Acting ceo jobs

About us

Community Foundations for Lancashire and Merseyside (CFLM) is a leading local charity that connects people, businesses and partners with the grassroots projects making a real difference across our region. We manage charitable funds, support community initiatives, and drive meaningful, measurable impact across Lancashire and Merseyside. Our mission is simple: strengthen communities, empower local people, and create lasting change where it’s needed most.

Role Summary

This role brings together operational leadership, executive support, and administrative coordination. You will ensure the organisation runs efficiently day-to-day while also driving longer‑term improvements that support CFLM’s strategic goals - including achieving annual surpluses and meeting ambitious income targets.

As the operational lead, you will work closely with colleagues across all departments and manage key relationships with external providers in HR, IT, and facilities. You will also play a central role in governance processes and provide high‑quality administrative support to the CEO and Deputy CEO.

Projects you will lead on include completing UKCF Quality Assurance and implementing the UKCF CRM (Salesforce) system.

Please see the full job description and Person specification.

Human Resources Manager (maternity cover)

Salary: £45,000-£50,000 / year

Location: Our offices are in Toynbee Hall, East London, but we welcome applicants from across the UK who do not wish to relocate. You should be willing to travel to our London office for team and project meetings up to six times per year. Project related travel costs will be reimbursed

Hours: Four to five days a week (flexible – minimum 28 hours/ week). The Young Foundation supports a 4.5 day working week and staff work this, wherever possible (pro rata for those working less than a 35-hour week)

Contract: Up to one year fixed term contract. Start date March 2026

Benefits: 25 days annual leave plus three office closure days between Christmas and New Year. We also provide two wellbeing days per year. Staff are signed up to one of two pension schemes and access a personalised well-being budget through Better Space. All employees also have access to our Employee Assistance Programme.

About The Young Foundation

The Young Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation driving community research and social innovation. We bring communities, organisations and policymakers together to understand the issues people care about and support collective action to improve lives. We involve communities in research and innovate together to inspire positive change.

About the role

We are looking for an experienced HR professional to lead and run the HR function at both a strategic and operational level, providing expert guidance and leadership across the organisation. You will provide high-level support to the Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer, ensuring the timely and effective delivery of HR services, both internally and with external partners.

This role is particularly suited to a confident, adaptable HR leader who can support and guide the organisation through a period of significant change, including the transition to a new CEO. You will play a key role in shaping organisational culture, embedding change initiatives, and ensuring HR strategies align with business objectives and values.

The successful candidate will combine strong operational HR expertise with strategic insight, acting as a trusted advisor to senior leaders while maintaining high standards of governance, compliance, and employee experience.

About you

We are recruiting an experienced Human Resources Manager with a strong track record of providing strategic HR leadership at a senior level, ideally within the charity or social impact sectors. You should have extensive experience in employee relations, performance management, and organisational development, with the ability to advise senior leaders and resolve complex HR issues with discretion and professionalism.

This role would suit a motivated self-starter with a passion for the work we do, someone who can work independently while also influencing and collaborating with senior teams and trustees. You will have a deep understanding of inclusive recruitment, employment law, payroll, pensions, and HR systems.

You should be a proactive, CIPD Level 7-qualified professional (or equivalent senior-level experience) with the ability to embed equality, diversity, and inclusion into all aspects of HR practice. Strong stakeholder management, strategic thinking, and the ability to turn people insights into actionable organisational improvements are essential.

Process

This is a two-stage application process. The first stage will involve an interview, and the second stage will consist of an interview and a potential task.

First stage interviews will take place w/c 2 February 2026 (online via MS Teams)

Second stage interviews will take place w/c 9 February 2026 (In-person at our office). There might be an opportunity for final candidates to meet the incoming CEO.

The Young Foundation is an equal opportunities employer and as part of our commitment to increasing the diversity of our team we actively encourage people from Black and Ethnic Minority or other under-represented groups to apply for this role. We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

You must have the right to live and work in the UK. Applicants who require a work permit in order to take up employment will not be considered.

The role

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Database and Insights Officer to take ownership of myaware’s CRM system (Raiser’s Edge) and ensure our database is accurate, compliant, and fully utilised across the organisation.

This is a pivotal role, acting as the main point of contact for all internal CRM users and our external CRM system provider. As a database super user, you will manage system settings, user access, data integrity and development, while providing expert support, guidance and training to colleagues.

Working closely with the CEO, the myaware management team and colleagues across the organisation, you will ensure the CRM system supports fundraising, communications, campaigns and wider organisational insight. You will also play a key role in identifying opportunities for system improvement, upgrades and best practice. The role will require occasional working at Derby HQ and travel for meetings.

Who We Are Looking For

We are looking for a confident and detail-oriented CRM professional with strong technical expertise and the ability to communicate clearly with non-technical users.

You will be highly organised, solutions-focused and comfortable taking ownership of a complex database system. You enjoy supporting others, improving processes and using data to make a meaningful impact.

 You will ideally have:

• Proven experience managing a CRM system, ideally Raiser’s Edge or a similar database.
• Strong understanding of database administration, data quality and compliance.
• Experience acting as a system super user, including managing users and system settings.
• The ability to train and support colleagues with varying levels of technical confidence.
• Excellent analytical skills and experience producing data selections and insights.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• A proactive approach to continuous improvement and best practice.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in enabling myaware’s work through high-quality data, effective systems and collaborative support across the organisation.

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

Who are we?

Myaware is the only charity in the UK dedicated solely to the care and support of people affected by myasthenia. 

We are working hard to raise awareness of myasthenia, as it is a little-known condition. We provide support for people with myasthenia and their families, whilst offering advice and tips for living with the condition. 

We also fund the research that brings us closer to finding a cure as well as funding specialists nurses and advisors. 

Members of myaware have full access to a wide range of support services and events including our specialist benefits and welfare advisor. 

Myaware supports people with myasthenia and their families.  We campaign for better medical services for people with myasthenia and work to inform medical professionals. 

The myasthenias are a group of neuromuscular conditions. They are rare but also manageable and can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or nationality. Myasthenia gravis, ocular myasthenia and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome are autoimmune conditions whereas congenital myasthenic syndrome is caused by an inherited genetic fault. It is thought that there are approximately 20,000 people currently living with myasthenia in the UK. 

Benefits

• Generous holiday allowance
• Perkbox account (global benefits and rewards platform)
• Group Life Assurance after 6 months of service 
• NEST workplace pension scheme
• Free inhouse staff benefits and welfare advice 
• Investment in your personal and professional development
• Annual salary review

Candidates should submit their CV and tailored covering letter by: 23:30 on Sunday 1st February 2026

Provisional interview date will be week commencing: 09.02.2026.

Interviews will be held over Microsoft Teams.

Applications submitted without a tailored cover letter will not be considered.

This post, due to its nature, duties and responsibilities, will be subject to an enhanced check by the DBS. This is funded by Myaware.

This organisation supports anonymous recruitment. That means hiding your personal identifying information, removing bias from the hiring process.

ESPE is Europe's leading and largest charity focused on improving the clinical care of children and adolescents with endocrine conditions.  We aim for excellence in clinical care, research and education through innovation, collaboration and technology. Our charity is growing its membership and activities at pace, and we are now searching for a Finance Manager who will be the first member of the permanent staff team who is a qualified accountant. 

The Finance Manager role will make a significant difference to how we manage our finances, at an operational and strategic planning level.  We are looking for an individual who is excited by the prospect of transforming our financial governance and management. 

Role overview:

The Finance Manager will work closely with the CEO, Treasurer, and bookkeeper to manage daily financial functions, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive financial performance - including budgeting and forecasting. 

• Contract and working conditions: This is a fixed-term role (initially 18 months) which we envisage will transition to a permanent position. Hours will initially be 17.5 hours per week with remote and flexible working arrangements. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK and be based in the UK.

• Strategic responsibilities: The Finance Manager will support financial target delivery, ensure robust financial systems, and align financial processes with organisational growth and strategy. 

• Operational duties: Responsibilities include preparation of management accounts and all financial reporting, cash flow forecasting, grant management, VAT and tax compliance, audit support, and process improvements. The role also involves liaising with external suppliers and stakeholders and overseeing payroll and pension scheme implementation and management.

• Governance and compliance: The Finance Manager will ensure adherence to the requirements of the Companies Act, Charities Act, and HMRC regulations, ensuring we prepare and submit our statutory accounts on time.  You will coordinate the annual audit, review internal controls, and report financial risks to the ESPE leadership.

• Leadership and collaboration: The role includes providing financial guidance to coordinators and teams to support informed decision-making. 

• Required experience and skills: Candidates must be a qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA/AAT/ICAEW) with at least three years experience in financial or management accounting, preferably in a professional body or learned society. Proficiency in accounting software, and having significant knowledge and understanding of VAT (ideally across Europe), analytical skills, communication, and project management skills are essential. 

• Personal attributes: The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong attention to detail, resilience, collaborative skills, ability to manage multiple priorities, and alignment with ESPE’s mission. You should be proactive, enjoy challenge, be capable of working under pressure, and skilled in influencing and strategic thinking. Must be willing to travel to Europe as required (2-4 times per annum).

Benefits:

• 30 days annual leave, plus UK Bank Holidays
• Flexible working
• Matched pension scheme (up to 7% of salary) 
• Employee assistance programme
• European travel

First interview date: 20th February, online.

This is an exciting and engaging role, managing a small, well-established Philanthropy Team, where you will have the opportunity to work directly with our top supporters, develop interesting cultivation events and help us reach new supporters across Dorset and Wiltshire.

The Philanthropy Team incorporates major donor, mid-value, trust and legacy fundraising. It works closely with public fundraising and events teams. The CEO, Deputy CEO and specific trustees are also actively engaged in managing key relationships.

The role

The role is full time (35 hours per week) with hybrid working between home and the office in Wimborne in Dorset. There will be a requirement to travel across both Dorset and Wiltshire for internal meetings, donor meetings and events, with occasional out of hours working.

About you

We are looking for a talented, strategic, individual who can hit the ground running, be innovative, ambitious and bring exciting new ideas, ready to make a real difference to the growing number of local families we support. Energetic and with a passion for this type of role, you will be a confident communicator, who can build relationships with new and existing supporters and a considerate and thoughtful people manager. You must have a proven track record of working with high-net worth individuals in order to apply. We welcome applicants from within and outside the charity sector.

About us

Julia’s House cares for babies, children and teenagers with life-shortening or life-threatening conditions across Dorset and Wiltshire. We provide support for the whole family - mums, dads, siblings and even grandparents. Our care is regular, frequent, flexible and free, with more than half of our care taking place in family’s homes.  When the worst happens, Julia’s House is there. We offer comfort and support at home, in hospital or our hospices, wherever families need us.

Join us and make a real difference in this key role

The Head of Advocacy, Awareness and External Relations is a senior leadership role within AtaLoss, working closely with and reporting directly to the CEO. The post-holder will lead work across the public, bereavement and commercial sectors to deliver AtaLoss’ strategic outcomes by:

• providing national leadership in bereavement awareness, advocacy and policy influence, including through Parliament, the APPG and the media
• strengthening the website as the UK’s trusted gateway for bereavement support, ensuring accessible, high-quality content and effective signposting
• enabling holistic bereavement support in communities and workplaces through partnership development, training and the growth of Bereavement Friendly Communities
• contributing to organisational sustainability through income-generating training, cross-sector partnerships and effective external engagement.

The role sits at the heart of AtaLoss’ mission to ensure that every bereaved person can access the right support at the right time, and to position bereavement as a public health issue requiring timely, coordinated and understanding response.

Prospectus is delighted to be supporting a vibrant, frontline focussed charity working hard in the community with the search for an Executive Assistant. 

The Executive Assistant to the CEO will be joining a central services team in a crucial role.  The post holder will provide comprehensive support and ensure the smooth running of the executive office.

Excellent project management and organisational skills is a must, along with good understanding of Microsoft office applications and the ability to communicate effectively at all levels.

Working Hours: 35 hours per week, 9:00-17:00, Monday to Friday with some flexibility required.  The role will be based on site 5 days per week.

Key responsibilities: 

• Coordinate the CEO's complex schedule
• Prepare agendas and take accurate minutes for Board, committee, and senior leadership meetings along with other grouping as necessary
• To organise all business travel arrangements for the CEO (and SLT members, where requested by the CEO)
•  Act as the first point of contact for the CEO with internal and external stakeholders.
• Draft, prepare, and handle correspondence, reports, presentations, and other documents, maintaining accuracy and quality standards
• Manage confidential information with the utmost discretion and integrity
• Undertake research and prepare briefing materials for strategic initiatives
• Support the CEO in planning and delivering organisational events (AGM, VIP visits, project launches and training events)
• Assist with the coordination and delivery of our annual programme of Community Fundraising and Challenge Events
• Develop links with corporate businesses

At Prospectus, we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, or pregnancy/maternity.

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.

Grade: NJC Point 31 - £41,771 per annum
Hours: 37.5 hrs per week (excluding breaks)
Days: To be worked over 5 days (core hours are worked between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday)
Contract: 12 months Fixed Term contract (with option to extend), subject to funding and the successful completion of a 6-month probationary period
Responsible to: Director of Delivery
Place of work: Salford CVS’ offices in Eccles, Salford, M30 0FN

We are seeking to recruit to a brand-new post and are looking for an experienced and passionate full‑time Programme Manager (Live Well) to lead the delivery of our VCSE‑led Live Well infrastructure in Salford. 

In this role, you will support organisations across Salford to develop high‑quality Live Well Centres and Spaces, ensuring strong partnerships are built and delivery partners are managed in a clear, transparent and collaborative way. A key part of the role will be ensuring that all delivery aligns with the expectations set out in the GM Live Well Hallmarks. You will also be responsible for ensuring the programme’s impact is clearly demonstrated through robust monitoring, high‑quality data collection and meaningful insight.

Greater Manchester Live Well is a broad cross‑system partnership with particularly strong involvement from GMCA, NHS Greater Manchester and the VCSE sector. 

Launched in 2021, it is a core Mayoral commitment and embedded in the Greater Manchester Strategy (2025–2035). The vision is that by 2030, residents will benefit from a connected, preventative and equitable system of support, delivered through:

• A network of integrated Live Well centres and spaces in every locality
• A universal “no wrong door” approach
• Recognition that the VCSE sector has a key role to play (with dedicated VCSE funding)
• Consistent and connected support offers
• A neighbourhood‑based Social Model of Health
• A preventative system built on trust, early help and coordinated support

Salford CVS is the lead VCSE sector partner and accountable body for the Live Well implementation fund in Salford, working with public sector partners to strengthen community wellbeing and ensure accessible, high‑quality support for our city’s residents.

As Programme Manager, you will lead a VCSE‑driven programme that is transforming how residents access help and support in Salford. You will maintain a clear overview of programme developments, partners and activities, acting as a key source of knowledge for Live Well locally. You will share information proactively, strengthen connections across the system and bring partners together to maximise the programme’s impact. 

Your work will also span all of Salford CVS’s full Live Well portfolio, including the Economic Activity Trailblazer delivered via the VCSE Elevate Salford partnership, the WorkWell offer through Wellbeing Matters (VCSE-led social prescribing), and any additional Live Well activity that Salford CVS leads or contributes to in the future. This will include our work with our 10GM partners on a large-scale GM National Lottery funded VCSE-led programme called Live Well – Places of Hope and Connection, which you will programme manage here in Salford.

To apply

Please complete our online application form via the ‘Apply’ button.

If you would like to know more about the role, or would prefer a paper copy of the application form, please email our recruitment team.

Closing Date: 12 noon, Monday 16th February 2026
Interview Date: Monday 2nd March 2026

As Finance and Operations Manager at Fight Bladder Cancer, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and building our finance and operational functions at a strategic level.

You will support all aspects of the charity’s work and development through the provision of strong financial assistance - ensuring accurate financial reporting, sales and other invoicing, bookkeeping, grant management and payroll management.

You will also take day-to-day responsibility for organisational administration. 

This role will involve close collaboration with our small team (currently 7.5 FTE) to ensure our day-to-day finance and operational requirements are met, working closely with the CEO and Board of Trustees to build greater financial resilience and strategic financial awareness within the charity.

Our Second Home is the UK’s youth movement of young people with refugee backgrounds. Since 2018, we have supported over 750 young people from 53 countries to build community, develop leadership skills, and flourish into adulthood in the place they now call home.

Our work begins with transformational residential experiences, where young people form friendships, grow in confidence, and experience belonging – often for the first time since arriving in the UK. From there, many go on to take part in our Leadership Training Programme and local Youth Hubs in London and Bristol, before returning as peer leaders themselves. This cycle of engagement, growth and leadership is at the heart of our theory of change.

We are now entering a pivotal phase of our development, delivering a new 2025–2028 strategy focused on sustainable growth, deeper impact, and long-term resilience. Fundraising is central to this ambition.

The role (Read the recruitment pack for more information)

We are recruiting a Fundraising Manager to act as the organisation’s operational lead for income generation. This is a part-time role (18–24 hours per week) with significant flexibility, ideal for someone who is organised, thoughtful, and motivated by building something meaningful.

The Fundraising Manager will manage and coordinate income across five strands: trusts and foundations, major donors, corporate foundations, individual and digital giving, and statutory funding. While the role has a strong trusts and foundations focus, it offers real scope to build skills and experience across a broad fundraising portfolio.

Working closely with the CEO, a highly experienced freelance Bid Writer, and the wider team, you will be responsible for developing funding pipelines, producing high-quality proposals and applications, stewarding funder relationships, and translating programme impact into compelling narratives. You will also play a key role in donor communications, reporting, CRM management, and supporting campaigns and events.

This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys balancing writing, relationship-building, planning and delivery – and who values doing fundraising with integrity and care.

About you

We are looking for someone with experience in fundraising (particularly trusts and foundations) or strong transferable skills such as persuasive writing, project management, or stakeholder engagement. You will be comfortable managing multiple deadlines, maintaining an organised pipeline, and working independently while staying closely connected to a small team.

You will bring strong written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to build warm, professional relationships with funders and supporters. Experience using a CRM system is important, as is an understanding of – or willingness to learn about – the UK voluntary sector funding landscape.

Above all, we are looking for someone who aligns with our values: putting young people at the centre, acting with rather than for, creating opportunities for leadership, and building a culture of freedom, respect and acceptance. We warmly welcome applications from people with lived experience of the asylum system.

This is a role for someone who wants their fundraising work to be closely connected to real people, real programmes, and real change – and who is excited to help shape the next chapter of a growing, values-led organisation.

Rape Crisis South London (RCSL) is on an exciting journey of growth and change — and we’re looking for a skilled, values-driven Director of Finance and Resources to join our leadership team.

With a new CEO, a new strategy, and a bold new vision, this is a pivotal moment for our organisation as we prepare to launch our refreshed brand and future direction. If you’re ready to use your financial and strategic expertise to make a real impact for women and girls, we’d love to hear from you

We’re a specialist charity supporting survivors of sexual violence across twelve South London boroughs.
From our women-only Croydon centre and six satellite locations, we provide counselling, group therapy, advocacy, and prevention education, alongside training for professionals.

In 2024/25, our income was around £4 million — a reflection of our growing reach and the trust placed in our work. Everything we do is grounded in feminist, trauma-informed, and empowering principles.

About the Role

As our Director of Finance and Resources, you’ll be a key member of our Senior Leadership Team, leading on:

• Strategic financial planning, reporting, and sustainability

• Governance, audit, and compliance

• IT, facilities, and information governance

• Risk management and organisational performance

You’ll work closely with the CEO and Board to ensure sound financial stewardship, support our strategic vision, and strengthen the systems that enable us to deliver life-changing support for survivors.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Professionally qualified (or equivalent) in finance and accountancy

• Experienced in senior financial management, ideally in the voluntary sector

• Skilled in overseeing finance, IT, governance, and resource management

• Collaborative, analytical, and proactive in problem-solving

• Deeply committed to feminist principles and to equity, diversity, and inclusion

What We Offer

• 27 days’ annual leave + 8 bank holidays (pro rata)

• 3 extra gifted days between 27–31 December

• NEST pension (3% employer / 5% employee)

• Life assurance, healthcare plan, Employee Assistance Programme, and cycle-to-work scheme

• Supportive, feminist working culture

This post is open to female applicants only, as being female is deemed a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010

Longer working lives and ongoing economic transitions are reshaping careers: how we start them, and how we move through them. But too many people remain paid in low-paid, low-quality work – with damaging consequences for them personally, and our economy as a whole. We’re seeking a senior, policy-oriented research leader to help us and our partners generate insights that enable more people to move into and progress through better work.

You’ll have a proven track record in scoping and securing funding for research and influencing activity, with significant autonomy to lead your own programme at L&W. You’ll be supported by committed researchers and managers whom you will coach, lead, and develop—alongside a peer group of Deputy Directors working across other key pillars. We welcome quantitative expertise, but most important are the skills to design and deliver high-quality, impactful research programmes.

You’ll join an organisation with a national reputation for driving policy change—and a friendly, highly capable, delivery-focused team. 

Location: Hybrid working: 40-60% in an L&W office. Our offices for this role are currently in Leicester and London, but if you are based elsewhere, please contact us to talk about how the role could work for you.

Team:Research and Development

Salary:£64,450 -£77,880 per annum (pro rata), dependent on experience and location

Duration:Permanent

Working hours:0.8 to 1 FTE, with flexible working supported (e.g. condensed hours, flexible start and finish times)

Main Purpose

The Deputy Director, Policy and Research (Better Work and Progression) will have overall ownership of the ‘Better Work’ pillar of our strategic plan at L&W: overseeing all projects and activity in this area and generating new work (including developing project ideas and securing funding).

While there is significant scope to shape the ongoing programme of research and impact work, we anticipate that key areas of focus in this area going forward will be: understanding & better supporting career change; understanding and improving policy to increase employer investment in skills; high quality and fair access apprenticeships and technical education; understanding how to better support progression from low pay.

They will be a senior leader for the organization – helping to continuously shape our strategy and the plans we are implementing to deliver it.

Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and management

• Intellectual leadership of the Better Work pillar: developing and owning policy positions, messages, theory of change and research priorities, and supporting the wider team to feed into and understand them
• Line management of senior and mid-level staff
• Act as a senior leader at L&W – including taking on specific organization-level responsibilities where appropriate

Income

• Write and/or co-ordinate responses to reactive research and evaluation tenders in the areas of employment, better work and progression
• Develop pro-active proposals that will drive change in your area, and respond to the interests of funders and partners
• Build relationships with current and potential funders and research partners

Impact

• Act as an external expert on the issues of better work and progression: writing press quotes, articles and blogs;speaking on platforms
• Building relationships with practitioners, policymakers and partners to improve our insights, and get our recommendations implemented
• Develop appropriate means of tracking impact towards our better work goals, and monitor against them. 

Delivery

• Deputy Director/Project Director-level oversight of projects being delivered in your and related areas: supporting project team to shape research plans, deliver sharp insights and manage funder relationships
• Quality Assurance of research proposals and outputs
• Use your research skills and experience to support the wider development of the Learning and Work team

Person Specification

Experience

Experience of developing, overseeing and delivering programmes of policy-relevant research at a high level - Essential

Experience of business development in a policy/research context: developing ideas, writing bids and building relationships with funders- Essential

Experience of building senior-level relationships with external stakeholders for impact and influence -Essential

Track record of delivering national and/or local policy change - Essential

Experience of senior organisational leadership as part of a team - Desirable 

Experience of responding to tenders- Desirable 

Skills

Advanced research skills (qualitative of quantitative) -Essential

Quantitative skills: experience of using key national research and administrative data sets to generate insights into the labour market -Desirable 

Clear and direct written communication style - Essential

Knowledge

Knowledge of, and commitment to, L&W’s charitable aims and purpose.- Essential

Demonstrable knowledge of employment and/or skills policy in the UK - Essential

Demonstrable knowledge in the specific areas of Better Work and/or progression -Desirable 

Learning and Work Institute works across the UK. Our work in Wales is led by a Cardiff based team, but all staff are required to follow the guidance set out in our Welsh language scheme when working in Wales.

Are you passionate about human rights and committed to ending ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA) and harmful practices? We are seeking a Direct Intervention Service Manager to lead our frontline service, supporting those at risk and driving change across communities.

The Role

This is a rewarding leadership role where you will:

• Lead and support the Direct Intervention team to deliver safeguarding and advocacy services;
• Manage referrals, complex cases, and ensure person-centred support;
• Build and maintain partnerships with agencies and professionals;
• Contribute to organisational development, fundraising, and strategy;
• Ensure safeguarding, risk management, and service standards are upheld.

About You

We’re looking for someone with:

• Experience managing frontline safeguarding or domestic abuse services;
• Knowledge of working across diverse communities, particularly those where HBA and harmful practices are more prevalent;
• Experience in leading, mentoring and supporting staff and volunteers;
• Experience in service development, project management, and budgeting;
• Commitment to Savera UK’s values of respect, inclusion, compassion, innovation, and ambition.

What We Offer

• 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays).
• Wellbeing support and external supervision.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.
• Employer pension contribution (3%).

Equality & Occupational Requirement

This post is open to female applicants only, in line with Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010, due to the nature of the role and the needs of our service users. We welcome and encourage applications from women of all backgrounds.