Business support manager jobs in sandbach, cheshire east
We have an exciting opportunity for experienced and skilled caseworkers to join the staff of a unique social enterprise. The core function of this role is to provide comprehensive casework, advice and advocacy which assists and supports clients throughout the NHS continuing healthcare assessment, appeal and care planning process. With a long history in delivering skilled casework and training in NHS continuing healthcare, we want you to be part of a strong team committed to delivering excellence and achieving success in line with our commercial and social objectives.
You will be an excellent communicator and skilled caseworker with a minimum of 2 years’ experience working within the field of NHS continuing healthcare or a similar role with a transferrable skills. A health, social care, advocacy or legal qualification is desirable but not essential. Proven experience of the ability to understand, digest and disseminate complex information, and to prepare well-reasoned reports is essential.
The successful candidate will have excellent oral and written communication skills with an ability to engage effectively with a range of stakeholders in challenging circumstances. You will be able to establish a good rapport with clients in a professional and caring manner, upholding brand values.
In return, you can look forward to working with a highly-skilled and dynamic team and having influence over the future strategic direction of the company. We also offer a competitive salary with performance-related bonus and an excellent benefits package.
This role is primarily home-based with opportunities nationally. Ability to periodially travel long distances to attend client meetings across England from time to time is essential.
MAIN DUTIES:
- To provide an independent and comprehensive casework, advisory and advocacy service to private and NHS-referred clients (typically health and social care service users or their representatives) in England and Wales throughout the entire NHS Continuing Healthcare assessment, appeal and care planning process from initial assessment stage through to complaints to the Ombudsman.
- To provide specialist information and advice to our clients tailored to their specific situation and needs regarding the interpretation of a primary health need from a thorough understanding of relevant criteria, assessment frameworks and legal tests which are based upon case-law.
- Provide advocacy and active case support remotely and in person to clients in England and Wales, and their representatives throughout the appeal and complaint processes, and occassionally assessments. This will include periodic travel to assessments and appeal meetings across England and Wales (including overnight stays where necessary), as well as attending virtual meetings via videoconference.Please note: most meetings are now completed virtually via videoconference, however a small number of in-person meetings are still taking place. Applicants will need to be comfortable working from home for long periods as well as with periodic long-distance travel.
- To keep informed of issues, policies, guidance and legislation affecting clients ensuring that the information provided is relevant, current, complete and accurate.
- To analytically examine all relevant health and social care records and assessments, and to prepare detailed advisory letters and appeal statements based upon a sound understanding of the facts, and referencing evidence compiled from such records.
- To assist clients in the preparation of submissions which will be presented on their behalf to relevant Integrated Care Boards and NHS England review and/or appeal panels.
- To respond to new referrals by making prompt initial contact with the client within the timescales specified by company policies. To keep clients informed of progress at regular intervals.
- Work closely and efficiently with health professionals from relevant Continuing Healthcare (CHC) teams with the aim of resolving client issues at the earliest possible opportunity so as to provide an efficient and cost-effective service, and to minimise stress for the client.
- To develop and maintain working relationships with health and social care colleagues within the field of Continuing Healthcare in order to influence best practice.
- To work with partner organisations and stakeholders to share knowledge, make appropriate referrals, maintain consistency and draw upon each other’s expertise, always striving to improve the quality of both services and provide a better customer experience.
- To keep relevant and sufficiently detailed case records at each stage and as the case progresses; ensuring that all client information is kept up to date in line with Beacon’s systems and procedures, including data protection (GDPR) policies. This applies to case files, database entries, authority forms, client correspondence, use of the project management system, filing and archiving.
- To minimise business costs and maximise income for the company by meeting chargeable time targets, working efficiently, charging clients appropriately and in a timely manner.
- To uphold the principles of paralegal casework as specified by the Institute of Paralegals, providing a good standard of client care by working with skill and competence thereby ensuring clients are able to place their trust in you.
- To uphold organisational values, promoting Beacon’s social goals through each area of your work.
- To manage your own caseload and work independently within the boundaries of Beacon policies and procedures.
- To undergo a minimum of 12 hours of professional development each year. To foster an atmosphere of continuous learning and development.
- Attend line management, supervision and team meetings as appropriate, and to play a full part in the development and success of Beacon.
The above is not an exhaustive list of duties and you will be expected to perform different tasks as necessitated by your developing role and the overall objectives of the companies.
This post may be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Baring Service check or equivalent.
STAFF BENEFITS: Pension Scheme, Generous Annual Leave Entitlement, Death in Service Benefit 4x salary, Flexible Working, Health & Dental Care Plan, Professional Development Plan, Employee Rewards Scheme (Perkbox) and Performance-Related Bonus.
What is NHS Continuing Healthcare?
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) is the name given to a package of care that some people need to receive due to disability, accident or illness. People who are eligible for CHC have the full cost of their care and residential accommodation funded by the NHS. This relieves families of sometimes astronomical care bills.
The criteria for determining who is eligible for CHC are highly complex and can be very difficult for the public to understand, and for professionals to apply consistently. The assessment process is lengthy and detailed. Likewise, the appeal process can be very daunting and perplexing.
About our organisation
Beacon was established in May 2014 for the purpose of providing independent and high-quality support to individuals and their families in England who need help navigating the NHS Continuing Healthcare process.
Beacon is a registered social enterprise and a proud member of Social Enterprise UK. We operate with a core set of ethical social objectives and values through which all of our work is delivered.
Social enterprises are businesses. Like any other business, they seek to make a profit and succeed commercially. But how they operate, who they employ, how they use their profits and where they work transforms lives and communities across the UK. At Beacon, we donate any surpluses to supporting charitable objectives that are in line with our aims.
Through expert advocacy, advice and training, Beacon enables people to be heard and to enact real and positive change in their lives. We help people to understand their rights and the realistic options available to them, equipping some of those most vulnerable in society with the knowledge and practical support to make meaningful and transformative decisions.
Our Values
At Beacon, we employ people who want to do things differently to other organisations working in this field. Five values sum up our culture and how we treat our clients and our staff:
- Ethical
Commitment to our clients
We operate with honesty and integrity. We are transparent about our funding set-up and our fees, which we keep as low as we sensibly can. We never ‘hard sell’ our services, we keep you informed at every step, and we always give our honest opinion of your chances of success. As a social enterprise, we donate any profits to charity.
Commitment to our team
We operate with honesty and integrity, and always work hard to get the best results for our clients and the business. We work to high standards, and trust our people to respectfully speak out if we fall short.
- Expert
Commitment to our clients
We pride ourselves on being recognised as leading independent experts in NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC). We apply our knowledge and experience to help every case and caller. We also strive to improve CHC for everyone, by training health and social care professionals.
Commitment to our team
We are the leading experts in our field. We encourage and value innovation and evolution in what we do, and how we do it. We are united in developing the business and its services.
- Personal
Commitment to our clients
By listening carefully to you and the people who really know about your care needs, we can provide excellent advice and powerful advocacy tailored to your unique situation.
Commitment to our team
We get results by getting to know our clients. We do the same with our people, offering flexible working options to suit your circumstances, and taking time out to have fun as a team.
- Compassionate
Commitment to our clients
We are mindful of the immense stress that our callers and clients can be under, at what is often a really tough time. We do our best to lift some of that burden by providing a quality service that you can trust, and by being compassionate and courteous at all times.
Commitment to our team
The nature of the work can be stressful and emotionally draining. We take care and time to look out for each other, and encourage healthy work habits.
- Rewarding
Commitment to our team
We take the time to celebrate success and are inspired by one another’s achievements. We provide a generous and varied suite of benefits that can be enjoyed by our people and their families.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Interim Head of Finance & Operations
Career Ready is a social mobility charity that believes that every young person deserves the opportunity to enjoy a rewarding future.
We were founded in 2002 by leading business figures with a mission: to boost social mobility by empowering young people and giving their talents a platform from which to flourish. Since then, we’ve grown in England and Scotland to support young people in areas of need.
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced, qualified Finance professional to lead our Finance & Operations function.
About the Role
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer the Interim Head of Finance & Operations leads on and assumes day to day responsibility for providing high quality, strategic financial management for Career Ready.
You will lead on business operations to ensure the ongoing effective functioning of the charity and drive sustainable growth.
The Interim Head of Finance and Operations plays a key role in leading greater organisational efficiency and simplifying processes and will continue the delivery of a project plan reflecting the 2025-30 strategy.
You will play a critical role in driving the increased quality of Career Ready’s offer to our stakeholders in line with our strategy, vision and values.
Member of our SMT, comprising of the CEO, Director for Scotland, Director of Programme and Partnerships and Heads of functions.
This is an interim role to cover a period of maternity leave.
Main responsibilities and accountabilities
· Lead, direct and manage the finance and operations functions, overseeing two direct reports, ensuring they deliver a high-quality service to all internal and external stakeholders and are seen as adding value, in enabling Career Ready to achieve its vision and strategic objectives through its people.
· Continue the delivery of a project plan reflecting the 2025-30 strategy, ensuring that activities happen at pace, are deadline-driven and achieve a high level of impact.
· Assume overall responsibility for the financial management of Career Ready, working with the SMT to ensure high quality and effective use of charitable funds.
· Input into and review the financial elements of funding applications and ensure that fund accounting processes align with funders’ requirements for project reporting.
· Produce financial reports for various stakeholders, as well as leading on financial modelling.
· Have oversight of all financial and accountancy matters including month end reports, management accounts, cash flow management, compliance, tax liability, presentation of management information and KPIs. Ensure that the CEO and Trustees are provided with accurate, timely information and analysis.
· Oversee and coordinate the fully managed payroll services with the external bureau for all Career Ready employees and for some internship students (Jun to Aug during the Summer)
· Administration of the Staff Opt-In Pension Scheme, including onboarding new staff (Royal London)
· Act as a role model in our ‘one team’ culture. Lead in the development of efficient working practices across the charity, creating momentum and supporting motivation within the charity.
· Lead risk management strategies and internal control procedures to minimise the risk of loss, or damage to, Career Ready’s assets.
· Prepare and submit annual operational budgets and annual accounts to the CEO for review and approval.
· Draft and deliver papers for Trustees and Finance and Fundraising Committee (F&FC) meetings.
· Attend Board and F&FC meetings to present papers and answer questions related to areas of expertise.
· Provide day to day line management of the Senior Finance Officers and support their ongoing growth and development.
· Management of organisational governance and compliance activities, including policy management.
· Oversee and manage the organisation’s risk management register and process, with input from SMT.
· Oversee reviews and renewals of all insurance policies that affect the organisation.
· Lead on the compliance of statutory and charity regulatory reporting, giving guidance to colleagues where required.
· Ensure any changes to processes and procedures across the function are clearly documented.
Person Specification
Essential skills and experience
- Belief and commitment to Career Ready’s mission and values
- Qualified (ACA/ACCA/CIMA/AAT) accountant with at least 5 years’ experience in financial management including budgeting, preferably in the charity sector.
- Significant experience in producing management and financial accounts
- Skilled in financial reporting and producing VAT returns
- Preparing for and ensuring a successful year-end audit, and demonstrable knowledge of UK Charities SORP and other reporting standards
- Experience in budgeting to support strategic decision making.
- Financial dexterity and strong analytical skills.
- Strong IT skills, including advanced MS Excel skills and extensive of using an accounting software, preferably Xero
- Excellent organisational and prioritising skills and ability to work independently and with autonomy
- Strong starter finisher with ability to lead and drive projects
- Knowledge of charity governance and compliance requirements
- Ability to build excellent relationships and have effective engagement with stakeholders
- Good communication skills and ability to communicate financial concepts to non-finance staff
- Attention to detail
- Ability to present financial information to various audiences
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and sensitivity of financial information
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to cope with competing demands to deadlines
- Honest and dependable
Desirable skills and experience
- Experience of leading a team, strong team building skills
- Line management experience
- Experience of using MS Planner or other project management tools
- Genuine interest in the work done by the Charity
- Experience of using a CRM (Salesforce)
- Degree in financial management or accounting
Full details are provided in the candidate pack
Salary and Benefits
Salary: £52,000 to £54,000 FTE (salary will be pro-rata for part time hours)
28-35 hours per week. Career Ready is committed to supporting condensed/flexible working patterns.
Permanent and remote. Travel to London required on an occasional basis
You will be rewarded with the following benefits:
· 6% contribution to personal pension plan, subject to 3% employee contribution.
· Annual leave: 27 days per annum plus bank/public holidays (pro rata for part time). The charity is also closed between Christmas and New Year. Career Ready also allows flexible use of some Bank & Public Holidays
· Cycle to Work Scheme
· Access to both our Reward Gateway Portal and an Employee Assistance Programme.
· Flexible working
· Work from home allowance and paid travel expenses.
We regret that Career Ready is unable to offer visa sponsorship and candidates must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK. In accordance with our commitment to safeguarding, offers of employment are subject to completion of a DBS check.
Timetable
Applications close at 9am on Monday 21 July 2025
Please note that the closing date may be brought forward if we receive strong applications.
This is an interim role to cover a period of maternity leave, with a provisional start date of late September for a handover period.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Location: Working remotely from home across the four nations of the UK, occasionally co-working spaces, with occasional travel.
Start date: As soon as possible (Autumn 2025)
Salary: £69,080 (F/T pro-rated for 0.6FTE to £41,808)
Benefits: 30 days Annual holiday (18 days pro rata). Pension Scheme. Flexible working arrangements. Access to co-working budget
Hours of work: Part Time at 0.6 FTE worked flexibly around business needs at 21 hours per week
Contract type: Permanent contract
Do you want to play a vital role in supporting a charity who are reshaping the systems that support children and young people across the UK? Are you a values led finance and operations leader who thrives on both strategic thinking and hands-on problem solving? Can you help steward a high performing, mission driven organisation through its next phase of growth and impact?
Dartington Service Design Lab is a national charity that harnesses experience, cutting edge evidence and design to tackle the challenges children and young people face today, securing thriving futures for tomorrow. As we move forward with our refreshed strategy, we are looking for a new Director of Finance and Operations to join our Senior Leadership Team.
This is a unique opportunity to lead the Lab’s operational heart; from finance and governance to people, culture, IT and compliance. You'll work closely with the CEO and leadership team to ensure our infrastructure is not only effective and efficient, but enabling of bold, systemic work across the UK. The role balances high level financial strategy and organisational leadership with routine financial reporting, oversight of day-to-day operations and actively supporting team wellbeing. It will suit someone confident operating strategically at an Executive and Board level, but who’s also comfortable rolling up their sleeves in a small, agile organisation.
We are seeking someone with significant experience in finance and operations leadership, ideally in a non-profit, consultancy or values driven setting, who is committed to equity, anti-racism, and social justice. This is a 0.6 FTE role (21 hours/week) and we welcome applications from those looking for flexible or part-time senior leadership work that makes a real difference. To support the removal of barriers to colleagues contributing fully as employees and to address equity considerations, we have a flexible working policy that trusts individuals to manage their time, working flexibly to deliver against our commitments, for example the 21 hrs can be condensed over 3 days or worked over 4-5 days.
As a team, we operate remotely across the UK with regular project-related travel. Our staff work from home or when appropriate, together in local co-working spaces, and normally, a few times a year we meet as a whole team for a few days to develop and connect.
Don’t meet every single requirement outlined in the Job Description? Studies have shown that women and racially minoritised groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single requirement. Dartington Service Design Lab is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone. So, if you’re excited about this role but your experience or qualifications don’t match the job description exactly, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might just be the right person to help us achieve our impact for children and young people.
Candidates should be aware that, in line with our commitment to equity, we have made the decision not to negotiate regarding salary on appointment or progression. The evidence shows that negotiation of salary is an inherently inequitable process that marginalises women and those from racially minoritised communities. We do, however, have a transparent grade and scale structure for all those in the Lab which, based on organisational affordability and satisfactory performance in role, will result in an increase to salaries every two years up until the ceiling of that particular role’s banding.
The post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service certificate and pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.
If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you. Find out more in the Candidate Briefing Pack.
Creating thriving futures with and for children and young people



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Respect
Director of Programmes
£62,756 (+plus LA of £3,299 for employees living in London), + 6% pension
Full time, 35 hours per week, permanent
Home-based with travel to projects/HQ in London (2-3 days per month)
Respect is a pioneering UK membership organisation in the domestic abuse sector. Founded in 2000, we have built our expertise over the last 25 years in what was then a fledgling sector. We have seen rapid growth over the last few years and now have 60+ staff running a range of projects and core activities and have ambitious plans for further growth and influence.
We work with our members, partners, and allies to stop the harms done by those who perpetrate domestic abuse. With innovative practice, robust research, and quality data, we build evidence of what works, promote safe, effective practice and drive high standards. We use our voice, in collaboration with others, to call for a response to domestic abuse that matches the scale of the problem.
We will not stop, until domestic abuse stops.
This is a pivotal new role which sits firmly on the Executive Leadership Team and oversees the strategic direction, financial accountability, and best practice of our portfolio of projects and programmes.
Managing a team of highly skilled Heads of programmes, you will be responsible for providing strategic oversight of 50+ practice-focused staff, for developing and implementing systems that support collaborative working, shared best practice, donor compliance, and robust communication.
The successful candidate will also collaborate with senior colleagues to help Respect implement its overall strategy to grow sustainably and realise the opportunities that the growth in interest in our work is bringing. To this end we are looking for an experienced senior leader with an extensive track record in leading multiple and complex workstreams while always being conscious of risk. Your experience is likely to also include acting as a senior representative for Respect externally, particularly with funders, national and local government stakeholders, and with the perpetrator and wider domestic abuse sector.
How to apply:
Application is via CV with a Supporting Statement.
We would particularly welcome applications from people from a wide range of backgrounds and across all protected characteristics, particularly people from the following under-represented groups on our staff team: Black and minoritised people, Deaf and disabled people.
Closing date: Midnight Sunday 27th July 2025
First interview: Week commencing 4h August 2025
Final interview: Week commencing 11th August 2025