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

The Society of Authors (SoA) is the UK's largest trade union for all types of writers, illustrators and literary translators. We’ve been advising authors and speaking out for the profession since 1884. 

We’re currently looking to welcome a Finance Manager to our team.

The role

The Finance Manager leads on the operational management of the finance function to ensure there are robust financial controls, effective reporting and efficient day-to-day financial operations across the organisation, including our ancillary charities and literary estates. The postholder is expected to foster excellent working relationships across the organisation with all staff, member volunteers, senior colleagues, board members and charity trustees.

Reporting directly to the Chief Operations Officer, the Finance Manager has significant responsibility for:

· Management accounts and reporting

· Budgeting and forecasting

· Cashflow oversight

· Audit and compliance

· Financial controls and process improvement

· Operational financial analysis

Responsibilities

Day-to-day financial management 

• Manage the day-to-day finances for the organisation. Ensuring all aspects of the financial systems are accurate and kept updated including banking and sales and purchase ledgers.
• Manage the finances for our 14 charities. Ensure all aspects of the financial systems are kept updated.
• Undertake monthly reconciliations ensuring all transactions are properly and efficiently recorded.
• Prepare quarterly VAT returns for the organisation including the partial VAT exemption calculation.
• Oversee the management and appropriate allocation of any restricted funds for the charities ensuring that monies are allocated as per donor wishes or grant specifications.
• Prepare any ad hoc budget request and figures for other departments or the management.
• Regularly review and maintain financial policies and procedures.
• Support with funding bids and reports for donors and grant-making bodies.

Budget process management

• Work closely with the Chief Operating Officer on preparing the annual budgets for the organisation and our ancillary charities.
• Prepare quarterly figures for review, explaining any variation from budgeted figures.
• Monitor the actual spend against budgets for all the charities.

· Ensure adequate cash flow to meet the needs of the organisation and our charities in consultation with the Chief Operating Officer and Head of Charities.

• Work closely with all Departmental Heads to ensure they fully understand their budgets and ongoing organisational performance against budget. 

Statutory reporting

• Assist the Chief Operating Officer with the preparation of the organisation’s accounts.
• One of the main points of liaison with the external auditors, ensuring all supporting papers are collated for an efficient and effective annual audit to take place.
• Maintain fixed asset register and inventory of all equipment contracts and agreements.
• Ensure adequate controls are in place to safeguard the financial assets of the organisation.
• Lead on preparing all our charity accounts.
• Assist the COO to ensure the organisation and its ancillary charities are compliant with statutory bodies and external institutions including:

o Companies House

o Certification office

o Charity Commission

o HMRC

o  All banks and payment processors

Financial risk management

• Work with the Chief Operating Officer to ensure that the appropriate processes are in place for the long-term financial viability of the organisation.
• Develop, update and produce long-term cashflow forecasts for both the organisation and our ancillary charities.

· Ensure appropriate financial risk management techniques and controls are in place at strategic and operational levels. 

Governance support to the Finance Sub-Committee and Charity Trustees

• Assist in the preparation of all associated papers and minutes for the Finance Sub- Committee.
• Assist the Chief Operating Officer in preparing papers for Board and Charity Trustees.

 The duties above outline the broad areas of responsibility. The SoA reserves the right to vary these duties to suit the requirements of the business.

 Person specification

Essential

• Minimum part-qualified accountant or qualified by experience with strong financial management experience, with an ability to understand the practical impact of finance decisions and processes across the organisation.

· Strong IT skills including the Microsoft Office suite, in particular Excel, and experience of using databases. 

• Experience of using Sage 50 Cloud Accounts.
• Significant experience and confidence in managing a full range of finance operations in a small or medium sized organisation in the not-for-profit sector.
• Confident presenting financial information to non-financial audiences.
• Demonstrates excellent attention to detail, organisation and communication skills.

· Resilience in working under pressure, ability, and willingness to both give and take constructive feedback. 

· Bring ideas for improvements and is open and honest in all communications where relevant and appropriate. 

• Ability to work with the Chief Operating Officer to develop the formulation of long-term financial plans and strategies for the society and its ancillary charities.

Desirable Skills

· Specialist knowledge of Charities, including Charity SORP guidance and procedures, underpinned by strong theoretical knowledge and practical experience. 

· Experience of working for a trade onion or a membership organisation.

· Tax and charities law, including a good understanding of partially exempt VAT status.

 What we offer

As a progressive and ethical not-for-profit organisation, we offer a range of benefits to support your physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. We are a London Living Wage and a Disability Confident – Committed employer.

Benefits include:

• Competitive salary
• Cycle-to-work scheme.
• Death-in-service benefit (8 x salary)
• Employee assistance programme
• Flexible, hybrid working practices.
• Family-friendly, disability-confident inclusive culture
• Generous annual leave, including all bank holidays.
• Salary exchange pension scheme
• Interest-free annual travel card loan
• *Office closure over Christmas
• Private healthcare

*Colleagues can work over the Christmas period, although the building is closed. For those who wish to take additional time off, colleagues take these days from their annual leave allowance.

As an employer, we nurture a working environment in which staff can grow and develop. We recognise the value of flexibility in the way we work with a positive culture of hybrid working practices.

Inclusion, diversity, and representation are at the core of our values, and we work to tackle structural discrimination and prejudice. Part of this commitment means that we are looking to increase diversity in our organisation at all levels. We strongly encourage applications from a broad range of social, cultural, educational, and underrepresented backgrounds

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.

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.

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

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

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).  

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 

Hours: 4 days per week (30 hours) between 9.00am and 5.00pm

Clolsing date:  Tuesday 30th June at 11pm

Interview date: Friday 10th July

Salary: £48,000 p/a pro rata 

Contract: 1 year fixed term (covering a maternity leave position)

The Southmead Project is an equal opportunities employer providing free specialist counselling and support for survivors of abuse across Bristol and surrounding areas. Our recruitment is done in line with safer recruitment practices. We welcome people of any race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, class, ability, language, religion and cultural background. We value the differences between people and affirm each person as an individual.

We value our team very highly and pride ourselves on being a supportive employer. We provide the following benefits to encourage a supported, well-rounded and enriched practice:

• Paid supervision for 1.5 hours per month, with an external supervisor of that person’s choice

• Line management for 1 hour per month

• Training budget of £500 per year to spend on relevant training of that person’s choice

• Employer pension contribution of 5%

• Generous annual leave allowance and paid sick leave

• Cycle to work scheme

• Optional private counselling for up to 12 sessions per year with an external counsellor of that person’s choice

Therapeutic Management

• To manage and support a staff team, including the Head of Active Recovery, a Counselling Lead, Nexus Counselling Manager, a Family Support Group Facilitator, and administrators.

• To oversee all of the charity’s therapeutic services and ensure that efficient and high-quality services are delivered.

• To be the charity’s Designated Safeguarding Lead to respond effectively and efficiently to safeguarding concerns.

• To ensure staff are sufficiently trained in adult and child safeguarding and that training records are kept up-to-date.

• To oversee the charity’s pre-trial therapy processes and be a point of contact for the police.

• To develop and improve the charity’s therapeutic services, including any expansion of the services.

• To manage therapeutic recruitment, inductions and training.

• To hold monthly staff meetings and service team meetings when needed.

• To oversee the individual and group supervision arrangements and reporting for all staff. 

• To manage and have overall responsibility for the ongoing use of an online Case Management System, ensuring that data is inputted accurately for reporting purposes.

• To support the charity’s quality assurance and development of its services through monitoring  and responding to client feedback and outcomes data.

• To develop the charity’s survivor voice work and ensure that the charity’s services are informed by survivors and their lived experience. 

• To manage any complaints raised by clients. 

Leadership

• To work collaboratively as part of a Leadership Team to make decisions and resolve issues affecting the day-to-day running of the charity and management of its staff team.

• To strategically plan and develop the therapeutic services of the charity.

• To develop relationships with partner agencies and professionals to raise awareness of our therapeutic services and strengthen our work.

• To build and maintain a positive working relationship with the Board of Trustees.

• To attend and contribute to trustee meetings and trustee working group meetings, reporting on the therapeutic services and any clinical matters arising. 

• To assist in promoting the charity by attending all relevant meetings directly connected with your work.

• To undertake any other duties appropriate to the needs of the charity.

Client Work

• To provide one-to-one counselling for survivors of abuse of all genders, both online / by phone and face-to-face, with a caseload of approximately 4 clients. 

• To maintain confidential and accurate counselling notes of all sessions.

• To attend monthly one-to-one clinical supervision with a supervisor approved by the Southmead Project. (Supervision is a requirement of this charity as members of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy).

• To attend monthly one-to-one line management meetings.

• To work to the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy ethical guidelines.

• To work within the framework, spirit and ethos of the Southmead Project’s Equal Opportunities Policy, and actively engage in promoting the policy within the charity and in all dealings with clients and other agencies.

• All members of staff, paid and unpaid, are required to undergo the enhanced level of Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Person Specification

ESSENTIAL:

• Diploma in Counselling (British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) accredited course or equivalent); and to have BACP accreditation or be working towards BACP accreditation or equivalent.

• To be a registered member of BACP, UKCP, NCS or equivalent professional body, with over 5 years of supervised counselling experience.

• Significant experience of providing one-to-one counselling for survivors of abuse and carrying out initial assessments and risk assessments.

• Significant knowledge and understanding of the issues affecting this client group and the impact of trauma.

• Significant line management and appraisal experience with the ability to effectively co-ordinate a team. 

• The ability to support staff to foster a positive working environment and deliver a high quality of service.

• Experience of recruiting staff, including inductions and training.

• Experience of managing safeguarding concerns and supporting others to act in accordance with safeguarding policies and in the best interests of the client or those at risk. 

• The ability to work with clients online or by phone.

• Experience of working collaboratively as part of a leadership team and ability to contribute to an organisation’s future development.

• Experience of developing and maintaining working relationships with partner agencies and professionals. 

• Excellent organisational and planning skills.

• Excellent IT skills and experience of using Microsoft Word and Excel, with the ability to confidently use and support others with an online Case Management System. 

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

• A commitment to identifying ongoing personal development and training needs and to take appropriate action to ensure these needs are met.

• The ability to keep accurate and confidential records of client work.

• Experience of being a client in a formal counselling relationship.

• Experience of and commitment to working with diversity.

• To have the capacity to work flexibly within a small professional team.

• The ability to manage own time and work load effectively.

• The ability to chair meetings

DESIRABLE:

• Training in trauma processing approaches, such as EMDR, Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET),  brainspotting, trauma-focused CBT, and Rewind Technique.

• Experience of working within a community-based organisation.

• Experience of working with people that have used drugs or alcohol to cope with trauma.

• Experience of running therapeutic groups.

• Experience of delivering training. 

Cross Organisational Projects Manager

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.

Role Title: Cross Organisational Projects Manager
Salary: £49,370 to £50,797 Pro-Rata
Location: Hybrid: London 
Tenure: Permanent - Full time

ActionAid UK is a member of the ActionAid Federation, an international charity that works with women and girls living in poverty. We work with our partners and dedicated staff in 43 countries to end violence and fight poverty so that all women, everywhere, can create the future they want

Are you a keen advocate of women and girls’ rights in emergencies? 

Do you have experience of leading end-to-end delivery of complex, cross-organisational projects?

Then we'd love to hear from you!

We are recruiting a Cross Organisational Projects Manager

The Projects and Planning team leads the organisation’s planning processes and oversees all strategic projects across ActionAid UK. The Cross Organisational Projects Manager will sit within this team, providing dedicated project management support to key initiatives aligned with strategic priorities. The role will primarily focus on internal transformation projects.

This position will strengthen organisational resilience by enabling ActionAid UK to flex the level of project management support available across priority programmes. It will play a critical role in supporting transformation work and advancing the organisation’s commitment to decolonising its systems and processes, ensuring these initiatives are delivered effectively and sustainably.

We are driven by a bold vision: a world led by feminist and social justice movements, where women and girls in all their diversity can fulfil their rights and shape their futures.
As we launch our 2025–2028 strategy, we are strengthening our commitment to decolonising our systems and ways of working, and we are looking for passionate individuals to help drive this transformational change.

As Cross Organisational Projects Manager, you will play a central role in delivering high-priority transformation projects across the organisation. You’ll provide dedicated project management expertise, ensuring initiatives are delivered effectively, collaboratively, and in line with our feminist principles.

We’re looking for someone who is both technically strong and values-driven, with the ability to work across complex systems and diverse stakeholders.
You will bring:

• Proven experience delivering complex projects end-to-end
• Strong organisational and analytical skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Excellent stakeholder management, influencing and communication skills
• Confidence working across teams and engaging both technical and non-technical audiences
• A proactive, resilient and solutions-focused approach

You will also demonstrate:

• Commitment to feminist principles, anti-racism, equity, and decolonising practices
• Passion for ActionAid’s mission and the rights of women and girls
• Strong digital and data literacy

Desirable

• Project management qualification (e.g. PRINCE2)
• Experience in international development or federated organisations
• Experience leading organisational change or transformation initiatives

Additional information

Diversity, equality, inclusion and belonging:

Diversity, inclusion and belonging are key to our organisational culture. We are on a journey to become not only an anti-racist organisation but one that proudly celebrates the diversity of all applicants and employees. We look forward to you bringing your full self to work, proudly sharing your unique perspective and helping us to shape our combined future. We especially welcome applications from those from under-represented/marginalised communities.

AAUK is a Disability Confident Committed organisation and as such any candidate that declares a disability will be shortlisted for interview if they meet the essential criteria for the role.

Referencing and safeguarding:

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, safeguarding, criminal records and terrorism finance checks. By submitting an application the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures. 

ActionAid UK is committed to preventing any form of sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse (including child abuse and adult at-risk abuse) and responding robustly when these harms take place. We expect all ActionAid UK staff and ActionAid UK representatives to share this commitment. We will not tolerate our staff or other representatives carrying out any form of sexual harassment, exploitation or abuse towards anyone we come into contact with through our work. 

Working practices:

ActionAid is committed to supporting flexible working. If you would like to discuss flexible working options, including the possibility of a job share for this role, there will be space to do so during the interview process.

ActionAid UK has a hybrid working policy for many of our roles. The requirement will vary from team to team and the responsibilities of individual roles. As a minimum, all colleagues are expected to attend the office 12 days per year, plus additional time for induction, training, and company connection days. Some roles may require in-office attendance on all days and if so, these will clearly be marked as in-office roles.

Please note that ActionAid UK does not offer fully remote working options. We encourage you to discuss hybrid working expectations at interview.

Recruitment processes:

Please note that ActionAid UK may review, shortlist and interview candidates prior to the closing date so we encourage all candidates to apply as soon as possible. If we receive a very high response, we may close the vacancy early and will not accept further submissions. Vacancies close at 23:55pm 

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.