The Challenge

Every day 41 of England’s most vulnerable children– equivalent to more than a full classroom of pupils – are permanently excluded, with disastrous personal and societal consequences.

These are the country’s most disadvantaged: 4 times more likely to have grown up in poverty, 7 times more likely to have special needs, 10 times more likely to have mental health problems and 20 times more likely to be interacting with social services due to safeguarding concerns. These children are at serious risk of knife crime. 

Once they are excluded, life chances are bleak. Less than 2% of excluded pupils finish school with the qualifications they need in maths and English; 50% are immediately not in education, employment or training (NEET) straight after GCSEs. This small group of pupils goes on to make up half of the prison population, and is more likely to reoffend. It is estimated that each excluded child will go on to cost the state £370,000 in extra education, health, welfare and criminal justice spending. For last year’s cohort of excluded pupils, that’s a total cost of £2.9bn to the Exchequer.

Yet too little is known about how to break this tragic cycle. While some parts of the school system have seen an evidence-led revolution, there has been insufficient research and teacher training in how to measure or move outcomes for these most complex and vulnerable pupils. This impacts teacher satisfaction. Increasing numbers are leaving the profession, disillusioned and disempowered by this lack of expertise. Meanwhile, the numbers of young people whose lives are written off through school exclusion continues to rise, year on year.
 

Operations & Development Director - Priorities Ahead

The Difference are looking for a third member of our Executive team to achieve the following:

Support Business strategy

• Work closely with the CEO and Directors to finalise and set out strategic finance aspirations and delivery plans for our 2021-25 Strategy for scaled impact.

Develop People strategy 

• Design of hiring, contracting and work experience processes to reflect The Difference’s values and strengthen our ability to achieve our mission.  Implemented through hiring 2-3 new staff, preparing contracts for ~10 Programme and Recruitment contracted colleagues.
• Design of new talent management strategies to gain diversity of thought and skill in our organisation.  Including developing a programme to give seasonal support work to young people 16-21 in the delivery of our conference and selection centres; and management of summer internships opportunities from sister public sector charities.
• Design of professional development offer to make The Difference’s staff sector-leading in their increasing specialisms.  Including matching staff roles to sector-leading courses, pro bono mentors and coaches; developing performance management processes and training growing from our developing use of Objectives and Key Results; evolving organisation policies and practices to ensure staff retention, wellbeing and effectiveness.
• Support ongoing development of organisational culture which grows the relationships, safety and belonging alongside challenge, continuous feedback and improvement.
• Co-design, and coordinate our staff residential; away-days; and trustee residential.
• Support CEO and Chair in the Governance strategy including recruitment, training, routines and relationships of a diverse and effective trustee board.

Lead Operations function 

• Map reactive and proactive Operations work ahead in implementing 21-25 Strategy including in premises, IT, legal, governance and team logistics.
• Organise and line-manage the team to deliver Operations (currently 2.2 FTE) and build pro-bono relationships as necessary to meet strategy aims including leading new Salesforce build for Programme team and Comms function.
• Diagnosing need for and developing systems to support delivery at scale and efficiency including project management and use of IT.
• Lead project to find and set up The Difference’s post-lockdown Premises and to develop working practices as lockdown eases which promote physical safety and wellbeing.

Develop Finance function 

• Set strategic direction as part of our business strategy.
• Review our internal bookkeeping/payments/accounting processes and scope a specialist hire in Finance.
• Line-manage Development Manager (who leads fundraising) and set income generation targets for teams.
• Develop our team budget-setting processes, spending review and financial reporting to Trustees.

The Difference Values

• Purpose: Our work is guided and galvanised by our values and beliefs.  We are problem solvers, and do not wait to act. We are inspired by our purpose to improve life outcomes for the most vulnerable young people, and to develop the people, practice and public perception required to achieve this.
• Collaboration: We build relationships into our work, give to others readily and use others’ strengths alongside your own, to have greater impact in our work. We are inspirers and facilitators of others; able to influence and to advocate. We see the big picture and strive for better collaboration across services.
• Bravery: We are independent thinkers, willing to speak out, to challenge others and the status quo, where it is inconsistent with our shared aims and values.  We are able to take decisions despite ambiguity, and are resilient and persistent in the face of challenging odds.
• Excellence: We expect the best from people and ourselves, and do not prejudge. We value quality work, tangible results, and feedback to inform continuous improvement.
• Pragmatism: We are able to recognise current limitations and strive for improvements within and beyond them.We are flexible in our thinking, willing to be proved wrong, and able to plan for strategic change, prioritised over shorter-term, shallow goals.
• Humility: We are able to be challenged and to learn from experiences and interactions. We are aware and respectful of others’ dignity, insight, knowledge and agency.

Person Specification

Essential – We are looking for the following skills, aptitude and experience; though you may be stronger in some areas than others

• Values – Your experience evidences shared values with The Difference (see above) and a personal commitment to our mission to improve life outcomes for vulnerable people.
• Leadership of self and others – Evidenced capacity to proactively diagnose skills and information gaps; making use of others’ expertise to continually grow the skills of yourself and the complimentary skills of members of your team, to make a success of tasks at hand and those on the horizon.
• Business Development – Track-record in building or supporting revenue-generating enterprises.
• Team leadership – Proven ability to manage complex work across a team to tight deadlines with quality output; and of developing coaching style and project management systems to achieve this.
• Growing People and Team Culture – Experience in growing productive team cultures, and developing individuals’ capacity and skills with tangible results.
• Finance Management -  Proven track-record leading Finance in an organisation, including experience setting and managing budgets, and working with accountants.
• Operations – Experience establishing or re-designing operations functions to meet emerging and growing needs; ability to diagnose and act quickly where systems need to evolve; up-to-date knowledge of data protection and compliance for charities, or networks and ability to quickly hold this work. 
• Proactive problem-solving – Ability to thrive in a fast-paced start-up environment, comfortable with making decisions in ambiguous contexts and rapidly diagnosing need to reprioritise and change course.  Ability to problem solve: in the micro, rolling sleeves up and diving into detail; in the macro, informing organisational strategy; and collaboratively to build capacity, supporting others’ development of problem-solving skills.

Desired – You are likely to be more successful role if you have any one of the following additional experiences: 

• Insight into the schools market – You may have experience working in the education sector; building businesses or charities working directly with schools.
• Product design experience – You may have experience building business cases for new products or services to go to market and working with experts to develop these products towards the needs of customers. 
• Early-stage social enterprise experience – You may have specific experience growing charities or businesses for social good and at early/start up phase. 
• HR background – You may have completed CIPD courses or qualifications, specifically developing hiring practices, performance management structures, professional development and leading compliant capability and dismissal procedures.  Through prior work you may have networks which you can access to give you continuous professional development in these areas; and may have experience finding and developing pro bono relationships with expert organisations in HR and people management.
• Legal background – You may have some legal background in drafting contracts and ensuring legal compliance.  Through prior work you may have networks which you can access to give you continuous professional development in these areas; and may have experience finding and developing pro bono relationships with expert organisations in legal and compliance.
• Accounting background – You may have completed AAT courses and a background in accountancy. Through prior work you may have networks which you can access to give you continuous professional development in this area; and may have experience finding and developing pro bono relationships with expert organisations in accountancy.

Deadline for applications: midnight of Sunday 4th April

Do you want to make a real difference by raising five and six figure gifts from charitable funders?  Do you like writing convincing cases for support and building long-term relationships? Do you want to play a key role in our ambitious new fundraising and volunteering campaign? 

We are now looking to strengthen our trusts and foundations team by recruiting a Charitable Funding Manager (CFM) to maximise philanthropic funding across the University. The role will be varied, and will involve working to achieve a financial target by proactively identifying and creating opportunities for funding from Trusts, Foundations and other charities.  The work will include writing funding proposals for our campaign themes, and supporting our regular awards and applications to a range of charitable funders. A key member of DARO’s Charitable Funding team, you will work closely with colleagues from within DARO, and with academics and Professional Services colleagues, to make new applications and to support with existing funder relationships and bids where appropriate. 

Associate Director, Strategy 

Full Time/ Part Time 37.5 hours per week 

London, Birmingham or Manchester

£56,000 per annum (plus £3,000 London Weighting if applicable) 

Who we are looking for 

We are looking for a motivated and experienced Strategy professional to join our Strategy & Development team in this exciting time as an Associate Director, Strategy.

The role is responsible for providing senior leadership of strategy development and implementation across the organisation, and for providing leadership in the business development function, especially with regards to senior oversight of financial modelling. 

The successful candidate will have a demonstrable track record of leading complex strategy formulation and bring experience of strategy development in a range of settings  to join the team in this senior position. You will be responsible for leading the organisation-wide process to develop its long-term strategy and launching two critical new cross-organisation projects. 

The Associate Director, Strategy can be based in our London, Manchester or Birmingham office and will report to the Interim Senior Director, Strategy & Development. This role does not currently have any direct reports but may do so in the future. 

Who are Ambition Institute? 

Ambition Institute has one purpose: to help educators serving children from disadvantaged backgrounds to keep getting better. With our new organisation, and more than ten years of collective experience in working with educators at all levels, we believe that exciting opportunities lie ahead. We are a graduate school for educators, and we apply academic rigour to our learning design, drawing on frontline insights from schools into what works in practice. Our programmes leverage the latest evidence from international experts, which means we think carefully about what is taught, how, and in what sequence. We work collaboratively to enable school improvement for the benefit of pupils, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Our offer 

We are happy to announce that we will be able to offer you: 

• Flexibility on how you work – agreed between you and your line manager 

• A competitive annual leave entitlement of 25 days, plus bank holidays 

• 2 additional annual leave days for 1 day booked during December over the festive period 

• A generous employer pension contribution of 11% (10% pension plus 1% NI rebate) 

• Competitive salary rates

• Access to an interest free season ticket and bike loans, as well as eyecare vouchers 

• An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) which provides confidential support for employees on personal or work-related matters. 

• A robust learning and development offer that ensures your continuous professional development 

How to apply 

All applications must be received by the closing date, midnight on Sunday, 28th March 2021. Interviews will be held on a rolling basis.

To apply for this role, or any of our other vacancies or for any questions or queries please visit our website. 

Equality and diversity matter to us. If you think you’d be suited to one of our roles we’d love to hear from you regardless of age, disability status, ethnicity, gender, religion or sexuality. 

About GiveDirectly 

GiveDirectly aims to reshape international giving -  and millions of lives - by enabling donors to provide capital grants directly to some of the world’s poorest people. GiveDirectly’s cash transfers stand on the shoulders of giants, backed by hundreds of high quality research studies that have documented the myriad positive impacts of cash on peoples’ lives. 

GiveDirectly has been at the forefront of this evidence generation effort since we launched a decade ago. Fifteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of GiveDirectly’s programs are either ongoing or completed. These have covered diverse, cutting edge research questions including: the macro impact of transfers on local economies, the impact of a universal basic income, and establishing cash as a benchmark that traditional, ‘in kind’ aid interventions should beat in order to be considered cost-effective. We are increasingly seeking to integrate qualitative and quantitative approaches within individual studies to better understand how and why change happens.

These studies do not just sit on dusty shelves -- since 2018, GiveDirectly RCTs have been covered in top media outlets including: Washington Post (twice), New York Times, The Economist, Vox (several times over), Quartz,  NPR (twice), DevEx, Fast Company, Axios and Wired. Delivering and disseminating research studies have become a core part of GiveDirectly’s value proposition to donors, and central to our ability to raise the revenue that enables people living in poverty to transform their own lives.

Cash transfers are at a potential inflection point: COVID-19 has amplified the challenges of bulkier in-kind aid models, and governments are deploying cash as their most common tool of assistance to vulnerable populations. This brings new research challenges and opportunities. How do we combine existing research knowledge with recent data to design high-impact programs in a new humanitarian context? How do we evaluate the impact of those programs when in-person data collection is not possible? 

GiveDirectly currently operates in multiple African countries: DRC, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Morocco, Rwanda, Togo and Uganda. We have also delivered disaster response programs in the United States and the Bahamas.

About the role

We are seeking a versatile individual who can lead our research function through our next phase of growth: overseeing high quality academic research studies (e.g. managing 11 ongoing RCTs), equipping our team to design evidence-informed programs (e.g. synthesizing existing research on nutrition impacts of different cash designs), and setting the research agenda for the coming years (e.g. what are the highest priority questions to answer?). 

This role requires a dynamic leader, who is animated by both the practical problem-solving needed to drive research excellence (e.g. how do we deliver robust impact research at high speed in a humanitarian setting?), and the research uptake challenge of leveraging the evidence base to maximize program impact and grow the global cash movement. 

Our team is passionate about shifting the status quo with respect to how and by whom decisions are made in the aid space. We believe elevating recipient choice is critical, as are demonstrably committing to transparency around metrics and evidence. We are looking for applicants who are deeply aligned with these objectives, and energized by the prospect of building an organization that advances them.

Reports to: Managing Director

Responsibilities:

• Research oversight

• Ensure excellence across all external GD research studies (most of which are RCTs) through proactive project and stakeholder management across academics, research delivery partners, GD Field Operations, Field Technology and Revenue teams and funding partners.

• Support the GD Field Operations teams to design and deliver robust internal (non-experimental) monitoring and evaluation of a wide range of projects, leveraging GD’s extensive routine data collection through SMS, USSD and phone surveys.

• Program and research design

• • Drive evidence-informed program design within GD by synthesizing existing data and evidence in accessible formats and championing research uptake during the program design process

  • Partner with Revenue and Field teams to design programs that are operationally feasible, evidence-driven and meet donor requirements, thoughtfully assessing the trade-offs required

  • Design new research studies -- always in partnership with GD teams, and often in partnership with external academics

  • Develop a deep understanding of the impact of research design choices on the work of GD Field Operations and Field Technology teams, and use that knowledge to design research studies that thoughtfully negotiate the trade-offs between multiple priorities.

• Fundraising

  • Equip GD’s Revenue teams (e.g. Partnerships, Communications, Growth) with high-quality, accessible tools (e.g. cash evidence summaries by topic / domain) that enable them to:

    • Communicate clearly with external audiences about the prevalence of cash programs and the impact of cash transfers, ensuring GD’s reputation for honest communication about evidence is maintained

    • Write funding bids that are informed by the latest evidence about cash transfers without needing to seek bespoke advice

    • Maximize the reach and impact of GD research publications by communicating externally about results, and synthesizing findings so others on the team can do so (e.g. summary notes, slide decks)

  • Enable high-quality donor reporting by providing timely progress updates on research studies 

• Research strategy

• Develop GiveDirectly’s research strategy for the next 3 years. Establish the high priority research questions GD studies should seek to answer, integrating the perspectives of GD Field Operations and Revenue teams, and looking for new ways to advance our understanding of recipient perspectives (e.g. priorities and preferences)

• Develop guidelines for how to assemble study teams that reflect a diversity of characteristics, perspectives and expertise

Core competencies and experiences

• Understanding of the lives of people living in poverty - learned or lived experience of the reality of poverty -- this could be extreme absolute poverty or relative poverty in a higher income country

• Communication - be equally comfortable having a technical conversation with an academic as you are describing a study in straightforward terms to a donor who has zero context. Expertise in communicating about research in a clear and compelling manner with a range of internal and external audiences -- both verbally and in writing -- is crucial in this role.

• Quantitative research expertise - 3+ years experience of designing, undertaking or overseeing experimental / quasi-experimental research studies (e.g. RCT, RDD, PSM designs) is essential; experience of cognitive testing survey questions, survey design and analysis, developing power calculations, and quality-assuring quantitative research designs would all be helpful

• Qualitative research expertise - experience of qualitative research design (e.g. sampling), interview guide development, undertaking interviews / FGDs, qualitative analysis, integration of qual and quant in design and analysis

• Research stakeholder management - speak the language of external researchers (primarily academic economists), understand the norms and incentives of academic researchers, experience of influencing research decisions that are made by consensus rather than contract, experience of project managing organizations / individuals to deliver research on time and to budget, experience of overcoming unexpected roadblocks that derail research projects

• Project management - experience of keeping multiple large-scale projects on track, proactively managing risks and stakeholder communications, maintaining project tracking systems 

• Strategic planning and strong execution - ability to seamlessly navigate between big-picture strategy and day-to-day operational decisions, ability to navigate through ambiguity

• Alignment with GiveDirectly Values:

• Recipients first.

We prioritize recipient preferences over those of donors or ourselves.

We do not impose our preferences, or judgments, on the beneficiaries; instead we respect and empower them to make their own choices, elevating their voices in the global aid debate. This value is core to GiveDirectly’s identity as the first organization exclusively devoted to putting the poor in control of how aid money is spent. It comes at a potential cost, as it means that neither we nor donors get to set priorities (and we may even lose some “efficiency” in providing this option).

• Team next.

We do what’s best for organizational - not individual - success.

This is a team sport, where we will succeed (or fail) together. The best players are not those with the best individual statistics, but those with biggest impact on our overall performance. We avoid territoriality, self-promotion, and I’m above this attitudes.

• Be proactively candid.

We say what we believe, and are honest in sharing information.

Having confidence that other people are telling us what they truly believe, without gloss or omission, is critical to effective communication and to our ability to learn and grow from feedback. We owe it to each other - and our donors - to instill this confidence even though giving and receiving information candidly are unusual in both professional and social life, and can be very uncomfortable.

• Create positive energy

We strive to be a source - not drain - of energy for our colleagues.

Our work is hard, practically and emotionally, and we cannot overemphasize the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, enjoying the company of our colleagues, and not taking ourselves too seriously.  In doing so, we aspire to generate energy and excitement amongst our colleagues in pursuing our mission. This should not preclude candor, and we aspire to achieve both.

• Think rigorously; act quickly.

We are intellectually rigorous with a drive towards action - not debate.

We reason from first principles, grounding our decisions in objective claims about the world, rather than hard-to-disprove assertions or hierarchy. We aim to brainstorm inclusively and respectfully, but critically self-vet ideas we put forward, so as to ensure productive and prudent decision making.

Demanding this level of rigor forces us to think harder about decisions and our assumptions than we otherwise might. This is a real cost. It can be taken too far: it is possible to overthink decisions, and we avoid debate for the sake of debate.  We are not here to philosophize or ensure consensus. We decide and act quickly, avoiding getting bogged down in debates.

• Accept reality. Propose solutions.

We do not dwell on problems. We work actively to create solutions.

There will always be an endless list of things to improve. We focus on the things that can be changed; find the most important of those things, and propose actionable answers. We do not allow “problems” to weigh us down and be a source of negativity.  We are forward looking, which we believe not only leads to better team outcomes, but also creates a more enjoyable, energizing environment for all.

• Be productively ambitious.

We take the risks to pursue industry-changing success, not incremental progress.

We seek step-change improvements at all levels, and are willing to make big-bets; we do not accept complacency nor do we simply optimize existing processes. In doing so, we allow ourselves to dream big with a belief that perceived constraints are merely opportunities for creativity.

Such ambition not only requires hard work (i.e., this is not a 9-5 job), but also a willingness to accept and learn from temporary setbacks and failures.  In accepting these failures, we’re conscious to not point fingers, nor obsess over “mistakes” made.

• Know yourself and grow.

We recognize and accept our imperfections with a focus on growth.

We are an organization of exceptional people and trust in each other’s abilities, yet we recognize that none of us is perfect. We strive to maintain an accurate understanding of our individual and institutional strengths and weaknesses, in order to position ourselves to maximize our chances of success.

At the same time, we seek personal growth for ourselves and our teammates. Feedback is given with a spirit of helpfulness; and sought out with a desire to learn.

**GD is committed to observing all local, national and international laws that protect children, vulnerable adults, and basic human rights of all.  GD is committed to a policy of “zero tolerance for sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (SEAH)” and expects anyone who works for GD to uphold the protection and safeguarding of our recipients as a priority.**

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is seeking an exceptional Director of Internal Audit & Investigations (SCS2), responsible for providing an independent assurance, investigations, counter fraud and safeguarding investigations service to FCDO in line with international audit and investigators standards.

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Department for International Development (DfID) merged on 1 September 2020 to form the new Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). The FCDO pursues our national interests and projects the UK as a force for good in the world. It promotes the interests of British citizens, safeguards the UK’s security, defends our values, reduces poverty and tackles global challenges with international partners. This is a unique career opportunity to take up a stretching, high-profile and business critical SMS/SCS2 position within the newest ministerial department.

The FCDO employs 17,300 staff in diplomatic and development offices worldwide, including in 280 overseas embassies and high commissions. Their UK-based staff work in their joint headquarters in King Charles Street, London and Abercrombie House, East Kilbride (and you may be based out of either with travel to both expected).

Operating at the centre of world events, this newly created role will be demanding and rewarding in equal measure. You will form a key part of the senior leadership team reporting into the Director General, Corporate & Finance; your duties will include: 

• Bringing together two legacy audit and investigations teams into a single team, developing a single audit and investigations approach that reflects the risk profile of the new FCDO, and establishing a new structure and operating model.
• Leading a world class independent internal audit assurance service within FCDO.
• Leading a centre of expertise on safeguarding investigations, providing independent and objective investigations, quality assurance and oversight of allegations of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment within FCDO and across the programme portfolio.
• Delivering an annual programme of risk-based audits, management assurance and consultancy at home and overseas; attending ARAC meetings; and providing an evidenced annual opinion on departmental risk management, governance and internal control.

To succeed in this outstanding role, applicants must demonstrate evidence and proven examples across the following essential selection criteria:

• Strong track record of leading and delivering a high-quality, strategic risk-based Internal Audit programme in a large complex organisation, managing relationships between departments and their sponsored bodies;
• A professional qualification in Internal Audit or Accountancy (i.e CMIIA, CCAB or equivalent), with a sound understanding of best and modern counter fraud practice in compliance with the Conference of International Investigators’ standards or equivalent;
• Strong corporate and team leadership experience, including leading transformation, change and capability building. Experience successfully leading strong professional teams and managing own and team resilience within a complex working environment;
• Track record of working across counter fraud and/or safeguarding investigations and internal audit issues, managing sensitive and difficult issues, both within the UK and overseas; Experience of delivering investigations into allegations concerning sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment, and sensitivity to the complexities associated with these cases;
• Experience building effective relationships and influencing a diverse senior stakeholder community to adopt good practice internal controls and risk management processes.

This role is available as full-time but flexible working arrangements including job share arrangements may also be considered. The successful applicant will have access to the Civil Service pension scheme, 25 days per annum leave allowance and be required to work a minimum of 37 hours per week.

For an informal confidential discussion about the role please contact Tim Salmon at Allen Lane.

Requests for the candidate pack and application submissions (CV, supporting statement of no more than 2 sides and diversity form) should be submitted to Allen Lane.  It is mandatory that your application includes a completed diversity monitoring form.

Please note, for security and intelligence purposes, this post is reserved for British citizens.

Closing date for applications: 9am on Monday 15th March 2021.

The FCDO is an equal opportunity employer.  We value diversity and inclusion, and want our workforce to reflect the communities that we serve.  We are also committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive workplace where all our people are able to bring their whole selves to work and perform at their best.

The Civil Service Commission provides assurance that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is seeking an exceptional Director of Internal Audit & Investigations (SCS2), responsible for providing an independent assurance, investigations, counter fraud and safeguarding investigations service to FCDO in line with international audit and investigators standards.

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Department for International Development (DfID) merged on 1 September 2020 to form the new Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). The FCDO pursues our national interests and projects the UK as a force for good in the world. It promotes the interests of British citizens, safeguards the UK’s security, defends our values, reduces poverty and tackles global challenges with international partners. This is a unique career opportunity to take up a stretching, high-profile and business critical SMS/SCS2 position within the newest ministerial department.

The FCDO employs 17,300 staff in diplomatic and development offices worldwide, including in 280 overseas embassies and high commissions. Their UK-based staff work in their joint headquarters in King Charles Street, London and Abercrombie House, East Kilbride (and you may be based out of either with travel to both expected).

Operating at the centre of world events, this newly created role will be demanding and rewarding in equal measure. You will form a key part of the senior leadership team reporting into the Director General, Corporate & Finance; your duties will include: 

• Bringing together two legacy audit and investigations teams into a single team, developing a single audit and investigations approach that reflects the risk profile of the new FCDO, and establishing a new structure and operating model.
• Leading a world class independent internal audit assurance service within FCDO.
• Leading a centre of expertise on safeguarding investigations, providing independent and objective investigations, quality assurance and oversight of allegations of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment within FCDO and across the programme portfolio.
• Delivering an annual programme of risk-based audits, management assurance and consultancy at home and overseas; attending ARAC meetings; and providing an evidenced annual opinion on departmental risk management, governance and internal control.

To succeed in this outstanding role, applicants must demonstrate evidence and proven examples across the following essential selection criteria:

• Strong track record of leading and delivering a high-quality, strategic risk-based Internal Audit programme in a large complex organisation, managing relationships between departments and their sponsored bodies;
• A professional qualification in Internal Audit or Accountancy (i.e CMIIA, CCAB or equivalent), with a sound understanding of best and modern counter fraud practice in compliance with the Conference of International Investigators’ standards or equivalent;
• Strong corporate and team leadership experience, including leading transformation, change and capability building. Experience successfully leading strong professional teams and managing own and team resilience within a complex working environment;
• Track record of working across counter fraud and/or safeguarding investigations and internal audit issues, managing sensitive and difficult issues, both within the UK and overseas; Experience of delivering investigations into allegations concerning sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment, and sensitivity to the complexities associated with these cases;
• Experience building effective relationships and influencing a diverse senior stakeholder community to adopt good practice internal controls and risk management processes.

This role is available as full-time but flexible working arrangements including job share arrangements may also be considered. The successful applicant will have access to the Civil Service pension scheme, 25 days per annum leave allowance and be required to work a minimum of 37 hours per week.

For an informal confidential discussion about the role please contact Tim Salmon at Allen Lane.

Requests for the candidate pack and application submissions (CV, supporting statement of no more than 2 sides and diversity form) should be submitted to Allen Lane.  It is mandatory that your application includes a completed diversity monitoring form.

Please note, for security and intelligence purposes, this post is reserved for British citizens.

Closing date for applications: 9am on Monday 15th March 2021.

The FCDO is an equal opportunity employer.  We value diversity and inclusion, and want our workforce to reflect the communities that we serve.  We are also committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive workplace where all our people are able to bring their whole selves to work and perform at their best.

The Civil Service Commission provides assurance that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition.   

Are you a strategic leader, excited about leading change?

Do you want to drive the development of a new partnership and an exciting new initiative?

Do you feel passionate about growing and developing the teaching profession?

Do you want to make a difference, making every day count for every child?

If you answered yes to the above, we want to hear from you!

Our partnership of existing Teaching Schools and Multi Academy Trusts, has just been awarded the status as national Teaching School Hub, led by the Flying High Trust with Flying High Academy, Ladybrook identified as the lead school. The Flying High Teaching School Hub will work across Mansfield, Ashfield, Broxtowe, Nottingham City and Rushcliffe, bringing the expertise of partners together to ensure we recruit, develop, and retain high quality teachers across this locality. The Director of the Teaching School Hub will be a skilled strategist, partnership leader and visionary, who will drive the development of this brand-new initiative. This opportunity will enable the successful candidate to work at a trust, regional and national level.

The role of the new Teaching School Hub builds upon an existing infrastructure and a track record of successful leadership across the system. As Director of Teaching School Hub, you will draw upon this significant expertise and capacity, to deliver this new initiative.

Leading the Teaching School will be Flying High Trust, a growing partnership of 28 schools, with a national reputation and ethos centered on putting children at the heart of every decision. Working alongside Flying High, we have an established partnership in place with Transform, Redhill, and Discovery Multi Academy Trusts.

The designation of existing Teaching schools will be removed at the end of this academic year, to be replaced by the new Teaching School Hubs. At the heart of Flying High, and across our partnership, is a group of existing teaching schools that have built the expertise and the capacity to drive teacher development.

Finally, as part of Flying High and this established partnership, we have a successful English Hub and developed Inspiring Leaders, which operates an outstanding SCITT (teacher training) and delivers NPQs, working at scale and with a strong reputation.

You will enable the practitioner expertise across the system to meet the needs of our teachers. Our ambition is to ensure that every child has a great teacher, who inspires and unlocks their potential. The post will bring together the skill set of an experienced strategic leader, with a passion to impact children’s lives and a detailed understanding of the educational landscape. We will welcome applications from both experienced practitioners and non- practitioners, as key to this role will be your ability to enable the system, so it is not a necessity to have classroom experience.

We can offer you:

• The opportunity to be at the inception of a brand-new partnership and initiative.
• The support of an established partnership, with significant expertise and capacity in system leadership.
• A partnership with relationships at its heart, ensuring a friendly atmosphere encompassing a supportive ethos.
• Be part of a central team and Trust with an established track record of high-quality education and experience of leading rapid school improvement.
• An established operational infrastructure, to support coordination, administration and financial management.
• The opportunity to develop your team, in line with your vision.
• A comprehensive induction process for new Teaching School Hub Directors, led by the EEF.
• Opportunity for future career progression with Flying High Trust.

We are looking for someone who:

• Is a significant strategic leader.
• Has a track record of successfully leading partnerships and change.
• Has a passion for education and a commitment an unshakable commitment to put children first.
• Has a deep understanding of the educational landscape.
• Has a commitment to teacher development.
• Is skilled in building strong professional relationships, both within a team and across new and existing partners.
• Is a skilled communicator, able to articulate a compelling vision that engages stakeholders.
• Has experience and an understanding of successful and sustainable school improvement.
• Has experience and an understanding of teacher development, including coaching and mentoring.
• Is a skilled manager of people, able to provide challenge and support to ensure we deliver KPIs, and an effective and efficient operation.
• Is a resilient leader, who will remain determined to deliver the improvements the school requires, secure in the knowledge that they have the full support of the Flying High Trust.
• Is willing to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in.
• Has a commitment to the mission, vision, and values of Flying High.

If this is you, please get in touch! We wish you all the very best for your application.

Job Summary

RCS is a creative and innovative organisation with the ability to be flexible and address the needs of the community as each opportunity arises. The Role of the Director of RCS Ltd is simply to keep the organisation financially viable and raise additional funding of a minimum of £500,000 over the year in order to support a fast paced business which is making an extraordinary impact every day on the lives of those most vulnerable within our community. Is that easy? No, it’s really tough and what's more, you'll need to be an excellent addition to our Senior Leadership Team, work really hard, be organised, have fun every day, be partial to the odd slice of cake and make a great cup of tea.

The Person

We're looking for an ambitious, entrepreneurial and high performing leader who just isn't satisfied with the status quo. You will inspire everyone, all the time, at every moment, so you can achieve the growth we need to fulfil our key performance targets. You will be a creative and innovative leader with energy and vision. You will have at least five years of experience as a Senior Leader in Community Development or Community Education with experience in tender bid writing and or fundraising. We care more about aptitude and attitude than perfect experience.

Whatever sector you come from, you will be a self-assured Manager who can project credibility and confidence to a wide range of stakeholders and strategically lead talented colleagues to deliver outstanding performance. You will maintain that approach when things are going well and when we’re falling behind to drive forward the team to achieve. You will have an enthusiasm and passion for our aims and objectives and relish being accountable for driving innovation and identifying opportunities to diversify and grow our income.  You must care about the budget but are savvy enough to know that sometimes the bottom line isn't everything. You thrive in fast paced challenging environments, will not be down trodden by the effects of COVID-19 and able to maintain a positive outlook of how the organisation will go forward. Here is what you will bring to RCS:

• Proven leadership experience that has led to tangible outcomes
• The ability to connect the dots between income streams, projects that need funding including key people internally and outside of RCS
• A deep understanding and proven track record with both tenders and grant application processes 
• Innovative and creative forward thinking approach to income generation
• Attentiveness, empathy, and the ability to learn and grow while developing and growing others
• A willingness from the outset to establish clear direction and to provide constructive feedback to the team, providing clear management of resources and support for all sectors of the business
• Exceptional communication capabilities, including the ability to present to a wide range of stakeholders and team members
• Support the Gateway Multi Academy Trust to fulfil its strategic aims in supporting those most vulnerable within its school community

Overall purpose:

To plan, organise, lead and grow the services supplied through RCS; Little Sunlight’s Nursery, Building Better Opportunities Alliance project, Connect4summer, Connect4community Pantries, Community Education programme, Employment and Well-being projects to include:

• Applying for funding
• Monitoring progress against Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
• Reporting outcomes to funders
• Leading and motivating the Team to achieve growth and outstanding outcomes

Your key responsibilities include:

• Provide leadership and vision in support of the implementation and delivery of our services
• Creation of a fundraising and income generation strategy, to reach agreed targets
• Creation and delivery of a diversified range of income streams to achieve long term, sustainable income growth
• Take an innovative and creative approach to develop and establish new services with funding models and income streams
• Have clear and compelling, insight-led business cases for new diversified areas of business together with a range of income streams to support the new direction
• Build on our culture of innovation that also values, enhances and builds on RCS proven track record of delivery services
• Inspire, lead and monitor the performance of an award winning team and ensure the necessary skills, knowledge, flexibility, motivation and tools are provided, so they are supported, on target, valued and goal driven
• Contribute to the Senior Leadership Team of the Gateway Multi Academy Trust to ensure we achieve our ambitious goals and contribute to setting and implementing our new strategy
• Represent the organisation as an ambassador in a knowledgeable and professional manner to stakeholders, funders, partners and to the public to establish effective relationships with them
• Ensure best practice monitoring and evaluation of all services, including monitoring of KPIs and production of creative evaluation products for funders to illustrate the success of delivery
• Identify, assess and prioritise risks that may inhibit RCS’s ability to achieve income targets, or affect our brand or reputation

The post holder will also;

• Undertake any additional and ad hoc tasks as required
• Participate in team meetings and other meetings as required
• Monitor and evaluate activities and provide written reports
• Represent RCS and The Gateway Multi Academy Trusts at external events in a professional manner
• Work within an equal opportunities framework
• Comply at all times with The Gateway Multi Academy Trusts Health and Safety policy
• Adhere to all the Gateway Multi Academy Trusts policies, procedures and working
• Ensure all records are held in compliance with the Data Protection Act

Individuals have a responsibility to promote and safeguard the welfare of children and

young person’s that they are responsible for, or come into contact with.

Please note that the responsibilities listed are not exhaustive and this Job Description may be subject to change as the role evolves over time.

• A unique opportunity to join a thriving trust of 9 schools at the senior level
• Be part of a forward thinking and dynamic strategic leadership team

About Our Client

The Prospere Learning Trust was formed in 2017 through the merger of two multi academy trusts. They currently employ over 850 staff and are passionate about providing exceptional education for children from any background so that they become happy, confident adults with excellent academic knowledge and qualifications. They believe that their staff play a vital role in achieving their vision: Great schools thrive because of the great people in them. Their values shape their culture and define the character of their Trust.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities will include:

• To provide strategic guidance, leadership and management advising the Trust Board and appropriate committees on all financial matters.
• To lead on managing the overall annual budget taking the lead role in developing, setting and monitoring the annual budget.
• To oversee a monthly reporting timetable across the Trust.
• To use financial management information, especially benchmarking, to identify areas of relative spend, assess trends, develop KPIs and directly advise the CEO and Trust Board.
• To advise the Trust Board and the Trust Strategic Leadership Team on financial strategy that supports the educational aims and ethos of the Prospere Learning Trust, developing a business plan for the future development of the Trust as appropriate.
• To develop and implement robust financial management policies, processes and reporting systems.
• To take the lead on all formal Educational and Skills Funding Agency, Department for Education and any other statutory submissions.
• To ensure that the Trust complies with all requirements of the Academies Financial Handbook, Company and Charity law and the statutory requirements laid out by the Secretary of State for Education.
• Prepare annual statutory accounts and/or prepare working papers as required.
• Coordinate the Trust Resources Committee and Risk and Audit Committee meetings respectively, in conjunction with the Chair of each committee.
• To negotiate, manage and monitor Trust wide contracts, tenders and agreements for the provision of support and operational services.
• To monitor and review Trust wide financial contracts to ensure quality and best value.
• To support the capital works programme across the Trust through sound financial allocations, linked to Trust priorities.
• Full line management of finance team colleagues, including recruitment, probationary period management, performance management, absence management and staff development.

The Successful Applicant

Successful candidates will:

• Be a fully qualified accountant with experience of working in a senior financial management role.
• Have experience of preparing and/or auditing statutory accounts.
• Be experienced in budget management and monitoring working with and reporting complex data in a coherent way for non-finance colleagues.
• Have experience of completing procurement exercises and monitoring performance, ensuring best value for money.
• Demonstrate flexibility in approach, the ability to adapt to changing workload demands and to prioritise.
• Take responsibility for producing accurate results working with diligence, focus and pace.

Previous experience in academy finances would be advantageous but is not essential.

What's on Offer

£55,000-£60,000 basic and competitive benefits package

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. As black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) candidates are currently under-represented at this level in this area, we would particularly welcome applications from BAME applicants. All appointments will be made on merit.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment and that relevant pre-employment checks are completed.

Where specific UK qualifications are required we will take into account overseas equivalents. All third party applications will be forwarded to Michael Page.

Ref Code: MPCYJN0220212-009005Z

Summary 

Over the last few years Prostate Cancer Research has grown significantly increasing the number of academic research projects we fund whilst placing collaboration and patient voice at the heart of our research strategy. Deep engagement with our patient population in recent years has highlighted a desire for Prostate Cancer Research to fund work that can deliver new treatments with a greater sense of urgency. As a result, we make sure that any research we fund has a clear roadmap to the clinic. Furthermore, we are also looking to increase our funding of later stage research, including in a commercial setting.

Like all organisations Covid-19 has impacted fundraising. However, thanks to a strong financial base, a forward thinking board and flexible staff team we have been able to spend the last 12 months building internal structures, creating new relationships and focusing on potential areas of growth. A new Translational Research Director is now required to bring a scientific, innovative and commercial approach to transform the impact PCR can have in academic and translational research for prostate cancer. 

The two areas which the Translational Research Director (TRD) will be required to lead on are;

• The scientific lead when developing commercial partnerships.

The successful candidate will be the scientific lead on creating new industry relationships and identifying opportunities to translate our academic research into commercial opportunities. This could include linking with biotechs, pharmaceuticals and governments for licensing, spinning out, or clinical trials. You will understand the cross over between industry priorities and PCR’s research, identify where PCR can add value and then work alongside the fundraising team to secure new funding.

• The creation of a translational research fund focused on prostate cancer. 

The Translational Director will be responsible for identifying the best academic research with commercial potential as well as coordinating a team of advisors to identify companies with existing oncology assets that could be successful utilised for new treatments or diagnostics for prostate cancer.

Job Description

The successful candidate will be someone who has a strong understanding of oncology, along with an innovative and commercial approach to transforming the impact PCR can have in academic and translational research.

Relationship Building

• Position PCR as the key partner to work with in the prostate cancer transaltional field.

• Identify therapeutic pipeline opportunities that correlate with PCR’s project portfolio.

• Ensure the organisation identifies opportunities for research and educational partnerships to co-fund or create new projects with external partners. These could include biotechs, large pharma or investors. 

• You will be the scientific lead to enable us to create new partnerships. You will work alongside the CEO, Head of Research and Communications, Head of Major Gifts and Head of Partnerships to realise collaborative funding deals, educational grants for specific projects and sponsorship agreements.

• Identify potential reputational risks and implement appropriate risk mitigation when developing joint projects.

Project Management of commercial partnership projects

• Ensure that any joint project with a commercial partner is kicked off and that the delivery team understand the nature of the relationship with the partner and key deliverables.

• Ensure that projects are sufficiently and appropriately resourced. 

• Take an overview of the management of all live projects, ensuring that relevant meetings take place - initiation, mid-project update, data processing and final evaluation.

• Keep abreast of outstanding proposals to foresee and plan workload levels. 

Creation of a Translational Research Fund

• Create a portfolio of investment opportunities in both diagnostics and therapeutics and carry out the required analysis and due diligence of any given opportunity.

• Help to select an external fund manager who we will work alongside to raise circa £40-£60m to invest in translational research and/or help to set up an internal fund to invest in early stage research.

• Work alongside the fundraising team to find a cornerstone investor for this fund.

• Work with an investment committee and potentially an external fund manager to find, select and support seed funded companies and more established firms as necessary.

• Be the bridge between PCR and an external fund manager/committee.

Act as a key member of leadership team of PCRC

• Work together with other senior staff to provide leadership for the organisation.

• Have an input on the overall direction of the organisation and contribute to the growth and success of the charity. 

• Identify key areas for organisational development which will provide better opportunities for the organisation to meet its goals. 

• Take a lead role in establishing development plans for the more junior members of the team.

Person Specification

• Educated to MSc or PhD level in relevant medical sciences.

• Experience of translational research.

• Strong understanding of the oncology pharma world and ability to think creatively around new ways to create prostate cancer breakthroughs playing to our strengths

• Significant experience of working effectively with other organisations.

• Project management experience – experience of having overall responsibility for delivering on significant projects.

• Understanding of the investment landscape and significant financial acumen.

• Entrepreneurial mind-set – ability to overcome challenges, high level of motivation and strong decision making.

• Focus on impact for people with Prostate Cancer.

Location: Flexible - will be based at home to start with, and then time can be split between home and our offices in London 

To apply please send a cv and covering letter stating why you are suitable for the role

Job title: Director of Fundraising
Reports to: CEO
Direct reports: Team of 5
Location: Cannock, Staffordshire and home based
Salary: £65,000 – £75,000

About Newlife

At Newlife we believe that disabled children should get the better future they deserve. For 30 years we have provided disabled children and their families with specialist protective equipment, growing to become the biggest charitable provider of essential specialist equipment for disabled children in the UK and the only one offering an emergency response, delivering items directly to family homes within just 72 hours. We also run a free, national nurse-staffed helpline.

As well as providing specialist equipment we campaign strongly for better rights for disabled children and their families. Our campaigning is informed by academic research into the lived experience and needs of disabled children and their families, funded and commissioned by Newlife.

Our work is made possible by two main income streams, generating annual turnover of c. £11m p.a.  The first is our successful discount clothing retail operation which provides valuable CSR-focused recycling benefits for our network of high-street brand retail partners, as well as employment for many disabled people. Fundraising is our other vital income stream, focused primarily on trust and major donor fundraising, child-focused media appeals and a highly successful corporate partnership with River island.  With the right leadership and investment we believe there is opportunity to significantly grow the latter to help meet the increasing demands on our services.

About the role

The Director of Fundraising is a pivotal new appointment for Newlife. The Director will join our senior leadership team and be responsible for delivering a transformation in our fundraising activity, performance and positioning, with the full support of the CEO, the senior leadership team and the trustee board.

This will include leadership and management of the fundraising team and its programmes and growth, development and implementation of the fundraising strategy, and financial management. This is a hands-on role and the Director will lead by example, undertaking as well as directing the fundraising, and managing relationships with a pool of corporate partners, major donors and other key stakeholders. The role would suit an experienced fundraising leader with a track record in growing charitable income from high value sources.

Closing date: 9am Monday 15th March 2021

For further information, please click 'Apply on website' to visit the site of Peridot Partners, our recruitment consultants.

It is an exciting time to join the University of Cambridge Development Alumni Relations office where you will be part of a dynamic, innovative and supportive team delivering on some of the University’s most significant fundraising priorities.

The International and Regional Programmes Team is expanding, and the Senior Associate Director, London is a key appointment to the team. You will work to strengthen our alumni and friends networks in London where some of the University’s most important and longstanding supporters are based.  Working collaboratively with colleagues and managing the Associate Director, you will be part of a team that puts donors at the centre of its work, seeking to build long lasting global relationships for the benefit of the Collegiate University. 

As Senior Associate Director, London, you will have the opportunity to work on six and seven figure gifts, securing philanthropic support for priorities such as Widening Participation, a new Children’s Hospital, Food Security, Conservation Solutions, Reproductive Health, Sport and the Performing Arts.

You will be a talented major gifts fundraiser or equivalent who wants to secure gifts at the transformational level.  You will be collaborative, strategic and innovative in approach. Key to your success will be the ability to engage with high net worth individuals, senior level staff across Collegiate Cambridge, academics and with key stakeholders, both internally and externally.

This position is an exciting opportunity to join a team that works at the cutting edge of what we do at an institution where philanthropy has real impact.  We have extraordinary aspirations and know we can make these a reality – come and be a part of our team.

This role is based in central Cambridge, however the successful candidate may need to work remotely in the first instance. An element of remote working long-term will be considered. This can be discussed at interview.

The post holder will need to be able to travel frequently to the London area as well as occasionally travel within the UK.

The closing date for this position is Wednesday 3rd March 2021.

First round interviews for this position are anticipated to take place week commencing 15th March 2021.

Second round interviews for this position anticipated to take place week commencing 22nd March 2021.

We are looking for a new Chief Executive Officer to lead our highly successful independent charity. The Students’ Union supports over 15,000 students at Huddersfield University with representation, social activities and advice and support, and we are proud of the levels of engagement we have achieved over the last three years with the current strategic plan. Our new Chief Executive will have the opportunity to develop that strategy to the next stage and use data to gain a detailed insight into the diverse student community at Huddersfield University.

We are looking for someone who is a motivating leader and a real team player. Someone who has the enthusiasm to support five elected Officers in their roles and responsibilities, as well as supporting a great team of over 40 permanent staff and up to 90 part time student staff.

You will have a good knowledge, and feel passionate about, the importance of extra-curricular activity as part of the University experience and understand the value it has in personal and skills development, as well as in social mobility. You will also have some understanding of the current Higher Education landscape and demonstrate strong partnership working skills, as the University and Students’ Union relationship will be a key part of your role.

The Students’ Union is emerging from the current pandemic in a strong financial position, so there will be plenty of opportunity to maximise the opportunities for students going into the next academic year and develop the digital as well as physical capabilities of the charity. All surplus generated, including income from a retail outlet and a lettings agency, is invested back into the facilities provided across the organisation for our members.  

To find out more and submit your application, please visit our website https://www.huddersfield.su/main-menu/jobs/su-staff-vacancies

The closing date for applications is 14th March.  A shortlisting process will then take place and applicants will be invited to interview with dates set for 24th, 25th or 26th March, depending on the number of applications we receive.

The Sociological Review Foundation, a registered charity whose purpose is to advance the education of the public on the subject of sociology and related disciplines, are looking to appoint their first Communications Officer to join their team during an exciting time of organisational growth and development. The role reports directly to the Operations Director and will lead on the development and implementation of the organisation’s communication plans.

Working with the Operations Director and the Management Team, and embedded in the Foundation’s digital and support team, the successful candidate will lead on internal and external communications including:

• Developing and implementing communication plans that contribute to internal and external stakeholders’ awareness of, and participation in, our work. 
• Creating and communicating engaging and informative content tailored to communication channels and their audiences
• Generating communications, outputs and materials to support our fundraising activities

Main responsibilities

• Provides input into internal and external communication plans, and leads on their implementation and adaption to projects and their audiences
• Leads on digital and public engagement activities to promote events, projects and activities to both academic and non-academic audiences
• Oversees all content and its coherence as part of the SR brand
• Provides input into researching and identifying audiences as well as devising communication plans to engage with them
• Creates and communicates engaging and informative content (newsletters, website content, reports, pieces of written work to accompany visual content), tailored to communication channels and relevant audiences 
• Works with the Digital Editor and Theme Editors to research authors, solicit contributions and identify relevant accompanying articles from the Journal archive. 
• Liaises with blog authors with respect to deadlines and amendments suggested by the Digital Editorand Theme Editors 
• Liaises with the Fundraising Manager to generate communications, outputs and materials in accordance with funder requirements,including newsletters, project updates, impact reports, and Cases for Support for initiatives
• Compiles testimonials, references, feedback, and case studies from beneficiaries