Children services director jobs

CDMT is looking for a talented, ambitious and driven education and arts professional to energetically build on the company’s success over the past decade and imaginatively take forward and elevate our mission and vision for the years ahead. The role is accountable to the Chair of Trustees.

CDMT’s position in the sector and the requirements of the role are described in the job pack and on our website.

ABOUT THE ROLE OF DIRECTOR

CDMT is the industry body for world-class professional schools, conservatoires and awarding organisations in the performing arts, and we are a strong advocate on behalf of the sector.

The Director of the CDMT plays a strategic role in performing arts training, education and assessment nationally and manages the staff and resources of an organisation of UK-wide standing. The CDMT is financed primarily by membership subscriptions. As this source of income is restricted, the successful applicant will need to demonstrate a strategic business sense and a successful income-driven record that will enable the CDMT to create, diversify and take full advantage of developing opportunities.

The Director must be able to liaise effectively with all sectors of the dance, drama, music and musical theatre education communities.  They will have wide knowledge and experience of arts education at all stages of development from entry level, through Further/Higher Education to post-graduate level, and will also require an understanding of qualification frameworks in the UK. Knowledge and experience of inspection and self-assessment mechanisms similar to those operated by the Office for Students, Ofsted and Ofqual, is desirable.

The role includes advocacy on behalf of the sector and requires an ability to offer support and advice to professional schools, conservatoires and awarding organisations as well as informing the thinking of regulators, civil servants and parliamentarians. This demands a high level of tact, diplomacy, professional understanding and tenacity as well as intellectual rigour and integrity.

This is a time of change and challenge for the performing arts education community.  The post of Director of the CDMT requires a talented, ambitious and self-driven professional able to offer and energetically deliver an exciting vision for the company’s future, and manage the journey required to successfully achieve it.

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE MUST DEMONSTRATE

• Experience of management at a senior level in the education and/or arts sectors, with an awareness of national assessment and inspection frameworks
• Staff management skills and a motivating and inclusive style
• Ability to identify opportunities, take initiative, and command the respect of peers and associates, demonstrating honesty and integrity in all dealings
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, interpersonal abilities, and strategic thinking and planning
• Knowledge and experience of financial procedures and regulatory compliance and responsibilities
• Proficiency in influencing, negotiating, and finding common ground and agreement
• Resilience, self-motivation, clear vision and the ability to defend and promote CDMT’s mission
• Commitment to equal opportunities and the charity’s values
• Education to a minimum of Degree level
• The guile to engage with the pertinent issues of the time and to endeavour to shape the future for the benefit of CDMT

SUMMARY OF DIRECTOR’S ACTIVITIES

• Set CDMT strategy, vision and direction with Board support
• Establish corporate values, rewards quality and success in a culture of equal opportunity
• Create business plans, allocates capital in support of aims, produces budgets and monitors finances
• Cultivate key relationships, influences decision-makers, develops suitable partnerships and networks
• Strengthen CDMT’s reputation through representations to government, industry bodies and media
• Lead, inspire and build teams of highly qualified staff, consultants with effective use of resources
• Chair meetings and ensures success of operational policies, membership committees and inspections
• Utilise sector intelligence to reinforce the company’s standing through targeted initiatives
• Oversee reports to the Charity Commission, Companies House, HMRC, Pensions Regulator etc (acting as Company Secretary)
• Manage risk assessments and mitigating actions, seek legal and professional advice where necessary.

Join an amazing charity that makes a difference for the 110,000 adults and children in the UK with a muscle-wasting condition. This is a role where you can really make a difference.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented groups including people from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with lived experience of conditions we represent. We believe that diversity strengthens our work and helps us better support our beneficiaries.

This is an exciting new opportunity to lead Muscular Dystrophy UK’s major public-facing campaigns and help drive meaningful change for people living with muscle wasting conditions.

You’ll be at the forefront of our campaigning work—building our infrastructure, shaping bold strategies, building a vibrant campaigning network, and empowering our community to influence policy and legislation. Working collaboratively across the organisation, especially with colleagues in Policy and Campaigns, Marketing and Communications, Fundraising, Volunteering, and Data, and our devolved nations leads in Services and Support, you’ll help create powerful supporter journeys and engagement activities that reflect the passion and urgency of our cause.

Reporting to the Director of Policy and Campaigns, you’ll play a key role in delivering Muscular Dystrophy UK’s policy and campaigning objectives as part of our new organisational strategy—making a tangible impact on the lives of thousands across the UK.

About us:

Muscular Dystrophy UK is the charity bringing individuals, families and professionals together to fight muscle-wasting conditions. We bring together more than 60 rare and very rare progressive muscle-weakening and wasting conditions, affecting around 110,000 children and adults in the UK. 

We share expert advice and support to live well now; fund groundbreaking research to understand the different conditions better and lead us to new treatments; work with the NHS towards universal access to specialist health; and together, campaign for people’s rights, better understanding, accessibility, and access to treatments.

Benefits:

We appreciate the range of skills and experience our staff have to offer. In return for your enthusiasm and commitment we commit to actively developing and supporting you. We also offer a range of benefits including pension, life assurance, cycle scheme, health cash plan, financial wellbeing and an employee assistance programme.

Location: Head Office, London, SE1 (with flexibility for homeworking)

Closing date: Sunday 16th November

Interview date: Tuesday 25th November

Please download the job description to see full role responsibilities

Variety, the Children's Charity is excited to recruit for a Corporate Partnerships Manager to join the fundraising team as we launch a new multi-year partnership in January 2026. This role is a new position to support our ambitious growth to deliver award winning partnerships and raise money from corporate partners across the Northeast region. This key role on our team will ensure our work to fund life-changing practical support to disabled and disadvantaged children and young people continues across the UK.

You will be joining the charity at an exciting time as we are launching a three-year strategy to drive growth with lots of new fundraising plans in place alongside a great team and a new Director of Fundraising. You will have a large partnership in the property sector to manage, and with your experience you will develop new partners in the Northeast of England, ensuring we maximise leads and introductions. You will play an important role in our collaborative and high-performing team to deliver the partnership strategy.

ABOUT VARIETY

There are 1.8m children living with disabilities in the UK with 600,000 children living in poverty. Variety exists to improve their lives. We believe every child has a right to live their best life and reach their full potential, whoever they are. We fund and deliver life-changing programmes that enhance their quality of life and give children and young people across the UK a better future.

Over the past 75 years we have supported over one million children by funding almost 6,000 Sunshine Coaches, almost the same number of wheelchairs, and giving thousands of grants to individual children, schools, youth clubs and other organisations for specialist equipment.

In addition, each year thousands of children take part in day trips, special events and educational activities as part of our Variety Great Days Out programme and every single day we are improving more young lives. We do it with practical, tangible help, that makes a real and immediate difference.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

● Lead account management of a large national corporate partnership, delivering a six-figure fundraising target and giving first class stewardship to ensure engagement with all staff across multiple sites in the UK

● Develop engaging marketing and communications for the partnership and develop new business materials for their suppliers and customers, to get them involved in the partnership

● Travel across regional offices for fundraising and volunteering, engaging staff and working with our beneficiary schools on engagement events

● Write and deliver quarterly impact reporting, making presentations at head office with partnership updates

● Track income and expenditure for the partnership

● Develop new business by introductions from the partnership and also work across the Northwest to develop new leads for the corporate fundraising pipeline

● Plan volunteering days for corporate partners, coordinating with our school’s network, sending briefs and attending some events to ensure smooth coordination

● Attending regular partnership meetings and keeping all account plans up to date utilising our CRM system Salesforce

● Attend Variety fundraising and awareness events representing the charity and speaking confidently about our work

● Collaborate with the programmes team to plan partner Sunshine Coach presentations, Great Days Out, and visits to partner schools

● Participate in staff meetings, fundraising team meetings and contribute to the success of Variety’s fundraising strategy

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

Essential

• Two years’ experience working on a charity fundraising team

• Experience managing corporate partnerships at a national level

• Experience of excellent donor stewardship

• Good writing and communication skills

• Good organisational skills and multi-tasking during busy periods

• Enthusiastic, energetic, self-motivated and passionate about the Third Sector

MAIN BENEFITS, TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Reporting to: Director of Fundraising & Communications

Salary: £35,000-£38,000 per annum

Location: Remote working (must be in the Northeast area) (with 2-4 days per month working from a corporate partner office in Newcastle)

Hours: 9am to 5pm, Monday - Friday

25 days holiday (we also normally give between Christmas and New Year off, but this is not contractual). In addition, after one year's continuous service, there will be an extra 2 days annual holiday added for every complete year of service, up to a maximum of five days' extra holiday.

Employer Pension contributions of 7% (Employee 2%), Life Assurance scheme of 4 x annual salary, Company sick pay scheme, Medicash scheme.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your CV with a cover letter explaining why you’d make a great candidate for this role. Applications will close on Thursday, 6 November at 5pm with first round interviews taking place week commencing 10 November and second round of interviews on 17 November 2025. Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements or need any adjustments for the interview.

EQUALITY DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Inclusion is one of our key values and it is our ambition to recruit great people from diverse communities.

We welcome and encourage applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment/identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy/maternity and or marriage/civil partnership status, race, religion or belief.

Please let us know if you have any access requirements which we might need to consider in relation to the selection process.

About Sister System 

Founded in 2018, Sister System is a charitable organisation and an Open College Network (OCN) approved centre dedicated to empowering girls and young women aged 13-24 affected by the care system.

Our approach is co-designed with care-affected young women and girls to ensure that their lived experiences continue to drive meaningful change and shape our progression. Built on proven therapeutic models, our long-term mentoring, accredited qualifications, and leadership development programmes strengthen resilience, confidence, and essential life skills.

Our model seeks to break intergenerational cycles by equipping young women with the tools to thrive and lead change. Through a strong sense of community, peer networks, and trusted adult relationships, we create clear pathways into education, employment, and socio-economic stability, supporting a life free from abuse. 

Throughout her journey with Sister System, each girl participates in weekly one-to-one and group sessions focused on self-education and personal growth. These sessions explore the social and emotional transition to womanhood while building a supportive network of “sisters” who continue to empower one another during key life transitions. Our programmes are accessible to girls and young women at any stage of educational attainment, enabling all Sis-Stars to learn, grow, and thrive. 

Our strategy 

We are one year into our 2024-2027 strategy to set Sister System on a path to scale our reach and impact. We have bold ambitions to scale across London and beyond. We have been building our organisational resilience, the quality of our programmes and robust systems to collect data and measure our impact. We are looking for a new Director of Fundraising who can bring in income from multiple sources to support our sustainable growth. 

Director of Fundraising - role details 

Benefits 

• Annual Salary: £57,000 to £62,000 (3 to 5 days per week, pro rata as relevant) 

• Leave Entitlement: 25 days and 8 bank holidays (+ your birthday off + 1 additional day per year of service up to 5 days) 

• Training and Development (CPD): £1000 per year 

• Company Pension 

• Death in Service Insurance Cover 

• Well-being and Company Events 

• Health benefits package 

Responsibilities and Duties 

• Develop and implement a comprehensive multi-year fundraising strategy that encompasses diverse income streams, working collaboratively with senior leadership to coordinate efforts and maintain an up-to-date fundraising pipeline.

• Steward high-value relationships with trusts, foundations, and corporate partners while leading grant applications and proposals for six-figure funding opportunities.

• Strategically position Sister System for statutory funding by identifying government contract opportunities and ensuring the organisation remains competitive for local authority and national funding programmes.

• Oversee critical systems and processes including financial reporting, grant management cycles, board reporting, and line management duties while serving as an external ambassador for the organisation 

• Line manage a small fundraising team 

Essential Skills, knowledge, and behaviours: 

• Proven track record of developing and delivering successful fundraising strategies at a senior level. 

• Proven track record of meeting or exceeding income targets across multiple income streams. 

• Experience managing multiple income streams, including statutory income, individual, corporate, and grant fundraising 

• Strong leadership and people management skills with experience of developing high-performing teams 

• Excellent relationship-building skills with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders 

• Financial acumen, including budgeting, reporting, and performance analysis 

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including bid writing and donor presentations 

• Strategic thinker with a proactive, innovative, and resilient approach 

Applications close 9am 17th November 2025 

Interviews will involve at least two stages; First stage interviews will be on or around 27th November; Second stage interviews will be on 10th/11th December 2025 

Director of Finance and Operations
The Akshaya Patra Foundation UK
Salary: £60,000-£70,000 per annum
Remote (UK-based) with expensed travel to London
Full-time, permanent

Akshaya Patra is one of the world’s largest school meals charities – nourishing 2.35 million children in India every day and now expanding our impact across the UK.

Our UK after-school programme, Empower Hour, provides hot, nutritious meals and targeted tuition to children growing up in poverty – extending the school day by 60 minutes to give them the fuel, support and enrichment they need to thrive.

What began in one school in 2024 is already serving ten, and – alongside driving continued expansion in India – we are now ready to scale our delivery to reach thousands more children across the UK’s most disadvantaged communities.

To help lead this exciting phase of growth, we are seeking a Director of Finance and Operations – a senior leader who combines strong financial stewardship with operational leadership and is motivated by purpose as much as performance.

You will sit on the Senior Leadership Team, reporting to the CEO, and oversee two core portfolios:

• Programmes – overseeing Watford kitchen operations, Empower Hour delivery and holiday hunger initiatives.
• Finance and Resources – leading financial planning and reporting, systems, compliance, HR development and organisational infrastructure.

This role will suit someone who enjoys both strategic thinking and practical implementation – someone who finds energy in building strong foundations and helping a values-led organisation grow well.

You may have built your career in charity, education, food provision, public services, the private sector or elsewhere – but you will bring:

• Senior-level experience across finance, operations or programme delivery.
• Strong financial acumen and understanding of charity governance and compliance.
• A collaborative leadership style – supporting, challenging and uplifting those you lead.
• Deep alignment with our mission to fight child hunger and educational inequality.

What we offer:

• Flexible and remote working.
• 34 days’ leave (25 days annual leave + Diwali + English bank holidays).
• Employer pension contribution.
• Investment in professional and vocational development.
• A meaningful leadership role in a growing global movement – empowering children in both the UK and India.

How to apply:

• Download the full job description and application details here or on our website.
• Please send your CV and a cover letter to the email address in the applicant pack outlining both your suitability for the role and what attracts you to Akshaya Patra and our mission.
• Closing date: Monday 3 November 2025.

If you believe no child should be held back by hunger – and you have the leadership skills and desire to help grow an organisation that makes that possible – we would love to hear from you.

Location: Home-based in the UK, within 90 minutes travel of Central London, with occasional national and international travel.

Contract: 2 years with the possibility of extension dependent on continuation of funding. You should be available to start by mid-January 2026.

Reporting to: Executive Director (ED) 

Salary: £85,000  - £90,000

Additional benefits: 25 days annual leave plus public holidays (annual leave increasing by 1 extra day for every year’s service up to 30 days total), life assurance and access to an employee assistance programme. 

Job description 

Overall purpose of role 

The Director of Operations and Finance is a pivotal senior leadership role responsible for ensuring WeProtect Global Alliance has robust and highly effective financial management, operational, governance, and risk infrastructure. The Director will provide strategic financial leadership, act as the primary resource for the Board on governance matters and oversee corporate compliance to enable the impactful delivery of the organisation's strategy to protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse online. 

We are seeking a highly experienced operational leader who is a proactive and confident decision-maker. You will be an influential SMT member and a trusted advisor to the Executive Director and the Board. You must be able to think strategically and solve problems, translating complex technical requirements (finance, legal, risk) into clear, pragmatic, and achievable goals. You will operate with high ethical standards and integrity, modelling the Alliance's values of Accountability, Respect, and Empowerment across all internal and external relationships. 

Key Responsibilities 

Corporate Governance, Risk & Compliance  

• Corporate Governance: Ensure Alliance governance is efficient, effective and provides the necessary support and oversight to the team to enable delivery of our mission, leading on review and optimisation of our governance structures and management. Act as a key advisor to the Executive Director and Board on all aspects of governance, legal compliance, and statutory obligations (including Dutch Chamber of Commerce and UK Companies House requirements).

• Risk Management: Senior responsible owner of the strategic risk register and proactively monitor and escalate strategic risks, reporting on high-level mitigation strategies to the Board and Finance, Risk and Audit Committee. Liaising with the Deputy Head who will oversee the day-to-day monitoring and reporting of operational risks. 

• Internal Control & Audit: Set the strategic standard for the internal control environment. Commission, approve the scope for, and receive final reports on all internal or external governance reviews or audits. Approve all final audit recommendations and plans before presentation to the Board. 

• Legal Compliance: Ensure the Alliance is compliant with all relevant UK, Dutch and international laws, managing external legal counsel relationships as needed, including maximising pro-bono support. 

Operations and People Management  

• Operational Oversight: Provide strategic direction for core operational functions, ensuring the Deputy Head of Operations and Finance delivers effective day-to-day operations including procurement, IT infrastructure, and general administration. 

• Human Resources: Lead internal responsibility and the strategic development of the people management function, in liaison with the Executive Director. This includes owning the overarching policy framework, approving major changes to employee benefits, and managing any external HR consultants or support services to ensure all HR policies, recruitment practices, and performance management are compliant. Overseeing the Deputy Head on supporting the implementation of capacity building across the Secretariat.

• Line Management: Directly line manage and mentor the Deputy Head of Operations and Finance, setting clear objectives, managing performance, and supporting professional development. As a member of the SMT, you may also play a key role in matrix managing team members across the organisation.

• Cross-Organisational Leadership: Work collaboratively with the Executive Director and all members of the SMT to foster a culture of high performance, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement across all functions, including implementation of our organisational Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policy and our overall organisational strategy. 

Strategic Financial Management & Leadership  

• Financial Strategy & Planning: Lead the development and own the ultimate approval of the organisation's financial strategy, ensuring long-term sustainability and resource allocation aligns with strategic objectives. Working closely with the Deputy Head of Operations and Finance on setting  the parameters for the annual budgeting cycle and it’s execution.

• Budgeting & Reporting: Produce accurate, timely, and insightful financial reports and analysis for the Executive Director, Senior Management Team (SMT), and the Board/Finance, Risk and Audit Committee, drawing on the preparations of the Deputy Head e.g. forecasting, overseeing annual budgeting cycle and fincnial planning 

• Audit & Statutory Compliance: Take ultimate accountability for the annual statutory audit process, ensuring all financial statements are prepared in compliance with relevant legislation and best practice for the Alliance’s Dutch and UK registered entities. 

• Systems and Controls: Own and strategically evolve the financial control framework, ensuring robust policies, procedures, and systems are in place. Champion organisation-wide adherence to these standards, working closely with the Deputy Head who will oversee daily compliance and financial reporting accuracy. 

• Grant Financial Management: Work with our Head of Development to oversee the financial management and reporting for all restricted and unrestricted grants, ensuring full compliance with donor requirements. Contribute to the organisation’s investment strategy and diversification by assessing financial viability of new funding sources or income models. 

Person Specification 

Essential Knowledge, Experience, and Skills 

• Sector Experience: Proven senior leadership experience (Head of or equivalent) within a non-profit, charity, or international NGO setting. 

• Governance & Risk: Extensive experience in developing, implementing and managing corporate governance frameworks, statutory compliance, and organisation-wide risk management in the non-profit sector. 

• Legal Expertise: Demonstrable deep experience and knowledge of relevant legal frameworks and regulation relating to the non-profit sector in the UK and Netherlands.

• Financial Expertise: Deep technical knowledge of relevant financial regulations, statutory accounts and audit processes, with proven experience setting the financial strategy and controls framework for an organisation. 

• Leadership & Management: Demonstrable track record of successfully leading, managing, and developing a multi-disciplinary team, including the management of senior direct reports. 

• Strategic & Communication Skills: Excellent strategic thinking, with the ability to translate complex financial and governance information into clear, accessible reports and advice for senior stakeholders (Executive Director, Policy Board, Finance, Risk and Audit Committee). 

Desirable 

• Accountancy qualifications 

• Experience as a Company Secretary or equivalent governance role. 

• Experience in management and oversight of human resources 

• Knowledge of international grant financial management and donor compliance requirements (particularly UK and Dutch). 

Commitment 

• A demonstrable commitment to the values of WeProtect Global Alliance, including safeguarding children and upholding principles of Respect, Accountability, and Empowerment. 

See attached document for the full job profile.

No one enjoys medical procedures, least of all children. From facing everyday vaccinations to the most serious of surgeries and chronic conditions, all children experience varying degrees of apprehension and fear. Feeling scared, powerless, or anxious in healthcare settings doesn’t just trigger a child’s emotions; it can create traumas that impact treatment success and that can have a life-long impact. Starlight’s aim is to transform children’s health through better experiences, by putting play at the heart of every child’s healthcare.

Evidence shows that play in healthcare can reduce anxiety, fear and even pain; it helps children engage and prepare for their treatment and cope better with procedures; it minimises trauma and contributes to a better experience; and supports children to have some sense of agency and control in an environment where these opportunities are limited. Play can also reduce the number of attempts to deliver treatment, the need for sedation and the need for repeat appointments. Prioritising children’s right to play in healthcare results in healthier, happier children who are involved in their own healing and recovery as well as more efficient treatment and care.

We work in over 900 healthcare settings across the UK with an ultimate vision to ensure that no child endures trauma in healthcare.

We have an exciting opportunity for a dynamic, solution focussed finance professional to join our central team as Finance Manager. This is a pivotal role in the organisation, one where you’ll use your experience to ensure accurate and timely business information is prepared and published for decision making across the charity. As you build your knowledge and experience you’ll be able to improve processes and systems, and find the best ways to support the business.

Please see more about this role by clicking on the Job description. 

JOB TITLE: Lead Youth Services Worker (Northern Ireland)

RESPONSIBLE TO: Director, Northern Ireland

HOURS OF WORK: 25 hours a week (flexible with some evenings)

LOCATION: Office based, with travel across Northern Ireland.

DURATION: Fixed Term – 5 Years 

SALARY / GRADE: Grade 5 (£30,738 - £33,921 FTE)

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

•Adopted Young People in Northern Ireland

•  Director Northern Ireland & Northern Ireland staff

•  Wider AUK youth staff

 •Representative staff from educational establishments.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

To develop, implement and evaluate the Banter Project youth service in partnership with adopted young people in Northern Ireland.  These young people range in age from 14-25 years and live throughout Northern Ireland.  The role will primarily work with the project participants, but has additional relationships with community organisations, educational establishments and employers to ensure that all project goals and outcomes are efficiently and effectively met.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• To lead the development and delivery of all elements of the Banter Project adopted young people’s service within Northern Ireland in a fun, interactive, interesting and an ability appropriate manner.

• To support the project participants to play an active role in the design and implementation of a programme of monthly activities for adopted young people. Sustaining and developing a monthly social hub, supporting the development of basic life-skills, and preparation for opportunities in further education, training, employment.

• To support a Youth Advisory Group (YAG) in its role to enable adopted young people to steer the Banter Project while developing skills which promote independence, personal development, social and life skills, leadership, and community involvement.

• To organise and supervise the work of the Youth Services Support Worker to deliver the Banter Project. 

• To provide opportunities to connect with, and signpost to, relevant services, particularly those who work with care experienced young people.

• To develop and implement robust monitoring and evaluation to review individual goals, track progress and impact, via data and analysis of outcomes to assess effectiveness and areas for improvement.

• To record service activity using the electronic data management systems to collate in preparation for reporting and learning opportunities.

• To gather output and outcome data from the Banter Project service in accordance with the quality assurance systems within AUK. 

• Work with other staff members to deliver a high-quality project for our adopted young people and their adoptive parents.  Work as part of a team to contribute to a positive work environment and shared goals. 

• To attend internal and external training/meetings as appropriate, to remain connected with broader adoption issues, relevant policies, working practices, and network with other youth work providers in Northern Ireland.

• To engage in supervision and professional development.

Director

1st Place

£70,000

Full-time, permanent

London SE5 and SE17 with some remote working

1st Place is a local success story. Born out of the vision from parents and children in 2005, we are now the recognised voluntary sector provider of early years and Best Start Family Hub services in Southwark.

We are first and foremost a hub of support for families with young children, from birth to rising five years and beyond which enables both children and parents to thrive. This includes health, parenting, as well as early years education through open access services and our highly regarded day nurseries. 

The challenges facing the families and communities we serve are ever present. We live in economically difficult times, which impacts the greatest on people who are already disadvantaged.

We seek a new Director who can take us forward to achieve even more and expand our geographical reach within the borough. This will be done only through vision and by partnering with other local providers of complementary services, commissioners and other potential funders of who there are many and as yet untapped.

You will bring the inspiring leadership, strategic foresight, and operational oversight that ensures that 1st Place continues to be “the place where children and families come first, the place where caring for the environment is second nature” and that we continue to be the go-to choice provider for partners, commissioners and funders.

1st Place is now a complex operation with many moving parts. You will need to be both strategic and outward facing as well as be ‘hands on’ in interacting with the children and families we work with and provide the visible leadership to staff and volunteers to enable them to continue to excel in OFSTED inspection, contract reviews and charity regulation.

Associate Director of Legal Services 

Salary: Up to £65,000 

Location: Newark office on occasion – mainly Home based with occasional travel to Newark/other places of work across the UK 

Full time: 35 hours per week (Mon-Fri) 

Permanent contract 

Closing date for applications: 16th November 2025  

First interview: 24th November 2025  

Second interview: 25th November 2025 

About Us  
The Wildlife Trusts are a grassroots movement of people from a wide range of backgrounds and all walks of life, who believe that we need nature and nature needs us. We have more than 944,000 members, over 38,000 volunteers, 3,600 staff and 600 trustees. There are 46 individual Wildlife Trusts, each of which is a place-based independent charity with its own legal identity, formed by groups of people getting together and working with others to make a positive difference to wildlife and future generations, starting where they live and work. 

Every Wildlife Trust is part of The Wildlife Trusts federation and a corporate member of the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts, a registered charity in its own right founded in 1912 and one of the founding members of IUCN – the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Taken together this federation of 47 charities is known as The Wildlife Trusts.   

The next few years will be critical in determining what kind of world we all live in. We need to urgently reverse the loss of wildlife and put nature into recovery at scale if we are to prevent climate and ecological disaster. We recognise that this will require big, bold changes in the way The Wildlife Trusts work, not least in how we mobilise others and support them to organise within their own communities. 

About You  

If you are a highly experienced and self-motivated lawyer ready to take on a pivotal leadership role, this is your opportunity to create and shape the future of legal services at one of the UK’s best-loved conservation charities. As our Associate Director of Legal Services, you will lead our Legal Services function, working with Trustees, senior leaders and colleagues across RSWT and the wider federation. You will build a commercially led Legal function which will be at the heart of our work enabling bold and confident action in pursuit of our mission to bring nature back. 

We are seeking an exceptional individual with outstanding legal and strategic leadership skills, able to inspire confidence and embed a strong commercial culture across a diverse and dynamic organisation. You will have the experience and judgement to navigate the unique landscape of a federation of 46 independent Wildlife Trusts. 

You will bring proven experience of delivering high-impact outcomes through your legal expertise whether delivering complex commercial contracts, managing environmental issues, supporting campaigning work, or working within the charity sector. 

You will share our values of passion, respect, trust, integrity, pragmatic activism and strength in diversity. We are passionate about our mission, but never judgmental — and we are committed to inclusivity. We particularly welcome applications from people who are underrepresented within our sector, including people from minority backgrounds and people with disabilities. We are determined to build a movement that recognises, values and celebrates individual differences and identities. 

About You 

RSWT take our safeguarding responsibilities extremely seriously. Please click here to read our commitment statement. 

The Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk. For applicable roles, applicants must be willing to undergo checks with past employers and Disclosure and Barring Service checks at the eligible level. 

As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to offering an interview to anyone with a disability that meets all the essential criteria for the post. Please let us know if you require any adjustments to make our recruitment process more accessible. 

RSWT are committed to increasing the diversity of its staff through its Levelling the Field recruitment pledge and will put any ethnic minority applicants that meet all the essential criteria for the post through to the next stage of recruitment. 

Please do not use artificial intelligence tools to assist you to complete the application form. We may not accept applications that have been completed utilising AI tools. 

Who we’re looking for 

We’re looking for an exceptional Director of Fundraising and Communication who will lead our fundraising and communications with vision and purpose, helping us grow our reach, deepen our impact and amplify our voice. You’ll be joining a people-centred, mission-driven team, united by a shared commitment to making a meaningful difference. At a time when vulnerable young people face increasing challenges, our work has never been more urgent. If you’re motivated by impact and driven by purpose, this is a good opportunity to contribute to lasting change. 

You will be stepping into a well-established and highly effective organisation, but one that remains energised by innovation and continuous improvement. We actively welcome fresh thinking and new approaches that help us evolve and enhance our work. 

What will you do? 

This is a pivotal moment to join JET as we build on fourteen years of impact and enter a new chapter in our journey. We have ambitious plans to expand our reach and influence, and we’re seeking someone who can help us strengthen our funding base and sharpen our message. 

Reporting directly to the CEO, you will lead and develop our fundraising team, shaping a cross-stream strategy and an integrated communications plan. You’ll be responsible for setting the strategic direction for fundraising, communications and events across the organisation. By doing so you will raise JET’s national profile, grow our supporter base and significantly increase income to support programme expansion. 

You’ll bring strong experience across multiple fundraising streams, with a proven track record of securing significant multi-year funding and building lasting relationships with funders—both individuals and organisations. Alongside leading our fundraising efforts, you’ll take ownership of our brand, ensuring clarity and consistency in our messaging, helping partners tell our story, and securing positive media coverage. 

You’ll lead the development of campaigns, fundraising and marketing activities, and digital engagement that not only enhance our national profile but also drive supporter engagement and income growth.

This is a home-based role, with travel required to and within the regions where we operate, including attendance at key events. 

About you 

You will provide strategic leadership across fundraising, communications, marketing and events. Your work will be closely aligned with JET’s five-year strategy, enabling continued growth in funding and programme delivery. 

You’ll bring a wealth of experience in leading fundraising and communications at a strategic level, with a strong understanding of the sector and a track record of securing and sustaining major gifts and partnerships. You’ll be adept at managing integrated campaigns across multiple channels and growing income through sustainable funding models. 

Your leadership style will be collaborative and empowering, with the ability to build high-performing teams and foster a culture of accountability and innovation. You’ll be a confident communicator, able to inspire and influence, with excellent relationship-building skills and a strategic mindset. 

Above all, you’ll be passionate about JET’s mission to empower young people facing adversity. You’ll be a credible ambassador, committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and driven by the desire to make a meaningful difference. 

Across the JET team we cultivate a culture of inclusion that respects individual strengths, views, and experiences. We believe that our differences enable us to be a better team – one that makes better decisions, drives innovation, and delivers better outcomes for our young people. We welcome applicants whatever your background and whatever your stage in life, so if you are returning to the workforce after a period away, or even seeking a change of pace, please get in touch.  

About the Jon Egging Trust (JET)

At JET, we support vulnerable young people to get back on track and realise their potential; more than 45,000 young people right across the UK to date, and there’s so much more we can do. We’re an organisation that really values its people and we’re immensely proud that our team culture is based on caring and raising each other up.

Our benefits package includes:

• Flexible working

• Enhanced annual leave

• Homeworking allowance 

• Occupational pension scheme

• Occupational sickness scheme

• Special paid leave provision

• Enhanced family leave 

Download the Candidate Information Pack

Read our Applicant Privacy Notice 

Child and adult at risk protection policy statement 

The Jon Egging Trust is committed to providing a safe and positive environment for everyone involved in its services and activities. The Trust takes its extended moral and legal duty of care very seriously in relation to children, young people, staff and volunteers. We seek to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children and to protect them from harm or abuse when they engage in any of our activities. JET expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. The suitability of all prospective employees or volunteers will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment. 

To apply 

Please complete our online application form.

The closing date is 16th November 2025 at [23:30].

Interview Process 

• First-round interviews: Monday 24th November (online) 

• Meet the team task and fireside chat: Thursday 27th November 

• Final interview (in person, London): Monday 1st December 

Questions? 

Contact us through our website. 

Please note:

Due to our anonymised recruitment process, if your application is not shortlisted, we are unable to provide personalised feedback. 

To become an employee at JET, you must be able to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK and a satisfactory DBS check – enhanced with children's barred is required for this role. As part of our recruitment process, we want to make clear that we are not able to offer visa sponsorship for this position. 

As part of our safer recruitment process, all candidates invited to a final interview will also be required to complete a confidential self-disclosure form, which allows any relevant information to be discussed in line with our safeguarding policy. 

We also reserve the right to cancel the final stage of interview on 1st December if candidate does not meet expectations at this stage. 

Position: Director of Service Delivery
Hours: Full-time (35 hours a week)
Contract: Permanent
Location: Office-based in London, N4 with flexibility to work remotely
Salary: £73,653 per annum, plus excellent benefits
Salary Band and Job Family: Band 5

About us

We make sure people living with MS are at the centre of everything we do. And it’s this commitment that unites us across the UK.

Our strategy is based on what people affected by MS have told us is important to them. It gives us a clear and determined focus.

Our work is based on the hopes and aspirations of our MS community. Together we campaign at all levels, fund ground-breaking research and provide award winning support and information. 

Our people are our greatest asset and the key to our success. We offer a vibrant, progressive working environment where you'll be able to make a difference.

About this job

This year, we’ve embarked on introducing a bold, exciting new operating model and structure to improve our services and support to help everyone affected by MS.

We’re making it easier for people who use our services to find and connect to the support they need. And we're looking at ways to make our support more accessible and personalised to meet people’s individual needs, no matter where they are on their MS journey.

We’re creating services that are flexible so that, when someone's circumstance changes, we’ll change too. As demand for our services grows, we’ll always be ready to support everyone who needs our help. 

Our new structure and our new ways of working will bring all of these services together under one delivery model launching next year. We're creating a new virtual support hub to bring together everything our community needs to manage their MS or support and care for someone living with MS.

Our Services Delivery team are responsible for: virtual support hub, community support teams, service comms and engagement

Our Director of Services Delivery will be:

• providing strategic direction and leadership to our Service Delivery function, spanning services such as a helpline, digital and remote, and community engagement
• taking overall responsibility for and providing thought-leadership to our strategic approach for all national and community service delivery, as well as our engagement and comms across our Services and Support
• ensuring our Services and Support are delivered to a consistently high standard and be accountable for the performance of our services in our Live Well activity.
• using evidence and insights, development and delivery of a UK-wide Service Delivery and Development strategy that ensures our services achieve maximum reach and impact, responding to the evolving needs and priorities of people with MS, and their families and carers.
• leading ongoing development and continuous improvement of MS Society’s service delivery operating model, responding to evolving needs and external environment to drive cultural change and inspiring staff and volunteers.
• leading by example, encouraging and role modelling transparency, learning from failure, reducing complexity, user centricity, collaborating, and seeking feedback and ideas from all

We’re looking for:

• substantial experience in Senior Leadership/Departmental Management roles, with the ability to manage large teams at all levels.
• proven success in setting and delivering strategic plans and achieving long standing impact.
• able to provide sector-leading thought-leadership and strategic expertise within Service Delivery of similar type services and scale.
• proven analytical skills and the ability to use data to inform decisions and improve services through development and embedding of strategic transformation.
• proven experience of delivering significant and sustainable business benefits through change programmes.

Closing date for applications: 9:00 on Friday 7 November 2025

Interested?

PLEASE PRESS THE 'HOW TO APPLY' BUTTON FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Equal Opportunities 
We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and or from ethnic minority backgrounds.

We’d be grateful if you downloaded and completed the equality and diversity monitoring form and submit it with your application. 

Disability Confident Employer 
We’re a Disability Confident Employer and we’re committed to promoting equality and diversity.

You can ask for reasonable adjustments as part of both our recruitment and new starter on-boarding processes.

If you need any help or adjustments to apply for this role, please contact us. You can also ask for the application materials to be sent to you in a different format. Such as for them to be sent to you by email or in a larger word format.

More about our employee benefits:
We have a wide range of employee benefits including (but not limited to): 

Encouraging work life balance

• 38 days paid annual leave (including bank holidays), pro-rata for part-time
• More annual leave entitlement, based on length of employment
• Smart working options (with the opportunity to work remotely and find a smart working pattern that suits both you and us) 
• Flexible working options 

Caring for you and your family 

• Generous sick pay entitlement
• More sick pay entitlement, based on length of employment 
• Opportunity to buy and sell annual leave in each calendar year 
• Free access to a GP virtually 24 hours a day/7 days a week allowing you unlimited advice, reassurance and where appropriate diagnosis 
• Enhanced leave for new parents 
• Free access to a confidential 24 hours a day/7 days a week helpline service for both you and your family with a specialist range of support and information
• Special leave options (such as up to 5 days paid leave for domestic or personal emergencies a year)
• 10 days paid disability leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• 10 days paid carers’ leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• Cycle to work scheme 
• Death in service scheme
• New family-friendly benefits, including paid leave:
  • In the event of miscarriage or still birth 
  • To support fertility treatments
  • For antenatal appointments for both parents

Thinking about your finances 

• Enhanced salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Discounted season ticket loan and interest-free emergency loans
• Give as you earn to support other charities of your choice before tax
• New employee portal including lifestyle savings vouchers and personal wellbeing

Enriching your life at work

• Personalised development plans with a wide range of training courses and opportunities to source additional training options with your line manager
• Yearly internal apprenticeship opportunities
• New, modern offices that embrace working together both in-person and remotely 
• Various opportunities to influence how we internally operate (including surveys, and focus and committee groups) 
• Active and supportive internal employee networking groups for collaboration and peer support 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering for MS Society activities during normal working hours (such as fundraising events, or campaigning in the local community) 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering with other charities during normal

Safeguarding 
We’re committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone who uses our services and we come into contact with.

This is regardless of Gender, Race, Disability, Sexual orientation, Religion or belief, Pregnancy, Gender reassignment.

We recognise our particular responsibility to make sure vulnerable adults and children are protected.

We have measures in place to protect everyone we come into contact with from abuse and maltreatment of all kinds.

Your right to work in the UK 
You must have the right to work in the UK to work in paid employment with us. You’ll need to share documents showing you’re eligible to work in the UK if we offer you employment.

You can find the UK visas and permits granting you the right to work in the UK on the UK Government website. We currently don’t have a Sponsor Licence agreement with the Home Office and aren’t able to support you with your visa applications.

No agencies please.

Location: Home based however this is a national role and will require travel to all EF sites

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Salary: £76,000 per annum

About us

Emerging Futures works nationally with people affected by addiction, encouraging them to make positive changes to their lives.

We believe that no one should suffer the stigma associated with addiction, and that everyone seeking support should feel valued and respected.

We provide homes for people to connect with others and make the necessary changes to move towards independent, healthy living. Our behaviour change services provide a confidential space to share experiences, and offer practical support to those who want to change. The Emerging Futures accredited coach training develops the skills of our volunteers, motivating people to give back and reconnect with their community.

About the role

This is a pivotal leadership role, supporting the Chief Executive and Board with organisational development, risk oversight, and the consistent delivery of high-quality, person-centred services.

This executive leadership role shapes the strategic direction of Emerging Futures, overseeing HR, Quality, Safeguarding, and Performance functions. It drives organisational strategy across people, culture, innovation, and service delivery, ensuring alignment with the charity’s values and sector trends in substance misuse and homelessness.

Key responsibilities include leading HR strategy—covering recruitment, workforce development, staff wellbeing, inclusion, and compliance—and overseeing quality assurance, clinical governance, and safeguarding to ensure robust risk management and continuous improvement.

The role also leads the development of outcome measurement frameworks, promotes data-driven decision-making, and collaborates with operational leaders to support service innovation and performance. Externally, it represents the organisation in strategic forums and partnerships, while internally fostering integration and supporting cross-functional initiatives.

This role is home based, however as you are leading remote teams across the country, very regular travel to EF sites/offices will be required.

About you

You will have proven senior leadership experience in HR (ideally at Head of HR or Director level) in the voluntary, housing, health, or social care sector. You should also have:

• Level 7 CIPD Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management or equivalent, plus relevant experience
• Strategic understanding of workforce, service delivery, and governance issues in substance use, homelessness, or complex needs sectors
• Demonstrated success in embedding quality and assurance frameworks across complex, dispersed services.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding, regulatory compliance, risk management, and performance improvement frameworks.
• Track record of driving organisational culture change and operational excellence.
• Excellent interpersonal, influencing, and stakeholder engagement skills, including Board-level reporting.

Key Dates

Application deadline: 10 November 2025

Anticipated interview dates are to be confirmed

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Be part of something truly inspiring.

The Orpheus Centre is an award-winning charity that supports disabled young adults aged 18–25 to live independent, fulfilling lives through the performing and visual arts. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted, we are driven by our values — joyful, bold, inclusive, resilient and determined — and a vision of an inclusive world where every young person can achieve their aspirations.

We are now seeking a strategic, values-led Director of Finance to join our Senior Leadership Team and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our organisation.

Salary: £72,000 – £77,000 (depending on experience)

Hours: 35 hours per week, 52 weeks per year

Location: Godstone, Surrey (onsite with some flexibility)

Contract: Permanent

About the Role

You’ll lead the financial strategy, planning and operations for the Orpheus Centre, ensuring sustainability, transparency and compliance while enabling innovation and growth. Reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with Trustees and senior leaders, you will:

• Provide strategic financial leadership and insight to drive organisational success.
• Oversee all aspects of financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting and audit.
• Ensure compliance with The Charity Commission, HMRC and Companies House regulations.
• Lead on procurement, risk management and digital transformation in finance systems.
• Manage investments and oversee capital and operational budgets.
• Lead and develop a small, high-performing finance team.

This is a hands-on and highly influential role for someone who thrives on both strategic planning and operational excellence.

About You

You’ll be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with significant experience in senior financial leadership — ideally within the charity and/or education sector.

You will bring:

• Strong understanding of charity SORP, financial governance and regulatory frameworks.
• Experience working with Boards and governance structures.
• Proven ability to deliver strategic financial planning and risk management.
• Excellent communication, leadership and influencing skills.
• A proactive, future-focused approach and commitment to Orpheus’ values and mission. 

Why join Orpheus?

• At Orpheus, you’ll join a joyful and inclusive community that values creativity and collaboration. We offer:
• The opportunity to play a key role in an Outstanding organisation.
• A collaborative leadership environment with real impact.
• A supportive and passionate team culture.
• Ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Free parking on our beautiful Surrey campus.

Join us in making a lasting difference in the lives of young disabled people through the power of the arts.

Safeguarding & Equality

Orpheus is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. All posts are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and satisfactory references. This post is classed as having a high degree of contact with vulnerable adults and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

As part of our safer recruitment process and in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025, online searches may be undertaken as part of due diligence.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

In order to be considered you must be eligible to work in the UK.

The Orpheus Centre is proud to be a disability confident employer.

We have made a positive commitment to employing disabled people. Reasonable adjustments will be made to the recruitment procedure as required in consultation with the applicant to ensure no-one is disadvantaged because of their disability. If a disabled person is selected for a position, reasonable adjustments will be made to the workplace, including premises and equipment, work duties and practices or policies, as appropriate. All disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role as set out in the role profile and person specification will be guaranteed an interview.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we are:

• Challenging attitudes towards disability
• Increasing understanding of disability
• Removing barriers to disabled people and those with long-term health conditions
• Ensuring that disabled people have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspiration

Applications will be reviewed as we receive them and if a suitable candidate is identified, we reserve the right to close our advert sooner.