Ceo jobs

Help tell the stories that bring joy to seriously ill children.

Rays of Sunshine is looking for a creative, sensitive and confident Senior Communications Officer to help bring our work to life through powerful storytelling, media engagement and compelling content.

This is an exciting opportunity to join us as we launch our new five-year strategy, refreshed brand and new website. You’ll play a key role in helping us share the stories of seriously ill children, young people and their families, raising awareness of our work and inspiring more people to support Rays of Sunshine.

As our Senior Communications Officer, you’ll act as our story development lead, working directly with children, young people and families to sensitively capture the moments that demonstrate the impact of our work. You’ll develop case studies, coordinate photography and filming, create content for social media, website, press and email marketing, and help ensure our storytelling is handled with care, consent and integrity.

You’ll also support PR and media activity, build relationships with journalists, identify media opportunities, draft press releases and case studies, and help coordinate activity involving families, colleagues, ambassadors, celebrities and high-profile supporters.

Alongside this, you’ll support our Wish Ambassador programme, celebrity and influencer engagement, digital communications, social media, website content and wider communications campaigns. This is a varied, hands-on role in a small and ambitious team, with the opportunity to make a real and lasting impact.

We’re looking for someone with excellent writing and storytelling skills, strong editorial judgement and the ability to build trusted relationships with families, journalists, ambassadors, celebrities and colleagues. You’ll be warm, organised, proactive and passionate about putting children’s voices at the heart of communications.

Rays of Sunshine has recently been recognised as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026, reflecting our positive, values-led culture and commitment to supporting our people.

An exciting opportunity for an Events Fundraising Assistant has arisen at the London Legal Support Trust. 

The London Legal Support Trust is an independent charity that raises funds for free legal advice services in London and the South East. We support free legal advice centres across London and the South East through the provision of grant funding, supporting sector infrastructure, helping agencies reduce costs and save money via pro bono or discounted schemes.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and organised Events & Fundraising Assistant to help deliver our growing programme of own brand mass participation events and third-party challenge events. Access to justice is at the heart of our fundraising events, and the Events & Fundraising Assistant is a vital part of the team delivering the world's largest one day gathering of lawyers at the London Legal Walk.

You will help with supporter communications, event administration, logistics and event delivery, supporter enquiries and fundraising stewardship ensuring each participant feels inspired and thanked for their contribution to supporting frontline free legal advice charities. 

Job description

The Events & Fundraising Assistant helps to improve, develop and organise our events, including the London Legal Walk, Great Legal Bake, Great Legal Quiz and many more across London and the South East. You will work to maintain contact with our wide network of dedicated supporters, keeping our database up-to-date with contact and event information, and support with the on the day delivery of the event. You will update our website and produce content for printed materials to promote our events programme, and assist with the recruitment and management of volunteers.

Main duties and responsibilities (see recruitment pack for more detail)

• Maintain and build on existing LLST fundraising events through supporting delivery - managing sign ups, responding to enquries, drafting event materials and correspondence with supporters.

• Attend, help at and supervise events including registration, set-up, pack-down and stakeholder management.

• Improve and maintain LLST's website and online presence on LLST's social media chanels.
• Administrative duties inlcuding data entry and income processing.
• General support, ensuring LLST’s activities comply with charity, company and general law.

About you

Essential criteria

· Enthusiasm for the cause and our work; commitment to social justice and equal opportunities for all 

· Excellent interpersonal skills, including written and oral communications skills

· Confidence with IT including Microsoft Office suite

· Excellent attention to detail

· Ability to work well under pressure; strong organisational skills to work in a busy environment with competing demands

· Proven ability to communicate with a wide range of people and to liaise effectively with other organisations

· Highly motivated, with ability to work on own initiative and as part of a small team

· Flexibility and willingness to learn new skills

· Professional, reliable and responsible

· Ability to work outside office hours as required (with time off in lieu), particularly in the build up to events, on the days of events and in other busy periods

· A positive attitude to problem solving and finding new solutions

Desireable criteria

· Experience of event co-ordination

· Experience of using social media for business

· Knowledge and understanding of Salesforce

· Experience of using social media platforms

Timetable

Closing date: 23 August 2026, 11:30pm (or until sufficient applications received)

Please note applications will be considered on a rolling basis and we may close for applications in advance of the above date if a suitable appointment is made. 

The successful appointment is subject to satisfactory written references and right to work checks.

Location: Remote with regular travel to multiple locations (including Head Office in London)
Contract Type: Full-Time, Standard Contract
Reports to: Executive Headteacher
Responsible for: Curriculum Leads and Teaching Staff
Start Date: 4th January 2027 

Please note: Applicants who successfully pass the initial CV screening will be required to submit a full Equal Education Academy application form in line with KCSIE statutory guidance prior to formal shortlisting and interview.

Interview schedule: 

• Online interview (45mins) - Friday 28th August 2026.

• In-Person Assessment Day (London) - Friday 11th September 2026.

About Equal Education Academy (EEA)

Equal Education is excited to launch a new online academy for Key Stage 4 students, accredited under the DfE’s Online Education Accreditation Scheme (OEAS). We deliver high-quality alternative education tailored for learners facing barriers to education or with complex needs. This includes young people with SEND, SEMH needs, interrupted schooling, Children Looked After, and those requiring specialist or alternative provision.

Guided by our values of Belong, Empower and Aspire, we provide a safe, inclusive, and aspirational environment. We align with DfE guidance and aim to meet OEAS standards, ensuring that safeguarding, particularly online, is the foundation of our culture.

Purpose of the Role

The Head of Centre will provide strategic and operational leadership for Equal Education Academy, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, inclusive, and trauma-informed online provision. Serving as the Academy’s Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), the postholder will embed safeguarding, inclusion, and wellbeing into all organisational decision-making.

Key responsibilities include leading SEND and safeguarding strategy (including overseeing the Single Central Record)  delivering high-impact staff training, and driving rigorous quality assurance by monitoring and reviewing teaching and learning practices. 

Working collaboratively across the Academy and the wider Equal Education Limited group, the Head of Centre will serve as a vital operational bridge, facilitating seamless collaboration and synergy between Equal Education Academy and Equal Education Limited. Operating at the intersection of both entities, the post-holder is uniquely positioned to identify and leverage cross-group resources, optimising them to drive the growth and development of the Academy. By championing alignment across the ecosystem, this pivotal role ensures that the Academy’s functions, team, and strategic objectives are seamlessly integrated within the wider organisation.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Quality of Education

• Support the Executive Headteacher in setting the Academy’s strategic direction and ensuring compliance with OEAS/DfE standards.

• Monitor and review teaching and learning across the Academy, using lesson observations, work scrutiny, and data analysis to drive pedagogical improvement.

• Contribute to the Academy Improvement Plan and lead on inspection readiness and quality assurance activities.

• Lead on developing and implementing a program of CPD and training for new staff. Ensuring the team is aligned under the vision and values of the EE Academy.

• Facilitate operational synergy between Equal Education Academy and Equal Education Limited, leveraging group resources to optimise performance.

2. SEND Leadership (SENCO)

• Coordinate all SEND provision, ensuring the identification, assessment, and effective support of learners with complex needs.

• Oversee EHCP management, annual reviews, and the development of targeted Individual Learning Plans (ILPs).

• Oversee PEP management for Looked After Children

• Champion inclusive pedagogy, ensuring all staff adopt trauma-informed and adaptive teaching strategies.

• Manage multi-agency collaboration with families, local authorities, and external professionals to secure positive learner outcomes.

3. Safeguarding and Wellbeing (DSL)

• Serve as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), maintaining oversight of all safeguarding systems, referrals, and online safety protocols.

• Ensure policies remain compliant with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and best practice.

• Promote a culture of vigilance, ensuring learner wellbeing, attendance, and emotional safety are central to all Academy functions.

• Lead on multi-agency safeguarding processes and provide expert advice to the leadership team.

4. Leadership & Staff Development

• Design and deliver high-impact staff training programs, specifically focusing on safeguarding, online pedagogy, SEND frameworks, and inclusive, trauma-informed practice.

• Lead staff appraisal, coaching, and professional development to ensure high standards of accountability and growth.

• Foster a collaborative, reflective culture, supporting recruitment, induction, and retention.

• Support learner engagement, attendance and successful transition pathways

• Contribute to self-evaluation and school improvement activities

5. Partnership Working, Influence and Professional Representation

• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal stakeholders to drive seamless integration between Equal Education Academy and the wider Equal Education Limited group.Work closely with the Executive Headteacher, Group CEO and relevant members of operational teams to ensure effective collaboration across the group. 

• Develop and sustain effective partnerships with families, schools, local authorities, virtual schools, and external agencies.

• Support policy development, implementation, and review.

• Represent Equal Education at professional meetings, conferences, and external forums.

• Undertake any other duties reasonably directed by the Headteacher or Executive Headteacher.

• Contribute to strategic planning and organisational development, effectively pitching ideas and challenging the status quo.

• Ability to constructively and professionally challenge colleagues and stakeholders at all levels, including leadership as necessary, in the interest of managing risk and developing a quality service offering.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

• National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO). 

• Significant (3 years minimum) senior leadership experience in a school, AP, SEND, or online setting within the last year. 

• Proven experience in designing and delivering whole-school staff training.

• Extensive (1 year minimum) experience as a DSL (safeguarding) and SENCO (SEND provision).

• Deep understanding of KCSIE, the SEND Code of Practice, and OEAS/DfE requirements.

• Experience in reviewing teaching and learning to drive quality improvement.

• Significant experience supporting children and young people with barriers to learning and/or emerging or complex needs, including those with SEND, SEMH needs, interrupted education, Children Looked After, and learners requiring specialist or alternative provision.

• Significant experience supporting learners with EHCPs and complex needs, while coordinating multi-agency support and collaborating effectively with local authorities, schools, and external agencies.

• Experience contributing to quality assurance, school improvement or inspection readiness activities. 

Skills and Attributes

• Strong strategic, operational and project management skills

  • Ability to manage complex projects in an organised manner, develop project plans with effective tracking (e.g. Project Initiation documents, gantt charts,   reporting on key metrics, meeting key milestones and working to budgets). 

  • Ability to lead projects and processes in a collaborative way, identifying and engaging key stakeholders to ensure efficiency and avoid duplication of work across a group business structure. 

  • Demonstrates a commercial mindset, with the ability to articulate business cases, work effectively with budgets and interpret information effectively. 

• Excellent communication: capable of building high-trust relationships with staff, families, and local authorities.

• Resilient, reflective and adaptable. A champion of inclusion: deep commitment to supporting vulnerable learners and EEA’s values.

• Strong organisational skills, data-literate and improvement-focused with the abilities to support and develop colleagues. 

• Analytical mindset, able to challenge own assumptions and adapt based on learnings.

• Up to date educational landscape knowledge and a desire to remain informed of sector shifts and updates.

General

The post-holder will be provided with the technology required to complete their role. Equal Education works exclusively on Apple devices using Google software.

Equal Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All colleagues are expected to share this commitment. The post is subject to Enhanced DBS clearance, right to work in the UK, and two satisfactory professional references (one from the last employer). 

Every young person we support is unique and our team isn’t any different. Our differences are our strength when it comes to providing a tailored, human approach to education. We are proud of our people and provide an environment where everyone can bring their most authentic self to work. 

Our recruitment practices are carried out in line with equal opportunities and all candidates will be reviewed fairly regardless of age, gender reassignment, sex, race, religion, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic.

Who we are

Chefs in Schools is a young, ambitious charity that’s rapidly growing. Our mission is to improve kids' health, through improving school food & food education. Working in areas of high deprivation, we support and train schools and their kitchen teams to serve the best, freshest and tastiest food possible, alongside meaningful food education. We share our learning and resources freely, aiming to inspire and enable others to follow our lead.

We’re backed by some of the biggest names in food and have ambitious targets to ensure every child has access to incredible school food and food education, setting them up for life with the skills and knowledge to feed themselves well.

About you and the role

This is a pivotal role, at a pivotal moment for us. We are entering a critical growth phase, which includes rapidly expanding our own operations and managing significant external partnership. As Head of Finance & Systems, you will be accountable for ensuring we have the right systems and structures in place to grow at pace without detriment to good governance.

The purpose of this role is to lead on our finance strategy, and ensure all of our systems, reporting and processes are helping to drive forward the charity and deliver on our objectives at scale. You will work closely with the Chief Executive and Directors to ensure that financial planning is effective and supported by accurate data analysis. You will report directly to Trustees as required and ensure that the highest standards of transparency and probity are maintained. 

You will be joining the team during a period of growth in the size and complexity of our delivery. We currently have 24 employees and anticipate growing significantly in the next twelve months. You will have a crucial role in shaping our systems and processes to ensure we can scale effectively, both our existing programmes and a new membership-based programme that is in development. We’re looking for an experienced finance professional with an interest in effectively using technology and systems to drive efficiency, without compromising on accuracy or compliance. 

You will oversee all financial administration, ensuring this is carried out proficiently and in line with all legal and regulatory requirements, including ultimate responsibility for ensuring that all statutory filings are made accurately and on time. Your role will also encompass ensuring that we operate within legal & regulatory frameworks and stay up to date with changes in relevant legislation.

The responsibilities, skills and experience listed below are intended to give you an idea of what we need for this role. If you don’t meet every requirement, but feel as though you would be able to work with us to deliver the majority of them, we would urge you to apply anyway. We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and for us the most important ‘experience’ is passion for our mission. You may be just the right candidate for this, or other roles.  

We want to get to know you at the interview and understand we can do this best if you’re at ease. We’re an inclusive employer and work hard to create a welcoming working environment for everyone, including appointing a neurodiversity champion to help us identify how we can make our work environment work for everyone. If you need adjustments to the interview process please let us know.

As we work with children & young people, an offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and DBS clearance, in line with our safeguarding policy.  

Key responsibilities:

• Developing a comprehensive financial strategy that supports the delivery of the charity’s objectives and activities.

• Have ultimate oversight of the external audit and production of the statutory accounts, supported in delivery of this by the book-keeper.

• Produce the monthly management accounts and bespoke financial reports—including accurate forecasting, restricted fund tracking, and variance analysis—ensuring decision-makers have clear, actionable data.

• Forecasting cash flow and managing the treasury position.

• Manage the contract and performance of the bookkeeper  and outsourced payroll providers; setting strict monthly closing deadlines, enforcing data accuracy, and ensuring they deliver a clean trial balance for management accounting.

• Oversee sound financial administration, management and governance across the organisation, ensuring robust financial controls in place and operating effectively.

• Provide leadership and guidance to all things finance related, providing mentoring and support to the team, and coaching on financial awareness. 

• Accountability for monitoring that the organisation’s services are, and will, run to budget, supporting budget holders and reporting promptly on risks 

• Support the Partnerships & Impact team and Programme Managers with financial inputs to funding proposals and ensure restricted funds are used in compliance with grant conditions.

• Developing our systems strategy, including reviewing suitability of our current systems (Quickbooks for accountancy, Beacon CRM, PLEO for expenses management, Survey Monkey for data collection etc. ) and ensuring optimal use of systems, maximising automation, and using AI where appropriate.

• Constantly seeking to develop and improve the organisation’s financial systems, policies and procedures to promote dynamic, best practice and up-to-date application of tools, systems and approaches

• Supporting the organisation’s data governance by ensuring financial systems (e.g., Quickbooks, payroll, expenses) are secure, compliant, and integrated in line with data protection principles.

• Leading an effective risk management process.

• Ensuring the organisation’s compliance with charity law, in accordance with the Charity Commission in England & Wales and all financial reporting requirements.

Essential Skills & experience:

• Charity Finance Experience: Practical, senior-level experience working within a UK non-profit finance function, including a strong working knowledge of the Charities SORP and accounting for restricted vs. unrestricted funds.

• Hands-on Management Accounting: Proven experience independently producing monthly management accounts, cash flow forecasting, and variance analysis from scratch.

• End-to-End Audit Management: Experience preparing year-end audit files, reconciling balance sheet control accounts, and acts as the primary point of contact for external auditors.

• Accountancy Qualification: Full or partial qualification through an accredited body (ACCA, CIMA, ACA, CIPFA). 

• Tech Literacy & Data Reconciliation: Comfortable troubleshooting and navigating modern finance tech stacks (e.g., Xero, Pleo) and pulling financial data/reports from a CRM system (e.g., Beacon).

• Vendor & Staff Management: Experience supervising junior staff (or office managers) and actively managing the performance, timelines, and accuracy of outsourced providers (e.g., bookkeeping and payroll).

Desirable skills & experience

• Systems Implementation: Past experience project-managing a software migration or building native integrations/automations between a CRM system and accounting software.

• Broader Operations/HR Exposure: Basic familiarity with HR administration, GDPR workflows, or managing organizational risk registers in a small team environment.

• Sector Passion: A demonstrable interest in food education, children’s health, or food systems.

Benefits

You would be joining a friendly, supportive team who works hard but believe in a healthy work/life balance. We were voted one of CODE Hospitality’s happiest places to work in 2024. We seek a diverse range of perspectives, skills, experience and knowledge. Joining a small, collaborative team means you’ll be able to contribute to and draw on various projects and strategic insights.

We offer 33 days of holiday per year including bank holidays, 3 additional office closure days over the Christmas period as well as wellbeing days over the summer school holidays.  We also have a Cycle to Work scheme, hybrid working, enhanced parental leave, and free access to the CODE app for discounted restaurants & hospitality venues. We are committed to developing our team and will support you with relevant training opportunities including £250 towards elective training and development of your choice.

We also offer Bupa Dental Insurance, Income Protection Insurance, as well as access to the Aviva Smart Health Platform which offers health benefits including free rapid access online GP appointments, free counselling and wellbeing support.

Application process

In line with our commitment to ensuring a fair and unbiased recruitment process, we invite candidates to answer a series of questions related to their day-to-day job. 

We recommend that you develop your answers offline and copy them in when you’re ready to ensure you don’t lose your work if interrupted.

Your answers will go through our sifting process: all answers will be anonymised, randomised and then reviewed by a panel of reviewers. A long list of candidates will then additionally have their CVs reviewed. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a 30 mins online interview. Successful candidates will be invited to attend a second, in-person interview at our office in Brixton, London.

Expected duration of this application process: 7 weeks

First interviews will be held 1st -4th September

About Working Well Trust 

Working Well Trust is a mental health and employment charity in London. All of our projects share the aim of improving the lives of people with mental health support needs, learning disabilities and/or complex issues through training and employment. 

We are recruiting an IPS Operations Manager to support the delivery and development of our IPS services across London. The postholder will manage two IPS service sites from the following areas: Tower Hamlets, Newham, Barking and Dagenham, and Enfield. The final allocation of sites will be discussed with the successful candidate and agreed based on service needs, experience and working arrangements. 

What you’ll be doing 

If you were working with us, you would provide operational leadership across two of our IPS services. These sites will be agreed with you based on service needs, your experience and working arrangements.

You would support Team Leads and frontline teams to deliver high-quality IPS services that are client-led, evidence-based and aligned with contractual outcomes. You would help ensure services run smoothly day to day, while also supporting service development, quality improvement and strong performance.

You would:

• Provide leadership oversight across two IPS service sites, supporting Team Leads with operational delivery, planning and problem solving.
• Ensure services meet contractual outcomes, delivery timeframes and quality standards.
• Support Team Leads to manage performance, caseloads, attendance, safeguarding, risk and service delivery.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with NHS partners, funders, community organisations and other key stakeholders.
• Lead on IPS fidelity across the services, supporting teams to deliver high-fidelity IPS and develop quality improvement plans.
• Use data, audits, client feedback and service reviews to identify what is working well and where improvements are needed.
• Complete contract monitoring requirements, represent WWT at contract performance meetings and attend quarterly service review meetings with IPS Grow.
• Work with NHS colleagues to support integration, clinical co-location, steering groups, data flow and appropriate escalation of clinical risks or safeguarding concerns.
• Support staff wellbeing by ensuring regular wellbeing check-ins and welfare conversations are embedded in supervision and one-to-one meetings.
• Work with HR and Team Leads to recruit, onboard, train and retain Team Leads, Employment Specialists and support staff.
• Support budget holders and work with the Finance Manager to ensure budgets are managed effectively.
• Work with other Operations Managers, the Operations Director and Head Office colleagues to develop consistent systems, improve services and support wider organisational priorities.

You would also provide direct supervision to project leads and help build a positive learning culture where staff feel supported, clear about expectations and able to develop their skills.

What you’ll need 

We are looking for someone with strong operational leadership experience and a good understanding of IPS, employment support or mental health services.

You will need to bring:

• Experience of IPS or equivalent team leadership.
• Experience of managing teams, performance and service delivery.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage a complex and demanding workload.
• Experience of monitoring, contract reporting and using data to support service planning.
• The ability to build positive relationships with funders, NHS partners, community organisations, clients and staff.
• Confidence supporting Team Leads with performance, quality, safeguarding, risk, wellbeing and day-to-day operational issues.
• Good writing skills and the ability to communicate clearly with a range of audiences.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel and online systems.
• A strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Knowledge of legislation relevant to employment, including the Equality Act.
• The ability to work across boroughs and provide leadership in more than one service location.
• Tact, diplomacy, discretion and the ability to build rapport with different people.
• A proactive, collaborative and flexible approach, including willingness to work occasional evenings when needed.

It would also be helpful if you have experience of:

• Managing multiple teams across boroughs.
• IPS Grow systems and fidelity reviews.
• Mental health services.
• Quality standards or accreditation.
• Project and service development.
• Budget management.
• Working with GP practices, NHS teams or other health and community partners.
• A postgraduate degree.

What we offer 

• 30 days annual leave plus public holidays (FTE) 

• Paid company closed days at the end of the year (FTE) 

• Flexible, paid Wellbeing Hour every fortnight (FTE) 

• 6% employer pension contribution 

Working Well Trust is an equal opportunities employer and Confident about Disabilities. 

What’s next 

Before you apply, please note the following: 

• We actively recruit and carefully review all applications. Due to rapid service expansion, we have onboarded 20 external hires in the last six months. 

• To ensure we can best support the people and communities we serve, we progress applications only where candidates provide meaningful answers to the screening questions. 

• Career development is real here: in the past year, 10 colleagues have progressed internally into Senior roles, Project Lead, Team Lead, and Operations Manager positions. We value ambition and celebrate progression. 

• If you require any reasonable adjustments at the interview stage, for example due to a disability, learning difficulty or health condition, please let us know in advance so that we can make appropriate arrangements.

If you are ready to help us build a service that supports people into meaningful work, click Apply to submit your CV and answer the screening questions. Telephone and final interviews will be confirmed. 

Start your application today and take the next step in a rewarding career. 

Please note, we may close this advert early if we receive a high number of applications, so we encourage early applications.

Thank you for your interest in joining the Institute of Health Visiting (iHV), the UK’s leading professional body for health visiting.

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to join a growing, forward-looking organisation at a pivotal time. With a strong and expanding membership, iHV is working to strengthen the health visiting workforce and shape the future of child and family health across the UK.

As Policy Manager, you will play a key role in influencing national policy across priority areas including early years, prevention, public health, child protection and workforce. Your work will directly support iHV’s mission to improve outcomes and reduce inequalities for babies, children, families and communities and spread excellence in health visiting.

Working closely with our clinical team, members and partners, you will develop evidence-based policy positions and help ensure frontline expertise informs decision-making at the highest levels.

You will be joining a collaborative, passionate team in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same – and where your work will make a real and lasting difference. For full information, please view our recruitment pack. 

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the co-development of evidence-based policy positions with iHV’s clinical team, members and partners.
• Monitor policy developments and identify opportunities to influence change.
• Produce high-quality briefings, consultation responses and reports.
• Build relationships with stakeholders across government, charities and the health sector.
• Gather, synthesise and apply frontline insight to inform policy development – including the production of iHV’s high-profile ‘State of Health Visiting’ survey and report.
• Work closely with the Systems and Digital Manager, applying digital and data expertise to leverage digital tools and emerging technologies (including AI) to strengthen evidence-gathering, inform policy development, and improve organisational effectiveness.
• Support delivery of policy elements of iHV projects and organisational priorities.
• Represent iHV at meetings and contribute to sector discussions.

About you:

We are looking for the following essential skills and experience:

• Strong understanding of UK policy-making processes and child and family health/ early years policy – ideally informed by experience working within or closely with government or public sector organisations.
• Exceptional writing skills, with a proven ability to produce authoritative, high impact briefings, reports and policy documents that are clear, persuasive and tailored to diverse audiences.
• Highly developed analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex information and evidence from multiple sources and translate this into clear, practical and actionable policy recommendations.
• Ability to collate, synthesise and critically assess diverse sources of insight, including frontline practitioner perspectives, quantitative and qualitative data, to inform robust policy development.
• Experience developing or contributing to evidence-based policy outputs (e.g. briefings, reports, consultation responses).
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively and collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders and partners.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, coordinate inputs and deliver work to deadlines.
• Confident verbal communication skills, with the ability to contribute effectively to meetings, events and external discussions, presenting complex ideas clearly.

Job Description

Reports to: CEO and Board of Trustees

Line management:        none

Checks: Enhanced DBS and two references

Purpose

The Project Manager & Systems Implementation Lead will lead a programme of organisational and systemic change across DATUS, supporting the organisation to move from largely paper-based, informal and inconsistent working practices towards a more structured, reliable and digitally enabled system of operations.

The postholder will work with the CEO, senior managers and the Organisation and Governance Consultant to implement agreed organisational systems, processes and priorities across DATUS. This will include supporting the practical development and day-to-day use of systems such as SharePoint, client records, finance processes, reporting tools, action trackers, governance documents and operational workflows.

The role is focused on turning agreed organisational systems into everyday practice. The postholder will support managers and staff to use systems consistently, identify barriers to implementation, ensure agreed actions are followed through, and escalate risks where systems are not being used or delivery is drifting.

This is a senior implementation role. The postholder will have delegated authority to monitor implementation, challenge drift, request updates, support problem-solving and escalate risks. They will need to work with managers constructively and confidently, without relying on formal line-management authority.

The role does not set the strategic direction of services, replace the authority of service managers, or redefine DATUS’s peer-led model of delivery. Responsibility for service delivery remains with service managers and programme leads. The purpose of this role is to strengthen organisational reliability so that DATUS can grow, evidence its work, meet funder and governance requirements, and protect the integrity of its peer-led approach.

Key Responsibilities

Systems Implementation

• Coordinate the design, testing, implementation, embedding and ongoing improvement of agreed organisational systems, operational frameworks and processes across DATUS.
• Work with the CEO, Organisation and Governance Consultant, senior managers and relevant staff to ensure new systems are practical, usable and aligned with organisational priorities.
• Support the implementation of key systems, including client records, finance processes, SharePoint, reporting tools, action trackers, governance documents and other operational workflows.
• Ensure new systems and applications are properly documented, maintained and managed once implemented.
• Develop practical guidance, templates, processes and tools to support consistent use across the organisation.
• Identify practical barriers to implementation and work with teams to resolve them.

Embedding & Adoption

• Work with Heads of Service, managers and staff to embed agreed systems into everyday practice.
• Ensure staff are trained, supported and confident in using organisational systems.
• Reinforce consistent ways of working across programmes and teams, while recognising the different practical needs of each service.
• Gather feedback from staff and managers to identify what is working, what is not working, and what needs to be improved.
• Support a culture where systems are used to strengthen delivery, accountability and learning, not simply to create paperwork.

Delivery Assurance

• Maintain oversight of agreed organisational priorities, implementation plans, actions and milestones.
• Track progress against agreed deliverables and ensure actions are completed, followed up or escalated where necessary.
• Hold short, structured check-ins with managers and staff responsible for delivery to confirm priorities, review progress, identify barriers and agree next steps.
• Challenge drift constructively where agreed systems are not being used or actions are not progressing.
• Maintain clear action logs, risk logs and implementation trackers so that commitments are visible and followed through.

Organisational Coordination

• Maintain visibility of operational activity across DATUS and support clear communication between leadership and operational teams.
• Help managers and teams understand how their work connects to wider organisational priorities, funder requirements and governance expectations.
• Support coordination across programmes so that systems, reporting and operational processes are aligned rather than fragmented.

Reporting & Escalation

• Provide regular updates to senior leadership on implementation progress, risks, barriers, adoption issues and system effectiveness.
• Escalate issues where delivery is not on track, where risks are not being managed, or where agreed systems are not being used.
• Support clear evidence of progress for internal governance, funders, commissioners and organisational learning.

Performance & Systems Integration

• Work closely with the Performance & Finance Lead to align finance systems, client data systems, KPI reporting and organisational dashboards.
• Ensure systems support accurate, timely and useful data capture, including outcome tracking, pathway reporting and recovery intelligence.
• Support the development of dashboards, reports and practical management information that helps DATUS understand performance and improve delivery.

Policies, Procedures & Governance

• Support the development, implementation and review of organisational policies, procedures and governance frameworks.
• Translate policies into practical processes that staff can understand and use.
• Monitor compliance with agreed processes, identify gaps and support managers to address them.
• Ensure governance documents, templates and procedures are kept organised, accessible and up to date.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify where systems are not working effectively and support practical improvements.
• Work with leadership, managers and staff to refine systems and processes based on evidence and feedback.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, follow-through and shared organisational learning.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Training

Essential

• Relevant management, operations, systems implementation, project management or change management qualification, or significant equivalent experience.
• Evidence of using structured project management approaches in practice, including planning, risk management, action tracking, implementation monitoring and review.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft 365, including SharePoint or equivalent document management / collaboration systems.

Desirable

• Formal project management qualification or training, such as PRINCE2, APM, Agile, Lean, Scrum or equivalent.
• Training or qualification in change management, business improvement, systems implementation, governance, data management or operational management.
• Training in data protection, information governance, safeguarding systems or quality assurance.

Experience

Essential

• Significant experience leading or coordinating the implementation of organisational systems, processes or operational frameworks across multiple teams.

· Experience leading or significantly supporting the move from paper-based, spreadsheet-based, informal or inconsistent working practices into structured digital systems and agreed organisational workflows.

• Experience implementing or improving systems such as SharePoint, client record systems, CRM systems, finance systems, reporting tools, action trackers or workflow processes.
• Experience tracking organisational priorities, actions, risks, issues and milestones, and ensuring agreed work is completed.
• Experience working across teams where delivery depends on influence, coordination and constructive challenge rather than direct line-management authority.

Desirable

• Experience working in the third sector, health and social care, addiction/recovery, homelessness, mental health, criminal justice, community development or other relational services.
• Experience supporting services with funder, commissioner, quality, audit or compliance reporting.
• Experience working with peer-led, lived-experience-led or community-based models of delivery.

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to create order, track detail and keep multiple workstreams moving.
• Ability to translate organisational priorities into practical systems, workflows, templates and day-to-day routines.
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office, Microsoft 365, operational tracking systems, case management systems, CRM systems and finance systems.
• Ability to identify where systems are failing, where staff are struggling, and where risks are emerging.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to explain systems clearly to staff with different levels of confidence and technical ability.
• Ability to produce clear written reports, action logs, process notes, implementation plans and senior leadership updates.
• Good understanding of confidentiality, data protection and the importance of accurate records in services working with vulnerable adults.

• Ability to support dashboard development, management information and real-time reporting.
• Understanding of governance, compliance, quality assurance and continuous improvement in a third-sector or public-service environment.

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Organised, structured and methodical, without being rigid or bureaucratic.
• Practical, calm and solution-focused.
• Confident enough to challenge drift, but mature enough to do it constructively.
• Able to work collaboratively without needing formal authority over others.
• Able to simplify complexity rather than create unnecessary process.
• Respectful of peer-led, lived-experience-led and community-based ways of working.
• Non-judgemental, reflective and open to personal change.
• Willing to learn about addiction, recovery, social exclusion and the DATUS peer model

Job Title: Director of Examinations 

Reports to: Chief Executive

Line reports: Examinations Manager (x2) 

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth) is a membership organisation and the voice of the profession, with over 4,750 members in the UK and overseas. Our role is to champion the specialty, set standards of training and practice, and influence change to make a difference to the lives of patients with eye conditions.

Job Purpose 

The Director of Examinations plays an important role within the College, providing strategic leadership, oversight and delivery of our exam function in the UK and overseas, at the same time as ensuring alignment with best practice and GMC standards.

This role has responsibility for a budget of £2M+ and for the delivery of exams to around 3,000 candidates each year. The postholder is also responsible for leading a team of six members of staff and forms a key part of our Senior Leadership Team, taking corporate responsibility for the overall direction and operational management of the College.

Main responsibilities 

1. To oversee the strategic direction and delivery of exams 

• Provide strategic leadership for the College's examination function, ensuring all examinations are designed, delivered and continuously improved in accordance with the College's strategic objectives, regulatory requirements, obligations and recognised best practice 

• Develop and implement the long-term exams strategy, anticipating future developments in medical education, assessment, AI technology and regulation to identify opportunities, manage risks and ensure the continued relevance and sustainability of the College's examinations 

• Ensure the College's examinations meet the standards required by the General Medical Council (GMC) and other relevant regulatory bodies, maintaining robust governance, quality assurance and standard-setting processes that demonstrate examinations are valid, reliable and fit for purpose 

• Lead the strategic planning, financial management and performance of the examinations function, ensuring delivery within agreed budgets while maintaining high-quality services and identifying opportunities for innovation and operational efficiency 

• Champion an outstanding candidate and stakeholder experience by ensuring examinations are delivered to consistently high standards of customer service, accessibility, fairness and professionalism, with particular regard to equity, diversity and inclusion, confidentiality and information security 

• Provide executive leadership for the development, implementation and continuous improvement of policies, assessment methodologies and quality assurance frameworks, ensuring alignment with developments in medical assessment and educational best practice. 

• Oversee governance arrangements for examination appeals, reasonable adjustments, examination security and risk management, ensuring robust, transparent and legally compliant decision-making processes 

• Ensure comprehensive monitoring and analysis of examination performance, assessment outcomes and equality data, using evidence and statistical analysis to inform continuous improvement, maintain standards and provide assurance to the College's governance structures and external regulators 

• Drive the development and implementation of digital solutions, leading business change to improve resilience, efficiency, data quality and the candidate experience 

• Lead the strategic development and expansion of the College's international examination portfolio, identifying opportunities for growth while ensuring consistent quality, governance and candidate experience across the UK and overseas in a financially sustainable way 

• Ensure appropriate governance, oversight and maintenance of systems, policies, guidance and digital resources, including candidate communications and public-facing information 

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation and evidence-based practice across the examinations function, ensuring emerging risks, operational issues and opportunities are identified and addressed proactively. 

2. To foster close and constructive relationships with key stakeholders 

• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with examiners, psychometricians, clinical leaders, regulators and international delivery partners, fostering collaboration to ensure the consistent delivery, quality and integrity of the College's examinations across the UK and internationally 

• Provide strategic oversight of the recruitment, development and performance of the College's volunteer examiner workforce, ensuring examiners are appropriately trained, supported and calibrated to deliver assessments in accordance with regulatory requirements and recognised best practice 

• Serve as the executive lead for the College's Examinations Committee and its subcommittee structure, providing strategic advice, governance support and assurance to enable effective oversight of the examination function and its ongoing development 

• Lead the College's relationship with the GMC, acting as the principal point of engagement on examination matters. Ensure timely and robust regulatory reporting, represent the College in formal discussions, and provide assurance that examinations continue to meet all applicable regulatory standards 

• Build and maintain productive relationships with key UK stakeholders, including the Postgraduate Dean for Ophthalmology, the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC), NHS partners and other professional bodies, influencing developments in postgraduate medical assessment and promoting collaboration across the sector 

• Lead the College's engagement with international partners, including examination delivery organisations, host institutions and the College of Ophthalmology of Eastern, Central and Southern Africa (COESCA), supporting the strategic growth, quality assurance and sustainable development of the College's international examination portfolio 

• Represent the College externally on matters relating to examinations and assessment, acting as a trusted advisor to senior clinical leaders, regulators and partner organisations, and enhancing the College's reputation as a leader in postgraduate medical assessment. 

3. To lead the directorate 

• Provide executive leadership of the team, creating a high-performing, collaborative and customer-focused culture that enables colleagues to deliver excellent outcomes 

• Lead, develop and empower the team through effective coaching, succession planning and identification of professional development opportunities, building capacity and resilience

• Establish clear individual and team objectives aligned to the College's strategic priorities, monitoring performance, fostering accountability and supporting the successful delivery of agreed outcomes

• Promote effective communication and collaboration across the team, ensuring colleagues are informed, motivated and connected to the College's strategic direction, while championing the team's achievements across the organisation 

• Ensure robust financial stewardship, including strategic financial planning, budget management and long-term forecasting, contributing to the College's sustainability and value for money 

• Provide strategic advice, analysis and assurance to the Board of Trustees and Finance Committee, reporting on performance, risks, financial position and progress against objectives 

• Establish effective governance and programme management arrangements to deliver strategic initiatives, foster cross-College collaboration and drive continuous improvement. 

4. To contribute as a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) 

• Play a full and active role as a member of the SLT, contributing to the development and delivery of the College's strategy and organisational priorities 

• Provide visible organisational leadership, promoting collaboration across teams and embedding a one-College approach that delivers consistently high standards of service and performance 

• Contribute to the development, implementation and review of College-wide policies, governance arrangements and organisational processes, ensuring effective and consistent application across the organisation 

• Share collective corporate responsibility for decisions taken by the SLT and Board of Trustees, supporting their successful implementation and promoting a culture of accountability and continuous improvement 

• Lead and contribute to cross-organisational change programmes and strategic projects, ensuring effective engagement with colleagues and stakeholders to deliver sustainable improvement 

• Champion and role model the College's values, behaviours and leadership expectations, fostering an inclusive, respectful and high-performing organisational culture. 

5. To undertake other duties as required:  

• Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Chief Executive

• Extensive travel in the UK and overseas is required, alongside working outside normal hours from time to time during exam sittings. 

Person Specification 

Knowledge, Qualifications and Experience 

• Degree or equivalent professional qualification 

• Significant senior leadership experience in examinations, education, assessment or a professional membership organisation 

• Experience of leading high-stakes assessment or examination services, including quality assurance and regulatory compliance 

• Experience of strategic planning, budget management and organisational performance 

• Experience of leading, developing and motivating high-performing teams 

• Experience of working with Boards, committees, regulators and senior stakeholders 

• Experience of leading organisational or digital change programmes 

Skills and Abilities 

• Strategic leadership with strong planning, analytical and decision-making skills 

• Excellent communication, influencing and relationship management skills 

• Financial and commercial awareness with the ability to manage resources effectively 

• Ability to lead change, manage risk and deliver continuous improvement 

• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results 

Personal Qualities (Attributes) 

• Collaborative, inclusive and values-driven leader who demonstrates integrity, professionalism and sound judgement 

• Resilient, adaptable and committed to innovation, continuous improvement and customer excellence 

• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and to continuing professional development 

Other requirements

Willingness to travel within the UK and internationally and work occasional evenings or weekends during examination periods

Aymara London CIC is seeking a passionate and committed Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) to join our growing specialist domestic abuse team.

As a lived experience led organisation, we provide culturally competent, trauma informed and survivor centred support to women from migrant and racially minoritised communities affected by violence against women and girls. As part of the Safe Horizons London Partnership, funded by MOPAC and led by Victim Support, we deliver specialist advocacy and support for women from Latin American communities across London.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting survivors of domestic abuse to improve their safety, wellbeing and access to justice.

About the role

You will provide high quality advocacy, risk management and practical support to women experiencing domestic abuse. You will work closely with survivors to develop safety plans, navigate complex systems and access housing, legal, health and other specialist services.

You will represent survivors within multi agency settings including MARAC, build strong partnerships with statutory and voluntary sector organisations and contribute to community engagement and prevention activities.

About you

We are looking for someone with:

• Experience supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse or other forms of violence against women and girls

• Experience of risk assessment, safety planning and case management

• Strong advocacy and partnership working skills

• An understanding of trauma informed practice and safeguarding

• A commitment to survivor empowerment, equality and culturally competent practice

• Fluent spoken and written English and Spanish

For reasons of representation, trust and cultural competence, applicants must be women from a Spanish speaking Latin American background. This requirement is applied in accordance with Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010.

Why join Aymara?

You will be joining a values driven organisation with strong community roots and a commitment to improving outcomes for migrant women. We offer a supportive working environment, regular supervision, opportunities for professional development and the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of survivors.

To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

Closing date: 31 July 2026, 5:00pm

Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification for full details.

Charity People is delighted to be partnering once again with Maudsley Charity to recruit an External Affairs and Influencing Manager.

A hugely exciting new role within the Communications team at the charity, the postholder will work across media, external affairs and influencing to engage with key stakeholders, boost the charity's profile, and promote learning and adoption of the solutions the organisation funds. You will be responsible for sharing evidence and learning in order to influence the people who fund, adopt and commission mental health care and services, and will work closely with the CEO to increase engagement with policy work which the Maudsley Charity undertakes through it's work in coalitions.

External Affairs and Influencing Manager
Contract: Full time, permanent role
Salary: £48,000 per annum
Location: Hybrid role between home and London office, with two days per week in the Denmark Hill office
Closing date for applications: 9am on Tuesday 28th July

First round interviews will be held remotely on: Thursday 13th August
Second round interviews will be held in person on: Thursday 20th and Friday 21st August

About Maudsley Charity

Maudsley Charity funds and supports clinical, academic, and community partners to ensure that everyone experiencing mental illness can access the right care, while using insights from their work to drive wider improvements across the UK.

Recognising the profound impact of mental illness and the inequalities in access, experience, and outcomes - particularly those linked to social deprivation and racism - the organisation focusses on addressing gaps in care.

With an approach that combines evidence, lived experience, and a commitment to equity, the organisation backs impactful, evidence-based solutions, ensuring services are shaped by real-world insight, and prioritising support for those most underserved to drive improvements that benefit all.

About the role

This is a core role within the organisation's influencing strategy, and your primary responsibilities will include:

External Affairs & Influencing:

• Develop and deliver influencing plans to promote adoption of effective mental health care initiatives being funded by the charity
• Develop productive relationships with key stakeholders (journalists, NHS trust leaders, ICBs, ICSs, VCSE orgs) to gather intelligence and shape strategy to inform the charity's positioning
• Lead the charity's thought leadership development providing strategic advice to senior leadership on political, NHS and mental health policy developments
• Strengthen the charity's role in mental health policy and advocacy coalitions, by contributing to collaborative advocacy, media and communications outputs
• Lead the charity's response to government mental health care consultations and calls for evidence
• Monitor funder sector trends and conversations, and actively seek out opportunities for the charity to strategically engage and influence by sharing learning from its grant making practice

Media management

• Develop and implement integrated external affairs campaigns that support the charity's influencing work
• Create persuasive materials, including press releases, op-eds, spokespeople briefings, comment pieces, and digital content and pitch to relevant outlets
• Maintain and grow relationships with journalists, broadcasters and sector media to secure relevant high-quality coverage of the charity's activities, grant holders and their projects
• Act as first point of contact for media enquiries, managing proactive and reactive press activity
• This role is expected to grow and develop and the postholder will be fully supported from across the organisation as the position evolves, within an organisation that offers a friendly, values led culture.

We would love to hear from individuals with the following skills and experience:

• Demonstrable track record of developing and implementing successful influencing strategies in the mental health sector
• Experience of stakeholder management within mental health care, including NHS Trust leaders, Integrated Care Boards, commissioners and senior clinicians, and with academics and researchers
• Strong experience in media relations, including briefing senior spokespeople, drafting press releases, media handling, and securing media coverage with a good understanding of the needs and expectations of different outlets and publications
• Keen understanding of the NHS, mental health policy landscape, and the related environment, key stakeholders and sector drivers
• Understanding of the key components and considerations of successful external affairs media and influencing
• Understanding of the sensitivities around mental illness, including working in an empathetic manner with people with lived experience
• Understanding of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion principles and a commitment to apply them in your work and as an organisation
• Influencing skills including confidence and credibility in working with stakeholders,
• Communication skills and the ability to produce clear and effective communications and the ability to confidently and accurately represent the organisation externally
• Written and editorial skills including the ability to craft narratives for different external audiences and communicate the charity's work in press releases, articles, policy briefs

How to apply

Maudsley Charity is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and strongly encourages applications from underrepresented backgrounds. We welcome applications from non-graduates.

Applications are managed via Charity People and involve a structured, anonymised process focusing on your experience and potential. Please send your CV to Alice at Charity People in the first instance.

Please see full job pack and job description attached.

We held an 'Ask Us Anything' Webinar via Zoom on Thursday 16th July where the Maudsley staff answered some questions. Please contact us to receive the recording link if you think you might find this helpful.

Equal Opportunities monitoring

We ask that applicants complete our DEI monitoring form when submitting their CV for this role.

Maudsley Charity is an equal opportunities employer, and makes no discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and sex. Specifically, we will also oppose unfair discrimination of those with mental health issues.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) for Brazilian communities

Part Time | 18.75 hours per week

Salary: £27,500 to £30,000 per annum including London Weighting (pro rata)

Location: London, with outreach and remote support as required

Aymara London CIC is seeking a passionate and committed Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) to join our growing specialist domestic abuse team.

As a lived experience led organisation, we provide culturally competent, trauma informed and survivor centred support to women from migrant and racially minoritised communities affected by violence against women and girls. As part of the Safe Horizons London Partnership, funded by MOPAC and led by Victim Support, we deliver specialist advocacy and support for women from Latin American communities across London.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting survivors of domestic abuse to improve their safety, wellbeing and access to justice.

About the role

You will provide high quality advocacy, risk management and practical support to women experiencing domestic abuse. You will work closely with survivors to develop safety plans, navigate complex systems and access housing, legal, health and other specialist services.

You will represent survivors within multi agency settings including MARAC, build strong partnerships with statutory and voluntary sector organisations and contribute to community engagement and prevention activities.

About you

We are looking for someone with:

• Experience supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse or other forms of violence against women and girls

• Experience of risk assessment, safety planning and case management

• Strong advocacy and partnership working skills

• An understanding of trauma informed practice and safeguarding

• A commitment to survivor empowerment, equality and culturally competent practice

• Fluent spoken and written English and Portuguese

For reasons of representation, trust and cultural competence, applicants must be women from a Brazilian background. This requirement is applied in accordance with Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010.

Why join Aymara?

You will be joining a values driven organisation with strong community roots and a commitment to improving outcomes for migrant women. We offer a supportive working environment, regular supervision, opportunities for professional development and the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of survivors.

To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

Closing date: 31 July 2026, 5:00pm

Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification for full details.

The Senior Programme Manager will be responsible for  managing  FFRP, a London wide programme that supports families on low income to access good quality, free and independent advice, in order to prevent or alleviate financial hardship. The ideal candidate will be an experienced project manager, confident in relationship management and in evaluation and monitoring, with a strong understanding of the free legal advice sector in London. 

About the role

This is a role for an experienced financial leader who can think strategically to ensure financial sustainability and resilience. You will enjoy being part of a mission driven team, be able to translate numbers into insight, and understand the importance of relationships, collaboration and trust.

Who We Are

Merton Connected strengthens the voluntary, community and faith sector and supports organisations across the borough through training, advice, volunteering and partnership building. We pioneered social prescribing in Merton, now embedded in every GP practice for over a decade, and deliver services including Healthwatch Merton, the Home Visits Library and Merton Giving, the borough’s place-based giving scheme. 

Our new 2025–2030 Strategy sets out a bold vision: A borough recognised for resilience, inclusion and community connection. To achieve this, we need strong internal foundations, and that includes a confident, people‑centred Finance Manager who can help us grow sustainably, work collaboratively, and prepare for the challenges facing the sector.

Our strategy commits us to being:

• A Convenor - bringing people together.
• A Capacity Builder - strengthening organisations.
• An Incubator - developing new ideas.
• An Amplifier - making community voices heard.

 To deliver this, we need financial leadership that is:

• Strategic but not disruptive
• Supportive, not siloed.
• Collaborative, not transactional
• Forward looking and resilient

You will help ensure Merton Connected remains financially strong, transparent, and sustainable for the future while maintaining excellent relationships with partners, funders, commissioners and community organisations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

 Strategic Financial Leadership

• Support long term financial planning, scenario modelling, and risk management, including exploring income diversification.
• Ensure financial systems remain proportionate, efficient, and aligned with our strategic pillars.
• Help the organisation prepare for sector wide challenges such as rising demand, funding pressures, and increased complexity.
• Support the Quarterly Finance Sub Committee Meetings and attend Board Meetings

 Annual Accounts and Audit

• Prepare year‑end accounts in line with the Charities SORP.
• Work closely with auditors to ensure a smooth, timely audit process.
• Draft the financial commentary for the Trustees’ Annual Report.
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, including Charity Commission, Companies House, and HMRC.

Oversight of Day to Day Finance Operations

• Produce clear, accurate quarterly management accounts and cash flow forecasts with meaningful commentary.
• Work closely with the Assistant Accountant, providing them with support and direction.
• Maintain oversight of income, expenditure, payroll, reconciliations, and journals.
• Ensure robust tracking of restricted funds, project budgets, and grant reporting.
• Strengthen internal controls and financial procedures.

 Building Strong Relationships Across the Organisation

• Work collaboratively with department leads, supporting them to understand budgets and forecasts.
• Communicate financial information to colleagues and the Board in a clear, supportive, and accessible way.
• Contribute to a positive, team‑centred culture that reflects our values of Empowering, Collaborative and Inclusive.

 Customer relations with partners and funders

• Provide timely, accurate financial information for commissioners, funders, and partners.
• Build confidence with stakeholders through professionalism, clarity, and responsiveness.
• Support collaborative funding bids, shared investment pathways, and partnership‑led projects - aligning with our Convenor and Incubator roles.

 Support innovation and organisational development

• Work with Head of Operations to develop and embed robust and effective financial systems
• Help us test new approaches, pilot ideas, and strengthen our internal resilience.
• Ensure financial systems support accurate and timely information, as well as innovation and collaboration.
• Contribute to business planning, strategic development, and organisational learning.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

 Essential

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Experience producing management accounts and year‑end accounts in the charity sector.
• Strong understanding of restricted funds, project accounting, and the Charities SORP.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills - able to build trust with colleagues, trustees, and partners.
• A collaborative, team‑centred approach.
• Ability to think strategically and anticipate future challenges.
• Commitment to our values: Empowering, Collaborative, Inclusive.
• Ability to present reports to the Finance Sub Committee and Board
• Ability to represent the organisation with funders stakeholders when needed.
• Familiarity with MS Office applications including Word, Excel, Teams and Sharepoint
• Commitment to confidentiality, safeguarding, equality and diversity.

Desirable

• Experience in infrastructure, health, community, or multi funded charities.
• Familiarity with NHS/ICB (Integrated Care Board)  funded programmes or local authority contracts.
• Experience with cloud based accounting systems such as Xero, Sage or QuickBooks
• Understanding of the voluntary sector landscape and its emerging pressures.

Who This Role Is Perfect For

Someone who:

• Brings solid charity financial management and reporting experience.
• Enjoys being part of a friendly, purpose‑driven team.
• Communicates well with non‑finance colleagues.
• Can balance strategic thinking with hands‑on oversight.
• Values relationships as much as spreadsheets.
• Wants to help build a more resilient, connected, and inclusive Merton 

Barnet Mencap is a charity based in Finchley that provides support and runs a multitude of projects for people with learning disabilities and/or Autism. We are dynamic, enthusiastic, diverse, and committed to equal opportunities and the safeguarding of children and adults at risk.

There is currently a vacancy within our Community Opportunities team for someone to enable adults with learning disabilities and/or autism to access leisure, learning and fitness-based activities in the community, working with groups or individuals.

We are looking for people who are available to work during the day, evenings and weekends.

The successful candidate will have:

• a genuine interest in working with people with learning disabilities and/or autism
• good initiative and show flexibility
• excellent interpersonal skills
• be confident and flexible
• an ability to keep accurate records

Please view the Job Description and Person Specification for a better idea of what the role entails and what we’re looking for.

To apply, please send your CV alongside a covering letter explaining how you meet the criteria in the person specification.

Closing Date:              Friday 14th August 2026

Interview Date:            We will review applications as they come in and offer interviews to those who meet the criteria.