Board trustees jobs

Role purpose

The Head of Finance is a key member of the Charity’s senior management team, working closely with the chief executive, directors, and trustees. The head of finance will lead the day-to-day financial operations of the Charity, including budgeting, reporting, audit, payroll, and pensions. Managing the finance manager and management accountant, the Head of Finance will ensure the effective running of the finance department and smooth day-to-day processes. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you will be a key advisor on strategic financial decisions, balancing meticulous operational control with strategic planning.

As the Head of Finance, you will:

• Proactively contribute to the development and delivery of the Charity’s strategy through developing long-term financial planning to underpin our objectives.
• Act as senior finance business partner to the senior leadership team, supporting strategic and operational decision-making.
• Lead on the annual audit and production of statutory accounts, ensuring effective management of the audit process.
• Support the rest of the Charity team to become financially informed and comfortable understanding financial performance, control, and accountability.

Main responsibilities

Financial controls, reporting, and operational finance

• Lead the finance function of the Charity, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant financial management and reporting.
• Ensure that appropriately robust internal financial and operational controls are in place.
• Ensure that our unrestricted and restricted funds and accounting records are maintained in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements and best practice.
• Ensure timely and accurate monthly management accounts and other reports are produced by the finance team and distributed to members of the senior management team, encouraging ownership of departmental budgets.
• Manage and oversee accounts receivable and payable, ensuring strong cash management.
• Ensure all banking facilities, financial systems, and internal processes function to a high standard and enable the Charity to carry out its transactional and operational financial functions.
• Lead financial risk identification and mitigation, working closely with the chief executive and leadership team, and reporting to the board of trustees.

Financial administration and governance

• Manage the production of statutory accounts in line with the Charity SORP and lead the annual external audit process.
• Oversee our tax affairs, including PAYE, national insurance, corporation tax, VAT, and gift aid.
• Responsible for our payroll and pensions functions.
• Maintain and continuously improve financial policies, procedures, and controls, working closely with the fundraising and operations teams to ensure organisational efficiency.
• Identify and escalate financial risks to the chief executive and board
• Line manage and support the management accountant and finance manager, ensuring professional development and high-quality output.

Person specification

Knowledge and experience

We are looking for candidates with demonstrable strategic financial leadership spanning organisational planning, budgeting, risk, and reporting. You will have:

• You must be a fully qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA, OR CIMA)
• Excellent knowledge of charity financial management, SORP, and audit is essential.
• Experience of effective budget setting and implementing controls and processes to manage and monitoring budgets
• Firm understanding of risk management
• Experience of improving policies and processes in comparable organisations
• Success in delivering increased cost effectiveness
• Evidence of building financial impact and performance metrics and reporting
• Understanding of the requirements of legislation, Charity Commission and professional body guidance on a being a well-run and financially accountable Charity
• Considerable experience of management and development of staff

Skills, abilities, and behaviours

• A strategic thinker with the ability to see the bigger picture and make decisions in line with the charity’s needs as part of a team
• Strong change management skills with experience of managing teams through change
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to interpret and communicate financial information to a non-specialist audience
• Strong organisational development skills, able to identify and act on opportunities to drive performance in business
• Experience of the charity or not-for-profit environment (this could be gained as a trustee) preferably with some understanding of charity funding and investment management
• Collaborative working style with excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Resilient with a flexible, creative and solutions-focused approach to problem-solving

Great opportunity to lead and support our charity's team through the next phase of development to drive One Medicine forward. 

Job Purpose

To lead the operational delivery of Humanimal Trust’s charitable aims and strategic objectives, as set by the Board of Trustees, ensuring that plans are translated into clear priorities, well-managed programmes and effective day-to-day operations. The postholder will line manage the operational team, oversee the finances and the fundraising activities, and maintain strong governance and compliance within Charity Commission requirements, at all times representing the Trust’s One Medicine purpose with professionalism and integrity.

Dimensions

· Line management responsibility for the operational team

· Budget responsibility: manage agreed operational budgets and monitor expenditure against plan

· Oversee delivery of the annual business plan and operational work programme

· Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, supporters, partners and suppliers

· Oversee the fundraising activities

Main Responsibilities and Role

· Provide visible operational leadership for Humanimal Trust, championing One Medicine and role-modelling the Trust’s values

· Translate Board-approved strategy into clear operational priorities, delivery plans and measurable outcomes

· Line-manage the operational team: allocate work, set objectives, provide coaching, and manage performance and wellbeing

· Maintain and improve operational policies, procedures and controls in line with charity regulation, GDPR/data protection and recognised good practice

· Ensure effective delivery of core operational functions (administration, supporter care, governance support, data management and supplier coordination)

· Protect the Trust’s reputation by maintaining high standards of quality, confidentiality, safeguarding and risk management

· Monitor progress against the operational plan, tracking risks, issues and dependencies and reporting regularly to the Chair/Trustees

· Lead on team resourcing and capability: recruitment planning (where applicable), induction, training and continuous improvement

· Work closely with the Chair and Trustees to support good governance, prepare papers, and ensure actions and decisions are implemented

· Attend and present at Board meetings

Finance

· Manage day-to-day financial processes for the Trust, ensuring appropriate approvals, controls and timely processing

· Oversee expense claims and supplier payments in line with policy; ensure accurate records are maintained for audit and reporting

· Track and report on income/expenditure and operational costs, highlighting variances and supporting budget planning with Trustees and finance support (where in place)

· Maintain a clear audit trail for key financial decisions, contracts and delegated approvals

Planning and Organising

· Develop and implement operational plans that translate Trustee priorities into clear workstreams, milestones and accountabilities

· Plan, organise and prioritise team workload and resources to deliver objectives, balancing immediate operational needs with longer-term planning

· Maintain and review the organisational risk register, escalating issues and ensuring proportionate mitigations are in place

· Maintain and review the Trust’s policies and guidance documents

· Monitor and report delivery, performance and compliance (e.g., quarterly/annually as agreed), supporting effective governance and continuous improvement

Decision Making

· Make operational decisions to deliver the Trust’s agreed plans within delegated authority, escalating strategic or high-risk matters to the Chair/Trustees

· Lead and line-manage the operational team, including recruitment planning (where applicable), workload allocation and resource deployment

· Liaise with external partners, supporters, volunteers, suppliers and professional advisers to support delivery and maintain effective relationships

· Liaise with the Chair of Trustees and the Trustees on a regular basis.

· Evaluate and improve processes, systems and ways of working to enhance quality, efficiency, supporter experience and internal control

· Identify learning and development needs for the team and support continuous improvement and professional development

· Manage operational capacity and prioritisation, ensuring resources are aligned to the Trust’s delivery commitments

· Approve expenditure, contracts and commitments within delegated authority and in line with policy

Internal and External Relationships

Internal

· Chair of Trustees and Board of Trustees (including sub-committees), providing timely updates, papers and delivery reporting

· Operational team and volunteers, providing leadership, coordination and support

External

Supporters, donors, partner organisations, volunteers, suppliers and professional advisers (e.g., finance, HR, legal), acting as an operational point of contact as required

Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Style Required

Essential

· Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience), with strong digital/IT capability (MS Office and CRM/databases) and a clear understanding of GDPR/data protection.

· Proven experience in an operational leadership/management role, delivering organisational plans, improving processes and achieving measurable outcomes.

· Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively with Trustees, colleagues, volunteers and external stakeholders.

· Strong people management skills, supporting staff through change, setting clear expectations and creating an inclusive, high-performing team culture.

· Demonstrable experience working in or with a charity/not-for-profit, with a good understanding of governance, compliance and supporter-facing operations (experience in human health, animal health or science an advantage).

· Strong judgement and analytical skills, able to manage competing priorities, budgets and risks and to deliver reliably in a small-organisation environment.

Desirable

· Understanding of the UK charity regulatory environment and good governance practice.

· Experience working with Boards/Trustees, including preparing papers, reporting on delivery and supporting effective decision-making.

· Knowledge and experience of fundraising operations and supporter care.

· Demonstrable understanding of, and commitment to, One Medicine.

Job Context and Special Features

This role is a key senior management position within Humanimal Trust, with responsibility for ensuring that strategy is translated into effective delivery, that the operational team is supported to perform at its best, and that the Trust operates with strong governance, compliance and financial control.

This is a one-year fixed term appointment for a 28-hour (3.5 day) working week, starting at the earliest opportunity.  The role is home-based in the UK, with occasional travel to other locations in the country.

Chair (Non-Executive) – Board of Directors

South West Wildlife Fundraising Ltd (‘SWWFL’)

Remuneration: £12,500 per annum (plus expenses)
Location: Home-based, with some travel across the South West
Time commitment: Approximately 4 days per month

Do you care about the work of the Wildlife Trusts and want to make a real difference to the future of our treasured wildlife?

About the role

SWWFL, a wholly-owned trading subsidiary of 8 regional Wildlife Trusts, is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to take on the role of Non-Executive Chair of the Board. This is a pivotal leadership position, providing direction to the Board of Directors, supporting the Chief Executive Officer, and strengthening relationships with our owning Wildlife Trusts and partnerships with client Trusts.

You will also serve as a Company Director of SWWFL, sharing responsibility for the oversight, stewardship, and long-term success of the organisation.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a purpose-driven organisation supporting the work of The Wildlife Trusts across the extended South West.

Key responsibilities

As Chair, you will:

· Lead the Board of Directors, ensuring effective governance, decision-making and accountability

· Work closely with the CEO, providing both support and constructive challenge

· Ensure strong strategic alignment between SWWFL and its owning Wildlife Trusts and client Wildlife Trusts

· Oversee financial performance, risk management and regulatory compliance

· Chair Board meetings and ensure effective participation from all Directors

· Act as an ambassador for SWWFL with external stakeholders and partner Wildlife Trusts

· Lead the annual appraisal and development of the CEO

Governance and Director responsibilities

In addition to Chair duties, the postholder will fulfil the responsibilities of a SWWFL Company Director, including:

· Acting in accordance with the SWWFL Memorandum & Articles of Association and Members’ Agreement

· Exercising independent judgement, care and diligence

· Ensuring robust governance, financial oversight and risk management

· Supporting long-term sustainable success of the business

Terms of appointment

· The Chair is appointed by majority vote of the Board

· Term: normally 3 years, may be renewed, with annual performance review by the Board and owning Trusts

· The Chair role is remunerated, via a contracting agreement, in recognition of additional responsibilities

· The person appointed must, therefore, have appropriate and genuine self-employed status (or equivalent) to receive payment

· Where a Trustee of an owning Wildlife Trust is appointed, they cannot receive remuneration in line with SWWFL governance arrangements

· All Directors (including the Chair in their Director capacity) are subject to SWWFL governance requirements

About you

We are looking for someone who brings:

Experience

· Significant Board-level experience

· Proven experience of chairing meetings

· Senior strategic leadership experience (ideally in a commercial environment)

· Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building experience

Skills & knowledge

· Strong understanding of governance and regulatory requirements

· High level of financial literacy

· Commercial awareness

· Experience in risk management and organisational oversight

Personal qualities

· Strategic, decisive and emotionally intelligent

· Collaborative and diplomatic, with strong interpersonal skills

· Confident in an ambassadorial role

· Committed to the mission of The Wildlife Trusts

Time commitment

The Chair is expected to commit around 4 days per month, including:

· Regular meetings with the CEO and Finance Manager

· 6 Board and Stakeholder meetings annually

· 4 Finance & Remuneration Committee meetings

· Meetings with auditors and owning Trust CEOs

Some travel across the South West will be required, although many meetings are held remotely.

Eligibility

The Chair does not need to be an employee of an owning Wildlife Trust. However, they do need to be a member of their local Wildlife Trust, and they will operate within a Board that includes Directors who are drawn from the owning Trusts:

Avon, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Hampshire & Isle of Wight, Somerset, Wiltshire, and Worcestershire Wildlife Trusts.

Why join us?

This is a unique opportunity to play a key leadership role in a values-driven organisation, helping to support vital conservation work across the South West and beyond.

How to apply

An application pack and form can be downloaded from the SWWFL website. A copy of your CV, plus a personal statement detailing your skills and experience relevant to this role, must be included in your application.

The deadline for applications is 7th June 2026.

Interviews will take place on 30th June 2026 at Avon Wildlife Trust, Bristol. 

The Seafarers’ Charity is the leading fundraising and grant‑making charity dedicated to improving the lives of seafarers and their families. For over 100 years, we have supported those who work at sea by funding vital welfare services and driving long‑term, systemic change across the maritime sector.

We are now seeking an experienced Grants Manager to lead the delivery of our annual grant‑making programme and play a key role in achieving our Thrive strategy.

About the role

Reporting to the Impact Director, the Grants Manager will manage an annual grants programme of approximately £3 million, overseeing the full grants lifecycle from application and assessment through to monitoring, evaluation and learning. You will build strong relationships with funded partners, prepare robust funding recommendations for Trustees, and ensure our grant‑making is effective, proportionate and aligned with best practice.

You will also line manage an Impact Executive (0.4 FTE) and work closely with colleagues across the organisation to share learning, evidence impact and support wider fundraising and advocacy work.

About you

You will bring:

• Experience working in a charity, trust or grant‑making environment
• Proven experience managing grant programmes and the full grants lifecycle
• Strong analytical and organisational skills, with confidence reviewing budgets and financial information
• Experience using grant management or CRM systems
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills
• A collaborative, proactive approach and a strong commitment to improving outcomes for seafarers

Knowledge of the maritime or fishing sectors, experience working with Trustees, or relevant professional training is welcomed but not essential.

Why join us?

You’ll be part of a friendly, inclusive organisation of around 20 staff, working in a hybrid model from our London office. We are proud of our commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

How to apply

Please send a CV (no more than two sides) and a supporting statement outlining your suitability and motivation for the role t

Applicants will be required to provide evidence of their right to work in the UK at interview stage.

We are now looking for an exceptional Senior Operations Manager  to lead the organisation into its next phase - someone who can balance strategic leadership with hands-on operational delivery, while continuing to build on the Centre’s strong reputation.

The Sunshine Centre is a well-established and highly valued community hub, supporting children and families across Banbury through early years provision, family services and strong local partnerships.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a purpose-driven organisation where your impact will be visible, meaningful and genuinely valued within the community.

The role

As Senior Operations Manager you will take overall responsibility for the leadership and performance of the Centre, working closely with the Board of Trustees to shape its future direction.

You will:

• Provide clear strategic leadership and deliver the Centre’s long-term vision

• Oversee day-to-day operations across early years provision, childcare and family services

• Lead and develop a team of 30-35 staff, including the Senior Leadership Team

• Ensure high standards of safeguarding, compliance and regulation (including Ofsted)

• Take ownership of financial sustainability, including budgeting, fundraising and income generation

• Drive continuous improvement, responding to community needs and feedback

• Act as a visible ambassador, building strong relationships with families, partners and stakeholders

This is a hands-on leadership role, requiring both strategic thinking and close involvement in day-to-day delivery.

About you

You’ll be a confident, values-led leader with the ability to inspire others and deliver real impact.

You will bring:

• Proven leadership experience within early years, childcare, charity or community settings

• Experience working in regulated environments (e.g. Ofsted), with strong safeguarding knowledge

• A track record of securing funding through fundraising, bid writing or income generation

• Strong financial and commercial awareness

• The ability to turn strategy into practical delivery

• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams

• A genuine passion for improving outcomes for children and families 

Why join the Sunshine Centre?

• Lead a respected, community-rooted organisation with a strong local impact

• Shape the future strategy and long-term sustainability of the Centre

• Work with a committed team and supportive Board of Trustees

• Make a meaningful difference to children, families and the wider community

EASST is seeking an exceptional leader to build on the strong foundations EASST has laid by its outgoing founder, ensuring that the organisation’s impact continues to grow and that we remain at the forefront of road safety and sustainable mobility across the region and beyond.

The Director General functions as the Chief Executive of the charity, providing strategic leadership and operational oversight to fulfil EASST's mission and objectives.

The postholder acts as a key ambassador for the charity, ensuring effective governance, sustainable funding and finances, and the development of robust relationships with stakeholders, donors, and the wider community. The Director General also leads EASST Expertise, EASST's wholly owned trading subsidiary, serving as a Director of the company and providing strategic oversight of its consultancy operations.

Main Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement the charity’s strategic plans and activities, in collaboration with and reporting to the Board of Trustees.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as EASST’s primary spokesperson, promoting the charity to donors, beneficiaries, partners, policymakers, and the public.
• Governance: Ensure the charity complies with all legal and regulatory requirements, reporting to the Board on progress, risks, and opportunities.
• Project Delivery: Lead and manage delivery of specific development projects as needed by the organisation.
• Financial Management: Oversee the charity's finances, including budgeting, financial planning, fundraising strategies, and resource allocation to ensure long-term sustainability.
• Operational Responsibility: Oversee the charity’s operations, including programme delivery, and the development of policies and procedures.
• Fundraising and Development: Lead fundraising initiatives and cultivate relationships with donors, grant-makers, corporate partners, and supporters. 
• Team Leadership: Develop and motivate staff, who operate as a remote team, fostering a positive and inclusive work culture.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Ensure robust monitoring and evaluation of programmes and activities, reporting outcomes to Trustees and stakeholders and driving continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in a senior leadership role within the charity, not-for-profit, or public sector.
• Significant experience working at a senior level in the field of Road Safety and/or Sustainable Transportation.
• An understanding of global road safety challenges, global conventions and initiatives.
• Experience in EASST countries of operation is desirable and proficiency in a regional language is an advantage.
• Familiarity/experience/contacts with international organisations promoting, supporting or funding road safety is desirable.
• Strong strategic planning and management skills. Excellent and persuasive communicator and relationship-builder.
• Understanding of charity governance, regulatory frameworks, and best practice in fundraising and programme delivery.
• Collaborative, resilient, and committed to the charity’s mission and values.
• The postholder must have a strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and be conscious and respectful of other cultures.

Key Relationships

• Board of Trustees
• Charity staff (currently a team of four)
• EASST partners in our countries of operation
• Funders, donors and international organisations involved in road safety governance
• Project collaborators, including other road safety charities and consultants
• Governments, public authorities and decision-makers in EASST’s partner countries
• Beneficiaries of EASST’s programmes and work.

Terms and Conditions

• Location: Based in the United Kingdom, with the right to work in the UK. The team currently works remotely with no office base.
• Travel: Significant travel may be required both within the region served by EASST and to conferences and other events.
• Hours: This is a full-time post and will require flexibility to meet the demands of funders and the partner network.
• Salary: The salary offered for this post is up to £70K (negotiable) plus 10% pension contribution and 30 days holiday per year.

The post holder is appointed by the Trustees and will report to the Board of Trustees on a regular basis.

We are seeking an experienced manager to run our charity foodbank in the North Cotswolds. You need to be an excellent communicator who can manage staff and volunteers. Retail experience would be an advantage. 

About North Cotswold Foodbank
North Cotswold Foodbank is a charity which provides essential food and support to people facing hardship in our area. Our seven outlets are run almost entirely by volunteers, and led by a board of trustees. The day-to-day operation is managed by a small number of paid staff who work with volunteers and trustees to provide almost 2,000 emergency food parcels per year. 

We don’t think anyone in our community should have to face hunger. That’s why we provide three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food to local people who are referred to us in hardship. We are part of a nationwide community of food banks, supported by Trussell, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.

About the role:

What you’ll do:

- Oversee and manage the operation of North Cotswold Foodbank, its warehouse and seven outlets, focussing on operational efficiency and standards.

- In partnership with the Development Manager, guide the development of NCFB’s strategy including its material resources, financial assets, reputation, and partnerships.

- Help recruit, train and develop key members for the NCFB team, including employees and volunteers.

- Manage the food bank’s employees and our volunteers, setting clear objectives and reviewing performance as required.

- Be the key contact for local supermarkets and business partners.

- Maintain a foodbank phone and email account and keep volunteers, staff and trustees regularly informed by weekly newsletters and face-to-face contact.

- Visit all seven North Cotswold Foodbank outlets and the warehouse on a regular basis.

- Liaise regularly with outlet lead volunteers to monitor operations, risk and policy compliance.

- Ensure equipment and vehicles used by NCFB are well maintained and fit for purpose and that all drivers of NCFB transport are suitably covered by their driving licence.

- Organise and oversee annual stocktake.

- Attend meetings of local groups and organisations to raise awareness of NCFB and its aims and purpose.

- Work with Trustees and Treasurer to produce and work to an annual budget.

- Comply with the foodbank’s finance policy.

- Organise training, including safeguarding, for staff and volunteers as necessary.

- Arrange and lead steering group meetings four times per year, including drawing up an agenda and helping to implement feedback.

- Work closely with our Board of Trustees, reporting quarterly or at such special meetings as the trustees may call.

- Attend Trussell-led meetings such as roadshows and forums as required.

- Oversee PR and Communications activity, ensuring that the messages issued promote and maintain the reputation of NCFB, its values and purpose.

Who you’ll be:

- Approachable, friendly and reliable

- Excellent communicator

- Honest and reliable

- Keen to make a difference in your community

- Able to prioritise workload and work unsupervised

- Able to work with volunteers and a board of trustees

- Able to work to deadlines

- IT literate – Outlook, Microsoft Office

- Numerate and able to interpret statistical data

- Flexible toward the needs of the charity

- Empathetic and able to work with people from disadvantaged backgrounds

- Experienced in retail, hospitality or logistics

- Skilled in leadership and management

- Experienced in working with charities

- Able to manage budgets

- Have a driving licence with no more than three penalty points, and use of your own car

- Obtain and maintain satisfactory DBS clearance

- Live within 15 miles of Guiting Power GL54 5TZ

Benefits:

- 28 days’ holiday including Bank Holidays

- 3% pension contribution

Youth Realities is a small but mighty charity in North London looking for a new female leader to embed the strategy and support our next phase of growth and development. 

Our vision is a world where young people live free from relationship abuse and violence. We believe strongly in prevention, using creativity and forming trusted relationships to engage and empower young people to form positive change in their own lives and wider communities. 

Everything we do is ‘youth-led’ and ‘survivor-centred’ which means we centre the needs and experiences of young people and survivors, providing regular opportunities for them to feedback, co-produce and lead on the delivery, design and development of the charity. 

Our values, embedded in the heart of our work are: youth-led, survivor-centred, safe, equitable and audacious. 

Youth Realities works with young people aged 11 - 25 who have or are at risk of relationship abuse. We offer independent domestic violence advocacy for young females, provide a safe space with a program of dance and creative activities and go into schools delivering workshops on healthy relationships. 

Key Objectives of the job:

• Provide strategic vision and leadership further developing and embedding the organisations strategy 

• Ensure that the charitable purposes of the organisation are followed and that It delivers the charitable benefit set out in Youth Realities’ vision and governing documents

• To take overall responsibility for Youth Realities’ management and administration within the governance and accountability frameworks established by the Board of Trustees

• To secure funding and drive the organisation forward ensuring it is sustainable and able to grow 

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced freelance Finance Committee Clerk to support the administration and governance of our Finance Committee. This is a light-touch but important role, providing professional clerking support to ensure our committee meetings are well-structured, properly documented, and compliant with good governance practice.

The Finance Committee meets four times per year and comprises five members: the Treasurer (Chair), the CEO, and three trustees. The clerk plays a vital behind-the-scenes role in keeping meetings running smoothly.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate meeting dates, send invitations, and manage attendance ahead of each quarterly meeting
• Prepare and circulate agendas in collaboration with the Chair and CEO (at least two weeks before each meeting)
• Confirm quorum and ensure all supporting papers are distributed no later than five working days before the meeting
• Attend all Finance Committee meetings and take accurate, concise minutes capturing key discussion points, decisions made, and action points with owners and deadlines
• Circulate draft minutes to the Chair within one week of each meeting and finalise following review
• Maintain a live log of action points and follow up with relevant staff ahead of the next meeting
• Maintain a secure archive of all meeting documents and decisions for audit and continuity purposes

Person Specification

Essential

• Proven experience clerking for a Board, committee, or similar governance body (charity, housing association, NHS, local government, or equivalent)
• Excellent minute-taking skills — able to capture decisions and actions accurately and concisely
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines Comfortable handling confidential and sensitive information with discretion
• able to work independently and proactively with minimal supervision
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook)

Desirable

• Familiarity with charity governance frameworks and sector norms
• Experience working with finance-focused committees or boards
• Understanding of committee papers such as management accounts, budgets, and financial forecasts (financial expertise is not required)

Terms of Engagement

This is a freelance engagement. The successful candidate will be self-employed and will invoice us on a quarterly basis. A short services agreement will be provided covering scope, fee, confidentiality, and notice period.

Skillway (part of the Warehouse Christian Trust) is dedicated to supporting vulnerable young people by providing them with essential life skills through hands-on training in metalwork, woodworking and crafts. The charity aims to develop both practical vocational skills and personal growth, fostering self-confidence, resilience, and employability in a safe, supportive environment.

Job Purpose:

The Head of Operations at Skillway oversees all operational aspects of this arm of the charity, ensuring the successful delivery of all our educational programmes. This role requires strong leadership, strategic vision, and day-to-day management, including student recruitment and retention, staff oversight, fundraising, and partnership management. The ideal candidate will be passionate about social impact and committed to improving the lives of vulnerable young people.

Key Responsibilities:

1.  Management and Delivery

• Oversee the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of training in woodwork, metalwork and other crafts.

• Ensure the training meets the educational and personal development needs of vulnerable young people.

• Monitor student progress, providing support to overcome barriers and ensuring high-quality, impactful learning experiences.

• Develop new initiatives and adapt the existing training programmes to meet the evolving needs of students, schools and the community.

• Develop a long-term strategy for the growth of Skillway.

• Set and model high standards for the staff team, volunteers and students.

• Site housekeeping and management of Skillway’s woodland site.

2.  Leadership and Staff Management

• Lead, motivate, and manage a team of staff and volunteers.

• Promote a positive and inclusive workplace culture, fostering professional development and ensuring that all staff members are supported.

• Manage recruitment, training, and performance of staff and volunteers.

• Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all participants and staff including responsibility for risk assessments.

• Develop and apply our safeguarding policy as Designated Safeguarding Lead.

3.  Strategic Planning and Development

• With the Board of Trustees, develop and execute the charity's strategic goals.

• Develop and manage the charity’s budget and resources to ensure financial sustainability and impact.

• Identify and pursue new opportunities for growth, including partnerships, new funding streams, and relationships with local schools, businesses and other community organisations.

• Maintain effective and safe digital organisation of key data.

• Support the other arm of our charity - The Camino Café - as and when required.

4.  Fundraising and Financial Oversight

• Lead fundraising efforts to secure funding from diverse sources, including grants, donations, corporate sponsorships, and fundraising events.

• Oversee the preparation of funding applications and reports for donors and grant-making bodies.

• Maintain financial oversight, ensuring effective use of resources, monitoring expenses and reporting financial performance to the Board using Quickbooks as the primary accounting and reporting tool.

• Improve branding and awareness of Skillway and its aims and purpose.

5.  Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy

• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including local authorities, schools, community groups, donors, and business partners.

• Represent the charity in public and at events, advocating for the charity's mission and the importance of vocational education for vulnerable young people.

• Ensure the charity’s work is widely known and respected in the community.

6.  Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

• Implement systems for monitoring and evaluating the impact of Skillway’s work.

• Gather feedback from participants, staff, and stakeholders to assess programme effectiveness and make improvements.

• Provide regular updates and reports to the Board of Trustees, funders, and other stakeholders on the charity’s impact and outcomes.

Qualifications and Experience:

Essential:

• Proven experience in a management role, ideally within the charity or education sector.

• Background in vocational education, youth work, or a related field, with a focus on supporting vulnerable young people.

• Experience in leading and managing a diverse team, with the ability to inspire, support, and develop staff.

• Excellent organisational and project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities effectively.

• Demonstrated ability in fundraising, securing grants, and building donor relationships.

• Knowledge of financial management, budgeting, and reporting.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and build relationships with a variety of stakeholders.

• A commitment to the mission and values of the charity.

Desirable:

• Experience in working with metalwork, woodworking, or a related technical skill.

• Familiarity with the challenges faced by vulnerable young people and the ability to create a supportive and empowering learning environment.

• Experience working with boards of trustees or governance bodies.

Personal Attributes:

• Innovative and proactive, with the ability to think creatively and solve problems.

• Empathetic and understanding, with a genuine commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals.

• Strategic thinker, able to balance day-to-day operations with long-term planning and development.

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Implementation

Partner with the CEO to translate IMO’s strategic plan into a clear organisational roadmap with defined milestones, priorities and success measures. You will work collaboratively with the CEO to agree the order in which elements of the strategy should be prioritised, before turning this into the roadmap, milestones and delivery framework.

Work with the CEO and trustees to:

• Define strategic workstreams
• Establish measurable organisational KPIs
• Identify capability gaps and development needs
• Develop a structured strategy implementation framework that enables effective delivery across the organisation

Operating Model Design

Partner with the CEO to co-design IMO’s future operating model. This is a collaborative process, you will work closely with the CEO from the outset to shape the vision, ensuring the model reflects organisational priorities and is set up for successful implementation.

This will include:

• Programme structure and service architecture
• Governance and decision-making frameworks
• Internal processes and ways of working
• Data, reporting and impact measurement systems
• Team structures and capability requirements

Ensure the model supports sustainable growth, stronger partnerships and improved impact outcomes.

Business Planning and Financial Modelling

Develop a clear strategic business case underpinning the new strategy. This will include:

• Financial projections
• Income pipeline modelling
• Investment requirements
• Scenario planning for growth and risk

Provide analysis and recommendations to support board-level decision making.

Programme & Transformation Management

Act as programme lead for key strategic initiatives, including:

• Scaling of youth employability programmes
• Strengthening organisational infrastructure
• Development of a standalone mental health service

Develop and manage a comprehensive implementation plan, ensuring:

• Clear timelines
• Resource alignment
• Risk management
• Delivery accountability

Maintain a live transformation risk register and ensure issues are addressed proactively.

Stakeholder Engagement & Organisational Change

Work closely with the CEO to support organisational alignment around the new strategy. Responsibilities include:

• Facilitating internal workshops and planning sessions
• Supporting senior staff to translate strategy into operational delivery
• Communicating progress to trustees and key partners
• Managing organisational change and maintaining momentum

Act as a trusted advisor and sounding board to the CEO throughout the transformation process.

Qualifications 

Formal project management qualification (PRINCE2, Agile or equivalent) - Desirable

Experience 

Proven experience leading strategy implementation, organisational transformation or operating model design - Essential

Experience working in growing or evolving organisations where structures, systems or programmes needed to be developed or scaled - Essential

Demonstrated success managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders and limited resources - Essential

Experience developing business cases, strategic plans or financial models to support organisational decision making - Essential

Strong track record of delivering initiatives from concept through to implementation - Essential

Experience working in the charity, social enterprise or public sector environment - Desirable

Experience working closely with CEOs, boards or senior leadership teams - Desirable

Understanding of youth services, employability, public health or community development sectors - Desirable

Skills/Attributes

Ability to translate high-level strategy into practical operational delivery - Essential

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills - Essential

Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels - Essential

Highly organised and able to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously - Essential

Comfortable operating with high levels of autonomy and responsibility - Essential

A pragmatic, solutions-focused mindset - Essential

This is a new role to stabilise, diversify and grow income in a financially constrained environment, reducing reliance on statutory funding, increasing unrestricted income, and strengthening Catalyst Support’s credibility with all sources of non statutory funding, including trusts, foundations, corporates, individuals and communities. The postholder holds clear accountability for income performance, return on investment and risk management, and plays a critical role in the organisation’s financial recovery and long-term sustainability. The role is designed as a strategic investment, with the expectation that income generated will move the function towards break-even and net contribution over time, supported by clear targets and Board oversight.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Income Delivery

• Lead and deliver a multi-year income and engagement strategy covering trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, major donors, community fundraising and individual giving.
• Take ownership of income targets, pipelines and forecasts, including break-even requirements and risk exposure.
• Actively manage income risk, developing scenario plans and mitigation actions where delivery falls below expectation.
• Work with the Executive and Senior Leadership Teams to align income activity with organisational strategy and service priorities.

Funding Applications & Grant Management

• Provide strategic oversight, delivery and quality assurance of all high-value bids, tenders and funding applications.
• Ensure bids are evidence-led, outcome-focused, accurately costed and aligned to service capacity.
• Taking direct responsibility for bid and tender preparation and submission.
• Maintain strong relationships with funders, and foundations, ensuring compliance with reporting requirements and effective stewardship.
• Maintain strong relationships with funders, and foundations, ensuring compliance with reporting requirements and effective stewardship.
• Contribute approximately 20% of working time towards partner applications and collaborative projects with key partners, supporting joint funding and shared objectives.

Communications, Marketing & Engagement

• Lead communications and engagement functions to directly support income generation, funder confidence and organisational reputation.
• Ensure all external messaging demonstrates impact, value for money and strategic coherence.
• Grow individual giving, community fundraising and supporter engagement where there is clear return on investment.
• Oversee brand consistency and visibility across digital and offline channels.

Internal Collaboration & Income Culture

• Work closely with service and enabling teams to strengthen funding evidence, case studies and impact data.
• Build organisational understanding that income generation is a shared responsibility.
• Working with services and enabling teams to develop compelling cases for support.
• Equip teams with clarity on how funding, impact and delivery are connected.

Performance, Impact & Governance

• Establish and monitor KPIs covering income performance, ROI, cost-per-£ raised, engagement metrics and pipeline health.
• Report regularly to the Executive team and Trustees, providing transparent assessment of progress, risks and corrective action.
• Support Board assurance through disciplined performance monitoring and review points.

Team Leadership

• Provide line management, development and performance oversight for income generation and communications staff. Head of Income Generation Feb 2026
• Recruit, develop and retain high-quality team capability aligned to organisational needs.

Leadership Contribution

• Contribute as a senior operational leader to organisational planning, change and continuous improvement.
• Work closely with the Director of Services on future service design, positioning and sustainability.
• Undertake other duties appropriate to the seniority of the role and Catalyst Support’s mission.
• Strengthen partnership development with Mary Frances Trust to enhance county-wide support, with particular emphasis on provision for mental health services across both East and West regions.

Person Specification

Essential Experience

• Proven experience securing trust, grant and philanthropic income at scale, with clear evidence of income conversion and delivery.
• Track record of leading income strategies that generate net financial contribution, including roles where income targets were explicitly expected to cover or exceed post costs or programme investment.
• Experience operating in financially constrained, recovery-focused or turnaround environments, with responsibility for balancing income ambition against organisational risk.
• Experience of Board-level reporting, accountability and scrutiny, including transparent reporting of income performance against targets.
• Demonstrated ability to build senior relationships with funders, partners and individuals that translate into sustained or repeat income.

Desirable Experience

• Experience in mental health, wellbeing or community services.
• Experience overseeing communications and marketing functions.
• Experience operating within multi-stream or system-based service environments.

Skills & Competencies

• Commercially and financially astute.
• Strong analytical, forecasting and risk-management capability, including income pipeline assessment and contribution modelling.
• Confident influencer with credibility at senior and external levels. • Strategic thinker with a strong bias towards delivery, outcomes and financial impact.
• Resilient, solutions-focused and adaptable in high-pressure, performance-driven environments.

Values & Behaviours

• Commitment to Catalyst Support’s values: Kindness, Integrity and Commitment.
• Collaborative, inclusive and trauma-informed approach.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and lived-experience leadership

Equal Opportunities Statement

We acknowledge the unique contribution that all Catalyst employees, volunteers and clients can bring to our organisation in terms of their culture, race, gender, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital status, nationality, age, religion or belief and any physical disability or history of mental health or additional problems.

Release Counselling and Therapy for Women is entering an exciting new chapter. 

Founded in Brighton and Hove in 2013, Release has grown from a small local charity into a financially robust organisation with a growing national reach. Under the leadership of our outgoing CEO, the charity has been transformed—moving from a challenging financial position to one with strong reserves, clear sustainability, and ambitious plans for growth. 

We now provide affordable 1:1 online counselling to women across the UK, alongside specialist group programmes supporting maternal mental health and key life transitions. One-to-one counselling is a core offer and a vital income stream, enabling us to extend our reach while staying true to our values. 

This period has also seen Release grow from having no volunteers to working with over 20 dedicated volunteer counsellors, strengthening our capacity and community impact. 

As our CEO steps down, Release is ready for its next phase—building on strong foundations, amplifying our national impact, and remaining firmly rooted in our purpose: being a charity that supports women’s mental health, run by women, for women.

Summary:

The Head of Engagement & Fundraising will play a pivotal role in driving the charity's mission forward by developing and implementing innovative fundraising strategies. This position is essential for enhancing community engagement and building lasting relationships with donors, ensuring the sustainability and growth of our initiatives in North Leeds, Yorkshire. The successful candidate will lead a dedicated team, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence in fundraising efforts.

Why This Role Matters

As Head of Engagement & Fundraising, you’ll be the strategic force behind the charity’s mission — developing and delivering an ambitious engagement and income‑generation strategy that strengthens long‑term sustainability.

You’ll lead a passionate team, champion the charity’s voice across all channels, and build meaningful relationships with funders, partners, community groups and local networks.

This is a rare opportunity to step into a senior role where your ideas, leadership and creativity will directly shape impact across the region.

What You Will Do:

• Strategic fundraising growth — Create and deliver a forward‑thinking fundraising strategy that increases and diversifies annual income.
• Marketing & engagement leadership — Oversee all marketing activity across digital, social, PR, campaigns and events.
• Team development — Coach, inspire and develop a high‑performing team across marketing and fundraising.
• Funding applications — Lead and project‑manage compelling bids to trusts, foundations and grant‑making bodies.
• Stakeholder relationships — Build trusted partnerships with funders, community groups, local networks and internal teams..

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for an experienced, values‑driven professional who combines strategic thinking with the ability to deliver in practice.

You’ll be:

• An experienced fundraising and engagement manager from the UK charity, social care or community sector
• A confident, inclusive leader with a coaching mindset and proven experience of managing and developing teams
• A strong grant writer with a successful track record of securing funding from trusts, foundations and grant‑making bodies
• A digitally savvy marketer with hands‑on experience across social media, email, CRM systems and online fundraising platforms
• A natural communicator and relationship‑builder who thrives in community‑focused environments
• A creative storyteller able to craft compelling campaigns and messages that inspire action
• Someone with a proactive, can‑do attitude, excellent time‑management skills and the ability to get things done in a fast‑paced setting
• A values‑driven professional who wants their work to make a genuine and lasting difference

Why join us?

• Salary up to £55,000, depending on experience
• Early finish every Friday at 2pm
• Supportive, values‑driven and collaborative culture
• Senior leadership role with real influence and autonomy
• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives

How to apply

To apply, please submit your CV along with a supporting statement outlining how your experience, skills, and values align with this role.

We actively welcome applications from people with lived experience and from under‑represented communities.

Closing date: 26 May 2026 at midday
We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Please note: no recruitment agencies or third‑party applications, thank you.

Our values

• Collaboration- Working closely with our residents, customers, locality and service users to understand and respond to their needs
• Caring- Caring for others and the environment
• Respectful- Treating people with respect
• Efficiency -Using resources effectively and efficiently