Communication officer jobs in Bracknell, bracknell forest

This is a proactive, hands-on role where you’ll develop compelling fundraising content, support high-impact campaigns, and play a key role in growing our Regular Giving programme. You’ll combine creativity with insight — crafting powerful donor communications while using data to improve performance and retention.

As a key member of the Fundraising Team, you will work closely and collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation, including Finance, Client Services, and Communications & Marketing. Your excellent communication and relationship-building skills will be essential as you identify and assess partnership opportunities and ensure these are effectively passed to the relevant fundraising leads for cultivation and development.

If you are looking for a new and rewarding challenge, come and work for Thrive.

Our Fundraising Officer is to be based at Thrive Reading (National Office) with 3 days working from the office and 2 days working from home .

Appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check. Thrive complies fully with the DBS Code of Practice. Having a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an individual from working for Thrive.

The Charity Delivery Lead will drive the success of key charity and community programs and charity initiatives across our 13 venues. Line managing staff in a matrix model, you will provide operational guidance, a delivery framework, and expert advice to ensure that each program is successfully implemented and achieves its objectives. You will collaborate closely with the General Manager of each venue, ensuring the alignment of charity initiatives with broader venue goals.

Key Responsibilities

Program Delivery Support
Provide expert advice and practical frameworks to Charity Officers as they deliver and facilitate key programs such as Fun, Food & Golf, Community Cafes, and This Girl Can. Ensure each program aligns with the charity’s mission and goals.

Program Coordination & Monitoring
Ensure that programs are delivered efficiently, consistently, and to a high standard across all venues. Support Charity Officers in tracking program outcomes and assessing impact, making adjustments as needed.

Training & Development
Provide training, resources, and support to Charity Officers to ensure they have the knowledge and tools necessary to deliver high-quality community programs. Share best practices and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Framework & Process Development:
Develop and implement operational frameworks, guidelines, and processes for program delivery, ensuring consistency across all 13 venues. Provide ongoing feedback and recommendations to improve program quality and participant satisfaction and outcomes.

Reporting & Communication:
Report regularly to the Chief People Officer on program performance, challenges, and successes. Prepare reports and presentations for stakeholders (including Trustees), demonstrating the impact of charity programs and their alignment with the overall strategy.

Collaborative Working:
Work closely with the marketing and communications team to promote charity programs across different channels, including social media, local events, and the charity’s website. Help raise awareness of the charity’s work and encourage broader community participation.

Safeguarding and Wellbeing
Ensure that all programs adhere to safeguarding guidelines, especially for vulnerable groups such as those impacted by dementia and children. Promote a safe and inclusive environment for all participants.

Person Specification

Key Skills and Experience:

• Proven experience (3+ years) in community program delivery, charity work, or sports-related initiatives, with a focus on social impact and inclusivity.
• Strong knowledge of program design and delivery, particularly in sports, health, and community development.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage diverse communities, local venues, and external stakeholders.
• Experience supporting and mentoring teams, even without direct line management responsibilities.
• Ability to create and implement structured frameworks and processes to improve program delivery and achieve outcomes.
• A genuine passion for using golf/ sport as a tool to improve lives and create positive change within communities.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives across multiple venues.
• An understanding of safeguarding and wellbeing guidelines and practises, particularly in working with vulnerable groups having performed the role of Welfare Officer, Designated Safeguarding Lead or equivalent.

Desirable

• Familiarity with programs related to dementia care, women and girls' sports participation, or community wellness.
• Knowledge of fundraising, grant applications, or sponsorship in the charity sector.
• Experience in working with or within community-based organisations.
• A relevant qualification in community development, sports management, or a related field is advantageous but not essential.

Working at White Ribbon UK

White Ribbon UK is the leading organisation working to prevent men’s violence against women and girls by promoting equality, positive masculinity, and healthy relationships. Our work transforms communities and workplaces and makes a real difference in ending violence. We reach many thousands of people, but we can’t do any of this without passionate and highly effective people working within our team.

We’re a registered charity headquartered in West Yorkshire.

Opportunities

Accreditation & Training Officer

We are looking for someone who can deliver high quality training to adults and young people in the workplace and community settings. You will be comfortable managing groups discussing sensitive issues and difficult topics.

You will be selling accreditation and training and encouraging organisations to engage with us. You will be guiding workplaces to develop an Action Plan which delivers impact on the ground.

This post is remote or hybrid working at our offices in Hebden Bridge, but you must be willing and able to travel to meet with colleagues, including a quarterly full staff meeting at Hebden Bridge. 

£31,793.01 per annum

Full-time

Permanent

About White Ribbon UK

White Ribbon is the leading organisation in the UK working to engage men and boys in ending violence against women and girls. Our mission is to prevent men’s violence against women through addressing its root causes, gender inequality and harmful gender norms and stereotypes. We do this by working with individual men and boys, organisations, and the community, helping them to understand the scale of the problem, and how they can be part of the solution.

This is an exciting time to join White Ribbon as our work and profile has grown significantly over recent years as the importance of engaging men in ending violence has become more apparent. We have an increasing public presence, through campaigning activities, policy influence, in the media and online.

Location: This post is remote or hybrid working at our offices in Hebden Bridge, but you must be willing and able to travel to meet with colleagues, including a quarterly full staff meeting at Hebden Bridge. This post requires travel to attend events and meetings throughout England and Wales.

You will work closely with the Business Development Manager, work collaboratively with internal teams and external stakeholders.

Application Instructions

To apply: please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing, with examples, how you meet each item on the person specification and telling us why you want this role, Debbie Kershaw. The closing date for applications is Monday 20th April 2026 at 9 am. Interviews - First round 27th April 2026 (online), Interviews second round Wednesday 6th May 2026 (in person at our Hebden Bridge Offices).

Self-Employed Chartered Surveyors Sought

 Based in the Midlands and North of England

Flexible, Project-Based Consultancy Making a Difference

Are you an experienced Chartered Surveyor, seeking meaningful work on a flexible basis? Do you want to use your skills to help amazing organisations doing good in the world?

The Ethical Property Foundation is the UK’s only dedicated property advice charity serving the voluntary sector. (Registered Charity Number 1101812) Each year, we provide over 900 organisations with expert, independent property advice and education. We are now looking for one or more self-employed Chartered Surveyors - general practice surveyors and building surveyors to join our team and help deliver affordable consultancy services to the voluntary sector.

About the Role

This is a self-employed, project-based opportunity. Assignments typically require 4-5 days of work (not full-time) and include:

· Lease renewals and rent review advice

· Development of client property strategies

· Options appraisals

· Property acquisition advice

· Property disposal advice

You may also have opportunities to design and deliver property-related webinar training.

Our Associate Property Advisers work flexibly from home, with occasional client site visits across England, Wales, and Scotland.

What we’re looking for

We’re seeking Chartered Surveyors (or equivalent) with:

• Strategic thinking and reporting skills
• Specialisms such as facilities management and / or architectural experience
• General practice and building surveying skills

You’ll need excellent communication skills to engage and empower our clients—many of whom support vulnerable people in challenging circumstances—and the ability to investigate, analyse, and propose practical property solutions.

Why join us?

Our clients support a diverse range of causes and manage every type of property imaginable. In the past year, we’ve advised on office buildings, church premises, oast houses, former schools, libraries, theatres, fields, industrial units, and more.

You’ll be part of a team of extraordinary senior property professionals who share a passion for making a positive impact.

Key details

• Day Rate: £220
• Working Hours: Flexible, variable based on agreed project deadlines
• Location: Work from home with travel as required for site visits
• Professional Indemnity Insurance: The post holder falls within the definition of ‘Person Employed’ and are therefore included within EPF’s PI insurance.
• DBS Clearance: Provided by EPF
• Reporting To: Head of Property Services

Start date

By mutual agreement.

Interested in using your property expertise to make a difference? 

Shape public policy. Safeguard professional standards. Lead a profession towards the statutory recognition it deserves.

Not every Chief Executive role involves influencing government, protecting professional standards and occasionally resolving a registrant query before the end of the day.

After seven years, Mike Orlov is retiring as Chief Executive and Registrar of the National Register of Public Service Interpreters. The Board is now seeking a successor who can continue strengthening the organisation and raising the profile and importance of professional interpreters working across public services.

NRPSI is the independent voluntary regulator and national register for public service interpreters in the United Kingdom. It sets professional standards, upholds accountability and provides assurance to public sector organisations, including the Ministry of Justice, the Metropolitan Police and NHS bodies, in settings where interpreters are relied upon in critical situations.

In these environments, clear communication is essential. When it fails, the consequences can affect legal outcomes, safeguarding decisions and, in some situations, lives.

The organisation is entering an important moment in its development. The House of Lords Public Services Committee’s 2025 report on interpreting services in the courts has brought renewed national attention to the role that professional interpreters play across justice, policing and healthcare. At the same time, NRPSI continues to advance the longer-term ambition of statutory regulation and protection of title for Registered Public Service Interpreters.

As Victor Olowe, Chair of NRPSI, puts it: “This is an important moment for NRPSI and for the wider profession, particularly following the House of Lords 2025 report and the government’s commitment to address some of its key recommendations.”

As Chief Executive and Registrar, you’ll engage with senior stakeholders across government and public services while leading a specialist, long-standing team responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Register and the standards that underpin it.

Drawing on your experience, you’ll help shape the organisation’s next stage of development and strengthen the role NRPSI plays in safeguarding the public through professional interpreting standards.

The Role

Stepping into this role, you’ll be accountable to the Board for the governance, strategic direction and operational leadership of the organisation.

This is a hands-on leadership role, working closely with the Chair and Board to shape the organisation’s strategy and priorities, while ensuring the Register continues to operate with credibility, integrity and independence.

You’ll have direct responsibility for the integrity of the Register itself. This includes oversight of registration, renewals, complaints and disciplinary processes, as well as responsibility for ensuring the organisation’s Code of Professional Conduct and regulatory framework remain robust and fit for purpose.

With your experience, moving between strategic and operational ground will come naturally to you. One week you may be engaging with senior civil servants or government departments about the importance of professional interpreting standards. The next you may be reviewing operational processes, supporting your team in the delivery of the Register’s core functions or ensuring the organisation’s financial position remains sustainable.

Your team works mainly remotely and are all long-standing, dedicated and experienced, responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Register. Working in a remote-first environment, continuing a culture of collaboration, accountability and professional development while ensuring the organisation continues to deliver high standards of service is high on the list of priorities.

Externally, you’ll act as the senior voice of NRPSI. What does this mean in reality? Engaging with stakeholders across justice, policing, healthcare and central government, representing the organisation’s perspective clearly and authoritatively. This could include contributing to sector discussions, building relationships with policymakers and making the case for why professional interpreting standards matter to public safety and effective public services, or posting on LinkedIn and social channels, giving updates or hosting town halls for registrants.

The role also sees you supporting the organisation’s longer-term ambition of achieving statutory regulation and protection of title for Registered Public Service Interpreters, a goal that will genuinely benefit from the right leader’s credibility and persistence.

Financial sustainability also sits within your remit. NRPSI is funded through registration fees paid by interpreters, and you’ll oversee the organisation’s finances while ensuring resources are used effectively to deliver its strategic priorities. Alongside this, you’ll maintain oversight of operational systems and processes, identifying opportunities to improve resilience, efficiency and the effective use of digital tools.

The Person

This is a role that calls for someone who has operated at senior or director level within a charity, not-for-profit organisation, professional body, regulatory organisation, membership association or comparable public service environment.

Someone who understands the responsibilities that come with leading an organisation whose work centres on professional standards, governance and public protection, and who brings the credibility, judgement and experience required to engage effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders including government departments, public sector organisations, registrants and sector partners.

A collaborative, trust-based leadership style will be just as important: someone equally comfortable exercising independent judgement as they are balancing strategic thinking with practical delivery in a specialist organisation where both are needed in equal measure.

You’ll bring most of the following:

• Senior leadership experience at director level or above within a charity, professional body, membership organisation, regulatory body or public service environment
• Experience influencing government policy or engaging with commissioners of public spending
• Experience developing or improving regulatory, registration or accreditation processes
• The ability to represent an organisation clearly and confidently in public, including engaging with senior civil servants, sector stakeholders and the media
• Financial literacy and experience overseeing organisational budgets and sustainability
• Experience developing and delivering strategy and operational plans
• Confidence using digital systems, data and communication platforms to support organisational priorities
• Understanding of, or experience in, a registrar or equivalent function within a professional, regulatory or standards body, including accountability for the integrity of registration processes and criteria

Desirable

• Familiarity with public affairs, policy engagement or advocacy work would be advantageous, as would exposure to justice, policing, healthcare or public service environments.
• Experience navigating politically sensitive or contested professional environments, including managing public criticism, would also be beneficial.
• A second language would be welcomed.
• Above all, you’ll share a commitment to the public interest and the role professional interpreting plays in ensuring fair access to justice and public services.

A full candidate pack providing further information about the organisation accompanies this ad.

Key Information

NRPSI is working with Michelle Paoloni, Director at House Recruitment, on this appointment.

To apply, please submit a current CV and a supporting statement of no more than two pages outlining your relevant experience, where you saw the role advertised and what has prompted you to apply.

• Applications close at 5pm on Friday 10 April 2026.
• Discovery conversations with House Recruitment will take place on a rolling basis.
• Final interviews will be held in person in London on Wednesday 29 April 2026.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

NRPSI is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds and are committed to ensuring a fair and inclusive recruitment process.

Are you an experienced fundraiser, skilled in crafting persuasive appeals and telling moving stories of impact and change? We have a fabulous opportunity for you to use your creative and organisational skills to make a difference to families in South London and East Surrey.

Our programmes include individual family support, domestic abuse recovery and a range of parenting and group work programmes to enable families to thrive.

The core of your role will be in generating funds from trusts, foundations and grant making trusts.

• Identify and research prospective funders aligned with Welcare’s priorities.
• Develop tailored, high-quality grant applications, expressions of interest, and monitoring reports.
• Manage a rolling pipeline of small, medium, and large grant opportunities.
• Lead on multi-year and restricted funding applications where appropriate.
• Ensure accurate tracking of deadlines and submissions using eTapestry (Blackbaud’s CRM/Supporter Management System)
• Work closely with CEO, Head of Practice and Business Manager to gather data, case studies, and outcomes.

• Translate impact data into compelling narratives aligned with funder priorities.
• Support development of monitoring and evaluation frameworks to strengthen future bids.

Salary:  £41,771 FTE (pro-rata £25,062)

Fully remote working

Generous Annual Leave allowance

Longlisted candidates will be required to complete a full application form prior to interview.

Application closing date: 6 April 2026

Interview date: rolling interview

Use your digital marketing skills to support those in poverty in Eastern Europe 

Are you a digital marketer who wants to use your skills for good? Do you enjoy combining creativity with data - and working collaboratively across teams and cultures? 

We are seeking a Digital Marketing Officer to join our International Digital Team and support digital marketing across 12 fundraising countries. This is an exciting opportunity to work at an international level, helping to strengthen digital activity, improve performance, and share best practice. 

About us 

Mission Without Borders is an international Christian organisation working in some of the poorest communities in Europe. We journey alongside people facing poverty and marginalisation, providing practical, emotional and spiritual support that enables long‑term, sustainable change. We serve people regardless of religion or ethnic background. 

Our international team supports this work around the world, bringing expertise in digital, fundraising, communications, finance, IT and Salesforce, and working closely with colleagues in our 12 fundriasing countries and 6 project countries. 

What you’ll be doing 

You’ll support international and country teams to deliver effective, data‑led digital marketing. Working closely with fundraising, communications and digital colleagues, you’ll help shape and support campaigns, improve digital performance through insight and analytics, and share best practice across multiple countries - always with an international mindset and sensitivity to local needs. 

About you 

You’ll be an experienced digital marketer with a collaborative approach and a passion for using digital to make a difference. You’ll have a strong understanding of the Christian faith and Christian audiences. You’ll be comfortable working across cultures, managing multiple priorities, and using insight to continually improve performance. 

Essential 

• Proven experience in digital marketing, including online campaigns 

• Strong skills in digital advertising, analytics and SEO 

• Confidence using tools such as Google Analytics and major ad and social platforms 

• Experience working with stakeholders and managing multiple priorities 

• Excellent communication, analytical and organisational skills 

• A strong understanding of the Christian faith and Christian audiences 

Desirable 

• Experience working in an international or multi‑country context 

• Experience in the charity or not‑for‑profit sector 

• Familiarity with Salesforce or digital integrations 

• Knowledge of digital compliance and cookie legislation 

Why join us? 

• A genuinely international role with real purpose and impact 

• The opportunity to support digital marketing activity around the world 

• A collaborative, skilled, and fun digital team 

• Space to learn, innovate and share best practice 

• Up to 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays 

• Pension scheme 

• Flexible and remote working, but with occasional travel to our London office and internationally

If you’re passionate about digital marketing and want your work to contribute to meaningful, long‑term change, we would love to hear from you.

This is a permanent, full-time role, but we would also consider applicants on a part-time job share basis.

We are seeking a forward‑thinking leader with a track record in changing organisations that have a good and loyal team in place with a commitment to our mission and values, and the imagination to explore new ways of meeting local needs. A track record of fundraising in the charity sector is needed. Whether you come with a background from the advice sector, the wider charity world, or another relevant field, if you have the vision and drive to steer CAEW into the future, we would love to hear from you.

Southall Community Alliance is a charity working in Southall that is looking to recruit 
an experienced, part-time Human Rights Outreach Officer to oversee an exciting 
new 2.5 year project we are delivering to build understanding of human rights issues 
and law. 
The person we are looking for will be well organised, motivated and aware of the 
nuanced issues affecting diverse and disadvantaged communities. Their duties 
include arranging training, workshops and outreach visits to create awareness of 
human rights legislation and the practical impacts in areas with large, transient 
communities. 
The Outreach Worker will act as primary contact for the project and policy work and 
ensure good working relationships with a range of key contacts including policy and 
programmes partners. 
This post is funded by The Baring Foundation.

We’re looking for a part-time Trusts Fundraising Officer to contribute their skills, experience, and personality to add value to our Trusts team within the Fundraising department at Blesma, The Limbless Veterans.

This home-based role is now available due to the current post holder moving on to new pastures. The Trust team has had incredible success in recent years, which we are eager to sustain and grow. The successful candidate will provide support to the Trusts Fundraising Manager and work alongside a fellow part-time Trusts Fundraising Officer within this ambitious team.

The role is a varied one, focusing on all aspects of the funding cycle – from identifying opportunities and building relationships, to writing compelling applications and providing high level stewardship. The team works collaboratively across the Association to ensure Blesma’s programmes and services can continue to help limbless veterans and their families.

Blesma is unique as a membership Association as well as a charity. Our Members are the heart of all our work – therefore, the impact of our fundraising is clearly visible in the experiences of our inspirational limbless veterans.

If you’re interested, please read the attached Job Description and apply with your C.V. and a Covering Letter detailing why you’d be an ideal candidate for the role and how your experience and skills match those detailed in the Person Specification.

If you are uncertain about your suitability, apply anyway and let us decide! 

We may close the application down early if we receive a high volume of applications. 

We are recruiting a Head of HR / Business Partner to lead and deliver a best practice HR function for Flint House, ensuring the provision of high-quality, compliant and strategic people services that support operational excellence and the Charity’s mission of providing evidence-based rehabilitation to serving and retired police officers.

Reporting to CEO as a member of the Exec team, with one direct report, this role operates at both strategic and operational levels, advising Trustees, the CEO and senior leaders while ensuring effective day-to-day HR delivery across the organisation.

We are flexible and will consider applications for full time and part time. The role is very much site based due to staff base and patients, but there is potential for one day hybrid working a week.

Key responsibilities and competencies :

• Lead on complex employee relations matters including capability, grievance and disciplinary cases.
• Conduct investigations, formal hearings and appeals where required.
• Provide expert advice and guidance to managers on all employee relations matters.
• Maintain and develop employment contracts in line with organisational needs and legislative requirements.
• Support managers in managing absence and attendance effectively.
• Develop, implement and deliver the HR Strategy aligned to the Charity’s organisational objectives.
• Lead workforce planning and quarterly resource meetings in collaboration with the CEO and Heads of Department.
• Support organisational change initiatives, ensuring a consistent and well-managed approach.
• Contribute to organisational development and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide data-driven insights and reports to Exec and the CEO to inform strategic decision-making.
• Ensure full compliance with UK employment legislation, case law and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure pay, benefits and reward practices remain legally compliant and appropriately benchmarked, advising Finance and Payroll practices
• Monitor legislative developments and advise Trustees and the CEO on required changes.
• Develop, review and maintain HR policies, procedures and conditions of service.
• Liaise with external professional advisers, including employment solicitors where required.

Successful candidate will be CIPD Level 7 or similar experience with evidence of continuing CPD.

In addition - you will have 

• Strong strategic and operational capability.
• Significant experience as a Senior HR Generalist
• Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills, with credibility at Executive level.
• Clear, confident written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and reporting capability.
• Ability to prioritise, delegate and manage competing demands.
• Coaching and advisory capability.
• High level of IT literacy (Microsoft Office suite and HR systems / Sage HR and iHasco).

About us :

Flint House Police Rehabilitation is a registered Charity offering rehabilitation services to ill or injured serving and retired police officers suffering from a wide variety of physical and mental health conditions. Every year we treat over 3,000 police officers. Located just outside Goring on Thames in our beautiful Flint House and set in 20 acres of ancient woodland, this key role will drive the people and culture objectives for the Charity.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including on site free parking, lunch or breakfast, free on site gym, comprehensive EAP program, Medical Cash program, Life Assurance,36 days holiday and usual Pension benefits.

The role is very much based on site, with restricted public transport, so own car is essential.

Policy and Public Affairs Officer at the British Liver Trust  

Communications Team 

Building momentum, Changing lives 

The British Liver Trust is the UK’s leading charity supporting children and adults affected by liver disease and liver cancer. We advocate for improved prevention, early detection, and equitable access to care for all people affected by liver conditions across the UK. Liver disease is a public health emergency – it is the third leading cause of premature death in the UK, with deaths increasing by 400% over the past two generations. 

We believe that liver disease and liver cancer are at a tipping point. By taking bold action ourselves and with others, we will start to shift that balance and seize this moment. We are looking for an experienced policy officer to support us on this journey and to directly contribute to change.

This is an exciting time for the Trust as liver disease is increasingly being recognised as a priority by the NHS and we have recently launched our new organisation strategy.   

We are seeking a policy and public affairs professional to support existing work and support our advocacy with key stakeholders across the UK and to help improve outcomes and care for all liver disease patients.

The role  

• Run the Secretariat for the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Liver Disease and Liver Cancer

• Support our policy development, including supporting our consultation responses

• Help secure parliamentary debates and speakers, and provide tailored and impactful briefings 

• Coordinate political outreach to grow our pool of supportive MPs 

• Monitor and horizon scanning 

• Represent the Trust at external meetings to amplify our profile and policy messaging

• Work closely with colleagues in the communications, outreach, roadshow and fundraising teams to ensure policy is embedded across the Trust’s work. 

The postholder will have the opportunity to influence change and improve outcomes and services for liver disease and liver cancer patients. 

Policy and Public Affairs Officer 

Salary £32,000 – £35,500 per annum  

Full time 35 hours per week  

Home-based with regular access to London and occasional visits to Winchester (HQ).  

We offer a range of benefits for our employees, including: 

• Life assurance 4x your salary starting from date of employment 

• 5% employer pension contribution, rising to 7.5% at 15 months and 10% at 27 months service (optional on contribution increase) 

• Holiday buy-back scheme (up to 3 days per annum) 

• 25 days paid annual leave (FTE) 

• BUPA health cash-back scheme; money back on everyday healthcare costs, 24/7 health advice line, employee assist programme, mental health support & wellbeing resources 

• Cycle-to-work scheme 

• Contractual sick pay offering up to five weeks’ full pay, dependant on length of service to support employee wellbeing 

• 3 days additional gifted leave between Christmas and New Year 

If you would like to apply for the role, please send:

• a covering letter explaining how your experience, skills and knowledge make you suitable for the role, with particular relevance to the Job Description

• an up-to-date CV, including two referees

Closing date: 5pm on Friday the 10th of April 

Interviews: to be held on Tuesday the 21st of April 

Job Title: Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Organisation: The Skill Mill
Location: Remote, with expectations to travel to Gateshead and occasional travel to other UK locations
Salary: £45,000 pa 
Contract Type: 2 years fixed term contract, Full-Time
Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Job Purpose:

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will play a pivotal role in driving the operational success of The Skill Mill. Working closely with the CEO, the COO will oversee day-to-day operations through line-management of the 3 regional Operations Managers, will ensure the delivery of exceptional services, and will support the growth of our social enterprise model across the UK and beyond. This is a strategic leadership position, requiring a dynamic individual with a passion for social impact, operational excellence, and business development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operational Leadership: Oversee all operational functions, including service delivery, project management, and workforce coordination, ensuring high standards and client satisfaction.

• Strategic Growth: Collaborate with the CEO to develop and implement expansion plans, identifying new partnerships, contracts, and opportunities to scale The Skill Mill’s impact, ensuring operational readiness and quality as the organisation scales.

• Team Management: Lead, motivate, and develop The Skill Mill’s operational delivery teams (see attached structure chart), including the Operations Managers, the Pathway Advisors, and the Supervisors, fostering a culture of inclusion, accountability, and continuous improvement. Lead workforce planning, staff development and wellbeing to ensure a sustainable, motivated and resilient workforce.

• Financial Oversight: Work with the finance team to manage budgets, monitor performance against targets, and ensure cost-effective operations while maintaining quality.

• Governance: Supporting organisation and partnership governance by contributing to papers, risk registers and performance reports, engaging in solution-focused discussion at relevant forums, and ensuring feedback loops with operational delivery teams.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including local authorities, commercial clients, criminal justice partners, and community organisations.

• Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure all activities comply with legal, regulatory, and health and safety standards, mitigating risks effectively and escalating through appropriate organisational and legal pathways where necessary.

• Safeguarding: Act as senior lead and an initial escalation point for safeguarding, ensuring robust policies, training, reporting and continuous improvement.

• Impact:

         - Measurement: Monitor and report on social and environmental outcomes, ensuring alignment with The Skill Mill’s mission and funding requirements.

         - Performance: Work alongside partners, including Social Outcomes, evaluation and funding partners to drive performance in line with key success milestones, and engage in collaborative problem-solving to improve the offer and overcome challenges.

         - Quality Assurance: Contribute to organisational quality assurance processes by providing operational insight to support effective monitoring and review. Facilitate and support quality assurance audits, reviews and continuous improvement practices across operational delivery, working closely with operational delivery teams and relevant partners to ensure learning is embedded and service standards are consistently met.

• Innovation: Drive operational efficiencies and explore innovative approaches to service delivery and trainee support.
   

Person Specification:
Experience:

• An understanding of, and sensitivity to, working with vulnerable or disadvantaged groups.

Skills and Abilities:

• A values-led approach to strategy, with the ability to balance social impact, quality, and financial sustainability in strategic and operational decision-making.

• Exceptional leadership and people management skills, with a collaborative and empowering approach.

• Confident in using insights from performance data and information to drive continuous improvement

• A clear, confident and inclusive communication style, with the ability to engage, motivate and align within the organisation and externally

• A collaborative approach to partnership working, with the ability to navigate differing priorities and build trusted relationships across sectors/ stakeholders.

• Proficiency in working with digital tools that support operational efficiency (e.g., CRMs, project management software, Microsoft Office/Google Suite)

• Ability to translate organisational strategy into actionable operational plans
  ​

Personal Attributes:​

• Passionate about social justice, youth development, and environmental sustainability

• Resilient, adaptable, and solution-focused, with a hands-on approach to problem-solving.

• Commitment to The Skill Mill’s values of opportunity, integrity, and excellence.
  ​

What We Offer:​

• The chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of young people and the environment.

• A supportive and purpose-driven work environment.

• Opportunities for professional growth as part of a growing social enterprise.
   

Essential Requirements:

Experience:

• Proven senior leadership experience in managing operations, ideally within criminal justice or a social enterprise, charity, or environmental services sector.

• Demonstrable ability to lead and manage complex operational delivery in multiple geographical areas, ensuring quality and consistency across teams.

• Demonstrable success in growing an organisation or enhancing service delivery, including securing contracts and partnerships.

• Experience managing diverse teams in a hybrid work environment

• Experience of working effectively with external partners, including commissioners, criminal justice agencies and/or commercial organisations.
   

Skills and Abilities:

• Analytical mindset with experience in budgeting, performance monitoring, and process improvement.
   

Qualifications and Certifications:

• A relevant degree or equivalent professional qualification (e.g., business management, operations, or social enterprise leadership) is preferred but not essential.

• Enhanced DBS check is required.

About The Skill Mill:

The Skill Mill is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of background.

The Skill Mill is an innovative social enterprise dedicated to transforming lives and communities. We provide employment opportunities for young people with criminal convictions, equipping them with skills and experience through delivering high-quality environmental services, such as grounds maintenance, horticulture, and flood prevention. Our mission is to reduce reoffending, enhance employability, and create sustainable social and environmental impact.

This role sits within the well-established Saving Babies’ Lives Team, and this role is part of Sands’ drive to improve maternity and neonatal safety so that babies’ lives are saved, and inequalities are reduced.

Sands’ work to save babies lives focuses on the following objectives:

• Maternity and neonatal care is continually improved using research and evidence (including the experiences and perspectives of bereaved parents) to inform policy and practice

• All hospitals in the UK offer safe and personalised maternity and neonatal care

• Inequalities in outcome in maternity and neonatal care are eliminated

• Maternity and neonatal services have a culture which embraces and supports learning and improvement

Our aim is to save babies lives, with the UK matching the best-performing countries in Europe in reducing baby deaths, and within this to eliminate inequalities in these outcomes based on ethnicity and deprivation.

The Research Officer will have experience of working with researchers, supporting the development of studies and identifying gaps in evidence, innovation and guidance. Excellent organisation, communication and relationship building skills are key for this role.