The Vegan Society is an anagram of The Nicest Voyage. Quite fitting, we think, as for many people veganism is a journey – and a pretty remarkable one at that. Regardless of where you are on your vegan journey, our staff are on hand to make it easier, healthier and more fun. And if you think you’d be great at helping others with this, read on, as this may be right up your street.

The Vegan Society makes veganism more accessible and an easily adopted approach by supporting individuals, policy and decision makers, caterers, manufacturers, health care professionals and the media.

In order to meet our ambitious growth plans for the next few years, we need to recruit some additional people to join our team in our new offices conveniently located by Snow Hill station in Birmingham. As such we are looking to recruit a Community Network Volunteer Coordinator on a part time basis, for 3 days per week.

The Community Network Volunteer Coordinator will focus on managing and growing The Vegan Society’s Community Network of volunteer activists. They will ensure the smooth running of the network, keeping the local groups engaged and developing actions that further The Vegan Society’s aims. The Community Network is split into two tiers, with both Organisers and Advocates. This role will communicate with Organisers, who in turn will manage Advocates in their local groups.

As Community Network Volunteer Coordinator, you will:

Manage the Community Network

• Build and maintain relationships with volunteer Community Network (CN) Organisers.
• Provide support to the CN Organisers and local groups where needed.
• Ensure that new CN Organisers complete a full induction and provide training to CN Organisers on various relevant topics.
• Monitor progress of CN actions and report back to the Campaigns and Policy team.

Grow the Community Network

• Seek opportunities to grow the existing CN so that there are effective local groups in all areas of the UK.
• Assist with advertising and promotion of CN Organiser roles, including writing advert copy and selecting appropriate advertising platforms.

Build Community Links

• Reach out and connect with other local community groups (e.g. charities, foodbanks) to share and promote our campaigns and policy work.
• Look for opportunities to collaborate and connect with local community organisations to ensure our messages reach a diverse audience.

This role can be based at any of our 9 offices; Croydon, Central London, Brent, Oxford, Coventry, Birmingham, Rotherham, Liverpool or Newcastle.

About us
Crisis is the UK’s national homelessness charity. We work side-by-side with people to help them rebuild their lives. Through decades of experience of working with people who are homeless, we know what’s needed to leave homelessness behind for good. We use this experience to shape the services we provide and the changes we campaign for. 

The News and Media team play a central role in building Crisis’ public profile, awareness of our year-round services and securing the changes we need to ensure everyone has a safe and stable place to call home. We tell compelling stories of people who’ve experienced homelessness, support our fundraising efforts on a national and regional level and highlight our work at Christmas and throughout the year in new and creative ways. 

About the role
As Crisis’ Senior Media Officer specialising in services, engagement and fundraising, you will play a key role helping us plan and deliver creative media campaigns that bring our work to life, demonstrating how we end peoples’ homelessness for good through education, training and support with housing, employment and health. You will also help raise the profile of our range of fundraising events, campaigns and corporate partnerships with key target audiences.  

Your role will be stimulating and varied. You’ll work with our frontline staff to identify people facing homelessness who want to share their stories and empower them to do so. You’ll also work alongside our Artist Liaison Manager to devise creative ways for our high-profile supporters and ambassadors to engage with the cause publicly and play a crucial role in some of our biggest organisational campaigns, like our annual Christmas campaign. You will also help make the most of reactive opportunities that come through to our press office and help build relationships with key journalists. 

About you
You’ll be a skilled communicator with experience of working within a busy press office environment/PR agency or as a journalist. 
You’ll have a track record of delivering high-profile, integrated media strategies that secure quality coverage in national, regional and consumer outlets. 
A passion for writing, and experience of working with and interviewing case studies, will mean you know how to tell a compelling story that will capture the attention of journalists and build public support for our goal of ending homelessness for good.

Benefits
As a member of the team you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits including:

- Interest free loans to purchase a train season ticket or a bike or for a deposit to secure a tenancy 
- Mandatory pension scheme, with an employer contribution of 8% 
- 25 days’ annual leave which increases with service to 28 days

Alongside our excellent staff benefits, we will support your ongoing development to build your skills, experience and career.

How to apply
If this sound likes the opportunity for you, please click on the 'Apply for Job' button below.

If you need to request an application in an alternative format, please contact the Recruitment Team, contact details can be found on our website.

Closing date: Wednesday 27th January 2021 
Interviews will be held from w/c 8th February

We value diversity, promote equality and encourage and applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of homelessness.

Citizens Advice offers confidential advice online, over the phone, and in person, for free. Through our national network of charities, we give people the knowledge and the confidence they need to find their way forward – whoever they are, and whatever their problem.

We particularly welcome expressions of interest from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented throughout Citizens Advice. We are a member of the race equality campaign at Business in the Community, the Prince’s responsible business network and are committed to improving employment opportunities for ethnic minorities across the UK. We also welcome applications from, LGB and Trans and non binary candidates.

Do you want to work with an organisation that makes a difference, every single day, to people from all walks of life? The people that turn to Citizens Advice need help overcoming an obstacle in their lives – from debt to evictions to trouble at work – and you can be key to them getting the support they need in the quickest, easiest, and most effective way.

The Role

The Housing Expert Advice team at Citizens Advice are looking for individuals to submit an expression of interest to be a part of our group of Consultant Housing Experts. We are hoping to expand the panel of experts within our teams to support us to deliver advice within our organisation.

The consultant role will include providing second tier consultancy advice to our network of local Citizens Advice advisers. 

About You

You will have significant professional experience in a legal or advice setting with experience of interpreting legislation, giving credible, appropriate and high quality legal guidance and legal advice to a range of audiences.

As this is a rolling recruitment process we will contact those who have expressed an interest in the role within 3 weeks.

The National Citizens Advice Operates from offices in England and Wales, with 5 regional offices based in Cardiff, London, Birmingham, Leeds, and Liverpool, therefore all successful applicants must be based within England or Wales.

Please note, in the event of a high number of applications, we reserve the right to close the application early.

Associate Director People Experience

We are in the process of developing a new culture change programme and are looking for someone to lead this work and our People Experience Team, for a 12-month maternity cover contract.

Position: Associate Director - People Experience

Location: Homebased

Hours: 35 hours per week

Salary: Circa £54,000 per annum (Inner London weighting £3,299 per annum or Outer London weighting £1,755 per annum, may be applied in accordance with where you live)

Contract: This is a fixed term maternity cover role for 12 months

Benefits: 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (this will increase with service up to 30 days, full time equivalent) cashback and discount scheme, employee assistance programme, learning and development, pension scheme, Life Assurance, season ticket loan, Eye Care vouchers, Long Service Award, Cycle2Work scheme, Tax-free childcare, Health Cash Plan, Working Pattern Agreement, flexible working opportunities available.

Closing Date: 31 January 2021

Interview Date: 5 February 2021

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic interviews may be held via video conferencing. Please let us know if this will present any challenges when you email your application

The Role

We’re transforming our charity to rebuild more lives after stroke through a new operating model. As part of this change, we’re working to embed a culture of trust and empowerment that’s more aligned with a Theory Y view of the working world. This is a fantastic opportunity to work with colleagues at all levels of the organisation to support transformational change and continue our focus on making the Stroke Association a great place to work, volunteer and grow.

About You

As Associate Director, you will have a qualification or experience in engagement, internal communication, change or organisational development.

You will have led a sizeable engagement, internal communication or organisational development function, ideally at senior management level and will have expertise in the application of organisational development and cultural change interventions including equality, diversity and inclusion.

Experience of working in the, voluntary, health and care sectors would be desirable.

You must have the right to work in the U.K to fulfil this role.

In return…

This is an exciting opportunity to work with stroke survivors and their families to support them following stroke and to raise stroke awareness in the local population. We offer a host of amazing benefits and flexible working options, with opportunities to progress your career.

About the Organisation

Stroke Association. Rebuilding lives after stroke.

We believe everyone deserves to live the best life they can after stroke. And it’s a team effort to get there. We provide specialist support, fund critical research and campaign to make sure people affected by stroke get the very best care and support to rebuild their lives. Every five minutes, stroke destroys lives. Help us rebuild them and join our team.

You may also be interested in this role if you have worked in areas such as HR, Human Resources, HR Director, Head of HR, Human Resources Director, Head of HR, HR Manager, Human Resources Manager, Change, Change Management, Director of Change, Head of Change, People, Development, Organisation Development, Personnel, People Manager, People Director, TUPE, OD Manager, Engagement Manager, Head of Engagement.

First Give inspires young people to make a difference to the causes they care about. We do this through working in partnership with secondary schools, providing a fully resourced scheme of work that guides an entire year group of students to engage with local charities and causes and then carry out social action (fundraising, raising awareness, campaigning, volunteering etc) in support of them. At the end of each programme, a celebratory School Final is held at each school, where teams representing each class deliver presentations about their projects. The class considered to have engaged the best with the programme secures a First Give grant of £1,000 for their chosen charity. By the end of the programme, however, the whole year group will have given back meaningfully to their local community.

We are at an exciting stage of our journey, looking to open up our delivery to more parts of England and Wales. We are seeking a Partnerships and Communications Administrator to support this element of our work.

The Partnerships and Communications Administrator will support with the design and implementation of the school sales and marketing strategy for First Give, working with a motivated team to achieve ambitious targets in order to engage schools to deliver the First Give programme across England and Wales. We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic candidate who is looking to expand their communication skills and support a complex sales project. You will be a good communicator with a positive, proactive attitude.

Reporting to: Head of Programmes

Location: Working from home for now, with travel to schools across England and Wales occasionally once restrictions allow it. If you are based outside of London, eventually regular travel to London for team meetings will be required. If you live in London, we can offer desk space in our office in North West London.

NB: Due to funding restrictions related to this position, we can only accept applicants who are based in England at this time.

Other requirements of the role: Must have access to a car and a full clean driving licence. A car allowance is provided

NB First Give is committed to the safety and welfare of children and young people. We follow Safer Recruitment Guidelines. Any offer of employment is subject to reference and DBS checks.

Benefits:

• 25 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays. First Give closes between Christmas and New Year and this time off is given to staff gratis. You will also be able to take your birthday off in addition to this.
• Pension of 5%
• Where appropriate, a work from home allowance will be provided
• Generous CPD budget
• Where appropriate, we will offer you a car allowance

This position is funded by The Rank Foundation. As part of the Foundation’s support, the successful candidate will also benefit from virtual (and hopefully later in 2021, in person) conferences and training opportunities throughout their contract, as well as gaining access to RankNet – a network of leaders in the charitable and social sector. This is an exciting benefit that presents additional development opportunities for the successful candidate.

Key Responsibilities:

Marketing and sales:

• Sell the First Give programme to secondary schools in England and Wales
• Implement sales strategies to market the First Give programme to secondary schools across England and Wales
• Support in the implementation of plans to re-engage schools who used to run the First Give programme
• Use Salesforce to collect data and report on how different projects and campaigns are performing
• Oversee invoicing and charity grant payment processes to ensure they operate smoothly and ensure partnerships with these stakeholders remain positive and productive
• Support the First Give team with other tasks as needed from time to time

External communications:

• Manage First Give’s social media channels
• Create case studies, good news stories and newsletters
• Ensure the consistency of First Give’s brand identity across various print and digital platforms
• Helping to manage First Give’s website and other digital assets

Person specification

Essential:

• Passionate about young people and their potential to drive social change
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Highly organised and proactive, with good attention to detail
• Great at relationship building with a wide range of people and stakeholders
• Excellent presentation skills with an ability to deliver concise, engaging and persuasive presentations
• Experience in social media management, including the creation of assets and campaigns
• Proactive, independent worker able to work well alone and as part of a team

Desirable:

• Experience of working successfully within a remote decentralised team
• Experience of using Salesforce to track and analyse data (we will provide training on our Salesforce system if you don't have this, so please don't see it as a barrier to application)
• Experience of using analytics and tracking data behind campaigns to inform future planning

Project Officer

Are you a positive and driven individual who enjoys working autonomously and at times, under pressure?

Project Officer Responsibilities:

As a Project Officer you will be working with our clients unique partnership of stakeholders from agriculture, biodiversity, and government organisations to ensure that the campaign achieves the national delivery plan. A key element of the role will be networking with all partner organisations to ensure their messages get to the key farmer audiences.

As their Project Officer, you will also be the ‘face’ of the campaign, stimulating media interest, organising their online webinar programme and updating their online content (including website, social media, video, podcast). You will also be responsible for providing the secretariat to the programme’s national governance groups.

Project Officer:

They are looking for an enthusiastic coordinator with the energy and enthusiasm to manage a high-profile national programme. You will have experience of managing projects and you should be a self-starter, with high quality organisational and administrative skills, and the ability to prioritise your own workload.

An understanding of the farming industry and its associated environmental impacts/agenda, including environmental land management, and agri-environment schemes would be desirable.

Who are they?

They’re an innovative project promoting environmental management on arable and grassland farms. They’re supported by organisations from across the farming industry, conservation groups and government. Since their launch in November 2009, they have established strong national and local brand recognition with thousands of farmers, growers and advisers now implementing their activities. As they move into a new and exciting phase, their objectives are to embed environmental management as a core principle of all farm businesses, particularly focussing on the challenges for farmers as they plan for the new Environmental Land Management scheme and net zero agriculture. Our client will also provide a coordinated national delivery platform amongst industry led initiatives - The Voluntary Initiative (VI), Tried & Tested (T&T) and the Greenhouse Gas Action Plan (GHGAP).

About them:

They’re the voice of British farming, and their members are at the heart of what they do. On their behalf they lobby government and other stakeholders, develop policy, and provide a range of frontline services. Working for them means working alongside great people, who are recognised for their knowledge and expertise. They offer 25 days annual leave (plus statutory bank holidays, pro rata) and a friendly working environment.

Location: Based at Stoneleigh, Warwickshire

Type: Fixed Term contract 2 years
 

Hours: 35 per week

Salary circa: £25,000 per annum

Closing date: 31st January 2021

Interview date: 17th February 2021

They are an Equal Opportunities employer and value diversity.

You may have experience of the following: Project Assistant, Project Officer, Junior Project Manager, Farming, Agriculture, Environmental, Digital Marketing, Social Media, Project Management, Trade Union, etc.

Ref: 96332

Head of External Relations

We have an exciting new role for an experienced leader to drive the external marketing communications and income generation for a new division within the charity.

Position:  Head of External Relations

Location: Flexible as homeworking supported

Salary: Circa £40 - 45k dependent on experience

Hours: Full-time

Duration: 12 months Fixed Term Contract (becoming permanent if funding allows)

Benefits: 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays and 5% Employer pension contribution

Closing Date: 9th February 2021

Final Interview Date: 15th and 16th February 2021

About the Role

There is a great deal of untapped potential for a proactive leader to unlock and the case for support has never been stronger. The charity has a high-profile patron, highly active trustees, dedicated staff and a newly appointed CEO who is passionate about education and the development of young people.

This new, senior role brings together external relations and income generation and is an amazing opportunity for someone to build on a strong existing portfolio with an excellent team. In particular, the Head of External Relations will be responsible for an integrated External Relations Strategy and its operational delivery that includes:

• Marketing, profile raising and public relations (on and offline)
• Income generation (Local Authority level, fundraising and partnerships)
• Public Affairs/Policy PR and campaigning
• Membership marketing
• Research and Impact evaluation

About You

The Head of External Relations position is an exciting and challenging role, at the heart of an agile organisation with a strong record and reputation, with the potential for real and profound change for children and young people. You will have direct experience of working across a broad range of the specialist areas of responsibility identified above. If you lack specific personal experience of working in a particular area, you will be asked to demonstrate evidence to support your potential to do so and an understanding of the factors that will drive success.

You will have experience of:

• Hands on strategic and operational delivery of digital/social media, PR and Public Relations campaigns
• Leadership and mentoring
• Successfully working with Trustees/senior partners and at Board level
• The education sector

As Head of External Relations, you must be able to lead in a rapidly changing internal and external environment to ensure the charity can maximise opportunities and manage the challenges it faces.

Applicants are asked to provide a current CV and 2-page covering letter outlining evidence against the essential criteria in the job description, clearly identifying the skills and experiences applicable to the role.

A satisfactory basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be a requirement once a conditional offer of employment is made to successful candidates. 

In Return…

Work for an organisation with excellent work life balance policies, where flexible working is promoted and the culture of the organisation is to nurture staff through effective leadership and excellent team working.

About the Organisation

With increasing numbers of children and young people affected by social, emotional and behavioural difficulties inhibiting their progress and limiting their life chances. The charity has developed a range of interventions and support to give vulnerable children and young people the opportunity to be the best they can be. Whether it is delivering certified training, supporting whole-school or authority-wide nurturing schools approach or promoting evidence-based research, the charity is providing quality support and resources to make nurturing provision a reality for pupils across the UK and beyond.

Other roles you may have experience of could include External Relations, External Affairs, PR, Public Relations, Marketing, Marketing and Communications, Communications, External Marketing, Income Generation, Income Generation Manager, Head of Income Generation, Head of Fundraising, Fundraising, Partnerships, Public Affairs, Policy, Policy and PR, Membership, Research, Research and Impact.

Location: Flexible within England & Wales

Department: Business Development

Citizens Advice offers confidential advice online, over the phone, and in person, for free. Through our national network of charities, we give people the knowledge and the confidence they need to find their way forward – whoever they are, and whatever their problem.

We’re looking for a Business Support Administrator.  

The Business Support Administrator will work across all teams in the Business Development Department and will report into the Business Development Research Manager.  You’ll provide support to enable the department to succeed in their ambitions to achieve the Citizens Advice Future of Advice strategic framework.  You’ll be working in a fast moving environment where the work is varied, so you’ll need to be flexible and have a proactive approach to problem solving with good organisational skills and excellent IT skills. In practice, you’ll be the first point of contact for people who need help with a wide range of tasks like data collection, processing finances, and assisting with organising meetings/events.

We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented throughout Citizens Advice. We are a member of the race equality campaign at Business in the Community, the Prince’s responsible business network and are committed to improving employment opportunities for ethnic minorities across the UK. We also welcome applications from, LGB and Trans and non binary candidates.
We have made a positive commitment to employing disabled people and guarantee to interview all disabled candidates who meet the minimum essential criteria for the role as set out in role profiles.

Refugee and Migrant Support Practitioner

Fixed term contract until 30th September 2021 with possible extension dependent upon further funding.

30 hours per week (including some evening work).

£23,388 per annum pro rate (£18,963.24 actual) plus travel expenses

Location: West Midlands - Birmingham, Coventry and Sandwell

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

This role sits within our Children and Young People Directorate in our West Midlands Refugee, Asylum Seeker and Migrant Project (RAM).

MY-Place is a unique project working primarily with unaccompanied asylum seeking children and young people aged 11-21. The service offers emotional and social support and activities and information, advice and guidance.

Working across the West Midlands, you will work within a team that is committed to strengthening how the organisation best supports RAM children and young people by accelerating new and innovative ways of working.

You will be able to demonstrate sound knowledge of the rights and entitlements of refugee and asylum seeking children and young people and be proactive and holistic in providing specialist advocacy support.

You will work to create an inclusive service that is child focused and led; leading on participation activities and drawing out learning from direct work to identify trends and patterns for review and improvement.

Key skills and competencies

-Working knowledge of relevant legislation relating to immigration and status.

-Working knowledge of relevant policy and practice relating to child protection and safeguarding of young people

-Working knowledge of models and methods for one to one and group work with vulnerable young people.

-Working knowledge of the issues impacting on RAM young people

-Relevant experience of working with young people from diverse backgrounds

-Experience of supporting young people who are dealing with complex and sensitive issues

-Ability to communicate with all stakeholders, written and verbally

-Ability to motivate and engage others

-Ability to manage professional boundaries

-Ability to plan and manage own workload, using your own initiative

Information about the Children's Society

The Children's Society runs over 100 local services that help thousands of young people who desperately need our support, and we campaign to get laws and policies changed to make children's lives happier and safer.

Every day we're changing the lives of children in this country for the better - and with your help, tomorrow we can be there for even more.

The Children's Society is committed to safeguarding and protecting the children and young people that we work with. As such, all posts are subject to a safer recruitment process, including the disclosure of criminal records and vetting checks. We ensure that we have a range of policies and procedures in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practices across our services.

The closing date for applications is 19th January 2021

Interviews will be held on week commencing 25th January 2021

GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Remuneration: We offer a competitive salary, commensurate with experience.

Location: Birmingham

Our purpose - To have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of the people we reach.

BHSF is a health and wellbeing provider with a long and proud history of making healthcare accessible to working people. Today, they make a positive impact on workplace wellbeing - helping to keep employees physically, mentally and financially healthy.

Their Mission is to provide health and wellbeing products and services to help customers care for their employees; to support colleagues' career aspirations; and to support local communities through work with good causes.

The role

The new Group Chief Executive will provide leadership, inspiration, direction and innovation to ensure BHSF delivers its vision, values and mission of growing the business strongly, managing it dynamically and achieving operational excellence. Specifically:

* Lead BHSF to achieve its vision and fulfil its mission and play a key role in continuing the transformation of the organisation, its products, services and customer base

* Be responsible and accountable to the Board for the formulation, development and implementation of the strategies necessary to secure and successfully position BHSF for the future
* Drive innovative business strategies that continue to place its services at the fore, ensuring they are flexible, adaptable and able to respond to demand
* Continue to embed a flexible and supportive culture of innovation within the team, ensuring the right operational structures are in place to enable BHSF to thrive
* Ensure the right resources are in place to provide expert services and support, balancing the priorities and enabling BHSF to succeed in its strategic aims
* Spearhead a dynamic, innovative and joined-up approach to all its work, through strong and supportive leadership

You

Your ability to provide inspirational, dynamic and forward-thinking leadership and deliver results will be essential elements of your candidacy. An excellent communicator and ambassador, you will have credibility and influence, enabling you to establish effective relationships with a range of key stakeholders - customers, delegates, suppliers, regulators and employees. You will have operated at a senior level in a regulatory environment.

To apply

To apply, please visit upload your resume and covering letter, addressing your motivation in applying and why you are the ideal candidate for the position of Group Chief Executive at BHSF. Please also include details of current remuneration package..

Campaign dates

Closing date: 24 th January 2021

Preliminary interviews: Early February 2021

Leadership assessment: Late February 2021

BHSF interviews: Early March 2021

The above dates are subject to change

Marketing Communications Officer 

We are looking for a creative and hands-on experience individual to create and manage external marketing communications for the charity.

Position: Marketing Communications Officer 

Location: Flexible as homeworking supported

Salary: £25-29k dependent on experience

Hours: Full-time

Duration: 12 months Fixed Term Contract (becoming permanent if funding allows)

Benefits: 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays and 5% Employer pension contribution

Closing Date: 9th February 2021

Final Interview Date: 15th and 16th February 2021

About the Role

Working closely with colleagues from across the organisation, the Marketing Communications Officer will support the external communications of the charity, helping to raise the profile, participation and prestige of the charity and impacting on the lives of children and young people.

There is a great deal of untapped potential here for a proactive and enthusiastic individual to unlock and the need has never been stronger. The charity has a high-profile patron, highly active trustees, dedicated staff and a strong leader in the CEO who is passionate about education and the development of young people. This role brings together external relations and income generation, and is a super opportunity for someone to build on a strong existing portfolio with an excellent team.

In particular, the Marketing Communications Officer will be responsible for the operational delivery of external communications that include:

• Content creation and communications planning
• Social media management
• Sales/marketing support for Boxall Online Profile
• Newsletter campaigns
• PR and Public Affairs support
• Internal comms and support

About You

The Marketing Communications Officer will be an agile and enthusiastic individual, capable of absorbing key information quickly, as well as the ability to handle a diverse workload in order to meet the fast pace of the organisation. You will be a self-starter with strong communication skills and work well with a small team in a dynamic working environment.

You will have experience of:

• Marketing and communications
• Excellent digital skills, including experience of content management
• Using search engine optimisation, experience of email marketing systems and social media tools
• Effectively writing and editing copy for different audiences
• Supporting PR and Public Relations
• Creating different formats of digital content

You will also have an appreciation and understanding of the impact of mental health, emotional and wellbeing upon children and young people learning.

Applicants are asked to provide a current CV and 2-page covering letter outlining evidence against the essential criteria in the job description, clearly identifying the skills and experiences applicable to the role.

A satisfactory basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be a requirement once a conditional offer of employment is made to successful candidates. 

In Return…

Work for an organisation with excellent work life balance policies, where flexible working is promoted and the culture of the organisation is to nurture staff through effective leadership and excellent team working.

About the Organisation

With increasing numbers of children and young people affected by social, emotional and behavioural difficulties inhibiting their progress and limiting their life chances. The charity has developed a range of interventions and support to give vulnerable children and young people the opportunity to be the best they can be. Whether it is delivering certified training, supporting whole-school or authority-wide nurturing schools approach or promoting evidence-based research, the charity is providing quality support and resources to make nurturing provision a reality for pupils across the UK and beyond.

Other roles you may have experience of could include Marketing, Communications, Marketing and Communications, Marketing Officer, Marketing Executive, Communications Officer, Communications Executive, Content, Digital Content, Digital, Digital Marketing, Digital Communications, Social Media, Social Media Content, Social Media Marketing, Marketing Support, Marketing Assistant, Marketing and Communications Assistant, PR, Public Relations, Public Affairs.

We have an opportunity for a Senior Parliamentary and Projects Officer to join the team based in Birmingham (currently working remotely). You will join us on a full time, permanent basis and in return, you will receive a competitive starting salary of £26,000 - £30,000 per annum depending on experience.

National Governance Association is the only national membership organisation for school governors and trustees in England, and we work to improve the effectiveness of governing boards in both maintained schools and academies. As such it is the first port of call for many of the policy makers in the education sector who wish to understand the governor view. We pride ourselves on our expertise and the quality of our products and services. Alongside our memberships, NGA offers training, e-learning and consultancy.

Benefits of joining us:

- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Holiday entitlement increases after 3 years’ service
- 7% employer contribution pension

As our Senior Parliamentary and Projects Officer, you will shape and manage NGA’s parliamentary work and contribute to its projects in order to help achieve the strategic aim of the organisation to promote good governance in schools. You will work closely with the wider Policy, Information and Communication team to contribute to the organisation's projects and research agenda, helping to ensure the organisation is operating at the forefront of the government and political debate.

Key responsibilities of our Senior Parliamentary and Projects Officer will include:

- With the Director of Policy and Information, establishing a strategy for NGA’s parliamentary and political focus, driving forward NGA’s political engagement and related activities
- Monitoring parliamentary business on a weekly basis to identify issues arising and opportunities to engage parliamentarians in discussion and debate about education policy and school governance
- Assisting with responses to government consultations and public inquiries
- Line managing NGA’s Research Officer
- Shaping and supervising NGA’s research projects
- Managing project delivery, including identifying, exploring and scoping potential new pieces of work which contribute to NGA’s strategy
- Working with colleagues to help shape the NGA policy agenda
- Managing projects where relevant ensuring work is meeting NGA’s strategic priorities
- Promoting policy positions and research findings through meetings, conferences and events
- Representing NGA at internal and external events and meetings
- Participating in Policy, Research and Information team meetings with the aim of continuously improving standards of service

What we’re looking for in our ideal Senior Parliamentary and Projects Officer:

Essential:

- Prior exposure to a Public Affairs and Political environment, including experience of parliamentary work
- Sound understanding of England’s governmental structure as it affects education
- Experience of influencing policy-making through the use of research and campaigns
- Experience of writing in a variety of channels: policy reports; research; newsletter; magazine; guidance
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to translate complex Policy articles into succinct and easy-to-read format
- Ability to quickly develop an understanding of current and emerging themes relevant to school governance, and to apply that knowledge to improve governance practice
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including relationship building
- Positive attitude and ‘can do’ approach, working calmly under pressure
- Energetic, engaging, confident, creative and enthusiastic
- A commitment to NGA’s charitable objectives, ethos and values

Desirable:

- Any press or social media experience is desirable
- Experience of conducting research using varying methodologies
- Knowledge of the state school sector

Closing Date: 9.00 am on Tuesday 5th January 2021
Interview Date: Friday 8th January 2021 

If you feel that you are the right candidate for the role as our Senior Parliamentary and Projects Officer or would like to find out more information about the role, then please click ‘apply’ now.  We’d love to hear from you.

We have an opportunity for a Senior Policy and Information Officer to join the team based in Birmingham (currently working remotely). You will join us on a full time, permanent basis and in return, you will receive a competitive starting salary range of £26,000 - £30,000 per annum depending on experience.

National Governance Association is the only national membership organisation for school governors and trustees in England, and we work to improve the effectiveness of governing boards in both maintained schools and academies. As such it is the first port of call for many of the policy makers in the education sector who wish to understand the governor view. We pride ourselves on our expertise and the quality of our products and services. Alongside our memberships, NGA offers training, e-learning and consultancy.

Benefits of joining us:

- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Holiday entitlement increases after 3 years’ service
- 7% employer contribution pension

As our Senior Policy and Information Officer, you will provide high level support for the effective delivery of NGA’s policy and information service. You will help to drive forward the organisations aim of improving school and trust governance by assisting in the development of NGA policy positions and publications to influence the external education policy environment and managing the weekly newsletter for members.

Key responsibilities of our Senior Policy and Information Officer will include:

- Line managing the Policy and Information Officer
- Keeping yourself and the wider team up to date with education policy and research
- Monitoring and determining content for the weekly e-newsletter, enhancing user journey by developing an improved newsletter system and experience
- Supporting the Policy and Information officer in the allocation of content to authors in the NGA staff team and contributing weekly articles directly
- Editing the newsletter, ensuring all content is high quality and relevant to the audience
- Using your specific knowledge and expertise to contribute to the production and improvement of NGA communications
- Directly contributing to Governing Matters magazine, writing articles, and deputising in the coordination process
- Being responsible for leading on allocated policy areas and/or managing projects
- Working with the Knowledge Centre Manager to identify and develop new guidance content
- Producing new guidance as required and review and update existing NGA guidance as required
- Representing NGA at internal and external events and meetings
- As required, contributing to the organisation and planning of NGA events

What we’re looking for in our ideal Senior Policy and Information Officer:

Essential:

- Experience of working effectively in a policy or education environment
- Experience of influencing policy making through use of campaigns
- A sound understanding of the education sector In England
- Experience of writing in a variety of channels: such as policy reports; newsletter; magazine; blogs
- Experience of delivering projects
- Educated to degree level or relevant industry experience
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to tailor communication clearly and appropriately to the audience
- Strong analytical and report writing skills, with an ability to translate complex policy issues into a succinct and easy-to-read format
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including relationship building
- Positive attitude and ‘can do’ approach, working calmly under pressure
- A commitment to NGA’s charitable objectives, ethos, and values
- Willingness to travel in the UK
- Willingness to continue to volunteer as a school governor or trustee

Desirable:

- In-depth understanding of the state school sector In England, including some knowledge of curriculum and qualifications
- Experience of line managing a member of staff

Closing Date: 9.00 am on Tuesday 5th January 2021
Interview Date: Friday 8th January 2021

Please note, previous applicants need not apply!

If you feel that you are the right candidate for the role as our Senior Policy and Information Officer or would like to find out more information about the role, then please click ‘apply’ now.  We’d love to hear from you.

Bristol, Birmingham or Sheffield or Home Working considered

Closing date: 31st January 2021 at 11.30pm

Do you have experience of planning and delivering involvement, volunteering or research activities and liaising with external agencies, partners and professionals, possibly in a housing or homelessness context? Then join Shelter as an Involvement Coordinator and you could soon be playing an exciting and diverse role within a new project aimed at developing our approach to women's centred services.

A home is a fundamental human need, as essential as education or healthcare. Yet millions of people across Britain struggle on a daily basis with homelessness, bad housing conditions, soaring rents, discrimination and the threat of eviction. So, we are striving for change with individuals, in communities, across society and leading the way to a safe home. We need ambitious, best-in-class individuals who are passionate about our cause to join us at this exciting time. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.

Women are being increasingly and disproportionately impacted by the housing crisis. This has led Shelter to develop a new strategic priority to ensure that all our housing advice services are designed with a clear understanding of how a women's gender affects their housing problems and the kind of support they need as a result. We're spearheading this transformation by developing services in three locations, which are designed by women with lived experience and local partner agencies, and directed at helping homeless and poorly housed women. We have secured National Lottery funding, initially for 6 months, to carry out this work.

About the Role
Under the direction of a Project Manager, you'll be responsible for recruiting Peer Research Volunteers with lived experience and training and supporting them to conduct research in their local communities. Research will involve talking to women about local need and barriers to accessing support, with the aim of designing services to help them. This will involve engaging, supporting and developing people involved, to actively engage them in the project and ensure that the project is coproduced. The work will be carried out in three key locations and your challenge will be to represent the voices of people with lived experience in service design discussions and see that the language used in documentation and proposals is appropriate to the issues women face. Along the way, you'll also work with a variety of stakeholders to support and encourage involvement through various means and make sure opportunities are available for all to be involved.

About you
Personal experience of homelessness or poor housing and an understanding of how these issues have affected you would be an advantage. You’ll need to be dynamic and have experience of working with people who have direct experience of homelessness or poor housing, or similar issues. You'll also need a proven ability to use different methods to encourage participation and help those involved meet their potential. Adept at networking and information gathering, you have the excellent all-round communication and interpersonal skills it takes to work closely with an Involvement Team and other internal stakeholders. And, because your workload will be varied and demanding, you'll need excellent skills in prioritising, organising and boundary setting and a willingness to travel regularly between Sheffield, Bristol and Birmingham to get the job done.

Due to the specific requirements of the role we are only considering applications from women for this role. The Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1, Paragraph 1 applies to this post.

Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave (pro rata), enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.

Shelter helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through our advice, support and legal services. And we campaign to make sure that, one day, no one will have to turn to us for help. We're here so no one has to fight bad housing or homelessness on their own.

To find out more about the role and the benefits of working for Shelter please visit our website. Apply to be part of our Women's Centred Services team and be the change you want to see in society.

Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.

Shelter promotes equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We make employment decisions by matching business needs with skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities),gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We also encourage applications from people, who have been homeless or have been at risk of homelessness. We are facing diverse problems, so need diverse people to tackle them.

We are happy to talk about flexible working, personal growth, and to promote a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.

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