (virtual and in-person), in terms of communications outreach to increase visibility and structuring of success stories

• Support the creation of digital content (social media posts, website updates, videos, etc.) to promote programme activities and initiatives

• Assist with publishing programme reports including proofing and providing guidance for branding and imagery 

• Provide communications support for programme fundraising activities

• Monitor and analyse communications impact across programmes, using feedback and data to suggest improvements and ensure messaging is reaching the right audiences

• Help to manage relationships with key stakeholders for each programme by ensuring ongoing engagement and support for programme objectives

• Ensure consistent branding and messaging across all programme communications to maintain coherence with the organisation's overall identity

Role Requirements

Essential criteria for the role:

Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Marketing, Education, Business, Fundraising)

8+ years of working in a communications role

Knowledge of global security issues with linkage to UK policy 

Proven experience in developing and implementing communication strategies aligned with organisational goals and objectives

Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to craft clear, compelling messages

Ability to generate innovative ideas and content that engage target audiences and enhance brand visibility

Strong networking and stakeholder engagement skills

Experience in monitoring and evaluating communication impact through media coverage, engagement metrics, and analytics. Ability to evaluate the effectiveness of strategies and identify areas for improvement.

Strong collaborative skills with the ability to work effectively across teams to ensure consistent messaging and brand representation.

Keen eye for detail with a commitment to accuracy and quality in all communications materials.

Desirable criteria for the role:

Experience in crisis communications, including drafting statements and managing sensitive issues.

Why Join BASIC?

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the communications strategy of a respected international security think tank. If you are a creative, strategic, and proactive communicator who thrives in a collaborative environment, we’d love to hear from you.

Please note that, due to the large number of applications we receive, we are not able to acknowledge receipt of all applications and only shortlisted candidates will be notified. If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, you have not been successful.

Mentor Recruitment Lead £32,000 per annum (pro-rata) plus London weighting if successful candidate is in London

Full time role (37.5 hours) with an initial 6-month fixed term contract continuing subject to funding.

Remote working, with the option for hybrid working (up to two days in the office) if located 45 minutes away from one of our offices in London, Manchester and Cardiff. 

At One Million Mentors, our aim is to ensure that every young person in the country has access to a trained mentor as they transition into adulthood. We believe that investing in mentors will help to address the skills gap agenda and improve social cohesion.

Would you like the opportunity to:

• Play a key role in bringing 1MM's new communications strategy to life and delivering its key outcomes?

• Be part of a dynamic, values-driven organisation working to achieve lasting social change?

• Work across the business, public and third sector to develop innovative ways of harnessing the potential of young people in Great Britain? 

• Help shape a growing organisation?

• Enhance your personal development and job satisfaction through monthly team training sessions, personal L&D opportunities and a 15 hour per year volunteering allowance?

If so, this may be the role for YOU!

1MM Mentor Recruitment Lead main tasks include:

●      Build, lead, own and execute 1MM’s mentor recruitment strategy

●      Source enough mentors to ensure 1MM has an oversupply (c.15% higher than demand) of fully trained, location relevant mentors available

●      Build a sustainable growth engine that ensures the pipeline of mentors remains sufficient on an ongoing basis

●      Work with key stakeholders across the business to improve conversion rates by refining our onboarding process

●   Meeting all quality assurance KPIs

• Establishing employers, professional networks, community groups etc. as Volunteer Providers.

●   Ensure key partners are smoothly handed over to the relevant colleagues within the business at the appropriate time.

●   Provide regular reports on progress related to the role.

For a more detailed job description, please see the job pack attached.

Remuneration and benefits: Salary bracket of £32,000 (pro rata) plus London weighting if successful candidate lives in London,, up to 6.5% employer pension contribution and 25 days holiday per year (pro rata). 

**Please note that applications submitted without a Covering Letter will not be considered**

For further details on how to apply, please see application guidelines attached.

£58,150 per annum

Full time, 35 hours per week

Fixed-term contract for 12 months (maternity cover)

Home based role (subject to meeting homeworking assessment requirements, which includes a minimum broadband speed of 18Mbps and a dedicated space to work from)

Are you a digital specialist looking to make a difference for the UK’s physiotherapy profession?

With member engagement, rehab, the future of the physiotherapy workforce and equity, diversity and belonging at the forefront of the CSP’s work, as its Digital Channels Manager, you will join the Society at a time when maximising member engagement as it stands up for its 65,000 members has never been more important.

As part of the Corporate Communications team, you will ensure the CSP’s digital communications channels support the achievement of the Society’s strategic objectives. You will be the CSP’s leading source of expertise on the operation of its digital channels, manage their day-to-day operation and deliver the Society’s digital operational plan.

You’ll be a confident guide in supporting colleagues to maintain a high standard of digital capability both within the Corporate Communications team and across the CSP.

To succeed in the role, you will have a strong knowledge and understanding across digital marketing techniques. You’ll be an enthusiastic innovator, keen to apply your knowledge to continually improve the CSP’s digital channels, with a particular focus on user acquisition and user experience.

You’ll be comfortable analysing and interpreting a range of data and analytics, drawing out valuable insights to recommend improvements across the CSP’s digital channels. You’ll be confident in your technical knowledge to work with suppliers and colleagues to deliver digital innovation. You’ll have a detailed knowledge of major social media platforms and be eager to both develop our use of these channels and share your knowledge and ensure best practice across the CSP.

You’ll join a team of corporate communications professionals with responsibility for digital communications for a vibrant membership organisation of over 65,000 individuals. You will lead and guide digital projects across the team, as well as having line management responsibility for our two digital officers and digital administrator.

The CSP is committed to promoting equity, diversity and belonging within both the CSP and the profession more widely. You’ll be committed to these principles and reflecting the diversity of the physiotherapy workforce across our channels.

The CSP provides a supportive culture for your own learning, with opportunities for you to stretch yourself and test out different ways of working.

If you are looking for a rewarding and challenging role, would enjoy working in a team environment and want to make a vital contribution at a critical time for the physiotherapy profession across the UK, this role is for you.

Why work for the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy?

The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) is the professional, educational and trade union body for the UK's 65,000 chartered physiotherapists, physiotherapy students and support workers; and one of the largest representative bodies in healthcare.

At the CSP, our goal is to create a culture characterised by innovation, respect, encouragement, passion and teamwork. We all strive for continuous improvement and to be the best at everything we do. We aspire to work in a way that embodies our values of learning, courage, inclusive and integrity. Our shared values are part of our organisational DNA, reflecting the expectations we have of ourselves and others. They guide what we do and how we do it, to have the greatest impact for our members. Please visit the website for further information.

We offer an excellent benefits package, including 27 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, Christmas office closure between 25 December to 01 January and generous pension scheme with 12% employer contribution.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Henry Rummins, Head of Corporate Communications, at Head Office.

To apply for the role please click on the ‘Apply online’ tab below and complete the online application form. CVs will not be accepted.

Closing date: 10am, 13 March 2025.

Interview date: 27 March 2025.

If you require any adjustments during the application stage, please email the Human Resources team at Head Office.

The CSP is committed to equity of opportunity, aiming to provide a working and learning environment free from discrimination. We are taking appropriate steps to create a workforce that reflects the diverse society in which we work and live in. Therefore, we particularly encourage applications from candidates under-represented in the CSP’s workforce, including those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities and LGBTQIA+ people. Please note, all candidates will be expected to actively demonstrate their commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Belonging throughout the application and interview stages. To view our equity, diversity and belonging strategy, please visit the website.

NO AGENCIES

Premier League Stadium Fund Technical Executive

The role is home-based, with regular travel to sites and facilities. Occasional travel to further locations and our main office at Wembley Stadium may be required to support business needs.

We currently have a vacancy in the Premier League Stadium Fund for a Technical Executive to support the Stadium Accreditation Programme and to support the assessment of applications to  the Premier League Stadium Fund.

Premier League Stadium Fund

The Premier League Stadium Fund (PLSF) provides grants to improve stadium facilities for players, supporters, and officials. Supporting over 1,000 clubs, it aids teams in the National League System (Steps 1-6), Women’s Football Pyramid (Tiers 1-4), and newly promoted EFL clubs.

Through its Stadium Accreditation Programme, PLSF collects facility data for The FA, ensuring targeted investment. This digital process helps clubs track required works and report improvements. By funding upgrades, PLSF helps non-league and women’s clubs meet standards, avoid relegation, secure promotion, and enhance financial sustainability and matchday experiences.

Football Foundation

Whilst the Technical Executive will be responsible for the successful delivery of the Premier League Stadium Fund, they will be employed by the Football Foundation, and therefore it’s important that they understand the wider context – in terms of what we do and how we go about it.

The Football Foundation transforms lives and communities by creating great places to play. As an independent charity, we work in partnership with the Premier League, The FA, and Sport England to invest in community sports facilities. With an additional £205 million government investment in grassroots football over the next three years, we are well-positioned to continue improving pitches and facilities nationwide.

The role

The PLSF Technical Executive will support Stadium Accreditation for clubs in National League System Steps 5-6 and Women’s Football Pyramid Tiers 3-4, ensuring grounds meet FA standards on time. The role includes reviewing grant applications, managing risks, and aiding stadium development. This entry-level role provides hands-on experience in stadium design, development, and compliance. You'll support the PLSF grant process and Stadium Accreditation Programme, working with clubs to ensure grounds meet FA standards. Responsibilities include reviewing grant applications, managing risks, and supporting stadium development.

We’re looking for enthusiastic individuals eager to develop professionally. A qualification in a construction field (Level 4 HNC or HND minimum) is required. You don’t need a passion for football or in-depth knowledge of the football pyramid—your technical or construction background is what matters most. Successful applicants will gain hands-on experience in grant management and technical processes while working with an experienced team. Over time, you'll manage your own portfolio of clubs, guiding them to meet Stadium Accreditation requirements on schedule.

What are we looking for?

You’ll need an HNC/HND (Level 4/5) in a construction-related field and some experience on building sites, with knowledge of construction processes and quality standards. Understanding the FA’s league structures is desirable but not essential. We support team development and progression. To be eligible for promotion to a Technical Manager role, a degree in a construction-related field is required. With the right degree, we aim to prepare you for promotion within two to three years.You’ll need strong people skills to engage and motivate others while managing projects from start to finish. Excellent organisation is essential, balancing multiple tasks, prioritising, and meeting deadlines without compromising quality.

For more details about the role, please download the recruitment pack.

What can we offer you?

The salary band for this role is £26,000 - £30,000 per annum. This will be reviewed periodically, providing opportunities for your salary to grow as you develop and gain experience in the role. You’ll start with 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing after 2 years), and additional time off for volunteering. Benefits include an 8% employer pension contribution, free healthcare, gym subsidy, death in service benefit, and access to match tickets.

Contract:  Permanent, full time (reduced hours can be considered)
Salary:   £42,000 - £47,000 per annum
Location:  UK, Remote
Closing date:  Sunday 23 March 2025 
Interview date:  w/c 31 March 2025 

Do you thrive on building relationships with donors and securing life changing charitable donations? Blue Cross seeks a passionate Senior Philanthropy Manager to lead our mid-value and major donor fundraising efforts.

More about the role 

As a key member of our Philanthropy team, you'll play a pivotal role in driving high value fundraising performance and making a significant contribution to our mission of improving the lives of pets and the people who love them.

You, and the team of fundraisers you manage, will build strong, lasting relationships with mid and major value donors (trusts and foundations and individuals), guiding them on their philanthropic journey. You’ll develop and lead a fundraising plan that cultivates a robust pipeline of prospects, creates compelling fundraising asks, and delivers engaging stewardship, all with the aim of increasing income and building long-term donor relations. 

This is an exciting time to join Blue Cross as we embark on a refreshed organisation strategy, with high value fundraising playing a key part in its delivery. The team enjoys senior level support, with a commitment to the development of impactful projects and themed areas of work. This is a great opportunity for someone who thrives on maximizing new opportunities and driving forward change.

This is a full time opportunity (35 hours over 5 days), however we can consider flexible working. 

You'll make a significant impact: 

• Developing a compelling fundraising plan for mid and major value donors, contributing to the philanthropy strategy, and aligning with the charity's overall goals. 

• Forging strong bonds with prospects and donors, collaborating with your team to understand their motivations and inspire impactful donations. 

• Guiding and supporting the Philanthropy Relationship team, including the Philanthropy Manager responsible for major value trusts/foundations and individuals, and two Philanthropy Officers responsible for mid-value trusts or individuals. 

• Overseeing donor cultivation activities, ensuring adherence to data protection regulations, and collaborating with colleagues when necessary. 

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're a seasoned philanthropy professional with a proven track record of exceeding income targets and securing significant donations from trusts & foundations and high-net-worth individuals. Your passion for animal welfare is infectious, translating into building strong, lasting relationships with donors. As a strategic thinker, you possess a deep understanding of portfolio management, the supporter journey, and the key elements that drive successful philanthropy fundraising. 

A natural communicator, you can connect with any audience, adapting your message to resonate with different stakeholders. Your collaborative and inspiring leadership style fosters a team environment where everyone thrives and celebrates shared successes. 

You're a dedicated professional with integrity, thriving in a fast-paced environment with excellent time management and prioritization skills. You value teamwork and enjoy being part of a hardworking and supportive team that shares your passion for making a difference. 

Knowledge, skills, and experience   

• Secured five to six-figure donations through mid-value & major gift fundraising. 

• Understand the requirements of trusts and foundations and can write high quality funding applications. 

• Designed successful stewardship programs for mid-high value donors, boosting loyalty & donations. 

• Professionally presented philanthropic opportunities to high-net-worth individuals. 

• Built strong relationships with senior stakeholders (internal & external). 

• Proven track record of exceeding fundraising goals. 

• Line management experience. 

• Excellent interpersonal skills

• Driver's license & travel availability. 

• Ability to demonstrate, understand and apply our Blue Cross values. 

A bonus if you have:  

• Experience managing a mid-value individual giving programme.

• Experience working within an animal welfare charity. 

• A fundraising qualification or evidence of CPD (Continuing Professional Development). 

How to apply  

Click the apply button and complete the online application process before 23:59 on the closing date on Sunday 23 March 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.

Make an Impact: Join us as a Sale and Marketing Executive at NFER
As a Sales and Marketing Executive, you’ll play a crucial role in promoting our assessments, engaging with schools, and driving revenue growth through targeted campaigns. With a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and the chance to work with a globally respected charity, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Salary: £30,000–£34,000 per annum (non-negotiable)
Annual Leave: 30 days plus 4 paid closure days and bank holidays
Pension Contributions: 10% employer contributions
Family Support: Enhanced maternity/parental leave and paid compassionate leave
Flexible Working: Hybrid setup with 1 day a month in Slough office, full-time (35 hours). Also open to flexible working from day 1 including compressed hours and job share.

JOB DESCRIPTION
As a Sales and Marketing Executive, you’ll be at the heart of our collaborative Product Marketing team, working together to engage schools, build lasting relationships, and promote our assessment solutions. You'll be part of a supportive and motivated team that shares ideas, celebrates successes, and works towards a common goal.

This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a team-oriented environment, is eager to drive revenue, and enjoys building strong customer relationships while delivering creative and effective marketing campaigns.

Key Responsibilities:
• Support sales activities – engage with schools, provide quotes, and manage customer queries.
• Drive marketing campaigns – create compelling content, manage social media, and optimise digital channels.
• Coordinate events – organise webinars, school engagement activities, and product launches.
• Analyse market insights – use data to refine strategies, improve engagement, and enhance product positioning.
• Maintain compliance – ensure GDPR and ethical marketing standards are met.

PERSON SPECIFCATION
Essential Skills and Experience:

• Experience in sales and marketing, preferably within education or a related sector but not essential.
• Strong communication and writing skills – you can create engaging content for diverse audiences.
• Excellent organisational skills – able to manage multiple tasks and prioritise effectively.
• Confidence with digital platforms – social media, email marketing, Google Ads, and CRM tools.
• Analytical mindset – comfortable working with data and reporting on campaign effectiveness.

Other roles you may have experience of include: Sales executive, Marketing executive, sales and marketing coordinator, CRM executive, junior marketing officer.

WHY NFER?

At NFER, we are recognised globally for providing trusted research, resources and insights that drive meaningful change. By joining us, you’ll contribute to a mission that prioritises impact over profit, working in an environment where collaboration, flexibility, and inclusion are valued.
What we offer:

• A supportive and inclusive workplace culture.
• Opportunities to develop your skills and advance your career.
• Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance.
• The chance to make a real difference in the education sector.

APPLICATION PROCESS

We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis and encourage you to apply early. Shortlisting will commence from 17th March 2025.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require any adjustments or accommodations at any stage, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to support you and ensure a positive experience. For further details, please review the Job Information Pack.

If you’re ready to bring your skills and passion to a role that makes a difference, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and start your journey with NFER.

Salary: £38,000 per annum 

Contract: Permanent 

Reports to: Head of Policy and Research

Hours: Full time (40 hours per week including one hour lunch break each day) 

Start date: May 2025 

Location: Home-based (travel costs paid for meetings) 

Annual leave: 27 days FTE per annum plus Bank holidays (22 days FTE per annum whilst the 4 day week is in place) 

Please note that at Waterwise we work a Four Day Week, under voluntary agreements which all staff members sign. This means that you will be contracted and paid as full-time but you will sign a voluntary agreement stating that you commit to employing efficiency tools both individual and team-wide to deliver and be paid for 5 days work within four normal 9 to 5 days - the office is closed on Fridays. Training will be provided and you will be expected to continue to refresh your training and to keep up use of the efficiency tools. Annual leave is also pro rata’d. More information on a Four Day Week can be found here. We can answer any questions you may have about this at interview.

Waterwise 

Waterwise is the leading independent voice in the UK for using water wisely, for the benefit of people and the planet. Our vision is that water is used wisely every day, everywhere, by everyone. We are the UK’s conscience on water efficiency, on behalf of people and the planet, and are experts in water efficiency policy, regulation, research, behaviour and campaigns. Waterwise is a people-led organisation which prioritises the wellbeing of its staff.

Water scarcity is an urgent issue right here, right now, right across the UK - consistent record-breaking high temperatures and low rainfall, and recurring drought, show how climate change and population growth are already putting our water resources under severe pressure, and this challenge is growing. Water efficiency has to be a big part of the solution, and we support and challenge governments, industry, customers and others to be innovative and ambitious on water efficiency. Our work includes campaigns, events, media, policy and regulatory influencing, research projects, stakeholder engagement and services such as Waterwise Training and the Waterwise  Checkmark. We are funded by supporters across and beyond the UK water sector. Our Waterwise Strategic Direction to 2030, published in August 2022, tells you a bit more about us. Our UK Water Efficiency Strategy to 2030 tells you a bit more about our ambition.

At Waterwise we put staff wellbeing first, and our staff surveys show that our team knows, feels and appreciates this. Our values are 

People: We will prioritise staff wellbeing, be an inclusive, kind and positive team. 

Purpose: We will deliver independent and ambitious leadership to drive social and  political change on water efficiency 

Pioneer: We will be forward-thinking and visionary in our approach, being brave and  innovative in challenging the status quo 

Passion: We will campaign to protect water and the planet and work to keep our own  environmental impact as low as possible 

We are always looking for bright, committed people with a diverse set of skills and  experience to help achieve our vision that water is used wisely every day, everywhere, by  everyone. We are a lively, happy, friendly team, and we can’t wait to read your application! 

At Waterwise, we’re committed to driving equity and preventing discrimination at work and in the work we do. Please see more on this below. 

We are also working to reduce Waterwise’s own carbon and environmental footprint. 

Policy Manager role description

You will report to the Head of Policy and Research and be part of a small but growing sub-team leading on our policy advocacy work and winning and delivering water efficiency research projects. 

Key responsibilities in the role include: 

• Supporting and influencing policy development including engaging with policymakers through meetings and consultation responses

• Supporting the delivery the UK Water Efficiency Strategy to 2030 and helping provide secretariat support to the associated forum and groups 

• Leading Waterwise’s work with stakeholders on policy across the UK

• Working with the Head of Policy and Research to maintain a network of relevant stakeholders and supporters across the UK

• Working with communications and marketing colleagues to provide content for blogs, trade media and press

• Working on discrete research projects as and when necessary, including undertaking a project management role on some projects

• Assisting the team with events (e.g. Waterwise annual conference), campaigns (e.g. Water Saving Week) and training

• Attending and speaking at conferences, seminars and meetings to represent Waterwise

• Working with colleagues to develop new funding proposals and providing financial information to the CEO

Other tasks and duties may arise and training will be provided. There will also be an opportunity to develop skills in being interviewed for the media.

The above is not an exhaustive list of activities but hopefully gives you a sense of the role  and requirements. 

Policy Manager person specification

We need someone who is proactive and a self-starter, with excellent communication and organisational skills. You will have a track record in policy and evidence work and/or water sector stakeholder engagement management to join our small, high-powered, influential team. The role involves policy and strategy support, project and programme management and delivery as well as stakeholder engagement. It's a great opportunity to be immersed in the water policy, regulatory and delivery agenda, as well as engage in external meetings and networks.

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours

• Experience in influencing and advocating for policy change - including planning and delivering against agreed objectives

• Experience working with external stakeholders

• Experience in supporting delivery of stakeholder groups such as steering groups, task and finish groups, workshops, webinars and conferences

• A good understanding of the UK water industry and, ideally, some experience with water efficiency

• Excellent interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders, including policy makers

• Strong organisational skills, including the ability to plan and work proactively to meet deadlines

• Excellent attention to detail 

• Ability to positively promote Waterwise and its work

• Experience in project management such as developing leads and bidding for projects desirable but not essential if a commitment to develop skills in this area

• Ability to work flexibly within a small team that works from home

• Ability to manage own time and prioritise tasks

• Ability to communicate across the team about your work and workload

• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and wellbeing 

• Eligibility to work in the UK

Benefits 

At Waterwise the wellbeing of our employees is our number one priority. To recognise the  fantastic work our team does in driving water efficiency, and to support their wellbeing, we  have a wide range of employee benefits, beyond statutory commitments. These include: 

• Positive, values-based environment and an inclusive culture where it feels safe for  employees to say ‘no’ on grounds of workload 

• Strong emphasis from CEO on wellbeing and workload management 

• Homeworking and a small allowance for occasional shared office working 

• Four Day week - being paid full-time but working 80% of this (or pro rata equivalent), in exchange for using tools to work efficiently - for full-time employees this equates to a day off every week, in addition to annual leave

• Flexible working 

• Part-time working 

• 27 days annual leave per annum for full-time employees (or pro rata equivalent for part-time colleagues), plus Bank Holidays (pro rata’d to 22 days full-time equivalent as we work a Four Day Week)

• Death in service benefit at x2 of salary 

• Paid chartered and professional memberships 

• Individual and team training budgets 

• Maternity leave and maternity adoption leave beyond statutory 

• Childcare costs for activities undertaken outside normal working hours 

• Sickness pay beyond statutory 

Equity, diversity and inclusion 

At Waterwise, we’re committed to driving equity and preventing discrimination at work and in the work we do. We know that simply having a diverse workforce is not enough. We want to create an inclusive environment within Waterwise and in our work and events, where everyone can contribute their best and develop to their full potential. We celebrate and value how different everyone is, and we work hard to ensure everyone is treated with dignity and respect. This aligns with our ‘People’ value that we will prioritise staff wellbeing, and will be an inclusive, kind and positive team.

Please see our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement here. 

We are committed to treating all current and prospective employees fairly and to ensuring  that our workplace and employment practices are free from discrimination, harassment or  victimisation on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil  partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. We  strongly encourage applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and with different identities and experiences to apply. Everyone in our team has a role to play in helping Waterwise become more diverse and inclusive, and we hope you will join us for this next stage in our journey - for this role we therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be under-represented in Waterwise’s workforce. These include people of the global majority, LGBTQI+ people, and men.

We want to ensure that our recruitment process is inclusive of and accessible for everyone.  If you are interested in applying for a role with us and think you may need some additional  support or reasonable adjustments made to any part of the recruitment process, please get  in touch on the email address below.

How to apply 

To apply for this role, you will need to answer role-related questions.  Please provide evidence and examples from your work history or other aspects of your life to  answer the questions and demonstrate how you meet the criteria required. Please refer to the person specification when you are doing this.

Our goal is to remove bias from the hiring process and so rather than asking you for a CV  and cover letter, we have set up role-related questions which will allow us to assess your  approach to a problem and understand what knowledge and skills you have. Your answers  will be anonymised, randomised and reviewed by the selection panel. We will use these  scores to shortlist for interviews. We also think giving feedback is incredibly valuable for  candidates, so at the end of the process, you'll see how well you performed during the  application process.

The closing date for applications is 23:59pm on 16th March 2025. There will be a two-stage interview process. First interviews will be held on 25th March 2025 and second interviews will be held on 9th April 2025.  First interviews will be held online via Zoom and second interviews will be held in person in Birmingham (venue TBC).

We will consider flexible working requests within this role - please state your preferred hours  and working pattern within your application.