Acting ceo jobs

What you need to know: 

• Job Title: Community & Support Lead 
• Reports to: Head of Operations 
• Salary: £15,000 (FTE equivalent £35,000) 
• Hours: 15 hours per week, worked flexibly across the week between 7:00am and 7:00pm. Occasional evening and weekend working may be required to support organisational needs, with advance notice provided wherever possible. 
• Location: Fully remote with occasional UK travel 
• Contract Type: Fixed-term 1 year - This post is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.

Experience in one or more of the following areas is required for this role: oncology, cancer care, urology, gynaecology, adolescent and young adult services, community nursing, or a related healthcare setting. Please provide evidence of your relevant experience in your covering letter and/or CV.

The knowledge, compassion and communication skills developed through supporting patients and families affected by cancer are directly transferable to this role. 

You will be responsible for leading our community and support services, building meaningful relationships with people affected by cancer, and helping us continue to develop services that are shaped by lived experience. 

About Us 

The Robin Cancer Trust is looking for a Community & Support Lead to help shape and grow the support we provide to people affected by testicular and ovarian germ cell cancers across the UK.  Driven by our community built from lived experience - we support individuals and families navigating diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and life beyond cancer. We connect our community with trusted information, supportive communities, opportunities to share their experiences, and services designed to help them feel informed, empowered and understood. 

We do this by: 

• Connecting people affected by cancer through our community and shared lived experiences. 
• Providing trusted information, signposting and practical support when people need it most. 
• Creating opportunities for patients, families and supporters to help shape our services and future work. 
• Building a community that breaks isolation, starts conversations and reminds people they are not alone. 

Our values: 

• Respect: Not only for the important work we undertake, but also for the people who support our mission. We believe in open, honest and empathetic communication between ourselves and our community. 
• Creativity: We are a small team with a big vision. In order to drive the change we want to see in the world, we must innovate, disrupt and experiment. 
• Trust: We are accountable to each other and our community. We are responsible for upholding these values and the quality of work we undertake and will do so with integrity at all times. 

If our mission, vision and values inspire you and resonate with you, we would love to hear from you. 

About the role

This is a newly redesigned role created following a review of Robin Cancer Trust's support services. 

The Community & Support Lead will play a key role in ensuring that people affected by testicular and ovarian germ cell cancers can access compassionate support, trusted information, meaningful connections and opportunities to shape our future work. 

We particularly welcome applications from nurses and other healthcare professionals who may be looking for a career change, greater flexibility, or an opportunity to use their skills in a non-clinical setting. Whilst this is not a clinical position and does not involve providing medical advice, your understanding of the patient experience, treatment pathways and the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis would help us deliver high-quality, person-centred support to our community.

This role may particularly appeal to nurses seeking flexible, remote working arrangements, including those looking for school-hours working, a better work-life balance, or an opportunity to continue making a meaningful difference outside of frontline clinical practice. 

Our Culture: 

Our culture is the most important thing to us. 

We want someone to join our team with empathy, creativity, versatility and initiative. We are looking for someone who can make this role their own, help shape the future of our support services, and grow alongside the charity as we continue to evolve. 

We are looking for someone who cares deeply about people, is comfortable having meaningful conversations, and is passionate about building communities that make a difference. 

Job Purpose: 

The Community & Support Lead will act as the primary point of contact for Robin Cancer Trust's support services and community activity.

The role will lead the development and delivery of our support offer, including patient enquiries, community engagement, signposting, Thriver Packs, WhatsApp communities, lived experience involvement and service development. 

The role will work closely with the CEO, Head of Operations, Medical Advisory Board and Clinical Advisor to ensure our support services remain compassionate, effective, safe and impactful. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Community Support 

• Respond to support enquiries from patients, families and supporters. 
• Coordinate the delivery of Thriver Packs. 
• Signpost individuals to relevant organisations, services and resources. 
• Maintain accurate support records and impact data. 
• Ensure enquiries are managed professionally and compassionately. 

Community Development 

• Lead and develop the Thriver Community. 
• Manage and moderate Robin Cancer Trust's WhatsApp communities. 
• Build meaningful relationships with people affected by cancer. 
• Create opportunities for lived experience involvement. 
• Recruit, engage and support community volunteers. 

Service Development 

• Identify gaps, opportunities and emerging community needs. 
• Support the development of new support services and wellbeing initiatives. 
• Build relationships with charities, healthcare professionals and support organisations. 
• Contribute to the evaluation and continuous improvement of services. 

Governance & Administration 

• Coordinate Medical Advisory Board meetings and actions. 
• Maintain support service reporting and records. 
• Support safeguarding processes and escalation pathways. 
• Work alongside the Clinical Advisor where specialist support is required. 

 Equal Opportunities: 

Robin Cancer Trust is committed to being an equal opportunity employer. We recruit based upon capability and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. The Robin Cancer Trust is aware  that we are not as diverse as we want to be, so we are actively searching for people who share our passion for our mission, with different backgrounds, perspectives and experiences, to collectively make a difference. If there is anything we can do to support you during the application or interview process, please let us know and we will do everything we can to ensure you have a positive and comfortable experience. 

Regional Communications Manager

We are looking for an experienced, hands-on communications all-rounder with a breadth of skills to lead all regional and local communications activities in the areas where we are developing new Youth Zones.

The breadth of this role means no two days are the same, which is why we are seeking somebody organised, dynamic and self-motivated with exceptional project management and stakeholder management skills.

Working for an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applications from under-represented groups; in particular from Black, Asian, Mixed Race & other ethnically diverse individuals, people with disabilities, and members of LGBTQ+ communities.

Position: Regional Communications Manager

Location: Hybrid working: two days a week in an OnSide office combined with home-working and travel across our Youth Zones Network (including those in development) plus occasional other travel as required.

Salary: £40 - £45k per annum

Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours/week)

Contract: Permanent

Benefits: Agile working with flexibility in working hours; 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (rising to a maximum of 30 days); birthday leave, additional annual leave purchase scheme; company matched pension; company sick, maternity, paternity & adoption pay; Employee Assistance Programme, active and engaged networks to join (including Equity, Diversity & Inclusion) and access to Charity Worker discounts.

Closing Date: 12 noon on Monday 13 July 2026 (We may close this role early if we receive a high volume of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.)

First stage interviews (virtual): Thursday 16 July 2026

Second stage interviews (in-person): Thursday 22 July, Location TBC

About the Role

With 19 Open Youth Zones, supporting 60,000 young people, the organisation is moving into a period of steady growth towards thier long-term goal of 35 Youth Zones by 2035. This role will take sole responsibility for communications activity across live and established projects including Thurrock, Wakefield, Burnley and Wrexham.

This is a key role within the communications team that will see you create understanding and awareness between the charity and the key local and regional audiences that matter to us as. 

This role will involve managing a portfolio of end-to-end integrated communications and PR programmes across multiple Youth Zones at various stages of development. You will work closely with the teams, each Youth Zone’s relationship managers and fundraisers, as well as its CEO, and Trustee Board, and Young People's Development Group, acting as their trusted communications advisor. You will also collaborate with local stakeholders including Local Authority communications leads and supporters, to help establish the new Youth Zones as independent charities.

It is important to note that this role lays the foundations for each new Youth Zones’ ongoing communications approach. For each project you will be required to effectively and smoothly handover to the Youth Zones full time communication resource once in place while continuing to provide light touch ongoing support - so some experience mentoring or coaching and supporting others is beneficial.

About You

We will be looking for someone that can demonstrate a broad range of communications skills from brand development to working with local media to place newsworthy, positive stories around the Youth Zone development, to supporting the development of new Youth Zone websites and the launch of social media channels.

You will have experience of:

• Communications, either in agency or in house 
• All-round integrated communications experience, including PR, copywriting and digital
• Building relationships with journalists and working with the media
• Advising internal and external teams and stakeholders at all levels
• Working directly with young people.
• Using digital platforms and tools such as MailChimp, Hootsuite, WordPress and Google Analytics
• Managing creative/design/digital agencies and briefing design and print teams

If you are as confident pitching a story to media as you are managing a branding project or overseeing an event, then this could be the role for you.

About the Organisation

A national charity that believes all young people should have the opportunity to discover their passion and their purpose that fund and build state-of-the-art, multimillion-pound youth centres called Youth Zones in the country’s most economically disadvantaged areas. The organisation trains the amazing people that run them and offers continuing support to youth zones nationwide through a national network of independent youth charities.

It’s about opportunity.

You may have experience in areas such as Accountant, Business Account, Finance Manager, Director of Finance, Head of Finance, Finance and Systems, Director of Finance and Systems, Finance and Systems Manager, Finance and Systems Lead.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client, Not For Profit People. #INDNFP

Cardiomyopathy UK is the specialist national charity for people affected by cardiomyopathy, a group of conditions that affect the heart muscle. It can have a devastating impact on the lives of people of all ages and is usually inherited. Our vision is that everyone affected by cardiomyopathy should live a long and fulfilling life.

We are midway through our five-year strategic plan, at a genuinely exciting moment, both for the charity and for cardiomyopathy more broadly. The treatment landscape has been transformed in recent years: approved dedicated therapies are now available, more are in the pipeline, and the first genetic treatments are on the horizon. This is bringing new energy and investment from clinicians, pharmaceutical companies and the research community, creating real opportunities for a charity with the credibility, evidence base and relationships to make the most of them. Our evidence base is stronger than ever: we have completed the James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership, surveyed over 1,300 people affected by cardiomyopathy, and published our State of the Nation report. Against a rapidly shifting NHS and policy landscape, we are now reviewing our priorities and sharpening our focus on where we can have the greatest impact.

For the right person, this is an opportunity with real strategic scope. We want to build on our strong policy positions and evidence base and translate them into proactive campaigning and influencing, moving from good policy thinking to concerted public affairs activity, strategic stakeholder engagement, and campaigns that achieve real change. We have a draft theory of change to refine and policy recommendations to turn into action. Our Change Makers volunteer advocacy network is central to this, but needs dedicated leadership to fulfil its potential; rebuilding it is one of the most important early priorities for the post-holder.

Our research programme reflects this momentum. The James Lind Alliance process established the top ten research priorities for cardiomyopathy, giving us a clear, credible basis for directing research attention and resource. We have launched our Catalyst Grants scheme, the charity's first foray into directly funding research, with a second round under way, and want to build on it. That means resourcing the scheme sustainably, deepening engagement with the research community through a growing researcher network, and establishing an annual researchers' event to bring the community together and identify collaboration opportunities. The Director will lead this next phase, working with the Research Manager and our clinical and academic partners to define and deliver our ambitions.

Raising awareness of cardiomyopathy, its signs, symptoms and genetic risk, is equally central to our mission. Too many people are still diagnosed late because neither they nor their GP knew what to look for. We want our communications work to drive this agenda purposefully, drawing on our own evidence about diagnostic delay and unmet need.

We are also looking for someone who can work alongside our fundraising team to sustain and grow this work. Securing dedicated funding for our research grants programme and advocacy work is a real priority, and the changing landscape, with greater pharmaceutical interest in cardiomyopathy than ever, creates new opportunities alongside more traditional trust and grant funding. Experience of developing compelling cases for support, and/or navigating partnerships with commercial organisations in a way that protects the charity's independence, would be a significant asset.

The Director of Research and External Affairs leads the charity's research, policy and advocacy, and communications and marketing functions, with a team of four staff. The post-holder sets the strategic direction of the directorate, drives high-quality delivery,  upholds the charity's values, and represents the charity externally across research, policy, clinical and funder networks. The Director is a member of the charity's Leadership Team, working closely with the CEO to steer the charity forward.

Key responsibilities and duties

The Clinical Service Manager will be responsible for supporting the effective day-to-day management and development of The Maya Centre’s clinical services. Key duties will include:

• Providing clinical management across The Maya Centre’s therapeutic services and therapist teams.
• Managing the client journey from referral through to assessment and allocation.
• Overseeing referrals, triage, assessments and allocation processes for new clients.
• Acting, alongside the Clinical Director, as a senior clinical point of contact and providing case consultation where required.
• Supporting and managing therapists, including responding to clinical queries and ensuring compliance with policies and procedures.
• Undertaking clinical risk assessment and risk management as required.
• Ensuring outcome measures, including CORE, are completed and used effectively across clinical services.
• Maintaining high standards of clinical governance, record keeping, monitoring and evaluation.
• Supporting the recruitment, induction and professional development of therapists.
• Working with the Clinical Director, CEO and wider team to develop and improve The Maya Centre’s service model.
• Building positive relationships with partner agencies, community organisations, health and social care providers, funders and other stakeholders.
• Supporting consultation events, stakeholder engagement and the promotion of The Maya Centre’s services.
• Contributing to reports for trustees, funders and other audiences.
• Attending relevant meetings, including clinical team meetings, supervisors’ meetings, management meetings and CPD sessions.
• Representing The Maya Centre externally at relevant inter-agency and clinical meetings where appropriate.
• Supporting fundraising, events and wider organisational activities when required.

Person specification:

Essential

• Full membership, registration and accreditation with UKCP, BPS, BPC and/or BACP.
• A minimum of three years’ post-qualification clinical experience.
• Evidence of continuing professional development in line with relevant professional body requirements.
• Experience of working clinically with clients who have experienced childhood trauma.
• Experience of culturally sensitive clinical practice.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and its implications for clinical practice.
• Good knowledge and experience of a broad range of psychological therapies.
• A minimum of two years’ experience of clinical service management.
• Experience of management within an organisational context.
• Experience of working in different cultural contexts.
• Excellent people management skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with community organisations, health and social care providers, partner agencies and funders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience of collecting and measuring clinical outcomes, including CORE.
• Good IT, numeracy and data skills, with the ability to collate and present information clearly.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to meet deadlines.
• A strong commitment to anti-discriminatory, trauma-informed and intersectional practice.

Desirable

• Qualifications or training in therapeutic modalities beyond psychodynamic or analytic approaches.
• Experience and knowledge of using CORENET.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Please note that this post is open to female applicants only, as being female is deemed to be a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.

We want our organisation to reflect the diversity of the women we serve, and we particularly welcome applications from women with lived experience of the issues we work with, and from women from Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic or Refugee communities

About the role

We’re looking for an experienced, highly organised Operations & Office Coordinator to play a central role in keeping our London office running smoothly and supporting our wider organisation.

This is a varied and hands-on role, with responsibility across office operations, governance coordination, and senior leadership support. You’ll be a key point of contact for colleagues and trustees, helping ensure everything runs efficiently behind the scenes.

Flexible working that works for you

This role is designed to be genuinely flexible.

• 21 hours per week, with flexibility over how these are worked
• We’re open to a range of working patterns (e.g. school hours, shorter days across the week, or compressed hours)
• Hybrid working, with two days per week in our London office

We aim to agree a working pattern that provides consistency and predictability, while fitting around your other commitments.

We particularly welcome applications from experienced candidates returning to work after a career break, including parents and carers.

What you’ll be doing

This is a broad and rewarding role with real ownership. You will:

• Support governance processes, including Board and Committee meetings and documentation
• Provide administrative and coordination support to the CEO and senior leadership team
• Maintain and improve systems and processes, with the opportunity to shape how things are done
• Coordinate IT support, equipment and asset management
• Coordinate logistics for meetings, events and travel
• Take ownership of the day-to-day running of the London office, ensuring it is organised, efficient and welcoming
• Act as the main point of contact for facilities, suppliers and office-related queries

About you

We’re looking for someone who brings strong prior experience and enjoys working in a role with variety and responsibility.

You will likely have:

• Experience managing or coordinating a busy office or operational environment
• Confidence working independently and taking ownership of tasks and processes
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work with senior stakeholders
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft 365
• A proactive approach and the ability to juggle competing priorities

Why join us?

• A genuinely flexible, part-time role designed to support work-life balance
• A supportive and collaborative working environment
• The opportunity to take ownership of a varied and important role
• The chance to contribute to an organisation delivering meaningful impact

About Farm Africa

Farm Africa is a leading charity working with smallholder farmers and small businesses in eastern Africa to improve incomes while protecting the environment.

We combine expert knowledge with practical solutions to create lasting change for farmers, their families, and the ecosystems they depend on.

How to apply

We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly welcome those returning to work after a career break.

More information about the role can be found on the jobs page of our website. 

About Us

Health Exchange (HEx) charity and its trading subsidiary Living Well Taking Control (LWTC) are purpose-driven organisations committed to improving health, wellbeing and reducing health inequalities through prevention, behaviour change and community-based support.

Together, we deliver innovative health improvement, social prescribing and lifestyle intervention services that support tens of thousands of people each year. Working alongside the NHS, local authorities, Primary Care Networks, community organisations and national and international partners, we are helping to shape the future of prevention and population health.

With a combined annual income of approximately £7.5 million and a team of nearly 50 permanent staff, we are entering an exciting phase of transformation and sustainable growth.

As we continue to evolve, we are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Head of Finance to provide strategic financial leadership across both organisations.

Job Purpose

The Head of Finance will lead and develop the finance function across Health Exchange and Living Well Taking Control, ensuring robust financial management, effective governance and long-term financial sustainability.

As a member of the Senior Management Team, the postholder will work closely with the Chief Executive, Director of Operations, Head of Growth, Service leads and Trustees to provide financial insight, planning and analysis that supports strategic decision-making, organisational development and future sustainability.

This role combines leadership with operational oversight and offers an opportunity to play a central role in shaping the future direction of two ambitious organisations committed to improving health outcomes and reducing inequalities.

Key Responsibilities

I. Strategic Financial Leadership

Lead the development of medium and long-term financial plans that align with organisational priorities and strategic objectives, providing high-quality financial advice and insight to the Chief Executive, Senior Management Team, Board of Trustees and relevant committees. Support strategic decision-making through robust financial analysis, forecasting and scenario planning, identifying financial risks and opportunities and making recommendations to strengthen organisational sustainability. Contribute proactively to organisational transformation, continuous improvement and the successful delivery of strategic initiatives across Health Exchange and Living Well Taking Control.

II. Financial Management and Reporting

Lead all aspects of financial management across Health Exchange and Living Well Taking Control, ensuring the production of timely and accurate management accounts, financial reports and performance analysis. Work collaboratively with budget holders and senior managers to develop and manage annual budgets and reforecasts, while monitoring financial performance, cash flow and reserves to ensure robust financial controls are maintained. Oversee payroll, pensions and financial administration, and lead procurement activity and value-for-money initiatives that support the effective and efficient use of organisational resources.

III. Business Partnering and Strategic Support

Work closely with the Chief Executive, Director of Operations and Head of Growth to assess the financial viability of new opportunities, partnerships and service developments, providing robust costing, pricing and financial modelling to support bids, tenders and contract negotiations. Support the mobilisation, delivery and performance monitoring of contracts through high-quality financial reporting and analysis, while developing business cases and investment appraisals to inform strategic decision-making. Ensure effective financial governance, transparency and appropriate financial arrangements across Health Exchange and Living Well Taking Control, supporting the efficient operation of both organisations.

IV. Governance, Audit and Compliance

Ensure compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements, lead the preparation of annual accounts and external audits, and act as the main point of contact for auditors and professional advisers. Maintain effective financial controls, policies and governance arrangements, oversee organisational risk and asset registers, and support the Board of Trustees and Audit & Risk Committee in fulfilling their responsibilities.

V. Systems and Continuous Improvement

Lead the development and continuous improvement of financial systems, processes and reporting tools, maximising the use of technology to enhance efficiency, accuracy and management information. Lead, motivate and develop the finance team, fostering a high-performing and supportive culture, while contributing positively to the Senior Management Team and promoting organisational values of collaboration, integrity, accountability and inclusion. Support organisational change and continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen performance and effectiveness across both organisations.

Director of Operations – Finance & Support Services
Dartington (& Torquay as required)
Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week, 52 weeks per year, ideally Monday-Friday 08.30-16.30
Salary: £51,663.00 - £59,597.00 per annum (DOE)

Are you a skilled operations professional with a background in finance?

We have a brand-new opportunity at Lifeworks Charity, for a Director of Operations (Finance & Support Services) to play a crucial role in our Central Support team. You will drive the sustainable growth and operational efficiency of the charity, directly contributing to our charitable impact.

You'll blend your financial expertise with your keen eye for operational oversight in this hybrid role, ensuring our resources are managed effectively to benefit the young people and families we support.

Who we are:

Since 1996, we've been empowering people with learning disabilities in Devon to achieve their dreams and build fulfilling lives. Our core values of kindness, respect, and positivity guide everything we do.

What you’ll do:

Finance

- Manage and maintain all financial aspects of the charity, including (but not limited to), budgeting, forecasting, reporting, ledgers, balance sheets, bank reconciliations, debtor accounts, cash flow management, insurances, property and procurement.
- Take a lead on the development of financial and fundraising processes and strategies.
- Manage and be the main point of contact for all aspects of ESFA and DfE funding compliance and reporting.
- Lead a small team to deliver outstanding support to the charity and act as a key financial advisor to managers across the organisation.
- Produce clear and concise monthly management accounts and provide financial insights to senior managers and the Board of Trustees.
- Working closely with external auditors, prepare and oversee our year end accounts.

Operations

- Ensure that charity governance and compliance is upheld, by contributing to record maintenance, managing registers and supporting with reviews of policies and procedures.
- Work with our external IT partners to manage our technology. You will make sure that the correct infrastructure, systems and processes are in the right place at the right time.
- Lead on IT security for the charity, implementing regular reviews to monitor compliance.
- Act as the Data Controller and manage all areas of data protection regulations, always prioritising data security.
- Develop and review charity policies as necessary, ensuring they align with best practices and legal requirements.
- Ensure compliance of Health and Safety policies, liaising with external advisors to maintain safety within the workplace.

Last but not least, we are looking for someone that is an advocate for people with learning disabilities and shares our common goal of making sure the people we support achieve their best lives with us. You may not be involved in the day-to-day work with our service users, but the work you will do is vital to the success of our charity.

What we're looking for:

You'll be a motivated and experienced professional who is passionate about making a difference. You should be:

- ACCA/CIMA/ACA part-qualified with significant experience (or fully qualified is a bonus!).
- A proven leader with the ability to inspire and develop a team.
- An expert in financial management, from budgeting to reporting.
- An excellent communicator who can clearly explain complex financial information to all audiences.
- Experienced in managing a broad portfolio, ideally including Health and Safety, IT, or facilities.
- Knowledgeable about governance frameworks and risk management.

If you are a strategic thinker with a hands-on approach and a desire to contribute to a vital cause, we would love to hear from you.

We're passionate about supporting our staff just as much as we are about supporting our service users. When you join our team, you can expect:

- An hourly rate above the Real Living Wage
- A holiday entitlement of 33 days’ holiday (inclusive of bank holidays)
- A fully funded DBS check and update service to ensure a smooth onboarding process
- Access to valuable resources including an employee assistance program to support your mental and emotional health

Building a diverse and safe team:

At Lifeworks, we're committed to fostering a workplace that reflects the diversity of our community. As a Disability Confident Employer, we actively encourage applications from individuals with disabilities who meet the job criteria, and we guarantee qualified candidates with disabilities an interview.

Lifeworks is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. To achieve this commitment, we will ensure the continuous development, improvement and review of robust safeguarding processes and procedures that continuously promote a culture of vigilance in respect of safeguarding within our organisation. All staff undergo Safer Recruitment checks which include pre-employment checks, reference checks, and a DBS check with Barred List checks (where applicable).

Early applications encouraged!

This vacancy is scheduled to close on the 19th of July, but may close earlier if suitable candidates are identified. So, to ensure your application is considered, ensure you apply early!

The interview format will consist of 3 parts; a formal interview assessment, a short presentation and a Q&A with staff members. If you are selected for interview, further details will be shared ahead of the above date.

Apply today and tell us why you'd be a great fit for our team.

Please note that this role was previously advertised as Operations Manager. We ask that previous applicants of this role need not reapply.

We’d appreciate no contact from agencies regarding this role. We are only accepting direct applications.

We are seeking an exceptional governance leader to join a respected membership organisation with a long-standing commitment to advancing professional excellence and delivering positive societal impact. This is a rare opportunity to influence organisational strategy at the highest level while leading governance, risk, compliance, audit, and regulatory functions across a complex and evolving organisation.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive and working closely with Trustees, senior leaders, and key committees, you will play a critical role in ensuring the organisation continues to operate with transparency, integrity, and accountability while supporting ambitious plans for the future.

If you are an experienced governance professional who enjoys balancing strategic leadership with practical delivery, this could be your next career-defining opportunity.

About the Role

This is a strategically important leadership position responsible for overseeing governance, compliance, risk management, internal audit, data protection, and organisational assurance.

You will provide expert advice to the Board of Trustees, senior committees, and executive leadership team, ensuring governance frameworks remain effective, proportionate, and aligned with best practice.

Leading a specialist team, you will champion a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and informed decision-making across the organisation. You will also play a key role in supporting organisational change, strengthening risk management capability, and embedding governance excellence throughout the business.

This role offers significant visibility and influence, providing the opportunity to work closely with senior stakeholders and contribute directly to organisational strategy and performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across governance, risk, compliance, audit, and assurance functions.
• Act as a trusted adviser to Trustees, Board committees, and executive leaders on governance matters.
• Ensure governance structures, constitutional processes, and decision-making frameworks operate effectively and transparently.
• Lead the organisation's approach to risk management, ensuring risks are identified, assessed, monitored, and mitigated appropriately.
• Oversee internal audit programmes and drive implementation of recommendations that strengthen organisational performance.
• Act as the organisational lead for data protection and regulatory compliance.

About You

• You will be an experienced governance, company secretarial, legal, or regulatory professional with a track record of operating at a senior level within a complex organisation.
• You will bring strong strategic thinking alongside the ability to translate governance requirements into practical solutions that support organisational objectives.
• Experience within a membership body, charity, professional association, regulator, public body, or similarly governed organisation would be highly advantageous.

If you are passionate about governance, leadership, and organisational excellence, we would love to hear from you.

• ​Job Title - Communications & Engagement Lead
• Responsible to - Chief Executive Officer
• Salary - £23,000 actual (based on £31,500 full time)
• Contract - Part-Time (28 hours per week) - From time to time, you may be required to work some evenings and weekends. These are usually communicated well in advance and the time will be given back to you in lieu. We expect team members to work in-person 60% of the time whether that’s at our office in MediaCity or at our delivery locations in Greater Manchester. This is a one-year fixed-term contract, with the likelihood of renewal subject to funding availability.

Important dates

• Applications to be received by 11pm on Sunday 5 July 2026 
• Video Screening to be complete by 11pm on Thursday 9 July 2026 
• Interviews held on Monday 20 and Tuesday 21 July 2026.

ABOUT YOUTH LEADS UK

Youth Leads UK is an award-winning charity that believes young people matter. We support young people furthest from opportunity to build skills, create change, and shape the decisions that affect their lives – from classrooms to communities to boardrooms. We run leadership programmes, deliver social action projects, and publish Youth Leads Magazine – a platform for youth voice and creativity.

Working with thousands of young people across Greater Manchester for over a decade, we are experts in enabling young people to step outside their comfort zones, build real-world skills and grow in confidence. We back young people to lead, in our programmes, in policy spaces and in shaping Britain's future.

Please see our website ‘About Us’ page for more information about our vision, mission and values.

WHY WORK WITH US?

At Youth Leads UK, we believe in creating an environment that helps you thrive both personally and professionally. We offer 30 days of annual leave (including bank holidays) and a part-closure over Christmas and New Year. Our wellbeing programme includes regular socials and time for mental health initiatives, and our base at MediaCity, one of Greater Manchester's most vibrant and sustainable locations, ensures a positive and connected working environment.

We are deeply committed to diversity, equality, and inclusion. That’s why we are a Living Wage Employer, signed up to the Greater Manchester Good Employer’s Charter, and the #ShowTheSalary campaign. It’s important to us that our staff team reflects the communities we serve. We guarantee interviews for our Youth Leads UK alumni, care experienced or disabled individuals, so please let us know in your application if you meet this criteria. We promote equal opportunities and we value the unique perspectives of diverse team members.

As a youth-led organisation, we prioritise employing individuals under 30, aligning with our mission to foster strong connections and relatability with the young people we support. This is in accordance with the Equality Act and reflects our belief in empowering young voices to shape our work. 
 

ROLE SUMMARY

This is the lead communications role at Youth Leads UK - the person who holds our voice, shapes our stories, and makes sure the world hears what our young people are doing and why it matters.

Working closely with the CEO and eventually supported by two Youth Content Creators, you will own the communications and engagement function across all channels and audiences. You will set the tone, maintain the brand, lead our campaigns, and ensure everything we put out reflects who we are and what we stand for.
 

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

Strategy and brand

• Own the Youth Leads UK communications strategy, ensuring our channels, campaigns, and content are coherent, consistent, and purposeful
• Act as the guardian of our brand — maintaining voice, tone, and visual identity across everything we produce
• Work closely with the CEO to align communications activity with organisational priorities and the Generation:NOW strategy
• Analyse performance across channels and use insight to inform what we do next

Campaigns and content

• Lead the development and delivery of youth-led campaigns on issues that matter to our communities - from mental health and civic participation to cost of living and representation
• Oversee the planning and production of Youth Leads Magazine - three editions per year, created by and for young people
• Lead on long-form and strategic content including press releases, impact reports, website articles, and stakeholder communications
• Set the brief for social media content and oversee delivery by the Youth Content Creators, ensuring quality, consistency, and brand alignment
• Manage email communications including newsletters and stakeholder updates

Developing young people

• Provide day-to-day communications direction to two Youth Content Creators — setting briefs, reviewing content, and ensuring brand consistency
• Actively mentor and develop the Youth Content Creators, helping them build skills, confidence, and understanding of professional communications practice. The youth content creators will be line managed by the Head of Programmes, who you will work closely with
• Champion youth voice across all communications output, ensuring young people are authentically represented and genuinely involved in how we tell our story

Media and public profile

• Build and maintain relationships with journalists, editors, and media contacts across local, regional, and national outlets
• Draft and issue press releases, media statements, and reactive comments
• Identify and pursue opportunities to place youth voice in public debate - through opinion pieces, broadcast appearances, panel contributions, and more
• Support the CEO and young people to prepare for media appearances and public-facing engagements

Communicating our impact

• Work with the wider team to translate programme outcomes, data, and young people’s stories into compelling content for a range of audiences
• Produce materials that communicate Youth Leads UK’s impact clearly and powerfully to partners, funders, and the public
• Ensure our digital presence - website, social channels, email - reflects the quality and ambition of our work

OTHER AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Ensure young people play a strong leadership role across our work
• Keep up to date on new developments and trends within the youth sector
• Administrative duties as required, such as minute-taking, arranging travel and booking venues
• Representing Youth Leads UK at conferences and events
• Act as an ambassador for the organisation
• Ensure Youth Leads UK’s Health and Safety and Safeguarding and any other appropriate policies are adhered to where necessary
• Take reasonable care of your own health and safety and that of others who might be affected by your work as required by law and described in the relevant operating policies and procedures
• Be committed to safeguarding principles and be willing to put the welfare of children and young people at the forefront of your work
• An understanding and belief in the inclusion of all staff, partners and young people irrespective of race, gender, sexuality, age, religion, ability, identity and experience
• Actively promotes and embeds an understanding of equality, diversity, and an inclusive culture
• Able to take personal accountability for key work areas

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

ESSENTIAL

• Strong writing skills - able to produce compelling content across formats, from social media captions to press releases to long-form articles
• Experience developing and delivering communications strategies or campaigns
• Solid understanding of brand, voice, and audience - and how to maintain consistency across channels
• Experience managing or overseeing social media channels for an organisation or campaign
• Ability to use analytics to evaluate performance and make informed decisions about future activity
• Experience writing press releases or supporting media and press engagement
• Confidence building relationships with journalists, media contacts, or external stakeholders
• Excellent organisational skills - able to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain quality under pressure
• Genuine commitment to youth empowerment, social justice, and amplifying underrepresented voices
• Experience with video content production or editing
• Understanding of safeguarding principles when working with young people (training provided)

DESIRABLE

• Proficiency in Canva for creating and adapting branded content
• Experience with email marketing tools and understanding of what makes an effective newsletter or stakeholder communication
• Experience using Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, or similar tools (training available)
• Experience working in or with the charity, public, or youth sector
• Understanding of civic leadership, social action, or community engagement
• Experience directing, briefing, or supporting others to deliver communications work
• Familiarity with website content management systems
• Experience mentoring or developing junior colleagues or young people

We recruit based on potential, not polish - so don’t worry if one or two of the above are missing - most things can be taught!

ORGANISATIONAL INFORMATION

Youth Leads UK has a small yet mighty team, so you may be required to take on other duties and responsibilities from time to time.

All staff are expected to:

• Adhere to the policies and procedures in the Youth Leads UK staff policy handbook.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times in line with organisational policies.
• Successfully complete an enhanced DBS check and provide two independent references before appointment.
• Actively promote an inclusive and diverse culture within the organisation.

The post holder must have confirmation of eligibility to work in the UK (the successful candidate will be required to provide documentary evidence before a job offer is confirmed).

Are you a confident Executive Assistant who thrives at senior level? Looking for a flexible, inclusive organisation where your work has real impact?

TPP are partnering with a charity focused on improving outcomes during pregnancy and birth to recruit an experienced Executive Assistant to support their Chief Executive and provide secretariat support to the senior leadership team and Trustees.

This organisation is driven by a clear mission, finding ways to stop miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth by translating groundbreaking research into breakthroughs which help more families bring their baby’s home.  It is committed to tackling inequities in pregnancy outcomes and building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the communities it serves. Supported by a strong emphasis on research, collaboration and lived experience.
 
Why apply?

• Hybrid working (minimum of 2 days per week in the office) genuinely flexible culture
• Flexible hours to suit your lifestyle
• The organisation actively encourages a strong work/life balance
• Generous annual leave option to buy more
• Enhanced parental & compassionate leave
• Wellbeing support EAP
• Strong focus on inclusion, development and employee experience

You’ll be joining an organisation that actively creates a supportive, inclusive environment where people can thrive.
 
The role

This is more than a traditional Executive Assistant role.  You’ll act as a trusted partner, supporting strategic priorities and enabling effective decision-making. You’ll also play a key role in board and governance processes, helping to ensure senior leadership and trustees are fully supported to deliver organisational priorities.

Salary: £42,000 – £46,000
Location: London (Hybrid working – minimum 2 days per week in the office)
Hours: 35 hours per week – This charity are open to flexible working arrangements and would welcome discussions around alternative patterns, including compressed hours, a non-working day on a fortnightly basis, or other flexible options, depending on business and role holder needs.
Contract: Permanent

As Executive Assistant, you’ll:

• Manage a complex CEO diary
• Prepare high-quality briefings and papers
• Liaise with senior stakeholders
• Support board and governance processes
• Draft correspondence on behalf of senior leaders
• Help deliver organisation-wide engagement activities, including coordinating internal events, supporting communications and contributing to an inclusive and engaging workplace culture

About you

• Experienced supporting senior leaders or executives
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail
• Confident handling sensitive information
• Strong communicator and relationship builder
• Proactive, adaptable and solutions-focused
• Values working in an inclusive environment and respects different perspectives

We also welcome applications from people with different backgrounds and experiences. Even if you don’t meet every requirement, we would encourage you to apply if you feel you have transferable skills.
 
EDI commitment

This organisation is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those who are currently underrepresented. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

Head of Communications & Public Affairs

The Head of Communications & Public Affairs is a pivotal role at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) promoting our world-leading work in science, conservation, horticulture, and education.

Working as an active member of the Senior Leadership Team, this role will lead the organisation’s approach to strategic communications, seeking opportunities to engage external audiences, disseminate key messages, and raise RBGE’s profile on a national and international stage through press and media engagement.

With oversight of the communications and publishing functions, this role will also provide key support to the Regius Keeper and the Executive Team in shaping engagement and communication strategies with political stakeholders across the Scottish and UK governments.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact in the next phase of RBGE’s corporate strategy, strengthening key policy relationships and promoting RBGE’s expertise to deliver real impact in the fight against the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change.

Closing date:                            09:00am (BST) on Monday 20 July 2026        
First interview date:               30 July 2026
Second interview date: 5 August 2026

Recruitment information: 

Further details on the job description, person specification, and how to apply can be found in the candidate pack for the role on our website here: Head of Communications and Public Affairs Candidate Pack

We are recruiting for a temporary Executive Officer for a climate charity., you be supporting the Executive Director, Governance Management Function and the Fundraising team. You need have strong executive support experience working in an international and fast paced environment.

Hybrid working min 3 days in their London office

The Role
Coordination
Fundraising Team coordination Creation of a ticket system where the deliverables or actions of each member of the fundraising team will be tracked. The post holder will also be responsible for inputting new entries, monitoring the tracker on a daily basis and chasing team mates to ensure deadlines are met.
Meetings coordination scheduling, agenda setting, note taking, and follow-up tracking for meetings including
Fundraising team meeting
Regular check-in between fundraising and programs
Fundraising priority working groups
Monthly Grade 1/0 coordination calls
Review coordination for material authored by the fundraising team, coordinating internal or external reviews
Content
Creation of material creation of templates including boilerplate or readily available information, for team mates to input or finalise. Eg briefings for events or meetings.
Desk research with the guidance of the fundraising analyst, carrying out the initial desk research as per agreed upon methodology on new funder vetting.
Data
Reporting capturing the data for the Q2 cross-org fundraising KPIs from the data holders internally.
Salesforce Review of funders contacts and meetings with relationship holders.

The Candidate
Experience coordinating fast pace teams or projects with high volume of tickets and items on short timelines
Experience using project management tools and methodologies. Experience on Asana or other similar tools is a plus
Fluent written and spoken English
A keen eye for detail and rigorous information management
Familiar with Google Suite
Ability to create templates in Google Doc, Google Sheets or Google Slides
Experience scheduling meetings across timezones
Ability to summarise notes and actions.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Our aim is to respond to all successful applications within 5 days. If you havent been contacted within 5 days your application has been unsuccessful and your details will not be held further but we positively encourage you to apply for any other positions that you may see in the future.

We apologise that we cannot contact everybody in person but thank you in advance for your interest.

Third Solutions encourages applications from individuals of all ages & backgrounds. Appointment will be made on merit alone but candidates must be able to demonstrate their ability to work in the UK. Third Solutions acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment & an employment business for temporary recruitment as defined by the Conduct of Employment Agencies & Employment Business Regulations 2003.

• Interim Director of Grants and Philanthropic Partnerships 
• Location: United Kingdom - Candidates can work remotely with occasional travel to the office
• Contract: 1 year FT contract with the possibility of extension  
• Salary: UK £120,000 to £135,000 
• Working pattern: Full-Time initially with the option to go to 4 days after 3 months if required. 

About FILE  

The Foundation for International Law for the Environment (FILE) is a not-for-profit philanthropic organisation working to accelerate legal action on climate change.   

Through grant-making and in-house legal expertise, we empower our partners to deliver strategic, innovative legal interventions and we support lawyers in their own countries to bring their own cases.   

Legal action can unlock the systemic changes in finance, policy and social systems needed to protect all of us from climate change. The power of the law is both direct (changing policy and practice) and indirect (signalling the wider shifts taking place across these systems).  

FILE is a ‘regrantor’ - this means we do not bring legal action in our own name. We receive grants from our philanthropic donors and make onwards grants to partners who align with FILE’s charitable aims and purposes. We do not seek to make any profit from our activities either in a relevant financial year or in the longer term.  

The Role  

We are looking for an inspiring and strategic interim leader to join FILE during a period of organisational transition, as we shape our strategy for the next three years and review our long-term leadership structure. 

This is a strictly interim appointment, created to provide visible senior leadership across our Grants and Philanthropic Partnerships functions while FILE undertakes a wider review of its long-term organisational design and permanent leadership arrangements. 

As Interim Director of Grants and Philanthropic Partnerships, you will be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, partnering closely with the Executive Director, Supervisory Board, and senior leaders to strengthen the connection between our fundraising, donor engagement and grantmaking activities. You will help build an integrated approach across teams, ensure our resources are deployed to maximise impact and long-term sustainability, and support the transition to a new permanent leadership structure. 

This is an opportunity for someone who combines strong relationship-building and leadership skills with a deep understanding of philanthropy, partnerships and systems change, and who is excited by the chance to help shape FILE's future direction at an important moment in our growth. 

The role spans five core areas: strategic leadership, team development and operational excellence, grantmaking strategy and portfolio oversight, strategic fundraising and partnership development, and external engagement and ecosystem stewardship. 

Key Responsibilities  

Strategic Leadership (20%) 
As an interim Senior Leadership Team member during a period of change, you will support the development and delivery of FILE's Strategic Plan, contributing to collective SLT decision-making and accountability. You will advise the Executive Director, SLT and Board on grantmaking, philanthropic partnerships, ecosystem trends and strategic growth opportunities, and lead strategic planning and scenario analysis on funding and grantmaking priorities together with the Interim Finance Director. 

Leadership, Team Development and Operational Excellence (25%) 
You will provide integrated leadership across the Grants and Philanthropic Partnerships functions, acting as their ambassador within the SLT and ensuring their perspectives are visible in senior decision-making. This includes building leadership capability and succession across both teams, ensuring effective governance, performance and accountability frameworks are in place, and fostering a coherent approach to impact, relationship management and organisational learning across the two functions. 

Grantmaking Strategy, Risk and Portfolio Oversight (20%) 
You will provide strategic oversight of FILE's grantmaking approach, portfolio risk, due diligence and resource allocation, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities and the evolving needs of the climate legal ecosystem. You will champion grant process improvements and innovative grantmaking approaches, embed JEDI principles throughout grantmaking policies and decision-making, and ensure robust oversight of portfolio performance, impact and learning. 

Strategic Fundraising and Partnership Development (20%) 
You will lead FILE's Philanthropic Partnerships function, co-developing and delivering a long-term fundraising strategy aligned to FILE's priorities and growth ambitions. This includes overseeing funding diversification, major donor engagement, income pipelines and fundraising performance, engaging the Board on partnership opportunities, and fostering an organisation-wide culture of relationship stewardship and resource mobilisation. 

External Engagement, Influence and Ecosystem Stewardship (15%) 
You will represent FILE at the most senior levels with donors, partners and sector stakeholders, positioning the organisation as a trusted voice within the climate philanthropy and climate justice ecosystem.

Key Outcomes  

• FILE's Grants and Philanthropic Partnerships teams implement FILE's strategy in a highly collaborative environment, working effectively with the Strategy team, Communications and the Organisational Development offer.  
• Key functions are supported and enabled for transition to a new permanent leadership structure during a period of change.  
• FILE raises funds to meet its strategic ambition, with strong relationship management, and is viewed by donors as a trusted partner and thought leader.  
• High quality insight and guidance is provided to the Executive Director, Senior Leadership Team and Board across grantmaking and partnerships.  
• Strong risk and resilience approaches are embedded across all grants and partnerships activity.  
• FILE's grantmaking is equitable, inclusive and values driven, with JEDI principles visibly embedded in grantmaking design, decision making and partner relationships.  
• Efficient, adaptable and effective systems, policies and processes are in place across grantmaking and partnerships, reflecting FILE's values and culture.  
• The Board is actively engaged on philanthropic partnerships matters, with Board relationships leveraged effectively to support funder introductions and income development. 
• JEDI principles are championed and embedded across FILE, with the Director of Grants and Philanthropic Partnerships modelling and advancing these values in all aspects of their leadership  

About you  

We know that long lists of criteria can be discouraging and that some candidates will not apply for a role unless they feel they are 100% qualified. If you feel you meet at least some of the essential criteria, we still encourage you to apply. 

We also recognise that skills and experience can be gained in unexpected places, so we welcome applications from candidates who feel they have relevant skills for the role, gained from a wide range of professional, lived and learned experiences. 

Essential criteria 

Technical Skills 

• Significant experience in grantmaking in international contexts, particularly in high risk geographies or settings.  
• Proven experience in donor relationship and funding management, especially within private philanthropy.  
• Demonstrated fundraising experience at a senior level, with a track record of securing significant income.  
• Strong experience in organisational development within the non-profit or philanthropy sector, with the ability to strengthen team capability, resilience and effectiveness. 

Power Skills  

• A visible, values-driven leader who leads through change with confidence, coaches and enables their team, and fosters a culture of collaboration and transparency. 
• Communicates with clarity and confidence at all levels, including Board and executive level, adapting style and language to the audience. 
• A strategic thinker who can hold the big picture while ensuring operational coherence across complex, interconnected functions.  
• Exceptional relationship builder and stakeholder manager, able to engage and align diverse internal and external audiences towards shared goals.  
• Highly collaborative and adaptable, remaining effective and grounded during periods of ambiguity and organisational change. 
• Acts with integrity, exercises strong professional judgement, and actively champions JEDI principles across all aspects of their leadership. 

Location  

We are advertising this role for candidates based (and with the right to work) in the UK and in the Netherlands. Please note that you will see this role advertised in multiple locations but that we are only hiring for one position based in either location, and that we are able to offer collaborative working spaces only in the Netherlands and the UK.  

Please apply to the job post for your preferred location. 

Working for FILE  

FILE is a collaborative community of individuals who share a passion for climate, nature, and justice. We bring together knowledge and experience to support our mission.  

Our people are empowered to lead their work both individually and as part of a wider team in order to make impactful change. As a relatively young organisation with the ambitious mission to change global systems, our roles are ideally suited to those who are strategic, innovative and collaborative, and open to growing in line with the Foundation.  

FILE is committed to challenging systemic injustice. Our ability to do so is strengthened by the diversity of our partners and staff. Our mission, work and impact is global, with staff and partners from across the world and a range of lived experiences. We are actively working to create a culture where colleagues feel welcomed, heard and supported to succeed and thrive.  

How FILE supports its staff  

FILE is committed to creating a workplace that supports our staff to do their best work and develop professionally. FILE offers a generous annual leave policy and additional time-off work to support wellbeing. Amongst other benefits, FILE offers private healthcare, enhanced maternity, paternity and shared parental leave, enhanced sick leave, flexibility working remotely and also abroad and a matching contribution to a pension scheme.  

Applications  

Please apply on our website and upload your CV and Cover Letter. This role is open for applications immediately and we accept applications on a rolling basis but we will not accept any applications after 01 July 2026. If you are interested, we encourage you to submit your application as early as possible. 

Representation and Culture  

FILE recognises the under-representation of historically marginalised communities and individuals in climate, nature and philanthropy spaces. We are committed to developing an organisation that represents the world we are looking to protect, and building a culture that supports this.

We are keen to hear from people belonging to communities that are often under-represented in climate justice and philanthropy, including those from the Global Majority, LGBTQIA+ communities, and Disabled communities, as well as others with experience of marginalisation and those belonging to more than one of these communities.

FILE is committed to building policies and practices that ensure no current or prospective employee is discriminated against on the basis of disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.

Main purpose of job:To work in the Navigator team supporting individuals who have or are experiencing sexual violence and or sexual abuse. As a first contact worker, you will act as a gateway to both specialist counselling and advocacy services and additional specialist support services in Essex. You will use your considerable experience to provide a high-quality telephone information and support service.

The support you deliver will help individuals on their pathway to wellbeing, recovery, and social inclusion through building trusting and collaborative relationships. You will guide users to make informed decisions about their own wellbeing, maximising their independence and engaging in appropriate community or clinical resources/interventions.

You will work within a team of first contact navigators under the supervision of a service lead. You will be highly motivated and dedicated, have strong communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills with the ability to work under minimal supervision.

Start date: As soon as possible (subject to Enhanced DBS Check and satisfactory references).

Salary:£26,496 - £28,845 (NJC Scales 12-17) per annum, pro-rata.

Contract: This will be a permanent contract.

Hours: 35 hours per week.  

Place of work: CARA premises in Colchester and some remote home working if a suitable environment is available.  Some travel to other locations in Essex may be required, particularly during the induction period.

Holiday: 25 days per year, pro-rata, plus additional closure days between Christmas and New Year.

To apply: Please complete the application form, which can be downloaded from our website, explaining how your skills and experience relate to the person specification.

Applications must specifically address each essential and desirable criteria, giving evidence from previous experience or qualifications. 

Application deadline:  10am Friday 24th July 2026 

Interviews:  Week beginning 3rd August 2026

Start date: Immediate, subject to receipt of satisfactory references and enhanced DBS check.

Mandatory Training Dates: To be confirmed.

This post is restricted to women applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1

Job Description

The First Contact Navigator posts will play a central role in the CARA team, ensuring that our service users and other agencies receive a high-quality service from the moment of first contact. You will work as part of a wider team of First Contact Navigators across Essex, based at our Synergy Essex Partner centres. The post liaises with clients, the CARA team and external agencies, providing advice, support and information.

The First Contact Navigator will engage with individuals who are experiencing, or who have experienced, sexual violence and or sexual abuse who require information, signposting and short-term support.  You will be the first contact and conduct first meetings, managing your own caseload and co-ordinating personalised support for individuals on their pathway to wellbeing. You will have strong communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills with the ability to work under minimal supervision. You will support people who use CARA services to make informed decisions about their wellbeing, maximising their independence and engaging in appropriate community or clinical resources. You will work collaboratively with service users, the CARA team and other professional agencies to navigate and coordinate services.  

At the outset, the main responsibilities of the post will be:

• To act as a first point of contact for new referrals and enquiries, providing information, emotional support, advice and signposting.
• To complete first contact calls and assessments with clients over the telephone, assessing client needs and suitabilty for services.
• To ensure information about new referrals/enquiries is accurately recorded on CARA’s database in real time.
• To work collaboratively and build trust with service users, agencies, personal and professional support networks to collate relevant information to effect individualised support requirements.
• To assess and engage service users not currently engaged in appropriate specialist sexual violence services.
• To seek and respond to referrals from a variety of internal and external sources.
• To assist survivors and relatives/supporters of survivors in understanding the range of resources and services available to them.
• To support service users to engage effectively with appropriate services to meet their individual needs and aspirations.
• To identify and respond to any safeguarding concerns
• To work as a link between clients, CARA staff and external agencies, ensuring appropriate information is passed on.
• To work closely with the Essex-wide team of First Contact Navigators and Information and Referral Coordinators to ensure effective referral processes across Essex.
• To act as a point of contact for external agencies making referrals to CARA, answering queries about our referral process.
• To cover the enquiry line and the office phone and deal with enquiries as required.
• To pro-actively promote CARA’s services to external agencies, ensuring they are aware of our referral procedures.
• To contribute to development of promotional information, to ensure information about the referral process is clear and accessible.
• To attend regular team meetings and to work with colleagues to further the objectives of CARA.
• To adhere in full to all CARA’s organisational policies and procedures, including safeguarding procedures.
• To report to the Service Engagement Manager, Head of Operations, CEO and Trustees as required, including the production of regular written reports.
• To be administratively self-servicing.
• To undertake any other related activities as required by the Head of Operations, CEO or the Chair of the Board of Trustees.

About CARA

CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse) works with victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse, providing independent, specialist support and promoting and representing their rights and needs. 

CARA is a registered charity working with adults of all genders, young people and children from across mid and north Essex.  We have a head office in Colchester and outreach premises in Braintree, Chelmsford, Clacton-on-Sea, Great Dunmow and Harwich.  We also provide remote services.

CARA seeks to be an inclusive organisation that actively encourages, supports and values diversity amongst both our service-users and our workers.  We wish to create a culture in which discrimination, in all its forms, is recognised and addressed.

You can read more about CARA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion here. We encourage and welcome applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds.

About Synergy Essex

CARA is part of Synergy Essex – the Essex Rape and Sexual Abuse Partnership. We work closely with SERICC Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service and Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis (SOS Rape Crisis) to deliver the contract for the Office for the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex for services for victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse across Essex.