Area development manager and jobs

Job Title: Families Employment Specialist – Maternity Cover

Location: Home-based with significant travel

Salary: £32,208

Hours: Full time 37.5 hours per week (part time or flexible working options considered)

Contract: 12 months fixed term with possibility of extension

Would you like to be inspired every day in a highly rewarding role? Whether it’s the family members we support, your colleagues or the other services that we collaborate with, you will be working with an exceptional group of people. The successful candidate will be helping the families and carers of veterans with health conditions gain and retain employment and develop their careers.

Launched two years ago with pilot funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund this service has expanded with additional funding secured until 2027.

We are looking for people who place importance in values such as empathy, collaboration and adaptability and are especially interested in applicants who have lived-experience within the armed forces community as a spouse or family member.

We believe in second chances and the transformative power of compassionate care. We are committed to providing comprehensive support to all individuals, regardless of their criminal record or background.

This role will be home-based with all necessary IT equipment provided therefore applicants will need an appropriate space to work at home. The families services is delivered mainly online with flexibility required for occasional evening / weekend working to meet the needs of the families we support.

Regular travel will be required to attend events and visit partners to spread the word about the service and build referral pathways nationwide.  There will be occasional travel required for national team meetings in Richmond. These currently take place 3 times a year and require an overnight stay. There will also be periodic in-person meetings with colleagues which can take place at a convenient location locally.

What do we need from you?

• Lived experience of being a family member of serving military or veterans.
• Empathetic and effective communicator. You will be comfortable building rapport and trust with people from a diverse range of backgrounds.
• A collaborative mindset: You will enjoy working as part of a team with colleagues based across the UK who support each other in what can sometimes be a challenging role. You will also work closely with many other organisations for the benefit of the veterans you will be supporting.
• Motivation and commitment: It takes hard work, tenacity and time to help people reach their employment goals. You will sometimes be helping people in challenging circumstances who need intensive support to move forwards.
• Adaptability: This is hugely varied role and no two days are the same. You will often need to balance competing priorities or quickly shift focus depending on the needs of the people you will be supporting.
• Experience of and confidence in supporting people with complex challenges such as, health issues, substance use, insecure housing, criminal records, or other barriers to employment.
• You will be an emotionally resilient individual who can effectively navigate challenging circumstances by applying sound judgement and making reasoned decisions based on available information.
• Strong sense of shared purpose with The Poppy Factory’s mission and values.

Why should you apply?

• A chance to give back to our armed forces community and make a positive and lasting impact to the lives of veterans and their families.
• Competitive salary and benefits package including generous holiday and pension contributions.
• A welcoming and empowering culture, with regular opportunities for team connecting and shared learning throughout the year.
• Variety in the role, a mix of travelling in your area, home working and occasional visits to the historic Poppy Factory in Richmond, London
• The opportunity to develop the families service and build relationships with employers and other support services that best meet the needs of the people you’re supporting.
• Be part of an iconic charity with a 100+ year history

For further information, including the full job description for the role, please refer to the candidate pack.

How to apply

To apply for this position please prepare your CV and a covering letter clearly outlining how you meet the essential criteria in the person specification as set out above and submit via the online application process. Please address your covering letter to Kirsty Gronow, Services Manager.

For an informal conversation to find out more about this role, please contact Kirsty Gronow.

The closing date for this vacancy will be 1 June 2025. Please note, we cannot accept late or incomplete applications. Only applications submitted through the online process will be considered.

Interviews will take place week commencing: 9 June 2025

No agencies please.

The Role:

As a member of the Work Experience team, you will play a key role in facilitating meaningful work experience placements for young people in Tower Hamlets. In this role, you'll work closely with local employers in Tower Hamlets and the City of London to support them in delivering engaging placements.

Responsibilities will include actively recruiting and onboarding new employers through phone calls, online meetings and carrying out on-site health and safety checks. In addition, you’ll support the Work Experience Manager in delivering school-based sessions, such as assemblies and Q&A drop-ins, to help prepare young people for their placements. You’ll also assist in coordinating placements at The Switch by creating schedules and supporting young people with their tasks. During delivery weeks, the team is responsible for providing responsive support to employers and schools. In case of any issues, you may be required to work from the office five days per week during these periods. 

Details:

· The role sits in the Work Experience team and reports to Work Experience Manager

· Working hours are typically 9am – 5pm Monday – Thursday, and 9am – 4pm Fridays

· Working from home (WFH) is typically 2 to 3 days a week, except on delivery weeks where you may be required to be in the office 5 days per week

· Flexibility may be required to cover meetings or deliver events outside of these hours and WFH days

· Start date end of June/early July 2025

What we offer you: 

• 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays, additional “Switch Off” Day and Christmas closure 

• Health cash-back package, including discounts on gym memberships and retail 

• Hybrid working

• Pension

• Learning and Development opportunities including Learning at Work Week activities 

• Volunteering days to spend on an activity close to your own heart.

About Ataxia UK

Ataxia is the umbrella term for a group of neurological conditions and Ataxia UK is the UK’s leading ataxia support and research charity. Ataxia UK collaborates with the global ataxia community through our Research team, and we are on the board of the international non-profit association, Euro-ataxia. Our Services team focuses on helping everyone affected by ataxia in the UK to live their best life. We have a Helpline and Advocacy service providing information, advice, and 1-2-1 support to help people access their rights; whilst the InControl Community Engagement service provides activities, engagement and volunteering opportunities to bring the ataxia community together and reduce feelings of isolation. 

About the Role  

You will be joining at an exciting time for Ataxia UK as we complete our 60th anniversary year.

This is a key role as member of our growing Fundraising & Communications department, responsible for the coordination and delivery of daily communications tasks and the design and creation of marketing assets.

Ataxia UK has a large and engaged community of patients, supporters, volunteers, fundraisers and professionals. The post holder will work with the Communications & Marketing Manager, the Fundraising department and the wider organisation to ensure we reach our networks across social platforms, website, and printed materials with dynamic branded assets. You will coordinate the delivery of the quarterly Ataxia Magazine, liaising with internal and external contributors, designers and printers. Working closely with the Communications & Marketing Manager, you will have the opportunity to help shape Ataxia UK’s new communications and brand strategy.  

Ataxia UK operates a hybrid- working policy, with full time staff working 5 days a week expected to work from our offices in Highgate a minimum of 2 days a week. This is adjusted to 1 day per week for part time.

About you 

You will be a creative and dedicated individual, with a passion for communications, looking for a new challenge and excited by the opportunity to help shape our new strategy. You will be someone who thrives in a project-management environment and able to work both independently and closely with colleagues and external suppliers.

Organised and details-focused, you are confident across socials, website SEO, CRM and a range of communications software such as Canva, InDesign etc. You will have a keen understanding of how the role can support our fundraising and you will have experience working closely with fundraising teams or on income-generating projects or events.  As a key member of the team responsible for our brand and messaging, you will have the skills and experience to ensure we positively represent the interests of the ataxia community, and you will be someone who shares our commitment to supporting those affected by ataxia.

Benefits of working for us.

• 25 days annual leave pro rata (rising to 30 with a length of service)
• Extra holiday day for your birthday
• Access to a free Employee Assistance Programme & Employee Hotline
• Flexible hybrid working
• Pension scheme
• Enhanced maternity and co-parental leave
• Cycle to work scheme
• Training and development opportunities
• Accredited Living Wage Employer

Please see full Job Description for further details including Person Specifications. Your covering letter will be used to assess you against the person specification for this role.

Interviews will take place w/c 9th June 2025.

Job Title: Employment Consultant (London, Kent and South East)

Location: Home-based with significant travel across the region

Salary: £32,208

Hours: Full time 37.5 hours per week (part time or flexible working options considered)

Contract: 2 years fixed term with possibility of extension

Would you like to be inspired every day in a highly rewarding role? Whether it’s the veterans we support, your colleagues or the other services that we collaborate with, you will be working with an exceptional group of people.

At the Poppy Factory, we help armed forces veterans with health conditions to find meaningful and sustainable employment after service. This often means overcoming significant barrier to employment. Our aim is to empower veterans, help them to recognise their unique skills and give them the confidence to move forwards in their career.

As an Employment Consultant, you will be assisting veterans across the London, Kent and Southeast back into work. Based at your home, but with extensive travel, you will help with application materials, overcome challenges, and connect with employers. You will also work alongside professionals in other services such as health or welfare to ensure that the veterans have access to all the support they need to overcome barriers to gain and retain employment.

What do we need from you?

• Empathetic and effective communicator: You will be comfortable building rapport and trust with people from a diverse range of backgrounds.
• A collaborative mindset: You will enjoy working as part of a team with colleagues based across the UK who support each other in what can sometimes be a challenging role. You will also work closely with many other organisations for the benefit of the veterans you will be supporting.
• Motivation and commitment: It takes hard work, tenacity and time to help people reach their employment goals. You will sometimes be helping people in challenging circumstances who need intensive support to move forwards.
• Adaptability: This is hugely varied role and no two days are the same. You will often need to balance competing priorities or quickly shift focus depending on the needs of the people you will be supporting.
• Experience of and confidence in supporting people with complex challenges such as, health issues, substance use, insecure housing, criminal records, or other barriers to employment.
• You will be an emotionally resilient individual who can effectively navigate challenging circumstances and provide unwavering support to those in need.

Why should you apply?

• A chance to give back to our armed forces and make a positive and lasting impact to the lives of veterans and their families.
• Competitive salary and benefits package including generous holiday and pension contributions.
• A welcoming and empowering culture, with regular opportunities for team connecting and shared learning throughout the year.
• Variety in the role, a mix of travelling in your area, home working and occasional visits to the historic Poppy Factory in Richmond, London
• The opportunity to develop your region and build relationships with employers and other support services that best meet the needs of the people you’re supporting.
• Be part of an iconic charity with a 100+ year history

For further information, including the full job description for the role, please refer to the candidate pack.

How to apply

To apply for this position please prepare your CV and a covering letter clearly outlining how you meet the essential criteria in the person specification as set out above and submit via the online application process. Please address your covering letter to Helen Rowe, Services Manager.

For an informal conversation to find out more about this role, please contact Helen Rowe.

The closing date for this vacancy will be 1 June 2025. Please note, we cannot accept late or incomplete applications. Only applications submitted through the online process will be considered.

Interviews will take place week commencing: 9 June 2025

No agencies please.

Equality & Diversity

We are committed to equality, valuing diversity, and promoting inclusion within our workforce, including the volunteers who give their time to us.  We work to maintain an environment where the needs and aspirations of all employees are met, irrespective of characteristics protected under the legislative framework of the Equality Act 2010. We expect everyone to understand and accept their personal responsibility to recognise and value differences and the unique contributions that people make to the way we deliver our work.

As an equal opportunities employer our commitment is to take positive measures to recruit people from underrepresented groups, and we actively encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds. As a Disability Confident employer, we offer a guaranteed interview for any job applicant with a disability who meets the essential criteria for the role. Please indicate in your covering letter if you wish to be considered under this scheme. We are also happy to discuss reasonable adjustments to the application or interview process to accommodate disabled candidates.

Additionally, we offer a guaranteed interview to veterans of the UK armed forces or members of the Reservist forces who meet the essential role criteria. Please make it clear in your application if you wish to be considered on this basis. Please note, to be eligible for consideration under this scheme your application must demonstrate that you meet the essential role criteria as set out in the person specification.

We are a family friendly employer and happy to discuss flexible working arrangements. We encourage applicants to contact us to discuss if they have any questions before applying.

About The Poppy Factory

The Poppy Factory aims to be an exemplar employer. We recognise the impact that working with a challenging cohort can have on our staff, which is why we prioritise work/life balance and support mechanisms including training, supervision and EAP provision.

The Poppy Factory provides competitive terms and conditions of employment, including:

• Opportunity for home-based/hybrid and flexible working
• 28 days’ basic annual leave per year (including a day in lieu of Armistice Day, and 3 days’ Christmas closure), rising to 32 days with long service, plus bank holidays
• Double-matched pension contributions up to 10% employer contribution

Contract length: 1 year Fixed Term Contract

Location: North West London

Hours per week: 35 (Sunday - Thursday, 9-5pm)

Salary: £26,453.00 per annum

Closing date for applications: Rolling, however, applying early is advised.

First interview date: First interviews are held over Microsoft Teams

Second interview date: Candidates successful at first interview will be offered a trial shift at the Home as part of the selection process

Every dog and cat in need deserves expert, personalised care and support, and to be loved. When you work for Mayhew, you understand that better than ever.

We’re a passionate, committed and diverse team of c80 staff and c150 volunteers, here for dogs, cats and communities in the UK, in Afghanistan and in Georgia. We offer expert veterinary care, rescue and rehoming services, programmes in the community and guidance and support to improve the lives of dogs and cats in need.

We do our best for dogs and cats in need every day, working with colleague across the sector to improve their lives and to give them the care, support and love they deserve. But it’s our warmth, creativity and care that touch lives. Here, we take the time to really get to know the dogs and cats we care for and those who love them.

We are recruiting a Cattery Carer & Cat Foster Coordinator who will share our compassion and commitment for animal welfare.

Working with staff and volunteers across the Home, you will have a hand in helping all the cats in our care, from feeding, cleaning, behaviourally assessing and socialising to rehoming. You will be responsible for organising cats in our care going into temporary foster homes. This can be physically and emotionally demanding but is also hugely rewarding; you can view some of our amazing rescue stories here.

Generally, you will:

• Assist in the provision of treatment to cats as advised by our veterinary staff.
• Organise the cat foster programme, matching suitable cats with cat foster volunteers and advise on cat behaviour.
• Organise the cat intake list, providing owners with advice and where appropriate admitting cats into the Cattery.
• Assist the Cat Adoption Officer with rehoming the cats under our care.
• Work flexibly in a team environment, often independently, to meet the specific needs of  the cats in our care by helping with their feeding, cleaning, enrichment and grooming.

To be successful in this role, you need:

– A strong understanding of cat behaviour and welfare

– Excellent customer service skills

– Experience in handling cats and caring for them

– A calm, compassionate, resilient and friendly manner

Please note that successful candidate will be asked for evidence of 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.

Position: Head of Product and Systems Management 
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours a week 
Contract: Permanent 
Location: Office-based in London, N4 with flexibility to work remotely 
Salary: £65,118 per annum plus excellent benefits 
Salary Band and Job Family: Band 4

About us

We make sure people living with MS are at the centre of everything we do. And it’s this commitment that unites us across the UK. 

Our strategy is based on what people affected by MS have told us is important to them. It gives us a clear and determined focus.

Our work is based on the hopes and aspirations of our MS community. Together we campaign at all levels, fund ground-breaking research and provide award winning support and information.

Our people are our greatest asset and the key to our success. We offer a vibrant, progressive working environment where you'll be able to make a difference. 

About this job

This year, we’ve embarked on a bold, strategic initiative to enhance our data capabilities. 

We’re aiming to improve our data use, integration and analytics to increase engagement, maximise impact and drive forward our strategic goals. With a key focus on: effective and efficient operations; collaboration; and continuous improvement in our Technology, Strategy and Business Intelligence teams.

To achieve this ambition, we’ve developed a new technology infrastructure which we are calling “Sage”. We’re implementing new technology infrastructure this year (such as our new CRM system and suite of data tools – Microsoft Dynamics). 

We will be taking a structured and phased approach to transitioning and embedding our new team structures, infrastructure and ways of working as part of Phase 2 of this Project.

Our Product and Systems Management team are responsible for: defining our product vision; setting the product strategy; and executing on it by delivering new functionality that meets customer needs and supports business goals.

Across all of our products our Product and Systems Management team cover the following areas:

• Being fully responsible for the provision and management of the system
• Owning the list of user requirements. These are known as product backlog items (PBIs) and are drawn from user group meetings/discussions. These PBIs are then scheduled for build and release. 
• Manage the relationship with any external support companies for the relevant products and interconnected products and systems including accounting online, bank checking and deduping systems.
• Manage the data cleanliness, accessibility, availability and retention in accordance with our data governance and security policies particularly the information and data management framework. And develop and maintain automated processing of bulk data.
• Enshrine continuous improvement into the use and development of our Products.

Our use of Product Management comprises of all of our critical business systems (Finance, HR, Intranet, Microsoft end user applications).

Our Head of Product and Systems Management plays a crucial role in the development and delivery of our Product and Systems Management. This role is also responsible for defining and delivering the Product and Systems Management team’s strategy/roadmap and ensure they are delivered. 

For this role we’re looking for:

• Expert level experience of managing a Systems Support Team
• Expert experience of Product Management
• Experience of managing external stakeholders and 3rd party suppliers effectively

Closing date for applications: 9:00am on Thursday 15 May 2025

Interested?

PLEASE PRESS THE 'HOW TO APPLY' BUTTON FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Equal Opportunities 
We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and or from ethnic minority backgrounds.

We’d be grateful if you downloaded and completed the equality and diversity monitoring form and submit it with your application. 

Disability Confident Employer 
We’re a Disability Confident Employer and we’re committed to promoting equality and diversity.

You can ask for reasonable adjustments as part of both our recruitment and new starter on-boarding processes.

If you need any help or adjustments to apply for this role, please contact us. You can also ask for the application materials to be sent to you in a different format. Such as for them to be sent to you by email or in a larger word format.

More about our employee benefits:
We have a wide range of employee benefits including (but not limited to): 

Encouraging work life balance

• 38 days paid annual leave (including bank holidays), pro-rata for part-time
• More annual leave entitlement, based on length of employment
• Smart working options (with the opportunity to work remotely and find a smart working pattern that suits both you and us) 
• Flexible working options 

Caring for you and your family 

• Generous sick pay entitlement
• More sick pay entitlement, based on length of employment 
• Opportunity to buy and sell annual leave in each calendar year 
• Free access to a GP virtually 24 hours a day/7 days a week allowing you unlimited advice, reassurance and where appropriate diagnosis 
• Enhanced leave for new parents 
• Free access to a confidential 24 hours a day/7 days a week helpline service for both you and your family with a specialist range of support and information
• Special leave options (such as up to 5 days paid leave for domestic or personal emergencies a year)
• 10 days paid disability leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• 10 days paid carers’ leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• Cycle to work scheme 
• Death in service scheme
• New family-friendly benefits, including paid leave:
  • In the event of miscarriage or still birth 
  • To support fertility treatments
  • For antenatal appointments for both parents

Thinking about your finances 

• Enhanced salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Discounted season ticket loan and interest-free emergency loans
• Give as you earn to support other charities of your choice before tax
• New employee portal including lifestyle savings vouchers and personal wellbeing

Enriching your life at work

• Personalised development plans with a wide range of training courses and opportunities to source additional training options with your line manager
• Yearly internal apprenticeship opportunities
• New, modern offices that embrace working together both in-person and remotely 
• Various opportunities to influence how we internally operate (including surveys, and focus and committee groups) 
• Active and supportive internal employee networking groups for collaboration and peer support 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering for MS Society activities during normal working hours (such as fundraising events, or campaigning in the local community) 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering with other charities during normal

Safeguarding 
We’re committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone who uses our services and we come into contact with.

This is regardless of Gender, Race, Disability, Sexual orientation, Religion or belief, Pregnancy, Gender reassignment.

We recognise our particular responsibility to make sure vulnerable adults and children are protected.

We have measures in place to protect everyone we come into contact with from abuse and maltreatment of all kinds.

Your right to work in the UK 
You must have the right to work in the UK to work in paid employment with us. You’ll need to share documents showing you’re eligible to work in the UK if we offer you employment.

You can find the UK visas and permits granting you the right to work in the UK on the UK Government website. We currently don’t have a Sponsor Licence agreement with the Home Office and aren’t able to support you with your visa applications.

No agencies please.

Want to play your part in transforming society?

You're in the right place.

In partnership with St Peter's Church Bethnal Green, you will manage the delivery of Resurgo's award-winning Spear Programme. Over the last 20 years, Spear has supported more than 10,500 young people across the UK with the work-ready skills and mindset they need to succeed in employment, no matter the challenges they face. But we don’t want to stop there.

We believe each young person has huge potential. If you do too, and you have the skills and heart to see their lives transformed – join us.

The important stuff 

Location: Bethnal Green, office-based

Salary: from £28,000

Contract: Full-Time, Permanent

Assessment Day: Thursday 8th May

Application pack: Have a look at our Lead Coach Application pack for more information about the role and Resurgo.

What you'll gain:

• 28 days annual leave (including Christmas gift days) plus bank holidays
• Two-night Christmas staff retreat
• Excellent staff development and training opportunities by Professional Certified Coaches accredited by the ICF including our 5-day Coaching Academy (valued at £3,000) 
• Progression opportunities
• A worshipping community where you can pray and worship with your colleagues
• Excellent Health Insurance plan, including gym discounts and other perks
• Opportunity to join our employee-led networks including, Parents and Carers, All-In (Global Majority Heritage), and Accessibility Network

Please feel free to let us know if you may require any reasonable adjustments to participate fully in our recruitment process. 

In this role, you’ll be responsible for:

The Lead Coach is primarily responsible for overseeing the training room and group sessions with young people. You will help shape the training environment and will confidently adapt and deliver materials and sessions to work within the group’s development towards work readiness.

Delivery of Spear Programme - Group and 1:1 coaching [60%]

• Preparing and coaching Spear Foundation sessions and 1-1s, ensuring that young people are engaged, retained and work-ready by the end of this initial phase of the programme
• Building relationships with young people on the programme and managing culture, and attitudes in the training room
• Adapting the Spear coaching material according to the needs of the Trainees and managing behaviour effectively; handling safeguarding
• Taking a lead on rating the work readiness of the trainees and making sure data is inputted and used correctly on salesforce
• Liaising with volunteers for key programme engagement events such as mock interviews and external panels. Leading on briefings and communications with these volunteers

Delivery of Spear Career [20%]

• Delivering weekly Spear Career sessions (including running workshops with past Trainees), maintaining records and reporting on statistics, and creatively developing ongoing relationships with Spear Trainees

Training the Graduate Coach [10%]

• Contributing towards the training and developing of the Graduate Coach by modelling excellent coaching and giving regular feedback

Trainee recruitment [10%]

• Developing relationships with Job Centres and local referral agencies to ensure that the maximum number of Spear Trainees are enrolled on each programme. This involves liaising with referral agencies, active face-to-face recruitment and monitoring recruitment statistics

Continuous professional development

• Continually engaging in professional development, including being part of Resurgo’s wider coaching programmes and possibly supporting on leading internal training such as Grad Coach Training

Active participation in and support for church team and mission

• As the Spear programme is run in partnership with a local church partner, you will establish a strong personal connection with the church to develop the engagement and backing of church members and help build a strong network of supporters for the Spear programme. As part of this you may be asked to speak at church/events and contribute to prayer meetings as per Resurgo’s Christian ethos and the mission of the church

This role will suit you if:

• You are an active Christian, passionate about your work being a lived expression of your faith
• You have a heart for young people and releasing their potential, no matter what challenging circumstances they are facing
• You have demonstrable experience as a coach, or a background in youth work or teaching, and are keen to develop these skills further
• You are confident in leading others effectively, giving feedback and having crucial conversations
• You are steady under pressure, and able to juggle competing priorities
• Emotional resilience and good self-leadership in this area. You have a sense of humour and want to have fun at work

A couple of things to note:

• This role requires occasional evening work, for our termly Spear Celebrations (where we celebrate our trainees as they complete the initial six weeks of the programme)
• In the event of a job offer, a DBS check will be requested

Director of Corporate Services
 
We have an exciting opportunity for a Director of Corporate Services to join our Senior Management Team and provide expert leadership of our Corporate Services Directorate, specifically our facilities, finance, IT and registration teams, as well as carry responsibility for audit, risk and assurance, and support our Audit, Risk and Finance and Investment Committees. Reporting to the Chief Executive and Registrar, this is a high-profile and satisfying role requiring credible and visible leadership, demonstrable business expertise and high attention to detail, underpinned by adherence to GOC values and active promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion, enabling everyone who works for the GOC to give their best for the maintenance of public confidence in the professions we regulate and the public we serve.

You will join our senior management team (SMT) at an exciting time. For the third year in a row we have met all 18 of the Professional Standards Authority’s (PSA) Standards of Good Regulation, and through harnessing the ideas and talents of all our people you will help successfully realise our new strategy ‘Safe and effective eye care for all’, alongside sharing collective responsibility for the GOC’s overall management and smooth operation, where our focus is to consolidate and extend our achievements in our ambition to be a world class regulator.

We are particularly interested in candidates who can operate strategically in relation to audit, risk and finance and are skilled at leading a Council or Board and its committees to identify and manage key risks, plan mitigations and develop internal controls and associated assurance activity to ensure our finances and management of corporate and departmental risks match our strategic ambitions. You will also chair our monthly SMT risk register meetings and be adept at preparing comprehensive and well-written reports and briefing papers to help inform good decision making and accurate reporting.

Maintaining the integrity and accuracy of our register is paramount, as is managing registration renewals and applications for registration, including from optical professionals registered overseas. A key focus here is learning lessons from never events and engaging with PSA’s review of our performance in this area. We are also making a significant investment from our reserves to improve our digital infrastructure. This includes implementing a new MyGOC platform, with the build phase just launched. We anticipate this will deliver improvements to our digital interface with our registrants, and to our ability to provide excellent customer-service. as well as facilitate positive operational improvements. Our digital-first strategy describes our ambitions for the next five years to be a digitally enabled, cyber secure organisation, including through the appropriate use of AI, ensuring all our people are fully supported in their use of our digital environment.

We have recently moved office into temporary accommodation at One Canada Square, with a second move planned into our new office in late June 2025. Your leadership of our facilities team will be central to managing this move, identifying and managing risks and capitalising on the opportunities a new office will bring to the development of our internal culture.

In addition, your strategic leadership of our expert finance team will ensure our effective financial management, regulatory compliance and optimisation of resources, and ensuring our financial resilience, and continuously improving and managing our financial capabilities so that we are best placed to finance our functions efficiently. An important dimension of the role will be the support and advice you provide to the Chief Executive, Chair and Council, SMT, committees, panels, workers, members and employees on all matters relating to the delivery of Corporate Services in accordance with our statutory responsibilities. Your leadership and development of a high-performing multi-disciplinary team will also ensure we meet current and anticipated regulatory needs and public protection within an ever-changing landscape.

If you share our values, have the expertise and skills to take our practice to “world class” and aspire to have an impact beyond the boundaries of your role, helping to shape eye care regulation at this exciting time, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Please note your application will not be accepted without a statement of no more than 2 sides of A4 indicating how you meet the ‘essential skills, experience, qualifications’ and ‘critical competencies and behaviours’ given in the Person Specification on page 13 in the Recruitment Pack, in order to demonstrate your ability to deliver the key accountabilities listed on pages 10-11 of the Recruitment Pack.

Important dates:

Closing date for applications - Wednesday 4 June 10am

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to attend the following:

Wednesday 18th June 2025: staff networks engagement and SMT engagement (Two sessions, about 20-30mins each, online – via MS Teams)

Friday 20th June 2025: In person competency-based interview at either our new office at One Canada Square or other London location. At interview you will be invited to make a short (3-4 min) presentation on a topic provided approx. one week in advance of the interview.

If these dates are problematic, please indicate in your covering email/ letter. Some flexibility may be offered, but this is not guaranteed.
 
PLEASE SEE RECRUITMENT PACK FOR FULL INFORMATION ON THE ROLE AND HOW TO APPLY
 
Location: Canada Square, London
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full time, 34.75 hours per week
Salary: £107,115 - £134,710
 
You may also have experience in the following: Director of Corporate Services, Head of Corporate Services, VP Corporate Services, Director of Business Operations, Director of Administrative Services, Director of Corporate Operations, Corporate Services Manager, Executive Director – Corporate Services, Chief Administrative Officer Strategic planning, Operational management, Corporate governance, Compliance & risk management, Financial oversight / budget management, Organizational development, Executive leadership, Stakeholder engagement, Cross-functional leadership, Corporate administration etc
 
REF-221 547

Stockport SK2 6RE
Part Time £18,720 for 24 hours per week, spread over 4 days (FTE salary £28,860 per annum)
 
About them
 
Our client is a small but passionate local charity which provides support to adults in the Stockport area who experience mental health problems.
 
They offer a range of leisure, therapeutic, educational and social activities and facilities, which they have developed in consultation with their members, and their aim is to promote integration and mental and social wellbeing.
 
They are looking for a dynamic and motivated individual to join the team and help them secure the resources needed to continue with their vital work.
 
The vacancy
 
Based in their office in Stockport, this exciting new role supports them in achieving full sustainability. You will work closely with the General Manager to develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy to secure funding from various sources. This includes identifying opportunities for funding from charitable trusts and other non-statutory funders.
 
Key responsibilities include;

• Identifying and cultivating relationships with potential donors and funding bodies
• Preparing and submitting compelling funding applications and proposals
• Monitoring and reporting on fundraising activities and outcomes
• Understanding and evaluating qualitative and quantitative data collected

 
This role can include an element of hybrid working; however, during the initial period will need to be worked fully in their office alongside the team.
 
This is an exciting new role to support their organisation being fully sustainable.
 
About you
 
They are seeking a target-driven individual with strong written and verbal communication skills and excellent computer literacy. You should enjoy creating systems, be a quick learner and have a creative approach. Impeccable organisation and time management skills with the resilience to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines essential.
 
Proven experience in fundraising and grant writing preferably within a small charity is essential. Knowledge of the funding landscape within the Northwest, as well as a passion for mental health and commitment to their mission, would be ideal.
 
Candidates with a bachelor’s degree, as well as a fund-raising qualification would be preferred.
 
How to apply – please click below for more details and to apply.
 
NB - if you would like to apply, please ensure they receive your completed application form by Monday 19th May 2025 at 12.00 - please note that they may close this vacancy early if they receive a high volume of applications. They encourage you to apply as soon as possible to ensure your application is considered.
 
First interviews will be held virtually w/c 26th May 2025 with final interview face to face w/c 2nd June 2025.
 
Please note: They are committed to safer recruitment. Satisfactory references, evidence of the correct permission to work in the UK and the commitment to apply for an enhanced DBS Disclosure will be required before the successful applicants could take up the posts.
 
REF-221279

The Youth Endowment Fund

Change Lead for Policing

Reports to: Assistant Director of Change for Policing and Youth Justice

Salary: £55,000 per annum

Location:  Central London or Hybrid*(see below)

Contract: 2-year fixed term (potential to extend) or secondment opportunity

Closing date for applications: 9:00am Friday 23rd May 2025

Interview dates: week commencing 2nd June 2025

 

 

About the Youth Endowment Fund

We’re here to prevent children and young people becoming involved in violence. We do this by finding out what works and building a movement to put this knowledge into practice.

In recent years violent crime has risen significantly. Homicides, assaults, robberies and offences involving weapons have all seen sustained growth. We have also seen large increases in violent crime involving children and young people. This is a tragedy. Every child captured in these numbers is an important member of our community and society has a duty to protect them.

The Youth Endowment Fund (YEF) is a charity with a £200m endowment and a mission that matters. We exist to prevent children becoming involved in violence. Our mission is to find what works and build a movement to put it into practice. A big part of the movement that we need to build is in the world of policing. We need to inspire and connect with police forces across England and Wales to spread what works and make our country safer for some of our most vulnerable children. We are looking for someone to lead on making this happen.

 

Key Responsibilities Include:

We are making good progress building the evidence of what works within and around policing to reduce violence, with new Practice Guidance and implementation resources on diversion and focused deterrence. But the big risk is that we publish guidance and nothing changes. That’s where you come in. Your role is to work out the best way to make this change happen by getting more senior leaders within policing to use our Guidance, toolkit, research and implementation tools to inform day to day operations and strategic decision making. This will involve:

• Developing great relationships with senior leaders and frontline police officers, generating a strong understanding of key policing issues, needs and behaviours, and building credibility and trust with the sector. 
• Developing, managing and tracking the change plan to get more senior leaders to be aware of and use our Guidance, tools and resources, continuously looking for data-driven improvements.
• Creating practical tools and resources that help leaders put evidence into action.
• Supporting police forces, violence reduction units, and police and crime commissioners to develop or strengthen evidence-based practices, including focused deterrence, hotspots policing, and problem-orientated policing.
• Overseeing our partnership with the Society for Evidence Based Policing, helping us to collectively achieve our shared aims to promote evidence-base practice across the sector.
• Working out other effective ways to connect people with the evidence, then making those things happen, from putting on a brilliant conference to regular virtual learning events and presentations.

As a senior member of staff in the organisation you also:

• Build a culture where it is natural to perform well and support colleagues brilliantly.
• Contribute to setting the strategy, delivering results and building and modelling the culture that we need to succeed.

About You

You must have this sort of experience:

- You’ve changed frontline practice and/or systems: You have significant experience in leading behaviour, practice or policy changes within a police setting. You can show how these have been effective in delivering tangible change.

- You’ve working in or around policing, preferably in a role/setting specifically working with young people who are vulnerable to or involved in violence.

 

You might have this sort of experience:

- Crafting and delivering a strategy to get a new piece of evidence or guidance adopted within a police setting.

- Behaviour change research experience.

 

You are this sort of person:

• You are fascinated about change and are experienced in making it happen. You have outstanding analytical judgment alongside the emotional intelligence and experience needed to identify the right opportunities for change, then make them happen. You understand why people find change difficult. You come alive talking about how people make decisions and why they do the things they do.

• You understand the policing sector. You really understand how police forces’ work, from Chief Constables to frontline officers. You have experience working in/with police, ideally in a role that worked with young people who are vulnerable to or involved in violence. You might have previous experience of supporting a police force to reflect on and adopt evidence-based practice, such as focused deterrence, hotspot policing and problem-orientated policing.

• You write in a way that people easily understand. You have that rare skill of writing in plain English. You have experience of translating complex information into plain writing that everyone can understand.

• You have excellent project and time management skills and the ability to deliver high-quality work in a fast-paced environment. You can work independently and to a high standard.

• You win people over. People tend to warm to you and respect you. You have built good relationships with very senior people and with very junior people. You are good at chairing meetings, connecting people and having good introductory meetings. You are comfortable talking to a government minister, a youth worker, a company CEO, a teacher and a 15-year-old student. Listening to people from all backgrounds matters to you.

• You are an excellent strategic thinker. People say that you are good at seeing the big picture. You have experience of wrestling into place a strategy for a project or organisation. You are good at thinking logically but you are also creative. You have ideas but are happy rejecting a lot of them. You like seeing things from different points of view.

• You learn fast but remain humble. You are very quick at getting your head around things. You like learning. You are very good at synthesising information. You know how much you don't know. You know that you can learn more. You know that it's easy to assume you know when you don't. You care more that good things happen than who gets the credit. You are a great and supportive team player.

• You don't want your days to pass without making a difference. You want to play a significant part in reducing violence.

• You understand young people. You understand what the lives of vulnerable young people can be like and you understand some of the organisations that work with them, ideally through first-hand experience.

• You are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.

While it is not a criteria, we are especially interested to hear from applicants who have lived experience of violence.

It is also important to us that the people we hire do not discriminate. We believe in being inclusive and giving everyone an equal chance to succeed. Applications are welcome from all regardless of age, sex, gender identity, disability, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, race, sexual orientation, transgender status or social economic background.

Secondments

 

We are open to candidates that would prefer to join us on a 12-month secondment. Secondment candidates should ensure that their current organisation is in support of this in principle, all candidates will go through the full interview process. Candidates should state clearly in their covering letter if they would like to join us as secondee.

Hybrid Working

The office is based in Central London. Those living in and around London are expected to be in the office a minimum of 2 days per week. If you live outside of London and work remotely, you’ll be expected to work from the London office 2 days per month.

To Apply

Please click on the "Apply for this” button and submit your CV, cover letter and complete the monitoring form 9:00am Friday 23rd May 2025.

As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at the interview stage.

Interview Process

Interviews will take place the week commencing 2nd June.

All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, however, the organisation may employ positive action where candidates from underrepresented groups can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.

Benefits Include

· £1,000 professional development budget annually

· 28 days holiday plus Bank Holidays

· Four half days for volunteering activities

· Employee Assistance Programme – 24hr phone line for free confidential support

· Volunteering days - 4 half days per year

· Death in service - 4 times annual salary

· Flexible hours. Core office hours 10am – 4pm

· Financial support including travel and hardship loans

· Employer contributed pension of 5%

Your Data

Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful, and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.

Are you our new Interim Marketing and Brand Manager?
Do you have the passion and ideas to amplify our ambitious plans to improve the lives of everyone affected by ovarian cancer? Could you play a pivotal role in driving forward our brand identity, as well as developing insight-led marketing strategies and campaigns that inspire action and encourage more people than ever to support our work?

We are looking for an Interim Marketing and Brand Manager who will bring their creative flair, marketing experience and leadership skills to our brilliant team of communications experts. This is a great role for you if you have a background in marketing and brand within the charity sector, and are lookjng for the next step in your marketing and communications career with a leading, national charity.

A confident self-starter and people person who loves building relationships across teams, you’ll be brimming with ideas, and have the marketing experience to make them happen so that together with our communities, we achieve a world where everyone survives and lives well with ovarian cancer. With the support of the Head of Digital and Marketing you’ll work across the organisation to ensure that the Target Ovarian Cancer brand is front and centre, develop and deliver marketing and communications strategies, plans and campaigns to achieve the organisation’s business objectives and KPIs, focussed on attracting and engaging more people who want to use our supportive services, campaign for change, partner with us, and donate or fundraise.

We are an ambitious charity, building on our achievements and targeting what’s important to stop ovarian cancer devastating lives - symptoms awareness, early diagnosis, better treatments and support for all. It’s an exciting time to be joining Target Ovarian Cancer as we move into our ambitionus new three year plan.

Join us and together we'll fight for a world where everyone with ovarian cancer lives.

The role is a full time, 35 hours per week, one year fixed-term contract position.

We currently offer a hybrid-working model. This means you may usually work from your home or remote location, but are expected to attend meetings and pay for your own travel to the office in Angel, London when required.

Please submit your application by 26 May 2025.  We will be looking to also schedule interviews week commencing 26 May 2025.  In the event you are invited to interview, you will be given the opportunity to let us know any reasonable adjustments you may require to the interview process.

Target Ovarian Cancer does not hold a sponsorship licence and therefore cannot sponsor any individual to work in the UK.

We want to make our recruitment accessible to all, if there is a way we can support you in your application, please contact us.

Through the appointment of a Strategic Programme Director (SPD), we have been given an opportunity to bring a step change in our mission and ministry across the Diocese of Coventry.  With a history of innovative missional practice and a dedicated team of lay and ordained leaders across our diverse geographical area (Warwickshire, Coventry and part of Solihull), we are looking to appoint a strategic thinker who is solutions focused with experience in bringing impactful change. The SPD will join us at an exciting time in the strategic development of the Diocese of Coventry as our new diocesan bishop takes up her responsibilities with a vision to see all churches flourish. A highly consultative approach will be needed as we look ahead to the beginning of this new season.

The Strategic Programme Director will be responsible for contributing to and supporting the Bishop’s Senior Staff Team and key lay and ordained leaders in the delivery of the diocesan strategy. The role will ensure that the programmes, projects and workstreams within the plan are delivered on time, within scope and budget. The Programme Director will provide oversight of the strategic plan from inception of ideas through implementation to delivery of projects.  Working collaboratively across the Diocese, the role will also ensure that key outcomes are well-defined, appropriately prioritised, delivered to plan and within budget. The role will include shaping and scoping the request for partnership/external funding.

Programme Development & Planning

• In the first year: To prioritise the clear articulation of a diocesan wide vision and direction of travel through working closely with the Bishop and the Bishop’s Senior Staff Team building on the work achieved in recent years.
• Work with key stakeholders to develop strategic initiatives aligned with the diocesan vision and strategy
• Ensure strategic proposals have clarity and viability
• Ensure effective communication with clarity, consistency and transparency
• Work with senior leaders to prioritise outline proposals
• Work with senior leaders to develop change proposals including detailed outcomes and the process by which those outcomes will be achieved
• Regularly assess the viability of development proposals
• Work with partnership funding bodies, including the C of E Vision and Strategy Team, to submit funding proposals and assure the quality of applications for any partnership funding
• Represent the Diocese in discussions with partnership funders
• Work with senior leaders to make the best use of central resources to support change

Programme Management

• Facilitate the launch of partnership-funded strategic projects, ensuring they are appropriately planned, resourced, measured and managed.
• Establish appropriate programme governance, including risk management, change management, regular reporting, and budget management
• Work with the communications team to ensure consistent and effective messaging
• Establish review and support processes to ensure projects are delivered successfully
• Ensure intervention processes are developed to pause, or if necessary, terminate projects that have demonstrated they will not deliver
• Capture and publish lessons learned, and support research studies
• Build consistent protocols for all significant strategic development initiatives
• Track progress against a detailed project plan, deliverables, outcomes and measures
• Manage changes in project scope, schedule and costs, escalating to BSIG as required
• Provide support for operational aspects of projects in liaison with diocesan colleagues
• Ensure project leads/managers regularly complete a quality project highlight report
• Address project issues and risks, escalating to BSST accordingly
• Report project status to BSST on a regular basis
• Oversee production of all necessary annual reports for the Strategic Investment Board

Position: Corporate Partnerships Senior Executive
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours a week
Contract: Permanent
Location: Office-based from any of our Four UK National Offices, with flexibility to work remotely
Salary: Starting from £33,044 per annum plus excellent benefits
Salary Band and Job Family: Band 2*, Charity
*you’ll start at our entry point salary of £33,044 per annum, increasing to £35,109 after 6 months service and satisfactory performance and to £37,174 after a further 6 months.

About us

We make sure people living with MS are at the centre of everything we do. And it’s this commitment that unites us across the UK.

Our strategy is based on what people affected by MS have told us is important to them. It gives us a clear and determined focus.

Our work is based on the hopes and aspirations of our MS community. Together we campaign at all levels, fund ground-breaking research and provide award winning support and information.

Our people are our greatest asset and the key to our success. We offer a vibrant, progressive working environment where you'll be able to make a difference.

About this job

This is an exciting opportunity to join our Corporate Partnerships team, based in London, with flexibility to work from home. You’ll be part of a growing, supportive and ambitious team, raising significant income to support people living with and affected by MS.

You’ll work collaboratively with the Corporate Partnerships team, internal and external stakeholders, to identify mutually beneficial new business opportunities building a healthy and robust prospect pipeline.

You will be leading on the successful delivery of these partnerships to maximise their life-time potential and ensure they are delivering against financial and non-financial objectives. These partnerships will generate income for our Services and Support projects as well as our exciting Stop MS Appeal; the MS Society’s ten year research-focused national appeal.

You’ll have an affinity for building strong relationships and successful partnerships, great attention to detail and strong interpersonal skills. With a creative, logical and enthusiastic approach, you’ll have the opportunity to work on exciting events, develop compelling proposals and innovative fundraising initiatives.

This is a great opportunity to build on your existing experience within corporate fundraising.

Your key responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• Delivering income at or above the agreed budget level from corporate relationships and activities as agreed within the annual budget and business plan
• To lead on identifying and securing new business and establish a strong pipeline of prospective corporate partners, that will deliver six figure income targets year on year
• Maximise the fundraising potential of high value existing partnerships through taking responsibility for specific projects.
• Relationship management and pipeline development of corporate partners, delivering agreed objectives and expectations
• To contribute to the overall income generation and implementation of the Corporate Partnership team’s objectives
• To contribute to a positive working environment in which equality and diversity are valued and staff are enabled to do their best
• Accurate and timely reporting on key activities, income and expenditure

Closing date for applications: 9:00 on Thursday 29th May 2025

Interested?

PLEASE PRESS THE 'HOW TO APPLY' BUTTON FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Equal Opportunities 
We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and or from ethnic minority backgrounds.

We’d be grateful if you downloaded and completed the equality and diversity monitoring form and submit it with your application. 

Disability Confident Employer 
We’re a Disability Confident Employer and we’re committed to promoting equality and diversity.

You can ask for reasonable adjustments as part of both our recruitment and new starter on-boarding processes.

If you need any help or adjustments to apply for this role, please contact us. You can also ask for the application materials to be sent to you in a different format. Such as for them to be sent to you by email or in a larger word format.

More about our employee benefits:
We have a wide range of employee benefits including (but not limited to): 

Encouraging work life balance

• 38 days paid annual leave (including bank holidays), pro-rata for part-time
• More annual leave entitlement, based on length of employment
• Smart working options (with the opportunity to work remotely and find a smart working pattern that suits both you and us) 
• Flexible working options 

Caring for you and your family 

• Generous sick pay entitlement
• More sick pay entitlement, based on length of employment 
• Opportunity to buy and sell annual leave in each calendar year 
• Free access to a GP virtually 24 hours a day/7 days a week allowing you unlimited advice, reassurance and where appropriate diagnosis 
• Enhanced leave for new parents 
• Free access to a confidential 24 hours a day/7 days a week helpline service for both you and your family with a specialist range of support and information
• Special leave options (such as up to 5 days paid leave for domestic or personal emergencies a year)
• 10 days paid disability leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• 10 days paid carers’ leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• Cycle to work scheme 
• Death in service scheme
• New family-friendly benefits, including paid leave:
  • In the event of miscarriage or still birth 
  • To support fertility treatments
  • For antenatal appointments for both parents

Thinking about your finances 

• Enhanced salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Discounted season ticket loan and interest-free emergency loans
• Give as you earn to support other charities of your choice before tax
• New employee portal including lifestyle savings vouchers and personal wellbeing

Enriching your life at work

• Personalised development plans with a wide range of training courses and opportunities to source additional training options with your line manager
• Yearly internal apprenticeship opportunities
• New, modern offices that embrace working together both in-person and remotely 
• Various opportunities to influence how we internally operate (including surveys, and focus and committee groups) 
• Active and supportive internal employee networking groups for collaboration and peer support 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering for MS Society activities during normal working hours (such as fundraising events, or campaigning in the local community) 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering with other charities during normal

Safeguarding 
We’re committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone who uses our services and we come into contact with.

This is regardless of Gender, Race, Disability, Sexual orientation, Religion or belief, Pregnancy, Gender reassignment.

We recognise our particular responsibility to make sure vulnerable adults and children are protected.

We have measures in place to protect everyone we come into contact with from abuse and maltreatment of all kinds.

Your right to work in the UK 
You must have the right to work in the UK to work in paid employment with us. You’ll need to share documents showing you’re eligible to work in the UK if we offer you employment.

You can find the UK visas and permits granting you the right to work in the UK on the UK Government website. We currently don’t have a Sponsor Licence agreement with the Home Office and aren’t able to support you with your visa applications.

No agencies please.

DFN Project SEARCH offer an evidence-based supported internship model which takes place entirely in the workplace.  The programmes provide continuous support to young adults with a learning disability, and autistic people who are aged between 16 – 24 with an Education Health and Care Plan, or equivalent, in their final year of education.

You will be required to identify opportunities to develop and grow DFN Project SEARCH programmes across a geographical area with the aim of supporting the organisation to ensure that as many people as need it have access to DFN Project SEARCH programmes.

In addition, you will be required to develop strategies to ensure that the operational programmes in your area are achieving at least the average outcomes expected for young people in our programmes and so you must be committed to continuous improvement.

You will be specifically required to develop strong partnerships and train and support colleagues within your area. You may also be required to support colleagues promoting DFN Project SEARCH in other areas, further European projects as required and contribute to the development of relevant UK focussed materials.

As a Programme Specialist you will be expected to:

• Demonstrate effective project planning and preparation so that each project delivers achieves the highest quality programme possible and outstanding employment outcomes for the interns.
• Establish effective working relationships with schools, colleges, local authorities, employers and the project professional staff to promote the building of excellent, high quality partnerships at each site to ensure the effective running of programmes and promote sustainability in a volatile environment.
• Take an active part in decision making, planning and audit processes of each project
• Ensure that you implement DFN Project SEARCH policy and have a clear understanding of required quality standards and criteria which constitute effective teaching and learning