Permanent Supporter Services Officer Jobs

Position: Senior Public Affairs Officer
Type: Full-time (35 hours a week), Permanent
Location: Office based in London with flexibility to work remotely
Salary: £35,020* per annum plus excellent benefits  
Salary Band and Job Family: Band 2, Profession/Technical

*you’ll start at our entry point salary of £35,020 per annum, increasing to £37,209 after 6 months service and satisfactory performance and to £39,398 after a further 6 months.

About us

We make sure people living with MS are at the centre of everything we do. And it’s this commitment that unites us across the UK.

Our strategy is based on what people affected by MS have told us is important to them. It gives us a clear and determined focus.

Our work is based on the hopes and aspirations of our MS community. Together we campaign at all levels, fund ground-breaking research and provide award winning support and information.

Our people are our greatest asset and the key to our success. We offer a vibrant, progressive working environment where you'll be able to make a difference.

About this job

With a new UK government and over half of the MPs in Parliament new to their roles, it’s an exciting time to join our public affairs team as we look to push MS up the political agenda.

We’re looking for an experienced public affairs professional to join our Campaigns and Public Affairs team to support all of our parliamentary activity. You’ll pull together significant pieces of our engagement with MPs, Lords, staffers and other parliamentarians across Westminster and Whitehall and be a visible expert internally and externally. Working across large and varied policy areas, you’ll manage our All Party Parliamentary Group for MS and coordinate colleagues across the organisation to deliver on our influencing objectives.

Whether it’s about making sure people access groundbreaking treatments, tackling the poverty people face when living with MS, or making sure the right support is there when people need it most, as a Senior Public Affairs Officer you’ll be working directly on influencing campaigns aimed at important political stakeholders to ensure people with MS have a voice in Parliament.

Closing date for applications: 9:00 am on Friday 15 November 2024

Interested? 
PLEASE PRESS THE 'HOW TO APPLY' BUTTON FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Equal Opportunities 
We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and or from ethnic minority backgrounds.

We’d be grateful if you downloaded and completed the equality and diversity monitoring form and submit it with your application. 

Disability Confident Employer 
We’re a Disability Confident Employer and we’re committed to promoting equality and diversity.

You can ask for reasonable adjustments as part of both our recruitment and new starter on-boarding processes.

If you need any help or adjustments to apply for this role, please contact us. You can also ask for the application materials to be sent to you in a different format. Such as for them to be sent to you by email or in a larger word format.

More about our employee benefits:
We have a wide range of employee benefits including (but not limited to): 

Encouraging work life balance

• 38 days paid annual leave (including bank holidays), pro-rata for part-time
• More annual leave entitlement, based on length of employment
• Smart working options (with the opportunity to work remotely and find a smart working pattern that suits both you and us) 
• Flexible working options 

Caring for you and your family 

• Generous sick pay entitlement
• More sick pay entitlement, based on length of employment 
• Opportunity to buy and sell annual leave in each calendar year 
• Free access to a GP virtually 24 hours a day/7 days a week allowing you unlimited advice, reassurance and where appropriate diagnosis 
• Enhanced leave for new parents 
• Free access to a confidential 24 hours a day/7 days a week helpline service for both you and your family with a specialist range of support and information
• Special leave options (such as up to 5 days paid leave for domestic or personal emergencies a year)
• 10 days paid disability leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• 10 days paid carers’ leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• Cycle to work scheme 
• Death in service scheme
• New family-friendly benefits, including paid leave:
  • In the event of miscarriage or still birth 
  • To support fertility treatments
  • For antenatal appointments for both parents

Thinking about your finances 

• Enhanced salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Discounted season ticket loan and interest-free emergency loans
• Give as you earn to support other charities of your choice before tax
• New employee portal including lifestyle savings vouchers and personal wellbeing

Enriching your life at work

• Personalised development plans with a wide range of training courses and opportunities to source additional training options with your line manager
• Yearly internal apprenticeship opportunities
• New, modern offices that embrace working together both in-person and remotely 
• Various opportunities to influence how we internally operate (including surveys, and focus and committee groups) 
• Active and supportive internal employee networking groups for collaboration and peer support 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering for MS Society activities during normal working hours (such as fundraising events, or campaigning in the local community) 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering with other charities during normal

Safeguarding 
We’re committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone who uses our services and we come into contact with.

This is regardless of Gender, Race, Disability, Sexual orientation, Religion or belief, Pregnancy, Gender reassignment.

We recognise our particular responsibility to make sure vulnerable adults and children are protected.

We have measures in place to protect everyone we come into contact with from abuse and maltreatment of all kinds.

Your right to work in the UK 
You must have the right to work in the UK to work in paid employment with us. You’ll need to share documents showing you’re eligible to work in the UK if we offer you employment.

You can find the UK visas and permits granting you the right to work in the UK on the UK Government website. We currently don’t have a Sponsor Licence agreement with the Home Office and aren’t able to support you with your visa applications.

No agencies please.

Fundraising Officer (Partnerships), Fundraising Team, Wonderseekers

Job details

Hours: 22.5 hours per week

Work pattern: Weekdays - exact work pattern flexible and can be discussed at interview

Salary: £27,000 FTE per annum (based on 0.6 FTE actual salary £16,200 per annum)

Contract: Permanent, 0.6 full-time equivalent (FTE)

Line manager: Trusts & Foundations Manager, Fundraising Team

Responsible for: Trusts & Foundations (T&F) Managers and freelance T&F Fundraisers

Holiday: 25 days per annum plus bank holidays FTE (actual hours 148.5 hours per annum including bank holidays). Option to buy/sell some leave and gain additional days for continuous service after four years. The post holder is not expected to work bank and public holidays.

Location: Wonderseekers HQ, Eastleigh with regular attendance at Winchester Science Centre, Winchester

Benefits: Cash health scheme, life assurance, buy/sell annual leave, long service holiday bonus, café and shop discount, free tickets to WSC and partner attractions, family friendly leave, wellbeing policy, mental health first aiders, cycle to work scheme, financial loans, flexible IT, casual dress, staff events, free parking, pension contribution, inflationary pay rise and more.

Application deadline: Tuesday 12 November 9am

Interviews: Provisionally 19, 20 or 22 November

Please contact us if you’d like to arrange an informal chat or have any questions about the role before applying 

The Role

The Fundraising Officer – Partnerships is an important new role within the Fundraising Team, acting as the face of the Charity and first point of contact for potential corporate supporters and other donors.

Leading on delivering Wonderseekers’ Curiosity Collective corporate fundraising campaign, this is your chance to develop your corporate fundraising skills to deliver a small, personal annual income target. Previous fundraising experience is a bonus, but not essential as support and training will be available. However, you must have impeccable interpersonal and presentation skills, be comfortable representing the Charity and engaging with senior internal and external stakeholders, be results-focused and willing to learn.

Working as part of a small, growing Team of experienced fundraisers, the Fundraising Officer - Partnerships will play a key supporting role to the Team, providing exceptional stewardship to donors. Whilst supporting members of the Team with research and pipeline development, preparing briefing papers and funding proposals and writing and implementing cultivation and stewardships plans, there will be lots of opportunities for personal development and the potential for promotion within the Team.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver the rolling corporate campaign recruitment plan, including attending networking events, sending out partner packs, activity and preparing /delivering face to face pitches
• Co-ordinate the corporate campaign marketing activity, liaising with the Marketing and Communications team.
• Provide exceptional, ongoing stewardship to all members of the corporate campaign
• Monitor all grants and donations received, ensuring that these are acknowledged and thanked in a timely manner and assist with other stewardship activities
• Maintain and champion the fundraising CRM, Donorfy, providing administrative support to other users as required (training provided)
• Manage the fundraising inbox, ensuring that all fundraising enquiries are dealt with in a timely and professional manner
• Keep abreast of sector news / new funding opportunities and conduct other desk research to assist with development and management of the Charity’s funding pipeline/donor base
• Maintain the Charity’s fundraising asset bank, writing/updating ‘boiler plate’ copy for funding applications, assisting with the research and development of project cases for support and compiling case studies and evidence of need
• Assist in the preparation of cultivation plans, briefing notes and other cultivation activity, funding applications and supporting materials

Person Specification:

Experience and Knowledge

• Basic knowledge of the UK charity sector
• Demonstrable customer service experience (volunteering or work experience)
• Experience working within the corporate sector is desirable
• Experience managing a CRM is desirable

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to write clearly and concisely with attention to detail
• Well-organised with the ability to conduct systematic research
• Confident presenter / orator
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build strong internal and external stakeholder relationships
• Goal-oriented, tenacious and self-motivated with the ability to work independently and prioritise your own workload
• Proficiency in Office 365
• A basic understanding of the charitable sector
• Collaborative, open and honest and keen to learn

Ready to Apply?

When you are ready to apply, please submit your application through our recruitment portal https://www.wonderseekers.charity/vacancies.

No recruitment agencies, thank you.

You will be asked to submit your contact details and answer a few questions so we can get to know you. Please keep your responses concise, this is your opportunity to really stand out. After answering these questions, please upload your cover letter and CV.

If you have any other questions or wish to arrange an informal phone call prior to applying, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Need information in a different format or would like to apply in an alternative way? Just get in touch using the email address above, or call our office and book a call with HR.

Vibrance has an exciting opportunity for a Housing Officer to join our small and busy Housing team in Bethnal Green. We are offering full time or part time roles and the full time equivalent salary is £28,000 per annum , plus benefits including the opportunity for hybrid working.

About the role:

As a Housing Officer, you will be responsible for providing a housing management service to the service users living in Vibrance owned and managed services. You will provide support to Vibrance services in relation to health and safety, maintenance, housing law and tenancy issues, rent collection, and arrears management. You’ll also provide specific support and advice to individuals who use Vibrance services with housing matters and money advice.

The Housing Officer role will be supporting our services located across London & South- East England and as such ability to travel is essential.

Responsibilities as our Housing Officer will include:

• Supporting prospective service users (and their carers where appropriate) with all aspects of the moving in/out process, to ensure that people are able to make an informed decision about whether or not to move in or move out
• Ensuring that individuals are maximising their benefits, including supporting them to make claims and liaising with the Dept of Work and Pensions and Housing Benefit staff as necessary
• Providing support to ensure that individuals are able to maintain their tenancies, including debt/arrears management, anti-social behaviour resolution, and the issues that can arise from shared living
• Working alongside our service managers and landlords to ensure that accommodation remains fit for purpose, well maintained, suitable for the individual residents and that all health & safety responsibilities are being met

In return for your skills, knowledge, and experience, you’ll enjoy:

• A comprehensive training programme
• Generous holiday entitlement
• Pension scheme
• Rewards and recognition for your service
• AIG Lifeworks Work-life Assistance (24 hours)
• Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Pay
• Flexible Working Options (Subject to service requirements)
• Learning & Development
• Mindful Employer
• Positive about Disability
• DBS online applications paid by Vibrance
• Long Service Awards

Vibrance welcomes applications from all sections of the community including from people with disabilities. As users of the Disability Confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who satisfy the essential criteria for a job vacancy and consider them on their abilities

To join us as our Housing Officer please click apply below.

Be there when it matters.

Sue Ryder is here to make sure everyone approaching the end of their life or living with grief can access the support they need. There is no one size fits all when it comes to how we cope and the help we need, but with our support, no one has to face dying or grief alone. We are there when it matters.

Do you have Individual Giving experience, particularly in supporter stewardship and retention? If so, Sue Ryder has a fantastic opportunity to be our new Individual Giving Officer.

Reporting to the Individual Giving Manager, you will work as part of the Individual Giving Team, stewarding existing supporters and maximising income across a variety of direct marketing campaigns and activities, including: direct mail, email, digital, telephone campaigns, and the national fundraising Lottery.

The successful candidate will be expected to attend our Euston office once a week, although there is some flexibility around this for the right candidate.

Key Knowledge and Experience

• Experience of Individual Giving fundraising or transferable experience.
• Experience of developing compelling marketing materials and copy for print, web and social media.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office packages with advanced Excel experience.
• Experience of supporter stewardship and retention.
• Experience of managing external agency relationships.
• Experience of working with databases (Raisers Edge experience preferable).

Key Responsibilities:

• Planning and delivery of multi-channel direct, telemarketing and digital marketing campaigns; to include briefing in new products, managing timings, campaign budgets, collating feedback and approval from key stakeholders, liaising with suppliers and ensuring materials are compliant and on-brand
• Work with the Individual Giving Retention Manager to forecast income and expenditure for campaigns and ensure spend remains within budget.
• Manage all aspects of effective and inspiring supporter journeys. Reviewing data, cancellations and implementing communications to reduce attrition accordingly
• Responsible for retention telemarketing campaigns, including delivery of fundraiser training, campaign briefing, day-to-day agency management and overseeing compliance

Competitive Benefits Package
- 27 days holiday rising to 33 with length of service plus bank holidays (pro rata if part-time), - Company pension scheme
- EAP support scheme
- Staff discount with thousands of retailers
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- and lots more. Please visit our careers website for the full list.

Closing date: 5 November 2024
Interview date: 13 November 2024

We aim to give all candidates the opportunity to perform at their best during our recruitment process. Please let us know if you require any adjustments at any stage.

If you want more than just a job, we want you.

Join the team and be there when it matters.

Use your leadership skills to inspire people to follow Jesus among the world’s least reached people. 

About us

At Feba, we are passionate about God’s mission and the creative use of radio and audio media to inspire people to follow Jesus. We have a particular heart for people in contexts considered closed, where people might not hear the gospel by any other means or where it’s difficult to be a Christian. These people probably won’t be reached without us, and radio and audio media provide a way of reaching them at scale.

About our development

Since we were established 65 years ago as a shortwave radio ministry much has changed with big shifts in technology, missiology and geopolitics.

We no longer operate radio infrastructure or ‘send’ missionaries from the UK. Instead, we support local people with training, expertise and funding to produce culturally appropriate programmes in a listener’s ‘heart language’ - and to follow up in-person wherever possible.

Our locally-led approach, in line with best-practice in Christian mission, is having greater and more enduring impact, and has enabled our work to expand far beyond our original focus on South Asia to countries across Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

About the role

Feba now seeks a CEO to lead our growth, develop and deliver a strategic plan, embed an empowering, learning culture in our team and build relationships in the UK Church and with our sister organisations around the world.  

About you

You will have experience of leadership in a multi-cultural context, a track record of delivering organisational change, growth, strategy development and execution, and a love of mission. You will come with an empowering, prayerful and servant-hearted leadership style that listens deeply and fosters collaboration.

If this sounds like you we would love to hear from you.

For more details including how to apply please see the appointment details attached. Closing date 27th November

The Silver Line Helpline is recruiting for Helpline Officers to join their fantastic team providing a vital service to older people across the UK. The Silver Line Helpline is a free, confidential telephone service offering friendship, conversation and support to older people, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Representing the values of The Silver Line Helpline and Age UK, you will be the first point of contact for incoming calls from older people in need of support or just a friendly chat. Given the nature of the helpline each day will be varied and you will need to be adaptable to lots of unique situations.

This exciting opportunity is perfect for a friendly individual with effective communication skills and the ability to maintain high standards with an emphasis on empathy, patience and understanding.

Working as part of this supportive team, you will adhere to all safeguarding procedures in order to keep callers safe from potential abuse or neglect.

* We have 5 part-time vacancies working 28 hours per week.

These exciting positions offer hybrid working between home and our Blackpool office, surrounded by excellent amenities. Candidates must be willing to travel to the Blackpool office a minimum of once a week.

Please note that this post does require weekend and bank holiday working on a shift pattern basis.

We will provide a questionnaire for you to complete which includes training dates, hybrid working expectations and example shift patterns.

Must haves:

* Excellent interpersonal skills.
* Good IT literacy.
* Sensitive and empathetic approach.
* Good communication skills, and ability to adapt communication styles.
* Ability to adapt to a variety of situations that present within calls.
* Knowledge and understanding of the impact loneliness and isolation has on older people and their wellbeing.
* Experience of working as part of a team.
* Calm under pressure.

Great to haves:

* Experience of signposting in a helpline environment.
* Knowledge of the needs of older people.
* Flexible to adapt to meet service demands.
* Proficient in data entry and a working knowledge of MS Office applications.
* Experience of working and providing support to older people and / or previous experience of providing telephone support within a helpline environment.
* Experience of communicating effectively with vulnerable older people.
* Knowledge of safeguarding.

What we offer in return

• Competitive salary, 26 days annual leave + bank holidays + annual leave purchase scheme
• Excellent pension scheme, life assurance, health cashback plan and EAP
• Car Benefit Scheme, Cycle to Work Scheme and Season Ticket Loan
• Techscheme - buy any tech from Apple or Currys, up to £1000, and spread the cost over 12 months, interest free
• Blue Light Card Scheme
• You Did It Awards - recognition awards from £100-250.

Additional Information

All CVs will be anonymised by our recruitment system when you apply for a role at Age UK. Please note that our system is unable to anonymise cover letters, and we would therefore ask that to support the work we are doing on making our recruitment selection process fairer and more unbiased, that you remove any personal information from your cover letter/supporting statement, including your name before uploading this. All equalities monitoring information is also anonymised and not shared with the hiring panel. Your name and address will only be known to us once you are invited for an interview.

Age UK is an Equal Opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates, regardless of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital/civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity. We guarantee an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria under the Disability Confident Scheme. Please note that on occasion, due to high numbers of applications, Age UK reserves the right to limit the overall number of interviews offered, and therefore, it may not always be practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people that meet the minimum criteria for the job.

Age UK is committed to safeguarding adults at risk, and children, from abuse and neglect. We expect everyone who works with us to share this commitment.

Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert at any time.

Age UK politely requests no contact from recruitment agencies or media sales. We do not accept speculative CVs from recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

This role is to ensure the College meets its strategic financial and planning goals and objectives by being responsible for the day-to-day operations, including finance, HR, IT, fundraising and development, secretarial & governance and administration. The role is a senior position and the successful candidate will be a member of the Senior Management Team.

About Leo Baeck College

Leo Baeck College is a preeminent institution of Jewish scholarship and learning, combining inspirational, high calibre teaching with a commitment to developing rabbis, other professionals, and lay leaders who will build sustainable, accessible, and thriving Progressive Jewish communities.

The College campus is situated on a seven-acre site in the heart of North London with good transport links to central London. On site, LBC occupies a Grade II listed building where classrooms, seminar rooms, student study rooms and offices are located, along with a cafe.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Finance - Oversee the charity's financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, student finances, financial reporting, preparing the content of the annual Trustees Report & management of the College’s investment portfolio. Supervise and manage third party finance services.
• Fundraising & Development - Support the Principal in developing and delivering the fundraising strategy. Maintain strong relationships with key partners, including donors, alumni and students.
• Strategic Planning & Implementation - Liaise closely with the Principal, Governors and Senior Management Team to develop and implement the strategic plan.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of Leo Baeck College, ensuring that all activities are aligned with the charity's mission and strategic objectives. Supervise one staff member in general administration and facilities management for the site & College premises.
• Governance & Compliance – Strategic oversight to ensure the College adheres to all relevant legal and regulatory requirements including, but not limited to, GDPR, Companies House & the Charity Commission. Liaise and deal with legal and insurance matters.
• HR – Responsible for all HR activities including, but not limited to, contracts, appraisals, performance management, payroll & recruitment. Management of the College’s HR system.
• IT – Responsible for the management of third party contractor ensuring the IT needs of the College are met.

Title: Male Residential Support Worker (this is a live-in role)

Responsible to: Senior Support Worker

Responsible for: Young people living in the accommodation (4 young people aged 16 – 18 years old seeking asylum in the UK).

Location: This is a live-in, residential role based in a supported accommodation home in Loughborough. Some work will be based in our office buildings.

Hours: 25 hours per week on duty – this is a mixture of day, evening and weekend shifts. Two days a week will be off duty.

Leave: Two nights a month can be taken as nights away from the home. This in addition to annual leave allowance. Annual leave - 33 days (converted into hours) pro-rata for number of hours worked

Salary Band: £24,150 - £27,760 per annum pro rata. Equivalent to £16,100 to £18,506 for 25 hours a week.

Benefits in kind: Rent-free accommodation, including Wi-fi, gas, electric and council tax bills.

Contract: Permanent

Start Date: Immediately

Overall Purpose

To provide advice, assistance and support to young people in the home, as a key member of the Support Team, delivering Baca’s service in line with our Vision and Values. The role includes a consistent adult presence in the home. To attend to their practical and emotional needs whilst supporting the development of living skills. To teach them how to manage and look after a home in order to keep it safe and hygienic. To build trusting relationships within the home to enable young people to feel safe and cared for. To act as an excellent role model and to work closely with them and their Support Worker to enable them to make good progress towards independence.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Welcome newly arrived young people into the accommodation, helping them feel safe and able to rest; with compassion without discrimination of age, race, colour or behavioural issues.
• Actively support young people to make progress and develop in the following outcomes; physical wellbeing and emotional wellbeing; personal safety; education and learning; employment and training that is safe and suitable; social engagement (being part of the community and activities outside of the home)
• Be an excellent and positive role model, offering advice, guidance and assistance and consistently modelling behaviours in line with Baca’s values.
• Using Baca’s progress plan, train all young people in living skills and looking after a home such as washing, personal safety, cleaning, cooking and food safety, food shopping and budgeting.
• Providing emotional support at times of difficulty, anxiety or stress.
• Encourage young people settle into and support them to maintain a healthy routine which will include regularly attending education and social activities.
• Act as a co-keyworker for the young people to ensure that their support plans and progress are up to date and that all their needs are being met.
• Enable young people to live with positive values and good boundaries by challenging any unhelpful or unsafe behaviours and encouraging safe and positive behaviours.
• In accordance with the guidelines on Safeguarding and Health and Safety policies, to accept responsibility for working within these guidelines and report any concerns.
• Work collaboratively with the rest of the Rebuild Team to ensure all young people are safeguarded and supported to rebuild their lives.
• Take responsibility for keeping the home clean, by consistently role modelling to and training young people.
• Maintain very good communication with relevant members of the Rebuild Team and relevant social workers
• Ensure regular appropriate reporting requirements are consistently met, meeting regulations set out by Ofsted.
• Complete and update all admin work as part of the role such as month end reports and support plans on time and in a consistent manner.
• Playing an active role in developing knowledge and understanding in areas relevant to the role and especially in the areas of asylum and refugee law, trafficking, supporting separated children and the cultures of different nations relevant to Baca.

To work as part of the team

• Be a role model, leading by example in practicing the Values of Baca.
• Actively participate in the delivery of the aims and objectives of the organisation working collaboratively with colleagues to achieve them.
• Demonstrate curiosity and willingness to learn by be willing to give and receive feedback on performance with colleagues and managers.
• Play an active and supportive role within the organisation.
• Actively participate in team meetings, making a positive contribution to enable young people outcomes to be achieved.
• Maintain strict confidentiality in relation to work undertaken and ensure all confidential material is stored according to Baca’s Confidentiality statement and Data Protection Policy.
• Treat all staff and young people fairly and without prejudice, in line with Baca’s Equality and Diversity Policy.
• Consistently outwork the correct procedures for dealing with any safeguarding incidences or concerns, in line with Baca’s Child, Vulnerable Adult Protection & Safeguarding Policy and whistleblowing.
• Adhere to all Baca’s policies and procedures.

Personal Specification

Baca is looking for a Support Worker who is passionate about seeing unaccompanied young refugees achieving their potential and rebuilding their lives for a better future. The successful applicant will have a personal style that is in line with Baca’s vision and values. They will live in the new arrival house and make it their home. They will be a good self-starter and have excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to inspire our young people to be the best they can be. The successful applicant will be motivated and passionate about the work that Baca does and the young people in our care. They will be very approachable, enjoy working as part of a wider team but also able to manage their own time and workload. Someone who is supportive, approachable, responsible, reliable, personable and willing to set boundaries in line with Baca’s values.

This is a frontline role that will need the successful applicant to be working closely with young people in their houses and will need access to transport young people to different appointments, meetings and activities.

An enhanced DBS check will be required. Shortlisting and interviews will take place as and when applications are received.

Please note: We cannot offer sponsorship for this role as Baca is not on the Home Office list.

Our mission is to supports adults, young people and children living with long-term neurological conditions and/or neuro diversities to access specialist therapies, support, and information in a safe, supportive environment to help them improve their physical and mental well-being.

The Merlin Neuro Therapy Centre, located in mid-Cornwall, is a Cornish charity providing a place of support, therapy, information, and community for people living with a long-term neurological condition and/or those who are neurodiverse. We give financial assistance to our beneficiaries in the form of subsidised specialist therapies. Our purpose built, fully accessible Centre, opened in 2009 and offers physiotherapy; exercise classes; Ayres’ Sensory Integration (ASI) therapy (a discipline of Occupational Therapy), and oxygen therapy. The Primrose Hydrotherapy Pool facility, which was built in the grounds, opened in 2019, providing both individual and group hydrotherapy sessions. 

Living with a long-term health condition brings many challenges, not just for those diagnosed, but also for family members. Symptoms can affect physical, cognitive, emotional, and psychological health. For our clients who have sensory processing difficulties, due to being neurodivergent, everyday situations and relationships can be perplexing and taxing. 

Our main aims are to improve the health and well-being of our community; help people manage their symptoms and situations; and support their main care giver, often a family member. Services are delivered by a highly experienced team, with a broad range of skills and experience in delivering specialist therapies. 

The Role

We are seeking a motivated and results-driven individual to join our team as the Business Development Officer with a commercial sales focus. This role requires a unique blend of fundraising expertise and commercial acumen to drive our vision forward. 

Additionally, this role will focus on developing commercial sales strategies to generate revenue through partnerships, sponsorships, and product sales. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in both fundraising and sales, with a proven track record of achieving targets and building lasting relationships.  

No day is ever the same but as one of our team you can be certain that each day, you’ll be making a real difference to the lives of people who are affected by neurological conditions. 

About you

• Identify, cultivate and manage corporate accounts. Working with the wider Income Generation team, ensure strong stewardship and fulfilment of marketing returns for each corporate account. 

• Plan and attend fundraising and engagement events within the community 

• Identify and attend networking meetings to educate and inform local business about our charities aims, missions and objectives, and opportunities for supporting our charity. 

• Seek out new partnerships that could be beneficial to our charity 

• Woking with the Marketing Manager, support in the creation of marketing for engagement, communication, and fulfilment for corporate accounts. 

• In liaison with the marketing manager provide support with social media, creating content for platforms such as LinkedIn. 

• Attend and speak at a variety events to promote the charity and engage with potential corporate accounts 

• Locate and enrol our charity in business incentives i.e. Charity of the Year. 

• Deliver tours of the centre to supporters autonomously. 

• To assist the Income Generation Team in delivering against their financial and non-financial targets as specified within the corporate fundraising strategy. 

• Be an outstanding advocate for the Merlin Neuro Therapy Centre in line with the core values of the organisation.  

• To act as a spokesperson for the charity when required, including representing at external events as appropriate  

• Attend and support events run by the fundraising teams where required.  

• Gain and maintain in-depth knowledge and understanding of the charity’s work, priorities and future plans, acting as a spokesperson for the Charity when required 

• Any other reasonable duties as required by your line manager. 

Desirable skills and experience

• Proven success in corporate fundraising or leading charity partnerships in a commercial setting 

• Track record of managing corporate accounts 

• Experience or knowledge in commercial sales 

• Experience in working with or volunteering with a charity (desirable, not essential) 

• Confident in speaking in front of a large audience 

• Organised, efficient and able to manage workload effectively 

• Ability to work within a team but also comfortable lone working 

• Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills 

At Refugee Action Kingston (RAK) we're dedicated to helping the successful integration of refugees and people seeking asylum into the local community. With over three decades of experience, we provide a comprehensive range of services including welfare support, immigration and legal advice, education, counselling, and career guidance.  

RAK employs 15 staff and currently has nearly 200 volunteers. In 2023/24 more than 2,000 people benefited from our services: 

• 1,171 clients accessed advice and advocacy services, including immigration advice 

• 305 clients attended our ESOL classes 

• 250 children, young people and families benefited from our after-school and family support services 

• 61 people were supported by our counselling team 

What we can offer you 

• Work in a highly respected organisation punching above its weight – providing quality support to over 2,000 individuals and families a year

• A friendly and supportive environment, with an experienced team of professional teachers, counsellors, solicitors and advisers working to quality standards 

• A collaborative approach to meeting fundraising targets, working with our new Fundraiser and our Partnership and Digital Marketing Coordinator 

• Flexible and hybrid working 

• A committed community in south west London that supports RAK through volunteering, sharing information about our work, and donations

• Real potential for growth and a clear and deliverable strategy already in place 

Our values  

• Empathy: we put ourselves in the shoes of those we work with.  

• Enterprise: we're innovative and resourceful in our approach to supporting refugees and people seeking asylum.  

• Empowerment: we strive to empower our clients, helping them achieve their aspirations.  

Role Overview

Location: We have an office in Kingston Upon Thames, greater London. Flexible and hybrid working is offered to all staff. 

Hours: 35 hours per week (including paid half-hour lunch break) 

Salary: £55,000 to £60,000 per annum permanent

Leave: 26 days per annum plus bank holidays 

Responsible to: Chair of trustees 

As the CEO of Refugee Action Kingston, you'll lead our organisation in supporting refugees and people seeking asylum in south west London to lead fulfilled and independent lives. Your responsibilities will include:  

Strategic leadership  

• Developing and implementing annual plans aligned with our strategy, in collaboration with the Board of Trustees, to achieve desired outcomes.  

• Maintaining efficient systems for the charity's operations, ensuring good governance and financial sustainability.  

• Overseeing all aspects of organisational management including finances, resources, services, and communications, in cooperation with trustees.  

 
Governance and organisational management  

• Working closely with trustees to direct and deliver RAK's objectives according to the charity's strategy.  

• Leading and supporting the RAK team to fulfil objectives, emphasising client needs, monitoring outcomes, and integrating learning into operations.  

• Ensuring compliance with governance requirements, supporting board responsibilities, and contributing to trustee meetings and reporting.  

 
Financial management and human resources  

• Ensuring effective financial management, leading finance and project management teams to maintain controls, preparing reports, and managing spending within budget.  

• Developing organisational structure and processes for positive people and service management, adhering to legislation and quality standards.  

• Fostering a healthy working culture that encourages staff and volunteers to excel, contribute ideas, and embrace diversity.  

 Fundraising  

• Developing and executing RAK's fundraising strategy, exploring new avenues to diversify funding sources.  

• Collaborating with RAK’s fundraiser to cultivate relationships with funders, submitting funding bids, and providing reporting.  

• Focus on growing unrestricted funds to reduce reliance on grants.  

Advocacy and influencing  

• Cultivating strong relationships with stakeholders to amplify the impact of RAK's work.  

• Advocating for the needs of our clients to local authorities, healthcare providers, and other relevant agencies.  

• Maintaining an effective advice and advocacy service, meeting quality standards (AQS & OISC) and regulatory requirements.  

 General duties  

• Undertaking any other related duties as required and appropriate to the role.  

Person specification  
Essential criteria  

1. Leadership and change management: proven track record of leading client-focused services, driving strategic development, and managing change effectively.  
2. Project and programme management: experience in creating and delivering complex projects aligned with strategic objectives.  
3. Fundraising expertise: understanding of fundraising importance in the charitable sector, with a history of successful and innovative fundraising initiatives.  
4. Digital proficiency: ability to harness digital tools so that roles are carried out efficiently and competently.  
5. Financial management: track record of managing budgets and contracts effectively.  
6. Analytical skills: experience in complex report writing and data analysis.  
7. Cultural awareness and commitment to EDI: a track record in promoting equality, diversity and inclusion, specifically in the context of working with refugees and people seeking asylum.  
8. Team leadership: excellent people skills, with the ability to empower and motivate staff and volunteers to operate effectively.  
9. Partnership building: strong ability to build partnerships, manage coalitions, and maintain positive relationships with stakeholders.  
10. Communication skills: excellent communication and persuasion skills, including experience in public speaking.  
11. Governance knowledge: understanding of governance principles in the voluntary or public sector.  
12. Safeguarding: experience in leading on safeguarding and health and safety.  

Desirable Criteria  

1. Asylum system knowledge: lived experience related to displacement and migration is highly desirable together with an understanding of the asylum system.  
2. Policy and advocacy: experience in asylum-related policy or advocacy work.  
3. Commercial awareness: experience in negotiating with statutory, local, or voluntary organisations/authorities.  

Our workplace 

We want RAK to be a great place to work and to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce. A vital part of this is ensuring we are a truly inclusive organisation that encourages diversity in all respects, including diversity of thought.

RAK is an equal opportunities employer.  We are committed to recruiting staff, trustees and volunteers who reflect the communities we serve and the wider community of London where we live and work. We particularly welcome applications from people: from Black, Asian and other minority-ethnic communities; refugee and migrant backgrounds; LGBTQ+ communities; with disabilities; and neurodiverse communities. 
 
Asking for adjustments - RAK is committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and as accessible as possible for everyone. This includes making changes for neurodiverse people, people with disabilities or long-term health conditions. If you would like us to do anything differently during the application, interview, or assessment process, including providing information in an alternative format, please get in touch via the contact details on our website. 
 
RAK is obliged to comply with the Asylum and Immigration Act (1996), and this requires certain documents to be presented by candidates before an offer of employment can be made. If you are invited to interview, we will ask you to bring these documents with you. For jobs which involve, for example, working with, or having access to children and/or vulnerable adults and their records, we will require an Enhanced Disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau and need to have information from you regarding any previous, existing, or pending convictions or cautions. This will form part of the recruitment process if you are successful after interview.

​

PLEASE NOTE: Although this role is homebased, candidates MUST be based in the north or south west of England.  The ability to undertake regular travel across Southwest or North England is essential.

About LawWorks

What we do 

LawWorks is the operating name of the Solicitors Pro Bono Group. We are a charity, and our aim is to enable access to justice through supporting and developing the contribution of legal pro bono.

With support from the Law Society of England and Wales, we encourage, facilitate and celebrate pro bono across the solicitor profession and at law schools in England and Wales.

Who we work with 

We work primarily with solicitors (firms and in-house teams), and also with law schools and law students, and other legal and non-legal volunteers and organisations.

LawWorks has around 150 member organisations including some of the largest City firms and international firms with an office in London, national, regional and local firms, in-house teams, law schools and charities.

Who we are 

LawWorks is a relatively small organisation with 18 members of staff (5 full-time) and a small team of volunteers and interns.  We operate a flexible working policy, with several members of staff working hybrid, or where appropriate, from home.

We are a busy and (for our size) complex charity, with a friendly team, a positive ethos and a commitment to doing all we can to ensure LawWorks is a strong and efficient organisation and a great place to work. 

Our projects 

There are a number of key strands to our work to support and facilitate pro bono:

• we support a growing network of around 300 local independent pro bono advice clinics across England and Wales. We work with lawyers, advice agencies, charities and others to establish or develop new clinics, and provide ongoing information and support, training and resources, for clinic volunteers and coordinators; 

• our Not-for-Profits Programme facilitates the provision of free legal advice for smaller charities and not-for-profit organisations, supported by volunteer lawyers from LawWorks’ members; 

• our Secondary Specialisation Programme supports the development of more ‘in-depth’ pro bono in areas of social welfare law.  This currently includes an unpaid wages project and ‘Voices for Families’, with the charity Together for Short Lives, supporting parents and carers of children with life-limiting conditions;

• we support collaborative projects including: Pro Bono Connect: a project which facilitates barristers and solicitors working together on pro bono cases; the Domestic Abuse Response Alliance and IP Pro Bono. 

• we have launched new online tools and digital platforms including a website called ‘Free Legal Answers’ and the Pro Bono Portal UK (with Justice Connect, an Australian access to justice charity). 

In addition to encouraging and supporting pro bono delivery, we also work to address barriers to justice and to provide a ‘policy voice’ for pro bono - for example, working to address regulatory and other barriers to pro bono volunteering, and working with our members and others to influence policy on legal aid and other aspects of access to justice.

The role 

Our experience in the different regions in England and Wales has shown the valueof having staff based locally to support pro bono initiatives, develop new pro bono opportunities and to increase engagement from the local legal profession. 

This role will include helping to develop and support your own set of clinics, building on existing relationships in the Southwest or North of England.  You will work with our members and the local advice sector to support the development of new pro bono clinics to meet unmet legal needs. We take an innovative, tailored approach to the support we provide, and you will provide one-to one support for individual clinics, allowing you to identify and address need, providing help with insurance, regulatory queries, finding volunteers and access to online tools.

A small part of the role (1 day per week) will involve working closely with the part-time Engagement & Training Officer (Wales) focusing on expanding stakeholder engagement to increase the number of independent legal advice clinics in Wales and promote pro bono involvement by the legal profession. You will work to identify and engage new stakeholders, develop training sessions and support impact monitoring. This role will also work closely with the Clinic Support and Development Officer (Wales), who acts as the first point of contact for guidance and support for clinics in Wales. 

Key priorities for this role will be: 

• To provide guidance and support to independent pro bono clinics registered with the LawWorks Clinics Network in the Southwest or North of England; 

• To increase the number of individuals in Southwest or North England provided with free legal advice at clinics in the LawWorks Clinics Network by identifying opportunities for new pro bono advice clinics, supporting local stakeholders to develop new services to meet unmet legal needs in their area; 

• To support and grow pro bono volunteering and LawWorks’ membership (e.g., law firms and in-house legal teams); 

• To identify the training needs of LawWorks’ members, clinics and their volunteers in Southwest or North England, working with colleagues to arrange regional training and other events. 

• To support the Engagement & Training Officer (Wales) with the delivery of the training plan in Wales. 

• To lead on communications with LawWorks’ members, clinics and their volunteers in Southwest or North England. 

We are looking for a confident networker who is able to identify opportunities andestablish new partnerships. All of LawWorks’ work is delivered through partnerships so it is essential that the candidate is personable, collaborative and an effective communicator. 

A background in the legal or advice sector will be an advantage, but not essential - training and support will be provided for someone from another sector who is passionate about pro bono and access to justice and willing to learn. Experience of managing multiple projects and seeing them through to completion will also be an advantage. 

The role offers variety, autonomy, the opportunity to help develop new initiatives from idea to launch, and a chance to support local communities and volunteer lawyers. 

The position will be predominantly home based, with some travel throughout the Southwest or North of England, and occasional travel to LawWorks’ office in central London. 

Primary purpose of role  

To increase the amount and quality of pro bono legal advice being delivered in the Southwest or North of England and Wales through legal advice clinics, working with the local legal profession, law schools, advice agencies and other stakeholders, to identify new pro bono opportunities and ways in which LawWorks can better support the delivery of pro bono. 

Key task areas and duties  

• To develop relationships with law firms, legal teams, free legal advice clinics and other relevant stakeholders to identify their needs, plans and priorities in relation to pro bono. 

• To facilitate sharing between stakeholders in the region to identify best practice, local opportunities for collaborative working and local training and support needs, and to assist in taking these forward.

• Support LawWorks’ clinic development work in the region, in line with annual support and development targets. 

• As the first point of contact for our stakeholders in the Southwest or North, support clinics and members with troubleshooting queries, accessing resources and ensuring that contact information and website content related to their services is kept up to date. 

• To work with the wider LawWorks team to support member recruitment and the delivery of local engagement events. 

• To work with clinics in the region to support data collection, evaluation and impact assessment for internal and donor purposes and to inform policy. 

• To contribute to the overall development and running of LawWorks, undertaking any other tasks which may from time to time be required. 

Person Specification 

Essential 

• Experience of working on (or demonstrable ability to deliver) comparable or similar projects (e.g., involving networking, support and project development) 
• Experience of excellent of stakeholder support, relationship building, and collaborative working 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including making presentations 
• Excellent interpersonal skills and confident in networking with people of varying seniority and backgrounds 
• Experience of devising and following project plans, and ensuring personal and organisational targets are met or exceeded 
• Experience of working effectively in a partnership or team to achieve shared objectives 
• Ability to undertake regular travel across Southwest or North England is essential. This may involve early starts, late finishes and occasional overnight stays 
• Ability to work on your own initiative and as part of a team, and confidence in your ability to develop strategies to overcome the challenges of working remotely from the rest of your team 
• A genuine commitment to driving forward LawWorks’ aims and work to meet the needs of our beneficiaries 
• A demonstratable commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion 

Desireable

• Good knowledge of legal advice clinics and the context in which they operate, including how law schools and the legal profession engage in volunteering 
• Previous experience working at a membership/network-based organisation, and/or working with volunteers 
• Experience of coordinating events or training (online and in-person) 
• A sound understanding of web-based communications and strong IT skills 

People living with Parkinson's value the services and opportunities Parkinson’s UK provides, delivered by committed and skilled colleagues, volunteers and partner organisations. Following an investment of 1.5 million we have the opportunity to build on the quality and reach of our community services. 

About the role

As members of the Community Directorate we aim to reach out to and support people with Parkinson’s, their families, friends and carers.  We enable the voice of people affected by Parkinson’s to be heard to improve services, inform our priorities and improve decision making locally. 

Through community development we work in close collaboration with our Parkinson’s community to bring change on the issues that matter most to people affected by Parkinson’s.

You’ll provide high quality business support to the Northern Ireland Director and team. 

What you’ll do:

• Provide administrative support to the Director of Northern Ireland
• Provide first point of contact for all internal and external stakeholders
• Organise online and in-person, internal and external meetings and other events, including booking venues and refreshments, assisting with the production of materials, fulfilling mailings and taking bookings as required
• Work across the team in Northern Ireland to ensure our records are up to date on all the current activities we and others support and that these are recorded on the local activity database
• Keep up to date with the directorate’s activities in order to provide clear, accurate information

What you’ll bring:

• Experience of team administration or supporting a senior executive
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and negotiate when required at all levels internally and externally. 
• Ability to work co-productively with people living with Parkinson’s
• Excellent administration skills, including note-taking, presentation preparation and a positive, assertive and resilient approach to prioritising and juggling varying pressures and conflicting priorities 
• Experience in coordinating multiple projects simultaneously that meet the business requirements

This is an exciting time for Parkinson’s UK and we would love you to join us!

Please apply by sending us your CV, together with a detailed supporting statement which will fully demonstrate how you meet all the criteria of the role, as stated in the "What you'll bring" section of the job description.

We are operating rolling recruitment for this vacancy and reviewing applications as they are received. We reserve the right to close this vacancy when we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

The successful candidate will be required to: 

• live in the area specified (Northern Ireland) and be able to travel freely and flexibly around these areas and occasionally further afield without reliance on public transport
• provide their own broadband service with a minimum download speed of 2Mb 
• have a confidential space in which to work

Anyone can get Parkinson’s. It’s vital that the people who work for Parkinson’s UK are representative of our diverse community. We actively encourage people from all sections of the community to apply, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation, or religion.

About us

We’re Breast Cancer Now, the research and support charity. We’re the place to turn to for anything and everything to do with breast cancer. However you’re experiencing breast cancer, we’re here. 

The brightest minds in breast cancer research are here. Making life-saving research happen in labs across the UK and Ireland. Support services, trustworthy breast cancer information and specialist nurses are here. Ready to support you whenever you need it. Dedicated campaigners are here. Fighting for the best possible treatment, services and care for anyone affected by breast cancer.

About the role

We’re here for anyone affected by breast cancer. And we’re only here because of the amazing people that work with us.

We’re looking for a marketing officer to join our busy brand marketing and planning team, to work on our health information and support marketing. It’s an exciting time to join the team and Breast Cancer Now as we continue to make progress towards our ambition to be recognised as the place to turn for anything and everything to do with breast cancer.

You’ll be working closely with services, nursing and health information teams and responsible for delivering innovative and effective marketing communications which grows awareness of Breast Cancer Now’s health information and support offer amongst key audiences.

You’ll use your skills and experience to work across a full range of paid and owned channels to collaborate with both in-house and external, creative and media agencies to increase the reach and engagement of Breast Cancer Now’s support offer by planning and implementing targeted communications and campaigns.

About you

You will have good experience managing marketing campaigns across a range of media channels and a demonstrable interest in health marketing.

A well organised person with excellent communication skills, you will be confident managing external agencies and suppliers, as well as an in-house creative studio and in house digital team.

We have a wide portfolio of campaigns that sit closely with teams across the whole organisation and you will work closely alongside internal stakeholders – all of which require excellent relationship building and stakeholder management skills. You will need to be comfortable managing several campaigns simultaneously as well as enjoy looking for fresh ways to deliver long-standing campaigns.

If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you!

Job description and benefits

Please download the job description and our attractive benefits package.

Primary location of role and hybrid working

This role is primarily based in our London office. Our hybrid working model allows you to work up to 3 days per week at home.

When applying

We hope you choose to apply for this role. To support your application, you’ll be asked to submit your anonymised CV and a supporting statement. Please refer to the essential criteria on the person specification and clearly provide as much information as you can with examples, to demonstrate how and where you meet the criteria. If you’ve any immediate questions please contact the Recruitment Team

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

We’re committed to promoting equity, valuing diversity and creating an inclusive environment – for everyone who works for us, works with us, supports us and who we support.

Closing date: Monday 11th  November 2024 at 9am

Interview date: Monday 18th, Tuesday 19th and Wednesday 20th November 2024

Location: To cover the Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire and Thames Valley area 

Working pattern: Remote work with frequent travel required. You will be expected to deliver a face-to-face service to clients in their own home or safe meeting place within the South and Central area. 

Deadline for applications: 1st November 2024 (we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications)

Interviews to be conducted: Early November 

Start date in role: 6th January 2025 

Rare opportunity: Help those affected by road crashes and create lasting change with Brake, the renowned road safety charity. 

Who we are: Brake has been supporting victims of road carnage since 1995, and we're on a mission to prevent future collisions. Every 20 minutes, someone is killed or seriously injured on our roads, impacting lives profoundly. 

Join our team: We're expanding our National Road Victim Service and need a dedicated caseworker to join our dynamic, compassionate team. Your role will involve delivering world-class support services to those at their most vulnerable. 

Not your average job: This isn't a 9 to 5. You could play a significant part in rolling out trauma-informed support services nationwide. Make a real difference in the lives of those affected by road crashes. 

What we offer: 

• A generous 35 days of annual leave (including bank holidays and 3-day shutdown period between Christmas and New Year, pro-rata for part-time working patterns) 

• Birthday day off 

• Enhanced sick pay and compassionate leave 

• Death in service benefit 

• Pension 

• Employee Assistance Programme 

• Flexible working 

• A rewarding role with purpose 

• Be part of a skilled, friendly team with an engaged Board of Trustees  

Who you are: We need passionate, self-starters with a background in providing high-quality emotional support and advocacy. Your experience in roles within the police, criminal justice, counselling, caseworker or health and social care sectors could make you an ideal candidate.

Specifically seeking candidates with: 

• frontline support service experience 

• a full, clean UK driving licence, access to your own transport and are willing to use it for work purposes (we reimburse travelling expenses) 

• experience supporting people who have suffered sudden bereavement or working with those with heightened vulnerabilities. 

• research and advocacy skills – you will reach out to other organisations to support your cases where required 

• competent IT skills for remote work 

Join our mission: Your greatest reward will be knowing you've made a positive difference in someone's recovery from psychological trauma. 

About us: Brake is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity. We welcome your application whatever your background or situation. We particularly welcome applications from those who are part of the global majority, the LGBTQIA+ community or disabled. We are proud to be a disability confident employer. We don’t want you to ‘fit’ our culture, we want you to enrich it. So, if you have a passion for making a difference and share in our vision for a world where no one is killed on our roads, we would love to hear from you. 

Apply now: If you're up for a new challenge and have the skills, apply now. 

Not for traffic offenders: Due to the nature of our work we can't accept applications from traffic offenders. Candidates will be asked to disclose whether they have any unspent points on their licence at interview. 

A DBS check is required due to the sensitive nature of our service. 

Join us today and be part of the solution!