Communication support officer jobs in old wolverton, milton keynes

We are bold, we are brave and we’re not afraid to work differently. At All We Can, your working days will be filled with purpose and meaning as we work in partnership with local communities towards a more just world. Your work will play an important part in the wider ambition of the organisation. In this team, we value trust and accountability, inclusive decision-making, anti-racism and care. We also care for each other and create a sense of purpose-driven community.

When you join us, you will be: 

1. Leading the Churches Team to ensure the effective delivery of the fundraising strategy in an environment aligned with All We Can’s culture and team leadership principle.
2. Delivering speaking engagements at churches and at larger events.
3. Engaging with Methodist Church in Britain’s leadership and key stakeholders to inspire long-term commitment and support.
4. Analysing fundraising performance and making data-driven decisions to improve it.
5. Contributing to the leadership of the organisation through Quarterly Business Reviews and collaborating with colleagues to enhance the work of the organisation.  

To deliver the role successfully, you will need:

1. Proven fundraising experience, particularly in church, faith-based fundraising, including donor acquisition and regular giving programs, donor stewardship, and income growth strategies.
2. Experience of managing fundraising budgets
3. Understanding of All We Can’s unique partnership approach
4. Exceptional relationship management skills, with the ability to engage and inspire church leaders and congregations.
5. Experience leading and developing a team, with strong coaching and mentoring abilities and ability to set clear goals, drive performance, and foster a collaborative team culture.
6. Ability to analyse fundraising performance, using data insights to refine campaigns and maximise return on investment.
7. Deep practical understanding and relationships with the Methodist Church.

For full list of accountabilities and requirements, and the recruitment process, please see the application pack.

All We Can is an international development and relief organisation, founded by the Methodist Church in the 1930s, working to see every person’s potential fulfilled 

Why should you work with us?

• We pioneer locally-led partnership-based international development model
• Everyone’s welcome! At All We Can, everyone’s welcome irrespective of age, disability, gender, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or other personal circumstances. We’re committed to building inclusive and caring culture. We value and respect the diversity of our employees and aim to recruit people who reflect diverse communities. We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that everyone’s treated fairly and consistently at every stage of your employment, and we are open to consider reasonable adjustments for disabled people.
• We’ll help you grow and develop

Important note about completing your application – please read 

When submitting the application, you will be asked to submit your CV and answer four competency-based questions. There’s no specified length for the answers and we ask you to use your judgment to balance between giving us as much information as needed and being succinct. The scoring is primarily based on the answers to the competency-based questions, so please ensure that you showcase your skills and experiences fully through those answers. We’ll not be able to score answers which say ‘Please see the CV’ or similar. 

We look forward to receiving applications from people from variety of backgrounds and with different experiences. If you would like to find out more about the role or organisation, we encourage you to get in touch - if you wish to do so, 

Use of AI is monitored and if you have used it in your application, we ask that you declare in any case, but especially if you use it as a reasonable adjustment.

Safe to Learn is a newly established network of teachers, parents, researchers, policymakers, young people and child safeguarding practitioners, working together to end antisemitism in UK schools. We co-produce evidence-based child safeguarding resources, tools and standards to address antisemitism and improve the school environment for all children, educators and support staff.

Safe to Learn is seeking a committed dynamic, and entrepreneurial Director to lead strategy development and implementation in collaboration with the Safe to Learn Independent Advisory Panel. Candidates with the following experience and commitment are encouraged to apply:

1. A demonstrable alignment with our mission and values.
2. A clear commitment to ending antisemitism and understanding of antisemitism, child rights and child safeguarding and their underlying principles.
3. A team-player, with a positive, dynamic and entrepreneurial approach to achieving our mission.
4. Significant experience and understanding of the UK education sector at a senior level.
5. A track-record of delivering high-impact advocacy and communications campaigns to achieve policy objectives.
6. Preferably related to non-discrimination, equality, anti-racism or child rights.
7. Experience of undertaking high-quality research and knowledge production in a related area.
8. High-level relationship management and network-building skills, including significant experience of engaging with policy-makers.
9. Experience of developing high-quality resources and educational materials for children and educators.
10. A flexible, participatory and consultative approach with a proven ability to work incollaboration with a high-level advisory panel.
11. Excellent written and verbal communication skills including the ability to engage audiences at all levels.
12. Advocacy, consensus-building and facilitation skills, including diplomacy, tact,non-discrimination and respect for all.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

To support the Area Manager / Operations Director in ensuring the Charity’s development and growth in ways that are relevant and in line with operational services and charitable objectives.

To ensure the Charity achieves its aims and objectives and fulfils its operational plan effectively by providing high quality intervention, providing person centred support for at-risk young people.

To have key responsibilities in reducing risk and delivery of our Shaping Futures Intervention this is our Short-Term Intervention Programme (STIP) in Buckinghamshire.

This project is funded for the next 18 months, we will be working closely with partners to extend this funding agreement.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate onboarding of young people, including the initial assessment, and developing 12 individualised sessions bespoke to each young person.
• Ensure a 12-week programme is written and sent to the young person with agreed outcomes after initial meeting.
• Responsible for a case load of young people up to 20 young people at any one time.
• Lead sessions and activities with appropriate resources to empower young people to make more positive choices to reduce violent behaviours, reduce risk of exploitation and other offending behaviours.
• Support the multi-agency network for the young people you are working with. Report any safeguarding concerns to the DSL, with support from your line manager.
• Work in partnership with the Operations team to develop opportunities in line with the intervention if needed.
• Attend stakeholder meetings where needed.
• Uphold Caudwell Youth’s values
• Effectively report to your line manager complaints and compliments relating to the programme
• Build knowledge of local strategies, linking in with network forums.
• Develop relationships and partnerships with local employers, benefit agencies, training establishments to enable opportunities for young people.
• Monitor targets and ensure programme objectives are met.
• Collect outcomes data with tools provided by Caudwell Youth.
• Embed engagement strategy with the young people in your area.
• Coordinate a safe exit of young people effectively, signposting to Caudwell Youth’s mentoring service (if appropriate) or externally.
• Ensure we achieve agreed development objectives, with support from your line manager.
• Be an ambassador for Caudwell Youth in the geographical area you are leading.

​Coordination and Development

• With support from your line manager, ensure the delivery, development of services, community-based activities, and development opportunities are in line with regulatory requirements, our own policies, including safeguarding, social media, health & safety and data protection.
• Develop services and activities and opportunities for inclusion, community engagement and personal development for young people as agreed with your line manager.
• Ensure appropriate planning, risk assessment and evaluation for all activities relating to your area of responsibility is completed, with support from your line manager where appropriate.
• In collaboration with the Operations team, support activities for the needs of the young people across the charity’s wider geographies.

Administration:

• Maintain an excellent standard of administration, record keeping and reporting of all work undertaken in line with data protection and Caudwell Youth’s policies and procedures.
• Monitor all activities for your area against targets and objectives.
• Undertake proactive activities in line with our policies and good practice.

Partnership and Liaison:

• Work closely with the team and the stakeholder steering group to promote good communication and shared focus.
• Ensure effective, relevant and appropriate communication at all times.
• Represent the Charity to other organisations, funders and supporters.
• Establish and develop good relationships with other charities and agencies to increase partnership and effective joint working where appropriate.
• Be a point of contact for referrers and external contacts as regards to activities and service provision.
• Maintain strong working partnership with Thames Valley Police and Buckinghamshire Council to deliver the Shaping Futures Programme.

Team Ethos:

• Work effectively as a team, supporting other team members and be willing to receive support whilst fulfilling your own responsibilities and tasks.
• Express and promote equal opportunities and encourage inclusion and involvement.
• Ensure good communications and relationships within the team at all times.
• Attend team meetings, personal work reviews and task group meetings proactively and as a contributor.

General:

• Demonstrate a high level of professionalism and maintain professional boundaries at all times
• Undertake and identify training as required and take a positive approach to personal development.
• Fulfil the duties and responsibilities of an employee as regards to Health and Safety at Work, including own safety and self-management.
• Undertake any other reasonable tasks deemed necessary.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

On appointment, you are expected to have:

• Previous professional experience and hold most of the necessary skills for the role.
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of young people services in the UK Strong people skills: demonstrates empathy, leads by example, and contributes to building a desirable team culture
• Understanding of young people at-risk Commitment to equality and diversity
• A positive attitude with a proactive and flexible approach to work
• A good understanding of safeguarding and confidentiality
• A full driving licence, with access to a vehicle and have business insurance cover on your policy

Experience:

• Experience of working with statutory services to support at risk young people
• Experience of working to agreed delivery targets, monitoring outcomes, programme evaluation and report writing
• Excellent presentation skills to external stakeholders

Skills:

• Experience of liaising and relationship building with local networks
• Awareness of other local charities
• Use of software such as Office 365 and Better Impact
• Desirable but not essential - hold a certificate in JNC or NYA Youth Work Qualification

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

Please confirm the following essential criteria. All questions must be answered Yes to meet the essential criteria:

• Do you have a minimum of 1 year’s experience working with young people in a formal or informal setting?
• Do you have experience planning and delivering activities or support services for young people?
• Do you hold a full UK driving licence with no endorsements or convictions, and be eligible to obtain business insurance?
• Do you have basic experience using Microsoft Office (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook)?
• Do you hold a Certificate in Youth Work and Community Practice? (this can be a qualification from an awarding body JNC, NYA or equivalent).

WHY WORK FOR US: 

We are an experienced team that are dedicated to improving the lives of the young people we support.

Benefits:

• Flexible working
• Hybrid – working from home and in the community
• Westfield Health (including Employee Assistance Programme and extended counselling sessions)
• Group Personal Pension with a 5% employer contribution and Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• 25 days annual leave (FTE) plus bank holidays, plus charity closure between Christmas and New Year
• Extra paid day off on your birthday
• Paid day off for volunteering in your community
• Training opportunities to support your personal development
• Employee discounts on everyday goods and services
• Being part of a passionate and dedicated team

Caudwell Youth is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of this commitment, we undertake disclosure checks in accordance with the Codes of Practice for all. Having a criminal record will not automatically exclude applicants.

Position Title:  Senior Finance Manager

Responsible to: CEO  

Salary: £40,000 FTE, Salary pro rata at £24,000 (0.6FTE)

Benefits include: Flexible work environment, 23 days annual leave (pro-rata) which increases after 2 years, 3 Volunteering Days (pro-rata), 3 Trust Days, Death in Service, Employee Assistance Programme, Auto Enrolment Pension, paid agreed expenses.

Location: Home-based with the ability to travel nationally (including small number of overnight stays)

Term: 21.75 hours a week (0.6 FTE)- permanent

Closing Date: 15 July, 5pm

Interview Dates: 21 and 24 July[MT1] 

Interview Format: Interviews will be conducted by video conference

About Dame Kelly Holmes Trust

Dame Kelly Holmes Trust puts world-class athletes shoulder to shoulder with young people. Equipping them with a winning mindset and shaping their futures - it's a teammate like no other.

Whether that’s building relationship skills, improving self-esteem or learning to stay focused, our sporting champions help the next generation move forward with confidence.

By 2032, our ambition is to support 10,000 young people to become the best version of themselves. 

Application Process
Please submit a CV and Cover Letter of no more than 2 pages – your Cover Letter should demonstrate how you meet the key responsibilities of the role and job criteria listed below.

We actively welcome and encourage applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experiences. To ensure an inclusive recruitment process, all Cover Letters and CVs are anonymised before shortlisting.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Reporting to the CEO, we are looking for an experienced charity finance person, with accountancy qualifications.  (CIMA,CIPFA, CCAB, ACCA, AAT etc)

This a pivotal role and the post holder will be a member of the Trust’s Senior Management Team, with responsibility for overseeing all aspects of the Trust’s finances, working closely with CEO and Board.

The role would suit someone who is motivated by the Trust’s purpose and who is good at building relationships. 

We are a home working charity which is committed to flexible working.  We are open to considering a range of working patterns for this 0.6 FTE role.

Main responsibilities

· Alongside external accountant, manage the maintenance of the financial accounting system and monthly accounting processes (BACS runs, Expenses, Accruals, Prepayments, Deferred Income, Payroll etc)

· Review management accounts and liaise with accountants over variances.

· Lead on annual budget process

· Maintain and report on regular forecasts throughout the year

· Monitor individual programme funding to ensure all spend is within budget

· Lead on annual audit and creation of statutory accounts by external accountants.

· Distinguish between Restricted and Unrestricted funding to ensure compliance is met and classification is correct

· Support and advise budget holders in matters relating to the financial management of their departments

· Provide financial input to assist with new funding bids and reports to existing funders and partners.

· Ensure appropriate systems and internal financial controls are implemented and maintained

· Responsible for some areas of governance including insurance, Companies House and Charity Commission registration

· Secretariat for the Finance and Audit Committee

· Attendance to SMT, Board and Finance and Audit Committee meetings, including production of relevant reports

· Responsible for certain policy reviews including; Finance, Expenses, Reserves

· Provide financial information and analysis to the Board, SMT and the wider staffing team as and when required

· Ensure that compliance with relevant financial legislative and regulatory requirements including the Charity SORP are met.

· Manage reporting to Companies House, the Charities Commission

· Support the overall mission of the charity and occasionally carry out other duties as required by the CEO

Other responsibilities

· Role model the Trust’s values and behaviours and coach individuals to do the same;

· To ensure that a positive image of Dame Kelly Holmes Trust is projected at all times;

· To contribute to other activities undertaken by Dame Kelly Holmes Trust;

· To contribute to organisational effectiveness through positive team working;

· To adhere to Dame Kelly Holmes Trust Health and Safety & Safeguarding Procedures.

Criteria (E essential/D desireable)

How evidenced/assessed (Interview/Application)

Knowledge and Experience

Knowledge of charity finance, including restricted and unrestricted funds. E/Interview/Application

Experience of managing income and expenditure across a range of income streams and budgets. E/Interview/Application

Experience supporting governance, compliance and regulatory requirements, ensuring adherence to charity and company law. E/Interview/Application

Knowledge of Xero and other IT systems including MS Excel. E/Interview/Application

Experience of producing and interpreting management accounts. E/Interview/Application

Experience of budget preparation and financial planning. E/Interview/Application

Strong analytical skills. E/Interview/Application

Accountancy Qualification (CCAB, CIPFA, CIMA, ACCA, AAT OR QBE etc). D/Interview/Application

Experience of working remotely. D/Interview/Application

Experience of producing management reports and presentation at Board and SMT meetings. D/Interview/Application

Excellent communication skills, including experience engaging with trustees, committee members and external partners.

D/Interview/Application

Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities. D/Interview

Experience of developing and implementing systems and processes including the development of finance related policies.

D/Interview/Application

Values & Mindset

Strong team player, enthusiastic about working flexibly as part of a small and dynamic team, and with partners and stakeholders. E/Interview/Application

Able to handle significant confidential material and information. E/Interview/Application

Focused on outcomes, both individual and Trust-wide; tenacious approach to problem-solving. E/Interview 

Strong sense of personal accountability and responsibility, leading by example. E/Interview

Articulate with strong presentation skills. E/Interview

Ambitious for the organisation and what it can achieve. E/Interview

Willing to travel across the country as required for the job role. E/Application

About Resource Futures

We want to create a future where organisations, people and communities can thrive, and rebalance their relationship with material resources.

Resource Futures is an organisation accelerating the shift towards a circular world: putting restorative practices of reuse, repair, recycling at the heart of the fight to address the climate crisis. We help governments, businesses, NGOs and non-profits embrace regenerative change.

We are non-profit-distributing and have a close-knit team of 50+ trusted employees who collaborate across various areas of the business. Our multi-disciplined and connected approach sets us apart from the competition and enables us to build robust solutions that have a meaningful impact in the world.

We are passionate not only about what we do but how we do it, and we’re proud to be a part of the global B Corp movement to use business as a force for good. Employee-owned and independent, we’re all about helping each team member grow, and together striving towards our goal of creating a sustainable world.

The opportunity

The Partnerships Lead will act as Project Manager for the community strand of Together for Tomorrow, a five-year National Lottery-funded programme supporting grassroots climate action across Devon. Working in close partnership with Libraries Unlimited, you will coordinate delivery across libraries and grassroots groups, supporting communities to develop practical climate initiatives and helping libraries become active sustainability hubs.

You will lead on toolkits, training plans, outreach and focus groups, while also supporting monitoring and reporting. The role blends strategic coordination with hands-on delivery, ensuring the programme is inclusive, locally rooted, and aligned across all partners.

This role sits within the CAG (Community Action Groups) Devon team, a network that supports community groups to take action on reuse, repair, food waste, composting, biodiversity and wider sustainability issues. CAG provides the tools groups need to thrive, including training, resources, and opportunities to connect with others.

What you will be doing

Project, people and partnership management

• Acting as project manager for the community strand of Together for Tomorrow, overseeing planning, coordination, and delivery.
• Building and maintaining partnerships with libraries, grassroots groups, and underrepresented communities.
• Recruiting and line managing the Project Officer, who will be supporting project delivery. Working closely with the CAG Devon team to align community support and delivery models across the network.

Community development and delivery

• Helping new community groups to form and supporting existing ones to grow, diversify, or expand their climate action work.
• Facilitating focus groups and community consultations to shape project delivery and ensure activity is insight-led.
• Delivering a targeted promotion and outreach plan, with a focus on ‘deep dive’ areas and engaging underrepresented communities.

Reporting and learning

• Contributing to the development and implementation of the project’s monitoring and evaluation framework.
• You will lead on monitoring and quarterly reporting (including financial), ensuring that CAG team and wider community partners meet agreed targets.
• Acting as an ambassador for the project, sharing insights and learning to support continuous improvement and knowledge exchange across the sector.
• Carrying out any other duties required of the role.

The essentials

• Strong project management skills, able to plan, coordinate and deliver complex work with multiple partners.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across sectors.
• Experience in community development, supporting new and existing groups.
• Skilled in engagement and facilitation, including focus groups, workshops, or public consultations.
• Strong organisational skills, with experience of balancing coordination with delivery.
• Experience of monitoring and evaluation and producing project reports.
• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a remote team.
• Commitment to inclusive, community-led climate action.
• Able to travel regularly across Devon.

Great to haves

• Familiarity with the CAG Devon network or experience working in community-led climate action in Devon.
• An understanding of the voluntary sector and environmental players across the County, at a strategic and local level.
• Experience developing toolkits, training, or learning resources for community or volunteer use.

Benefits

• Embedded flexi working culture.
• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, each year (pro rata for part-time hours) – flexibility to work or use some bank holidays for annual leave.
• Buying and selling annual leave policy to add further flexibility around how you manage your work/non-work time and give you better control over how much and when you take leave from work.
• Paid volunteer time each year (a full day for those working 19 hours or more per week, and a half day for those working up to 18.75 hours per week).
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay.
• Enhanced sick pay.
• Scottish Widows pension plan – the company will match up to 7% of your contribution.
• Group life assurance cover.
• Healthcare portal offering 24/7 GP access and prescription service, mental health support, wellbeing advice, financial and legal guidance.
• Mental health and wellbeing group with trained mental health first aiders and responders, maintaining a focus on support for our team.
• A cycle to work scheme for all and on-site showers at the Bristol office.
• Home and tech scheme – costs at Currys and Ikea spread across 12 months, and up to 10% savings.
• On-site charging points for electric vehicles at the Bristol office.
• Paid professional membership such as CIWM or IEMA.
• An opportunity to become a company member, contributing to decision making and the future direction and success of our business.
• Consultative Group – a group of employees providing an anonymous vehicle for employee voice, raising issues, proposing changes and engaging senior management.
• Regular line manager 1:1s and performance reviews, with opportunities to discuss and build targets that inspire and push you professionally.
• Annual training budget to ensure continued progression and development, as well as regular internal ‘Lunchtime Briefs’ and other sessions to share skills and knowledge across all roles.
• Two annual team activity days, each followed by evening socials.
• Green and accessible Bristol office, surrounded by nature, and close to the harbourside.
• Accessible central Glasgow office close to local public transport links.
• An opportunity to join a friendly, fun, professional, challenging, and supportive place to work, and a team that is collectively focused on making a positive impact.

Learning & Development Manager (LDM) – Cymru Wales, West Midlands & South West 

Home - Based but within commutable distance to Wales, West Midlands & South West

If you’re passionate about helping further the mission of Methodist churches, circuits and districts, then we would like to hear from you. As an experienced professional with a proven track record in learning and development, and management, you will be part of a Learning Network (LN), within the Ministries and Learning team and part of the Connexional Team of The Methodist Church.

The LN comprises 30+ staff working as part of a single team operating across the Methodist Church in Britain. The team is strategically and collaboratively managed by Learning and Development Managers (LDMs), each having responsibility for a number of Learning and Development Officers (LDO) working within a geographical area. We are seeking to recruit an LDM for the Cymru Wales, West Midlands and South West area. There is a requirement to live within this geography that includes the Methodist districts: Wales Synod Cymru, West Midlands (following the merger of the current Birmingham District and the Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury District on 1st September 2025), Southampton, Channel Islands, Bristol, and South West Peninsular.

Responsibilities of the Learning Development Manager include:

• strategic shared leadership of the LN
• leading and managing the LDOs, balancing the needs and expectations of lay and ordained
• developing, implementing and reviewing, alongside other LDMs and the Director of Ministry Learning, the strategic work plan of the LN
• building and maintaining good relationships across the Connexional Team and with individuals and communities across the church and beyond
• encouraging the sharing of individual gifts and experiences across a number of teams and stakeholders
• travel (including overnight stays), weekend and evening work

We are looking for someone who has:

• proven experience of coordinating and managing a dispersed team of staff and volunteers
• significant experience and is passionate about learning and development
• a strong commitment to collaborative and partnership working
• a proven track record of meeting deadlines within a complex and varied workload

Knowledge of the Welsh language would be a valuable asset to this role

Our Culture, Values and Benefits

Thank you for considering joining our inclusive and welcoming team that strives for excellence and values employee wellbeing.

We value and support all those who join our team through a positive work-life balance augmented by generous annual leave (plus an extra 3 days over Christmas/New Year), TOIL, flexi-leave and an on-site Wellbeing Adviser service. We offer a generous occupational pension scheme, where the Methodist Church will pay double the employee contribution up to a maximum of 16% employer contribution.

The Methodist Church is an inclusive and supportive employer. We are actively committed to encouraging applications from people of all backgrounds. We welcome applications from people of Black, Asian and other Minority Ethnic groups.

For ministers in Full Connexion the standard terms of service apply.

Closing date: 23:59 on 21/07/2025

Interviews to take place on: 08/08/2025 in London in person.

N.B. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Interim Head of Finance & Operations

Career Ready is a social mobility charity that believes that every young person deserves the opportunity to enjoy a rewarding future.

We were founded in 2002 by leading business figures with a mission: to boost social mobility by empowering young people and giving their talents a platform from which to flourish. Since then, we’ve grown in England and Scotland to support young people in areas of need.

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced, qualified Finance professional to lead our Finance & Operations function.

About the Role

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer the Interim Head of Finance & Operations leads on and assumes day to day responsibility for providing high quality, strategic financial management for Career Ready.

You will lead on business operations to ensure the ongoing effective functioning of the charity and drive sustainable growth.

The Interim Head of Finance and Operations plays a key role in leading greater organisational efficiency and simplifying processes and will continue the delivery of a project plan reflecting the 2025-30 strategy.

You will play a critical role in driving the increased quality of Career Ready’s offer to our stakeholders in line with our strategy, vision and values.

Member of our SMT, comprising of the CEO, Director for Scotland, Director of Programme and Partnerships and Heads of functions.

This is an interim role to cover a period of maternity leave.

Main responsibilities and accountabilities

· Lead, direct and manage the finance and operations functions, overseeing two direct reports, ensuring they deliver a high-quality service to all internal and external stakeholders and are seen as adding value, in enabling Career Ready to achieve its vision and strategic objectives through its people. 

· Continue the delivery of a project plan reflecting the 2025-30 strategy, ensuring that activities happen at pace, are deadline-driven and achieve a high level of impact.

· Assume overall responsibility for the financial management of Career Ready, working with the SMT to ensure high quality and effective use of charitable funds.

· Input into and review the financial elements of funding applications and ensure that fund accounting processes align with funders’ requirements for project reporting.

· Produce financial reports for various stakeholders, as well as leading on financial modelling.

· Have oversight of all financial and accountancy matters including month end reports, management accounts, cash flow management, compliance, tax liability, presentation of management information and KPIs. Ensure that the CEO and Trustees are provided with accurate, timely information and analysis. 

· Oversee and coordinate the fully managed payroll services with the external bureau for all Career Ready employees and for some internship students (Jun to Aug during the Summer)

· Administration of the Staff Opt-In Pension Scheme, including onboarding new staff (Royal London)

· Act as a role model in our ‘one team’ culture. Lead in the development of efficient working practices across the charity, creating momentum and supporting motivation within the charity. 

· Lead risk management strategies and internal control procedures to minimise the risk of loss, or damage to, Career Ready’s assets. 

· Prepare and submit annual operational budgets and annual accounts to the CEO for review and approval.

· Draft and deliver papers for Trustees and Finance and Fundraising Committee (F&FC) meetings. 

· Attend Board and F&FC meetings to present papers and answer questions related to areas of expertise. 

· Provide day to day line management of the Senior Finance Officers and support their ongoing growth and development.

· Management of organisational governance and compliance activities, including policy management.

· Oversee and manage the organisation’s risk management register and process, with input from SMT.

· Oversee reviews and renewals of all insurance policies that affect the organisation.

· Lead on the compliance of statutory and charity regulatory reporting, giving guidance to colleagues where required.

· Ensure any changes to processes and procedures across the function are clearly documented.

Person Specification

Essential skills and experience

•  Belief and commitment to Career Ready’s mission and values
• Qualified (ACA/ACCA/CIMA/AAT) accountant with at least 5 years’ experience in financial management including budgeting, preferably in the charity sector.
• Significant experience in producing management and financial accounts
• Skilled in financial reporting and producing VAT returns
• Preparing for and ensuring a successful year-end audit, and demonstrable knowledge of UK Charities SORP and other reporting standards
• Experience in budgeting to support strategic decision making.
• Financial dexterity and strong analytical skills.
• Strong IT skills, including advanced MS Excel skills and extensive of using an accounting software, preferably Xero
• Excellent organisational and prioritising skills and ability to work independently and with autonomy
• Strong starter finisher with ability to lead and drive projects
• Knowledge of charity governance and compliance requirements
• Ability to build excellent relationships and have effective engagement with stakeholders
• Good communication skills and ability to communicate financial concepts to non-finance staff
• Attention to detail
• Ability to present financial information to various audiences
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and sensitivity of financial information
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to cope with competing demands to deadlines
• Honest and dependable

Desirable skills and experience

• Experience of leading a team, strong team building skills
• Line management experience
• Experience of using MS Planner or other project management tools
• Genuine interest in the work done by the Charity
• Experience of using a CRM (Salesforce)
• Degree in financial management or accounting

Full details are provided in the candidate pack

Salary and Benefits

Salary: £52,000 to £54,000 FTE (salary will be pro-rata for part time hours)

28-35 hours per week.  Career Ready is committed to supporting condensed/flexible working patterns.

Permanent and remote.  Travel to London required on an occasional basis

You will be rewarded with the following benefits:

· 6% contribution to personal pension plan, subject to 3% employee contribution.

· Annual leave: 27 days per annum plus bank/public holidays (pro rata for part time). The charity is also closed between Christmas and New Year. Career Ready also allows flexible use of some Bank & Public Holidays

· Cycle to Work Scheme

· Access to both our Reward Gateway Portal and an Employee Assistance Programme.

· Flexible working

· Work from home allowance and paid travel expenses.

We regret that Career Ready is unable to offer visa sponsorship and candidates must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK. In accordance with our commitment to safeguarding, offers of employment are subject to completion of a DBS check. 

Timetable

Applications close at 9am on Monday 21 July 2025 

Please note that the closing date may be brought forward if we receive strong applications.

This is an interim role to cover a period of maternity leave, with a provisional start date of late September for a handover period.

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.