Communication officer jobs in Guildford, surrey

Do you seek to champion a culture where innovation, learning and cross-organisational collaboration become the norm? Connecting insight with action to reduce inequalities and strengthen community connection?

Involve believes that everyone, regardless of the challenges they face, should have the opportunity to thrive. Using both strategic influence and service leadership, as the Head of Adult Services you will lead the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of high-quality, evidence-driven adult adult services rooted in lived experience, community voice and meaningful partnership.

See the vacancies page on our website for full job and person specification. 

Are you an experienced Manager looking for a values‑driven leadership role with real social impact?

Can you:

• Provide operational leadership across governance, compliance and member services
• Manage and develop a small, high‑performing, values‑driven team
• Work closely with the CEO to deliver the organisation’s strategy and future growth
• Strengthen systems, processes and cross‑team collaboration
• Engage with stakeholders and support best practice across the Almshouse movement

Do you have:

• Proven operational leadership experience in a charity, housing or membership organisation
• Strong understanding of governance, risk and regulatory compliance
• Collaborative, organised and mission‑driven with excellent communication skills

Why join Almshouse Association:

• Purpose‑led organisation with national impact
• Friendly, high‑performing team and inclusive culture
• Opportunity to make a real difference to people and communities

If you feel you have relevant skills and experience, please submit your CV and supporting statement via the Charisma Charity Recruitment website. 

Closing date for applications: 26th May 2026

Please note that applications will be reviewed as they are received, we therefore encourage early applications as we may progress candidates to interview before the application deadline.

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. 

The South East Gambling Harms Partnership is a consortium of regional Citizens Advice offices that include: Wokingham, Reading, West Berkshire and East Berkshire offices in Berkshire and Hart, Rushmore, Basingstoke and Tadley in North Hampshire. This is a high-profile initiative funded by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) to tackle gambling harms through the collaboration of the South East Gambling Harms Partnership. 

The Role

We are looking for a strategically-minded Regional Service Manager to lead the South East Gambling Harms Partnership. You will be the architect of our strategic engagement, building trusted partnerships with NHS commissioners and local authorities to ensure gambling harms are a priority in local health responses. You will lead a dedicated team of Training Leads and Prevention Workers, fostering a culture of accountability and innovation, building strong links with VCSE partners and the wider community. 

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Influence: Act as the lead advocate for the partnership, engaging with NHS and Local Authority commissioners to ensure gambling harm prevention is embedded into local health strategies and regional policies.

• Partnership Management: Provide cohesive leadership for a collaboration of eight Citizens Advice offices, ensuring all locations are aligned, accountable, and integrating gambling screening into daily practice.

• Operational Oversight: Lead the project team (Data Officer, Training Leads, and Prevention Workers) to meet ambitious targets, while managing budgets, risks, and funder reporting.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Foster "trusted partner" relationships with grassroots organisations and wider community sectors to reach high-risk groups, including young people, veterans, minority communities and affected others. 

Combine your financial expertise with real-world impact by joining Parkinson’s Europe (PE) as our Senior Finance Manager. We’re seeking a proactive professional with heart and passion to safeguard our financial health and empower the Parkinson’s community across Europe, offering a role with significant autonomy and clear room for professional growth within our evolving organisation.

Job specification

Location: Remote working (but note that occasional travel – to attend quarterly team meetings in the UK and other ad hoc meetings/conferences – is required)

Salary: £17,200 – £20,000 per annum, dependent on experience (£43,000 – £50,000 FTE).

Annual leave: 13.5 days per annum (inclusive of pro-rata statutory bank holidays, based on a full-time equivalent of 25 days). 

Contract: This is a permanent, employed role

Responsible to: Director General

Collaboration with: Operations Director and Partnerships Director, plus the wider team

Job description

Main purpose of role

To oversee the charity’s financial management, ensuring accurate reporting, effective budgeting and robust controls. The Senior Finance Manager provides insight to support strategic decision-making, maintains compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, and manages day-to-day finance operations to safeguard the organisation’s financial health.

In addition, as part of a small team, the Senior Finance Manager provides light-touch HR support to assist with processes – such as appraisals, payroll and staff records — helping to ensure smooth operations in the absence of a dedicated HR function.

Key tasks – finance

• Ensure accurate recording of information of various funding (industry, donations, memberships etc), spending, banking 

• Manual bookkeeping and liaising with Accountants in the UK and in Belgium to ensure data is uploaded correctly to Sage (or similar software) 

• Monthly month end checks on Sage and accurate nominal coding, working with PE’s appointed accountants 

• Raise invoices and credit control

• Accounts payable & expenses process including employee and freelance pay

• Managing all aspects regarding employee pay – working with PE’s appointed payroll agent, pension provider and insurance broker

• Year-end work – including checks and liaising with PE’s appointed accountants

• Charity Commission – completion of annual return

• Donations – check and manage paypal and other donation platforms accordingly

• Management of all PE bank accounts and all aspects regarding bank matters – i.e unknown payments, bank applications for new card holders, transaction queries etc

• Financial reviews with Director General and Operations Director, and to provide accurate information in regards to forecasting, funding, spending, general P&L and other financial matters

• Perform monthly cash-flow forecasting to ensure the 4-month reserve policy is maintained at all times

• Annual budgeting

• Liaising with Treasurer, dealing with any queries he/she may have; assist with AGM reporting 

• Join Board/AGM meetings as required, and deal with any finance-related queries the Board members may have

• Keeping abreast of UK national regulatory and budgetary developments

Key tasks – HR and other

• Support and liaise with the Operations Director and Partnerships Director with all treatment industry/funding agreements 

• Maintain the organisation’s Contract Register, ensuring all agreements (i.e., treatment iindustry partnerships) are tracked for payment milestones

• Keeping and maintaining employee/freelance agreements up to date 

• Holiday and sickness tracking

• Liaise and support the Operations Director with regards to various policies (i.e expenses, bereavement)

• Supporting the Director General and Operations Director with the appraisal process

Person specification

Essential skills and experience

• Minimum five years’ professional experience in an accounting or finance role, supported by a relevant accounting qualification or significant demonstrable experience. Prior experience within the charity or not-for-profit sector is highly desirable. Experience or comfort managing cross-border EU-UK financial complexities is a plus.

• Experience of preparing management accounts, budgets, forecasts and year-end reporting

• An understanding of charity finance requirements (e.g. charity accounting, Charity Commission obligations)

• Proficiency in accounting software (Sage or similar) and MS Office (especially Excel) 

• Experience of basic HR processes (e.g. recruitment, contracts, record-keeping, employee/er taxes and pension obligations)

• Understanding of payroll administration 

• Ability to interpret and explain financial information to non-finance colleagues and Board directors

• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities

• High level of accuracy, attention to detail and integrity

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a collaborative approach

Personal qualities

• Commitment to the values and mission of the charity

• A proactive, hands-on approach suited to a small organisation

• Ability to work independently and take initiative

• Flexibility and willingness to adapt to changing needs

• Discretion and respect for confidentiality

Application process 

To apply for this role, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability via the CharityJob portal. The deadline is officially 27 May; however, please note that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and we reserve the right to begin the interview process or close the vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found. Therefore, early applications are strongly encouraged.

Parkinson's Europe is an inclusive employer committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. We use an anonymous recruitment process to prevent unconscious bias, and welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender identity or expression, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic. We believe that a diverse team enriches our work and strengthens our ability to serve the entire Parkinson's community across Europe. Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements we can provide to support you during the application process. 

The People & Culture Director is responsible for leading the People Team, business partnering with the SLT to provide strategic, operational and change leadership across the charity.

This role will lead all people, culture, and organisational development activities across Ygam, ensuring they are aligned with Ygam’s values, strategy, and statutory responsibilities as a UK charity employer.

Success will be consolidating and building upon our existing structures to deliver a high‑performing, values‑driven, and inclusive culture which enables Ygam to achieve our objectives both now and in the longer-term

As a trusted member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), the postholder will act as a coach, adviser, and culture‑builder—championing equity, wellbeing, safeguarding, and effective leadership and line management across the charity, as well as playing a full role in cross-SLT pieces of work.

The role also plays a key part in bringing colleagues together by coordinating internal events, including the planning and delivery of all-staff Together Days.

Our commitment as a People Team is to help the wider staff group on their journey within Ygam. We aim to provide an environment which brings out the best in our team, so that they can provide the best possible service to the people we support.

Who are we looking for?

This post sits on the Senior Leadership Team (SLT).  We are looking for a senior.  experienced, credible, and values‑driven people director, who combines strategic insight with a deeply human approach.

You will be someone who believes that culture is created through everyday behaviours, relationships, and decisions, and who is comfortable working with complexity, ambiguity, and change.

You will bring significant leadership experience at this level across the full HR and People brief. as well as strong professional judgement alongside empathy, curiosity, and humility. You will be a confident self-starter able to challenge constructively while building trust at all levels of the organisation.

Above all, you will share our commitment to high-performing culture that is driven by our mission and values and be motivated by the opportunity to help create a workplace where people and volunteers feel safe, supported, included, and able to do their best work.

Great opportunity to lead and support our charity's team through the next phase of development to drive One Medicine forward. 

Job Purpose

To lead the operational delivery of Humanimal Trust’s charitable aims and strategic objectives, as set by the Board of Trustees, ensuring that plans are translated into clear priorities, well-managed programmes and effective day-to-day operations. The postholder will line manage the operational team, oversee the finances and the fundraising activities, and maintain strong governance and compliance within Charity Commission requirements, at all times representing the Trust’s One Medicine purpose with professionalism and integrity.

Dimensions

· Line management responsibility for the operational team

· Budget responsibility: manage agreed operational budgets and monitor expenditure against plan

· Oversee delivery of the annual business plan and operational work programme

· Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, supporters, partners and suppliers

· Oversee the fundraising activities

Main Responsibilities and Role

· Provide visible operational leadership for Humanimal Trust, championing One Medicine and role-modelling the Trust’s values

· Translate Board-approved strategy into clear operational priorities, delivery plans and measurable outcomes

· Line-manage the operational team: allocate work, set objectives, provide coaching, and manage performance and wellbeing

· Maintain and improve operational policies, procedures and controls in line with charity regulation, GDPR/data protection and recognised good practice

· Ensure effective delivery of core operational functions (administration, supporter care, governance support, data management and supplier coordination)

· Protect the Trust’s reputation by maintaining high standards of quality, confidentiality, safeguarding and risk management

· Monitor progress against the operational plan, tracking risks, issues and dependencies and reporting regularly to the Chair/Trustees

· Lead on team resourcing and capability: recruitment planning (where applicable), induction, training and continuous improvement

· Work closely with the Chair and Trustees to support good governance, prepare papers, and ensure actions and decisions are implemented

· Attend and present at Board meetings

Finance

· Manage day-to-day financial processes for the Trust, ensuring appropriate approvals, controls and timely processing

· Oversee expense claims and supplier payments in line with policy; ensure accurate records are maintained for audit and reporting

· Track and report on income/expenditure and operational costs, highlighting variances and supporting budget planning with Trustees and finance support (where in place)

· Maintain a clear audit trail for key financial decisions, contracts and delegated approvals

Planning and Organising

· Develop and implement operational plans that translate Trustee priorities into clear workstreams, milestones and accountabilities

· Plan, organise and prioritise team workload and resources to deliver objectives, balancing immediate operational needs with longer-term planning

· Maintain and review the organisational risk register, escalating issues and ensuring proportionate mitigations are in place

· Maintain and review the Trust’s policies and guidance documents

· Monitor and report delivery, performance and compliance (e.g., quarterly/annually as agreed), supporting effective governance and continuous improvement

Decision Making

· Make operational decisions to deliver the Trust’s agreed plans within delegated authority, escalating strategic or high-risk matters to the Chair/Trustees

· Lead and line-manage the operational team, including recruitment planning (where applicable), workload allocation and resource deployment

· Liaise with external partners, supporters, volunteers, suppliers and professional advisers to support delivery and maintain effective relationships

· Liaise with the Chair of Trustees and the Trustees on a regular basis.

· Evaluate and improve processes, systems and ways of working to enhance quality, efficiency, supporter experience and internal control

· Identify learning and development needs for the team and support continuous improvement and professional development

· Manage operational capacity and prioritisation, ensuring resources are aligned to the Trust’s delivery commitments

· Approve expenditure, contracts and commitments within delegated authority and in line with policy

Internal and External Relationships

Internal

· Chair of Trustees and Board of Trustees (including sub-committees), providing timely updates, papers and delivery reporting

· Operational team and volunteers, providing leadership, coordination and support

External

Supporters, donors, partner organisations, volunteers, suppliers and professional advisers (e.g., finance, HR, legal), acting as an operational point of contact as required

Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Style Required

Essential

· Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience), with strong digital/IT capability (MS Office and CRM/databases) and a clear understanding of GDPR/data protection.

· Proven experience in an operational leadership/management role, delivering organisational plans, improving processes and achieving measurable outcomes.

· Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively with Trustees, colleagues, volunteers and external stakeholders.

· Strong people management skills, supporting staff through change, setting clear expectations and creating an inclusive, high-performing team culture.

· Demonstrable experience working in or with a charity/not-for-profit, with a good understanding of governance, compliance and supporter-facing operations (experience in human health, animal health or science an advantage).

· Strong judgement and analytical skills, able to manage competing priorities, budgets and risks and to deliver reliably in a small-organisation environment.

Desirable

· Understanding of the UK charity regulatory environment and good governance practice.

· Experience working with Boards/Trustees, including preparing papers, reporting on delivery and supporting effective decision-making.

· Knowledge and experience of fundraising operations and supporter care.

· Demonstrable understanding of, and commitment to, One Medicine.

Job Context and Special Features

This role is a key senior management position within Humanimal Trust, with responsibility for ensuring that strategy is translated into effective delivery, that the operational team is supported to perform at its best, and that the Trust operates with strong governance, compliance and financial control.

This is a one-year fixed term appointment for a 28-hour (3.5 day) working week, starting at the earliest opportunity.  The role is home-based in the UK, with occasional travel to other locations in the country.

The Navigators is a Christian discipleshp charity working across the UK. We are seeking an organised and proactive Events Executive to provide maternity cover and lead the delivery of our key external events, including the National Conference and launch of our Alongside course.

The role involves co-ordinating event logistics, managing budgets, working closely with internal teams and helping ensure events are used effectively to engage people with our work and support the growth of a movment of 'Alongsiders'.

We offer a friendly and supportive team to work with, the opportunity to take responsibility for two high profile events based on solid foundations from previous successes and a competitive remuneration package.

We would ideally like to have a candidate working fully or hybrid from the Southampton Office. However we are willing to consider applications from exceptional candidates who would only be able to take the post working fully remotely from within the UK with the ability to travel to events. 

The attached candidate pack contains more details about our work, the role and the person description for this post.

Please note that there is an occupational requirement for the post holder to be a practicing Christian.

• Lead growth of corporate fundraising and corporate partnerships, guided by Butterfly Conservation’s Corporate Fundraising Plan.
• Identify, cultivate, secure and deliver corporate partnerships applying a coordinated and proactive approach.
• Ensure effective delivery within the corporate fundraising stream and appropriate corporate stewardship, with the support of the Corporate Fundraising Officer.
• Deliver actions that lead to the meeting of Butterfly Conservation’s Fundraising Target and which secures good return on investment.

1. Planning, and continually reviewing, the Corporate Fundraising Team work programme and working with the Corporate Fundraising Officer in executing it so as to deliver impact.
2. Identifying, building and maintaining a strong, diverse pipeline of corporate prospects.
3. Implementing a proactive acquisition approach to securing new corporate support that delivers financial and/or social value gains for our charity, including the negotiation and drawing up of partnership agreements.
4. Personally managing and stewarding a portfolio of corporate relationships, providing an outstanding supporter experience which seeks to sustain and grow corporates’ support.
5. Providing corporate fundraising advice, materials and updates to colleagues/Branches and working with the Head of Grant, Trust & Corporate Fundraising to deliver training to staff, the Senior Leadership Team, Council of Trustees and   BC Trading Company Board, as required. 
6. Working with teams across the organisation to develop and prepare tailored cases for support/proposals and bespoke updates/reports to corporate donors.
7. Collaborating with the Finance Team to ensure appropriate invoicing, accurate income coding/recording and contract compliance.
8. Monitoring corporate relationship and income performance so as to provide data that can feed into reports and analysis, which can inform our Senior Leadership Team, Council of Trustees and  BC Trading Company Board.
9. Following relevant policies and procedures, such as those relating to data management and our Ethical Fundraising & Donation Acceptance Policy.
10. Ensuring the effective promotion and/or dissemination of Butterfly Conservation’s ‘Corporate Supporters Pack’ and ‘Work for Good’ platform (managed for lower level donations), providing clarification to corporates and/or identifying potential for uplift, to then pursue, as necessary.
11. Line managing and supporting the Corporate Fundraising Officer, driving performance and innovation through a solution focused approach and ensuring appropriate prioritisation of workload.
12. Maintaining and updating records to keep track of corporate prospects and corporate approaches, communications and agreements, in files, spreadsheets and on the CRM so that the are a reliable and trusted source of information. 

• Promote BC’s values (Excellence, Passionate, Inspiring, Collaborative) ensuring they are adopted in all aspects of the role.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as required and commensurate with the grade of post.
• Undertake all duties and responsibilities in compliance with the rules and regulations encompassing equal opportunities to help foster a diverse workforce.
• Work in accordance with BC’s policies, procedures, and codes of conduct.
• Actively participate in on-going professional development activities.

Shine supports a community of over 15,000 members living with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus, including 5,000 children and young people (0–25).

You will be delivering high-quality support and creating opportunities for children and young people living with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus and their families/carers. Supporting Shine members to lead healthy, independent, and fulfilling lives by improving condition management and fostering connections within the Shine community. 

This role will focus on children and young people (0–25), you will be primarily working within the Children, Young People and Families team. However, there will be occasions when you will work across age groups to ensure the best outcomes for our members. 

The role is home-based but you will be required to attend regular clinics in London including GOSH (Great Ormond Street Hospital). Other travel across Southern England including Bristol, Devon and Hampshire may be required. There will be occasional travel required across wider areas and nationally including attendance at events, conferences and meetings at our head office in Peterborough. 

Benefits: 

• Competitive salary: Review due April 2027 

• Regular working hours, and no shift work (some very occasional weekends or evenings)   

• 3% pension contribution 

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with additional discretionary leave between Christmas and New Year 

• Additional annual leave awarded for ‘long service’ 

• Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave 

• Broadband allowance for home-based roles 

• Life insurance after 12 months’ employment   

• Access to our Employee Support Programme and Mental Health First Aiders  

• Support to learn and develop  

How to apply  

Shine is a Disability Confident employer and will offer guaranteed interviews if a disabled applicant meets the minimum criteria for the job.  

If you would like to discuss the role please email Gill Valentine, Deputy CEO, to arrange a convenient time for a call.  

To apply please submit your CV and supporting statement, which should outline your interest and explain how you meet the role criteria.

*Please note applications without a supporting statement will not be accepted* 

We understand that you may wish to use AI tools to help you with some aspects of your application, but we do expect tailored applications which are personalised to your experiences and not generic applications which are completely AI generated. We encourage candidates to be transparent about AI usage in their applications.  

Closing date:  Monday 17th May 2026 at 11pm  

Interviews:  Tuesday 26th May 2026  (Virtual) 

Please note: we reserve the right to interview suitable candidates before the closing date, therefore we encourage applications as soon as possible.  

Please see full details on the Job Description and Person Specification document below and on our website.

Welsh Language Coordinator

We have an exciting opportunity for a Welsh language Coordinator to support early years, childcare and play work practitioners with Welsh language skills.  

Position: Welsh Language Coordinator

Location: Home Based, Travel will be required to undertake this role.

Hours: Part-time, 22.5 hours per week

Salary: £27,500 - £29,000 pro rata (dependent upon experience)

Contract: Fixed term until 31st March 2027, extension possible subject to funding

Benefits: Include pro rata of 26 days paid holiday (rising to 30 days with service increments) plus 8 bank holiday, Personal Pension Scheme, Healthcare Cash Plan, Online Discount Scheme, Employee Assistance Programme, Staff Awards Scheme, Company Sick Pay Scheme, Flexible working patterns

The Role

As Welsh Language Coordinator you will support early years, childcare and play work practitioners with Welsh language skills. Targets are agreed annually between the Welsh Government and charity partners. You will co-ordinate the charity’s Welsh language project, encourage Members to embark onto the online self-learning course, and provide ongoing support to practitioners on increasing their use of the Welsh language.

Main duties include supporting the wider organisation and our UK and international customers through:

• To establish and manage robust procedures and systems to support the co- ordination, delivery and monitoring of the Welsh Language project
• Identify settings and recruitment of practitioners for the delivery of training courses
• Promote the development of Welsh language skills by providing information on the online self-learning course, encouraging practitioners to sign up for the training
• Provide support to practitioners to ensure learning from the training is implemented in the workplace
• Development of resources to ensure training influences practice
• Delivery of live interaction sessions with practitioners and other partners
• Collection of data, monitoring and tracking the progress of participants
• Provide regular written reports identifying progress against targets
• Systematically gather and record sector intelligence and research
• Carry out visits within member settings in North Wales to identify settings which may want to transition to Bilingual or Welsh medium status.

About You

To be successful in the role you will need the following skills and experience:

• Effective communication skills - fluent in both English and Welsh
• Knowledge of the benefits and value of the Welsh language in the early years sector
• Experience of using a range of IT applications including Microsoft Office/ Excel
• Excellent administrative skills with attention to detail
• Able to build relationships easily and communicate at all levels, including the ability to use language and other communication skills that very young children can understand and relate to
• Enthusiasm for quality early years, childcare and play work opportunities
• Ability to meet deadlines and prioritise a busy workload
• An enthusiastic, self motivated, organised, team worker and networker
• Ability to work independently and use their own initiative
• Ability to organise and prioritise work with a minimum of supervision

In order to fulfil this role you must have the use of your own transport and the ability to travel as needed.

To apply you will be asked to submit your CV along with a covering letter detailing how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the requirements of the role.

About the Organisation

The organisation is a national charity and membership association specifically for nurseries. They work in partnership with nurseries, local authorities, national government and a range of partners to develop an environment in which early learning and care can flourish.

The organisation is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and is actively opposed to discrimination in society.

You may have experience in areas such as Welsh Language Support Officer, Welsh Speaking Project Manager, Welsh Speaking LSA, Welsh Speaking Teaching Assistant, Welsh Translator, Teacher of Welsh, etc.

Money & Energy Advice Service Lead

Pro rata salary: £39,825 (35 hour week)

Home-based, with travel as required

Up to 35 hours per week with occasional evenings and / or weekend work will be required

Permanent (subject to external funding)

Responsible for: 2.0 FTE Money & Energy Advisers

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced welfare benefits practitioner with a passion for sharing knowledge and enabling teams to deliver above and beyond.

With around 4 in 10 beneficiaries, we support seeking help with financial difficulties, this is a pivotal role for Kidney Care UK.

We are seeking a knowledgeable and confident specialist income maximisation activities for a role with three key parts: to lead a small team delivering benefits and energy advice and support directly to clients; to play a key role in upskilling and supporting our outstanding Patient Support team across the country; and to be the subject matter expert within Kidney Care UK.

Our external partners – British Gas Energy Trust have committed to fund our Money and Energy Service until March 2027. We are advertising this position as ‘permanent’ – we anticipate confirmation by December 2026 whether funding will be extended beyond March 2027.

This role is made possible thanks to the support of British Gas Energy Trust.

About Kidney Care UK

Around 3.5 million people in the UK live with chronic kidney disease, and one million of them don’t know that they do.

Since 1975, Kidney Care UK has been at the forefront of supporting people with kidney disease. From our early days when we campaigned to introduce donor cards in the UK, we have worked hard to support and represent the interests of everyone affected by kidney disease. 

About the Money & Energy Advice Service

The Money & Energy Advice Service (MEAS) provides information and support for welfare benefits and income maximisation and promotes awareness of efficient energy use. Working closely with Patient Support officers, MEAS provides specialist knowledge and directly supports clients to achieve sustainable financial outcomes. The service was established in 2023 with the support of British Gas Energy Trust and is embedded as a valued element of the many ways Kidney Care UK supports people affected by kidney failure.

What we offer

Working at Kidney Care UK is incredibly rewarding and you will see the life-changing impact that the charity has on kidney patients and their families:

• Flexi-time – we are flexible about start and finish times, and flexible about your location.
• Annual and Christmas leave – we offer 25 days annual leave for full time employees plus bank holidays. We also close for three days between Christmas and New Year, and you don’t need to take this from your annual leave allowance.
• Pension – you’ll be eligible for and auto-enrolled into a pension scheme where your employer will contribute 8% of your salary.
• Health cashback plan – ability to claim back a wide variety of routine medical treatments.
• Employee Assistance Programme – access to a wide variety of support including counselling, health resources and advice.
• Cycle2Work scheme

Location(s)   

This position is open to candidates currently based in Scotland, in line with the role’s operational requirements. The role is home-based with in person attendance to our ‘All Staff Days’ in London (5 per year), team meetings (roughly 6 meetings per year) and occasional travel to other meetings and Westminster as required. Where possible, these are combined with an overnight stay. 

London office: AdviceUK, 83 Victoria Street, London, SW1H 0HW 

Job Title:  Policy and External Affairs Manager (Scotland) 

Employment Type:  Part-time 

Reporting to:  Head of Policy, Programmes and Media 

Pay scale: £40,000 - £42,500 Full time equivalent  (Actual salary £32,000-34,000)

Interview: In person interviews will take place on Friday 29th May at our London office

Working hours: 28 hours per week (4 days/0.8) within normal operating hours. Flexible working arrangements will be considered. (Normal operating hours are 8.00am - 6.30pm, Monday – Friday.) Lunch & other breaks are unpaid. 

Special conditions: Some evening and weekend work may be required for which time off in lieu (TOIL) will be granted. Some travel will be required which may entail some overnight stays.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all backgrounds, particularly encouraging those from underrepresented groups. 

CHARITY OVERVIEW 

Since 1979, AdviceUK has been supporting advice organisations by helping them to be efficient, competent and effective, and by campaigning for a policy environment that supports advice agencies and people needing advice.

We are both a membership body and charity. We support our 700+ members (109 of which are located in Scotland) to provide advice to around 2 million people every year. We are working towards a world in which every individual, regardless of means, is able to access the advice they need to exercise their rights and deal with any legal and social welfare challenges they may face. 

JOB PURPOSE  

To set up and manage our policy and public affairs activities in Scotland ensuring AdviceUK has a strong voice, so we can secure policy change to benefit organisations delivering advice and the communities they serve. The post holder will be responsible for establishing AdviceUK’s first policy and influencing strategy for Scotland, including through developing policy solutions informed by strong evidence and rooted in member experience, and leading effective political and stakeholder engagement which will influence change. They will work closely with colleagues across the UK to join up policy, influencing and communications work. 

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

1.Strategy 

1.1 Develop AdviceUK’s first policy and influencing strategy for Scotland, through consultation with members and stakeholders and analysis of the landscape and opportunities in Scottish policy making. 

1.2 Put plans in place to roll out a specific programme of proactive and reactive policy work to further AdviceUK’s strategic aims in Scotland and represent the voices of Scottish members. 

1.3 Devise measures to monitor the impact of our policy and influencing work in Scotland and report back to staff, trustees, members and stakeholders about the difference we are making. 

2.Policy development 

2.1 Collaborate with AdviceUK members, partners, sector stakeholders and 

beneficiaries to develop clear, concise and authoritative policy positions on key issues. 

2.2 Produce high-quality, well-argued policy materials based on data and evidence, including reports, select committee responses, evidence statements, briefings and responses to Scottish Government consultations. 

2.3 Provide policy input for media statements, press releases and social media posts relating to Scotland, which are managed by the Press Officer and Digital Marketing Officer.

2.4 Develop an expert knowledge of policy issues affecting Advice UK members, keep up to date on the political and legislative environment and identify opportunities to use these to further Advice UK’s strategic objectives. 

2.5 Represent AdviceUK at policy and/or sector meetings and events.

3. Public affairs 

3.1 Roll out a programme of public affairs work including Scottish parliamentary engagement to promote AdviceUK’s strategic priorities. 

3.2 Build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders across the Scottish Government and parliament, local and decision makers, non-governmental bodies and other relevant stakeholders. 

3.3 Champion an evidence based approach to all Advice UK’s advocacy and external relations work, drawing on research and member insight to inform our campaign messages. 

3.4 Ensure regular opportunities for Advice UK members in Scotland to feed into our public affairs and advocacy work, and regular communications on our impact, to demonstrate how we amplify their voice. 

3.5 Monitor and evaluate public affairs work, including collecting relevant metrics, to report back on our success and inform future campaigns. 

4. Research and data 

4.1 Work with Policy, Programme and Media (PPM) colleagues as well as the wider AdviceUK team to develop the evidence base needed to inform our policy and campaigns work in Scotland. 

4.2 Work with the Research and Policy Analyst to carry out analysis that identifies emerging trends in the Scottish advice world and use this to provide evidence-based policy briefings and specific policy solutions. 

5. General duties 

5.1 Ensure you effectively communicate Advice UK’s vision, mission and objectives to staff, members and external stakeholders.

5.2 Ensure you demonstrate Advice UK’s values and behaviours in all aspects of your work

5.3 Build and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders including staff trustees; members, partners and suppliers 

5.4 With support from your manager, deliver your agreed personal objectives and undertake any agreed development or training

5.5 Maintain a strong understanding of our members and the advice sector more generally, by reading internal reports; accessing relevant data reports; following our social media channels and, where possible, attending member and other relevant events. With the agreement of you line manager, ensure you make time to speak to members and visit their services.

5.6 Adhere at all times to Advice UK’s policies and procedures

5.7 Carry out any reasonable duties compatible with the post assigned by your line manager 

At Samaritans, our vision is that fewer people die by suicide. Every day, our volunteers and staff provide life-saving emotional support to people in distress, and behind that work is a culture built on compassion, inclusion, learning and human connection.

We are looking for an experienced and values-led leader to join us as our new Assistant Director of Organisational Development & Learning within our People and Culture Directorate.

This is a rare opportunity to shape how learning, leadership and organisational capability enable one of the UK and Ireland’s most respected charities to deliver its mission.

You will lead the development of an ambitious organisation-wide learning and organisational development strategy, ensuring our 23,000 volunteers and 300 staff members, have the skills, confidence and support needed to deliver safe, effective and compassionate services.

About the role

Reporting to the Executive Director of People & Culture, you will lead a talented team responsible for organisational development, leadership capability, learning and development, delivery of training through our training school and external learning provision through STEP, our commercial training offer.

Samaritans is on an ambitious journey of change, we are evolving how we work, strengthening collaboration across the organisation to meet growing need for our life-saving listening services.

You could not be joining us at a more pivotal time and the capability of our people has never been more important. Working closely with senior leaders across the organisation, you will:

• Lead the development and delivery of innovative, inclusive and high-quality learning solutions
• Shape and embed leadership capability frameworks that support a positive, accountable and compassionate culture
• Support organisational transformation and change through strong organisational development expertise
• Drive strategic approaches to learning, talent and succession planning
• Partner with leaders to build a high-performing and psychologically safe learning culture
• Ensure our learning approaches reflect best practice, accessibility and equity, diversity and inclusion principles
• Support the development of our geographically dispersed volunteer and staff teams
• Bring external insight, thought leadership and innovation into the organisation

You will also play an active role as part of our Senior Leadership Group and People and Culture Senior Leadership Team, contributing beyond your specialist area to help deliver our wider organisational strategy and mission.

About you

You are an experienced organisational development, learning or people capability leader with a strong track record of delivering strategic cultural and organisational change.

Importantly, you are someone who leads with empathy, curiosity and integrity. You understand that high performance and compassion go hand in hand, and you are passionate about creating environments where people feel supported, empowered and able to grow.

You will bring:

• Significant experience leading organisational development and learning strategy at a senior level
• Expertise in leadership development, capability building and organisational change
• Experience of identifying future capability needs through workforce planning’
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, including experience working with senior leadership teams
• Experience developing inclusive learning cultures and blended learning solutions
• Knowledge of talent and succession planning approaches
• The ability to inspire and lead geographically dispersed teams, including volunteers
• A collaborative and values-driven leadership style

Experience within the charity or not-for-profit sector would be welcomed, though we also encourage applications from candidates outside the sector who share our values and mission.

Why Samaritans?

At Samaritans, people matter deeply. We know that meaningful impact starts with how we support each other.

We are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive and flexible workplace where everyone can thrive. We value diversity of thought, background and lived experience, and we actively encourage applications from people from all communities.

In return, we offer:

• Competitive Salary and Rewards; £73,000 - £75,000 per annum plus Benefits.
• Flexible and hybrid working; Our full time hours are 35 hours per week, but we are committed to flexible working and offer a hybrid approach to working. Due to the nature of our work, some evening and weekend working is required with time off in lieu given.
• Hybrid working: Meeting in person and working collaboratively are things we value. This role is linked to our Ewell (Surrey) office with a blend of home working and option to work out of our London office as required.
• The opportunity to shape learning and organisational capability in a nationally recognised charity
• A supportive and inclusive culture
• Professional development opportunities
• The chance to contribute directly to work that saves lives

Every person at Samaritans plays a role in helping fewer people die by suicide. If you are motivated by purpose, compassion and the opportunity to make a lasting difference, we would love to hear from you.

Full outline in the Job description file here. You can also read more about our change programme (future proofing) here - Our need for change

For further information about Samaritans, including our charity structure, values, employee benefits, and application process, please read our recruitment brochure available here. You can also visit our careers website to access this.

We recognise the enormous benefits and the social justice imperatives of ensuring diversity at every level of our organisation. Samaritans is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. To ensure Samaritans is representative of those we support and who support us, we particularly welcome applications from disabled, racialised minority and LGBTQ+ candidates, as these people are under-represented at Samaritans.

To Apply

Please complete the application questions including those outlined below, and submit your CV, with a brief supporting statement. Please note the following questions have a 300word limit for answers.

1. Please outline your most relevant experience/role that gives you confidence you

could broadly deliver all that’s outlined in the job description?

1. Tell us about a learning and development strategy you have designed and implemented across an organisation or large workforce.
2. Describe a time when you influenced senior leaders or stakeholders to adopt a new approach to leadership, culture, learning or organisational capability.
3. Please describe a significant organisational development, culture change or transformation programme you have led.

We kindly ask that you don’t rely on AI tools for your application answers, or to generate interview answers. We want to see your own unique ideas and writing skills. We want your application to stand out from the rest and showcase your own strengths.

Applications close at Midnight Sunday 17th May

Interviews

All applicants will receive notification of the outcome of their application, at the appropriate time.

The interview process will be in two stages, allowing enough time to connect with leaders and explore this great opportunity with candidates.

Interviews will be taking place as outlined;

First stage Interviews: 28th May and 1st June

Second stage interviews to be held at our Ewell Office (Epsom, Surrey) on 3rd and 4th June.

Please hold these dates in diaries if applying.

Volunteer and community involvement is a core part of what we do here at Sands. From Sands United Teams, Support Groups, knitters, Parent Speakers and event volunteer, volunteers are at the heart of Sands delivering peer support, and building a local community for bereaved parents.

Sands Groups are volunteer led, and community driven.  

Sands has a vision to grow community-based peer support, community activity and volunteer involvement across the organisation. This requires an investment in enabling, innovation in peer support and volunteer involvement and partnership working.At the heart of this is our Befrienders.

Befrienders are in every Group across the UK and enable online support groups too.

This post is all about developing, delivering and managing our fantastic volunteer befriender programme across Sands. Ensuring that Sands befrienders are enabled to provide warm, supportive, evidence-based and values-driven peer support to bereaved families across the UK.

This maternity cover post will have two key focus areas

- Maintaining key components of the befriender programme, including regular communications and meeting with Befrienders, driving recruitment opportunities, supporting innovation in Befriending and troubleshooting in partnership with volunteers.

- Deliver a fixed timeline project focused on developing the Befriender programme.

Responsibilities

Best practice in peer support and befriender programmes

• Manage the direction and growth of the Befriender programme
• Work with the Development Leads and Community Development Officers to create plans for regions to support existing Befrienders and grow the peer support offer across the UK

· To engage, inspire and support existing Sands befrienders, providing a positive volunteer experience from recruitment to saying goodbye

• Be the point of contact for Befriender safeguarding issues. Be proactive in addressing and be an escalation point for challenges, risks and safeguarding issues.

• Practice and support excellent standards in all aspects of inclusion and diversity, particularly in reaching marginalised groups in recruitment and enabling volunteers to provide inclusive support spaces. 
• Lead on development of processes, guidance and resources, ensuring good governance and risk management of the Befriender Programme
• Work with the Volunteering Coordinator to ensure delivery of key processes, process development and improvement to enhance the volunteer experience. 

· To identify learning and development opportunities for befrienders and create a culture of continued learning for all Befrienders

Develop and innovate

• Be an opportunity spotter, picking up innovation opportunities to grow and develop the Befriender programme, alongside relevant Sands’ staff teams. 

• Manage short- and long-term projects and where appropriate join cross organisational working groups to represent the Community and Volunteering Team. Including projects that may have budgets.

• Advocate the voices and needs of Befrienders, bringing in knowledge and feedback to enable good decision making and volunteer participation in new ways of working

• Through supporting approaches to recruitment and partnerships, ensure that individuals with a wide range of bereavement experiences are at the heart of Sands’ volunteering 

· Build a data driven understanding of gaps in service and representation, and make promotion and recruitment decisions to support growth for under-represented towns/regions/groups

· Support continuous improvement and accurate delivery of processes in the welcome journey for new befrienders, including in recruitment, on-boarding and off-boarding processes in partnership with the Volunteer Coordinator

· Use the CRM to record accurate information and help make data informed decisions

Internal and external partnerships 

• Work with the Bereavement Support Services Team (BSS) to ensure collaboration across the Befriender programme and national BSS support groups and ensure the Befriender programme continues to be rooted in trauma-informed practice.
• Work with the Training Team to ensure that training and learning experiences for Befrienders are up to date, relevant and accessible.

• Work with the Philanthropy and Partnerships team and the Head of Community and Volunteering to maximise compelling cases for support, storytelling and funding opportunities at a national and local level.

· Work with the Engagement Team to ensure Sands befriending is represented in an engaging and positive way across Sands social media and the media