Chief executive jobs

About Working Well Trust

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

We are recruiting a Communications Lead to join Working Well Trust. This is a 35-hour per week role, Monday to Friday, based at our Bethnal Green office with travel to other offices and boroughs when required. Hybrid working is available, with a minimum of three days on site per week. Occasional evening work may be required.

This role will lead and deliver Working Well Trust’s communications activity across digital, print and internal channels, ensuring that our content is engaging, accessible, timely and aligned with organisational aims, service requirements and brand standards. The postholder will also support contract mobilisation, stakeholder engagement and effective internal communication across the organisation.

We are looking for someone with strong communications, digital content, copywriting and design skills, who can bring creativity, structure and initiative to a growing mental health and employment charity. You will work closely with the CEO, Operations Director, HR Advisor, service teams, clients and external stakeholders to ensure our communications reflect our values, services and impact.

Experience of working in the voluntary sector, mental health, employment support, disability or neurodiversity would be beneficial, but above all, we are looking for someone who is committed to Working Well Trust’s aims and able to communicate our work clearly, sensitively and creatively.

What you’ll be doing

• You will plan, write and schedule engaging content across Working Well Trust’s social media channels, including Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, ensuring posts are timely, accessible and aligned with our organisational aims and, where appropriate, the funding requirements of individual services.
• You will update and maintain the Working Well Trust website using WordPress, ensuring content is accurate, current and accessible. You will also liaise with our website developer to resolve faults and support structural changes when required.
• You will create marketing and promotional materials in line with Working Well Trust brand guidelines, including leaflets, flyers, posters, banners, presentations, infographics and impact statements. You will work with teams and clients to develop content that promotes our services, supports referrals and reflects the communities we work with.
• You will lead on co-production activities and events where appropriate, supporting clients and teams to contribute meaningfully to communications and promotional materials.
• You will support staff with case studies and service stories, providing guidance on content, editing and refining material so that it is suitable for Working Well Trust communications.
• You will create a monthly internal newsletter for staff and support the development of an external newsletter, with the purpose and target audience to be agreed.
• You will maintain communications schedules and distribution lists to support targeted communication with staff, clients, employers, funders, referral partners and other stakeholders.
• You will work alongside the CEO and Operations Director to draft and implement communications plans to support the mobilisation of new services, including liaising with contract leads and funders where appropriate.
• You will also support events, internal meetings, audits, reporting and general communications activity as required.

What you’ll need

We are looking for someone who brings:

• Proficient skills and experience in using social media for organisational and event promotion, including platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok.
• Experience of using social media scheduling tools such as Hootsuite or Buffer, including paid-for posts.
• Experience of using analytics and insight tools to improve reach and engagement across digital platforms.
• Experience of using WordPress or a similar content management system to create, edit and maintain webpages.
• Proficient graphic design skills and experience using Canva or similar design platforms.
• Excellent written communication skills, including copywriting, creative storytelling and strong attention to detail.
• The ability to present information clearly, engagingly and accessibly for different audiences.
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive working relationships with staff, clients, external partners and supporters.
• Strong organisation skills, with the ability to plan, prioritise and manage conflicting demands and deadlines.
• Confidence working independently and collaboratively within a small team.
• Competence in Microsoft 365 tools, including SharePoint, Word and Excel.
• Commitment to Working Well Trust’s aims and objectives.

Beneficial, but not essential:

• Experience of working in the voluntary sector.
• Knowledge of mental health, neurodiversity, disability or safeguarding awareness.
• Experience of producing online content in a range of formats, including video and multimedia storytelling.
• Experience of designing and updating marketing materials.
• Experience of collaborative working with service clients, including co-production.

Above all, we are looking for an inspiring and committed individual who has a genuine desire to support our aims.

What we offer

• £33,000 per year
• 30 days annual leave plus public holidays, FTE
• Employer pension contribution of 6%
• Supportive environment within a growing, dedicated team
• Meaningful, rewarding work supporting people into employment
• Expenses paid for mandatory travel during work hours
• Flexible, paid Wellbeing Hour every fortnight, FTE

What’s next

Before you apply, please note the following:

• We actively recruit and carefully review all applications. Due to rapid service expansion, we have onboarded 20 external hires in the last six months. To ensure we can best support the people and communities we serve, we progress applications only where candidates provide meaningful answers to the screening questions.
• Career development is real here: in the past year, 10 colleagues have progressed internally into Senior roles, Project Lead, Team Lead, and Operations Manager positions. We value ambition and celebrate progression.
• If you require any reasonable adjustments at the interview stage, for example due to a disability, learning difficulty or health condition, please let us know in advance so that we can make appropriate arrangements.
• Working Well Trust is an equal opportunities employer and Confident about Disabilities.

If you are ready to help us strengthen how we communicate our work, services and impact, click Apply to submit your CV and answer the screening questions.

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

Closing date: 9am Monday 15th June 2026

Telephone interview stage: 17th–19th June 2026

Final stage interviews: Friday 26th June 2026, in person at our Bethnal Green office , to be confirmed

Application Instructions

To apply, please upload your CV and answer our screening questions outlining how you meet the person specification.

Please note that any incorrect information provided at application stage may result in a retraction of job offer during pre-employment checks.

DFN Project SEARCH is looking for an experienced charity finance professional to take on the newly-created Head of Finance role. As a well-established and successful UK charity, we are operating in a period of continued growth and require a Head of Finance who combines reliable financial insight, robust control and strong governance with hands-on delivery. This role will work closely with the Finance Director and wider executive team while remaining directly involved in month-end, reporting, controls, cash flow and systems improvement. This role has a requirement to travel to London an average of twice monthly as well as other UK travel to support away days and programme visits.

Key responsibilities include:

•     End-to-end ownership of the finance function, ensuring accurate, efficient and compliant day-to-day operations.
•     Working closely with the Finance Director to deliver management reporting, annual budgeting, statutory accounts and audit support.
•     Strengthening cash flow forecasting, treasury oversight, credit control and financial planning to support organisational growth.
•     Principal owner of the charity’s financial controls, policies, procedures and systems, further developing the use of Xero for real-time insight.
•     Supporting the charity’s funding model through strong oversight of restricted funds, grant reporting, contract support and funder compliance.
•    Build financial understanding across the organisation by supporting budget holders and translating financial information for non-finance colleagues.
•     Clear reporting relationship with the Finance Director and line management responsibility for the Finance Administrator.

Essential criteria

The successful candidate should be a fully qualified accountant who is comfortable leading and doing in a small charity environment. They should be technically strong, confident with hands-on financial operations, and able to work credibly with the Finance Director, executive colleagues, trustees, external advisors and non-finance budget holders.

•     Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent).
•     Proven experience in a finance management role with end-to-end responsibility for a finance function.
•     Strong working knowledge of Charity SORP and charity accounting requirements.
•     Experience preparing management accounts, statutory accounts and board-level financial reports.
•     Strong cash flow management, balance sheet reconciliation and month-end close capability.
•     Experience of restricted funds management, grant reporting and supporting budgets for funding applications or tenders.
•     Confident using accounting systems, ideally Xero, and advanced Excel.
•     Ability to explain financial information clearly to non-specialist audiences and partner effectively with budget holders.
•     Strong leadership and collaboration skills, with the ability to line manage and develop a small finance team.
•     Proven experience in developing and implementing Financial Instructions in a charity setting

Desirable criteria

•     Experience of leading change and process optimisation
•     Experience in a remote or distributed organisation
•     Experience of working with complex stakeholder groups across education, public sector, social impact or donor settings
•     Experience of payroll oversight, VAT returns and finance systems/process improvement would be highly valuable.

Remuneration and Offer Considerations

Over and above the salary range offered, we also offer:

•     Flexible working arrangements considered including jobsharing and part-time (minimum of 4 days per  week) work as well as a condensed hours working pattern of 10 working days over 9.
•     Annual leave buy-back.
•     Remote role with travel as required.
•     Wellbeing benefits such as an Employee Assistance Programme and NHS top-up support.

Release is seeking to appoint a Supervising Solicitor for Community Care— with genuine flexibility for part‑time or full‑time working — to help shape and expand our legal services at the intersection of social justice and community care law.

This role is particularly well‑suited to candidates seeking reduced hours, portfolio careers, or a position that allows for balance alongside caring responsibilities, or other commitments. The successful candidate will join a values‑driven organisation delivering high‑quality casework, innovative community‑based legal services, and strategic litigation aimed at systemic change.

Person Specification

Essential

• Minimum 4 years + post qualified solicitor with a current practising certificate, and
• Minimum 3 years + substantial experience in legal aid casework, supervision and/or compliance, and
• Minimum 1 year + experience of supervising others, and
• Experience in public law, housing law, and/or community care law within legal aid practice, and
• Strong commitment to social justice, harm reduction, and trauma-informed practice.
• Approved legal aid supervisor with the Legal Aid Agency.

Desirable

• Experience working in a charity or non-profit organisation.
• Experience supporting or contributing to strategic litigation or test case work.
• Understanding of the impact of drug policy and criminalisation on marginalised communities.
• Experience in developing new services, partnerships, or funding-linked delivery models.

Important notice: For this job, Release will only consider applications from those who already have the right to live and work in the UK. See the Home Office Immigration & Nationality Directorate for information on the UK Government's immigration policy.

About the Role

The Supervising Solicitor for Community Care – Legal Aid is a key role in shaping and strengthening Release’s legal services. Working closely with the Joint Head of Legal Services and Executive Director, and in collaboration with other colleagues, you will supervise the delivery of high-quality legal advice and representation, supporting the growth of legal aid practice whilst ensuring Release continues to train and develop social justice lawyers for the future. 

We are looking for an experienced legal aid practitioner who is strongly committed to social justice and the legal rights of marginalised communities, and who wants to build leadership experience in a movement-led organisation. The role will combine hands-on practice, leadership, supervision and compliance responsibilities. 

Please note: We do not expect the postholder to generate legal aid income at a multiple of their salary. While we do aim to grow legal aid income across the team to an initial target of £15,000–£25,000 per annum, the focus of this role is on developing high‑quality legal aid practice and building sustainable income collectively, as part of a mixed‑income organisational model.

As Supervising Solicitor for Community Care – Legal Aid, you will:

• Support Strategic Development: Contribute to developing the direction and priorities of Release’s legal services, including expanding legal aid work and strengthening access to justice.

• Provide Practice Supervision: Support a multidisciplinary team of solicitors, legal advisers and volunteers to deliver excellent, trauma-informed legal support. Support and mentor team members on how to adhere to legal aid file compliance, time recording and CCMS applications.

• Ensure Quality and Compliance: Help ensure consistent regulatory compliance and quality assurance across legal casework, including legal aid requirements.

• Strengthen and Grow Services: Help develop and improve legal service delivery models, including responding to emerging needs and client priorities.

• Contribute to Systemic Change: Support Release’s wider mission by helping connect legal services with policy, research, and advocacy work.

This role is ideal for someone with legal aid expertise and management potential, who wants to take a meaningful step into leadership whilst continuing to centre client care, justice and harm reduction.

Marine Society & Sea Cadets (MSSC) is a long-established and ambitious charity, supporting young people across the UK to develop confidence, resilience and skills for life. Through a network of over 400 units and the commitment of more than 9,000 volunteers, MSSC works with over 14,000 young people each year, providing transformative experiences rooted in challenge, community, learning and adventure. We are proud of the difference we can make to young people’s lives, often in communities that are challenging for other charities to reach.

We are now seeking a Director of Volunteering & Growth to join the Senior Leadership Team at an important point in our development. We have an ambition to significantly grow our Cadet numbers, requiring us to strengthen our infrastructure, grow our reach and volunteer numbers, and ensure we are delivering consistently high-quality experiences across the country.

Reporting to the Chief Executive, this is a broad and pivotal leadership role with responsibility for a diverse and operationally critical portfolio. Key responsibilities will include:

• Focusing on growing our Cadet and Volunteer numbers, supporting MSSC to expand its reach and impact while maintaining quality and consistency
• Leading and developing our Volunteering strategy, strengthening the recruitment, retention and support for the large, national volunteer base which is vital for our successful expansion
• Providing strategic leadership supporting young people through safeguarding and ensuring the Cadet Voice is heard and reflected in our decisions, and we strive for consistently high standards across the organisation
• Overseeing safety, safeguarding, risk and compliance, ensuring robust frameworks and a strong organisational culture in relation to safety, governance and accountability
• Driving the development of systems, processes and infrastructure to enable effective delivery at scale across a dispersed network of federated local Units
• Leading core support functions, including governance, legal and risk, policy and insight, conflict resolution ensuring the organisation operates efficiently and sustainably
• Working collaboratively across the Senior Leadership Team, helping to shape strategic direction and deliver and monitor progress against organisational priorities

This is an exciting, broad role and we are not expecting someone to bring experience across all aspects; you will be supported by a team with functional expertise. We are looking for experience of driving strategic development and growth within complex, volunteer-led organisations, working at scale with volunteers, including leading services that support, enable and engage diverse volunteer communities. You will also have a strong understanding of governance, safeguarding and risk, alongside a track record of delivering transformation and improvement. Just as importantly, you will bring a collaborative, inclusive and values-driven approach, and a genuine passion for improving outcomes for young people. Experience within the youth sector would be welcome but is not essential.

This is an opportunity to join a high impact, well-established organisation with a strong sense of purpose and a clear platform for growth, and to play a key role in shaping how it delivers its mission in the years ahead.

A full recruitment pack, including details of the role and selection process, is available through the ‘Apply’ button. Our recruitment partner is James Stephens, Director, Morgan Law Executive Search. 

Applications should be submitted as a CV and supporting statement. The closing date for applications is 11pm on Monday 1st June.

MSSC is committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.

Volunteer Centre Hackney is a thriving charity (annual income circa £1.1m, with 29 paid staff) providing volunteering infrastructure to the voluntary sector across the City of London and the London borough of Hackney. We support over 1500 residents a year to realise their skills and passions through volunteering and social action, and to share these for the benefit of others. We also provide volunteering resource, and advice and guidance on best practice in volunteer management, to hundreds of charities and community organisations.

Through our specialist programmes, our impact on the lives of residents is huge. We match volunteers to housebound residents to help them engage with communities and leave their homes; we provide long term personalised support to people with mental health conditions and learning disabilities to help them volunteer and find paid jobs; we support patients to deliver hundreds of their own activities and peer support groups at GP practices across City and Hackney; and in partnership with Public Health, we support over 250 Community Health Champions to share vital health messaging with their own diverse communities.  

This is a hands-on and strategic role for an experienced fundraiser who thrives in a small to medium sized charity environment. You will have autonomy to develop a whole new fundraising strategy, utilise diverse fundraising methods, and build and develop new project ideas and partnerships. You will lead on income generation primarily through sourcing and applying to trusts and foundations, and with the potential to build new corporate partnerships, community campaigns and individual giving. You will build authentic relationships with funders and supporters, and together with VCH colleagues, will identify new programme models as ways to generate income. You will contribute to the development and production of compelling stories, evidence and marketing and build and maintain the infrastructure needed to track and achieve progress against annual income targets.

Post holders need to have excellent communication skills, to represent the charity in writing and in person. You must be enthusiastic, self-motivating and confident to work primarily alone, but also able to engage and collaborate with staff from across the organisation to share information and impact evidence to support your role. If you are successful in securing funding there will be the potential to recruit additional support, and for you to become the Head of Fundraising of a small team.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Think Active is entering an exciting period of growth, collaboration and system leadership. Over the coming years, we aim to strengthen our influence and impact across Coventry, Solihull & Warwickshire, particularly in tackling inequalities through the power of sport and physical activity.

At the heart of our work is our vision:

#WeThinkActive – Everyone in Coventry, Solihull & Warwickshire to benefit from movement and enjoy sport and physical activity in safe and thriving communities.

And our mission:

We will use the power and potential of sport and physical activity to enable future generations to have healthier and more prosperous lives.

This new role of Strategic Partnership Lead: Coventry has been created following successful investment through Sport England’s Place Expansion programme for Coventry. The role will provide strategic leadership for the implementation and coordination of the Sport England Place Expansion investment across Coventry , including supporting the development and implementation of the emerging Coventry Physical Activity Partnership. 

The role reflects the growing recognition that physical activity has an important role to play in improving health, reducing inequalities and strengthening communities across Coventry. We envisage physical activity continuing to be used as part of the wider One Coventry approach to tackling the inequalities experienced by local people.

The postholder will be employed by Think Active but will work on behalf of the Coventry Physical Activity Partnership, bringing together partners from across sectors around a shared vision and agenda for change.

Any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory references, pre-employment checks, a DBS check and proof of the right to work in the UK.

BASE LOCATION & WORKING APPROACH

Think Active’s headquarters are at 1 Mill Street in Leamington Spa; however, this role will also be expected to work from a range of locations across Coventry, reflecting the partnership and place-based nature of the role.

This role requires a strong commitment to system working, including engaging with partners and stakeholders where they are and at times that best support collaboration and impact. As such, there may be a requirement for occasional evening and weekend work. 

There will also be occasional travel regionally and nationally to support partnership working, learning, and organisational priorities. 

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ROLE

Uphold the values, culture and customer charter of Think Active in your behaviour and your work. 

Reporting to the Development Director, the Strategic Partnership Lead: Coventry will will act as a senior leader within Think Active, shaping our strategic role and leading the implementation of the Sport England Place Expansion investment across Coventry, ensuring strong partnership working, effective programme delivery and a collaborative, community-centred approach. 

The role will play a key part in ensuring physical activity is embedded within wider system priorities across Coventry, including health, wellbeing, inequalities, communities and place-based working.

The postholder will be expected to uphold the values, culture and customer charter of Think Active in their behaviour and work.

Strategic Leadership and Place Development

• Lead and project manage the implementation of the Sport England Place Expansion investment across Coventry, ensuring delivery aligns with the Conditions of Award

• Lead the development and implementation of the Place Expansion Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Framework for Coventry

• Support the strategic development of the Coventry Physical Activity Partnership and contribute to shaping its long-term direction and priorities

• Help position physical activity as part of the solution to wider social, health and community challenges within Coventry

• Influence and align partners to adopt whole-system thinking and inclusive, community-centred approaches

• Identify opportunities to strengthen collaboration, investment and impact across the Coventry system

• Ensure the voices and experiences of communities help shape priorities, approaches and decision-making

System Leadership

•  Position physical activity and movement as a contributing solution within wider prevention, inequality, wellbeing and community agendas across Coventry. 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with partners and stakeholders across sectors, including:

  • NHS organisations and health systems

  • Local Authority teams

  • Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) organisations

  • Community groups and residents

  • Strategic and operational delivery partners

• Act as a trusted partner, facilitator and connector across Coventry’s system landscape

• Convene and coordinate partners around shared agendas and priorities

• Be adept at navigating barriers and challenges to partnership working when they arise

• Represent Think Active and the Coventry Physical Activity Partnership within relevant boards, partnerships and working groups

• Support organisations and communities to co-design sustainable solutions that embed physical activity within communities and services

• Identify opportunities to strengthen long-term sustainability, investment and system ownership of Coventry’s Physical Activity Partnership. 

 Project Management, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning

• Manage the Place Expansion budget and ensure effective oversight of investment and resources

• Manage timelines, delivery plans, risks and reporting requirements

• Ensure robust monitoring, evaluation and learning approaches are embedded throughout delivery

• Contribute to capturing insight, learning and impact across the partnership and share this with stakeholders, including Sport England

• Support the development of local capacity by mentoring and supporting organisations and partners

• Ensure delivery remains aligned to community need, strategic priorities and organisational values

 Governance, Reporting and Contribution to Wider Organisational Priorities

• Prepare reports and updates for Think Active, partners, funders and governance groups as required

• Ensure delivery aligns with organisational governance, funding requirements and reporting frameworks

• Contribute to organisational learning and wider Think Active priorities

• Work collaboratively across the Think Active team, avoiding siloed approaches to delivery and partnership working

• Adhere to Think Active safeguarding, equality, health and safety, data protection and confidentiality policies

• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the role as directed by the line manager and/or Chief Executive

PERSON SPECIFICATION: RELEVANT KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

A successful candidate for this role would be able to demonstrate the following skills, experience and knowledge:

Qualifications 

Essential Criteria 

• Educated to degree level or equivalent relevant professional experience in community development, public health, sport and physical activity, social policy, partnership working or related fields 

Desirable Criteria 

• Project management, systems leadership or facilitation qualification 

Experience 

Essential Criteria 

• Significant experience of leading or coordinating complex partnership programmes, projects or strategic initiatives across multiple organisations and stakeholders 

• Experience of working within partnership, public sector, health, community or system leadership environments 

• Proven ability to build, influence and maintain effective relationships with senior stakeholders, partners and communities 

• Experience of convening organisations and stakeholders around shared priorities, outcomes or strategic agendas

•  Experience of leading or supporting place-based, systems change or collaborative approaches to tackling inequalities 

• Experience of managing complex programmes, interconnected priorities, budgets and delivery plans 

• Experience of monitoring progress, managing risk and reporting to partners, governance groups or funders 

• Experience of amplifying community voice and lived experience to shape strategic priorities, partnership approaches or service design 

Desirable Criteria 

• Experience of working within Active Partnerships, Sport England funded programmes or wider place-based investment programmes 

•  Experience of working within or alongside local government, NHS, VCFSE or community-led systems 

•  Experience of working within Coventry or similar urban communities experiencing inequalities 

•  Experience of supporting or facilitating co-production, community engagement or participatory approaches 

• Experience of managing commissioned work, procurement processes or contract oversight 

• Experience of line management, mentoring or workforce development 

•  Experience of developing or applying monitoring, evaluation and learning frameworks 

• Experience of securing investment, funding or partnership contributions 

Knowledge 

Essential Criteria 

• Strong understanding of the role physical activity, movement and sport can play in improving health, reducing inequalities and strengthening communities 

• Understanding of systems leadership, partnership working and collaborative approaches to change 

• Understanding of inequalities, barriers to participation and the wider social determinants that influence health and wellbeing 

• Understanding of community-centred approaches, co-production and asset-based ways of working 

Desirable Criteria 

• Knowledge of Sport England’s Uniting the Movement strategy and place-based investment approaches 

• Knowledge of local policy, partnership or community landscapes across Coventry 

• Knowledge of monitoring, evaluation, insight and learning approaches within community or systems-based programmes 

• Awareness of current national policy relating to prevention, population health or place-based working 

 Skills 

Essential Criteria 

• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complexity and ambiguity 

• Excellent relationship-building, influencing and stakeholder engagement skills 

• Ability to bring people together around a shared purpose and create momentum for change 

• Strong programme and project management skills, including planning, coordination and oversight of multiple workstreams 

• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate clearly with different audiences and sectors 

•  Ability to analyse information, identify opportunities and translate insight into action and partnership development 

•  Confident digital literacy skills, including use of Microsoft Office and collaborative working tools 

Desirable Criteria 

• Facilitation, workshop design or group process skills 

• Presentation or public speaking experience 

• Experience of developing reports, business cases or funding proposals

ABOUT THINK ACTIVE

Think Active is a charity and the Active Partnership for Coventry, Solihull, and Warwickshire. We are one of 6 sub-regional Active Partnerships within the West Midlands and one of 42 across England.

Active Partnerships are strategic organisations that recognise activity levels are affected by a complex system of influences, and no single organisation or programme can create sustainable change at scale. Understanding the unique attributes and challenges within Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire, we work collaboratively with our network of local partners to help create the right conditions for those facing the greatest inequalities to have access to movement, sport and physical activity, in a way that works for them For further information on Think Active, please visit our website here 

BENEFITS OF WORKING FOR THINK ACTIVE

• Employer pension contribution of 6%, subject to scheme eligibility and terms.27 days annual leave (FTE), plus bank holidays.

• Agile and flexible working, with a blended approach to home, office, and remote working.

• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and sick leave policies.

• Contribution to the cost of eye tests.

• Commitment to professional development and training.

• Cycle to Work Scheme.

• Life Insurance cover

 We love difference and will be interested to find out what motivates you and how you can contribute to Think Active. We encourage diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are a Disability Confident committed employer, and we actively encourage applicants from all protected characteristics and commit to providing any reasonable adjustments required during the application and assessment process, and upon joining Think Active.

We recognise that some of the language used within this job description may be sector specific. We are committed to keeping jargon to a minimum and would encourage interested applicants to ask questions or seek clarification at any point during our recruitment process.

Executive Secretary for Quakers in London (QiL)

Help shape the future of Quakerism in London

• London based

• Full-time

• Continuing contract 

• Salary £70k - £80k depending on experience

• Start Date August/September 2026 

Eight Quaker charities in London are merging at the end of 2026.

This exciting role will help shape the practical details of how Quakers in London (QiL) will work, managing one of the charities - London Quakers Property Trust - during its last months before it is formally merged with other Quaker charities, and helping ensure the success of QiL. 

You do not need to be a Quaker, or to have previous experience of Quaker structures, to apply. But you will need to be able to work within a values-led organisation, use Quaker methods of decision making effectively, relate well to a wide range of people, and lead with integrity, care and sound judgement alongside those appointed to volunteer roles. 

You will build a staff team from some current staff and new appointments.

You will be able to move confidently between strategy and delivery,  advise at trustee level, lead staff well, manage complexity, communicate with Quakers operating across different levels throughout London, and ensure that decisions are translated into practical action. 

Key Accountabilities:

• Strategic leadership and organisational development 

• Leadership and staff management 

• Governance and trustee support 

• Operations, compliance, and organisational effectiveness 

• Stewardship of finance, property, and resources 

• Communications, outreach, and stakeholder engagement 

• Committee and Area Meeting support 

You will be able to balance continuity with change: respecting the history and identity of existing communities while helping to build something new at a London-wide level.

Closing date: 4 June 2026 

Assistant Director of Finance (18 month FTC)
A leading Housing Association in the area

A well-established and forward-thinking Housing Association is seeking an Assistant Finance Director to join on an 18 month Fixed Term Contract. Reporting directly to the CFO, this position offers a unique opportunity to operate as the number two in finance, playing a key role in both strategic leadership and operational delivery.

The organisation provides a broad range of general and supported housing and is recognised for its commitment to delivering high-quality services and positive outcomes for its communities.

This role is ideally suited to a senior finance professional with Housing sector experience who is looking to step into a high-impact leadership role, driving improvements across people, processes, and financial insight.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and develop the finance function, acting as deputy to the CFO
• Oversee financial and management accounting, ensuring robust reporting and controls
• Support financial planning, treasury activities, and development finance
• Drive a high-quality business partnering function across the organisation
• Lead on improving financial processes, systems, and internal controls
• Support the Executive team on business planning, including scenario modelling and stress testing

Requirements

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA)
• Proven experience within a Housing Association or Registered Provider
• Strong leadership capability, with experience managing and developing teams
• Ability to operate at a strategic level and influence senior stakeholders
• Excellent technical finance skills combined with a commercial, business-partnering mindset
• Strong analytical and systems capability, with confident communication skills

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious finance leader looking to step into a director level role within a purpose-driven organisation.

Reports to:  Chief Executive Officer   

Location:  Flexible: monthly co-working days in London and additional regular stakeholder meetings as required nationwide. 

Salary:  £45,000 - £50,000  

Hours: Full time; 37.5 hours a week , We are happy to consider requests for flexible or part time working  

Contract : Permanent  

ABOUT THE ROLE 

Role overview 

The Head of MAT and School Partnerships will build and lead a high-impact portfolio of strategic MAT partnerships that improve recruitment, retention and long-term success for career change teachers while strengthening outcomes for schools and pupils. 

This is a pivotal leadership role at the heart of Now Teach’s next phase of growth and impact. The postholder will play a central role in shaping how we work with MATs nationally and how career change teachers are recruited, supported and retained within schools serving disadvantaged communities.

You will also work closely with the Director of Network and Head of Impact to develop a school engagement, impact and advocacy strategy across the 500 schools where our 1,000-strong Now Teacher Network currently teach.

In this role you will……   

Lead the design, delivery and evolution of Now Teach’s MAT partnership strategy aimed at ensuring Now Teacher impact in schools. You will support teams to deliver on their agreed recruitment targets and network offer commitments , establishing and growing a portfolio of deeply engaged partners who get it right for their career change teachers.

You will create and maintain strategic relationships, act as a sector expert for growth opportunities, influence and negotiate at senior levels and demonstrate excellent communication skills. Strong judgement and relentless customer focus will be essential as you build customer loyalty and enhance MAT and school advocacy and ultimately, our impact. 

Key responsibilities 

Strategic Leadership  

• Lead the further development,  execution and continuous improvement of the charity’s MAT and School strategy   

• Feed your knowledge into decisions that will support us to increase our footprint in schools serving areas of greater socio-economic disadvantage 

• Use partnership insight and data to inform organisational strategy and decision-making 

• As a member of the extended leadership team, you will contribute to wider organisational planning, decision-making and strategic development 

Partner Development and Account Management 

• Identify and action external landscape opportunities leading on relationships with relevant sector partners 

• Build and manage a high-quality pipeline of prospective MAT partners who embed the Now Teach model successfully and champion its impact across the sector 

• Shape the development of CRM and partnership management systems that enable high-quality and scalable account management 

• Maintain robust partnership governance, ensuring compliance with contractual agreements and organisational standards 

• Design and deliver an approach for engaging existing partner schools to strengthen relationships and maximise Network impact. 

• Oversee a suite of messaging and materials that can be used to brief external audiences and pitch to potential partners supported by Now Teach Communications colleagues 

• Manage a lighter touch relationship rhythm with a wider set of training providers in our portfolio.

Cross-Organisational Delivery 

• Define and embed scalable partnership delivery models across recruitment and network teams to ensure successful delivery of agreed partnership models with up to 8 priority partners in year 1 growing to up to 15 over the next 3 years 

• Work with the Leadership team to implement required changes so that by 2030, 70% of new Now Teach recruits are placed with priority partners and experience an integrated Network offer achieving sector-leading satisfaction scores from Now Teachers and partner schools 

• Deliver on our ambition for 60% of all new Now Teachers to be teaching in schools serving areas of greater disadvantage by 2030 

 Business Development & External Influence 

• Secure partnership income targets, negotiate partnership contributions, and drive commercial sustainability, working closely with COO/Finance Manager on ongoing cost models. 

• Position Now Teach as a leading strategic partner for MATs seeking to recruit and retain high-quality career change teachers 

• Represent Now Teach externally across the education sector, building credibility and influence with MAT leaders, system partners and sector stakeholders 

• Maintain deep understanding of MAT priorities, workforce challenges and sector developments 

Impact, Evaluation & Continuous Improvement  

• Work closely with the Head of Impact to monitor and evaluate partnership work

• Identify insights and trends that support continuous improvement and work collaboratively across teams to iterate our future partnership models 

• Deliver and monitor data sharing agreements with priority partners working closely with our Data Manager and Head of Technology to ensure high quality and robust data sets

• Monitor and report on pipeline progress and established success metrics as part of the leadership team, course correcting as required 

PERSON SPECIFICATION 

Who you are (qualities/values) 

• You thrive when operating in ambiguity and can implement new approaches from the ground up 

• You enjoy being part of a small team where people work together to drive work forward  

• You are highly self-directed and comfortable leading complex workstreams independently

• You are credible operating with senior education leaders and understand the realities facing MATs and schools 

• You’re skilled at aligning colleagues (internally and externally) around a shared delivery plan 

• You’re committed to your own personal and professional development  

• You’re passionate about ensuring that schools and students benefit from the inspiring professional and life experience of career change teachers.  

What you’ll need to succeed in this role  

• Ability to think strategically and spot opportunities to maximise organisational impact 

• Proven track record of translating strategy into scalable operational delivery and measurable impact 

• Proven experience building and managing senior strategic partnerships, ideally within education, public sector or mission-driven organisations to achieve success metrics 

• Experience influencing senior stakeholders including CEOs, MAT executives or system leaders and shaping compelling propositions 

• Strong commercial acumen and negotiation capability

• A relentless focus on exceptional partner experience and reputation enhancement 

• Strong ability to lead through influence across cross-functional teams and external stakeholders

• A commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion. 

Don’t meet every requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every qualification. At Now Teach we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway. 

WORKING AT NOW TEACH 

Our people join and stay because they value Now Teach’s flexibility, close-knit team culture and social purpose. 32% of employees at all levels of the organisation work part time and everyone works flexibly, with time off in lieu part of our standard working practices. We are a small, collaborative and supportive team of nearly 20 people. We are non-hierarchical, and we set clear expectations and celebrate the successes of teams and individuals.  

Our Vision 

Schools and students benefit from the inspiring professional and life experience of career change teachers. 

Our Values 

Now Teach has four core values which encompass how we work together to delivery our vision and mission: Drive impact through expertise; Focus on who matters most; Make change happen; and Build connections that amplify. 

Our culture and values are central to us encouraging and supporting people into teaching. Without our positive, honest, and flexible approach we wouldn’t be able to adapt to meet the needs of Now Teachers. We have been named as one of Escape the City’s Top 100 Employers in 2021 and 2022 and have been recognised as a Working Mums’ Top Employer and at the Working Dads Employer Awards. We have won awards for our Culture, Flexible Working and Excellence in Public Service.   

In return we offer you 

As well as flexible working and a great culture, we offer a wide range of benefits including 25 days annual leave per year (plus bank holidays), an additional 3 days for Christmas closure (25th Dec-1st January), a  pension scheme with a generous 11% employer contribution, enhanced parental leave policies, a rewards platform with employee discounts, access to an Employee Assistance Programme and an annual professional development budget for each employee. 

Working arrangements 

Full time/part time role, flexible working patterns possible. Now Teach are supported to work flexibly at co-working spaces or at home as needed with monthly working days in London. You will be required to cover your own travel expenses to London.

Application Process 

Please submit your CV and a cover letter (max. 2 pages for the cover letter)

Applications close on 15th June 

First stage interviews will take place on 24th June online 

Second stage interviews (if appropriate) will take place on 1st July in person at a location in London

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion 

Now Teach strives to be a workplace that is diverse, equitable and inclusive where we can ALL be ourselves. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, ages, gender identities, stages of life and those with hidden or visible disabilities.

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll endeavor to be as accommodating as possible. If you would like to discuss specific requirements, please contact us and ask to speak to the Operations Team.

All applicants must have an existing Right to Work in the UK. 

Safe Recruitment Procedure 

Now Teach are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.To meet this responsibility, we follow a rigorous selection process, and all successful candidates will be subject to a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service check. 

The Follicular Lymphoma Foundation (FLF) is partnering with Robertson Bell on a retained basis to appoint a Head of Finance on a permanent basis. This is a pivotal leadership opportunity within an ambitious, globally focused organisation working to accelerate a cure for follicular lymphoma - and to do it fast.

Founded in 2019, FLF is the first charity in the world dedicated solely to curing follicular lymphoma, an incurable blood cancer affecting more than 1.5 million people globally. Operating across the UK, US and Israel, FLF brings together researchers, clinicians, patients, pharmaceutical partners and funders to drive innovation and breakthrough research.

Reporting directly to the Global CEO and working closely with Trustees, Board Members and senior stakeholders, the Head of Finance will play a key role in shaping financial strategy, strengthening operational maturity and supporting international growth.

The role:
• Lead the development of FLF’s long-term financial strategy, supporting growth and international expansion.
• Partner with the Global CEO, Trustees and leadership team, providing financial insight to support decision-making, programme investment and fundraising activity.
• Oversee financial management across multiple international entities, ensuring robust controls, governance and compliance.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting and scenario modelling processes.
• Support grant funding, restricted income management and pharma partnership activity.
• Oversee management accounts, statutory reporting, audits and regulatory submissions across UK and US operations.
• Drive improvements in systems, reporting and operational efficiency.
• Provide leadership and development support to the Finance and Operations Officer.
• Act as a trusted advisor across the organisation, balancing strategic leadership with hands-on delivery.
• Present financial information clearly to Boards and non-finance stakeholders.

The organisation:
FLF combines the pace and agility of a scaling start-up with the credibility and reach of an internationally connected research organisation. With income and organisational complexity expected to grow significantly, this is an exciting opportunity to join a mission-driven organisation at a transformative stage.

The successful candidate will join a collaborative leadership team committed to delivering meaningful impact for patients worldwide. FLF offers flexible hybrid working, genuine work-life balance, professional development opportunities, private medical insurance, life insurance, pension contributions and 25 days annual leave.

Essential criteria:
• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) or qualified by experience.
• Experience in a senior finance leadership role within a charity environment.
• Strong experience managing reporting, budgeting and forecasting within a growing organisation.
• Experience operating across complex stakeholder environments, with the confidence to influence senior leaders and Boards.
• Strong understanding of governance, controls, compliance and risk management.
• Hands-on and adaptable approach, comfortable operating strategically while remaining close to operational detail.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Proactive, solutions-focused mindset with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience across multiple entities, funding streams or international operations would be advantageous.

If you are a strategic and hands-on finance leader looking to play a meaningful role within a high-growth charitable organisation, we would love to hear from you.

Apply before 14th June to be considered.

This role is based in London with an expectation of 2 days per week in the office on Finchley Road.

Ready to define what “good” looks like and make it real across our services?

Hft has turned a corner. After navigating a period of significant financial and operational challenge, we have delivered a major turnaround, reducing a £17 million deficit, stabilising our workforce, and restoring confidence across every level of the organisation.

Now, with a new and focused Executive Team working closely with our Senior Leadership Teams, clear governance, and a collective understanding of the need to embed sustainable improvement across all areas of the organisation, we are moving from recovery to transformation.

The Opportunity

You will lead the development and delivery of an integrated, organisation-wide approach to quality, safety, safeguarding and great practice. Your focus will be on ensuring people are supported to live safe, meaningful and aspirational lives. This role brings together quality assurance, safeguarding, safety and practice into a clear and consistent approach across a complex, national organisation.

You will drive and oversee quality, safety and governance systems that support them. You will maintain clear oversight of performance, risk and compliance, and provide assurance, insight and challenge to the Executive Team and the Board. You will ensure regulatory compliance, safeguarding, and health and safety systems are robust, responsive, and consistently upheld, but, importantly, rooted in the understanding that all of this is to make sure that the people supported have great lives.

Working closely with operational leaders, you will identify underperformance and support improvement. You will use data, audits, incidents, and feedback to generate insights and drive continuous improvement. You will also help shape a shared understanding of what great practice looks like across services.

If you have senior leadership experience across quality, safety, safeguarding and practice within a learning disability charity or social care provider, we would love to hear from you. Please refer to the candidate brief attachment for full details of the role.

Please note: This role is a Home-based position (travel 3 times per month to Bristol/other locations)

What you will bring to succeed in this role

Essential

• Senior leadership experience across quality, safety, safeguarding and practice within a large learning disability charity or social care provider
• Accountable experience of leading operational health and safety within a multi-site, CQC regulated care environment
• Ability to lead and develop high-performing teams
• Experience of providing clear assurance and reporting on health and safety performance, risks and compliance to senior leadership and/or Board
• Communication and influencing skills, with the ability to work across organisational boundaries
• Experience embedding co-production and lived experience into organisational approaches
• Highly developed analytical skills and ability to use data to drive decisions
• Confident in leading change, improvement and cultural development

Selection Process

We will be shortlisting applications on an ongoing basis. If your application is shortlisted, we will invite you to a pre-screening interview with a member of the senior hiring team. If you are successful at this stage, the final assessment process will include a competency-based interview, a presentation, and the opportunity to meet with key stakeholders to get to know the team and Hft.

As part of our recruitment process, we are proud to include the voices of people with learning disabilities. You will meet them throughout the process, and they will play a key role in the final stages of selection. Their perspective shapes how we lead, listen and make decisions at Hft.

We anticipate the following timelines:

• Closing date: 9 June 2026
• Pre-screening interviews: 12, 15 or 16 June 2026
• Final assessment: 30 June 2026

We may close this role early if we receive a high volume of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We are committed to recruiting people from diverse backgrounds and believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce helps us better support the people we work with to live their best lives. If there is anything we can do to support you to do your best during the application and selection process, please contact our recruitment team at Hft.

WORKING WITH US

The founder and sponsor of the Harris Federation, Lord Harris of Peckham, opened our first school in 1990. We have, over the past thirty years, implemented ideas and initiatives that have transformed the opportunities of pupils from working class and disadvantaged backgrounds. Harris academies are widely recognised as a force for social mobility. We are immensely proud of the role that our alumni are now beginning to play in the world and of what we believe our current generation of pupils will go on to achieve.

We now have over 50 schools educating more than 40,000 young people across London and Essex, and employ over 5,000 staff across our academies and head office. With the majority of our academies located in areas of high socioeconomic disadvantage, a high-quality education is key to the futures of the pupils we serve.

As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.

Our work will impact many generations to come, and our staff come from all backgrounds and walks of life, coming together to inspire young minds. We promote an inclusive culture that embraces the valuable and enriching contribution that all of our community make. We continue to be proactive in uplifting and supporting all voices at Harris.

To discover more about our culture, ethos and what it is like to work here, visit the page.

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

A rare opportunity to lead communications and brand for one of the UK’s leading education trusts.

As Head of Communications and Brand at the Harris Federation, you will shape and protect our public profile, leading strategic communications, marketing and media activity across a network of 55 academies.

Reporting to the CEO, you will act as a trusted adviser to senior leaders, driving brand consistency, overseeing high impact campaigns, and leading digital, PR and internal communications to support pupil recruitment, staff attraction and organisational growth. You will also build and lead a high performing MarComms function and manage external agency partnerships.

This is a pivotal leadership role where you’ll bring the Harris story to life - showcasing our impact, strengthening our reputation, and helping us navigate sector challenges with clarity and credibility.

If you are a senior communications leader with a strong track record in brand, digital and stakeholder engagement, and are passionate about making a difference to young people’s futures - we’d love to hear from you.

MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Your responsibilities will include:

Strategic Leadership & Executive Advisory

• Develop and lead the Federation’s external communications and brand strategy at the highest level, ensuring coherence across all academies and central services.
• Act as an adviser to the CEO and executive team on internal and external communications.

Brand Leadership

• Own and embed the Federation’s brand identity, values, and visual standards across all academies and external channels.
• Own and embed brand guidelines, tone of voice, and messaging across all channels to ensure consistency.

External Campaigns & Growth Marketing

• Create comprehensive marketing and communications strategies that align with the Federations aims and increase brand awareness.
• Own and develop high impact external campaigns to support pupil recruitment, reputation and trust building, staff recruitment (in collaboration with Talent Acquisition), and new academy expansions.

MarComms Directorate Leadership

• Build and lead a high performing Marketing & Communications Directorate.
• Set long-term capability requirements and lead workforce planning as the function scales.

For a full list of responsibilities, please download the Job Pack.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We would like to hear from you if you have:

• Degree in Marketing, Communications, Digital Media or related field.
• Professional Marketing qualification (CIM or equivalent)
• Evidence of CPD in digital marketing, SEO, or communications.
• Significant experience in marketing, communications, or digital strategy.
• Experience managing brand identity and external communications
• Experience in education, charity or public sector.
• Strong understanding of digital marketing, SEO, Analytics, and social media best practice.
• Excellent written and communication skills.
• Strong design awareness and understanding of visual identity.
• Proficiency with CMS platforms, social media tools, and analytics software.

For a full job specification, please download the Job Pack.

APPLYING FOR THIS POSITION

If you would like to discuss the opportunity further, or if you have any questions, please contact us via email to arrange a conversation.

Before applying please ensure you download the job pack from our careers website, this will help with completing your application. Please note that we only accept applications submitted online before the closing date.

When applying, you will have the option to import your CV or use a LinkedIn profile which will auto populate the online application. 

A reminder to check your junk mail for our email communications and add us to your safe senders list to ensure all future email communication is received.

OUR VISION & VALUES

Our vision, from the start, has been to provide the structure and services needed for our schools to amount to more than the sum of their parts, and to free-up our teachers and leaders to focus on one thing and one thing only: the outstanding education of all their pupils. Our young people and communities are at the heart of everything we do. Our core mission has always been to close the educational gap between young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers. Our ambition is one where every child in London, no matter their background, has equal access to high quality education, giving them the same opportunities and potential to succeed.

We know there are many challenges facing our young people and the communities we serve, and that’s why we need determined people like you to help us tackle those inequalities. Whilst each of our academies has their own unique cultures and values; as a whole Federation, we have four core values which are central to successfully achieving our vision: Excellence, Collaboration, Support, and Innovation. We are proud of our values because they guide us in how we work allowing us to achieve the best possible outcomes for our young people, communities, and colleagues.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Safeguarding Notice

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.

Equal Opportunities

The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

Harris has a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level.

You will also have access to a variety of benefits, support programmes and initiatives including:

• Excellent opportunities for continuous professional development and career progression
• Annual performance and loyalty bonus
• Pension scheme (Teachers' Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme) with generous employer contribution
• 26 days' annual leave (inclusive of our Christmas Eve closure day) plus bank holidays, rising to 27 days after 2 years' service, or equivalent for staff on term time contracts
• Harris Wellbeing Cash Plan including cover for routine and specialist healthcare
• Employee Assistance Programme for free and confidential advice
• Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme
• Wide range of shopping, leisure, and travel discounts
• 20% off at Tapi Carpets, exclusive to Harris employees
• Interest-free ICT and season ticket loans

For most non-teaching staff based at our Head Office in East Croydon, we also offer lifestyle friendly working arrangements including flexible start and end times, and hybrid working with two days from home and three days on site.

Job Title: Equipment Advice and Outreach Officer

Reports to: Chief Executive / Practice Lead

Contract: Fixed term, 18 months

Hours: Part-time, approximately 22.5 hours per week (0.6 FTE)

Location: Home-based in England, with regular travel across a large region and occasional overnight stays

Salary: £20,556 (Full-time equivalent salary (FTE): £34,259)

About Pathfinders Neuromuscular Alliance

Pathfinders Neuromuscular Alliance is a user-led charity run by and for people with muscle-weakening conditions. We provide advocacy, peer support, information, training and campaigning to help disabled people live with greater confidence, connection and control.

We are developing a new service model to help adults with neuromuscular conditions identify practical needs relating to equipment, adaptations and wider day-to-day transitions, and to connect them to people with relevant lived-experience expertise.

Purpose of the Role

The Outreach and Practitioner–Evaluator will help Pathfinders identify adults with neuromuscular conditions who may benefit from practical support around equipment, adaptations and wider day-to-day challenges.

The role is not primarily to provide complex specialist advice directly. Instead, the postholder will:

• build relationships with services and organisations to identify potential clients
• hold structured conversations to understand people’s needs
• offer initial information, practical resources and signposting
• connect people to Pathfinders’ lived-experience specialists where more specific insight is needed
• support the development of reusable lived-experience resources, including short videos, blogs and written guidance
• collect routine feedback and help document and evaluate the service

Pathfinders’ lived-experience specialists are people with direct personal experience of neuromuscular conditions and of specific issues, transitions or practical solutions. A key part of this role is helping people access that expertise.

The role is to help people make sense of what might help, what routes may be available, and who they may need to speak to next. It is not to guarantee that equipment will be obtained, but to improve people’s understanding, preparedness and access to relevant expertise and pathways.

Main Responsibilities

1. Outreach and relationship-building

• Build and maintain relationships with clinics, hospices, charities, networks and other relevant services.
• Travel regularly to external settings to identify potential clients and raise awareness of the service.
• Confidently approach professionals, families and individuals to explain the offer and encourage engagement.
• Help create practical referral and engagement routes into the service.
• Prioritise outreach activity in line with project aims and agreed target regions.

2. Needs identification and support coordination

• Hold 1-to-1 conversations with adults with neuromuscular conditions and, where appropriate, family members or supporters, to identify practical needs relating to equipment, adaptations and wider day-to-day challenges.
• Provide initial information, signposting and relevant resources within agreed boundaries.
• Recognise when an issue would benefit from connection to a Pathfinders lived-experience specialist and facilitate that connection.
• Recognise when an issue requires statutory or clinical input and support onward referral or escalation where appropriate.
• Work with Pathfinders staff to help ensure people are connected to the most appropriate source of practical or professional support.

3. Working with lived-experience specialists and resource development

• Work with freelance lived-experience specialists to identify practical solutions, insights and examples relevant to the issues raised by service users.
• Support and encourage lived-experience specialists to share their expertise in accessible ways.
• Help coordinate and develop practical resources based on lived-experience knowledge, including short videos, blogs and written guidance.
• Contribute to ensuring these resources are accessible, organised and responsive to recurring needs identified through the service.

4. Documentation and evaluation support

• Maintain accurate records of outreach activity, contacts, needs identified, resources shared, onward connections and follow-up.
• Support the collection of routine feedback, including post-support forms and short follow-up conversations.
• Use agreed templates and systems to document contacts clearly and consistently.
• Share reflections and emerging themes with the team to support ongoing learning, evaluation and service development.

5. Teamworking and service development

• Participate in regular supervision, planning and reflective review meetings.
• Work collaboratively with the Chief Executive, Advocacy Officer, freelance lived-experience specialists and external partners.
• Contribute to the refinement of service processes, boundaries and referral pathways.
• Support dissemination of learning through briefings, webinars or other outputs as required.

Additional Requirements

• Regular travel across England is required, typically around once per week, with priority given to areas closest to the postholder’s base in the first instance. 
• Some travel may involve overnight stays.
• The postholder must have access to and use of a car for work purposes, although train travel may be used for some visits.
• Travel expenses and mileage will be reimbursed in line with organisational policy.

Person Specification

Essential

• Confident, outgoing and comfortable starting conversations with new people in professional and community settings.
• Experience of outreach, community engagement, advice, advocacy, support work or case coordination.
• Strong organisational skills and confidence managing follow-up, coordination and documentation.
• Comfortable using forms, spreadsheets, databases or case-recording systems and completing paperwork accurately.
• Familiarity with equipment, adaptations or practical support issues affecting disabled people.
• Ability to identify needs and know when to seek support, connect someone to lived-experience expertise, or refer on.
• Strong communication skills and a sensitive, respectful approach with service users, families and professionals.
• Ability to work independently while remaining well connected to a small team.
• Able and willing to travel regularly across England, including occasional overnight stays.
• Access to and use of a car for work purposes.
• Commitment to inclusion, dignity and user-led practice.

Desirable

• Experience of working alongside people with lived experience to co-produce support or resources.
• Experience of gathering feedback or supporting service evaluation.
• Knowledge of health or social care systems.
• Personal or close lived experience of disability or long-term conditions.

We are aiming to recruit immediately for this role with the first round of interviews on 1st June, but will conduct further interviews if necessary until we identify a suitable candidate.

Contract
Full-time, permanent
(We welcome proposals for flexible working arrangements)

Salary
£50,000 per annum

The Director of Operations for Edinburgh International Book Festival [EIBF] sits at the intersection of programme delivery, organisational management and operational leadership. The role combines events delivery with charity-wide management. This ensures that EIBF runs smoothly, festivals and events happen effectively, and all activity aligns with our charitable objectives and purpose.

The Director of Operations will lead all operational and logistical aspects of the annual Book Festival and year-round programmes. They will ensure effective governance, efficient systems, safe and compliant event delivery, and ensure resources are allocated appropriately to support the charity’s mission to promote engagement with, and enjoyment of, books, writing and ideas. They will manage relationships and contracts with site and production teams, and a range of other key stakeholders and partners. They will own and actively manage policy and systems management in the organisation, including oversight of digital infrastructure, as well as lead the HR function in a busy organisation.

Success in the role will balance the following elements:

• Leading the operational delivery of the Festival and programmes including effective stewarding of key relationships and contractors
• Optimising the culture of EIBF through effective management of HR and internal processes
• Effective management of EIBF planning, systems and processes, including digital transformation.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Strategic operations
• Strategic contribution
• Festival delivery
• People and resource management
• Governance and compliance 
• Systems and process improvement
• Leadership and team management 

Essential Person specification:

• Significant senior operational leadership experience within a complex, fast paced organisation
• Proven experience translating organisational strategy into effective operational delivery, systems and processes
• Experience leading organisational change, growth or transformation while maintaining operational resilience • Strong experience delivering complex live events or public programmes, including logistics, production, venues, and supplier management
• Experience managing contracts, procurement processes, and strategic operational partnerships
• Strong understanding of governance, compliance, risk management, and health and safety
• Experience leading HR processes, people management, and organisational culture development
• Experience delivering systems development, digital transformation, or process improvement projects
• Strong understanding of organisational infrastructure including IT, CRM, ticketing. and data governance
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to work strategically while remaining practical and hands-on in a small, agile organisation

For more information on key responsibilities and person specifications please see full Job Description on EIBF website. 

Key Dates:

Closing date for applications: Monday 29th June 2026.

Interviews will be held in central Edinburgh during the week of 6th July. Remote interview requests will be considered but in person is preferred.