Charity Operations Manager Jobs in Islington, Greater London
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Job Description – Commercial Manager (Maternity Cover)
Reporting to: Head of Food Partnerships
Location: Field based
Contract: 9 month FTC
Hours: Full Time, 35 Hours
Salary: £36,302-£38,213 (We normally offer a starting salary at the start of the range)
We welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are a Disability Confident Employer that welcome disabled applicants and provide reasonable adjustments.
About FareShare
FareShare is the UK’s national network of charitable food redistributors, made up of 18 independent organisations. Together, we take good quality surplus food from right across the food industry and get it to nearly 8,500 frontline charities and community groups.
The food we redistribute is nutritious and good to eat. It reaches charities across the UK, including school breakfast clubs, older people’s lunch clubs, homeless shelters, and community cafes. Every week we provide enough food to create almost a million meals for vulnerable people.
Every year, more than three million tonnes of food go to waste in the UK, enough for 7 billion meals. Meanwhile, the cost of living crisis is driving millions into food insecurity.
We are fortunate to benefit from the support of major retailers, the media, ambassadors and a groundswell of public engagement. As a result, there has never been a more exciting time to join an organisation at the heart of public consciousness.
FareShare’s Strategy & Vision
Vision: We have the vision of a UK where “No good food goes to waste”.
Mission: To use surplus, fit for consumption, food to feed those who are vulnerable in the UK by supporting front line charitable organisations that tackle the cause and not just the symptoms of food poverty.
Our Purpose: We are doers. We are a community. We change lives.
Our Values: Passion – for our cause and the challenge that lies ahead
Ambition – to go the extra mile and drive the change that must happen
Respect – for ourselves, each other, our volunteers, our partners and our beneficiaries
Collaboration – it’s only by working with others that we can be stronger
The role
This role will identify, develop and manage top food partners relationships and strengthen existing business relationships with companies in the food industry, generating value for the partner and to secure growing and sustainable volumes of surplus food for the FareShare Network.
For designated top food partners, you will be their day to day point of contact with regular face to face contact at all levels. You will undertake structured, strategic account management, leading and coordinating FareShare’s engagement across our organisation. This will mean agreeing and executing a bespoke joint business plan with each account to get more food, money and strategic support. You will also feedback on ways that we can better support our accounts and improve our services to them.
You will work directly and be on-site with top food partners to help identify and overcome the barriers which exist to giving surplus food to people in need as well as increasing money and strategic resource.
You will also be required to work closely with FareShare colleagues within FareShare and across the UK in our partner organisations in order to identify and understand opportunities for creating mutual and shared value.
Main areas of responsibility
Partnership Management
- Contribute to the development of consistent, structured Joint Business plans with designated accounts that take into account food, funding and other strategic initiatives to drive growth in food, money and other strategic resources.
- Work on behalf of the account to develop and embed services relevant to the account and
- agreed through the joint business plan – e.g. employability or store level redistribution.
- Execute joint business plans and report internally and externally on progress.
- Research and understand your accounts, including key ESG initiatives, waste streams, key personnel within the organisation that will help drive its success and engage the relevant internal departments through both desked based research and face to face contact.
- Proactively drive account forwards and progress these relationships with regular on-site visits and linking FareShare exec with key contacts.
- Keep up to date with industry and charity insights and ensure this is reflected back strategically across ways of working and account management
Project and Initiative Management
- Be responsible for managing and communicating key projects and initiatives to increase food volumes and strategic value, securing support from a range of stakeholders within food partners and across the FareShare network.
- Work closely with Supply Chain and Logistics, Operations and Network Development teams with the aim of optimising food out to our network
- Develop and lead FareShare cross-departmental strategic activity to enable us to derive maximum value from key food partners including liaising with fundraising, marketing and volunteering teams
Person specification
As an employer committed to Equal Opportunities, we will assess applications in line with these criteria that we consider either as being essential or desirable in this role.
Essential
- Demonstrable experience managing multiple accounts in the FMCG, food, retail or comparable sector with professionalism and integrity consistently meeting or exceeding challenging targets
- Good working knowledge of the key players across the food industry and their ways of working
- Successful track record of managing cross-functional projects to tight timescales and budgets, ensuring involvement of all key stakeholders
- Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships at a range of levels and across multiple functions with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to use own initiative working independently and responsibly
Desirable
- Experience of working in a retail or food industry sector
- Experience of project evaluation, data-driven analysis and impact reporting
- Relationship and stakeholder management experience of large corporate partners
- Knowledge of and interest in Sustainable Development, Corporate Social Responsibility and experience of its application within the business environment
Competencies and behaviours
- Proactive, organised and able to work under pressure, whilst maintaining excellent attention to detail
- Excellent written and verbal communication with effective presentation skills
- Good knowledge of Microsoft Offices packages, ideally at an advanced level and with a good
- level of numeracy and literacy
- Analytical and data-driven approach to problem solving
- Creative approach to problem solving and developing new opportunities and initiatives
Benefits
- Hybrid / Flexible working, with regular UK travel
- 28 days’ annual leave + 8 bank holidays
- Employers pension contribution
- Employee Assistance Program
- Interest free bicycl
Actively Interviewing
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About the role
At a time of growth and of new opportunities for the Motability Foundation, we are looking for a Public Affairs Manager to join our Communications Team and lead our Public Affairs activity for the organisation.
Our vision is to fund, support, research, and innovate, so all disabled people can make the journeys they choose. There are an estimated 16 million disabled people in the UK, and this role will play a crucial part in our work to raise awareness of the work of the Motability Foundation, amplify the voices of disabled people and to influence policy.
·This new role will work alongside our new Evidence and Policy Manager, based in our Innovation team, and other colleagues across the organization as well as key partners (Motability Operations), to manage our horizon scanning and monitoring of the political landscape, leading on advising our Governors, CEO and senior management team on actions we need to take, and preparing detailed briefings for engagements, and events with Parliamentarians and senior Ministers. The role holder will develop, implement and lead our Public Affairs and Government Engagement Plan, and proactively identify and develop opportunities to influence and shape policy where it may have a positive impact for disabled people.
With a General Election and potential welfare reform on the horizon, this role is especially important and experience in creating and implementing post-election public affairs strategies, leading activities across the team and devising and managing structured results reporting to the organisation, is highly desirable.
What you will be doing
- Develop, implement and manage our public affairs strategy, leading on public affairs activities aligned with the Motability Foundation’s vision and overall strategy.
- Amplify the Motability Foundation’s voice in Parliament, across the devolved nations, and in political spheres, building, developing and managing relationships with parliamentarians, decision-makers and stakeholders.
- Manage our horizon scanning and monitoring of the political, legislative and regulatory landscape in relation to the work of the Motability Foundation, leading on advising the business on actions we need to take.
- Provide sharp political intelligence, insight, advice and briefings for Governors, directors, senior management and a variety of audiences across the organization.
- Support the establishment of the Motability Foundation’s policy positions and delivering our influencing objectives.
- Manage a contact program for Parliamentarians, raising awareness of the work of the Motability Foundation, establishing regular meetings for senior leaders where relevant, and facilitating dialogue on issues relevant to our work.
- Working closely with the Evidence and Policy Manager to manage the dissemination of any policy output for presentation to the external world.
Your experience
Must haves:
- Strong grasp of parliamentary processes in Westminster, Scotland and the other devolved nations.
- Ability to initiate and manage projects independently while contributing effectively to team efforts.
- Experience in proactively identifying opportunities to influence.
- Strong communication skills, with an ability to grasp complex issues quickly and share information in an accessible way across a variety of audiences.
- Ability to facilitate sensitive internal and stakeholder conversations to reach a point of consensus.
- Ability to engage effectively with stakeholders in Government, industry, and other charities and foundations.
- Experience of operating effectively in a complex environment with multiple agendas and stakeholders.
- Highly IT literate with extensive experience of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
Nice to haves:
- Understanding of key disability and transport issues, such as the social model of disability, inclusive micro mobility and the transition to electric vehicles.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Leaders in Community (LiC) is an award-winning youth-led organisation with over 15 years' experience in delivering youth leadership and youth social action campaigns, supporting local young people challenge and overcome inequalities and barriers to progression.
As the Partnerships and Services Manager, you will report directly to the CEO and as such will be a member of the leadership team, to deliver Leaders in Community’s (LiC) work to empower young people and communities to improve quality of life and build a sustainable future in line with the Charity’s vision and mission. Working alongside the leadership team, you will oversee, and capacity build the services being delivered in our vibrant community centre, which is located in the historic East End of London.
Along with your CV, please provide a cover letter outlining why you are interested in applying for the role at Leaders in Community.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Our system keeps your personal information hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
About Us
Inspire is a charity based in East London. We inspire children and young people across London and beyond, using data to understand the barriers they face and connecting them with a range of employers and opportunities to open doors to their success.
We have over 30 years of experience in delivering high quality services and programmes to children, young people, schools, local authorities and employers. Working alongside our large network of employer volunteers, our programmes inspire and support children and young people to create a positive future for themselves in their journey from the classroom to workplace. We provide them with independent careers guidance, high aspirations and strong employability skills.
The Opportunity
An excellent opportunity has arisen for a reliable, conscientious and self-motivated individual to join the Inspire Management Information (MI) team as an MI Data Systems Manager.
Inspire provides a full MI service to the nine local authorities that make up the London East sub-region and we work in close partnership with wider London local authorities, career companies and other national partners to support the needs of young people through the intelligent use of management information. We have a reputation for providing insightful and informative data analysis to meet local and national requirements, always ensuring the highest standards of data integrity and security.
Key responsibilities of the MI Data Systems Manager include:
- Supporting the Deputy Director and Senior Systems Manager to develop, implement and manage the MI service.
- Monitoring of data integrity and quality within the database.
- Preparing the submission of mandatory management information to the Department for Education within set deadlines and to national standards.
- Supporting a MI helpline to users of the system.
- Interrogation of the database to conduct analysis and create reports.
- Developing and delivering training in the use of the database.
- Managing a team member.
- Taking lead responsibility for the production, analysis and presentation of MI reports.
- Maintaining a high level of understanding of all national requirements relating to the service.
- Contributing to effective teamwork and information sharing
Benefits
29 days annual leave plus bank holidays
3 volunteering days per year
Family friendly policies
Hybrid working arrangements
If you have the skills and desire to join our team, please see our job description and person specification for further details about the role.
How to Apply
If you wish to apply for this role, please provide your CV and include a covering letter outlining why you are suitable for the role, clearly addressing the requirements of the person specification.
Interviews will include a skills based test.
Closing date
Interviews will be held on a rolling basis. We will review applications as we receive them and aim to appoint as soon as we meet the right person. We reserve the right to close the application process early if we find a suitable candidate.
Unfortunately, due to the number of applications we receive we are unable to contact unsuccessful applicants.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Operations Manager is responsible for Dose of Nature’s day-to-day operational management, providing a welcoming and efficient front face and ensuring organisational effectiveness to support the delivery of Dose of Nature’s strategic objectives. This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic team player to join our warm and friendly charity team on a full-time basis for a period of one year, with the possibility of a part-time position thereafter. Dose of Nature is in an exciting phase as we continue to receive greater funding to expand our reach. The nature of the job responsibilities may require occasional flexible hours, including some evening and weekend hours up to 6 times per year, or adjusted beginning and ending times, for example to support with monthly evening training sessions.
Dose of Nature is a mental health charity whose objective is to improve the mental health and wellbeing of individuals through increased engagement with the natural world. Our work is rooted in a wealth of scientific evidence that demonstrates the physiological and psychological benefits of spending time in nature. We deliver ‘nature prescriptions’ to people referred by their GP with a wide range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction. Our Dose of Nature Prescription Programme is overseen by psychologists and is a genuine alternative to both medication and more traditional psychological interventions. Through a combination of education, first-hand experience, and practical and motivational support, we aim to encourage a greater connection with nature, and inspire lifestyle changes that will have a significant and lasting impact on mental wellbeing. Dose of Nature is a fun, supportive and lively organisation that encourages creativity and independence, as well as a strong sense of working together as a team.
The role is 37.5 hours per week and will involve working at Pensford Field, Kew, Monday to Wednesday from 9am-5:30pm and from home Thursday and Friday 9-5:30pm.
The details listed below set out the main responsibilities and duties of the post, but are neither exhaustive nor exclusive and the postholder may be required to undertake such other duties and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected of an employee of this grade.
Key responsibilities and duties
• To oversee the smooth running of the studio and field, ensuring Dose of Nature’s operational systems, processes and policies are fit-for-purpose, compliant with current legal requirements and are maintained effectively and efficiently.
• To be the initial point of contact for all enquiries, responding quickly and efficiently to requests for information and other enquiries from a wide range of stakeholders, including clients, volunteer guides and trustees, health professionals, supporters, media, and academic institutions.
• To be the main point of contact for volunteer guides; leading all aspects of the recruitment and induction process with the support from our Senior Administrator; and providing guidance and support to existing guides – including management of the on-going training programme.
• To manage the programme of regular group sessions – ensuring volunteer group leaders and participants have the support they need so the sessions run smoothly; ensuring volunteer group leaders and participants have the support they need so the sessions run smoothly; ensuring dedicated support is in place for each group and proactively managing the seasonal timetable.
• To assist the team in monitoring performance, including preparing internal and external performance reports on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis.
• To manage and oversee the booking system for all client appointments and to support psychologists as appropriate.
• To manage communication and marketing materials, including maintenance of website, developing and updating printed materials including promotional leaflets, training booklets, and weekly timetable communication emails and bi-annual newsletters. Work with Senior Administrator to distribute regular communications and materials and to maintain a dynamic collection of digital copy including photos, videos and media footage.
• To lead community relationship building for Dose of Nature, to include attending promotional and networking events from time to time.
• To assist the Chief Executive in the implementation and continued development of the Growth Strategy, including providing regular updates to trustees.
• To manage the internship and work experience programmes – overseeing recruitment, giving clear guidance on standards and day-to-day management support.
• To ensure statutory compliance with Health and Safety legislation – conducting risk assessments, monitoring performance and reviewing procedures.
• To plan and coordinate regular Dose of Nature community social events, including two half day events and monthly evening events and AGM.
• To monitor monthly spend and budgets including payment of expenses and incoming donations.
Person specification
Education: Educated to degree level or equivalent
Preferred experience (please see * below):
• Experience of setting-up and managing operational systems and processes
• Experiencing of collating, recording and presenting performance data
• Experience of working with vulnerable people
• Fluent English speaker (required)
• Driving licence (essential).
Skills:
• Strong organisational and project management skills – efficient, well-organised, able to prioritise and find practical solutions to issues.
• Well-developed skills in the ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing – able to present complex information in a concise and accessible manner; write letters and emails; write promotional material; collate reports; proof read.
• Demonstrated ability to provide excellent customer service and always be helpful.
• Confident and polite telephone manner, capable of handling client and supplier interactions professionally.
• Organised and methodical approach to planning and delivery, able to work under own initiative and manage competing priorities
• Good level of IT literacy and competency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook and Word), CRMs, and mobile devices; experience of setting up new systems and processes; competent in data analysis; keen eye for detail.
• High level relationship building and influencing skills – engaging and confident communication style.
• Integrity and experience of dealing appropriately with confidential and sensitive information.
Behaviour:
• Enthusiastic and committed to Dose of Nature’s vision and values – passionate about making a difference to the lives of people who are vulnerable and with mental health issues, through spending time in nature.
• Warm, open and sensitive – able to create rapport, build relationships and inspire confidence.
• Adaptable, flexible and practical – willing to roll sleeves up and do what’s needed to get the job done.
• Committed self-starter – with a can-do attitude towards all tasks, embracing challenges with enthusiasm and determination and able to work on own initiative with minimal supervision.
• Open to learn, receive feedback – committed to own professional development.
• Team player – able to work collaboratively; able to inspire and motivate others.
* If you do not fit all the criteria but have relevant skills and experience that could make you a good fit for the role, then we would love to hear from you. You do not need to have done this exact role before.
Benefits:
• Kind and caring colleagues who work collaboratively as a team.
• Flexibility to work from home for at least 40% of your time.
• Generous holiday entitlement.
• Pension scheme.
To apply to join our team, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and suitability for the role.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same? Do you have a genuine interest and passion to make a difference to women and their children?
We’re recruiting for an experienced Philanthropy Manager whose area of expertise securing multi-year, six-figure gifts from grant-making organisations; developing and managing a trusts and grants pipeline, including the application and reporting process, in order to build a reliable and sustainable income stream. The postholder will be responsible for all areas of trusts and grants fundraising, including writing compelling applications that solicit funding for Life’s vital work as well as reporting on our service delivery outcomes, maximising the opportunities for renewed funding.
The Philanthropy Manager (Trusts, Grants and Foundations) will be responsible for delivering a strategic approach to trusts, grants and foundations; working with service delivery areas of the organisation as well as the finance department, in order to create compelling projects, with measurable outcomes that can be reported on. The postholder will be able to articulate these projects into cases for support within written applications, matching projects with appropriate funders and delivering a compelling ask. This role requires the development of a trusts, grants and foundations pipeline, from research through to reporting, ensuring a sustainable and maximised income stream.
About Life:
Life’s a national pregnancy and maternal support charity that helps over 60,000 people a year. Through our services, we help people – whoever they are – to meet pregnancy or pregnancy loss with courage and dignity so they can flourish.
Our services include
- Supported housing and community support
- Counselling and skilled listening
- Free pregnancy tests and baby supplies
Our values
All our work is underpinned by the following universal human values:
- Humanity – All people are special and equal
- Solidarity – We’re with you and for you
- Community – We’re better together
- Charity – Doing good for one another
- Common good – Building a better world
Through our services, we help more than 45,000 people each year meet pregnancy or pregnancy loss with courage and dignity so they can flourish.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Head of Wellbeing and Grants – The Solicitors’ Charity
We’re looking for a Head of Wellbeing and Grants to provide collaborative leadership to the Wellbeing and Grants Team and its operations, which are the centre of the Charity’s core charitable activities. As well as running a personal caseload, you’ll work with the team to develop a systematic approach/methodology to case management practice and review, rooted in case management best practice.
Salary c£56,500 to c£63,500 rising to c£57,500 to £64,500 after a 6-month probationary period. The point on these salary ranges at which you will be paid is dependent on your location.
Flexible working arrangements are possible, including homeworking with occasional attendance in person at meetings, largely in central London. Most staff work from home, though we also have an office in southwest London (SW12).
The Head of Wellbeing and Grants role
We have recently agreed our strategy for 2024-2026 and one of the focus areas will be, with the CEO and others, to ensure the successful implementation of the 3-year Strategy, focussing on the Wellbeing and Grants aspects of the strategic aims.
As holder of this senior role, you will lead in collaboratively designing and implementing a consistent methodology for, and systematic approach to, new and existing clients contacting the Charity. You’ll also ensure that the tools and technology used to do this are in place, used consistently and reviewed regularly. As well as management oversight of the Wellbeing and Grants Team, you will also hold a personal caseload and be expected to support Case Managers with particularly challenging cases.
We’re looking for someone with at least 10 years’ experience in casework practice in a client support or advice setting dealing with conversations with people with complex needs and sometimes in distress. And with at least 3-5 years’ experience in leading/managing a client support function like casework or grants/awards team.
Other key demonstrable skills and experience include having completed other relevant qualifications/training and courses in the sphere of advice and support work e.g. counselling, case management practice, therapeutic approaches et al.
Why should you join us at The Solicitors’ Charity?
We are a small (but growing), friendly, largely virtual organisation with an enthusiastic, skilled, and experienced workforce. We are excited to have finalised our new strategy that will ensure we embed a holistic approach to improving the wellbeing of solicitors in need and their dependents.
Besides competitive salaries we have generous pension arrangements (up to 10% matched employer/employee contributions) and holiday entitlement (30 days plus Bank Holidays for a full-time member of the team, and an additional day on or near your birthday). There are Employee Assistance and staff discounts programmes in place, and we are flexible about working arrangements (hours and location). We also are piloting a Wellbeing Award of up to £500/year.
To apply:
i) please send a concise CV (2-3 pages) plus
ii) a covering letter of no more than 2 pages fully and clearly explaining how you meet each of the criteria set out in the job description and person specification to the address given in HOW TO APPLY
Deadline: Noon on Weds 15th May 2024.
Please also address any questions to this email account.
Initial interviews: 24th May 2024 (tbc).
These may be held online. Please note, if we receive a high number of applications, we may close this advertisement early. We encourage you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
English for Action
Operations Lead
Salary: £23,595 (£39325 pro-rated) (likely increase from August 1st to keep up with inflation)
Hours: 22.5 (3 days) per week
Location: Work from home, with occasional meetings in London required (travel at employee’s expense).
Duration of contract: permanent
Closing date for Easy Apply applications: Tuesday May 7th, end of day
Closing date for further applications: Wednesday May 15th, end of day
Interviews to be held on: Friday May 17th in the afternoon
Reporting to: The trustee HR subgroup and a line manager on the Executive Team
The role at a glance: Leading on EFA’s operations, with particularly emphasis on financial management and HR support for our small team of (currently) 8 employees. You’ll develop and administer our People policies, practices and culture to support EFA as a happy, equitable place to work and an effective mission-focused organisation. Scope for both day-to-day care for our systems and creative improvement of how we do things. In addition, to oversee EFA finances; payments received and paid, budgeting, monitoring any financial risks and advising with records/reports to the board of trustees and staff team on a monthly basis. Read more about the role.
You at a glance: You’re passionate about the community organising and education work we do with migrants in London and the radical participatory ethos of EFA London. You bring strong experience of ‘People work’ and governance of groups or organisations (whether paid or unpaid), with an interest in how to bring the best of conventional operations practisce into a team interested in a more equal distribution of power. You’re a ‘people person’, combining strong communication skills with a strategic eye on moving towards solutions. You’re committed to anti-oppression and promoting healthy workplaces for staff. You have a fastidious approach to the administration which underpins all of this.
About EFA
English for Action provides free, participatory, and empowering English language classes (ESOL) for migrants in London. Our classes are spaces to build community and support students to organise collectively around issues like employment and housing rights. Our work currently supports around 500 adult migrants across London. We’ve become a national centre of good practice for a radical participatory approach to ESOL, informed by the work of Paulo Freire, and we share this approach through trainings, research and partnerships.
Organisation: We are a staff team of 8 people supported by a larger team of volunteers and 9 trustees. EFA promotes shared leadership and collaboration and we aim for our organisational structure to reflect this. In the last 4 years we’ve transitioned away from having a CEO to an executive team to oversee operations and decision-making - which you could be elected to join following your probation period. We’re still in transition and there is scope to make a real contribution to developing innovative practice within our workplace. As a charity, ultimate responsibility for, and control of, the organisation lies with the Board of Trustees.
EFA employee benefits include:
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Pension scheme with employer matched contribution, currently at 6%.
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Pay rises in line with inflation wherever possible (we have a flat pay structure)
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Tech and cycle scheme
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Flexible working possible based on your needs
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Continuous Personal Development actively encouraged and training opportunities explored.
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Enhanced annual leave: starts with 24 days per annum pro rata, rising to 32 days per annum pro rata plus Bank Holidays (pro-rata for part-time hours) after probation, with some restrictions on when holidays must be taken.
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Full entitlement to days off for sickness (including mental ill-health), compassionate leave, bereavement leave, and parental leave
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Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental leave pay
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Enhanced sick pay
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Collaborative decision making on organisational strategy and practice
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Working within an organisation that makes a huge difference in communities across London and the UK.
Recruitment process / how to apply
We know applying to jobs can be time consuming! And often candidates with lots of relevant experience can be put off if they don’t fit every part of the job description.
So, we’re using an ‘Easy Apply’ form, where you can attach a CV and fill out three questions to express interest in this role. Even if you are not sure you quite fit all the specifications - give it a go. It may take as little as 10 minutes.
We’ll then encourage you to apply at Stage 2 if we feel you have relevant skills and
experience. You’ll then have another week to complete a few further questions.
Get in touch if you’d like to chat informally about any aspect of this job description or the role:
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Every 6 minutes someone learns that they are losing their sight. Every five hours, a baby is born with sight problems. In these moments, two profound questions emerge:
• Can this be stopped?
• How do I (or my child) live this life?
The merger of Fight for Sight and Vision Foundation on 1st April 2023 will enable us to address both questions. By combining our strengths and expertise we’ll be the only significant national funder with the efficiency, capability, and capacity to increase investment in medical research and social improvement. Together we can mitigate both the prevalence and impact of sight loss.
We have a clear ambition, led by our CEO, Keith Valentine, who has valuable lived experience of sight loss. This ambition includes retail growth plans and an income generation strategy to open more shops over the next 5 years. We currently operate 11 shops selling donated goods, including an online eBay shop.
We are now looking for experienced, committed, and creative individuals to join our dynamic team as we devise and launch a new five-year strategy. You’ll be part of something impactful, we’d love to hear from you.
The Muswell Hill Shop Manager will play a crucial role in the future growth of our newly merged charity and the impact that we can achieve through partnership for people with sight loss.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
Responsible to
Area Manager
Direct reports
Immediately responsible for recruiting and developing a team of dedicated volunteers. In due course the role and responsibilities may grow in line with organisational growth and priorities.
Working hours and contract
Permanent, full-time
Salary
£23,933 plus OTE Bonus
Location
Muswell Hill
Role Responsibilities:
Purpose of Job
· To coach, lead and manage a team of volunteers
· Drive sales performance to exceed targets, maximising cost efficiency
· Maximise shop profits through delivery of the retail strategy, including income, gift aid donor sign up and conversion, donations and other income generators.
· To achieve compliance with relevant regulation e.g., health and safety and safeguarding, whilst adhering to all policies and procedures
· To promote strong relations within the local community to enhance the profile and good name of the charity
Main Responsibilities
· To deliver shop income plan
· To achieve gift aid income objectives, donor sign up and conversion. Improving processes to deliver maximum value, coaching colleagues to success
· To support and manage volunteer pricing to ensure items are processed in line with policies and procedures, recognising and thanking the team for their contribution
· To develop a culture of ownership and follow up within own team and volunteers
· To adhere to safe, legal & secure requirements and standards for the shop, both front and back of house
· To induct, train and coach new colleagues, as evidenced through induction paperwork and development plans
· To role model and promote effective team communication, celebrating success and sharing best practice
· To liaise closely with the Warehouse Manager, Area Support and Volunteer Manager and Area Manager
· To role model exceptional customer service to supporters and donors, providing feedback in a timely manner
· To ensure the highest standards of customer care and service are demonstrated by self, line reports and volunteers
· Promote, monitor and act on internal and external customer feedback
· To evidence effective local networking to generate donations and volunteer engagement, including local business and other stakeholders
· To monitor and check security of stock and debrief variances with the Area Manager
· To proactively assess own development needs and seek out development opportunities to enhance contribution to Retail objectives and operations
· To take ownership of good housekeeping for all areas of responsibility
· To accept responsibility and carry out any other task commensurate to the role
Person specification:
Skills, knowledge & experience
Sales and Profit
· Monitor and be accountable for sales and category performance, as well as ensure that the team are aware of and engaged in the shop’s financial performance
· Foster a creative and entrepreneurial shop environment where team members seek to maximise income in new and innovative ways both within the shop and through a variety of channels, such as community events
· Manage the team to maximise income from Gift Aid on donated products
· Ensure that all of Vision Foundation financial procedures are adhered to and executed in a timely fashion by the shop team
Shop Floor
· Ensure sourcing sufficient levels of donated stock locally in collaboration with the shop team
· Establish efficient and commercially successful stock processing systems (such as pricing, quality standards, consumer safety, stock density and culling stock), including backroom systems and ensure these are adhered to by the volunteer team. Ensure that all legal and Vision Foundation internal regulations regarding donated stock are adhered to
· Inspire the team to provide a great customer and donor experience, which enables The Vision Foundation to attract new supporters every day. Ensure that feedback, including complaints are escalated to the Area Manager within the agreed timeframes
· Empower the team to create original, appropriate and commercially successful visual merchandising displays, including shop windows
· Make sure that all procedures for the sale of new products are followed by the volunteer team (if applicable)
· Work with the Area Manager to ensure our shops are in good condition, maximise their potential and are fit for purpose
· Provide a safe and healthy working environment and ensure that all team members are aware of and operate within Vision Foundation’s health and safety policies and procedures, including waste management and customer safety
Leadership - Volunteers
· Recruit, induct, and retain an inclusive and diverse volunteer team, which is large enough in numbers and capable to maximise the shop’s income and profitability and guarantee the smooth running of the shop.
· Maintain an empowered, well trained, motivated and engaged volunteer team with excellent levels of communication at team and individual level.
· Connect the volunteer team with Vision Foundation’s work and help them to understand the value of their contribution
Leadership - Paid Staff
· Recruit, induct, and retain an inclusive and diverse volunteer team, which is large enough in numbers and capable to maximise the shop’s income and profitability and guarantee the smooth running of the shop.
· Maintain an empowered, well trained, motivated and engaged volunteer team with excellent levels of communication at team and individual level.
· Connect the volunteer team with Vision Foundation’s work and help them to understand the value of their contribution.
Management - being part of Vision Foundation
· Play active part in the charity, including attending and contributing to all-staff meetings
· Play a key role in enabling the shop to represent Vision Foundation and increase the knowledge of the local community about our mission and work
· Be accountable for the integration of the shop into the local community in collaboration with the shop team
· Empower the team to respond to all appeals and fundraising opportunities.
· Adhere to and enforce Vision Foundation’s safeguarding policies.
Other
· Required to adhere to Vision Foundation’s vision, mission and values
· Understanding of and commitment to adhere to equality, diversity, and staff health and wellbeing principles
Personal qualities
· The ability to work under pressure whilst remaining calm and organised
· To be receptive to change and to act as a change agent
· The ability to maintain excellent rapport with staff, volunteers, supporters, and donors
· To demonstrate a calm and logical approach to problem solving
· To consistently demonstrate a dedicated approach to the quality of customer service and team working.
· Comfortable working in a small team both strategically and operationally
· Commitment to teamwork, business partnering and a collegiate approach – with a ‘can do’ attitude and a sense of humour.
· Able to provide positive, dynamic, tenacious and flexible leadership at all times.
· Results-driven, able to measure and quantify own outcomes.
· Adaptable to changing landscape and evolving organisation.
· Willing and able to operate at pace in an organisation going through rapid change, using your initiative and delivering to tight deadlines
· Excellent verbal and written communication skills
· Highly organised with ability to plan effectively and allocate resources appropriately.
· An understanding of and commitment to London’s blind and partially sighted people.
Flexibility
· The role description is a general outline of duties and responsibilities and may be amended as the newly merged charity develops and the role grows. The post holder may be required to undertake other duties as may be reasonably required from time to time.
When writing job applications, we want to see if candidates are the right fit for our charity, so they should be written using your own words. Use of Artificial Intelligence, such as Chat GPT, is considered plagiarism, and applications drafted with the assistance of AI will be automatically rejected.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Organisation Summary
Earthed (part of Initiative Earth Charity) is an exciting start-up charity with a dynamic mission to promote ecosystem restoration and agroecology. Earthed enables access to skill-based courses led by teachers from around the world as well as access to engaged networks and the grants you need to start restoring your local ecosystems or growing your own food. It’s here for anyone, anywhere, who wants to restore the air we breathe, the water we drink, the land we farm and the food we eat.
As a growing organization, Earthed is at a pivotal moment, providing an excellent opportunity for a Finance & Operations Manager to contribute to meaningful environmental change and organisational development.
Role Summary
- Lead the financial management, including accounting, budgeting, reporting, and strategic planning.
- Oversee HR, administration, legal, and compliance, ensuring smooth operations.
- Work closely with senior leadership to align financial and operational strategies.
- Manage financial controls, procedures, and systems.
- Collaborate with various departments for effective budgeting and operational management.
Role Requirements
- Demonstrated accounting expertise in a growth environment.
- Proven financial management and accounting experience including budgeting, statutory reporting, and management accounts.
- Familiarity with the financial processes of a member-based organization.
- Understanding of charity compliance and a background in charitable organizations.
- Experience with CRMs and strong IT skills.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to manage multiple projects.
- A passion for ecosystem restoration and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Desirable: Qualified accountant, policy development, alternative finance, and contract management experience.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Contract: Permanent, full time, 35 hours per week
Salary: £42,000 - £45,000
Location: Remote
Closing date: Sunday 19 May 2024
We’re recruiting a Fundraising Resource Manager (High Value). This is a new role to take the lead and manage the operations and resource required to make Blue Cross high-value fundraising thrive!
More about the role
You will be joining our Philanthropy Team that's responsible for managing relationships with, and securing donations from, mid and major value individuals and trusts & foundations. The team has recently transitioned to a new team structure with a new set of ambitions and plans, and more formalised support across the organisation, at all levels, to enable the team to deliver.
As part of these changes, a new role of Fundraising Resource Manager (High Value) has been created, to lead on the operation and resource requirements of high value at Blue Cross, including:
- leading on the development of fundraising opportunities and propositions, including the management of funding opportunity information and case for support resource
- overseeing the delivery of high-quality prospect research and driving pipeline performance through delivery of prospecting plans and lead generation
- providing insight and performance information to help inform strategy, including the management of CRM, financial, and KPI reporting requirements
- operational delivery of team processes and the events and stewardship programme to support effect donor engagement
- management of a Fundraising Resource Officer, building an effective fundraising resource team for the future
This is an exciting time to join Blue Cross as we embark on a refreshed organisation strategy from 2024- 2026, with high value playing a key part in driving forward our strategic priorities.
The Fundraising Resource Manager (High Value) role is integral to the delivery of effective fundraising at Blue Cross, and as such is a great opportunity for someone who wants to shape something new and have a tangible impact within the charity, and for the pets and people we help!
About you
You will have experience supporting high-value fundraising teams and a curiosity for, as well as a passion for, high-value and relationship-based fundraising. Your approach is bold and brave, and you think creatively about identifying opportunities.
As a strategic thinker, you will be confident taking the lead on the operational requirements of a team, with efficiency and effectiveness at the core of your approach.
You will naturally be able to solve problems through creative thinking; you will know how to demonstrate data and insight analysis and prospect research to direct the performance of a successful major gift fundraising or business intelligence team.
You will understand the importance of adhering to industry legislation, and work with a high degree of professionalism, confidentiality, and discretion.
Your can-do attitude will unlock valuable opportunity for the team you support!
Knowledge, skills, and experience
Experience in some or all of the below:
- funding opportunity portfolio planning and management
- developing supporter orientated propositions and Cases for Support
- identifying and researching high level major gift prospects in support of the successful solicitation of 5 and 6 figure gifts
- developing and maintaining processes for prospect identification, qualification, research, and tracking
- information management and interrogating and analysing data, to draw meaningful insights that support strong fundraising performance
- designing and producing a range of reports, ideally from a CRM as well as offline, to support and drive performance
- improving processes to achieve financial and non-financial objectives
- management of stewardship products/programmes and/or events
- supporting high-value fundraising teams
- line management
- liaising and working collaboratively with internal stakeholders at all levels
- comprehensive understanding of managing personal data in accordance with GDPR, data protection legislation and fundraising ethics
- ability to demonstrate, understanding and apply our Blue Cross values.
Want to know more detail? Great! We have attached the job description which hopefully gives you everything you need.
In other organisations, this job title may also be called “High Value/Major Giving Support Manager” “High Value/Major Giving Operations Manager“ “High Value/Major Donor Fundraising Specialist”, “Fundraising Development Manager”
How to apply
Click the apply button and complete the online application process before the closing date Sunday 19 May 2024.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response.
Blue Cross benefits
Our people are the most important part of delivering our purpose. If it were not for their amazing efforts and commitment, we would not be able to make the difference that we do today.
In return, Blue Cross wants to ensure we provide you with the best working environment we can. We want you to be happy working for us and will do everything we can to make sure you are.
Our generous benefits package includes:
- Full time equivalent of 38 days holiday rising to 43 with service (including Bank Holidays)
- Programmes for physical and mental wellbeing support
- Free access to GP via MetLife- 24/7 GP services, private prescriptions and more for you and your family
- Free physiotherapy advice and face to face intervention
- Health cash plan
- Unlimited access to an employee assistance programme
- Pension scheme with enhanced employer contribution
- Professional fees paid with Continuing Professional Development and Personal development support.
- Life assurance
- 20% discount on Pet Plan pet insurance
- Enhanced family friendly policies
- Recognition scheme
- Annual volunteer days
- Charity worker discounts across a variety of retailers
To read more about the benefits Blue Cross has to offer, please visit the 'why work for us' page on our website.
About Blue Cross
Blue Cross is a national charity that has been helping sick, injured and homeless pets since 1897.
Every month we help thousands of pets and their people by providing veterinary care, expert behaviour advice and find homeless pets loving families. We also offer education for future generations plus pet bereavement support for those who have lost their beloved pet companion.
We love the ways that pets can make such an amazing difference to the people they live with and we offer lifelong support and advice to help that unique relationship thrive. With your support we can give back to more pets and their families who need our help.
Pets change lives. We change theirs.
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion
We believe that every pet should enjoy a healthy life in a happy home, and we always seek to recruit the best people who share our values and commitment so we can continue to help and support pet owners across the UK to achieve this.
At Blue Cross, we want you to feel that you belong, without the need to hide any part of who you are.
Diversity and inclusion at Blue Cross means creating a workplace where all people, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, nation or country of origin, disability, age, and socioeconomic backgrounds are welcome, respected, supported, and have access to equal opportunities.
We are working hard to reflect the world we live in and the communities we serve at every level of our organisation. As much as we have made positive advances, we consider diversity and inclusion to be a work in progress – a continual commitment that remains a priority for all of us.
If you would like to talk to us about any reasonable adjustments or changes to our recruitment process to support you to be your best, then please get in touch with the Blue Cross team via our website.
Our values
Our values define the way we do things. We use them every day to guide us, and to make sure we put people and pets at the heart of everything we do.
Compassionate: We listen, we are non-judgmental, we are kind and caring to the pets and people we encounter, and we offer support in difficult times
Courageous: We make brave decisions, embrace change, and encourage innovation, ensuring we always act with integrity – doing the right thing even when no one is looking
Inclusive: We value all our relationships and work in an open and positive culture where we celebrate our diverse talents and empower you to be you
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
At Guy’s & St Thomas’ Foundation, our mission is crystal clear – to lay the foundations of a healthier society. Nestled in the heart of Southwark, London, our foundation boasts a rich history. We operate in collaboration with our local NHS hospitals through our charity brands. Additionally, we establish partnerships with local organizations, offering funding to drive essential programs, delivered through our subsidiary organization, Impact on Urban Health.
We are recruiting for a Fundraising Compliance Manager looking to make a difference in how we fundraise and support our fundraising charities: Guy’s & St Thomas’ Charity, Evelina London Children’s Charity and Guy’s Cancer Charity.
The successful candidate will need to be a detail orientated, solution focused, project manager with expert knowledge in fundraising and data protection regulations. We are looking for someone to lead and maintain a culture of compliance across all elements of fundraising and supporter engagement in this stand alone role.
As our Fundraising Compliance Manager, you will be the focal point for compliance, providing guidance and advice to colleagues ensuring that we have sufficient controls and processes in place across all areas of fundraising. In addition, you will provide comprehensive front line and administrative support, to facilitate best practice across Fundraising/Charity regulation and the General Data Protection Regulation and help embed this in our ways of working. You will produce and deliver training and supporting documents to upskill staff and to ensure consistency across the team, as well as identifying areas for improvement and development. You will keep your knowledge up-to-date and will be confident in communicating with staff at all levels and with varying levels of understanding; in an engaging and accessible manner.
Excellent organisation and project management skills will be required to ensure that projects and the day-to-day delivery and reporting of compliance is on track.
Key Responsibilities
Overarching responsibilities
- To oversee and be the main port of call for all compliance, data protection and gift administration queries in respect of fundraising.
- To develop and maintain robust operational frameworks, processes, systems and governance structures for compliance and gift administration that instil confidence and assurance in our fundraising operations and our ability to fulfil our contractual obligations as data processors and controllers.
- To provide guidance to fundraising colleagues and other stakeholders on compliance and data protection queries.
- To develop and maintain a culture of compliance across the Foundation through developing and delivering training and producing guidelines and departmental policies.
- To conduct periodic reviews or audits (to include external suppliers) to ensure that compliance procedures are followed and fit for purpose.
Gift Administration and Implementation
- Support our fundraising colleagues to maximise their income and engage with supporters in a compliant way
- Triage and respond to gift administration and compliance queries and requests within defined service level times
- Produce and keep updated, relevant guidance, tools and resources for colleagues across the fundraising function
- Develop new strategies to provide the best support for our fundraisers and work to build new and lasting relationships with key stakeholders
- Advise senior stakeholders on the benefits and risks of our activities and advise on the best course of action
- Working with the legal team, develop and maintain the appropriate gift agreements and similar documents, supporter communications and online pages, and support fundraising colleagues and supporters to complete the appropriate paperwork ·
- Manage the Fundraising Support email address/enquiry channels
- Ensure policies around philanthropy and gift management are up to date and disseminated appropriately across the Foundation.
Fundraising compliance and data protection
- To evaluate and apply the Data Protection principles to variable and challenging scenarios, supporting colleagues to find solutions to their problems within the limits of the law.
- Ensuring we are aware of and reacting to any fundraising and data protection regulations changes. Regulations include GDPR/UK Data Protection Act 2021, Fundraising Regulator's Code of Fundraising Practice, Charity Commission guidelines, BACS, and PCI DSS Compliance. HMRC Gift aid guidelines.
- Recognise that a change in procedure or legislation external to the Foundation has implications and who needs to be notified of the changes.
- Produce and continually monitor our operational policies; modelling best practices against the Fundraising Regulator's Code of Fundraising Practice
- Responsible for reviewing all fundraising contracts and third-party agreements for data capture to ensure they are in line with all compliance regulations, ensuring our supporter data is adequately protected, any new fundraising processes and procedures are compliant, and fulfilling the operational commitments associated. Suggest and negotiate amendments, and if the necessary compliance clauses cannot be met then decline authorisation to work with that third party.
- Assess data risks and complete Data Protection Impact Assessments where required, being prepared to work with colleagues to pull together the relevant information and present to the data protection lead for sign off. ·
Leadership
- Where necessary, be prepared to make pragmatic decisions on where we should be focusing resources.
- To develop a programme of training and guidelines to cover complicated rules and processes in a concise and accessible manner. To identify and address where the knowledge gaps exist.
- Monitor workflows and procedures identifying and implementing new efficiencies to increase work output and reduce service delivery timeframes
Skills and Experience
Essential criteria
- Experience of working in a compliance or similar function
- Experience of working in fundraising or with fundraisers
- Project management experience, leading multi-faceted projects
- Experience of working in a regulated environment
- Experience in creating and delivering strategic objectives and plans
- Experience of reviewing a variety of legal agreements, including gift agreements and similar documentation
- Experience of writing policies and procedures Knowledge of the Raiser's Edge or similar fundraising CRM system (desirable) or demonstrable ability to get quickly to grasp with new data systems Essential criteria
- Extensive knowledge of UK Data Protection legislation (in particular UK GDPR and PECR), Fundraising Regulations (Code of Fundraising Practice and Charity Commission regulations) and a track record of how to apply them.
- Problem-solving skills
- Ability to understand and interpret complex legislation, regulations and guidance and make it accessible to others.
- Ability to constructively challenge the status quo and see alternative solutions to overcome barriers.
- Excellent team player willing to be flexible to support colleagues in a busy environment.
- Numerate with the ability to record and assimilate complex information accurately
- Excellent time management with the ability to prioritise the work of a team and produce high-quality outputs
Benefits
- Up to 12% employer pension contribution.
- Annual personal development budget.
- Annual health and wellbeing personal allowance.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, and parental leave pay accessible without length of service requirements.
- Health and wellbeing programme that offers optional free yearly health check-ups.
- Support for healthy eating via fruit bowls and onsite lunch facilities.
- Agile working, flexible hours, and supportive IT Kit.
- Shower facilities and bike lock area.
- Generous annual leave (27 days + bank holidays)
- Subsidies for glasses
- Employee Assistance Programme
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Director of Small Charity
Are you passionate about building community strength and resilience? Interested in managing a small charity with big ambitions?
We are looking for community-focused person, with vision, skills and enthusiasm to become the first Director of our small charity and help to deliver our ambitious plans. Our Roehampton is a registered charitable company that is embarking on an exciting period of development to establish itself as a community-led anchor organisation for Roehampton in the London Borough of Wandsworth.
You could be someone who’s managed a community organisation before or has experience of managing projects in a community setting and now wants to take on a leadership role. The successful candidate will have proven community development and engagement skills as well as be able to work strategically to lead and support the development of the charity; you will be equally comfortable supporting a group of residents with ideas for a new activity, hosting a meeting of the Roehampton Network and liaising with local authority or health partners on strategic matters. You will have experience of staff and/or volunteer management and have the organisational skills to ensure Our Roehampton runs as a safe, legally compliant organisation. You’ll have a track record of embedding equality, diversity and inclusion understanding into your work.
Given Our Roehampton is a place-based anchor organisation, we are looking for someone willing to work locally most of the time so you can really understand the area and develop strong relationships.
The Job Pack contains the Role Descripton and Person Specifiction plus a Background and Context.The Pack also has contact details if you have questions or would like further information about the role, as well as how to book up for one of our Visit Sessions. These have been so you can come and meet us and see where we are.
These are on:
Friday 26 April 3pm - 5pm and Thursday 2 May 10am – 12 noon
To apply you'll need to send via Quick Apply the following:
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your CV, including details of two referees
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a covering letter (no more than 2 pages, outlining how you meet the Person Specification criteria 1-11 that will be assessed at application)
Deadline for applications 10am on Wed 8 May
Please note that interviews are scheduled for Wed 15 May
To apply submit via Quick Apply the following:
- your CV, including details of two referees
- a covering letter (no more than 2 pages, outlining how you meet the Person Specification criteria 1-11 that will be assessed at application) and stating if you are applying for the role on a full-time basis or 28hrs pw (.8 role).
Deadline for applications: 10am on Wed 8 May
Please note interviews have been scheduled for Wednesday 15 May
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Task Ahead: Finance Manager
As The Difference moves from its early start-up phase into the delivery of our 2025-30 strategy, our programmes and sector-influencing work are expanding to reach more schools and to deepen our impact. Alongside this growth, our team - and the operational function which supports them - is also growing.
As Finance Manager, you will be a key member of the Finance & Operations team. You will hold end-to-end responsibility for the finance function, from reconciliations to budgeting. You will decide where and how our existing processes could be improved, as well as developing new systems that will underpin our work as a larger and more established charity. You will be supported by the Director of People, Finance & Operations, as well as our external auditors.
The Difference is still a small and growing charity. This means that our work is fast-paced, our roles are broad, and there is a culture of being reactive and flexible, as the needs of the organisation evolve. If this sounds exciting rather than daunting, then this could be the role and team for you!
Areas of Responsibility
The Difference is looking for a Finance Manager to lead our finance function in the following ways:
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Oversee our internal bookkeeping, payment, and accounting processes, and improve these systems ongoingly.
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Lead on budgeting and forecasting across the organisation, supporting teams to predict income and expenditure and make sound financial decisions.
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Lead on the production of management accounting information, including internal monthly management accounts, quarterly reports for Trustees, and financial reports for investors.
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Lead on The Difference’s audit process, with external auditors.
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Work with the Development & Impact Manager to update fundraising pipelines, and ensure the availability of high quality income projections for Trustees.
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Support accurate budgeting and reporting for grant funding, including tracking spend of restricted funds.
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Support business planning by working with teams to model potential future work - e.g. costs of expansion of an existing programme; modelling potential new programmes.
Person Specification
Essential – We are looking for the following skills, aptitude and experience; though you may be stronger in some areas than others:
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Values – Your experience evidences shared values with The Difference (see below) and a personal commitment to our mission to improve life outcomes for vulnerable people.
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Finance experience, operational and strategic – Experience across all areas of finance, from accurate invoicing, payments and record-keeping, through to setting and managing budgets, financial modelling and forecasting, and working with external accountants or auditors.
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Finance process development – Experience of developing finance systems; the ability to recognise how processes could be continuously improved, and enact this improvement.
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Leadership of self and others – Confident in identifying skills or information gaps within your team, and drawing on the expertise of others to address these gaps. Able to show how you've continually grown your own skills and those of your team members so that together you can efficiently cover workload and plan ahead.
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Proactive problem-solving – Ability to thrive in a fast-paced start-up environment and to problem-solve: from rolling sleeves up and diving into detail to working collaboratively to build capacity.
Desired – You are more likely to be successful in your application if you have one or more of the following additional experiences:
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Accounting qualification and experience - Some form of accounting qualification and post-qualification experience.
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Early-stage charity/social enterprise experience – You may have specific experience growing charities or businesses for social good at the early or start-up phase.
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Experience of charity finances – You may have worked for or supported other charities, and have experience of working with philanthropic grants, charity accounting, and governance.
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Insight into schools – You may have experience working in the education sector, whether that’s through working for a business or charities that partnered with schools, or through working in a school yourself.
Why Work for The Difference?
Schooling isn’t working for the children who need it most. Every week in England 109 children – equivalent to three full classrooms – are permanently excluded. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Since the pandemic, school suspensions have risen significantly, as has persistent absenteeism. 1 in 5 children are missing more than 10% of their time in school. Children who are excluded or persistently absent are much more likely to already be experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage. They are more likely to live in poverty, have additional learning needs, suffer mental health challenges, or experience a lack of safety outside school. Certain ethnicities are also disproportionately affected, notably Gypsy Roma Traveller and black Caribbean children.
Exclusion and high rates of absence can have a dramatic effect on life chances. These young people are more likely to drop out of education or employment, become vulnerable to long-term mental ill health, or be at risk of criminal exploitation. The Difference believes that children and young people deserve better and that the education system has to change.
Our Organisation
The Difference is a young education charity, founded to change the story on lost learning. By 2030, we want rates of exclusion and absence to be falling nationally and for schools to be better equipped to support all children, including those who may be vulnerable. The Difference was born out of a year of research into school exclusions with think-tank IPPR. This research identified a lack of inclusion expertise in schools and proposed a new leadership development programme to fill this gap. In 2018, Difference founder Kiran hired the team who took this idea from concept to reality, beginning work with our first schools.
The Difference is now a 22-strong team delivering multiple school leadership programmes, alongside a growing research and policy arm. The team is supported by our Youth Advisory Board, made up of young people who have experienced exclusion and who provide their expertise and insights on how school inclusion work should be done. This work is needed more than ever. Effects of COVID-19, coupled with the spiralling cost of living, have substantially increased levels of vulnerability. Schools serving excluded pupils face under-funding. The Difference has had excellent early impact but there is work ahead to capture this, share learning with schools and policy-makers, and grow our capacity to lower exclusions across England.
Our Values
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High Expectations - We are ambitious for excellence from young people, colleagues and ourselves. We don’t believe in writing off someone’s potential because of their identity or experience of crisis.
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Strong Relationships - We prioritise genuine relationships over transactional interactions, and know that this requires deliberate relational practice. We see colleagues and partners as people first and their roles second; and know this greater trust allows us to take more risks, gain more feedback and have greater impact.
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Internalised Locus of Control - We work hard to reframe difficult situations to discover what we have within our power in terms of solutions. We take it upon ourselves to walk towards challenges and can take a high level of ownership and agency in our work/
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Pragmatism - We believe leadership means recognising current limitations and striving for improvements within and beyond them. We develop consensus and chart new ways forward, challenging false and extreme positions like “zero exclusions” or “no excuses”.
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Scientific approach - We take a diagnostic approach to unpicking causes of problems. We are loud and proud of our failures, recognising failing fast and often is key to finding the best solutions. We test solutions and are willing to use data and feedback to make adjustments and choose new directions.
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Not Squeamish about Structural Inequality - We believe patterns of inequality can and should be disrupted. We strive to be clear-eyed about these inequalities, and both the individual practice and system-changes required to address them. We push ourselves to overcome awkwardness in talking about this; and begin by acknowledging our own biases and blind spots.
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Asset-based - We work hard to avoid deficit thinking and aim to start with what’s strong, not what’s wrong. We are careful not to frame our colleagues and stakeholders - particularly young people and families – as victims but instead to recognise their agency.
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Wise selves - To both enjoy work and do their best, we want to make decisions and work with others in our “wise” - or regulated - selves. We also want to bring our compassionate self to those we work with, externally and internally, to support one another through challenging times.
How To Apply
To apply, please complete all sections of the application form by midnight on Sunday 19th May.
First round interviews will be held during the week beginning 27th May, over video call. Please indicate if you would not be available to attend an interview during this week.
If successful in this stage, second round interviews (including a task to be completed the same day) will take place on the week beginning 3rd June, at our office in Bethnal Green.
We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage applications from under-represented groups in the charity sector such as people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people with experience in the care system, non-graduates and first-in-family graduates.
As part of our commitment to fairer recruitment, all applications will be assessed with names and any protected characteristics redacted.
Recommended Reading
If you’d like to understand more about The Difference and what we are trying to achieve, we would recommend the following:
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The research which underpins our organisation.
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Our latest Impact Report, sharing our work in 2023
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Every 6 minutes someone learns that they are losing their sight. Every five hours, a baby is born with sight problems. In these moments, two profound questions emerge:
• Can this be stopped?
• How do I (or my child) live this life?
The merger of Fight for Sight and Vision Foundation on 1st April 2023 will enable us to address both questions. By combining our strengths and expertise we’ll be the only significant national funder with the efficiency, capability, and capacity to increase investment in medical research and social improvement. Together we can mitigate both the prevalence and impact of sight loss.
We have a clear ambition, led by our CEO, Keith Valentine, who has valuable lived experience of sight loss. This ambition includes retail growth plans and an income generation strategy to open more shops over the next 5 years. We currently operate 11 shops selling donated goods, including an online eBay shop.
We are now looking for experienced, committed, and creative individuals to join our dynamic team as we devise and launch a new five-year strategy. You’ll be part of something impactful, we’d love to hear from you.
The East Sheen Shop Manager will play a crucial role in the future growth of our newly merged charity and the impact that we can achieve through partnership for people with sight loss.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
Responsible to
Area Manager
Direct reports
Immediately responsible for recruiting and developing a team of dedicated volunteers. In due course the role and responsibilities may grow in line with organisational growth and priorities.
Working hours and contract
Permanent, part-time
21 hours per week over three days, primarily weekends but flexible over a seven-day rota
Salary
£23,933 pro-rata plus OTE Bonus
Location
East Sheen
Role Responsibilities:
Purpose of Job
· To coach, lead and manage a team of volunteers
· Drive sales performance to exceed targets, maximising cost efficiency
· Maximise shop profits through delivery of the retail strategy, including income, gift aid donor sign up and conversion, donations and other income generators.
· To achieve compliance with relevant regulation e.g., health and safety and safeguarding, whilst adhering to all policies and procedures
· To promote strong relations within the local community to enhance the profile and good name of the charity
Main Responsibilities
· To deliver shop income plan
· To achieve gift aid income objectives, donor sign up and conversion. Improving processes to deliver maximum value, coaching colleagues to success
· To support and manage volunteer pricing to ensure items are processed in line with policies and procedures, recognising and thanking the team for their contribution
· To develop a culture of ownership and follow up within own team and volunteers
· To adhere to safe, legal & secure requirements and standards for the shop, both front and back of house
· To induct, train and coach new colleagues, as evidenced through induction paperwork and development plans
· To role model and promote effective team communication, celebrating success and sharing best practice
· To liaise closely with the Warehouse Manager, Area Support and Volunteer Manager and Area Manager
· To role model exceptional customer service to supporters and donors, providing feedback in a timely manner
· To ensure the highest standards of customer care and service are demonstrated by self, line reports and volunteers
· Promote, monitor and act on internal and external customer feedback
· To evidence effective local networking to generate donations and volunteer engagement, including local business and other stakeholders
· To monitor and check security of stock and debrief variances with the Area Manager
· To proactively assess own development needs and seek out development opportunities to enhance contribution to Retail objectives and operations
· To take ownership of good housekeeping for all areas of responsibility
· To accept responsibility and carry out any other task commensurate to the role
Person specification:
Skills, knowledge & experience
Sales and Profit
· Monitor and be accountable for sales and category performance, as well as ensure that the team are aware of and engaged in the shop’s financial performance
· Foster a creative and entrepreneurial shop environment where team members seek to maximise income in new and innovative ways both within the shop and through a variety of channels, such as community events
· Manage the team to maximise income from Gift Aid on donated products
· Ensure that all of Vision Foundation financial procedures are adhered to and executed in a timely fashion by the shop team
Shop Floor
· Ensure sourcing sufficient levels of donated stock locally in collaboration with the shop team
· Establish efficient and commercially successful stock processing systems (such as pricing, quality standards, consumer safety, stock density and culling stock), including backroom systems and ensure these are adhered to by the volunteer team. Ensure that all legal and Vision Foundation internal regulations regarding donated stock are adhered to
· Inspire the team to provide a great customer and donor experience, which enables The Vision Foundation to attract new supporters every day. Ensure that feedback, including complaints are escalated to the Area Manager within the agreed timeframes
· Empower the team to create original, appropriate and commercially successful visual merchandising displays, including shop windows
· Make sure that all procedures for the sale of new products are followed by the volunteer team (if applicable)
· Work with the Area Manager to ensure our shops are in good condition, maximise their potential and are fit for purpose
· Provide a safe and healthy working environment and ensure that all team members are aware of and operate within Vision Foundation’s health and safety policies and procedures, including waste management and customer safety
Leadership - Volunteers
· Recruit, induct, and retain an inclusive and diverse volunteer team, which is large enough in numbers and capable to maximise the shop’s income and profitability and guarantee the smooth running of the shop.
· Maintain an empowered, well trained, motivated and engaged volunteer team with excellent levels of communication at team and individual level.
· Connect the volunteer team with Vision Foundation’s work and help them to understand the value of their contribution
Leadership - Paid Staff
· Recruit, induct, and retain an inclusive and diverse volunteer team, which is large enough in numbers and capable to maximise the shop’s income and profitability and guarantee the smooth running of the shop.
· Maintain an empowered, well trained, motivated and engaged volunteer team with excellent levels of communication at team and individual level.
· Connect the volunteer team with Vision Foundation’s work and help them to understand the value of their contribution.
Management - being part of Vision Foundation
· Play active part in the charity, including attending and contributing to all-staff meetings
· Play a key role in enabling the shop to represent Vision Foundation and increase the knowledge of the local community about our mission and work
· Be accountable for the integration of the shop into the local community in collaboration with the shop team
· Empower the team to respond to all appeals and fundraising opportunities.
· Adhere to and enforce Vision Foundation’s safeguarding policies.
Other
· Required to adhere to Vision Foundation’s vision, mission and values
· Understanding of and commitment to adhere to equality, diversity, and staff health and wellbeing principles
Personal qualities
· The ability to work under pressure whilst remaining calm and organised
· To be receptive to change and to act as a change agent
· The ability to maintain excellent rapport with staff, volunteers, supporters, and donors
· To demonstrate a calm and logical approach to problem solving
· To consistently demonstrate a dedicated approach to the quality of customer service and team working.
· Comfortable working in a small team both strategically and operationally
· Commitment to teamwork, business partnering and a collegiate approach – with a ‘can do’ attitude and a sense of humour.
· Able to provide positive, dynamic, tenacious and flexible leadership at all times.
· Results-driven, able to measure and quantify own outcomes.
· Adaptable to changing landscape and evolving organisation.
· Willing and able to operate at pace in an organisation going through rapid change, using your initiative and delivering to tight deadlines
· Excellent verbal and written communication skills
· Highly organised with ability to plan effectively and allocate resources appropriately.
· An understanding of and commitment to London’s blind and partially sighted people.
Flexibility
· The role description is a general outline of duties and responsibilities and may be amended as the newly merged charity develops and the role grows. The post holder may be required to undertake other duties as may be reasonably required from time to time.
When writing job applications, we want to see if candidates are the right fit for our charity, so they should be written using your own words. Use of Artificial Intelligence, such as Chat GPT, is considered plagiarism, and applications drafted with the assistance of AI will be automatically rejected.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.