Advocate jobs in birmingham

We are looking for a warm, flexible and highly motivated fundraiser to work across all areas of our fundraising, from securing income from trusts and foundations and corporate partners to staying on top of our individual giving. 

You’ll benefit from regular mentoring sessions with an external fundraising consultant and be able to foster close relationships with our board of trustees and other key stakeholders. 

BYO has a very small core team, which you’ll be part of, and a large number of freelancers and external staff that join for programmes, events and performances. Our registered office is at the London Coliseum but day-to-day, when our big
programmes aren’t running, we work remotely. 

You’ll find yourself inputting across the organisation – for an inquisitive and proactive person there are plenty of opportunities to take on more responsibility as we grow. Here at BYO we actively support professional development and are very open to flexible working.

The role of Head of Legal reports to the Director of Legal & Governance and you will assist them in ensuring the legal function of the organisation runs efficiently, smoothly and that we proactively identify and address legal risk and development needs.

You will be responsible for overseeing and managing the day to day legal affairs of the organisation.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Identify legal risk and propose mitigations and solutions.
• Proactively identifying issues and resolving problems efficiently.
• Providing guidance and advice to colleagues
• Developing and managing the suite of legal templates in use across the organisation, proactively identifying areas for improvement and / or development and working collaboratively to develop new templates as needed
• Ensuring internal legal requirements are well designed and understood and are aligned to delivery of strategy
• Ensure that internal legal processes run smoothly
• Make sound, timely decisions that support sustainable, long-term strategic outcomes.

This is a part time, fixed term role and can be based at any of our hubs located in Birmingham, Leeds or London.

For more information, please download the Job Recruitment Pack.

Due to receiving high volumes of interest in our opportunities, this vacancy may close earlier than the advertised deadline. To ensure your application is considered, please submit it as soon as possible.

Location: Remote / Hybrid (with occasional UK travel & team meetings at the Birmingham Office Monthly) Applications welcome for candidates within commuting distance of the Midlands.

At Fuel Bank Foundation, we believe no one should have to choose between heating and eating. Every day, we help people across the UK who are facing fuel crisis—providing emergency financial support, advice, and long-term solutions that create lasting change.

We’re looking for an experienced Strategic Partnerships Manager to help us grow and nurture high-impact relationships with corporate partners, charitable trusts, and grant-making bodies. If you’re a confident communicator, natural relationship-builder, and passionate about making a difference, this could be the role for you.

About the Role

As Strategic Partnerships Manager, you will play a central role in driving income growth and increasing the impact of our partnerships. You’ll work closely with the Head of Strategic Partnerships to deliver our partnership strategy—developing new funding opportunities, managing existing relationships, and ensuring excellent stewardship throughout the partner journey.

This is a dynamic and varied role that offers scope for creativity, strategy, and hands-on relationship management. You'll collaborate closely with internal teams to bring partner activity to life, demonstrate impact, and align our work with shared goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a portfolio of strategic partnerships, including charitable trusts, corporate sponsors, and grant-making bodies.
• Deliver high-quality stewardship and build strong, long-term relationships with supporters.
• Identify and secure new partnership and funding opportunities in line with organisational strategy.
• Create compelling, tailored proposals and pitches that align with partner objectives and Fuel Bank’s mission.
• Track partnership performance, prepare reports and evaluations, and share impact stories with funders and internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate across departments to align partner activity with service delivery and communications.
• Contribute to income planning, forecasting, and the delivery of financial targets.

What We’re Looking For

• Strong experience in partnership management, business development, account management, or fundraising—ideally within the charity, non-profit or social impact sector.
• A track record of building successful relationships and delivering income growth.
• Skilled in writing proposals, reports, and presenting ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Commercial awareness and confidence working with budgets, forecasts, and reporting tools.
• Strategic thinker with a creative mindset and the ability to spot new opportunities.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.
• Comfortable working independently and managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

What you will receive in return:

At Fuel Bank Foundation, you'll join a passionate, values-led team making a real impact in communities across the UK. We offer:

• Competitive salary
• Flexible and remote working options
• Opportunities for personal and professional development
• A supportive, inclusive, and collaborative team culture
• The chance to help shape solutions to one of the UK’s most urgent social issues
• Enhanced annual leave
• Enhanced pension scheme
• EAP – Healthcare

Together, the charities Sands and Tommy’s have formed a Joint Policy Unit (JPU) focussed on achieving policy change that will save more babies’ lives during pregnancy and the neonatal period and on tackling inequalities in loss, so that everyone can benefit from the best possible outcomes.

The JPU’s mission is to secure policy change that will reduce rates of miscarriage, stillbirth, pre-term birth and neonatal death, and to work to eliminate inequalities in these outcomes.

While there is widespread agreement on the need for change to improve the safety of maternity and neonatal services, what that change looks like is not clear.  To save more babies’ lives we believe that a continued focus is required, and that governments should set new commitments to reduce perinatal mortality and preterm births, focused on matching the best-performing countries in Europe.

This role will be crucial to the continued success of the JPU unit; leading, shaping and coordinating all the unit’s work. 

We are looking for an independent and assertive problem-solver, a policy expert who can manage multiple priorities, take the initiative, lead the national conversation and is as excited as we are about taking the helm of this venture for both of our organisations.

The successful candidate will need to have a substantial track record of effectively leading and implementing national policy and influencing programmes, driving change and achieving the desired impact.

You will have considerable experience across research, data analysis, policy development, public affairs and communications.  Additionally, you will be well-versed in research and data management, including analysing complex data and evaluating policy developments.

Experience of being a member of a senior management team with successful, significant and relevant management and leadership experience is also essential.

Head of Engagement at The University of Wolverhampton Students’ Union
 
Salary: £40,000
Location: Wolverhampton
Contract: Full Time- 35 hours per week
 
Make a difference to student life.
 
Atkinson HR is pleased to be partnering with the University of Wolverhampton Students' Union (Wolves SU) to recruit their new Head of Engagement.
 
We’re looking for an inspiring leader to shape, grow, and champion the way students connect, belong, and thrive at the University of Wolverhampton.
 
As Head of Engagement, you’ll lead Wolves SU's Engagement Team — bringing together Student Voice, Advice, Societies, Volunteering, and more — to deliver high-impact services that make the student experience the best it can be. You’ll work closely with students, staff, and partners to make sure every Wolverhampton student feels included, supported, and heard.
 
About Wolves SU
 
The Students’ Union exists to advance the education of their members — the students of the University of Wolverhampton — through advice, community, events, and advocacy. Everything they do is guided by their values:
 
Be Supportive – helping students get the most from their time at university.
Be Brave – being a proactive, trusted voice for students.
Be Inclusive – welcoming, respecting, and celebrating all backgrounds and identities.
Be Innovative – finding new, creative ways to make a difference.
 
What you’ll do

• Lead and inspire the Engagement Team to deliver impactful, student-centred services.
• Develop and deliver strategies to boost student belonging and participation.
• Oversee a diverse portfolio — from student democracy and representation, to volunteering and advice services.
• Act as Deputy Returning Officer for SU elections.
• Manage budgets, resources, and partnerships to deliver maximum value.
• Play a key role in the Senior Management Team, deputising for the CEO when required.

 
What they're looking for

• Significant experience in leadership and team management.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate challenges creatively and effectively.
• Proven success in engagement strategies, strategic planning, and partnership building.
• Strong understanding of governance, democracy, and charitable services.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills.
• A passion for creating an inclusive and empowering environment for students.

 
Why join Wolves SU?
 
This is your chance to take a pivotal role in shaping the student experience for thousands of Wolverhampton students. You’ll work in a supportive, dynamic team where new ideas are encouraged, and your leadership will have a direct, visible impact.
 
Wolves SU offer an inclusive and fun work environment and believe passionately in developing their people. They're also committed to ensuring our workforce reflects the diversity of the world and community they’re based in. They respect everyone's individual identity and celebrate difference and encourage applications from all candidates irrespective of background.
 
It’s a genuinely exciting time for Wolverhampton Students’ Union and we look forward to receiving your application.
 
Key Dates
 
Closing Date: 9am on Wednesday 17th September 2025
Interviews (In-person): Thursday 25th September 2025 (TBC)
 
Please note: candidates successfully shortlisted to interview will be asked to take part in a pre-interview task such as a written report (3 pages maximum) on a confirmed topic area.
 
REF-223604

At Family Action we support people through change, challenge or crisis. It’s what we’ve done for over 150 years. We protect children, support young people and adults and offer direct, practical help to families and communities.

We see first-hand the power of family to shape lives, for better or worse, so we speak up for the

importance of family in national and local policymaking, amplify family voices and represent the changing needs of families in the UK today.

The LifeSkills Support Worker (Virtual) will provide online support to individuals who are further away from employment, education or training by using a strengths based approach as part of the LifeSkills Intensive Programme. 

This is a new role and it is planned that referrals will be received directly from Tier 3 FamilyLine services (counselling and befriending services). 

The LifeSkills programme supports individuals and families to build their confidence, social networks, financial and employability skills. The LifeSkills Support Worker will work closely with the wider LifeSkills teams (Intensive and Open).

At Family Action we support people through change, challenge or crisis. It’s what we’ve done for over 150 years. We protect children, support young people and adults and offer direct, practical help to families and communities.

We see first-hand the power of family to shape lives, for better or worse, so we speak up for the

importance of family in national and local policymaking, amplify family voices and represent the changing needs of families in the UK today.

The LifeSkills Support Worker (Virtual) will provide online support to individuals who are further away from employment, education or training by using a strengths based approach as part of the LifeSkills Intensive Programme. 

This is a new role and it is planned that referrals will be received directly from Tier 3 FamilyLine services (counselling and befriending services). 

The LifeSkills programme supports individuals and families to build their confidence, social networks, financial and employability skills. The LifeSkills Support Worker will work closely with the wider LifeSkills teams (Intensive and Open).

Job Title: Online Engagement and Inclusion Lead (Young People’s Services)

Organisation: Kids

Location: Remote work with occasional travel to London for in-person meeting

Hours: 36 hours per week

Contract: Fixed term for 2 years

Salary- £31,000 - £33,000

Purpose

This role leads the coordination of Kids’ online engagement and digital inclusion work for young people with SEND, including information provision, participation, and wellbeing support. You will deliver a two-year Online Wellbeing and Resilience Support Programme, including identifying and engaging digitally excluded young people to help them access vital digital tools and services. The role also drives collaboration across the Digital Services Consortium (a collaboration of 12 children’s charities), embedding shared learning, outcome measurement, and inclusive digital practices across Kids, and will create new capacity to work with young people to scope and deploy online campaigning activity.  

Responsibilities

• To lead and coordinate Kids’ online engagement and inclusion work for young people with SEND. This includes Kids’ online information provision; voice/ participation and wellbeing work.
• To develop and deliver Kids’ two-year digital inclusion programme, Online Wellbeing and Resilience Support Programme* to ensure reach and impact is maximised.
• To work with the Digital Services Consortium Driving Digital Inclusion members on shared digital project outcome measures and community of practice, ensuring learnings and online engagement and digital inclusion principles are captured, shared and built into the organisation.
• To identify and recruit (working closely with colleagues from services across Kids) digitally excluded young people to the digital inclusion programme so they can become digitally included and access much needed support and guidance.
• To establish a holistic and joined up approach to Young People’s online engagement and digital inclusion with Kids.
• To create new capacity to work across all services and teams, and with a range of young people, to scope and deploy online campaigning capabilities in line with Kids’ Speak Up and wider national and local influencing work.

Key to your success in the role will be:

• Ensuring an audience-led approach, leading and championing an important collaborative way of working across Kids existing young people's services.
• Confidently working within the Kids digital infrastructure and context – understanding where we are at on our digital journey, building excellent problem-solving relationships with marketing, IT, change team and young people’s services colleagues.
• Helping to embed digital inclusion practices across the organisation.
• Applying strong digital, data and analytical skills to enable you to baseline, track and measure progress.
• Demonstrating excellent attention to detail whilst being flexible to adapt to the needs of a new programme.
• Influencing the broader Kids service teams to identify and engage digitally excluded young people.
• Centering the voices and needs of young people with SEND.

Person Specification

Experience

• Proven experience working in digital engagement initiatives, ideally with young people or vulnerable groups.
• Involvement in programmes that promote digital inclusion and wellbeing.
• Experience in outcome measurement, impact reporting, and using data to inform practice.

Desirable

• Experience in co-producing content or services with young people, including those with SEND.

Skills

• Strong project management skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple workstreams and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, tailored to diverse audiences including young people, professionals, and stakeholders.
• Skilled in using digital tools and platforms to deliver services and measure engagement.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and build strong internal and external relationships.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of safeguarding principles and practices in online environments.
• Awareness of current trends in digital engagement and youth participation.
• Knowledge of inclusive digital design and accessibility standards.
• Understanding of digital inclusion principles and the barriers faced by digitally excluded young people.

Personal Attributes

• Passionate about inclusion, equity, and empowering young people.
• Committed to co-production and user-led design.
• Growth mindset and proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Committed to continuous learning and sharing best practices.
• Flexible and adaptable, with a collaborative mindset.

*About the funded programme

Kids Online Wellbeing and Resilience Support Programme will help young people with SEND (aged 13 – 25 years) build resilience, positive self-regard and meaningful connections.

Our goal is to reduce isolation and protect mental health through a supportive, inclusive digital environment. We’ll begin by consulting directly with young people to understand what they need most. Together, we’ll co-create new online content and resources that truly reflect their voices and experiences. 

 What the Programme Offers: 

• Online information with resources codesigned with young people with SEND. 

• A series of interactive webinars and guided online activities. 

• Free devices and data to improve access to those who need it most, plus the support to ensure everyone can participate.

We will reach over 1,800 young people over the two year funded period.

Partner Acknowledgements

Thanks to National Lottery players, the Digital Services Consortium (DSC) has received over £1.5 million over two years from The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest community funder in the UK. The DSC has also received a grant of £400,000 from BBC Children in Need for two years to provide digital support for disabled or seriously ill children and young people and their family members across the UK. Virgin Media O2 and Vodafone have generously donated devices and data through the Good Things Foundation National Databank and Device Bank which will help address affordability barriers.

Are you passionate about reducing health inequalities and improving access to vital health services? Join BHA For Equality as a Community Engagement and Development Lead and help transform health outcomes for ethnic minoritised communities across Coventry.

Location: Coventry
Hours: 14 hours per week
Contract: Initially until end of September 2027

Salary: SCP 23 - 25, £33,366 - £35,235 per annum full time equivalent. Actual: Pro rata salary £13,346.40 - £14,094 for 14 hours per week contract. 

We're seeking a dedicated professional to coordinate and deliver community engagement activities that increase awareness of Tuberculosis (TB), Hepatitis B, HIV, and sexual health. You'll work directly with ethnic minoritised communities to increase awareness and improve uptake of vaccination, screening and treatment services.

What You'll Do

• Lead community engagement initiatives and health promotion interventions
• Develop strong relationships with community groups and healthcare partners
• Develop culturally sensitive information and resources including social media content, and promotional materials
• Deliver both one-to-one and group interventions tailored to community needs

Benefits of working with BHA:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays pro rata
• Employee Assistant programme (includes income protection)
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Cycle to work scheme
• Enhanced occupational sick pay
• Flexible working
• Comprehensive training and professional development opportunities
• Supportive supervision and team environment

If you would like more information about the post, please contact Agatha Devlin to arrange an informal telephone discussion.

You can apply by completing the Application Form on our website. Your application MUST DETAIL how you meet the points asked for in the person specification.

 

The closing date for receipt of applications is midnight 24th September 2025.

Interviews will be held during the week commencing the 6th October 2025.

Due to the nature of this post, an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service search will be conducted on the successful applicant.

The Talent Set are delighted to partner with The Talent Foundry in their search for a Head of Fundraising role.  The Talent Foundry is dedicated to helping young people from under-served communities unlock their potential and prepare for the world of work or higher education.They are looking to increase unrestricted income from fundraising outside of corporate partnerships. This senior position involves leading strategic fundraising efforts to secure vital income, leading a small team across fundraising and marketing.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for all of fundraising income and to develop structure of fundraising  to diversify income streams
• Design and implement effective fundraising strategies
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with current and prospective donors and partners
• Lead and support fundraising and marketing teams, fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment
• Plan, coordinate, and deliver fundraising campaigns and events
• Track, analyse, and report on fundraising performance metrics
• Identify new funding opportunities and stay updated on sector trends
• Represent the organisation at external engagements to build awareness and support

Person Specification

• Experience in leading successful fundraising programmes within the charity sector with experience from one of the following areas: Trust and Foundations, Major Gifts, Corporate Partnership  
• Ability to be strategic and also hands as fundraising on to meet the needs of a smaller charity
• Would suit an ambitious experienced manager looking to develop their career
• Strong relationship-building skills with diverse stakeholder groups
• Strategic thinker with excellent organisational abilities
• Effective communicator capable of engaging a wide audience
• Leadership qualities to motivate teams and volunteers
• Analytical and results-focused with attention to detail
• Budget management and resource allocation skills

What’s on Offer
Salary: £45,000
Role is home based but with commitment to travel to London for meetings 1-3 times a month.
Part time options available 

How to Apply
To apply, please submit your CV demonstrating your suitability for this role by clicking the 'apply now' button (please do not apply via email). We aim to get back to all successful candidates within 48 working hours.

Interviews to be held via teams on the 22nd/23rd September with 2nd stage in person on the 6th October.

Commitment to Diversity
The Talent Set are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of race, sexual orientation, disability, age, or gender. We actively encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds and are always happy to make reasonable adjustments to ensure a fair recruitment process.

WDC’s Games For Waves initiative engages the gaming and streaming communities to raise funds and awareness for whale, dolphin and ocean conservation. The Influencer Lead will help drive this mission by developing strategic digital fundraising events, managing relationships with creators and influencers, and creating impactful content.

Position title: Communications Manager

Reports to: Director of Operations

Direct reports: None currently

Key stakeholders: UKMSA staff, members and volunteers, Board of Trustees, Sheds and Shedders, the public

Location: Remote (with occasional UK travel)

Salary: Level 4 – £35,000-£45,000

The Communications Manager plays a vital role in shaping how UK Men’s Sheds Association (UKMSA) communicates, both internally and externally, and with the community at its heart. Operating with a high degree of autonomy and professional expertise, the postholder leads the development and delivery of communication strategies that connect, inform, and inspire.

This is not just a messaging role. Rather, it’s about building trust, clarity, and connection across UKMSA communities. Internally, the Communications Manager helps staff feel informed, included, and united across a remote-working environment. The post holder will coordinate internal communications, shape the tone and culture of how information flows, and ensure the brand is consistently and professionally represented.

With volunteers, especially UKMSA’s Ambassadors, the Communications Manager plays a key part in ensuring people feel heard, valued, and kept in the loop, especially during moments of change or challenge. They will work closely with the Head of Volunteering and the wider team to keep the voices and experiences of Shedders, Sheds and Shed Networks at the centre of UKMSA’s communications.

Externally, the postholder curates and amplifies the stories, impact, and energy of the Shedding movement. They manage the website and social media channels, support the CEO and Chair in their digital visibility, and respond to external enquiries with professionalism and purpose.

This is a mission-driven role that sits at the heart of how UKMSA connects with the world. It requires emotional intelligence, editorial judgement, and a deep appreciation for the unique volunteer-led spirit of the movement. The postholder will be confident working across staff, volunteers, trustees, and media, joining the dots, finding the story, and ensuring communications always reflect UKMSA’s values and community.

Key responsibilities:

 

1. Internal communications

· Develop and deliver internal communication approaches that ensure staff across a remote-working environment are kept informed, connected, and engaged.

· Coordinate and facilitate regular team meetings, updates, and communications, including all-staff briefings, newsletters, and shared messaging.

· Work with the CEO and senior team to plan in-person staff meetings, designing the content, format and approach so the sessions align with staff and organisational requirements.

· Design and implement mechanisms that foster internal cohesion and trust, drawing on ideas and good practice for remote working teams.

· Work closely with the senior team to ensure that important updates - strategic, operational, or cultural - are communicated in a timely, consistent, and accessible way.

· Uphold and promote a consistent tone of voice across all internal messaging, ensuring that staff understand and reflect UKMSA’s values and identity in how they communicate.

· Working with the Operations Officer, support the creation and internal rollout of branded materials and ensure consistency in logo use, templates, formatting, and professional standards across the organisation.

2. Community and organisational communications

· Act as a key link between staff, trustees, volunteers (particularly Ambassadors), and other internal stakeholders to ensure information is shared clearly, consistently, and inclusively.

· Collaborate with the Head of Volunteering to ensure that UKMSA’s volunteers are kept informed and involved, particularly during organisational updates, change, or key moments.

· Help embed a culture of openness and two-way communication, ensuring volunteers and trustees feel heard, recognised, and informed, and that their contributions are visible and valued.

· Coordinate messaging across staff and teams so that different groups across UKMSA receive the right information, in the right way, at the right time.

· Support senior leaders in maintaining effective communication with the Board of Trustees, including updates, briefings, and key documents.

 

3. External communications

· Manage and maintain the UKMSA website and social media channels, working with our external web designer to ensure content is accurate, up to date, and aligned with the organisation’s values and tone.

· Source, shape, and share stories from Shedders, volunteers, and communities to celebrate and amplify the impact of the Shedding movement.

· Lead on the production of UKMSA’s regular newsletter Shoulder2Shoulder, Review and develop the newsletter on a regular basis, in collaboration with staff and volunteers.

· Collaborate with staff and volunteers to collect and develop case studies and lived experience content and ensure these are shared meaningfully and respectfully.

· Support the Membership Manager and Director of Income and Investments to ensure any promotional activity for external partners is aligned with UKMSA’s communications strategy, delivers clear value, and is proportionate.

· Support Director of Income and Investments to shape and deliver marketing campaigns and communications aimed at generating income and supporter engagement

· Support the CEO and Chair in their digital communications - drafting content, advising on tone and timing, and increasing the visibility of their leadership voices, in the service of UKMSA.

· Respond to media and external communications queries, draft press releases where appropriate, and act as the first point of contact for general communications enquiries.

· Monitor UKMSA’s external presence and ensure consistency in messaging, tone and branding, across platforms and partners.

 

Key expertise required:

· Professional communications experience, with a strong track record in planning and delivering internal and external communications in a mission-led or purpose-driven organisation.

· Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to tailor tone, structure, and content for different audiences: from staff and volunteers to trustees, partners, and the wider public.

· Confidence leading internal communications across a remote or distributed team, including experience developing engaging formats, regular updates, and a shared organisational voice.

· Experience working with or alongside volunteers, trustees, or community stakeholders, and a strong appreciation for the importance of inclusive, two-way communication.

· Brand and tone-of-voice awareness, with the ability to maintain consistency and quality across channels, platforms, and contributors.

· Digital confidence, with experience managing websites (e.g. WordPress), social media channels, and email communications tools (e.g. Mailchimp), and using them strategically to reach different audiences.

· Storytelling and content development skills, with the ability to source, sensitively shape, and amplify stories that reflect lived experience and community impact.

· Strong organisational and planning skills, able to manage multiple priorities, coordinate with colleagues across teams, and deliver work to deadline with attention to detail.

· Collaborative mindset, with the confidence to influence tone, content, and strategy while also being hands-on in delivery and responsive to others’ needs and input.

· Judgement and discretion, with experience handling sensitive information, managing risk in communications, and supporting senior leaders with professional external representation.

· Genuine connection to UKMSA’s mission, with a respectful, values-led approach that centres the role of volunteers and champions the voice of the Shedding movement.

 

 

 

What success looks like:

· Staff feel informed, connected, and part of a shared organisational culture, even while working remotely. Internal updates are timely, engaging, and reflect a consistent tone that supports clarity, trust, and inclusion.

· Volunteers and trustees feel included and valued; they know what’s happening, understand UKMSA’s direction, and feel that communication is a two-way conversation, not a broadcast.

· The organisation’s public-facing communications are professional, values-led, and consistent. Social media, the website, and external content reflect the tone, mission, and energy of the Shedding movement.

· The CEO and Chair have visible, coherent digital profiles, supported with high-quality content and strategic messaging that reflects the voice and values of UKMSA.

· Good news stories from Shedders and communities are regularly shared, boosting the visibility of the movement and building pride and momentum across the network.

· Communications activity is intentional and well-prioritised. There is a clear rhythm to communications, and reactive work is handled without pulling focus from core messaging and strategy.

· The Communications Manager is seen as a trusted and thoughtful voice, able to advise colleagues, manage sensitive messaging, and champion quality and consistency in how UKMSA speaks.

· Volunteers remain central, not just as recipients of messages, but as contributors to and shapers of UKMSA’s communication story.

This job is not:

· This is not a campaigning or advocacy role. The Communications Manager will not be responsible for policy development, public affairs, political engagement, or influencing strategy.

· This is not a research or insight role. While storytelling and community voice are central to this role, the postholder will not be responsible for conducting research, writing reports (although the post-holder will support staff to get their reports right), or managing evaluation processes.

· This is not a marketing or income generation role. Although the postholder will support the visibility and professionalism of UKMSA’s public-facing presence, they will not lead fundraising, product marketing, or commercial campaigns. They will work with the Membership Manager and Director of Income and Investment if this is required.

· This is not a senior strategic leadership role. While the postholder contributes to strategy within their area and works closely with senior colleagues, they are not expected to set or lead cross-organisational strategy.

· This is not a purely reactive or administrative role. The Communications Manager is expected to take initiative, bring ideas, and shape how UKMSA communicates - internally and externally - in proactive and creative ways.

Closing date:-9th October 1200hrs
Interview: 22nd October

 

Chief Operating Officer - National Youth Agency

The National Youth Agency is looking for a new Chief Operating Officer to join our Executive Leadership Team.

Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-time - 37 hours per week
Salary: £85,000 per annum
Remote: This role is homebased (within the UK) with occasional to meetings, events and conferences.

What we do

As the national body for youth work, the NYA has a dual function. We are the professional statutory and regulatory body (PSRB) responsible for qualifications, quality standards, and safeguarding for youth work and services in England. In line with our charity mission and aims, we also champion youth work through research, advocacy, campaigns, and programmes.

We work in partnership and believe in collaborative leadership, listening to youth workers and the youth work sector so that we can understand their needs and respond to the challenges they face. We are ambitious for youth work and for young people and integrate youth voice and influence across our work

About the Role

Responsibilities will include:

• The COO leads the day-to-day functioning of the organisation to ensure smooth, efficient, and effective delivery of services. This is vital for maintaining operational stability and achieving strategic outcomes.
• They design and execute strategies that align with the organisation’s mission and long-term goals ensuring resources are used effectively and priorities are clear.
• They promote a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement through supporting employee engagement, productivity, and organisational success.
• The COO collaborates closely with the CEO/CFO and other senior leaders to drive strategic initiatives and business growth, ensuring unified leadership and coherent decision-making.
• They partner with the CFO to manage budgets, forecasts, and resource allocation. Financial oversight ensures sustainability and supports informed investment in strategic priorities.
• Strengthen governance and risk management frameworks, aligned to regulatory expectations and best practice while proactively managing reputational and operational risks.
• The COO cultivates strong relationships with partners, clients, and stakeholders to enhance service delivery and reputation. These relationships are key to influence, collaboration, and impact.
• They lead efforts to improve processes and adopt best practices across the charity to enhance efficiency and keeps the organisation competitive and responsive.
• They ensure that daily activities support the charities long-term objectives.
• The COO mentors other directors and departmental heads and fosters leadership capabilities across teams.
• They establish and track KPIs to identify inefficiencies and guide improvements through data-driven decision-making to enhance accountability and results.
• They evaluate and refine workflows to boost productivity developing efficient processes to reduce waste and improve service quality.
• They act as a bridge between departments and the CEO to ensure cohesive execution of strategic plans preventing silos and promoting organisational synergy.
• The COO serves as a senior figure in national and cross-sector forums, conferences, and strategic partnerships to strengthens the organisation’s voice and influence.
• They demonstrate commitment to Equality, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging in both internal culture and external programmes to foster a fair and inclusive organisation.
• They work with the CEO, CFO and Director of Growth to identify and pursue new revenue streams and strategic partnerships. This expands the organisation’s reach and sustainability.
• They engage in public speaking, media interactions, and external representation demonstrating clear communication, credibility, and stakeholder engagement.
• They develop and embed evaluation frameworks to assess progress against strategic goals. The measuring of our impact ensures accountability and informs future planning.
• They promote the organisation’s brand at events and through networking.

The COO takes on other responsibilities as needed to support the organisation’s mission.

About You

Essential competencies of the Chief Operating Officer:

• Extensive experience in senior leadership with a proven track record in operations, financial and risk management, and delivering high-performing teams, ideally in the charity sector.
• Strong understanding of business functions such as HR, Finance, Marketing, etc.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to think strategically and execute effectively.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities. Commercially astute, process-driven, and highly pragmatic in approach.
• Experience in driving performance and fostering a collaborative culture.
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field; MBA preferred

Why Work for NYA?

• NYA operates as a people-first organisation, prioritising the well-being and needs of its employees.
• NYA offers an exceptional flexible working approach which encourages our team to balance professional responsibilities with their personal life.
• A remote based team, spread across England, fostering inclusivity and diverse talent. Despite geographical distances between team members, NYA maintains a highly motivated and connected team through the optimisation of digital tools.
• NYA is committed to supporting the continual personal and professional development of our team and helping them achieve their ambitions.
• We provide 25 days leave plus 8 days, life assurance scheme, 5% employer pension contribution and a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme via Spectrum.life with unlimited specialist support available to all NYA employees.

How to Apply:

To apply, please submit the following via our online application platform by 11:59pm on Monday 29th September 2025:

A detailed CV setting out your career history, with responsibilities and achievements in line with the person specification in the About You section.
A covering letter highlighting your suitability for the role and how you meet the requirements in the About You section.
We will request data for our EEDI monitoring purposes, providing this is optional.

Please note: The covering letter is an essential part of the application process and will be assessed as part of your full application. We use AI detector software, so cover letters or CV’s with over 80% AI generated content will be disregarded. We understand that AI tools can offer support to candidates who have learning differences, which is why we will accept applications with some AI assistance. CV’s will not be accepted without a cover letter.

The National Youth Agency is an equal opportunities employer.

At NYA our inclusive culture means that we embrace individual differences and understand that we need a diverse team to achieve our organisations mission.

We wish to recruit candidates from all backgrounds to ensure our team reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We encourage applications from anyone regardless of disability, ethnicity, heritage, gender, sexuality, religion, socio-economic background and political beliefs but we particularly welcome applications from global majority candidates and those from other minoritised ethnic groups in the UK as they are currently underrepresented in our team.

Youth Work changes lives

Which is why we’re committed to ensuring that as many young people as possible get to benefit from it.As the national body for youth work in England, the National Youth Agency (NYA) exists to champion its transformative power. We believe all young people should have the opportunity to benefit from the life-changing impact of extraordinary youth workers and trained volunteers.

We help to grow youth work provision in ways that keep it effective, relevant, safe and engaging, to help millions of young people reach their potential and thrive. We do this by providing guidance, support, advice, training and staff development opportunities for youth workers and youth work organisations. At the heart of everything we do are young people themselves. We work hard to ensure their voices are integrated into all our work, to develop provision that truly meets their needs.

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