Acting director jobs in Belfast

Partnerships and Best Practice Lead

Salary: £42,000
Contract: 36 hours per week, fixed term (12 months initially, with potential to extend subject to funding)
Location: Home-based, with travel for meetings, collaboration, and partnership work. You’ll be expected to spend time in person with colleagues and partners across locations including London, Sutton Coldfield and Hull.
Reports to: Director of Strategy, Partnerships and Advocacy

About the Role

Too many young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) face a sharp drop in support as they transition into adulthood. This role sits within an ambitious new programme, Ending the Cliff Edge, designed to change that.

As Partnerships and Best Practice Lead, you will play a central role in building a national, cross-sector alliance of young people, families, practitioners, organisations and service providers. Together, this alliance will drive meaningful reform and create better pathways into adulthood for disabled young people.

This is an opportunity to help shape a new initiative from the ground up—spreading best practice, testing innovative approaches, and building strong evidence of what works.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and maintain a broad collaborative partnership of cross‑sector organisations, providers, and experts to achieve collective ambition of driving improvement in transitions support.
• Refine, capture and share best‑practice models for supporting disabled young people into adulthood, ensuring they are evidence‑informed and accessible.
• Support partner organisations to design, adapt and deliver pilots that test innovative approaches and generate strong evidence of impact.
• Expand Kids’ national reach by growing the number of young people supported through improved transitions pathways, and increasing the number of businesses and providers engaged.
• Act as the central link between Kids’ direct delivery and wider national partners, ensuring learning is shared widely and consistently.
• Represent Kids externally as a champion for high‑quality transitions support, contributing to sector learning, collaboration and thought leadership.

About You

You are a confident relationship builder with experience of working across sectors and bringing people together around a shared goal. You’re comfortable working in a developing programme environment, able to take initiative, manage ambiguity, and turn ideas into action.

You are motivated by improving outcomes for disabled young people and have a strong understanding of the barriers they face.

Essential Criteria

• Proven experience of partnership development and cross-sector collaboration
• Experience identifying and sharing best practice, and translating learning into practical resources
• Ability to coordinate and support pilot projects, including stakeholder engagement and evaluation
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills across a wide range of stakeholders
• Strong understanding of challenges faced by disabled young people transitioning to adulthood
• Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly to diverse audiences
• Experience supporting funder relationships and understanding funding environments
• Strong organisational and project management skills
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and sustain partnerships
• Experience using data and insight to inform practice and demonstrate impact

Desirable

• Experience in disability, SEND, education, employment or youth sectors
• Knowledge of policy and practice related to transitions into adulthood
• Experience facilitating training, workshops or communities of practice
• Familiarity with co-production approaches
• Experience evaluating programmes and capturing outcomes

Why Apply?

This is a unique opportunity to help shape a national movement for change—working collaboratively to ensure disabled young people have the support, opportunities and outcomes they deserve as they move into adulthood.

Interviews will take place on 21st and 22nd May 2026

For further details, please see the full Job Description attached.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a passionate, supportive team and to help grow community and events frundraising directly enables Bipolar UK to reach more people, reduce harm, and save lives. You will be trusted to lead, encouraged to innovate, and supported to do your best work.This is a management role focussed on strategic planning, enabling delivery and leading a small team to perform at their best.

Working closely with the Director of Fundraising and alongside the Strategic Partnerships and Trusts teams, you will be responsible for setting clear plans, developing effective fundraising approaches, and ensuring strong systems, processes and supporter experiences are in place to drive sustainable income growth.

You will lead the delivery and development of community fundraising, challenge events, individual giving through community activity, and in-memory fundraising. A key part of the role will be developing a clear and engaging events and fundraising volunteer offer, including an effective induction process that enables volunteers to fundraise confidently on behalf of Bipolar UK.

This role requires a thoughtful, organised and people-centred manager who understands how to balance ambition with compassion in a mental health charity context.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic leadership and planning

• Develop and deliver a clear community and events fundraising strategy aligned with Bipolar UK’s wider fundraising and organisational goals.
• Translate strategy into achievable annual plans, income targets and team objectives.
• Use insight, data and evaluation to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Work with the Director of Fundraising to forecast income, manage risk and maximise return on investment.

2. Community and events fundraising delivery

• Lead the planning, delivery and growth of a portfolio of community fundraising initiatives and challenge events, both in person and online.
• Ensure a consistently high-quality supporter experience across all community and events activity.
• Oversee web content and digital resources to support community and event fundraising
• Identify and develop new fundraising opportunities that align with Bipolar UK’s mission, values and supporter base.
• Act as an ambassador for Bipolar UK at key events when required.

3. Volunteer fundraising offer

• Develop a clear, accessible and motivating events and community fundraising volunteer offer.
• Design and implement an effective volunteer induction process, ensuring fundraisers feel confident, supported and well-equipped.
• Work with colleagues to ensure volunteer fundraising activity is aligned with safeguarding, wellbeing and organisational policies.

4. Digital campaigns and income growth

• Lead on the planning and delivery of digital-led community and events fundraising campaigns.
• Work collaboratively with Marketing and Communications colleagues to develop supporter journeys, content and communications that drive engagement and income.
• Develop approaches to grow connected income streams, including regular giving and in-memory giving, through community and digital activity.
• Monitor performance, assess impact and report clearly on outcomes and learning.

5. Supporter experience and stewardship

• Ensure supporters are stewarded with care, empathy and professionalism, recognising the personal connection many have to bipolar.
• Oversee thanking, updating and re-engagement activity to build long-term supporter relationships.
• Ensure accurate and compliant use of the CRM and fundraising data.

6. Team leadership and organisational contribution

• Line-manage and support the Fundraising Officer and Supporter Engagement Assistant, providing clear direction, coaching and development.
• Create a positive, supportive and high-performing team culture focused on impact and learning.
• Oversee income and expenditure for the community and events portfolio, monitoring budgets and performance against targets.
• Contribute to organisational planning, cross-team working and the development of efficient systems and processes.
• Evaluate performance and produce insight-led reports to support decision-making and improvement.
• Uphold Bipolar UK’s values at all times.

Essential Criteria

• Significant experience managing community and/or events fundraising, with a track record of achieving income and engagement targets.
• Experience of line-managing staff and leading a small team to deliver effectively.
• Strong planning and organisational skills, with experience translating strategy into delivery plans.
• Experience of managing budgets and reporting on performance and impact.
• Demonstrable experience of digital fundraising and use of online fundraising platforms.
• Experience working with volunteers or community fundraisers.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire others.
• Confidence using CRM systems and fundraising data.
• Knowledge of the UK charity sector, GDPR and fundraising best practice.
• A compassionate, values-led approach and confidence working in a mental health context.

Desirable Criteria

• Fundraising qualification or Chartered Institute of Fundraising membership.
• Lived experience of bipolar, or a close personal connection to someone affected by the condition.

Main Role & Responsibilities

The Director of Income Generation will lead the charity’s fundraising and income generation strategy with a particular focus on securing, managing, and growing funding linked to gambling, gaming and wider digital harm prevention, including funding overseen or commissioned via the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID).

This is a senior leadership role which sits on Ygam’s Senior Leadership Team (SLT) with responsibility for developing a diversified, sustainable income portfolio that enables the charity to deliver high-quality, UK-wide evidence-informed prevention activity aligned with national public health priorities.

The successful candidate will lead and empower a high-performing fundraising team, foster innovation, and build strong relationships with donors, funders, partners, and stakeholders across the UK. You will provide strategic direction and inspirational leadership across all income-generating activities, ensuring long-term financial resilience while upholding the charity’s values, reputation, and commitment to excellent supporter experience.

Working closely with the Chief Executive, Trustee Board, and Senior Leadership Team, you will shape organisational strategy, influence decision-making, and act as an external ambassador for the charity.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for a strategic, values-driven fundraising leader with a strong track record of delivering income growth across multiple fundraising and business development streams.

You will bring credibility in working with or alongside public bodies such as OHID, or similar national commissioners and/or major funders, and demonstrate a clear grasp of the accountability, evaluation, and assurance requirements associated with levy-funded or statutory funding.

You will be an inspiring people manager, a confident communicator, and a credible senior leader who enjoys building relationships and making things happen at pace

The successful candidate will possess both strategic insight and hands-on experience, be networked across the charitable funding sector, combining commercial thinking with a deep understanding of the UK charity and fundraising landscape.

You will be a confident senior leader who combines strategic vision with operational rigour, has excellent stakeholder management skills. A commitment to evidence, impact, evaluation and collaboration will be central to your approach.

Above all, you will be motivated by our cause and committed to ethical, inclusive, and supporter-centred fundraising and wider income generation.

Director of Professional Standards & Accreditation
Home based (with regular UK travel)
circa £65,000 pa
Full time – 35 hours per week

The Director of Professional Standards and Accreditation is a senior position focused on establishing, overseeing, and upholding the standards that support professional registration and the award of professional titles within the cyber security industry. The role is responsible for overseeing operations that support the Councils core duties to:

• Set and enforce the standards of competence and behaviour required of those whose name is included of the Register of Cyber Security Professionals;

• Approve qualifications, certifications and assessment routes delivered by third party providers recognised as leading to professional registration;

• Award the professional titles of Chartered, Principal, Practitioner and Associate cyber professional and associated specialist designations.

• Determine continuing competence and CPD requirements to support ongoing entitlement to remain on the Register and hold a professional title in cyber security.

• Investigate complaints related to the professional conduct, competence or fitness to practice of registered cyber security professionals and enforcement of sanctions where deficiency or failure is determined.

• Acting as the Council’s principal authority on professional assessment and accreditation, the Director will also serve as the strategic interface with Ofqual, QAA, and other qualification regulators, ensuring national recognition, consistency, and public trust across all pathways—from vocational and apprenticeship routes to higher education and chartered levels.

• The Director of professional standards & Accreditation will have direct line management responsibilities and will be accountable for the wider professionalisation team and outcomes, including the direct delivery of the Associate professional registration title.

Key Responsibilities and Functions:

• Standard Setting: Develop and implement the ethical code, process for ethical complaints and professional competency standards that registrants must meet and adhere to.

• Regulatory Oversight: Accountable for the accreditation and quality assurance of bodies licensed to provide recognised assessments or routes to registration with The Council.

• Policy Development: Contribute to the development of policy for The Council, ensuring it aligns with the organisation’s vision and statutory responsibilities.

• Compliance & Enforcement: Ensure that registrants comply with the standards and regulations applicable to them and take action when non-compliance occurs.

• Public Protection: Protect the interests of consumers by promoting high professional standards within the cyber security profession.Job Description | Director of Professional Standards & Accreditation

• Strategic Input: Provide advice and guidance on matters of professional registration, standards, assessment and quality assurance including Licensed Body accreditation to the leadership team and The Council Board of Trustees.

• Stakeholder management and collaboration: Work closely with our key partners including UK Government, Regulators, Industry, Academia and licensed bodies and engage them with our vision and mission.

• Ensure effective co-ordination and collaboration with volunteers to feed into the quality improvement cycle and growth of the Council (expert advisory panels/groups/moderation/TAPs etc)
• Co-ordination and oversight of the Ethics Committee and Panel.

• Leadership and Management: To recruit, manage, supervise and support the individual members of staff for the professionalisation team, including setting and agreeing objectives within the organisation’s appraisal framework.

Required Experience and Skills

Professional Expertise:

• Deep understanding of the processes and requirements that underpin the development, implementation and upholding of professional standards including competency frameworks, ethical codes and practice guidance.

• Substantial experience leading accreditation, assessment, and quality-assurance functions in a chartered, regulatory, or Ofqual-aligned organisation

• Knowledge and experience of assessment methodologies, validation, qualification design and structure, internal and external quality assurance and moderation approaches to support the recognition of routes to professional registration and award of professional titles.Job Description | Director of Professional Standards & Accreditation

• Experience with qualifications and career pathways – shaping progression routes, aligning with industry standards, and ensuring recognition nationally/internationally.

• Strong grasp of the UK education and qualification ecosystem, Ofqual, QAA, apprenticeships, higher-education frameworks, and national occupational standards, capable of aligning professional recognition with formal qualifications.

Essential Experience:

A minimum of ten years of significant experience operating in comparable organisations to UKCSC whether Chartered Institutes, professional associations or regulatory bodies with a public interest purpose to set and uphold professional standards, maintain a Register and award professional titles.

Regulatory Principles:

Understanding of professional regulation and the role it plays in providing public assurance, trust and confidence.

Strategic Thinking:

Ability to think strategically and contribute to the future direction of the cyber security council and wider cyber security profession.

Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills:

Capacity to interpret data and develop solutions to complex issues and drive continuous improvement.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills:

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, able to represent the Council with clarity and authority to boards, regulators, and external partners.

Commercial & Business Acumen:

Sound business and commercial awareness to sustain and expand the Council’s professional-registration community.Job Description | Director of Professional Standards & Accreditation.

Leadership and Management:

• Experience of managing and leading a high performing team, with a management style that empowers others.

• Ability to work flexibly within changing priorities and a capacity to be adaptable as required to deliver completed tasks to set deadlines.

• Experience of engaging and working effectively with committees, public-interest boards, and volunteer stakeholders as part of development activities.

• To carry out such tasks as the COO/CEO may from time to time deem necessary for the effective and efficient functioning of the Council.

• Reporting requirements and attendance at key strategic meetings.

• Record of representing an organisation at national level with credibility and gravitas.

Accreditation and Qualification Expertise:

• Experience in education and training accreditation.

• Knowledge or experience of the education pathways (apprenticeships to degrees).

• Good understanding of the UK education system.

• Understanding of competence-based assessment methodologies (portfolios, experiential learning, exams, interviews).

To apply, please send your up-to-date CV, along with a covering letter showing how you meet the personal specification and key duties via the email application button.

Closing date for applications: Friday 15th May at 12:00pm

The People & Culture Director is responsible for leading the People Team, business partnering with the SLT to provide strategic, operational and change leadership across the charity.

This role will lead all people, culture, and organisational development activities across Ygam, ensuring they are aligned with Ygam’s values, strategy, and statutory responsibilities as a UK charity employer.

Success will be consolidating and building upon our existing structures to deliver a high‑performing, values‑driven, and inclusive culture which enables Ygam to achieve our objectives both now and in the longer-term

As a trusted member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), the postholder will act as a coach, adviser, and culture‑builder—championing equity, wellbeing, safeguarding, and effective leadership and line management across the charity, as well as playing a full role in cross-SLT pieces of work.

The role also plays a key part in bringing colleagues together by coordinating internal events, including the planning and delivery of all-staff Together Days.

Our commitment as a People Team is to help the wider staff group on their journey within Ygam. We aim to provide an environment which brings out the best in our team, so that they can provide the best possible service to the people we support.

Who are we looking for?

This post sits on the Senior Leadership Team (SLT).  We are looking for a senior.  experienced, credible, and values‑driven people director, who combines strategic insight with a deeply human approach.

You will be someone who believes that culture is created through everyday behaviours, relationships, and decisions, and who is comfortable working with complexity, ambiguity, and change.

You will bring significant leadership experience at this level across the full HR and People brief. as well as strong professional judgement alongside empathy, curiosity, and humility. You will be a confident self-starter able to challenge constructively while building trust at all levels of the organisation.

Above all, you will share our commitment to high-performing culture that is driven by our mission and values and be motivated by the opportunity to help create a workplace where people and volunteers feel safe, supported, included, and able to do their best work.

This is a vital role for the Bikeability Trust in leading the management of over £78 million of Active Travel England grant funding to 2029 for the provisiion of Bikeability training and management of the grants programme. We are also launching a new fundraising and income generation strategy for the next three years. You will have significant experience of charity finance and reporting. An established leader with excellent financial acumen, you will have used these abilities to establish and maintain effective relationships with colleagues, external stakeholders and networks.

Little Village makes a big difference to families with babies and young children living in poverty across London. Via its network of baby banks and partners such as Family Hubs, community organisations and all of London’s maternity units, the charity passes on pre-loved goods from one family to another – clothes, toys and equipment – so that many more children have the essential things they need to thrive.

Families are supported through welcoming hubs or home deliveries, and connected into a wider network of support in community settings, while Little Village also raises its voice to highlight the realities of child poverty.

Little Village is entering an exciting new phase as it approaches its 10-year milestone and prepares to launch its next strategy. QuarterFive are partneruing with Little Villag to find a Director of Fundraising, Marketing & Communications to play a central role in shaping its future – leading how the organisation grows income, strengthens its brand and amplifies its voice. Sitting on the Senior Leadership Team, you will lead a newly integrated fundraising, marketing and communications department, driving a cohesive, high-performing function and building on strong foundations to deliver a more strategic, scalable and insight-led approach.

With an income base with high potential for growth and particular strength in high-value fundraising, there is significant opportunity to grow and diversify income further, while also increasing visibility and influence at a time when public awareness of child poverty is rising.

We are looking for a strategic and hands-on leader with a track record in delivering income growth. You will be motivated by impact and excited to help drive Little Village’s next phase, strengthening long-term income and increasing its influence.

This role is home-based with regular travel to Little Village hubs across London. Core hours: 09:30-15:00. Weekly or fortnightly team and SLT meetings in London plus other meetings as needed.

As Director of Fundraising, Marketing & Communications, you will:

• Lead and deliver an integrated fundraising, marketing and communications strategy aligned to organisational priorities
• Set and achieve ambitious income targets across multiple streams, including high-value philanthropy and partnerships
• Develop a more structured, data-informed approach to fundraising, including pipelines, forecasting and performance management
• Oversee brand and communications, ensuring a clear, compelling and consistent narrative
• Build and steward relationships with major donors, partners and senior stakeholders
• Act as a senior ambassador, raising Little Village’s profile and influence
• Lead and develop a high-performing, collaborative team

Essential skills and experience:

• A strong track record of developing and delivering successful multi-stream fundraising strategies, weighted towards high value income streams including major donors, corporates, and trusts and foundations
• Proven success in securing significant and multi-year funding
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams
• Exposure to or interest in mass fundraising
• Strong financial, forecasting and pipeline management skills
• Expertise in working with senior stakeholders/volunteers, ideally including reporting to Committees and Trustee boards
• A successful track record of involvement in launching, managing, and evaluating campaigns
• Strong understanding of brand management, digital engagement, and integrated campaigns across multiple channels
• Understanding of digital transformation, including CRM/data integration, marketing automation, and analytics
• A data-informed approach, with experience using insight and systems to drive performance
• Excellent influencing, relationship-building and storytelling skills

Desirable:

• Experience leading an integrated fundraising and communications function within a frontline charity
• Experience of using Beacon CRM
• Lived or personal experience of the issues faced by the families Little Village supports

Diversity and Inclusion:

Little Village operates in London, one of the most diverse cities in the world. The charity are working towards a goal where their team fully reflects that diversity and difference in lived experiences and strongly encourage applications from under-represented groups including: people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people with lived experience of poverty either personally or through family, experience of the care system, non-graduates and first-in-family graduates. As part of their commitment to fairer recruitment, all applications will be assessed without names and any protected characteristics.

As part of our commitment to increasing representation of people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, we are piloting a Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS) for this role, as a new approach to make our recruitment more equitable. If you identify as Black, Asian or other Minority Ethnic backgrounds and meet the essential criteria for the role, you can choose to opt in to the GIS. We will be aiming to offer everyone who opts into the scheme and meets the essential criteria a first stage interview/ assessment. See the applicant pack for further details.

Employee benefits include:

• 25 days per year annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for those working fewer than 35 hours per week)
• Team members are usually given time off between Christmas and New Year, which doesn’t come off your allowance
• Pension contributions matched by 3%
• A period of sick leave at full pay regardless of length of service
• Enhanced family friendly policies including Maternity, Paternity, Shared Parental Leave and Adoption pay, with a Fertility Policy designed to support employees during fertility investigations and treatment
• Death in Service benefit (x3 annual salary)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Rewards Gateway and Tickets for Good

Do you want to work with a leading advocacy charity organisation supporting those in need?   

Do you have experience of successful delivery of safeguarding strategies and initiatives?  

Are you keen to make a difference to people who want to be heard through a profound commitment to safeguarding, protection and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults? 

Then come and join us here at VoiceAbility.  

We have an exciting opportunity for a Designated Safeguarding Lead to join our team to Act as the expert organisational designated safeguarding lead (DSL) for all work 

covering children, young people (CYP) and adults in equal measure. Your role will be homebased but may require you to travel to locations such as hospitals and care homes nationally to meet with stakeholders; therefore, a suitable home internet connection is essential.

About us  

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations.  

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.  

About you 

You will have at least 2 years’ experience of working as a Designated Safeguarding Lead with line management responsibility, developing, implementing and evaluating of CYP and Adult safeguarding policies, procedures, and training programmes, reflecting current legislation and best practices.You will also have demonstrable experience in leading, managing, influencing diverse teams on safeguarding, focusing on developing a positive culture and promoting continuous professional development. 

You should have experience in managing complex safeguarding cases, including conducting risk assessments, deciding on immediate actions, and coordinating with external agencies and key stakeholders. 

How will you make a difference? 

You will be called upon internally and/or by external bodies as a source of organisational expert knowledge. 

You will provide leadership and accountability for the advancement of safeguarding best 

practices. 

You will work resourcefully and collaboratively across agencies and adapt child protection systems to address risks in diverse social environments as part of a contextual safeguarding approach, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of young people, vulnerable groups and adults alike.

Benefits  

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time colleagues) rising to 30 days upon 5 years’ service  

5% employer pension & minimum 3% employee contribution  

Salary sacrifices pension scheme  

Separate Life Assurance Cover (equivalent of two times your annual salary)  

Staff discount scheme including retail discounts, entertainment, holidays, gym membership etc  

24/7 Employee Assistance programme  

Access to remote counselling service  

Paid Disability Leave  

Paid compassionate Leave  

Home Working Allowance   

How are staff supported to work remotely?  

VoiceAbility has a small number of offices. Employees including Team Leaders are homebased for Administration and meetings will be held online as well as in person in the relevant community.  

When you need to travel for work, expenses will be paid (mileage or public transport costs).   

VoiceAbility offers the usual regular manager one to ones, Staff forums and communities of practice depending on role. Team meetings with a mix of virtual and in person approach.  

Equality and Diversity 

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential. 

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. 

We are seeking an exceptional leader to be our next chief executive, leading a respected and influential membership organisation at the heart of a thriving grassroots movement.

You’ll be working to build on the success we’ve seen and strong position and voice we have established for ourselves and our members, as a leading force for inclusive and sustainable transport and communities.

You’ll bring an impressive track record in values-based leadership, a proven ability to engage and inspire grassroots change-makers, strategic partners and policy-makers, and a deep belief in the importance of community-led change towards a sustainable, equitable future.

About us

Community Rail Network is a national not-for-profit organisation, which is in the process of applying for charitable status, supporting a growing ‘community rail’ movement, which helps communities get the most from their railways, promotes sustainable and inclusive travel, coordinates volunteering and place-making, and brings people together.

Community rail is made up of 77 community-based organisations, and around 1,300 station volunteer groups and other community-led initiatives around Britain. Their activities range from creative projects for young people, to advising train operators on service improvements, to building travel confidence among marginalised groups, to biodiversity projects at stations, to promoting greener tourism by rail.

Our enthusiastic team of 24 works from home in dispersed locations, but we come together regularly in person and online. We work collaboratively to support members, provide training, events and resources, run campaigns, and champion community rail and its insights. We believe in helping everyone reach their potential while having a good work-life balance.

About this role, and your main responsibilities

Our current CEO is moving on after nine years in role, leaving the organisation, team and wider movement in a strong and empowered position to deliver on the next phase of our development.

Your opportunity is to lead the organisation, and to deliver on our new five-year strategy setting an ambitious course for the future during a period of major transformation for our railways and the wider transport system. You will ensure that we are:

• clear in our identity and our independence, and seen as thought leaders in our field;
• are supporting our members and stakeholders to meet their changing and diverse needs; and
• ensuring the financial and operational resilience of the organisation in an environment that is undergoing a period of rapid change.

As CEO, you will lead a passionate and experienced senior leadership team with three direct reports, while working closely with and reporting into our Board, key partners and funders, and ensuing an engaging, empowering, tenacious approach across all we do.

Advocacy of community rail and its benefits will be high on your agenda, and you will be working closely across multiple stakeholders including UK and devolved national governments, regional and local authorities as well as forging collaborative partnerships with like-minded organisations.

Maintaining our community-centric ethos, you will need to ensure we're effective in enabling members to unlock greater value from the railways at a grassroots level, while drawing on their insights to affect wider change. With hundreds of member groups and organisations across Britain delivering life-changing, place-enhancing work, you will have a solid foundation to build on, to take community rail forward and expand our impact in the years ahead.

Last, but not least, you will be responsible for ensuring the strong and effective governance of the organisation, modelling our governing principles, values and behaviours, and ensuring that we have robust financial and resource management in place.

Skills, competencies and qualities

1. Exceptional leadership skills, including a proven ability to lead, develop and grow third sector organisations or multi-faceted teams delivering complex activities, projects and campaigns;
2. Excellent communication and external leadership skills: articulate, assertive, with the ability to work diplomatically and persuasively with stakeholders at all levels;
3. Experienced in acting as the public face of an organisation, such as through the media, public speaking and high-level meetings, and using evidence and storytelling to articulate and champion a cause;
4. Politically astute, with knowledge of and commitment to social inclusion, social justice and sustainability, and a sound grasp of the importance of public transport, sustainable travel, and community-led action;
5. A proven ability to influence policy and decision-makers, and to identify influencing opportunities, ideally in relation to community development, sustainability and/or transport, including sharing community insights;
6. A strong track record in income generation and development, building strong funder relationships and delivery partnerships, managing programme or organisational budgets and controlling expenditure;
7. Experience of working with and/or reporting to a board, ideally in a not-for-profit and/or membership context;
8. An empowering, engaging approach to leadership, management and change-making;
9. Resilient, pragmatic and determined, with the ability to work under pressure, seize emergent opportunities, manage risk, and support others dealing with competing priorities.

Other information

The role will involve extensive travel within Britain as part of building your profile and that of the organisation with central and devolved government in Scotland and Wales, and increasingly with the devolved regions of England.

There is flexibility on location given the requirement to travel and that your office will be home-based. You will need to travel to in-person quarterly team meetings (usually in London or West Yorkshire) and to Board meetings which alternate between online and London. It is expected that travel will be by public transport and easy access to the rail network is therefore required to ensure journeys can be made sustainably. 

This is a full-time position, 37 hours per week. We use a flexi-time system with core hours 10am-3pm, and are committed to being a flexible, supportive and understanding employer. This is a permanent position with a probationary period of six months. 

Benefits: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (rising up to 30 days, plus Bank Holidays, in line with long service); pension with employer contribution of 7%; and access to Employee Assistance Programme.

Successful applicants will need to provide proof that they have the right to work in the UK and provide two references.

Community Rail Network is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from disabled people and Black, Asian and other minoritised groups, who meet with the skills and competencies for this role. We will provide reasonable adjustments for interviews as required.

Join Our Team: Head of Culture and Inclusion

Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive

Our Head of Culture and Inclusion will join our team with a specific lens on cultural transformation which is key in relation to supporting our Trust vision and strategy. This role reports directly into the People Director and will be a member of the People Leadership team having one direct report (Inclusion & Diversity Manager)

Working Hours & Travel

This role follows 37 hours, 5 days a week, work pattern.This is a home‑based role, with UK wide travel to key sites.

Role Overview

In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for turning strategy into delivered outcomes through evidence-led programmes, strong governance, and clear accountability across leaders and teams. You will measurably strengthen an inclusive, high trust culture that enables performance and wellbeing; to increase colleague voice and engagement; and to ensure your Inclusion & Diversity ambitions translate into sustained behavioural change and business impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of a clear Culture & Inclusion strategy that embeds inclusion, belonging and fairness across the organisation.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring inclusive behaviours, practices and decisions are actively reviewed, measured and evolved
• Build and sustain trusted relationships with senior leaders, Boards and key stakeholders to influence inclusive leadership and organisational change.
• Partner across the organisation to ensure culture and inclusion priorities are integrated into resourcing, talent, learning, performance and reward frameworks.
• Operate credibly across fast paced, complex environments, balancing strategic focus with pragmatic delivery under pressure.
• Champion inclusive, values led behaviours at all levels, adapting communication and influence to engage diverse audiences and workforce groups.
• Use insight, data and qualitative feedback to assess cultural health and inclusion outcomes, translating findings into actionable improvement plans.
• Ensure strong governance, planning and prioritisation of Culture & Inclusion initiatives to deliver impact with pace and consistency.
• Act as a visible advocate for equality, diversity and inclusion, supporting leaders and teams to role‑model inclusive practices and decision-making.

About You

You are an experienced culture transformation lead with demonstrable proven outcomes which have driven cultural change and made significant business impact. Confident influencing at all levels, you combine commercial awareness with a passion for belonging, fairness and continuous improvement.

Experience and Skill

• Demonstrable evidence of building and delivering multi-year culture and inclusion and diversity roadmaps with measurable outcomes in complex organisations.
• Demonstrated mastery of listening and insight methodologies, including survey design, driver analysis, segmentation and workforce lifecycle analytics, translating insight into clear, actionable priorities.
• Deep expertise in inclusive leadership and systemic inclusion levers across policy, process, behaviours and environment, with a strong bias toward practical education, habit change and sustainable impact.
• Proven experience designing governance frameworks, KPIs and benefits realisation measures, with regular reporting and assurance to Executive teams and Boards.
• Confident and compelling communicator, able to craft simple, engaging narratives from complex data and influence effectively across senior stakeholders.
• Strong credibility and lived experience working in partnership with colleague networks and communities, ensuring authentic representation, trust and meaningful engagement.

Contact & Application

If you would like more information or a briefing pack, please get in touch with the recruitment team. We encourage early applications as we may close the vacancy once we receive enough suitable candidates.

What We Offer

This is a middle manager role with a package commensurate. 

Job Purpose

The Research Programme Manager will have a strong grounding in scientific research, expertise in grant management, and report to the Director of Research. 

The role’s core responsibility will be to lead on the implementation and delivery of large-scale collaborative programmes and funding schemes. The post holder will have a visible presence within the research community acting as an important point of contact between partner organisations, researchers, committee members, peer reviewers and the charity. They will be expected to keep updated with the latest research developments in order to use strategic scientific expertise and judgement in the ongoing development and improvement of the Foundation’s grant funding schemes.

They will be responsible for the successful delivery of a large portfolio of active projects by working closely with others in the team to ensure all awards are expertly administered, monitored, evaluated and reported against, ensuring the outputs are of the highest quality and supporting the charities activities. The post-holder will identify opportunities to communicate the progress or impact of the work we fund and work with the communications team to develop compelling communications for our supporters.

Key responsibilities:

Grant Funding Programme

● Lead on the setup of large-scale collaborative research programmes ensuring robust peer review, effective contracting and close collaboration with funding partners;

● Lead on the management of multiple grant funding schemes, as well as ad-hoc applications that come to the Foundation;

● Oversee the smooth running of application rounds, peer review and ensure that funding committees function in line with AMRC guidance;

● Be the main point of contact for the AMRC with regards to research management;

● Support the ongoing implementation and development of the Foundation’s Grant Management Software, ensuring the research team are using the platform effectively;

● Manage project set-up including contracting, the development of detailed project plans, including go/no-go milestones and budgets;

● Work with the other Research Programme Managers to oversee the research programme budget including planning, monitoring and forecasting; work with the Directors of Research and Finance to ensure that accurate research finance information is available for organisational budgeting and planning;

● Seek opportunities to improve the Foundation’s grant funding schemes to increase the number and quality of applications received year on year, ensuring funding projects support the delivery of the Foundation’s research strategy;

● Monitor any developments or innovations across the sector and implement changes to maintain a high-quality impactful research funding programme.

Project Portfolio and Impact

● Oversee the delivery of large-scale collaborative research programmes including:

• Leading on management on behalf of funding partnerships

● Manage and oversee project delivery of the Foundation’s active project portfolio by:

• Building and managing relationships with award holders and attending site visits;
• Approving grant payments and managing the change process for any project amendments;
• Ensuring project progress is effectively monitored and reported against;
• Identifying opportunities for and approving any project communications.

● Lead on the development and implementation of an Impact Evaluation Framework, to monitor and evaluate the impact of the research we fund.

● Lead on the development of an annual impact report to demonstrate the impact of the research we fund.

Line Management

● Provide line management responsibilities to the Research Officer, supporting their performance and ongoing development.

General Responsibilities

● Support the Director of Research to deliver the Foundation’s research strategy;

● Support more junior members of the team through training and mentoring;

● Contribute to the team being proactive and supportive, and working effectively and efficiently to achieve agreed objectives;

● Support the development of research communications activities, working closely with our communications team.

● Contribute to the development and maintenance of strong internal relationships across the charity, working specifically with the Fundraising Team to support income generation;

● Support the Director of Research in the development of updates for the Board of Trustees and other groups such as our Scientific Advisors;

● Keep updated with the latest scientific developments in the field, attend conferences and build strong relationships with MND experts and other relevant stakeholders;

● Represent the Foundation at external scientific meetings and conferences;

● Undertake other work as required by the Director of Research.

Skills and experience required:

● Educated to PhD level or with equivalent experience in a science subject relevant to MND;

● Experience of research management, including the management of grant schemes, preferably with experience of using Flexi-Grant;

● Experience of research communications, including the ability to disseminate complex scientific information and present it to non-technical audiences;

● Experience of liaising with senior individuals in a variety of organisations with an ability to create favourable working relationships;

● Proven project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects at the same time;

● A great communicator, with excellent written and oral skills and the ability to maintain relationships with a wide variety of individuals, including those within the Foundation, researchers and clinicians, relevant organisations and industry bodies, MND patients, and other MND charities;

● Self-motivated, proactive and able to work using own initiative;

● Organised, with a proven ability to successfully manage a broad spectrum of tasks, deadlines and individuals;

● Motivated to make a real difference for those living with MND and future generations.

Working Pattern: Full time, permanent, home-based with regular travel across the UK

Salary: Circa £45,000 dependent on experience

Direct reports: Research Officer, 1 FTE

Closing date: Friday 8th May

Interviews: Week commencing 11th May

About Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance
Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) exists so nobody in Scotland suffers or dies because medical help cannot get there in time. People can get sick or have accidents anywhere and anytime. But in Scotland there are places where urgent medical help cannot reach people. Or help gets there too late. And when lives are at risk every minute matters. As a charity we rely on donations from the Scottish public, companies and communities to ensure that urgent medical help gets to the patient when it is needed, wherever they are and at whatever time of day.

The Role
We are seeking an experienced fundraising professional to join us as Head of Fundraising. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering our fundraising strategy across community, events and volunteering, trusts and grants, corporate and philanthropy by crafting ambitious regional plans, nurturing high-performing teams, and driving excellence in supporter engagement and recognition. The Head of Fundraising will work collaboratively with the Individual Giving and Engagement team to drive new business pipelining and amplify fundraising campaigns, develop new fundraising products, and represent SCAA at external events and sector initiatives.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced team leader with significant experience working across a variety of fundraising disciplines and of developing and implementing fundraising strategies.

The successful candidate can be based from home, but this role will require regular travel to our bases at Perth and Aberdeen Airports and throughout Scotland. The usual hours and days of work will be Monday to Friday, 9am—5pm.

About You

Essential

• Strong background in a variety of fundraising disciplines and a track record in growing fundraising income over multiple years within a charity, non-profit or values-led organisation.

• Experience of developing and implementing fundraising strategies aligned to organisational objectives.

• Experienced team leader who can motivate, inspire and guide others to deliver results.

• Strong understanding of data protection (GDPR), confidentiality and safeguarding requirements. 

• Strong knowledge of Scottish charity regulations, governance and compliance requirements.

• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, financial processes, and procurement. 

• Experience delivering community fundraising products and scaling ideas that support donor acquisition and retention.

• Ability to use insight and ambition to shape pipeline and stewardship planning.

• Understanding of CRM systems.

Desirable

• Ability to deliver training to staff or volunteers on processes or systems. 

• Experience of community, events, volunteering and partnerships and philanthropy fundraising.

• Experience of working with Boards or Trustees in a fundraising context.

Our Benefits

• Pension: 12% employer’s & 5% employee’s contribution (after 3 months’ service)  
• Annual Leave: 36 days (incl. public holidays) + an extra day for your birthday (and additional days with long service)
• Death in Service benefit: 3 times annual salary
• Optional Private Medical Insurance plan and Cashplan
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Enhanced Maternity/Adoption/Paternity Pay
• Access to Blue Light Card
• Learning and Development Opportunities

Selection Process

First interviews will take place at our base at Perth Airport in Scone during the week commencing 25th May. Second stage interviews will be held at our Perth base the week commencing 1st June.

How to apply
Please refer to the full job pack on our website.

Application deadline is 5pm on Sunday 10th May 2026. 

Lloyds Bank Foundation 

Head of Community-Led Change (Wales) 

Starting Salary:£69,215. Plus 3.6% increase following successful completion of probation period. 

Contract: Full-time, permanent contract (we are open to conversations about flexibility - so please ask) 

Location: Remote role with expectation of regular travel through Wales, across regions and to London 

About Lloyds Bank Foundation 

Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales is an independent charitable foundation, backed by Lloyds Banking Group and the people within it. We want everyone to be in a good place - personally, in a home that’s a good place to live, and in a community that’s a good place to belong. 

We play our role by connecting and catalysing community-led change, providing the money, time, tools and connections that build organisations’ capacity and capability, to make people’s lives better and their communities stronger. 

We back people and communities across England and Wales, to make that happen, because when you back brilliant people, brilliant things happen. Our communities are full of ambitious, energetic and determined people stepping up to make their neighbours’ lives better and their communities grow stronger. Day in, day out. 

About the Role 

This is a pivotal leadership opportunity to shape and lead the Foundation’s work across Wales, ensuring that community-led change reflects Welsh priorities, policy, and lived experience. 

As Head of Community-Led Change (Wales), you will provide strategic leadership for programmes and partnerships, driving a place-based approach that delivers meaningful and lasting impact. You will work collaboratively across the organisation to align funding, development support, and influencing activity, ensuring a coordinated and effective approach. 

You will build strong relationships with Welsh Government, public bodies, funders, and community organisations, acting as a credible and visible ambassador. You will also contribute to organisational leadership, supporting strategic direction while leading a high-performing team in Wales. 

About You 

We’re looking for an experienced and credible leader with a strong understanding of Wales, its communities, and policy landscape. You will bring a track record of leading programmes, building partnerships, and delivering impact. 

You will combine strategic thinking with practical delivery, alongside strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to navigate complexity. A commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging is essential. 

How to Apply 

Please click ‘Apply’ to be redirected to our website, where you can download the Candidate Information Pack and find details of how to apply. 

For an informal conversation about the role and application process, please contact our recruitment partner, Atkinson HR via the information in the candidate pack. 

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 

We hold Disability Confident Employer status (Level 2) and are working towards full status by 2027. This means that if you're a disabled applicant and your CV and application answers clearly demonstrate that you meet the essential criteria for the role, we will invite you to interview. 

More broadly, we are committed to building a diverse team that reflects the communities and people we work with. We believe that diversity of background, experience and perspective makes us stronger and helps us make better decisions. We actively welcome applications from people who are under-represented in the charity sector, including people from Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic communities, disabled people, and those with experience of the issues our funded charities work to address. 

Key Dates 

Closing Date: Midday, Thursday 7th May 2026 

Optional Q&A Session: Wednesday 6th May 2026 at 09:00-10:00 

First Interview: Thursday 14th May 2026 

Second Interview: Tuesday 26th May 2026 

For more than 140 years, the Forces Employment Charity has helped the military community succeed beyond service – building careers, shaping futures, and living with purpose. Last year, we provided dedicated and specialist employment and justice support to over 23,000 people to create careers and long-term stability.

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Are you a passionate leader with a commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community? We’re looking for an experienced and driven individual to lead and shape our national employment support service, helping veterans and their families build meaningful and sustainable careers.

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This is a unique opportunity to lead a high-performing team, influence strategy, and make a real difference across the UK.

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Brief role description

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The Programme Manager plays a pivotal leadership role in delivering the Forces Employment Charity’s Ex-Forces Employment Charity Programme. This programme provides regionally-based, comprehensive employment support to all who have served in HM Armed Forces, ensuring personal and locally informed guidance for veterans seeking employment or career change.

Working closely with the Director of Veterans and Families Employment, the Programme Manager drives operational excellence, strengthens service consistency across the UK, and represents the charity’s employment offer in the devolved nations. They ensure that our national network of Advisors is supported, empowered, and aligned to strategic goals, enabling the very best outcomes for the veteran community.

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It’s essential that they have experience managing multi-site or national teams, alongside a strong understanding of employment support or careers guidance. They will be confident working with a range of stakeholders, able to use data to inform decisions, and an excellent communicator. Strong IT skills and a genuine commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community are also key.

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Ideally, they will bring experience from the veterans or employability sector, along with some understanding of devolved nation policy or frameworks such as safeguarding or vocational training.

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This role requires an Enhanced DBS check.

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Interested? Want to know more about the Charity? Check our website.

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Eager to know more the role? Have a look at the Job Description.

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What’s in it for you? Check out our Benefits.

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Have we convinced you to apply? If so, submit your CV and Covering Letter by closing date Wednesday, 6 May 2026.

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Please note: Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert; therefore, we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as possible. If you are an internal applicant, please ensure you have made The People Team aware before applying.

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We are committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff by fostering an inclusive, supportive environment where everyone, including those with disabilities, can thrive, develop, and achieve their full potential. We actively encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and ensure reasonable adjustments are made to support candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.

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We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process.

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