Accounts payable team leader jobs
About the eoa (Employee Ownership Association)
Employee ownership in the UK is at a critical moment. The sector has more than doubled since 2020. Awareness is rising. Evidence is compelling. Businesses, communities, and policymakers are increasingly recognising that a people-powered approach can unlock fairness, resilience, and productivity.
We believe the UK can reach 10,000 employee owned businesses within the decade, transforming succession, broadening ownership, and reshaping the economic landscape. But achieving this relies on bold, strategic, values-led leadership across our community.
The eoa exists to build and connect that community: a network of more than 850 member businesses, thousands of employee owners, specialist advisors, policymakers, and partners committed to powering fairer livelihoods and stronger businesses through employee ownership.
Purpose of the Role
The Finance Manager leads the eoa’s finances to ensure the businesses resources are used effectively, efficiently, and sustainably.
You will develop robust financial systems, reporting, and analysis to provide insight and assurance to the SLT and Board, playing a central role in safeguarding the eoa’s financial health and enabling its strategic goals to be achieved.
Role Summary
- Contract: Permanent
- Hours: 22.5 hours per week, working pattern to be agreed with successful candidate
- Location: Manchester (hybrid). You will be expected to attend the office at least twice per month, and more often where needed
- Salary: £45,000 (£27,000 pro rata) p/a
- Pension: Up to 7% employer pension match (from year 1 anniversary)
- Annual Leave: 30 days leave + bank holidays
- Reports to: Membership & Operations Director
- Management of: Finance and Business Support Administrator
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and delivery of the organisation’s financial strategy, ensuring it underpins and enables operational delivery.
- Manage the annual budget-setting process, working closely with colleagues to align budgets with strategic priorities.
- Manage day-to-day financial operations, including financial accounting, membership renewals, bank account management, cash flow monitoring, credit control, payments, and function oversight.
- Take responsibility for accurate and timely payroll and pension delivery, working in partnership with an external provider.
- Prepare and reconcile monthly, and year-end accounts, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and robust controls.
- Produce accurate, timely financial forecasts, management accounts and financial analysis to support operational and strategic decisions.
- Ensure compliance with statutory requirements including tax (VAT, PAYE, Corporation Tax) and financial reporting obligations.
- Maintain strong internal controls and risk management processes, safeguarding the organisation’s financial health.
- Act as a signatory on company bank accounts, ensuring appropriate authorisation and governance arrangements are in place.
- Lead the ongoing development and improvement of finance processes and systems, and automations to drive efficiency and effectiveness.
Knowledge, Experience, and Attributes
- Degree-level education and either ACCA, CIMA, or ACA qualification.
- Proven track record in budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and delivering accurate management accounts and financial analysis.
- Experience of working for or preparing SME accounts, managing audits, risk, and internal controls, with a focus on continuous improvement of systems and processes.
- Strategic thinker who can translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insight for senior leaders and the Board.
- Highly organised, proactive, and solution-focused, with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Collaborative, adaptable, and professional, demonstrating integrity and sound judgment in all financial matters.
What Constitutes Success in This Role?
Success in this role means the eoa has reliable, efficient, and well-governed financial operations that underpin all aspects of the business. You will ensure day-to-day finance processes are accurate and timely, cash flow and budgets are effectively managed, and statutory obligations are met with confidence. By providing clear analysis and insight, you will support the SLT and Board in making informed decisions, drive improvements in systems and reporting, and enable the eoa to achieve its strategic priorities.
Key outcomes for the role Measures
- Outcome: The eoa maintains accurate, timely, and insightful financial reporting and analysis to support decision-making.
Measure: Accurate monthly management accounts and forecasts delivered on time. Rolling forecasts and scenario analyses updated regularly. - Outcome: Budgets are aligned with strategic priorities and financial resources are optimally managed.
Measure: Budgets prepared and approved within agreed timelines. Variance between budgeted and actual expenditure monitored and reported. Cash flow maintained within agreed thresholds. - Outcome: Statutory, regulatory, and internal governance requirements are met and risks are effectively managed.
Measure: All statutory filings (tax, Companies House, pensions) submitted accurately and on time. External audit completed with no significant issues. Internal controls and risk management processes maintained and reviewed annually. - Outcome: Financial systems and processes support operational efficiency and organisational growth.
Measure: Transaction processing, reconciliations, and payroll delivered accurately and on schedule. Improvements in process efficiency implemented. - Outcome: Finance contributes proactively to strategic decision-making and organisational development.
Measure: Financial insight and recommendations consistently inform senior leadership decisions. Evidence of finance-led initiatives driving cost efficiency or strategic impact. - Outcome: Finance function evolves to meet organisational needs and supports a culture of improvement.
Measure: New or updated systems, processes, or reporting tools implemented successfully. Finance function demonstrates improved efficiency, effectiveness, or scalability over time.
How to apply
To apply, please submit:
- A two-page CV
- And ane of either:
- Cover letter setting out your motivation, approach, and what you will bring to the role
- Video (maximum 10 minutes) setting out your motivation, approach, and what you will bring to the role
Applications should be submitted before 9:00am 2 March 2026. We will close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. If you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
Interviews will be in Manchester w.c. 9 March 2026.
The eoa welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those who are under-represented. We recruit based on values, skills, and contribution to our purpose.
We exist to grow and strengthen employee ownership as a force for powering fairer livelihoods, stronger businesses, and a more resilient economy.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Role Purpose
The Finance Officer will be responsible for the day-to-day financial management of the charity, ensuring accurate bookkeeping, robust financial controls, and timely financial reporting. The postholder will work closely with the CEO to support budgeting, grant and tender applications, procurement, and financial reporting to the Board of Trustees.
This is a key role in ensuring the charity’s financial sustainability, compliance, and effective use of resources.
Key Responsibilities
Bookkeeping and Financial Operations
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records using appropriate accounting software.
- Manage day-to-day bookkeeping, including income, expenditure, bank reconciliations, and petty cash.
- Process purchase orders, invoices, and payments in line with financial procedures.
- Monitor cash flow and flag any concerns to the CEO.
- Payroll and expenses responsibility
Budgeting and Financial Planning
- Support the CEO in developing and monitoring the annual organisational budget.
- Assist with the preparation of budgets and finanical reporting for grant and tender applications as requested.
- Track expenditure against budgets and provide regular updates.
Financial Reporting and Governance
- Prepare quarterly financial reports for the Board of Trustees.
- Contribute to the annual budget report for trustee approval.
- Support year-end financial processes, including preparation for independent examination or audit.
- Ensure financial records meet charity and regulatory requirements.
Procurement and Ordering
- Source suppliers and obtain quotes for subscriptions, resources, services and any other relevant needs.
- Place orders for materials and equipment (e.g. laptops, office equipment) in line with budget approvals.
- Maintain records of assets and equipment.
Support to the CEO and Organisation
- Work closely with the CEO on financial planning, reporting, and decision-making.
- Provide financial information and analysis to support organisational planning.
- Undertake any other finance-related duties appropriate to the role.
Person Specification
Essential
- Qualified and experienced bookkeeper (e.g. AAT or equivalent experience).
- Proven experience of bookkeeping and financial administration, ideally within a charity or not-for-profit setting.
- Experience of preparing budgets and financial reports.
- Strong numerical skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and manage a varied workload.
- Experience with bookkeeping software such as “Zero”
- Good IT skills, including accounting software and Microsoft Excel.
- Understanding of confidentiality and data protection.
Desirable
- Experience of charity finance and funder reporting.
- Experience of supporting grant or tender applications.
- Knowledge of charity governance and trustee reporting.
Working Arrangements
This is a hybrid role, with a mix of office-based and home working subject to performance, needs of the charity and agreement. Working days are flexible, with a preference for Monday, Wednesday, and/or Friday, subject to agreement.
Equality and Diversity
The charity is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
Hours: 14 hours per week (worked over 2–3 days - to be agreed)
Preferred working days: Monday / Wednesday / Friday (to be agreed)
Salary: £15–£20 per hour(£10,920–£14,560 per annum for 14 hours/week, equivalent to £29,260 upwards FTE) depending on experience
Benefits:
25 days annual leave excluding bank holidays (pro rata)
Extra leave: +1 day after 3 years’ service, +1 more day after 5 years
Birthday Leave
Sick pay package
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
Giving back Scheme - Volunteer day leave
Cycle to work scheme
Specsavers Partnership
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Nb: This piece of recruitment is rolling and may close at any time.
In recent years OTR has seen a significant increase in demand for our youth mental health services and we now reach over 17,000 young people each year. We are seeking a Head of Finance to oversee our (circa) £3m annual budget and to ensure that our finance operation is efficient and effective. This role will lead OTR’s finance function and, as well as having responsibility for day-to-day financial processes, will be a key member of the organisation’s senior leadership team (SLT). The role will involve providing financial insight to the SLT and Board of Trustees to improve understanding and inform strategic decision making. Examples of this will include analysing the financial performance of different activities of the organisation and preparing budget and forecast information.
We are looking for an individual with demonstrable experience in a finance management role which includes a strategic focus, preferably in the voluntary sector. The successful candidate will be a flexible and meticulous individual who is able to present complex information to a range of audiences. Equally important is a strong personal interest in and commitment to the mental health and wellbeing of young people.
To find out more about the role please download the job pack. If you would like an informal chat about the role, please email the main contact as listed in the job pack
To apply for this role click the 'Apply now' button
We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to developing a team that reflects the diversity of the people we work with
Safeguarding:
OTR is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff, trustees, and volunteers to share this commitment.
As part of our Safer Recruitment practices, all roles involving contact with young people will be subject to robust pre-employment checks, including references, a full employment history, and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Where applicable, overseas criminal record checks will also be required.
We are dedicated to creating a culture of vigilance, transparency, and accountability. Our safeguarding procedures are guided by the principle that the welfare of the child is paramount, and all staff are required to adhere to OTR’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.
OTR & Benefits:
OTR is a mental health social movement by and for young people. The charity is at an exciting stage of its 59-year history and is proud to be reaching more young people than ever before (around 17,000) across Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and North Somerset with creative and diverse mental health and wellbeing info and support.
Our approach to mental health is grounded in a set of beliefs and values that underpin all of our work. We believe in celebrating diversity, empowering and mobilising young people to make change, and that catering to the unique strengths, interests and circumstances surrounding young people is key. Our approach centres on collaboration and partnership, building relationships between individuals, peers and communities.
Each day is as engaging and fulfilling as the last, and with a network of supportive, community minded people, we hope you’ll feel welcome here. As a thank you, we like to compensate our employees for the important work they do with a range of benefits including a flexible leave policy, healthcare cost and wellbeing assistance with HealthShield, flexible and hybrid working arrangements, enhanced sick pay, parental leave, training and development, social and wellbeing events, and more (subject to contractual terms and conditions).
A Willingness to Work with Difference
At OTR, whatever your role or professional background, you will be expected to work in a way that is anti-oppressive and inclusive. A key focus for OTR is to develop an organisation that is inclusive for all but we do not claim to be experts in this. We are committed to continuous learning and improvement in these areas and invite you to join us on this journey.
OTR recognises the benefits to individual practice and organisational credibility of having a diverse community of staff and volunteers and to this end is continually working towards building and maintaining an environment which values and pursues diversity accordingly.
We recognise that tackling systemic inequality, prejudice, racism and oppressive practice requires each of us to actively engage, self-examine and make changes where necessary, in order to improve access and equitable experience for all in society and all of those who come through our doors at OTR.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Post: Head of Finance
Salary & Band: £43,000 to £52,500
Department: Finance Team
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-time, 39 hours per week
Line Manager: Chief Operating Officer
Reports From: Finance Team
Location: Coventry
Applications close: 3 March 2026,Interviews: w/c 16 March
PURPOSE OF ROLE:
The Head of Finance will report to the COO, and work closely with the Senior Leadership team, supporting the Theatre’s strategic objectives and decision-making. The postholder will provide strategic and operational leadership to a small and dedicated finance team and will be responsible for the financial management of the Theatre and its subsidiaries, in alignment with organisational strategic plans and budgets, and in compliance with Charity and Company accounting standards and practices. This role is hands on and works closely with each department.
Key Objectives
- Working with the COO to provide Strategic Management: Budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning.
- Oversee day to day financial operations, leading and managing the Finance team
- Support the COO to ensure regulatory requirements of all statutory bodies are met, especially in relation to charity accounting regulations
- Managing statutory accounts, external audits, and specialist areas like VAT and Theatre Tax Relief.
- Implement efficient and effective Finance reporting to meet the evolving needs of the business, supporting deep dive analysis for the Executive team where required
- Working with the COO, and SLT on risk management
This job description outlines the principal responsibilities and duties of the post holder. It isn’t meant to be, nor is it, an exhaustive list of specific responsibilities and duties. The post holder will be expected to undertake any other duties which could reasonably be expected as being within the remit of the post and which arise out of changes of legislation, regulations, orders, rules and working practices, methods and procedures and reviews, as directed from time to time
Responsibilities
Financial Leadership and Strategy
- Lead and deliver the financial strategy for Belgrade Theatre to ensure long term financial sustainability.
- Support the COO in shaping financial planning and risk management.
- Prepare annual budgets, forecasts, and cash flow plans aligned with strategic priorities.
- Provide financial analysis and insight to support organisational decision making and business planning.
- Deputise for the COO when required.
Financial Operations and Systems Optimisation
- Oversee and continuously improve financial processes and systems
- Work with external contractors and internal teams to support integration projects between EPOS, CRM, and accounting systems, reducing manual processing and improving data accuracy.
- Proactively identify opportunities for further automation, system improvements, and app integrations that enhance control, reduce costs, or increase capacity.
- Ensure efficient month-end and year-end processes, including reconciliations, accruals, and reporting.
- Maintain oversight of ledgers, payroll, VAT and banking arrangements.
- Ensure compliance and accuracy in grant and restricted fund accounting.
Reporting and Analysis
- Produce monthly management accounts for the COO and work with the COO to produce quarterly reports for the Finance Committee and Trustee Board meetings.
- Report on performance against budget, forecast, and prior year, including cash flow and balance sheet commentary.
- Provide clear and concise analysis and recommendations to support decision making.
- Oversee preparation of detailed project and grant reports for funders and assist the development team with the financial aspects of fundraising bids.
Governance, Compliance, and Risk
- Manage the audit process, ensuring delivery of compliant and timely statutory accounts in line with Charity SORP and Companies Act requirements.
- Act as key point of contact for external auditors, HMRC, and other regulatory bodies.
- Work with senior colleagues to ensure appropriate financial controls, risk management, and business continuity plans are in place.
- Maintain awareness of developments in charity finance legislation and best practice.
Leadership and Team Development
- Line manage and develop the finance team.
- Provide leadership, guidance, and professional development, building a collaborative and accountable team culture.
- Work closely with colleagues across departments to improve financial literacy and promote robust financial management across the organization
General
- Work at all times within the Theatre’s policies, including but not limited to our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Dignity at Work, Environmental, Health and Safety and Code of Conduct for Staff
- Develop a strong understanding of the Belgrade Theatre brand, act as an ambassador for the Theatre in general
- Act as the central point of contact for all staff, partners, local authorities and suppliers in connection with Finance related activities
- Work in line with the Belgrade’s core values of inclusion, collaboration, evolution and authenticity
Undertake any other duties which are consistent with the function and seniority of the role including:
- supporting the Executive in delivery of the strategic aims of the business.
- attending staff meetings and training courses
- supporting Guest Nights and Fundraising events
What We Are Looking For
EXPERIENCE
Essential:
- Significant, proven experience in a senior finance role, including both strategic and hands-on delivery (qualified accountant ACA, ACCA, CIMA).
- Experience working with modern cloud-based accounting systems.
- Proven ability to design and embed effective financial controls and processes.
- Experience producing management accounts, budgets, forecasts, and cash flow reports.
- Experience liaising with auditors and preparing consolidated statutory accounts under Charity SORP.
- Strong financial and analytical skills with excellent attention to detail.
- Ability to work strategically while remaining hands-on in delivery.
- Proactive problem-solver with a track record of delivering system and process improvements.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills; able to explain finance clearly to non-financial colleagues.
- Collaborative, supportive management style with the ability to motivate and develop staff. Experience of leading a small team.
- High level of integrity, professionalism, and resilience, with the ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities.
- Commitment to the mission and values of Belgrade Theatre.
Desirable:
- Experience in theatre accounting, Theatre Tax Relief (TTR), and the TTR claims process.
- Experience preparing consolidated management and statutory accounts.
- Experience with Access, or similar modern finance tools.
- Familiarity with CRM and EPOS systems and integration projects.
- Experience in VAT for charities, including cultural exemption.
- Experience of working with Funders, e.g. Arts Council England.
- Experience managing through organisational change
Other Information
- The Belgrade operates a House Agreement based on the UK Theatre (formerly TMA)/BECTU (Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union) Agreement and its Staff Handbook outlines the terms on sick pay, maternity leave and pay, paternity leave and pay, grievance and discipline and other relevant staff matters
- Employees’ health and safety is of paramount importance, and Management insists that an employee obtains written express permission to take on any paid work or other employment during periods of TOIL (Time Off In Lieu) or holiday. No permission will be given for the first 28 days of holiday as this is a statutory requirement
- On appointment the successful candidate must be able to provide the correct documents as proof of their right to work in the UK.
- The candidate’s contract of employment with the Belgrade Theatre does not come into force until the first day of work
- Staff are entitled to tickets for shows at the Belgrade Theatre, subject to particular conditions and 10% discount at the Theatre’s Café and Bar
- Start date: ASAP
- Probationary period: Three months
- Notice period: Four weeks during probation, three months following
- Working Hours: Your normal hours of work will be 39 hours per week over Monday to Friday. You are expected to offer reasonable flexibility in your working arrangements where it is considered necessary to undertake the duties you have been employed to perform and in the interests of the Theatre. There is no provision for payment of overtime
- Overtime: Is not payable but 6th day working and excessive additional hours will attract TOIL (time off in lieu) if agreed in advance with the Line Manager
- Pension: Auto-enrolment, with Belgrade currently making 3% employer contributions which will rise in line with legal requirements. The Theatre’s appointed pension provider is NEST. Further details are available
- Holidays: 25 days a year plus 8 Bank Holidays, increasing by a day per year to a maximum 30 days plus 8 Bank Holidays
- Location: This role is based at the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry.
How To Apply
Upload Your Up-To-Date CV
Provide A Cover Letter
Your covering letter should include why are you interested in this post (e.g. what qualities you think you can bring to the job, your relevant skills, any additional information you feel supports your application).
We recommend that you tell us what you can about yourself, with reference to the Job Description & What Are We Looking For sections. Please also include any relevant qualifications or training courses attended.
Your covering letter should be no more than two sides of A4/500 words
Alternatively, we can accept applications in other formats, including voice note or video.
Your video/voice note of no more than five minutes in length.
What Has Attracted You To This Role And Why You Want To Work For The Belgrade Theatre?
"We truly appreciate your interest in joining our team. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a sufficient number of applications."
Our Commitment to Equality
The Belgrade Theatre is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and supportive environment for everyone. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences—including but not limited to individuals of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, ages, faiths or beliefs, disabilities, and neurodiverse conditions.
We believe that a diverse workforce enriches our creative community and strengthens our connection to the audiences we serve. Our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do, and we strive to ensure that all employees and applicants feel valued, respected, and empowered to bring their full selves to work.
If you require any adjustments, accommodations, or assistance at any stage of the recruitment or application process, please do not hesitate to contact us
with the subject line ‘Application Assistance’. We will work with you to provide the support you need to make your application journey as accessible and comfortable as possible.
If you are applying through the Disability Confident Scheme, please reference that in your cover letter or application
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FORM
The Belgrade Theatre is committed to ensuring equal opportunities, aiming to attract and work with staff from a wide diverse pool. The information that you give us on this form will be treated confidentially and stored on our HR database as statistical information only. This will be used to help monitor the diversity of applicants and to enable us to continue to develop policies and procedures regarding diversity and to submit required data to our funders. The information you supply will not be made available to anyone in any form other than anonymous data.
Please complete our monitoring form via this link: Diversity and Equal Opportunities form.
“At the Belgrade Theatre, we are dedicated to creating an environment where everyone has equal opportunity to thrive andcontribute to telling powerful, diverse stories that reflect us as a vibrant community.”
Winner of Best New Play at the UK Theatre Awards and nominated for Best Production at the Black British Theatre Awards.
Finance and Resource Director
Location: Hull - hybrid working available
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Part-time or full-time considered (min 3 days per week)
Salary: £65,000
• Lead the financial strategy for a diverse £6 million+ turnover charity.
• Oversee a unique commercial portfolio, including a Wetherspoon franchise.
• Join a senior team empowering students and shaping their experience.
We are helping a university students' union find a new Finance and Resource Director as they embark on a period of restructure in the Senior Leadership Team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a strategic finance leader to join a complex, values-driven organisation in Hull. If you are looking to combine your financial expertise with purpose-driven work, this role offers a unique challenge.
The organisation is happy to consider applicants on a part-time basis (min 3 days per week) or on a full-time basis. Hybrid working is offered with at least 50% of the role expected to be office based.
Company Overview
This is a student-led charity with a thriving commercial arm. With a turnover of over £6 million, its portfolio includes the UK's first J D Wetherspoon franchise on a university campus and a successful SPAR supermarket. The organisation has also invested in its spaces, creating a vibrant hub for student life, including a major live gig venue. The organisation is focused on empowering every student by championing their priorities through community organising.
Position Overview
As the Finance and Resource Director, you will be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team. You will provide strategic leadership across Finance, Facilities, and Health and Safety. Your role is vital to ensuring the organisation has the resources to deliver its strategic plan sustainably. You will work closely with the CEO, Trustees, and elected Presidents to drive commercial performance and support the organisation's mission.
Responsibilities
• Lead operational strategy for finance, facilities, and health & safety.
• Develop and deliver the group's long-term financial plan.
• Provide strategic financial guidance to the CEO and Boards.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and annual financial reporting.
• Lead on the production on the annual statutory accounts.
• Manage key relationships with auditors, banks, HMRC, and the external management accountants.
• Ensure robust financial governance and risk management.
• Lead on contract negotiations and ethical investment strategy.
• Champion and role-model the organisation's inclusive culture.
Requirements
• A recognised accountancy qualification (ACCA, CIMA, ACA, or CIPFA).
• Senior leadership and management experience.
• Proven experience in strategic financial planning and reporting.
• Experience in developing systems and leading organisational change.
• Excellent communication skills, able to present to board level.
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• A genuine empathy with the values of a student-led organisation.
• Experience in the charity or higher education sector is desirable.
Benefits
• Generous annual leave of 27 days plus bank holidays and additional leave
• Paid volunteering days to support causes you care about.
• Comprehensive health and wellbeing support.
• Staff discounts across campus and various retail schemes.
• Cycle-to-work scheme and travel perks.
• Access to training and development opportunities.
Alongside these benefits, you will join a supportive and progressive senior team. You will help shape a fun, inclusive, and solution-focused culture, directly improving students' university experience.
Commitment to Diversity
The organisation is committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of its membership and the communities it serves. We actively encourage applications from underrepresented groups, including racially and ethnically minoritised individuals, women, non-binary people, and people with disabilities.
How to Apply
Please send your CV for consideration by the closing date
Closing date: Monday 23rd February at 12 noon
Interviews: Wednesday 25th February - most likely onsite. Possible second interview w/c 2nd March.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
The Difference is an education charity, founded to change the story on lost learning. Our vision is to see lost learning falling nationally by 2030 and for schools to be better equipped to support all children, particularly those most vulnerable.
Leading national policy strategy
As Head of Policy and Public Affairs, you will work closely with the CEO to develop and execute a four-year influencing plan. Together we’ll aim to shift local and national incentives on inclusion by 2030, which see the national trend of rising suspension and absence begin to fall.
You will hold relationships with the Department for Education and Ofsted and advise on policy priorities ahead, such as:
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Widening the definition of inclusion beyond special needs, recognising the needs of those young people historically or currently interacting with social services
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Reducing perverse incentives for schools to alter their school roll through admissions and pupil exits
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Expectations for multi-academy trusts in capturing and analysing data on lost learning, including how it disproportionately affects different groups
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Improving local alternative provision eco-systems, to improve outcomes for young people
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National standards for inclusive school practice, at a universal and targeted level
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Professional development standards for school inclusion
Developing implementation expertise in the middle tier
In your first six months, you will advise on the internal development of a new programme for middle tier policy actors: multi-academy trust and local authority leaders. You will support the Programme team in its design, to plan strategically for the recruitment of trusts and local authorities, and you will plan the research and influencing work which will seek to share their success nationally.
Building the evidence base
In your second six months, you will work with the CEO to build out our research function. Your influencing plan will include how The Difference can learn from the work across our multi-academy trust, local authority and internal AP pioneer partners over the next four years, to develop influential publications. Research work ahead will include publishing sector-facing publications of The Difference’s own research, carried out by our research lead and associates; alongside managing external contractors and internal colleagues to bid for and deliver aligned research disseminating our ideas.
Raising your voice
This is an exciting opportunity for someone committed to inclusive policy change. The Difference has always punched above our weight in national and sector press reach. In post, you will publish blogs and comment pieces, disseminating our shared ideas. You will be a prominent voice on inclusion.
The Difference is still a small and growing charity. This means that our work is fast-paced, our roles are broad, and there is a culture of being highly autonomous, reactive and flexible, as the needs of the organisation evolve. If this sounds exciting rather than daunting, then this could be the role and team for you!
The Role
This is an exciting time to join The Difference as we increase our impact, reach more schools, and develop our influencing strategy. As Head of Policy and Public Affairs you will:
Design and execute an impactful influencing plan
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Design an influencing plan - Identify via horizon scanning opportunities to influence national policy using open policy windows, or by nudging/creating new ones.
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Execute an influencing plan - Utilise own assets and assets across the organisation, including the Director team, to deliver against the influencing plan.
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Relationship building - Build highly credible and impactful relationships with a variety of stakeholders who hold power. This will include policy makers in national governments, local government officials, politicians, other third sector organisations and think tanks.
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Leadership - Play a significant role internally and externally in communicating the organisation’s policy position, raising organisational and own brand.
Build policy capacity and credibility across the organisation
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Policy positions and solutions- Use the concepts, work and experience of The Difference’s programmes to develop new, and refine existing, national policy positions to shift incentives.
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Thought leadership - Be the organisation’s education policy and political expert.
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Generating income - Use own and team’s expertise and credibility to generate income via speaking engagements and consultancy to support the organisation’s financial sustainability.
Person Specification
Essential – We are looking for someone with the following knowledge, experience and skills, though you may be stronger in some areas than others:
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Deep expertise in education policy, particularly on the topic of lost learning and the various policy and political debates, including areas of controversy, surrounding this policy topic.
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Strategic thinker with a proven track record in identifying policy windows and designing activities that lead to meaningful national policy change.
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Excellent relationship builder, who brings with them their own network of influential stakeholders and has a plan for building new relationships. Adept at navigating tricky situations and explaining complex, sometimes difficult, messages.
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Expert convener with a strong knowledge of the education sector, including which schools, trusts and local authorities are influential and experience in bringing a variety of perspectives together to generate consensus.
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Persuasive and clear writing style for publication, including reports, press, blogs and ghost writing for members of the senior leadership team, often based on consensus positions, and designed to communicate key messages for impact.
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Confidence and credibility in communicating nuanced messages in a contentious landscape, in writing, verbally and in public (e.g. on panels), to raise the profile of The Difference.
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Strong project manager who can design systems and processes to keep self, team and other stakeholders on task and on time. Experience of designing programmes of work and monitoring their effectiveness. Flexible project management style that can adapt to a changing environment. Confidence in managing a variety of stakeholders and supporting them to deliver on time.
Desired – You are more likely to be successful in your application if you have one or more of the following:
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Familiarity with The Difference’s programmatic work, theory and practice.
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Lived experience or insight into the school experiences of marginalised young people (e.g. those with experience of the care system, mental ill health, special educational needs, exclusion, and racism).
We know that some people, especially those from marginalised backgrounds, may hesitate to apply unless they meet every listed requirement. If this role excites you and you believe you could make a strong contribution, we warmly encourage you to apply.
We actively welcome applications from people whose backgrounds are under-represented in the charity sector, including but not limited to: people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people with experience in the case system, non-graduates and first-in-family graduates.
The Difference exists to improve the life-outcomes of the most vulnerable children by raising the status and expertise of those who educate them.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.