Assistant to the deputy chief executive jobs
The Stag operates through a low-risk hall-hire business model. It is not allowed to promote its own shows – it provides the professional facilities for others to hire space and put on shows.
Reporting to the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, the CEO leads a small, professional and dedicated team (currently 20 employees (17.8 FTE)) boosted with part-time casuals in the box office plus a team of volunteers at events. The CEO will ensure the charity fulfils its mission and achieves its charitable objectives whilst maintaining the strong financial sustainability it now enjoys.
The role requires the CEO to a be a BIIAB personal licence holder and to act as Designated Premises Supervisor as well as being the Company Secretary. More details from The Stag's website.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you have demonstrable experience of new business development? Have you personally secured 6 figure partnerships in previous roles?
We're recruiting a New Partnerships Manager to be responsible for proactively identifying, prospecting, and cultivating leads in key sectors to secure new 5-6 figure, multi-year corporate partnerships with local and national businesses.
What does this role do?
As New Partnerships Manager, you'll:
- develop a prospect pipeline to raise a personal income target which contributes to an overall team target,
- support the Senior New Partnerships Manager in the identification and cultivation of new corporate partnerships, accessing a range of income streams and budget holders,
- support senior team members in attending meetings with potential corporate partners, including preparing relevant briefs in advance,
- prepare relevant and creative applications and proposals for pitches for potential corporate partners,
- work closely with the Corporate Partnerships Team to ensure the transition between new business and account management is seamless for both Dogs Trust and the new partner.
Interviews for this role are provisionally scheduled for week commencing 9th February 2026, and will take place on Teams. Please note, this role is based at our London office, with office attendance at least one day per week and sometimes at short notice.
Could this be you?
To be successful in this role you'll have demonstrable experience of new business development, ideally in a charity setting, with a track record of securing six-figure partnerships. You'll be organised, articulate and credible, with a real appreciation of different budget holders within companies who may be interested in supporting Dogs Trust, and an understanding of different types of corporate partnerships. In addition, you'll have demonstrable experience of senior stakeholder management and negotiation skills, and you'll have the ability to write clearly and concisely, and to tailor written style to the needs of different audiences.
To apply for this position please click the APPLY NOW button. Our application process requires you submit a personal statement explaining your interest and suitability for the role.
Dogs are incredibly diverse, much like the humans that love them! At Dogs Trust we value diversity, and we're committed to fostering an inclusive culture. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, abilities, and cultures and believe that a diverse workforce helps us to achieve our mission. Our colleague networks give our people a voice, acting as vehicles for real and meaningful change within Dogs Trust. We truly want to see every candidate shine throughout the entire job application process, interview stages, and during their time with us. If there's anything on your mind or any adjustments you may need, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to support you every step of the way.
Please note, Dogs Trust is a wholly independent organisation, free of association with any political party. Our independence is critical, as it allows us to pursue our mission to campaign on dog welfare issues, on behalf of the UK’s dogs and their owners. For our public affairs roles, the ability to display political neutrality in the public eye or when working with MPs is essential.
Salary: £37,000 – £41,000 per annum (depending on experience)
Location: Reigate, Surrey (with some hybrid working)
Contract: Full-time
Closing Date: 12th February 2026
Start date: ASAP with consideration given to notice periods
Do you have the vision, leadership and compassion to transform the futures of women experiencing homelessness?
Keychange is a Christian charity with over 100 years of experience supporting people facing vulnerability. Today, we provide specialist housing for women and young people experiencing homelessness, alongside residential care for older people across the South and South West of England.
We are now seeking an exceptional Women’s Homelessness Lead (Surrey) to shape and lead our specialist women’s homelessness service at Wayside Community in Reigate. This community is a 19 bed, 24-7 supported housing for women experiencing homelessness. This is a rare opportunity to combine frontline leadership, strategic development, and church and community partnership building in a role with real depth, influence and impact.
About the Role
- This is a leadership role with both operational and strategic responsibility. You will:
- Provide leadership and line management to the Deputy Manager, Senior Administrator and a skilled team of support workers
- Lead the delivery of trauma-informed, strengths-based, person-centred support
- Develop strong partnership networks across local authorities, charities, housing providers and churches
- Shape the future of Keychange’s women’s homelessness strategy across Surrey
- Represent Keychange externally and explore opportunities for future service growth
At the heart of this role is a deep commitment to co-production, dignity, recovery, community and belonging.
Who We’re Looking For
You will bring:
- Substantial experience supporting or managing services for vulnerable individuals
- A strong understanding of trauma, safeguarding, risk and recovery-based practice
- Proven ability to build partnerships and influence across multiple stakeholders
- Excellent communication and leadership skills
- Confidence engaging with churches and Christian networks across traditions
- A values-led approach aligned with Keychange’s Christian ethos
Desirable experience includes:
- Managing accommodation-based services
- Existing Church partnerships across Surrey
What We Offer
- Salary of £37,000 – £41,000
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Hybrid working (with 4 days regularly site or community based)
- Employee Assistance Program and Life Insurance
- Contributory Pension Scheme with matched employer contributions
- Ongoing personalised learning and professional development
- A supportive, faith-centered, values-driven culture
For more information about the opportunity and for details on how to contact us informally to discuss the role in greater detail before applying, please see the job pack attached to this advert.
How to Apply
Please submit a cover letter clearly addressing the essential and desirable criteria and an up-to-date CV focused on relevant experience. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.
Recruitment Timeline
- Deadline for submitting your application: 12 February 2026
- First screening interviews, remotely: 16 February 2026
- Full interviews in person in central London: 23 February 2026
- Start date: ASAP with consideration given to notice periods
To focus on developing and encouraging community for vulnerable adults by seeking to address the risks in society of increased loneliness.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Harris Hill is delighted to be working with Liverpool Zoe’s Place (LZP) to recruit its first Chief Executive Officer.
Zoe's Place was founded in Liverpool in 1995 as the first hospice in the UK specifically providing for the needs of babies and younger children. Liverpool Zoe’s Place (LZP) was established in December 2024 and took over full responsibility for the management of the hospice on May 1st 2025. In late 2024 the people of Liverpool, the North West, and even further afield helped us to raise more than £7,000,000 to secure the future of our hospice, and to build a state-of-the-art new facility in West Derby.
Our team of specialist nurses and healthcare assistants are supported by a wide range of other healthcare professionals to provide respite care, therapies and bereavement care to babies and children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, and their families.
As Chief Executive, you will:
· Bring inspirational leadership to the LZP.
· Manage, plan and implement LZP’s strategy.
· Ensure the Hospice provides and promotes excellent clinical care.
If you are inspired and excited by what Liverpool Zoe’s Place does, we’d love to hear from you.
Job title: Chief Executive Officer
Salary: £75,000 - £80,000 p.a.
Contract: Permanent / Full-time
Location: Zoe's Place, Yew Tree Lane, West Derby, Liverpool, L12 9HH
How to apply:
Please review the Recruitment Pack for further information about Liverpool Zoe’s Place, the CEO position and for details on how to apply.
Closing date for applications: 9am, Friday 13th February 2026
Both Liverpool Zoe’s Place and Harris Hill operate an equal opportunity policy and commit to treating all of our candidates and jobseekers fairly. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.
Lead with compassion. Inspire through purpose. Shape the future of Hospiscare.
Hospiscare has been at the heart of our community for over 40 years, providing outstanding specialist end-of-life care and support to people and their families across Exeter, Mid and East Devon. As we look to the future, we are seeking an exceptional Chief Executive Officer to lead our charity with vision, empathy and strategic strength.
The opportunity
This is a pivotal leadership role — guiding a much-loved local charity through a period of challenge but also opportunity. You’ll work closely with a dedicated Board of Trustees and an experienced Leadership Teams to shape and deliver our strategic goals, ensuring Hospiscare remains resilient, sustainable, and true to our founding values of care, compassion, and dignity.
You’ll be the public face and voice of Hospiscare — inspiring confidence among our staff, volunteers, supporters, healthcare partners, and the wider community. Your leadership will ensure we continue to deliver the highest standards of specialist palliative care while innovating to meet the changing needs of our patients and our community.
About you
You are an accomplished and compassionate leader, able to inspire and unite people around a shared purpose. With substantial senior leadership experience — ideally gained in the charity or health and social care sectors — you bring a track record of shaping strategy, managing complex budgets, and achieving sustainable results.
You’ll understand the challenges facing healthcare and charitable organisations and bring creative, collaborative solutions. You are confident working with a Board, comfortable in the public eye, and driven by a genuine commitment to making a difference to people’s lives at the most profound of times.
Key strengths you’ll bring
- Strategic vision and proven experience leading organisational change and growth
- Strong understanding of governance, finance, and regulatory environments
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills — connecting easily and authentically with people from all walks of life
- A leadership style that combines compassion, clarity, and courage
- A deep alignment with Hospiscare’s mission and values
Why join Hospiscare?
At Hospiscare, you’ll find a community of extraordinary people — staff and volunteers dedicated to providing the very best care and support when it matters most. This is more than a leadership role; it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact on a vital local charity and the lives of countless people in Devon.
We are working with Charity Recruitment Consultant, Jackie Dawkins of Shine Charity Recruitment,who is supporting our search. For further details about Hospiscare, please read the Recruitment Pack
Key Dates:
- Closing Date – 26th January 2026 at 5pm
- First Interview with Jackie Dawkins (via Zoom) – 2nd/3rd February 2026
- Shortlisted candidates informal meeting with Chair – 23rd February 2026
- Interview and Assessment Day at Hospiscare – 24th February 2026
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About us
Community Foundations for Lancashire and Merseyside (CFLM) is a leading local charity that connects people, businesses and partners with the grassroots projects making a real difference across our region. We manage charitable funds, support community initiatives, and drive meaningful, measurable impact across Lancashire and Merseyside. Our mission is simple: strengthen communities, empower local people, and create lasting change where it’s needed most.
Role Summary
This role brings together operational leadership, executive support, and administrative coordination. You will ensure the organisation runs efficiently day-to-day while also driving longer‑term improvements that support CFLM’s strategic goals - including achieving annual surpluses and meeting ambitious income targets.
As the operational lead, you will work closely with colleagues across all departments and manage key relationships with external providers in HR, IT, and facilities. You will also play a central role in governance processes and provide high‑quality administrative support to the CEO and Deputy CEO.
Projects you will lead on include completing UKCF Quality Assurance and implementing the UKCF CRM (Salesforce) system.
Please see the full job description and Person specification.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Job title: Programme Assistant, Enquiries
Line manager: Team Leader, Enquiries (Senior Officer, Enquiries in Team Leader’s absence)
Salary: £30,000
Type of contract: Permanent
Start date: 16th February 2026 or shortly thereafter
Benefits:
• Challenging and rewarding work, always life-changing, sometimes lifesaving
• Competitive salary
• Team and individual training opportunities
• Commitment to performance and personal development
• Hybrid working, home and office (minimum 2 days each week in the office)
• Eight hours each day Monday – Friday, with flexible working by arrangement around core hours of 10am – 4pm
• 25 days plus Bank Holidays annual leave entitlement
• 8% employer pension contribution
• Convenient office location at Elephant and Castle, close to Tube (Bakerloo and Northern lines) and bus routes
Role purpose statement: The Programme Assistant, Enquiries plays a vital role in the Fellowship Programme working directly with academics facing immediate risk in their home countries to carry out due diligence or signposting. This includes managing an individual caseload, dealing with prospective applications and general enquiries, providing administrative support to the Enquiries team as well as support across the Fellowship Programme when needed.
Organisational Background
The Council for At-Risk Academics is a UK-registered charity founded in 1933 under the leadership of William Beveridge, to rescue academics suffering persecution under the rise of Nazism and facilitate their continued work in safety. Sixteen Cara Fellows from the 1930s and 1940s became Nobel Laureates, and many more innovators in their fields, including, Nikolaus Pevsner, Lise Meitner and Karl Popper. A number of Cara’s founders and Council members also personally provided places and/or funds to help individual academics; and Cara, known in the 1930s as the AAC, later the SPSL, was closely involved in the successful effort in 1933 to bring to London the Warburg Institute art library, which had been prohibited by the Nazis, and six of its staff. The Fellowship Programme is the continuation of the rescue mission operation started in 1933.
Cara has been a lifeline to academics at risk for over 90 years, as and when world events have placed them in the line of fire: Hungarian Uprising, Cold War, Apartheid South Africa, Iran, Latin American Juntas, Vietnam, Kosovo, DRC, Rwanda, Sudan, Zimbabwe etc. and, more recently Iraq, Turkey, Yemen, Palestine, Syria, Afghanistan and Ukraine. Cara support is typically framed as temporary sanctuary offered at times of heightened risk.
Cara Objectives ‘To assist academics who have been, or are, or are at risk of being, subject to discrimination, persecution, suffering or violence on account of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion, to relieve needs among them and their dependants and ensure that their specialist knowledge and abilities can continue to be used for the benefit of the public.’
‘To advance education by supporting academics and their educational institutions in countries where their continuing work is at risk or compromised, to ensure that such academics and institutions can continue to fulfil their critical role as educators for the public benefit.’
This is a critical time to join our dedicated and friendly Fellowship Programme team as we expand our capacity to support at-risk academics from the Middle East, Sudan, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Russia and many other countries.
Role & Responsibilities
Casework
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Signposting prospective applicants to the application form.
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Manage own caseload, preparing cases for eligibility review, including arranging calls to speak with applicants, booking English language tests, and gathering all relevant documentation.
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Escalating complex cases to the Team Leader as required.
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Maintain accurate and GDPR-Compliant records of casework activity.
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Researching international affairs to develop understanding about risks applicants face.
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Researching potential hosts for academic placements and liaising with external stakeholders in relation to applicants.
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Attend weekly case review meetings with the team.
Administration
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Provide general administrative and logistical support, including answering phone enquiries.
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Manage the general enquiries inbox, alongside another colleague, answering emails about the enquiries’ process, the Fellowship Programme and Cara.
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Signpost enquiries to relevant colleagues internally and to other organisations where applicable.
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Contribute to report writing.
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Present and collect data on general enquiries and applications to the Programme.
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Ensure safekeeping of confidential information.
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Maintain excellent detailed records of correspondence, documents, and activities.
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Provide administrative support to colleagues on projects as required.
Managerial Support
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Contributing to Fellowship Programme policy changes and decision-making.
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Provide advice and guidance to colleagues.
Ad Hoc Responsibilities
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Show adaptability and willingness to take on additional work when necessary.
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Support the Fellowship Programme and Cara as a whole with ad hoc responsibilities.
Responsibilities also include related activities that might arise in relation to the Fellowship Programme as required by the Chief Executive and Deputy Chief Executive & Fellowship Programme Manager, and other senior colleagues.
Person Specification
Essential:
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Bachelor’s degree
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Fluent English (spoken and written)
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Proactive with a willingness to learn
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Confident and empathetic with strong interpersonal and communication skills
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Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
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Keen team player who is ready to support and help colleagues
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Excellent record keeping and attention to detail
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Ability to work independently and in a team
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Good time management with ability to prioritise and independently work to deadlines
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Understanding of issues of confidentiality
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Interest in and commitment to the work of Cara
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Confident use of Microsoft package
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Awareness of current global issues
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Ability to handle difficult conversations with sensitivity and resilience
Desirable
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Master’s or equivalent experience
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Casework experience
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Arabic language skills are desirable. Other foreign languages (such as Farsi/Dari, Pashto, Ukrainian and Russian) will also be considered
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Salesforce/CRM software experience
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Experience in a supporting role with people with lived experience of forced migration or other forms of severe adversity
Please send a CV and cover note in response to the four screening questions. Applications that do not follow this guidance will not be considered.
Please respond to the following questions in your cover letter.
1. What draws you to Cara and the work of supporting at-risk academics, and how does your experience and skills relate to this role? (max 500 words)
2. Tell us about a time where you had to balance multiple urgent tasks. (max 300 words)
3. Tell us about a time when you worked with sensitive personal data. (max 300 words)
4. Name 3 things you think it would be important to consider when working with people who've experienced war or displacement like those who apply for Cara support. (max 300 words)
Cara provides help to academics in immediate danger, those forced into exile, and those who remain and work in their home countries despite the risks.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
This is an exciting and engaging role, managing a small, well-established Philanthropy Team, where you will have the opportunity to work directly with our top supporters, develop interesting cultivation events and help us reach new supporters across Dorset and Wiltshire.
The Philanthropy Team incorporates major donor, mid-value, trust and legacy fundraising. It works closely with public fundraising and events teams. The CEO, Deputy CEO and specific trustees are also actively engaged in managing key relationships.
The role
The role is full time (35 hours per week) with hybrid working between home and the office in Wimborne in Dorset. There will be a requirement to travel across both Dorset and Wiltshire for internal meetings, donor meetings and events, with occasional out of hours working.
About you
We are looking for a talented, strategic, individual who can hit the ground running, be innovative, ambitious and bring exciting new ideas, ready to make a real difference to the growing number of local families we support. Energetic and with a passion for this type of role, you will be a confident communicator, who can build relationships with new and existing supporters and a considerate and thoughtful people manager. You must have a proven track record of working with high-net worth individuals in order to apply. We welcome applicants from within and outside the charity sector.
About us
Julia’s House cares for babies, children and teenagers with life-shortening or life-threatening conditions across Dorset and Wiltshire. We provide support for the whole family - mums, dads, siblings and even grandparents. Our care is regular, frequent, flexible and free, with more than half of our care taking place in family’s homes. When the worst happens, Julia’s House is there. We offer comfort and support at home, in hospital or our hospices, wherever families need us.
Join us and make a real difference in this key role
Director of Operations
Lead with Purpose. Shape the Future of Christian Care.
Pilgrims’ Friend Society has been providing Christian care to older people for over 200 years. Today, as the UK faces an unprecedented ageing population, we are growing to meet the challenge and we need an exceptional leader to help us deliver our vision of fulfilled living for older people.
We operate 12 care homes and 9 housing schemes across England, with ambitious plans to expand to 15 homes and beyond. Our mission is clear: to provide outstanding care rooted in Christian values, and to partner with local churches so that older people experience dignity, community, and the love of Christ.
About the Role
As Director of Operations, you will:
- Lead and oversee our portfolio of established care homes and housing schemes.
- Ensure regulatory compliance, quality of care, and financial sustainability.
- Drive operational excellence, innovation, and efficiency through systems and processes.
- Work closely with our Executive Team to deliver our Growth and Renewal Programme, including new builds and acquisitions.
- Inspire and develop a talented team of managers and operational leaders.
This is a senior leadership role with significant influence on the future of our organisation and the lives of hundreds of older people.
About You
- We are looking for a strategic, values-driven leader who brings:
- Significant experience in adult social care operations or a closely related sector.
- Strong knowledge of regulatory, Health & Safety, and compliance frameworks.
- Proven ability to deliver quality and financial targets at scale.
- A collaborative leadership style, with a commitment to developing people and culture.
A personal Christian faith and alignment with our basis of faith(a genuine occupational requirement under the Equality Act 2010).
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a growing organisation with a clear vision and calling.
- Influence how society values older people and supports churches in ministry.
- Work in a culture that prioritises prayer, faith, and excellence.
- Competitive salary, generous holiday, pension scheme, and life assurance.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Location: MSSC, National Support Centre, 200B Lambeth Road, London, SE1 7JY (Hybrid)
Contract: Full time, Permanent
Salary: £60,000 - £63,000 gross per annum, depending on experience
Closing Date: Sunday 8 February 2026
Interviews:Tuesday 17 February 2026 (Interviews to be held in London)
Application: CV & Supporting Statement
Are you a Head of Safety, Health & Environment looking for a new opportunity?
The Marine Society & Sea Cadets (MSSC) is the leading maritime charity for youth development and lifelong learning. We are a vibrant and growing charity inspiring young people to achieve their potential through challenge and nautical adventure and also enabling seafarers and maritime professionals to realise their potential through learning and career development. Working with our employees, cadets, and volunteers, we have built a strong vision and five-year Future Ready strategy to meet the growing demand for what we provide, both for young people, seafarers and maritime professionals – and the thousands who aspire to be the sea cadets and marine professionals of the future. It is also about equipping them to achieve their potential and thrive in a rapidly changing world, while growing our charity to benefit even more people – including those from under-represented or marginalised groups.
We are currently looking for a Head of Safety, Health & Environment to join our team.
About the role
If you have significant experience of delivering and guiding health and safety in a large organisation as well as providing advice and guidance on health and safety issues on both a strategic and operational level this could be the role for you.
You will have first class leadership skills, with the ability to manage a disbursed staff team as well as the excellent interpersonal skills to support and influence colleagues, senior managers, volunteers and others.
The successful candidate will be able to build effective relationships, manage a diverse workload as well as being able to analyse and deal with complex or difficult situations, with skill and discretion.
Responsibilities
- Manage all safety, health and environmental issues within the MSSC, working closely with the Director of Young People, Volunteer & Business Support and other members of the senior management team, the area, offshore, training and other teams as appropriate.
- Manage a disbursed team of Safety Assurance Officers with the support of a Deputy Head of Safety, Health & Environment.
- Monitor changes to legislation and advise CEO and Trustees of their impact on the MSSC and any required actions and/or policy changes.
- Report and analyse safety data and identifying trends or issues.
Requirements
- Hold a formal qualification in Health & Safety (NEBOSH Certificate or higher).
- Up to date knowledge of H&S legislation, developments, practice and management.
- Experience of risk management and compliance systems.
- Significant experience of providing advice and guidance on H&S issues at a senior professional level; both operational and strategic.
- Experience of managing and supporting a staff team.
For further information, please download the Recruitment Pack. If you are interested in this role, please apply now!
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave per annum, pro rata for part time employees, increasing with length of service
- Hybrid working for many roles
- Volunteering Leave
- Life assurance (4x salary)
- Private medical insurance
- Generous pension (employer contribution up to 10%)
- Cycle to work scheme
- Access to the Marine Society Digital Library
- Wellbeing portal and EAP with 121 counselling
- Employee development: We are investing in our employees' development and have an annual calendar of learning and development opportunities, designed to support employees to develop into their roles and stretch them to achieve their full potential.
Additional Information
MSSC positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates from all backgrounds. Equity, diversity, and inclusion really matters to us, so we can best serve our beneficiaries from every community. We work to ensure a fair and consistent recruitment process and aim to be a charity where diversity of experience, identity and skills are valued and welcomed. MSSC is an equal opportunities employer.
We recognise our responsibilities to safeguard and protect the young people and vulnerable adults with whom we work. We do all we can to promote their health, safety and wellbeing, and we expect our staff to share this commitment and work in line with safeguarding policy, the MSSC’s values and ethos of inclusivity. We adhere to safer recruitment practices and therefore employment is subject to detailed pre-employment checks for successful candidates, including references and criminal disclosure checks and the completion of a disclosure questionnaire.
All successful applicants are required to attend safeguarding training and undergo pre-employment checks including a criminal record check.
We help launch young people for life through adventure.


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
The Difference is an education charity, founded to change the story on lost learning. Our vision is to see lost learning falling nationally by 2030 and for schools to be better equipped to support all children, particularly those most vulnerable.
We are a small, growing charity delivering many school leadership programmes, with a growing research and policy arm. We have had excellent early impact but there is work ahead to capture this, share learning with schools and policy-makers, and campaign to lower exclusions across England.
The Role
This is an exciting time to join The Difference as we increase our impact, reach more schools, and develop our influencing strategy. As Head of Policy and Public Affairs you will:
Design and execute an impactful influencing plan
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Design an influencing plan - Identify via horizon scanning opportunities to influence national policy using open policy windows, or by nudging/creating new ones.
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Execute an influencing plan - Utilise own assets and assets across the organisation, including the Director team, to deliver against the influencing plan.
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Relationship building - Build highly credible and impactful relationships with a variety of stakeholders who hold power. This will include policy makers in national governments, local government officials, politicians, other third sector organisations and think tanks.
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Leadership - Play a significant role internally and externally in communicating the organisation’s policy position, raising organisational and own brand.
Build policy capacity and credibility across the organisation
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Policy positions and solutions- Use the concepts, work and experience of The Difference’s programmes to develop new, and refine existing, national policy positions to shift incentives.
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Thought leadership - Be the organisation’s education policy and political expert.
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Generating income - Use own and team’s expertise and credibility to generate income via speaking engagements and consultancy to support the organisation’s financial sustainability.
Person Specification
Essential – We are looking for someone with the following knowledge, experience and skills, though you may be stronger in some areas than others:
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Deep expertise in education policy, particularly on the topic of lost learning and the various policy and political debates, including areas of controversy, surrounding this policy topic.
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Strategic thinker with a proven track record in identifying policy windows and designing activities that lead to meaningful national policy change.
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Excellent relationship builder, who brings with them their own network of influential stakeholders and has a plan for building new relationships. Adept at navigating tricky situations and explaining complex, sometimes difficult, messages.
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Expert convener with a strong knowledge of the education sector, including which schools, trusts and local authorities are influential and experience in bringing a variety of perspectives together to generate consensus.
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Persuasive and clear writing style for publication, including reports, press, blogs and ghost writing for members of the senior leadership team, often based on consensus positions, and designed to communicate key messages for impact.
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Confidence and credibility in communicating nuanced messages in a contentious landscape, in writing, verbally and in public (e.g. on panels), to raise the profile of The Difference.
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Strong project manager who can design systems and processes to keep self, team and other stakeholders on task and on time. Experience of designing programmes of work and monitoring their effectiveness. Flexible project management style that can adapt to a changing environment. Confidence in managing a variety of stakeholders and supporting them to deliver on time.
Desired – You are more likely to be successful in your application if you have one or more of the following:
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Familiarity with The Difference’s programmatic work, theory and practice.
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Lived experience or insight into the school experiences of marginalised young people (e.g. those with experience of the care system, mental ill health, special educational needs, exclusion, and racism).
We know that some people, especially those from marginalised backgrounds, may hesitate to apply unless they meet every listed requirement. If this role excites you and you believe you could make a strong contribution, we warmly encourage you to apply.
We actively welcome applications from people whose backgrounds are under-represented in the charity sector, including but not limited to: people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people with experience in the case system, non-graduates and first-in-family graduates.
The Difference exists to improve the life-outcomes of the most vulnerable children by raising the status and expertise of those who educate them.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.


