Advocate jobs in manchester, greater manchester

Amala’s mission is to use the power of education to transform the lives of young refugees, their communities and the world. We are a UK-registered charity delivering innovative educational programmes for displaced youth globally. We have developed the first accredited secondary level programme and qualification for out of school refugee and crisis affected youth, and we also offer Changemaker Courses in areas such as Peace-building, Ethical Leadership, and Social Entrepreneurship. 

Our approach to education is conveyed through our  human-centred, context-inclusive curricula and learning programmes that are relevant to the lives that our students lead today and will lead in the future.

We’re looking for an organised and detail-oriented Governance Clerk to support our Board of Trustees and committees. In this flexible, remote role, you’ll ensure the smooth running of meetings, maintain accurate documentation, and compliance with governance requirements.

Key responsibilities include:

• Coordinating and minuting Board and committee meetings

• Managing agendas, papers, and governance records

• Ensuring compliance with internal governance requirements and charity regulations

• Supporting trustee onboarding and development
   

Skills and experience

• Demonstrable experience of having successfully worked with charity boards and committees including writing agendas and concise and accurate minute taking

• Experience of maintaining systems and records in a governance or committee environment

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, with excellent written English

• Familiarity with charity governance requirements and the UK Charity Governance Code

• Professionalism, discretion, and sound judgement in handling sensitive information

• Comfort working independently and remotely; able to meet deadlines with minimal supervision

• Company Secretary Experience desirable

• Experience with Google Workspace and basic formatting tools for paper packs preferred

You must have the legal right to work in the UK, and be available to attend one in-person meeting per year in or around London.

At Amala, we are committed to building an inclusive and equitable team. If you share our belief in the transformative power of education, we’d love to hear from you.

Learn more and apply: For detailed information on this role, including the full list of responsibilities, experience, and instructions on how to apply, please refer to the job description.

Closing date: Friday 21 November 2025, 12:00 GMT

The Sumatran Orangutan Society (SOS) is dedicated to protecting orangutans, their forests, and their future. Together with our local partners in Sumatra, we’re protecting vital ecosystems and creating resilient landscapes where orangutans – and people – can thrive.

We’re looking for an experienced and creative fundraiser to lead our individual giving and supporter engagement programmes, grow our supporter base, and champion innovation in public engagement and income generation. You’ll be rallying resources which will ultimately help us grow our impact for wild orangutans and the people living alongside them.

The Role

As Head of Individual Giving & Supporter Engagement, you’ll lead the strategic development and delivery of SOS’s public fundraising portfolio – inspiring individuals around the world to take action and give generously for the future of Sumatra’s rainforests and wildlife.

You’ll be responsible for individual giving, digital acquisition and retention, legacies, appeals and campaigns, and supporter events. You’ll be given the freedom to innovate, identifying and developing new income streams and engagement products and approaches that help us reach and inspire new audiences.

We’re particularly interested in candidates with strong acquisition experience, who can help us grow and diversify our supporter base.

Reporting to the CEO, you’ll work closely with communications, partnerships, and programmes colleagues to build an engaged community of supporters and advocates for SOS.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead the development and delivery of SOS’s public fundraising strategy, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s mission and income targets.

• Set and manage income and expenditure budgets for all individual giving fundraising streams, ensuring healthy ROI and sustainability. 

• Set clear targets and KPIs, with robust financial planning, forecasting, and monitoring.

• Foster innovation across public fundraising, developing and testing new products and propositions.

• Promote a culture of data and insight-driven decision-making, continuous improvement, and connecting our supporters to the impact they enable.

• Adhere to the Fundraising Regulator Code of Practise and Data Protection legislation and ensure the SOS Donor Promise and Fundraising Values are alive and visible in all fundraising activity.

Individual Giving & Donor Development

• Oversee acquisition, retention, and uplift strategies for individual donors, ensuring a seamless and inspiring supporter journey.

• Design and manage a calendar of appeals and campaigns, including the Big Give Christmas Challenge.

• Work closely with Communications & Marketing colleagues to deliver compelling creative content and integrated fundraising campaigns across digital channels.
   

Digital Fundraising

• Lead on digital acquisition strategy and performance, testing and optimising paid and organic campaigns to grow SOS’s online giving and supporter base.

• Manage and optimise digital giving platforms, donor journeys, and analytics to improve conversion, retention, and lifetime value.
   

Legacies & Events

• Develop and implement SOS’s legacy marketing strategy, raising awareness and nurturing pledgers and enquirers with care and authenticity.

• Manage fundraising events (such as our Buffoonery comedy night) and oversee community fundraising initiatives, optimising engagement and lifetime value.
   

Collaboration & Management

• Line manage the Development Assistant, ensuring that our supporters receive outstanding stewardship.

• Work closely with colleagues across Development, Communications, and Programmes to ensure a joined-up approach to engagement, conversion, and storytelling.

• Keep up to date with sector trends, digital innovations, and regulatory requirements, ensuring compliance and best practice in all fundraising activity.
   

About You

You’re a strategic and practical fundraiser who knows how to inspire public giving. You combine creativity with an analytical approach, and you’re motivated by purpose and impact. You’ll flourish in a small, committed team where innovation and collaboration are key.

Essential:

• Significant experience in individual giving and/or digital fundraising, including both strategy development and delivery.

• Proven track record of meeting or exceeding income targets across multiple channels.

• Familiarity with CRM systems and digital fundraising platforms.

• Strong understanding of digital acquisition and retention techniques, data-driven fundraising, and supporter journeys.

• Experience managing appeals and campaigns, ideally including match-funded initiatives (e.g. the Big Give).

• Excellent copywriting, creative and analytical skills, with an eye for compelling storytelling.

• Experience in budget management and performance reporting.

• Collaborative and adaptable, with excellent project management and communication skills.
   

Desirable:

• Experience in product development or innovation in the charity sector.

• Knowledge of legacy fundraising.

• Interest in environmental, conservation, or international development causes.

At Rights & Security International, we are seeking a part-time Racial Justice Officer to support the growth of our racial justice work in the UK. We are a London-based international human rights organisation that works to end racism, Islamophobia and other abuses when governments act in the name of ‘security’ or ‘counter-terrorism’.

For the past decade, we have been investigating the UK’s ‘Prevent’ counter-extremism programme, including how it impacts minoritised children in schools, British Muslims and neurodivergent people.

We are looking for someone with a broad skill set ranging from research and analysis to outreach and networking. You will help us build or join advocacy networks among national and local UK groups, support our litigation and freedom-of-information requests on Prevent, and investigate possible harms.

You may also contribute to our other projects, such as our work on migrants’ rights.

The initial contract will be for 12 months, with the possibility of renewal.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a welcoming team of highly dedicated staff who embrace human rights for all people.

This position reports to the Freedom of Expression and Belief Team Leader.

Person specification:

RSI is looking for a passionate and detail-oriented candidate who has:

· An undergraduate degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field – one that involves research and analysis.

· Experience in building networks to promote racial justice. Those networks could be at the community level or the national level.

· A solid understanding of concepts related to equality, particularly racial and gender justice.

· Demonstrated experience in using a variety of research methodologies.

· Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex ideas to a variety of audiences.

· A strong sense of motivation and an ability to work independently (with supervision).

· Effective time management skills.

· A strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace.

Responsibilities:

· Support RSI’s research, advocacy and litigation on Prevent, particularly the programme’s equality impacts.

· Build and strengthen RSI’s relationships with other groups in the UK that address Prevent or racial justice issues. Support RSI in building similar relationships in Ireland.

· Review draft UK legislation to find any potential racial justice consequences, and develop ideas for better approaches.

· Any other tasks as designated by the supervisor or Executive Director.

RSI strives to be diverse, equitable and inclusive. We treat all staff and interns like team members and encourage everyone to bring their full selves to work. We welcome applications from candidates from groups that have historically been underrepresented in the human rights, legal or policy fields, and/or who are from communities that have been directly impacted by the issues we address in our work. We also welcome applications from people who are re-entering the workforce after time away. All applications are considered on an equal-opportunity basis. Should you require reasonable assistance for the completion of your application, please contact us via the email address listed on our website.

We offer flexible working hours.

Please note that we are only able to respond with feedback to shortlisted candidates.

By submitting your application, you consent to our processing and retention of your personal data to the extent, and for the time period, necessary to consider the application. We will keep your application on file for no more than six months.

The Role
This is an exciting opportunity to join a small, but ambitious grassroots charity run by and for women seeking asylum. WAST has a proud track record of providing a safe space for women to come together in solidarity and campaign for justice in an increasingly hostile environment.

We are looking for a Project Coordinator to play a key role in developing and delivering WAST’s women-led programmes. You will work closely with the staff team, management group (elected by members to define WAST’s priorities and organise activities), and our wider membership to ensure that projects reflect the needs and aspirations of the women who use WAST. WAST’s current priorities include delivering wellbeing activities (with a focus on trauma-informed approaches), running asylum information workshops, and strengthening our campaigning group. As Project Coordinator, you will help develop and manage initiatives that support these priorities. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is organised, collaborative, and passionate about supporting women seeking asylum to shape and lead the projects and initiatives they value. 

About WAST

Women Asylum Seekers Together (WAST) is a grassroots Manchester-based charity led by and for women who are seeking asylum and currently has around 170 members. WAST was founded in 2005 by one of WAST’s current board members, whilst fighting her own anti-deportation campaign, and became a constituted charity in 2014.

We provide a safe, supportive space where women can come together to build community, gain confidence, access peer support, and advocate for their rights. Women are at the sharp end of the ‘hostile environment’ with punitive government immigration policies and practice. WAST enables a process of empowerment through which women gain the confidence and strength to voice their experience and campaign for justice.

WAST is a place of hope and belonging with its core values of compassion, respect, inclusion and empowerment and its continuous development of its trauma informed peer support approach. WAST is proud of its pioneering work giving a voice to women seeking asylum and inspiring other women around the country to set up similar groups. WAST has been at the forefront of national campaigning against detention, has published three books and created two plays, giving voice to women’s experiences.

WAST runs weekly skill-building and wellbeing activities, a weekly drop-in session where women can access signposting and referrals to services, and a variety of external events throughout the year. Activities are identified and led by the WAST Management Group, elected by the membership and supported by WAST staff. WAST’s current priorities, as identified by the management group, include developing asylum information workshops, a range of wellbeing trauma informed activities, and advancing the campaign group.

Benefits
WAST offers a generous benefits package including 8% NEST employer pension contributions, 5 weeks’ annual leave and bank holidays pro rata, additional leave over Christmas, access to an Employee Assistance Programme and to regular external non-managerial supervision. Training relevant to role is available and flexible working is supported, where possible.

Application
To apply, email a CV and covering letter to the email provided. In the letter, tell us why you are interested in the post of Project Coordinator for WAST and the skills and experience you will bring, with reference to the Person Specification and Job Description. CVs will not be considered without a covering letter. Please ensure your CV and covering letter are maximum 5 pages combined.

Please note, the post is open to women only (exempt under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1) and will require two references and an enhanced DBS check.

Deadline
Closing date for applications is 23.59 on Friday 21st November.

Interviews
Short listed candidates will be invited to interview over email. Interviews are planned for the week commencing 1st December and/or the week commencing the 8th December. 

ROLE SUMMARY

This post holder will be a key member of our delivery team working across a portfolio of our inspiring projects and programmes that support young people to develop their skills, empower their potential and influence change.

We are looking for a fun and enthusiastic individual with excellent communication and time management skills, and someone with an understanding of the issues facing young people and how these can be addressed through our programmes.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

• Delivering engaging sessions, workshops, and events for young people, both in-person and occasionally online.
• Travelling to programme venues across Greater Manchester (reasonable travel expenses reimbursed).
• Supporting young people to develop skills and confidence, and helping them create projects that make a difference in their communities.
• Building and maintaining positive relationships with young people, promoting active participation.
• Working with the Youth Leads UK team to plan, prepare, and deliver activities.
• Bringing new ideas to strengthen our programmes and youth engagement work.
• Being part of the team that represents Youth Leads UK at conferences and events, including volunteer and career fairs.
• Keep up to date on new developments and trends within the youth sector

Essential Knowledge and Skills:

• Experience working with young people in group or individual settings — this could include volunteering, mentoring, or supporting peers through school, college, or community projects.
• Strong communication skills (oral, written, and presentational).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Excellent team player who works well collaboratively.
• Understanding of inclusion and the differing needs of young people from a range of backgrounds and experiences.

Desirable Knowledge and skills:

• Confident IT and social media user (e.g. Canva, Zoom, TikTok, Instagram).
• Understanding of community engagement, volunteering, or social action.
• Awareness of safeguarding and child protection (training provided).
• Awareness of issues affecting young people (e.g. education, wellbeing, employment).

DIVERSITY, EQUALITY AND INCLUSION

Everyone at Youth Leads UK is passionate about diversity, equality and inclusion. Our Trustees, staff and the young people we support are diverse in many different ways, and we want to continue representing the community we serve.

We therefore welcome and encourage applications from people who identify as BAME or have any additional needs or disabilities. We also encourage individuals who have benefited from our programmes to apply.

We encourage applications from everyone - regardless of disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, belief or race.

Youth Leads UK recognises the unique perspective and relatability that comes with being closer in age to the individuals we serve. Therefore, in accordance with our youth-led mission, we exercise an exception from the Equality Act, enabling us to prioritise employing individuals under the age of 30, fostering a deeper connection and understanding within our organisation.

YOUTH-LED APPROACH

One of the factors which make Youth Leads UK’s approach different is our belief in the value of youth insights and input to guide our work. The post holder will be expected to understand youth involvement and be an advocate for youth involvement which will include a flexible approach to work, including a willingness to take on tasks outside the normal remit, to work irregular hours, often evenings and weekends.

Drive Head of Programmes

£57,095- £60,441

A London Weighting allowance of £3,299 will be applied for those living in London. 

37.5 hours per week with flexible working hours and provision of an out-of-hours

response as needed

Remote with travel throughout the UK

Permanent subject to funding

The Drive Partnership, formed by Respect, SafeLives and Social Finance, is working to transform the national response to perpetrators of domestic abuse. We work to end domestic abuse and protect victims by disrupting, challenging, and changing the behaviour of those who are causing harm. Together we have developed the Drive Project to address a gap in work with high-harm, high-risk perpetrators of domestic abuse. We also work to advocate for systems and policy change- to develop sustainable, national systems that respond more effectively to all perpetrators of domestic abuse. 

In July of this year the Home Office announced a £53m investment over the next four years to enable the Drive Project to roll out across England and Wales. To end domestic abuse, we must address the source of the problem – the perpetrator.  This funding will make a huge difference to our efforts to support survivors, by holding perpetrators to account, stopping them from causing further harm and giving them the chance to change.

The Drive Head of Programmes will play a central role in maintaining strategic oversight of internal operations, including project planning and risk management across workstreams, and partner coordination across the Drive Partnership. This is a senior leadership position providing operational leadership, staff management, and cross-partner coordination to ensure workstreams within the Drive Partnership function effectively, efficiently and in in alignment with the Drive Partnership’s core mission.

The role will report directly to the Drive Director, form part of the Drive Senior Management team and work alongside the Drive Deputy Director and other Senior Leads to embed a high-performing, values-led culture across The Drive Partnership. 

How to apply

Application is by way of CV with a Supporting Statement.

Please write a personal statement of not more than 3 pages of A4 (in minimum of Calibri pt 12 font) which covers:

· Why you are interested in this job

· Your experience, knowledge, skills, abilities and attitude in relation to the person specification

Selection process and timescales

Closing date: Midnight Sunday 16th November

Preliminary interview with NFP:                   Wednesday 26th and Thursday 27th November

First interview:                                               Monday 8th December

Final interview:                                              Week commencing 15th December

We are currently looking for an exceptional candidate to provide research support to help drive forward our strategic policy advocacy at a critical time for the climate movement in the UK and globally. Uplift is an impact-oriented research and campaigning organisation that supports a rapid and fair transition away from oil and gas in the UK, with a goal of making the UK a global first-mover on phasing out oil and gas production in line with climate limits and a just settlement for the workforce.

The role
In this role you will support our team to ensure that Uplift’s and its partners’ work uses research, insight, and intelligence to maximise our impact. From ensuring our campaigns are informed by the latest data and analysis to conducting research to inform decision-makers, partners, and the broader movement, this is a diverse role at the heart of our work supporting a just transition away from oil and gas extraction. The successful candidate will have exceptional quantitative research skills and a keen interest in climate and energy-related campaigns. A strong commitment to Uplift's mission and core values is also required.

Responsibilities include:

• Support the delivery of Uplift’s research agenda, contributing to our organisational strategy and campaignsSupport Uplift’s data initiatives by enhancing our rapid-response analytical capacity and conducting high-impact analysis.
• Create and maintain resources for various audiences, including journalists, policymakers, and the climate movement.
• Collaborate with key contacts across the Research, Policy and Legal team to address strategic research questions and support the execution of research projects.
• Contribute to the wider work of the Research, Policy and Legal team, including supporting knowledge management and maintaining high-quality standards in outputs.

Our ideal candidate will have:

• Experience in a similar or related research role.
• Strong knowledge of UK climate, energy or environmental policy (direct expertise in just transition, fossil fuels or renewables would be an advantage, but is not essential).
• Excellent research and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesise complex information quickly and accurately.
• A specialised set of quantitative research skills, demonstrating strong data proficiency and experience using, for example, coding languages (such as R or Python).
• Exceptional writing and communication skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Motivation, initiative, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-moving environment.
• A strong commitment to Uplift’s mission and core values of equity and climate justice.
   

Application
To apply for this role, please submit an application for the consultancy via the redirect to recruiter link and attach an updated version of your CV.

Contract term: 4-5 days a week for 3 months
Start date: ASAP
Deadline: We will be assessing applications on a rolling basis

Be at the forefront of  student-led change in one of the UK’s most exciting and dynamic cities – join us as Associate Director Student Influence at Manchester Students’ Union.

Manchester Students’ Union is seeking a visionary Associate Director to spearhead our student influence work, empowering over 47,000 students to become powerful changemakers across the University, the city, and beyond.

The Role

As Associate Director Student Influence, you’ll lead the strategic development and operational delivery of our changemaking activity. You’ll ensure students are represented and supported to lead meaningful change, whether through policy, campaigning, or building grassroots movements. You’ll work closely with elected student leaders, university stakeholders, and civic partners to grow UMSU’s influence locally and nationally.

This is a senior leadership role, reporting to the Director of Student Engagement and accountable for a team including a Head of Policy, Head of Student Campaigns and Senior Officer Development Coordinator.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategies to grow UMSU’s influence across university, city, and nationally.

• Lead and mentor a high-performing team to deliver impactful change initiatives.

• Cultivate relationships with policy makers, civic organisations, and sector bodies.

• Champion student-led, evidence-informed approaches to advocacy and representation.

• Oversee democratic processes and political education initiatives.

• Drive performance through strategic planning, budgeting, and resource management.

Essential Criteria

We welcome applicants from all educational backgrounds. You’ll need to demonstrate:

• Proven experience in changemaking, whether from a campaigns, organising, advocacy, policy or public affairs background.

• Strategic leadership and team management in a values-led organisation.

• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.

• Ability to develop and deliver innovative strategies for change.

• Excellent communication and diplomacy, with a collaborative mindset.

• Commitment to inclusivity, transparency, and student empowerment.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive salary and generous benefits see full list here

• Hybrid working options

• Clear progression pathway through our graded role structure

• A supportive, inclusive, and values-driven workplace

Would you like to work in a forward-looking, agile, innovative, faith-based charity? One where you can bring your current skills and experience and develop your career through our global training partner.

From its humble beginnings, ICC has become a trusted advocate and innovative leader in providing compassionate care for children with disabilities. For over 30 years, thousands of vulnerable children’s lives have been transformed by the essential services we provide.

Within China’s ever-changing social landscape, ICC’s nurturing care is modelling a new standard of support and empowerment for children with disabilities. Our dedicated team of therapists, special educators, social workers, vocational trainers and medical staff work tirelessly to help children live with hope, dignity and opportunity.

Main purpose of the role 
As our Fundraising Manager, you will be responsible for the development and delivery of our fundraising strategy, working closely with the Executive Director, the Finance Team, the Insight Fundraising Officer and the Trust and Foundations consultants. The Fundraising Manager will develop existing income streams and strengthen stakeholder and supporter engagement. As Fundraising Manager, you’ll work closely with other global team members to review and implement our fundraising strategy in line with our strategic goals. 

Main Responsibilities: 

1. Play a leading role in the development and delivery of ICC’s fundraising strategy and the success of direct marketing, telemarketing and online campaigns to generate cash, regular giving and Gift Aid. 
2. Plan, research and implement all aspects of direct marketing aimed at acquiring and retaining new and existing supporters. 
3. Establish a robust donor stewardship strategy, building strong relationships with existing  and potential donors and increasing donor retention and engagement 
4. Lead on the cultivation and stewardship of partnerships with churches. 
5. To manage the direction and relationship with our Trust and Foundation consultants by collaborating in the research, writing and submitting targeted Trust applications and report on grants awarded. 
6. Work with the team to support the legacy giving strategy, to maximise long-term income. 
7. To have oversight of the in-house CRM database (Microsoft D365). Work with the team to develop competency in the effective use of our CRM database as part of our donor stewardship and reporting structure. 
8. To assist and promote ICCs presence at fundraising and other events.
9. Manage the ongoing development and implementation of a regular giving strategy and donor care to reduce attrition rates. 
10. Regularly monitor and evaluate direct marketing campaigns, Trust fundraising, recurring giving and legacy fundraising, provide results and feed the learning back into the organisation. 
11. To keep abreast of key issues and best practices within the direct marketing/fundraising sector. 
12. Ensure fundraising practices comply with GDPR, the Data Protection Act and the Code of Fundraising Practice. 
13. Undertake additional duties as requested. 
14. Line manage the Insight Fundraising Officer and lead our Trusts and Foundations partner.

Fundraising Campaigns and Events 

1. Plan, coordinate, and manage our annual fundraising event. 
2. Support the Executive Director on other events. 
3. Project manage our newsletter and appeal campaigns. 

Safeguarding Statement

International China Concern is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults in all our programmes and operations. We expect all staff, volunteers, and partners to uphold this commitment and adhere to our safeguarding policies and procedures.

All staff play a critical role in ensuring that safeguarding is embedded within the organisation. This includes promoting a culture of safety, ensuring child protection risks are identified and mitigated, and supporting staff and partners to uphold safeguarding standards.

Pre-employment checks will be conducted in line with safer recruitment practices, including criminal record checks, reference verification, and assessment of suitability to work with children. The successful candidate will be required to complete safeguarding training and demonstrate a strong understanding of child protection principles, particularly in international and cross-cultural contexts.

We operate a zero-tolerance approach to abuse and exploitation. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and we are committed to continuous learning and improvement to ensure the safety and wellbeing of every child we serve.

We together are: 

Filled with FAITH, Moved with a heart of COMPASSION, Connected by a Spirit of  COLLABORATION, Leading through INNOVATION, Serving with PROFESSIONALISM

Our preference is for a full-time candidate working remotely. However, we are willing to consider applications from exceptional candidates who would only be interested in working part-time or as part of a job share.

For the full person spec and job description, please refer to the attachment below.

Please Note: We are unable to accept applications via external sites and email. Please apply via our website.

Are you ready to shape the future of student life through bold, evidence-based policy in one the UK’s most exciting student cities?

We are looking for a strategic and collaborative Head of Policy to lead our policy development and advocacy work, ensuring students’ voices are heard and acted upon across the university, city, and national platforms.

As Head of Policy, you’ll lead the development of student-led, evidence-informed policy work that reflects the lived experiences of our diverse student body. You’ll monitor developments across the higher education sector, local government, and Westminster, and produce compelling outputs that influence decision-makers and drive change.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Student Influence, the Head of Policy will play a key role in shaping our strategic external engagement, supporting elected student leaders, and building strong relationships with stakeholders across the university and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the creation of influential policy briefings, consultation responses, and reports

• Monitor and respond to policy developments affecting students and students’ unions

• Translate complex ideas into persuasive communications for a range of audiences

• Build relationships with university departments, local government, and sector bodies

• Support the development of policy skills across the organisation

• Align policy work across democratic outputs, insight, student campaigns and staff expertise

Essential Criteria

We welcome applicants from all educational backgrounds. You’ll need to demonstrate:

• Proven experience in policy development and advocacy

• Excellent writing and analytical skills

• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building abilities

• Experience in people management and team leadership

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, evolving environment

• Passion for student issues and a commitment to inclusivity and transparency

Why Join Us

• Great staff benefits 

• Hybrid working options

• Clear progression pathways through our graded role structure

• A supportive, inclusive, and values-driven workplace

Please read the full role profile before applying, as well as our guide to recruitment.

JOB TITLE: Director, Herts Welcomes Refugees

Salary: £40-45,000

Full-time post, remote working with potential for flexible hours

Responsible to: The Trustees through the Chair

Responsible for: The staff team Functional links with: The Trustees, the Management Committee, other relevant partner organisations within Hertfordshire and with refugee, asylum seeker and migrant organisations nationally.

Herts Welcomes Refugees is the leading charity in Hertfordshire providing welcome and practical support for refugees and asylum seekers.

With a new NLCB grant we need to develop in a way that is structured and sustainable, and that’s where you come in! Working closely with the Trustees, you’ll ensure that our passionate volunteers and staff team are enabled to deliver effectively for the refugee and asylum seeker communities we serve in Herts. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the organisation’s future. You’ll help us to support volunteers and staff and make sure that day-to-day services are responsive and align fully with our mission, vision and values. Ultimately, you will help build the strong foundations and infrastructure enabling HWR to grow sustainably, deliver high-quality services, and deepen its impact for the communities we support.

Why work with us?

• Be part of a small, passionate, and values-driven team making very tangible differences for refugees and asylum seekers

• Help shape the future of the organisation at a pivotal stage of its development

• Take on a broad and varied leadership role

• Receive support for professional development and training

• Enjoy a remote and flexible working environment.

Introduction

Herts Welcomes Refugees is at a transitional stage of its development, moving from a charity 
managed entirely by volunteers to one in which a small team of paid staff at its core facilitate and 
support the trustees to guide the work of the 170 or so volunteers. The staff team currently 
comprises a Volunteer Coordinator an IT Support Assistant and soon we will also be recruiting an 
Administrative Assistant. The Director will also work collaboratively with the (volunteer) 
Management Committee, the volunteer teams delivering services across the county and those 
volunteers providing support in key areas such as evaluation media and safeguarding.

Having come through a period of rapid development in the last four years, we now need to 
consolidate our knowledge and experience and further professionalise how we operate to ensure 
the sustainability and further development of the charity. Whilst committed to remaining a 
volunteer led charity, we need an energetic and experienced Director to support the trustees in
achieving our objectives and take the charity into the next phase of its development.

This brand-new senior role, which is being created as part of a new three-year funding programme by the
National Lottery Community Fund, is key to the next stage of our development. The postholder 
will need to be flexible in working with the Trustees, existing staff team and volunteers to help 
steer the charity through this transition. 

Main purposes of the job: 
1. To work with the trustees and volunteers in developing, supporting and facilitating the work of 
the charity and its volunteers to increase the efficiency, effectiveness, quality and consistency of 
the services provided to refugees and asylum seekers.
2. To be responsible for the day-to-day management and administration of HWR in line with the 
organisation’s policies and in compliance with all applicable law and regulation and to manage the 
staff team to increase the efficiency of the administration of the charity.
3. To support the trustees in achieving HWR’s vision, mission and charitable objects and strategic 
objectives and ensure the sustainability of the charity
 

Major duties and responsibilities:
1. Working with trustees, staff and volunteers
1.1 To manage the staff team to ensure that individual volunteers and area teams are supported 
and enabled to offer effective services across the county. This will involve regular travel across Hertfordshire.
1.2 To work with the management group to ensure its effective organisation.
1.3 To ensure that HWR's values, vision, mission are promoted and practised throughout the 
organisation. 
1.4 To establish and maintain an effective system for the recruitment, management, training, 
support and development of volunteers and staff.
1.6 To support the organisation to ensure the inclusion and voice of service users throughout the 
organisation.
1.7 To ensure that structures and systems are in place to comply with law and regulation and to 
implement the charity’s policies.
1.8 To report to the trustees on the progress of the organisation and on other matters relevant to 
the discharge of the trustees’ responsibilities. 
1.9 To formulate proposals for submission to, and approval by, the trustees. 
1.10 Working with the trustees, to ensure that the organisation discharges its constitutional and 
legal obligations and that the necessary resources are provided and proper standards maintained
for the protection of people and the organisation's assets.

2. Fundraising, Financial and Risk 
2.1 To support the trustees in relation to HWR’s income generation activities in line with the 
organisation's priorities.
2.2 Together with the trustees to consider development of other income streams, including 
corporate fundraising and legacies.
2.3 To work with the Treasurer to help develop and monitor the budget. 
2.4 To oversee HWR’s outsourced payroll administration 
2.5 To support the trustees with identifying and managing risk.

3. Knowledge and Information Management
3.1 To develop and implement robust mechanisms for the monitoring, reporting and evaluation of 
HWR’s work, and the impact and outcomes of its services.
3.2 To work with trustees and staff and volunteers to ensure the efficient operation of the charity 
through the development of IT infrastructure, and efficient and effective delivery of services and 
back-office administration. 
3.3 To work with trustees and staff and volunteers to ensure compliance with all regulation and 
good practice in relation to data confidentiality, security, safeguarding and GDPR.

4. General Tasks
4.1 Share with other staff responsibility for providing office cover, including answering the 
telephone and website enquiries, keeping records and statistics and self-servicing your own 
administration. 
4.2 Carry out such other duties and responsibilities as may reasonably be required by the trustees, 
commensurate with the objectives and level of responsibilities held by the post. 

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION 
Skills, Knowledge, Experience and Abilities

Strategic Thinking and Service Delivery
• Knowledge and experience of the UK voluntary sector, preferably including the refugee and 
asylum sector and issues affecting refugees and asylum seekers
• Understanding and experience of working effectively with a range of partners to deliver 
services and effect positive change
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills, and ability to respond proactively and creatively
to changes in the external and internal environments
• Knowledge and experience of an organisation(s) providing individual services and advocacy 
for vulnerable people in community-based services
• Understanding and experience of volunteer management
• Experience of using user-feedback and effective data monitoring and reporting to improve 
services
• Experience of producing and contributing to strategic/business plans

Management, Leadership and Governance
• Experience and ability as an effective manager and team builder
• Ability to organise, plan and prioritise the workloads of the staff and volunteer teams
• Ability to motivate staff and volunteers working in a fast-changing environment 
• Ability to communicate our vision, mission, objectives and services for a wide range of 
audiences 
• Experience of working in a multi-cultural/diverse environment 
• Knowledge of HR best practice and HR policy development
• Commitment to and understanding of the principles and benefits of Equality, Diversity and 
Inclusion (EDI) in the workplace
• Understanding and knowledge of best practice in relation to Safeguarding and Health and 
Safety
• Ability to work effectively both individually and as part of a collaborative team

Communications
• Excellent interpersonal skills, both oral and written 
• Experience of communicating, networking and working collaboratively with a wide range of 
audiences and stakeholders to promote an organisation in its best light
• Computer literate with IT skills, experience of using standard office software, and 
familiarity with popular social media channels (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram)
• Experience of overseeing the production of occasional printed materials

Financial Management and Income Generation
• Understanding financial control within an organisation;
• Experience of leading or contributing to successful fundraising. 

Personal qualities 
• Commitment to the rights and protection of refugees and asylum seekers 
• Commitment to a participative management style
• Ability to work some evenings and occasional weekends 
• The ability to travel efficiently and economically to all parts of Herts. Since Herts is a large
county, this is highly likely to mean the ability to drive and access to a vehicle. (Expenses 
will be fully reimbursed subject to agreeing an appropriate home base for calculations).
• Commitment to the rights and protection of refugees and asylum seekers
• Appropriate degree of self-awareness and emotional intelligence
• Emotional resilience and ability to deal with stressful or difficult situations

When you apply for this position, please download and complete our application form.

Together for Short Lives is a charity that makes sure seriously ill children and their families get the care they need, especially at the end of life. We work closely with families, care professionals, and services to improve children’s palliative care. We also speak up to government leaders and decision-makers to help make sure families have access to the best support when they need it.

Please note this a remote role with regular travel across Manchester, Lancashire and Cumbria

About the Role

As a Kentown Family Service Coordinator, you will be the first point of contact for families referred into the Kentown programme, helping them navigate health, social care, and voluntary sector services. You will:

• Carry out family needs assessments and co-develop personalised support plans with families.
• Build strong local relationships with health, education, and community services to ensure families can access the help they need.
• Promote the work of the Kentown Programme and Together for Short Lives and raise awareness of children’s palliative care in the region.
• Support family engagement events, training opportunities, and ongoing evaluation of the programme’s impact.
• Work collaboratively with the Kentown team, sharing learning and best practice across regions.
• This is a home-based role with travel across Lancashire, Cumbria, and Manchester.

About You

We’re looking for someone with experience in health, social care, or education who is passionate about supporting families. You will bring:

• Experience working directly with children, young people, or families with complex needs.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with families and professionals.
• The ability to assess needs, coordinate support, and signpost families to the right services.
• Confidence in collecting feedback and supporting events or activities for families.
• A proactive, compassionate, and organised approach, with good IT and record-keeping skills.
• A full driving licence and willingness to travel are essential.

Policy Specialist (Children and Young People)

Are you interested in improving the lives of children and young people with a learning disability? Can you turn complex ideas into evidence-based policy? Are you a skilled communicator able to influence decision-makers? If so, we would love to hear from you!

We are currently looking for a Policy Specialist to join Mencap. This position sits within the Policy and Public Affairs teams of Mencap’s Campaigns, Advocacy and Activism Directorate (CAA). You will work closely with our influencing, information and advice, campaigning, and research work, as well as sector partners like the Disabled Children's Partnership. 

This is an exciting new role to deliver policy change and enhance the rights of children and young people with a learning disability. At a key time to influence Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) education reform, we are seeking a policy specialist to shape policy work that reflects the needs and experiences of children, young people, and their families. Working within the policy team, you will be responsible for developing evidence-based policy work and influencing decision-makers.

This is a full time position (37.5 hours per week). We are flexible with your work location, but there may be some occasional travel needed to our London office or Westminster.

You will: 

• Translate complex work into clear and persuasive policy briefings, consultation responses and reports.
• Work within wider coalitions of charities, building collaborative relationships and ensuring that the needs and priorities of our community are addressed.
• Develop and expand Mencap’s ‘Policy Shapers’ work, ensuring our work reflects the experiences of children and young people with a learning disability and their families.
• Support our information and advice team, briefing them on important developments, inputting into casework discussions relevant to your areas of work, and supporting the creation of public information resources.
• Represent Mencap at meetings and events, with MPs, civil servants, and sector partners.
• Identify and analyse relevant research to develop evidence-based policy recommendations.

You will bring to this role:

• Experience of working on public policy issues.
• Strong communication skills: experience tailoring your messaging to a variety of different audiences and representing an organisation.
• Experience building positive relationships and working collaboratively to achieve outcomes; able to positively challenge, negotiate and compromise.
• The ability to work on your own initiative while contributing to team priorities and sustain enthusiasm under pressure.
• Experience analysing evidence to develop recommendations.
• Knowledge the issues facing children and young people with a learning disability and/or the SEND system, as well as the wider parliamentary system. 
• Passion about making the world a better place for people with a learning disability. 

If you're passionate about driving meaningful change for children and young people with a learning disability and you're ready to use your policy expertise to make a real impact, please apply now with an up-to-date CV. This role will close on Monday 27th October. Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams during the week commencing 3rd November.

Benefits

Here at Mencap, we offer an impressive range of benefits designed to support and reward our employees to ensure that our teams feel valued and appreciated.

Our benefits package offers 32 days of paid holiday (including bank holidays, pro rata), along with a range of perks such as discounts at leading high-street retailers, access to health cash plans, interest-free loans, and many more exciting offerings.

For more details on what we have to offer, please see the attached document outlining all the fantastic benefits available to you as a member of our team!

About Mencap

Our vision is for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

We're here to support people with a learning disability, their families and their carers. We fight for a kinder, fairer and more inclusive society for people with a learning disability to live in.

At Mencap, everyone works with people with a learning disability either providing support or advice, or alongside one another as colleagues.

Belonging at Mencap is for everyone, every day, everywhere.

• Everyone is expected to treat people well and make Mencap an inclusive organisation.
• Every day we grow and learn. It’s okay to make mistakes but we learn from them and make changes
• Everywhere people will feel respected, valued, and safe to be themselves.

We have Belonging network groups that meet online and are open to all colleagues. The groups include people who identify as Black and Asian, LGBTQIA+, disabled or with a long- term health condition, women, parents and carers, and their allies.

We want to encourage everyone to apply to work at Mencap and we offer a variety of different contract types and working patterns. We’re not looking for specific experience. It is your personality and values that will make you a great colleague. We will train and develop you to succeed in the role you’re applying for.

About Pathfinders Neuromuscular Alliance

Pathfinders Neuromuscular Alliance is a national, user-led charity run by and for people with muscle-weakening conditions. We empower adults with neuromuscular conditions to live fulfilling lives through peer support, information, advocacy, and co-produced research and campaigns. Our work brings together lived experience and academic insight to influence health, social care, and disability policy.

About the Role

We are seeking a Research Officer to support a series of user-led research projects exploring:

• Access to social care and support

• Healthcare access and inequalities

• Sexual health and relationships for people with neuromuscular conditions

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge, lived-experience research that aims to improve quality of life and influence national policy and practice.

You will work closely with the CEO, Research Manager, and members of our lived experience research advisory group. You’ll be involved in all aspects of the research cycle — from design to dissemination — and will ensure that our research is ethical, inclusive, and grounded in co-production principles.

Key Responsibilities

Research Design & Ethics

• Support the design of research studies in collaboration with the lived experience team and academic partners.

• Support the preparation of ethics applications, participant information sheets, and consent materials.

• Develop interview schedules, focus group guides, and surveys.

Participant Engagement

• Recruit participants through Pathfinders’ network, social media, and partner organisations.

• Ensure accessibility and inclusivity in participant communication and data collection.

• Support co-production activities (e.g., advisory groups, workshops, testing materials).

Data Collection & Analysis

• Conduct qualitative interviews and/or focus groups with participants.

• Support data transcription, coding, and thematic analysis (using NVivo or similar).

• Maintain accurate, confidential records and data management systems.

Reporting & Dissemination

• Contribute to research reports, briefings, and peer-reviewed papers.

• Present findings to internal and external audiences, including at conferences or stakeholder meetings.

• Work with communications staff to translate research findings into accessible outputs for our community and policymakers.

Collaboration & Co-Production

• Embed lived experience leadership throughout the project lifecycle.

• Liaise with academic partners and other charities to strengthen our research and advocacy work.

• Contribute to a culture of inclusive, ethical, and participatory research practice.

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience managing or delivering a research project from start to finish (e.g., Master’s dissertation, PhD, or equivalent applied research).

• Strong understanding of qualitative research methods (interviews, focus groups, thematic analysis).

• Ability to plan and manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work independently.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing.

• Commitment to co-production, lived experience leadership, and inclusive research practices.

• Awareness of issues affecting disabled people and/or people with long-term conditions.

Desirable

• Lived experience of disability, chronic illness, or neuromuscular conditions. Applications will be prioritised where they meet this criteria.

• Experience of working with disabled people or people with neuromuscular or muscle-weakening conditions.

• Familiarity with ethical approval processes (university or NHS).

• Experience with NVivo or similar qualitative analysis software.

• Experience working in a small charity or community-based research context.

What We Offer

• Flexible, remote working arrangements.

• A supportive, inclusive environment led by people with lived experience.

• Opportunities for co-authorship, conference presentations, and career development in inclusive research.

• The chance to shape evidence that can drive change in health and social care policy.