Communications and executive assistant jobs

Job title: Programme Assistant, Enquiries 

Line manager: Team Leader, Enquiries (Senior Officer, Enquiries, in Team Leader’s absence) 

Salary: £30,000 

Type of contract: Permanent 

Start date:  Late October 2026 or shortly thereafter 

Benefits: 

• Challenging and rewarding work, always life-changing, sometimes lifesaving 
• Competitive salary 
• Team and individual training opportunities, including dedicated training budget and team lunch and learn activities monthly 
• Commitment to personal development, including opportunities to develop skills and experience to support wider Cara strategy participating in working groups, contribute to office improvement initiatives 
• Hybrid working, home and office (minimum 2 days each week in the London office) 
• Eight hours each day Monday – Friday, with flexible working by arrangement around core hours of 10am – 4pm 
• 25 days annual leave entitlement plus Bank Holidays and two weeks Christmas and New Year office closure
• 8% employer pension contribution 
• Wellbeing support, access to counselling when required, Mental Health First aid and supportive small team environment
• Convenient office location at Elephant and Castle, close to Tube (Bakerloo and Northern lines) and bus routes 

Role purpose statement:  The Programme Assistant, Enquiries, plays a vital administrative role in the Fellowship Programme working directly with academics facing immediate risk in their home countries. The role exists to provide effective and efficient administration, completing due diligence tasks and onward signposting to prospective applicants. Duties include managing an individual caseload of applicants, assisting prospective applicants and administrative support for general enquiries, the Enquiries team as well as support across the Fellowship Programme when needed. 

Organisational Background 

The Council for At-Risk Academics is a UK-registered charity founded in 1933 under the leadership of William Beveridge, to assist academics suffering persecution under the rise of Nazism and facilitate their continued work in safety. Sixteen Cara Fellows from the 1930s and 1940s became Nobel Laureates, and many more innovators in their fields, including, Nikolaus Pevsner, Lise Meitner and Karl Popper. 

Cara has been a lifeline to academics at risk for over 90 years enabling them to continue their teaching and research in safety, as and when world events have placed them in the line of fire: Hungarian Uprising, Cold War, Apartheid South Africa, Iran, Latin American Juntas, Vietnam, Kosovo, DRC, Rwanda, Sudan, Zimbabwe etc. and, more recently Iraq, Turkey, Yemen, Palestine, Syria, Afghanistan and Ukraine.

Today, our Fellowship Programme convenes a network of 135 UK universities in the UK to secure research placements for at-risk academics and support for their families, continuing a longstanding commitment of protecting academics and preserving their knowledge and expertise.

Cara Objectives‘To assist academics who have been, or are at risk of being, subject to discrimination, persecution, suffering or violence on account of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion, to relieve needs among them and their dependants and ensure that their specialist knowledge and abilities can continue to be used for the benefit of the public.’ 

‘To advance education by supporting academics and their educational institutions in countries where their continuing work is at risk or compromised, to ensure that such academics and institutions can continue to fulfil their critical role as educators for the public benefit.’ 

Role & Responsibilities 

Casework 

• Signposting prospective applicants to the application form. 

• Manage own caseload, preparing cases for eligibility review, including arranging calls to speak with applicants, booking English language tests, and gathering all relevant documentation. 

• Escalating complex cases to the Team Leader as required. 

• Maintain accurate and GDPR-Compliant records of casework activity. 

• Researching international affairs to develop understanding about risks applicants face. 

• Attending weekly case review meetings with the team. 

Administration 

• Provide general administrative and logistical support, including answering phone enquiries. 

• Manage the general enquiries inbox, alongside another colleague, answering emails about the enquiries’ process, the Fellowship Programme and Cara. 

• Signpost enquiries to relevant colleagues internally and to other organisations where applicable. 

• Assist with compilation of reports to funders. 

• Present and collect data on general enquiries and applications to the Programme. 

• Ensure safekeeping of confidential information. 

• Maintain excellent detailed records of correspondence, documents, and activities. 

• Provide administrative support to colleagues on projects across the organisation as required. 

Managerial Support 

• Take part and contribute to Cara wide working groups across a range of research and strategy topics, including contributing to efficiency improvements.

• Provide advice and guidance to colleagues where applicable. 

Ad Hoc Responsibilities 

• Show adaptability and willingness to take on additional work when necessary. 

• Support the Fellowship Programme and Cara as a whole with ad hoc responsibilities. 

Responsibilities also include related activities that might arise in relation to the Fellowship Programme and Cara's other programmes as required by the Chief Executive and Deputy Chief Executive & Fellowship Programme Manager, and other senior colleagues. 

Person Specification 

Essential: 

• Bachelor’s degree 

• Fluent English (spoken and written) 

• Proactive with a willingness to learn and contribute to a growing organisation 

• Confident and empathetic with strong interpersonal and communication skills 

• Ability to remain adaptable and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment 

• Keen team player who is ready to support and help colleagues 

• Excellent record keeping and attention to detail 

• Ability to work independently in a hybrid work setting 

• Good time management with ability to manage competing priorities and work to deadlines 

• Understanding of issues of confidentiality 

• Ability to handle difficult conversations with sensitivity and resilience 

• Interest in and commitment to the work of Cara 

• Confident using Microsoft package 

• Awareness of current global issues 

Desirable 

• Master’s or equivalent experience 

• Casework experience 

• Arabic language skills are desirable. Other foreign languages (such as Farsi/Dari, Pashto, Ukrainian and Russian) will also be considered 

• Salesforce/CRM software experience 

• Lived experience or experience in supporting people who’ve gone through forced migration or other forms of severe adversity 

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be willing to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check if offered this position. 

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an initial online interview on the week starting 21st September and if successful, will be required to attend an in-person interview at our office in London on the week starting 28th September. If you require any reasonable adjustments at any stage of the process, please mention this as part of your application. 

Our staff team is a small (approx. 20 staff), committed and dedicated team, who works with our organisational values of Community & Collaboration, Trust & Integrity and Resilience through Knowledge & learning, we welcome applications from those with diverse identities and you will find a warm and welcoming team, committed to the highest standards as we seek to support those at risk around the world.

Application Instructions 

Please send a CV along with a cover letter in response to the screening questions below. Applications that do not follow this guidance will not be considered. 

At Cara, we do not utilise AI tools at any stage during the recruitment process, and all applications we receive are reviewed by at least two members of our team. 

We recognise that whilst artificial intelligence can be a useful tool in preparing a job application, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. 

Applicants may find AI useful for: 

• Refining and clarifying ideas and thoughts in your application 

• Researching publicly available information about Cara 

• Checking spelling, grammar and clarity of your answers 

However, we ask you to refrain from using AI for: 

• Generating responses to application questions and copying these into your application 

• Inventing or exaggerating your skills and experiences 

• Using live AI during interviews to answer questions 

We tend to find that applications that rely too heavily on AI-generated responses are not as competitive, and at Cara we value answers informed by personal experiences. We may also reject applications where AI has been used inappropriately. 

Please respond to the following questions in your cover letter (max. 2 pages).

1. What interests you about Cara and the work of supporting at-risk academics, and how do your experience and skills relate to this role? (max 500 words)
2. Describe a specific situation in which you had to manage competing priorities? How did you approach the situation? (max 250 words)
3. Tell us about a time when you had to deal with a person who was in a vulnerable situation. How did you handle this and what did you learn from this experience? (max 250 words)

We reserve the right to close applications for this role early if we receive a high number of applications.

Working within Baobab's welcoming and dynamic admin team in our Therapeutic Community, the Engagement and Administrative Assistant is a dual role. In your Admin assistant role you will provide comprehensive administrative support to operational, research and advocacy teams. In your Engagement Assistant role, you will lead on developing a successful programme of youth activities at the Baobab Centre (as Baobab Youth Activities Coordinator) and will focus on prioritising young people’s engagement in advocacy and research.

Harris Hill is delighted to be partnering with a leading UK charity that works to increase the flow of philanthropic funding to charities, not-for-profits and social enterprises around the world. We are seeking an experienced Executive Assistant & Board Administrator to join its growing and entrepreneurial team.

This is a varied opportunity for an experienced Executive Assistant who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment with senior stakeholders and has strong Board governance experience. Reporting to the Deputy CEO, you will provide comprehensive support to the CEO and Deputy CEO, while also playing a key role in the effective administration of the organisation’s Board and Committees. You will manage senior diaries, meetings and travel, prepare papers and presentations, handle confidential information and act as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders.

You will also coordinate the full Board and Committee meeting cycle, including scheduling, meeting logistics and Board packs, attending meetings, producing accurate minutes and tracking actions through to completion. Alongside this, you will support Foundation Boards, shared inboxes, governance and compliance activity, and a range of executive projects.

We are looking for someone with significant experience in an Executive Assistant or similar role, ideally supporting C-suite executives. You will have proven experience preparing Board meeting minutes, excellent organisational and communication skills, meticulous attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively. Discretion, sound judgement and the ability to work independently are essential.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a purpose-driven organisation with a strong reputation in the philanthropy sector and play a central role supporting its executive and governance functions.

To apply, please submit your up-to-date CV by 26 August 2026 at 23:59. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to submit a tailored cover letter after reviewing the full job description.

Please note that only applicants with an unrestricted right to work in the UK will be considered for this position.

Please note, only successful applicants will be contacted with further information.

As a leading charity recruitment specialist and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

We're looking for an enthusiastic and highly organised HR & Executive Support Assistant to support a high quality people function at IHP. This part-time role combines HR administration with wider organisational and executive support, offering a varied and rewarding opportunity within a small charity that is making a significant impact around the world.

IHP’s vision is to see a world in which all suffering due to lack of healthcare is eradicated. Our Christian faith underpins all that we do. It motivates us to care for those in need, and give our best in all circumstances, as an expression of God's love. We serve the poor in health without regard for ethnic or religious background, focusing on where the need is greatest.

About the role

The HR team is responsible for a broad range of functions supporting our 24-strong staff team and trustees. The HR & Executive Support Assistant will play a key role in delivering effective HR administration while also providing wider administrative support to help ensure the smooth running of the organisation.

Working closely with the Director of Finance & Resources, our outsourced HR Consultant and the Finance & Administration Officer, the postholder will support the employee lifecycle, maintain HR systems and records, coordinate training and wellbeing activities, and help ensure HR processes are delivered accurately and efficiently.

Alongside the core HR responsibilities, the role will provide support across a range of central organisational activities, including supporting with office administration, governance, trustee administration, staff meetings and events, maintaining internal systems and records, and assisting with cross-organisational projects led by the Senior Leadership Team.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys variety, has strong organisational skills and wants to develop their HR career while gaining experience across the wider functions of a small, collaborative charity.

We're looking for someone who can:

• Support all areas of HR administration and people processes under the direction of the outsourced HR Consultant and Director of Finance & Resources.
• Ensure HR records, systems and processes are maintained accurately, efficiently and confidentially.
• Coordinate staff training, maintain accurate training records and support employee wellbeing initiatives.
• Contribute to a positive staff experience by supporting managers and colleagues throughout the employee lifecycle.
• Provide high-quality administrative support across the organisation, including governance activities, trustee administration, office management and organisational projects.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to help ensure the smooth and effective running of IHP's central support function.

Essential skills and experience

• Experience working in an HR administration role, or in an administrative role with significant HR responsibilities.
• Experience supporting recruitment, onboarding or other employee lifecycle activities.
• Experience maintaining accurate records, databases and administrative systems.
• Excellent administration and organisational skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Experience handling confidential information with professionalism and discretion.

 Personal attributes:

• Empathetic, approachable, and discreet
• Strong communicator with the ability to build positive working relationships across the organisation
• Solutions-focused with a hands on, flexible approach
• A commitment to staff wellbeing, development and good HR practice
• Excellent judgement 
• Committed to IHP's Christian Ethos and values

For further details regarding responsibilities and person specification, please see the job description.

IHP is an Equal Opportunities Employer and is committed to working and embedding diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our work, including recruitment and selection. We actively encourage applicants to inform us of any specific support or reasonable adjustments we can make in the recruitment process (eg for disability or neurodivergence) and will continue this conversation into employment, as appropriate. 

Staff regularly spend time together praying for IHP’s work and there is an occupational requirement for the post holder to have a personal commitment to the Christian faith.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a meaningful mission with a strong values driven organisation
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rate for part-time hours)
• Health and wellbeing support through Unum help@hand
• Life Insurance and Critical Illness Cover 
• Hybrid and flexible working options in a modern office near Chancery Lane Tube Station 

Join a supportive and inclusive team where your skills are valued, your voice is heard, and you have the space to work independently and develop.

Location: Home-based (applicants should be based in or near London)
Start date: 1 October 2026
Contract: Part-time freelance, minimum until 31 December 2027

About St Gregory's Foundation

St Gregory's Foundation (SGF) is a small UK charity that has been working alongside trusted partners in Eastern Europe for over 30 years. Through our long-term partnerships and grant-making, we support vulnerable children, young people and families to build brighter futures while encouraging local initiatives and sustainable solutions.

We are governed by a small Board of Trustees who are passionate about St Gregory's and the work we do. Day-to-day operations are managed by our Executive Secretary, who is the charity's only employee.

The role

We are looking for a suitable candidate, whether junior or experienced, to maintain our accounting and financial records and prepare our annual accounts.

The role includes maintaining and reconciling our QuickBooks accounts, processing bank transfers and payments, preparing financial and management reports for quarterly Board meetings, submitting Gift Aid claims, and preparing our annual accounts with the Reporting Accountant.

As a small charity, this is a varied role requiring someone who is organised, has an excellent eye for detail, is reliable, and is able to work independently while also being a good communicator and team player.

Main responsibilities

Monthly tasks

• Record day-to-day income and expenditure.
• Enter transactions into QuickBooks for our RBS accounts, including standing orders and CAF donations, and reconcile the accounts.
• Process bank transfers and payments.
• Arrange payment of invoices (held in OneDrive).
• Arrange payment for our freelance Online Communications Assistant.
• Arrange payment of the Executive Secretary's expenses.
• Attend brief remote meetings with the Executive Secretary and a member of the Board, as required, to discuss donations, donor records, QuickBooks entries and financial reports.
• Prepare financial and management reports for Board meetings (4–5 times a year).

Semi-annual and annual tasks

• Prepare and submit Gift Aid claims twice a year: after the financial year end (31 December) and after the end of the tax year (5 April). Ensure Gift Aid declarations are completed by eligible donors.
• Prepare the annual accounts with the Reporting Accountant (once a year).
• Prepare a budget review with the Executive Secretary (twice a year).

Key skills and experience

• Relevant accountancy or bookkeeping qualification and/or experience.
• Experience of preparing annual accounts and financial reports.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• The ability to prioritise and manage your workload effectively.
• Experience of using QuickBooks would be an advantage.
• Knowledge of charity accounting would be an advantage.

Application instructions

Thank you for your interest in St Gregory's Foundation. We appreciate the time you have taken to apply.

Please submit your CV and a covering letter via CharityJob. We are unable to consider applications sent directly to St Gregory's Foundation. As we are a small charity with only one employee, we will only be able to contact shortlisted candidates invited for interview.

Please note that all candidates invited for interview will be asked to provide proof of their right to work in the UK.

We're looking for an experienced PA to join our team to work with our Chief Mission Officer. You'll be organised with excellent administrative skills and a strong communicator.

The Chief Mission Officer is a member of our Executive Team, who report into the CEO. The Exec Team help shape and deliver organisational strategy ensuring alignment with our vision, values and mission. The PA to the CMO provides operational and administrative support across a wide range activities, which could include mission development, partnerships, training, resource development, digital innovation and strategic projects.

Key Responsibilities

Administrative support for the CMO

• Manage and coordinate the CMO’s diary, meetings, travel, accommodation, and key commitments.
• Ensure the CMO is adequately prepared for meetings, including drafting agendas, papers, and tracking follow up actions.
• Assist in the prioritisation of the CMO’s workload, ensuring deadlines are met.
• Provide administrative support for the CMO, including draft correspondence, reports, presentations, and other documentation on behalf of the CMO.
• With the CMO, translate ideas and discussion into clear action plans and deliverables.
• Develop and maintain systems that improve organisation, communication, and operational efficiency.
• Attend meetings and events, both remotely and in person, taking accurate notes/minutes and translating them into action plans for the CMO.
• Maintain organised records and filing systems.

Audio transcription and document preparation

• Transcribe audio recordings into written documents.
• Format, proofread and edit documents and correspondence.

About You

Please note that there is a Genuine Occupational Requirement that the post holder is a committed Christian under Part 1 of Schedule 9 to the Equality Act 2010. 

Skills and Abilities  

• Excellent administrative and organisational skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks at once and prioritise well.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Knowledge and Experience

• Experience supporting a senior leader in a similar role.
• Experience taking meeting minutes, producing action logs and preparing professional documentation.
• Experience transcribing audio recordings.
• Knowledge of CRM systems and project management tools.

 Personal Approach and Attributes

• A genuine passion for youth leaders and the mission of Urban Saints.
• Proactive and self-motivated with the ability to work independently. 
• Positive and professional attitude. 
• Maintain focus in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.

Location

The role is home-based with travel as required. All full-time Urban Saints employees are required to attend two team residentials per year.

How to Apply

Please fill out our application form which you can find on our website. The closing date for applications is Monday the 24th of August at midday. Please note, we will be actively reviewing applications ahead of the closing date and reserve the right to close applications before this date.

DBS Check

Due to the nature of this position, any offer of employment with Urban Saints will be subject to a satisfactory DBS check.

Job title: Retail Assistant

Directorate: Retail, Services and Operations

Location: Scarborough

Hours: 15 hours per week, 2 days over 7, with one working day at the weekend

Closing date: 25th August 2026

Permanent or Fixed Term: Permanent

We are currently looking for a Retail Assistant to join our Retail, Services and Operations team at our shop in Scarborough.

As a Retail Assistant, you will support the Shop Manager and Deputy Shop Manager and work alongside volunteers, playing an active part in running a successful Charity Shop. This includes stock management, merchandising, operating the till and providing excellent customer service.

You will need to be committed to creating a welcoming professional atmosphere and demonstrating the values of Yorkshire Cancer Research. You will also be a passionate and enthusiastic ambassador for the charity and its work.

To be considered for this role, you will ideally have worked in a retail environment, have a basic understanding of Microsoft Office programmes, good communication skills and the ability to motivate yourself and others.

The closing date for applications is 25 August 2026

To apply please submit a CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role via our website. Please read our privacy notice before applying.

We positively encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds. If we can make any reasonable adjustments to support your application, please contact us via our webiste. 

This is an exciting opportunity for an excellent communicator with experience in collaboration and partnership working who is keen to make good quality income maximisation advice and support accessible to families across Scotland.

As Development Officer (Income Maximisation in Schools) you will play a lead role in looking at the actions needed at different levels to sustainably embed advice in schools across Scotland. You’ll be involving and engaging schools, advice services and other partners to develop practical recommendations which can be used to improve provision nationally. You will also be helping to develop resources and professional learning to increase awareness and confidence in schools around financial entitlements and pathways to income maximisation support.

You will be based within the Cost of the School Day team at CPAG in Scotland and will work closely with Welfare Rights, Digital and Policy colleagues.

We welcome applications from individuals with the skills and experience outlined and we can be flexible about working arrangements. We operate a hybrid working system and would be happy to discuss any flexibilities required. CPAG is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion which you can read more about in the job pack.

For more information about this post and to apply, download the Development Officer (Income Maximisation in Schools) job pack and application form.

If you have questions or need specific arrangements or reasonable adjustments to take part in the selection process please contact us at.

Closing date for applications: 11.59pm 16 August 2026

Interviews will be held at our Glasgow office in person on: 25 August 2026 

The Personal Assistant works closely with the Bishop, delivering trusted and confidential support while helping to ensure the smooth and effective running of the Bishop's ministry and office. The successful candidate will act as the first point of contact for clergy, parish officers, and visitors, modelling a culture of warmth and hospitality. They will work alongside a committed and cohesive team to support the Bishop's ministry and the efficient running of the Bishop's office and household.

This key role requires a highly organised, proactive, and discreet individual who can strategically manage a demanding schedule, coordinate key events, and handle a wide range of administrative and logistical tasks. The ideal candidate will also be an effective communicator, possess excellent interpersonal skills, a high level of integrity, proactive administrative skills and a strong commitment to supporting the mission of the diocese.

This role could be suitable as a job share, so please indicate the amount of hours you may like to work within your application.

Closing date for applications is 24 August 2026.
Interviews will be held on 08 September 2026.

Part time Teaching Assistant– Autism / SEND

We are Ambitious about Autism, a national charity with a clear goal: to create a world where autistic children and young people are heard, included and supported.

We are looking for patient, empathetic and resilient part time TA's to join our Ofsted “Outstanding” TreeHouse School in Muswell Hill.

• Part time, permanent (term time only)
• Days: We are looking for somebody who is able to commit to either 3 or 4 days (we can offer full time also)
• Hours: 8.45am – 4.35pm
• Salary: £27,770 to £28,005 per annum (pro rata)
• Location: Muswell Hill, North London (N10 3JA)
• Start date: October 2026 (can be flexible depending on notice periods)

The role:

This is a role where no two days are ever the same! Some days can be very challenging, but they can also be incredibly rewarding. As a part time TA, you will be working on a 1:1 basis with our autistic pupils and assisting them with:

• Responding to behaviours of distress with patient and supportive care
• Supporting pupils with personal care
• Access learning
• Developing  communication, confidence and independence
• Celebrate progress - however big or small
• Take part in community based activities like swimming, skiing and horse riding
• Helping our pupils feel safe, understood and proud of themselves

Why join us:

• This is a term time only role (yet you are paid across 52 weeks!)
• You will be placed on a training programme when you join the role with continued CPD
• Be part of a warm, supportive and collaborative team
• Progression opportunities to grow your career in SEND
• Be part of a national charity with a clear mission and shared values
• Varied, meaningful work with real impact
• Access to staff discount schemes, including Blue Light Card eligibility
• Full benefits package is on our website

The official internal title for this role is Specialist Teaching Assistant, but it is advertised externally as Part time Teaching Assistant to reflect the nature of the role and maximise reach.

Ambitious About Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age.

Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations. We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people.

Ambitious About Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search may be carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

The safeguarding responsibilities of the post are as per the job description and person specification.
Whether the post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities, certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance

Governance Manager

Permanent Opportunity

35 hours per week, how, flexible Working Patterns can be considered 

Location: Craven Street, London with hybrid working

Salary: £43,813 per annum (based on 35 hour week) plus competitive benefits

The College of Optometrists is the professional body for optometry. It qualifies the profession and delivers the guidance and development to ensure optometrists provide the best possible care. We promote excellence through the College’s affixes, by building the evidence base for optometry, and raising awareness of the profession with the public, commissioners, and healthcare professionals.

We are looking for a Governance Manager to join our Chief Executive’s team. This is a high profile management role which will lead and develop the governance and stakeholder management of the College and provide the support and insights to enable the Chief Executive to lead the College with maximum impact, effectiveness and efficiency. 

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, the key purpose of the role will be to: 

• Ensure the College’s governance arrangements support effective decision making, accountability and regulatory compliance.

• Provide strategic governance support to enable the Chief Executive to lead the College with maximum impact, effectiveness and efficiency.

• Ensure the effective governance and efficient operation of the College’s Council, Board and Committees, in line with its Royal Charter, charity law, regulatory requirements and good governance principles.

• Establish and maintain effective business systems and procedures within the Chief Executive’s Department including supporting the development, monitoring and reporting of the College’s business plan and strategic plan.

• Build and maintain effective relationships with those within the College’s governance structure to support delivery of its strategic objectives.

The main responsibilities for the role holder will be to:

• Ensure the College’s governance arrangements operate effectively and in accordance with its Royal Charter, regulatory requirements and recognised good governance principles.

• Develop, maintain and report on the Governance workstream key performance indicators and wider College KPI framework.

• Deveolop and maintain the College’s strategic plan reporting framework.

• Oversee the preparation and distribution of agendas and papers for Board and Council undertaken by the Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive

• Manage the governance arrangements of the Annual Gneeral Meeting and election and appointment of Council members, Officers, Trustees, Committee Chairs and the early Career Representative on Council.

• Support and develop Council in their role as regional representatives and advocates for the College.

• Lead the co-ordination of the College’s stakeholder engagement, ensuring a consistent, responsive and professional experience across the College.

• Develop and manage the ongoing delivery of an effective cross-College stakeholder management process.

• Line manage and develop the Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive.

• Manage the annual budget for the College’s governance activities.

To be considered for this vacancy, candidates will need to demonstrate:

• Excellent interpersonal skills including experience of working with senior level management

• Experience of managing election processes and governance procedures within a membership organisation

• Experience of managing organisation-wide projects.

• Experience of developing KPIs and operating procedures.

• Experience of stakeholder management.

• Good level of knowledge of relevant charity governance legislation

• Excellent time management and planning skills

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Experience of report writing, minute taking and processing numerical data

• Excellent MS Office; Teams, Word, Outlook, Excel and Powerpoint skills.

In addition you will be able to demonstrate the following attributes:

• Pro-activity

• Influencing & persuading

• Customer service 

• Confidentiality and integrity

• Attention to detail

• Reliablility

• Planning and organising – managing multiple projects and tasks. 

A copy of the full job description summarising the key activities and full list of essential requirements can be downloaded from the website.

In return, we offer a variety of benefits including a generous pension plan (10% employer contribution), life assurance and a health care cash plan. The College has a TOIL policy and provides time off for events taking place during the evening and weekends. There is also potential to progress to a range maximum of £53,038 under our performance based/market driven incremental scheme.

If you would like to apply for this role, please submit an up to date CV along with a brief covering letter that sets out the skills and experience you consider would make you suitable for this position, no later than 27 August 2026.

First Interview will take place on 04 Septemebr 2026 at our offices in Craven St.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview, which will include:

• A 10-minute presentation (details will be provided in advance). 

• A competency-based interview

Equality and inclusion 

The College is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment and to avoiding unlawful discrimination. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, valuing the differences that a diverse workforce brings to the organisation. In support of this we follow a fair recruitment process in which shortlisting and other recruitment decisions are made on the basis of skills, competencies and experience demonstrated in the application and interview process. 

If you require a reasonable adjustment to be made to support your application due to a disability or other condition, please let us know. 

Additional Information

• Typical working hours at the College are 9 am to 5 pm (7 hours, excluding lunch) working five days a week. We operate a flexible working window from 8 am to 6 pm where you can vary your start and end time (working a 7-hour day). This role is flexible and can be worked over a variety of working patterns.

• The post holder may on occasion be required to work late and should therefore have some flexibility with regard to working hours. There will be occasional overnight stays for some meetings and events in London and across the UK.

• We also offer hybrid working (a mixture of home and office working). Typically, College staff will work around 20%- 40% of their time at the workplace (whether this is the office at Craven St, or a face-to-face meeting, exam or event at another business-related site or organisation) per week.

About Reprieve

Reprieve is a leading international human rights organisation working to end the death penalty and abuses committed under the banner of national security. Founded in 1999, our mission remains critically relevant as governments worldwide increasingly adopt authoritarian tactics, expanding executive power at the expense of civil liberties.

You can best judge a society by how it treats prisoners, criminal defendants, and the far-flung targets of an ever-changing counter-terror policy. To us, the rule of law means little if we selectively apply it to people we agree with. It is for all of us. Liberty is always eroded at the margins.

Reprieve’s staff is made up of courageous and committed human rights defenders. We provide vital legal and investigative support to those facing execution and victims of rendition, torture, arbitrary detention, extrajudicial killing, and citizenship stripping. Our work spans multiple jurisdictions, challenging states' most egregious human rights violations through strategic litigation, investigations, and advocacy.

We support cases in courts worldwide while building the legal and political momentum necessary to consign these practices to history.

Based in London with Fellows and partners globally, Reprieve operates at the intersection of law, policy, and human rights, working alongside governments, senior legal practitioners, and civil society to advance systemic change.

We collaborate closely with our independent partner organization Reprieve US.

About this role

The Finance Assistant plays a key role in supporting the Head of Finance to maintain the organisation’s financial health, ensuring the smooth and effective delivery of day-to-day finance operations.

The Finance Assistant will be line managed by the Head of Finance. They will also work closely with the Finance Officer, Chief Executive Officer, The Fundraising Team, notably the Database and Insight Officer, as well as the wider casework team, Fellows and consultants. They will lead on paying Fellows, consultants and other contractors, as well as suppliers.

They will support the reconciliation of Reprieve’s financial accounts and ensure that transactions recorded in Iplicit are accurately reflected in other organisational systems, investigating and resolving any discrepancies as required.

We are looking for someone who combines strong technical finance skills with a proactive and collaborative approach. You will be committed to Reprieve’s goals, highly organised and able to manage competing priorities while delivering accurate work to tight deadlines. You will be comfortable working with financial data, using systems such as Iplicit and Excel, and translating complex information into clear, practical messages for colleagues across the organisation. Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills are essential, as is a willingness to undertake routine tasks that support the effective running of the finance function. A relevant accountancy qualification would be an advantage, but we welcome applications from candidates with equivalent experience.

Terms

This is a full-time role on a 12-month fixed term contract. The salary is £32,696, per annum, less any required deductions for income tax and national insurance.

This role is based in Reprieve’s London office. Reprieve operates a hybrid working model and we require staff to work 40% per week from the London office and the rest of the week from home. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK currently and for the duration of the contract, which will be checked at interview.

Reprieve is proud to have an open and transparent pay structure, governed by a 3:1 pay ratio between the highest-paid member of staff and the lowest-paid member of staff. We are a flexible employer and offer a range of nonfinancial benefits to employees. We welcome applications from a range of backgrounds.

How to Apply

Please download the application form and job description from our website. Completed application forms should then be uploaded using the form below by 23:59 BST on 31 August 2026.

Please note that cover letters, CVs and other documents cannot be considered for this role and should not be submitted.

Join a small global team where you'll organise and oversee our UK-based coaching and leadership programmes for education and non-profit leaders. From responding to new enquiries, launching programmes and setting up online learning journeys, to building trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, you'll need to be hands-on and able to prioritise across multiple workstreams. In return, you'll get genuine variety and ownership of your work, a friendly and supportive team, and opportunities to work with new digital tools and platforms and help us pioneer AI-powered ways of working from the ground up. 

About BTS Spark

BTS Spark is the social impact and education practice of BTS, a global professional services firm which specialises in supporting organisations to develop their leaders and build the people capabilities to deliver effectively on their strategies. Our mission at BTS Spark is bring that expertise to help education and non-profit leaders do their best work, building stronger organisations and a better world.

We provide expert 1:1 leadership coaching, powerful group experiences and bespoke team and organisational development programmes, all designed to enable profound and highly impactful learning. To date we have worked primarily with schools, colleges and multi-academy trusts, but we are now actively seeking to grow our work within higher education and the non-profit sector.  Whilst most of the work delivered by our UK hub is with UK-based organisations, we also deliver programmes elsewhere in Europe and manage several international programmes.

Our UK core team is small — just our Director and our Programme Manager — supported by wider BTS colleagues, our global BTS Spark team and a network of 30+ UK-based coaches and facilitators.

Job Description 

Working closely with our UK Director, but with a significant degree of independence, you'll support almost every part of our UK operations:

• Plan and enable smooth programme delivery — allocating coaches and facilitators, scheduling group sessions, and managing logistics for face-to-face events
• Set up and launch coaching and leadership programmes on our digital platforms, and use Claude and other AI tools to speed up routine tasks like data entry, reporting and client updates
• Act as a trusted first point of contact for clients, managing relationships, delivering briefings and platform demos, and preparing data-led impact reports
• Handle new enquiries, follow through with quotations and information, and support business development and proposal writing with the Director
• Help grow our profile — co-ordinating social media content (particularly LinkedIn), updating our website, building landing pages, and supporting our alumni and marketing campaigns
• Forecast income, keep our financial systems up to date, and manage letters of engagement, purchase orders and invoicing requests.
• Provide occasional live support for virtual workshops, and executive assistant support to the Director

The balance of your week will shift through the year, with programme launches taking priority at times and more space for development work during school holidays. A key priority is to make full use of our AI capability (especially Claude) to speed up our processes and free up more time for the relationship-building and engagement work that matters most. This is something we’ll support you to build into your working practice from day one.

We're looking for candidates with the following attributes:

Essential:

• A strong, sustained track record in programme planning and project/operations management
• Confidence managing relationships with senior education and non-profit leaders, with excellent, professional customer service skills
• Excellent written communication and proof-reading skills, with sharp attention to detail
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise across multiple workstreams
• A proactive, can-do attitude and comfort working independently
• Strong financial literacy and experience with CRM/database systems (e.g. Salesforce, Hubspot)
• Enthusiasm for digital tools and AI assistants, and intermediate Microsoft Office skills
• Flexibility for occasional calls outside business hours with North America and Australia-based colleagues

Desirable:

• Experience working in or closely with the education sector
• University graduate-level education

Benefits

• 25 days' annual leave, plus bank holidays and a Christmas–New Year office closure
• 5% matched pension and life insurance
• Private medical insurance
• Free access to a wellness coach and healthcare app (video GP appointments, mental health and nutritional consultations)
• Cycle to work scheme

See attached job description for further details.

Application Process

Please apply with an up-to-date CV and a supporting statement (max. 2 sides) showing how you meet the knowledge, skills and experience above. Applications without a supporting statement will not be considered.

We review applications on a rolling basis, so please apply as soon as you can. The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Tuesday 1st September.

Initial interviews for shortlisted candidates will be held on a rolling basis until 4th September.

Final interviews will be held in London at the BTS Offices on 10th and 11th September.

Community Fundraising Assistant – East

Are you ready to take on a new challenge with a leading charity making a real difference in brain tumour research?

Brain Tumour Research is an exciting, innovative, and ambitious charity. We are passionate about finding a cure for brain tumours through the establishment of dedicated Brain Tumour Research Centres of Excellence around the UK.

After a successful 2025, we’re building on our momentum and looking ahead with ambition. As our work continues to expand, so does our impact. We are now looking for passionate people to join us on the next stage of our journey!

It is a fantastic time to be joining us and we are keen to share this with likeminded and talented individuals. We currently have an opening for a Community Fundraising Assistant - East, to join our Income Generation and Development team.

• Do you want to make a difference in one of the most innovative and exciting medical research fundraising charities in the UK?
• Are you able to provide friendly and professional support to fundraisers and supporters?   
• Do you have experience in supporting events or community activities?
• Do you live in our East Region (which includes Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, London, Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Essex)?

Have you answered Yes to these questions?

Does this sound like the opportunity to really take the next step in your career?

Excited to learn more about this position? Then please take a read through our recruitment pack below. 

If you have the skills and ambition that we are looking for we are excited to receive your application.  We are really looking forward to welcoming a new member to our team!

We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process.  Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.

We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.

Closing Date: 30th August 2026 

We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.