Appointed trustee jobs

Do you want to work for a dynamic, creative, fast-paced charity?

At Action Together we see the amazing things people achieve when they work together to make the lives of others better. If you share our values: believe it’s possible, strengthen others, and be true, we’d love you to consider joining our team.

Operations Director

The ideal candidate

We are looking for a values‑driven operational leader with significant experience in senior operations, systems, or transformation roles. You will bring strong technical capability in designing and embedding systems and processes, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to produce high‑quality management information for senior leaders and Boards.

You will be an influential communicator who can lead through change, build strong relationships across the organisation, and support others to work in consistent, effective, and collaborative ways. With a strong grasp of governance, risk, compliance, and organisational assurance, you will balance strategic vision with hands‑on delivery. Above all, you will share Action Together’s commitment to social justice, equity, and strengthening people, places, and partnerships

The role

The Operations Director will lead the development, optimisation, and continuous improvement of Action Together’s systems, processes, and organisational infrastructure. Working as part of the Senior Leadership Team, you will co-design, develop, and maintain internal systems and processes that enhance operational delivery and organisational efficiency, ensuring they are fully embedded into day-to-day use with clear ownership, guidance, and effective performance monitoring.

You will oversee core central functions including HR, Communications and Impact, Data Protection and Information Management, and Health & Safety. You will play a key role in internal digital transformation, policy development, risk management, and organisational compliance. You will produce high‑quality management information that supports strategic decision‑making, work closely with Locality Directors to standardise and enhance delivery models. In addition, with reference to our constitution and Scheme of Delegation you will be responsible for supporting governance at Board meetings, and the AGM.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Action Together we value diversity, promote equity and challenge discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We are committed to ensuring that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race.

In order to ensure that our workforce reflects our communities across all levels of seniority, Action Together is offering a guaranteed interview to any candidate who meets the essential criteria listed in the person specification and who is also:

• A disabled person and/or
• A member of a community experiencing racial inequality

Action Together is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and vulnerable adults with whom we work. We expect all of our employees to demonstrate this commitment.

Right to work

We do not hold a Sponsor License and are unable to accept applications which require sponsorship to work in the UK

Please note, the successful candidates will be required to undertake a basic Disclosure and barring Service (DBS) check. A positive Disclosure of Offences will not automatically bar an applicant from being appointed and suitable applicants will not be refused employment because of offences that are not relevant.

Do you want to work for a dynamic, creative, fast-paced charity?

At Action Together we see the amazing things people achieve when they work together to make the lives of others better. If you share our values: believe it’s possible, strengthen others, and be true, we’d love you to consider joining our team.

Finance Director

The ideal candidate

We seek a finance leader driven by values, with extensive experience directing finance operations and delivering top-tier financial planning, reporting, and governance. This role requires strong technical accounting abilities, exceptional communication skills, and the talent to explain complex concepts to diverse audiences.

You should be a collaborative, inclusive leader who excels at developing team members, managing risks, negotiating effectively, and guiding the organisation through periods of change. Most importantly, you must be committed to Action Together’s mission of social justice, equity, and community empowerment.

The role

The Finance Director will play a pivotal role in ensuring Action Together remains financially robust, sustainable, and compliant as a charity and employer. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will partner closely with the CEO and Board to shape a resilient business model, strengthen financial governance, and provide strategic direction that supports our mission and values.

You will lead and develop a high performing finance function, oversee annual budgeting and long‑term financial planning, and ensure high‑quality financial insight is available to the CEO, SLT and Board. The Finance Director has responsibility for the production of monthly accounts package, annual audit and statutory accounts, risk management, payroll assurance, investment strategy, and organisational compliance with Companies House, the Charity Commission, and all financial governance requirements.

You will play an integral role in supporting strong governance, working closely with the Treasurer and Board to provide clear, timely, and insightful financial performance updates, forecasts, and risk assessments.

You will also work with the Treasurer to shape investment strategy, strengthen financial controls, and uphold governance across all statutory, regulatory, and organisational requirements

Equality , Diversity and Inclusion

At Action Together we value diversity, promote equity and challenge discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We are committed to ensuring that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race.

In order to ensure that our workforce reflects our communities across all levels of seniority, Action Together is offering a guaranteed interview to any candidate who meets the essential criteria listed in the person specification and who is also:

• A disabled person and/or
• A member of a community experiencing racial inequality

Action Together is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and vulnerable adults with whom we work. We expect all of our employees to demonstrate this commitment.

Right to work

We do not hold a Sponsor License and are unable to accept applications which require sponsorship to work in the UK

Please note, the successful candidates will be required to undertake a basic Disclosure and barring Service (DBS) check. A positive Disclosure of Offences will not automatically bar an applicant from being appointed and suitable applicants will not be refused employment because of offences that are not relevant.

For 30 years, Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal has helped transform children’s healthcare in Bristol, funding pioneering treatment, facilities and research at Bristol Children’s Hospital and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St Michael’s Hospital. By uniting philanthropy with world-class medicine, the charity enables clinicians to deliver exceptional care and improve outcomes for babies and children across the South West and beyond. Our long-standing partnership with Aardman underpins the charity’s national profile and reach, while initiatives such as Cots for Tots and Gromit Unleashed demonstrate the scale, creativity and impact of our work. As The Grand Appeal continues to grow in scale, complexity and long-term investment commitments, we are creating a new Group Financial Controller role to strengthen financial leadership across the organisation and its subsidiary activities. This is a pivotal role at the heart of the charity. The successful candidate will ensure that the organisation’s financial systems, commitments and reporting remain robust, transparent and capable of supporting ambitious future plans - from major capital projects to long-term programme investment. Working closely with senior leadership and external advisers, the Group Financial Controller will help ensure that donor funds are stewarded responsibly and that the charity remains financially resilient as it evolves and grows. The role also covers the charity’s significant commercial and retail activity delivered through its trading subsidiary, requiring clear financial visibility of trading performance, margins and income streams. You will ensure this activity is reflected confidently within group reporting, supporting disciplined growth and long-term financial resilience. We are looking for someone who combines strong technical financial expertise with a practical, hands-on approach and the confidence to operate at both operational and strategic levels. This role offers the opportunity to shape financial governance in a growing, high-impact charity where financial leadership directly enables better outcomes for children and families. If you are motivated by purpose, value, integrity and want your work to have real-world impact, we would love to hear from you

The Opportunity 

The Finance and Operations Manager will provide financial expertise and support the Head of Finance & Operations (HFO) to deliver high quality financial management in budgeting, forecasting, and monthly reporting.

The role will also support the HFO in the organisation's operations functions, ensuring that legal and operational governance is delivered on time and to a high standard, that SMF is is compliant in Health & Safety (H&S), General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), insurance and other operational matters. The role holder will provide support leadership on the organisation's IT function and deliver training to all teams in matters concerning finance and operations. 

Location: We operate a hybrid model of work i.e. a combination of in-person and remote, with flexible days in the office depending on business need and your preferences. We would typically expect in-office attendance an average of one day per week.

When in the office you will be based in one of our regional offices (either Birmingham, Glasgow, Liverpool, London, Manchester or Newcastle – depending on preference and accessibility). This is where you will usually attend in-person events, training sessions etc. though some travel, to other offices and other locations, will occasionally be expected.

Contract: Full-time, Permanent

Hours: We are looking for the right candidate and while we envisage this being a full-time role (37.5 hours per week) we are open to flexible working arrangements such as part-time, compressed hours, flexitime and job-shares. 

Occasional/frequent evening or weekend work may be required, for which time off in lieu (TOIL) will be given. 

Key Responsibilities:

1. Finance:

• Oversee the day-to-day financial management and cash flow of the Social Mobility Foundation (SMF) working closely with the HFO, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Operations team. 
• Ensure that our accounting software is consistently up to date with the correct information.
• Work with the HFO on management information to enable the SMT and trustees to monitor progress and performance, make effective decisions and plan for the future.
• Financial information to support income development including budgets, income tracking and analysis and funder reports.
• Support the development of the annual organisational budget with the HFO, in liaison with the CEO and management team and provide support in developing departmental / project budgets as relevant.
• Manage how the organisation applies and reports on VAT. 
• Alongside our appointed accountants prepare Year End accounts, end of project accounts, and work with the appointed accountants to ensure the Accounts are completed, approved, and filed on time.
• Manage and improve our financial systems and procedures, streamlining internal processes to ensure they are effective and safeguard the finances of the organisation.
• Devise and implement effective and efficient procedures, including the introduction of a purchase order system and a new ethical procurement policy.
• Maintain the payroll function of the organisation and be the lead point of contact with our external payroll provider. 
• Conduct reviews and evaluations for cost-reduction opportunities.

2. Operations:

• Support the Data Protection Officer (the HFO) for the organisation, in liaising with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) appropriately, ensure that all staff and volunteers are aware of and trained in the relevant Data Protection policy and procedures, and ensure that the organisation meets its Data Protection requirements.
• Support the HFO in overseeing operational matters such as insurance, H&S, buildings maintenance and asset register; work closely with the management team to ensure awareness, compliance, and procedures that are effective and efficient for staff and volunteers. Where appropriate, escalate concerns and issues to HFO.

3. Strategic Responsibilities:

• Work closely with management and trustees to provide and develop financial and operational expertise; contribute appropriately to the development and management of organisational strategies, service proposals and development of the organisation.
• Lead on the appropriate understanding and training at each level of the organisation on how operational and financial systems work and support their role.
• Ensure that financial and operational policies and procedures meet the highest standards, reflect the charity’s ethos effectively and support the organisation’s strategic development; champion inclusivity (including Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)) and sustainability (in the widest sense).

4. Line Management

• Day-to-day people management
• Outline outcomes to be achieved, considering individual skills, capabilities, and workload to ensure a balanced distribution of work
• Review work outputs, monitor and quality assure work
• Manage and report on performance; deliver performance reviews
• Identify training and development needs; employ a coaching approach, and clarify opportunities for skill enhancement and career growth
• Recruit and induct new team members  
• Reasonably support well-being: provide a supportive work environment, and address any issues that may impact the well-being and morale of your reports

See attached job description for more detail on the key responsibilities in the role

Person Specification:

We need someone who will demonstrate our organisational skills-based competencies - as listed below: 

1.  Leadership
2.  Communication
3.  Adaptability
4.  Professionalism 
5.  Decision-making

Technical knowledge, understanding and experience required:

Essential:

• Part/fully qualified as an Accountant, or equivalent relevant experience
• Significant experience of working in a finance role in an organisation with a turnover of £1m or more  
• Hands on experience of maintaining a financial software package 
• Experience of working with financial systems to prepare financial reports and management accounts
• Experience in managing the operational aspects of an organisation, including risk assessments, GDPR etc.  
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of bookkeeping and general financial and accounting principles  
• Numerate and able to use an accounting software package  
• IT Literate, including experience of Microsoft Office software and excellent skills in using Excel and Word  

Desirable:

• Experience of working in a finance role for a charity
• Experience of Accounts IQ accounting package
• Experience of preparing finance reports relating to project grants/restricted funding from a range of donors 
• Knowledge of charity accounting and the Charities SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice) 
• Knowledge of Salesforce CRM

See attached job description for more detail on the person specification

Ways of working:

• Most of our work is office based, but you will spend a lot of time collaborating with other teams and clients via email, telephone and other communications channels such as Teams or Zoom. 
• Some travel will be required as part of this role to other offices and locations, as needed for events, work placements and meetings. 

Benefits

• 36/37 days' annual leave (England & Wales and Scotland respectively - includes bank and public holidays), with 3 of these days reserved for the annual end of year office closure.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• 5% Salary sacrifice pension scheme with enhanced matching employer contributions
• Employee Assistance Programme available to staff and their family
• Flexible work options such as hybrid working, flexitime, part-time
• Regular staff team building and business planning “away days”

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying for this role, please head over to our website by 23:59, Sunday 22nd February and answer the following questions:

1) Why would you like to work at the Social Mobility Foundation? (250 words max.)

2) What makes you a suitable candidate for this role, including specific examples from your experience and skills? (500 words max.)

3) Tell us about a time when you managed an important relationship with a corporate partner, client or external stakeholder. What was your role in maintaining the relationship, and what did you learn about effective account management from the experience? (500 words max.)

Lismore is an island rich in history and Gaelic heritage and is home to a vibrant Heritage Centre which is now recruiting a Freelance Project Officer. The Project Officer will lead the development phase of a planned extension. The post-holder will be responsible for securing funding for the project and managing the project through the planning stage, working closely with appointed architects, funders, stakeholders, and the local community.

This role is central to ensuring the project is well-defined, fully costed, and ready for delivery, while aligning with the Centre’s heritage and community objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Fundraising and Funding Development
• Project Development and Planning
• Stakeholder and Community Engagement
• Reporting, and Administration

Person Specification

• Demonstrable experience in fundraising or funding development, preferably within the heritage, cultural, or community sector.
• Experience of working on development projects.
• Proven ability to write clear, persuasive funding applications and reports.

Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW) is an international non-governmental organisation which works to amplify the voices of rural women globally.  We are looking for an Executive Director for our small Central Office team which works with member organisations and individuals in the UK and around the world to ensure that rural women are represented, recognised for their critical importance in society, and have a platform to influence policy makers.  We combine advocacy and small-scale, women-led development projects designed by the local women who will implement them for the benefit of their communities.

This an exciting time to join ACWW in the lead up to our centenary and planning for the 32nd Triennial World Conference in 2029.  We are looking to appoint an Executive Director as our current Executive Director will be retiring this summer.

The successful candidate will be reporting to the Board of Trustees and working with colleagues and trustees to foster relationships, partnerships and collaborations with individuals, funders and networks in line with the Association’s objectives, priorities and values. You will have an important contribution to make in all aspects of the Association.

We are an equal opportunity, disability-confident employer and are dedicated to achieving the highest standards of diversity, equity and inclusion.  We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions and ways of life including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.

This role is offered as full-time.  If you have successful charity sector experience, ability to build and maintain positive relationships and are looking to work for a charity focused on championing women’s empowerment and advocating for change, we’d like to hear from you. Please see application pack for further details and to apply.

Job Title: Finance Manager/Senior Finance Controller

Contract length: Permanent

Location: Hybrid

Hours per week: 35

Salary:  £55-60K pa depending on experience and knowledge

Closing date for applications: Sunday 22nd February 2026 , we reserve the right to end the vacancy before the closing date; interested candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible

First interview: First interviews will be held over Microsoft Teams

Second interview: Candidates successful at first interview will be invited to visit Mayhew and to have a second interview in person.

We are looking for our next Finance Manager / Senior Financial Controller, someone who shares our compassion for animal welfare and wants to play a central role in stewarding Mayhew’s financial resources for the greatest impact.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you will work closely with senior colleagues across Mayhew—including members of the Senior Management Team—to support strong financial direction, responsible stewardship, and effective, mission‑driven decision‑making across the charity.

This is a highly visible and hands‑on leadership role. You will lead Mayhew’s day‑to‑day finance function, ensuring strong financial controls, good practice financial management, and timely, accessible financial reporting for colleagues, trustees and partners. You will be responsible for all aspects of financial planning, management accounting, statutory reporting and SORP compliance, as well as supporting operational teams with practical financial insight and advice.

You will also help develop and strengthen financial systems and processes, recognising that—as a mid‑sized charity with evolving needs—Mayhew continues to refine its structures to best support our work. You will lead and support a small finance team, modelling an open, collaborative and hands‑on working style.

Our London site—our historic rescue and rehoming centre—is at the heart of our UK operations. You will collaborate with colleagues across operations, veterinary services, fundraising, people and engagement to ensure financial clarity underpins good decision‑making as we continue to care for dogs and cats in need.

In this role, you will:

• Lead, direct and deliver all aspects of Mayhew’s finance function, ensuring strong, proportionate controls and high‑quality financial information.
• Engage, influence and collaborate with senior colleagues and trustees to support the effective delivery of our strategic and operational goals.
• Provide clear financial guidance to non‑finance colleagues and act as a supportive, trusted partner across the organisation.
• Lead and support a small finance team, encouraging a positive, collaborative and hands‑on culture.
• Strengthen and improve finance systems and processes to increase efficiency, consistency and compliance.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Strong charity finance experience, including Charity SORP (FRS 102), fund accounting, statutory reporting, financial planning, budgeting, and knowledge of VAT and Gift Aid.
• Hands‑on experience of month‑end accounting, financial controls, cashflow management, and management accounts preparation.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate financial information clearly for non‑finance colleagues and trustees.
• A collaborative, supportive and pragmatic working style, with confidence to improve processes and work flexibly within a smaller organisation.
• Experience leading and developing a small team through open, positive and supportive management.

Please note that successful candidates will be asked to evidence their Right to Work in the UK post-job offer – we do not hold a sponsor licence therefore we are unable to provide Visa sponsorship.

We’re looking for a housing solicitor to help work on our Legal Aid Agency contract covering legal help, certificated cases and representation at court as part of the duty solicitor scheme. We would love to hear from you if you already qualify as a legal aid supervisor or could do so soon. You’ll need to have at least one year’s experience of advising and assisting in housing law, together with a talent for explaining complex legal ideas in simple language and the ability to manage a demanding workload.

Camwch i mewn i daith drawsnewidiol gyda Cyfleodd Dysgu mewn addysg

Step into a transformative journey with Working Options. We're on a mission to empower young people aged 11-19 across the UK, and you can help make a real difference. As our Project Coordinator, based in Wales, you'll play a crucial role in connecting volunteers with schools and fostering impactful relationships, all while working within a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment.

We believe in inclusivity, trying new things, setting high expectations, and creating real opportunities for young people. With the support of our experienced team and dedicated trustees, you'll have the chance to shape young people's career ambitions.

If you're self-motivated and eager to contribute to a great mission, this is your chance to join a team that's helping young people to transform their career and life chances.

Don't just take our word for it, here's what one of our young people had to say:

"My personal experience has been exceptional. There is a collaborative atmosphere, and it is truly empowering to be part of a charity that values student input and involves us in decisions that directly affect our lives." – Working Options Alumnae.

Find out more about the role and hear from our Chief Executive about our charity's ambitions in our Applicant Information Pack.

Person specification 

WE ARE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE WHO:

• Has a passion for our cause.
• Is fully committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Is self-motivated.
• Has excellent attention to detail.
• Can juggle multiple priorities, sticking to deadlines and flagging when priorities need reviewing.
• Has a flair for developing great relationships, particularly with schools and colleges.
• Is proactive and tenacious, able to seek out new opportunities and remain resilient.
• Is creative and likes coming up with new ideas.
• Is ambitious for themselves and for the charity.
• Has high computer literacy.

DESIRABLE:

• Experience within educational settings or working with young people in Wales.
• The ability to communicate in the medium of Welsh.

We carry out social media checks on shortlisted candidates as part of our recruitment process, using only publicly available information and in line with our data protection responsibilities.

While we don’t specify this in our person specification, we are particularly interested to hear from applicants who have experienced some of the challenges that young people across Wales face today.

The Survivor Engagement and Activism Coordinator leads the Helen Bamber Foundation’s work to ensure that survivors of trafficking, torture, and human rights abuses are meaningfully involved in shaping services, influencing policy, and driving social change. Working within the Community and Integration team, the post holder safeguards and supports clients as they participate in advocacy, leadership, and organisational development projects.

They oversee key survivor engagement programmes, including the Ambassadors for Change advocacy and leadership programme, the Client Voices Forum, the Board Advisers, and the Alumni Network. This involves coordinating training, facilitating meetings, supporting campaigns, managing administrative processes, and ensuring survivors are prepared, empowered, and safe throughout their involvement.

The role also involves developing innovative ways for survivors to collaborate with staff, contributing to service design, organisational strategy, and sector-wide initiatives. The post holder builds relationships across the asylum and modern slavery sectors, manages lived experience opportunities, and may support client progression and education casework when needed.

Throughout all responsibilities, the Coordinator champions survivor leadership, promotes diversity and inclusion, maintains the ethos of the charity, and practices strong self-care while working with traumatic material.

Pattern Church was launched in December 2018 by the Diocese of Bristol as a Revitalisation Trust Resource Church with a vision of inviting people into family to serve Swindon. Since then, the church has grown rapidly, planted two new churches (The Well and The Light Church), and become a hub of mission and community life across the town.

The Director of Operations is part of the leadership of the church, providing the organisational, financial, and strategic backbone that enables mission and ministry to flourish. They will work closely with the Senior Leader, Trustees, and wider staff team to turn strategic vision into practical reality, ensuring strong governance, robust systems, sound stewardship, and an effective, faith-filled culture across all areas of church life.

Our team culture is shaped by GRACE—we are Growing, Reliant, All-in, Championing, and Expectant. Everyone gets involved. There is a clear sense of what we’re trying to achieve together in serving God and helping people find and grow in faith in Jesus. 

We are living in a moment of remarkable spiritual opportunity. Research shows a sharp rise in openness to faith among younger generations, something we see reflected in our own ministry and growth. The opportunities before us are significant, and the Operations Director will play a pivotal role in enabling us to step into this season with confidence and clarity.

For a full job description and information about how to apply, please head to the Pattern Church website.

Closing date: March 10th

Interviews w/c March 16th

To apply please send a CV and a cover letter by email. In your cover letter please highlight how your experience and skills relate to the job description and essential skills.

Title: Governance Operations Officer 

Salary: £25,000 - £30,000 

Location: UK remote - with occasional travel to Haywards Heath, when required 

Contract:Permanent 

Hours:Full time 35 hours per week – part time/flexible working will be considered 

Responsibilities

As the Governance Operations Officer you will support Sightsavers governing boards, as well as working with UK Board and its sub committees, ensuring that they are provided with a comprehensive and efficient support service, enabling them to discharge their roles. Duties and responsibilities include: 

Board Administration – manage and facilitate the smooth running of all meetings: 

• Preparation of agendas, papers, minutes and their circulation for meetings.

• Booking teleconferences and venues, notifying participants of date and time and providing them meeting details. 

• Liaising with partner organisations on coordinating bookings, accommodation and logistics for physical and hybrid meetings. 

• Attending meetings, taking accurate minutes and circulating these in a timely manner as required. 

Planning and Coordination 

• Scheduling the meetings and ensuring that the specific constitutional conditions of the relevant boards are met. 

• Provide administrative support to the Safeguarding team on record keeping and meetings. 

Insurance 

• Coordinate and assist with the renewal and procurement of Sightsavers Group insurance policies, including life, medical, travel, liability and premises insurance. 

• Manage the record keeping associated with Sightsavers’ insurance policies and any associated claims. 

Governance, Compliance and Risk Management 

• Manage activities related to matters of organisational governance, including the outputs from internal and external governance reviews, changes in legislation, best practice and strategic direction.

• Advise and support on matters of best practice in the area of Charity Governance. 

• Support the Information Security, Compliance and Legal teams on projects relating to data protection, information security and organisational compliance. 

• Support the Human Resources, Safeguarding and Governance teams to strengthen Sightsavers safe recruitment practice. 

Safeguarding and Audit 

• Assist the Internal Audit Manager and the General Counsel with the organisation and process of internal audits

• Support on the collection and presentation of key documentation and information required for internal audits 

This is a highly varied and involved role, and the above is not an exhaustive list of duties or required professional skills. Please see the Job Description for full details. 

Skills and Experience

Essential 

• Experience in managing, arranging and facilitating meetings 

• Event management experience (booking venues, accommodation and logistics for physical and hybrid meetings) 

• Minute taking experience and skills 

Desirable 

• Administrative experience 

• Some prior exposure to governance, compliance, or administration (e.g., through volunteering, internships, or academic work). 

• Interest in international development and/or disability rights. 

• Experience working in a not-for-profit or similar environment. 

This is a highly varied and involved role, and the above is not an exhaustive list of duties or required professional skills. Please see the Job Description for full details. 

Candidates are welcome to demonstrate their ability to match the person specification by expanding on how their experience, training and/or qualifications might have provided them with the knowledge or skills required for the role. Successful candidates will be appointed on merit. 

Next Steps

Sightsavers offers some fantastic benefits. Our comprehensive benefits package includes generous annual leave allowance, pension, season ticket loan, cycle to work scheme, discounted gym memberships and wellness discounts. If you choose to work in or are visiting our collaborative, modern office space, you will find it an easy 20-minute train journey from Brighton or 45 minutes from London. 

To apply for this exciting new opportunity, please submit your CV via our recruitment portal and answer the application questions. We are particularly interested in learning of your motivations for applying.

Please note that there will be an expectation that you can occasionally visit our modern and collaborative offices in Haywards Heath, West Sussex (RH16 3BW). 

We anticipate that 1st stage in-person interviews will take place during the week commencing 16 February, and the evaluation process will include a task and 2 stage interviews, to be completed by shortlisted candidates. 

Closing date: 1 March 2026 

As an equal opportunity employer, we actively encourage applications from all sections of the community. Sightsavers is a Disability Confident Leader and qualified people with a disability are particularly encouraged to apply. 

Sightsavers is an employer that does not tolerate any form of harassment and has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. All potential candidates will be subjected to rigorous background checks and controls.

Please ensure that you send a covering letter explaining why you are suitable for this role when submitting your CV.

Please note, that we reserve the right to interview and appoint before the advertised closing date.

Overview

Race Against Dementia is a global charity founded by three-time Formula 1 World Champion Sir Jackie Stewart OBE to find preventions, treatments and cures for dementia – faster.

We fund and support pioneering early-career scientists around the world, giving them the tools, mentoring and Formula 1-inspired mindset to accelerate breakthroughs. From the UK to the USA, Australia to South Africa, our researchers are rethinking how dementia research is done – applying data science, AI and engineering to neuroscience in bold, collaborative ways.

This role sits within Race Against Dementia’s small, dynamic Operations team, who oversee the charity’s research programmes and internal processes. The team is responsible for managing Race Against Dementia’s research portfolio – from coordinating funding calls and supporting the selection of the projects we fund, to delivering the training and development programme for our researchers.

Purpose of the role

The Research Officer plays a central role in delivering Race Against Dementia’s research activity, helping to strengthen our research programmes and support the researchers we fund. The role combines strong organisational skills with clear science communication: coordinating processes, systems and partnerships to ensure smooth delivery, while translating research progress into accessible updates for internal and external audiences.

Duties and Responsibilities

Research administration:

• Manage the administration of all grant calls and related processes.
• Coordinate all incoming communications regarding research matters, ensuring timely, professional responses.
• Maintain team calendars and shared resources to support smooth team operations.
• Set up review sessions with Race Against Dementia Fellows to monitor progress.
• Support preparation of updates and progress reports for charity Trustees, funders and supporters.
• Work with the Research Manager to coordinate training activities for Race Against Dementia researchers.
• Support the planning and delivery of the annual in-person training event for Race Against Dementia researchers.
• Work closely with Race Against Dementia’s research partners and training partners to coordinate joint activities, communication, and ensure smooth delivery of collaborative projects and training activities.
• Undertake research to identify new organisations aligned with our mission.

Science communications

• Track key developments in dementia research and emerging trends in the field.
• Support the creation of research related social media content for the charity’s social media channels.
• Support the development of press materials to announce research updates and milestones.
• Contribute to copywriting and content development for the Race Against Dementia’s website.
• Work with the Research Manager to ensure the wider team is kept up to date with research developments across our network and the wider field.
• Help build and maintain a network of key dementia research stakeholders across academia and charities. 

Other duties

Carry out any other duties as required by the Research Manager, CEO and Board of Trustees including:

• To attend, where appropriate, local, regional and national meetings/events.
• To maintain a good knowledge of national and local initiatives which are of benefit to Race Against Dementia.
• To administer your own workload, including meeting targets and deadlines in line with the Race Against Dementia appraisal system.
• To attend relevant CPD training events as required.
• To undertake responsibility, as part of the team, for all Health and Safety work related matters.
• To work within the guidelines of Race Against Dementia’s policies and procedures.

All team members are expected to uphold and actively demonstrate Race Against Dementia’s values and purpose, fostering a culture of integrity, innovation, and shared ambition to accelerate progress in the race against dementia.

The Head of Operations is responsible for the effective and efficient delivery of all operational functions of the Foundation to enable achievement of its global mission and strategic objectives.  The Head of Operations ensures that systems, people, processes and resources are aligned to support programmes across multiple countries while maintiaing high standardds of governance, risk management and financial stewardship.

This is a senior leadership role, working closely with the CEO and Members of the Foundation around the world, acting as the key bridge between strategy and delivery.