Branch development officer jobs in Belfast
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The Organisation
LawCare is the mental health charity for the legal sector, providing free, confidential emotional support and information to people working in law across the UK, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man. While our primary focus is on direct support services, we also play a leading role in advocating for improved mental health practices within legal workplaces and driving cultural transformation through education, training, and research.
Established in 1997, we have spent almost 30 years supporting legal professionals by offering a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space to talk, whether individuals are experiencing day-to-day pressures or more complex, enduring challenges. Our team of Champions, over 100 volunteers, and staff bring lived experience of the legal sector, enabling us to provide informed, empathetic support grounded in a deep understanding of the profession’s unique demands.
We serve all branches of the legal community, including barristers, solicitors, in-house teams, chartered legal executives, and business and support staff. From early-career professionals facing bullying or imposter syndrome to senior leaders managing risk, regulatory pressures, or professional isolation, we are a trusted and independent source of support.
In addition to our direct support services - including helpline, live online chat, and email support - we provide peer support and maintain a substantial, regularly updated online library of resources, including articles, personal stories, research, and multimedia content designed to promote mental health awareness and resilience across the sector. We also deliver training on mental wellbeing, management and supervision, vicarious trauma, and the new SRA workplace behaviour standards, and offer online sessions for legal workplaces and organisations to explain the support we provide.
By combining frontline service delivery with sector-wide advocacy, LawCare is uniquely positioned at the intersection of individual wellbeing and organisational cultural change. We are supported by a strong, capable team and a committed Board of Trustees, enabling us to continue making a meaningful impact across the legal profession.
The Role
LawCare is seeking an inspiring and values-led Chief Executive to lead the charity into its next phase of development at a pivotal moment for the legal profession. As the public face and strategic leader of the organisation, the Chief Executive will champion LawCare’s mission - ensuring the continued delivery of high-quality, confidential support services while strengthening its voice and influence across a rapidly evolving and increasingly commercial mental health landscape.
This is an exciting opportunity to build on strong foundations, guiding a respected and independent charity through a period of significant sector change. Working closely with staff, volunteers, funders and partners, the Chief Executive will drive sustainable growth, deepen impact, and help shape a more compassionate and mentally healthy legal culture for the future.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Impact
- Lead delivery of LawCare’s forthcoming strategy (2026 onwards), translating vision into measurable impact.
- Ensure LawCare sharpens its positioning and messaging in a crowded mental health marketplace.
- Balance direct support services, research, education and influencing work to maximise impact.
- Identify what the charity should prioritise and where it should collaborate rather than deliver directly.
External Relations & Sector Influence
- Act as the primary ambassador and spokesperson for LawCare across the legal sector in the UK, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man.
- Build and maintain senior relationships with:
- Professional bodies
- Regulators
- Law firms and chambers
- Legal educators
- Funders and charitable trusts
- Speak regularly at conferences, sector events, roundtables and award ceremonies. These are primarily London based, however, there will be occasions where representation is required across England, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
- Build alliances to influence policy, regulation and workplace practice around mental health and wellbeing.
- Position LawCare as the authoritative, evidence-informed voice on mental health in law.
Service Oversight & Quality
- Ensure the continued delivery of high-quality, confidential helpline and peer support services.
- Maintain robust safeguarding, confidentiality and data governance practices.
- Oversee volunteer recruitment, training and engagement.
- Ensure services evolve in response to emerging issues (e.g., stress, anxiety, workplace conflict, regulatory pressure, AI-related disruption).
Financial Sustainability & Governance
- Lead financial planning and sustainability, working closely with the Treasurer and Board.
- Manage relationships with core professional body funders and diversify income streams.
- Develop compelling funding cases and annual pitches to key stakeholders.
- Strengthen reserves and long-term financial resilience.
- Ensure strong governance, compliance and risk management.
- Support and work closely with the incoming Chair and a refreshed Board.
Research, Education & Prevention
- Build on the impact of the Life in the Law research programme.
- Promote preventative approaches for firms and educators.
- Strengthen LawCare’s role in vocational education and regulatory conversations.
- Ensure research informs policy influence and funding opportunities.
Organisational Leadership
- Lead, support and develop a small, experienced and fully remote team.
- Foster a culture of trust, collaboration, wellbeing and accountability.
- Provide clarity and reassurance during a period of leadership transition and financial strengthening.
- Ensure operational efficiency and effective use of technology in a remote environment.
The Person
LawCare is seeking a credible, strategic and values-driven leader with a deep understanding of the legal profession and the pressures shaping it today. You will bring senior leadership experience, strong commercial and financial acumen, and the ability to balance operational excellence with sector-wide influence.
An authentic and compelling ambassador for mental health and wellbeing, you will be an exceptional communicator who builds trust with ease. Emotionally intelligent, resilient and grounded, you will combine empathy with clarity and conviction, guiding the organisation confidently while remaining steadfast in your commitment to improving mental health across the legal community.
Essential
Professional Background
- Prior professional experience in the legal sector is required. Experience working in a qualified or regulated professional role is desirable.
- Deep, intrinsic understanding of the culture, pressures and structural dynamics of the profession.
- Senior leadership experience with responsibility for strategy, people and budgets.
Leadership & Influence
- Credible, visible and compelling leader with presence.
- Exceptional communicator - confident public speaker and strong writer.
- Knowledge of mental health systems, workplace wellbeing or addiction support.
- Able to influence senior stakeholders and bring sceptical audiences “on the journey.”
- A credible ambassador for mental health and wellbeing - knowledge of mental health systems, workplace wellbeing or addiction support.
- Comfortable operating at Board level.
Organisational Capacity
- Experience managing and motivating high-performing teams (ideally remote).
- Financial acumen, including budget oversight and income generation.
- Fundraising experience, particularly with trusts, foundations or membership bodies.
- Ability to balance operational delivery with strategic influence.
- Skilled at prioritisation in resource-constrained environments.
Personal Qualities
- Authentic commitment to mental health and wellbeing.
- Emotionally intelligent, empathetic and values-driven.
- Resilient and calm under pressure.
- Able to navigate sensitive conversations with discretion and diplomacy.
Desirable
- Experience within the charity or not-for-profit sector.
- Experience working with regulators or professional bodies.
- Understanding of research commissioning or evidence-led advocacy.
Further information
For further information about LawCare, the scope of the role and the person specification, please download the Candidate Briefing Pack.
How to Apply
If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please provide the following with your application:
- An up to date CV, with the details of two referees (we will not contact them without your prior permission).
- A supporting statement outlining how you meet the criteria set out in the Person Specification, along with your motivation for applying for the role.
Closing date for applications: Monday 30th March 2026
Preliminary interviews with Russam: Wednesday 8th & Thursday 9th April 2026
Interviews with LawCare: Week commencing 20th April 2026
We look forward to receiving your application.
Thank you!
Using Anonymous Recruitment
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Operating as a blended role across the Membership and Marketing and Communications teams, this role will support the day-to-day membership and digital communication functions of the NI.
This role is responsible for membership administration and digital communications including processing and onboarding new members to managing ongoing renewals and maintaining the membership database, managing the delivery of Lunch & Learn sessions, Drop-In sessions and a range of themed technical and non-technical webinars, supporting HQ conferences and managing digital communications, member feedback and related marketing activity that underpins effective member engagement.
This role is critical in ensuring that members receive excellent customer service, timely communication, and accurate information about the institute’s services and benefits to support the organisation’s mission to engage and retain members, ensuring they receive value from their membership and are satisfied with their experience.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong organisational, attention to detail, digital and communications skills with proficiency in database management and who enjoys building connections, creating engaging content, turning feedback into action.
Key Responsibilities:
Membership Administration
· Support the renewals process to ensure prompt collection of membership subscriptions including conducting follow-up campaigns to minimise lapsers.
· Manage correspondence related to the onboarding process including preparing and sending membership welcome emails, and other communications as appropriate.
· Manage the Membership inbox responding to queries and assigning emails to colleagues or others as necessary.
· Support with the administration of Organisational Members including processing new members, issuing invoices and any other tasks as required.
· Assist with the development and implementation of new membership strategies.
· Other tasks to support the Membership and Business Development Director and Membership Manager as necessary.
Member Engagement and Digital Events
· Coordinate and deliver a structured programme of online events, including:
- Lunch & Learn sessions
- Drop-in member forums
- Themed webinar series covering both technical and non-technical topics
· Manage all webinar logistics, including registration, hosting, and post-event communications.
· Work closely with the Communities Officer and regional branches to promote local and regional events.
· Gather and analyse event feedback and attendance data to evaluate engagement levels and member satisfaction.
Digital Marketing & Communications
· Plan and deliver targeted marketing campaigns to promote membership activities, including a monthly member-focused email highlighting benefits such as mentoring, e-learning, and events.
· Create engaging and relevant content for the NI website, newsletters, and social media channels (e.g. LinkedIn).
· Develop promotional materials and manage a central events calendar to ensure consistent and timely communications.
· Monitor the Communications inbox responding to requests and assigning emails to colleagues or others as necessary
· Collaborate with the Membership and Business Development Director and Marketing and Communications Manager to assist with any other membership recruitment initiatives and campaigns as required.
Data Management & Reporting
- Maintain and regularly cleanse the membership database to ensure all records are accurate and up to date relating to membership and marketing.
- Generate and manage Nuclear Future mailing lists as required.
- Produce analytical reports on membership growth, retention, and engagement.
- Collect, analyse, and present member feedback from surveys and event participation.
- Deliver quarterly reports highlighting engagement trends and insights.
- Apply both quantitative and qualitative data to inform and shape future engagement strategies.
- Ensure full compliance with data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR).
Customer Service
· Serve as a point of contact for current and potential members, answering enquiries via phone, email, and online.
· Provide information about membership benefits, policies, and procedures.
· Resolve membership-related issues or concerns in a timely and professional manner.
General
· Liaise with suppliers and partners where needed to deliver promotional or event materials.
· Support other NI operational activities as required.
Experience and Skills
Essential Experience
· 2–3 years’ experience in membership administration, customer service, event co-ordination or marketing or a similar administrative role, ideally within a non-profit, association, or professional membership organisation.
· Proficient in using CRM or membership management systems, including database management, reporting.
· Experience in administering membership or customer renewals processes.
· Ability to deliver high-quality customer service in a professional environment.
· Ability to write compelling promotional copy.
· Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience using digital engagement and event tools such as Eventbrite, Cvent, Mailchimp, LinkedIn, and Microsoft Teams.
· Confident in handling data, analysing information, and producing clear, accurate reports.
Desirable Experience
- Experience in developing and delivering membership recruitment initiatives and campaigns.
- Experience in analysing member feedback and engagement data.
- Experience working with digital design tools such as Canva.
- Experience working with and supporting volunteer networks or regional teams.
Skills
· Strong organisational and multitasking skills, with a proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of attention to detail.
· Proactive and adaptable, able to work effectively both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
· Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to handle member enquiries and concerns professionally and diplomatically.
Personal Attributes:
- Strong interpersonal skills and a customer-oriented mindset.
- Ability to remain calm under pressure and manage multiple tasks effectively.
- A proactive approach to problem-solving and initiative to improve processes.
- High degree of professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical standards.
Location
This role will mainly involve remote working, with occasional travel to events, meetings or conferences (approximately one to two days per month).
Reporting to
Membership and Business Development Director and Marketing and Communications Manager
Anticipated interview dates: 27-29 April
Registered Charity
6 - 10
We are the professional membership body dedicated to nuclear, representing over 5500 professionals, and upholding professional standards for nuclear.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
ABOUT THE ROLE
We are looking for a part time governance and compliance officer to oversee our governance and risk framework as a non-profit regulated by the Charities Commission (England and Wales) and OSCR (Scotland).
You will identify, develop, maintain and implement policies and procedures to ensure compliance and risk mitigation with the various regulations that we must adhere to such as Charities Commission, OSCR, Fundraising Regulator, Companies House, UK Data Protection and Safeguarding.
As governance and compliance officer, you will deliver high quality, professional and compliant governance across the charity, nationally and in supporting our network of support groups (see About IA) ensuring we comply with statutory regulations, that protect our members and the charity itself while applying best practice principles.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Developing and documenting a detailed understanding of charity practices, paying specific attention to areas where IA is bound by statutory regulations
- Developing robust policies and procedures that ensure charity compliance and best practice
- Remaining up to date with current regulations that IA is bound by and ensuring any changes are implemented within any imposed deadlines
- Regularly review and maintain policies and procedures auditing your findings to ensure exemplary record keeping following up with implementing changes
- Implementing policies and procedures amongst staff, volunteers and the Board of Trustees with robust record keeping introducing governance cycles to keep everyone updated with current policy and communicating changes where necessary
- Identifying risks, recommending mitigating actions and reporting your findings to the management team and Board of Trustees
- Reviewing and updating IA’s risk register
- Recommending and monitoring recommended training among staff and volunteers especially where IA is bound by statutory regulations
- Liaise with third-party suppliers to IA who are responsible for providing services to the charity that support our governance and risk framework
- Supporting Trustee recruitment, induction, training, and evaluation processes
PERSON SPECIFICATION
ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE
- Demonstrable experience of at least 12m in governance and risk management within a not for profit environment with working knowledge of UK charity regulations. Exceptional candidates from a commercial background would be considered
- A thorough working knowledge of risk management
- Development, implementation, monitoring and maintenance of governance and risk frameworks
- Documenting, reviewing and mitigating risk
- Demonstrable experience of regular reporting to management
- Strong working knowledge of UK data protection regulation
- Working knowledge of safeguarding requirements
- Exceptional record keeping skills to satisfy audit requirements
- Management of third-party relationships including suppliers to IA and volunteers who are carrying out their volunteering role in line with IA’s policies and procedures
- Team player
DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE
- Experience across the not-for-profit sector
- Working with volunteers
- Basic understanding of AI and the benefits of using it within the not-for-profit sector
- Experience supporting Boards or Trustees
- Regulations governing charity fundraising
SKILLS AND QUALITIES
- Highly organised
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Flexible, adaptable in approach, creative thinker to manage the balance between governance and continuing to provide a personal approach to vulnerable adults
- Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
- Proactive and solution-focused
APPLICATION SUBMISSION
To apply, please submit:
1. Your CV (up to 3 pages)
2. A covering letter outlining your suitability to the role (max 500 words)
Interviews will be two-stage for successful candidates. Initial interviews will be held via video conferencing (such as Zoom) discussing previous experience and role fit with successful candidates going through to a second round. This includes alignment to IA’s values. Please allow up to 1 hour for this stage.
Second round interviews are expected to be via video conference. Successful candidates will, in advance of the second round, be given a short brief and asked to present at interview their understanding of a governance issue facing charities. Please allow up to 1 hour for this stage.
Applications should be submitted via the advertising platform including your CV and covering letter. See attached role profile for recruitment timetable and further details about us/the role, including contact details for an informal chat, if required, before applying. Applicants are encouraged to ensure availability in line with the recruitment timetable in the attached job specification.
While IA recognises the value of AI technology in the current climate, IA reserves the right to ignore applications where we have reason to believe that they have been wholly produced using generative AI tools.
Please let us know if you require any additional support to attend or undertake an interview or if there is anything we should consider as part of the interview process
Apply as above. Additionally, please refer to the recruitment timetable in the attached job specification
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.