Assistant jobs

Age UK Wandsworth is a local, independent charity that works to promote the wellbeing of all older people in the London Borough of Wandsworth. We offer a variety of services with the goal of helping older people to age well in Wandsworth.

Our charity is growing and we are now seeking a calm, professional and organised Finance Assistant for our Head Office to help our small team become even more efficient in serving older residents in the borough. 

Age UK Wandsworth is a local, independent charity that works to promote the wellbeing of all older people in the London Borough of Wandsworth. We offer a variety of services with the goal of helping older people to #AgeWellinWandsworth. Our charity is consistently growing, so we are creating this new role to support our CEO with social media, marketing and organising events. The role will suit someone who is calm, mature, professional, organised and creative and will be comfortable working directly with a creative and curious CEO committed to transforming the charity’s online presence.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and well-organised Events Assistant to support the planning and delivery of ABN’s events programme. This varied and rewarding role is ideal for someone looking to gain hands-on experience in events and stakeholder coordination within a national medical membership organisation. The successful candidate will work closely with the Events & Business Development Manager and wider ABN team. The position is offered on a fixed term basis for 12 months.

The ABN is the professional body for neurologists in the United Kingdom. Our mission is to support neurologists to improve the lives of people with neurological conditions. We do this by connecting the neurology community, advocating for high-quality services, and promoting excellence in education and research. The ABN is a dynamic membership society with over 2000 members, working hard to raise the voice of neurology at a national level.

About the role

This role supports the planning, coordination, and delivery of ABN events such as conferences, webinars, and training sessions, ensuring smooth logistics for both virtual and in-person activities. Key responsibilities include managing delegate and speaker administration, maintaining accurate event records, preparing event materials, and handling post-event feedback and reporting. The position also provides general administrative support, assists with website updates, sponsorship information, and CPD requirements, while ensuring accurate membership and event history records are maintained.

About you

We are looking for someone with the following skills:

Essential 

• Previous experience (voluntary or paid) in an administrative, customer service, or eventsrelated role.
• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail
• Confident communicator (written and verbal), with a polite and professional manner
• Able to work independently, manage priorities, and respond calmly to deadlines
• IT literate, including Microsoft Office Suite and online platforms (e.g. Zoom, Teams, EventBrite)
• Willingness to work occasional early mornings, evenings, or travel within the UK

Desirable

• Experience using CRM systems, membership databases, or event registration software
• Interest in health, science, or the medical charity sector
• Experience supporting virtual or hybrid events

Why work with us?

This is an exciting time to join the ABN as we undertake a project to develop our events and sponsorship opportunities  with a growing team. We offer a collaborative and friendly working environment, with lots of opportunity for professional development.

Benefits

28 days annual leave + 8 public holidays (pro-rata)
Generous pension contributions: you put in 1%, we’ll put in 10%
Professional development programme including regular 1:1s, appraisals and training opportunities
Hybrid working and flexible hours
Time off in lieu for ABN event attendance

Title: IT Assistant

Location: Northampton based - Hybrid at least 4 days in the office to begin with

Salary: £28,000

Contract Duration: 6 months with potential for extension

Overall job purpose

The IT Assistant will support the IT Manager in delivering comprehensive technical support that empowers the Trust’s mission across all departments. This role involves providing reliable technical assistance and vital maintenance of our IT systems and equipment. Acting as the friendly first point of contact for our dedicated staff, the successful candidate will proactively troubleshoot hardware, software, and network issues. By upholding strict security standards and GDPR compliance, you will safeguard the charity’s data and contribute to a secure, productive environment that allows our teams to thrive. 

Please download our recruitment pack for more information on this role. 

All successful applicants will be subject to a basic DBS, credit check, references and right to work checks.

We are a Disability Confident Committed Employer. Candidates who declare that they have a disability and who meet the essential criteria for the job will be offered an interview.

If you have any queries about this role, or if you have a disability and wish to request a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us.

We are an inclusive employer and offer equal opportunities to all regardless of an individual’s age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

We are not a licensed sponsor at this time. Any offer of employment will be made subject to valid right to work in the UK being provided.

The Events Assistant is a dynamic role centred on supporting the work of Hereford Cathedral’s Events Department. The Events Department’s core aim is to support the demand for income generating events and venue hires, such as light shows, silent discos, and multiple days of concerts, whilst also maintaining our programme of community, charity and missional engagement events and projects. These events help to anchor Hereford Cathedral’s identity as a space for all and a centre of the community, city and county.

The Events Assistant will join the department at an exciting time as we plan ahead for flagship events including the Medieval Hereford Festival over the summer, The Mysteries play in the Autumn and the ever-popular Christmas Fair. This is an exciting position in a busy department, ideal for a sociable and professional individual with attention to detail, initiative and a positive mindset.

KEY REPONSIBILITIES FOR THE ROLE

• Provide administrative support for the Events Department, including processing booking forms, email and phone enquiries, internal event forms, diary bookings, meeting agendas and minutes, float requests, and preparing for invoicing.

 • Provide practical administration of bookings for the smaller venues on the cathedral site. This involves clear communication with hirers, liaison with the catering team and acting as a warm and welcoming host when hirers arrive on site. The role also includes playing a key part, alongside the Events Manager and Marketing Department to increase corporate and private small venue hire bookings.

• Communicate effectively and professionally with external clients and venue hirers to ensure all details and arrangements for their events are obtained during the booking process, and ensure this is reported to the Events Manager and subsequently other cathedral staff.

• Assist the Events Department to effectively oversee and provide practical and administrative support for events run by other cathedral departments, such as Music, Education and Library and Archives. This will include regular support of the Education Department’s weekly ‘Cathedral Seedlings’ toddler group.

• Produce monthly notes for the cathedral Vergers which outline upcoming events. • Assist the rota and safety briefing preparation and be a key point of contact for the voluntary Commercial Event Steward team.

• Assist the Events Department and Visitor Engagement Manager with the CRM Box Office system ‘Spektrix’. This will include occasional event building and box office ticket sale duties.

• Support the Events and Development Officer to facilitate the successful running of the Escape Room, Escape Room Volunteers and delivery of sessions.

• Providing practical hands-on support on event days and sometimes acting as lead when the Events Manager or Events and Development Officer are not present. This will involve set-up and pack-down, front of house duties and steward, staff and venue hirer liaison. Setting up for events is a practical task which will require an organised person who takes initiative, who is active, physically fit and able to move light furniture (tables, chairs, tech equipment) when required.

General Attributes:

• To ensure compliance with the Cathedral’s safeguarding policies and procedures, including attaining a satisfactory DBS check and undertaking safeguarding training to the level required for the role.

• To ensure compliance with all other Cathedral policies and procedures, in particular the Health and Safety policy and the Conduct and Standards policy.

 • To successfully complete and keep up to date all training as deemed necessary for the role by the Line Manager and the Health and Safety Officer.

• To maintain an effective relationship across the whole cathedral community.

• To work towards fulfilment of the strategic priorities of the cathedral as they relate to your role.

• To work in accordance with our Cathedral core values of love, grace, integrity and service and the behaviours associated with them. The above is not an exhaustive list of duties, and you will be expected to perform different tasks necessitated by changes in your role within the developing ministry and objectives of Hereford Cathedral.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL

• Good standard of education to GCSE level or equivalent

• Ability to carry out various physical tasks, including being able to climb step ladders, move light furniture, such as chairs and tables, and provide swift emergency assistance during events

• Confident user of ICT systems, including Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

• Good organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to work efficiently to deadlines

• Communicate effectively in English, both written and verbally

• Good team player but able to work alone, use own initiative and know when to seek advice

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

DESIRABLE

• Previous experience of working for events, visitor engagement, hospitality, retail or community/ charity organisations

• Previous experience of delivering excellent customer service

• Previous experience of working with a ticketing box office system such as Spektrix.

• Hold a current First Aid at Work qualification, or a willingness and ability to attain one

• Understanding of Health and Safety legislation

REMUNERATION & BENEFITS

The position will command a starting salary of £23, 478 per annum.

OUR STAFF ALSO ENJOY

 • 33 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays)

• 35 hour week – flexible/hybrid working possible

• Pension benefits of 8% employer contribution

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Free parking (subject to availability)

• A pleasant working environment within historic buildings

• The camaraderie of supportive and friendly colleagues

• Responsibility and independence in a small team

• Opportunities for continuing professional development

• Discounts in the on-site café and shop

The post holder will be based in our Maggie’s West London centre and will be required to travel on a weekly basis between our three London centres- Maggie’s West London, Barts and Royal Free. 

As an integral member of the Fundraising Team, the London Fundraising Assistant will support the delivery of a range of successful fundraising activity based around the three centres, in order to maximise income for Maggie’s. 

As Fundraising Administrator, you will welcome and support visitors within the centre in their fundraising for Maggie’s as well as in the local community and ensuring they are motivated, informed and supported.  

This is a demanding role in a fast-paced environment where priorities change frequently.  

There will be a requirement to work irregular hours as well as frequent travel in the London area. 

Please note that interviews will take place on Monday 11th May in our Maggie's West London centre.

The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences - is seeking an Early Career Researcher Network Assistant to join the busy ECRN team in the Research Directorate, providing key support in the delivery of the Early Career Researcher Network (ECRN).

The Network aims to create an inclusive, supportive environment where early career researchers (ECRs) can develop their skills, expand their professional networks, and access opportunities that strengthen their career prospects. The Network is driven by the needs and interests of ECRs, promoting equality of opportunity and encouraging diverse participation. Through regional and national connections, intersectoral collaboration, and a programme of skills development, events, and networking, the ECRN enables more researchers to realise their potential and engage with the wider research community.

The ECRN went national at the end of 2025 and is now approaching 10,000 members, making this a particularly exciting time to join a dynamic and growing team. The Network is expanding its reach, strengthening its programme of events and opportunities, and deepening engagement with early career researchers across the UK.

The role

Reporting to the Head of ECRN, the post holder will provide core administrative and coordination support for the Early Career Research Network (ECRN), ensuring the smooth running of its operations, events, and communications. Working closely with colleagues in the team, they will help establish effective systems and processes that underpin the Network’s growth and delivery. The role involves regular interaction with researchers, universities, Academy Fellows, and colleagues across the Academy, requiring excellent organisation, communication, and stakeholder‑management skills.

They will be responsible for managing the ECRN inbox, supporting internal reporting, maintaining financial and administrative records, and ensuring timely information flow across teams. A key part of the role will be supporting the planning and delivery of the ECRN’s programme of online and in‑person events, including the biannual ECRN Forum, by liaising with venues, coordinating logistics, preparing papers, and providing on‑the‑day support. The post holder will also work with communications colleagues to help promote ECRN activities, including the Network’s podcast.

This is a varied and collaborative role, ideal for someone who enjoys building efficient processes, supporting events, and contributing to a programme that strengthens opportunities for early career researchers.

About the Academy

The British Academy is the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences, established by Royal Charter in 1902. We mobilise these disciplines to understand the world and shape a brighter future. Today’s complex challenges can only be resolved by deepening our insight into people, culture, and societies. With a Fellowship of around 1700 leading national and international academics, the Academy invests in researchers and projects across the UK and overseas; engages the public with fresh thinking and debates; and brings together scholars, government, business, and civil society to influence policy.

The Academy currently has five directorates: Communications & Marketing; Development; Policy; Research; and Resources, plus a small Governance & Fellowship Team. We have increased staffing in the last 12 months and expect to continue to grow this year.

Working at the Academy

Our senior management team have worked with staff to foster a culture of collaboration, respect, and empathy, in which all contributions are recognised as we work towards our common goals. Our people strategy and working practices focus on building strengths and sharing insights, with learning & development, wellbeing, and equality, diversity & inclusion at the centre of how we operate as an organisation. Investing in our staff and encouraging a healthy work/life balance is central to our success, as we move forward and continue to grow. Find out more about the British Academy, including our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement.

Terms and conditions

The British Academy is based at 10-11, Carlton House Terrace, London SW1, a Grade 1 listed building. We offer a competitive benefits package including a 35-hour working week, with hours and location worked flexibly under our hybrid-working policy; 34 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays; a subsidised canteen and an excellent occupational pension.

How to apply

We use Applied for our recruitment. Applied aims to overcome unconscious bias in recruiting. Instead of using CVs, candidates are asked to answer questions that test skills needed for the role. The responses are then anonymised and reviewed in a random order by members of the hiring panel.

To find out more and apply, please visit our website via the apply button.

Closing date: Midday on 7 May 2026 (we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications).

Interviews for this role are currently scheduled for 21 May 2026, but this may be subject to change.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, reflecting our commitment to a diverse and inclusive working environment, equal opportunity and addressing under-representation. We will make reasonable adjustments for disabled applicants and offer an interview to those meeting the minimum selection criteria

Are you an organised and proactive communicator with a keen interest in politics and social justice? Join Shelter as our Public Affairs Assistant and play a key role in helping to influence housing policy and drive change to end the housing emergency.

About the role

As Public Affairs Assistant, you will have responsibility for organising and delivering events in support of the team’s and Shelter’s strategic objectives. It will also see you maintain and find creative improvements to stakeholder management processes across the division, look after stakeholder contact data and keep records updated. Monitoring political developments and activities will be important too, as will gathering and recording intelligence and delivering your insights by providing political monitoring updates for the rest of the organisation. Helping to draft internal briefings and develop and execute campaigns, carrying out research and analysis and overseeing diary management for the team – all are aspects of this interesting and varied role.

Role specifics

We’re looking for an organised and proactive team player with a strong interest in politics and a passion for social justice to join Shelter as a Public Affairs Assistant. You’ll support the delivery of impactful public affairs activity, helping to influence decision makers and drive change to end the housing emergency. This is a varied role where you’ll help organise events, manage stakeholder relationships, monitor political developments and produce clear, compelling briefings and campaign materials. You’ll work closely with colleagues across the organisation, supporting campaigning strategies and building relationships with political stakeholders. With excellent communication skills, strong attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities, you’ll bring enthusiasm, initiative and a willingness to learn and grow in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Apply to be part of our team and be the change you want to see in society.

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.

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 the team

The Public Affairs team sits within CPC. We are responsible for achieving political change and building relationships across the political and policy world to help Shelter achieve its goals. There are currently five members of the team.

About Shelter

Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet everyday millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.

We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.

Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.

Safeguarding statement

 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.

Salary: £27,212.50 per annum

Location: Preston Furniture Shelter Shop

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week

Closing date: Sunday the 10th of May at 11:30pm

We're looking for an inspirational people person to join us as a Assistant Shop Manager in our Preston Furniture shop. This is an exciting opportunity, and we'd like you to join us to help raise vital funds for homeless and badly housed people.

You will work closely with the Shop Manager to ensure the shop looks welcoming, visually appealing and the team of volunteers are motivated and keen to engage with customers and maximise sales.

About the role

You will assist the Shop Manager in the recruitment, support and development of a strong community focused shop team and empower them to maximise Shelter's income. Representing Shelter in your local community, ensuring that you and your team share your knowledge of Shelter's cause with customers, volunteers, donors and potential Shelter clients will also be important aspects of the role. You will always ensure a safe, clean, bright and happy environment for your team to work in and for your customers to shop in, in turn attracting potential donors and volunteers.

About you

You are a naturally energetic person with an enthusiasm for managing and empowering people. You know how to recruit and develop a team of volunteers, and your extraordinary motivational skills will enable you to inspire your team to increase sales and control costs. Above all, you are ready to take on a new challenge and have a keen interest in Shelter's cause.

Apply to be part of our team and be the change you want to see in society.

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.

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.

How to Apply

Please click ‘Apply for Job’ below. You are required to submit a CV and a supporting statement. Please provide specific examples of how you meet the criteria in the 'About you' section of this advert, 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

Any applications submitted without a supporting statement will not be considered

About Shelter

Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet everyday millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.

We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.

Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.

Safeguarding statement

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.

We're looking for an inspirational people person to join us as a Assistant Shop Manager in our Edinburgh Dalry shop. This is an exciting opportunity, and we'd like you to join us to help raise vital funds for homeless and badly housed people.

You will work closely with the Shop Manager to ensure the shop looks welcoming, visually appealing and the team of volunteers are motivated and keen to engage with customers and maximise sales.

About the role

You will assist the Shop Manager in the recruitment, support and development of a strong community focused shop team and empower them to maximise Shelter's income. Representing Shelter in your local community, ensuring that you and your team share your knowledge of Shelter's cause with customers, volunteers, donors and potential Shelter clients will also be important aspects of the role. You will always ensure a safe, clean, bright and happy environment for your team to work in and for your customers to shop in, in turn attracting potential donors and volunteers.

About you

You are a naturally energetic person with an enthusiasm for managing and empowering people. You know how to recruit and develop a team of volunteers, and your extraordinary motivational skills will enable you to inspire your team to increase sales and control costs. Above all, you are ready to take on a new challenge and have a keen interest in Shelter's cause.

Apply to be part of our team and be the change you want to see in society.

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.

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.

How to Apply

Please click ‘Apply for Job’ below. You are required to submit your work history and a supporting statement. Please provide specific examples of how you meet the criteria in the 'About you' section of this advert, 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

Any applications submitted without a supporting statement will not be considered

About Shelter

Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet everyday millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything,

We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.

Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.

Safeguarding statement

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.

Specialist Teaching Assistant (STA) – Autism / SEND

Ambitious About Autism is recruiting for a Specialist Teaching Assistant (STA) to support autistic young people aged 16–25 at Ambitious College, our specialist further education college.

• Full time, permanent (term time only)
• Hours: 9am - 4.30pm
• Salary: £25,837 - £27,165 per annum
• Location: Tottenham, North London (N15 4FY)
• Start date: September 2026 (earlier start dates available)

Please note, this role may not meet Skilled Worker visa sponsorship criteria

You will work 1:1 with autistic learners, supporting them to access learning, build independence, confidence, and life skills — both on campus and in the community. This role involves personal care.

This role is ideal for candidates with experience or interest in:

• SEN / SEND
• Autism
• Learning Support Assistant or Teaching Assistant roles
• Care, youth work, education, or psychology backgrounds

What we offer:

• Term time only working (paid across 52 weeks)
• Extensive autism specific training and CPD
• Support from leading autism specialists
• Free daily breakfast
• Employee benefits including EAP, cycle-to-work, and season ticket loans
• Full benefits package on our website

(Due to a high number of applications, we reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the advertised end date).

Ambitious About Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age.

Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations. We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people.

Ambitious About Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search may be carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

The safeguarding responsibilities of the post are as per the job description and person specification.
Whether the post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities, certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.

Assistant Finance Director (12–18 month FTC to begin)
A leading Housing Association in the area

A well-established and forward-thinking Housing Association is seeking an Assistant Finance Director to join on a 12–18 month contract initially. Reporting directly to the CFO, this position offers a unique opportunity to operate as the number two in finance, playing a key role in both strategic leadership and operational delivery.

The organisation provides a broad range of general and supported housing and is recognised for its commitment to delivering high-quality services and positive outcomes for its communities.

This role is ideally suited to a senior finance professional with Housing sector experience who is looking to step into a high-impact leadership role, driving improvements across people, processes, and financial insight.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and develop the finance function, acting as deputy to the CFO
• Oversee financial and management accounting, ensuring robust reporting and controls
• Support financial planning, treasury activities, and development finance
• Drive a high-quality business partnering function across the organisation
• Lead on improving financial processes, systems, and internal controls
• Support the Executive team on business planning, including scenario modelling and stress testing

Requirements

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA)
• Proven experience within a Housing Association or Registered Provider
• Strong leadership capability, with experience managing and developing teams
• Ability to operate at a strategic level and influence senior stakeholders
• Excellent technical finance skills combined with a commercial, business-partnering mindset
• Strong analytical and systems capability, with confident communication skills

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious finance leader looking to step into a director level role within a purpose-driven organisation.

Contract:  Permanent, 37.5 hours per week  

Salary:  £26,812 - 28,830 per annum 

Location: Radcliffe, Greater Manchester, M26 1NQ 

Closing date:  Thursday 7th May 2026 

Interview date:  20th - 22nd May 2026 

We’re looking for a passionate and driven Assistant Manager – Client Services to help lead our work supporting people and pets across our Manchester rehoming, advice and behaviour unit. If you have a flair for client care and a love of animal welfare, this is your chance to make a real difference. 

More about the role

Our Radcliffe-based centre is at the heart of Blue Cross’s work in Greater Manchester, providing vital services in a creative, community-focused way. We don’t have kennels or catteries on site, so we think differently to help pets and their people, from running a busy food bank to delivering rehoming and support services for a variety of animals.

As Assistant Manager – Client Services, you’ll be at the forefront of this work. You’ll: 

• Lead the client services team to deliver exceptional care from first enquiry through to adoption or other support 
• Work closely with the team to assess and admit pets, match them with the right adopters, and guide clients through every step of their journey 
• Use data and insights to shape services and continuously improve client experience 
• Collaborate with the local leadership team to meet targets and drive pet welfare outcomes 
• Be hands-on with day-to-day operations including managing enquiries, prioritising admissions and promoting pets in our care 

This is a permanent, full-time role, working full time at 37.5 hours per week on a rota that includes 1 in 3 weekends and bank holidays. The working day is from 8.30am to 5.00pm. 

About you

You understand what it takes to match pets with new homes and are passionate about delivering an outstanding client experience. With a sharp eye for detail and a drive for improvement, you know how to assess what’s working – and what’s not. 

A natural leader, you bring out the best in your team, supporting and coaching them to grow. You're calm under pressure, thrive in busy environments, and communicate clearly with people from all walks of life. 

Your resilience and empathy shine through in emotional situations, helping you build trust, handle challenges with care, and create a compassionate, high-performing team. 

Knowledge, skills, and experience 

• Experience of working in a rescue welfare environment. 
• Significant experience of managing a team. 
• Experience in delivering high level client service. 
• Experience of working in a fast-paced environment. 
• High standard of verbal and written communication. 
• Proven decision-making ability. 
• Current full driving license. 
• The ability to demonstrate, understand and apply our Blue Cross Values 

It would be great (but not essential) if you also had:  

• Performance management and improvement experience.  
• Understanding of safeguarding issues. 
• Experience of admission and adoption processes in a rescue environment. 

Want to know more detail? Great! We have attached the job description which hopefully gives you everything you need.  

How to apply  

Click the apply button below and complete the online application process before the closing date Thursday 7th May 2026. 

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response.  

Blue Cross benefits

Our people are the most important part of delivering our purpose. If it were not for their amazing efforts and commitment, we would not be able to make the difference that we do today.  

In return, Blue Cross wants to ensure we provide you with the best working environment we can. We want you to be happy working for us and will do everything we can to make sure you are.  

Our generous benefits package includes: 

• Full time equivalent of 38 days holiday rising to 43 with service (including Bank Holidays)  
• Programmes for physical and mental wellbeing support  
• Free access to GP via MetLife- 24/7 GP services, private prescriptions and more for you and your family   
• Health cash plan  
• Unlimited access to an employee assistance programme  
• Pension scheme with enhanced employer contribution   
• Professional fees paid with Continuing Professional Development and personal development support.  
• Life assurance   
• 20% discount on Pet Plan pet insurance   
• Enhanced family friendly policies   
• Recognition scheme   
• Annual volunteer days  
• Charity worker discounts across a variety of retailers 

To read more about the benefits Blue Cross has to offer, please visit the 'why work for us' page on our website.  

About Blue Cross

If you’d like to learn more about Blue Cross, our mission, and the work we do to support animals and people, take a look at our About Us page

Salary: £26,936 (London) / £24,479 (National) per annum
Hours: Full time
Contract: Fixed term (until 31st May 2027)
Benefits:

- 27 days’ annual leave + statutory holidays + three closures days over the Christmas period.
- Flexible working for all staff including working from home/hybrid working, and flexitime/TOIL scheme.
- Attractive family friendly policies.
- Private healthcare cover.
- Season ticket loans.
- Employee awards, and training and development opportunities.

For more information about our benefits please visit our website.

Office locations: London or Bristol

Please note, the successful candidate will be expected to carry out two days in-person working per week on average which will include attendance at your office location.

Flexible working arrangements can be discussed and agreed with the line manager subject to role and business needs.

An exciting opportunity has arisen at the National Housing Federation (NHF) for a Policy Assistant, who will work to support our policy team to develop high quality, relevant, evidence-based policy. The NHF is the voice of housing associations in England. We are the trade body to almost 600 housing associations, who have grown from philanthropic roots to provide 2.6 million homes to around six million people. You can find further information about the NHF here: https://www.housing.org.uk/about-us/

Interested in providing support to a hard-working team and helping to develop policy positions that support the interests of housing associations and their social residents?

Please scroll down to the bottom of the page to download the full job profile and person specification for this role.

Key elements of the role:

- Providing support to the team in engaging with member housing associations to identify and respond to the key opportunities and challenges facing them now, and in the future.
- Undertaking evidence gathering and analysis to support policy development.
- Contributing to policy development, including by drafting text for briefings or consultation responses, and taking forward elements of policy projects with support from colleagues.
- Supporting the running of policy team meetings and events.

The successful candidate:
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:

- Experience of delivering excellent customer service and giving accurate advice/information in a timely manner.
- Knowledge of or interest in housing and social policy.
- Knowledge of or interest in the policy development process.
- Ability to communicate in writing and verbally to different audiences.
- Ability to bring together and summarise information from different sources.
- Excellent administrative skills with the ability to prioritise, multi task and meet deadlines.

Equality, diversity and inclusion
The NHF has published its equality, diversity and inclusion strategy, which was co-created with staff – https://www.housing.org.uk/about-us/transparency/who-we-are/. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and we value the contribution each individual makes to our work.
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and are working to increase the diversity profile of our workforce. We are currently under-represented by ethnic minorities, people with a disability or disabilities and LGBTQ+, and would particularly welcome applications from people in these groups.

Disability confident employer

We are a disability confident employer and if you are a disabled person who meets the skills and experience we consider essential for the role, we will offer you an interview.

Please note: there may be occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the job. In certain recruitment situations such as high-volume of applications, we may be required to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people.
In these circumstances the NHF will select the disabled candidates who best meet the minimum criteria for the job rather than all of those that meet the minimum criteria, as we would do for non-disabled applicants. This is in line with the Disability Confident guidelines.
We are happy to consider reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process if you have a disability or have a condition that you feel may affect your performance during the recruitment process. Please e-mail the People team at [email protected] with your request or to arrange a time to discuss in more detail.
Our role profile and job advert can also be requested in large print or in accessible format via this email address.

Completing our Application Form
To apply for this role, please complete our online application form. The application form includes your employment and education history plus you will be asked to answer questions in relation to your knowledge, skills and experience, why you are applying for the role and questions in relation to our values. The application form is anonymous and will not require you to upload a CV or cover letter. This will help us to shortlist candidates for interview based solely on their knowledge, skills and experience.

Right to work in the UK/UK VISA sponsorship
You must have the right to work in the UK and it is important to note that the NHF does not sponsor individuals to work in the UK.

Closing date for applications: 7th May 2026

Interview date: w/c 18th or 25th May 2026