Children services director jobs

This is a key leadership role responsible for the safe, high-quality delivery of our respite breaks, wellbeing programmes and outreach services, alongside building strong relationships that help grow our reach and referral base.

You’ll lead a flexible workforce and oversee day-to-day operations, while also working externally with schools, local authorities and partner agencies to strengthen referral pathways and increase access to our services, particularly across Glasgow, Edinburgh and North/East Ayrshire.

Working closely with colleagues across the organisation, you’ll make sure services are deliverable, sustainable and aligned with future growth. A big part of the role is understanding local need and helping shape how and where our services are delivered.

Community & Corporate Fundraiser – Wales (Dolfor)

Full-time 37.5 hours a week. (flexible/part-time requests will be considered)

Salary £38,000.00 -£42, 000.00 pa

Hybrid role- 3 days in office and 2 home working

This role will lead fundraising across Wales and into the Midlands, building relationships with communities, businesses and supporters to grow income and raise awareness of our work. 

You’ll develop and manage a mix of community and corporate fundraising activity, working closely with colleagues across the organisation and using our Wales site to engage and inspire supporters. 

A big part of the role is building strong, long-term relationships that support sustainable fundraising and help extend the reach of our services.

About you:

• Experience in fundraising, partnerships or a similar relationship-based role
• Confident building and managing external relationships
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Organised and able to manage multiple priorities
• A proactive, self-motivated approach

This is a varied role with real scope to grow fundraising across Wales and make a direct impact on the children and families we support.

Closing Date: 19 July 2026

Ref 7367

Save the Children UK has an exciting opportunity for an experienced safeguarding professional with a strong safeguarding casework and investigations background to join us as our Head of Investigations & Quality, where you will lead complex safeguarding casework, drive quality assurance, and strengthen safer practices across the UK and internationally. 

This is a 12-month fixed-term maternity cover contract, starting in September 2026. Due to the nature of the role, candidates must be available to commence employment in September 2026. 

About Us 

Save the Children UK believes every child deserves a future. In the UK and around the world, we work every day to give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. When crisis strikes, and children are most vulnerable, we are always among the first to respond and the last to leave. We ensure children's unique needs are met and their voices are heard. We deliver lasting results for millions of children, including those hardest to reach. 

About the Role 

As Head of Investigations & Quality (Safeguarding, Health, Safety & Security), you will lead Save the Children UK's safeguarding casework and investigations function, ensuring safeguarding concerns are managed to the highest standards and in line with organisational policies, regulatory requirements and sector best practice.

Bringing significant experience of safeguarding investigations and complex case management, you will oversee sensitive and high-risk safeguarding cases, provide quality assurance across safeguarding, health, safety and security incident management, and drive continuous improvement through learning, insight and organisational accountability. Working closely with senior leaders and safeguarding colleagues, you will help strengthen our safeguarding culture and ensure survivor-centred, trauma-informed approaches are embedded throughout our work. 

In this role, you will: 

• Lead and oversee safeguarding investigations and case management activity, ensuring complex and sensitive cases are handled using survivor-centred, trauma-informed and risk-aware approaches.
• Provide quality assurance and oversight of safeguarding, health, safety and security incident management, ensuring consistency, compliance and high standards of practice across the organisation.
• Strengthen case management systems, processes and reporting mechanisms, embedding learning from cases and near-misses into organisational policies, training and safeguarding practice.
• Provide expert guidance, support and quality assurance to Safeguarding Business Partners and stakeholders, helping build capability and confidence in case management and investigations.
• Analyse safeguarding, health, safety and security data, identify trends and risks, and prepare high-quality reporting and insights for senior leadership, the Board and governance committees.
• Develop and deliver training, contribute to safeguarding improvement projects, and occasionally deputise for the Director of Safer Programming & Advocacy on safeguarding matters.

About You  

This role is an excellent opportunity for an experienced safeguarding investigations professional who is passionate about protecting children and communities, driving high-quality practice, and ensuring organisations respond effectively when concerns arise. 

To be successful, it is important that you have: 

• Significant experience leading safeguarding casework and investigations, including managing complex, high-risk and sensitive safeguarding concerns within a large or complex organisation.
• Advanced safeguarding investigation and case management expertise, with a strong understanding of survivor-centred and trauma-informed approaches.
• Deep knowledge of safeguarding and child protection legislation, policy and best practice, ideally across both UK and international or INGO settings.
• Strong analytical skills and sound professional judgement, with the ability to balance risk, survivor needs and organisational accountability in challenging situations.
• Experience strengthening case management systems, quality assurance processes, audits and organisational learning frameworks.
• Excellent communication, influencing and relationship-building skills, with experience
• training, mentoring and supporting colleagues to improve safeguarding practice.

What we offer you 

We promote flexibility, inclusion, collaboration, and wellbeing both at work and beyond, and offer a wide range of benefits designed to reward your hard work and inspire you to help improve the lives of children every day. 

Some of the benefits you can expect include: 

• Generous Annual Leave – Starting at 27 days per year (pro rata for part-time employees) increasing with service up to 32 days, plus public holidays and our annual 'Save the Children Day'. 
• Family Leave – Up to 39 weeks of maternity/adoption pay (including up to 21 weeks full pay) and paternity/adoption leave of 10 weeks full pay (plus statutory entitlement).
• Special Leave – Up to 10 days paid leave per year (pro rata) for urgent or exceptional personal circumstances, without using annual leave.
• Volunteer Leave – Up to 3 days paid leave per year to support volunteering and give back. 
• Pension & Life Assurance – Helping you plan for the future with up to 7% employer pension contributions. 
• Employee Discounts – Access thousands of deals across groceries, retail, tech, travel, fitness, and more.
• Health & Wellbeing Support – Including access to a 24/7 Virtual GP and Employee Assistance Programme and Counselling, eye care support, and seasonal flu vaccinations. 

Please note: To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications are received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.

Location & Ways of Working:

The majority of our roles can be performed remotely in the UK, but at times you will be required to come to your contracted office (usually between 2–4 days per month, depending on the needs of your role, team, or service). For many roles, this is likely to be the minimum required to deliver impact.

The Safer Programming & Advocacy Team currently meets once per month at our office in Farringdon, but this will be discussed and agreed with your manager / team and we encourage candidates to discuss our ways of working in more detail at interview stage. 

Please note: travel costs to your contracted office will be at your own expense.  

Flexible Working - We are happy to discuss flexible working options at interview.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: 

Save the Children UK believes in a world that is fair, inclusive and equitable where all children have the opportunity to change their world. We apply this to our workforce, and we are committed to developing and supporting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organisation where structural inequality is actively addressed, and all employees have a sense of belonging and feel that they can thrive. 

We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, and are especially interested in hearing from people with diverse and intersecting identities such as lived experience of poverty, people of faith, people of colour, people with disabilities, with experience of migration and/or refugee status, care-experienced people, the LGBTQIA+ community and individuals with experience living in diverse families.

We are not looking for just one type of person - we want to recruit people who can add fresh perspectives, innovative ideas or challenge that disrupts the risk of group think. We know that different voices working together will enable us to do our work better, improving the lives of children around the world. 

Create is seeking a dynamic, ambitious, driven, fundraiser (grants/major gifts) with strong strategic skills, an exemplary income generation track record, and a passion for the power of the creative arts. This Senior Leadership Team position reports directly to the Chief Executive and manages a small team.

Do you believe in the power of the creative arts to connect, empower and upskill isolated and vulnerable children and adults? Are you passionate about relationship building, storytelling, meeting targets and changing lives? Are you excited to use your extensive senior-level fundraising experience, knowledge and contacts to lead Create’s income generation from Trusts & Foundations (T&F), public sector and High Net Worth Individuals (HNWI)? 

Are you passionate about building relationships, inspiring others, and making a real impact? This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in growing support for our charity by connecting with local communities, businesses, volunteers, and supporters. You will be at the heart of developing meaningful partnerships, identifying new fundraising opportunities, and increasing awareness of the vital work we do. Through your energy, creativity, and relationship-building skills, you will help generate income, maximise community engagement, and strengthen our presence across the region. Every conversation, event, and partnership you create will contribute to making a positive difference in the lives of those we support. If you thrive on meeting people, creating opportunities, and being part of a passionate and purpose-driven team, this rewarding role offers the chance to make a lasting impact while helping our charity grow and succeed.

For over 30 years, RASASC has provided specialist, trauma-informed support to survivors of rape, sexual violence and childhood sexual abuse across Cheshire and Merseyside. 

As Managing Director, you will provide strategic and operational leadership, working closely with our Board of Trustees, staff team, funders, commissioners and partners to ensure RASASC continues to deliver high-quality, survivor-centred services while building a sustainable future.

The opportunity:

• Shape and deliver RASASC’s strategy, growth plans and future direction
• Lead and inspire a committed team, creating a culture of excellence, collaboration and learning
• Ensure strong governance, financial sustainability and organisational resilience
• Develop relationships with funders, commissioners, partners and stakeholders
• Champion survivor voices and influence the wider sexual violence support sector
• Drive innovation, service improvement and long-term impact

We are looking for an experienced senior leader who can demonstrate:

• Strategic leadership experience within the charity, public, voluntary or social purpose sector
• A strong track record of managing budgets, resources and organisational performance
• Experience working with Boards, Trustees or Non-Executive Directors
• Success in securing funding through grants, contracts, tenders or partnerships
• The ability to lead people, manage change and build effective relationships
• A commitment to equality, inclusion, safeguarding and survivor-centred practice

This is a rare opportunity to lead a respected organisation with a powerful mission — ensuring survivors of sexual violence receive the support, advocacy and voice they deserve.If you are an ambitious, compassionate and strategic leader who wants to create lasting change, we would love to hear from you.

Contract: Full-time, permanent
Hours: Full-time
Reports to: Chair; Board of Directors 
Location: Hackney
Salary: £50,000-60,000 depending on experience.
Pension: HSoF participates in the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) pension scheme and contributes 3%.
Benefits: 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, free onsite lunches .
Probation period: Six months.

About Hackney School of Food

Hackney School of Food is an award-winning food education hub based in the grounds of Mandeville Primary School in Clapton, East London. Through our teaching kitchen and educational garden, we help children, families and communities build the skills, confidence and knowledge to grow, cook and eat good food.

Each year, we welcome more than 10,000 visits to our kitchen and garden, delivering curriculum programmes for schools alongside community cooking courses, gardening projects, holiday clubs, corporate volunteering and public events. Since becoming a Community Interest Company (CIC) in 2023, we have expanded our facilities, strengthened our governance and built a strong reputation as a leader in food education.

We're now looking for an exceptional Managing Director to build on these strong foundations and lead Hackney School of Food through its next phase of growth and impact.

About the role

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Managing Director (MD) will provide both strategic and operational leadership, ensuring the organisation delivers its mission while remaining financially resilient, well-governed and responsive to the needs of the communities it serves.

The Managing Director is responsible for all aspects of the organisation, including strategy, income generation, finance, governance, partnerships, programme delivery and people leadership. Working closely with a small, committed team and an engaged Board, they will build on strong foundations to grow Hackney School of Food's impact, reach and long-term sustainability.

This is a varied, hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys balancing big-picture thinking with practical delivery. One day you may be developing a new partnership, meeting a prospective funder or working with the Board on future strategy; the next you could be supporting the team, welcoming visitors to the garden or solving day-to-day operational challenges.

Key priorities

In your first 12 months you will:

• Build on Hackney School of Food's strong foundations to deliver the next phase of our strategy and growth.

• Increase and diversify income through fundraising, partnerships and commercial opportunities to strengthen long-term sustainability.

• Lead, support and develop a small, ambitious team, fostering a positive and inclusive culture where people can thrive.

• Strengthen relationships with funders, partners and local businesses, helping Hackney School of Food deepen its impact.

• Work closely with the Board to embed strong governance, organisational systems and long-term planning for the future.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership 

• Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for Hackney School of Food, ensuring delivery of its mission, vision and long-term objectives. 

• Lead the development and implementation of Hackney School of Food's annual business plan and organisational priorities.

• Work with the Board to evolve organisational strategy, identify opportunities, manage risks and support sustainable growth.

• Monitor, report on and respond to organisational performance against agreed objectives and impact measures. 

• Champion Hackney School of Food externally, strengthening its profile and influence.
   

Financial sustainability and income generation 

• Oversee organisational budgeting, financial planning, forecasting and cashflow management, working closely with the Treasurer and accountant.

• Lead income generation across the organisation, including trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, sponsorship and earned income.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with funders, sponsors and strategic partners.

• Ensure all funding commitments are met, including grant reporting, monitoring and evaluation requirements.

• Identify new opportunities to diversify income and strengthen long-term financial sustainability.

Partnerships & External Relations

• Act as the main point of contact for HSoF’s key partners, LEAP Federation and Chefs in Schools to ensure the partnerships are effective and positive.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with other key stakeholders, including local authorities, funders and sponsors.

• Represent Hackney School of Food at meetings, events, and public forums.

• Champion the value of food education and contribute to wider local and national conversations. 

• Ensure programmes remain responsive to community needs through ongoing engagement and consultation. 

Governance and public benefit 

• Ensure the organisation operates in line with its CIC objectives and delivers clear public benefit. 

• Support the Board of Directors to fulfil its governance responsibilities through high-quality reporting, planning and decision-making.

• Prepare Board papers, reports and agendas, ensuring timely and accurate information is available to support effective governance.

• Oversee and report on organisational performance to the Board of Directors quarterly.

• Act as the primary link between the Board and the operational team.

• Maintain effective governance, delegated authority and accountability frameworks. 

• Support the Board in meeting all statutory and regulatory obligations relating to the CIC.

People, Culture and safeguarding

• Provide leadership to a small core team (currently c.4 employees), directly managing staff and fostering a positive, inclusive culture. 

• Provide oversight and support for a wider network of approx. 15 freelance contractors to ensure consistently high-quality delivery.

• Lead recruitment, induction, performance management and professional development in line with safer recruitment and equality principles. 

• Ensure effective organisational structures, clear roles, and performance accountability.

• Oversee HR processes including appraisals, performance management, and professional development.

• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, embedding safeguarding throughout the organisation maintaining compliance with all relevant requirements. 

• Develop organisational systems, policies and practices that support an inclusive, high-performing workplace.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Maintain and regularly review the organisational Risk Register and report key risks and mitigations to the Board.

• Oversee organisational policies, procedures and continuous improvement, ensuring policies and legal requirements are up to date, clearly communicated and embedded across the organisation. 

• Ensure compliance with employment law, health and safety, safeguarding, GDPR and other relevant legislation. 

Personal specification

Essential experience 

• Senior leadership experience with responsibility for organisational performance and accountability. 

• Experience securing income through fundraising, partnerships and/or commercial activity.

• Experience of financial leadership, including budget setting, forecasting and cashflow oversight.

• Experience working closely with a Board, Trustees or governing body to translate strategic vision into operational delivery. 

• Experience building and managing successful partnerships with funders, businesses and community stakeholders. 

• Experience in managing and motivating a team, creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture. 

• Experience of governance, compliance and organisational risk management.

• Experience of safeguarding within an education, youth or community context.

• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands, make sound decisions and remain resilient in a resource-constrained environment.

Essential skills and attributes

• Passion for Hackney School of Food's mission and the role of food education in improving health, wellbeing and community connection. 

• Strategic thinker who is equally comfortable with hands-on operational leadership. 

• Entrepreneurial, resourceful and committed to building long-term financial sustainability and identifying growth opportunities.

• Ability to lead a team through change with sensitivity, clarity and kindness.

• Strong communicator with excellent relationship-building skills. 

• Confident decision-maker with a high level of personal accountability. 

• Committed to equity, inclusion and community-led practice.

Desirable 

• Experience working within a Community Interest Company (CIC), social enterprise or charity.

• Knowledge of Hackney, its communities and local stakeholder landscape.

• Experience of working in food education, community food, gardening, environmental education or a related field.

• Experience reviewing and managing contracts, service agreements or other legal documentation.

An inclusive workplace

We know that diverse teams make stronger organisations and are committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to fair and inclusive recruitment and will consider all qualified applicants regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

We particularly encourage applications from people who are under-represented in our sector and in leadership roles, including people from the global majority and those whose lived experience brings valuable perspectives from the communities we serve. We also welcome applications from people who live in Hackney or East London.

How to apply

The deadline to apply is Monday 20 July at 9am. Please apply by filling out this application form.

You'll find the link to the application form on our Recruitment Pack which provides more information. 

Stage 1: A one-hour online interview with the Senior Team and Board (24 July) 

Stage 2: On-site interview at Hackney School of Food (30 July), including a short presentation. 

We may also invite the preferred candidate to an informal meeting with the wider team and Board before making a final appointment. 

The successful applicant will need to pass an enhanced DBS check and provide two suitable references. 

We may close the application window earlier if we are inundated with applications, so please don't wait to apply.

If you have any questions about the role or your suitability, please feel free to get in touch with us. You will find a Recruitment pack and email address to contact via our website.

Lead the operations, governance and compliance that enable Solving Kids' Cancer UK to deliver its mission and impact for children and families affected by neuroblastoma. Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will play a critical role in ensuring the charity operates effectively, compliantly and sustainably.

This broad and varied leadership role spans governance, risk, HR, IT, data protection and organisational operations, supporting delivery of the charity's strategy through robust systems, policies and processes. Acting as Company Secretary, you will work closely with the CEO and Board of Trustees, providing advice on governance, regulatory requirements and best practice. As a member of the Leadership Team, you will oversee key operational functions, lead cross-organisational projects and deputise for the CEO where required.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for a strategic, highly organised and values-driven leader with strong experience in charity operations, governance and compliance. You will have a track record of ensuring organisations are well run, compliant and effectively managed, with the ability to oversee multiple operational areas and support strong governance and decision-making at Board level.

You will be comfortable working across a broad remit, including governance, risk, HR, IT and data protection, and confident providing clear, practical advice to senior leaders and trustees.

Person specification

Key requirements include:

• Significant senior-level experience in operations, governance or compliance within a charity or similar environment. 
• Strong understanding of charity governance and regulation, with experience supporting boards and senior leadership. 
• Experience overseeing organisational functions such as HR, IT, data protection or risk. 
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and lead cross-organisational work effectively. 
• Strong judgement, integrity and the ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion. 

See our Recruitment Pack for the full role description and specification and for information about Solving Kids' Cancer UK. 

This is an opportunity to make a significant contribution at the heart of a small, ambitious charity where strong operations are a vital enabler of impact for children and families.

Location: Home-based, within easy reach of London, with regular travel to the London office and occasional UK-wide travel.

First-stage interview: Thursday 6 August 

Second-stage interview: Thursday 13 August

Be Part of Meaningful Change

Rape Crisis South London (RCSL) is entering an exciting new chapter. With a new CEO, refreshed Senior Leadership Team, and an ambitious vision for the future, we are laying the foundations for a bold new organisational strategy.
 

We are now seeking an Deputy CYP Lead to join our CYP Team at this pivotal time on a permanent basis.

As a specialist charity supporting survivors of sexual violence across twelve South London boroughs, we provide counselling, group therapy, advocacy, prevention education, and professional training. With an annual income of approximately £4 million, we are growing and strengthening our infrastructure to better serve survivors and communities.

About the Role:

We are seeking an experienced and committed Deputy Children and Young People (CYP) Lead to support the development and delivery of our therapeutic services at a pivotal time of growth and transformation.
 

Reporting to the CYP Clinical Lead, the successful candidate will play a key role in providing day-to-day leadership and guidance to CYP counsellors and therapists. You will help ensure that services for children and young people are consistently safe, effective, trauma-informed, and survivor-centred.
 

This is a varied and impactful role that combines clinical leadership, safeguarding oversight, service development, and line management. It offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to shaping, strengthening, and expanding high-quality CYP services.
 

What You’ll Do

• Support the CYP Clinical Lead with assessments, allocations and case distribution across CYP pathways
• Provide clinical guidance and day-to-day support to CYP counsellors and therapists
• Line manage allocated CYP staff and contribute to recruitment, induction and staff development
• Oversee group work programmes, including family support groups
• Undertake the role of Designated Safeguarding Officer for the CYP team
• Deputise as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead as part of the rota when required
• Provide guidance on complex safeguarding concerns and ensure appropriate escalation
• Contribute to service improvement, contract delivery and performance monitoring
• Build and maintain effective relationships with external agencies and partners
• Deputise for the CYP Clinical Lead where required

About You

• Degree-level qualification in counselling or psychotherapy (or equivalent experience)
  Professional membership with an accredited counselling/psychotherapy body
  Minimum of 200 hours post-qualification supervised client work
  At least 3 years’ experience working with children and young people affected by rape and sexual violence
  Experience leading or supporting a team
  Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation (children and adults)
  Completed Level 3 safeguarding training
  Experience in the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) sector
  Understanding of trauma-informed, survivor-centred and feminist practice
  Experience working with diverse communities
  Ability to use data and outcomes to support service improvement
• Experience working with marginalised or under-served communities
  Knowledge of housing, welfare benefits or related legislationn

This role offers the opportunity to:

• Take the next step in your leadership journey
• Gain experience of safeguarding, clinical leadership and service development
• Support and develop a dedicated team of CYP practitioners
• Contribute to the future direction of CYP therapeutic services at RCSL
• Be part of a dynamic, creative and values-led organisation

Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment

Rape Crisis South London is committed to safeguarding survivors and service users. The post holder will contribute to maintaining the organisation’s safeguarding standards.

This includes:

• Promoting the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and adults at risk
• Identifying and reporting safeguarding concerns
• Following organisational safeguarding policies and procedures
• Supporting a culture where everyone feels safe, respected and supported

Our safer recruitment processes include:

• Values-based interviews
• Verification of identity, qualifications and employment history
• Reference checks
• Enhanced DBS checks where required
• Safeguarding training and supervision
• Equality, Feminist Commitment and Values

Rape Crisis South London is an equal opportunities employer. We particularly welcome applications from women who are under-represented in leadership roles within the violence against women and girls (VAWG) sector.
 

Our work is grounded in feminist principles, recognising sexual violence as both a cause and consequence of gender inequality. We centre survivor voices and prioritise empowerment, inclusivity and intersectionality.
 

Intersectionality and Reasonable Adjustments

We recognise that experiences of sexual violence are shaped by intersecting factors such as:

• Race and ethnicity
• Disability
• Sexuality and gender identity
• Socioeconomic background
• Immigration status
• Faith and culture
   

We are committed to removing barriers and creating an inclusive workplace.
 

Applicants are encouraged to let us know if they require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, such as:

• Alternative interview formats or timings
• Additional time for written tasks
• Accessible documentation
• Support relating to disability, neurodivergence or health needs
   

Learning and Development

As a charity undergoing transformation and growth, we welcome colleagues who are committed to continuous learning and professional development.

Interview Process

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview, conducted via MS Teams.

Stage one: MS Teams with the Director of Programmes and two other panel members.

The whole process from advertisement to appointment, may take up to 3 -4 weeks.

The role will initially be open for two weeks (until 12:00 noon on Wednesday 16 April 2026). However, due to the urgent need for support, applications will be reviewed and interviews arranged on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged.

The interview will explore experience and approach to:

• Safeguarding
• Equality, diversity and inclusion
• Wellbeing and feminist practice
• Trauma-informed therapeutic work
• Leadership responsibilities relevant to the role

This post is open to women only (Schedule 9, Paragraph 1, Equality Act 2010).
We particularly welcome applications from women underrepresented in leadership roles in the VAWG sector. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

How to apply
Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to in PDF format to our recruitment inbox.

AI in Job Applications 
We understand some candidates use AI tools when applying. Whilst we welcome the use of technology to support clear communication and structure, we want to learn more about you, so please ensure that your application reflects your own skills, knowledge and experiences 

Pay: £63,099.00 per year

Job title: Director of Services

Hours per week: 37 hours Monday to Friday

Salary: £63,099

Location: Coventry and Warwickshire

About the role

Would you like to play a key role in improving the lives of older people living within Warwickshire and Coventry? We have a rare and exciting opportunity to join our senior management team at a time of significant change for the charity. Trustees have set out an ambitious strategy for growth and long-term sustainability that is supported with significant investment in technology, buildings and staffing resources. This investment will enable us to expand the reach of our current service offer and enable the growth of new services that meet the growing needs of our communities.

Our current service offer includes a range of dementia support services, home support, advice, financial support services, counselling, befriending, social groups and activity centres.

As Director of Services, you will maintain and develop service quality, support and develop a team of managers. You will build strong strategic stakeholder relationships and play a significant role in the broad leadership of all aspects of the charity.

How to apply

Please apply directly on our charity website Age UK Coventry & Warwickshire. If you would like an informal discussion regarding the role please email or phone us.

Age UK is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates, regardless of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital/civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity. We guarantee an interview to disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria. We welcome requests for flexible working.

Age UK is committed to safeguarding adults at risk, and children, from abuse and neglect. We expect everyone who works with us to share this commitment.

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

Age UK politely requests no contact from recruitment agencies or media sales. We do not accept speculative CVs from recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

Staff benefits include:

• Employee Assistance Programme
• Blue Light Discount Card
• Age UK Discount Portal
• Tickets for Good
• 27 days annual leave + Bank Holidays (Pro Rata)

Closing Date: 8am on Monday 6th July 2026

Interview Date: Week Commencing 13th July 2026

Work Location: In person

Job Description 

Job Title:  Strategic Communications and Marketing Planning Manager

Directorate:Communications 

Team/Department (if specific):Marketing and Planning

Date Written/ Amended:August2025

Context and Background

Every childhood is worth fighting for. This is our belief. It drives us. And it inspires our Communications and Marketingteam to find ever-more creative ways to promote our work and share how people can get involved in making a difference to children’s lives. 

The award-winning NSPCC Communications directorate is known for its talent, expertise and creativity in inspiring and challenging people to act on child abuse. We work collaboratively, both organisationally and across integrated communications disciplines, to deliver shared outcomes and measurable results through all available communications channels. 

The Strategic Communications and Marketing Planning Managerforms part of our Brand and Marketing Planning team. The role is central to developing a strategic framework to support prioritisation of our annual communications and marketing plans, ensuring we’re optimising our activity to drive impact. 

The Communications Planning Manager will lead on the communications and marketing planning process for all teams. Working with teams across the organisation, they will lead on the communications planning process. As part of this responsibility, they will work closely with senior stakeholders within Marketing and Communications and the Fundraising and Engagement directorate to maximise brand awareness and income driven by our communications and marketing activity. 

Job purpose

1.Lead the development and implementation of the strategic framework for annual communications and marketing planning, ensuring it is clear, comprehensive, and aligned with organisational priorities and budget allocation to drive the maximum impact for children and young people.

2.Coordinate and oversee the planning process across all communications teams, facilitating workshops and meetings to engage stakeholders, and ensuring plans are efficiently resourced and delivered.

3.Maintain effective planning systems and processes, ensuring timely communication of plans and priorities internally and externally, and supporting the identification and delivery of strategic communications objectives.

4.Build strong cross-organisational relationships, particularly between Communications and other directorates, to ensure alignment, coordination, and shared ownership of strategic goals.

Key relationships - Internal

·Reports to the Associate Head of Brand and Marketing Planning

·Works closely with the Director of Communications and Marketing on the overall strategy for communications and Marketing and delivery of directorate objectives

·Works closely with cross organisational campaign managers and key stakeholders, including our Senior Leadership Team to inform planning and strategic alignment. 

·Works closely with teams to inform, support and manage communications activity.

·Pro-actively works with managers and staff in other NSPCC Directorates , such as Fundraising and Engagement, Strategy and Knowledge, People, Finance and Services as necessary to further communications relationships.

Key relationships - External

·Creative, media and research agencies.

·Peers within the UK charity sector.

·Industry opinion formers, media and other stakeholders. 

·Professionals/trade bodies/organisations in charitable sector.

Main duties and responsibilities

1.Work with the Associate Head of Brand and Marketing Planning to implement the strategic framework for the annual planning process, ensuring our marketing investment is aligned to strategic priorities, led by market research and media insight, and drives impact. 

2.Facilitate workshops and meetings with relevant comms and marketing teams across the organisation to ensure all stakeholders are aligned and engaged in the annual comms and marketing planning process.

3.Support in the delivery and implementation of the communications strategy, ensuring our annual Communications and Marketing directorate business plans support our audiences to get closer to our cause.

4.Support the Associate Head of Brand and Marketing Planning in the analysis of marketing and communications impact data and insight, to share complex information in a clear and compelling way with the Communications and Marketing Leadership Team, the Director of Marketing Communications, Director of Fundraising and Engagement, Executive Leadership Team and Trustees.

5.     Ensure that there are appropriate processes in place to monitor communications and marketing performance, and delivery against business plans and the strategy.

6.     Maximise income and add value to departmental activities by sharing knowledge, specialist expertise and best practice with others as appropriate.

7.     Support the marketing and operations planning meeting by influencing and negotiating to deliver the comms planning process with internal audiences. 

8.     Work closely with finance, our media agencies and internal stakeholders to understand the investment plans and budgets for marketing across the organisation. 

9.     Support the Associate Head of Brand and Marketing Planning in the development of the brand and media investment strategies. 

Responsibilities for all Staff within the Communications

·A commitment to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk.

·Actively participate in regular department and team meetings, contributing to strategy, discussions and decisions which will be beneficial to the Directorate and wider NSPCC activities.

·Adhere to all the NSPCC’s service standards, policies and procedures. 

·Evidence an understanding of and commitment to the demonstration of the NSPCC’s values.

·Maintain an awareness of and comply with NSPCC data protection regulations. 

·Be responsible for personal learning and development, to support the learning and development of others and the whole organisation. 

·Work in a manner that supports equality, diversity and inclusion 

·Be pro-active in identifying ways to improve personal and team performance

·Maintain an awareness of own and others’ Health and Safety and comply with the NSPCC’s Health and Safety policy and procedures.

·Maintain awareness of NSPCCs safeguarding duties and comply with Safeguarding Code of Conduct.

·Take personal responsibility for keeping up to date with NSPCC work to end cruelty to children, including securing updates on project and service developments and general NSPCC news

A commitment to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people

Person specification

1.Excellent written communication skills to analyse, interpret and present proposals, reports and strategic plans in a clear and persuasive way for a wide range of audiences. 

2.Excellent ability to verbally present information, to a range of audiences in a clear, inspiring, and confident way to achieve desired outcomes.

3.Excellent ability to align, prioritise and plan marketing and communications activity against strategic organisational priorities.

4.Excellent ability to establish, develop and maintain relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders, including senior level individuals and external media agencies and partners to achieve desired outcomes.

5.Well-developed ability to develop, control and manage a communications and marketing plan, keeping within financial limits, monitoring and forecasting income and marketing performance, identifying possible shortfalls or overspends and taking timely and appropriate action.

6.Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage projects, organise and plan own work and the work of others to deliver objectives on time.

7.Experience in marketing and communications planning and strategically scheduling marketing activities on behalf of a large national brand. 

8.Project Management skills

9.Significant experience in leading integrated multi-channel campaign planning for a large organisation. 

10.A personal commitment to ending cruelty to children.

Safer Recruitment

As an organisation, we are committed to creating and fostering a culture that promotes safeguarding and the welfare of all children and adults at risk. 

Our safer recruitment practices support this by ensuring that there is a consistent and thorough process of obtaining, collating, analysing and evaluating information from and about candidates to ensure that all persons appointed are suitable to work with our children and adults.

The recruitment and selection of our people will be conducted in a professional, timely and responsive manner and in compliance with current employment legislation, and relevant safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance. 

Our principles: 

·Always seek to recruit the best candidate for the role based on merit including their skills, experience, motivation and competencies. Our robust recruitment and selection process should ensure the identification of the person best suited to the role and the organisation. 

·Committed to diversity and equality of opportunity and will interview all applicants (internal and external) who self-declare at application as having a disability and who meet the minimum requirements in the person specification of the vacancy they are applying for.

·We will make reasonable adjustments at all stages of the recruitment process in order to enable successful candidates who declare disabilities to start working or volunteering their time with us.

·Any current member of staff or volunteer who wishes to apply for vacancies and is suitably qualified will be considered and addressed fairly and objectively based on their merit.

·As an organisation committed to safeguarding, we will ensure all under 18’s joining the organisation will have ongoing risk assessments to ensure their role and activities are safe and appropriate.

·All documentation relating to candidates will be treated confidentially in accordance with the GDPR legislation.

Cerebra is the national charity dedicated to improving the lives of children with neurological conditions and their families. We provide vital research, support, and practical solutions that empower families facing complex challenges.

With an annual income of £3 million and a headcount of 68 employees, we have ambitious plans to double our income between 2025 and 2027, ensuring we can extend our impact, reach more families, and drive real change. To achieve this, we are investing in fundraising innovation, income generating ventures, and strategic partnerships, alongside enhancing our brand to increase our national recognition.

Our work is underpinned by our values ensuring that everything we do aligns with our mission to create a better world for children with neurological conditions.

This is an incredibly exciting time to join Cerebra, as we are preparing to launch our new strategy and brand. The COO is a vital leadership role that will support the drive towards even greater impact for children and families across the UK.

Our Services

Sleep Advice Service

Cerebra understands that if you have a child that doesn’t sleep, the whole family suffers. Many children with neurological conditions suffer from disrupted sleep. Our sleep advice service provides bespoke advice and support so that everyone can get a good night’s sleep.

Legal Rights Service

Our Legal Rights Service provides help and support to families of children with neurological conditions when they are faced with barriers and difficulties in accessing statutory support services they are entitled to. The service provides information on their legal entitlements.

Book and Toy Library Service

Our specialist postal lending library contains a wide range of books for both adults and children, plus a selection of sensory toys specifically chosen for children with a neurological condition.

Innovation and Product Design Service

Our Innovation Service designs and builds bespoke products that cater to the specific needs of children with neurological conditions. The aim of the service is to make products that are desirable and exciting, therefore promoting social inclusion, peer acceptance and enabling children to participate in everyday activities that are so often close to them.

Information Products

Cerebra publishes different information products to help families with a child with a neurological condition. Our information products offer comprehensive, up-to-date support and research-driven strategies to assist families with a wide range of issues.

Buzgi and Toy Adaptation Service

Cerebra designs and builds bespoke assistive equipment for disabled children, this includes creating custom mobility aids, switch‑adapted toys, and other innovative solutions to help children access play, learning, and independence.

The Bugzi - a mini powered wheelchair for children offers many children their first experience of independent mobility. It uses either a joystick or switches and adaptable seating for complex needs, and helps develop spatial awareness, confidence, and early mobility skills. The Bugzi is available through a national loan scheme.

Additionally, we operate commercial services (including a web shop) to supplement our income to support children and their families.

Our services are provided to families free of charge.

Job Title:

Chief Operating Officer

Reports To:

Chief Executive Officer

Direct reports:

3 senior managers (Finance (headcount of 3), HR (headcount of 1), IT (headcount of 5))

Purpose of the Role:

The Chief Operating Officer will play a vital role in supporting the Chief Executive Officer, Board and Leadership Team to deliver Cerebra’s vision and ambitious strategic aims. The Chief Operating Officer will provide strategic leadership and operational management across key areas within Cerebra including:

• Operational Systems
• Governance
• Compliance
• Finance and Growth

This is a pivotal executive leadership role, responsible for driving organisational performance, sustainability and growth. The COO will translate Cerebra’s strategic ambitions into effective operational delivery, ensuring robust governance, financial stewardship and a high-performing, values-led culture.

As a trusted advisor to the CEO and Board, the COO will lead core operational services and commercial activity, enabling the charity to maximise impact and generate sustainable income in support of its charitable objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Executive Leadership

• Partner with the CEO and Board to deliver strategic priorities, growth and long-term sustainability
• Collaboration with the Director’s Group to ensure strategic alignment across the charity. The Director’s Group consists of:

            Chief Executive Officer

            Chief Operating Officer

            Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications

            Director of Research and Support Services

• Provide expert advice on finance, operations, commercial performance and organisational risk
• Lead organisational planning, business continuity, and operational resilience
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability and inclusion

Finance, Commercial & Sustainability

• Lead financial strategy, planning and performance, ensuring long-term sustainability
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, cashflow and financial controls
• Lead and develop Cerebra’s strategy for commercial income , ensuring alignment with charitable objectives
• Support funding growth through strong financial insight and business case development
• Ensure robust financial governance, audit and compliance

Operations & Infrastructure

• Lead and strengthen operational functions including HR, IT, governance and administration
• Ensure effective systems, processes and infrastructure that enable growth, efficiency and impact
• Oversee procurement, contracts, facilities, and organisational compliance
• Drive innovation and value for money across operations

People & Culture

• Champion a positive, inclusive and high-performing organisational culture
• Oversee HR strategy, workforce planning and leadership development
• Ensure compliance with employment law and best practice
• Promote wellbeing, engagement and organisational effectiveness

Digital & Technology

• Provide strategic oversight of IT, data and digital development
• Ensure systems are secure, resilient and aligned to organisational needs
• Leverage data and technology to improve insight, decision-making and organisational impact

Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Ensure effective governance frameworks, risk management and regulatory compliance
• Support the CEO and Board with high-quality reporting and strategic insight
• Lead safeguarding, data protection and organisational risk strategy
• Drive a strong culture of accountability and ethical practice

Leadership & Management

• Lead and develop a small senior team across finance, HR and IT
• Build capability, strengthen performance, and embed a collaborative culture
• Model Cerebra’s values and leadership behaviours

Key Attributes

• Strategic and commercially minded leader with strong operational delivery experience
• Strong financial leadership and business acumen
• Proven track record of driving income growth, sustainability and organisational performance
• Skilled in governance, risk and stakeholder engagement

Please see attached job description for the Person Specification.

Context

Childhood First enables children and young people to recover from early life abuse and relational trauma, to enjoy life and to achieve their potential. We do this through the provision of specialist therapeutic residential care and treatment, together with family and network support. We are also a UKCP Training Organisational Member accredited with Middlesex University, providing in-house clinical training to its clinical staff.

Merrywood House, provides placements for up to 8 young people aged between 10 and 17 years old.

Purpose

The Clinical Case Administrator supports the Assistant Director of Clinical Practice in their role and is responsible for effective administration underpinning all clinical processes, documentation and recording. The post holder will also support the best clinical outcomes for children and the development of clinical practice.

What you’ll bring to the role

• Experience in an administrative role, ideally within a care, education, clinical or therapeutic setting.
• A methodical and well-organised approach, with a commitment to maintaining documentation to the highest standard.
• Confidence using databases and Microsoft applications such as Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with clinical colleagues and wider teams.
• An understanding of the importance of accurate, confidential and timely record keeping.
• The ability to prioritise workload, raise issues constructively and support others with clinical administration processes.

Task

• Support the Assistant Director of Clinical Practice through effective administration of clinical processes, documentation and recording, helping to support positive clinical outcomes for children.
• Maintain and update children’s clinical information, assessment frameworks and outcomes data within relevant systems.
• Support the production of clinical, governance, management and evaluation reports as required.
• Provide administrative support for clinical staff training, accreditation processes, clinical audits and research projects.
• Support staff in the administration of clinical processes and recording, helping to maintain high standards of documentation.

What we’ll do for you

• • Monthly clinical supervision and weekly staff support groups.
  • 25 days annual leave plus public holidays.
  • Healthcare benefits and life assurance.
  • Up to 6% employer pension contribution.
  • Relocation package and recruitment referral scheme.

A recruitment pack including a job description and person specification will be available here via our Applicant Tracking Service (ATS). The link can be found at the bottom of this page. 

Closing date: Monday 6 July 2026

Interview Date: Week commencing 6 July 2026

Any offer of employment will be conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks, including right to work verification, background vetting, a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (which may include overseas checks), verification of qualifications, receipt of satisfactory professional references, and medical clearance.

�� Are You the Candidate We’re Looking For? ��

At Shaftesbury, we’re looking for a Director of Accommodation Based Services to join our passionate and purpose-driven team. If you’re organised, detail-focused, and want to be part of something meaningful, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

You must hold a full current driving licence and the ability to travel to services and stay away from home overnight when required.

We’re not just hiring skills—we’re looking for people who genuinely care. People who want to make a difference. People who believe, as we do, that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a full, independent, and flourishing life.

Guided by our core values—Open, Enabling, Inclusive and Courageous—we are proud to deliver outstanding support across our adult care, children’s services, and education settings. Every member of our team plays a vital role in helping the people we support thrive.

�� About the Role

The Director of Accommodation Based Services will be responsible for ensuring the operation of high quality, financially sustainable services across the country that are sustainable both now and in the future.

This role is home based with national travel as and when required.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Promoting the vision and values of Shaftesbury within the residential services.
• Leading by example and ensuring that you demonstrate the values in your leadership behaviours and how you support our teams and deliver our services.
• Ensuring you meet all targets and KPIs.
• To participate in Shaftesbury’s national on call rota.
• Develop key relationships and create strategic alliances with all commissioners.

This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a team that directly impacts the quality and safety of the services we provide.

�� Why Join Shaftesbury?

We know our people are our greatest asset, so we make sure you feel valued, supported, and rewarded:

✨ Recognition & Rewards – Be recognised by senior leaders and receive vouchers of up to £50 for going above and beyond
�� Professional Development – Access to an excellent training and development programme
��️ Generous Annual Leave – 25 days + bank holidays, rising to 28 days after 5 years
�� Pension Scheme – Helping you plan for the future
�� Wellbeing Support – Access to a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme

�� Why You?

You’ll bring:

• Strong organisational and administrative skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• The ability to manage multiple priorities
• A proactive, team-focused mindset
• Diploma level (Level 5) or equivalent level qualification
• Evidence of continued professional and personal development
• Experience within a senior management position previously
• Track record of service improvement and operational achievement