Children support jobs

Interim Head of Finance & Operations

Career Ready is a social mobility charity that believes that every young person deserves the opportunity to enjoy a rewarding future.

We were founded in 2002 by leading business figures with a mission: to boost social mobility by empowering young people and giving their talents a platform from which to flourish. Since then, we’ve grown in England and Scotland to support young people in areas of need.

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced, qualified Finance professional to lead our Finance & Operations function.

About the Role

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer the Interim Head of Finance & Operations leads on and assumes day to day responsibility for providing high quality, strategic financial management for Career Ready.

You will lead on business operations to ensure the ongoing effective functioning of the charity and drive sustainable growth.

The Interim Head of Finance and Operations plays a key role in leading greater organisational efficiency and simplifying processes and will continue the delivery of a project plan reflecting the 2025-30 strategy.

You will play a critical role in driving the increased quality of Career Ready’s offer to our stakeholders in line with our strategy, vision and values.

Member of our SMT, comprising of the CEO, Director for Scotland, Director of Programme and Partnerships and Heads of functions.

This is an interim role to cover a period of maternity leave.

Main responsibilities and accountabilities

· Lead, direct and manage the finance and operations functions, overseeing two direct reports, ensuring they deliver a high-quality service to all internal and external stakeholders and are seen as adding value, in enabling Career Ready to achieve its vision and strategic objectives through its people. 

· Continue the delivery of a project plan reflecting the 2025-30 strategy, ensuring that activities happen at pace, are deadline-driven and achieve a high level of impact.

· Assume overall responsibility for the financial management of Career Ready, working with the SMT to ensure high quality and effective use of charitable funds.

· Input into and review the financial elements of funding applications and ensure that fund accounting processes align with funders’ requirements for project reporting.

· Produce financial reports for various stakeholders, as well as leading on financial modelling.

· Have oversight of all financial and accountancy matters including month end reports, management accounts, cash flow management, compliance, tax liability, presentation of management information and KPIs. Ensure that the CEO and Trustees are provided with accurate, timely information and analysis. 

· Oversee and coordinate the fully managed payroll services with the external bureau for all Career Ready employees and for some internship students (Jun to Aug during the Summer)

· Administration of the Staff Opt-In Pension Scheme, including onboarding new staff (Royal London)

· Act as a role model in our ‘one team’ culture. Lead in the development of efficient working practices across the charity, creating momentum and supporting motivation within the charity. 

· Lead risk management strategies and internal control procedures to minimise the risk of loss, or damage to, Career Ready’s assets. 

· Prepare and submit annual operational budgets and annual accounts to the CEO for review and approval.

· Draft and deliver papers for Trustees and Finance and Fundraising Committee (F&FC) meetings. 

· Attend Board and F&FC meetings to present papers and answer questions related to areas of expertise. 

· Provide day to day line management of the Senior Finance Officers and support their ongoing growth and development.

· Management of organisational governance and compliance activities, including policy management.

· Oversee and manage the organisation’s risk management register and process, with input from SMT.

· Oversee reviews and renewals of all insurance policies that affect the organisation.

· Lead on the compliance of statutory and charity regulatory reporting, giving guidance to colleagues where required.

· Ensure any changes to processes and procedures across the function are clearly documented.

Person Specification

Essential skills and experience

•  Belief and commitment to Career Ready’s mission and values
• Qualified (ACA/ACCA/CIMA/AAT) accountant with at least 5 years’ experience in financial management including budgeting, preferably in the charity sector.
• Significant experience in producing management and financial accounts
• Skilled in financial reporting and producing VAT returns
• Preparing for and ensuring a successful year-end audit, and demonstrable knowledge of UK Charities SORP and other reporting standards
• Experience in budgeting to support strategic decision making.
• Financial dexterity and strong analytical skills.
• Strong IT skills, including advanced MS Excel skills and extensive of using an accounting software, preferably Xero
• Excellent organisational and prioritising skills and ability to work independently and with autonomy
• Strong starter finisher with ability to lead and drive projects
• Knowledge of charity governance and compliance requirements
• Ability to build excellent relationships and have effective engagement with stakeholders
• Good communication skills and ability to communicate financial concepts to non-finance staff
• Attention to detail
• Ability to present financial information to various audiences
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and sensitivity of financial information
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to cope with competing demands to deadlines
• Honest and dependable

Desirable skills and experience

• Experience of leading a team, strong team building skills
• Line management experience
• Experience of using MS Planner or other project management tools
• Genuine interest in the work done by the Charity
• Experience of using a CRM (Salesforce)
• Degree in financial management or accounting

Full details are provided in the candidate pack

Salary and Benefits

Salary: £52,000 to £54,000 FTE (salary will be pro-rata for part time hours)

28-35 hours per week.  Career Ready is committed to supporting condensed/flexible working patterns.

Permanent and remote.  Travel to London required on an occasional basis

You will be rewarded with the following benefits:

· 6% contribution to personal pension plan, subject to 3% employee contribution.

· Annual leave: 27 days per annum plus bank/public holidays (pro rata for part time). The charity is also closed between Christmas and New Year. Career Ready also allows flexible use of some Bank & Public Holidays

· Cycle to Work Scheme

· Access to both our Reward Gateway Portal and an Employee Assistance Programme.

· Flexible working

· Work from home allowance and paid travel expenses.

We regret that Career Ready is unable to offer visa sponsorship and candidates must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK. In accordance with our commitment to safeguarding, offers of employment are subject to completion of a DBS check. 

Timetable

Applications close at 9am on Monday 21 July 2025 

Please note that the closing date may be brought forward if we receive strong applications.

This is an interim role to cover a period of maternity leave, with a provisional start date of late September for a handover period.

Title: Head of Strategic Funding
Location: Gilwell Park, Chingford, London (1-2 days a week with hybrid working)
Salary: £61,273 per annum – Band H, Level 3 - Inclusive of Market Supplement and Outer London Weighting
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-time (35 hours per week)

About the role

At Scouts, we believe in building a brighter future for young people. Now we’re looking for a visionary fundraising leader to join our passionate team as Head of Strategic Funding, a pivotal role shaping how we secure major support from government, trusts, foundations, and high-net-worth individuals.

You’ll lead a brilliant team, nurture high-value relationships, and oversee the full funding cycle, from bold pitches to powerful partnerships. With a multi-million-pound income target, your strategic mindset, creativity, and tenacity will help unlock the resources we need to extend our reach and deepen our impact.

As our Head of Strategic Funding, the Key responsibilities are:

• Leading and evolving Scouts’ strategic funding strategy in collaboration with our Chief Fundraising Officer.
• Securing five- to seven-figure gifts from key funders.
• Managing and inspiring a high-performing team of four.
• Creating compelling proposals that speak to hearts and minds, and drive change.
• Developing innovative funding pipelines and fostering cross-organisational collaboration.
• Engaging senior stakeholders and leveraging peer networks for new opportunities.

What we are looking for in our Head of Strategic Funding:

We’re looking for a confident, collaborative, and driven professional with:

• A strong track record in securing significant funding from trusts, foundations, or government bodies.
• Experience leading high-impact fundraising teams and strategies.
• An ability to think big, communicate clearly, and influence at the highest levels.
• Financial acumen, persuasive writing, and a passion for outcomes that change young lives.

Benefits:

• We are an award-winning Charity of the Year (Charity Times Awards 2022) with over 400 employees across multiple locations across the country.
• 28 days holiday and going up to 32 days after 2 years’ service plus additional days at Christmas
• Flexible working hours
• Work in a way that suits you, your role and your department
• Double matching pension up to 10% of gross salary
• Family Friendly employer with generous family leave
• Learning and Development/training opportunities via our internal learning hub

For a full list of our benefits click .

Closing date for applications: 11:59 pm Monday 21st July 2025

1st stage interviews (Teams): Tuesday 29th July 2025 - This will consist of a 50-minute video Q&A with the panel

2nd stage interviews (in person): Wednesday 6th August 2025 – This will consist of a 60 minute in person Q&A with the panel and a short presentation.

Strictly no agencies. 

The Scouts is an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. We offer flexible working arrangements to support diverse needs and lifestyles, ensuring that our teams can thrive both professionally and personally. We welcome and encourage applicants from all walks of life, believing that varied perspectives strengthen our innovation and community. Your unique experiences and ideas are essential to our success, and we look forward to hearing from all voices.

We are 4 Day Week employer

Purpose of the role

Join Brook, the UK’s longest-running sexual health charity and help us shape the future of education, wellbeing, and digital services for young people.

We’re looking for a commercially-minded Business Development Manager to drive growth across Brook’s education, training, and consultancy offers.

It’s a chance to join a dynamic, mission-led team committed to creating lasting change. You’ll play a key role in securing high-value contracts, identifying new market opportunities, and collaborating with colleagues across the charity to co-create services that are needed and impactful.

Essential criteria

• 2 years of account management, or sales experience. 
• Experience of working within the third or public sector

To learn more about the role and person specification please read the attached 'role specification' which can be found on the application form.

About the role:

• Hours: Full Time 37.5 Hours per week

(Upon completing your probationary period, you will be eligible to join the 4 Day Week program, which allows you to work 20% fewer hours without a decrease in salary)

• Contract: Permanent
• Location: London
• Salary: £39,000
• Closing date: 27/07/2025
• Application Tip: Ensure your supporting statement refers to the person specification as this will assist in a successful sift through to the interview stage.
   

About Brook:

Brook is the UK’s leading sexual health and wellbeing charity. We are committed to changing attitudes, challenging prejudice and championing equality. 

Our unique combination of clinical services and education programmes are designed to meet individual needs and instill positive behaviours that influence their whole lives. Our digital solutions help us reach even greater numbers of young people and professionals, and our expansion into all-age services ensures that whole communities can benefit from our inclusive, non-judgmental approach to sexual and reproductive health. 

We are continuously listening to and learning from our service users and the communities we support. We amplify the voices of those who face barriers to access, ensuring that sexual health remains high on the political agenda and that law, policy and practice is aligned with what they need. 

Benefits of working for Brook:

• 4 Day Week (Working 20% hours less without salary decrease)
• Annual leave – 28 days per annum, increasing up to 33 days plus 8 bank holidays 
• Sick pay (from 3 up to 12 weeks fully paid) 
• Flexible working 
• Gratitude scheme 
• Assisted purchase scheme 
• Cycle to Work up to £1k 
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) 
• Long service awards 
• Maternity and paternity pay 
• Pension scheme – with contributions matched up to a maximum of 4% 
• Training and development opportunities 
• Coaching

Please note - this role requires the successful applicant to undertake an enhanced DBS check. Candidates must be able to provide paperwork demonstrating their right to work in the UK.

Please note: internal applicants with live sanctions will not be considered for this role. 

We reserve the right to close this vacancy when we are in receipt of sufficient applications. Should you wish to apply for this post you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible. 

Due to the high number of applications for this post, it will not be possible to respond to every application. We will contact you within 4 weeks of the closing date if you have been shortlisted for the role. 

Thank you for your interest in working for Brook.
 

Brook Safeguarding with Purpose

Working with People Safely. Safe Place, Safe People.

Fundraising Manager
 
As part of our continual growth journey, scaling up, and strategy implementation, Streets of Growth is at the exciting stage of taking our fundraising to the next level with a key step being the appointment of our first senior fundraising post.
 
Location: Hybrid working with at least 1 day per week in Streets of Growth office in Aldgate East (2 days for the first 6 months)
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full time
Salary: £40,000 to £45,000 dependent on experience
Benefits:
• 25 annual leave days plus bank holidays
• A fair and benchmarked salary with consistent annual salary reviews
• Pension scheme of up to 8% contribution
• Employee Assisted Scheme 24/7
• Great location near tubes, Spitalfields, Brick Lane and direct access to Central London
 
About Streets of Growth: Streets of Growth is committed to breaking the cycle of urban violence, harm, poverty, and social inequality experienced by marginalised young people. The organisation is part of an international movement working to ensure no young adult is left behind or living in harm and has equal access to socioeconomic opportunity and progressive mobility,
 
Role Overview: In this new role as Fundraising Manager, you will lead the development and implementation of our fundraising strategy and manage our fundraising portfolio. This includes being responsible for securing the financial resources needed to bring positive, impactful change to every young person we work with. You will manage and grow our portfolio of grant funders, retain and deepen key relationships, and shape the next phase of our fundraising strategy.
 
Main Duties & Responsibilities:
• Develop and lead Streets of Growth's 5-year Fundraising Strategy, this will include building a new programme for developing corporate partnerships
• Grow multi-year restricted and flexible income from existing and new donors
• In collaboration with the CEO, to set fundraising targets and forecast fundraising income
• Research and develop opportunities to diversify income streams, identify new supporters, manage the creation and submission of bids
• Develop and grow strong relationships with key funders and stakeholders
• Responsible for reporting on funding bids both internally and externally and managing the timeline of submission of bids and applications
• Represent Streets of Growth at external events, funder briefings or networking opportunities
• As a member of the Leadership Team, contribute to the strategic planning processes for the charity
 
Person Specification: The ideal candidate will have the following:
• Experience of leading or significantly contributing to development and/or delivery of a fundraising strategy
• Strong track record of fundraising, grant management and achieving funding awards for £50,000 and above
• Strong understanding of charity fundraising regulations, GDPR, and ethical fundraising practices
• Excellent writing skills with ability to produce clear, concise and engaging applications and funding reports
• Strong, confident communication and interpersonal skills
• Collaborative and relationship-oriented, with a natural ability to inspire cooperation & support
• Commitment to adhere and promote Streets of Growth's values and equal opportunities
 
Application Process: Closing date: Sunday 20th July 2025 - Submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter. Interviews in last week of July (29th to 31st July) and first week of August (5th to7th August): First stage online, second stage in-person.
 
Thank you for considering Streets of Growth as your next professional home. We look forward to receiving your application and the possibility of welcoming you into our dynamic, progressive team working to create a safer, fairer society for all young people.
 
You may also have experience in the following roles: Development Manager, Grants Manager, Corporate Partnerships Manager, Fundraising Officer, Bid Writer, Grant Writer, Trust and Foundations Manager, Individual Giving Manager, Community Fundraising Manager, Major Gifts Officer, Philanthropy Manager, Income Generation Manager, etc.
 
REF-222 272

Job Title: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Location: Eastleigh, Hampshire. Flexible, hybrid working

Salary: £50,000

Hours: 37 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

About us:

Learning through Landscapes is the UK’s leading school grounds charity, dedicated to enhancing outdoor learning and play for all. Our vision is a society where the benefits of regular time outdoors are valued and appreciated, and outdoor learning, play and connection with nature is recognised as a fundamental part of education, at every stage, for every child and young person.

We have unrivalled expertise based on three decades of experience, practical action and research. With offices in England and Scotland and staff based across the UK, our team and our accredited network of outdoor learning experts have the capacity to work nationally and internationally. Click HERE for more information.

 

What you’ll be doing:

As COO, you will play a critical leadership role in the strategic and operational success of LtL. You will work closely with the CEO and the management team to deliver the charity’s vision, overseeing day-to-day project delivery across the UK. You will take the lead for LtL H&S and Safeguarding responsibility alongside deputising for the CEO. It is essential you are happy to and would enjoy frequent travel across the UK.

 

Key Responsibilities

· Operational Leadership.

· Drive operational excellence and innovation in the charity’s systems, processes, and project infrastructure.

· Work closely with the CEO and senior leadership to translate strategic and project plans into operational delivery.

· Attend and contribute to the planning of board meetings.

· Deputise as CEO.

Project Management

· Oversee the delivery of multiple, complex projects, in all four home nations, ensuring timelines, budgets, and outcomes are met, and line manage project managers.

· Work on national programme implementation, including government contracts, charitable grants, and corporate-funded initiatives.

· Develop and manage project delivery plans, risk registers, evaluation processes, and resource allocation, health & safety, and safeguarding.

· Support the CEO and Finance Manager in budget planning, financial forecasting, and reporting for projects.

· Ensure projects are run within guidelines and legal responsibilities, including data protection, GDPR, health and safety, and charity governance.

· Act as the operational safeguarding lead, working closely with the charity’s Designated Safeguarding Leads to embed best practice in all areas of delivery.

· Work with the CEO to ensure safeguarding policies are robust, understood by all staff partners and network, and adhered to in all operational activities.

· Work with the CEO on contract negotiation and management.

Systems and Operational Development

· Lead the development and improvement of internal systems and processes to support efficient, effective, and collaborative working across the charity.

· Oversee the use and optimisation of IT and digital tools for internal communication and project coordination.

· Embed a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring systems are user-friendly, fit for purpose, and compliant with data protection and other regulations.

People and Culture

· Line manage project managers across the UK, fostering a positive and values-led organisational culture rooted in inclusion, equity, and safeguarding.

· Coordinate leadership and professional development for staff, partners and networks.

· Champion true diversity, equity, and inclusion across all operational activities.

Stakeholder and Partnership Management

· Act as a senior representative for LtL at external meetings, events, and with funders or partners.

· Build and maintain strong relationships with schools, local authorities, funders, and delivery partners.

· Represent LtL in national forums, working groups, and networks relevant to education and the environment.

Travel

· Regular travel across the UK to support project delivery, engage with stakeholders, and lead regional teams with occasional international travel.

· Regular overnight stays required.

What you need

Essential

· Proven experience in a senior operational role, preferably within the charity, education, or environmental sector.

· Track record of successfully managing complex, multi-partner projects at a national or regional scale.

· One or both of Safeguarding and Health & Safety training qualifications.

· Excellent leadership, line management, and team development skills.

· Outstanding project management skills including budgeting, planning, evaluation, and reporting.

· Strong understanding of governance, safeguarding, and risk management in a not-for-profit context.

· Embody LtL friendly and inclusive culture of support and kindness.

· Ability to influence and inspire with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

· Willingness and ability to travel regularly across the UK and occasionally internationally.

Desirable

· Knowledge of outdoor learning, environmental education, or play-based pedagogy.

· Experience of working with schools or in the education sector.

· Familiarity with charity finance and CRM systems.

· Qualification in project management (e.g. Prince2, Agile, or similar).

If you don’t have all of the above but feel it could be the role for you, talk to us!

 

What we offer:

· Flexible working.

· Holiday, 28 days + bank holidays + a “birthday gift” day.

· Laptop, phone and all travel & subsistence expenses.

· Family & carer friendly policies.

· Annual training package including: LtL Professional Accreditation in Outdoor Learning and Play, LtL Climate School 180 Network Training package.

· Sick pay.

· Salary sacrifice pension scheme – 5% employer contribution.

· Subsidised Christmas meal.

· A supportive and welcoming team of colleagues, including our 20+ Delivery Team members.

We’re an equal opportunities employer. All suitable applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

We are actively seeking to increase diversity within our workforce and are committed to recruiting the best people on the objective basis of their skills, ability and experience. We offer a guaranteed interview to eligible applicants who choose to opt-in to the scheme and can demonstrate that they have at least 5 out of the 9 from the “what you need - essentials” list. To be eligible to apply via the Guaranteed Interview Scheme, you must be from an ethnic minority. Please state clearly in your covering letter if you are applying under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme.

We are happy to support with any reasonable adjustments that are needed within the recruitment process.

 Job Title: Strategic Funding Project Officer

 Salary:£31,716.00 per annum plus £1760.00 Outer london Weighting, Band E level 3

 Location:   Gilwell Park (Hybrid), Chingford, London. 

 Contract Type: Fixed term unitl  10th April 2026

 Working Hours: 35 hours per week

Join Us as a Strategic Funding Project Officer

Are you ready to take on a varied and rewarding role that gives you real insight into how Scouting is delivered across the UK? We’re looking for a Strategic Funding Project Officer to join our team—someone who’s eager to make a meaningful impact.

In this role, you’ll work closely with the Strategic Funding Team and colleagues across the organisation to build a deep understanding of Scouting—how it works, the challenges it faces, and the innovative ways we overcome them. You’ll also play a key role in delivering our small trusts mailing programme, helping to generate vital income from smaller trusts and foundations.

No two days will be the same—and you’ll be part of a team that’s passionate about enabling more young people to gain skills for life.

As the Strategic Funding Project Officer, your Key Responsibilities will include:

Process management and enquiries; this will include managing grant and corporate donations across the different areas working with legal and finance to manage legal grant agreements, contracting, preparing invoicing and funder queries. You will be the first point of contact for enquiries from Local Scouting,  Funded Project Managers, Trusts, Foundations and Corporate partners.

Database Management: This includes managing the pipeline, updating records, creating a variety of monthly internal reports, monitoring timelines and investigating any communication queries from funders. You will ensure all due diligence processes are recorded and segment data to maximise Trust, Foundation and Corporate income.

Skills & Abilities

• Works effectively with those within the team, the wider organisation and external stakeholders
• Recognises the benefits of empowering and collaborating with volunteers and young people, and can demonstrate the empathy, ability to give and receive constructive criticism and political acumen to do this well.

Knowledge & Experience

• Able to effectively communicate with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders
• Understanding of managing grants and contracts

• Comfortable with quickly understanding and navigating internal governance and sign-off processes, and seeking efficiencies where possible.

??Benefits:

• We are an award-winning Charity of the Year (Charity Times Awards 2022) with over 400 employees across multiple locations across the country.
• 28 days holiday and going up to 32 days after 2 years’ service plus additional days at Christmas
• Flexible working hours

For a full list of our benefits, click .

Closing date for applications: 11:59 pm Tuesday 15th July 2025

Interviews will be in person on Wednesday 23rd July 2025

Strictly no agencies!

The Scouts is an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. We offer flexible working arrangements to support diverse needs and lifestyles, ensuring that our teams can thrive both professionally and personally. We welcome and encourage applicants from all walks of life, believing that varied perspectives strengthen our innovation and community. Your unique experiences and ideas are essential to our success, and we look forward to hearing from all voices.