The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is the charity that helps young people build lifelong belief in themselves, supporting them to take on their own challenges, follow their passions, and discover talents they never knew they had. Because when you prove to yourself that you’re ready for anything, nothing can hold you back.
Young people want to create a better future. With your help, they can.
Do you have the comms vision to keep DofE relevant, engaging and inspiring for young people? Can you tell our story in ways that resonate with different audiences? Are you a universally respected and respectful team leader? If so, we’d love you to apply to become our Head of Communications.
You will be responsible for delivering on shared strategic goals through compelling communications, externally and across our network of participants, staff, volunteers and organisations which offer the DofE. You’ll amplify the voices of young people, support relationships with funders and other partners, and continually promote the charity’s influence, reputation and brand profile.
The Head of Communications is one of two senior leadership roles in a wider Engagement team, which in December 2024 won Team of Year in the prestigious CharityComms Inspiring Communicator Awards. Working in partnership with our Head of Brand Marketing, you’ll build on that success, bringing a collaborative approach as we evolve our objectives and ways of working. You’ll play a key role as we mark DofE’s 70th birthday in 2026, then pivot to a new organisational strategy for 2026-31.
Critically, you will lead and shape the engagement of our network of almost 5,000 licensed organisations, 38,000 amazing volunteers and more than half a million participants, working closely with senior Operations colleagues. You’ll oversee staff communications, media and PR, and lead on corporate and crisis comms. Members of your team deliver our Youth Ambassadors programme and crucial support for DofE’s Fundraising and External Affairs.
We’re looking for someone who is versatile – able to switch between the big picture and the detail, with antennae equally alert to risks and opportunities. You’ll be an accomplished diplomat and influencer, with an ability to spot and make connections within and beyond the team. Given the breadth of the role, the successful candidate would ideally bring prior experience of different elements of the brief, together with proven experience of team leadership.
How to apply:
If you are excited about the prospect of working for the DofE and believe you have the desired skills and experience to make a real success of this role, then we are keen to hear from you.
If you would like to access the application form in a different format or if would like any assistance that might help improve your experience while completing the application, please contact us.
- Applications will close on: Sunday 18th May – Midnight
- 1st Interviews will take place: 13th and 16th June (to be held virtually via MS Teams)
- 2nd Interview will take place: WC 23rd June (interview will be in-person at the London Office)
The DofE are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. All successful applicants will be required to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service check. (e.g. DBS/PVG or similar), including references covering any gaps of employment/education, confirm eligibility to work in the UK and complete a health check.
**The geographical allowance is based on a member of staff having a home or office-based postcode within 30 miles (as the crow flies) from Charing Cross, WC2N 5HS. The allowance is 7% capped at £4,000 per annum.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Big Green Heart is looking for a trainer to help expand our practitioner base. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with teaching experience to use their professional skills in the charity sector in the vitally important area of mental health. Accredited practitioners may charge for their own practice, working with individuals or in partnership with schools, churches, and community projects. They will practice under license from Big Green Heart.
The role of the trainer is to teach and train practitioners in the methodology of Big Green Heart and to bring individuals through to accreditation. This will be done regionally and online.
It is hoped that the trainer will continue to oversee the developing work of the practitioners in a mentoring role, either individually or in groups, whether in person or online. This will be an evolving role developed in partnership with the Founder/CEO.
Key information
FT / PT: Part time
Salary: £30,000 - £35000/ year, pro rata depending on experience
Hours: Circa 16 hours per week; the hours will be flexible and may include evenings and weekends
Annual Leave: 25 days pro rata
Application Process: Applications should be made via the application form by midnight on 30 May 2025. Interviews will be held either the first or second week of June.
Application Deadline: 30 May 2025
Start Date: Negotiable
Location: Remote and flexible. Please note, the charity is based in North Yorkshire and some face-to-face meetings will be required at our office. Training will take place around the country. So far this year, we have hosted workshops all over the UK, from Sussex to the Isle of Skye. Travel will be required, as will the ability to train online. All travel expenses will be covered.
About you
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Have experience in teaching or training
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Have trauma-informed training
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Be happy to work one-on-one and in groups
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Be comfortable working online and in person
Over time, the trainer will be expected to develop a network from which new practitioners will be recruited. Prior knowledge of Big Green Heart methodology is not expected. Big Green Heart will provide your training, and there will be a probationary period for you and Big Green Heart to assess your suitability for communicating this vital practice of forgiving.
Information about Big Green Heart methodology can be found on our website.
Core Skills
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Strong Communication Skills on a One-to-One Basis and in Groups: Ability to build rapport, actively listen, and clearly articulate ideas and instructions to individuals and groups, fostering a positive and engaging learning environment.
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Empathy: Demonstrate understanding and sensitivity to the feelings and experiences of others, creating a safe and supportive space for learning and personal growth.
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Organisational Skills: Effectively manage time, resources, and workload, prioritise tasks, and meet deadlines, ensuring efficient and well-structured training sessions.
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ICT Skills: Proficient in using computers, relevant software, and online tools to deliver and manage online training, communicate effectively, and maintain records.
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Commitment to the Mission and Values of Big Green Heart: Align with and actively promote Big Green Heart's mission of improving people's lives, demonstrating a genuine passion for the cause and upholding our values in all interactions.
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Adaptability: Able to adjust teaching style and methods to suit different learning environments (online and in-person) and individual needs.
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Tech Savvy: Proficient in using online learning platforms, video conferencing tools, and other relevant technology for online training.
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Facilitation: Skilled in managing group dynamics, encouraging participation, and creating a positive online and offline learning environment.
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Time Management: Ability to effectively manage workload, meet deadlines, and balance in-person and online training commitments.
Additional Skills
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Platform Management: Experience with learning management systems (LMS) to track learner progress and manage online course content.
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Community Building: Able to foster community and connection among learners online and in person.
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Curriculum Development: Experience designing and developing training materials and adapting them for online delivery.
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Presentation Skills: Able to deliver engaging and informative presentations in both live and virtual settings.
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Active Listening: Attentive to participant needs and questions and able to respond effectively in online and in-person interactions.
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Cultural Sensitivity: Awareness and respect for diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs, especially in online environments where participants may come from different regions and cultures.
The trainer will report to the Founder/CEO and their Line Manager. They will work with the operational team.
Though this practice is accessible for people of all faiths or none, there is an occupational requirement that the jobholder is a Christian under Part 1 of Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010.
Safeguarding
Big Green Heart recognises the need to provide a safe and caring environment for children, young people and vulnerable adults. As part of our safeguarding policy, we will require any successful applicant to complete disclosure checks and obtain an enhanced DBS certificate.
Though this practice is accessible for people of all faiths or none, there is an occupational requirement that the jobholder is a Christian under Part 1 of Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010.
Please note that we can only consider applications from candidates with the legal right to work in the UK.
The purpose of Big Green Heart is to educate and empower people to experience the positive change that comes through forgiving.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.