Chief of staff to ceo jobs

Executive and Finance Officer

We’re looking for a proactive and highly organised Executive and Finance Officer to play a vital role in the operations of Centre for Mental Health.

This varied and interesting role supports our CEO and Board, managing day-to-day operations and taking on key finance and HR responsibilities. This will include financial support: reconciling accounts, processing invoices, supporting our Board by organising meetings and helping with many aspects of recruitment, onboarding and assisting our staff team. In this role, you will be at the heart of our team’s success.

You will need to bring outstanding organisational skills, strong IT ability, and experience in financial processes (with knowledge of Sage 50). Experience of working in a charity is desirable.

About us
We’re Centre for Mental Health. We take the lead in challenging policies, systems and society, so that everyone can have better mental health. We do this by building research evidence to create fairer mental health policy.

By joining our small, friendly and dedicated team, you’ll help us create a fairer society and drive forward sustainable policy change, pursue equality, social justice and good mental health for all. 

The closing date for applications is 7th October 23:59.

Interviews will be held in person at our office in Elephant and Castle, on Tuesday 21 October between 10am and 5pm.

We are seeking an inspiring and strategic leader to join us as our Director of Service Delivery. This is a pivotal role leading the design and delivery of our frontline services, ensuring they are high quality, person centred and making a lasting difference in the lives of individuals and communities across Surrey and surrounding areas.

Location: Woking / Hybrid

Salary: £60,000 - £70,000 DOE

Permanent | Full Time (35 hours/week)

Benefits: 26 days annual leave (rising with service) + bank holidays + 1 extra days leave on your birthday, Pension, Access to Simply Health, Blended working, Employee discount programme and more…..

About Us

Catalyst Support, is a respected non-profit organisation in Surrey that’s been supporting people facing mental health challenges, substance use, and wellbeing needs for over 35 years. Operating with values at the heart of everything they do, Catalyst empowers communities through responsive, high-quality services and compassionate care.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the CEO and as part of the senior leadership team, you will provide compassionate and strategic leadership across all operational areas – including mental health, substance use, and outreach – the Director of Service Delivery ensures services are safe, inclusive, and trauma-informed, and that they reflect the diversity and lived experience of the communities we support.

You will hold accountability for service performance, safeguarding, quality assurance, and system partnerships. They work closely with the CEO, the Director of Operations (internal systems and transformation), and the Head of Finance and Resources to ensure operational delivery is effectively supported by infrastructure, systems, and financial stewardship.

Who We’re Looking For

Proven track record of delivering high quality, person led and socially impactful services and managing internal functions

Senior operational leadership experience in health, care, VCSE or related sectors

Experience in managing service compliance and staff wellbeing

Demonstrated success in leading performance improvement and impact measurement

Strong partnership working experience across statutory, VCSE and community systems

Budget management, including responsibility for service level budget setting, monitoring and decision making

Deep understanding of safeguarding frameworks, regulation and operational risk

Strong leadership and coaching skills rooted in empathy, empowerment and inclusion

Applications are open until 29th September, though we may close earlier if we receive a high number of applications, so we encourage you to apply soon. Please note, we are not working with recruitment agencies for this vacancy.

This post is subject to the DBS check. Please note past drug and/or alcohol or criminality history will not necessarily discount you from undertaking this role.

We are looking for an experienced Finance Director to join our team of nearly 100 staff, ideally before the end of 2025.

This is a full-time, home-based, permanent position. You can be based anywhere in mainland UK or Ireland, with some travel and occasional overnight stays to meeting and conferences mainly in England and Wales.

We offer flexibility around working hours, including the option of a 9 day fortnight - time off in lieu is also available. We offer 25 days holiday pro rata (rising to 28 days) plus statutory public holidays. We are happy to make adjustments for people with disabilities and/or caring responsibilities, and we welcome applications from all communities.

The role is a grade 7 position with a starting salary circa £75,000 plus benefits including 9% employer pension contribution.

The Finance Director (“FD”) works alongside the Chief Executive and Operations Director to manage the finances and governance of The Rivers Trust, a leading conservation charity with three associated trading subsidiaries operating across the UK and Ireland, with a collective annual income approaching £10m.

Given the prospective retirement of the current postholder at the end of 2025, we are seeking a well-qualified and experienced individual to take on this senior leadership role as soon as possible to enable handover to occur.

The role is very varied and wide-ranging, including presenting financial information to the Trustees and senior management on a quarterly basis, reviewing monthly management accounts, leading on annual budgeting, appraising internal project concepts and contracts, statutory compliance administration and liaising with auditors.

The postholder will lead a team of eight in the Finance department and join a very welcoming team of 95 highly engaged and passionate staff at The Rivers Trust.

Main duties and responsibilities:

Working alongside the CEO, the Finance Director will provide commercial, financial and governance management and leadership for The Rivers Trust ("the Charity") and its associated subsidiaries (“The Companies”). The FD will not only be an exceptional accountant, with executive oversight of the finance function, but will be commercially astute and have the confidence to represent robustly the best interests of The Companies. The FD will also be an experienced manager of people.

Key Accountabilities:

1. Act as a business partner to support and constructively challenge the CEO in the general management of the Charity and the Companies, reporting to the board.
2. Lead all aspects of the finance function (including maintaining and developing the financial control environment; robust financial accounting; cashflow management; incisive management information; clear and concise reporting to Board) to ensure that the Charity and the Companies’ assets are secured, risks are managed, and the Board of Trustees, subsidiary boards and committees can make well-informed decisions.
3. Manage relationships with auditors, funders, IT specialists, banks, investment platforms and other external organisations.
4. Provide support to project bids and the development of other commercial opportunities to ensure that bids/opportunities are optimised for the Charity and the Companies as a whole.
5. Provide input to project and programme delivery from time to time, to ensure that performance is maximised for the Charity and the Companies.
6. Attend Board meetings and Business Audit and Risk Committee meetings to guide the Board and the Senior Management Team on financial, commercial and governance issues.
7. Ensure compliance with the requirements of the Charity Commission and Companies House and, from time to time, provide guidance to members of the Rivers Trust movement on good governance practice.
8. Maintain the finance department operational manual for business continuity.
9. Serve as the Company Secretary for the Charity and Companies.

Staff Management:

1. Lead, manage and develop the finance team (who work remotely) and ensure the team understands their respective and collective contribution to achieving the Charity's and the Companies’ objectives.
2. Support the team in their professional development.
3. Ensure the team delivers a high-quality service focused on internal and external customers and funders.

Knowledge, skills, experience, and personal qualities:

Essential

• Significant experience in financial management and senior leadership roles, ideally gained in a range of organisations.
• A strategic thinker, able to see the big-picture, shape long-term direction and balance this with attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills combined with creativity and openness to innovate.
• Strong IT and digital skills, with experience of using technology to improve efficiency and automate processes.
• Proven people leadership experience, with a track record of managing, developing, and inspiring teams and creating a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative culture.
• Excellent relationship builder, with the interpersonal skills to influence, collaborate, and provide constructive challenge while maintaining positive relationships across the organisation, including with trustees and senior stakeholders.
• Experience reporting to boards of trustees and/or directors, with the confidence to contribute to board-level discussions as a trusted adviser.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills, able to distil complexity into pertinent, concise and understandable messages tailored to diverse audiences.
• The courage to make and communicate tough decisions and be open about risks and setbacks.
• Resilient and calm under pressure, with the ability to maintain focus and steady leadership in challenging circumstances.
• Impeccable standards of integrity and personal ethics, acting as a role model for the organisation values.
• Knowledge of Sage financial software packages.
• Work to a good standard in Microsoft 365, especially Excel, Word, Outlook and Teams.

Desirable

• Experience of working in the charitable sector.
• Experience of being a Company Secretary.
• Understanding of the environmental sector or a passion for making a positive impact.
• Familiarity in using Sharepoint, Sage and Slack.
• Knowledge of Partial Exemption VAT rules.
• A basic understanding of Irish tax law, Irish and UK payroll taxes and corporate governance.

Qualifications/ Education

• Qualified Accountant, preferably ICAEW or ACCA.

Additional information

Everyone who works for us is expected to contribute to a respectful and inclusive working culture and follow our policies and procedures including Health & Safety, EDI, Cybersecurity and GDPR.

Please note we can only accept applications made through this site, and not sent by email or other methods.

We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible. We warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. If you would benefit from any adjustments to support you through the process, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

To apply please send your CV and a covering letter.

Closing date: Wednesday 24th September 2025

We may close this vacancy early if we receive a strong pool of applications, so we encourage early submission

Elders Voice is a charity supporting older people in the London Borough of Brent. Our mission is to enable older people to live safely and independently in the homes of their choosing and lead happier and healthier lives. We do this by providing a variety of services and activities, including a Handyperson Service and a Day Centre.

The Handyperson Service is our flagship service; it’s been in existence for 35 years and is highly valued by the older people who use it. The service aims to prevent accidents in the home and enable older people to live safely by carrying out basic repairs and improvements, and the installation of small equipment such as grab rails, which support mobility. Jobs include things like changing lightbulbs, hanging curtains and putting up shelves. Our handy team have decades of experience between them, and an exceptional reputation in the borough.

We are looking for a Handyperson Service Coordinator to oversee the Handyperson Service and be responsible for all aspects of facilities management at our premises in Kensal Green.

Role: Handyperson Service Coordinator

Salary: £18,000 per annum (FTE £30,000) 

Hours: 21 hours per week

Responsible to: Chief Executive Officer

Based at: Elders Voice offices in Kensal Green

Overview of role:

Handyperson Service

• Undertake all administrative tasks relating to the effective and efficient running of the Handyperson Service with meticulous attention to detail and record keeping.
• Coordinate the handy team and provide supervision and support.
• Promote service within borough and maintain relationships with Brent Adult Social Care, healthcare bodies and other statutory & voluntary sector organisations.
• Work with CEO in developing and expanding service.

Facilities Management

• Oversee all contracts related to Health & Safety and building maintenance.
• Carry out inspection of premises and flag areas requiring maintenance and repair.
• Ensure premises meets government regulations, health & safety standards and energy efficiency requirements.

If you are passionate about working with older people and local communities, this could be your chance to join a team that's helping make ageing a wonderful and worthwhile journey. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, a great multi-tasker and thrive at delivering first class services. This is an opportunity for you to put your stamp on a service and potentially develop it into something bigger! To find out more about the role and what it entails, please read the full job description and person specification.

Please apply by submitting your CV and a covering letter explaining why you are suitable for the role and how your previous experience is relevant to the person specification. We are not able to sponsor candidates for visas, so this role is not suitable for those who require sponsorship. Deadline: Friday 26th September. 

Interviews will be held on a rolling basis, so we advise you apply as soon as possible. We may close applications early, if we find a suitable candidate.

Brain Research UK are seeking an Interim Finance Manager to oversee the finance function for 3-4 months.  

About us

Brain Research UK (BRUK) funds world-class research to discover the causes, develop new treatments and improve the lives of all those who are affected by neurological conditions.

The brain is the most complex organ in our body. It weighs just 3lb, yet it controls our emotions, senses and actions. Every single one of them. It is how we process the world around us. So when it breaks down, we break down. It doesn’t have to be this way.

There are hundreds of neurological conditions. We fund the best research to discover the causes, develop new treatments and improve the lives of those affected. We inspire scientists and families to come together, side by side, stride by stride.

We are an agile organisation operating with a small staff base to deliver far reaching impact.

The role

Effective financial management is central to our strategy and operating model. The Finance Manager will be crucial in determining how we manage our finances, resources and operations whilst embedding a culture of financial efficiency and effective controls.

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Interim Finance Manager will lead on financial matters and be expected to provide critical financial information, insightful analysis and timely reporting to facilitate the growth of the Charity.

The role is standalone but working within a closeknit team. It with therefore have a degree of autonomy but will be expected to contribute to the wider development of the Charity. This is a pivotal appointment within the Charity and will provide some broad exposure to the Board and Investment Committee.

We are therefore seeking a dynamic qualified accountant who has had wide exposure to financial reporting and processes, preferably within a fundraising Charity. Being a financial ‘all rounder’, there is a real opportunity to contribute to the way the Charity operates by instilling sound financial operations and providing meaningful financial reporting. The role provides an opportunity to lead the finance function and will suit a progressive accountant looking for this kind of responsibility.

We would therefore be looking for an individual that has demonstrable experience in operating financial functions and has the personality to fit within a charity that works collaboratively. 

The role covers a 3 to 4 month period commencing from late September. Early applications are encouraged so we can interview as soon as possible.

What is the opportunity

Balance is seeking a persuasive and positive role model to work with its leadership team and trustees to shape our quality and commercial development. The Quality and Development Manager will occupy a key role in supporting our growth, sustaining our quality standards and growing commercial and income generating activity.

This post is also regarded as development opportunity for a candidate looking to be part of the charity's long term succession strategy for middle and senior managers.

About your values and strengths

You are someone who strenths and values will align with the following attributes:

• You can think on your feet and are consistantly able to bring ideas to the table
• You understand the tension between quality and cost and how to resolve them
• You are able to build alliances and relationships that have sustainable benefits to the charity and its work
• You can exhibit confidence in your colleagues and mobilise their skills and knowledge to drive our quality standards
• You see problems as opportunities and a gateway to new ways of delivering our services and business development

What you can expect from us

• A charity that works hard to put its people, those who it supports and those who provide its services at the heart of what we do.
• A charity that takes its mission and values seriously in developing its services, operational approach and commercial relationships
• That supports and encourages its staff to participate as partners in our development as a business, our outcomes and the delivery of our values.

You can also expect

• A commitment to training and professional development to support internal progression in and beyond the charity.
• Inclusion in and a 3% employers contribution to the charity's pension scheme.
• Generous annual leave allowance of 25 days a year plus bank holidays and an additional day off for your birthday.
• Access to a range of discount schemes including Blue Light Card
• Access to the charity's employee assistance programme.
• Access to travel card loan, and bike to work scheme.

Step into a transformative journey with Working Options

We're on a mission to empower young people aged 14-19 across England and Wales, and you can help make a real difference.

Following our successful Wales pilot supporting 15,000 young people since launching in 2024, we're scaling regionally. In 2025 we're focusing on Bedfordshire, and that is where we need you, while also responding to needs across England and Wales, aiming to reach 90,000+ young people in-person and 2.5 million+ online across both nations.

As a Project Coordinator you'll connect volunteers with schools and foster impactful relationships within our dynamic, entrepreneurial environment. We believe in inclusivity, trying new things, setting high expectations, and creating real opportunities for young people.

Working from home with occasional team meet-ups, events, and school visits, you'll join a dedicated team that values high expectations and individual contributions to help young people achieve positive outcomes.

If you're passionate, self-motivated, and eager to contribute to a great mission, this is your chance to join a team that's helping young people to transform their career and life chances.

Don't just take our word for it, here's what one of our young people had to say: "My personal experience has been exceptional. There is a collaborative atmosphere, and it is truly empowering to be part of a charity that values student input and involves us in decisions that directly affect our lives." – Working Options Alumnae.

Find out more about the role, and hear from our Chief Executive about our charity's ambitions, via the applicant pack linked below.

Person specification

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a genuine interest in our work and in the greater Bedfordshire area and/or South of England in easy reach of Bedfordshire.
• Is fully committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. 
• Is self-motivated.
• Has excellent attention to detail. 
• Can juggle multiple priorities, sticking to deadlines and flagging when priorities need reviewing. 
• Has a flair for developing great relationships, particularly with schools and colleges. 
• Is proactive and tenacious, able to seek out new opportunities and remain resilient. 
• Is creative and likes coming up with new ideas. 
• Is ambitious for themselves and for the charity. 
• Has high computer literacy.

While we don't specify this in our person specification, we are particularly interested to hear from applicants who have experienced some of the challenges that young people across England and Wales face today.

If you like the sound of this environment, we would love to hear from you.

Good luck with your application!

Help shape the future of England’s common land.

We’re the only charity in England dedicated to protecting and enhancing common land and supporting the tradition of sustainable pastoral commoning. Fresh from completing a landmark £3.1 million National Lottery project, we’re growing fast — and we’re looking for our first Operations Director to help us scale up our impact.

You’ll lead on operational strategy, build strong systems and processes, and make sure our small but talented team has what they need to deliver their best work. If you’re an experienced, adaptable leader who thrives in a small charity and cares about landscapes, heritage, and community, we’d love to hear from you.

Role: 0.8 FTE fixed 2 year contract extendable subject to funding.

Deadline for applications: Wednesday 24th September 2025.

Vist our website to apply and for further information

You will be responsible for leading and championing the delivery of all SBS Bible based projects (including advocacy, engagement and education programmes) and for overseeing our fundraising strategy, as we continue to play a key role within the global United Bible Societies (UBS) fellowship, whilst motivating staff to deliver the organisational objectives.

You will be passionate about the transformational impact of the Bible and motivated to use your skills and experience to encourage Bible engagement in Scotland and around the world.

We are looking for a leader who is both creative and strategic, and who thrives in a senior management position as part of a leadership team.

You will have experience in delivering ministries and programmes that have had a profound impact on people’s lives.

As a leader and team player with excellent interpersonal and influencing skills, you will enjoy learning from others.  You will be passionate about developing a professional and high-achieving department composed of two functions: Bible Engagement and Fundraising.

You will have a talent for motivating others to do their best work, coaching them to work collaboratively across SBS, with the wider United Bible Societies network around the world, and with the Scottish Christian audience.  

Faith requirement – in order to engage with existing and new SBS audiences, this role carries an occupational requirement that the post-holder is a Christian.  An understanding of the different Christian communities in Scotland and playing an active part in the spiritual life of the organisation is vital to this role. 

Key Responsibilities

• Working with the Chief Executive and Head of Bible Engagement, develop a clear vision for the Bible-based work in Scotland. This includes, but is not limited to, developing ways in which SBS can work with all churches in Scotland to encourage Bible engagement within congregations and beyond.

• Working with the Chief Executive and Head of Fundraising, develop a clear vision for funding Bible-based work whether that be in Scotland or overseas.

• Working closely with other colleagues, amplify the brand and raise the profile of SBS, connecting with existing and new audiences, inspiring them to support the SBS mission and engage with the Bible.

• Help develop and ensure delivery of effective supporter journeys / pathways and maximise opportunities for growing new audiences and active donors.

• Help oversee the design and implementation of campaigns designed to meet fundraising targets.

• Effectively manage and control departmental budgets.

• Provide expert guidance, advice and support to the Senior Leadership Team and Chief Executive, Directors, staff, and volunteer speakers, taking the lead on delivering key Bible engagement campaigns.

• Represent SBS at external meetings with partner organisations, agencies, and the wider United Bible Societies network.

• Manage and coach the Bible Engagement and the Fundraising team, providing Christian support and encouraging development and growth opportunities.

• Participate in and occasionally lead Bible studies at all-staff meetings and prayer meetings.

• Undertake any other tasks requested by the Chief Executive.

About you

• SBS believes that spiritual maturity, character and behaviour are just as important as competence, therefore you will be a devoted follower of Jesus with a passion for the Bible. You will be active in a local church that supports your vocation and provides spiritual support.

• Extensive experience (5+ years) in a senior ministry or programmes position.

• Experience working for charitable organisations, or in international development or similar areas, interacting with a board of directors and with an understanding of charity reporting.

• A detailed knowledge of Scottish Christian and social environments.

• Excellent planning and organisation skills, with the ability to manage projects and organise your own workload and that of direct line reports.

• Leadership and people management skills and a willingness to listen and learn from others.  A genuine interest in developing people.

• A natural preference for collaboration and teamwork, able to interact and manage a wide range of stakeholders at different levels of seniority, sometimes in a cross-cultural context, to deliver the best possible outcome for the charity.

Head of People and Culture

Salary:  £48,000 - £51,000 - depending on experience (pro-rata)

Contract Type: Permanent 

Hours: Part Time - 3 days a week (typical example of hours 09.30-17.30 but with flexibility)

Location: Remote with periodic travel to London (to our Elephant & Castle, central London office) and external meetings as required to meet the needs of the role

Responsible To: CEO

Application Deadline: 13th October 2025

Interview Dates: 1st round interviews 20th & 21st October

We will be reviewing applications and interviewing on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged.

Responsibilities

Strategic HR Leadership

• Develop and execute the overall people and culture strategy aligned with Hatch’s overall vision, values and organisational strategy.

Organisational Culture & Employee Experience

• Work with the CEO to champion a values-driven, inclusive, and purpose-led culture that supports employee engagement and well-being.

• Design and oversee initiatives to enhance employee satisfaction, psychological safety, and workplace trust.

• Lead initiatives that reinforce cultural norms and behaviours aligned with organisational values.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) Leadership

• Develop and lead the Hatch’s DE&I strategy

• Set DE&I KPIs; monitor progress and report to leadership in the quarterly board papers.

• Set up and work with an internal DE&I working group to implement DE&I Strategy 

• Organise training and education programmes on unconscious bias, inclusive leadership, and anti-discrimination.

• Oversee equitable hiring, compensation, promotion, and development practices.

Employee Relations & Engagement

• Act as a senior point of contact for complex employee relations matters.

• Build systems for transparent communication, feedback, and conflict resolution.

• Analyse quarterly engagement surveys and eNPS score data and develop action plans for improvement.

Governance, Compliance & Reporting

• Deliver reports on key people and culture metrics to the Senior Leadership Group (SLG) and Board, ensuring data-driven insights support strategic decision-making.

• Ensure all people-related policies, procedures, and contracts are regularly reviewed and updated, aligning with organisational needs, values, and current employment legislation.

• Maintain compliance with employment laws and regulatory requirements, minimising organisational risk and promoting ethical practices.

• Support the organisation in responding to emerging workforce-related risks.

• Develop and manage the people and culture budget annually

Compensation and Benefits

• Ensure our pay, benefits and progression framework support employee well-being and align with DE&I principles.

Learning and Development

• Identify skill gaps and oversee the creation of learning strategies to support upskilling and reskilling.

• Promote a continuous learning culture and leadership development at all levels.

Talent Attraction, Management and Succession Planning

• Lead the design and execution of robust talent acquisition, development, and retention strategies.

• Oversee performance management frameworks to drive growth and accountability.

• Continually develop Hatch’s employee value proposition to build Hatch’s brand as an employer of choice 

• Further develop our performance management framework to encourage high performance, professional development and values alignment

• Support and enhance our approach to leadership development and succession planning and providing support and advice to the team and managers to navigate these

HR Operations

• Act as owner of the Factorial HR system, ensuring data accuracy, functionality, and ongoing optimisation.

• Review and approve staff expenses in line with Hatch’s policy.

• Oversee all onboarding and offboarding processes, ensuring a smooth employee experience across the lifecycle.

• Manage changes to staff working hours, salaries, and contractual terms.

• Lead and coordinate recruitment processes, including job postings, candidate management, interviews, and offers.

Person Specification 

Skills

• An all rounder, able to develop a big picture vision and deliver on the details

• A keen eye for identifying talent and passion for developing people (in both their professional and personal growth)

• A focus on diversity and inclusion as a competitive business advantage

• Ability to build authentic relationships across a diverse group of stakeholders 

• Excellent communicator on all levels with demonstrated empathy and strong interpersonal skills

• Analytical skills and and ability to make, and support others to make, data-informed decisions

• Project management skills

• Problem-solving skills

Experience

• Proven experience in a similar leadership role, preferably within the social enterprise or nonprofit sector

• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing people and culture strategies, talent management, and performance management programmes

• Leadership of end to end employee life cycle

• Partnering with business stakeholders across a whole organisation, especially senior stakeholders

• Leading people & culture project rollouts

• Developing a positive performance culture

• Experience with recruitment and HR systems advantageous

Job Title: Senior Programme Officer, Active Fellows

Line Manager: Team Leader, Active Fellows (Deputy Fellowship Programme Manager in Team Leader’s absence)

Salary: £36,062

Start date: 1 November 2025

Contract type: Permanent

Application deadline: 16 October 2025. Please note we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis

Benefits:

• Challenging and rewarding work, always life-changing, sometimes lifesaving

• Competitive salary

• Team and individual training opportunities

• Commitment to performance and personal development

• Hybrid working, home and office (minimum 2 days each week in the office)

• Eight hours each day Monday – Friday, with flexible working by arrangement around core hours of 10am – 4pm

• 25 days plus Bank Holidays annual leave entitlement

• 8% employer pension contribution

• Convenient office location at Elephant and Castle, close to Tube (Bakerloo and Northern lines) and bus routes

Role Purpose Statement

The Senior Officer, Active Fellows plays a key role in delivering high-quality support to Cara Fellows. This includes leading casework, coordinating Cara’s mentoring scheme to support Fellows’ placements, and contributing to strategic improvements across the Fellowship Programme. The role combines direct support to Fellows, operational oversight and delivery of casework, and collaborative leadership to support Cara to uphold its mission.

Organisational Background

The Council for At-Risk Academics is a UK-registered charity founded in 1933 under the leadership of William Beveridge, to rescue academics suffering persecution under the rise of Nazism and facilitate their continued work in safety. Sixteen Cara Fellows from the 1930s and 1940s became Nobel Laureates, and many more innovators in their fields, including, Nikolaus Pevsner, Lise Meitner and Karl Popper. A number of Cara’s founders and Council members also personally provided places and/or funds to help individual academics; and Cara, known in the 1930s as the AAC, later the SPSL, was closely involved in the successful effort in 1933 to bring to London the Warburg Institute art library, which had been prohibited by the Nazis, and six of its staff. The Fellowship Programme is the continuation of the rescue mission operation started in 1933.

Cara has been a lifeline to academics at risk for over 90 years, as and when world events have placed them in the line of fire: Hungarian Uprising, Cold War, Apartheid South Africa, Iran, Latin American Juntas, Vietnam, Kosovo, DRC, Rwanda, Sudan, Zimbabwe etc. and, more recently Iraq, Turkey, Yemen, Palestine, Syria, Afghanistan and Ukraine. Cara support is typically framed as temporary sanctuary offered at times of heightened risk.

Cara Objectives ‘To assist academics who have been, or are, or are at risk of being, subject to discrimination, persecution, suffering or violence on account of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion, to relieve needs among them and their dependants and ensure that their specialist knowledge and abilities can continue to be used for the benefit of the public.’

‘To advance education by supporting academics and their educational institutions in countries where their continuing work is at risk or compromised, to ensure that such academics and institutions can continue to fulfil their critical role as educators for the public benefit.’

This is a critical time to join our dedicated and friendly Fellowship Programme team as we expand our capacity to support at-risk academics from the Middle East, Sudan, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Ukraine and Russia and many other countries.

Key Responsibilities

Fellowships

Casework

· Manage a caseload of up to 50 Cara Fellows, providing tailored support.

· Maintain accurate and GDPR-compliant records of casework activity.

· Liaise with Fellows to coordinate support and escalate complex cases to the Team Leader as required.

· Monitor, research and update visa guidance to reflect changes in complex immigration regulation.

· Keep up to date with relevant information regarding immigration laws, e.g. visas, legal procedures, etc.

· Liaise with independent legal advisors where necessary.

Finance

· Work with colleagues in finance to ensure accurate and timely payments to Cara Fellows and non-Fellowship related payments.

· Promptly issue relevant invoices.

· Understand financial processes – on Salesforce and Pleo – and update systems appropriately.

· Contribute to robust financial processes.

Support Mechanisms

Mentoring Scheme

· Project Lead for the Cara Mentoring Scheme.

· Coordinate rounds, delegate tasks to the team as required, and oversee delivery.

· Recruit mentors and mentees, and decide on a cap on number of participants if required.

· Lead on partnerships with organisations working in the mentoring world.

· Monitor the relevant budget and flag issues to the Team Leader.

· Lead on monitoring and evaluation (M&E) for the Scheme, suggesting improvements to this, and ensuring accurate data collection and reporting.

Webinars and Workshops

· Lead on developing ideas for webinar topics relevant to the needs of Cara Fellows.

· Organise these webinars, contacting speakers and attendees, all with the close support of the Programme Assistant.

· Monitor and evaluate the success of these events, through clear feedback mechanisms.

· Aim to deliver approximately three webinars per year, subject to team capacity.

· Lead on the delivery of workshops for Cara Fellows with external partners, managing Fellow participation.

· Contribute to the development of accessible resources to share openly within the Cara network.

Strategic Development

Alumni Engagement and Impact Reporting

· Play a key supporting role to the Team Leader in improving Cara’s alumni engagement.

· Contribute to developing Cara’s alumni network, with involvement in strategic discussions on interacting with alumni.

· Keep track of Cara Fellows’ media preferences and support the Team Leader in inviting relevant Fellows to participate in public events and media engagements.

Monitoring and Evaluation

· Support M&E activities across the Fellowship Programme, suggesting improvements to data quality and reporting.

· Ensure accurate data entry on Salesforce and flag inconsistencies to relevant team members.

· Assist with compilation of required information, statistics and reporting to Cara’s Council & F&GPC meetings.

Management Responsibilities

Deputise for Team Leader

· Cover for the Team Leader when required – lead team meetings, make decisions on cases for the team, provide general guidance and leadership.

· Assist the Team Leader with line management within the team, mentoring junior staff and contributing to continued team development.

· Approve the Active Fellows team’s working hours.

· Provide input on policy and process improvements.

· Show adaptability and willingness to take on additional work when needed.

Training/Inductions

· Play a leading role on inducting new staff to the Active Fellows and wider Cara team.

· Train new staff on key processes and offer continued guidance on difficult/complex cases and tasks.

Partnerships

· Support key strategic partnerships in Cara’s Universities and Research Network.

· Support the Team Leader in organising webinars and events for Cara’s network representatives at host institutions across the UK.

Ad Hoc Responsibilities

· Show adaptability and willingness to take on additional work when necessary.

· Support Fellowship Programme with ad hoc responsibilities.

Responsibilities also include related activities that might arise in relation to the Fellowship Programme as required by the Chief Executive and Deputy Chief Executive & Fellowship Programme Manager, Deputy Fellowship Programme Manager, or Team Leader, Active Fellows.

Person Specification – Senior Programme Officer, Active Fellows:

Qualifications

Essential:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• Strong analytical and numeracy skills

Desirable:

• Master’s degree or equivalent

Knowledge & Experience

Essential:

• Understanding of UK immigration options for displaced academics
• Experience managing sensitive casework and maintaining accurate records
• Experience coordinating projects, events, or support schemes
• Familiarity with basic financial processes (e.g. payments, budget tracking)
• Confident use of Microsoft Office and Salesforce or other CRM systems

Desirable:

• Awareness of global issues affecting at-risk academics
• Experience coordinating mentoring programmes or similar initiatives

Skills & Attributes

Essential:

• Cultural sensitivity and commitment to Cara’s mission
• Ability to supervise and mentor junior staff
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong attention to detail and time management
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Adaptability, integrity, and problem-solving ability

Desirable:

• Foreign language skills (e.g. Arabic, Farsi/Dari, Pashto, Ukrainian, Russian)

As Director of Fundraising, you’ll be part of the Strategic Leadership Team (SLT), leading fundraising development and investment. An experienced leader, you’ll manage diverse income streams and teams, excelling in high-value individual and corporate relationships. Strong communication, strategic thinking, and team development skills are essential - you’ll oversee a fundraising strategy, collaborate with other SLT members on grants and campaigns, and help shape the charity’s culture, ensuring all staff align with its values. 

Please see the website for the complete job pack Join Us | Sheffield Hospitals Charity

BeSpace is a small but growing Christian charity with a big vision to see a future where every child has the opportunity to access creative reflective spaces to develop personal tools to pray, reflect and grow spiritually throughout their lives, helping churches, schools and communities to flourish.

We have seen incredible impact through developing prayer spaces in schools across Oxfordshire. Since 2010, over 65,000 children have experienced prayer spaces led by local churches, trained and resourced by us. Currently 60 schools a year have prayer and reflection spaces. Now, we’re building on this momentum to reach over 115 schools in the next three years and are preparing to grow nationally with developing contemplative retreats for schools.

About the Role

In this role, you will:

• Inspire and equip churches to run prayer and reflection spaces in schools
• Pilot school retreats and embed contemplative practices into school engagement
• Recruit and coach volunteer area networkers to grow local networks of volunteers
• Gather stories and evidence of impact, ensuring quality and consistency
• Help position Oxfordshire as a model in developing contemplative retreats nationally. 

You will work closely with our CEO and Operations Coordinator, playing a vital part in both local transformation and BeSpace’s journey towards national growth.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is:

• A practising Christian, personally committed to BeSpaces’s vision, with a passion for children’s spiritual development.
• A natural communicator and encourager, able to train, coach and inspire others
• Organised and proactive, with a pioneering attitude to grow new opportunities
• Flexible and adaptable, willing to work some evenings and weekends.

Role Details

• Position: Oxfordshire Development Lead
• Location: Oxfordshire (Remote, travel across the county required)
• Hours: Full time (part-time considered for the right candidate)
• Salary: £26,000 – £30,000 (depending on experience)
• Start date: From Autumn 2025

How to Apply

Please send your CV (maximum 2 pages) with a covering letter (maximum 2 pages) ensuring you explain how you meet the person specification and Job Description, outlining why you would be suitable for this job by demonstrating the skills and abilities you have gained through your education, work experiences and volunteering opportunities. Please include why you would like to work for BeSpace.

• Closing date: 4pm Monday 29th September
• Interviews: Week commencing 6th of October

Be part of something extraordinary at Sense. 

We’re here to break down barriers alongside disabled people with complex needs. As we start to develop and deliver an ambitious three-year plan for Sense’s future, we are looking for a chief strategy and governance officer – a senior leader with a strategic experience, inclusive values, and a commitment to impact. 

About the role 

As our chief strategy and governance officer, you’ll report directly to the chief executive and play a key leadership role as part of Sense’s chief officers’ group. You’ll lead business planning, performance, risk, governance, safeguarding, health and safety, internal audit and project management across the charity—ensuring strategy and delivery are aligned at every level. 

You’ll also serve as company secretary and oversee our legal and regulatory compliance with the Charity commission and Companies house, while championing an inclusive approach to governance that empowers disabled people with complex needs. With a team of senior leaders reporting into you, you’ll shape culture, drive improvement, and model the leadership values that make Sense a truly people-centred organisation. 

This is a hybrid role based from either Birmingham or London, with frequent travel.

What you'll do 

• Lead the delivery of Sense’s strategy through robust business planning and performance frameworks.
• Oversee impact measurement and risk management, enabling evidence-led decision-making.
• Act as company secretary, ensure legal and regulatory compliance and high-quality support for our board of trustees and their committees.
• Provide executive leadership of safeguarding and health and safety, fostering a proactive culture of learning.
• Create an environment for project and programme management across Sense that enables clear oversight of delivery through a values-led Project management office.
• Manage internal audit via external providers, ensuring assurance and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate closely with the CEO and board of trustees, providing insight, coordination, and strategic guidance.
• Drive inclusion, equity and sustainability throughout the organisation’s leadership approach. 

About you 

We’re looking for an experienced, values-driven leader who is: 

• Strategic and analytical, with senior-level experience in governance, performance or organisational leadership.
• Highly organised and insightful, with a strong grasp of business planning, impact reporting and risk.
• Experienced in governance leadership, ideally with charity or regulated services knowledge and company secretary experience.
• Confident working with senior stakeholders, including boards, executives, and regulatory bodies.
• Committed to inclusion and the social model of disability, with a track record of embedding equity and diverse perspectives in strategy and operations.
• Digitally confident, with strong understanding of data protection, information governance, and the role of technology in transformation. 

About Sense 

We believe that every disabled person should have the opportunity to connect with others and be included in the world. We use our knowledge and expertise to deliver personalised, creative and flexible support at every stage of life. Sense is proud to be a disability confident leader. 

Working at Sense can be incredibly rewarding; we offer the opportunity to work in a large, diverse and successful charity where people can develop their skills, knowledge and careers in a supportive and flexible environment. In addition, we have excellent training and development, the opportunity for you to join our Group Personal Pension scheme and a generous annual leave entitlement. 

To apply 

Please use the link below to complete your application. We would recommend that you read the job description and person specification before applying. 

Please note to avoid disappointment, we advise you to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close recruitment at any time. 

Sense is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of disabled children and adults and expects all employees to share this commitment. Therefore, all offers of employment, where appropriate, are subject to a DBS check; level dependent on the nature of the role. 

For this role we particularly welcome applications from candidates from underrepresented ethnic minority backgrounds and disabled people.

Sense is committed to equality of opportunity, and to promoting and celebrating the diversity of staff, volunteers and the people we work with. Everyone's contribution is valued and we ensure they're given the opportunity to realise their potential. We welcome applications from talented people from all sections of the community who share our values