Assistant secretary jobs

Permanent,| Full Time | Circa £35,000 + Excellent Benefits

Location: London

Make a Difference Every Day

For more than 100 years, the RAF Benevolent Fund has been supporting the RAF Family. We are a key partner in the Royal Air Force’s mission to look after its people during and after service, ensuring that this service is valued, recognised, and people are supported even when uniforms are eventually shed. We are a national charity with international reach, delivering emotional, financial and practical support wherever and whenever it is needed. Each year, our vital services and support continued to help those serving, families, veterans, and the bereaved, in 30 other countries and in 2024 more than 64,000 people benefitted from the charity’s work.

As an organisation, we encourage learning and development and there will be ample opportunity to learn more about the Royal Air Force, the broad impact of the Fund’s work as well as developing your own skillset. 

About the Role
We’re looking for a proactive, highly organised Executive Assistant to support to the Director of Fundraising and Director of Strategy & Impact. You’ll manage complex schedules, coordinate meetings and committees, prepare key documents, and support strategic projects.

This is a role for someone who thrives on responsibility and variety. You’ll:

· Act as secretary for key committees, preparing agendas and taking minutes.

· Liaise with senior stakeholders internally and externally.

· Ensure smooth communication across the organisation.

· Have the opportunity to volunteer for events, meet with beneficiaries and visit RAF Stations.

What We’re Looking For

· Exceptional organisational and communication skills.

· Ability to take initiative whilst providing timely and consistent support to Directors.

· Ability to manage multiple priorities with discretion and professionalism.

· Confidence engaging with senior internal and external stakeholders.

Additional Information

· Standard DBS check required.

· Must have the right to work in the UK.

How to Apply
Click [here] to submit your CV and a cover letter explaining why you’re the perfect fit, including examples of how you meet the job profile.

Closing Date: Monday 12 January 2025, 5:00pm

A copy of the Fund’s Candidate Privacy Notice can be found on our website. As an equal opportunities employer, the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. The Fund takes safeguarding seriously, and appropriate background checks will be completed. You can find out more about our commitment to safeguarding on our website.

The RAF Benevolent Fund follows Safer Recruitment practices as it strives to ensure that everyone who comes into contact with the Fund will be protected from harm. The successful candidate for this role will need to be Standard DBS checked and prove they have the right to work in the UK. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join the Fund.

The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund is a Registered Charity (No. 1081009).

Permanent, | Full Time | Circa £35,000 + Excellent Benefits

Location: London

Make a Difference Every Day

For more than 100 years, the RAF Benevolent Fund has been supporting the RAF Family. We are a key partner in the Royal Air Force’s mission to look after its people during and after service, ensuring that this service is valued, recognised, and people are supported even when uniforms are eventually shed. We are a national charity with international reach, delivering emotional, financial and practical support wherever and whenever it is needed. Each year, our vital services and support continued to help those serving, families, veterans, and the bereaved, in 30 other countries and in 2024 more than 64,000 people benefitted from the charity’s work.

As an organisation, we encourage learning and development and there will be ample opportunity to learn more about the Royal Air Force, the broad impact of the Fund’s work as well as developing your own skillset. 

About the Role
We’re looking for a proactive, highly organised individual to provide executive-level support to the Director of Resources and Director of Technology. You’ll manage complex schedules, coordinate meetings, provide direct support to committees, prepare key documents, and support strategic projects.

This is a role for someone who thrives on responsibility and variety. You’ll:

· Act as secretary for key committees.

· Liaise with senior stakeholders internally and externally.

· Ensure smooth communication across the organisation.

· Have the opportunity to volunteer for events, meet with beneficiaries and visit RAF Stations.

What We’re Looking For

· Exceptional organisational and communication skills.

· Ability to take initiative whilst providing timely and consistent support to Directors.

· Ability to manage multiple priorities with discretion and professionalism.

· Confidence engaging with senior internal and external stakeholders.

Additional Information

· Must have the right to work in the UK.

How to Apply
Click [here] to submit your CV and a cover letter explaining why you’re the perfect fit, including examples of how you meet the job profile.

Closing Date: Monday 12 January 2025, 5:00pm

A copy of the Fund’s Candidate Privacy Notice can be found on our website. As an equal opportunities employer, the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. The Fund takes safeguarding seriously, and appropriate background checks will be completed. You can find out more about our commitment to safeguarding on our website.

The RAF Benevolent Fund follows Safer Recruitment practices as it strives to ensure that everyone who comes into contact with the Fund will be protected from harm. The successful candidate for this role will need to prove they have the right to work in the UK. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join the Fund.

The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund is a Registered Charity (No. 1081009).

Please note there are two positions available: 1 Permanent and 1 Fixed Term Contract (12 Months)

Location: Office Based - London (Southwark) (due to the nature of this role, it cannot be offered on a home-working or hybrid basis)

Job Profile

Are you interested in an opportunity in the charity sector? Would you like to develop an understanding of internal processes and liaise with multiple teams in the organisation? Are you someone who likes to work with money, data and people?

The post holder will contribute to ensuring the Supporter Donations Team (SDT) manage and administer supporter donation activity on behalf of CAFOD, providing a high level of supporter care while delivering within agreed service levels and Key Performance Indicators. SDT has the overall responsibility for managing and thanking all supporter donations to CAFOD made through a variety of channels and schemes. SDT works within the Finance and infrastructure group, liaises across all teams in CAFOD, and external service providers to ensure donations are processed within agreed service levels and quality standards. Due to the nature of SDT’s role, SDT has particularly close ties to CAFOD Fundraising activities and actively engages in our fundraising programmes and schemes.

Key Responsibilities

Supporter Care:

• Handle telephone, email and postal enquiries from supporters; identifying and resolving queries in a prompt, warm and sensitive way.
• Provide phone cover to the Supporter Care team as required.
• Provide reception cover to the Supporter Care team as required.

Donations:

• Accurately code donations received, ensuring agreed departmental procedures are followed.
• Process, set up and administer instructions and payments through a variety of donations channels and schemes such as Online, Direct Debit, standing orders, BACs, Payroll giving schemes and online giving platforms.
• Input and maintain data on CAFOD’s supporter database, ensuring high degrees of accuracy on our donor records.
• File and archive financial data, while adhering to strict audit controls.

Gift Aid:

• Understand Gift Aid and its application within CAFOD.
• Assist with all aspects of tax effective giving, in accordance with agreed procedures and priorities, including preparation of regular tax claims for submission to HMRC.

Thanking:

• Produce and dispatch letters to thank and acknowledge donations received.
• Write bespoke letters of thanks to supporters to respond to exceptional donations and provide a personal touch.
• Contribute to ongoing enhancement and improvement of supporter thanking

Post/banking:

• Assist with all incoming and outgoing postal duties held by SDT to maximise effectiveness of processes and delivery of key service levels.
• Preparation of daily banking, cash handling and initial reconciliation of all monies received daily.

 All SDT staff are expected to:

• Attend and contribute to regular team, section, divisional and CAFOD-wide meetings and briefings.
• Work as a supportive member of the team, providing cover for and training of the section staff and volunteers as required.
• Participate in training and other activities as requested by the line manager
• Assist with the rapid set up of projects and work packages in response to major emergency and disaster appeals.
• Rotate through all key tasks within the team / section.

This list of duties and responsibilities is by no means exhaustive and the post holder may be required to undertake other relevant and appropriate duties as required. This job description is subject to regular review and appropriate modification.

Safeguarding

All CAFOD staff share responsibility to promote and maintain a strong safeguarding culture, including identifying the key actions they should take given their role and responsibilities.

Job Specific Competencies 

• Displays a methodical approach to administrative tasks to meet processing deadlines, whilst maintaining an excellent standard of attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to communicate professionally with supporters, from individual givers to religious communities.
• Displays excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build strong collaborative relationships with colleagues.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience with CRM software/ database

Please click here for a full list of CAFOD’s Staff Benefits

Come and join us and help make a real difference in the lives of the world’s poorest communities.

CAFOD is an equal opportunities employer. Recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

Are you passionate about delivering high-quality administrative support in a global context? The ITF is looking for a proactive and detail-oriented Maritime Administrator to join our team.

About the role

As Maritime Administrator you will play a key part in supporting the operational delivery of international conferences and governance meetings in line with the organisational constitution and contributing to the success of the maritime sections organisational work programme.

You will work with colleagues and external stakeholders worldwide to ensure the smooth delivery of the administration function, including the logistical aspects of our global activities, meetings and conferences.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Organising international meetings and conferences: creating registration platforms for meetings; venue sourcing; budgeting & forecasting; delegate management; managing rooming allocations, catering and audio-video (AV) requirements; arranging interpreters when required; booking international travel and supporting visa processes.
• Documentation: assisting with the drafting and proofreading of documents for maritime meetings and conferences in line with the appropriate templates and procedures; minute taking and report writing at committee level; liaising with the in-house translation coordinators to ensure documents are submitted on time and dealing with related queries; creating document packs for maritime meetings and conferences.
• Administration: drafting, proofreading and formatting internal and external communications in line with ITF templates and standards; processing supplier invoices; other general administrative duties as required.
• Membership: maintaining accurate records and updating ITF databases and other tools, including CRM, to ensure governance committee membership and contact records are up-to date.

About you

We are looking for a highly organised individual to support the delivery of the maritime sections organisational work programme. With responsibility for organising meetings and conferences and providing administrative support, you will need the following to be successful in this role:

• Strong administrative background with excellent organisation, planning, and prioritisation under pressure.
• Able to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
• Clear, accurate written and verbal communication with attention to detail.
• Confident working with diverse stakeholders and in multilingual environments (other languages an asset).
• Solid numerical skills, including budgeting and expense reporting.
• Experience with international travel arrangements.
• Works independently and effectively as a liaison for global partners.
• Calm, adaptable problem-solver focused on improving processes.
• Proficient with SharePoint, Teams, MS Office 365, and familiar with Zoom, Cvent, and Concur.
• Experienced with CRM systems and data handling.
• Willing to travel internationally.
• Committed to social justice, trade union values, or mission-driven work.

Deputy Superstore Manager  

Foss Island Retail Park, York, North Yorkshire 

£27,906 per annum

37 hours per week

 Interviews for this position will be conducted in the New Year. 

About Us 

Yorkshire is one of the regions hardest hit by cancer. Together, we can change this.

Yorkshire Cancer Research is a charity dedicated to funding research so that you and those you love live longer healthier lives, free of cancer. 

Thanks to supporters, the charity funds vital cancer research and pioneers innovative new services for people with cancer. These life-giving medical breakthroughs are helping more people survive cancer – in Yorkshire, and beyond.

As an inclusive employer, our aim is to ensure our workforce reflects the rich diversity of our region. We believe a diverse workforce is vital to us taking action to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer more effectively in Yorkshire. We offer equal opportunities regardless of race, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnerships. 

 
The Benefits 

We offer all employees a wide range of benefits including an enhanced contributory pension scheme, 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays (increasing to 30 days after 5 years’ service), flexible working arrangements, private medical insurance, enhanced maternity leave, career progression, learning and development, wellbeing initiatives and a whole lot more. 

We’ve got a strong set of values that inform everything we do and we’re looking for people who are aligned with these. As our Deputy Superstore Manager, you will put people in Yorkshire at the heart of everything you do, unite with colleagues and other organisations in this cause, and dare to think big and bold to make positive solutions happen. 

 
The Role 
 
We are currently looking for a Deputy Superstore Manager to join our Retail, Services and Operations team to launch and manage our new Superstore in York. 

As Deputy Superstore Manager, you will support the launch and daily management of our new York Superstore, working closely with the Superstore Manager and stepping in during their absence. You will manage a large and varied team, including Department Team Leaders, Superstore Assistants, and volunteers. Key responsibilities include ensuring accurate accounting and asset management, delivering excellent customer service, and upholding all charity policies and procedures.

You will lead by example and ensure that employees, volunteers, supporters, donors, and customers understand how their contributions are making a difference to the lives of people in Yorkshire and beyond. 

You will need to be committed to creating a welcoming professional atmosphere and demonstrating the values of Yorkshire Cancer Research. You will also be a passionate and enthusiastic ambassador for the charity and its work. 
 

Specifically, you will be responsible for: 

• Leading on visual merchandising and display to create a welcoming and inspiring shopping experience that reflects our brand and values. 

• Ensuring efficient stock management and generation, so our shop floor is full of high-quality, desirable items that attract customers. 

• Maintaining impeccable shop standards and ensuring the store layout supports both customer engagement and operational efficiency. 

• Supporting all aspects of store operations, including opening and closing procedures. 

• Supporting the Superstore Manager in implementing and complying with agreed shop operating policy and standards including Health and Safety and Trading Standards. 

• Building relationships and working closely with wider functions across the charity such as Facilities, Marketing, Volunteer, and social media teams to ensure the plans are fulfilled and executed. 

• Assist the management of effective stockroom systems to ensure smooth processing and redistribution of donations, including identifying high-value or surplus stock for resale through online marketplaces or other Yorkshire Cancer Research stores. 

• Recruiting, developing, and retaining talent, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. 

• Assisting in meeting the Superstore’s financial targets by helping to maximise sales, manage costs effectively, and ensure the shop operates profitably. 

• Engaging with the local community and businesses to secure donations, build partnerships, and promote the charity. 

About You 

To be considered for this role, you will need: 

• To be educated to A Level or equivalent or have experience in a similar role at a similar level. 

• Experience of managing people/volunteers including recruitment and development. 

• Experience of successfully managing, motivating, and supporting large, varied teams, fostering a culture where everyone feels empowered to contribute their best. 

• Experience of exceeding targets within a retail environment. 

• The ability to take full accountability for the financial performance of a retail operation, with a keen eye for opportunities to maximise income and efficiency. 

• Experience of handling large volumes of stock and maintaining high standards, even in fast-paced situations. 

• To be comfortable with digital systems and able to quickly adapt to new systems, processes, and tools to support the smooth running of operations. 

Application 

Before applying, please visit our Careers Page to view the full role profile and find out more about working for Yorkshire Cancer Research.

To apply please submit a CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to via our webiste before 23 December 2025. Please read our privacy notice before applying. 

Yorkshire Cancer Research is a responsible and flexible employer.We welcome any discussion for flexible working at the interview/offer stage where we will consider an individual’s circumstances against the needs of the charity. 

We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates from all backgrounds. If we can make any reasonable adjustments to support your application, please contact us via our webiste. 

About Us

The Woodfield Project is a vibrant, community-focused charity responsible for The Woodfield Pavilion - a beautifully refurbished sports pavilion located near the north-eastern corner of Tooting Bec Common. Today, the Pavilion serves as a lively community hub, offering events and activities that: support social wellbeing; bring the local community together; and encourage appreciation and care for the surrounding natural environment.

Purpose and scope of role

We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic and energetic Pavilion Manager with the skills and experience to help drive forward our mission of ensuring that the Pavilion serves as a vital resource for local communities and groups and to actively encourage participation from members and volunteers who share our passion for making a difference. The Trustee Board provides governance and strategic leadership for the charity. The Pavilion Manager will oversee the day-to-day running of the building and plan and deliver an engaging programme of community events and activities, as well as seeking to develop new activities. The role includes operational management, future planning and ensuring a sustainable income and membership base.

Deadline for applications: 14 January 2025.

For fulll details of the role and how to apply, see the attached job application pack. 

This is an exciting role leading our committed policy team leading the fight to end child poverty in the UK. The development and implementation of a UK-wide cross-government child poverty strategy means this is a great time to join CPAG as we look to influence policy makers to adopt our evidence-based policy solutions to child poverty.

We are looking for someone to take a lead role in developing evidence-based policy positions to support CPAG’s influencing and campaigns work. You will have knowledge of political processes and how external organisations can effect change. You will have a track record of producing high quality research and analysis, including policy briefings, on social policy issues. You will have experience of managing a small team and working collaboratively to identify policy issues and develop solutions with colleagues across the organisation, as well as externally.

The postholder will be working in a fast moving, high profile and complex policy environment and will need to balance short term priorities with long term objectives. Current priorities include influencing the implementation of the forthcoming child poverty strategy, gathering and sharing analysis and expertise with the DWP as part of their review of universal credit, and monitoring the development of forthcoming changes to disability benefits.

We welcome applications from individuals with the skills and experience outlined and we can be flexible about working arrangements. We operate a hybrid working system and would be happy to discuss any flexibilities required. CPAG is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion which you can read more about in the job pack.

We welcome applications on a secondment basis.

For more information about this post and to apply download the Head of Policy job pack.

If you have questions or need specific arrangements or reasonable adjustments to take part in the selection process, please contact us.

Closing date for applications: Sunday 4th January 2026 (midnight)

Interviews will take place: Tuesday 13th January 2026

Retail Van Driver  

Warehouse in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, with travel required across the Yorkshire Region  

About us  

Yorkshire is one of the regions hardest hit by cancer. Together, we can change this.   

Yorkshire Cancer Research is a charity dedicated to funding research so that you and those you love live longer healthier lives, free of cancer.  

Thanks to supporters, the charity funds vital cancer research and pioneers innovative new services for people with cancer. These life-giving medical breakthroughs are helping more people survive cancer – in Yorkshire, and beyond.   

As an inclusive employer, our aim is to ensure our workforce reflects the rich diversity of our region. We believe a diverse workforce is vital to us taking action to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer more effectively in Yorkshire. We offer equal opportunities regardless of race, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnerships.  

  
The Benefits  

We offer all employees a wide range of benefits including an enhanced contributory pension scheme, 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays (increasing to 30 days after 5 years’ service), flexible working arrangements, private medical insurance, enhanced maternity leave, career progression, learning and development, wellbeing initiatives, offices within walking distance of Hornbeam Park train station, free onsite parking and a whole lot more.  

We’ve got a strong set of values that inform everything we do and we’re looking for people who are aligned with these. As our Retail Van Driver, you will put people in Yorkshire at the heart of everything you do, unite with colleagues and other organisations in this cause, and dare to think big and bold to make positive solutions happen.  

The Role 

We are currently looking for a Retail Van Driver to join our Retail, Services and Operations team.

Reporting to the Warehouse Operations Manager, you will be part of the team responsible for ensuring the efficient running of the donation centre and warehouse. The primary focus of this role is to deliver stock to our retail shops across Yorkshire in a timely manner. However, at busy times you will also be required to assist with general maintenance tasks and supporting with the removal of general waste through the appropriate channels whilst working in compliance with all relevant Health and Safety legislation and our Driving for Work policy. 

Specifically, you will: 

• Carry out deliveries of donated stock to shops ensuring that the shops receive the stock that they have requested from the Donation Centre. 

• Complete collections of furniture and goods across Yorkshire, including the disposal of waste materials, as directed. 

• Assist with the moving of furniture and other goods between shops and the Donation Centre. There will also be a requirement to collect goods from donors. 

• Be responsible for day-to-day vehicle maintenance, including completion of the weekly vehicle maintenance checklist and daily visual checks. 

• Ensure charity vehicles are left secure, clean and presentable at the end of the day and ensure any vehicle defects and damage promptly are reported in accordance with charity procedures. 

• Be an ambassador for the charity whilst driving branded vehicles, ensuring that you drive carefully and mindfully of other road users. 

• Create a positive, professional, warm welcome for all visitors. 

• Seek opportunities to actively engage with visitors to enhance their visit and further promote the profile of the charity. 

• Be responsible for conducting an initial assessment of the quality of goods collected, including furniture which will include declining donations that are unsuitable for sale and may contravene the Sales of Goods Act 1979. 

• Be knowledgeable about, and an ambassador for the charity so that you are able to answer questions and answer any queries. 

• Promptly report any accidents, incidents or unsafe occurrences to the Facilities Manager via the charity reporting procedure. 

 
About You 

To be considered for this role, you will need: 

• To be ideally educated to at least GCSE standard or equivalent, including Maths and English. 

• To have the ability and willingness to travel across the Yorkshire region. 

• To have a full UK driving license with less than 6 penalty points. 

• To have a willingness to undertake any additional training as required. 

• To be highly organised with good time management skills.

• To be able to prioritise workload, meet deadlines and adapt to changing deadlines.

• To be able to demonstrate a good standard of written and numeracy skills or confident in using available tools to support with this.

• To be passionate about delivering good customer service both internally and externally.

• To have good communication and interpersonal skills. 

• A willingness to complete our pre-employment checks (to be undertaken once the role is offered and accepted) which include: 

• A check on your employment history by seeking two references 

• A check on your eligibility to work in the UK as per the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 

• A DBS check at enhanced level 

Application 
 

Before applying, please visit our website to view the full role profile and visit our Careers Page to find out more about working for Yorkshire Cancer Research.

To apply please submit a CV and covering letter outlining your suitability for the role to Claire Wooldridge, Head of People, before 31 December 2025. Please read our privacy notice before applying.

The charity is a responsible and flexible employer.  We welcome any discussion for flexible working at interview/offer stage where we will consider an individual’s circumstances against the needs of the charity. 

We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates from all backgrounds. If we can make any reasonable adjustments to support your application, please contact us.