Communication officer jobs in northampton, northamptonshire

The Role

As Finance Manager, you will be responsible for managing and monitoring all charitable income and expenditure, financial forecasting, producing management accounts, annual financial accounts, and maintaining effective control systems. The post holder will also have the opportunity to work on strategic projects such as developing our financial practice and policies, grant reconciliation and forecasting.

The successful candidate will have charity accounting experience and at least qualified by experience in charity accounting. In addition to the relevant technical skills, we are looking for someone who is committed to our mission, takes a proactive approach, is excited to support our responsive, dynamic organisation to develop and grow, and has excellent people skills to build and maintain effective relationships with colleagues.

Whilst this is a remote role, some occasional travel (approx 6-10 times per year) to London and the South East for meetings and get togethers will be expected.

Key Responsibilities

Day to Day Financial transactions 

• Accounts Receivable

• Accounts Payable

• Bank Reconciliation

• Payroll

• Process expense claims

Financial Control

• Ensure financial controls and the integrity of the financial records are maintained

• Complete month end processes and prepare management accounts, KPIs and commentaries on a timely basis

• Lead the audit process and preparation of statutory accounts.

Financial Planning

• Work with the CEO and Executive Director to prepare budgets and forecasts

• Monitor performance against project specific and organisational budgets throughout the financial year

• Develop projections to support strategic and business planning

• Monitor and report on reserve levels based on current projections

• Support the fundraising functions (Executive Director) with ongoing analysis and reporting

• Prepare and manage cashflow forecasts

Secretariat Duties

• Preparation of papers for, attendance at, quarterly Board meetings

• Arranging and minuting Quarterly Board meetings, 

Supporting the organisation

• Business planning including tracking multi-year grant commitments and understanding the balance of reserves after future year income and grant commitments

• Support Fundraising with donor reporting requirements, reconciliation of income received and reviewing of income against budget and forecast

• Contribute to strategic projects and funding bids.

Audit and Taxation

• Lead the relationship with the auditors, ensuring that the audit is delivered on schedule and all statutory filings are made on time.

• Responsible for the preparation of statutory accounts and supporting schedules.

• Liaise with tax advisors to ensure compliance.

• Complete quarterly VAT returns and Gift Aid returns.

Treasury

•  Lead in the management of bank accounts and deposits.

The salary is £38,000 FTE pro rata, for 21 hours per week, with 17 days annual leave including bank holidays.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

We are looking for a dynamic finance professional, eager to make a difference. We need someone as keen to get stuck in with the day to day administrative aspects of the role, as with helping us lead the organisation through strategic planning and growth. 

You have experience in effectively managing finances in a charity setting and can manage your own time effectively with great motivation. You are able to communicate effectively with colleagues, requesting information and presenting findings in a clear and approachable manner. 

Ideally, you combine the professionalism of the corporate world with the heart of a grassroots movement, directly contributing to the impact of this fast-paced, responsive organisation.

Essential

• Sound knowledge and demonstrable experience of UK Charity SORP, charity sector financial practices and preparing statutory accounts

• Qualified by experience or part qualified CIMA, ACCA, ACA 

• Experience of preparing and managing an audit process

• A critical eye for reviewing accounting transactions and ensuring accuracy

• Strong attention to detail with a clear and diligent working approach

• Experience of VAT within a charity context

• Excellent IT skills, including experience of using Microsoft Office; in particular great Excel skills

• Ability to work independently and use initiative to manage a busy and varied workload

• Experience of using QuickBooks

• A proactive and solutions focussed approach

• Excellent team player, willing to work flexibly and collaboratively to respond to changing organisational needs/priorities

• Personable, with excellent communications skills and the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and a range of audiences (e.g. reports, presentations)

• Ability to explain finance procedures to non-finance people

• A commitment to The Flying Seagull Project’s mission

• A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

Desirable

Experience or understanding of working in the international development sector would be an advantage.

How to apply

If you think this sounds like your ideal opportunity and you’d like to join our Seagull team as our Finance Manager, please apply via CharityJob, submitting your CV plus a brief cover letter (maximum 2 sides A4) showing us how you meet the points in the Person Specification above. 

We are considering applications on an ongoing basis as they are received, and intend to hold the first round of virtual interviews during the weeks of 28th July and 4th August, so don’t delay!

We encourage applications from all suitably qualified or experienced individuals, regardless of their race, gender, biological sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.

JOB TITLE: HR Coordinator

LOCATION: Great Horwood, Buckinghamshire (minimum 3 days in office per week)

SALARY: £35 - £40k FTE (pro rata) based on experience

JOB TYPE: Permanent, 4 days per week (30 hours)

Medical Detection Dogs trains dogs to save lives.

We train specialist dogs to detect the odour of human disease, providing life-saving Medical Alert Assistance Dogs to people with complex health problems across the UK and collaborating with NHS Trusts and other researchers and Universities both in the UK and internationally to advance the early diagnosis of disease with our Bio Detection Dogs.  We have an exciting new opportunity to join this small, but ambitious charity that is a world leader in its specialist innovative field.

MAIN PURPOSE & SCOPE OF THE ROLE:

The HR Coordinator will provide specialist and proactive support to other departments within the charity to ensure organisational compliance in all relevant areas relating to HR.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

Reporting to the People Engagement Manager, you will be supporting the Charity to set and deliver on its People Strategy. You will be responsible for providing operational HR services, advice, and guidance with a primary focus on HR transactions, employee relations management, engagement, recruitment and performance management.  You will identify, analyse and utilise HR data to inform decision making and identify more efficient ways of working.

Reports to: People Engagement Manager

ABOUT THE ROLE

You will lead the development and implementation of a best practice approach to recruitment.

You will advise managers on best practice techniques for monthly one-to-one meetings and annual appraisals to ensure staff feel confident to openly discuss challenges as well as successes.

You will review and update our existing HR policies and procedures, ensuring they not only comply with current HR law but importantly promote best practice.

You will also work with the senior leadership team to develop a set of organisational values that prioritise equality, diversity and inclusion and reflect best practice, ensuring these are then communicated to all staff, volunteers, and stakeholders.

This is a rare opportunity to join a charity that wants to strengthen the support it provides to its staff and volunteers.

Responsibilities of the Role

· Maintain all HR policies and procedures ensuring they are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect relevant legislation and best practice.

· Ensure managers and staff are aware of and understand policies and procedures, communicate changes, and provide support to managers when interpreting policies as required.

· To work in collaboration with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team in leading Medical Detection Dogs towards our vision of becoming a staff-centric charity.

· Provide an efficient service to deliver HR transaction activities throughout the employment lifecycle, from offer to off-boarding.

· Provide support, guidance, and advice for managers in conducting and concluding employee relations cases, including absence, performance management, disciplinary and grievance cases, ensuring adherence to policy.

· Manage, maintain, and deliver the charity’s onboarding induction to new members of staff.

· Always maintain the highest levels of discretion and confidentiality.

· Be a role model within the charity demonstrating MDD’s values and behaviours at all times.

· Monitor completion of performance appraisals and one to one meetings, issuing reminders and offering support to managers as required.

· Coordinate and support the delivery of employee engagement surveys, including planning, analysis, reporting and follow up actions.

· Produce regular HR reports and people data metrics for the Senior Leadership Team (e.g. turnover, tenure, sickness absence trends, performance outcomes).

· Maintain and update the HR system (Breathe HR), ensuring employee records are accurate and up to date.

· Prepare and submit monthly payroll changes to the finance team in line with payroll deadlines.

· Manage staff benefits including the health cash plan, life assurance, pension scheme and long service awards.

· Produce and circulate internal HR communications such as staff newsletters, HR updates and policy changes.

· Coordinate and support learning and development activities, including booking and maintaining training records and delivering HR related training for managers and staff (e.g. one to ones, appraisals, HR systems).

· Assist in developing employee engagement initiatives.

· Contribute to wellbeing and inclusion initiatives.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Experience & Qualifications

Essential

· CIPD Qualified and a minimum of 3 years’ experience in a similar role or currently undertaking the qualification.

· Employee relations (e.g. performance, absence, disciplinary, grievance, redundancy, etc) case management in line with current UK employment legislation

· Management of end-to-end recruitment activity, supporting hiring managers and focussed on candidate experience

· Excellent interpersonal, networking and communication skills

· Experience of managing relationships with staff at all levels

Desirable

· Experience of reward and recognition practices

· Experience of managing and inspiring staff, including encouraging innovation and improving ways of working to build a resilient and high performing team culture that delivers results

· Effective organisation and administrative skills gained within HR

· Experience on use of HR database (BREATHE)

Knowledge & Skills

DESIRABLE

• Ability to work independently and under minimal supervision in a fast paced and demanding environment, exercising good judgement, and using own initiative.
• Ability to work supportively and effectively within and across teams and build good working relationships
• Ability to maintain confidentiality when appropriate
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office

· Highly effective written and verbal communication skills

· Good influencing and negotiation skills

· Strong people management skills with the ability to train and develop individuals and create a ‘one team’ ethos

Other Requirements

· A full current driving license

· Comfortable with dogs in the workplace/office

DIVERITY, EQUALITY & INCLUSION

We are a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive Charity. Medical Detection Dogs thrives when everyone feels comfortable bringing their best self to work. We celebrate difference, whilst striving to create an environment where colleagues feel respected and valued for their unique potential. We are committed to our values on equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Charity Values

All employees are expected to uphold the charity’s core values in their daily work. This includes demonstrating respect through open and considerate communication, fostering cooperation by working collaboratively, maintaining honesty in all interactions and ensuring fairness through just and transparent decision-making.

Benefits

· Sick Pay

· Health Cash Plan

· 26 days holiday, increasing with service

· 5% Employer Pension Contribution

· Free On-site parking

· Life Insurance

We are thrilled to be working with an awesome charity who are looking for an Interim Head of Philanthropy to join their team for an initial 6-month contract. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a philanthropy team that is going from strength to strength, with significant corporate partners and a growing major donor programme.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to grow and diversify philanthropy income, delivering an ambitious growth plan across trusts and foundations, major donors, and corporate partnerships.

• Strengthen existing relationships to deepen engagement and secure increased support, while proactively driving new business and developing robust pipelines for long-term sustainability and impact.

• Lead the strategic development and delivery of philanthropy and corporate partnerships strategies, focusing on securing and sustaining six and seven-figure donations.

• Identify, research, and secure new income sources from trusts, philanthropists, and corporates, building and stewarding relationships for long-term benefit.

• Manage and grow an active portfolio of current and prospective donors, implementing tailored cultivation and stewardship plans to maximise lifetime value.

• Develop compelling cases for support and high-impact propositions that inspire, attract, and retain major supporters.

• Prepare and deliver persuasive proposals and pitches to win new corporate partnerships, developing the organisation's offer across CSR, CRM, employee engagement, payroll giving, and other models.

• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of corporate opportunities through strategic prospecting, creative cultivation, and partnership development.

• Oversee a programme of special events to cultivate and engage high-value supporters and prospects.

• Lead the prospect research function, ensuring a robust pipeline of opportunities, comprehensive due diligence, and compliance with ethical standards.

• Draft and negotiate partnership agreements, supported by legal advice, to protect the organisation’s interests and ensure clear commitments.

• Lead and own philanthropy business planning, budgeting, and reporting processes — monitoring performance, evaluating impact, and refining approaches as needed.

• Champion best practice and compliance, ensuring all activity meets legal and regulatory requirements including GDPR.

• Provide inclusive, values-driven leadership to the Philanthropy team — promoting excellence, innovation, and a collaborative, supportive culture.

• Recruit, develop, and retain talent in line with the organisation’s people policies and commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI).

• Embed the organisation’s values and strong commitment to EDI across all philanthropy and corporate partnership activity.

• Foster a culture of philanthropic success across the organisation, working closely with Trustees, the CEO, and senior leaders to maximise networks and relationship management.

• Act as a proactive member of the Senior Management Team, collaborating across directorates to drive innovation, solve challenges, and deliver shared goals.

• Work collaboratively across teams to create integrated delivery plans that maximise efficiency, alignment, and impact.

• Support the Director on organisational strategy, Board and committee papers, and risk management.

• Maintain positive, supportive relationships with colleagues across the organisation, championing a service-user-centred approach in all fundraising activity.

• Ensure the confidentiality, security, and ethical use of information in line with the organisation’s policies.

• Contribute to sustainable working practices and reduce the environmental impact of the organisation’s activities.

• Undertake continuing professional development to maintain expertise and support the organisation’s evolving needs.

• Actively participate in performance management, regular supervision, and development planning.

Person Specifications

• Significant proven experience in major donor and trust fundraising, with a track record of securing and growing six and seven-figure gifts.

• Demonstrable success in developing and securing strategic corporate partnerships to deliver substantial income.

• Strong experience writing compelling, audience-focused proposals and communications.

• Proven ability to build and sustain high-value supporter relationships.

• Experience developing corporate propositions that meet partner CSR objectives and the organisation’s strategic goals.

• Contract development and management experience.

• Confident budget management and financial planning skills.

• Experience leading teams and managing complex internal and external stakeholder relationships.

• Deep knowledge of major donor, trust, and corporate fundraising principles and best practice.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including confident delivery of presentations and pitches.

• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver against deadlines.

• Analytical thinking and the ability to assess opportunities, including understanding risk and return on investment.

• Excellent interpersonal skills, credibility, and the ability to influence at senior level.

• Creativity and strategic thinking to develop supporter-centric propositions and partnerships.

• Experience and confidence in prospect research and new business development.

• An enthusiastic, positive, and collaborative approach.

What’s on Offer:

• £249.01 per day + £37.35 daily holiday pay (£286.36 total PAYE) Outside London
• £260.87 per day + £39.13 daily holiday pay (£300.00 total PAYE) Inside London
• Full-time opportunity, 0.8 considered
• A flexible working set up, hybrid working, travel to London for SLT meetings and Donor meetings. 

How to Apply: To apply, please submit your CV demonstrating your suitability for this role by clicking the “apply now” button.

The process: If your experience aligns with what we're looking for, a member of our team will be in contact to discuss the role with you in more detail before presenting your profile to the client. We will also ensure that all applicants receive an email to inform them of the outcome of their application.

To avoid any potential delays or your application being missed, please apply solely via the 'Apply Now' button via our website.

Commitment to Diversity: The Talent Set and our partner organisation are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of race, sexual orientation, disability, age, or gender. We actively encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds and are always happy to make reasonable adjustments to ensure a fair recruitment process.

About Small Woods Association

Small Woods Association is the UK’s leading charity promoting sustainable woodland management, social, environmental and economic benefits of small woodlands. We support woodland owners, deliver hands-on training in woodland skills, and run wellbeing programmes that connect people with nature through woodlands.

As a national charity we are seeking a committed Philanthropy and Partnership Coordinator with UK-wide knowledge of charitable income generation models, to strengthen relationships with funders, supporters and stakeholders—helping secure the resources and recognition needed to expand our impact.

Purpose of the Role

This role plays a key part in advancing Small Woods’ sustainability by:

• Securing philanthropic support through grants, trusts, and donors.
• Building and nurturing strategic partnerships with supporters, funders, sponsors, and networks.
• Promoting the charity’s work through digital outreach and storytelling to engage members and stakeholders.

You will work closely with the CEO and delivery teams to align income generation with the charity’s mission and priorities.

Key Responsibilities

Philanthropy & Fundraising (Approx. 2 days/week)

• Identify and pursue funding opportunities from UK-based trusts, foundations, public sector schemes and corporate sponsors.
• Write compelling grant applications for projects focused on woodland innovation, social prescribing, education, and conservation.
• Steward funder relationships, ensuring timely reporting, compliance, and meaningful engagement.
• Collaborate with internal teams to shape fundable project proposals with measurable outcomes and clear budgets.
• Support development of earned income streams, such as training, consultancy, and membership, by identifying and promoting opportunities.

Partnerships & Outreach

• Develop and manage partnerships with philanthropic donors, environmental organisations, and community networks.
• Coordinate cross-sector collaborations to support long-term funding and awareness.
• Represent the charity at relevant events, building networks and advocating for Small Woods’ mission.

Marketing (Approx. 1 day/week)

• Plan and deliver digital campaigns to promote income generation related initiatives, membership services, events and impact stories.
• Maintain and update website content to reflect income generation related current activities and opportunities.
• Create high-quality materials, including items for the newsletters, case studies, reports and social media content.
• Support member engagement by helping grow and connect our network of woodland supporters, volunteers and stakeholders.
• Ensure consistency of brand and messaging across all platforms and materials.

Person Specification

Essential

• Proven experience in grant writing and fundraising for charitable organisations.
• Strong understanding of the UK charitable funding environment.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Confident in digital marketing, including social media, websites, and email campaigns.
• Highly organised, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple priorities remotely.
• Passion for environmental or community-based work.

Desirable

• Experience developing strategic partnerships or sponsorships.
• Skills in visual content creation (design, photography, video).
• Experience with CRM systems or donor databases.
• Interest in sustainable woodland management, nature-based wellbeing, or outdoor learning.

Working Conditions

• Remote work with flexible hours.
• Occasional travel to Telford or other UK sites.
• Equipment and support for home working provided.
• Collaboration via online platforms and video calls.

What We Offer

• Flexible working arrangements and supportive culture.
• 25 days holiday pro rata + bank holidays.
• Pension contribution.
• Opportunity to help shape the future of people and woodland wellbeing across the UK.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a short cover letter (max 2 pages) outlining your suitability.

Interviews to be held 18 August 2025 (via Teams or in person where possible)

Vacancy Reference: BfN2026/25

Job Title: Service Development Manager

Salary: £15.73 per hour

Number of Posts: 1

Type of Contract: Maternity Cover/Fixed Term

Start Date: 18/08/2025

Hours of Work: 21 per week to 31/03/2026 (15 hours maternity cover plus 6 hours fixed term)

Working Pattern: Flexible working, with the majority of the hours worked during office hours. Minimum of three days per week.

Work Location: Remote

Responsible to: National Breastfeeding Helpline Manager

Closing Date: 29/07/2025

Proposed Interview Date: 7th or 8th of August (online)

Job Information: This Service Development Manager role has two focus areas: one is the development of our Drugs In Breastmilk Information service ensuring it adapts to the changing preferences and needs of our audience moving forwards (15-hour maternity cover contract). The second is looking at BfN information accessibility more broadly (6 hour fixed term contract).

At Children’s University Trust, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive through learning beyond the classroom. We’re a small, passionate team with bold ambitions to expand our impact – and we’re looking for an equally ambitious Business Development and Community Partnership Manager to lead the way.

This is more than just a development role. It's about building sustainable growth strategies, forging powerful partnerships, and shaping a future where opportunity is no longer defined by postcode or circumstance.

As our Business Development and Community Partnership Manager, you will take the lead in shaping and implementing visionary, data-driven growth strategies across three vital areas:

• Place-based memberships with schools, universities, councils’ departments, and third sector organisations.
• Individual “at home” subscriptions for children in areas without direct Children’s University provision or those who do not engage with traditional education.
• Strategic business partnerships with corporates and SMEs, securing vital funding and in-kind support.

You’ll be a key figure in our next phase of growth — identifying new opportunities, building meaningful relationships, and helping us scale our reach across the UK.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive new business activity and revenue growth across all three strategic areas.
• Build a strong, inclusive pipeline of potential members, partners, and funders.
• Manage and nurture relationships from first contact through to long-term collaboration.
• Use data and insight to shape decision-making and report progress to the board.
• Be a passionate ambassador for Children’s University at events, conferences, and online.

We’re Looking for Someone Who:

• Has a proven track record in income generation, partnerships or sales – all sector’s welcome!
• Is passionate about improving the lives of children and young people.
• Is a strategic thinker with the energy of a new business developer.
• Has the confidence to influence senior stakeholders and the empathy to build trust.
• Brings a creative, collaborative, and resilient mindset.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, flexible, remote-first environment.

Why Join Us?

• A unique chance to shape a growing national charity’s development strategy.
• A collaborative, driven team that values innovation and purpose.
• Flexible working, with one day a week in Manchester.
• An opportunity to truly change lives through education and opportunity.

If you’re excited by the chance to lead sustainable growth with purpose, and you want your work to matter, we want to hear from you.

Apply today and be part of a team creating a brighter future for children across the UK.

Location: Home based

Contract: Permanent, full time - 35hrs per week

Salary: £27,250 gross per annum

Closing Date: 28 July 2025

Assessment Day: 5 August 2025 (Location TBC)

Are you looking for a new opportunity?

The Marine Society & Sea Cadets (MSSC) is a vibrant and growing charity delivering life changing nautical adventure for young people through the Sea Cadets to give them the best possible head start in life. We also provide personal and professional development opportunities for seafarers with the Marine Society. Working with our staff, cadets, and volunteers, we have built a vision and five-year strategy to take us forward and further improve the astounding contribution already made through our work to the lives of thousands of young people and seafarers, while fully supporting our volunteers who are vital to our success.

We are currently looking for a Growth and Development Worker based in England to join our team. This is an externally funded post which will be focused on opening new provision and supporting existing provision in order to reduce waiting lists within specific funding areas. This is a very varied and rewarding role that requires someone who is self-motivated, organised, creative, tenacious, positive, IT competent and with a real interest in people. You need to be able to coach, empower and inspire our volunteers and cadets, both in person and remotely, to grow the Sea Cadets.

Responsibilities

Delivering a variety of training sessions on, for example, recruitment of cadets and volunteers
Developing new growth and recruitment tools and ideas
Promoting flexible volunteering and the volunteer strategy
Assisting with running our social media accounts
Working with and empowering our volunteers to develop plans for growth
Planning and setting up Juniors Sections in new and existing locations/units
Delivering assemblies in schools
Forming part of various working groups with colleagues to develop the tools, resources and processes needed to increase the positive impact of the Growth and Development team.
Supporting the delivery of funded outreach projects

Requirements

Previous experience of working with volunteers
Experience delivering on multiple project plans simultaneously
Ability to build and maintain excellent relationships with a variety of stakeholders remotely and face-to-face
Experience delivering workshops and/or training
Self-motivated and able to manage your time and workload effectively
Flexible and enthusiastic
Able to work as a team player with creative ideas and solutions who will empower our volunteers to make a difference to the lives of even more young people across the UK

For further information, please download the

Benefits

Flexible Working hours and a hybrid culture
Cycle to work scheme and Season Ticket Loan
25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
Life assurance (4x salary) for those that join the pension
Private medical insurance
Pension (employer contribution up to 10%)
Wellbeing portal and EAP with 121 counselling
Employee development: We are investing in our employees' development and have an annual calendar of learning and development opportunities, designed to support employees to develop into their roles and stretch them to achieve their full potential.
National staff conference: All employees come together once a year to reflect on the past year and celebrate success at our offsite staff conference. This is a great opportunity to listen to employees' views, and for employees to network, share information and socialise.

If you are interested in this Growth and Development vacancy, please apply now!

Additional Information

MSSC positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates from all backgrounds. Equity, diversity, and inclusion really matters to us, so we can best serve our beneficiaries from every community. We work to ensure a fair and consistent recruitment process and aim to be a charity where diversity of experience, identity and skills are valued and welcomed. MSSC is an equal opportunities employer.

We recognise our responsibilities to safeguard and protect the young people and vulnerable adults with whom we work. We do all we can to promote their health, safety and wellbeing, and we expect our staff to share this commitment and work in line with safeguarding policy, the MSSC’s values and ethos of inclusivity. We adhere to safer recruitment practices and therefore employment is subject to detailed pre-employment checks for successful candidates, including references and criminal disclosure checks and the completion of a disclosure questionnaire.

All successful applicants are required to attend safeguarding training and undergo a criminal record check.

National Numeracy supports volunteers from our corporate partners to deliver sessions in primary schools
that inspire children to see the value of maths in the real world. The Programme enables volunteers to
directly support communities with low number confidence and skills, celebrating everyday maths, and
developing the building blocks of social mobility in areas of need.

The new Programmes Assistant will work with the Volunteering Manager and wider Programmes Team to
deliver this exciting Programme. The role will involve working with internal team members and external
partners to assist with delivery, including recruitment of volunteers and schools, training of volunteers,
resource delivery and preparation, feedback, data collection and associated admin. The Programmes
Assistant will be the first point of contact for volunteers, schools and partner organisations.

We are looking for someone who is flexible and able to respond to the fast-paced work around the busiest
periods of the year for the Programme. It’s not imperative that you come from the education or charity
sectors, or that you have held an equivalent role previously, as long as you can show us that you have
relevant transferable skills and an understanding of what it takes to be successful in this role.

National Numeracy is based in Falmer, just outside Brighton, but we are offering significant remote/hybrid
and flexible working with this role. The role may include occasional UK travel, to visit schools, partner
organisations, attend occasional Team Awaydays, and very occasionally to visit the office.

The vacancy

We are seeking to appoint one lay member to sit on our GOC Council.

About the GOC

We are the regulator for the optical professions in the UK. Our purpose is to protect the public by promoting high standards of education, performance and conduct.  For more information about us please visit our website:optical. org.

About the Council

The role of Council is to lead on the GOC’s mission to protect the public by upholding high standards in eye care services.  The Council is composed of six lay members (including the Chair) and six registrant members (i.e. registered optometrists and dispensing opticians).  At least one member of the Council must work wholly or mainly in each of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.  One Council member acts as a Senior Council Member whose role is to carry out the Chair’s appraisal as well as provide a sounding board for the Chair and serve as an intermediary for Council members, Executive and stakeholders as necessary. 

The successful candidate will contribute to Council by exercising oversight, ensuring effective corporate governance, and making high-level policy decisions. They will be able to operate strategically and impartially; listen, communicate, and influence effectively; exercise judgment; and inspire confidence and support amongst our stakeholders. 

Remuneration and time commitment

Council members are remunerated in accordance with our member fees policy (£13,962 per annum plus reasonable travel and subsistence expenses).  The member fee includes time for reading and preparation.

The appointed member will be expected to commit approximately 2-3 days per month.  Meetings will usually take place via MS Teams but may on occasion be held at the GOC Offices at Level 29, One Canada Square, London, E14 5AA. There are occasional online catch-up meetings - these are currently scheduled on a Tuesday evening every 6-8 weeks, from 5.30pm – 6.30pm.

How to apply:

Please email the the following to appointment@optical. org

· your CV outlining your employment history, any relevant voluntary work, public service or other experience; together with any relevant professional, academic or vocational qualifications;

· the application form, stating how your experience matches the criteria for the vacancy you are applying for; and

· complete the EDI monitoring form linked in the candidate pack (this is an online form and does not need to be included in the email with your CV and application form).

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  midnight on Sunday 10 August 2025.

Online interviews will be held on between Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 October 2025.

If you have any questions, please email them to appointment@optical. org and we will aim to respond to you within 48 hours. 

We welcome applications from individuals who are disabled and from diverse ethnic backgrounds as these are currently under-represented on our council and committees.

We strive to be as diverse as the public we protect and welcome applications from everyone, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity and geographical locations outside of London.