Assistant jobs in City of london, england

Overview

We’re looking for an Assistant Business Development Officer (Bid Writer) to join our national Business Development Team. This is a great opportunity for an excellent writer to start or grow your bid writing career in a successful team with progression opportunities. 

Location: London, Brighton, Manchester or Leeds. 

Salary: £27,861.26 − £32,002.35 per year. If you’re based in London, you’ll receive an additional £4,133.14 per year as Inner London Weighing. 

Contract: 12 months fixed term. 

Responsibilities

About the role 

Change Grow Live is a health and social care charity. Across the country, we support people to make positive changes in their lives, including around drug and alcohol use, smoking, homelessness and criminal justice. 

As an Assistant Business Development Officer, you’ll play a key part in helping us secure new contracts and deliver high quality services for adults, children and young people. You’ll support the development of bids and proposals by writing, researching and collaborating with colleagues across the organisation. 

Your day-to-day will include: 

• Writing and editing bid responses 
• Working with colleagues across the organisation and our partner agencies 
• Completing online research, analysing data and collating evidence 
• Creating presentations, diagrams and reports 
• Helping improve how we do things. 

This is a developmental role, and you’ll receive ongoing support, guidance and training to help you progress. 

About you 

We’re looking for excellent writers who share our passion for supporting people to make positive changes in their lives. You don’t need previous experience in business development, but experience in health and social care, writing, sales, research, or data is beneficial. 

You are: 

• A clear, concise and engaging writer 
• Motivated to learn and develop, welcoming feedback 
• Collaborative and contribute to a positive culture team 
• Curious and analytical 
• Solution-focused, creative and proactive 
• Ready to work hard to deliver on CGL’s values and mission. 

What we offer 

You’ll be able to access structured training, development and mentoring as part of a supportive team. There’s a clear progression pathway within the team. We have a great record of people quickly progressing to Business Development Officer and Senior Business Development Officer roles as they take on increased volume, complexity, and leadership across proposals. 

We also offer: 

• The option to work from home for some of the week 
• Wellbeing support, including an employee assistance programme and an hour each week for wellbeing activities of your choice (find out more here). 

We want our workforce to represent the diversity of the people and communities we work with. We pride ourselves on an inclusive and supportive workplace, evidenced through our Investors in People silver status. 

We’re happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that you need to be successful. Please let us know in your application or at any stage of the process if you would like to discuss this. 

Before you apply 

In the application portal, there’s a section called ‘how you meet the criteria for the role’. This is your chance to tell us about why you’re a good fit for this job – we won’t be able to consider your application unless it’s filled in. Please explain how you meet each of the person specification criteria (listed at the end of the job description). Use clear examples of your experience (this link contains some useful guidance). As guidance, written statements should not exceed 1,000 words. You can address multiple criteria together where you think it makes sense. 

Interviews will be held 16th – 23rd February 2026 via MS Teams. We’ll also ask shortlisted candidates to complete a written task online during this timeframe, at a time of your choice. We may hold a pre-qualification stage task (e.g. presentation) depending on the number of applicants. 

We encourage applications from individuals who may not meet every requirement but are excited about the role. We value lived experience of substance use, homelessness, and/or multiple disadvantages. 

We’re a Disability Confident Committed employer. Under our Disability Confident interview scheme, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates where they meet our selection criteria in their application. Some of our roles attract a high volume of applications and in some circumstances where it is not practicable or appropriate, we may limit the number of interviews offered to disabled and non-disabled candidates. Please confirm in the ‘how you meet the criteria for the role’ part of the application if you are applying under this scheme. We will provide reasonable adjustments as needed. 

Check the job description and team explainer for more information. You can contact Yasmin Gilders to discuss this role further. 

What our people say 

George, who progressed from Assistant Business Development Officer to Business Development Officer last year: 

“What was your route into the team? I came into Business Development after starting out in frontline roles in local authorities and then a housing charity, where I realised I wanted to continue having an impact on people’s lives, but on a bigger scale. The Assistant Business Development Officer role was a perfect progression, and after about a year I successfully applied for a Business Development Officer role. This felt really manageable given the space for development as an Assistant Business Development Officer. 

What are your favourite parts of the job? Winning contracts is a really great feeling, especially when I know they’ve been shaped with service users and colleague to make sure we’re designing services that offer the best support to the most people. I also value the constant opportunities to learn, feeling supported in my development, and seeing the decisions I’m involved in having a real impact on people’s lives.

What were your highlights from last year? Our team away day in Liverpool, which was great fun as well as chance to hear from the managers of our new Liverpool service. It was one of the first bids I worked on as an Assistant Business Development Officer, and it was amazing to see our bid come to life, being delivered by a passionate group of people.

What would you say to someone thinking of applying? I’d definitely say go for it, and once you start, embrace how much there is to learn! Make the most of a really knowledgeable and supportive team, of managers who genuinely want you to succeed, and of all the opportunities to try new things and develop new skills.” 

Holly, who has progressed from Assistant Business Development Officer to Senior Business Development Officer: 

“What was your route into the team? I was a psychology graduate and teacher training drop out! With my experience of working in schools and academic research into young people’s substance use, I started working as an Education Lead for one of CGL’s young person’s services. After a year I applied to join the Business Development Team, wanting to utilise my experience of working frontline and my love of research and writing. I’ve progressed from Assistant to Officer and then Senior Officer since joining the team in 2022.  

How would you describe the team? Helpful, real and full of knowledge. Everyone comes from different backgrounds and is happy to share their skills, knowledge and learning. I’ve never felt like I’ve asked a silly question, and I don’t feel like I must put a on ‘work mask’.

What would you say to someone thinking of applying? Not to think they can’t do it just because they don’t have experience in bid writing or business development. It’s more important to be able to demonstrate that they’re a confident professional writer and are really passionate about working in the drug and alcohol support sector.” 

Salary Range (pro rata if part time)

CGL points 23 to 28 (£27,861.26 - £32,002.35)

Interview Date

16/2/2026

Closing Date

8/2/2026

Job Description

In financial year 2025-26, PCR’s virtual challenges have raised over £2m so far (against a target of £1.4m) with still one more big challenge to go! We are thrilled at the impact this will have for families affected by prostate cancer, and are therefore excited to be expanding the Events & Community team again with this new role.

The Supporter Engagement Assistant will be at the frontline of our virtual challenges stewardship, supporting a rapidly growing supporter base and delivering exceptional supporter experiences. The role is ideal for someone who enjoys building relationships, is highly organised and is eager to develop within a supportive and ambitious fundraising team.

While your focus will be on virtual challenges, you will also gain exposure to the wider Public Fundraising portfolio, with full training and support provided.

Key Responsibilities

Supporter Care & Engagement

• Be the first point of contact for virtual challenge fundraisers, responding to enquires on email, SMS, social channels and phone within agreed timescales.

• Manage supporter relationships and high-quality fundraiser journeys using PCR’s systems and tools, providing thoughtful stewardship that builds long term loyalty.

• Work with the team to continuously improve supporter experience using feedback and data

• Create and maintain FAQs, supporter resources and fundraising materials.

• Monitor acquisition advertisements and appropriately respond to comments.

Administration and database

• Manage stock, including sharing data with our fulfilment house, sending merchandise and replenishing materials.

• Process supporter and financial data accurately, including coding and tracking income & expenditure.

• Support database administration in line with data protection needs.

Teamwork

• Actively contribute to meetings, sharing new ideas and learnings.

• Work with the team to embed our ‘agile’ ways of working, where we all take collective responsibility for the team’s goals and work together to achieve them.

• Be flexible in busy times, getting involved with other projects and tasks across Public Fundraising team as needed.

• Attendance will be required at some weekend and evening events, for which TOIL will be given.

Skills and Competencies

Our ideal candidate would have the following:

• A willingness to get stuck in, proactive problem-solving skills and lots of initiative.

• Very good written and verbal communication skills – the ability to communicate clearly, empathetically, and professionally with a diverse range of people, particularly supporters and patients

• Very good attention to detail (e.g. with data entry tasks) and good IT skills (e.g. web applications and file systems).

• Excellent organisation skills and an ability to identify the best use of time to complete day-to-day tasks.

• Work effectively individually and as part of a team.

• A belief in PCR’s work, goals and our values: innovation, collaboration, accountability and empathy.

Desirable:

• Demonstrable or transferable experience of an administrative or support role, within an office environment.

• Experience working with a CRM system and Microsoft 365 applications (Word, Excel, Outlook etc.).

• A good understanding or interest in events & community fundraising activities

• Ability to handle and process financial transactions.

• Knowledge of the Fundraising Code of Practice and data protection principles (including GDPR & confidentiality).

• Experience assisting with event administration or logistics.

• Experience using social media and digital communication tools (e.g. Miro/MURAL, Canva etc).

How To Apply

Please apply by submitting your CV and a short supporting statement (maximum 600 words) outlining why you would like the role and why you think you’d be a good fit, giving examples of previous experience.

There will be a two-stage interview process. The first interview will be online w/c 16th February, and the second interview will be a more informal in-person interview at our offices in London w/c 23rd February.

For an informal chat about the role, please contact Natalie Robertson, the hiring manager. Contact details available in the full job description.

For more information about our organisation and what we do, visit the Prostate Cancer Research website, The Prostate Progress webpage, and the PCR online patient resource, The Infopool.

PCR is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of their race, gender, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. 

Summary 

We are looking for a proactive and hands-on individual to join our growing team as a Community Assistant, playing a vital role in the day-to-day delivery of our community programme. This is a practical, people-focused role centered on creating safe, welcoming spaces where women can connect, learn, and grow. You will be at the heart of our events and workshops, handling the essential logistics that remove barriers and allow the women we support to engage fully.

An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check will be undertaken. This post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement section under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

Job description and person specification

Women who've survived trafficking and exploitation deserve spaces where they feel safe, valued, and free to grow. As our new Community Assistant, you'll be at the heart of our expanding community programme and making that happen. 

This is an exciting time to join Ella's. We're scaling up our workshops, events, and community activities, creating more opportunities for survivors to connect, learn, and move forward. And this practical, hands-on role will be central to that growth.

You'll be the one setting up workshops, coordinating the details that make events run smoothly, and creating the warm, welcoming atmosphere where survivors can thrive. From arranging transport to ensuring there are refreshments and fidget toys on hand, you'll handle the logistics that remove barriers and help women engage fully.

Every session you support, every practical problem you solve, it all adds up to something powerful: women reclaiming their futures. And you'll be building this work from the ground up

Key tasks

Casework provision 

• Provide support for our weekly sessions and programs.

• Contribute to the initial planning and development of regular and seasonal community events.

• Assist with delivering all scheduled workshops, courses, and community events.

• Manage logistical aspects of sessions, including preparing materials, setting up and tidying event spaces, and ensuring all essential items are available (refreshments, first aid supplies, registration and feedback forms, and fidget toys).

• Address practical barriers for attendees, such as coordinating transport expenses are covered and childcare support is arranged (if applicable).

• Create a welcoming and engaging atmosphere during sessions.

• Support in the creation of resources, such as short videos and simple manuals, to support basic skill development for survivors.

• Support the collection of survivor feedback, with a focus on helping those with language barriers so that everyone's voice is heard.

Administrative support

• Help complete and maintain all session plans, risk assessments, and reflection notes for community sessions.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of attendance and M&E data registry.

• Support content gathering for communications as needed.

Person specification

Essential 

• Skilled in organising events and activities, ensuring they align with the needs and preferences of the survivor community.

• Strong organisational and administrative skills to manage paperwork, coordinate events, meet deadlines and maintain accurate records.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to create a welcoming atmosphere and interact with diverse community members.

• Ability to maintain clear boundaries.

• Excellent IT skill suitable for the role, in particular Microsoft Word, Google Drive, Gmail

• Empathy and a sensitive approach to working with vulnerable individuals and survivors.

• Problem-solving ability to address practical issues for attendees, such as transport or childcare needs.

• Attention to detail for tasks like record-keeping, data entry, and form completion.

• Basic IT skills including proficiency in word processing (e.g., Microsoft Word, Google Docs) and email.

• The ability to work effectively as part of a team to support the overall goals of the community program.

• Experience in a practical, hands-on role supporting or facilitating events, workshops, or group activities.

• Experience in coordinating logistics for events and workshops in collaboration with facilities management.

• Direct experience working with vulnerable individuals or in a community support setting.

• Experience with logistical tasks, such as setting up event spaces and managing supplies.

• Understanding of trauma and mental health support needs.

• Safeguarding and professional boundaries.

• Principles of good health and safety.

• Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

• Possess a commitment to follow the policies and procedures and ethos of Ella’s and be a committed advocate of our work 

• It is a requirement of this job role that she is female under the Equality Act 2010 

• The post holder is expected to be familiar with and have regard to the values and principles of Ella’s. The postholder must be prepared to operate within the ethos of the organisation and ensure that people of all backgrounds and beliefs are respected.

Desirable

• A second language is highly desirable. 

• Working with migrants, including refugees and asylum seekers.

• Experience supporting individuals with language barriers.

• Working in small charities.

• Familiarity with the challenges and barriers faced by survivors.

• Knowledge of local community resources or support networks.

• Experience of working with people from different backgrounds

Benefits 

• You will be part of a small but dynamic organisation changing women’s lives, supporting and empowering them to build safe futures.

• You will have the opportunity to help give direction and vision to the work of Ella’s, and to work alongside a committed team.

• Access to a professional supervisor.

• 28 days holiday, plus bank holidays.

• Regular social wellbeing initiatives.

• Health benefits programme for all staff.

Special conditions

• An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check will be undertaken.

• Due to the nature of the work, this post is for women only.

• The role is subject to a six-month probationary period.

• An ability and willingness to work flexibly, and at other Ella’s locations if required, is necessary for this role.

How to apply 

To apply for this role, please submit the following: 

• Up to date CV 

• Covering letter 

• Completed equal opportunities online monitoring form. The information on this form will be treated as confidential and used for statistical purposes only. The form will not be treated as part of your application. This form is submitted online and does not need to be emailed with your application documents. 

Please apply on CharityJob with your CV and covering letter before 9:00am on Thursday 12 February 2026.

We will review applications as we receive them and may offer interviews before the closing date. It is intended that interviews will be held in person or online in February/March. Candidates will be invited to interview by email, so please check your spam. 

Please also note that appointment to this role will be subject to a enhanced DBS check. 

Two reasons why you should join Ella’s

1. You will make a difference: Ella’s is a London-based organisation working with women who have survived trafficking and sexual exploitation. Join us, and be a crucial part of ensuring survivors have all they need to recover and build lives that are safe and free. 

2. You will work in a great place: We are a passionate, growing organisation. Of our staff, 100% say they would recommend Ella’s as a place to work. As a team, we are strong, women-led, authentic, professional, fun and supportive of one another.

More about Ella’s 

Ella’s is a London-based organisation working with women who have survived trafficking and sexual exploitation. Our mission is to do everything we can to ensure survivors have all they need to recover and build lives that are safe and free. 

Here is a summary of our main activities: 

• We run six safe houses. This supported accommodation is crucial for survivors, until they are ready and able to live independently. 

• We provide regular support for women and families in neighbourhoods across London, and many more further afield when they need us. 

• We speak out on issues affecting the women we work with. We care deeply about survivors of trafficking and exploitation and want to see a world where these crimes are not tolerated. 

Ella’s is an equal opportunities employer. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities, as we believe having a diverse team adds value and positively impacts our service. We actively encourage applicants from BAME backgrounds, LGBTQ+ applicants and those with disabilities. We are committed to equality and diversity within our organisation. 

Job Purpose

To support the Finance Manager in delivering accurate and timely financial reporting, including the preparation of management accounts, statutory financial statements, and budget monitoring. The postholder will take full ownership of the charity’s purchase ledger function and banking operations, ensuring robust financial controls and strong supplier and banking relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with monthly management accounts production.
• Lead on the purchase ledger function, including processing, reconciling, and maintaining supplier accounts.
• Administer the purchase order workflow, actively chasing outstanding invoices and resolving queries with requesters to maintain smooth processing.
• Credit Card – Distribute statements for coding and monitor their return to ensure compliance within the specified timeframe.
• Manage the end-to-end accounts payable process, ensuring timely and accurate payments in line with internal controls.
• Maintain and reconcile bank accounts, including daily banking and month-end reconciliations.
• Support the production of statutory accounts in accordance with the Charity SORP and liaise with external auditors.
• Support the Finance Manager in developing and improving financial systems and procedures, ensuring all documentation remains current.
• Provide financial insight and support to non-finance colleagues across the organisation.
• Assist with payroll processing and pension contributions, as required.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, financial policies, and relevant legislation.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Part-qualified or qualified by experience in accounting (e.g. AAT, ACCA, CIMA).
• Proven experience managing a purchase ledger and banking platforms.
• Strong understanding of charity finance and the Charity SORP.
• Proficient in accounting software (e.g. Sage) and Excel.
• Excellent attention to detail and analytical skills.
• Strong communication skills and ability to explain financial information to non-finance staff.

Desirable:

• Experience working in the charity or not-for-profit sector.
• Familiarity with restricted and unrestricted fund accounting.
• Experience supporting audits and liaising with external stakeholders.

Benefits of working at Chain of Hope

• The opportunity to work for an internationally respected children’s charity, making a tangible difference to young lives around the world
• Fully serviced, modern office based in a FORA building in West London, with access to an on-site gym and high-quality facilities
• Private healthcare
• Supportive, collaborative and values-driven working environment
• Flexible working arrangements, where role-appropriate
• Competitive annual leave allowance, plus public holidays
• Employer pension contribution
• Opportunities for learning, professional development and skills growth
• A chance to be part of a small, passionate team where your contribution is visible and valued