Chair of the board of trustees jobs

For over 30 years, we’ve pioneered the use of beekeeping as a sustainable development tool, helping communities across Africa escape poverty while protecting biodiversity. Now we’re ready to scale our impact significantly — growing from £900K to £1.4M income within three years and expanding to new locations using our proven model.

The Opportunity:
This is a rare chance to lead a mission-driven organisation with huge potential. You’ll work with influential patrons including The Queen, Monty Don, Martha Kearney, Kate Humble, and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, all ready to actively support our ambitious goals. You’ll manage a talented team of seven and work alongside seven committed trustees.

What we’re looking for:
We need a leader who

• Is genuinely passionate about environmental sustainability and poverty alleviation
• Can develop and execute ambitious fundraising strategies, including corporate partnerships and major donor relationships
• Brings financial acumen and strategic planning experience
• Enjoys managing and developing people—our small team is excellent and is keen to welcome great leadership
• Thrives on networking and relationship-building, actively seeking opportunities
• Is comfortable being the external face of the organisation with donors, corporates, and partners
• Has senior leadership experience (ideally in the third sector, though we welcome strong leaders from any sector)

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead strategic planning and organisational growth in partnership with the Board
• Act as chief fundraiser and spokesperson, personally engaging with high-level donors
• Develop corporate partnerships and ESG opportunities
• Manage and inspire our team of seven, fostering a culture of excellence
• Oversee a ~£1M+ budget and ensure strong financial management
• Deepen relationships with international partners in Ethiopia, Ghana, Uganda and beyond
• Build BfD’s profile and brand visibility

What we offer:

• Salary of £65,000-£70,000 (negotiable based on experience)
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Pension (flexible package)
• Hybrid working possible with minimum 3 days in our Monmouth office (important for team collaboration and partner engagement)
• The chance to lead a respected organisation through an exciting growth phase
• Opportunity to make a real difference to communities and biodiversity worldwide

Timeline:
Application deadline: 13th April 2026

Bees for Development is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace.

We are looking for a new CEO to lead Surrey Community Action into a bright and exciting future, where the voluntary sector and communities of Surrey are helped to survice and thrive.

Surrey Community Action

Chief Executive Officer

35 hours per week, mostly office based but with some scope for working remotely.

Based in Burpham, Guildford, Surrey

The role is subject to a satisfactory DBS check.

£62,000 for a 35-hour week

5% employers pension contribution

25 days annual leave plus three days over Christmas

Employee Assistance Programme

About Surrey Community Action

Surrey Community Action supports Surrey’s voluntary sector, the diverse communities of Surrey, and other organisations who seek to work with either. We ensure that non-voluntary sector stakeholders understand the value of our sector and how to work together to achieve shared objectives. We provide services to Surrey’s voluntary sector that increase their effectiveness or fill gaps in their capability, capacity, and resilience. Services to the Surrey’s Communities and we provide services directly to Surrey’s communities that support community action and address unsupported needs.

About The Role

We are seeking a new Chief Executive to join us at an ideal time to complete and implement our emerging new strategy and direct Surrey Community Action into a bright future.

As Chief Executive Officer, you will have the scope and authority to shape strategy, influence policy, empower Surrey’s voluntary sector, and champion rural communities, working closely with a committed Board, and experienced staff team.

You will be the organisation’s lead ambassador, building trusted relationships with partners, funders and decision‑makers, and ensuring the organisation’s voice is heard at local, regional and national level.

You will also play a critical role in leading change and transformation within the charity - strengthening systems, diversifying income and evolving how the organisation works so it remains resilient, relevant and impactful in a fast‑changing environment.

This is a role for someone who enjoys balancing big‑picture thinking with practical delivery, and who can bring people with them through periods of transition.

If you are motivated to improve the capability, capacity and resilience of the Surrey’s voluntary sector, communities and residents; if you thrive in complex and changing stakeholder environments; and if you are excited by the challenge of leading an organisation through its next phase of growth and influence, this role is for you.

No two days will be the same, but there are some core parts of this role.

• Strategic Leadership & Organisational Direction
• You will lead the delivery of a clear, compelling organisational strategy, adapting it in response to an evolving operating environment and ensuring the organisation remains agile, future‑focused and well positioned within the voluntary and community sectors.
• Board Partnership & Governance
• You will work collaboratively with the Board of Trustees, providing high‑quality insight, advice and assurance on strategy, finance, risk, governance and compliance, and then supporting effective Board decision‑making through clear reporting, analysis and professional guidance.
• Leadership of People & Culture
• You will lead, inspire and support the staff team through a transparent, inclusive and empowering management style, creating a high‑performance culture rooted in trust, accountability, equality, diversity and wellbeing.
• Change Management & Organisational Development
• You will be a skilled change manager, leading transformation in response to evolving funding landscapes, policy shifts, technology and community needs, designing and implementing systems, structures and processes that strengthen organisational effectiveness and resilience.
• Ambassadorial Role, Advocacy & External Relations
• You will be the public face of the organisation, representing it with credibility, passion and authority, and building strong, influential relationships with funders, partners, policymakers, communities and stakeholders.

About You

The purpose of the Chief Executive Officer’s role is to guide and plan the strategic development and overall direction of the organisation, providing strong leadership and co-ordination to ensure the aims, strategic objectives and priorities of the organisation are achieved.

To do this, we need someone who embodies the following attributes, skills and experience.

You will have:

• Senior leadership experience within a voluntary, community, public or values‑led organisation, with accountability for strategy, performance and resources.
• Proven experience of working effectively with a Board or trustees
• Demonstrable success in leading and managing organisational change, including restructuring, service development or cultural transformation.
• Experience in fundraising, income generation and business development
• Experience of financial leadership, including budgeting, financial planning, income generation and managing funding agreements or contracts.
• A strong track record of external engagement, partnership working and representation at senior level.
• People management experience, supporting a compact team delivering diverse projects.
• Excellent communication skills (including social media) and governance literacy.
• It will be a distinct advantage to have familiarity with Local Government Reorganisation and devolution, ideally in a county like Surrey.

You will be:

• Motivated, motivating and dynamic
• An effective communicator (including social media) with good network contacts, especially in the VCSE sector and across local government
• A strong team builder, able to develop, encourage and support colleagues in making the most of their experience and skillsets and to feel confident in their abilities
• A visionary leader who is able to embrace and manage change through strategic creativity and innovation, while also able to pay attention to detail when necessary.
• Ideally, you will also be able to demonstrate understanding of charity governance, compliance and safeguarding.
• Calm and confident under pressure with an evidence-based approach to prioritising finite resources.

These attributes, skills and experience will make you stand out, but even if you do not match all the criteria below, we still want to hear about you and what you can offer.

The Nuts and Bolts

The role is a permanent contract for 35 hours per week, mostly office based but with some scope for working remotely.

Our offices are in Guildford, Surrey

We are committed to continued professional development and will support you to develop your skills even further.

The role is subject to a satisfactory DBS check.

The salary for this post is £62,000 for a 35-hour week.

We also offer:

• 5% employers pension contribution
• Employee Assistance Programme
• 25 days holiday with an additional three days between Christmas and New Year, as well as all English Bank Holidays

We can only accept applications from candidates with the right to work in the UK.

Creative Land Trust secures permanent affordable workspace in London for artists and creatives. We connect property developers, government authorities and studio providers forging valuable new collaborations, facilitating placemaking and actively participating in the development of policy in both the property and arts sectors.

Founded by the Mayor of London with expertise from Outset Contemporary Art Fund, and additional funding from Arts Council England and Bloomberg Philanthropies, we use our extensive knowledge of how the property and arts sectors interact to provide a way for donors, developers and investors to contribute to arts and culture at a systemic, infrastructure level.

We measure our impact in terms of community interaction, social benefit, wellbeing and employment; engaging expert studio providers for day-to-day management.

We are actively seeking funding from new donors and long-term partnerships with property owners that will lead to more stable space for arts and culture, improving the opportunities for creative practises to thrive and for communities to become more connected. In return we contribute to place making and community cohesion.

We are a small team with big ambitions seeking an experienced and motivated finance director who will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer and other members of the team to ensure that the Creative Land Trust works efficiently and effectively, making the best use of all its assets. The post holder will manage and have responsibility for the oversight of financial systems, reporting and analysis, as well as acting as Company Secretary and leading the delivery of good governance. This is a senior role and the post holder will have influence at trustee and team levels.

We are looking to recruit a dynamic person for the role of Charity Manager, who will develop and shape our charity for the future. You will lead our dedicated team and have overall responsibility for running the Charity.

You will manage the Charity on behalf of the Trustees, co-ordinate a team of seven staff, support volunteers, ensure excellent standards of animal care are maintained and develop our fundraising and community engagement work. You will also be responsible for budgeting, compliance, health and Safety ensuring the charity is safe, welcoming and well run.

You will work on behalf of the Board of Trustees to develop a coherent strategic business plan, reporting regularly on operations and planned objectives.

Key responsibilities

Lead and develop a committed team

Oversee all aspects of site operations and animal welfare

Manage budgets, financial reporting and resources

Develop sustainable fundraising opportunities and income generation, building community partnerships

Ensure compliance with UK legislation and charity governance

Represent the Charity with professionalism and compassion

Shape, develop and lead strategic and business planning

Provide regular detailed strategic reports to the Board of Trustees

What you will bring to the team

Experience managing teams and operations

An understanding of animal welfare and charity regulations

Excellent communication and leadership skills

A calm, resilient and compassionate approach

Benefits

28 days holiday per year (including bank holidays)

Employer pension contribution in line with statutory requirements

If you are ready to make a meaningful difference and lead a charity that puts animals first, we’d love to hear from you. 
Email your CV and a covering letter explaining how you meet our requirements: Closing date: 31st March 2026

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Salary: £45,068 to £51,242 (Negotiable)

37 hours per week – Flexible throughout the week, including some evenings and weekends

We are seeking to appoint a Chief Executive Officer with a proven commitment to survivor-led practice, outstanding organisational leadership capability, and relevant therapeutic competence, to provide strategic and inspirational leadership for the organisation’s future.

Leeds Survivor Led Crisis Service (LSLCS) exists to provide compassionate, person-centred, trauma-informed crisis support to people across Leeds and West Yorkshire.  Founded in 1999 by individuals with lived experience of mental health crisis, the organisation has grown to deliver a range of services for adults, children and young people while remaining rooted in survivor leadership and empowerment. LSLCS has a long history of innovation and excellence; receiving multiple national awards.

The CEO holds overarching responsibility for the current service provisions, with the support of operational directors and service managers.  LSLCS challenges and shapes current practices; aligned with the needs of those accessing crisis services, with a strong emphasis on gaining and reviewing service user and team feedback to inform decision-making.  The CEO must be able to review feedback openly, regularly and with genuine curiosity in shaping the future of the organisation.

The CEO provides strategic leadership to ensure that LSLCS continues to deliver high-quality, values-led crisis services.  Working closely with the Board of Trustees, the CEO ensures the organisation operates in alignment with its survivor-led ethos, trauma-informed principles, and person-centred philosophy.  The post-holder champions the mission of LSLCS, strengthens its culture, and maintains the organisation’s reputation as a trusted and innovative provider of crisis support.

The CEO must ensure that the organisation’s governance is compliant with Charity Commission requirements, contractual obligations and all other relevant legislation and guidance, and works closely with the Operations Director (Central Services) to ensure the organisation’s financial sustainability and the appropriate, responsible use of its resources.

World Jewish Relief provides life-saving and life-changing action to people in crisis around the world. We work with our trusted local partners to help people survive the consequences of conflict and disaster, to thrive and rebuild their lives. We deliver programmes using our expertise, with urgency to achieve maximum and sustainable impact for those within and beyond our community.

We are looking for an Interim Head of Events to manage our existing events portfolio as maternity cover. You will be responsible for managing a range of well-established, high profile events including our flagship Annual Dinner which raises over £1.6M and is critical to our donor engagement, retention and income. You will ensure all our events run successfully, are organised to the highest standards and delivered with immaculate care and precision. You will manage a small team of two, providing guidance and support where needed. You will also work closely with our Marketing and Communications team to develop content and marketing for events.

You will join our Fundraising team, which is made up of 11 individuals working across a range of portfolios, including: trusts and foundations, institutional funding, major donor fundraising, individual giving and legacies, online matched funding campaigns, events, donor acquisition and engagement.   

You should have:

• Significant experience and a proven track record of event planning, coordination and delivery to an exceptionally high standard, within the non-profit sector.
• Experience of managing a small team
• Experience of managing budgets
• Experience working alongside Chairs, Trustees and/or Event Committees
• Exceptional organisational skills and attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate to a wide range of stakeholders.
• Ability to multitask, managing numerous priorities at the same time, to tight deadlines
• The ability to use your own initiative and to work under pressure. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to develop and maintain good working relationships with colleagues at all levels and with senior volunteers
• A commitment and empathy to the work and values of World Jewish Relief.

Benefits

We offer a range of benefits including:

• 23 days holiday plus bank holidays and Jewish holidays. After 2 years’ service holiday entitlement increases to 25 days.
• Pension scheme – we contribute 5% to the World Jewish Relief pension scheme.
• Life Insurance – up to 3 times salary to nominated beneficiaries
• Health Cash Plan – cash back to cover the costs of dental treatment, optical care, specialist consultations and a range of complementary therapies
• Enhanced maternity & paternity pay
• Employee Assistance Programme – free, confidential advice or support with any personal or work related concerns or free counselling if needed
• Season ticket / travel to work loan
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• On Friday the office closes at 3pm
• We encourage flexible working and offer a range of flexible working options.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

World Jewish Relief promotes equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We invite and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds. We encourage applications from candidates of different ethnicities, socio-economic backgrounds, race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation and of faith or none that meet the criteria set out for this role.

You don’t need to be Jewish to work for us, but you must be committed to our faith based values of Justice, Kindness, Repairing the World and Welcoming the Stranger. We are inspired by these values to work beyond our community, recognising the dignity and potential of all people.

How to apply

Please upload your CV and a cover letter which demonstrates your suitability for the role answering the following question in your cover letter:

· Why does this role appeal to you and how do you meet the criteria in the person specification?

Interviews will be held on Monday 27th April

Mortlake Community Association is looking for an experienced Interim Director to join a vibrant and inclusive local charity in London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. The main purpose of the role is to maintain our growing profile as a community hub and support our range of varied activities. Experience of working with service users and volunteers in a local community setting is essential. The post is offered on a fixed term 9 month contract, starting in May 2026 to align with our Director’s maternity leave.

• Fixed term contract 

• £40k (Pro-rata) plus pension 

• 25 hours pw - Hours are flexible but we will require this post to be on site at least 3 days per week. 

The Interim Director is responsible for the effective day-to-day management of the charity and Mortlake Hall, including staff leadership and supervision, financial management, fundraising, partnership working, building management, and monitoring and evaluation. The role requires strong leadership and relationship-building skills to ensure MCA remains at the heart of community life in Mortlake; recognised as a model of good practice within the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. 

Key Accountabilities: 

• Work with the Board of Trustees to implement the vision and strategic direction of MCA. 

• Take overall responsibility for the operational management and day-to-day financial management of the charity and Mortlake Hall. 

• Work closely with current Director of MCA in run-up to maternity leave and maintaining contact, especially during the statutory Keep In Touch days (KIT). 

• Maintain relationship with existing funders for the charity and ensure timely, accurate reporting. 

• Oversee building and facilities management, working closely with the Building & Facilities Subcommittee. 

• Ensure that the local community is engaged with the work of MCA through ongoing consultation, discussion and community planning activities/events. 

• Respond proactively to changes in the voluntary, statutory and wider sectors to ensure the charity’s sustainability while maintaining its identity and independence. 

Essential experience: 

• Senior leadership or management experience within a charity, voluntary, community or not-for-profit organisation. 

• Experience working with, reporting to, or supporting a Board of Trustees or equivalent governance body. 

• Proven experience of managing and supporting staff and volunteers. 

• Demonstrable experience of securing funding, including writing successful funding bids and managing funder relationships. 

• Experience of budget management and financial oversight, working closely with a Treasurer or finance lead. 

• Experience of overseeing projects or programmes, including monitoring, evaluation and reporting. 

• Experience of managing buildings, facilities or community assets (or the ability to develop this quickly). 

Desirable experience: 

• Experience leading a community centre or multi-use community facility. 

• Experience of partnership working with local authorities, statutory bodies and community organisations. 

• Experience of organisational development. 

• Knowledge of Mortlake community and/ or the voluntary sector within the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. 

Mortlake Community Association is committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the community we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and encourage applications from individuals who are underrepresented in the voluntary and community sector. 

Deadline: Tuesday 31 March 2026 

Interviews: 10 and/or 13 April 2026 (in person at Mortlake) 

St Martins, the long standing and well respected charity supporting people out of homelessness, is looking to recruit a Chief Executive following the retirement of our current CEO.

As our new Chief Executive, you will collaborate with our dedicated teams and the Board of Trustees to drive forward the vital work of St Martins, focusing on our six key priorities:

· prevent homelessness wherever possible

· deliver effective support

· deliver sustained support

· continue to be an employer of choice

· continue to be well managed and efficient

· communicate clearly

 We are looking for :

·        A current CEO or Director with experience in one or more of the following fields: social housing, homelessness, social care or related fields

· Proven track record of delivering organisational strategy and managing complex change.

· Proven experience of managing complex budgets exceeding £10 million, to support the long‑term sustainability of a charity during periods of change .

· Proven experience in governance and in building productive, collaborative relationships with a Board of Trustees.

· Evidence of successful income generation through fundraising, grants, and partnerships.

· Experience of media relations (including TV and radio) 

· Experience interpreting complex financial and performance data to support effective evaluation and enable sound strategic decision-making.

· Experience of effective collaborative working with partner organisations and sectors.

RSPCA Little Valley Animal Shelter is seeking an exceptional Chief Executive Officer to guide us through an exciting period of growth, transformation and renewed strategic ambition.

At Little Valley, our purpose is clear: to promote kindness, prevent cruelty, and provide outstanding welfare for the animals who rely on us. Our next Chief Executive Officer will inspire staff and volunteers, strengthen community partnerships, and lead with clarity, compassion and courage.

About the role

Our team is united by our compassion, collaboration, integrity, excellence and deep connection to our community - values that guide every decision we make. We are looking for a Chief Executive Officer who will champion these values in everything they do.

We are in a pivotal moment of investment and cultural renewal, with major developments underway - including improved facilities, modernisation of systems, strategic income growth and strengthened community engagement. This is your opportunity to lead an ambitious and much‑loved charity into its next chapter.

Key Responsibilities

(Full Job Description and Person Specification attached.)

• Lead the organisation’s strategic direction, ensuring alignment with our mission, values and long‑term goals.
• Drive high‑quality, compassionate animal welfare services across all operational areas.
• Provide visible, empathetic leadership that supports a positive culture for staff and volunteers.
• Ensure strong financial stewardship, diversifying income and securing long‑term sustainability.
• Strengthen partnerships, community profile and external relationships across the region.
• Champion innovation, operational excellence and continuous improvement at every level.

About You

You’ll bring proven senior leadership experience, exceptional communication skills, strong financial and governance capability, and the emotional intelligence needed to lead a complex and values‑driven organisation. Above all, you’ll bring a genuine passion for animal welfare and a commitment to ensuring values remain at the heart of everything we do.

Why join us?

As our Chief Executive Officer, you will lead a dedicated team, steward an organisation with strong foundations, and be at the forefront of shaping a more compassionate future for animals across Devon. This is more than a leadership role - it’s a chance to create lasting impact.

How to apply

Please submit your CV and a supporting statement (maximum two pages) outlining how your experience, leadership and values make you the right person to become our next Chief Executive Officer.

Application deadline: Tuesday 7 April, 5pm

We encourage applications from leaders who are motivated by purpose, committed to impact and inspired by the opportunity to shape the future of Little Valley Animal Shelter.

#Chief Executive Officer #Chief Executive #CEO #Chief Executive Officer

Do you pride yourself on being a great communicator, strategic thinker and a good leader?  Do you want to make a real difference to people's lives?  If so, we have the job for you.

Job Title:   Head of Charity                                                                                       

Location:   Home-based, with regular travel to TALK groups, meetings and events across Guildford, Ashford, Walton-on-Thames, Woking and surrounding areas

Working Hours:4 days per week, with flexibility as required

Salary: £36-£40K (£45-50K FTE)

Contract Type: Permanent (subject to a 3-month probationary period)

Benefits: 25 days annual leave (pro-rata for part time work); Company Pension Scheme

Accountable To: Board of Trustees, through the Chair

About us

TALK Surrey CIO is a small local charity dedicated to supporting people affected by stroke and aphasia, an acquired language and communication difficulty. People with aphasia can often feel isolated and lose their confidence.  We provide group activities, home visits, and community services designed to improve quality of life and foster social connections.  Our team of trained volunteers and two existing part-time staff provide an inclusive and supportive group environment for our members to practise their communication skills, share experiences and enjoy each others' company.

We are seeking a dynamic, compassionate Head of Charity to be responsible for leading our organisation, ensuring our services are high-quality, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of our members.  You would be responsible for the overall leadership, management and development of TALK, including thinking ahead to expand our range of services. You will ensure the charity is well governed, financially sustainable and delivering high-quality, person-centred services aligned to its mission.

You would work closely with Trustees, staff, volunteers, members and other stakeholders to shape the charity’s future, strengthen partnerships, and ensure effective service delivery.

About you

Ideally you will have: 

• Experience in managing or leading a small organisation, charity or service.
• Strong leadership and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Experience developing and improving services based on user need and evidence.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Experience supporting, supervising or managing staff and/or volunteers.
• High emotional intelligence and commitment to person-centred services.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Ability and willingness to travel locally to TALK groups and meetings.

Experience working in the voluntary or charity sector and an understanding of charity governance, compliance and accountability would be desirable, as would some knowledge of stroke, aphasia or related health and social care services. Other desirable attributes are: Experience of fundraising, grant management or income development and Experience of volunteer management and community engagement.

For more information, please see the attached Job Description

We are looking for our next Chief Executive,  This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in a small organisation where they can combine strategic leadership with practical delivery. 

Feeding Coventry is a small but ambitious charity dedicated to providing relief to people in need in Coventry and Warwickshire, specifically providing new and alternative ways to support people with the complex issues behind their reasons for experiencing hardship.

We are looking for a strategic and hands-on leader who can work closely with our Board of Trustees, staff, volunteers, and partners to deliver meaningful impact for the communities we serve. The role is part-time and can be worked flexibly over 5 days.The role will be primarily based in Foleshill Community Centre but with an opportunity for some hybrid working. 

SMART CJS – Trust and Foundations Bid Writer

Role Overview

Are you committed to supporting people who are homeless or rough sleeping?

Are you proactive with a positive attitude?

Job Title: Trust and Foundations Bid Writer (with some responsibility for corporate fundraising)

The salary will be in the range of £36,000 to £42,000.

Hours: 37 hours per week

Term: Permanent

Location: Working from our office in central Bedford, with some provision for remote working.

About SMART CJS

Founded in 1997, we are a charity that provides safe spaces for people who are facing or experiencing homelessness, are rough sleeping or have fallen on tough times. As times have changed, our services have adapted and grown, but we’ve always kept the people we support at the centre of all that we do. We believe that everyone needs a little help sometimes and, with trust, respect and honesty, people can make incredible changes. Our vision is to transform communities so that everyone has the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential, participate in and contribute to all aspects of life. Our mission is to provide safe spaces to work with vulnerable people within our communities, empowering them to make positive changes and take control of their lives.

Why Join Us?

We believe in diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Benefits include:

• 27 days Annual Leave (rising to 30 after 3 years) + Bank Holidays (pro rata)
• Generous Pension scheme (after successfully completing a probation period)
• Excellent Development and Growth Opportunities
• Access to a Charity Worker Discount scheme
• Access to the company health and wellbeing service including support with mental health, legal advice and more
• Access to an online GP service

We require all staff and volunteers to be committed to safeguarding and to respond proactively to safeguarding concerns. Successful applicants are required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). This job description will be supplemented by annual objectives which will be developed in conjunction with the post holder.

The Role

SMART CJS is looking to recruit a Trusts and Foundations Bid Writer. The successful candidate will also have some responsibility for corporate fundraising with businesses based in Bedford and beyond; this responsibility will be shared with our Community and Corporate Fundraiser.

The main responsibility, though, will be to generate income by writing bids to charitable trusts and foundations, and to statutory funders.

The role will include researching and identifying charity trusts and similar bodies which are able to make an award to SMART. It will also include keeping abreast of developments in fundraising in the charity sector as a whole, especially in the field of grant awarding and, to a lesser extent, of corporate giving.

There will be a probationary period for the role. As it generally takes six months for a grant to be awarded (though some arrive more quickly), the probationary period will need to be for a minimum of seven months, though its precise duration can be negotiated with the successful candidate.

Training will be given; the scope of the training will depend on the candidate’s previous experience.

This is an exciting opportunity to join SMART’s friendly and dedicated team. You’ll need to be able to manage your time effectively; the role is primarily self-directed. We envisage that you’ll be working primarily from our offices in Prebend Street, Bedford, though you'll be able to work from home for some of the time as well. Given the nature of our work, personal resilience is important; some of the stories we use when applying for funding can be emotionally challenging.

Our fundraising comes from regular gifts, donations from the community (individuals and groups), and corporate bodies (businesses). The majority of our fundraising income comes from grants. There will be a realistic target for the amount you need to raise; this will reflect the performance for grant applications in the charity sector as a whole and it will not be unrealistic. Fundraising is not an exact science; the assessment of performance against the targets will be fair and reasonable. The final responsibility for SMART’s fundraising rests with the trustees; they appreciate and understand the complexity of the issues involved.

Main Purpose of the Role

You will work closely with the CEO, the Chair of Trustees, the Head of Business and the fundraising team. The post involves gathering information, writing the bids, tracking the progress of submissions, and reporting back to grant awarders on how their money has been spent, if they require this.

There will also be a responsibility for corporate fundraising. This will involve building relationships with businesses in and beyond the Bedford area. The responsibility for this will be shared with our Community and Corporate Fundraiser.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising and Bid Writing

• Research and identify suitable grant and funding opportunities from charitable trusts, foundations, and statutory bodies.
• Write and submit high-quality funding applications and proposals in line with SMART’s strategic priorities.
• Work collaboratively with service leads and front line teams to gather accurate, up-to-date data and service information for applications.
• Tailor the applications to the funder’s criteria, using storytelling effectively.
• Manage a pipeline of applications and submissions, ensuring deadlines are met and income targets are tracked.
• Maintain and build relationships with key funders, providing timely reports and updates on grant-funded work.
• Work to realistic targets and be able to provide feedback on these.
• Organisational Development and Support
• Contribute to the strategic development of SMART’s income generation plans.
• Support development of strong internal bid and grant management systems.
• Monitor success rates and provide monthly reporting on funding performance to the Head of Business and to the Chair of Trustees.
• Represent SMART CJS at funding briefings, webinars, and networking opportunities where appropriate.

Other Responsibilities

• Participate in SMART’s performance management and appraisal process.
• Attend the monthly meetings of the Fundraising Committee (a sub‑committee of the Board of Trustees).
• Comply with health and safety policies and procedures.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role, as required by the CEO, the Head of Business or the Chair of Trustees.

Person Specification

Whether you’re already an experienced bid-writer, or whether you think this is something that you could learn to do effectively, we’d like to hear from you. You need to have excellent skills in written English and be able to write in prose that’s clear and readily understandable to the general reader. The criteria for each grant awarder are different; you need to be able to match your bid to what they would like to fund (homelessness, mental health, relief of poverty, women’s issues and so on). You need, then, to tell SMART’s story in a way which appeals to each funder.

You need to have excellent inter-personal skills and be able to work as part of a team. While there is a strong element of self-direction in the role, you need to be able to work closely with senior management and also with the trustees; the trustees have the final responsibility for fundraising in the charity.

You will need, too, to have a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and to have a genuine interest in homelessness and the work of the charity, and a commitment to improving our clients’ lives and wellbeing.

Are you an experienced governance or administrative leader who wants to make a real difference for animals in need? We’re looking for a proactive, highly organised Senior Administrative Manager to join our leadership team and serve as the charity’s named Company Secretary.

In this pivotal role, you’ll oversee governance, compliance, and financial administration—helping ensure our centre runs smoothly, legally, and sustainably so we can continue transforming animal lives.

Key responsibilities

· Lead governance and compliance across the organisation.

· Serve as Company Secretary: manage Board meetings, minutes, filings, and statutory registers.

· Support financial oversight, including budgeting processes, reporting, and financial controls.

About you

· Strong experience in charity governance, administration, or organisational management.

· Good understanding of UK charity and company law.

· Confident working with Trustees and senior leadership.

· Financially literate with excellent organisational and communication skills.

· Passionate about animal welfare and the values of our charity.

The Sophie Lancaster Foundation was established by Sylvia Lancaster following the murder of her daughter Sophie in a hate crime motivated by prejudice against alternative subcultures. What began as a grassroots response has grown into an internationally recognised charity working across education, community engagement, research and advocacy to challenge prejudice and prevent hate crime.

We work with schools, young people, community groups and institutions to increase understanding of alternative cultures and to promote respect, inclusion and safety for those who may be marginalised because of identity or appearance.

We are looking for a Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation through its next stage of development.

The CEO will provide strategic and operational leadership, working closely with the Board of Trustees to ensure the organisation remains sustainable, impactful and true to its mission. The role involves leading a small team, strengthening partnerships, overseeing programmes and securing income through grants, trusts, partnerships and other funding sources.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and delivering the organisation’s strategic plan
• Leading and supporting a small staff team
• Maintaining effective governance with the Board of Trustees
• Building partnerships and representing the organisation publicly
• Overseeing programmes and ensuring impact is measured and evidenced
• Leading fundraising and ensuring long-term financial sustainability
• Ensuring safeguarding, compliance and strong organisational management

We are looking for someone with:

• Senior leadership experience in the charity, education, community or social justice sectors
• A track record of strategic development and organisational growth
• Experience securing funding and managing organisational budgets
• Strong communication and partnership-building skills
• A clear commitment to equality, inclusion and social change
• Knowledge of alternative subcultures preferably gained from lived experience