Advocacy operations manager jobs

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. 

Are you interested in a temp/ temp to perm opportunity with an amazing charity? 

Do you have recent charity experience?

Are you competent with Xero and confident to prepare full sets of management accounts?

Are you able to commit to a day a week from our central London Office

If yes, we would love you to read on!

Leukaemia UK – Our Charity

We are a ‘small but mighty’ charity with one big ambition: to stop leukaemia devastating lives. Despite decades of incredible progress, only half of leukaemia patients live longer than five years after their diagnosis. We won't stop until we change this. 

We accelerate progress through the life-changing research, awareness and advocacy that matter most to people affected by leukaemia, doing everything we can to make sure that the next person with leukaemia has the best possible experience of diagnosis, treatment and care. 

We are looking for a Temporary Finance Manager to join our Finance & Resources team in the short term, to provide immediate capability and capacity whilst we recruit for a permanent Finance Manager. The context is that we are transitioning from a historically outsourced finance model to a strengthened, in‑house finance function as we prepare to deliver our new five‑year strategy. The role holder will support the Director of Finance and Resources with the immediate finance needs regarding management accounting, business partnering, financial analysis and working with outsourced finance partners to ensure the organisation’s core financial delivery.

Team

We are a close-knit team, who are all passionate about Leukaemia UK and putting those affected by the disease at the heart of everything we do. We are all focused on ‘keeping it real’ with pragmatic, practical solutions, as well as ensuring that our charity gets the funding it needs to continue to help those diagnosed with leukaemia and other blood cancers.

As a small organisation with just over 30 employees, every role counts. We have ambitious plans and we rely on individuals being self-starters, resilient and working at pace to maximise our collective impact. We may not be about the corporate life here, but we are all about delivering exceptional expertise and making a real change to people’s lives.

Leukaemia UK and You 

We are a growing charity with an annual income of £3.5m with a diversified funding portfolio including grants, donations and trading income with a mix of restricted and unrestricted funds. This is a new interim part‑time role within Leukaemia UK’s Finance & Resources team and forms part of a planned transition from an outsourced finance model to a fully in‑house finance function. The role has been created to provide support to the Director of Finance and Resources, whilst the role is recruited for permanently. The role holder would be welcome to also apply via Charity Jobs to our permanent vacancy.

You will play a leading, hands‑on role in running the organisation’s core finance operations, ensuring robust financial control, accurate reporting and effective support to teams across the organisation. Working closely with the Director of Finance & Resources, you will support the core finance processes providing operational leadership, internal business partnering and process discipline.

As part of a small central team, you will work alongside the Director of Finance & Resources and our outsourced provider to partner closely with colleagues across the organisation. You will provide practical financial guidance, help teams understand and manage their budgets, and act as a trusted internal finance partner, as well as ensuring the smooth running of day‑to‑day finance processes.

This role is particularly suited to someone who enjoys being hands‑on, combining operational delivery with continuous improvement.

Skills and Experience 

Essential:

• Significant experience and confidence in managing a full range of finance operations in a small or medium sized charitable organisation.
• Qualified or part-qualified accountant, holding one of the UK mainstream accountancy qualifications with strong operational finance experience.
• Excellent knowledge of UK charity SORP and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Strong understanding of financial controls and month and year-end processes.
• Strong experience in preparing management accounts, forecasts, budgets and statutory accounts.
• Highly experienced in all aspects of Xero cloud-based accounting system, especially reporting.
• Strong IT skills, including Office 365 and SharePoint.
• Experienced in charity fund accounting and restricted funds tracking and monitoring.
• Ability to balance hands on delivery with improvement and change.
• Experience in improving finance processes and introducing automation or system improvements.
• Strong communication skills, ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and strong stakeholder management skills.
• Comfortable working in a part time role with clear priorities and boundaries.
• Resilient and comfortable with navigating through change.
• Uphold the charities culture and values of being bold, collaborative and curious.

Desirable:

• Experience of line managing staff and supporting their development.
• Management of outsourced service providers.
• Independent learner, keen to find and apply best-practise solutions.
• Willingness to identify, test and apply appropriate technology and AI tools to streamline processes.
• Discrete and trustworthy with high levels of integrity.

Role Specifics

• 22.5  hours per week (0.6 FTE) worked over 3 days or more, Monday to Friday.

• Location: We are very flexible! Our offices are based in Central London, and we operate hybrid working.  In this role you are required to work from the office at least 1 day per week.
• £40,000 – £45,000 FTE dependent on experience. Pro-rata for part-time hours

Benefits

We are proud of our benefits – see a summary on our website Work with us - Leukaemia UK

• 36 days holiday per year, including bank holidays- pro rata for part time employees
• Pension – default is 4% employee and 4% employer and we match up to 6%
• Life Assurance – x 4 cover
• Critical Illness Cover
• Cash back healthcare scheme & Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Hybrid Working- 1 day in the office per week
• Company sick pay

Applications and interview timings  

If you are  available in the short term and feel you have the passion for our work and the right mix of experience, skills, energy, and flair, then we would love you to apply. Please also see the full job description attached to the advert. 

To minimise unconscious bias, we use anonymous recruitment and are unable to consider direct applications. Please apply via the CharityJob website with your CV and covering letter.

• Closing Date: 8am Mon 18th May 2026
• 1st interviews via teams on Friday 22nd May 2026
• 2nd Interviews will be face to face in our London Offices – at 26 Great Queen St, London WC2B 5BL on Thursday 28th May 2026 

I look forward to hearing from you! 

Azra

Azra Karaselimovic

Director of Finance and Resources

Leukaemia UK

Job Title: Cross Services Project Manager
Reports to: Senior Management
Salary: £36,584 Per Annum
Hours: Full Time (36 hours per week)
Location: Pan-London, Head Office in Tooting, SW17
Contract: 12-month fixed term (with potential to extend or become permanent)

Introduction to Generate

Generate is a charity that supports people with learning disabilities and additional needs to live fulfilling lives. We work across employment, social care and community services, supporting people to develop skills, connect with their communities and move towards greater independence.

Generate – Your Life, Your Support

Purpose of the Role

The Cross Services Project Manager is a flexible, operational role, designed to provide capacity across multiple services, with a particular focus on Access to Work funded Employment Support and Community Connections, our Outreach and Day Opportunities services.

The role will support key operational functions, including Access to Work coordination and funding processes, while also contributing to delivery across services where demand is highest.

This position is intentionally designed to be adaptable in response to organisational priorities and changes in funding, ensuring Generate can maintain high-quality delivery while remaining responsive to external pressures.

Closing date 11th May

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply (Redirect to recruiter) button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

All applicants must undergo a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.

Generate is an equal opportunities employer.

No agencies please.

The Business Support Co-Ordinator is an essential member of the team, responsible for ensuring that public engagement activity is underpinned by high-quality, reliable data through careful management of the CRM. As Business Support Co‑Ordinator, you will play a vital role in enabling our Team to deliver the organisation’s strategy and charitable objectives. You’ll provide high‑quality administrative and project support across the organisation, working closely with senior leaders.

This is a varied, fast‑paced role suited to someone who enjoys accurate data collection, managing multiple priorities and contributing to meaningful social impact. We like to invest in our people; most of our staff are undertaking additional qualifications. There is the opportunity to be enrolled on level 3 qualifications relevant to the role.

About NCT

NCT is a charity with a clear mission: to support people as they become parents, through pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood.  

With a 65-year history of transformative change, we are a vibrant community of volunteers, practitioners, peer supporters, members and advocates. We are the largest parenting charity in the country and over the decades we’ve supported millions of people on their unique journey into parenthood.    

While many know us for our antenatal classes, we also do much more. We campaign on issues that matter to parents, provide infant feeding support, and run thousands of free community events and activities led by our amazing volunteers. We also support families facing challenges like social isolation, feeding difficulties, and poor mental health. We offer support in communities, in hospitals and online. 

About the role

Join our passionate team and contribute to the meaningful work that transforms the lives of parents and families. Your role will include:

• Leading the planning and delivery of integrated marketing campaigns that are audience-led, insight-driven and deliver against organisational objectives.
• Working closely with the Content Studio, managing briefs, priorities and workflows to ensure high-quality and effective content delivery.
• Bringing creative ideas and energy, helping NCT continually improve how its marketing reaches and supports parents.
• Collaborating with internal colleagues across Marketing, Communications and Strategic Partnerships, as well as external agencies to deliver joined-up marketing activity.  

About you

You will:

• You have experience delivering integrated marketing campaigns and turning strategy into clear and effective plans.
• You’re confident managing different priorities and working closely with content or creative teams to prioritise briefs.
• You’re collaborative, insight-led and comfortable using data to improve on and report marketing performance.
• You’re proactive, organised and motivated to use marketing to drive growth and change brand perceptions. 

Our Benefits – What we offer you  

We value our team and offer fantastic benefits to support your well-being and professional growth: 

• 30 days annual leave (excluding Bank Holidays)  
• Pension matched up to 5%  
• Flexible working options to suit your lifestyle  
• Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 GP access, personalised counselling, legal advice and more  
• Cycle to work scheme to support sustainable commuting  
• Life Assurance for peace of mind  
• Free eye test for all staff, with further discounts  
• Blue Light discount card

Why work at NCT? 

Whether you’re supporting services, shaping policy, delivering programmes, raising funds, running operations or telling our story, you’ll be contributing to something bigger: 
a society where everyone who becomes a parent feels confident, connected and safe. 

People join NCT because they want to make a difference - and stay because they believe in how we do it. 

How we work 

We’re guided by a simple principle: no judgement, no exception. That shows up in how we support parents - and how we work with each other. 

At NCT we are: 

• Welcoming: We are always welcoming, creating connections and building communities. 

• Collaborative: We achieve better outcomes by working together. 

• Inclusive: We ensure equity and inclusion are core to who we are and what we do. 

• Bold: We are bold, brave, and progressive 

• Trusted: We provide trusted, high-quality, evidence-based information, support, and services. 

We deal with complex issues, make tough decisions, and work in environments that can be challenging. But we do it with honesty, care and a shared sense of purpose. 

Join us 

At NCT, we’re committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or within your role, please let us know - we’re here to support you. If you want your work to contribute to lasting change - for generations of parents to come - we’d love to hear from you. 

Together, we are NCT. 

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion 

At NCT, we believe everyone should be able to shape their own journey - as parents, and as colleagues. 

We are taking positive action to increase diversity across our organisation, at all levels, and to nurture a culture of inclusion and belonging for all our people and for the parents and families we support. You can read more about our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion action. 

We are committed to zero discrimination, both internally and externally. This commitment applies regardless of visible or invisible difference, including (but not limited to): sex, sexual orientation, age, race, ethnicity, disability, impairment, learning difference or long‑term condition, religion or belief, gender identity, economic class, marital or civil partnership status, family status (including single parents), socio‑economic background, pregnancy and maternity. 

We actively welcome applications from people from communities who are under‑represented in our organisation and the charity sector more widely. 

Project Manager (Somerset Peatland Partnership)
Salary: £29,870 - £38,110 per annum
Contract type: Permanent
Working hours: Full time
Location: Callow Rock, Shipham Gorge, Cheddar BS27 3DQ (Opportunity for Hybrid Working).

Are you deeply knowledgeable about Somerset’s habitats, communities, peatland environments and wildlife, with the ability to turn that local understanding into impactful nature‑recovery projects? Are you an experienced project manager who can lead funding, partnerships and delivery to protect and restore peatlands for people, wildlife and the climate?

We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead the development, funding, and delivery of nature recovery projects across Somerset, with a primary focus on the Somerset Peatland Partnership during the first two years of the role.

In this role, you will:

• Lead end‑to‑end project delivery, including planning, budgeting, monitoring, reporting, and compliance
• Secure funding and manage grant‑funded projects in line with funder requirements
• Build and manage strong partnerships with local authorities, conservation organisations, contractors, and communities
• Coordinate and support the Somerset Peatland Partnership, helping to protect, preserve, and restore peatlands across the county
• Line‑manage project staff where required and promote best practice project management approaches

We are looking for someone with proven project management experience, strong financial and organisational skills, and the ability to work collaboratively across multiple stakeholders. Knowledge of conservation, land management, or environmental projects would be particularly valuable.

About Us

Somerset Wildlife Trust is a local independent charity and the only organisation uniquely focused on improving the natural environment of Somerset for the benefit of wildlife and people. We champion Somerset’s stunning, diverse, and important natural environment, making the case for nature to the public and politicians. We protect wildlife and lead the recovery of the environment by example, including on our nature reserves.

We offer some fantastic benefits including:

• 7% employer pension contribution
• Life assurance
• Annual professional institution subscription if applicable
• Payment of relevant licenses and tickets
• Flexible and agile working
• Wellbeing support – Employee Assistance Program, wellbeing champions
• Diversity networks through RSWT/TWT
• Paid volunteer days
• Continuous Professional Development opportunities
• 33 days of holiday (25 + bank holidays)

The opportunity to make a real and positive difference to nature, communities and the climate

Closing date: Thursday 14 May 2026

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

Somerset Wildlife Trust has an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Plan and is committed to continuing to improve the equality, diversity and inclusion of every aspect of our work; we know we need to engage with everyone to live our Values and achieve our goals. We welcome applications from everyone and are happy to discuss any accommodations or arrangements that would make the recruitment process better for you, and the working environment should you be employed.

No agencies please.

Salary: £26,140 - £31,400 per annum

Hours: 35 hours per week

Contract: Permanent 

Location: Wokingham

Job Reference Number: 1691

Cranstoun is a charity which believes in creating a better, healthier and safer world. With passionate staff, courageous people and the knowledge and expertise to match, Cranstoun empowers people to change and rebuild their lives. 

We provide a range of services for those affected by alcohol and other drugs within the Borough of Wokingham. 

We support people to deal with their substance use so that they can change their lives, be happy and reach their goals. 

As a Key Worker in Wokingham, you will be part of a small, dedicated team who are passionate about empowering others. You will be responsible for delivering a good quality and safe service to the people you support including assessment and engagement support, case load management, needle syringe programme delivery, harm reduction and interventions. If you are someone who enjoys problem solving to help people to change their lives for the better, this is the role for you.

You will have good Microsoft Office skills and be able to manage your own diary efficiently and proactively. The most important thing you’ll bring to this role is your desire and ability to make a positive difference to people’s lives. 

All post holders may be required to work some evenings, to meet our service delivery requirements. The core service operates Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm. The service offers a 4 day working week to support a healthy work-life balance.  

All posts are subject to an enhanced DBS Disclosure.

For more details and to apply, please visit our website via the apply button.

We are an inclusive employer, committed to promoting equality and diversity in all areas of our work.

Registered Charity No: 1061582

Do you want to support people with mental health issues in a moment of crisis? Are you calm, non-judgemental and able to work effectively with people experiencing distress?

If you can embody our values of Hope, Courage, Togetherness, and Responsiveness, and want to help others build resilience and manage their wellbeing, we’d love to hear from you.

Services Manager (Nightlight Crisis)
Reference: 346
Salary: £41,000 - £42,000 per annum
Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week
Typical working pattern: 10am-6pm or 11am-7pm, with some flexibility required
Contract: Permanent
Reports to: Director of Crisis, Counselling and Children & Young People
Working base: Watford Wellbeing Centre or Hemel Crisis House – can be negotiated

About the Nightlight Crisis Service

Hertfordshire Mind Network (HMN) has been delivering Nightlight, part of Hertfordshire’s crisis alternatives pathway, for the last 8 years. We are proud to provide urgent support, crisis intervention and emotional support to people experiencing a mental health crisis in Hertfordshire as an alternative to statutory pathways. We provide support to adults across Hertfordshire 7 days a week, 365 days a year through our Helpline, Crisis Cafes and 24/7 Crisis House.

We aim to provide a safe space for people in crisis to talk and feel supported, be listened to without judgement, access relevant support with problem solving and facilitate access to external services when necessary.

As a senior member of our diverse team, you will work closely with service users in crisis by using a person-centred approach to ensure that each individual is supported with dignity and respect. By honouring the individual experience of each service user, we are able to respect their autonomy as well as encourage and facilitate positive steps towards management of crisis and recovery.

The objectives of HMN’s Nightlight Crisis provision is to:

• Improve the mental and emotional wellbeing of people experiencing a mental health crisis in Hertfordshire.
• Provide 24/7 365 support for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
• Increase early access to help for people experiencing a mental health crisis in Hertfordshire, by providing a clear and effective pathway to other services provided by HMN and other third sector and statutory providers.
• Remain a source of independent support for all service users.
• Provide an alternative pathway to people in distress and crisis to support better outcomes and reduce the demand on statutory crisis services and emergency services.

About the Role

As a member of the HMN Senior Management Team (SMT) and the Service Manager for our Crisis provision across Hertfordshire (Nightlight), you will be leading the total provision of our 24/7 365 week Crisis House, Daylight, Helpline and Crisis Cafés. You will also oversee our A&E Liaison Project, supporting staff operating in A&E to divert individuals into community crisis provision.

You will ensure the provision is safe, effective and person centered; be accountable for achieving KPI’s, data reporting to Commissioners and the wider SMT & CEO, and develop the service using evidence based data, strategic thought & planning.

The successful candidate will be highly proficient manager with proven knowledge, skills and abilities as a leader and manager and have experience of developing and delivering mental health services within a health and social care setting, strong experience of managing the delivery of contracts, working to deadlines and achieving outputs, significant proven knowledge and skills around services working with adults with mental health needs and demonstrable understanding of relevant legislation and policies such as the Data Protection Act, Safeguarding and Protection of Vulnerable Adults, Safeguarding Children and the Mental Health Act and they will have a willingness to travel to locations across Hertfordshire.

We offer:

• Annual leave entitlement of 25 days per year pro rata, rising in increments to a max. of 29 days after 5 years employment (plus 8 days Bank Holidays)
• An additional day of leave each year for your birthday following completion of probation period.
• Ongoing training relevant to your role.
• An Employee Assistance Programme.
• Health cover (after 6 months employment) – compensation payment for Optical, Dental, Chiropody and Therapy Treatments.

Being able to drive and having access to your own vehicle is essential for this role.

Closing date for receipt of applications is Monday 25th May 2026.
Interviews to be held on Monday 1st June 2026 at our Watford Wellbeing Centre
N.B. Please quote reference number 346 when completing your application for this role.

Interested? 

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position. 

We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief, or sexual orientation. In addition, during the various stages of recruitment, specific measures can be taken to ensure equal opportunities for candidates with disabilities or special needs.

Hertfordshire Mind Network is committed to the Disability Confident and Mindful Employer charters. We actively recruit staff who have a lived experience of mental ill health. Our inclusive approach recognises the unique skills, knowledge, and perspectives that lived experience brings to our team.

No agencies please.

This is an exciting opportunity to work in a respected leading charity and partnership in the domestic abuse charity sector. We are Respect, working in partnership with SafeLives and Social Finance to stop domestic abuse as part of the Drive Partnership. 

We are looking for a People Programmes Lead to play a pivotal role in shaping our people and culture across the Partnership.

This role is offering a unique opportunity to build and embed people practices, processes, and systems across the organisation and partnerships working together to end domestic abuse. You will support Drive Partnership staff across the full employee lifecycle to create a consistent, inclusive, and high-performing culture.

We are looking for someone with a strong background in HR operations and project management, who can turn complexity into clarity and bring creativity and structure to a fast-paced, partnership environment. Please refer to the job description for further details.

Closing date: 26th May 2026 at 9am.

We’re looking for someone passionate about community engagement to help build and strengthen relationships across Medway and Swale. In this role, you’ll connect with local audiences, carry out research to reach new communities, and collaborate with our team to deliver an inclusive and inspiring cultural programme.

Key Info:

● Full-time, 5 days per week (37.5 hours), and due to the nature of this programme, some weekend and evening work will be required
● Hybrid working with a minimum of 2 days per week in the Chatham-based Ideas Test office and regular travel to events/meetings at other locations.
● Salary: £28,000
● Holidays: 25 days holiday per year plus bank holidays.

As Audience Engagement Officer, your role will be to liaise, communicate and deepen relationships with our local communities. You will also carry out the necessary research and monitoring to reach our target audiences. You will work closely with the whole team, as we deliver a compelling, inclusive cultural programme for and with the people of Medway and Swale. We are seeking someone who shares our commitment to socially engaged practice and co-creation. Our work spans multiple art forms and ranges from small, intensive programmes to large-scale public works. We want to create authentic, impactful work with communities over the long term, experimenting and learning as we go. 

Key responsibilities:

• Working with Ideas Test Senior Producers to engage people in our neighbourhood programmes.

• Attend Ideas Test’s events: providing practical support to ensure a quality event, carrying out surveys and encouraging people to join the mailing list.

• Develop and maintain good relationships with community advocates and partners

• In collaboration with the Operations Manager and external evaluator, ensure that audience capture data and evaluation materials are collected and input.

• Maintain a social media presence with active engagement across a range of platforms.

• Ensure information about Ideas Test’s event is updated on the website and listed widely online and via newsletters. 

• Attend professional development training and other relevant opportunities

• Attend regular team meetings and contribute to the development and implementation of Ideas Test’s programme.

• Along with the rest of the team, help to develop, test, pilot and share learning across the programme partners and CPP peer learning networks and community networks (evaluation, audience data, models, case studies, toolkits and strategic documents)

• Be an enthusiastic advocate for the organisation and its work.

Essential:

• Excellent interpersonal skills

• The ability to communicate well across a variety of mediums

• The ability to work independently and with team members and partners

• Ability to work effectively under pressure, to multiple deadlines.

• Enthusiasm and commitment to inclusive and socially engaged arts practice

• Experience of using e-marketing / social media channels.

• Experience of managing and submitting online and offline event listings

• A high level of accuracy and attention to detail

• IT and digital skills

• Experience of working in similar or related environments

• Willingness to learn new skills and accept training.

• Prepared to work occasional unsociable hours (evening & weekend).

• Ability to travel across Medway and Swale

Desirable:

• Knowledge of analytic and insight tools to develop reach and engagement across digital platforms

• WordPress or similar content management systems to create, edit and maintain webpages

• Knowledge of Mailchimp, Canva, Adobe

• Knowledge and experience of CRM systems and databases

• Practical knowledge of data protection legislation

• Awareness of social inclusion strategies and issues

Applications must be received by the deadline of 12pm on Monday 18th May.  Interviews Monday 1st June. 

The role

This is an exciting opportunity to lead the Sussex Community Housing Hub team in providing technical advice and support to communities engaged in rural and community led housing projects.

Community-led housing involves local people playing a leading and lasting role in solving housing problems, creating genuinely affordable homes and strong communities.

You will be working in conjunction with other members of the Hub to help deliver quality affordable housing schemes that these communities are truly proud of.  

The role

This is a senior, externally facing post reporting to the Chief Executive. You'll manage a caseload of community-led housing projects, lead a small team of advisors, and work in partnership with communities, parish councils, housing associations, local authorities, landowners, and developers across East and West Sussex.

You'll also play a part in shaping Druv Homes, AirS's emerging housing association.

What you'll be doing

• Guiding community groups through all stages of the housing development process — from vision and site identification through to planning, funding, and scheme delivery
• Advising on site selection, RP partnerships, planning applications, S106 agreements, and funding strategies (both capital and revenue)
• Building and managing relationships with a wide range of partners — communities, RPs, local authorities, planners, developers, and agents
• Supporting communities to access funding and drafting bids where needed
• Overseeing professional advisers (architects, engineers, etc.) commissioned by community groups
• Leading project team meetings, maintaining project plans, and problem-solving
• Contributing to lobbying and sector advocacy alongside national partners
• Keeping pace with policy and legislative changes in affordable housing and community-led development

What we're looking for

Essential:

• At least 5 years' experience in affordable housing development
• A relevant degree (surveying, building, business management or equivalent experience)
• Proven track record in project management and scheme delivery
• Experience working with local authorities, RPs, and community organisations
• Team management experience
• Strong analytical, communication, and negotiation skills

Desirable:

• Experience of rural affordable housing and community-led models e.g. Community Land Trusts (CLTs)
• Knowledge of rural housing policy
• Background in the not-for-profit sector
• Experience reporting to boards or executive teams

Practical

The role is based in Lewes with hybrid working. Regular but infrequent travel across East and West Sussex is required — a driving licence or equivalent transport access is essential.

For more information about the role and the organisation download the Job Description, Person Specification and AirS Prospectus.

Role/Job Title: Head of Kent Services
Location: Pembury, with travel between services as required 
Contracted Hours Full time -37 hours per week (Mon-Fri)
Salary: £55,000 - £65,000 per annum FTE

Application Deadline Date:  Friday 24th May 2026 / Interviews to take place at Cornford Lane site (Pembury) on Wednesday 10th June
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

FULL JOB DESCRIPTION

Equal Opportunity/Accessibility and Accommodations Statement:
As a Disability Confident employer, Aspens Charities is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with disabilities. We actively promote the recruitment, retention, and career development of people with disabilities, recognising the invaluable contributions they make to our organisation. We are dedicated to ensuring an accessible recruitment process for all candidates. If you require any accommodations during the application or interview process, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Aspens’ mission is to provide high-quality care and support to individuals on the autism spectrum and with learning disabilities; meeting their needs and aspirations and empowering them to learn and grow through an integrated network of services across the South-East.

We provide support and care to children, families and adults across Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Brighton and Hove, Surrey and the London Borough of Bexley. Our services include registered care homes; supported living; community outreach; day services, including pathways to employment; children and young people’s groups and support; specialist support; and free online support for families and carers across the South-East.
 

About the role:
This is a tremendously exciting time to join Aspens. With our new Chief Operating Officer in place, we are actively shaping how we work to ensure we deliver the very best for the people we support. Her focus and ambition are centred on establishing consistent, high-quality practice across the organisation and ensuring that everything we do enhances, in a meaningful and measurable way, the lives of those we support.
 

The Head of Kent Services is a leadership role responsible for the strategic, operational, and financial oversight of services within Kent, currently residential services for adults with autism and/or learning disabilities, supported living services, and services for children and families across Kent.

The postholder will ensure the delivery of safe, high-quality, person-centred care and support that promotes autonomy, dignity, inclusion, and positive outcomes for individuals and families. The Head of Kent Services will lead and develop a small team of locality managers ensuring regulatory compliance, financial sustainability, and continuous service improvement across the portfolio.

The Head of Kent Services will be a member of the Inclusive Executive Leadership Team, working in collaboration with other leaders to drive the best outcomes for the People we Support and the Charity.

 

Knowledge and Experience:

We’re looking for someone who brings a combination of the following experiences, whether gained through formal roles, lived experience, volunteering or other pathways.  We value diverse routes into leadership and welcome applications from individuals who may not have followed traditional career paths.

Essential Experience:

• Significant senior management experience in health and social care.
• Proven leadership experience managing CQC Registered Managers.
• Strong knowledge of autism and learning disability support models.
• Experience managing budgets and financial performance.
• Demonstrable experience of regulatory compliance and inspection processes.
• Experience working with commissioners and local authorities.
• Experience managing large-scale change programmes.
• Significant experience in building team capability and managing complex employee relations.
   

Essential Skills & Competencies:

• Strategic thinking and operational delivery capability.
• Strong financial acumen.

• Experience overseeing impactful, outcomes-driven services at a strategic level.

• Strong project and programme management skills.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent analytical and data interpretation skills.
• High-level communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to manage complexity and drive change.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making ability.
• Ability to build and sustain relationships, with trust and integrity
  
  
   

Desirable:

• Relevant professional qualification in health or social care (Level 5 or above).
• Experience overseeing multiple residential and/or supported living services.
• Experience in service mobilisation or turnaround.
• Experience with Positive Behaviour Support at strategic level.
   

Core Values & Leadership Expectations:

• Commitment to person-centred, rights-based and autonomy approaches.
• Passion for inclusion, dignity, and empowerment.
• Dedication to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
• Evidence-informed decision-making.
• High levels of integrity, resilience, and accountability.

• Reflective, open to feedback and committed to continuous learning
• Brings authenticity, empathy and a collaborative spirit
  
   

What we can offer you:

• An exciting and rewarding role that you can really make your own
• An opportunity to learn and grow in a supportive environment, with formal and informal training and development initiatives.
• Member of the Inclusive Executive Leadership Team.
• Hybrid working
• Adjusted Hours or compressed working weeks
• Fantastic paid training and career progression opportunities (including recognised qualifications in health and social care)
• Paid DBS 
• Annual Leave / Pro rata dependent on hours. Annual leave entitlement increases with length of service
• Nest Pension and Death in Service Benefit
• Dedicated Employee Assistance Programme and Access to Mental Health First Aiders
• Aspens High Street Stores -20% discount on all items for Aspens’ staff
• Bluebell cafe- Discounted staff menu available
• Refer a Friend scheme, so you can earn up to £250 for every person you refer to work for Aspens
• Recognition schemes, including ‘Employee of the Month’
• Wellbeing initiatives such as: no email/meeting Fridays, no meetings over lunchtime to ensure people can take a break, encouraged not to read or reply to emails outside of working hours, and access to counselling

If shortlisted, we will contact you directly to schedule an interview. We strive to respond to all applicants; however, if you have not received a response within a reasonable timeframe, please feel free to contact us for a status update or feedback (where available). After the interview, you will be notified of the outcome. If successful, you’ll receive a formal offer in writing. Upon acceptance, we’ll guide you through the onboarding process, providing you with all the details you need.

Please note, any offer of employment will be subject to Disclosure and Barring checks (which we will arrange on your behalf if you don’t already have one) and satisfactory employment references.

The Finance Director is responsible for all aspects of the group's finances (National Federation of Music Societies, trading as Making Music and its trading subsidiary), to ensure accurate and complete recording of all financial transactions, adherence to internal controls and procedures, and timely and effective analysis and reporting to the Chief Executive, Senior Management Team and other budget holders, the Finance & Compliance Committee and the Board of Trustees.

The Finance Director post is an integral part of the charity's senior management team, working closely with the Chief Executive, the Deputy CEO Advocacy and Lobbying and the Marketing Director, setting the strategic direction of the organisation and ensuring it has the financial systems and resources to implement its strategy.

The role line-manages and oversees the work of the Finance Manager who runs the day-to-day financial accounting processes, with the help of two Finance Administrators.

The role also leads on supporting members with finances, e.g. leading Treasurers' events, relevant website resources and responding to finance-related consultations.

The 2.5 days (18.75 hours) per week can be worked flexibly, and at least some of them from home, by agreement with your line manager. We would expect you to spend at least 1 days each week in our London office in Moorgate.

This is a friendly team, and our bright and lively office is located in one of the buzziest areas of London, with excellent transport links and nice places to spend your lunchtimes or meet friends after work.

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.