Chief operations officer jobs

Who are Guts UK Charity?

Guts UK Charity is committed to a world where digestive conditions are better understood, better treated and everyone who lives with one gets the support they need. Too many people are suffering or dying in silence or alone. They don’t know where to turn for information or support, diagnosis takes too long for many, and treatment can often come too late.​

We are the only UK charity funding research into the digestive system. We raise vital awareness of digestive conditions, fund life-saving research, and provide patients and loved ones with expert information and support – we are informed by evidence and expertise, our community, and the patient voice.​ 

Our mission is simple: to improve the lives of millions of people affected by digestive conditions 

The role of Finance Manager

​The Finance Manager will oversee the finance operations and lead on the preparation of management accounts, budgets, funding requests and internal and external reporting. The Finance Manager plays a crucial role in helping the Board and leadership team understand their performance and their ability to deliver an ambitious growth plan over the next five years. This job presents a great opportunity for someone experienced with charity management accounting and reporting who has a keen eye for detail and process improvement and a desire to be part of a charity that’s only going to get bigger and more influential!  

Our ideal candidate will:

• Have significant experience with finance operations, management accounts, reporting and budgeting in a charity or NFP organisation
• Have a sound understanding of accounting practices, policies and Charity SORP
• Have experience supporting with the financial aspects of trust, grant and partnership applications
• Want to work hands-on as part of a small, dynamic team
• Have a passion for our cause, and a desire to advance the work that we do as a charity

The Finance Manager is one of just 3 members of the Finance & Operations team including the COO and the Finance & Administration Officer. We’re looking for someone dynamic and driven who likes to work autonomously, solve problems pragmatically and plan and organise their time effectively.

Location

We have offices in London and Huddersfield which are easily accessible by road or public transport. We support hybrid working but attendance in one of the offices [dependent on your location] is required on an average of 1 day per week. If you are interested in the role but have queries about office-base requirements, please contactus to discuss.

Please see the attached detail job pack for further information and how to apply. 

About VODG

The Voluntary Organisations Disability Group (VODG) represents over 130 organisations within the voluntary sector whose work is focused on enabling disabled people of all ages to live the lives they choose. VODG believes that an ambitious, reliable and vibrant voluntary sector that works together is critical to achieving this aim.

VODG’s mission is focused on two key areas – enabling our members to be the best they can and improving the environment in which our members operate.

VODG believes that our membership approach and operations should centre around the views of disabled people and be influenced by professional expertise.

Introduction to the role

The coordinator role is crucial in enhancing the productivity and efficiency of the leadership team within the organisation. Serving as a central point of contact, this position involves a diverse range of responsibilities, from managing executives' calendars and coordinating meetings to handling communications with professionalism and discretion. By implementing improvements to organisational processes and maintaining meticulous record-keeping, the coordinator role contributes significantly to the smooth operation of daily activities of the organisation.

Additionally, the role involves coordinating events, assisting with project administration, and supporting financial reporting, all while embodying the core values of the organisation.

This position not only demands strong organisational skills but also a proactive approach to achieving corporate objectives and fostering a collaborative work environment. 

Purpose of role 

The Operations Coordinator will: 

• Act as a central point of contact, managing executive calendars, coordinating meetings, and facilitating effective communication while maintaining a high level of professionalism and discretion. 

• Be responsible for improving organisational processes, ensuring meticulous record-keeping, and contributing to the seamless execution of daily activities.

• Coordinate events, project administration, and financial reporting, all aligned with the organisation's core values. 

Specific responsibilities and duties 

Administrative Support  

• Assist with a variety of administrative tasks that enhance the productivity of the leadership team, such as scheduling and coordinating meetings, managing executives' calendars with attention to priorities, and organising files and documentation for easy access.

• Identify and implement improvements to existing organisational processes and procedures to boost efficiency, ensuring that the team can operate at maximum effectiveness. 

Communications  

• Act as a central point of contact for both internal team members and external stakeholders, handling communications with a professional demeanor.

Meetings  

• Collaborate closely with the Business and Operations Manager to support the overall management of meetings, including preparing detailed agendas, taking comprehensive minutes during meetings, and circulating documents to all participants in a timely manner, ensuring that all follow-up actions are clearly outlined. 

Event Coordination 

• Coordinate a variety of events and meetings, supporting logistics such as venue selection, catering orders, accessability requirements and technical arrangements.

• Assist in the planning and scheduling of member events and meetings, ensuring all details are attended to, such as invitations, attendee confirmations, and venue preparations. 

Project Administration 

• Maintain comprehensive administrative records relevant to projects, ensuring that all documentation is current and easily accessible to project team members. 

Record Keeping 

• Establish and maintain accurate records, comprehensive databases, and organised documentation related to office operations and employee activities, including diligent management of the CRM system to ensure timely updates and accuracy of information. 

Finance 

• Assist with the preparation of financial statements and reports, maintaining accurate and organised accounting records, and supporting the reconciliation of accounts to ensure data integrity.

General 

• Support the organisation to achieve its corporate objectives. 

• Be a proactive and professional representative of VODG and its values at all times, including in relation to the prioritisation of your own responsibilities and professional development. 

• Undertake such duties as may be deemed necessary by the CEO and/or the line manager that are commensurate with the level of this post. 

Managing Director, Home-Start Wandsworth (HSW)

The Role:

The Managing Director sets the vision and strategy for HSW. They lead on income generation and profile raising; working with local stakeholders, building partnerships, and growing funding relationships to achieve that.  Working closely with the Board of Trustees, the MD will set annual objectives alongside long term goals - whilst providing vision and leadership to the team. The role will ensure operational excellence, providing direction & coaching when needed, to deliver innovation, sustainability & compliance. 

The Person:

• We are looking for a passionate, dynamic and empathetic leader who is committed to the Home-Start ethos.

• A track record in income generation, partnership working and team management are essential. 

• The successful candidate will combine collaboration, creativity and resilience, with a proven ability to deliver.

• Experience of leading change and driving sustainability within a small charity would be particularly valuable.

Reports to: 

• Chair, Board of Trustees 

Key Responsibilities:

•  Set the overall strategy, vision and annual objectives for the organisation, alongside the Board of Trustees.
• Be accountable for the overall performance of the organisation and leadership of the team, including guidance and coaching for direct reports.
• Develop and deliver a robust and sustainable funding strategy 
• Develop and deliver the long-term grant funding strategy, leading the bidding process for the organisation. Actively research and build relationships with grant funders to maximise opportunities and success. Write & submit grant applications, working with relevant members of the Team and Trustees. Give strategic direction to the Operations Manager, as required, on progress reporting  to grant funders.
• Develop and drive the community fundraising strategy for the charity working with relevant members of the team and Trustee committee members. Build local partnerships with businesses, schools and churches to increase regular giving. 
• Actively champion and contribute to fundraising events - and generate ideas for new activity. 
• Manage key strategic partnerships, relationships and donors on an ongoing basis to ensure income, volunteer and referral pipelines are maintained to optimise the organisation’s impact. 
• Working with the Operations lead, ensure the operational efficiency and effectiveness of the organisation. 
• Provide regular performance and progress reports to the board as requested  and ensure the charity is compliant with all HSUK policies and procedures. 
• Set and manage the annual operational budget, and ensure the effective management of all HSW resources, IT provision and operational contracts. 

Additional responsibilities: 

• Develop and advocate for the profile of the organisation within the borough and represent it to relevant bodies, including HSUK and HSL, taking an active role in working groups.  Act as an ambassador and embodiment of the organisation’s values. 
• Deliver the annual impact report alongside the Communications Manager. 
• Ensure the completion of all Operational HSUK Quality Assurance assessments.
• Be accountable for safeguarding in the operational team, working closely with the Safeguarding lead, who is responsible for delivery.
• Act as the Data Protection officer for the organisation. 

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Management experience of small/medium teams in the voluntary sector. 
• Proven track record of success in charity fundraising and grant application processes. 
• Experience of strategy conceptualisation and delivery- including leading others or working collaboratively to develop strategic & operational plans. 
• Successful experience of stakeholder, network or partnership working.
• Understanding of current legislation and regulatory frameworks for babies, children and families.
• Operational coordination and project management experience.
• Financial understanding & experience of managing budgets >£100,000 (TBC)
• Highly IT literate with a confident understanding of Google applications, and Charity Log, or other database management systems. 
• The ability to manage and address governance, financial, IT and personnel matters swiftly and confidently with little need for supervision. 
• Ability to produce accurate and timely reports.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written.
• Knowledge of the local area and beneficiaries. 
• A commitment to and understanding of safeguarding, equal opportunities and data protection. 

Job description

We are recruiting one or more Support Workers to work primarily at our Stud Nursery community garden project in Home Park, Richmond Borough as well as the potential of supporting our clients in the Wandsworth Borough.
 

Who we are

At Balance we are committed to empowering those we support to build independent, fulfilled and self-confident lives. We work hard to ensure our charitable values are central to the professional experience of those who work for us, with us and who benefit from our services.
 

About this post
You will be creative and independent thinker, with a desire to demonstrate and develop positive relationships with your colleagues and clients alike. You must have excellent IT skills. You will need the patience and and a commitment to enhancing the experience of those using our services on the basis of individual preferences, strengths and skills.
 

You are someone who:

• shares our values of professionalism, staff recognition, independence, empowerment, partnership and sustainability
• has excellent interpersonal, organisation and IT skills. 
• is willing to actively support and promote the charity's objectives across its core boroughs and contractual partnerships.
• works well both in a team and independently.

Working expectations:

• The working day is 8:30am - 4:30pm Monday to Friday, with the possibility of some out of hours or weekend working. Clients are typically on site from 9:30am - 3:30pm.
• Attendance and commitment to further training. 
• We are open to the possibility of multiple part-time roles within this setting.

Key Responsibilities for this role

• Through partnership, support and develop client’s skills, confidence and interests as part of a multi-disciplinary service offer. 
• To support your colleagues, team leaders, service managers, volunteers and other key professionals to put those using our services at the centre of your daily work. 
• To support the planning and delivery of garden-based activities and therapeutic interventions for adults with complex needs. 
• To maintain and update client and related operational records with an accurate and professional commitment. 
• To ensure compliance with and the delivery of the charity policies and procedures particularly those related to safeguarding, inclusion and disability discrimination. 

Please note we will be holding interviews as we get applicants in and may close the post early.

We are unable to support applicants who do not already have the right to work in the UK.

You must submit a cover letter explaining why you feel you are a suitable fit for this role and what your expectation of commitment to hours would be.

Executive Assistant & Head Office Administrator

Part time Job Share, 3 days per week

£28,000 - £30,000pa (pro-rated to £16,800 to £18,000) + benefits

Leatherhead, Surrey

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity enables families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness to make the most of time together, providing expert, practical and emotional support, where they need it for as long as it is needed.

This role will provide proactive and efficient administrative and operational support to the Senior Leadership Team and the Board of Trustees, whilst observing the strictest confidence. Provide proactive and efficient administrative support at the Head Office. The Senior Leadership Team comprises the Chief Executive, Director of Care Services, Director of Finance and Operations, Director of Fundraising and Engagement and Director of HR & Volunteering. The role is responsible for a wide range of cross-organisational tasks and projects as directed and will be part of a job share arrangement, working 3 days per week. The post holder will live the Rainbow Trust Values and effectively communicate with all stakeholders, over the telephone, online, by email and face to face.

About the role:

This Best Companies Top 100 mid-sized company and Top 20 charity is looking to appoint an Executive Assistant to provide proactive and efficient administrative and operational support to the Senior Leadership Team and the Board of Trustees, whilst observing the strictest confidence. This is a part time job share role, working 3 days per week.

Reporting to the Chief Executive you will be responsible for a wide range of cross-organisational tasks and projects, including leading on general operational issues at Head Office including franking machine, stationery orders, cleaning materials, managing and monitoring switchboard voicemail messages, sign-in sheets, shredding, parking etc. You will act as key point of contact for Trustees and a wide range of external contacts, maintaining a professional, confidential and responsive approach.

Having worked in an administrative support role, you will have exceptional organisational skills and will support the Senior Leadership with their day-to-day activities, including the monitoring the progress of their various projects and organising, as required, internal and external meetings for each SLT member including sector-wide meetings.

What we’re looking for:

A co-operative working style – you’re able to work well with others, communicating clearly and consistently with your job share partner, and you thrive working at a steady pace with a desire and willingness to help others

A confident user of MSOffice and experience of managing multiple diaries and priorities – you’re efficient and organised, produce high quality accurate work, are able to carry out instructions carefully and respond promptly to enquires.

Strong verbal and written communication skills and a team-oriented focus

Patient and consistent – you have better-than-average attention to detail and accuracy, even with repetitive work, and make cautious decisions within clear guidelines

Applications will be particularly welcome from those who have volunteered or worked in a charity, are educated to A level or equivalent and have previously worked in a busy administrative office, in a role that provides support to multiple people.

What we offer:

We have a range of fantastic benefits that we offer our employees, this includes:

· Flexible working hours to balance home and working life

· Employee Assistance Programme with access to remote GP, counselling, physiotherapy, resources to support your mental health and financial wellbeing, as well as a 24/7 helpline via Help@Hand

· 25 days of annual leave plus public holidays – rising to 26 days after 1 year, 27 days after 5 years and 30 days after 11 years, with an additional 5 days to use in your 10th or 20th year of service (pro rata for part time)

· Company car for front line care posts

· Time off in lieu

· Access to the Blue Light Card Scheme, and other rewards and discounts

· Bike to work, season ticket loan and payroll giving schemes

· Family friendly policies, focused on employee wellbeing, and an active cross-organisational wellbeing group running a number of initiatives throughout the year

· Pension scheme where we contribute 5% of your salary and you contribute at least 3%

· The option to buy/sell annual leave, as well as additional leave for your birthday, wedding/civil ceremony and an extra half day off for Christmas shopping

· Robust training and development programmes to support your learning and growth

· A recommend a friend recruitment referral bonus scheme

If you’d like to find out more about working with us, please click here. More information can also be found in our Candidate Pack.

How to apply:

To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter highlighting why your application should be considered above others to us via the link.

Closing date: 25 May 2025

Please disclose in your cover letter if you have used AI for any part of your job application.

Interviews will take place at our Head Office in Leatherhead with the dates to be confirmed. We will only contact those applicants who have been successful.

Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early.

An enhanced DBS disclosure will be required for this post.

Rainbow Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees to share this commitment.

Rainbow Trust is an equal opportunities employer and a Best Companies One-Star rated organisation, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds. Registered Charity No: 1070532

Director of Finance and Operations

Contract type: Fixed Term, initially 18 months, part time (initially 2 - 3 days a week)

Contract start date: asap

Location: Remote (some travel for meetings in London)

Please note, this role is only open to applicants residing in and with the right to work in the UK.

This is an exciting opportunity to become a key member of the leadership team for a unique Fund focused on commercial scripted and unscripted projects that address the climate crisis. This is a part time role working remotely, but with the potential for growth. 

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THE COMPANY

Climate Spring is a unique organisation working to fund and develop content with the world’s leading production companies and broadcasters. We are a company based in the UK working globally, funded by philanthropic foundations. Our team is made up of film and TV professionals, climate and funding experts based in the UK, US and France. Our primary focus is on identifying, supporting and developing a range of long-form content that is commercially viable within the global English language market. We also provide consultancy and training support to the industry on climate storytelling within a commercial context. We aim to create better  connections, coordination and partnership to what is a growing movement of interest Climate Spring has grown rapidly over the last 18 months, and has plans for further expansion. 

THE ROLE

We are looking for a motivated and passionate Director of Finance and Operationsto join our team, to provide strategic and financial leadership and support to Climate Spring as it continues to grow

Key responsibilities:

• Strategic leadership on all finance and operational matters affecting Climate Spring’s activities
• Manage and oversee the organisation’s budget in line with the organisation’s strategy
• Support the Executive Director and Director of Impact with fundraising strategy and funder management.
• Oversee the financial management of the organisation
• Provide financial and operational leadership for the organisation’s establishment of a new production fund
• Prepare and present financial reports for board and funders.
• Manage relevant internal and departmental operational developments
• Oversee the organisation’s operations, ensuring effective and inclusive practices and policies
• Oversee the organisation’s HR policies and practice
• Supporting the Executive Director in reporting to the board and ensuring effective governance

Minimum role criteria:

• 10+ years of experience working in philanthropic, social investment or charity sector with significant leadership experience. 
• Experience managing organisational budgets over £2m
• Experience managing a diverse team
• Experience managing grants and donor relationships

Additional desired skills

• Experience managing social investment funds
• Experience of the entertainment or culture sectors
• Experience setting up new organisations or companies
• Experience drafting contractual agreements
• Governance expertise

To be considered for this opportunity you will need to demonstrate the following skills:

Key skills:

• Excellent leadership skills that foster inclusive cultures
• Excellent fundraising and donor/investor partnership management skills
• Entrepreneurial and adaptive, with creative problem-solving abilities
• Strong attention to detail
• Excellent organisational, time management and long-term planning skills 
• Excellent writing and communication skills, including clear and effective written and verbal communication skills, negotiating skills, strong drafting abilities 
• Professional individual who can build and manage a positive team dynamic
• Demonstrable experience of building and managing budgets and organisational finances. 
• Problem solving skills, and a can-do, team attitude
• Ability to juggle multiple, competing priorities, pivot quickly, think practically and be solution-oriented
• Diligent and resourceful 

We strongly encourage applications for this role from people with a disability and if you meet the minimum criteria for a role and you have declared that you are disabled, we’ll guarantee you’ll get to the next stage* (minimum criteria above). We're happy to discuss any support/personalisation you may need during our selection process as a reasonable adjustment. 

NEXT STEPS

If your skills & experience fit the above requirements and you would like to talk to us about this role, please apply by emailing  attaching:

• CV
• Covering letter (no more than 250 words)

Deadline for applications: 6th May 2025

Interviews: 26th May 2025

About the role

We’re recruiting for a Head of Retail Operations for our Southern Division. In this role, you’ll be at the heart of driving success within five regions, leading a team of dedicated Regional Managers across 85 shops with around 270 colleagues.

This isn’t just about overseeing operations – it’s about owning them. You’ll have the freedom and autonomy to shape the strategy for your division, making key decisions on everything from financial performance to people development. You’ll build a values-led, inclusive culture – one where our people feel appreciated, respected and supported.

As part of the senior leadership team, you’ll play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of Mind Retail, bringing fresh ideas and driving initiatives that make a real impact. And because every pound we make in our shops helps support Mind’s mission, the work you do will have a lasting and meaningful impact.

This is a role for an ambitious leader – someone ready to take ownership, think strategically and inspire a team to do great things.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Is a natural leader, passionate about creating high-performing teams and building an inclusive culture
• Has senior-level experience leading multi-site, large-scale retail operations and knows how to drive commercial success
• Understands retail finances inside out, from managing P&L’s, to spotting opportunities for growth
• Thinks strategically, but isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and make things happen
• Embodies our values and behaviours

Ready to make a difference?

Join Mind Retail. Join the fight for mental health.

Due to our commitment to work/life balance, you must live within reasonable travelling distance of the division. The geography of the division covers the South East, South West, South Wales, Norfolk and Suffolk.

Mind Retail reserve the right to close the vacancy to applications earlier, should we receive a high volume of strong candidates. Therefore we encourage an early application.

About our benefits

As Head of Operations, you’ll receive:

• A competitive salary of £59,753 per year
• A company car
• A strong commitment to work-life balance with a working pattern that supports this, with the occasional weekend working
• 25 days’ paid holiday per year, plus bank holidays
• Development workshops & courses, to help build your career
• Comprehensive, personalised induction programmes, tailored to your role when you join us
• A huge variety of additional qualifications & development programmes for anyone looking to grow their skills
• Family friendly policies & enhanced pay
• A competitive pension scheme & life assurance, available to all our employees
• 25% staff discount in all Mind shops
• Access to exclusive discounts at over 160 retailers through our employee savings app
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Interest free season ticket loan

About Mind Retail

Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating an income of around £25 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we’re going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve. There’s never been a more exciting time to join us.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We value the power of diversity. We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We are creating an inclusive working environment where everyone is appreciated for being authentic and bringing their whole selves to work.

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working with us to share this commitment. In line with our Safer Recruitment policy, the successful candidate will be required to provide references and will be expected to undertake an enhanced DBS check with a check of the Children's Barred List and/or ‘Work with Adults' workforce check based on their role and responsibilities. A DBS check is a process to check someone's criminal record (if they have any). A Barred List is a list of people who are barred from working with children. To enable you to predetermine what might be disclosed in your DBS check, please use this disclosure calculator.

Mind Retail is an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applicants from all communities. We are committed to the fair treatment of our staff, potential staff and volunteers, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, responsibilities for dependants, age, physical/mental disability or offending background.

This job vacancy is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. 

More details

For more information and a full person specification, please review the job description.

Purpose of the Job

Advice Quality and Operations Managers will make sure clients get accurate and appropriate advice and that advisers are supported and can develop their skills.

Maintain a consistent quality of advice and help for clients by providing support, guidance and feedback on a day-to-day basis and using those insights to drive advice service development.

This role is vital in fostering a culture of quality and excellence within the agency, ensuring that both staff and volunteers are well-equipped to deliver exceptional advice services to clients.

Job Description

Strategy and planning

• Work with the Head of Advice to develop and deliver an operational plan to support delivery of the strategic priorities, which is measured, monitored and reported up to the CEO and Board of Trustees.
• Co-ordinate activities, procedures and systems so as to promote the common policies and practices with the appropriate advice services.
• Ensure that the strategy is accessible to and understood by all staff and volunteers and they know the role they play in achieving our goals.

Risk management and compliance

• Regularly review the risks to which the charity is exposed to relating to Advice Services and provide assurance that systems or procedures are in effective operation to manage those risks.
• Ensure the use of systems in place to meet the requirements of all applicable regulatory bodies relating to the Advice Service Delivery.
• Working with the rest of the management team ensures that good data protection practices are embedded in our day-to-day operations.
• Assess requests made in relation to GDPR.

People management and development

• Support team members in continuous learning that will equip and develop people to deliver outstanding advice delivery. Responsibility for the delivery of the training and development plan for the Advice Services Department including, sourcing, delivering, evaluating and maintaining records.
• Supervise the work of paid staff and volunteers
• Maintain and develop standards of service delivery.
• Advise the Head of Advice on staffing and service-related issues.
• Plan and allocate work, monitor achievements of deadlines and key performance indicators and provide support as appropriate.
• Ensure that the service area and projects are adequately resourced.
• Ensure recruitment and selection of paid staff and volunteers as appropriate.
• Develop inclusive learning and development activities to meet quality standards and the organisation’s learning and development plan. Facilitate inclusive group and / or one-to-one learning and development activities. Organise internal and external learning and development activities to ensure the competence and continuing development of staff and volunteers.
• Contribute to the assessment of competence of staff and volunteers. Co-ordinate assessment activities and make final decisions on competence.
• Working with the rest of the leadership team ensures the organisation delivers a fair, inclusive, equitable and transparent employee and volunteer experience, taking account of our EDI aims and in line with employment law and the Equality Act 2010.
• Ensure Open and timely communication that provides information about the organisation and context for decisions that are made, helps to build trust and confidence and earn legitimacy. 
• Ensure the effective performance management and development of staff through regular supervision sessions, appraisals and learning and development.
• Ensure Training is delivered and records confirm all client facing paid staff and volunteers that may be involved in providing money and debt information and advice have completed an accredited training programme
• Direct reports: Dependent on advice area, between 5 to 11 Advisors per AQOM, plus volunteers.

Operational performance management

• Maintain, develop and monitor effective and relevant performance indicators and management processes, with particular emphasis on the application of customer insight data and feedback on complaints.
• In line with the Advice Quality Standard, work with the Head of Advice and the other Advice Quality and Operations Managers to ensure that staff and volunteers have adequate supervision and that advisers have access to support at all times when delivering advice to clients. 
• Ensuring quality - actively supporting the quality of advice by guiding the team to information sources, checking that all aspects of a client's situation have been considered, checking that follow up work is progressed, and that research and campaigns issues are identified.
• Monitor the quality of advice given to clients to ensure that standards meet Citizens Advice requirements. Completing Case Checking, QAA Audits and independent file reviews (IFR) to ensure quality assurance at a whole service level. Using the insights to further develop the services to clients and skills of advisers.
• Maintain and develop standards of service delivery. 
• Take part in internal consistency exercises at least quarterly.
• Providing support - actively supporting each team member to develop their skills and competences, by explaining, guiding, demonstrating, encouraging, suggesting, coaching, giving constructive feedback and challenging appropriately - adapting the level of support to individual competence and need, and taking account of the team as a whole.
• Manage the practicalities of the service: Including overseeing all practical issues relating to the service delivery, ensuring service delivery and adequate cover is in place, allocating the team to face-to-face work and other communication methods, checking waiting times and interview lengths, and if necessary, dealing with client or Citizens Advice emergencies.
• Provide technical support and act as consultant to the advisers.
• Monitoring of service delivery and advice service contracts performance to report against KPIs, with reference to outcomes for clients, identifying any issues and proposed actions. Reporting significant risks to the Head of Advice. Ensure that appropriate systems are developed and maintained for case recording, statistics, follow up work and quality control.
• Client Experience: Use our written process for dealing with complaints, ensuring that regulatory requirements are met (for debt and money advice complaints) to ensure Complaints are handled effectively and data is used to drive improvements where appropriate. 
• Ensuring that appropriate data protection procedures are in place and are followed by all workers.
• Lead on safeguarding and gender violence issues in accordance with policies.

Other duties and responsibilities

• Understanding and acceptance of the need to work occasional evenings and weekends, both on site and on-call, as required.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with management and other departments to align quality standards with organisational goals.
• Engage with external partners and regulators to ensure compliance with industry standards and share best practices.

Reporting and Analysis

• Prepare and present reports on advice quality metrics to management and stakeholders.
• Utilise data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.

Confidentiality and safeguarding

• Confidentiality is a core principle of Citizens Advice. Support the team with the application of the confidentiality policy.
• Implementing adult and child safeguarding policies and training staff and volunteers how to identify and deal with safeguarding concerns.
• Dealing with a conflict of interest and ensuring our service takes the right action to protect the client, our staff and volunteers and the service.

Research and Campaigns

• Ensure that staff and volunteers consistently and accurately generate Advice Issue Codes (AICs), evidence forms and profile data and participate in the Network Panel Surveys

Person Specification | What you need to do this job

Essential Criteria 

• Ability to lead and contribute to a team, including the ability to prioritise own work and the work of others, and take decisions in the day to day running of a busy service area.
• Ability to plan and manage projects.
• Commitment to continuing professional development.
• Experience of monitoring and maintaining service delivery against agreed targets.
• Ability to plan and prioritise own time and work and work of others in a pressured environment.
• Experience of analysing information to produce reports.
• Leadership and management ability within the context of understanding the needs of a voluntary sector organisation.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, in writing and over the telephone with individuals and with a wide variety of organisations and audiences.
• Ability to meet Citizens Advice competence with a minimum of three years’ experience of involvement with advice giving.
• Ability to research, analyse and interpret complex information and to produce and present clear verbal and written reports. 

Desired Criteria

• Significant experience managing large advice and helpline services which includes supporting individuals within at least one of the areas of – (for example) welfare benefits, debt management, housing, or health and social care issues.
• Demonstrable experience of driving innovation and service improvement within an advisory/customer focused service.
• Experience of supporting change.
• Well-developed staff management and leadership skills, with strong experience of implementing robust performance management processes.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, including excellent IT skills.
• Proven ability to create a positive working environment in which equality and diversity are well managed, dignity at work is upheld and staff are empowered and motivated to do their best.
• Experience in managing budgets.
• Ability to ensure best use of IT systems and packages in the provision of advice services and the ability to monitor and maintain casework systems and procedures.
• Ability to work with a variety of organisations and to earn and maintain the trust of those people with whom the Bureau deals.
• Ability to contribute to the team combined with willingness to learn and develop and have a positive attitude to change with an ability to plan ahead.
• Access to own transport and able to work at any service location in the Bureau’s area of operation as required.

Application Process:

To apply, please complete the application process on CharityJob. Please submit a concise supporting statement which includes examples and evidence of when you have demonstrated the attributes listed within the person specification. You will be expected to address each point separately and, in the order listed.

If you do not complete a full supporting statement in the requested format, your application may be rejected.

Addressing each point of the person specification

This is a key section of the application which allows you to provide evidence of your experience, knowledge, skills and abilities that are relevant to the role as described in the role profile.  Selection is based on an assessment of the evidence you provide against the requirements of the role as set out in the person specification.  It is important that you tailor your response to clearly demonstrate how you meet each requirement. No assumptions will be made about your achievements and abilities. 

Please provide one example for each requirement.  You should choose examples of past experience that clearly demonstrate what we are looking for, and be precise about what you did, how you did it and the outcome or result of your actions. Please try to limit your response to each criterion to a maximum of 200 words. 

A useful guide might be S.T.A.R:

• Specific – give a specific example
• Task – briefly describe the task/objective/problem
• Action – tell us what you did
• Results – describe what results were achieved

Please provide recent work examples wherever possible.  However, do remember that relevant examples from other aspects of your life, for example: voluntary or unpaid work, school or college work, family or home responsibilities, can also be given.

We are an equal opportunity employer. If you have any requirements (e.g. for attending an interview) please note these clearly on in your letter.

Interview Process:

The closing date is Friday 2nd May 2025, 6pm

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by telephone, so please give a daytime telephone number or somewhere we can leave a message to arrange an interview.

Our selection process consists of three stages:

• Stage 1 – Telephone Interview:

            Initial interviews will take place via telephone on Thursday 15th May 2025.

• Stage 2 – Formal Interview (In-Person):

            Candidates who are successful at Stage 1 will be invited to our Stevenage office for a formal face-to-face interview                on Monday 19th May 2025.

• Stage 3 – Practical Activity & Final Q&A:

            Following the formal interview, candidates will complete a short activity and have the opportunity to ask any final                   questions.

Please note that Stages 2 and 3 will take place on the same day.

Your new company
My client is a health-based research charity based in the heart of London. They are looking for an Operations Manager to provide additional support who is comfortable working in senior-level settings and people manage a team of 4-5 Executive Assistants. This role will be fast-paced, and you will be asked to take on all responsibility for various projects. You will be expected to work a minimum of 3 days on-site in their Central London offices.

Your new role

• Manage the team of EAs
• Co-ordinate and deliver all cross-divisional projects, communications, meetings, and wellbeing activities to ensure the effective and smooth running of the division.
• Preparing documents for CEO / CoS including correspondence, reports, minutes, briefing notes and other papers and preparing presentations
• Organising meetings at divisional level, including meetings of the senior management team and external parties
• Manage the team's operational budget, including the tracking of expenditure and review of monthly/quarterly reports. Process expenses and invoices.
• Manage and deliver cross-departmental projects. Act as point of contact for the CEO's office for organisation-wide initiatives.
• Assist in the preparation of papers for internal and external meetings, attending such meetings and producing minutes, action logs or programme documentation.
• Undertake any other work that may be reasonably required from time to time 
• Undertake work in accordance with Wellcome policies and principles.   

What you'll need to succeed

• EA / Office Management experience
• Excellent people management skills and experience
• Advanced IT Skills - excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office software, including SharePoint.
• Able to draft correspondence
• Experience of managing projects
• Experience of managing a variety of stakeholders

What you'll get in return

A competitive day rate, with the opportunity to be exposed to some wonderful research within the medical field. You will be working in a location with great transport links within the City of London.

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV. Please note, due to the volume of applications, if you have not been contacted, please assume you have not been successful in the role.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk

Wonderseekers, the charity behind Winchester Science Centre, is seeking a senior leader to drive the charity’s financial strategy and operational effectiveness. As a key member of the Executive Team, the role will provide strategic oversight of financial operations, risk management, and key support services, ensuring the charity's long-term sustainability. The successful candidate will work closely with senior leadership and trustees to align financial and operational goals with the charity’s mission of engaging children with science to improve their lives and contribute to a sustainable future. This leadership position will also focus on the efficient delivery of essential support functions, ensuring compliance with governance, legal obligations, and safety standards, and fostering a culture of excellence across all areas.

This is an extraordinary opportunity to step into a pivotal leadership role at a charity with a powerful purpose and a solid financial foundation. Following a period of remarkable transformation, we are poised for even greater impact—investing in sustainability, expanding our reach, and enhancing our impact-driven science engagement experiences. If you’re passionate about leveraging financial leadership to create a better future for children and the planet, we’d love to hear from you.

Job details

Hours: 37.5 per week.

Work pattern: Usually Monday to Friday working during office hours with occasional weekends and out of hours work, however we do operate very flexibly.

Salary: Between £60,000-£70,000 per annum depending on experience (full-time)

Contract: Permanent

Line manager: CEO

Responsible for: Head of Finance, Head of Estates and Sustainability, Head of Digital Infrastructure

Holiday: 28 days per annum plus bank holidays (full-time). Option to buy/sell some leave and gain additional days for continuous service after four years. The post-holder will not usually be expected to work bank holidays however when duties require, time off in lieu will be available.

Location: Between both sites - Winchester Science Centre, Winchester, SO21 1HZ and Wonderseekers HQ, Eastleigh, SO50 9DE. Some remote working is possible however an onsite presence is required for most of the role.

Benefits: Cash health scheme, life assurance, buy/sell annual leave, long service holiday bonus, café and shop discount, electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme, free tickets to WSC and partner attractions, family friendly leave, wellbeing policy, mental health first aiders, charity workers discount scheme, cycle to work scheme, financial loans, flexible IT, casual dress, staff events, enhanced pension contribution and pension salary sacrifice scheme, inflationary pay rise subject to charity performance and more.

Deadline: Monday 12th May 2025 9am

1st round interviews: 20th and 21st May 2025 at Winchester Science Centre

2nd round interviews: w/c 9th June

Please contact us if you’d like to arrange an informal chat or have any questions about the role before applying.

About our Charity

Wonderseekers (the Charity behind Winchester Science Centre) strives to engage all children with science so they can live happier, healthier and more sustainable lives and contribute to improving life on earth. The Charity runs Winchester Science Centre - a vibrant, hands-on experience for young children. Promising an exciting day out for families, with curriculum-linked trips for schools and an evening events programme, the Science Centre welcomes over 170,000 visitors every year. Through our magnificent planetarium and live science experiences, science is brought to life in imaginative, fun and accessible ways that means everyone is included.

Key Objectives

• Finance Leadership: Be the architect of and execute a strategic vision for the charity's financial growth and long-term sustainability, ensuring resilience in financial operations.
• Risk Management: Lead and drive the strategic management of risk within the Charity, fostering a culture of continuous improvement in risk practices.
• Health, Safety, and Safeguarding: Promote and ensure a culture of excellence in Health and Safety and Safeguarding practices, maintaining the highest standards across the charity
• Infrastructure Development: Champion the development and implementation of robust systems and infrastructure to enable the charity to fulfil its mission efficiently and effectively.
• Leadership: Lead the Charity Support Services team, ensuring seamless and proactive support for the organisation’s operations and strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Executive leadership and strategic contribution

• Report directly to the CEO, providing regular updates on financial performance, risk management, and operational efficiency. Additionally, the CFRO will present detailed financial reports, risk assessments, and progress on strategic goals to the Board of Trustees, ensuring transparency and alignment with the charity's long-term objectives.
• As a key member of the Executive Team, actively contribute to the development and refinement of the charity’s overall strategy, aligning financial and risk management goals with broader charity objectives.
• Play a leading role in setting and delivering the goals and targets defined in the charity’s business plan, ensuring financial health and operational efficiency.

Financial strategy and governance

• Develop, implement, and continually refine the charity’s financial strategy, policies, and practices in alignment with best practices and the organisation’s overall strategic goals.
• Provide financial leadership and oversight, ensuring the charity’s financial health by managing the planning, budgeting, reporting, and monitoring processes.
• Manage and oversee the preparation of accurate, timely financial statements, budgets, and forecasts that support decision-making by the Executive Team and Board.

Risk management and mitigation

• Lead the development and implementation of an enterprise-wide risk management framework that identifies, assesses, and mitigates risks across all operations.
• Oversee regular risk assessments and report on risk management performance, ensuring that all areas of the organisation are proactively managing risks.
• Foster a culture of risk awareness across the charity, ensuring that risk management is embedded in all key decision-making processes.

Operational efficiency and support services

• Lead and drive the efficient delivery of essential charity support functions, including IT, facilities management, health and safety, and safeguarding, ensuring that they are effectively resourced and aligned with the charity’s strategic needs.
• Ensure these functions operate in a seamless and ‘invisible’ manner, enhancing the operational efficiency of the charity while supporting its mission delivery.

Compliance and regulatory oversight

• Ensure full compliance with charity governance, statutory reporting, and all relevant legal obligations, including charity law, tax regulations,, financial reporting standards and data protection. The postholder will also act as our Data Protection Officer.
• Ensure that the charity adheres to all relevant health and safety regulations, creating and maintaining a safe working environment for staff, volunteers, and visitors.

Leadership and team development

• Lead, manage, and inspire the Charity Support Services team, ensuring a high level of collaboration and providing the resources needed for effective performance.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, supporting the professional development of staff and encouraging innovative problem-solving.

Stakeholder management and reporting

• Engage with the Board of Trustees and external stakeholders on matters relating to financial performance and risk management.
• Provide regular reports to the Board, senior leadership, and key stakeholders on financial status, risk assessments, and performance against strategic goals.

Person Specification:

Education:

• Essential: A recognised accountancy qualification (preferably ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Desirable: Management/leadership qualification or significant professional experience at a senior level in the charity sector.

Experience and knowledge:

Essential:

o A minimum of three years' experience in a senior management or leadership role.

o Proven track record of managing finance for a medium to large charity.

o Experience as a member of a Senior Management Team, contributing to strategic decision-making and organisational leadership.

o Expertise in financial management, including producing management accounts and monitoring cash flow for organisations with an annual turnover exceeding £2 million.

o Experience in business planning and long-term financial forecasting to support strategic goals.

o Strong experience in team management, including motivating staff and overseeing performance to drive high levels of engagement.

o Demonstrable experience of managing budgets, safeguarding processes, and risk management.

o Experience in the production and implementation of policies for example those related to finance, risk, health and safety, safeguarding and data protection within a charitable context.

Desirable:

o Familiarity with managing complex cash flow monitoring processes in a dynamic, mission-driven organisation.

Skills and Abilities:

Essential:

o Advanced IT skills, particularly in Excel, for financial analysis and reporting.

o Strong numeracy and attention to detail, ensuring accurate and high-quality outputs.

o Excellent time management and the ability to prioritise tasks to meet deadlines effectively.

o Outstanding verbal and written communication skills in English, with the ability to present complex financial and risk-related information clearly to both financial and non-financial stakeholders.

o Proven ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, with a hands-on and proactive approach.

o Personal integrity, intellectual agility, and the capacity to influence stakeholders at all levels within the organisation.

o Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trusting relationships across diverse teams and external partners.

o A professional, flexible, and resilient approach, maintaining composure in high-pressure environments.

Desirable:

o Ability to work effectively in a customer-facing organisation, ensuring financial and risk practices align with service delivery.

o Energetic, self-starting, and results-driven with a focus on continuous improvement and organisational impact.

o A positive and collaborative attitude towards contributing to a team culture that supports the charity’s mission.

The post-holder will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check.

Interview Process:

We look forward to getting to know you through our friendly and welcoming interview process. The interview is likely to include a pre-interview task and questions from our panel. Interview questions will be circulated in advance.

We can’t wait to hear from you! Please contact us if you’d like to arrange an informal chat, or have any questions about the role before applying.

Ready to Apply?

When you are ready to apply, please submit your application through our recruitment portal.

You will be asked to submit your contact details and answer a few questions so we can get to know you. Please keep your responses concise, this is your opportunity to really stand out. After answering these questions, please upload your cover letter and CV.

Need information in a different format or would like to apply in an alternative way? Just get in touch via our website.

No recruitment agencies, thank you.

We are seeking an exceptional and experienced Director of Operations/Deputy Director to oversee the day-to-day management of the Institute. This senior leadership role will be pivotal in ensuring the smooth and effective operation of the organisation, aligning operational strategies with our mission and values. The Director of Operations will be responsible for ensuring that all deadlines are met, overseeing human resources, operational systems, external contracts, policy development, financial management and ensuring that the Institute's guiding principle of "changing the lens" is embedded throughout our programmes and initiatives.

The ideal candidate will bring a wealth of experience in operational management within the arts or cultural sector, with a passion for supporting Black arts and heritage. The role requires a commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace, the ability to manage effectively cross-functional teams and to liaise with artists, programming partners and funders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Human Resources and Staff Management
• Operational Leadership and Strategy
• Fundraising and Stakeholder
• Policy, Governance and Compliance
• Financial Management
• Reporting and Evaluation

This is a fantastic opportunity for a proactive individual who enjoys working collaboratively to join Waterloo Uncovered as Administrative Assistant.

Waterloo Uncovered is the ground-breaking charity that combines world-class archaeology with veteran recovery and wellbeing.  Since 2015 we have been supporting veterans and serving military personnel, through programmes centred around the archaeology of the Waterloo battlefield.  For example, learning archaeological skills through excavation on the battlefield supported by a wellbeing team, bringing the artefacts discovered at Waterloo to beneficiaries in their community, or supporting beneficiaries to explore archaeology and history of conflict through our online programme.  All our programmes link conflicts past to conflict present, as beneficiaries uncover, recover and discover.  

As Administrative Assistant you will be part of our small, dynamic, and passionate team, which is supported by an extensive network of volunteers.  You will work closely with the Chief Executive on all aspects of our administration in support of our operational delivery, communications, fundraising and outreach.

Key responsibilities:

• Programme administration, engaging directly in support of beneficiaries for onboarding, logistics and follow up, answering enquiries and general tasks.

• Customer service, responding to email and telephone enquiries and correspondence.

• Database and spreadsheet management, including managing contacts and suppliers, as well as donor and volunteer data on our CRM system and digital filing.

• Processing financial and accounting requirements, including invoices, payroll, expenses and supplier payments.

• Virtual office support, arranging meetings and team events, providing secretariat to Trustee Board, office contracts, suppliers and administration.

• Researches as requested, complies and summarises information for drafting applications for grants and trusts, managing fundraising pipeline and tracking, reporting schedules and reports.

• Administration of social media accounts, support to drafts of newsletter and impact reports, and other communication initiatives.

• Event administration, including bookings, logistics and support to outreach and event delivery.

What you will need

• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, able to present a professional and positive image for the organisation.

• Ability to work under pressure, with accuracy and minimal supervision, with a proactive approach to problem solving and process improvement.

• Data management and entry skills, including the ability to maintain and improve data and information digital filing systems, with accurate record keeping.

• Digital literacy,  proficiency on google suite, microsoft, and social media (e.g. linkedin, facebook), able to present information accurately and clearly.

• Excellent organisational, time management and collaborative skills, able to work with a range of stakeholders.

• Experience of working within the charity or similar sector in an administrative role.

• Communications and / or social media experience.

How to apply

Application is by way of a CV and Covering letter.  The closing date for applications is 5pm on Monday 5 May. Interviews will take place around 12-13 May.  Please indicate in your cover letter any dates of unavailability.

Please note that this role is remote, but the successful candidate will be required to travel to team days in London at least twice per month at their own cost.

Executive Director of Finance & Corporate Services
?? Aldgate East, London
?? Circa £140,000 per annum
?? Closing Date: 12th May

First Stage Interviews: 20th & 21st May | Final Interviews: 27th May

About Us
EastendHomes is a community-based housing provider, established in 2005, currently managing 3,800 homes, operating exclusively in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. Their vision is to achieve the comprehensive regeneration of their estates and deliver sustained improvements to both the homes and quality of life of our residents.

We are now seeking an exceptional leader to join our Executive Team as Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Services. This is a pivotal role, providing strategic oversight and leadership across Finance, People and Culture, IT, and Communications.

Please find link to microsite here to read more about the organisation and the role:

The Role
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you will lead and manage the Finance and Corporate Services functions, ensuring strong financial governance, compliance, and strategic planning. You'll work closely with internal and external stakeholders including the Board, Executive Team, regulators, auditors, and funders.

You will also act as the organisational lead for financial strategy, treasury management, HR, IT infrastructure, and internal and external communications-ensuring that EastEnd Homes is well-resourced and delivering outstanding services.

Key Responsibilities:

• Providing leadership across Finance, IT, HR, and Communications, implementing procedures, policies and strategies
• Manage, support, and develop staff across the Finance and Corporate Services teams, including performance reviews, training needs, and continuous improvement
• Ensure all statutory returns and performance reports are accurate and submitted on time
• Embed a culture of data-driven decision-making and continuous service improvement
• Ensure full compliance with the Housing Regulator's and FCA's financial frameworks, including the timely submission of returns
• Lead the preparation of annual statutory accounts and liaise effectively with external auditors
• Oversee day-to-day financial operations, ensuring robust systems and internal controls are in place
• Manage relationships with lenders and ensure compliance with loan covenants
• Leading treasury management, budgeting, financial planning and reporting
• Monitor spend against budgets and provide timely, accurate financial reporting to the Executive Team and Board
• Develop sound financial controls and value-for-money initiatives, ensuring efficient and cost-effective service delivery
• Identify and pursue additional funding or grant opportunities aligned to EastendHomes' goals
• Driving improvements in digital services and internal IT systems to enhance customer experience and internal efficiencies
• Proactively identify and manage financial and operational risks, contributing to a robust risk management framework
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and contribute to the Annual Assurance Statement
• Represent the organisation with external partners, stakeholders, funders, and regulators

About You:

• Recognised accountancy qualification (e.g. ACCA, ACA, CIMA)
• Proven experience in a senior finance and/or corporate services leadership role
• Experience working within the housing sector, or a similarly regulated, customer-facing environment.
• Experience of working effectively with a Board or committee, writing and presenting reports, strategies etc.
• Strong understanding of financial governance, legislation, and risk management as well as developing short, medium and long term financial plans which ensure their financial viability over the longer term
• A collaborative, values-driven leadership style who fosters an inclusive environment at the fore front of what they do
• Excellent communication and influencing skills to be able to communicate financial concepts and organisational performance insights to internal and external stakeholders

Apply Now
To apply, please submit your CV with a supporting statement as to why you are interested in this specific role by Monday 12th May.

First stage interviews are scheduled for 20th & 21st May, with final interviews to follow on 27th May.

In our company values we aim for equity at all stages of the recruitment process, please let us know if we can do anything to make the process more accessible to you.

Start date:  Mid-August 2025 (subject to Enhanced DBS Check and satisfactory references).

Salary: £36,411 - £38,261 per annum, pro rata.

Hours: 35 hours a week, with some flexibility possible.

Contract: This is a 9 month maternity cover contract, with possibility of extension to 12 months

Place of work: To work flexibly at CARA premises across mid and north Essex, including Braintree, Chelmsford, Clacton, Colchester, Harwich and Dunmow, with some remote home working.

Holiday: 25 days per year pro-rata, plus additional closure days between Christmas and New Year.

To apply: Please complete the application form, which can be downloaded from our website, explaining how your skills and experience relate to the person specification. 

Applications must specifically address each essential and desirable criteria, giving evidence from previous experience or qualifications.

Application deadline:  10am, Monday 2nd June 2025 

Interviews:  Monday 9th June 2025 

Start date: Mid-August, subject to receipt of satisfactory references and enhanced DBS check.

Mandatory Training Dates: To be confirmed.

This post is restricted to women applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1.

Job Description

The role of CARA’s Child and Young Person’s Practice Manager is to lead CARA’s teams of Young Person’s Practitioners and Child and Family Practitioners and manage the provision of specialist sexual violence counselling for young people, play therapy and support for parents and carers.  The post holder may hold a small caseload of clients and undertake some assessments, but the main emphasis of this role will be on the management, support and coordination of the team.

This is a varied and interesting role, giving the post holder opportunity to lead a talented and committed team of practitioners.   As well as overseeing day-to-day operations of the team, the post holder will be part of CARA’s management team and will have the opportunity to play a key role in CARA’s wider development, working closely with the CEO and Deputy CEO.   The post holder will work with our sister centres, SERICC and SOS Rape Crisis to gain an understanding of Child and Young Person’s services across Essex and coordinate these as appropriate.   

Main Responsibilities

Leadership and Management

• To manage all operational aspects of CARA’s Child and Young Person’s Practice, including overseeing the delivery of our specialist young person’s counselling service, play therapy and support for parents and carers.    This may also include managing any new Child and Young Person’s Practice projects that CARA develops.

• To work in accordance with CARA’s policies and procedures and embed a feminist approach in CARA activities.

• To co-ordinate, review and develop effective processes within the Child and Young Person’s Practice, working closely with the Deputy CEO, the Young Person’s Practitioners and the Child and Family Practitioners.

• To line-manage a team of Young Person’s and Child and Family Practitioners, providing day-to-day support, monitoring performance and identifying training and development needs.   This will include keeping up to date notes of line management meetings and conducting and recording annual staff appraisals.

• Work with our Adult Practice Manager to oversee the work of a wider team of sessional counsellors, including supporting Practitioners in line managing sessional and volunteer counsellors and identifying training needs. This will include helping to co-ordinate a monthly sessional and volunteer counsellor meeting. 

• To support practitioners and sessional counsellors in maintaining up-to-date client records and ensure that gaps in data are proactively addressed, as required.

• To work with CARA’s Deputy CEO to recruit and train new staff and sessional and volunteer counsellors, as required.

• To lead regular Young Person’s Practice and Child and Family Practice meetings, producing notes to share with team members and with senior management.

• To maintain an overview of waiting lists, working closely with practitioners and with the Deputy CEO and CEO to ensure that staff and resources are deployed effectively.

• To keep up to date with relevant legislation, policy and practice issues, including BACP and child safeguarding guidance and ensure the practitioners are aware of changes.

• To liaise with CARA’s other teams and more widely with Synergy Essex teams, resolving problems and ensuring good communication and mutual understanding of respective roles and ways of operating.

• To liaise with external agencies, including children’s mental health and social care, ensuring CARA is represented at meetings as required and developing effective relationships to ensure our services co-ordinate with statutory and voluntary services.

• To be part of the CARA management team and attend regular management team meetings, contributing to CARA’s ongoing development.

Counselling and client support

• To oversee client work within the teams, working closely with all team members to resolve client issues and ensure high quality service provision.

• To undertake client assessments and make appropriate arrangements for support.

• To provide specialist counselling for young people and/or play therapy for children and support for their parents, holding a small caseload of clients.

• To keep client records up to date. 

• To work flexibly at CARA centres across mid and north Essex, providing face-to-face and remote sessions, as required.

General

• To work flexible hours, including some evening work and occasional weekends.

• To participate in CARA team meetings, supervision, training and development.

• To provide specialist advice to other workers and agencies, including participation in delivery of training sessions.

• To raise awareness of sexual violence and its impact in the community and within other agencies.

• To keep appropriate records in accordance with CARA policies and procedures.

• To adhere in full to all CARA’s organisational policies and procedures, including safeguarding procedures.

• To be administratively self-servicing.

• To report to the Deputy CEO, CEO and Trustees as required, including the production of regular written reports and verbal reports.

• To undertake any other related activities as required by the Deputy CEO, CEO or the Chair of the Board of Trustees.

About CARA 

CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse) works with victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse, providing independent, specialist support and promoting and representing their rights and needs.

CARA is a registered charity working with adults of all genders, young people and children from across mid and north Essex.  We have a head office in Colchester and outreach premises in Braintree, Chelmsford, Clacton-on-Sea, Great Dunmow and Harwich. We also provide remote services.

CARA seeks to be an inclusive organisation that actively encourages, supports and values diversity amongst both our service-users and our workers.  We wish to create a culture in which discrimination, in all its forms, is recognised and addressed.

You can read more about CARA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion here.   We encourage and welcome applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds.

About Synergy East

CARA is part of Synergy East and we work closely with South Essex-based SERICC and Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis (SOS Rape Crisis) to deliver the contract for the Office for the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex for services for victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse across Essex.