Team leader jobs in leicester city centre, leicester

About the role

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

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

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

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

Your team will deliver the following programmes:

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

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

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

Key responsibilities include:

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

• Meet performance targets as directed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Act as a deputy safeguarding lead at Kinship

Essential requirements include:

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

How to apply

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

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

Key Dates

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

About Kinship

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Key relationships

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Support Coordinator

We’re looking for an innovative, passionate, and professional individual with excellent communication and organisational skills to join the Stroke Recovery Service based in Lincolnshire. This is an exciting opportunity to work with stroke survivors and their families to provide stroke recovery support following a stroke.

There are two positions available:

1 x 28 hours per week – This is a fixed term contract until 31 March 2026

1 x 21 hours per week – This is a fixed term contract until 31 March 2026

Position: S11265 Stroke Support Coordinator

Location: Home-based Lincolnshire, however, frequent travel will be required as part of this role (may include team meetings or other work-related meetings)

Salary: Salary circa £21,948 per annum for 28 hours per week and £16,461 per annum for 21 hours per week (FTE circa £27,435 per annum)

Contract: Services are contracted and there is currently funding for this contract until 31 March 2026. 

Benefits: 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (this will increase with service up to 30 days, full time equivalent) cashback and discount scheme, employee assistance programme, learning and development, pension scheme, Life Assurance, Eye Care vouchers, Long Service Award, Tax-free childcare, Health Cash Plan, Working Pattern Agreement, flexible working opportunities available.

Closing Date: 18 May 2025. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. 

Interview Date: To be confirmed

Interviews will be held via video conferencing. Please let us know if this will present any challenges when you email your application.

The Role

The service aims to identify and address the needs of stroke survivors and carers across the stroke pathway, by providing a range of innovative support solutions, supporting them to meet their desired outcomes. A key part of the role will be to support service users and the delivery of the service.

Reporting to the Stroke Service Delivery Coach, the Stroke Support Coordinator will:

• Support new stroke survivors and their carers from hospital discharge into the community.

• Take a person centred approach to goal setting and support to enable stroke survivors and their carers to improve communication

• Provide personalised information, advice and support.

• Support stroke survivors to make informed lifestyle changes, which will help them to prevent further strokes.

• Work collaboratively with NHS colleagues and other areas of the community to make a difference in the lives of people affected by stroke.

About You

You will have:

• Experience/background in a caring profession, ideally supporting people with disabilities

• Excellent IT skills and an ability to maintain accurate records.

• An affinity with the values of the Association.

• A flexible approach and an ability to effectively manage a caseload.

This role requires extensive travel across a large geographical locality to visit people at home and in community settings. Candidates must be able to demonstrate how they can meet this requirement of the role 

To fulfil the role, you must be a resident of the UK and have the right to work in the UK. 

When you click to apply, you will be able to see the full responsibilities and person specification for further information on the role. 

Please submit your CV and a supporting statement of no more than two pages demonstrating how you meet the person specification and what you bring to the role in terms of your skills and experience. Please state how many hours you are applying for.

If you are applying under the Disability Confident scheme, please indicate this in your supporting statement.

Finding strength through support

The organisation is the only charity in the UK providing lifelong support for all stroke survivors and their families. Providing tailored support to tens of thousands of stroke survivors each year. This support includes one-to-one and group support, funding vital scientific research into stroke prevention, acute treatment, recovery and long-term care, and campaigning to secure the best care for everyone affected by stroke.

They are here for stroke survivors and their loved ones, from the moment they enter the new and frightening post-stroke world, supporting them every step of the way as they find their strength and their way back to life. 

It’s only thanks to the generosity of supporters and donors that they can provide vital support.

The Association is driven by an ambition to improve the lives of everyone affected by stroke. This means they’re determined to create an equitable and inclusive workplace that benefits from the difference, and thrives on the diversity, of our people. Guided by an approach to solving inequity in stroke, the team are prioritising listening to, and learning from, lived experience across the charity.

The charity are working to improve the representation of this lived experience at all levels within the Association and are eager to recruit applicants from a variety of communities and backgrounds. We are keen to receive applications from people affected by stroke, people of colour, members of LGBT+ communities, and disabled people because these identities and experiences are underrepresented and would add enormous value to how the organisation work.

A Disability Confident employer, the organisation is making great progress focusing on flexible working, reasonable adjustments and access to work. The charity has a variety of staff network groups and are committed to continuously improving diversity and inclusion efforts. If you have questions, or access needs, we’re happy to discuss any support and adjustments we can make throughout the recruitment process so that you’re able to contribute your best in a way that meets your needs.

You may also have experience in areas such as Care Coordinator, Stroke Support, Stroke, Care, Care Worker, Support Worker, Carer, Care Team Leader, Support Team Leader, Volunteering Manager, Volunteer Coordinator, Support Group, Support and Advice, Social Care, Carer Support, Support Service. #INDNFP

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

Are you a dynamic leader with a passion for delivering high-quality testing solutions? Join us as a Portfolio Delivery Test Lead and drive excellence in our testing processes!

�� Location: Hybrid/remote (expectation to travel to key national sites as business requires)

⌚ Contract Type: Permanent, 35 hours per week

�� Salary:

• Starting from £46,434.55 - £51,078.01 for base locations outside of London, dependant on experience and location
• Starting from £51,078.01 - £56,185.81 for base locations inside of London, dependent on experience and location

What is a Portfolio Delivery Test Lead?

As Portfolio Delivery Test Lead (a new role to MSIUK) you will oversee testing and lead the UAT (User Acceptance Testing) for all new MSI UK system deployments, responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing UAT to ensure that the solution meets business requirements and is ready for deployment.

You will work closely with the Project Managers, Products team, Business Intelligence team, Digital, IT teams, Governance, Contact Centre, Clinical colleagues and Operations, Clinical Safety, UK Learning & Development team, Global Information Services and all colleagues across the business

The objective of this role is to ensure any DDaT deployment to the business is fit for purpose, fully tested and accepted by the business to improve the client journey with MSI UK, on small pathway changes to larger projects alongside process improvements to enhance the client experience and overall business.  The role will support other teams in DDaT such as test and release or regression testing with the Product team.

What can we offer you?

• �� Expenses incurred while traveling outside your base location will be reimbursed.
• �� Birthday Bonus with an additional day of annual leave dedicated to celebrating your birthday and long service recognition rewards programme
• �� Perks and discounts at over 4000 retail and hospitality outlets through the Blue Light Card

In addition to the perks outlined above, there are many more benefits alongside what is written above for you to enjoy. Find out more during your interview!

What you’ll be doing:

• Design and implement fit-for-purpose UAT frameworks aligned with business goals.
• Create detailed test plans, cases, and criteria to reflect business requirements.
• Manage a test environment mirroring production, including representative test data.
• Define UAT timelines and milestones to keep projects on track.
• Collaborate with users to create actionable test scripts and scenarios.
• Lead testing, track progress, and manage defects with prioritisation and retesting.
• Ensure testing rigor, support methodology development, and oversee collection of test evidence.

What we’re looking for:

• Previous experience as a Test Lead, managing UAT processes, including test plans, cases, and scripts.
• Proven ability to use, manage, and suggest automated testing tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to simplify complex use cases.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of explaining technical concepts clearly to end-users and non-IT staff.
• Solid understanding of risk and issue mitigation, with the ability to escalate when necessary.
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong technical and strategic thinking skills, able to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Deep understanding of the agile product development lifecycle, including product strategy, story writing, requirements definition, backlog prioritisation, development, QA, and launch.
• Familiarity with the current and emerging digital and technological landscape, and how it aligns with organisational goals.
• Willingness to work outside core hours (including weekends) and travel as needed.

Support Coordinator

This is an exciting opportunity to work with stroke survivors and their families to support them following stroke. We are looking for an innovative, passionate, and professional individual with excellent interpersonal and organisational skills to join the Stroke Recovery Service based in Crewe.

This is an exciting opportunity to work with stroke survivors and their families to support them following a stroke.

Position: S11268 Stroke Support Coordinator

Location: Home-based – Crewe, Cheshire. However, extensive travel will be required as part of this role (may include team meetings or other work-related meetings)

Hours: Part-time, 21 hours per week

Salary: Circa £16,461 per annum per annum (FTE circa £27,435 per annum)

Contract: Permanent. Services are contracted and there is currently funding for this contract until 31 March 2026.

Benefits: 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (this will increase with service up to 30 days, full time equivalent) cashback and discount scheme, employee assistance programme, learning and development, pension scheme, Life Assurance, Eye Care vouchers, Long Service Award, Tax-free childcare, Health Cash Plan, Working Pattern Agreement, flexible working opportunities available.

Closing Date: 4 May 2025. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. 

Interview Date: 12 May and 13 May 2025

Interviews will be held via video conferencing. Please let us know if this will present any challenges when you email your application.

The Role

Reporting to the Service Delivery Coach, you will have the ability to support stroke survivors to identify their goals. Using strong assessment skills and a person-centred approach enabling them to maximise their recovery and improve communication.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Supporting new stroke survivors and their carers from hospital discharge into the community.

• Provide personalised information, advice and support.

• Supporting stroke survivors to make informed lifestyle changes which will help them to prevent further strokes.

• Work collaboratively with NHS colleagues and other areas of the community to make a difference in the lives of people affected by stroke.

About You

You will have experience in:

• Experience/background in a caring profession, ideally supporting people with disabilities

• Excellent IT skills and an ability to maintain accurate records.

• An affinity with the values of the Stroke Association.

• A flexible approach and an ability to effectively manage a caseload.

This role requires extensive travel across a large geographical locality to visit people at home and in community settings. Candidates must be able to demonstrate how they can meet this requirement of the role 

To fulfil the role, you must be a resident of the UK and have the right to work in the UK. 

When you click to apply, you will be able to see the full responsibilities and person specification for further information on the role. 

Please submit your CV, (including details of your current address), and a supporting statement of no more than two pages, demonstrating how you meet the person specification and what you bring to the role in terms of your skills and experience. 

If you are applying under the Disability Confident scheme, please indicate this in your supporting statement.

Finding strength through support

The organisation is the only charity in the UK providing lifelong support for all stroke survivors and their families. Providing tailored support to tens of thousands of stroke survivors each year. This support includes one-to-one and group support, funding vital scientific research into stroke prevention, acute treatment, recovery and long-term care, and campaigning to secure the best care for everyone affected by stroke.

They are here for stroke survivors and their loved ones, from the moment they enter the new and frightening post-stroke world, supporting them every step of the way as they find their strength and their way back to life. 

It’s only thanks to the generosity of supporters and donors that they can provide vital support.

The Association is driven by an ambition to improve the lives of everyone affected by stroke. This means they’re determined to create an equitable and inclusive workplace that benefits from the difference, and thrives on the diversity, of our people. Guided by an approach to solving inequity in stroke, the team are prioritising listening to, and learning from, lived experience across the charity.

The charity are working to improve the representation of this lived experience at all levels within the Association and are eager to recruit applicants from a variety of communities and backgrounds. We are keen to receive applications from people affected by stroke, people of colour, members of LGBT+ communities, and disabled people because these identities and experiences are underrepresented and would add enormous value to how the organisation work.

A Disability Confident employer, the organisation is making great progress focusing on flexible working, reasonable adjustments and access to work. The charity has a variety of staff network groups and are committed to continuously improving diversity and inclusion efforts. If you have questions, or access needs, we’re happy to discuss any support and adjustments we can make throughout the recruitment process so that you’re able to contribute your best in a way that meets your needs.

You may also have experience in areas such as Care Coordinator, Stroke Support, Stroke, Care, Care Worker, Support Worker, Carer, Care Team Leader, Support Team Leader, Volunteering Manager, Volunteer Coordinator, Support Group, Support and Advice, Social Care, Carer Support, Support Service. #INDNFP

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

Reporting to: Director of Policy and Engagement 

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

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

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

Contract Length: Permanent 

Salary: £54,500 - £56,500 

BACKGROUND

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

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

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

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

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

*Food Foundation Insecurity Tracker Jan 2025

JOB PURPOSE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

· Develop and monitor annual team budgets

General

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role

 PERSON SPECIFICATION

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Desirable

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

Skills and Abilities

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHAT WE OFFER

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

Please find attached our job pack

APPLICATION PROCCESS

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

Shortlisting - w/c 5th May

Interview 1 - 15th and 16th May

Interview 2 - w/c 21st May

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

Elrha is a global organisation that finds solutions to complex humanitarian problems through research and innovation. We are looking for a Senior Innovation Manager (Scale) to join our Humanitarian Innovation Fund (HIF) team on a fixed-term contract until 31 March 2026. 

In this role you will ensure high-quality, impactful innovation delivery while positioning Elrha as a global leader in humanitarian innovation. You will be responsible for the provision of strategic technical insights in the design and delivery of focused innovation initiatives and drive the strategic development and integration of innovation methods across our work.

If you have substantial experience in innovation delivery and practice, with a focus on impact, we are keen to hear from you. We welcome applicants with development, social and humanitarian innovation experience.

Your application will need to demonstrate: 

• Substantial experience in innovation delivery and practice roles, including leading the design and delivery of innovation programmes with a focus on impact at scale. 
• Deep technical knowledge of innovation theory and practice, specially including the area of scaling of innovation 
• Proven understanding of the humanitarian and/or development system, including the challenges and key stakeholders within the sector(s) 
• Excellent representation skills, including extensive experience facilitating workshops, speaking at events/meetings, and communicating effectively in a range of formats 
• Track record of published research, guidance and tools on innovation theory and practice (academic and/or grey literature) 
• An interest in the humanitarian or development sectors, ideally demonstrated through academic qualifications and/or paid or voluntary work.

Experience of working with grant making processes and systems would also be an advantage. 

If you want to be part of an organisation that creates positive change in the humanitarian sector, then join us and we'll give you every opportunity to succeed.   

We offer: 

• Remote working as standard – staff can access office bases in London, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Manchester if required/ appropriate. We expect staff to attend team meetings and away days in person as required. 
• As standard we work 35 hours per week. We are also happy to discuss flexible working patterns and many of our staff work non-standard working hours. 
• Our benefits include minimum 5% employer pension contribution (3% employee contribution), life cover, organisational sick pay, family friendly pay and leave schemes; 26-day basic annual leave entitlement with incremental increase depending on length of service (plus bank holidays), opportunities for learning and development, a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and retail discounts platform. 
• Please read through the Information for Candidates document for further information about working at Elrha including information about Our Values, Strategy, Benefits and Salaries. 

Note for applicants: 

• Candidates must have the independent right to work in UK, and be resident in the UK, at the time of appointment as we are unable to support visa sponsorship for this role. 
• Please read through the job description for a detailed list of requirements, and ensure you complete the personal statement to explain how you feel you meet the requirements of the role and why you feel this is next career move for you. Applications without this information will not be shortlisted. 
• Elrha is an independent subsidiary of SCUK and benefits from some SCUK systems and processes. 
• We reserve the right to close the advert early should we receive a very high volume of applications. 
• We do not use recruitment agencies. 

Closing date: 11:59am Thursday 8 May 2025 
Interview date: Thursday 22 May 2025 

Would you like to see God’s generosity overflowing in church communities across Leicester and Leicestershire?

We are seeking a focused proactive fundraiser with a deep understanding of church life to increase Parish Contribution income in the Diocese of Leicester.

If you have:
- Understanding and belief in the importance of generous Christian giving in discipleship and church life
- Enthusiasm to equip and resource lay and ordained people to confidently lead generous churches
- Experience in helping communities see things in new ways and adopt new approaches

…then we are keen to consider your application for this role.

Key Responsibilities
Reporting to the Director of Finance, you will:
- Protect and grow Parish Contributions from churches
- Undertake targeted work to help Minster Communities fund their paid ministry
- Engage with church leaders to promote the theology and culture of giving

In your role, you will act as a consultant to churches from a variety of contexts to help them develop a strong culture of generosity and build financial resilience.

For an informal conversation about the post, contact Simon Wilson, Director of Finance, at simon.wilson@ leicestercofe .org

Additional Information
- We encourage applications from UKME/GMH candidates, who are currently under-represented in the organisation.
- The Diocese of Leicester, part of the Church of England, is committed to safeguarding, care, and nurture of everyone within our church community. We follow the Church of England's Safeguarding Policies and relevant statutory legislation and guidance. A Basic DBS check is required for this post.

Important Dates
- Closing Date: Sunday 4th May
- Interview Date: Monday 12th May

There is an occupational requirement that the postholder is a Christian.

Everyone deserves a decent place to live. Join Habitat for Humanity Great Britain as our new Finance Manager and support people to find a safe, affordable home.

Are you an experienced and effective finance professional looking to make a difference in the charity sector? Habitat for Humanity is seeking a Finance Manager to take day-to-day responsibility for our financial systems and procedures, and so promote the long-term sustainability of our organisation.

Reporting to the Director of Finance and working closely with the Senior Leadership Team and colleagues across the organisation, you will be a key person ensuring that our financial data is complete and accurate, overseeing reporting to our programme funders and our international network, and ensuring best practice in all aspects of financial management. You’ll supervise the Database and Income Processing Officer and the Finance Assistant (position currently vacant). 

 Job Title: Finance Manager

 Department: Finance, Operations & Compliance

 Reports to: Finance Director

Budget responsibility: Yes

 Line management: 2 direct reports

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

About Habitat for Humanity Great Britain

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

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

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

Job Purpose

As our Finance Manager, reporting to the Director of Finance and working closely with the Senior Leadership Team and colleagues across the organisation, you will be a key person ensuring that our financial data is complete and accurate, overseeing reporting to our programme funders and our international network, and ensuring best practice in all aspects of financial management. You’ll supervise the Database and Income Processing Officer and the Finance Assistant (position currently vacant).

Key responsibilities

Ensure the integrity of financial data and controls, including budgeting, forecasting, Treasury and cash flow management

· Prepare data ready for monthly accounts, reports, and financial statements. This will include the normal monthly journals, reconciliations, and checks

· Support financial planning, risk management, and decision-making

· Liaise as necessary with colleagues in Habitat for Humanity’s international network for reporting and efficient transmission of funds to overseas affiliates

· Manage payroll, tax returns, and financial reporting for funders

· Provide leadership to finance team members and develop financial policies

Accountabilities and Responsibilities

 Purchasing / Expenditure

· Administering commitment and invoice approvals in line with our Delegation of Authority

· Coordinating and verifying expense coding by non-finance staff

· Administering transfers to international partners according to policy

· Other ad hoc payments, including foreign currency transactions

· Reconciling supplier accounts each month

· Ensuring VAT records are accurate and returns made on time

· Maintaining auditable financial records

Income / Donations

· Manage income processing team

· Working with fund-raising teams to ensure all income is appropriately coded and documented

· Importing grants and donations from the CRM system (Raiser’s Edge) to the accounting system and reconciling to bank

· Regular reconciliations between the accounting and CRM systems

· Coding, processing and reconciling other income

· Assisting with Gift Aid claims

Bank

· Administering weekly payment runs and coordinating on-time authorisations

· Processing international transfers

· Currency and treasury management

· Bank account reconciliations

General queries

· Dealing politely and efficiently with questions from inside and outside the organisation

· Dealing assertively and effectively with cases of any deviations from policies and procedures

Record keeping

· Complete and accurate record keeping bearing in mind detailed level of audit compliance

· Logical filing of evidence of transactions, primarily electronic.

Month- and Quarter-End processes

· Preparing nominal journals, such as accruals/prepayments, payroll allocations, depreciation

· Monthly reconciliations of balance sheet accounts.

Other duties

 · Checking Employee Expenses Claims (processed by the Office Manager) and final processing

· Assisting Director of Finance and other relevant staff with finance-related questions

· Assisting with the annual audit and preparation of financial statements

· Additional finance admin duties as required

· Run donor budget reports for the Europe region office and internal stakeholders

What we’re looking for

 · A qualified or part-qualified finance professional with at least 3 years’ experience in charity finance, including fund accounting

· Skills in financial control, compliance, management, and reporting

· Knowledge of accounting software (Sage50 and Sun ideally) and downstream spreadsheet and similar tools; a willingness to learn new ways of handling data

· Good summarising and communication skills with the ability to influence colleagues and senior leaders

· A pragmatic, efficient character with a dedication to accuracy and reliability

· A questioning mindset, finding opportunities to improve every day

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

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

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

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

We offer a flexible and supportive working environment with options for hybrid working and training and other arrangements to help you thrive in your role.

 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

 Please note: this role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK.

Start your Habitat journey here…

Applications comprising a CV and cover letter explaining how your skills and experience match the job requirements should be sent by email (referencing the job title in the subject line) to:  (See candidate pack for email) 

Tell us about the skills and experience you would bring to the role and your motivation for applying.

The deadline for applications is 11th  May 2025 (at 11:59 pm).

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

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

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

Want to help families break free from homelessness? Join Help the Homeless Leicester as a Caseworker and be part of real, lasting change.

Help the Homeless Leicester (HTH) is expanding its frontline team with two proactive Caseworkers to support families in temporary accommodation as part of our Families Navigator Project. This is a unique opportunity to work directly with families experiencing homelessness, helping them move forward into secure, stable housing. The role is for 12 months, with the potential for extension, offering a unique opportunity to shape and deliver vital support to families experiencing homelessness.

You’ll play a key role in tackling the practical and emotional challenges faced by families in temporary accommodation—offering guidance, advocacy and access to resources that make a real difference. 

The project’s primary aim is to support homeless families in temporary accommodation by helping them to access and secure accommodation in the private rental sector. Additionally, the project seeks to alleviate the challenges and hardships often experienced by families in temporary accommodation. This will be achieved by providing additional resources, enrichment activities, and opportunities that foster a sense of stability and community. The role will also encompass safeguarding, facilitating workshops, signposting to relevant services, and delivering direct, tailored support to empower families.

Key Responsibilities:

Family Support and Housing Assistance:

• Build trusting and empathetic relationships with families, offering tailored, one-to-one guidance.
• Help families overcome barriers to accessing private rental housing, including applying for rent and deposit assistance and addressing landlord concerns. 
• Assist with property searches and provide guidance on navigating tenancy agreements and maintaining housing stability.

Workshops and Community Engagement:

• Facilitate or support workshops to educate families on accessing the private rental sector, managing tenancy responsibilities and overcoming housing challenges.
• Foster a welcoming, inclusive environment for families to engage with and learn from one another.

Resource Coordination and Guidance:

• Provide accurate information and signpost families to relevant services, such as benefit maximisation, employment support and health services.
• Make referrals to external organisations where appropriate, ensuring families receive holistic support.

Safeguarding and Confidentiality:

• Act in accordance with HTH’s safeguarding policies and procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of all families.
• Identify and report safeguarding concerns promptly and appropriately.
• Maintain confidentiality and ensure all personal data is handled securely and ethically.

Administration and Reporting:

• Maintain detailed and accurate records of interactions and outcomes for each family.
• Contribute to project monitoring and evaluation by tracking key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Report challenges, trends, and outcomes to the Team Leader and Management, raising any concerns as needed.

Experience and Skills:

• Experience in casework, housing support, or working with vulnerable families in crisis.
• Knowledge of the private rental market, rent and deposit schemes and housing support services.
• Strong understanding and application of safeguarding principles.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and rapport with vulnerable individuals.
• Strong organisational and communication skills, with attention to detail in record-keeping and reporting.
• Familiarity with local resources, benefits systems and employment support services is desirable.

Why Join Us?
This is an exciting opportunity to make a tangible difference during a crucial pilot project. By supporting families in their journey towards stability, you’ll play a key role in helping to address homelessness in Leicester. HTH is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive working environment, empowering staff to make a real impact.

Help the Homeless Leicester is an equal opportunities employer.

Responsible to: Service Director

Responsible for: Service Delivery team managers and administrator in Loughborough

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Location: Baca office, Loughborough, England with regular travel to locations where Baca’s services are delivered.

Salary:£36,900 - £41,000 per annum for full time hours

About Us:

Baca is dedicated to welcoming, equipping, and supporting young refugees to feel safe and thrive. We create an inspiring environment that raises hope and strengthens resilience, working in partnership with key external stakeholders. We are looking for a passionate and dedicated Service Manager to lead our young people services in Loughborough.

Overall Purpose: As a Service Manager, you will be an active leader in our vision and mission, ensuring our values are practiced in words and deeds. You will provide leadership for the young people services, ensuring they align with Baca’s vision, mission, and values.

Key Responsibilities:

Service Delivery:

• Lead and coordinate young people services in Loughborough.
• Ensure effective partnerships with social services and key external partners.
• Oversee and develop the service delivery team.
• Act as deputy Designated Safeguarding Officer, ensuring all aspects of safeguarding.
• Manage the service delivery team budget and grant-funded projects.
• Ensure high-quality service delivery in line with our Theory of Change.
• Oversee systems involved in service delivery, working closely with the Operations Manager.
• Manage and mitigate risks in service delivery.
• Ensure compliance with internal and external regulatory expectations.
• Participate in on-call duty as part of the team rota.

Service Development:

• Foster a learning culture, learning from young people and stakeholders.
• Develop young people services in collaboration with the Service Director.

General:

• Support the organisation’s activities and maintain data confidentiality.
• Embrace and reflect Baca’s Vision and Values in your work.
• Treat all staff and young people fairly, adhering to Baca’s Equality and Diversity policy.
• Follow safeguarding procedures and adhere to all Baca’s policies and procedures.
• Work flexible hours as needed.

Person Specification:

Character/Attributes:

• Highly organised, able to work under pressure and prioritise tasks.
• Passionate, humble, disciplined, wise, determined, proactive, self-starter, courageous.
• Aligned with Baca’s values and strategic goals.
• Flexible and able to respond to change at short notice.
• Able to lead with hope, patience, calmness, and tenacity in challenging circumstances.
• Critical and creative thinker, able to innovate solutions and make challenging decisions.
• Resilient, able to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Experience:

• Proven experience at Senior Manager level in a comparable organisation.
• Experience in delivering young people services and working constructively as part of a team.
• Experience in analysing service delivery challenges and presenting solutions.
• Experience in developing and leading high-performance teams.
• Experience in managing projects with multiple stakeholders, including user engagement and budgets.
• Experience in the charitable sector (desirable).

Knowledge/Qualifications:

• Relevant qualification from a UK recognised professional body (desirable).
• Strong Microsoft Office skills.
• Knowledge of issues faced by unaccompanied asylum-seeking young people.
• Genuine concern for those the charity serves.
• Knowledge of team motivation and support.

Skills:

• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong organisational, project, and time management skills.
• Strong leadership skills, able to motivate and make difficult decisions.
• Ability to translate vision into financial plans.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise workload.
• Initiative and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to make decisions with incomplete information.

Other:

• Ability to drive/travel to all service locations.
• Enhanced DBS check required.

How to Apply:

If you are passionate about making a difference and meet the above criteria, we would love to hear from you. If suitably strong candidates are shortlisted before the deadline, in-person interviews will take place immediately after shortlisting.

Join us at Baca and help us support young people to rebuild their lives and achieve their dreams!

The Sociological Review Foundation is seeking its first Development Manager to join its team. This role, reporting directly to the Operations Director, presents a unique opportunity to drive the organisation’s strategic growth initiatives and fundraising calls, expand partnerships, and generate revenue through the sale of services.

Note: We can only accept applications from applicants who are based in, and eligible to work in, the UK.

Corporate Partnership Executive

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

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

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

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

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

We are seeking a full-time Primary Science Mentor to join our team of experts. Through your knowledge of and passion for primary science education, you will inspire transformational change in schools.

You'll be home based and able to support schools in one of the following regions: East Midlands, North East England, North West England or South Wales Valleys.

About the Primary Science Teaching Trust (PSTT)

PSTT is a registered charity with a clear vision – we want to see excellent teaching of science in every primary classroom in the UK. We believe it is vital that children are engaged and inspired by science from an early age. We want to draw on their natural curiosity to help them explore, understand and ask questions about the world around them.

We’ve built a Primary Science Teacher College of over 200 outstanding teachers; each helping to shape and influence science teaching across the UK. We produce great resources that improve how science is taught and planned. We organise engaging professional learning events for teachers, and work with partner organisations to further enhance how science is taught. Our 2023-28 strategy is building on these strengths to reach more teachers across a more diverse range of schools.

We’re dedicating our most intensive efforts to areas of the UK requiring most development in primary science. Our Priority Areas initiative is being piloted in 30 schools, and in September 2025 we plan to launch this programme in a further 30 schools. Our Regional Mentors have worked with more than 3,000 schools across England, with exceptionally positive feedback.

Job summary

There are two parts to the Primary Science Mentor role. The majority of the role will focus on strengthening primary science teaching and leadership by leading our second Priority Areas initiative. Through their knowledge of and passion for primary science education, the successful candidate will inspire transformational change in schools taking part in this project. They will build close working relationships with participating schools and create a vibrant and exciting learning community based on mutual support and the sharing of expertise.

The remaining hours in the role will be as a Regional Mentor: joining PSTT’s growing team of primary science experts who provide bespoke support directly to individual schools, multi-academy trusts and other school groupings and organisations. This includes developing and delivering training in a variety of contexts, including online; working individually with Science Leaders; being a leading voice, expert and advocate for primary science (both regionally and nationally); and creating partnerships with other organisations that support science within the region.

A crucial part of the role is to ensure collection of appropriate data for both Priority Areas and Regional Mentor activities, so that we can evaluate our work against intended outcomes.

Key facts about this role

Salary

PSTT band E(ii): starting salary £49,149. A cost-of-living increase will be applied on 1 September 2025; amount TBC.

Pension and benefits

Employer pension scheme, sick pay and maternity/paternity/adoption pay as detailed in our pay and reward scheme

Location

Home based in either the East Midlands, North East England, North West England or the South Wales Valleys.

Travel

The job requires extensive travel to schools within the Primary Science Mentor’s working region, and sometimes beyond that region (including occasional meetings at PSTT’s Bristol office). Expenses will be reimbursed.

Line manager

Director of Regional Programme

Start date

1 September 2025. Potential for some work prior to 1 September to support with identification and recruitment of schools (to be discussed at interview).

Contractual basis

2 years

Hours

35 hours per week (full time), usually worked between Monday-Friday. You may occasionally be required to work during evenings and weekends.

Annual leave

28 days (of which 3 must be taken during the Christmas closure period) plus public holidays