Communication and programme funding officer jobs

About the role

The Academy runs some of the most valued grant schemes and development programmes in UK biomedical and health research. Springboard Awards help researchers establish their independence. Starter Grants keep talented clinicians in research alongside their clinical work. Leadership programmes like FLIER develop people who can work across academia, healthcare and industry to tackle real-world challenges, and alongside these sit opportunities to spend time working in industry, the NHS or government. Moving between sectors should be a normal part of a medical research career (it is not yet), and much of our work is built with that belief: a more connected and mobile workforce is better able to turn discovery into benefit. Between them, these schemes change the course of people's careers, and the research they enable reaches patients across the UK and beyond.

This role leads that portfolio. The heart of the job is excellent delivery: schemes that are well designed and well run, and that make a real difference to the people they reach. You will work closely with the Fellowship, whose expertise and generosity run through the whole portfolio, and you will make sure the schemes serve the whole of the medical sciences community (across the devolved nations and the regions, in industry as much as academia), not just those already inside the most established institutions. And science is global, so this work is too: the portfolio draws on evidence and partnerships from around the world, and the mentoring and networks around the people we support reach well beyond the UK.

Today much of the portfolio's focus is research talent and careers. That will always be a substantial part of the portfolio, but over time we plan to expand it further. That expansion could go in several directions, and what matters is that we are taking an evidence-based approach to ensure that our efforts are responding to what the medical sciences sector needs. Whatever we launch next, the same principles apply; good design, sound funding, proper governance and solid evaluation, with our effort concentrated where it delivers the most impact. So, the job is twofold: run today's portfolio brilliantly and build the future portfolio. It is a role where you can see your work land in people's lives, with real scope to shape what comes next. And none of it stands alone: what we learn from the people we fund sharpens our policy voice, the community our programmes build strengthens our engagement and public trust work, and insight flows back the other way to shape what we design next.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will share in the leadership of the Academy as a whole, working closely with the other directors: the Chief Operating Officer and the Directors of Policy, Communications and Engagement, and Translation and Enterprise. The relationship with Translation and Enterprise matters especially. That team will shape new partnerships and initiatives that your team is best placed to deliver, so the two of you will work in very close partnership.

What we are looking for

These are the six areas we will explore with candidates. They match the six parts of the role above, so you can read straight across — and your supporting statement can follow the same structure if that helps. We do not expect anyone to arrive with every part fully formed, but the strongest candidates will be convincing across most of them.

1. Excellent delivery

A strong track record of running grant schemes or of significant programmatic delivery. Much of this is operational: holding an annual cycle to time and budget, catching problems early and getting stuck things moving again. It is also about making sure the portfolio adds up to a coherent whole rather than a collection of separate schemes, with the governance discipline — sound contracts, clean compliance, rigorous oversight — that sits behind delivery done well.

2. Building partnerships and negotiating well

A track record of building and sustaining partnerships with funders, delivery organisations and industry, and the skill and pace to turn them into agreements where appropriate. We will want to hear how you have handled a complex negotiation and brought it to a close. The Chief Operating Officer leads the Academy’s income strategy, so we will also explore how you develop partners in concert with colleagues.

3. Range and credibility across the community

This role runs from Fellows (some of the most eminent scientists in the country) to researchers at the very start of their careers, and from government and funders to industry partners. We are looking for someone with the range to work well across all of them, and the credibility to be taken seriously at every level. We will also explore how you have widened access and drawn talent in from beyond the usual places.

4. A focus on impact

A commitment to looking at what difference the portfolio you lead makes. We are looking for someone who treats evaluation as a source of learning and uses what it shows to decide what the Academy should do next, keeping sight of the people and patients the work is for.

5. Leading and empowering people

A brilliant leader of people: someone who gets the best from a talented team by giving them space and ownership, backing them with real support and coaching, and building a culture where people thrive and develop.

6. Collective leadership

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you would share responsibility for the Academy as a whole, not only your own directorate. We want someone who takes that seriously, brings challenge where it is needed, backs colleagues when it counts, and helps make the Academy a brilliant place to work.

Benefits

We offer a competitive and evolving benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, development and work–life balance, including:

• Competitive salary and pension
• 26 days’ annual leave, plus bank holidays
• Option to buy or sell annual leave 
• Additional paid closure between Christmas and New Year
• Hybrid and flexible working
• Health, wellbeing and employee support programmes
• Cycle-to-work scheme and everyday benefits
• Structured learning and development
• Enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity leave
• Enhanced occupational sick pay

For further information and to apply, please visit our website via the apply button.

Closing date for completed applications: Midday on Monday 17 August 2026.

First interviews will be held 25-26 August 2026 with the CEO, Roz Campion, and the COO, James Lawrence, and focused on two competencies – leadership and delivery.

Second interviews will be held on 1 September 2026 with an external panel.

The Senior Programme Manager will be responsible for  managing  FFRP, a London wide programme that supports families on low income to access good quality, free and independent advice, in order to prevent or alleviate financial hardship. The ideal candidate will be an experienced project manager, confident in relationship management and in evaluation and monitoring, with a strong understanding of the free legal advice sector in London. 

ChildAid to Eastern Europe is a long-established Christian charity working with local partners across Eastern Europe to improve the lives of vulnerable children, young people, and families.

We are seeking an exceptional Director to lead the organisation into its next phase of growth and impact. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, you will provide strategic leadership, operational oversight and income generation to ensure the charity’s long-term sustainability.

This is a hands-on role, combining high-level strategy with day-to-day delivery. You will act as the public face of the charity, strengthen partner and donor relationships, and lead across fundraising, communications, operations and team development.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of the charity’s strategic vision.
• Develop and grow sustainable income streams.
• Oversee financial management, governance and compliance.
• Strengthen marketing, communications and organisational profile.
• Support programme delivery and partner relationships in Eastern Europe.
• Lead and develop a small team of staff and volunteers.

About you

We are looking for someone with:

• Senior leadership experience, ideally in the charity sector.
• A strong track record in fundraising or income generation.
• Proven financial and operational management skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building ability.
• Strategic thinking, combined with a practical, hands-on approach.
• A genuine commitment to the charity’s mission and values.

Additional information

This role carries an occupational requirement for the postholder to be a practising Christian, in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.

Why join us?
Lead a respected charity with over 50 years of impact, shape future strategy and help transform the lives of vulnerable children and families.

Grade: NJC Point 23 - £34,434 per annum

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (excluding a 30-minute break each day)

Days: Monday to Friday (core hours are worked between 8am – 6pm)

Contract: Full-time, 12-month contract (possibility of extension subject to funding)

Responsible to: Grants Manager

Place of work: Based at Salford CVS’ offices in Eccles, Salford, M30 0FN, and in community settings

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Salford CVS to support our grants and investment programmes.

We are looking to recruit a full-time (37.5 hours per week) Grants Development Worker on a 12-month fixed-term contract.

You will assist the Grants Manager and Grants Co-ordinator in the development and delivery of a large grants and investments programme, aimed at voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations and schools, in excess of £2m per year and largely focused on addressing health inequalities in the city of Salford. The role will be based in both the office and community settings.

To be successful, you will be able to communicate effectively with people from a wide range of backgrounds, from small community groups to large charities, schools and public sector commissioners. This will include tailoring information, advice and guidance to the needs of the VCSE sector.

The Benefits of Working for Salford CVS

• 28 days’ holiday - rising to 30 days (after five years), plus Bank Holidays (pro rata for part-time)
• Enhanced company sick and maternity pay, subject to terms and conditions of service
• Pension scheme - with 7% employer contribution (and 1% mandatory employee contribution)
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Membership of the Hospital Saturday Fund via an employer subsidised scheme (optional and non-contractual)
• RHS family membership (optional and non-contractual)
• Development opportunities - we support and encourage our staff to progress in their careers (including formal training)
• A supportive working culture - we respect and support one another to do the best we can

For further information and to apply, please visit our website via the ‘apply’ button.

Closing date: 9am, Monday 17th August 2026.

Interviews will take place in person at Salford CVS’ offices in Eccles on Thursday 27th August 2026.

For over 140 years, the Forces Employment Charity has proudly supported Service leavers, veterans, and their families in building successful civilian careers. We provide veterans with life-long, life-changing support, jobs, and training opportunities, regardless of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving. By working for FEC, you will become part of a vibrant team living the charity’s values: Expert, Supportive, Passionate, Open and Honest, Resilient, and Collaborative.

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​Brief role description 

​Working within our Communications team, you will play a central role in strengthening the charity’s public profile by supporting the delivery of media activity across national, regional, trade and specialist media that showcase the impact of the charity’s services. You will identify newsworthy opportunities, write press releases, pitch stories to journalists and support the delivery of integrated communications campaigns.

​A significant part of the role will involve finding, developing and sharing the stories of the people we support. You will interview veterans, service leavers, military spouses and employers, turning their experiences into engaging content for media features, website articles, case studies, social media campaigns, stakeholder communications and funding reports.

​This role suits someone with strong news instincts, excellent skills at developing press releases, pitches and statements and the confidence to manage multiple priorities at once. You’ll thrive in a fast-paced, varied working environment, be full of creative ideas and know how to unearth stories that bring our services to life. 

Who we're looking for

We're looking for an experienced communications, PR or media professional with a proven track record of securing coverage across print, broadcast and online media. You'll have experience working in a press office, communications or journalism environment and be confident handling media enquiries and building positive relationships with journalists and other stakeholders.

You'll be a strong writer who can produce engaging press releases, statements, media briefings and other content for a range of audiences. You'll have a good understanding of what makes a compelling news story, experience creating impactful content, and the ability to turn complex information into clear and engaging communications. You'll also be comfortable using media monitoring and evaluation to understand what is working and help shape future activity.

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Interested? Want to know more about the Charity? Check out our website.

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​Eager to know more about the role? Have a look at the Job Description.

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What’s in it for you? Check out our Benefits.

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Have we convinced you to apply? If so, submit your CV and Covering Letter by Monday, 3 August 2026.

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Got questions about the role? Get in touch with the People Team at Forces Employment Charity. 

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Please note: Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert; therefore, we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as possible. If you are an internal applicant, please ensure you have made the People team aware before applying.

We are committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff by creating an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone, including those with disabilities, can thrive, develop and achieve their full potential. We actively encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and ensure reasonable adjustments are made to support candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process.

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#LI-DNI

About Saferworld

Saferworld is an independent international organisation working in partnership with civil society to prevent violent conflict and build safer lives. We work in solidarity with people affected by conflict to improve their safety and sense of security, and we build conditions for peace and justice. We also support analysis and learning to influence local, national and international policies and practices that help foster lasting peace and justice. Our priority is people – we believe in a world where everyone can lead peaceful, fulfilling lives free from fear and insecurity. We operate on a not-for-profit basis with partners in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, with nine offices across those regions and offices in the UK, USA and Belgium.

Saferworld is committed to providing a safe, trusted environment that safeguards our staff, partners and communities. Our organisational integrity is derived from the values and principles that underpin and guide our work.

We are seeking a strategic and inspiring Head of Funding and Programme Development with a proven ability to lead, motivate, and mobilise resources in a values-driven environment. This role calls for a leader who is deeply committed to equitable partnerships with communities and organisations in conflict-affected settings, guiding teams to raise resources effectively while advancing peace and justice outcomes. Grounded in a people-centred vision of change, you will foster collaboration, champion locally-led approaches, and steer efforts toward resourcing sustainable, community-driven, and collective visions of peace.

About the role

• The Head of Funding and Programme Development will shape Saferworld’s income profile in alignment with our organisational strategy and change process. The post-holder will lead the development and implementation of Saferworld’s funding strategy, ensuring it supports our strategic, programmatic and operational priorities.
• The role will focus on strengthening the quality, flexibility and diversity of Saferworld’s funding base, nurturing relationships with strategic institutional donors, growing philanthropic funding, and identifying new income opportunities.
• This is an exciting opportunity to influence Saferworld’s fundraising and programme development approach during a pivotal period for the organisation. The role will line-manage a small team across programme development, philanthropy and funding.

Key responsibilities

• As part of Saferworld’s senior leadership, you will support organisation-wide initiatives and contribute to strategic decision-making. You will monitor funding trends, identify emerging issues relevant to Saferworld’s work and partnership approaches, and develop appropriate strategies to respond.
• Working closely with the Senior Operations Team, you will ensure funding plans are developed across business units and thematic/regional areas, and that income pipelines are maintained while quality assurance and active cost recovery are proactively pursued. You will oversee the funding and prospects pipeline, produce data and analysis to support decision-making, and provide regular reporting to senior leaders and the Board.
• Externally, you will represent Saferworld with key donors, partners and networks, building strategic relationships and identifying funding opportunities.
• You will lead the development, implementation and monitoring of Saferworld’s funding strategy, ensuring a balanced, ethical and diverse portfolio of restricted and unrestricted income streams. This will include securing quality funding against agreed targets and supporting income diversification through trusts and foundations, commercial funding, and other sources.
• You will work closely with Saferworld’s Grant Management Team to ensure a coordinated and strategic approach to donor relationship management and cultivation. You will also lead the design of multi-country and thematic proposals, as well as consortia bid development, to strengthen partnerships and support new ways of resourcing Saferworld’s strategy.
• The post-holder will set standards for collaborative and participatory programme design, manage proposal development processes from opportunity notice to contract signing, and ensure learning from donor feedback is used to strengthen our fundraising approach.
• You will lead the Funding Leadership Team to ensure cross-organisational ownership of fundraising efforts, and work closely with regional, thematic, policy and grant management colleagues throughout the funding cycle.

People and leadership

• You will line-manage the Funding and Programme Development Team and foster an environment where staff feel empowered, take responsibility and are accountable for achieving organisational objectives.
• You will ensure the team facilitates strong participatory programme design and proposal development with partners and staff, embedding Saferworld’s organisational values and principles. You will also support the team to work closely with colleagues across the organisation, grounding proposals in learning, evidence and evaluation findings.

About you

• You will bring proven senior leadership experience in funding, with a track record of developing and implementing funding strategies and raising income through a range of donors, including individuals, institutions, trusts and foundations. You will also have experience securing high-value contracts and grants of seven figures.
• You will have strong experience of leading complex participatory programme design, including developing budgets, monitoring frameworks and proposals. You will be confident coordinating programme development processes with multiple teams and partners to ensure a collaborative and inclusive approach.
• You will have a proven track record of motivating, mentoring and managing a team, and supporting that team to think creatively about fundraising. You will also be confident developing networks, building alliances, and nurturing relationships with individuals, collaborators and funders.
• You will bring a strong understanding of key political, development and humanitarian trends and debates, particularly linked to peacebuilding, development, human rights, governance, and security and justice. You will also have sound knowledge of UK civil society and charity regulatory requirements, and an understanding of the current international aid, peacebuilding and human rights funding environment.
• Experience of working and/or living in conflict-affected contexts, and understanding of peacebuilding and conflict prevention, are desirable.

Skills and qualities

• You will have excellent leadership and management skills, including strategic planning and business development. You will be able to provide sound financial and compliance advice, demonstrate good financial stewardship, and bring a creative, proactive approach to your work.
• You will be able to set priorities while working under pressure, adjust to multiple demands and shifting priorities, and move between hands-on involvement in proposal writing and strategic oversight.
• You will bring strong communication skills, including experience of communicating across cultures and with diverse audiences. You will understand the power imbalances that may be reflected in programme design and budgeting, and bring a strong commitment to inclusive processes and to shifting power and resources to partners.
• You will be committed to Saferworld’s vision, mission and values, including equality, diversity and safeguarding. You will be able to lead by example and create a safe and respectful environment for all staff.

Application process

• Please apply through our vacancy portal on the Saferworld Jobs website.
• Upload your CV and a covering letter addressing the person specification and explaining why your experience matches the requirements of the role.

Deadline for applications: 3 August 2026
Interviews planned: Week commencing 10 August 2026

Who We Are Looking For
We are seeking an inspiring and strategic leader who is passionate about delivering lasting impact for people with disabilities and other marginalised communities. As our new Director of Programme Impact, you will shape the strategic direction and development of our programme portfolio, ensuring our partner-led work continues to grow in reach, quality, effectiveness, and impact.
You will bring strong programme leadership, people management expertise, and a commitment to partnership-based approaches that support locally led development. As a member of CBM UK’s Leadership Team (LT), you will contribute to the overall strategic direction of the organisation while leading and motivating a committed Programmes Team. You will play a key role in strengthening CBM UK’s contribution to the CBM Global federation, working closely with country teams, technical specialists, and partners to maximise our collective impact.
An experienced leader, you will provide strategic oversight across a diverse portfolio of programmes, partnerships, and funding opportunities. Overseeing an annual budget of around £4million, you will have a strong track record of delivering impactful programme strategies, building and developing high-performing teams, and fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, inclusion, and continuous learning. This role offers an exciting opportunity for an established senior leader who is ready to take the next step into their first Director-level position, as well as those with existing director-level experience.
Forward-thinking and adaptable, you will be excited by the opportunities and challenges facing the international development sector. You will play an instrumental role in exploring the changing role of UK INGOs within the localisation agenda and will work closely with the CEO and Leadership Team to develop new approaches and business models that respond to an evolving global context. You will also bring experience of securing and growing institutional and strategic funding opportunities, alongside the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and compellingly to a wide range of audiences.
Above all, you will share our commitment to inclusion, equity, and disability rights and be motivated by the opportunity to help create a world in which all people can enjoy their rights and fulfil their potential. You will be inspired by the chance to shape both organisational strategy and sector-wide conversations, ensuring that people with disabilities remain at the heart of international development and humanitarian action.

Key Responsibilities
Programmes Leadership & Management (70%)
1. Lead the strategic and financial development and oversight of CBM UK’s international programme portfolio, ensuring the organisation delivers its programme strategy with maximum impact and effectiveness in alignment with CBM Global’s strategy. Support and line manage the team to translate strategic priorities into actionable plans to ensure excellence in programme funding, development and delivery.
2. Drive quality and effectiveness within CBM UK projects and across CBM Global by
a) ensuring effective coordination of tasks, forward planning of key activities and events, and providing space for collaboration, problem-solving, escalation and innovation across the portfolio.
b) identifying and improving policies and procedures that ensure proportional programmatic oversight and support complex institutional funding management.
c) supporting Programmes staff to work with country teams to pursue a localised approach to programming, drawing on the CBM Global localisation roadmap.
3. Work with Programme Funding colleagues to lead and oversee the development of strategic partnerships and packaging of programme approaches that secure institutional funding for CBM UK’s programmes, including by strengthening intelligence on donor trends and funder priorities, developing immediate responses to new opportunities as they arise in line with CBM UK’s mission.
4. Work closely with CBM UK finance, fundraising, communication teams and other CBM Global Members in creating and responding to opportunities for funding, driving growth, and promoting effective use of CBM UK’s voluntary income to leverage match funding.
5. Together with the Board and LT, actively manage programme risks based on CBMUK’s overall risk management framework.
6. Demonstrate leadership in maintaining an environment free from harm for project participants, CBM UK and partner staff by overseeing the management of safeguarding concerns arising in CBM UK supported projects, including reporting to the Board and Charity Commission where appropriate.
7. Promote within the Programmes Department a culture of learning, reflection and continuous improvement which only results in an improved programmatic approach but also informs and supports our advocacy, advisory, and evidence and learning work.

8. Liaise closely with CBM UK colleagues to ensure coordination and effective integration of programme activities into opportunities for fundraising, including contributing to the innovation in business models to diversify CBM UK’s funding base, including exploring sustainable funding approaches to enhance programme delivery and reduce dependency on the charitable model (in conjunction with the CEO and Director of Fundraising, Impact and Communications).

Organisational leadership (20%)
1. Contribute to the overall leadership and strategic direction of CBM UK through the Leadership Team, and in collaboration with the CEO, including contributing to Board meetings.
2. As part of the Leadership Team, take shared leadership responsibility for the wider CBM UK team of staff and volunteers, supporting effective collaboration and organisational cohesion, and taking on cross-functional responsibilities where appropriate.
3. Encourage and promote a culture of ambition, learning and excellence across the CBM UK team.
4. Be responsible for producing and initiating regular reports, briefing papers and other relevant programmes information for the CEO and Board Programmes Committee as appropriate.
5. Lead on supporting the Board Programmes Committee, working closely with the Committee Chair to ensure members are provided with the information necessary to permit strategic oversight and robust risk management.
6. Lead UK’s engagement with CBM Global's programmatic leadership, in particular Directors of Programmes in other CBM Member Teams (Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Switzerland), CBM Global Secretariat, and Technical Directors, working towards greater alignment, escalation of issues, and collaboration to advance CBM UK’s approach to localisation.

Representation and advocacy (10%)
1. Represent the organisation at the highest levels, including deputising for the CEO where required. Act as a key spokesperson for CBM UK with a range of external audiences, including institutional and statutory donors and strategic partners, media, policy and decision makers and other international and national non-government organisations. Develop and maintain strong relationships with key geographic stakeholders, including diplomatic representatives, ensuring effective engagement and alignment with CBM UK’s programme priorities.
2. In alignment with Advocacy and with Advisory colleagues, contribute to best practice in the UK disability and development sector by forging good relationships with UK-based and international NGO and disability sector networks to advocate for the adoption of inclusive development policies and practices, and champion innovative inclusive programmatic approaches.

For full details please download the Recruitment Pack.

At Mayor's Fund for London, we believe every young Londoner should have the opportunity to thrive. To help us achieve that, we're looking for an organised and proactive Programme Officer (Communities & Opportunities) to coordinate our City Shapers programme and provide operational support across Kitchen Social, helping deliver meaningful opportunities for young people and strengthening communities across London.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys bringing people together, building relationships and making programmes happen. As the lead coordinator for City Shapers, you'll work alongside community organisations and young people to deliver social action opportunities that help young Londoners develop confidence, employability skills and a stronger connection to their communities.

Alongside leading City Shapers, you'll play an important role in supporting the operational delivery of Kitchen Social, one of London's largest holiday food programmes. You'll help coordinate partner communications, maintain programme systems and data, support reporting and financial processes, and ensure our community partners receive the information and support they need to deliver high-quality provision for children and families.

You'll work closely with colleagues across the Communities & Opportunities team to ensure our programmes run smoothly, identifying opportunities to improve processes, strengthen delivery and share learning. Whether you're coordinating an event, maintaining programme information, supporting community partners or analysing participation data, you'll help ensure our work is organised, effective and centred around the needs of young Londoners.

We're looking for someone who enjoys working collaboratively, takes pride in being organised and is motivated by making a positive difference. You'll be equally comfortable building trusted relationships with community organisations, coordinating multiple priorities and using systems and data to support high-quality programme delivery.

This is a role for someone who wants to combine excellent programme coordination with genuine social purpose. If you're passionate about creating opportunities for young people and want your work to contribute to stronger communities and better outcomes across London, we'd love to hear from you.

What you'll bring

You'll have experience coordinating programmes, projects or community initiatives, building positive relationships with a range of stakeholders and managing competing priorities effectively. You'll be confident using digital systems to maintain accurate records and support reporting, while always looking for practical ways to improve how programmes are delivered. Most importantly, you'll be organised, collaborative and committed to helping young Londoners thrive.

We recognise that no candidate is likely to meet every criterion. If your experience aligns closely with the role and you believe you have the skills and potential to succeed, we'd encourage you to apply.

SELECTION PROCESS

Deadline for applications: Friday 24th July (midday)

Shortlisting: Monday 27th July

Interview: Friday 31st July The interview will in-person.

(We will contact you by Tuesday 28th July to confirm)

We recognise that people have different working styles, strengths, and ways of communicating, including neurodivergent candidates. We welcome applications from anyone who can demonstrate the skills, knowledge, and experience needed for the role. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will be happy to discuss how we can support you. Getting in touch about this will not affect how your application is considered

Right to Work
To be considered for this role, you must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, the Mayor’s Fund for London does not hold a Home Office sponsor licence and cannot offer visa sponsorship for this position.

Job Description and Person Specification

Job title Participation Manager

Hours 35 hours per week. We are opening to discussing flexible arrangements – please highlight any requests when applying.

Length of contract  12 months

Location Hybrid work between home and our Vauxhall office. Please read more about our approach to hybrid working in the relevant section below.

Reports to Director of Evidence and Improvement

National Voices

Making what matters to people matter in health and care

National Voices is the leading coalition of health and social care charities in England. We have more than 200 members covering a diverse range of health conditions and communities, connecting us with the experiences of millions of people. We work together to strengthen the voice of people: patients, service users, carers, their families, and the voluntary organisations that work for them.

Our Vision: People shaping their health and care.

Our Mission: We advocate for more inclusive and person centred health and care, shaped by the people who use and need it the most.

We do this by:
 

· Understanding and advocating for what matters to people especially those living with health conditions and groups who experience inequalities.

· Finding common cause across communities and conditions by working with member charities and those they support.

· Connecting and convening charities, decision makers and citizens to work together to change health and care for good.

The Role

At National Voices, our aim is to make what matters to people matter in health and care. Too often, we see decisions made about the design of health and care services which don’t consider the people who use and need those services – especially those with long term conditions and from groups experiencing inequality. While the intentions of decision makers are usually good, they can unwittingly develop services which are difficult to access, stressful to experience and which don’t enable people to live life to its full potential.

We believe that if health and care leaders were better supported to meaningfully involve people living with health conditions, disability, inequality and their carers in decisions about how services are delivered then our NHS and social care services would be more equitable, and person centred.

At National Voices, we believe that this can best be achieved by connecting health and care leaders in health and care to key groups including:

· Leaders within the patient participation movement, who can support and advise health and care leaders on how to share power with people and communities using coaching and quality improvement techniques, and by acting as a critical friend.

· Leaders from voluntary sector organisations and community groups, who can bring insight into the needs, experiences and priorities of the communities they serve. They can identify opportunities to improve how services are designed and delivered, and help connect decision-makers with communities whose voices are often underrepresented.

· People with lived experience of inequality, particular conditions or services, who bring unique expertise based on their direct experience of care. They can provide timely insight into the impact of policies and services, helping decision-makers stay tuned to current needs, experiences and priorities, rather than relying on historical evidence or assumptions.

We are looking for a Participation Manager who can lead on the design, development and delivery of funded projects that generate insight, support improvement, and enable meaningful participation in health and care decision making. This will include end-to-end responsibility for project design, delivery, reporting and impact.

Projects may include designing and delivering activity such as workshops, coordinating lived experience advisory groups, coordinating coalitions of VCSE organisations, undertaking qualitative research, facilitation and engagement work. The postholder will need sufficient breadth of experience across these areas to confidently design and steer programmes, while drawing on colleagues, partners and associates for specialist input where needed.

You will be responsible for overall programme management - ensuring projects are well planned, appropriately resourced, and delivered on time, within budget and to a high standard. This includes managing risks, reporting requirements and funder relationships.

Projects may also include co-ordinating the delivery of Voices for Improvement coaching relationships and workshops on meaningful participation. We are open to a Participation Manager who has skills and experience around coaching theory and practice, however, we can also bring in external Associates with this subject matter expertise where needed to guide and supervise the coaching elements of the process.

You will also play an active role in identifying and developing new funding and partnership opportunities, contributing to the growth of National Voices’ portfolio of externally funded work.

Finally, where needed, you will also work collaboratively with another Participation Manager who leads National Voices’ Lived Experience Partner programme, membership scheme and partnership programme. You will contribute to these areas where required, particularly where they intersect with funded projects, but they will not be the primary focus of this role.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and delivery of funded participation projects

Lead the end-to-end design, delivery and management of funded programmes and projects that generate insight, support improvement and drive meaningful participation in health and care, including:

· Lead on shaping, securing and delivering funded projects from proposal stage through to completion, ensuring clear outcomes and impact

· Design and oversee programmes that may include research, engagement and participatory activity, such as qualitative and quantitative research, stakeholder engagement and participation work

· Convene and coordinate a range of delivery approaches including advisory groups, workshops, events, VCSE engagement and system partner collaboration

· Ensure delivery is well planned, resourced and managed, including oversight of budgets, timelines, risks and funder reporting

· Draw on colleagues, partners and associates for specialist expertise where needed, while holding overall responsibility for programme design and coherence

· Translate insights and findings into clear, accessible outputs in collaboration with policy and communications colleagues to support influence and impact

· Develop and shape new funding opportunities and proposals to grow the organisation’s portfolio of externally funded work

Deliver coaching and engagement programmes

Manage the delivery of structured coaching and engagement programmes, including National Voices’ Voices for Improvement model, where included within funded projects:

• Oversee delivery of coaching and engagement activity including matching, coordination and participant support
• Ensure coaching relationships between people with lived experience and system leaders are well supported and of high quality
• Contribute to the design and facilitation of associated engagement or learning sessions where required
• Work with associates or external specialists to bring in coaching or quality improvement expertise where needed
• Capture learning, feedback and impact from coaching programmes and contribute to funder reporting, case studies and evaluation outputs

Contribute to wider participation programmes

Work collaboratively with another Participation Manager to support integration with National Voices’ wider participation infrastructure:

· Contribute where relevant to the Lived Experience Partner programme, membership scheme and partnership programme

· Support the involvement of lived experience partners, members and partners in funded projects and engagement activity

· Ensure alignment across programmes and share learning between project delivery and participation infrastructure

General

• Provide line management to one Project Officer within the team, if needed - quality assuring outputs, holding regular 1-2-1s as well as setting annual objectives and completing appraisals.
• Provide matrix management for other National Voices colleagues as and when required.
• Work in sync with other managers across National Voices, contributing to a joined-up, supportive team culture.
• Deputise for the Director of Evidence and Improvement, or other senior colleagues, when required.

· Follow organisational processes to measure, monitor and communicate the impact of our work

· Support good project, financial and data management

Person Specification

Values, attitudes and behaviours

· Passionate about National Voices’ mission and the meaningful involvement of people with lived experience

· Strong commitment to equity, inclusion, and reducing health inequalities

· Proactive, flexible, and responsive, with a willingness to work in complexity

· Comfortable working both collaboratively and independently, taking ownership of delivery

· Calm under pressure and able to manage multiple priorities and tight deadlines without compromising quality

· Confident engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including constructively challenging where appropriate

· Entrepreneurial - able to spot opportunities for growth, collaboration, and impact

· Energised by variety, able to work across diverse themes while identifying connections and opportunities

Skills and abilities

· Strong programme and/or project management skills, with demonstrable experience of leading complex, multi-stakeholder funded programmes from design through to delivery and completion

· Ability to shape ideas into deliverable programmes, including contributing to funding bids, designing delivery approaches, and translating proposals into practical delivery plans

· Strong analytical and synthesis skills, with the ability to translate complex qualitative and quantitative insight into clear, structured outputs that inform decision making and drive action

· Excellent organisational skills, including planning, prioritisation, risk management and delivery of high-quality work to deadlines

· Confident stakeholder and relationship management skills, with experience working across partners, funders, subcontractors, commissioned work and multi-organisation collaborations

· Strong facilitation and engagement skills, including designing and delivering workshops, events and participatory sessions for diverse audiences

· Strong communication skills, including the ability to produce clear, accessible written outputs and presentations

· Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively, support others in delivery, and contribute to shared outcomes

Experience, knowledge and understanding

· Demonstrable experience of leading or delivering participation work with people with lived experience, ideally addressing inequality

· Strong experience of designing and delivering insight generation projects (qualitative and/or quantitative) that have led to real-world impact and improvement

· Experience of working meaningfully with people experiencing inequalities in safe and inclusive ways

· Experience of managing projects, budgets, and multiple stakeholders, working with a high degree of autonomy

· Experience of managing partnerships, funders, or commissioned work, including contributing to income generation

· Experience of facilitating workshops, events, or participatory sessions

· Understanding of the health and care landscape

· Good understanding of the participation landscape, with the ability to act as a credible contributor in the field (desirable)

· Experience of managing or contributing to coalitions or networks of VCSE or membership organisations (desirable)

· Understanding of mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative) approaches to evidence generation and analysis (desirable)

· Coaching and/or quality improvement qualifications (desirable)

· Lived experience of disability, caring responsibilities and/or inequality (desirable)

Our approach to hybrid working

We recognise the importance of coming together regularly, in-person, as a team, so we can share learnings and spend social time with each other. We also recognise that people need flexibility, and that homeworking enables focused work and can fit well in people’s lives.

We ask all staff to take part in pre-arranged team meetings which take place every six weeks in our office space. We also might ask you to meet in-person with members of your team from time to time, or to be available for face-to- face meetings with clients and partners where this enhances the work.

We assume that this would usually not amount to more than one day per fortnight for people who work full time. We are happy to discuss how this sits in your life. This can be agreed by your line manager.

Please note that our offices are fully wheelchair accessible and that we are committed to making our workplace fully inclusive.

Application guidance

Please submit a CV and cover letter to apply. We are also recruiting a permanent Participation Manager role at the same time. If you would like your application to be for both roles, please make this clear in your cover letter.

You're welcome to use AI tools to help you prepare your application. However, we encourage you to make sure your application reflects your own voice and experiences. We often see similar AI-generated writing styles, which can make applications less distinctive. As a charity, we're particularly interested in hearing why our mission matters to you and how your values align with ours.

Please specify any access or other requirements of which we need to be aware for the online interview.

The deadline for applications is 5pm on Thursday 30th July.  

The interviews will take place in early August on Microsoft Teams. Details of an interview task and interview questions will be emailed to you in advance.

We are committed to diversifying our team in order to broaden the insight and experiences we can draw on, and to do our work more credibly. In particular, we would welcome applications from older people, disabled people and people who have experienced socioeconomic inequality. Our offices are fully accessible and we are a Disability Confident and an LGBT+ friendly employer.

Head of Communications and Engagement
The Diocese of Winchester is seeking an exceptional communications leader to help shape how we tell the story of God's work across our Diocese. This is a strategic senior leadership role, responsible for leading our Communications & Engagement Team and developing a clear, engaging and effective communications strategy that supports our mission, vision and priorities.

Serving a population of over 1.2 million people across more than 230 parishes, the Diocese of Winchester is a diverse and vibrant community. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence how we communicate with clergy, parishes, schools, partners, media and the wider public, ensuring that people feel informed, connected and inspired by our shared mission.

About the Communications and Engagement Team
The Communications & Engagement Team supports the Diocese in sharing its vision, celebrating local stories, engaging stakeholders and managing communications across a wide range of activities. The team works collaboratively with colleagues across mission and ministry, safeguarding, schools, vocations, creation care and governance, ensuring that communications effectively support diocesan priorities and objectives.

What you’ll do

• Lead the development and delivery of the Diocese's communications and engagement strategy
• Shape and communicate key diocesan messages alongside senior leaders
• Build strong relationships with clergy, parish officers, Winchester Cathedral and external stakeholders
• Oversee media relations, press releases and crisis communications activity
• Lead communications campaigns around major church seasons, diocesan initiatives and strategic priorities
• Ensure the Diocese embraces best practice in digital communications, social media and emerging technologies, including AI
• Manage the Communications & Engagement Team, supporting and developing staff to achieve their full potential
• Build collaborative relationships with Church of England communications colleagues regionally and nationally

What we’re looking for

• Significant experience of developing and delivering communications and engagement strategies within a complex organisation
• Strong leadership and people management experience
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, media and influencing skills
• Experience of leading change and managing organisational risk
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Experience of budget management and strategic planning
• A collaborative and resilient approach, with the confidence to challenge constructively and build strong relationships
• A practising Christian who is committed to the mission and ministry of the Church and able to support the vision of the Diocese of Winchester

CVs are not accepted.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Friday 31st July 2026.

Initial interviews for the role will take place on the 26th August 2026. If you are successful in the first interview, you will be invited to a second interview on the 7th September 2026. Both interviews will be held at the Diocesan Offices, Old Alresford Place SO24 9DH

About Us

Merstham Community Facility Trust (MCFT) is a community charity based at the heart of Merstham.

We provide a safe, welcoming and inclusive space where residents can connect, access support, learn new skills, and feel part of their community. Our vision is for Merstham to be a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Our work is rooted in strong local relationships and shaped by the voices of the community. We are a small, committed team driven by our values of inclusion, empowerment, and community connection.

About the Role

This is a varied and rewarding role combining community development, project delivery, and fundraising.

As Community Development & Funding Officer, you will design and deliver community projects that respond to local needs, while securing funding to sustain and grow our work. You’ll work closely with colleagues, volunteers, and residents to co-create inclusive programmes that make a tangible difference.

You’ll play a key role in:

• Developing new initiatives based on community insight
• Leading projects from idea through to delivery and evaluation
• Building partnerships across the local area
• Securing funding and demonstrating impact

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys both hands-on community work and strategic development, and who thrives in a small, collaborative team.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Experience in community development, project coordination, fundraising, or a similar role
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple projects
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Experience using community insight or feedback to shape services or projects
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a small team
• Good IT skills, including data management and basic budgeting
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends to support community activities
• Commitment to inclusion, empowerment, and community-led approaches

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience working with volunteers
• Experience writing funding bids or managing grants
• Knowledge of local community services or challenges
• Experience monitoring and evaluating projects and reporting on impact
• Experience managing budgets or reporting to funders
• Ability to travel locally (e.g. driving licence or equivalent access)

Why Join MCFT?

• Make a visible, meaningful difference in a local community
• Help shape and deliver community-led projects from the ground up
• Work in a supportive, collaborative team environment
• Enjoy flexible working options to support work–life balance
• Gain experience across both project delivery and funding development
• Be part of an organisation that values people, place, and inclusion

Head of Communications in the Parish Support Team for the Diocese of Derby, shaping communications strategy and storytelling across a region serving over one million people.

Location: Hybrid – minimum 2 days per week in Derby

The Diocese of Derby takes in the City of Derby, all of Derbyshire, and small parts of Staffordshire and South Yorkshire - with over 1.1 million people living in the area it covers. Through churches, schools, hospitals, prisons and community initiatives, the Church of England plays an important role in local life. Its ministry reaches into urban and rural communities alike, supporting everything from work on local estates to farming and environmental initiatives, as it seeks to share the good news of Jesus and serve people of all ages and backgrounds.

We're looking for a Head of Communications to help tell that story. Reporting to the Director of Strategy and Engagement, and leading a team of three (Internal Communications Officer, Media and Campaigns Officer, and Parish Communications Enabler), you'll provide strategic leadership for communications across the diocese, helping it communicate with clarity, consistency and confidence.

In this role, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Lead and inspire a talented Communications Team, providing clear direction, setting priorities and creating the conditions for colleagues to thrive.
• Shape and deliver the communications strategy, turning priorities into compelling campaigns that engage audiences and support the Church's mission.
• Champion the voice, brand and digital presence, ensuring consistent, creative and impactful communications across all channels.
• Develop and drive a proactive storytelling approach, uncovering and sharing inspiring stories of faith, ministry, growth and transformation from communities across the diocese.
• Act as a trusted adviser to bishops and senior leaders on media relations, reputation and crisis communications, while building strong partnerships to raise the profile and influence.

If you're an experienced communications professional with strong editorial instincts, excellent writing skills and a talent for building trusted relationships, we'd love to hear from you. You'll have the opportunity to work closely with bishops, archdeacons and other senior leaders, helping to communicate the vision, priorities and stories with clarity, confidence and care.

Benefits:

• Generous pension – up to 10% employer contribution
• Excellent holiday allowance – 38 days (includes bank holidays), plus the option to buy 5 more days.
• Life assurance 2x annual salary (subject to pension enrolment).
• Simply Health Cash Plan – offering 24/7. GP access, eye test vouchers plus more
• Employee Assistance Programme providing mental health support
• Additional leave options, including spiritual retreat days, volunteer days and more
• One fully funded module per year through our Deepening Discipleship Training
• Staff can borrow a free corporate pass to Chatsworth House
• Access to the Electric Vehicle Leasing Scheme

For further details please see the candidate pack.

For an informal chat to ask any questions, please contact Nick Thomas, Senior Consultant, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Please apply through the Charisma Charity Recruitment website with your CV and supporting statement.

Key dates:

• Closing date: Sunday 9th August
• Charisma vetting interviews will be completed on a rolling basis and must be completed by: Tuesday 11th August
• Interviews with Diocese of Derby:
  • 1st stage: w/c 24th August
  • 2nd stage: 8 September

This role requires an enhanced DBS and Safeguarding check.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion*, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law.

*In accordance with the Equality Act 2010, Part 1, Schedule 9, it is a genuine occupational requirement that the post holder is a practicing Christian.

Charisma is committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment processes. If you have any reasonable adjustments or wish to apply for this role under the Disability Confident Scheme, please contact our Operations Teams. Charisma will ensure all candidates who disclose that they wish to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme and that meet the minimum criteria for the role will receive an opportunity to interview with the Charisma Consultant representing the vacancy.

We're hiring: Communications Manager

The Work Rights Centre is looking for a passionate communications or press professional to lead our agenda-setting media coverage. The successful candidate will develop and deliver our comms strategy, lead on media relations to amplify our impactful work, and devise strategic systems-change campaigns.

This is an ideal opportunity for a candidate with a strong sense of justice and storytelling background, who values impact, teamwork, and the autonomy of working in a diverse and agile team. We can accommodate flexible and remote work, and offer enhanced pension, annual leave, parental leave and sick pay benefits.

• Pay: £38,000 - £42,000
• Contract length: Permanent
• Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week) or part-time
• Location: London hybrid (with possibility of remote-only for an exceptional candidate)

The role

You’ll set the strategic direction of our comms work, ensuring that it drives our strategic objectives, and lead the press office function. You’ll find the story potential in our legal and research work, and secure extensive media coverage through maintaining strong relationships with journalists from across the political spectrum.  You will create and publish high-quality and up to date content across our website, newsletter and social media channels. This is a real opportunity to lead on all aspects of the communications function in an impactful organisation, and contribute to systemic change.

About you

We seek an enthusiastic and passionate professional with minimum 3-5 years experience in a dedicated communications or press role.

You will also have:

• A track-record of securing high-quality, agenda-setting media coverage.
• Good contacts across editorial boards.
• A track-record of successful delivery against comms objectives on social media.
• Experience developing, executing, and evaluating data-driven communication strategies.
• Strong understanding of the UK political and media landscape, with a sharp eye for reactive opportunities.
• Good knowledge of website and social media content management systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Please download the job description for full responsibilities and complete person specifications.

To apply send two samples of your recently published work, along with your  CV and cover letter by the end of Sunday 9th August.

About the role

The Service Delivery Officers deliver our diverse portfolio of career development and music education support, including career accelerators, career skills and advice and collaborations with spaces and services across the UK to reduce barriers to access for supported musicians.    

Service Delivery Officers are responsible for selection of musicians for career development support, they also play a critical role in impactful management of charitable funds and resources.  

Officers each lead on specific areas of the service, and each type of support has defined milestones, performance and impact indicators and must be managed within a budget – all of which the Officer is responsible for.

About you

The successful candidate will bring demonstrable experience in project management, with a track record of delivering programmes and milestones on time, within budget and to a high standard. 

You will also have experience designing, coordinating and facilitating engaging online and in-person events, training sessions and group discussions, creating inclusive and participatory environments. 

Strong organisational and communication skills are required, with the ability to manage competing priorities, work independently and build effective relationships with a diverse range of service users and stakeholders.

The role also requires a strong understanding of the UK music industry, including musicians’ income streams, the barriers and inequalities affecting career development, and the wider ecosystem of organisations that support and influence musicians' careers. 

About us

At Help Musicians and Music Minds Matter, music is our passion and its people are our purpose. 

Musicians give us so much, but what they do often means bearing their hearts and fighting for chances in a sea of challenges. Help Musicians understands and supports music creators, enabling them to navigate unsteady income, make the most of career opportunities and find a helping hand when things go wrong. We’re there for musicians so music can be there for us. 

Things can also be tough for people behind the scenes. Music Minds Matter supports the mental health of everyone working across music, whether they’re backstage, in the studio or on the road. Good times, bad times, all the times, we’re always here. 

Both charities are funded by music lovers and partners who share our passion. With their help, we ensure that those behind the music stay well and keep doing what they love. 

Our work has a direct impact on the lives of thousands of people every year. If you are passionate about creating a world where musicians can thrive, then this could be the place for you. 

How do I apply?

For full details of the role and how to apply please click ‘Apply’ and visit our website. You will need to download our application forms and submit these to us by the deadline below.