Committee and governance officer jobs in Birmingham

Head of Operations

Location: Hybrid – Birmingham (minimum two days per week in the office)
Hours: Full time – 36 hours per week
Salary: £55,082

Help us turn ambition into action

The British Dietetic Association (BDA) is the professional body and trade union for dietitians in the UK, representing more than 12,500 members.

It's an exciting time to join us. We're an ambitious organisation with plans to grow our membership, strengthen the support we provide to members, increase our influence and continue improving how we operate behind the scenes.

To help us deliver those ambitions, we're looking for a Head of Operations who can bring energy, organisation and a real focus on getting things done.

About the role

This is a newly created leadership role, reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, with the opportunity to make a visible difference across the BDA.

We're looking for someone who enjoys getting under the skin of how an organisation works: bringing structure to plans, joining up activity across teams, improving processes and making sure decisions and actions don't sit on a list but actually get delivered.

You'll have an important role in strengthening our governance and corporate processes, working with colleagues to ensure Board and committee decisions are followed through, policies and controls remain effective, and the organisation has clear oversight of its priorities and performance.

You'll also help us improve how we use data, digital technology, automation and AI, finding practical ways to simplify how we work and create more capacity for the things that matter most to our members.

This isn't a role for someone who simply wants to maintain existing systems. We're looking for someone who will ask good questions, spot opportunities, bring people together and take ideas from discussion through to delivery.

You'll lead several key functions, including governance and administration, communications, digital, and design and brand, while working across the whole organisation and with our outsourced finance, HR and IT partners.

We'd love to hear from you if you:

• Have strong operational leadership experience and enjoy making organisations work better.
• Can turn strategy and decisions into clear plans, actions and results.
• Have experience of governance, organisational planning and performance.
• Are confident leading people and working across different teams and functions.
• Can identify what's getting in the way of delivery and find practical solutions.
• Are curious about how data, digital technology, automation and AI can improve the way organisations work.
• Can move comfortably between the bigger picture and the practical detail needed to get something over the line.
• Bring energy, judgement and a collaborative approach to change.

You don't need to come from dietetics. Experience within a membership body, professional association, charity or trade union would be useful, but we're particularly interested in what you've achieved, how you work and the difference you could make here.

Why join the BDA?

You'll be joining at a point where there is genuine appetite for change and improvement, with the backing and opportunity to make things happen.

You'll have significant scope to shape a new role, work closely with senior leaders and contribute to the future development of a respected national organisation.

We offer hybrid and flexible working, generous annual leave and pension arrangements, and a supportive working environment with a strong commitment to learning and development.

Interested?

Take a look at the full Job Description and Person Specification for more information about the role and what we're looking for.

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Contract: Permanent / Full Time

Salary: C. £130k per annum, depending on experience

Location: Remote / UK Based (regular travel to London office and other locations as required)

Closing Date: 10th September

Interview Dates: 5th & 7th October

Introduction

Doing Good Recruitment is proud to be exclusively partnering with a highly respected health organisation to appoint an exceptional Chief Operating Officer (COO). This critical leadership role will drive organisational transformation, operational excellence and long-term sustainable impact.

The Role

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the COO will serve as a key strategic adviser and member of the executive leadership team, helping to shape organisational priorities and ensure effective delivery across a complex international organisation. Working closely with the CEO, Board and senior stakeholders, the COO will play a central role in driving organisational performance, strengthening governance and ensuring resources are deployed effectively to support long-term objectives.

The role will provide strategic leadership across core corporate functions, including people, finance, governance, risk, technology and business operations. The next postholder will ensure the organisation's operational infrastructure, systems and processes effectively support performance, fundraising and programme delivery, while positioning the organisation for long-term success.

About You

The successful candidate will bring substantial executive leadership experience, ideally gained within a complex, purpose-led or internationally operating organisation. As a fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent), you will possess excellent financial and commercial acumen, with experience leading organisational planning, overseeing significant budgets and providing strategic financial insight at the highest level. Experience of presenting to and working closely with Boards, Finance Committees and other senior governance groups will be essential.

The right candidate will be able to demonstrate a track record of leading business improvement, organisational change and operational modernisation, alongside the ability to build credibility and influence across diverse stakeholder groups. This unique opportunity requires a collaborative and pragmatic leader who combines sound judgement with effective delivery, enabling organisations to adapt, grow and achieve sustainable impact. Experience of digital innovation, data-driven decision-making and the effective application of emerging technologies, including AI, would be advantageous.

Disability Confident

Our client is Disability Confident. Candidates who meet the essential criteria for the role and identify as having a disability (found on the application page) will be guaranteed an interview as part of their commitment to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process.

 

Inclusion Statement

Doing Good Recruitment is committed to the highest standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, caring responsibilities, socio-economic background, or any other protected characteristic. We recognise that exceptional candidates do not always meet every requirement listed in a job description. If your experience aligns with most of the criteria and you are excited by the opportunity, we encourage you to apply.

Code Your Future trains dedicated people in poverty to change their lives by getting good jobs in the software industry. We have helped hundreds of people get jobs so far, including at companies like Google, Slack, HashiCorp, Thoughtworks, and Capgemini. All of our education is free, and we cover expenses like childcare and transportation to support people in need.

We teach part-time courses using a flipped classroom style, assigning our trainees material to learn and exercises and projects to work on. We meet in person once a week on Saturdays, and host mentoring sessions during the week, to help people with their learning. Our teaching and mentoring are primarily delivered by volunteers with a diverse set of backgrounds and skills, and our curriculum is all open source.

We sell corporate packages to companies to reach hiring and sponsorship agreements. We can create a custom training track to adjust to companies’ technical requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Commercial & Contracts: Streamline partner agreements, legal frameworks, and commercial compliance to support organisational growth.

• Risk & Compliance: Act as Data Protection Officer (DPO). Maintain the risk register, oversee core policies, and ensure Health & Safety compliance.

• Reporting: Lead the publication of the Trustee Annual Report and produce compliant funder impact reports.

• Governance & Board Support: 

  • Support our Board of Trustees, manage committee meetings, drive new Trustee recruitment, and oversee onboarding.

  • Support the Risk & Compliance board committee to map pro bono and legal support for governance and compliance

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in governance, regulatory compliance, or contract management, with a track record of simplifying complex processes and communicating clearly with senior stakeholders.

• Strong Communicator: Ability to build relationships with partners, trustees, and internal team members while writing clear policies and reports.

• Pragmatic Problem Solver: Comfortable managing multiple operational streams, from high-level board meetings to individual support.

Why Join Us?

You will be playing a central role in keeping our mission running safely and effectively. You’ll have the opportunity to shape our internal processes, work closely with passionate leaders, and make a tangible impact every day.

Our charity is happy to consider a broad range of applicants for this post. The role was originally designed as a developmental opportunity to work alongside a senior Finance Consultant, who will offer training and support in delivering management accounts - with opportunity for growth in the role after 12 months. However, if you are an experienced finance professional looking for part-time work, we would also be keen to hear from you.
 

1. ABOUT UNITED BY 2022 CHARITY

United By 2022 Charity is the official legacy of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. We’re proud champions of the West Midlands, working with communities, volunteers, young people, and employers to create opportunities, inspire pride, and tackle social challenges. With an exciting future ahead, we’re at the heart of making the region more connected, inclusive, and united.

2. JOB PURPOSE

The Finance Officer will play a key role in administering the Charity’s financial operations, and supporting the leadership team in delivering sustainable growth, and ensuring compliance with statutory requirements. This role delivers hands-on financial management, and payroll oversight.

3. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

Key responsibilities include:

Financial Operations & Reporting

· Process day-to-day financial operations via Xero, ensuring accurate and timely recording of transactions.

· Administer the sales ledgers, working with other managers, to raise timely invoices and credit notes.

· Maintain strong working relationships with debtors to ensure prompt payment of invoices.

· Administer the purchase ledgers, supporting other managers, ensuring accurate accounting of invoices/other expenses. Oversee purchase order process. Maintain strong working relationships with key suppliers and internal customers.

· Maintain regulatory and professional compliance.

· Maintain robust internal controls, policies, and procedures.

· Provide administrative support to the month and year end accounts

· Support auditors with supplying documentation and administrative queries

· Produce weekly cashflow forecast.

Budgeting & Strategic Support

· Support with the preparation of annual budgeting and reforecasting processes.

· Provide financial insight and advice to the management team to inform decision-making.

· Support funding applications and grant reporting with accurate financial data.

Payroll & People Support

· Manage relationship with external payroll provider

· Prepare monthly payroll, pensions, and staff expenses for external Payroll provider, ensuring compliance with employment legislation. Staff team of 11 at present.

· Liaise with HR and external providers to ensure accurate and timely processing.

· Process PAYE, NI, and pension for timely submissions.

Systems & Process Development

· Operate finance systems (e.g., accounting software, payroll systems via BrightPay) and implement improvements.

· Ensure financial data is accurate, up-to-date, and secure.

· Streamline processes to improve efficiency and transparency.

· Support Governance & Compliance

· Help with the preparation of reports for the Finance & Audit Committee and Board of Trustees.

· Ensure adherence to charity finance regulations, SORP, and best practice.

· Act as the first point of contact for external auditors, bankers, and other stakeholders.

Reporting to: EA and Governance Manager
Hours: Full Time (35 hours per week)
Key Relationships: Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, internal leadership, wider NHS Charities Together staff, Trustees, External Stakeholders
Location: Remote Working, with national travel requirements for meetings, events and collaboration.

Overall Purpose

The Business Support Administrator will play a key role in supporting the smooth running of the organisation including CEO’s Office and the charity’s governance functions. This role will provide high-quality administrative support across a range of activities, ensuring that the organisation’s leadership and governance processes operate efficiently and effectively.

The Business Support Administrator will be part of a small business support team who will work flexibly and collaboratively to meet the needs of the organisation.

Overall Objectives

Provide highly organised, detail-oriented support to functions and colleagues. This involves working with individuals, trustees, and external stakeholders, and helping to uphold the professionalism and credibility of the organisation.

• Deliver excellent administrative support.
• Support governance processes, to ensure the preparation of papers and accurate record-keeping.
• Assist in the coordination of meetings, events, and stakeholder engagement.
• Support communication and the flow of information across teams, trustees, and external partners.
• Liaise with external stakeholders, including members on administrative and grant related matters

Key Responsibilities

The main duties and responsibilities of the role holder are as outlined below:

Administrative Support

• Provide day-to-day administrative support across the organisation, including managing correspondence, filing systems, and scheduling.
• Support travel and meeting arrangements for senior leadership, trustees, and external stakeholders where required.
• Process expenses, invoices, POs and other routine financial administration.
• Assist with drafting documents, correspondence, and reports.
• Maintain accurate databases, registers, and records.

Cross-Directorate Administrative Support

• Provide flexible administrative support to other teams and departments across the organisation
• Assist with organisation-wide projects, initiatives, and events.
• Support internal communications by helping to collate, prepare, and distribute information across teams.
• Contribute to maintaining a collaborative and efficient office environment by responding to requests for assistance from colleagues.
• Update and maintain accurate records on the organisation’s database and CRM systems, ensuring member and stakeholder information is current, logging key interactions, meetings and decisions
• Work with colleagues across teams to ensure consistent and effective use of the CRM system

Governance Support

• Ensure papers are prepared in line with requirements for Board and Committee meetings
• Assist in preparing and circulating papers for Board and Committee meetings.
• Support the collation of briefing packs, reports, and other governance documentation.
• Ensure governance records and documentation are stored securely and are easily accessible.

Programme Support

• Provide logistical support for programme-related events, workshops, and stakeholder sessions.
• Provide administrative support to programmes teams, including scheduling meetings, coordinating diaries, and booking travel or venues.
• Support the tracking of grant applications, grant decisions and grant awards, liaising with the projects team to ensure the effective flow of information.
• Monitor enquiry inboxes within programme team, including around incoming grants queries and ensure efficient tracking to resolution
• Assist with the preparation and circulation of programme documentation, reports, and presentations, including for grant review panels
• Support the monitoring of programme timelines, deliverables, and action points by maintaining trackers and follow-up lists.
• Liaise with members and grant holders on administrative or finance issues
• Assist in the collection, preparation and logging grant or project reports
• Liaise with finance to record project finances accurately

Meeting and Event Coordination

• Support the scheduling, logistics, and administration of Board, Committee, Grants Panels, Leadership Team meetings and team away days
• Assist with minute-taking and tracking action points where required.
• Help organise venues, catering, and accommodation for meetings and events.
• Provide support for wider organisational events and staff meetings as appropriate.
• Arrange travel and accommodation bookings for trustees, senior staff, and external guests where required, ensuring value for money and compliance with organisational policies.

Communication and Stakeholder Liaison

• Act as a professional first point of contact for routine enquiries to the leadership.
• Support effective communication between teams, trustees, senior leadership, staff, and external partners.
• Coordinate and share information across teams in a timely and accurate manner.

Other duties

- Visibly live NHS Charities Togethers values, including our commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Carrying out the duties of post in accordance with NHS Charities Togethers policies and procedures on Health and Safety and take responsibility for ensuring personal health and safety.
- Working flexibly, prioritising workload, and working effectively as part of a team. Demonstrating an ability to work calmly and effectively when under pressure of tight deadlines, to deliver work on time and to a high standard.
- Adhere to relevant legislation, best practice, policies, and processes including, but not limited to charity law, the fundraising regulator, GDPR and professional codes and standards.
- This is not meant to be an exhaustive list of duties. The need for flexibility is required, and the post holder is expected to carry out any other related duties that are within the employee’s skills and abilities whenever reasonably instructed.

How to Apply

CV and a covering letter outlining how you meet the job description and person specification, are to be uploaded via our external recruitment Platform Hireful. The supporting statement should be no more than 2 sides of A4.

The closing date for applications is 28th August 2026

1st interview: Friday, 4th September 2026
2nd interview: Thursday, 10th September 2026

In line with GDPR, we ask that you do NOT send us any information that can identify children or any of your Sensitive Personal Data (racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade union membership, data concerning health or sex life and sexual orientation, genetic and / or biometric data) in your CV and application documentation. Following this notice, any inclusion of your Sensitive Personal Data in your CV/application documentation will be understood by us as your express consent to process this information going forward. Please also remember to not mention anyone’s information or details (e.g. referees) who have not previously agreed to their inclusion.

We are recruiting a Member Network Account Manager to join our Member Networks team at the British Psychological Society for a fixed period of 6 months starting in October 2026.

The team supports over 60 psychology‑focused member networks, each with its own specialist interests and passions. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who loves working with people and wants to make an impact. You will be right at the centre of supporting our Member Networks, helping passionate volunteers bring ideas to life - no two days will be the same.

About the Role

As Member Network Account Manager, you will be the main contact for several Member Networks. You’ll support and guide volunteers across multiple committees, helping them deliver activity for their members confidently and effectively. This includes advising on governance, finance, volunteer recruitment, events and wider activity planning. You will also build strong relationships, coordinate events, and work collaboratively with teams across the organisation to ensure Member Networks are supported effectively and can achieve their objectives.

A day in the life may include:

• Advising and guiding volunteers on governance, finance, awards, planning and compliance matters
• Supporting Networks to deliver their activity plans by monitoring progress, managing timelines and helping ensure activities remain within agreed budgets and objectives
• Coordinating events and projects that drive member engagement, including budget creation, venue liaison and travel bookings
• Managing shared inboxes and responding to enquiries with clear advice and signposting
• Attending meetings, recording actions and following up to ensure progress
• Sharing best practice and encouraging collaboration to support continuous improvement
• Maintaining accurate records on our CRM and documents in Google Workspace, including budgets, reports and committee lists.
• Delivering volunteer training on new processes, systems or ways of working.
• Coordinating awards and grants, updating web content and communicating with applicants
• Managing committee recruitment, posting roles and handling applications
• Working with internal teams such as Membership and Marketing to provide seamless support.

What We’re Looking For

To be successful, you will have strong communication and interpersonal skills. You will excel in negotiation, problem solving and managing multiple tasks and projects with foresight and strategic thinking. You will be expected to act autonomously, managing your networks and working independently using your own initiative. Highly organised, you will coordinate the delivery of activities, managing timelines and working with key stakeholders. 

Why Join Us?

We offer a supportive environment, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to make a real difference. We offer a friendly, values led working culture with an excellent benefits package that includes:

• Agile & flexible working 
• Generous leave entitlement
• Occupational pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme / free eye care vouchers / Winter flu vaccinations
• Tailored learning & development
• Employee Assistance Programme counselling
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Discounts scheme with national organisations

 How to apply

The closing date for applications is 31st August 2026, with interviews held on-line 11th, 14th & 15th  September.  As this is a fixed term contract, you must be available to start in October 2026. 

To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter detailing how you meet the specification. Please note that applications without a covering letter will not be considered. 

The British Psychological Society is committed to a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, irrespective of your background or circumstances. We are only able to accept applications that can demonstrate a right to work in the UK as we are unable to sponsor people requiring a work visa.

Due to the large number of applications we receive, it is not possible to update you on the progress of the application until after the closing date.  If you have not heard from us within three weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.

The Haven is seeking an experienced and motivated Finance Manager to play a pivotal role in supporting the financial sustainability of our organisation and the life-changing services we deliver for 30 hours per week.

We welcome applications from CCAB-qualified or part-qualified professionals (ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA), or AAT Level 4 qualified candidates with significant experience in a Finance Manager or similar role.

Reporting to the Head of Business Services, as Finance Manager you'll lead financial management, reporting, budgeting and forecasting, providing the insight and assurance needed to support strategic decision-making. You'll oversee payroll, strengthen financial controls, support audit and compliance activities, and help drive continuous improvement across our finance systems and processes.

What you'll bring

• A recognised finance qualification or significant equivalent experience
• Experience producing management accounts, budgets and forecasts
• Strong knowledge of financial controls, compliance and statutory reporting
• Experience overseeing payroll and financial operations
• Excellent analytical skills and the ability to turn data into meaningful insight
• The confidence to communicate financial information to non-finance colleagues
• A proactive approach to improving systems, processes and ways of working
• Experience managing or developing finance staff and building strong working relationships across an organisation

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to use your financial expertise to make a genuine difference as a Finance Manager. You'll play a key role in shaping the organisation's financial future, influencing decision-making at all levels and helping ensure we can continue delivering vital services to those who need them most.

#Finance #Management #Accounting #Financemanagement #Finance

Position: Community Physical Activity Project Co-ordinator (MS Warrior Alumni Club)
Hours: Part-time, 14 hours a week
Contract: Fixed term until 31 March 2027
Location: Home-based, Scotland
Salary: £26,912 per annum FTE (£10,764.80 per annum for 14 hours per week) plus excellent benefits
Salary Band and Job Family: Band 1, Charity

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

Can you inspire people, build partnerships and create communities that help people living with MS thrive?

We're looking for someone who believes that peer support, movement and community can transform lives.

Thanks to funding from the Movement for Health Grant Scheme, we're creating an exciting new fixed-term role to develop the MS Warrior Alumni Club. Building on the success of the 12-week MS Warrior programme, you'll help create opportunities for people to remain active, connected and supported long after the programme ends through local activities, online communities and volunteer-led peer support.

Working alongside volunteers, people living with MS, healthcare professionals and community partners, you'll create opportunities that encourage ongoing physical activity, wellbeing and peer support across Scotland.

A key part of the role will be recruiting, supporting and developing a network of MS Warrior Alumni Champions. Using their own lived experience, these volunteers will encourage others to build confidence, overcome barriers to physical activity and become part of a supportive, community-led network.

You'll also develop partnerships with leisure providers, community organisations and healthcare professionals, creating more inclusive opportunities for people living with MS to be active in their local communities.

This is an opportunity to shape an innovative model that has the potential to influence how community-based physical activity and peer support are delivered for people living with MS across Scotland.

No two days will be the same. One day you might be facilitating a community conversation with people living with MS, the next you'll be supporting volunteers, developing new partnerships or helping launch a local wellbeing activity.

If you're passionate about community development, partnership working and helping people live well with MS, we'd love to hear from you.

Please note this is a part-time 14 hrs per week fixed term contract until 31 March 2027

Closing date for applications: 12:00 noon on 30 August 2026
Anticipated interview date: 10 September 2026

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.

We are seeking an ambitious and motivated Head of Research to oversee the delivery of our research funding programme. You will ensure our funding is delivered strategically with the greatest impact possible for people affected by MND. You will manage our research team to oversee the development and delivery of effective funding schemes, partnerships and initiatives, whilst ensuring the outputs of our research are monitored and evaluated, to communicate our impact and inform our future activities.

This is a key role in our small, agile organisation that will involve close working across the charity, and the research community. We are looking for someone with strong experience in research and people management, working experience in drug discovery, with excellent communication skills and strong motivation to make a difference for people affected by MND. 

Team Structure: 

You will report to the Director of Research and manage a team of four: three Research Programme Managers and a Research Officer. 

Key responsibilities: 

• Have day-to-day responsibility for distribution of the charity’s research funding, developing detailed annual plans and delivering against time and budget; 

• Be responsible for overseeing governance and compliance for all research funding activities, including adherence to standards set by the Association of Medical Research Charities; 

• Identify opportunities for improvements to grant management systems, processes and documentation and work closely with the research team to ensure they are implemented; 

• Maintain oversight of the research programme budget, working closely with the research and finance teams to plan, monitor and forecast; 

• Oversee the development and implementation of new funding schemes and research initiatives to ensure our funds are delivered for maximum impact and address gaps in the research landscape; 

• Oversee the setup and delivery of large collaborative research programmes including managing relationships with joint funders and other partner organisations; 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with the research community, including members of our review committees and grant holders; 

• Oversee the development and implementation of a robust impact evaluation framework to monitor, report and evaluate the impact of the research we fund and use this information to inform our future funding activities; 

• Ensure the outputs of our research funding activities inform the work of the charity, working with the research and communication teams to create and disseminate compelling and engaging scientific content to engage supporters and drive income; 

• Maintain a strong understanding of the MND research landscape, using those insights to inform our research activities; 

• Develop a high performing team, ensuring team members are supported and developed to contribute to their full potential in the achievement of the charity’s aims; 

• Oversee the delivery of research events e.g. annual meetings to bring together our researchers; 

• Support the development and implementation of future research strategies, working closely with the Director of Research; 

• Represent the Foundation at external meetings including international conferences; 

• Deputise for the Director of Research as required; 

• Undertake other appropriate work as required by the Director of Research. 

  

Skills and experience required: 

• Educated to postgraduate level, or with similar experience in a relevant biomedical science subject e.g. biochemistry, molecular sciences, neuroscience, pharmacology; 

• Working experience of drug discovery, gained either in the bio-pharmaceutical industry or an academic setting; 

• Significant experience in research management, ideally within a charity or government funding organisation; 

• Proven leadership and people management skills with direct line management experience; 

• The ability to think strategically, navigate uncertainty and adapt to evolving environments; 

• A great communicator, with excellent written and oral skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide range of stakeholders; 

• Motivated to make a real difference for those living with MND and future generations. 

Please note, this role involves occasional overnight stays from home, occasional international travel and occasional attendance at meetings and events during evenings and weekends. Candidates must have the existing right to work in the UK.