Children and families jobs in sydenham, greater london
Role Summary
We are seeking a dynamic and mission-driven Executive Director to lead ProVeg UK in this next phase of growth and impact. This role combines strategic leadership with high-level stakeholder engagement, fundraising, and organisational development. The ideal candidate brings entrepreneurial energy, exceptional communication skills, strong credentials in the UK NGO sector, and a passion for food systems transformation.
ProVeg UK has a very strong track record in influencing public food through its School Plates programme, which has, to date, swapped over 47m meals from meat-based to plant-based or veggie. We work in over 8,000 schools across the UK, reaching over 1.3 million children every day. We are keen to expand this excellent work to a wider range of stakeholders, including hospitals (a new manager has just been recruited to develop a Hospital Plates pilot), policymakers, the corporate sector and media.
The Executive Director will be at the forefront of this expansion, while also ensuring the continued success of our existing programmes. As such, this is a high-impact role, offering the opportunity to be a catalyst for positive change in the UK’s plant-based and alternative protein movement — helping to shape a more sustainable future.
Job Details
Reports to: Deputy CEO
Country: UK
Location: Greater London Area (within 1.5 hours by train)
Hours: Full-time (35 h/week)
Salary: £55-60k (plus London allowance of £3k, if applicable)
Start date: ideally ASAP
Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and deliver ProVeg UK’s long-term strategy aligned with ProVeg International’s mission
- Lead the design and scaling of UK-based programmes that create measurable impact and reflect local opportunities and needs
- Represent the organisation to increase ProVeg’s visibility and influence.
- Sit as a member of the ProVeg C.I.C. Board.
Stakeholder Engagement & Fundraising
- Cultivate and strengthen relationships with strategic partners including food companies, government agencies, foundations, and major donors
- Identify and pursue funding opportunities, including government tenders and philanthropic partnerships, with a strong focus on climate and health-related funding
- Act as a public thought leader and spokesperson in the UK for food systems transformation in line with ProVeg International’s strategy
- Manage governance and engagement with the UK board
Team & Organisational Development
- Lead and support our fantastic, high-performing UK team and foster a culture of collaboration, inclusion, impact and evaluation
- Provide regular coaching and feedback, ensuring clear objectives, performance development, and providing recognition
- Foster innovation, improvement and a growth mindset in the team, and identify new opportunities to grow our UK work
- Collaborate with ProVeg International teams and other ProVeg countries on shared programmes and goals
Financial Management & Reporting
- Develop and oversee the UK annual budget, ensuring financial sustainability and strategic resource allocation
- Ensure compliance with UK regulations, reporting requirements, and ProVeg International policies
- Provide timely and transparent reporting to the Deputy CEO, International team, and Board
Qualifications
Essential
- Proven leadership experience (5+ years at deputy- or C-level) in a UK-based NGO or mission-driven organisation, ideally in food, climate, or health sectors
- Demonstrated success in fundraising and partnership building, especially with foundations, governments, or climate philanthropies
- Strong entrepreneurial mindset and ability to develop and execute impactful strategies
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with experience speaking to media and government bodies, at public events, and with internal stakeholders of all levels (Board, Senior Leadership Team, Staff and Volunteers)
- Deep understanding of UK funding landscape, policy environment, and relevant NGOs
- Experience leading diverse and remote teams, with a collaborative and empowering leadership style
- Commitment to ProVeg’s mission and values, and strong alignment with our strategic goals
- Experience working with cross-functional and international teams
- Committed to following a plant-based lifestyle
- Knowledge of good governance practice
- Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to effectively fulfil the role of Director
Desirable
- Existing network of funders, policymakers, or influencers relevant to food systems or climate in the UK
- Postgraduate degree in a relevant field (e.g. in public policy, environmental studies, food systems, business, or similar)
- Familiarity with effective altruism principles and evidence-based programme design
- Understanding of plant-based innovation, sustainable diets, or alternative proteins
Benefits of working with us
- Generous annual leave entitlement - 25 days per year, with an additional day granted at the start of each calendar up to a maximum of 30 days (plus bank holidays)
- A strong organisational focus on personal development, with a designated training budget.
- Provision of a work laptop.
- Flexible, trust-based working arrangements and home-office arrangements.
- Career development support
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental and adoption pay
- Compassionate animal companion leave
- Employee Assistance Programme including counselling
- Access to 24/7 virtual GP Service
- Mindfulness support via a free Headspace account for you and up to 5 friends or family members
- Access to the Wisdom app with exclusive perks and discounts
- Membership to the OpenUp platform
- We are a workplace that encourages everyone to bring their whole selves to work. We are an inclusive workplace for our diverse employees around the world.
- And, last but not least, become part of a great team and work with us towards a world where everyone chooses delicious and healthy food that is good for all humans, animals, and our planet!
When?
Application deadline: 15.06
First (People & Culture) interview: 23.06 - 26.06
Trial task: 03.07-06.07.
Second (team) interview: 14.07 - 22.07
Final (executive) interview: 24.07 - 26.07
Further information
Your application should include a cover letter and CV. Please indicate your motivation for the role and describe how you meet the requirements. Please send us your application using our online form. Thank you!
Important: Please make sure to use your own words and ideas on the cover letter. The goal is for us to know you better in order to assess if this role and your motivation are a good fit. Letters written with AI, or written in a language other than English, will be disregarded.
Programmes Lead (Maternity Cover)
Salary: £31,625 - £34,106 pro-rata (depending on experience)
Contract: 12 months fixed-term contract (Maternity Cover- might be potentially extended)
Start Date: Date to be agreed (potentially July)
Location: This is currently a blended-working role with two in-office days (Tuesday-Thursday) during term time and the flexibility to work from home during school holidays. Occasional travel to schools and events will be required.
We are currently based at Resource for London near Holloway Road station, however, our office will be moving to another location in London in the coming months.
Working Pattern: 37.5 hours per week. Our core hours are 09:30 - 16:00 from Monday to Friday.
Benefits of working for Challenge Partners
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Work-life balance
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Annual leave
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Employer pension contributions
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Health and wellbeing support
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Training and development
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Family-friendly policies
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Connection and celebration
About the role
The Programmes Lead will play a key role in leading and implementing the delivery of a range of programmes which at present includes Growing the Top, the SEND Developmental Peer Review and the Trust Leaders’ Network (subject to change based on organisational need).
Established in 2011, Challenge Partners is a well-respected nationwide network of practitioners who engage in hard-edged collaboration and mutual accountability to ensure every school community can benefit from the combined wisdom of the education system.
The Programmes Lead will build and manage relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and hold responsibility for the quality and consistency of school leaders’ experience of the programmes. They will work closely with the Programmes Manager and Partnership Coordinators to ensure excellent delivery.
Key Responsibilities
Reporting to the Programmes Manager the Programme Lead will have the following key areas of responsibility and will be expected to undertake other responsibilities commensurate with the role as requested:
Programme Delivery and Development
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Lead on the operational delivery of programmes: Growing the Top, the SEND Developmental Peer Review and the Trust Leaders’ Network
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Manage key stakeholder relationships with programme participants and facilitators
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Manage correspondence involved in programme delivery, including responding to daily queries and setting up automated processes
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Monitor visit day/event quality and delivery, including dealing with and escalating issues to ensure positive solutions are reached
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Monitor risks and mitigate/escalate as appropriate
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Monitor programme spending and signing off invoices within agreed budgets, as directed by the Programmes Manager
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Work with the Programmes Manager on the development of strategies to support efficiency and scale the delivery of programmes, including and not limited to the engagement of new technologies, processes and ways of working
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Lead on the implementation of new strategies for delivery in your areas of responsibility with Partnership Coordinators
Data Management and Systems
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Ensure programme data is accurately recorded on Salesforce (our CRM system) and work closely with the digital team to improve systems and processes
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Responsibility for ongoing monitoring of programme delivery feedback data to ensure quality and oversee escalation of issues if/when they arise
Event Planning and Organisation
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Lead on the planning, logistics and delivery of in-person and virtual programme events, working closely with the Programmes Manager and Executive Sponsors to agree event design
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Liaise with speakers, venues and suppliers to ensure high quality delivery of events
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Coordinate the team effectively to ensure excellent event delivery
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Work closely with the marketing team to create a social media plan to showcase programme events
Matrix Management
At Challenge Partners, we work in a matrix structure which means that individuals collaborate across different work streams and are, at times, task managed by colleagues who are not their direct line manager
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Provide consistent and high quality task management to all Partnership Coordinators involved in the delivery of these programmes
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Collaborate effectively with other task managers, line managers and teams to support Partnership Coordinators to provide excellent delivery across all Challenge Partners activities and meet key organisational priorities
Person Specification
Specific skills and attitudes we are looking for in an applicant are as follows:
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As one of our cadre of leads, you will be a role model for our values at all times and a cultural lead within the team.
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Strong project management and organisational skills (a ‘completer-finisher’).
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Ability to prioritise effectively to meet competing demands and work under pressure, through excellent organisation and time management.
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Outstanding attention to detail, and pride in your work.
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Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to deal with people diplomatically and appropriately, building rapport with those at varying levels of seniority.
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Positivity, optimism and agility - we are a small organisation and all staff are expected to contribute across the organisation (and sometimes beyond their specific job role) to ensure our success and sustainability.
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High computer literacy - confidence and competence in using GSuite, Microsoft programmes and Salesforce (or similar CRM system) would be an advantage
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A willingness to learn and give and receive feedback
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A passion for education, and a desire to make a difference
How to apply
Please submit your application on BeApplied by 10am on Thursday 22nd May 2025. You will be asked to upload your CV and answer five competency and scenario-based application questions.
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First round of interviews (remote)- 29th & 30th May 2025
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Second round of interviews (face-to-face)- 10th June 2025
A note on AI
At Challenge Partners, we are committed to a fair and inclusive recruitment process. We don’t use Artificial Intelligence (AI) for recruitment - applications are reviewed by members of the team and we use blind shortlisting to mitigate potential bias and ensure all candidates are considered on merit.
Whilst we recognise that AI can be a useful tool for tasks like proofreading, we encourage you to share genuine examples from your own experience so we can better understand your unique skills and perspective. Authenticity is important to us and we want to hear your voice throughout the application process.
DEI Statement
Challenge Partners is committed to further enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion within our team and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, gender, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.
Safeguarding Statement
Challenge Partners is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, beneficiaries and staff. We expect all employees, consultants and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment or contracts with us are subject to a satisfactory DBS check and references.
No agencies please.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are currently seeking a HR Business Partner to join us at Battersea. This role business partners with our Operations, Intake & Rehoming, Volunteering, Animal Welfare and Clinic teams. The postholder will build collaborative relationships with leaders and managers to drive change and create positive impact for teams and individuals through a range of people practices and interventions.
The role of the HRBP is to critically question information and evaluate it to make judgements and decisions that mitigate people risks. We are looking for someone to consistently role model professional principles, behaviours and values, collaborating with colleagues and providing insights and guidance to co-create solutions that help business areas to achieve their plans and positively impact on the employee experience.
What we can offer you:
In return for your commitment to our cause and to recognise the value of our employees, Battersea offers a range of benefits to support the wellbeing of our employees. These include:
- 28 days of annual leave (plus 8 days paid public holidays) per year
- Discounted gym memberships and cycle to work schemes
- Employee Assistance Programme and access to Wellbeing Resources.
- Generous pension contributions – up to 10% employer contribution
- Free healthcare cash plan, where you can claim for a range of treatment including dental, optical, physiotherapy, chiropody and acupuncture every year.
- Annual interest-free season ticket loans
We are also committed to providing learning and development to our employees. During your time with us, we provide support for your professional and career development, including access to digital and in-person training programmes, leadership and management training, mentoring and much more.
Our hybrid working model:
We operate a 50% onsite hybrid working model, with our office-based staff splitting their time between site based and home working. This enables our office-based staff to balance the benefits of home working with onsite collaboration and maintaining a connection to our cause.
Diversity and inclusion:
We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive experience for all staff, volunteers and trustees and those hoping to join us. We operate an anonymised shortlisting process and actively seek to ensure our process is fair and equitable for all.
We understand the value of diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences to help us deliver even more for our dogs and cats, and we welcome applicants from all sections of the community.
As a Disability Confident Committed Employer we will ask about any adjustments you may need at application and/or interview stage, and if you are offered a role with us, we’ll talk to you about any workplace adjustments you may need to help you perform at your best.
More about us:
At Battersea, we aim to never turn away a dog or cat in need of help. We give each one lots of love, expert care and get to know their characters and quirks so we can find them a new home that’s just right for them. Join us and help us be here for every dog and cat, wherever they are, for as long as they need us.
Closing date: 23rd May 2025
Interview date(s): w/c 2nd June 2025
All applications must be submitted before the closing date advertised. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received.
Battersea is here for every dog and cat, and has been since 1860. We believe that every dog and cat deserves the best.





The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Within our Marketing & Commercial department sits the Digital team. Responsible for Battersea’s digital output, our goal is to drive innovation and impact online. We manage Battersea’s website, and lead its digital products, campaigns and advertising – all to increase awareness of Battersea’s work and engage people with the need to support our dogs and cats.
As Website Coordinator, you will support the whole Digital Products team in our ambition to create sector-leading user experiences across our website and suite of digital products. We are looking for someone skilled in proactively identifying opportunities for enhancing our Digital Products and effectively coordinate the implementation of these improvements.
What we can offer you:
In return for your commitment to our cause and to recognise the value of our employees, Battersea offers a range of benefits to support the wellbeing of our employees. These include:
- 28 days of annual leave (plus 8 days paid public holidays) per year
- Discounted gym memberships and cycle to work schemes
- Employee Assistance Programme and access to Wellbeing Resources.
- Generous pension contributions – up to 10% employer contribution
- Free healthcare cash plan, where you can claim for a range of treatment including dental, optical, physiotherapy, chiropody and acupuncture every year.
- Annual interest-free season ticket loans
We are also committed to providing learning and development to our employees. During your time with us, we provide support for your professional and career development, including access to digital and in-person training programmes, leadership and management training, mentoring and much more.
Our hybrid working model:
We operate a 50% onsite hybrid working model, with our office-based staff splitting their time between site based and home working. This enables our office-based staff to balance the benefits of home working with onsite collaboration and maintaining a connection to our cause.
Diversity and inclusion:
We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive experience for all staff, volunteers and trustees and those hoping to join us. We operate an anonymised shortlisting process and actively seek to ensure our process is fair and equitable for all.
We understand the value of diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences to help us deliver even more for our dogs and cats, and we welcome applicants from all sections of the community.
As a Disability Confident Committed Employer we will ask about any adjustments you may need at application and/or interview stage, and if you are offered a role with us, we’ll talk to you about any workplace adjustments you may need to help you perform at your best.
More about us:
At Battersea, we aim to never turn away a dog or cat in need of help. We give each one lots of love, expert care and get to know their characters and quirks so we can find them a new home that’s just right for them. Join us and help us be here for every dog and cat, wherever they are, for as long as they need us.
We will be interviewing for this position on a rolling basis, so we would recommend applying early. We will close the vacancy once it is filled.
To apply for the role, please click the button below.
Battersea is here for every dog and cat, and has been since 1860. We believe that every dog and cat deserves the best.





The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
We at the Foundation support the growth and sustainability of the Award around the world through expanding access, extending reach and strengthening impact, and in doing so, ensuring predictable and sustainable income.
The Philanthropy team has huge growth targets over the next 3 years in order to support the ambitious growth of the organisation. We aim to double our network of generous donors, deepen engagement with those who are long standing supporters and broaden our global network of advocates.
The purpose of this role is primarily to support the Philanthropy team with recruitment and stewardship of World Fellows; the delivery of appropriate communications material and donor relationship management. You will manage your portfolio of donors and working with existing supporters, your goal will be to deepen their connection to our cause and inspire transformational gifts that support our work.
This is a truly collaborative role which involves work closely with colleagues across the Foundation, as well as some of our key supporters, to nurture meaningful and beneficial connections.
Key Responsibilities:
- Day to day management and support of the Foundation’s World Fellowship programme and network; research, manage and develop donor relationships with a portfolio of donors.
- Plan and maintain regular contact with donors, through the use of events and relevant communications materials and publications.
- Working with the with the events team for the creation of invitation lists and event follow up.
- Independently account manage a group of donors, creating reports and other stewardship materials, and undertake day to day general relationship management.
- Undertake prospect research and the planning of relevant approaches to individuals; network mapping current donors and seeking introductions from current network where possible.
- Lead on the preparation of publications and relevant materials for all donors and supporters.
- Keep comprehensive records on our CRM, Salesforce.
- Ensure payments are requested and receipted in a timely fashion.
- Undertake any other duties as required to support the successful delivery of Fundraising Department objectives.
Our long term ambition is that every eligible young person aged 14 – 24 will have the opportunity to participate in the Award.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.