Administration and communications assistant jobs

We’re excited to share a new opportunity to join our small, dynamic team and help ensure our administrative processes run smoothly. As the first point of contact for general enquiries, you’ll bring excellent customer service skills and a warm, professional approach to communicating by phone and email. 

In this Administrator role, you’ll play an important part in supporting our Finance and Operations teams, while also lending a hand across the wider organisation whenever needed. You’ll be joining a supportive, collaborative environment where your contribution truly makes a difference to those affected by cleft. 

This position is ideal for someone who is highly organised, proactive, and enjoys variety in their work. If you’re looking for a role where you can make a positive impact while working with a friendly team, we’d love to hear from you! 

The Bikeability Trust is entering a new exciting phase of our strategy to 2035 to ensure more children can cycle with confidence. A year into our strategy we have reviewed Executive Team roles and responsibilities and are now looking for a creative Communications and Fundraising Director to lead our mission driven communications, income generation and impact reporting functions.

You will be an experience senior leader in communications, who has the drive to take our strategy to the next level. A key member of the Executive Team, working across the home based diverse staff team to bring together the impact of our work through corporate communications and influencing. We recommend reading our annual reviews on the Bikeability website to see a flavour of the work you could be leading.

Our income generation work is focussed on small impactful corporate partnerships, we have tested some individual giving and are planning to host a fundraising Ball in 2026. Experience in fundraising is desirable, with communications experience as essential as this role will ensure strong relationships with Government. 

If you would like to have a short discussion with the CEO before applying please contact Emily Cherry CEO. We are looking to interview shortlisted candidates on the 23rd or 25th February. We are looking for a candidate to start from 1st April or sooner. 

About us

Waterloo Uncovered is the ground-breaking charity that combines world-class archaeology with veteran wellbeing and recovery.  Through a range of innovative programmes, from excavation on the battlefield of Waterloo to discovery of the objects uncovered in our extensive Finds collection, we support meaningful engagement in heritage.

The role

This is a fantastic opportunity for a proactive indivudal who enjoys working collaboratively as part of a small, dynamic and passionate team, alongside an extensive network of volunteers.  Working across all aspects of our administration, in support of our operational delivery, communications, fundraising and outreach. 

Key responsibilities:

• Programme administration, engaging directly in support of beneficiaries for onboarding, logistics and follow up, answering enquiries and general tasks.

• Customer service, responding to email and telephone enquiries and correspondence.

• CRM and data management, including managing donors, volunteers and a wide range of contacts and suppliers information.

• Virtual office support, arranging meetings and team events, providing secretariat to Trustee Board, office contracts, suppliers and administration.

• Completing research as requested, compiling and summarising information for drafting applications for grants and trusts, managing fundraising pipeline and tracking, reporting schedules and reports.

• Administration of social media accounts, support to drafts of newsletter and impact reports, and other communication initiatives.

• Event administration, including bookings, logistics and support to outreach.

Start date: Immediate

Location: We work remotely with 1-2 days in London per month at your own cost

Salary: £24-25,000

Hours of work: 37.5 hrs per week

How to apply: CV with covering letter outlining your motivations for the role and how you meet the person specification

Closing date: 17.00 on Thursday 5 February

Interviews: Friday 13th February 2026 (tbc)

No agencies please

PRHA is a great place to work – Our award-winning teams work together to improve the lives of our residents and make a real contribution to ending homelessness. As an IIP Gold standard employer, we value our staff and commit to develop their skills and support them in their important work.

The Role
Contract: Part-time, 16 hours per week
Term: Permanent
Salary: £12,255.3 per annum
Location: London (hybrid working – 1 day office-based, 2 days from home after probation)

As the HR Assistant, you will provide high-quality of HR Generalist duties to the HR Team, including administrative, data input, recruitment and training support to the HR department and management teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Check recruitment updates and progress for all active vacancies.
• Follow up with candidates and managers on any outstanding documentation.
• Provide recruitment administration support, including setting up vacancies on the HR system, coordinating interviews, preparing documentation and issuing contracts
• Support onboarding by coordinating induction activities, equipment and paperwork
• Provide general HR administration such as employee records, surveys, reports and presentations
• Assist with leadership team meetings, including agenda preparation and minute-taking
• Coordinate training sessions, room bookings and catering
• Support learning and development administration, including maintaining the Learning Management System
• Support benefits administration, including pension and employee assistance programmes

Skills and Experience
Essential

• Ability to use HR information systems, including accessing, inputting, and compiling data.
• Demonstrating accurate data and attention to details
• The verbal communication skills to communicate.
• The written communication skills to produce succinct correspondence and reports.
• Experience of working effectively in teams and understanding expectations.
• Ability to write and present information. 

What we offer

We offer our staff a generous benefits package, which includes:

• Pension Scheme – We offer a group stakeholder pension scheme with 3% employer's contribution, employee contribution is 5%
• Holidays - Employees receive up to 9 days annual leave plus bank holidays rising with long service
• Medical – we provide a “Cash Back" Scheme for a range of services such as dental, physio, chiropody, health& wellbeing
• Training Programmes – We provide comprehensive training to our employees to enable them to grow in their career and achieve their professional aspirations.
• Season Ticket Loans – We offer interest-free season ticket loans after successful probation
• Life Assurance - Upon death whilst in service, a Death in Service payment may be made according to the scheme rules. The payment covers 3 times of the employee’s annual salary.

How to apply

Please read the full Job Description & Person Specification which can be found on our website. To apply, please send your CV and Supporting Statement outlining your interest in working for PRHA and explaining how you meet the criteria set out in the Job Description & Person Specification. Please send your CV and Supporting Statement by clicking the Apply Now button. Furthermore, applications with no attached personal statement explaining how you meet the job description will not be considered.

It is required for this post that the successful candidates will have to complete a Basic DBS disclosure check.

This is a key role at Southwark Cathedral supporting the Dean and the Sub-Dean. This secretarial role will primarily feature management of a busy personal diary, correspondence and broader administrative support for the Dean in his capacity as Dean of Southwark, Chair of Chapter and CEO of the Cathedral. The role holder will also support the Cathedral team as the Office Administrator – responsible for a range of office duties relating to staff wellbeing & socials, office equipment & spaces and the Cathedral’s general enquiries email address.

Start date: Immediate

Salary: £32,250

Hours of work: 35 hours per week (excluding lunch breaks). Some flexibility will be required to allow attendance at early morning or evening meetings and events.

How to apply: Please complete the application form on the Church of England Pathways website 

Closing date: 11:59pm Thursday 29th January 2026

Interviews: Tuesday 10th February and Wednesday 11th February 2026

Main Duties and Responsibilities

For the Dean

• Manage the Dean’s diary: including making appointments, arranging meetings, scheduling preaching and other liturgical arrangements, programming annual schedules (such as Bishops Staff Meetings, chaplaincy and wider public commitments) - keeping Outlook diaries up to date with any changes and making travel arrangements;
• Prepare the Dean’s weekly diary file, including the preparation of any meeting papers or briefs for the week ahead;
• Provide administrative support for the Dean in relation to their attendance at meetings associated with the governance of the Cathedral, including Chapter, Finance Committee, Fabric Advisory Committee and Board of Enterprises. This will include liaising with colleagues on the Dean’s availability for upcoming meetings, any research the Dean requires and preparation of paper packs for such meetings. Minute taking will not usually be required, but may be requested from time to time in liaison with members of staff usually responsible for the minutes;
• Draft, file and send outgoing correspondence on the Dean’s behalf and process incoming correspondence;
• Support the Dean in all their working relationships including building and maintaining excellent relationships with Chapter Members and Committee Members, the Bishop’s staff and with the wider Diocese, as well as with congregation members, neighbours, commercial partners, professional advisers and other third-party organisations relating to the Dean’s work;
• Set up meetings including room set up and refreshment provision as required;
• Assist the Dean with the processing of their expenses;
• Work with the Governance & Committees Manager on Gifts Registry declarations for the Dean;
• Provide administrative support to bodies the Dean chairs, e.g. Southwark Cathedral Development Trust, the Deans Fund and other Cathedral-associated bodies;
• Update the Cathedral database in support of the Dean’s work.
• Provide administrative and practical support for Dean’s events e.g. lectures, receptions and breakfasts with local stakeholders

For the Sub-Dean

• Supporting the Sub-Dean with diary management: making appointments, arranging meetings, and scheduling preaching and other liturgical arrangements;
• Assist with inducting new parishioners: management of database, organising Welcome Evenings etc.;
• Assist with administration relating to the Cathedral’s schools: preparing the liturgical rota, filing and distribution of school clergy admissions forms;
• Other administrative support on an as needed basis

Office Administration 

• Receiving, distributing and responding to emails sent to the Cathedral’s general information email address;
• Ordering stationery, office equipment and consumables in line with the Cathedral’s approach to sustainability and ethical buying;
• Ensuring the Cathedral’s printing and franking equipment is kept fully functional, and liaising with our contractors when issues arise;
• Ensuring that the staff keep offices, reception area, print room, stationery area, staff kitchen and facilities clean, tidy and supplied;
• Co-ordinating Staff Meetings, including booking suitable space and organising refreshments for the meeting;
• Organising staff social events, outings and meals;
• Providing administrative support on Cathedral projects as and when they arise.
• Ensuring the Cathedral’s First-Aid kits are kept supplied and in date.

General Duties and Expectations

• Provide general administrative assistance in the context of a busy office;
• Support other teams on an ad hoc basis when required;
• Promote the mission, purpose and values of the Cathedral;
• Ensure that the highest standards of professional performance are maintained & ensure professional skills are regularly updated through participation in training and development activities.

The main duties and responsibilities of your post are outlined in your job description. This list is not exhaustive and is intended to reflect your main tasks and areas of work. Changes may occur over time and you will be expected to agree any reasonable changes to your job description that are commensurate with your salary and in line with the general nature of your post. You will be consulted about any changes to your job description before these are implemented

Context

Childhood First enables children and young people to recover from early life abuse and relational trauma, to enjoy life and to achieve their potential. We do this through the provision of specialist therapeutic residential care and treatment, together with family and network support. We are also a UKCP Training Organisational Member accredited with Middlesex University, providing in-house clinical training to its clinical staff.

Merrywood House, provides placements for up to 8 young people aged between 10 and 17 years old.

Purpose

The Statutory Compliance Administrator plays a key role in supporting statutory, safeguarding and regulatory processes within the home. The role provides administrative support to the Director, Assistant Director (Statutory Compliance) and senior team, ensuring statutory documentation, systems and records are accurate, up to date and inspection-ready.

The postholder contributes to preparation for Ofsted inspections and audits and supports continual quality improvement to maintain Ofsted Good or Outstanding standards.

What you will bring to the role

· Experience in an administrative role involving compliance, governance or regulated processes

· Strong organisational skills and attention to detail

· Confidence using Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook

· Ability to work with discretion in a confidential and sensitive environment

· A methodical, professional and calm approach, including under pressure

· Commitment to safeguarding and to the therapeutic aims of Childhood First

Task

· Providing administrative support for safeguarding and statutory compliance processes

· Maintaining accurate statutory documentation and records for children and staff

· Supporting preparation for Ofsted inspections, monitoring visits and audits

· Collecting, collating and maintaining statutory, governance and management data

· Assisting with the production of statutory and management reports

· Providing office, IT liaison and general administrative support to the senior management team

· Administering local finance processes, including petty cash and procurement

What we will do for you

· Personal and professional development and training

· 25 days annual leave plus public holidays

· Employee benefits package including life assurance

· Up to 6% employer pension contribution

· Relocation package and recruitment referral scheme

For further information, please see the Childhood First website.

To apply, please apply by submitting your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role.

Closing date: Friday 6th February 2026

Interview Date: Week Commencing 9th February 2026

Childhood First is committed to safeguarding children. We follow safer recruitment guidelines and all appointments will be subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS and references. 

Location: London (hybrid, 3 days/week in the office)

Contract: permanent, full-time

Interviews: 18-19 February 2026

Are you passionate about delivering high-quality administrative support for a global organisation? The ITF is looking for a proactive and detail-oriented Administration Coordinator to join our team.

About the role

As Administration Coordinator - Global you will supervise and coordinate the work of a team of administrators responsible for providing reliable, high-quality administrative support for international governance meetings and events, and communications to member organisations and external partners.

You will work with colleagues and external stakeholders worldwide to ensure the smooth delivery of the administration function, including the logistical aspects of our global activities, contributing to the successful delivery of our Congress cycle and organisational work programme.

Reporting to the Head of Global Administration, you will help to strengthen long-term administrative systems that are efficient, coordinated and fit for purpose in a complex international environment.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage a team of administrators and foster an environment of continual development and support and high performance
• Coordinate the workload of the team in the delivery of organisational work programmes
• Develop, implement and update administrative policies and procedures, ensuring consistent and standardised ways of working
• Oversee the logistical delivery of global meetings and conferences
• Oversee the delivery of multi-lingual communications to members (circulars, meeting reports)
• Prepare meeting budget forecasts and contribute to the annual planning and budgeting cycle

About you

We’re looking for a self-motivated and highly organised individual to support the delivery of our global organisational work programme. With responsibility for oversight of the logistical delivery of committee meetings and conferences, you will need the following to be successful in this role:

• Proven experience managing and leading a team, including mentoring, performance development reviews and motivating others
• Strong knowledge of administrative practices, ideally with experience in the delivery of international meetings & conferences
• Ability to prioritise effectively, and manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, often working across international time zones
• Clear and accurate written and verbal communication skills with a high standard of written English and excellent attention to detail
• Confidence working with diverse internal & external stakeholders in a multilingual environment (knowledge of languages other than English would be an asset) 
• Maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive information
• Strong numerical skills, with experience of budgeting, reconciliation, and expense reporting
• Calm, adaptable and proactive problem-solver with a focus on continuous improvement
• Proficient with SharePoint, Teams, MS Office 365, and familiar with Zoom, Cvent and Concur (or similar tools).
• Experienced with CRM systems and data handling
• Willingness to travel overseas occasionally to support international meetings & conferences
• Commitment to social justice and trade union values, or mission-driven work

At Ambitious about Autism, we're currently looking for a Site Assistant to join our team at TreeHouse School.

You'll support the Estates Manager in maintaining a safe, secure and well-presented school environment. The role includes carrying out caretaking, cleaning and minor maintenance tasks, assisting with site security and supporting the smooth running of school activities and events.

You'll ensure the school grounds are clean, safe and well-maintained including litter-picking and daily visual checks of the playground and their equipment, recording this on SafetyCulture with evidence. You'll undertake minor repairs as needed and carry out day-to-day caretaking and cleaning duties as directed by the Estates Manager.

You will have:

• Practical skills in cleaning, basic maintenance and repair work
• Knowledge of IT and the ability to access databases to record information accurately
• Awareness of health and safety procedures and ability to apply regulations such as Manual Handling, COSHH, Water Hygiene etc
• Ability to organise workload and complete tasks to a high standard

In return, we offer great benefits including a generous holiday allowance and commitment to continued professional development (CPD) and more!

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious individual who would like to work for a forward-thinking, open and honest organisation and make a real impact to the young people we work with. Please find our full recruitment pack on the link below.

If you have any questions about the role or would like to have a confidential chat, please contact.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age.

Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations. We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search maybe carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

The Safeguarding responsibilities of the post as per the job description and personal specification.
Whether the post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendment to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.

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.

Are you an experienced Public Affairs professional with a passion for dogs?

We’re looking for a Public Affairs Officer to support the important work we do to ensure policy makers consider dog welfare in their decision making.

What does this role do?

As Public Affairs Officer, you’ll:

• contribute to the delivery of our ambitious public affairs programme across Westminster and Whitehall, the devolved administrations and in the EU,
• support and occasionally lead on the organisation and coordination of political events, meetings, and project visits, as part of our programme of engagement with policy makers,
• support the management of the Pet Advertising Advisory Group (PAAG) and the EU Dog & Cat Alliance,
• establish and maintain positive relationships with key external stakeholders, including parliamentarians and civil servants.

Please note, this role is available as a fixed term contract until January 2027. Interviews for this role are provisionally scheduled for week commencing 9th February 2026, and will take place on Teams.

Could this be you?

To be successful in this role, you’ll need experience in parliamentary or public affairs, with a good understanding of the political landscape in the UK. You’ll also need excellent communication skills, with the ability to listen actively, negotiate and influence decision makers and strong written English, to draft clear and concise professional correspondence and communications. Above all, an interest in the aims and values of Dogs Trust is essential.

To apply for this position please click the APPLY NOW button. Our application process requires you submit a personal statement explaining your interest and suitability for the role.
 
Dogs are incredibly diverse, much like the humans that love them! At Dogs Trust we value diversity, and we're committed to fostering an inclusive culture. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, abilities, and cultures and believe that a diverse workforce helps us to achieve our mission. Our colleague networks give our people a voice, acting as vehicles for real and meaningful change within Dogs Trust. We truly want to see every candidate shine throughout the entire job application process, interview stages, and during their time with us. If there's anything on your mind or any adjustments you may need, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to support you every step of the way.

Please note, Dogs Trust is a wholly independent organisation, free of association with any political party. Our independence is critical, as it allows us to pursue our mission to campaign on dog welfare issues, on behalf of the UK’s dogs and their owners. For our public affairs roles, the ability to display political neutrality in the public eye or when working with MPs is essential.

Project Assistant, Birtley

When registering to this job board you will be redirected to the online application form. Please ensure that this is completed in full in order that your application can be reviewed.

Project Assistant, Birtley

England North East

£26,222 per annum (pro rata for part time)

Ref: 120REC

Part time 22.5 hours per week – we are happy to talk flexible working.

To be worked over 3 days, with 7.5 of those hours on a Saturday.

Base: Birtley Active Travel Centre, Birtley Library, Durham Road, Chester-Le-Street, 

Contract: Fixed term contract until 30 June 2026, with possibility of extension.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Team: Delivery, England North East - Active Journeys

As the Project Assistant, you will play a key supportive role in the Birtley Active Travel Centre, with a particular focus on cycling-related activities.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Coordinating and supporting cycling sessions, guided rides, and other cycling engagement initiatives for people of all backgrounds and cycling abilities
• Supporting community engagement activities, including:
  • administration of events
  • communication with internal and external stakeholders and volunteers
  • Data analysis and/or reporting

This role is ideal for someone who would enjoy getting outdoors and active and are keen to help other people do the same.  You would have an interest in cycling, and be willing to participate in relevant cycling proficiency and ride leadership training.

ABOUT YOU

We’re looking for someone who has experience and understanding in the areas listed below. You don’t need to meet every requirement — if you feel you’d be a good fit, we encourage you to apply.

• Some basic cycle maintenance experience, and a willingness to learn more including working towards relevant qualification
• Strong administrative and communication skills
• Experience providing support or information to members of the public (e.g. customers, visitors, service users etc.)
• Experience in supporting projects, including event logistics, maintaining project documentation, and assisting with stakeholder engagement.
  
   

WHAT WE OFFER

We want you to feel supported, valued, and empowered in your role. That’s why we offer flexible working, a positive team environment, and benefits designed to support your wellbeing, finances, and family life.

Wellbeing Support

• 28 days’ leave per annum plus bank holidays for full-time employees
• Option to buy an extra week of annual leave (pro-rata for part-time employees)
• Paid volunteer days to support causes you care about
• Free, confidential support service available 24/7
• Access to cycle-to-work schemes through Green Commute Initiative and Cycle Scheme

Financial Benefits

• Group Personal Pension scheme with a 6% or 7% of basic salary contribution being matched by Walk Wheel Cycle Trust
• Bike, computer and season ticket loans
• Discount benefits
• London Weighting Allowance of £4,530 per annum for all those living within a London Borough (32 local authority districts plus the City of London).
• Death in Service benefit – 3 x annual Salary 

Family Friendly Policies

• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Flexible Working practices (full time hours are 37.5 per week, Monday - Friday) 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Application deadline: 09:00, 02 February 2026
• Interviews will be held in person at Birtley Active Travel Hub during the week of 9 February 2026. To apply, please complete our online application form.
• We are committed to being a truly inclusive employer. We welcome applications from everyone from all parts of the community.
• Adjustments are available throughout the application process.

Want to explore more roles?

We are committed to being a truly inclusive employer. We welcome applications from everyone from all parts of the community.

Our Values

• We are always learning
• Championing equity
• Taking ownership
• Delivering Together

The Resurgence Trust is seeking an Assistant Editor for Resurgence & Ecologist, working closely with the Editor to support the planning, production, administration and publication of this much-loved magazine. The successful candidate will bring expertise, journalistic flair, editorial rigour and a collaborative spirit to a small, highly experienced team working at the intersection of ecology, ethics and the arts.

This is an opportunity for a skilled editor and communicator with significant experience in magazine production, literary editing or journalism (ideally in print) to play a vital supporting role in the editorial and administrative processes of producing a high-quality magazine six times a year. 

The Resurgence Trust is an educational charity and global community that connects, informs and inspires positive change by honouring the interdependence of the Earth, the self and all living beings. Through Resurgence & Ecologist magazine, our events programme, and The Ecologist online, we inform the environmental debate, nurture a culture of optimism and wellbeing, and guide people towards creative and practical solutions to the global challenges we face today.

Please read the full job description before applying. 

#AssistantEditor #Editing #Administration #MagazineProduction

Job title: Programme Assistant, Enquiries 

Line manager: Team Leader, Enquiries (Senior Officer, Enquiries in Team Leader’s absence) 

Salary: £30,000 

Type of contract: Permanent 

Start date: 16th February 2026 or shortly thereafter 

Benefits: 

• Challenging and rewarding work, always life-changing, sometimes lifesaving 

• Competitive salary 

• Team and individual training opportunities 

• Commitment to performance and personal development 

• Hybrid working, home and office (minimum 2 days each week in the office) 

• Eight hours each day Monday – Friday, with flexible working by arrangement around core hours of 10am – 4pm 

• 25 days plus Bank Holidays annual leave entitlement 

• 8% employer pension contribution 

• Convenient office location at Elephant and Castle, close to Tube (Bakerloo and Northern lines) and bus routes 

Role purpose statement: The Programme Assistant, Enquiries plays a vital role in the Fellowship Programme working directly with academics facing immediate risk in their home countries to carry out due diligence or signposting. This includes managing an individual caseload, dealing with prospective applications and general enquiries, providing administrative support to the Enquiries team as well as support across the Fellowship Programme when needed. 

Organisational Background 

The Council for At-Risk Academics is a UK-registered charity founded in 1933 under the leadership of William Beveridge, to rescue academics suffering persecution under the rise of Nazism and facilitate their continued work in safety. Sixteen Cara Fellows from the 1930s and 1940s became Nobel Laureates, and many more innovators in their fields, including, Nikolaus Pevsner, Lise Meitner and Karl Popper. A number of Cara’s founders and Council members also personally provided places and/or funds to help individual academics; and Cara, known in the 1930s as the AAC, later the SPSL, was closely involved in the successful effort in 1933 to bring to London the Warburg Institute art library, which had been prohibited by the Nazis, and six of its staff. The Fellowship Programme is the continuation of the rescue mission operation started in 1933. 

Cara has been a lifeline to academics at risk for over 90 years, as and when world events have placed them in the line of fire: Hungarian Uprising, Cold War, Apartheid South Africa, Iran, Latin American Juntas, Vietnam, Kosovo, DRC, Rwanda, Sudan, Zimbabwe etc. and, more recently Iraq, Turkey, Yemen, Palestine, Syria, Afghanistan and Ukraine. Cara support is typically framed as temporary sanctuary offered at times of heightened risk. 

Cara Objectives ‘To assist academics who have been, or are, or are at risk of being, subject to discrimination, persecution, suffering or violence on account of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion, to relieve needs among them and their dependants and ensure that their specialist knowledge and abilities can continue to be used for the benefit of the public.’ 

‘To advance education by supporting academics and their educational institutions in countries where their continuing work is at risk or compromised, to ensure that such academics and institutions can continue to fulfil their critical role as educators for the public benefit.’ 

This is a critical time to join our dedicated and friendly Fellowship Programme team as we expand our capacity to support at-risk academics from the Middle East, Sudan, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Russia and many other countries. 

Role & Responsibilities  

Casework  

• Signposting prospective applicants to the application form. 

• Manage own caseload, preparing cases for eligibility review, including arranging calls to speak with applicants, booking English language tests, and gathering all relevant documentation.

• Escalating complex cases to the Team Leader as required. 

• Maintain accurate and GDPR-Compliant records of casework activity. 

• Researching international affairs to develop understanding about risks applicants face. 

• Researching potential hosts for academic placements and liaising with external stakeholders in relation to applicants. 

• Attend weekly case review meetings with the team. 

Administration   

• Provide general administrative and logistical support, including answering phone enquiries. 

• Manage the general enquiries inbox, alongside another colleague, answering emails about the enquiries’ process, the Fellowship Programme and Cara. 

• Signpost enquiries to relevant colleagues internally and to other organisations where applicable. 

• Contribute to report writing. 

• Present and collect data on general enquiries and applications to the Programme. 

• Ensure safekeeping of confidential information. 

• Maintain excellent detailed records of correspondence, documents, and activities. 

• Provide administrative support to colleagues on projects as required.

Managerial Support  

• Contributing to Fellowship Programme policy changes and decision-making. 

• Provide advice and guidance to colleagues. 

Ad Hoc Responsibilities  

• Show adaptability and willingness to take on additional work when necessary. 

• Support the Fellowship Programme and Cara as a whole with ad hoc responsibilities.

Responsibilities also include related activities that might arise in relation to the Fellowship Programme as required by the Chief Executive and Deputy Chief Executive & Fellowship Programme Manager, and other senior colleagues. 

Person Specification 

Essential:  

• Bachelor’s degree 

• Fluent English (spoken and written) 

• Proactive with a willingness to learn 

• Confident and empathetic with strong interpersonal and communication skills 

• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment 

• Keen team player who is ready to support and help colleagues 

• Excellent record keeping and attention to detail 

• Ability to work independently and in a team 

• Good time management with ability to prioritise and independently work to deadlines 

• Understanding of issues of confidentiality

• Interest in and commitment to the work of Cara 

• Confident use of Microsoft package 

• Awareness of current global issues

• Ability to handle difficult conversations with sensitivity and resilience 

Desirable 

• Master’s or equivalent experience 

• Casework experience 

• Arabic language skills are desirable. Other foreign languages (such as Farsi/Dari, Pashto, Ukrainian and Russian) will also be considered 

• Salesforce/CRM software experience 

• Experience in a supporting role with people with lived experience of forced migration or other forms of severe adversity 

We are seeking an Assistant Manager to play a key operational role at our Sunderland Hub. Supporting the day-to-day running of services that help people facing social exclusion rebuild confidence, skills, and stability.

This is a mission-driven, hands-on role combining coordination, leadership and frontline delivery. You will work closely with the Hub Manager and wider team to ensure the hub operates smoothly, safely and with purpose, while supporting individuals to engage in meaningful activity and community life.

About Handcrafted

Handcrafted works with people who have experienced exclusion, homelessness and disadvantage, offering practical opportunities to rebuild confidence and independence through creative projects, training, and community.

Our work is rooted in values of:

• Creativity everyone can make something to be proud of

• Empathy walking alongside people through challenge

• Empowerment supporting people to take back control

• Community building belonging and shared purpose

These values shape how we work with residents, trainees and one another.

The Role – Assistant Manager (Sunderland Hub)

As Assistant Manager, you will be central to the smooth running of the Sunderland Hub. You’ll support the Hub Manager in coordinating staff, activities and services, while maintaining a welcoming, organised and supportive environment.

This is a varied role combining operational oversight, hands-on delivery, administration and people support.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the Hub Manager in the day-to-day operation of the Sunderland Hub

• Help coordinate staff, volunteers, activities and community sessions

• Provide hands-on support to residents and trainees as needed

• Assist with planning and delivery of workshops, shared meals and group activities

• Act as a welcoming and reliable point of contact for people accessing the hub

• Support record keeping, reporting and compliance requirements

• Assist with ordering supplies, processing expenses and basic financial administration

• Help oversee housing-related processes and liaise with relevant teams

• Promote a safe, inclusive and well-organised environment at all times

(Full responsibilities are detailed in the recruitment pack.)

Who We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who is organised, proactive and people-focused, with the confidence to take responsibility while working collaboratively.

You will ideally bring:

• Experience working in a support, community or care-based setting

• Strong organisational and communication skills

• The ability to manage competing priorities calmly

• Confidence supporting people with complex needs

• An understanding of safeguarding and professional boundaries

• A values-led approach aligned with Handcrafted’s ethos

Experience in housing, support services or community delivery is desirable but not essential.

Why Join Handcrafted?

• Be part of a well-established, values-driven organisation

• Play a key operational role in a growing hub

• Work alongside a committed, supportive team

• Help create real change for people facing exclusion

• Access training and development opportunities

Safeguarding

Handcrafted is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check.