Commissioning assistant jobs in eltham, greater london

Whitley Fund for Nature

The Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN) is a UK charity supporting outstanding grassroots conservation leaders across the Global South. Through project funding (Awards), training, and media profile, we support local solutions to the planet’s most pressing conservation challenges. Our winners are courageous changemakers, working alongside communities to save species and protect ecosystems. Established in 1993, we have channeled £24 million to +220 conservation leaders in 80 countries, benefitting wildlife, landscapes, and people. WFN is governed by a committed trustee board. Our team is dynamic, passionate about our mission, and ambitious. The charity benefits from high profile support from Patron, HRH The Princess Royal, and Ambassadors including Sir David Attenborough.

The Opportunity

In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to use and develop your communications skills to help amplify the work of WFN and conservation leaders. You’ll play an important role in supporting our digital channels, campaigns, and content creation - from social media and newsletters to website updates and event communications. You should have excellent writing skills, strong attention to detail and an interest in nature and wildlife conservation issues. If you are looking to build a career in communications, want to help support those protecting our planet, and are seeking experience working for a small, ambitious charity, then we want to hear from you!

“Saving our planet is now a communications challenge. We know what to do, we just need the will” - Sir David Attenborough.

COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT - PERSONAL SPECIFICATION

Essential:

• Excellent writing skills
• An eye for design to create engaging assets for diverse audiences and platforms, including our website, newsletters, social media and events
• Confident communicator with a friendly, professional manner
• Organised, with high levels of accuracy and attention to detail
• Proficient in Microsoft Office - Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
• Able to manage and prioritise a varied workload within deadline
• Reliable, proactive, and willing to take initiative
• Comfortable working as part of a small, busy team
• Interest in wildlife conservation.

Desirable

• Experience drafting and scheduling social media posts, and producing campaign assets
• Familiarity with programmes such as Canva and Hootsuite to aid with content creation and scheduling
• Experience with basic video editing
• Competency using a Salesforce database, WordPress, or Mailchimp.

Additional details and benefits:

• Attractive holiday package totaling 30 days p.a. plus bank holidays
• Training and professional development opportunities provided
• Hybrid working opportunities
• The charity operates a Pension Scheme and a Life Assurance Scheme
• Access to 24hr Employee Assistance Programme.

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship. Only applicants who have the right to work in the UK at the time of application will be considered for this role.

Regrettably, due to limited resources and the high number of applications we receive, we are only able to contact short-listed candidates. If you do not hear from us within four weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been successful on this occasion.

Diversity and Inclusion

At WFN we are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse organisation, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. We celebrate and respect diversity in nature and among the people and partners with whom we work. We need more people and diversity across the environment sector, and to achieve our vision. We therefore encourage applications from Black, Asian or minority ethnic; disabled; LGBTQ+; or from lower socio-economic backgrounds. As a small organisation we are committed to progressing and continuing development across DE&I. Please contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application. Applications are considered solely on your demonstrated suitability for the role.

COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT - JOB DESCRIPTION

REPORTING TO HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS

 DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS

WFN’s communications amplify the work of Whitley Award winners, raise the profile of the charity, bolster fundraising efforts, and contribute to global conservation conversations, positioning WFN as a leader within the sector.

• Monitor, and create and schedule content for WFN’s Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn accounts, helping to grow engagement and channel performance, driving traffic to WFN’s website, and sharing charity, winner, and sector news – in line with WFN’s communications strategy and with oversight from the Head of Communications (HoC)
• Lead management of WFN’s photo library and footage archive (Google photos): naming, categorising, and uploading winner and event photos
• Support delivery of social media campaigns during the lead up to events to drive engagement and/or donations, and supporting with posting content throughout the event period
• Help produce video content
• Support production and distribution of our regular e-letter (through MailChimp)
• Work with the HoC on WFN’s website to regularly review and update content
• Draft copy for website news stories and any additional copywriting as needed throughout the year
• Assist the HoC with monthly reporting on the website, social media platforms, newsletter and media coverage
• Support digital event communications including creation of e-letters, e-invitations, website pages, email signatures and visual assets.

 PR

WFN shares impactful stories that resonate with supporters and demonstrate we can make a difference. Throughout the year, we actively work to secure PR coverage for Whitley Award winners. Increased visibility helps winners to attract further funding, gain new connections, and increase political clout – all tools which strengthen conservation work.

• Produce reactive social media to share PR coverage secured by the HoM
• Create and distribute toolkits for press and partners to bolster media campaigns
• Collate charity and winner press coverage, including website news pages, throughout the year
• Support the Head of Media (HoM) and HoC in responding to press enquiries and supplying materials.

 EVENTS

Whitley Awards Ceremony

The Whitley Awards are the result of an international search to find, fund, train and put a spotlight on outstanding grassroots leaders and their conservation projects. Finalists are invited to London for a week of training and events, culminating with the Whitley Awards Ceremony, where winners receive their Awards from WFN Patron, HRH The Princess Royal in front of 400 guests and many more tuning in via our livestream.

The Communications Assistant will assist the team in planning and delivery of events during the Whitley Awards Ceremony week, including the Friends Reception, Ceremony and NGO Reception, particularly in the following areas: 

Communications

• Assist with supplier liaison across event filming, livestream, and photography
• Help create event visuals and on-screen graphics
• Support with creation of the Ceremony invitations and booklet
• Support with sourcing additional material for the Whitley Award films as needed
• Support the HoC with creation and uploading of content to the website and across social media platforms, including press releases, photographs, news stories, winner pages, and films.

Other WFN Events

Throughout the year WFN holds other fundraising and engagement events ranging from intimate dinners with supporters, winner talks, events as part of our Next Gen programme and major initiatives such as Biodiversity Summits which will require the CA’s assistance.

• Assist with the production of pre-event communications and marketing materials, including invitations, e-letters, social media content, and advertisements
• Assist with setting up and managing platforms such as Eventbrite as needed
• Assist with production of event materials (signage, banners, programmes, displays, slides)
• Assist with communications-related supplier liaison eg. Photography, filming, livestreaming etc.

 GENERAL DUTIES

• Review and respond to general email enquiries when needed (info@ inbox)
• Represent WFN professionally at all times
• Adhere to WFN’s financial and operational procedures
• Undertake any other duties as reasonably requested from time to time. This job description is not exhaustive and may evolve.

Whitley Fund for Nature

The Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN) is a UK charity supporting outstanding grassroots conservation leaders across the Global South. Through project funding (Awards), training, and media profile, we support local solutions to the planet’s most pressing conservation challenges. Our winners are courageous changemakers, working alongside communities to save species and protect ecosystems. Established in 1993, we have channeled £24 million to +220 conservation leaders in 80 countries, benefitting wildlife, landscapes, and people. WFN is governed by a committed trustee board. Our team is dynamic, passionate about our mission, and ambitious. The charity benefits from high profile support from Patron, HRH The Princess Royal, and Ambassadors including Sir David Attenborough.

The Opportunity

This role offers an exciting opportunity for an organised and proactive individual to contribute to high-profile events such as the prestigious Whitley Awards Ceremony, conservation summits and fundraising receptions, while also supporting office management, operational and administrative functions at the charity’s London office.

The ideal candidate will be keen to contribute, have excellent attention to detail, and a passion for environmental and/or charitable work. This is a varied and hands-on administrative role crucial in underpinning the efforts of our small, dynamic team.

EVENTS ASSISTANT - PERSONAL SPECIFICATION

Essential:

• Proven ability to manage administrative systems
• Experience coordinating suppliers and event logistics
• Experience of using a database to maintain accurate records and reporting on results
• IT literate (Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace)
• Excellent organisational and multitasking skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Confident communicator with a friendly, professional manner
• Ability to work calmly under pressure and to deadlines
• Reliable, proactive and willing to take initiative
• Comfortable working as part of a small, busy team.

Desirable

• Previous involvement in the charity or environmental secto
• Experience supporting office logistics
• Experience supporting high-profile or donor events
• Familiarity with Salesforce or other CRM systems
• Interest in conservation, sustainability, or the natural world
• Knowledge of simple budget management or finance procedures.

Additional details and benefits:

• Attractive holiday package totaling 30 days p.a. plus bank holidays (prorated)
• Training and professional development opportunities provided
• The charity operates a Pension Scheme and a Life Assurance Scheme
• Access to 24hr Employee Assistance Programme.

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship. Only applicants who have the right to work in the UK at the time of application will be considered for this role.

Regrettably, due to limited resources and the high number of applications we receive, we are only able to contact short-listed candidates. If you do not hear from us within four weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been successful on this occasion.

Diversity and Inclusion

At WFN we are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse organisation, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. We celebrate and respect diversity in nature and among the people and partners with whom we work. We need more people and diversity across the environment sector, and to achieve our vision. We therefore encourage applications from Black, Asian or minority ethnic; disabled; LGBTQ+; or from lower socio-economic backgrounds. As a small organisation we are committed to progressing and continuing development across DE&I. Please contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application. Applications are considered solely on your demonstrated suitability for the role.

EVENTS AND OFFICE ASSISTANT - JOB DESCRIPTION

REPORTING TO HEAD OF OPERATIONS

EVENT SUPPORT

Whitley Awards Ceremony

The Whitley Awards are the result of an international search to find, fund, train and put a spotlight on outstanding grassroots leaders and their conservation projects. Finalists are invited to London for a week of training and events, culminating with the Whitley Awards Ceremony, where winners receive their Awards from WFN Patron, HRH The Princess Royal in front of 400 guests and many more tuning in via our livestream.

The Events and Office Assistant (EOA) will assist in the planning and delivery of the annual Whitley Awards Week, including the Ceremony, Friends Reception, NGO Reception, and related activities, particularly in the following areas:

• Arrange team and visitor travel, accommodation, and hospitality logistics
• Manage event guest lists and RSVPs using Salesforce and other platforms; help coordinate mail-outs and e-invitations
• Provide on-the-day event support including set-up, guest registration, and general assistance
• Support event logistics such as venue liaison, catering, AV, décor, merchandise, and materials, assisting with supplier coordination
• Champion WFN’s Event Code of Conduct.

Other WFN Events

Throughout the year WFN holds other fundraising and engagement events ranging from intimate dinners with supporters, winner talks, events as part of our Next Gen programme, and major initiatives such as Royal dinners, Galas and Biodiversity Summits which will require the EOA’s assistance.

• Manage ticketing and Q&A platforms and associated activities
• Coordinate volunteer involvement where required
• Support the organisation and logistics of fundraising and engagement events, including acting as venue liaison, arranging catering, managing guest lists, etc
• Assist with production of event materials as needed (signage, name badges, merchandise).

 OFFICE ADMINISTRATION AND OPERATIONS

Smooth running of the WFN office and systems is vital for the charity to work effectively, with this role helping to support the team. The WFN office is a busy and welcoming environment, with regular visits by winners and supporters.

Office Management

• Ensure the office is a welcoming, tidy, and well-functioning space
• Greet visitors and manage incoming calls, emails, and enquiries
• Liaise with team and suppliers to order office materials and manage contracts (utilities, cleaning, stationery, refreshments, merchandise etc.)
• Manage post, deliveries, and waste removal procedures
• Oversee and liaise with the office cleaners to ensure they have the products they need and are paid in a timely manner.

Administrative Support

• Assist with diary management and scheduling meetings (in person and online)
• Arrange team and visitor travel, accommodation, and hospitality logistics
• Draft routine correspondence, thank-you letters, and other administrative communications
• Review and respond to general email enquiries (info inbox)
• Support the Head of Finance with basic administrative and data entry tasks
• Help maintain and update WFN’s CRM database (currently Salesforce) with contacts, donors, suppliers, event attendees
• Support the team with data entry, filing, record keeping, and maintaining digital and physical systems.

GENERAL DUTIES

• Represent WFN professionally at all times
• Adhere to WFN’s financial and operational procedures
• Undertake any other duties as reasonably requested from time to time. This job description is not exhaustive and may evolve.

Join Us in Making a Real Difference

About YMCA St Paul’s Group

YMCA St Paul’s Group is one of London’s longest-standing charities, dedicated to empowering young people and strengthening communities for over 150 years. Through transformative youth programmes, inclusive health and wellbeing centres, and vital supported accommodation, we work to ensure that people—especially young people—have the opportunity to belong, contribute, and thrive.

Our mission is rooted in long-term transformation of mind, body, and spirit, and we remain committed to building vibrant, supportive, and resilient communities across London.

About the Role

As a Housing and Support Assistant (Nights), you’ll play a pivotal frontline role in ensuring our accommodation remains a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment. You’ll be a steady presence throughout the night—providing guidance, reassurance, and practical assistance for residents and visitors alike.

Whether you’re responding to queries, managing reception tasks, ensuring safety protocols are upheld, or offering a compassionate ear during challenging moments, you will be a vital part of creating a positive and secure atmosphere for those who call YMCA home.

This is a role with real variety and real impact—perfect for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and is passionate about helping others.

Working 4 nights on and 4 nights off (8pm-8am).

Key Responsibilities

Deliver Exceptional Customer Service

You will be the warm, reassuring presence residents and visitors meet first. Your confidence and professionalism will create a positive experience and set the standard for the quality of service YMCA is known for.

A Varied, Engaging Role

No two nights will be the same. Alongside reception duties—such as answering calls, processing payments, handling repairs, and managing post—you’ll take on a broad range of responsibilities that keep the building running smoothly.

Champion Safety and Security

As the on-site first aider and fire marshal, you’ll protect the wellbeing of our residents and staff. From conducting regular patrols to responding swiftly in emergencies, you’ll help maintain a safe and calm environment throughout the night.

A Welcoming and Compassionate Presence

You’ll often be the first to welcome new residents, address concerns, support those facing challenges, and record or escalate any issues such as anti-social behaviour or safeguarding concerns. Your empathy and professionalism will help residents feel heard, valued, and supported.

Be Part of a Supportive Team

You’ll join a dedicated and knowledgeable team of housing professionals who share your commitment to improving lives. Your role will be meaningful, varied, and rewarding—offering plenty of opportunities to develop your skills and make a real difference.

What You’ll Gain

At YMCA St Paul’s Group, we celebrate diversity, individuality, and community. Your voice matters here—and you’ll have opportunities to help shape positive change through our Employee Resource Groups and inclusive culture.

We’re committed to your growth. With access to robust training, qualifications, and hands-on experience, you’ll be supported in developing your career, expanding your expertise, and achieving your goals.

Benefits for Mind, Body, and Spirit include:

• Free gym access across all YMCA SPG sites

• Discounts at major retailers and supermarkets

• Free wellbeing and counselling services

• The flexibility to work across various outer London locations

• Career development programmes to support your journey

• Family-friendly policies, including enhanced maternity pay

• Life Assurance

Are you a confident public speaker who’s passionate about inspiring others and promoting online safety?

The Breck Foundation is expanding our Freelance Speaker Team to deliver powerful, thought-provoking presentations to students, parents, carers, and corporate audiences across the UK.

At this time, we are only recruiting applicants based in:

North East England • North West England • Wales (North & South) • East of England • Devon/Dorset • West Sussex • Essex • Kent • The Midlands • Leeds • Lincolnshire • Northern Ireland • Scotland

About the Role

As a Breck Foundation Speaker, you’ll help share Breck’s story and empower communities to use the internet safely and positively. You’ll deliver both in-person and virtual talks, engage with schools and organisations, and play a vital role in raising awareness of online safety nationwide.

Generating your own leads and bookings is a key part of this role, with additional commission available for each successful booking.

What We’re Looking For

We’d love to hear from you if you:

• Have strong public speaking or presenting experience.
• Are passionate about safeguarding and supporting young people.
• Are confident using PowerPoint, Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Outlook.
• Hold a full UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle.
• Ideally DBS checked or are happy to undergo a DBS check.

What We Offer

• Flexible freelance working arrangements.
• Payment for each session delivered (both online and face-to-face).
• Commission for generating new bookings.
• Full training, guidance and ongoing support from our team.

Important Information

Successful applicants will be required to complete a DBS check and complete training, which is fully online.

Recruitment will take place in two stages:

1️⃣ Submit your CV for initial review.
2️⃣ If shortlisted, complete a short video task lasting 2-3 minutes so we can see your presentation style in action.

If a speaker withdraws from the role or leaves within six months of starting, the Foundation reserves the right to reclaim the cost of the DBS check and any training expenses incurred.

How to Apply

Please complete the pre-application questions and upload your CV via CharityJob.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an informal online interview.

If you’re ready to make a real difference by helping protect young people online — we’d love to hear from you.

Join us in our mission to make a positive impact and bring the Foundation's message to life.

Chief Executive Officer – The Abbey Centre
Location: The Abbey Centre, Westminster, London (site-based role, flexible working available)
Salary: £90,000 – £95,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent (Full-time, 37.5 hours/week; regular evening attendance for events as required)

Could you lead a much-loved community hub through its next chapter of stability, growth and civic impact?

About The Abbey Centre

Our charity has served the community of south Westminster since 1948 and has occupied The Abbey Centre building, a converted Victorian public bath house a stone’s throw from Westminster Abbey, since 1991. We are a site-based community hub and social enterprise, combining community services, training and outreach with venue hire, an on-site café and catering to generate income that supports our charitable work.

We work across employability, health and wellbeing, volunteering and practical support for vulnerable residents; the Centre welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds, and sees over 1,000 visits each week. Our strong partnerships with Westminster City Council, statutory bodies and corporate donors underpin commissioned activity and solidify our position as a trusted local delivery partner.

This is an opportunity for a visionary but hands-on leader to preserve the Centre’s warm, inclusive culture and outstanding reputation while further professionalising systems, developing our income, and shaping a multi-year strategy that secures the building and grows impact.

As our next Chief Executive Officer, you will:

• Strategy & Impact: lead a collaborative listening phase and then develop and deliver a 3–5 year strategy and rolling business plan that defines the Centre’s core offer and impact targets.

• Governance & Finance: own the annual budget and medium-term financial modelling, deliver full-cost recovery across activity lines and present timely, accurate management information to trustees.

• Operational Leadership: ensure continuity of community services, venue trading and café operations and strengthen operational systems including safeguarding, H&S and business continuity.

• Income Generation: drive commercial performance of venue hire, events and catering, professionalise fundraising (major donors, legacies, corporate partnerships) and lead bids for multi-year statutory contracts.

• Community & Partnerships: sustain and deepen strategic relationships with Westminster City Council, commissioners, local partners and corporate supporters to secure commissioned work and philanthropic income.

• Estate Stewardship: manage day-to-day stewardship of the Centre’s significant ageing building, overseeing maintenance, lease/compliance obligations and contractor relationships.

• People & Culture: build a cohesive senior team, embed clear role accountabilities, performance management and development, and protect the Centre’s welcoming culture while managing change.

• Brand & Profile: act as a visible ambassador locally and with funders to raise the Centre’s profile and champion its social value.

Who you are:

• A seasoned senior leader with proven experience in a small/medium charity, community organisation or social enterprise that combines front-line delivery with significant premises/estate responsibility.

• Demonstrable track record of leading strategic development and delivering organisational growth while balancing hands-on operational leadership.

• Strong commercial and earned-income expertise, with experience of running successful commercial – ideally site-based - operations.

• Confident in winning and managing statutory contracts and multi-year grant programmes; credible with local authorities, commissioners and corporate partners.

• Financially literate with direct budget and cash-flow accountability and experience of full-cost recovery modelling.

• A collaborative, visible and warm ambassador who builds trust quickly, communicates clearly and can present concise management information to trustees.

Why The Abbey Centre?

• A powerful mission: deliver practical services, companionship and opportunity for south Westminster residents in a civic, high-impact setting.

• A prominent, historic central Westminster location and a cherished community building offering scope for strategic estate planning and growth.

• A warm, loyal staff team and an engaged board navigating a positive leadership transition.

• A social enterprise model where successful trading directly funds frontline services and creates a platform for entrepreneurial leadership.

• The opportunity to shape a multi-year strategy that secures the long-term future of the charity and grows its impact in the community.

For full details of the role including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief. For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny Hills at Harris Hill via the apply button with times to speak and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile which will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 12th January 2026

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

Purpose of the job

This role is responsible for the design of UK Youth’s support to young people, youth organisations and youth workers. This could include structured youth work programmes, funding and grants+ programmes, professional development programmes, and campaigns.

You will lead and oversee end-to-end design processes, ensuring that UK Youth develops fully packaged offers that respond to the evidence base and people’s needs, drive forward our strategy and achieve incredible impact. You will work across UK Youth teams, with external design partners, and meaningfully involving young people and the professionals who support them in the design process.

You will be experienced in developing high quality funding propositions (proactively and in response to new business opportunities). You will be confident in taking a human-centred design approach to tackle some of the youth sector’s knottiest problems.  You will design solutions to important problems, ensuring that they are feasible, equitable, impactful and scalable.

In 2026, our priority topics for youth work programmes and network development are: mental health and wellbeing, employability, social cohesion and community safety.

 As a leader, you will work closely with research, evaluation, policy, service delivery, network development, and fundraising teams. You will help to improve the skills and confidence of colleagues across UK Youth to apply design methods in their own work and collaborate effectively with the Design team.

Why work at UK Youth?

UK Youth wants all young people to be equipped to thrive and empowered to contribute at every stage of their lives. Youth work can be life changing (and even life saving.) In 2026, we will be launching our new strategy, positioning UK Youth to unlock youth work so that every young person in the UK can benefit. We work with others to ensure that the youth sector is strengthened and that provision is youth-led, evidence-informed, and delivers high-quality outcomes.

 UK Youth plays a unique role in addressing the lack of investment in the youth sector, the lack of cross-sector understanding in how youth work makes a difference, and the limited opportunities to embed effective solutions. These factors lead to mass inequality of access to youth services for young people. Come and be part of this change in a driven and supportive team that puts evidence at the heart of our work.

Role Responsibilities

• Designing Solutions

• Developing new business and funding propositions

• Embedding Human Centred Design

• Building a strong external network to support the Design team’s work

• Operations

Experience we're after

• Significant experience of leading and overseeing the development of new business propositions and proposals to time-limited funding opportunities

• Significant experience of designing interventions (digital and/or physical) for young people and/or those who support them 

• Experience using human-centred-design methods and mindsets; managing projects across the end-to-end design process

• Proven track record of inspiring and motivating diverse teams and improving collaborative ways of working across teams and departments

• Experience of developing high quality programme content and curricula for young people, youth workers and/or outdoor learning instructors (desirable)

• Experience of commissioning and managing external design freelancers and consultants (desirable)

• Experience of designing and/or delivering professional development programmes (desirable)

What we can offer you

We offer a competitive range of benefits, good work/life balance, excellent learning and development opportunities and vibrant organisational culture:

• Flexible/Agile Working

• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time employees)

• Funded training provided in; Safeguarding, GDPR, Information and Cyber Security & Equality & Diversity

• Other training available in support of your personal and professional development

• Pension scheme (currently UK Youth match employee contributions up to 5%)

• Membership of our life insurance scheme which would pay-out up to 4 times your salary

• Employee Assistance Programme to support employees both professionally and personally

• 20% discount off bookings at Avon Tyrrell, our New Forest Outdoor Centre, including camping, lodges and outdoor activities.

• IT equipment provided for the duration of contract

• CycleScheme and TechScheme

How to apply

If you would like to be considered for this fantastic opportunity, please complete an application via our completely anonymised recruitment system provided by Applied which looks to create a fair and unbiased application process for all. Scroll to the top of the page and start your application.

Closing date: Sunday 4th January 2026 at 23:59pm

Provisional Interview Dates: 12th and 13th January 2026

As this role involves working in a regulated environment with young people, any offer will be conditional to satisfactory background checks, which include criminal record check and employment reference.

The Paul Hamlyn Foundation (PHF) is one of the UK’s largest independent grant-making foundations. We use our resources to support social change, working towards a just and equitable society in which everyone, especially young people, can realise their full potential and lead fulfilling, creative lives.

Contract: Fixed-term contract – 18 months
Hours: Full-time post, 35 hours per week
Salary: c. £54,000 per annum
Location: London / Hybrid (40% of time in our central London offices)

Role Overview

We are seeking a mission-driven senior leader to shape and deliver our work supporting young people across the UK.

As Head of Programme – Young People, you will shape and drive the Foundation’s grant-making strategy in support of young people, ensuring our funding delivers systemic change and champions youth-led approaches. You will lead the Youth Fund and related initiatives, setting direction, overseeing grant-making, and influencing practice across the youth sector.

As Head of Programme – Young People, you will lead the strategic development, direction and delivery of the Foundation’s Youth Fund and related initiatives. You will oversee grant-making, champion youth-led practice, and influence sector-wide learning and collaboration.

Reporting to the Director of Grants, you will have direct responsibility for a high-performing team composed of two Grants Managers and one Grants Assistant. You will oversee the strategic development and delivery of the Youth Fund and Follow-on Fund, ensuring alignment with the Foundation’s priorities and best practices in youth-focused grant-making.

You will work closely with funded organisations, trustees, advisors, and sector partners to strengthen their impact, embed learning, and ensure our funding supports long-term systemic change.

About You

We’re looking for a strategic, values-led leader with:

• Significant experience in the youth, charity or civil society sector, with a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing young people.
• Deep knowledge of youth policy and practice, and the ability to translate that insight into impactful funding and support for organisations.
• Proven expertise in grant-making, including assessment, due diligence, monitoring and learning.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, able to develop and motivate teams and foster a collaborative, inclusive culture.
• A track record of working in partnership with funded organisations and sector stakeholders to drive meaningful change.