Board member with policy skills jobs

With a 110-year history, we are proud to be able to say that the WI continues to be the largest and most influential UK women’s organisation, with over 170,000 members. Our campaigns push for change on the issues that matter to women and their communities, from equal pay to climate change, mental health and violence against women. The WI has brought about real change, and this record of action shows that we are as relevant today as we were in 1915.

The National Federation of Women’s Institutes (the NFWI) is responsible for running the organisation and provides support and advice to members at both regional and local levels.

About the role

Leading innovation across the organisation, you will be responsible for developing and delivering a strategy to grow our movement, to increase our membership and reach whilst ensuring we continue to reflect the needs and aspirations of women. You will oversee research into women’s evolving needs and preferences, whilst testing approaches with new external audiences to maximise our relevance, diversity and inclusivity. At the same time, you will actively embed innovation into strategy and decision-making in all areas, constantly find new ways to reach underrepresented women and build a wealth of data to support your recommendations. You will lead transformation across the organisation by championing change, creativity and a forward-thinking strategy that ensures the continued growth for the WI.

Location: Hybrid, with one day per week at our London, Oxfordshire or Wales office.

About you

Highly experienced in innovation, organisational development or programme management, you will bring an impressive track record of instigating and managing successful organisational change that leads to sustainable income generation. You will be adept at designing and delivering pilot programmes, as well as commissioning research and deploying data to support action. The role requires excellent communication skills and the confidence to advise and lead at both senior leadership and Board level, as the organisation looks to you to lead fundamental organisational change. Experience within the charity or not-for-profit sector would be beneficial, as would an understanding of trends and issues affecting women across different demographics in the UK.

How to apply

For further information about this Head of Innovation role, please download the recruitment pack which includes the job description and person specification.

To apply, please submit your current CV with a covering letter clearly explaining why you would be suitable for the role to the HR department.

Closing date: 3 September 2026.

First round interview (virtual): 11 September 2026.

Second round interview (in-person): 15 September 2026.

No other media or agencies, please.

The WI is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and values diversity. Reg. Charity No. 803793.

We are looking for someone to contribute effectively to governing the organisation. You will have skills and experience in at least one of the following areas; housing development, property maintenance, strategic asset management or finance / treasury. Preferably, you will also have experience in the social housing sector.

About Hastoe

 Hastoe was established over 60 years ago and now manages more than 7,500 rented, shared ownership and leasehold homes, mainly located across the south of England from Devon to Norfolk. Since 1987 we have focused on being a leading rural housing specialist, helping to sustain rural areas by working in partnership with communities to deliver high-quality, affordable housing developments for local people. However, we still have properties in urban areas that remain important to us.

Our Business Strategy is focused on ensuring our homes are safe, that we deliver on our customer needs, and that we are sustainable as an organisation.

The role

As a Board Member you will be responsible for:

· Helping to set our strategic direction.

· Overseeing our financial and operational performance.

· Supporting effective governance and risk management.

· Ensuring regulatory compliance and customer focus.

· Acting as an ambassador and representing Hastoe.

The role is expected to require a time commitment of around 15 days a year, including an overnight stay to attend an away day. Our meetings are held during the day and generally in London. There may be occasional travel required to other locations, e.g for a scheme opening.

How to apply

Please submit your CV together with a covering letter which sets out your interest and related experience.

Please also include the names of two referees. Referees will not be approached until the final stages and not without your prior permission.

The closing date for applications is midnight on 20 September 2026.

Do you believe communities should have a stronger voice in shaping services and opportunities? 💜🩵🩷

Compass Wellbeing CIC is looking for a new Non-Executive Director to join our Board and help ensure community voice, lived experience and partnership working continue to shape our strategy and decisions.

We are a small social enterprise (and subsidiary of East London NHS Foundation Trust) that helps communities thrive by bringing people, organisations and opportunities together, from earlier access to support, to employment and skills, to partnerships that make a real difference locally.

This NED role has a particular focus on strengthening our relationships with voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations.

📍 London (hybrid) | 🕐 c. 1 day/month | 💷 £250/day + expenses | Closing 3 September 2026, 10:00

You don't need previous Board experience. Community leadership, VCFSE sector experience or lived experience relevant to the communities we serve all count. What matters is a genuine commitment to social justice and inclusion, and the confidence to be a constructive, challenging voice in the room.
 

An opportunity to take ownership of our learning offer, develop innovative resources and work with partners across the justice system.

MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY 

• Identifying training, learning and development opportunities or needs 

• Developing learning resources, including e-learning and guidance documents

• Managing MA learn, the MA's learning management system (LMS) 

• Overseeing the MA's community outreach programme (Magistrates in the Community) 

• Coordinating MA input into wider magistrate training, both nationally and through representation on local training committees. 

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES 

Policy committees 

• Support the MA’s training, learning and development committee by organising regular meetings, sharing minutes and actions. 

• Propose priorities and manage programmes of work for the committee 

• Provide high-quality information to ensure that committee members and other interested parties are up to date with relevant information 

• Ensure agreed actions and decisions of the policy committees are implemented 

• Build and maintain excellent relationships with committee members 

• Provide support to committee members to enable them to effectively contribute to the work of the MA 

• Assist in the training and development of committee members 

• Agree and implement committee working practices. 

• Contribute to supporting the MA's other policy committees 

Volunteer support 

• Support  representatives in post 

• Work with magistrates to develop and coordinate learning materials 

Learning 

• Develop and upload learning resources to our learning platform. 

• Be the first point of contact for member queries about our learning platform and other training related matters 

• With the membership team, liaise with external stakeholders to plan and deliver the MA's webinar series

• Edit webinar footage and create transcripts to upload to MA learn

• Monitor learner behaviour on the MA learn and use this to inform learning development plans. 

Policy and research 

• Provide input to proposed policy and research work 

• Work with policy colleagues to translate research and policy into learning materials. 

Communications 

• Work closely with the communications team to support the delivery of the MA’s learning communications, both for members and externally 

• Ensure the accuracy of training information contained in MA communications outputs 

• Contribute to our Magistrate magazine, newsletters, website content, social media and press releases. 

Membership 

• Support the work of the MA’s membership team to recruit and retain members

• Assist in responding to members’ queries and provide up to date information about training and learning issues. 

Other duties 

• Contribute to team meetings, organisational strategy and priorities 

• Be proactive in keeping up to date with developments affecting the role 

• Contribute to other organisational tasks, such as support for our webinars and events on occasion. 

GENERAL 

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the job and the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this role. It is not exhaustive, and staff may be required to undertake other reasonable duties commensurate with the role.

PERSON SPECIFICATION 

ESSENTIAL 

• Experience of using a learning management system (LMS) 

• Experience of using, or aptitude to learn, e-learning software, such as Articulate 360 

• Ability to design and develop a variety of online learning resources 

• Experience of project management 

• Ability to organise and prioritise your own workload and a strong attention to detail 

• Ability to assimilate and understand complex information and explain complex issues clearly 

• Ability to produce clear, concise proposals, papers and other written communications

• Ability to communicate effectively, diplomatically and persuasively with a wide range of people 

• Ability to establish personal credibility with a range of stakeholders 

• Ability to work effectively under pressure 

• A creative and practical approach to problem solving and the ability to provide sound reasons to support proposed solutions 

• Excellent networking skills. 

DESIRABLE 

• Training qualification (Level 3 or above and/or equivalent professional training experience) 

• Experience of working with/managing a committee 

• Knowledge of the workings of magistrates' courts 

• Experience of working in a membership organisation 

• Experience of supporting volunteers remotely. 

Panel Member - Office Holder

When registering to this job board you will be redirected to the online application form. Please ensure that this is completed in full in order that your application can be reviewed.

Job Title: Panel Member (Office Holder)

Rate:  £200 per full day or £100 per half day 

Hours: At least 15 days per year - plus training and additional events

Location: East Midlands

Are you an experienced panel member with social work background? Do you want to use your expertise and passion to benefit children and young people currently in care? We are seeking proactive and passionate, social work qualified individuals to join our Fostering Panel. We welcome applicants with a strong understanding of trauma-informed practice and therapeutic care, and a commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people in care. At this time we are specifically looking for individuals who are registered social workers.

TACT is the UK’s largest fostering charity and has been providing loving families for vulnerable children and young people across the country for over 30 years. Our reputation and growth rests upon our strength in providing successful placements. As a charity, we do not have shareholders who receive profits - we invest all of our surplus income into service, staff, carers, and children’s development.

The successful applicants must be IT literate, as documentation is shared at online meetings on a monthly basis. The Panel meets using Microsoft Teams on the third Monday of each month, but occasionally additional meetings may also be scheduled, depending on business needs.

The successful candidate may need to travel to attend an annual panel business day in person and other occasional meetings and training. 

In line with our values, we expect fostering panel members to ensure that all decisions are made with regard to the interest of 'children in care', foster carers, and the community in which they live. We welcome candidates who are passionate about the success of fostering services and the outcomes for our children and young people. 

Successful candidates will be responsible for the following Fostering Panel Member duties: - 

• Reading the meeting documents carefully before the meeting and to attend the meeting prepared to raise issues and to contribute to the panel discussion.
• Participating in the making of a recommendations, on each case, drawing on both personal and professional knowledge and experience.
• To attend at least 75 per cent of meetings of the panel.
• To be prepared to attend additional panels, if possible, if requested.
• To participate, with other panel members, in advising on policy and procedural matters as required.
• To address diversity issues and promote anti-discriminatory practice.
• To safeguard the confidentiality of all panel papers and panel discussions.
• To participate in panel induction and in panel training, which will be at least one day per year.
• To participate constructively in the annual review of their panel membership.

An Enhanced DBS check clearance is required for this role.  This check will be undertaken by TACT on your behalf.

Closing Date: Monday, 7th September 2026

Interview Date: Friday 18th September 2026 (via Teams)

TACT reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so we advise you to submit your application as early as possible to prevent disappointment.

Safeguarding is everyone’s business and TACT believe that only the people with the right skills and values should work in social work.  As part of TACT’s commitment to safeguarding, we properly examine the skills, experience, qualifications, and values of potential staff in relation to our work with vulnerable young children.  We use rigorous and consistent recruitment approaches to help safeguard TACT’s young people.  All our staff are expected to work in line with TACT’s safeguarding policies.

TACT does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

#LI-JO1

About the role: AMRC is looking for a policy officer to join our small but highly influential policy and public affairs team, working at the heart of the medical research community. You will support our influencing and advocacy work, helping build a thriving research environment that facilitates innovation. We work with government and policy makers to ensure that our charities can invest in a healthy and sustainable research system across universities and the NHS. You will undertake analysis and horizon scanning to enable us to keep our members up-to-date, and you will support the development of AMRC’s policy activity. You will support activities in many areas of work including improving the sustainability of charity-university research; enhancing research careers, translation and infrastructure; maintaining a facilitative legislative and regulatory environment; and enhancing charity-industry partnerships, helping research findings to be translated into treatments, policy and practice more quickly. There will also be a public affairs dimension to the role that includes work with the APPG for Life Sciences, for which AMRC is part of the secretariat. 

Please see our website for the job description and application instructions. 

You will be one of the key points of contact for World Physiotherapy membership. The position is instrumental in assisting the smooth running of World Physiotherapy membership services and supporting the work of the membership manager, the regional executive committees, member organisations, and other staff across the full range of functions.

You will use your experience, initiative, confidence, project and organisational skills to provide business support across the organisation and its activities. These include the membership function requirements of the organisation, project support, operational logistics, member services and education activities. This will require liaising with staff, member organisations, board/committee members, and external stakeholders.

You will love working for a growing, values-driven organisation where you can use your skills to support the organisation’s business as usual activities as well as strategic projects working at all levels in the organisation and with key stakeholders.

You thrive in a dynamic, international team where you can implement systems and processes for effective and efficient operations, as well as bring your ideas to specific projects.

Duties and key responsibilities

Operational support

1. Liaising with member organisations, regions, specialty groups and networks as required by the membership manager and other staff.
2. Technical and logistical support across all operations for any meetings and webinars.
3. Work with relevant staff to ensure that activities are set up on Teamwork® (project management software) and support their ongoing management.
4. Ensure the CRM (Salesforce) is updated with relevant organisational and individual contacts and interactions.
5. Management of membership queries

Administrative support to the membership manager, regional executive committees and specialty groups, and those representing World Physiotherapy on defined activities or events

1. Scheduling of all regional executive committee meetings and supporting other meetings and webinars both via teleconference and face-to-face.
2. Drafting forms and surveys using Microsoft Forms and SurveyMonkey
3. Other project areas: work with the membership manager to carry out activity analysis
4. Provide day-to-day administrative support for World Physiotherapy’s membership activities and services.
5. Assess ways to improve project management and outcomes.
6. Provide general project support and carry out any other tasks requested by the manager.

Person specification

The membership support officer must have experience in project support and organisational administration. They must be highly organised, self-motivated and able to demonstrate initiative in managing complex and competing demands from different sources.

It is expected that the individual will ideally have a good first degree, or relevant experience gained across a range of comparable settings, preferably with additional experience or qualifications in project management and/or business administration. Experience of working with senior staff and committees is essential.

The individual must have a legal right to work in the UK.

Attributes

Essential:

• advanced computer literacy skills and competency with Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Surveymonkey, Salesforce, Teams, and Zoom.
• strong communication skills (in a cross cultural/professional environment)
• the ability to multi-task, prioritise and manage own workloads
• cultural awareness and sensitivity
• tact and discretion for dealing with confidential information

It is expected that the person appointed will have:

• a minimum of two years in a relevant work environment
• demonstrable ability to organise and prioritise own workload effectively
• experience of meeting planning including webinars
• experience gained working with teams and individuals across time zones internationally
• delivered a variety of business support and office services
• an efficient and well organised working style

Desirable:

• understanding of the physiotherapy profession
• ability to speak an additional language such as French, Spanish, Portuguese or Arabic

Candidates with relevant experience who meet the above attributes will be invited for an initial interview, which may be followed by a technical interview and skills test.

About us

Community rail is a unique and growing grassroots movement made up of community rail partnerships, station volunteer groups and other community-led initiatives across Britain.

Together, these organisations and volunteers deliver a wide range of initiatives, from engaging young people and building confidence in rail travel, to improving accessibility, enhancing stations, supporting biodiversity projects and creating community spaces that bring people together.

Community Rail Network is the national membership and umbrella body for the community rail movement across England, Scotland and Wales. We empower, support and champion community-led partnerships and groups, helping them create social, environmental and economic value through their work.

Our team of 22 colleagues is based across Britain, working mainly from home while coming together regularly online and in person. We are a collaborative, values-led organisation, passionate about making a difference through community rail.

We believe in nurturing talent, supporting professional development and creating an environment where everyone can reach their potential while maintaining a healthy work–life balance.

About this role and your main responsibilities

We are looking for a compassionate, collaborative and creative leader to head up our work with members. Everyone on the team is here for our members, but you will lead the way in ensuring everything we do is driven by what members need, now and in the future, to help them develop, grow and thrive. You’ll also help ensure our members have a great experience whenever they are accessing our support and services.

As a member of the senior leadership team, you’ll actively contribute towards its collective work in driving organisational performance and success, including growing investment in our work so we can make an even bigger difference for our members and the communities they serve.

Please see the attached introduction from our Chief Executive and role profile for further information about the position, including its principal responsibilities and the experience, skills and attributes we are looking for.

Other information

The role will involve regular travel across England, Scotland and Wales to raise the organisation’s profile and engage with members, partners and key stakeholders.

There is flexibility on your location given the requirement to travel and that your office will be home-based. You will need to travel to in-person quarterly team meetings (usually in London or the north of England) and to Board meetings which alternate between online and London.

It is expected that travel will be by public transport and easy access to the rail network is therefore required to ensure journeys can be made sustainably. 

This is a full-time position, 37 hours per week. We use a flexi-time system with core hours 10am-3pm, and are committed to being a flexible, supportive and understanding employer. This is a permanent position with a probationary period of three months. 

Successful applicants will need to provide proof that they have the right to work in the UK and provide two references.

Community Rail Network is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from disabled people and Black, Asian and other minoritised groups, who meet with the skills and competencies for this role. We will provide reasonable adjustments for interviews as required.

Role Purpose 

The Chief Executive Officer will provide strategic, operational and values-led leadership for Home-Start Norfolk, ensuring the charity delivers its mission, supports its families effectively and remains financially sustainable. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, the CEO will lead the organisation’s strategy, people, services, partnerships, governance, income generation and volunteer strategy, while acting as an ambassador for the charity and its work. 

Key Responsibilities 

Strategic Leadership 

• Lead the development and delivery of the charity’s strategic plan in partnership with the Board of Trustees. 

• Translate the charity’s vision, mission and values into clear priorities, measurable objectives and effective operational plans. 

• Identify opportunities for growth, innovation, collaboration and improved impact. 

• Ensure services and activities remain responsive to beneficiary needs and changing external circumstances. 

Governance, Compliance and Risk 

• Support the Board of Trustees to fulfil its governance responsibilities through clear reporting, sound advice and timely information. 

• Ensure the charity complies with charity law, company law where applicable, employment law, fundraising regulation, data protection requirements, safeguarding duties and all relevant regulatory obligations. 

• Maintain a robust approach to risk management, internal controls, policies and procedures. 

• Promote transparency, accountability and ethical decision-making across the organisation. 

Financial Leadership and Income Generation 

• Provide overall leadership for financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and long-term sustainability. 

• Work with trustees and senior colleagues to ensure resources are used effectively and in line with charitable objectives. 

• Lead the development of a diverse and resilient income strategy, including grants, trusts and foundations, individual giving, corporate partnerships, contracts and other appropriate income streams. 

• Maintain strong relationships with funders, commissioners, donors and supporters, ensuring excellent stewardship and reporting. 

Service Delivery, Quality and Impact 

• Ensure the charity delivers high-quality, safe and effective services that achieve positive outcomes for families. 

• Embed continuous improvement, evidence-based practice and meaningful beneficiary involvement. 

• Oversee monitoring, evaluation and impact reporting to demonstrate the value and effectiveness of the charity’s work. 

• Champion safeguarding, inclusion, accessibility and dignity in all areas of service delivery. 

• Comply with Home-Start UK’s Quality Audit Policies and Process, to ensure the charity maintains a high standard of quality assurance. 

People, Culture and Organisational Development 

• Lead, support and develop the senior leadership team and staff, creating a positive, inclusive and high-performing culture. 

• Ensure the charity has the right structures, systems, skills and capacity to deliver its strategy. 

• Promote wellbeing, learning, accountability and collaboration across the organisation. 

• Ensure effective HR, performance management and recruitment practices are in place. 

Volunteer Leadership 

• Provide strategic leadership for the development and delivery of the charity’s volunteer strategy, ensuring it supports organisational priorities and beneficiary needs. 

• Oversee effective volunteer recruitment, induction, training, supervision, support, retention and recognition. 

• Ensure volunteers are valued, well-supported, appropriately deployed and able to contribute safely and confidently to the charity’s work. 

• Develop a sustainable volunteer workforce plan, identifying current and future volunteer capacity, skills and support requirements. 

• Promote a positive volunteering culture that reflects the charity’s values and strengthens engagement, inclusion and community connection. 

External Relations, Partnerships and Advocacy 

• Act as the public face and senior ambassador for the charity, representing it with credibility and confidence. 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with beneficiaries, partners, funders, commissioners, local communities, statutory bodies and sector networks. 

• Raise the charity’s profile and influence through effective communications, thought leadership and advocacy. 

• Promote collaboration and partnership working to extend reach, improve outcomes and strengthen sustainability. 

This is a pivotal senior leadership role with full strategic and operational accountability.  Leadership and exceptional communication skills will be critical as The DBR Foundation establishes and grows.  Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Chief Executive Officer will have a proven track record and experience as a CEO or in a similar executive leadership position.  An extensive knowledge of the implementation of charity governance will be essential in this role. 

The Chief Executive Officer will be responsible for the drafting and implementation of policies and procedures, ensuring financial sustainability, overseeing activities, memberships, fundraising and advocacy.

The Chief Executive Officer will have responsibility for recruitment and establishing a new team, resources and managing key relationships in line with the overall strategic policies, direction, goals and budget, for the purposes of advancing The DBR Foundation’s objectives, purpose and identity worldwide.

The DBR Foundation’s objectives are:

• The improvement of health by furthering the advancement of the theory and practice of Deep Brain Reorienting ("DBR")
• The relief of emotional and psychological distress wherever it may arise by the provision of appropriate DBR training and therapy
• The relief of poverty and distress wherever it may arise by the provision of humanitarian aid, by supporting other like-minded charities

Key Responsibilities

Leadership, Strategy & Organisational Direction:

• Lead strategic initiatives and sustainable organisational long-term development
• Drive sustainable growth and measurable impact
• Lead organisational strategy and service development
  

Operations & Service Quality:

• Oversee all operational delivery
• Ensure members are equipped with relevant, up-to-date, and impactful resources

Financial Management, Corporate Governance & Regulatory Compliance:

• Provide strong financial oversight and sustainability planning
• Ensure regulatory, and governance compliance
• Performance and risk overview to the Board of Trustees

Business Development & Commissioning:

•  Income strategy and fundraising
• Grant applications and partnership funding
• Building relationships and funder partnerships

 People & Values:

• Build a high performing operational team
• Establish a culture that reflects the core values and culture of the Foundation

External Engagement & Stewardship:

• Act as senior ambassador and spokesperson
• Represent the Foundation across statutory, voluntary, education and health sectors
• Strengthen partnerships and influence

Essential Skills:

• Senior leadership experience in the charity, public or social sector
• Strong organisational and operational management experience
• Experience working with a Board of Trustees
• Proven financial oversight and budget responsibility
• Experience delivering organisational strategy
• Fundraising or income generation leadership experience
• Strong partnership and stakeholder management skills
• Commissioning and contract delivery experience

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Education team in the Diocese of Chester in managing the DBE’s financial operations and overseeing its legal work and schools’ capital projects.

The Finance and Operations Officer is a key member of the Diocesan Education team, responsible for the financial management and operations of the company.   This also incorporates overseeing legal matters, liaising with the DBE’s lawyers, and working with our partner company on school capital projects.

The role offers hybrid working that includes working from Church House at Daresbury Park, Warrington (at least three days a week).  This is a full-time position, although part-time may be considered for the right candidate.

The job description, person specification and application form can be downloaded from the Diocesan website: please see website address in the attached documents or via the apply/redirect to recruiter button.

If you wish to have an informal conversation about this role, please contact Susan Kemp, PA to the Director of Education - contact details in the attached documents or via the apply/redirect to recruiter button.

Completed application forms should be returned by email - contact details in the attached documents or via the apply/redirect to recruiter button. 

Closing date: 16th September 2026

Interviews: 28th September 2026

Who we are

IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) is a national charity working to ensure that children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the educational support they are legally entitled to. Since we were formed in 1983, we have helped to improve the education experience of thousands of children and young people across England. We do this by providing free and independent legal advice and casework support for families, undertaking policy work and delivering training on the SEND legal framework.

What you’ll do

Reports to: Chief Executive

Location: Home-based or Hybrid (with frequent travel for events and meeting with parliamentarians and other stakeholders) 

We are seeking a Policy Manager to lead IPSEA's policy and influencing work to achieve positive change for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families. Working closely with the Chief Executive, Head of Legal and Training, trustees and colleagues across the organisation, you will set strategic policy priorities and develop evidence-based influencing plans that support IPSEA's mission and long-term objectives.

Drawing on insights from our advice and tribunal services, legal expertise and the experiences of families, you will identify systemic issues within the SEND system and develop policy solutions that improve children and young people's access to the support and education to which they are entitled. You will ensure that IPSEA's policy positions are credible, legally robust and informed by the lived experiences of those we support.

You will lead IPSEA's engagement with government, Parliament and other key decision-makers, identifying opportunities to influence legislation, policy and practice at both national and local level. This includes overseeing responses to consultations, parliamentary inquiries and calls for evidence, as well as preparing briefings and strategic advice to support senior-level engagement and advocacy.

Working collaboratively with colleagues across legal, communications, fundraising and training teams, you will ensure IPSEA's policy, campaigning and public affairs activities are aligned and maximise the organisation's impact. You will also monitor developments across the political, legal and policy landscape, helping IPSEA respond proactively to emerging opportunities and challenges affecting the rights of children and young people with SEND.

This role offers the opportunity to make a real difference as part of a small, friendly, and dedicated team. If you are passionate about helping children and young people with SEND and have the skills and experience needed, we would love to hear from you.

Who are we looking for?

You will have significant experience in a senior policy and campaigning/public affairs role and have good knowledge of local and national government structure including the legislative process.

You the ability to build and maintain relationships with a range of stakeholders including MPs, civil servants, campaigners and parents. You exhibit tact and diplomacy and can be impactful with people of varying levels and experience.

Your research and critical thinking skills enable you to analyse policy and data to produce relevant reports and position papers. You have experience of drafting organisation responses to government consultations and parliamentary calls for evidence.

IPSEA should also reflect the communities we support. We would particularly like to hear from candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people, under-served communities and disabled people, as well as those with lived experience of the SEND system, either as a child or as a parent/carer.

What we can offer you

• 5% employer pension contributions
• Healthcare cash plan
• Flexible working arrangements
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays plus an additional day off for your birthday (pro-rata if part-time).

To apply

Visit our website to download a recruitment pack and application form.

Deadline for applications: 9am on 7 September 2026.

First-round interviews: on 15 September 2026 in our offices in Takeley, Essex, with second-round interviews (online) on 18 September 2026.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE.

About the role:

We are seeking a Communications and Engagement Officer to support our Policy and Public Affairs team and lead on engaging with our members. You will be the main point of contact for our members and support our Policy team to mobilise the collective voice of our membership to influence public policy and drive long-lasting, systemic change. The successful candidate will be competent in digital technology, have a passion for human rights, equality and social justice, some experience or knowledge of public policy and/or human rights and equality frameworks, and strong interpersonal, communication and organisational skills. 

This is a varied role that would suit a candidate with a broad range of skills and interests. Each day is likely to be different and might include drafting communications material, supporting a submission to a government consultation or arranging and servicing member meetings. 

About the organisation:

Equally Ours (previously the Equality and Diversity Forum) is a UK charity that brings together people and organisations working across equality, human rights and social justice to make a reality of these in everyone’s lives. 

Through its members and networks, Equally Ours joins up research, policy and communications to shift public opinion and policy in positive and powerful ways. This is an exciting and pivotal time for us. Our 10-year strategy, Together for social justice, sets out our bold agenda to increase equality and strengthen rights at scale in the areas of law, climate and investment. 

Our policy work supports our membership of networks, communities and grassroots groups across the UK to influence public policy and decision-making.

We are a small team, which means you will have the opportunity to work closely with colleagues across the organisation and gain experience of a wide range of activities involved in running a small membership charity. You will support different aspects of our day-to-day work and have opportunities to learn from colleagues with expertise across policy, public affairs, engagement, operations, finance and programme delivery. You can find out more about our team on the 'about us' page of our website.

Main duties and responsibilities:

Membership engagement 

• Support potential new members through our member application process, prepare applications for review by the board 

• Arrange inductions with new members, including arranging induction meetings between senior staff and CEOs

• Organise regular members’ meetings, contacting and liaising with speakers from across our membership and research networks, as well as parliamentarians and other policy-makers. 

• Ensure all our methods of engagement (meetings, events, comms, web content, etc) are accessible, liaising with participants, suppliers, venues, etc to ensure that access needs are met 

• Maintain our member and research network contact lists and support the Head of Policy and Engagement in maintaining contact lists for parliamentary contacts, using Mailchimp 

• Take ownership of longer-term projects to support and improve our membership engagement offer 

• Use membership engagement to support the wider team in its long-term efforts to protect the equality and human rights legal framework 

Communications and Engagement 

• Draft and send member updates regularly, informing our members about opportunities for collaboration, and upcoming meetings and events 

• Draft and send newsletters to our audience of 5,000, providing updates on the work of our membership as well as news and updates from government and public bodies 

• Draft and schedule LinkedIn and other social media posts to share information about our work and that of our members. 

• Update and manage the website with any relevant news or information. 

• Monitor and report on engagement levels with our newsletters, member updates, social and web content, suggesting areas for improvement. 

• Use communications tools and techniques to mobilise support for the protection of the equality and human rights legal framework. 

Policy and team support 

• Organise meetings and events; including timelines, sending invites and reminders, speaker liaison, logistics and planning. 

• Draft meeting agendas and send along with any supporting documentation in advance of any meetings. 

• Take the minutes at various meetings, summarise for distribution, and follow up on any actions. 

• Monitor and report on the attendance levels of our members’ meetings, working group meetings and events. 

• Draft and administer satisfaction and impact surveys, and report on the results. 

• Support the wider team to conduct its policy influencing work for example, through government consultations and correspondence with policy makers. 

Person Specification (Essential Skills and Experience):

Communication skills:

• Very strong oral and written communication skills, coupled with an ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy.

• An ability to quickly adapt to our unique tone of voice in your communications, ensuring that your language and tone are accessible and sensitive to the topics being written about.

• A willingness to understand and adopt a human rights-based approach in your language, understanding the power of words and how they might uplift or diminish people.

Organisational skills:

• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.

• Strong attention to detail whilst maintaining the ability to work quickly and responsively. 

• Demonstrable experience of using platforms such as Eventbrite and Microsoft Teams to manage large meetings and online events, and Microsoft SharePoint for file management. 

Interpersonal skills:

• The ability to liaise and engage with people from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, and create and sustain positive, collaborative relationships.

• High levels of emotional intelligence and resilience including an ability to hold and manage difficult feelings and conversations with tact and sensitivity. 

• Understanding and ability to manage how privilege and inequality can impact in the workplace for yourself, colleagues and external stakeholders. 

Professional skills and experience: 

• Equality and Human Rights: a passion for human rights, equality and social justice and a drive to support systems change in order to support communities and people who experience disadvantage and discrimination. 

• Content creation and management: experience of drafting engaging content for a range of audiences and through a range of channels, using Wordpress, Mailchimp, and Canva. 

• Experience in or strong understanding of accessibility and inclusion; ensuring that communications and events are accessible to people with a range of conditions.

• Confidentiality and safeguarding: A good understanding of GDPR principles, ensuring people’s privacy is protected where necessary, and experience of or ability to work within our safeguarding policy. 

• An understanding of, or a willingness to learn about, how public policy is developed in the UK and the importance of civic engagement in building public policy and legislation 

Personal qualities 

• Initiative and growth mindset: the ability to identify and act on opportunities. 

• A flexible and collaborative approach, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and support a range of projects in response to organisational needs. 

• Commitment to embed anti-racism across all aspects of our work. 

Please read the full application pack attached before applying. You must be signed into your CharityJob candidate account to access and view this document.

Please note we will only accept applications that include a cover letter.

Application Instructions

Please submit a CV and cover letter (max 2 pages) explaining your interest in this role by 11pm on 11 September. Ensure that you address all the criteria, providing sufficient relevant evidence, including examples, to show how your skills and experience match those required in the person specification. 

If you would like to apply under the guaranteed interview scheme, please review the criteria on the last page of the job pack, and then contact us so we can provide further details.

Help us achieve our vision that fewer people die by suicide.

We're looking for an experienced and commercially minded finance leader to join Samaritans as our Head of Financial Planning & Analysis. This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in supporting strategic decision-making across the organisation, leading financial planning, forecasting and reporting, while helping ensure we can continue delivering our life-saving work.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Corporate Services and working closely with senior leaders across the charity, you'll provide expert financial insight, lead a high-performing team, and drive innovation and continuous improvement across our finance function.

Contract terms:

• £75,000 (FTE) per annum, plus benefits
• Fixed Term Contract (12 months)
• 35 hours per week (full time)
• We are passionate about flexible working, talk to us about your preferences
• Hybrid, linked to our Ewell (Surrey) office
• We value meeting in person and working collaboratively. Finance team members are encouraged work from the office one day per week.
• 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays (pro-rata)

What you'll be doing:

As Head of Financial Planning & Analysis, you'll lead our FP&A team and oversee the organisation's financial planning cycle, management reporting, forecasting and financial modelling activities. You'll be a trusted adviser to senior stakeholders, providing commercial insight and helping leaders make informed decisions that support our strategic objectives.

You'll also be a member of the Senior Leadership Group, contributing to organisational planning and helping shape the future direction of the finance function. Alongside your strategic responsibilities, you'll oversee both the Management Accounts and Accounts Payable & Receivable functions, ensuring robust financial reporting, controls and processes are in place.

Key responsibilities

• Leading the organisation's budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes.
• Providing strategic financial insight and partnering with senior leaders to support decision-making.
• Delivering financial modelling, scenario analysis and business case support for key projects and initiatives.
• Overseeing management reporting and ensuring accurate, timely financial information across the organisation.
• Leading and developing a high-performing finance team, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Driving financial capability, commercial awareness and strong financial management across the business.
• Supporting Board, Finance Committee and senior leadership reporting through clear, insightful analysis.
• Ensuring robust financial controls, processes and systems that support organisational effectiveness.

What you’ll bring:

Essential

• A professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent) with significant post-qualification experience.
• Extensive experience across financial planning and analysis, including budgeting, forecasting, management reporting and financial modelling.
• Proven experience leading organisation-wide budget-setting and financial planning processes.
• Strong leadership skills with experience developing and motivating high-performing teams.
• The ability to engage, influence and challenge senior stakeholders through clear, evidence-based financial insight.
• Excellent analytical and commercial awareness, with confidence interpreting complex financial data and translating it into meaningful recommendations.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience using financial planning and reporting systems.
• Outstanding communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively across a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Desirable

• Experience within the charity or not-for-profit sector
• Knowledge of VAT, Corporation Tax, procurement or project management

For full details, please see the Job Description and Person Specification

Why Samaritans?

At Samaritans, you’ll join a values-led organisation with a powerful mission. You’ll be part of a collaborative and supportive team where your voice matters, your expertise makes a difference, and your work helps save lives.

We offer flexible hybrid working, great benefits, and the chance to make a tangible difference in suicide prevention across the UK and Ireland. To find out more about Samaritans, please read our recruitment brochure.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the people we support and who support us. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and walks of life. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels seen, heard and supported, at all levels of the organisation.

Apply now

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, we’d love for you to apply. You will be asked to answer some short application questions and to upload your CV and cover letter addressing key points in the job description. 

If you require adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know.

Applications close: midnight on 1st September 2026

1st stage interviews (online): w/c 14th September

2nd stage interviews (in person): tbc

At Samaritans, human connection is at the heart of everything we do. 

We do not use AI at any stage during the selection process. Your application will always be carefully reviewed by the recruiting manager or a member of the Talent Attraction Team. 

We kindly ask that you avoid using AI tools to generate your application or interview answers. We want to hear your own ideas, insights, and writing style so your unique strengths can shine through. We recognise that some candidates may use assistive technology or tools to help with accessibility, structure or grammar.