Board member with policy skills jobs

Purpose of the role

As Deputy CEO of Leeds Older People’s Forum, you will play a pivotal leadership role in driving our mission to ensure older people in Leeds have the opportunities, choices and support they need to live the life they want. 

Working closely with the CEO, you will shape organisational strategy, influence policy and system change, and build strong partnerships with decision‑makers, funders and our third sector member organisations. 

What’s involved? 

The Deputy CEO will support the CEO drive LOPF’s mission and lead delivery of its key outcomes for older people in Leeds. The role combines strategy, influence and leadership, including:

• Shaping and delivering LOPF strategy and developing new ideas that improve the lives of older people.

• Influencing policy and system change by building strong relationships with decision‑makers and ensuring the third sector has a voice at city‑wide boards.

• Supporting and strengthening our third sector members through learning, grant‑making, network support and helping members access funding.

• Responsibility for managing staff, budgets, projects and funder relationships.

• Ensuring impact, keeping work aligned to LOPF’s priorities and involving older people and member organisations in everything we do.

Skills and experience

The skills and experience we are looking for include:

• Senior leadership experience with strong strategic thinking and decision‑making skills.

• Excellent relationship‑builder able to influence policymakers, funders and partners.

• Strong understanding of the third sector and the diverse needs of older people.

• Proven operational management, including staff leadership, budgets and project delivery.

• Confident communicator who can represent LOPF and engage stakeholders effectively.

• Change‑focused mindset, able to innovate, improve and respond quickly to emerging issues.

• Values‑driven, with a genuine commitment to improving life for older people.

Please note this role is fixed term until March 2028 subject to identifying further funding

Date posted: 15 June 2026

Salary: £41,641 with excellent benefits

Contract type: Permanent, full time

Hours per week: 37.5 hours per week. All staff are required to work in person for a minimum of two days per week, in line with our hybrid working policy. The post-holder may be required to undertake some work outside normal working hours.

About the Health Foundation
Health is our most precious asset. Good health enables us to live happy, fulfilling lives, fuels our prosperity and helps build a stronger society. Yet good health remains out of reach for too many people in the UK, and health and care services are struggling to provide access to timely, high-quality care.

The Health Foundation is an independent charitable organisation with a mission to build a healthier UK. We work to achieve this by generating high quality research and analysis; developing practical solutions to the biggest problems in health and health services; engaging, convening and building coalitions to build understanding, inform debate and drive action; and developing the long-term capability needed to transform health and care.

Our values
We expect everyone who works with us to be committed to our values and to share our commitment to becoming a more diverse and inclusive organisation. Our values are impact, evidence, integrity, and collaboration. You can read more about them in our five-year strategy. We also expect everyone to share our commitment to becoming a more diverse and inclusive organisation and to help deliver our EDI Strategy.

About the role
The Governance Officer will work closely with the Head of Governance to support the effective and efficient functioning of the board of governors, its committees, the Foundation’s subsidiary company, Medtrust, and other aspects of corporate governance. The role sits within the Company Secretary’s team, which is responsible for the Foundation’s governance, compliance, risk and assurance processes.

The post-holder will provide high-quality secretariat and governance support, helping to ensure that agendas, papers, minutes, forward plans, governance records and key meetings are accurate, timely and delivered to agreed standards. They will also support governance meetings and events, maintain governance systems and registers, assist with policy and regulatory compliance processes, contribute to governance learning and effectiveness work, and provide administrative support to the People Forum.

Deliver high-quality governance and secretariat support for the board and its committees, including agendas, papers, meeting support, minutes and forward planning. This will include providing the secretariat for at least one committee and supporting the Head of Governance with the effective administration of the overall governance structure.
Plan and coordinate in-person, hybrid and virtual governance meetings and events, including board meetings, committee meetings, governor information sessions, awaydays and board dinners.
Maintain accurate governance systems, records, trackers and registers, supporting transparency, compliance and effective governance assurance.

Support the operation of governance frameworks, including policy reviews, delegated authority processes, declarations of interest, hospitality and gifts, governors’ grants, and regulatory filing requirements.
The successful candidate will have experience of supporting senior managers, governors, trustees or committee members; excellent organisational skills; strong written and verbal communication skills, including accurate minute-taking; and confidence using tools such as Microsoft Office, Acrobat and Teams to support governance or administrative work to a high standard.

How to apply
Our priority is to find the right individual for each opportunity. We are dedicated to building an inclusive workplace that values diversity and invite you to find out more.

If you would like to apply, please submit your CV and answer the application questions below. Please try to limit your response to each question to no more than 300 words.

1. Please tell us why you are interested in working for the Health Foundation and in this Governance Officer role.
    
2. Please briefly describe the experience, skills or knowledge you would bring to supporting effective governance, committee or senior-level meetings, and how would you build positive working relationships with senior stakeholders?
    
3. Please give a brief example of how you have organised information, records, meetings or processes accurately and efficiently in a previous role.

 
Our commitment to equality, inclusion and diversity
We are committed to an inclusive hiring process, where every candidate has the chance to showcase their unique skills and experience in an accessible and supported environment, to ensure that we can make the best appointment for each opportunity on merit. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage those from underrepresented groups in this field to apply to us. We have identified three key areas to improving diversity. Our aim is to achieve a more balanced representation across our organisation, with a particular focus on increasing the number of women in leadership, enhancing the representation of people from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds and welcoming more people with disabilities. As part of this commitment, we strongly encourage applications from these groups.

Apply to join our team and let's work towards building a more diverse and inclusive workplace together. If you require any support through this process, please contact us. Help us work together to make the recruitment process and potential future employment more accessible and enjoyable for you.

Closing date: Sunday 28 June 2026 23:59

Interview / Contact date: TBC

About The Clink Charity

The Clink Charity, founded in 2009, aims to prevent and reduce reoffending through training, reintegration, and support. We deliver hospitality and horticulture training behind the prison walls and in the community by creating an environment where our students are supported to gain the skills, confidence and qualifications they need to rebuild their lives.

Since that time, we have trained approximately 5,000 people in prison and delivered 2,600 City & Guilds qualifications in a variety of hospitality and food courses.

What makes The Clink so unique is our post-release support and mentoring programme that reintegrates an offender back into society through assistance with health and mental health issues, housing, employment, family connections and friendships.

The charity operates an award-winning fine-dining restaurant open to the public inside HMP Brixton, training kitchens in the prison estate, horticulture projects at HMP Send and HMP Erlestoke, a commercial bakery in Brixton, and a bespoke delivery service, Catered by Clink.

Additionally, Clink Events is our social enterprise catering business with food produced by the women in HMP Downview and also in an additional kitchen at Herne Hill and then served by alumni on front of house at some of the best venues in London including: the Guildhall, the Science Museum, Cutty Sark, Kew Gardens and the Camden Roundhouse. In 2025, across 239 events, The Clink fed 43,000 people.

More information can be found on our website and social media channels.

About The Role

Working pattern: Full time, 9am-5pm Monday-Friday, 3-4 days in the office, or on site at projects in prison or in the community.

Location: Our Head Office is in Herne Hill, SE24 London (7 min walk from Herne Hill station)

Our Head of Fundraising & Brand is a vital leadership role within The Clink Charity, responsible for securing the income, profile and partnerships needed to sustain and grow our life-changing work.

This is a broad and influential role, providing strategic leadership across fundraising, communications, marketing and brand. Working within our portfolio of prison and community-based projects, the postholder will help ensure that The Clink's impact is communicated in a compelling and consistent way to funders, supporters, partners and the wider public, while developing sustainable income streams to support our long-term ambitions.

Building on The Clink's strong reputation and proven impact, the Head of Fundraising & Brand will lead the development and delivery of a fundraising and communications strategy that extends beyond grants to encompass major donors, corporate partnerships, individual giving, events and other income opportunities. Through powerful storytelling, audience growth and brand development, they will increase awareness of our work, strengthen engagement with key stakeholders and create new opportunities for fundraising, partnerships and commercial income generation.

Working closely with the Chief Executive, Director of Finance & Resources and senior leadership team, the postholder will lead and develop a talented fundraising and marketing team, cultivate strategic relationships and identify new opportunities for growth and collaboration.

As The Clink continues to expand its reintegration, training and employment programmes, this role will play a central part in securing the resources needed to support that growth, strengthen our brand and increase engagement with our mission to reduce reoffending.

If you are a strategic and ambitious fundraising leader with a track record of generating income, building partnerships and inspiring teams, and are passionate about creating meaningful social change, we would love to hear from you.

A Little About You

You could be a great fit for our Head of Fundraising & Brand role if you are an ambitious and strategic leader with experience of developing fundraising strategies, growing income and building organisational profile. Perhaps you've led fundraising within a charity, developed successful partnerships, secured major grants, or overseen marketing and communications activity that has strengthened a brand, increased audience engagement and generated growth in income through fundraising, commercial activity or the sale of products and services.

You may have built your career in fundraising, communications, marketing or business development, but you'll have a strong understanding of how these disciplines work together to generate support, attract funding, grow audiences and drive sustainable income. You'll be comfortable developing strategy, building relationships and translating organisational impact into compelling stories that inspire funders, partners, customers and supporters.

We welcome applications from experienced professionals who are ready to lead a talented team, shape the future direction of fundraising and brand development at The Clink Charity, and play a key role in our continued growth. Most importantly, you'll be passionate about our mission and motivated by the opportunity to transform lives, reduce reoffending and create second chances

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising and Income Generation

· Develop and deliver a multi-stream fundraising strategy that supports The Clink Charity's growth and long-term sustainability.

· Use brand identity to drive sales.

· Lead income generation activity across trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, individual giving, events and other fundraising streams.

· Use communications to create income from marketing of our commercial products and services e.g. bakery, restaurant, café, events.

· Build and manage a strong fundraising pipeline, identifying and securing new funding opportunities and strategic partnerships

· Monitor fundraising performance, ensuring targets are achieved and opportunities and risks are proactively managed.

Brand, Marketing and Communications

· Lead the development and delivery of a compelling brand and communications strategy.

· Ensure The Clink's impact, mission and outcomes are communicated effectively to supporters, funders, partners and the wider public.

· Oversee marketing campaigns, digital engagement and communications activity that strengthen the charity's profile and support income generation.

· Champion a consistent and impactful organisational brand across all channels.

Leadership and Team Development

· Lead, motivate and develop a high-performing fundraising, marketing and communications team.

· Create a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.

· Support the development of fundraising and marketing capability across the wider organisation.

Strategic Leadership

· Contribute to the strategic direction and future development of The Clink Charity.

· Work closely with colleagues across operational and support functions to align fundraising and brand activity with organisational priorities.

· Represent the charity externally with funders, partners, supporters and other key stakeholders.

· Ensure compliance with fundraising regulations, best practice and organisational policies.

 Person Specification

Essential

· Significant experience in fundraising, income generation and fundraising strategy development.

· A proven track record of delivering sustainable income growth across multiple fundraising streams.

· Experience of developing and implementing successful fundraising plans, campaigns and income-generation initiatives.

· Experience of leading or overseeing brand, marketing and communications activity, including the development of organisational messaging and audience engagement strategies

· Strong understanding of how fundraising, brand, marketing and communications can work together to increase income, profile and supporter engagement.

· Experience of leading, motivating and developing high-performing teams.

· Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence and inspire a wide range of audiences.

· Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop compelling cases for support and communicate organisational impact effectively.

· Strong planning, organisational and project management skills.

· Experience of using data, insight and performance metrics to inform decision-making and drive improvement.

· A commitment to the mission, values and objectives of The Clink Charity.

Desirable

· Experience within the charity, social enterprise or not-for-profit sector

· Experience of working with senior leadership teams, trustees or boards.

· Experience of corporate partnership development, major donor fundraising or philanthropy.

· Experience of managing digital marketing, audience development or supporter engagement activity.

· Understanding of rehabilitation, employability, education or the criminal justice sector.

· Membership of a relevant professional body such as the Chartered Institute of Fundraising or the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

Personal Attributes

· Demonstrable belief in The Clink’s mission and passion for our work.

· High levels of self-awareness, humility and flexibility, as well as an open and collaborative leadership style.

· Personal integrity, kindness, warmth and sound judgement.

· Good communicator: orally and in writing.

· Proactive, adaptable and can use initiative and find solutions to problems.

· Positive, entrepreneurial, energising and adopts a “can do” mentality.

· Values driven and promotes inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility (IDEA).

Reporting Lines & Management Expectations

You will report to our Director of Finance and Resources and will initially have two team members reporting to you.

General clink charity information

All staff are expected to:

· Comply with all current legislation

· Comply with all prison operational policies

· Comply with The Clink Staff Handbook

· Undertake such other duties within the scope of the post as may be requested by your Manager

Benefits:

28 days holiday plus bank holiday

Company pension scheme

Free meal on duty at Head Office or in the Restaurant

HOW TO APPLY

If you would like to apply for this post, please send your CV and a supporting statement (maximum 2 sides of A4) to Lizann Barnwell (HR Consultant) via this job site.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged. The closing date is Monday 22nd June, 9am.

In your supporting statement you should ensure that you try to address the desirable criteria set out in the person specification for the role. Make sure you give evidence which shows how you meet the criteria, not just telling us that you did it.

Interviews will be arranged on a rolling basis for this role, so early applications are encouraged. The deadline for applications is Monday 22nd June 2026, 9am.

We do not send individual acknowledgment of applications due to the high volume we receive, and we will only contact candidates who are shortlisted for an interview. If you do not hear from us within two weeks of the closing date, your application has not been successful on this occasion.

If you would like an informal chat about this role, we can offer a call with a member of The Clink Team. Even if you feel you do not meet some of the criteria listed above, we would still welcome applications from passionate candidates who are keen to make a difference.

Appointment Process

Applicants who have demonstrated that they meet the desirable criteria set out in the person specification will be contacted and interviews arranged on a rolling basis.

Interview

If you are shortlisted for interview, you will be invited to a selection process. A panel of two or more, including the recruiting manager conducts all interviews. If there are any special arrangements associated with the selection process e.g. tests or presentations, you will be informed accordingly.

Interview Outcome

If you are invited to attend an interview, you will be informed either verbally or in writing of the outcome. The successful candidate will have the decision confirmed in writing as an offer of employment. Unsuccessful candidates will be offered the opportunity for feedback.

This is a critical role that is responsible for managing the charity's day-to-day people management and development, ensuring appropriate processes are in place and in line with current and relevant legislation. The People Manager will help develop a high-performance culture where all colleagues feel a sense of belonging and are able to fulfil their potential.

RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Provide proactive coaching on values alignment and desired behaviours, with support and advice to managers and team members        on    all matters relating to people.
• Support managers to create an inclusive culture and workplace that gets the best out of our people.
• Promote and advocate for early resolution when issues arise, including Performance Improvement guided by organisational values         and policies.
• Effectively manage employee relations (ER) issues alongside line managers including, but not limited to absences, performance             management, disciplinary, grievances and dismissals, escalating to the Director of People as required.
• Support the Director of People to deliver change management programmes including TUPE transfers, redundancy and service re-       organisations.
• Develop an understanding of challenges, opportunities and people priorities in each team and work with managers to develop long term resource plans and succession planning.
• Support the Director of People in the development of information, reports and analysis for managers, the Strategic Management Team and the Board, to deliver insights and take action.
• Work with the Finance Manager to ensure the accurate processing of payroll.
• Support the end-to-end recruitment process, including attraction, supporting with job descriptions, shortlisting, interviews and the induction process.
• Build and implement engagement processes and activities including surveys, focus groups, conferences/away days and exit interviews, ensuring they deliver continuous improvement and enhance our reputation as a great place to work.

ROLE

• Support the implementation of Belonging, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (BDE&I) and wellbeing strategies and programmes
• Support the Director of People with the development of reward and recognition programmes
• Support the Director of People in creating learning and development programmes
• Support with the management of the L&D budget and programme, ensuring effective return on investment and value for money.
• Manage the organisation’s people information systems and identify opportunities for enhanced digital services.
• Analyse data e.g., from engagement surveys, exit interviews and turnover to inform the People Strategy and implement improvements.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Experience

• Experience in managing, coaching and developing employees
• Degree in Organisational Psychology, HR, CIPD level 5 qualified or equivalent knowledge gained through experience
• Proven experience in managing the employee lifecycle (recruitment to exit)
• Adept at stakeholder management and relationship building across multiple teams
• Proven track record in managing varied, complex employee relations (ER) issues and capable of managing several issues at once
• Experience of planning and delivering L&D projects
• Experience of working successfully in a changing organisation where flexibility, agility and adaptability are essential.

Skills & knowledge

• Strong relationship building skills, you are equally comfortable having informal positive conversations as you are holding people to account and providing direct challenge
• Working knowledge of employment law, and able to use sound judgement on when we can be flexible and when we need to be rigid in our approach
• Confident in both written and spoken communication with the ability to present to internal audiences both virtually and in person
• High in emotional intelligence, psychological agility and a coaching mindset
• Highly numerate with strong analytical and problem-solving

Personal qualities

• Track record of delivering to tight deadlines and overcoming setbacks
• A focus on continuous process improvements through measurement, analysis and progress of actions in order to deliver service improvements
• Requirement to work at pace to respond to customer requirements whilst balancing key priorities
•  A focus on outstanding customer service excellence, high standards of attention to detail, quality, accuracy and responsiveness

Desirable criteria

• Experience in managing TUPE and redundancies

Before starting this position, you’ll need to undergo a criminal record check by the Disclosure and Barring Service. You must be entitled to work in the UK.

Care Rights UK is recruiting for a Policy, Campaigns and Communications Lead to join their small, welcoming and dedicated team. A varied role, the postholder will be at the heart of the organisation's influential work to raise awareness of quality care, push for new rights, and call for reform of the sector.

Care Rights UK is the charity focused on promoting the rights of older people in care. The organisation wants the best quality of life for older people needing care and for people to know their rights, as well as how to use them. Offering information, advice and support to empower those using care services as well as their relatives and friends, the organisation challenges poor care, highlights good practice and demands a better care system.

Courageous, independent and empowering, this is a truly special organisation undertaking work with real impact.

Policy, Campaigns and Communications Lead
Contract: Permanent role offered on either a full or TP basis, 28 to 35 hours per week
Salary: £38,000 full time salary (£30,400 pro rata for 28 hours per week)
Location: Hybrid between home and the London office, or home based. If home based, travel will be necessary to office-based team meetings in London and training days as required.
Closing date for applications: 9am on Monday 22nd June
Interviews: Interviews will be held on 9th July

As a member of the Care Rights UK team, you can expect:

• Friendly, welcoming, supportive colleagues in the staff team and on the Board of Trustees
• One-to-one support from an experienced, empathetic and friendly line manager
• Peer support from colleagues in the wider staff team
• Weekly team meetings to share advice insights, updates and impact
• A thorough induction to the charity, our work and mission
• Training to help you fulfil your role and to develop your knowledge of care issues across the UK
• Opportunities for sharing skills and knowledge with colleagues who are experts in their fields
• Being part of a dynamic team pushing for real change in the care sector
• Access to 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme - access to counselling, adviceline and other wellbeing support
• Hybrid working - the role can be carried out from anywhere in the UK, although attendance at face-to-face team meetings and training days will be required
• Flexible working - the organisation welcomes applications from candidates wishing to work 28-35 hours per week and will consider job shares or other options such as compressed hours

As Policy, Campaign and Communications Lead you will work alongside the CEO and broader team to lead the charity's influencing and engagement output, and to ensure that policy, campaign and communications work align with the organisation's advice service, research and fundraising. A role that is both strategic and hands on, your core responsibilities will include:

• Lead the charity's communication and engagement work, including producing and coordinating communications outputs, managing the charity's social media accounts and implementing plans to increase supporter engagement
• Lead the charity's policy work, including monitoring and analysing relevant care policy in the UK to inform strategic development, drafting consultation responses, lobbying to achieve our strategic objectives
• Lead the charity's campaigns, including writing and implementing campaign plans, drafting campaign materials
• Develop relationships with politicians, Parliamentarians, policymakers and organisations, and act as a spokesperson for speaking and media requests
• Line manage the Operations Coordinator, including agreeing objectives and completing the annual appraisal process
• Work closely with team members to ensure policy, campaign and communication work aligns with advice service, research and fundraising, and assist with the delivery of marketing and fundraising strategies

We'd love to hear from individuals with the following core skills and experience:

• Experience in a policy, campaign or communication role (paid or unpaid)
• Knowledge and understanding of lobbying, campaigning, influencing techniques or supporter communications
• Knowledge or experience of the adult social care sector in the UK and policy areas, gained either within a professional capacity or via lived experience
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and ability to translate complex information into accessible content
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including diplomacy, persuasion, and ability to build positive working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
• Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise competing tasks and deliver to tight deadlines
• Experience of working independently, working on own initiative and maintaining motivation
• Experience of working effectively as a member of a small team and a positive, problem-solving approach
• Commitment to Care Rights UK's vision, purpose and values
• Understanding of the value of involving people needing care and their families at all stages of the policy and campaigning process, to bring their voices to the heart of the debate

The following skills and experience are desirable, although not essential:

• Knowledge of the UK political landscape
• Experience of working with older people needing care or their relatives
• Experience of managing social media accounts on Facebook
• Experience of working for a small charity

If you're interested in hearing more about this opportunity, please click on the linked Job Description to find out more, including details of the application process which is a CV and answers to supporting questions. Applications for the role should be submitted to Alice at Charity People by 9am on Monday 22nd June.

Please click on 'Apply Now' button to access the job description with the application instructions. 

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

This is a unique opportunity to join Practical Action at an exciting and pivotal point in our journey. We are seeking an exceptional Executive Assistant to provide dedicated support to our Interim CEO during a period of transformation, growth and strategic development, while we recruit and appoint our permanent CEO.

Working at the heart of the organisation, you will play a key role in ensuring continuity, maintaining momentum and supporting the successful transition to new leadership. This highly visible position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to the next chapter of Practical Action's impact and ambition.

We are looking for an experienced, highly organised and proactive Executive Assistant who can provide outstanding strategic and operational support to the CEO of a respected international development organisation. Acting as a trusted partner, you will enable the CEO to focus on organisational leadership, external engagement, fundraising and the delivery of strategic priorities.

The role encompasses complex diary and inbox management, preparation of high-quality briefings and correspondence, Board and governance support, and coordination with senior stakeholders across the organisation and internationally. You will work closely with colleagues, partners and supporters across multiple countries, cultures and time zones, ensuring the smooth and effective operation of the Executive Office.

This is a demanding and rewarding role that requires exceptional judgement, discretion and attention to detail. The successful candidate will be comfortable operating in a fast-paced, complex environment, able to manage competing priorities with confidence, and skilled at building effective relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including senior leaders, trustees, partners and external representatives.

If you thrive on enabling others to succeed, enjoy working at the centre of decision-making, and are motivated by the opportunity to support an organisation delivering meaningful global impact, we would love to hear from you.

 Accountabilities:

Executive and CEO Office Support

• Proactively manage the CEO's diary, inbox and correspondence, exercising independent judgement in prioritising requests and protecting time for strategic priorities.

• Prepare and commission high-quality briefings, background notes, talking points and presentation materials to ensure the CEO is fully prepared for all meetings and engagements.

• Draft, review and quality-assure outgoing correspondence, reports and communications on behalf of the CEO.

• Coordinate and manage complex domestic and international travel arrangements, itineraries, visas and logistics for the CEO and COO, ensuring efficiency and value for money.

• Manage the CEO and COO’s expense reporting and the Executive Office budget, maintaining accurate records and flagging issues proactively.

• Serve as the first point of contact for the CEO's office, managing enquiries from staff, partners, donors and stakeholders with professionalism and discretion.

• Work closely with the Internal Communications and Social Media team lead to ensure CEO internal and external communications are delivered well.

Board and Governance Administration

• Lead the end-to-end administration of Board of Trustee meetings and sub-committees, including scheduling, preparation of Board papers, agenda coordination and minute-taking, utilising AI. The majority are virtual due to the international nature of the board. In-person meetings take place approx. every 18 months.

• Maintain the governance calendar and ensure all regulatory and statutory reporting deadlines are met in coordination with the Company Secretary, CEO and COO.

• Support the onboarding of new Trustees and maintain up-to-date records of Board membership, terms of office and declarations of interest.

• Build strong working relationships with Trustees, acting as a responsive and reliable point of contact between Board meetings.

• Assist with the organisation of the Annual General Meeting and other governance events.

Leadership Team Coordination

• Coordinate the Global Leadership Team (GLT) meeting cycle, including agenda-setting, papers, actions and follow-up, working closely with the CEO and members of GLT.

• Support the CEO in tracking GLT action items, strategic priorities and key commitments, flagging issues and ensuring accountability.

• Co-ordinate with Regional and Country Directors on the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) meetings, including agenda-setting, papers, actions and follow-up,

• Assist with the preparation of materials for all-staff communications, leadership away-days and organisational events.

• Build effective working relationships across Practical Action's global offices, navigating time-zone differences and cultural contexts with sensitivity.

Stakeholder and Partnership Support

• Support the CEO's engagement with major institutional donors, trusts and foundations, bilateral agencies and high-value partners, including managing contact records and briefing materials, liaising closely with the business development and philanthropy teams.

• Coordinate logistics for high-level external visits, delegations, conferences and events involving the CEO.

• Assist with donor stewardship activities and the preparation of materials for fundraising and partnership development.

• Represent the CEO's office professionally in interactions with government officials, international organisations and peer NGOs.

Project and Research Support

• Take on research and project management tasks as directed by the CEO

• Continue to test and utilise AI tools to increase efficiency and effectiveness and share learnings with other members of Practical Action

• Support the delivery of special initiatives and cross-organisational projects led from the Executive Office.

• Maintain confidential files and records management systems for the CEO's office, ensuring compliance with GDPR and information governance policies.

To be successful in this role, the ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate:

 Essential

• Significant experience (typically five or more years) as an Executive Assistant or Personal Assistant supporting a Chief Executive or equivalent senior leaders in a complex and or charitable organisation.

• Demonstrable experience of Board and governance administration, including minuting meetings and managing trustee or director-level relationships.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft high-quality correspondence, briefing papers and presentations to Board or senior stakeholder standard.

• Outstanding organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines and maintain quality under pressure.

• High degree of discretion, confidentiality and professional judgement in handling sensitive information about people, partners and organisational matters.

• Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, with the ability to build trust and credibility with senior internal and external stakeholders.

• Experience of coordinating complex international travel and managing logistics across multiple time zones.

• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams), AI tools and the ability to learn new digital tools quickly.

Desirable

• Experience working in an international NGO, development organisation or comparable mission-driven environment.

• Familiarity with funder relationships

• Experience supporting or working in an organisation with offices or programmes in the Global South.

• Knowledge of charity law and UK charity governance, including Charity Commission requirements.

• A second language relevant to Practical Action's programme geographies (e.g. French, Spanish, Arabic).

• Experience with CRM or stakeholder management systems.

Skills, Abilities and Competencies

· Problem-Solving

· Strong Communication & Diplomacy

· Adaptability

· Proactive organisation skills

To apply please submit a copy of your CV (no more than 3 pages) and a supporting statement/letter that includes the answers to the following questions:

1.  Tell me how you build relationships in fast-paced environments taking into account those stakeholders being located in different countries and having different cultural background?
2.  Practical Action has a very experienced and diverse board of trustees. Can you give an example of when you have had to build relationships with these types of people. Please describe your approach to having the most effective interactions?
3.  Tell us about the most complex project, event, or initiative you have coordinated?
4.  Describe a situation where you made a significant decision on behalf of a senior executive. What was your thought process and outcome?

 Closing date for applications: 17th June 2026.  Should we recruit a suitable candidate before the closing date, we will close applications earlier than the specified date.

 Interviews: It is anticipated that interviews will take place W/C 22nd June 2026

 If you do not hear from us within five weeks of the closing date, please assume your application has not been successful 

At United for Global Mental Health, we are working towards a world where mental health support is accessible to everyone, everywhere – free from stigma and without restriction.

We are a small but highly influential organisation of around 20 passionate, diverse and expert individuals, and have a culture of creating the space and opportunities for them to lead their areas of expertise. Our strength lies in collaboration, internally and externally, and in our ability to turn insight into action. Kindness is our unofficial ethos.

The CEO is responsible for the overall leadership, management and performance of UnitedGMH. Reporting to the boards of UnitedGMH and the American Friends of United for Global Mental Health (AFUGMH), the CEO will set strategic direction, oversee delivery, and act as the organisation’s primary ambassador.

Key responsibilities include:

Strategic Leadership

• Lead in conjunction with the organisation’s senior staff the refinement and delivery of our global organisational strategy 2027-2030.
• Guide the organisation through periods of change, including strategy refresh and transformation.
• Draw on sector insight to ensure UnitedGMH remains at the forefront of global mental health advocacy.

Governance & Board Relationship

• Work closely with the boards of UnitedGMH and AFUGMH to ensure effective governance and decision-making.
• Oversee the preparation and sign-off of board papers; present regularly to the boards. 
• Identify, recommend and support the recruitment of new members of both boards. 
• Advise the boards on significant strategic decisions, including potential partnerships and organisational change.

Organisational Leadership

• Lead, support and inspire a high-performing and global team of approximately 20 staff.
• Where needed, oversee and support the delivery of multiple projects and programmes aligned with strategic priorities, in conjunction with the project leads.
• Foster a collaborative, kind, inclusive and values-driven culture that walks the talk on mental health.

External Engagement & Influence

• Represent the organisation with external partners, funders, policymakers and the wider sector. 
• Build and manage relationships with key donors.
• Strengthen and expand strategic partnerships globally.
• Champion the organisation’s mission and influence key stakeholders in different regions across the world.
• Act as the organisation’s global spokesperson and support staff in building their profile as spokespeople for the organisation.

Finance & Organisational Planning

• Identify and agree organisational objectives, develop strategic and operational plans, and lead their implementation with a high level of autonomy, while reporting to the boards. 
• Oversee organisational planning, budgeting, prioritisation and resource allocation to ensure delivery against strategic goals. 
• Ensure the organisation has sufficient and sustainable funding to deliver against agreed budgets and strategic priorities. 
• Maintain strong financial oversight and accountability, ensuring the organisation operates within budget and delivers across all agreed objectives. 
• Monitor organisational performance against agreed deliverables, evaluating outcomes and adjusting plans where necessary to mitigate risk or adverse consequences. 
• Ensure robust financial management, operational planning, and effective use of organisational resources across multiple programmes and projects. 
• Bring together and oversee complex, cross-organisational initiatives, ensuring projects are delivered effectively and on time. 
• Delegate effectively through senior leadership and management structures, maintaining a medium- and long-term strategic focus. 

Fundraising & External Income Generation

• Lead and support organisational fundraising strategy to secure sustainable and diversified income streams. 
• Build and maintain strong relationships with funders, donors, strategic partners and philanthropic stakeholders. 
• Successfully secure and oversee fundraising contributions to meet a target set annually with the boards. 
• Work with the boards and senior leadership team to identify new funding opportunities and strengthen long-term financial sustainability. 
• Ensure fundraising activities align with the organisation’s mission, values and strategic priorities. 
• Represent the organisation externally to enhance visibility, influence and support for UnitedGMH’s work globally. 

Risk, Compliance & Accountability

• Ensure strong organisational governance, compliance and risk management. 
• Proactively identify and escalate policy breaches or serious incidents. 
• Oversee finance, HR and operations functions in accordance with UK employment policies, and UK and US charity regulations.
• Act as the primary point of accountability to the boards and relevant regulatory bodies (including the Charity Commission and US authorities). 
• Take responsibility for organisational risks, decisions and outcomes.

Our Dream CEO

As a team, we came together to discuss what qualities we are hoping for in a new CEO and leader. We’d love applications from candidates who see themselves in the team’s descriptions below.

Our dream CEO…

• shows kindness towards all partners regardless of seniority, institution or country.

• continues to uphold and protect the organisational transparency the team values.

• is a heart- and mind-led fundraiser – treating donors like people and not merely a source of income.

• provides space for team members to lead in their areas, but also supports / acts as a sounding board when needed.

• knows how to strategically place mental health in uncommon spaces.

• is happy to be approached by, and communicate with, team members from all seniority levels across the team.

• is someone who understands what it is to manage a remote organisation, and is interested in making UnitedGMH the best workplace it can be.

• is someone who can think a few steps ahead, identify trends, and interpret these for what this means for the organisation.

• has a solid understanding of, and proven experience in, managing the ´backbone´ functions of an organisation (budgeting, risk management, governance etc).

• has an understanding of UN systems, global health and international development.

• appreciates and champions the value that lived experience and people from the global majority bring to the mental health advocacy space.

Please download and review the Job Pack for full details of the role. 

Unfortunately, we are not able to recruit team members in the following countries/regions: Afghanistan, Belarus, Central African Republic, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Myanmar (Burma), North Korea, Russia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine (specifically the occupied regions of Crimea, Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhya), Venezuela, Yemen, and Zimbabwe.

For non-UK candidates: Please note that you would be hired via Deel as an Employer of Record.

How to apply:

To apply, please submit your cover letter, outlining how you meet the responsibilities and candidate profile, and a CV, via the Charity Job site. Please note, we can only accept applications via Charity Job.

Interviews:

Interviews will take place remotely. There will be 2 interview rounds, and candidates shortlisted for the second interview will be invited to meet members of our wider team.

Senior Executive Assistant

Part-time (2-3 days per week) | Permanent
Fitzrovia, London | Hybrid working (1-2 days in the office)
£75,000-£85,000 pro rata
Start date: 2-3 months

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Executive Assistant to join a highly respected, award-winning pan-European think tank operating at the forefront of European foreign and security policy.

For almost 20 years, this organisation has brought together policymakers, academics, activists and senior political figures to promote informed debate and shape values-led European policy. With approximately 120 employees across Europe and a dynamic, entrepreneurial culture, the organisation combines intellectual rigour with the pace and agility of a start-up environment.

This role will suit a highly accomplished Senior EA with experience operating within international academic institutions, embassies, foreign ministries, diplomatic organisations, global universities or similarly complex, stakeholder-heavy environments.

Working closely with senior leadership and alongside an existing Senior EA, you will play a pivotal role in coordinating international board activity across six European entities, while providing high-level executive and logistical support in an environment involving academics, former Prime Ministers, senior policymakers and European councillors.

The Role

This is a varied and highly visible position combining senior executive support, international board coordination and compliance-related responsibilities across multiple European jurisdictions.

A key part of the role will involve organising approximately eight board meetings annually across London, Berlin, Madrid, Rome, Paris and Warsaw. These meetings involve senior external board members and high-profile stakeholders, requiring exceptional diplomacy, discretion and relationship management skills.

Responsibilities will include:

• Complex international diary and travel management across multiple time zones
• Coordinating and delivering international board meetings from planning through to completion
• Organising venues, travel, accommodation and meeting logistics across Europe
• Preparing and distributing board papers and meeting documentation
• Liaising confidently with senior academics, policymakers and high-ranking officials
• Ensuring local meeting formalities and governance requirements are adhered to across different European jurisdictions
• Minute taking and meeting follow-up actions
• Supporting the coordination of larger Main Board meetings and Annual Councils alongside the existing Senior EA
• Managing stakeholder engagement with tact, patience and professionalism
• Working proactively to secure attendance and commitments from senior external board members with demanding schedules, having all details finalised 6 months before the board meetings are due to to take place

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will be a polished and highly credible Senior EA who thrives in intellectually driven, international environments and is confident operating with senior stakeholders.

You will bring:

• Signif

Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SABP) have contracted Surrey Coalition of Disabled People and LF Solutions to provide independent administration and support to FoCUS, their Forum of Carers and people who Use Services.

HOURS: 18 hours per week, worked flexibly, mostly Monday to Friday. To include at least one evening per month

TERM: Permanent

SALARY: £12,000 - 13,000 per annum (full time equivalent to £24,000 - 26,000 per annum depending on experience and qualifications)

LOCATION: Home based or office based with regular travel within Surrey and NE Hants 

REPORTING TO: Mental Health Lead

ACCOUNTABLE TO: Surrey Coalition Board of Directors

CLOSING DATE: 22nd June 2026 at 10:00am

Surrey Coalition of Disabled People

Our vision is a world where difference is valued, and diversity is celebrated. A world where everyone has the same rights, freedoms, choices, and opportunities.

Surrey Coalition of Disabled People is an innovative organisation that is led by disabled people working together to achieve our vision.

Purpose of the Role

Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SABP) have contracted Surrey Coalition of Disabled People and LF Solutions to provide independent administration and support to FoCUS, their Forum of Carers and people who Use Services.

FoCUS enables people to have their say and influence the mental health services they receive within Surrey and Northeast Hampshire.

FoCUS was set up by SABP to:

· Place people at the heart of the delivery and design of mental health services

· Set standards for how they involve people

· Measure how well they involve people

· Measure how well they deliver services

This role is intended to facilitate and coordinate involvement in FoCUS by promoting the network and encouraging people who use the Trust’s services and carers to join and participate in user involvement activities, and raise themes heard from member experiences to the Trust for discussion.

Main Responsibilities

Promotion of FoCUS

· Encourage and enable people with experience of mental health services and carers to join FoCUS and to influence SABP’s services.

· Increase awareness of the benefits of user involvement and representation in building people’s confidence, sense of worth and self-esteem and in helping people to achieve greater social inclusion.

· Promote FoCUS to people who use SABP’s services and carers, across Surrey and Northeast Hampshire. Using a variety of communication and engagement methods including attending relevant outreach and community events with an exhibition stand or promotional materials.

· Increase the number of service users and carers joining as FoCUS members.

· Develop and maintain personal contacts within SABP’s services in Surrey and Northeast Hampshire to promote FoCUS to their clients, and encourage key staff to attend Community Group meetings.

· Liaise with other services including Community Mental Health Recovery Services, Integrated Neighbourhood Teams and other public services and voluntary sector providers to promote FoCUS and encourage them to promote FoCUS membership to their clients.

Management of the Network

· Contact new FoCUS members to ensure their support and access needs are met and to encourage them to attend their local Community Group meetings.

· Work with LF Solutions to maintain and manage network enquiries, new members, meeting planning and delivery of the activities of the forum.

· Act as main contact for service users, carers and professionals for the FoCUS network. Manage inbox and all enquiries.

· Chair the meetings of the forum to ensure the smooth running of meetings and enable everyone to contribute in a welcoming and supportive atmosphere.

· Encourage members to attend FoCUS meetings and drop in’s to share recent service experiences.

· Produce a quarterly mental health Newsletter to promote outcomes achieved, manage the social media accounts for FoCUS.

Reporting

· Maintain accurate records. Keeping confidential member information up to date, undertaking data cleanses, recording meeting attendance and topics of discussion. Track activity and outcomes data for reporting purposes.

· Provide a quarterly report on activities and membership to SABP.

Development of volunteer FoCUS Representatives

· Encourage FoCUS members to put themselves forward to become a volunteer FoCUS Representative, explaining the nature and commitment of the role.

· Work with FoCUS Representatives on plans for engagement in their Areas and to agree their individual level of involvement in promoting FoCUS. Help them prepare their respective contributions to their Community Group meetings.

· Organise and attend a quarterly meeting of the FoCUS Representatives to prepare contributions to FoCUS Committee meetings, and provide support as required.

· Identify any training needs of FoCUS members and Representatives, to empower them to fulfil their potential and build personal skills and confidence to have their say.

General Duties

· Encourage existing and new FoCUS members to also join Surrey Coalition of Disabled People and the Independent Mental Health Network, offering opportunities for involvement in other issues affecting their lives.

· At all times, to work within Surrey Coalition’s policies. Including equal opportunities and health and safety, safeguarding, confidentiality and data protection.

· To work as a member of the team promoting FoCUS, including FoCUS Representatives and staff of Surrey Coalition and LF Solutions.

· Work flexibly to meet the responsibilities of the role and be responsive to any feedback.

· Carry out any other tasks within the scope of the role, as required by the Chief Executive and Mental Health Lead.

Person specification

It is essential that you have:

· Understanding of the value of user involvement and representation

· Understanding of mental health conditions and services

· Experience of working with groups and/or volunteers in community-based settings

· Excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively in a range of formats and with a variety of audiences 

· Good interpersonal skills to work with others to achieve objectives

· Self-motivated and able to work independently

· Advanced organisation and coordination skills with the ability to prioritise and plan your own workload

· Have a methodical approach to information gathering, recording and reporting

· A high degree of self-motivation and able to work on own initiative

· Confident phone call manner

· The ability to work safely from home and willingness to do so, or the ability to work from our office in Burpham

· Good level of computer literacy including all Microsoft packages with experience of using a range of databases, and video conferencing software

· The ability to travel around the county including occasional travel to the main office base in Burpham

It is desirable that you have:

· Personal experience of receiving mental health services or caring for someone who has

· Experience of chairing or facilitating meetings or groups

· Knowledge and/or experience of working with people who have used mental health services and/or carers

· Knowledge and experience of user and carer involvement in Surrey and North East Hampshire

· A good understanding of the Health, Social Care and Voluntary, Community and Faith Sector (VCFS)

· A understanding of GDPR and adult safeguarding principles

· Live within Surrey or North East Hampshire

This role requires the successful applicant to be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check (we will organise and pay for this for you if you are successful). 

As part of a remote working and flexible team we will support you to find the ways of working that suit you best. 

What we offer you:

· Flexible working hours

· Induction training and support

· On-going training and development and the opportunity to complete accredited training

· 27 days annual leave per annum (excluding bank holidays), raising to 28 days after 2 years of service 

· Access to our Employee Assistance Programme

· Company Pension Plan

· Equipment (laptop and mobile phone)

· Pre-agreed expenses

· A great team and the opportunity to really make a difference! 

To apply

Fill in the application form available on our website by 10am on 22nd June 2026. CVs won't be accepted.

If you think you might be interested in this role and would like to have an informal chat about it, please do get in touch!  You can contact Immy Markwick by calling our office.

Manchester Central Foodbank is a busy Trussell Trust-affiliated food bank, with centres in Central, North, and East Manchester. We were established in Ardwick in 2013 by students at the Manchester Universities’ Catholic Chaplaincy, making us the first student-led food bank in the country. Since then we have grown significantly, expanding our weekly sessions into Harpurhey and Openshaw.

Our core aims are to deliver the best quality support that we can to the largest number of our neighbours in need, while working with partners and influencing and organising at a neighbourhood and citywide level to reduce and end the need for food banks in Manchester.

We currently support 16,000 people per year with nutritionally balanced 3-day food parcels. This is double the number of people we supported in the first year following the Covid-19 pandemic, and four times the number supported in 2019. We also provide financial inclusion support with advice workers in public sessions, access to energy vouchers, SIM cards, and other voucher or material support. We coordinate across a network of 200 active front-line referral agencies with the aim of ensuring everyone who accesses our service has appropriate, specialised, and ongoing support alongside the material provision that we provide.

We are active leaders in anti-poverty organising and community development, as convenors of the citywide Building an Anti-Poverty Community collective and aim to be key shapers and influencers of new strategies and policies, working closely to support and influence local government, NHS, education and research agendas in Manchester and more widely building upon our track record of successful anti-poverty partnership work, social value impact and Parliamentary influencing. Our core values are: care, partnership, dignity, partnership, anti-stigma and rights-based.

Key responsibilities
As Chief Executive Officer you will be the key senior staff leader for the charity. You will lead the team to ensure they have the resources, frameworks, and support to effect smooth day-to-day running of our frontline support service. You will provide a strong business management focus, through supporting the financial process, overall metrics and reporting, day to day HR and input for the external Payroll Team, Health and Safety, appropriate working conditions, and strategic planning and communications. 

As the senior lead you will also facilitate and support the Board of Trustees to develop and lead strategic development objectives and plans for transformation, and ensure the delivery and implementation of the charity’s overall strategy and specific focused strategies. You will develop and manage strategic relationships with stakeholders including Council, NHS, and other statutory partners and funders, corporate and social value funders and partners, and high-value and donors. You will also plan and lead fundraising strategies. 

You will be a key external interface for our community and partners.  You will do this by:

Staff/Board Leadership and Governance:

• Line managing a current team of operations staff, including those supporting the recruitment, training, and management of a large team of volunteers. 

• Building team spirit and employee engagement and offer.

• Leading and delivering regular staff performance and development reviews.

• Developing and delivering robust metrics and reporting to the board and staff team, through consistent monthly and quarterly reporting packs to the board of trustees.

• Ensuring all staff and volunteers are familiar and engaged with the charity’s long-term goals and objectives, and know how their work helps to implement these on the ground. Leading the development of induction packages and ongoing offers for staff and volunteers. You will be responsible for writing, implementation, and update of institutional policies as needed to staff and volunteers.

• Leading targeted volunteer recruitment strategies to maximise core delivery capacity through volunteer roles and prioritise staffing capacity to core charity operations.

• Ensure policies are kept current.

• Ensure recording and management of absence/leave.

• Ensure Health and Safety aspects of all organisational operations are compliant, in collaboration with the Board sponsor.

• Manage day to day financial input, through the Xero app, and ensure accurate and up-to-date financial reporting for the Board/Treasurer. This includes administering monthly payroll requests.

• Oversee training and personal development plans for staff and volunteers, as appropriate.

• Working with the Chair of Trustees to implement the charity’s strategic plan and structural development objectives.

• Develop and implement ongoing plans and actions to ensure operationally-appropriate and safe office, warehouse, and working spaces.

• Lead on development, modelling, and maintenance of service delivery standards, quality control, and ensuring frontline teams have the appropriate resources, support, and frameworks to deliver high quality and consistent support offers.

Foodbank Management:

• Support the Operations and Project Lead to deliver the smooth running of food bank sessions across multiple centres, ensuring an excellent standard of service across all centres, and seeking to continually develop our service in line with our goals to support the largest number of people with the best support we can while working to reduce and end the need for food banks in Manchester.

• Develop and build a new Delivery Strategy with the Chair of Trustees and Operations and Project Lead.

• Support the Operations and Project Lead and Warehouse and Logistics Coordinator to safely store and maintain optimal stock levels, maximise food donation levels and reduce food spend, develop and maintain relationships with community donors, and record incoming and outgoing stock, with the aim of ensuring that all centres are well stocked to provide as many varied, balanced, and nutritious and culturally-appropriate food parcels as necessary.

• Ensure compliance with the procedures set out in Manchester Central Foodbank’s policies, the Trussell Trust’s Operating Manual, and relevant statutory requirements at all times.

• Ensure our food bank centres provide a safe and dignified environment for clients, free from discrimination, judgement, and stigma.

Strategy and External Relationships:

• Working with the Chair of Trustees on development, monitoring, and implementation of the core charity strategy and sub-strategies. Ensuring the involvement and participation of the food bank’s staff, volunteers, external partners, and service users in all strategic planning and decision making, where appropriate.

• Support the Operations and Project Lead to work build strong relationships with referral partners and wider community and statutory networks of collaborators and support to ensure that our service users are able to access the maximum amount of support before, during, and after accessing our service to minimise the length and severity of financial crisis, maximise their incomes, and provide pathways to ongoing and longer-term support.

• Play an active role in strategic and convening spaces around our city and neighbourhoods to present the foodbank’s approach, bring more partners into our network, and influence policy and funding frameworks.

• Develop and manage a Corporate Relationships and Social Value strategy, including communications, networking, and relationship management.

• Lead on directing the charity’s external communications, including social media, in person, newsletters, company visits, and other content.

• Manage internal communications, including developing and delivering two-way team briefings with the board and staff/volunteers, biannual town halls or away days with board members and staff/volunteers, newsletters, and an open and collaborative, person-focused, and developmental culture within the organisation.

About you

Essential Experience and Knowledge:

• 5 years’ experience of leading a similar profiled charity or organisation and successful Board interaction.

• Experience of leading successful transformation and change for a charity and a strong developmental mindset and focus.

• Have led a team of 5 or more staff members to successful performance, demonstrating experience of coaching and individual development skills.

• Experience in developing and leading successful and engaged volunteering programmes and support.

• Full valid driving licence. 

• Proven experience of leading the development and delivery of strategy and sub-strategies to successful conclusion and fashioning evidenced business cases for current and new development projects.

• Leading multiple complex projects or services, balancing the needs and interests of a range of stakeholders.

• Experience of implementing rigorous reporting and evaluation practices on operations.

• Experience of managing day-to-day financial administration and reporting.

• Evidence of delivering clear metric dashboards and reports.

• Experience of high-quality implementation of Health and Safety and Safeguarding policies and a leadership practice that centres care for staff, volunteers, and service users. Safeguarding lead qualification is desirable but will provide training if not.

• Demonstrable knowledge and experience in HR processes and management.

• Experience in building and delivering strategic plans.

• Proven experience of effective problem solving and responding to crisis situations.

• A good working knowledge of the social welfare and political landscape in Manchester – or demonstrable experience in similar expertise and networking and an openness to learn and develop sector-specific knowledge.

• A nuanced and sensitive understanding of the complex reasons people attend food banks.

Desirable Experience and Knowledge:

• Partnering with and building relationships with Council, NHS, and other statutory partners and funders, corporate and social value partners and funders, high net worth donors, and fundraising through grant applications and individual/community donors.

• Experience of working collaboratively with stakeholders from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, faiths, and views. 

• Experience of handling safeguarding incidents, follow-ups, and debriefs with staff, volunteers, and service users.

• Demonstrated success in delivering communications strategies for internal and external stakeholders, including social media and press content and campaigns.

Personal Skills and Attributes:

• An individual who embodies the values of Manchester Central Foodbank in their core professional practice and personal approach to their work.

• An empathetic and care-centred approach and the ability to centre the experience and outcomes of people from marginalised or socially-excluded backgrounds in core decision-making and prioritisation.

• A leader who takes ownership, accountability, and responsibility to drive an organisation and team forward with a developmental mindset.

• A highly self-motivated and proactive person who centres collaboration and consensus with the staff team, volunteers and Board of Trustees in their approach.

• Able to develop strategy and plans and translate strategy to actionable delivery and developmental projects.

• A high level of literacy and communication.

• A high level of numeracy and ability to analyse data.

• Strong leadership attributes to build engagement and performance with the team.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to motivate, persuade, and coach staff and volunteers.

• Excellent personal organisation skills and the ability to manage multiple conflicting priorities and deadlines.

The COO will translate BLiM's mission and strategy and ensure its well-run, properly resourced, with its ambitious day-to-day delivery. You will free the CEO to focus on strategic leadership and external influence by owning operations, people management, financial oversight and internal systems.

The COO will be a senior leader who shapes organisational culture, makes operational decisions, manages complex stakeholder relationships and drives the performance of a passionate, high-commitment team. You will be the person the organisation looks to when it needs clarity, stability and momentum.

The COO joins at a moment of leadership transition following the departure of BLiM's co-founder and Director of Operations.

Why Join Us:

Black Lives in Music (BLiM) is a not-for-profit dedicated to advancing racial equity across the UK music industry. We amplify the voices of Black artists, music professionals and communities; drive systemic change; and hold the industry accountable for meaningful progress. Through research, advocacy, programming and strategic partnerships, BLiM creates the conditions for Black talent to thrive.

BLiM has published ground-breaking research including the Being Black in the UK Music Industry report, produced the UK's first Black classical music festival in Classically Black, influenced government policy on live music licensing, and built a network of over 100 partner organisations across the four nations. BLiM is now entering a new phase of its development, with a strengthened leadership team, a Target Operating Model designed to carry the organisation beyond its founding era, and an ambition to become the UK's most influential voice for racial equity in music.

Person Specification 

Essential

• Significant experience in a senior operational leadership role, ideally as a COO, Head of Operations or Director of Operations in a charity, social enterprise or purpose-driven organisation.

• Demonstrable track record of building and improving operational infrastructure: systems, processes, policies and ways of working that make organisations more effective and resilient.

• Proven people management experience, including line management of senior staff, performance development, recruitment and team culture-building.

• Strong financial literacy, including experience of budget management, grant compliance, financial reporting and working with a board finance function.

• Experience of leading or supporting governance processes, including board reporting, risk management and compliance.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex operational information into clear, accessible reports and presentations for senior stakeholders.

• A genuine, demonstrable commitment to racial equity and an understanding of the specific systemic barriers faced by Black professionals, artists and communities.

• The emotional intelligence and interpersonal skill to lead with care, build trust quickly and navigate complex relationships under pressure.

• The resilience and adaptability to thrive in a small, fast-paced, mission-driven organisation where the work is varied, the stakes are high and no day is the same.

Desirable

• Experience of working in or with the music industry, creative industries or arts and culture sector.

• Familiarity with Arts Council England funding frameworks, charity law and the regulatory environment for non-profit organisations.

• Experience of implementing or managing a CRM system, project management platform or other operational technology.

• Knowledge of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) frameworks and how to embed inclusive practice into operational systems and culture.

• Experience of leading an organisation through a period of significant change, transition or growth.

• An existing network within the UK music sector, creative industries or racial equity and social justice space.

At BLiM, we're interviewing on a rolling basis, so we'd encourage you to apply sooner rather than later!

To be considered for a first interview, please include a Cover Letter with your application. This initial conversation will be relaxed and informal, and we'll take you through the full interview process together so you know exactly what to expect at every stage.

About the role

The Head of Buildings & Facilities is responsible for the effective, safe and compliant management of The Passage’s buildings and for ensuring that Facilities support the charity’s residential services, day services and offices. The role ensures compliance with statutory, regulatory and organisational requirements, maintains high standards of safety and sustainability as well as delivering value for money.

The role also helps develop and implement our Asset Management Strategy, ensuring our building stock remains in good condition in the medium and long term.

The Head of Buildings & Facilities is supported by a small but experienced Facilities Management team and a number of external contractors.

Main duties

 Strategic Asset Management

• Be a leading part of a team to develop and implement an Asset Management Strategy, including reporting on the condition of buildings, forward planning of major renovations and compliance works, making recommendations for investment planning and capital works programmes.
• Play a leading role in plans to acquire new property assets and to bring them into effective use.
• Ensure the work of the Facilities Management team dovetails with the requirements and regulatory requirements of our residential services.
• Implement and embed tools and systems to improve the efficiency and forward-planning of the team’s work.

Buildings and Facilities Management

• Manage the day-to-day operation of the Passage’s buildings ensuring they are safe, secure, accessible and fit for the services provided to our clients.
• Oversee the Facilities Management team to ensure the fabric and systems of all the charity’s buildings are maintained in line with statutory and regulatory standards.
• Work with the Facilities Management team to (i) oversee planned preventative maintenance and improvements to all of The Passage’s sites (ii) oversee and support the team to provide a quick, reliable response to maintenance and repair requests.
• Ensure colleagues and residents are engaged and informed in advance of any issues which may affect them, thereby minimising potential disruption.

Health and Safety

• Act as the lead and Responsible Person for Health & Safety (H&S) across the organisation including risk assessments, accurate and timely recording of health and safety issues, carrying out audits and investigations as necessary.
• Respond to any reported H&S risks, prioritising any reported risks with a significant potential for harm.
• Ensure The Passage is compliant with all relevant H&S statutory, regulatory and legislative requirements, including but not limited to: Fire safety; Gas, Electrical and Water safety; Asbestos management; RSH regulations.
• Formalise, develop and monitor the H&S framework and policies.
• Working with the Facilities Management team, ensure all work is carried out in full compliance with H&S requirements and best practice, whether that work is carried out by Passage staff or by third party contractors.
• Ensure robust record-keeping and compliance reporting to management and Board.

Relationship Management (Contractors and Suppliers)

• Ensure relationships with key services suppliers are well managed by the Facilities Management team. Work with the team to monitor the quality and timing of external contractors’ work and to address any shortcomings promptly.
• Ensure that all contracts for ongoing work and for one-off pieces of work are awarded in full accordance with The Passage’s procurement policy, ensuring best value for money and high-quality delivery.
• Together with the Facilities Management team, ensure contractors conduct themselves professionally and respectfully whilst attending any of the Passage’s locations and to ensure they follow our safeguarding policy at all times.

Teamwork and Line Management

• Line manage the Facilities Management Co-ordinator with an emphasis on supportive communication, skills development and progress towards personal objectives, including his line management of other members of the team.
• Develop positive relationships with all other teams at The Passage’s multiple sites and promote practices to reduce the need for repairs and replacements.
• Be a proactive and constructive member of The Passage’s Senior Management Group

Financial

• Develop and manage the Facilities Management budget, including capital spend, monitoring spending against budget and explaining variances.
• Support business planning through accurate forecasting and long-term planning of major financial spending.
• Ensure value for money and effective financial control across all areas of responsibility.

General Responsibilities

• Working with your Line Manager, develop your role to keep pace with The Passage’s plans and ambitions; participate in regular supervision and annual appraisal and to lead in identifying your own development and training needs.
• Represent The Passage in a professional manner at all times, carrying out your role to a high standard, and to always work in accordance with the aims, values and ethos of The Passage
• Make sure The Passage’s policies are followed within Buildings & Facilities Management, particularly those for Safeguarding, Health and Safety, Data Protection, anti-Harassment and Equality and Diversity.
• To participate in meetings, training and other events as required.
• Undertake any other duties which are commensurate with the role.

General Responsibilities 

• Working with your Line Manager, develop your role to keep pace with The Passage’s plans and ambitions; participate in regular supervision and annual appraisal and to lead in identifying your own development and training needs. 
• Represent The Passage in a professional manner at all times, carrying out your role to a high standard, and to always work in accordance with the aims, values and ethos of The Passage 
• Make sure The Passage’s policies are followed within Buildings & Facilities Management, particularly those for Safeguarding, Health and Safety, Data Protection and Equality and Diversity. 
• To participate in meetings, training and other events as required. 
• Undertake any other duties that may be required which are commensurate with the role. 

Desired Experience

• E1 – Proven experience in leading a complex Buildings and Facilities Management function, including effective management of external contractors.
• E2 – Experience of developing and/or implementing a buildings Asset Management Strategy.
• E3 – Experience of introducing a systematic approach to Facilities Management, covering Health & Safety, Regulatory compliance and Planned Preventative Maintenance.
• E4 – Experience of developing and getting the best from a small team.
• E5 – Experience of effectively managing budgets.
• E6 – Experience of playing leading role in major projects as well as day to day operations.
• E7 – Demonstrable experience of taking a long-term planning view at the same time as delivering on day-to-day priorities.

Desired Knowledge

• K1 – Strong understanding of Health and Safety and other legislative and regulatory requirements, ideally gained in an environment providing residential accommodation.  
• K2 – Professionally recognised Health & Safety and/or Buildings and Facilities Management qualification (eg IWFM, NEBOSH, IOSH).  

Lead a national charity at a pivotal moment of change and make a life‑changing impact for individuals and families affected by rare craniofacial conditions. 

Headlines Craniofacial Support is a UK-based charity providing information, advice and support to individuals and families affected by craniosynostosis and other rare craniofacial conditions.  The charity works closely with professional partners, including the 5 NHS Designated Specialist Craniofacial Units across the UK.

Craniosynostosis is a condition where two or more of the plates in the skull fuse prematurely, requiring medical support from a young age. Around 350 children are born with craniosynostosis each year in the UK.

Established by group of parents in 1993, Headlines now has over 2,500 members.  Within our charity offer we send out regular newsletters and an annual magazine, Headline News.  We also support families to connect through events such as an annual Family Weekend, conferences and Days Out, and provide information through our helpline and access to psychological support.  We have private social media groups and specific groups within our membership who meet regularly including Cranio Dads, Young Persons Network and a Teens Group.

After 8 successful years, our current Director will be retiring in 2026 and we are now seeking an enthusiastic, inspirational and proactive individual to take up the reins.This is a rare opportunity to lead a well-established, respected national charity at an important moment of transition.

Strategic priorities for us, moving forward, include increasing our fundraising activities to ensure sustainability of the charity alongside the smooth running of our core activities in providing support, facilitating research and raising awareness.

Key responsibilities

The Executive Director will hold day-to-day responsibilities, working closely with the Chair and Trustee Board to provide effective leadership and operational management of the charity. Specifically, they will:

• Act as an ambassador for the charity, liaising with members, health professionals and with wider community and provide day-to-day management of Headlines staff and activities, setting objectives in line with the operational plan.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, data protection and other legal, statutory and regulatory requirements and responsibilities.
• Work on behalf of and with the Trustees to deliver the charity’s mission, goals, operational plans and long-term strategy,  and act as a positive leader and role model, managing and motivating Headlines staff,
• Ensure effective financial management of Headlines working closely with trustees and the treasurer to ensure financial security and appropriate allocation of funds.
• Manage and enhance the event programme to meet charity objectives, including identifying and meeting members’ priorities and raising awareness of craniofacial conditions.
• Develop opportunities for collaborative working and partnerships with other organisations for the benefit of people with craniosynostosis and rare craniofacial conditions.  This also includes work overseas, predominantly in Europe with our medical and charity partners.
• Oversee communications and marketing activities to raise the profile of Headlines, its work and the needs of its members.
• Identify opportunities for growth, developing projects and keeping policies relevant, to enhance and expand the work of Headlines.
• Be responsible for generating funds through innovative and cost-effective fundraising activities and grant applications to maintain the long-term success of the charity.

Person specification 

Essential criteria

• An understanding of the importance of the charity’s values and priorities.
• Evidence of inclusive, innovative and proactive leadership, with demonstrable experience of fundraising and income generation.
• Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills with experience organising events and activities.
• Experience of successfully managing budgets and developing new and sustainable funding streams.
• Excellent organisational, presentation and communication skills and the ability to write reports for public consumption and for statutory obligations.
• A high level of digital literacy skills with an understanding of online technology and the application of social media.
• Proven track record in managing, leading and motivating staff and volunteers.
• Willingness to operate a hybrid model of working with most work taking place from home, working remotely with stakeholders and across the UK/ internationally for specific events.
• Experience of working within the charity sector, ideally at a management level and/or within  financial management of the charitable sector, with sound knowledge of the relevant legal requirements and regulations applicable to a charitable organisation.

Desirable criteria

• Experience of working effectively with a Chair and Board of Trustees.
• Experience of working for a health-related organisation.
• An awareness of the principles of inclusivity, accessibility or experience of working with individuals with visible differences.
• Degree or equivalent.
• Experience of commissioning research and liaising with research bodies.

Other information

Headlines hosts events and fundraising activities throughout the whole of the UK. All Headlines staff are expected to work flexibly to support those activities as required, e.g. attendance at Annual Family Weekend, conferences, member events, supporter receptions and other related scientific meetings and conferences. This may occasionally require travel and overnight stays. In addition, all staff are expected to be self-servicing in terms of administration and basic digital skills. Please note that the list of duties is not exhaustive and additional responsibilities might occasionally arise and the workload can vary across the year

ABOUT THE PASSAGE 

Our vision is of a society where homelessness no longer exists, and everyone has a place to call home.

The Passage is based in the heart of Westminster, providing practical support and a wide range of services to help transform the lives of people who are, or are at risk of, street homelessness.

We are guided by our Vincentian values and offer our clients resources and solutions to prevent or end their homelessness for good, including routes to employment, benefits, and stable accommodation. 

Our current 3-year strategy ‘The Art of The Possible’, outlines the innovative approach we will be taking over the next 3 years building on a foundation of collaboration and focusing on three goals: preventing, convening and sustaining.The Passage is in a secure and financially stable position and is viewed by central, regional and local government as a key strategic partner.

JOB PURPOSE  

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, and reporting directly to the CEO, this role is of critical importance in supporting The Passage to achieve its vision and mission.

The Executive Assistant provides dedicated support to the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team, with key tasks including action tracking, minute taking, developing resources and materials for events, diary management and regularly being the first point of contact for individuals and organisations seeking to liaise with the CEO/Senior Leadership Team. We expect the post holder will have excellent relationship management skills, sound experience of using Office 365 products, strong organisational skills and the ability to support the smooth running of the Executive Team and governance functions.

The post holder will facilitate effective governance support systems, including organising meetings and supporting Trustees and Committee members to fulfil their roles where needed. They will also have excellent professional standards of confidentiality and discretion in all areas of work, including assisting and supporting high profile events at The Passage. 

MAIN DUTIES 

• Support the effective governance systems of The Passage Group (P2000, Passage Housing Services and Passage Trading Services) by ensuring effective Trustee and Committee member recruitment, induction and continued professional development.

• Support each Chair of Board with the implementation and ongoing review of a skills matrix system. 

• Act as the first point of contact for external bodies and individuals who wish to communicate with the Chief Executive, ensuring that the organisation is professionally represented and seen as accessible and responsive. 

• Liaise with Board members, teams and external organisations as necessary to facilitate the work of the Senior Leadership Team. 

• Assist the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team to project manage specific pieces of work and assist with the relationship management of key stakeholders. 

• Maintain professional standards of confidentiality and discretion in all areas of work. 

• Develop and manage systems that provide effective support for the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team, including diary management, scheduling and servicing meetings, project planning and monitoring communications.

• Assist in producing resources and other materials for the Senior Leadership Team as required. 

• Assist and support the CEO and Senior Leadership Team with the management and running of high-profile events as required. 

• Provide administrative support to Senior Leadership Team, Board and all Governance Committees including the production of annual governance meeting schedules, correspondence and minutes, and compiling and circulating papers.

• Maintain an up to date and accessible filing system for the Chief Executive and ensure that all information is stored in an accessible manner on SharePoint, adhering to data protection requirements. 

• Arrange meetings for the Chief Executive providing links with those involved and preparing hospitality, papers, and all practical arrangements. 

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES 

• In conjunction with your Line Manager, continuously develop the role to ensure that all tasks are being undertaken in an effective and appropriate manner which meets the strategic aims and objectives of The Passage. 

• Participate in internal/external meetings as required, and attend training events, conferences and other functions as necessary. 

• Participate in regular supervision, annual appraisal and identifying individual professional and personal development and training needs. 

• Ensure that all The Passage policies and procedures are being adhered to, particularly those relating to Health and Safety, Code of Practice and Confidentiality. 

• Contribute to the effective implementation of The Passage’s Diversity and Equality Policy as it affects both The Passage and its work with vulnerable adults. 

• Undertake your role in a professional manner at all times to maintain a high-quality standard of work in accordance with the aims, values and ethos of The Passage. 

• Undertake any other duties that may be required which are commensurate with the role. 

Note: The details contained in this Job Description summarise the main expectations of the role at the date it was prepared. It should be understood that the nature of individual roles will evolve and change as service, service users and commissioner needs change. Consequently The Passage will review and revise this Job Description as required in consultation with post holders. 

Person Specification: Executive Assistant  

The person speification sets out the essential abilities and qualities that will be used in the selection criteria for this post.When completing your application form, please address criteria E1 to E6 and K1 to K4 demonstrating your experience and knowledge, giving evidence of your experience and abilities. 

EXPERIENCE 

E1 Experience of working as an Executive Assistant or equivalent senior support in a similar context. 

E2 Experience of devising and maintaining governance support systems (recruitment, induction, training and development and skills audit support).

E3 Experience of administering effective governance cycles; including minutes, action tracking and preparation of papers. 

E4 Experience of diary management, inbox management and stakeholder coordination. 

E5 Experience supporting strategic projects, programmes, or organisational planning. 

E6 Excellent communication skills, with ability to build and maintain effective relationships with a range of diverse stakeholders, both internal and external.

KNOWLEDGE  

K1 Knowledge of Office 365 products and project tracking tools. 

K2Enhanced knowledge of governance and committee structures within a charitable organisation.

K3Knowledge of GDPR and Charity Commission guidelines for good governance. 

K4Knowledge and experience of working as part of a senior leadership team or similar.