Assistant Hr Business Partner Jobs in City Of London, England
The purpose of this role is to provide efficient and comprehensive administrative support to the joint directors of development and engagement (D&E), and director of policy and strategy (P&S). This would be an ideal role for a well-organised and enthusiastic candidate who is looking for the next step in their business administration career. The post-holder will also work closely with colleagues in the chair’s, chief executive’s, deputy chief executive’s and other directors’ offices, and will be a key member of a busy, but collaborative, executive support team (EST).
The director of D&E and the director of policy and strategy work across the organisation and with multiple external stakeholders to forward the work of NHS Providers on behalf of our members. The post-holder must be a team player with an ability to work flexibly across the organisation, prioritising and managing their own workload amid conflicting demands and busy work periods. Excellent judgement and discretion, and an ability to promote a positive image to both internal and external stakeholders, are essential.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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We are looking for someone to provide HRBP support to all directorates on matters including recruitment and selection, payroll and induction of new starters. The role will lead on employee relations work and work with internal stakeholders on developing and delivering interventions to improve communication with and engagement of staff. They will be involved in producing and analysing data to inform and feed into the People strategy, and manage the HR & Wellbeing Assistant.
You will have experience of working in an advisory capacity at all levels of an organisation, and of complex employee relations casework. Knowledge of current HR law and best practice are also key, as well as the ability to communicate effectively across different audiences.
Please refer to the Job Description for full details of the role.
About MHFA England
MHFA England is a social enterprise and the leading provider of mental health skills and awareness training courses in England. Our vision is to improve the health of the nation, through normalising society’s attitudes and behaviours around mental health, by developing the skills we need to look after our own and others’ wellbeing.
Looking after you
Wellbeing is at the heart of all that we do and say, we are friendly and supportive organisation. We are committed to rewarding our employees with competitive pay, a flexible and supportive workplace, opportunities to grow and develop, and our promise that we will put your wellbeing first.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Imagine being part of an organisation whose common purpose is to help those who are severely impacted by mental illness. We believe that everyone should be treated with respect and dignity – and that’s why equity is one of our core values. We draw on the expertise, unique perspectives and lived experience of our people – regardless of who they are or their background – to help us become inclusive and anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider that reflect the diverse communities we support as a mental health charity.
We provide the highest quality introductory mental health training content, delivered using a combination of learning techniques, presentations, discussions, case studies and interactive exercises. We combine theoretical approaches and real-life experiences to produce comprehensive and effective training packages. Our training is delivered to workplaces in the public, private and third sectors on a commercial basis and directly to communities under public-funded contracts. Courses include mental health awareness, mental health for managers, suicide awareness and mental health champions.
How you will make a difference
As Business Development and Engagement Manager within the Workplace Mental Health & Training team, you will play a pivotal role in driving growth, partnerships, and engagement from corporate and community settings for both Mental Health UK and Rethink Mental Illness. You will work to secure funding from a wide range of sources, including commercial activity, public sector contracts and grant funding, to allow our work to continue and grow.
Working in our National Programmes team, you will ensure that we evaluate, plan for and respond effectively to bids and tenders, lead on the development of proposals, and support service delivery teams in implementing successful tenders/proposals. You will manage a Senior Business Development Officer who supports our work in positioning the organisation to respond to new bids and tenders and, where required, support the implementation of new services.
*Appointments will be at the minimum of the band.
*London Allowance is paid for roles that are based within the Greater London area only.
We do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Please see further details on our website
You can also follow us on Facebook / Twitter / Instagram and LinkedIn to find out more about the work we do!
Don’t meet all requirements?
If the role sounds exciting to you but your experience, skills or qualifications don’t exactly match every single requirement, we still encourage you to apply, you may be just the right person for our position!
Caring for our people.
We offer a wide range of support. Some of our benefits include:
- PULSE: our recognition, rewards, wellbeing, and benefits platform. Providing access to thousands of discounts and benefits including cashback; reloadable cards; savings etc. As well as being able to thank colleagues and nominate them for awards.
- Wagestream: gives you instant access to up to 50% of your pay. Also provides a library of expert tools, tips and articles plus, helps you start building a rainy-day pot straight from your salary.
- Wellbeing support: our Wellbeing hub gives physical, emotional, and mental health support. We also have a BUPA Employee Assistance Programme with access to appointments.
- Taking time for you: we work flexibly –you get to choose where you work, managing your own diary. We have generous annual leave, starting at 25 rising to 30 days, plus bank holidays, as well as your birthday off. We also offer the opportunity to buy and sell annual leave.
- Planning for the future: We have a contributory pension scheme.
- Structured Corporate Induction: Onboarding you into the Charity supporting your wellbeing along the way.
- £300 when you introduce a Friend: receive up to £300 when you introduce a friend or family member.
Who are we?
We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”
It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer. We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.
Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation
We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.
We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or questioning), Intersex and (asexual) (LGBTQIA+), people with a disability, and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
To learn more about social prescribing, our organisation and this role, please visit our website.
NOTE: The application deadline has been extended from the original deadline of 15th April 2024 to 1st May 2024.
Operations Coordinator (Finance & People)
Background
The National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP) is a newly registered charity and company limited by guarantee. Our goals are to promote social prescribing and to bring about a social revolution in wellbeing, as set out in the NASP Strategic Plan.
To learn more about our organisation, partners, and social prescribing, please visit our website.
NASP operates through a hybrid model of working, with most work taking place remotely using Microsoft Teams for meetings and planning. We have an office space at London’s Southbank Centre which staff can use to work. Travel to this (and other sites) will be required from time to time for meetings, site visits, events, and away days.
Recruitment
At NASP, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We know that different ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment, and so we welcome applications irrespective of the applicant's age, disability, sex, gender identity and gender expression, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or other personal circumstances. We also welcome applications from neurodiverse candidates.
We seek to support candidates with relevant lived experience recognising that first-hand experience of what NASP seeks to achieve around social prescribing is valuable.
We have processes and policies in place to ensure that all applications are treated fairly throughout the recruitment process and that we make reasonable adjustments for those who require it. Applications are welcomed from applicants who wish to apply for a position based on a flexible working arrangement. Should a candidate be successful after the interview stage, this request will be accommodated within the needs of the role.
NASP seeks to be a truly 21st Century employer and organisation. Supporting our staff’s wellbeing is central to that goal, as our staff are one of our greatest assets.
And therefore, we look forward to hearing from you about the role of Operations Coordinator (Finance & People).
Role Details & Staff Benefits
Salary: £32,000 per annum
Duration: 12 months (with possibility of extension)
Hours: Full time
Location: Hybrid – NASP have a permanent office space at London’s Southbank Centre, this role will be expected to work up to 2 days per week here, with the remainder worked remotely at home. There may also be additional travel required for staff days and other events.
NASP offer a range of core benefits for staff on payroll, including:
- 30 days paid annual leave per annum, plus Bank Holidays
- An additional day of paid leave per year on your birthday
- Opportunities for Volunteering & CPD days each year
- Opportunity to request flexible working arrangements, including compressed hours
- Contribution to annual eye test, eyeglass purchase, and flu vaccination
Purpose of This Role:
This is a pivotal role to support NASP’s strategic aims to promote and spread social prescribing at a local, national, and international level.
The purpose of this role is to provide operational support and act as point of contact for the organisation’s Finance and People functions, as well as providing Programme support across the organisation, ensuring smooth running and continual improvement of NASP’s processes.
The role sits in the Operations team and will work closely with the Director of Operations, wider Operations colleagues, and external Finance, Legal and IT providers, as well as providing support across the organisation. This will include supporting on NASP’s Innovation programme.
Person Specification:
Knowledge of finance processes, including bookkeeping, year end, invoice & purchase order administration; and preferably experience of accountancy processes for charities
- Experience with accountancy software and systems (e.g. Xero, ApprovalMax, Soldo)
- Experience of developing, interpreting, and managing budgets, forecasts, I&E statements, cashflows, etc.
- Knowledge of HR processes and policies, including supporting staff as point of contact for enquiries
- Ability to manage sensitive information and maintain high levels of confidentiality & discretion
- Experience of project management/support
- Experience of detailed administrative & business support
- Interest in and/or experience of developing Wellbeing and EDIB policies and processes, to develop internal working culture
- Demonstrable ability to work in a complex organisation that works remotely, and draw people and teams together for projects successfully
- Highly organised, diligent, thorough and reliable
- Excellent IT skills and proficient at all relevant systems e.g. Microsoft
- Highly proactive, responsive and able to work on own initiative to deliver appropriate support
- High level of literacy and excellent communication skills
- Flexible, positive approach and willingness to learn and collaborate
- Knowledge and empathy with NASP’s values and ambition as set out in the NASP Strategic Plan
Responsibilities:
Finance
- Act as first point of contact for Finance enquiries, both internally and externally
- Manage the Finance mailbox, ensuring queries are dealt with efficiently
- Co-ordinate day-to-day financial operations, including processing of invoices, purchase orders, expense claims, reconciliations, etc.
- Overseeing virtual card system (Soldo) for NASP employees
- Supporting CEO, Director of Operations (DoO) and Director of Finance (DoF) on budgeting, forecasting, reconciliations, and year end process as required
- Working with external Finance provider (Carpenter Box) to support processes
- Attending regular finance catchups, supporting these meetings and providing feedback on issues & processes
- Provide support to colleagues on NASP’s financial systems (ApprovalMax, Xero, Soldo, etc.), including developing and running training sessions as required
- Ensuring online and paper filing of NASP finance documentation is accurate, organised, and kept up to date
People, HR & Recruitment
- Act as first point of contact for staff HR enquiries, e.g. policy, annual leave, absences
- Work with DoO and CEO on HR matters where needed (supporting meetings, liaising with staff)
- Support line managers on annual appraisal and probationary review process
- Support on recruitment, including developing job documentation, posting job adverts, liaising with candidates and managing enquiries, scheduling and supporting interviews
- Work closely with the Executive Assistant for onboarding and induction of new starters, including arranging for IT equipment to be shipped
- Proactively identify ways to improve and streamline People & Culture processes
- Drafting and issuing contracts for freelancers, using NASP standard templates
- Support on People-related working groups, e.g. EDIB and Wellbeing
Programme Support
- Provide administrative support for colleagues on specific projects/programmes as required, including NASP’s Innovation programme (e.g. sending network updates, developing case studies for Innovation Hub, uploading data to NASP’s CRM system)
- Manage and minute meetings, including sending agendas, noting actions, and diary management
- Providing input and support on related areas of expertise (Finance, HR, Operations) to colleagues across the organisation, e.g. developing budgets or advising on organizational policies
- Monitoring and evaluation of programmes, to improve effectiveness (including financial evaluation)
Other Responsibilities
- Work with Operations team on improving and developing processes across the organisation, e.g. Wellbeing, EDIB, staff days, events
- Deputise for Operations team colleagues as needed to cover annual leave (e.g. supporting on meetings or managing correspondence)
- Work with external IT provider (Logicata) to support staff with helpdesk enquiries, and delivery/return of equipment as needed
Reporting To: Strategic Projects Manager
How to Apply
NOTE: The application deadline has been extended from the original deadline of 15th April 2024 to 1st May 2024.
Please complete the application form (available on the Careers page of the NASP website) and send via email to our recruitment team by 12:00 (midday) on Wednesday 1st May. NASP have the right to bring the application deadline forward as they deem fit.
Ensure you complete all sections, including the Supporting Statement, and the details of 2 referees, including your latest employer or contracting organisation. Please make sure to add your name to the title of the application form before submitting.
Please do not send your CV. We want to assess everyone in the same way, so we will assess your application solely on the information given in the application form.
Interviews will be held w/c 13th May. For more information and an informal conversation, please email any questions to our recruitment team.
Please note that any personal data you share will be treated confidentially and will only be used for recruitment purposes.
All appointments are subject to proof of right to work in the UK, references and a 3 month probationary period.
We support communities and organisations through social prescribing so that more people across the UK can enjoy better health and wellbeing.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Salary: £50,935.07 per annum
Location: Homeworking with expectation to travel to our London Office as required
Contract: Permanent
Hours : 37.5 per week
Closing date: Thursday 2nd May at 11:30pm
Are you a qualified CCAB, CIMA or overseas equivalent, or in the final stages of qualification? Do you have proven experience of assessing financial risk and producing insightful financial analysis, plus a real desire to further develop? Then join Shelter as a Finance Business Partner and you could soon be playing a key role within our Financial Planning and Analysis team.
About Shelter
A home is a fundamental human need, as essential as education or healthcare. Yet millions of people across Britain struggle on a daily basis with homelessness, bad housing conditions, soaring rents, discrimination and the threat of eviction. So, we are striving for change, with individuals, in communities, across society, and leading the way to a safe home. We need ambitious, best-in-class individuals who are passionate about our cause to join us at this exciting time. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.
At Shelter we are united by our purpose to defend the right to a safe home. Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. We believe that to win that fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement for change. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, fair, equitable and transparent.
We have committed to combat racism both within and outside Shelter and welcome you on our journey to becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.
About the team
Our Finance Department works as a team of experts to safeguard resources and support decision making across Shelter. We strive to ensure Shelter is financially sustainable in order to achieve our vision of a home for everyone. This particular role sits within the Financial Planning and Analysis team. We support the charity through financial reporting, analysis, and expert advice, and enable collaboration to support managers in making effective business decisions.
About the role
Joining a finance team that collaborates and communicates effectively to help us deliver our mission and vision, making vital business decisions that are driven by expert knowledge and financial acumen will be key to your success here. As part of the role, you’ll engage regularly with our Assistant Directors and their leadership teams to ensure that financial results and key messages are shared and you’ll support stakeholders in engaging with fully available financial insight and reporting. When it comes to our stakeholders, you’ll support and lead finance education and training to equip them with the skills required to execute their own financial responsibilities.
Among your many challenges will be the need to align financial plans to operational and strategic plans and make sure they’re clearly understood by Business Units. Seeing that each Unit is provided with a channel of effective, two-way communication with Finance will be important too. You’ll also work with colleagues in Project Governance and HR Business Partnering to support Directorate planning and business cases, as well as supporting and leading on the delivery of cross-team projects.
We are happy to talk about flexible working, personal growth, and to promote a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.
About you
As well as being suitably qualified (or in the final stages of qualification), you’ll need to be used to working effectively with non-finance stakeholders and varying your communication style to suit the audience you’re addressing. You’ll be experienced in assessing financial risk, and able to produce insightful financial analysis. You’ll also need excellent organisational and time management skills, including the ability to work to deadlines and reprioritise tasks when necessary.
Excellent analytical skills, impeccable attention to detail, a high level of numeracy and intermediate Excel skills are all ‘must haves’ too, as is proficiency in the main Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook and Word. Additionally, it would be an advantage if you have experience working in a Charity and have associated experience of managing restricted funds and fundraising.
How to apply
Please click ‘Apply for Job’ below. You are required to submit a CV and a supporting statement. The supporting statement should address and cover the ‘About You’ points in the job description. Please provide specific examples following the STAR format and ensure you demonstrate how you address the behaviours below throughout your responses.
- We prioritise diversity and have an inclusive and open mindset
- We work together to achieve our shared purpose
Any applications submitted without a supporting statement will not be considered.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.
Shelter helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through our advice, support and legal services. And we campaign to make sure that, one day, no one will have to turn to us for help. We’re here so no one has to fight bad housing or homelessness on their own.
To find out more about the role and the benefits of working for Shelter please visit our website. Apply to be part of our team and be the change you want to see in society.
Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.
Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We have ambitious goals here at the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) and are looking for an experienced, strategic, and financially savvy Head of Finance to join us. The RCR is a charity with a focus on supporting doctors who deliver medical imaging and cancer services and we require a passionate and dynamic finance professional to helps us continue making a difference.
The Head of Finance will manage the high-performing finance team consisting of a Management Accountant, Assistant Accountant and Finance Business Partner. Sitting in the Business and Resources Directorate the team are instrumental to the successful running of the RCR. In this role you will be responsible for the operational finance function which handles accounting, financial reporting, planning and transactional activities as well as supporting longer-term strategic planning.
As a finance professional you will use your expertise to further support the RCR by delivering the organisations financial objectives and build strong working relationships with managers to equip them with the tools to make good financial decisions. Furthermore, you will support the Executive Director, Business & Resources in the delivery of effective risk management activities and reporting, lead discussions on how our financial controls and processes may need to change and adapt, shape and drive business performance to ensure your leadership of the finance function results in the delivery of excellent services.
What you’ll do:
- Lead, motivate and develop the finance team to deliver essential business services adapting and anticipating changes in business needs.
- Develop, agree and maintain a suite of internal service standards to meet business needs.
- Plan and lead the organisation’s financial budget process ensuring a comprehensive capture of business needs and advise SMT and managers.
- Ensure timely and accurate monthly financial management accounts are produced according to appropriate standards.
- Maintain a suitable suite of business financial policies, processes and controls that meet the business needs and are compliant with legislation and external standards.
- Lead the provision of commercial advice to directors, managers and staff to ensure best practice on procurement and contract management.
What you’ll need:
- Experience of operating successfully at a Finance Manager or Head of Finance role in a comparable organisation.
- A strategic and critical thinker with the ability to develop a team to deliver on long term goals.
- Understanding of risk, risk management processes and the use of risk analysis to help plan and develop organisations.
- Ability to communicate effectively with non-technical/non-professional audiences.
- Skilled manager of people, able to bring together, motivate, coordinate and develop a team.
- Excellent commercial skills, including the capacity to lead or support negotiations and to influence and motivate others.
If this sounds like the opportunity for you then please find out more about the Head of Finance role, the RCR and instructions on how to apply in the candidate pack.
Why join us?
- Make a difference to the lives of Doctors and the specialities they work in every day!
- Hybrid working (40% working week can be done remotely)
- Modern working environment
- Equipment provided to work from home
- Generous annual leave allowance
- Excellent pension scheme
- Interest free season ticket loan and cycle to work scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
Based from home in the UK with regular travel around the UK as necessary.
This role is responsible for providing high-level support, managing complex projects and engaging with a wide variety of people on behalf of the Chief Network Officer. This role acts as a key point of communication with internal/external contacts, coordinates cross-organisational processes and projects, and manages the office, including liaising closely with senior members of the Operations and Network Programmes directorates.
Role responsibilities
· Managing and supporting a regular cycle of team and project meetings and events, including preparing project plans, management reports, ensuring the completion of actions, and supporting the strategy planning cycle.
· Liaising with key external contacts (food banks, partner organisations etc) on behalf of the Chief Network Officer, including maintaining regular correspondence, managing diary requests, and organising events and business travel.
· Conserving the Chief Network Officer’s time by reading, researching and routing correspondence, drafting letters and documents, collecting and analysing information and initiating communications.
· Acting as a project manager / stakeholder on behalf of the Chief Network Officer to ensure outcomes are achieved and information is communicated.
· Creating supporting materials for presentations, talks, conferences and planning meetings, including sourcing and preparing collateral, and formatting presentation slides etc.
· Curating and updating relevant information systems on behalf of the Chief Network Officer, including HR systems, finance systems, impact / performance systems and file storage.
Person Specification
Technical skills and minimum knowledge:
· Clear understanding of the need to maintain confidentiality
· Ability to work autonomously, with excellent time management and communication skills along with excellent decision-making ability
· Excellent knowledge of MS Office applications, including Office 365 (including Sharepoint, OneDrive, Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint) and Adobe Creative Suite
· Highly numerate, with the ability to present and analyse data
· Excellent attention to detail and communication skills (both written and verbal)
· Ability to work through challenges in positive and effective ways
Behaviours and competencies:
· Ability to effectively represent the organisation and promote core brand messages
· Develop a culture of innovation, resourcefulness, and best practice to make the best use of time and skills.
· Is able to work through challenges in positive and effective ways
· Demonstrate a commitment to the values of the Trussell Trust
· Demonstrates empathy for people from disadvantaged, marginalised or socially- excluded backgrounds
· Role models inclusive behaviours and values
Key Stakeholders
· Chief Officers
· Senior Leadership Group
· Director of Operations
· Director of Network Programmes & Innovation
· Operations Leadership Team
· EA/PA team members
· Staff, Volunteers, external partners, contacts from food banks
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Reports to: Head of Inclusive Leadership Course
Start date: ASAP or mid-August 2024
Location: London / Hybrid - minimum 3 days per week in office (The Difference’s office in Bethnal Green). Willingness to travel for programme delivery across the North East, North West, and the Midlands 3 days per half term.
Contract: Permanent, full time/flexible working considered
Salary: £55k - £65k per annum (+6% employer pension contribution and sector-leading parental leave policy shared with all applicants)
Closing Date for Applications: Sunday 21st April 23:59
Person Specification
The Difference is seeking an outstanding school leader to take on the role of Programme Lead through an exciting period of growth and development, with a particular focus on developing our People and Practice work. The successful candidate will be instrumental in the delivery of our various programmes, actively engaging in their implementation and with valuable insights for continuous improvement. This role offers a distinct chance to make a significant impact on The Difference's overarching strategic goals. As the Programme Lead, you'll have the opportunity to shape our programmes, ensuring they align with our mission and vision. Your contributions will not only drive tangible outcomes but will also shape the future direction of our organisation. You will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the outcomes for children who experience vulnerability and disadvantage by working closely with school leaders to develop school practice and systems.
You will have real ownership over your area of work, be happiest in a flexible and ambitious environment, and enjoy testing out new ideas. You will have experience in professional development design, delivery, project management and supporting school staff and leaders through professional coaching .
Essential knowledge, experience and skills
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Demonstrated Alignment with The Difference’s values: a history of actions and decisions that align with The Difference's values, showcasing a personal commitment to the mission of improving life outcomes for vulnerable children.
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Credibility as a proven school leader of inclusion: as a Trust middle leader, Headteacher, Deputy or Assistant Headteacher in a Primary or Secondary setting in contexts of high disadvantage and vulnerability.
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A record of impact for children experiencing vulnerability: including designing and delivering work that led to reduced harmful behaviours, repeat suspension or persistent absence.
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A record of empowering work with children and families.
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Evidence of designing and delivering impactful professional development: high quality learning sessions, fostering sustained staff development and contributing to a culture of continuous learning.
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Understanding of Relational Practice within Education: A track record of utilising or implementing practice aligned with the relational approaches to deliver improved student outcomes.
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Aiming high and holding people accountable through visionary leadership: Ability to articulate an ambitious vision, inspiring and motivating others to meet high standards. A proven ability to hold individuals accountable for their contributions.
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Flexibility and a willingness to travel: including overnight stays, particularly within London,and across the North East, North West, and the Midlands. A likely travel pattern of 2-3 days travel per fortnight.
Desired knowledge, experience and skills
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Stakeholder management & relationship-building: proven experience in managing relationships with various stakeholders, including navigating HR processes and demonstrating effective stakeholder engagement skills. Experience of sales and a business to business sales process would be advantageous.
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Adaptability: track record of prioritising and creating clarity in ambiguous, challenging, or fast-paced situations. Experience in working directly with colleagues, implementing strategies such as coaching and structured reflection to establish clear and effective plans.
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Research Engagement: engagement with research and evidence-based strategies for school improvement. Demonstrable quantifiable impact using evidence-informed approaches.
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Contextual Awareness: varied experience in different schools, showcasing an understanding of how contextual factors impact schools and teachers, and an awareness of the wider educational landscape.
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Teaching Qualification: possession of Qualified Teacher Status, demonstrating the foundational qualification for the role.
Why Work for The Difference?
Schooling isn’t working for the children who need it most. Every week in England 109 children – equivalent to three full classrooms – are permanently excluded. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Since the pandemic, school suspensions have risen significantly, as has persistent absenteeism. 1 in 5 children are missing more than 10% of their time in school. Children who are excluded or persistently absent are much more likely to already be experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage. They are more likely to live in poverty, have additional learning needs, suffer mental health challenges, or experience a lack of safety outside school. Certain ethnicities are also disproportionately affected, notably Gypsy Roma Traveller and black Caribbean children.
Exclusion and high rates of absence can have a dramatic effect on life chances. These young people are more likely to drop out of education or employment, become vulnerable to long-term mental ill health, or be at risk of criminal exploitation. The Difference believes that children and young people deserve better and that the education system has to change.
Our Organisation
The Difference is a young education charity, founded to change the story on lost learning. By 2030, we want rates of exclusion and absence to be falling nationally and for schools to be better equipped to support all children, including those who may be vulnerable. The Difference was born out of a year of research into school exclusions with think-tank IPPR. This research identified a lack of inclusion expertise in schools and proposed a new leadership development programme to fill this gap. In 2018, Difference founder Kiran hired the team who took this idea from concept to reality, beginning work with our first schools.
The Difference is now a 22-strong team delivering multiple school leadership programmes, alongside a growing research and policy arm. The team is supported by our Youth Advisory Board, made up of young people who have experienced exclusion and who provide their expertise and insights on how school inclusion work should be done. This work is needed more than ever. Effects of COVID-19, coupled with the spiralling cost of living, have substantially increased levels of vulnerability. Schools serving excluded pupils face under-funding. The Difference has had excellent early impact but there is work ahead to scale this impact through our programmes, share learning with schools and policy-makers, and grow our capacity to lower exclusions across England.
The Task Ahead: Programme Lead
In 2019 The Difference launched our programmes working with 22 school leaders in London. Since then we have worked with 447 school leaders nationally. We want to continue to scale our programmes and reach more school leaders to help shape their schools practice and systems to improve pupil wellbeing, safety and belonging. We intend to further develop our programmes to improve inclusion in schools and successfully change the story for students currently struggling in school.
Key tasks for this role include:
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Deliver The Difference’s Inclusive Leadership Course to senior leaders from a range of school settings. This takes place in venues across the country including but not limited to London, the North East, North West, and the Midlands. Confidence and passion to deliver the course to the high standards required.
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In-school support for The DIfference’s School Partnership (DSP). Delivering across a variety of schools including mainstream secondary, mainstream primary and Alternative Provision settings. Supporting the implementation of key themes and content from The Difference’s Inclusive Leadership Course.
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Working closely with The Differences Research, Impact & Influencing team to capture case studies, research and impact metrics that demonstrate the impact of the Difference’s programmatic work.
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Input to the evolution and development of the Difference’s programmatic offer using insight from delivery and feedback from programme participants
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Working closely with the The Difference’s Partnership and Sales team to support the reach and impact of the programmatic work.
Our Values
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High Expectations - We are ambitious for excellence from young people, colleagues and ourselves. We don’t believe in writing off someone’s potential because of their identity or experience of crisis.
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Strong Relationships - We prioritise genuine relationships over transactional interactions, and know that this requires deliberate relational practice. We see colleagues and partners as people first and their roles second; and know this greater trust allows us to take more risks, gain more feedback and have greater impact.
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Internalised Locus of Control - We work hard to reframe difficult situations to discover what we have within our power in terms of solutions. We take it upon ourselves to walk towards challenges and can take a high level of ownership and agency in our work/
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Pragmatism - We believe leadership means recognising current limitations and striving for improvements within and beyond them. We develop consensus and chart new ways forward, challenging false and extreme positions like “zero exclusions” or “no excuses”.
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Scientific approach - We take a diagnostic approach to unpicking causes of problems. We are loud and proud of our failures, recognising failing fast and often is key to finding the best solutions. We test solutions and are willing to use data and feedback to make adjustments and choose new directions.
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Not Squeamish about Structural Inequality - We believe patterns of inequality can and should be disrupted. We strive to be clear-eyed about these inequalities, and both the individual practice and system-changes required to address them. We push ourselves to overcome awkwardness in talking about this; and begin by acknowledging our own biases and blind spots.
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Asset-based - We work hard to avoid deficit thinking and aim to start with what’s strong, not what’s wrong. We are careful not to frame our colleagues and stakeholders - particularly young people and families – as victims but instead to recognise their agency.
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Wise selves - To both enjoy work and do their best, we want to make decisions and work with others in our “wise” - or regulated - selves. We also want to bring our compassionate self to those we work with, externally and internally, to support one another through challenging times.
How To Apply
To apply, please complete all sections of the application form by midnight on Sunday 21st April.
First round interviews will be held during the week beginning 6th May, over video call. Please indicate if you would not be available to attend an interview during this week.
If successful in this stage, second round interviews (including a task to be completed the same day) will take place on the week beginning 13th May, at our office in Bethnal Green.
We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage applications from under-represented groups in the charity sector such as people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people with experience in the care system, non-graduates and first-in-family graduates.
Please note that we're not able to sponsor work visas for this role and can only move forward with candidates who are eligible to work in the UK.
As part of our commitment to fairer recruitment, all applications will be assessed with names and any protected characteristics redacted.
Recommended Reading
If you’d like to understand more about The Difference and what we are trying to achieve, we would recommend the following:
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The research which underpins our organisation.
Our latest Impact Report, sharing our work in 2023
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.