Communications and policy officer jobs in cambridgeshire, east of england

Head of Finance Business Partnering

£50,718 - £53,387

Location, based out of any of our offices with Hybrid working available

The WEA is the UK’s largest voluntary sector provider of adult education, a charity dedicated to bringing high quality, professional education into the heart of communities. We believe that all adults, regardless of their situation, should have access to education.

Job Description

WEA are looking for talented individuals to help us deliver our mission – to bring education within reach. If that sounds like you, then please read on.

As the Head of Finance Business Partnering, you will provide strategic financial partnership to the Director of Contract Relationship Management in order to support, challenge and influence performance against all contract deliverables.

Role model comprehensive and collaborative financial support including insight, risk identification, risk mitigation and business solutions to drive high performance, including an understanding of WEA MIS and Learning delivery.

Reporting to the Chief Finance Officer, the successful candidate will ensure the totality of contracts are accounted for accurately and provide robust financial forecasts to support the wider financial performance of the organisation through the development of a team of Financial Contract Delivery Partners.

We have attached the full role profile, that lists the key deliverables, performance measures and experience/qualifications needed for this role. Please take your time to read through this, and if you’d like to apply, hit that button!

We are working hard to create a workplace that reflects the communities we seek to serve and in which everyone feels empowered to be themselves and work together to drive positive change. We strongly encourage applicants from a diverse range of candidates and encourage everyone with the appropriate skills, experiences and potential to apply.

Should you need any support with your application, then please get in touch.  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

In our recent OFSTED inspection, we received a GOOD overall grade, with an OUTSTANDING rating for Behaviour and Attitudes and Personal Development.

You can read more about our benefits and what it’s like to work here, on our website.

A fantastic opportunity to join a small but growing team of committed staff working to support children with brain tumours and their families.

Leading our T&F applications, you will have a deep-understanding of the trusts and foundations (as well as corporate foundations) landscape and you will have experience of working with Senior Management Teams to ensure successful applications for larger grants (£20k+).  You will have proven success in securing multi-year funding and building healthy pipelines with the skills to write compelling and evidence-based applications and reports.

Remote role with travel to our Cambridge office at least quarterly.

Mary’s Meals is a global movement supported by people from all walks of life and we are focused on one goal – that every child receives a nutritious daily meal in a place of education. We offer more than just a career, we offer the opportunity to support our global movement in a dynamic and inclusive environment with a real focus on personal development.

We are delighted to be recruiting for a Finance Business Partner to support and assist the Senior Finance Manager in providing day to day financial and management accounting. Reporting to the Senior Finance Officer, you'll be the first point of contact to each of the Directorates in Mary's Meals UK for all expenditure related matters.

We have a remote-first approach to work and are happy for you to work remotely and flexibly, in a way that best supports your work-life balance. We also have an office near Glasgow city centre for those who live nearby and would like to work from here occasionally or on a regular basis. 

Key responsibilities include:

• Establish regular communication with each of the Directorates to support existing business processes and provide guidance for any potential changes to business processes which have a financial impact.
• Communicate any relevant changes back to the wider Finance Team.
• Prepare and analyse monthly expenditure against budget, investigating and documenting explanations for any significant variances, and liaising with directorates for review.
• Prepare monthly management information (expenditure).
• Lead on the preparation of the annual expenditure budget.
• Prepare consolidated income and expenditure budget.
• Lead on expenditure forecasting.
• Prepare consolidated income and expenditure forecast.
• Prepare quarterly VAT returns for submission to HMRC.
• Prepare the monthly payroll and coordinate payroll processes including supply of information to payroll bureau and authorisation of submission to HMRC.
• Maintain and update employee information for online submission of Group Pension Scheme and other providers of employee benefits.
• Be responsible for the expenditure audit requirements for the annual audit.
• Assist in the development, implementation and maintenance of appropriate financial policies and procedures.
• Deal with finance related queries, both internal and external, as they arise.
• Support the wider finance team in any finance related matters. 

 About you:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent professional experience.
• Numeracy skills and an ability to understand, analyse and manipulate complex information and data.
• Excellent communication skills and be able to communicate financial information to non-finance colleagues, other partners and suppliers.
• Able to work independently and proactively, with the ability to consult wherever necessary.
• Excellent administrative and organisational skills.
• Able to use initiative to identify improvements to systems and procedures within own level of authority.
• Experience of using and maintaining purchase ledger.
• Experience of using SAGE financial system.
• Experience of using and maintaining databases.
• Experience and familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Experience of a flexible approach to managing and prioritising a high workload and multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines.
• Experience of organising and providing administrative assistance in an office environment.
• Experience of handling a wide range of enquiries and an excellent telephone manner.
• Knowledge of data protection act and responsibilities.
• Clear understanding of confidentiality with written and computerised materials and processes.

Please visit our website for further details by selecting the apply button on Charity Job.

Applications for this role will be reviewed and interviews arranged on an ongoing basis.

You will be joining us at a time that holds the greatest potential for fundraising in our history, following the launch of the UK Government’s Delivery Plan for ME and initial findings of the DecodeME genetics study (co-led by Action for ME) in Summer 2025. 

Building on our charity’s already established level of support from major donors, you will provide exceptional relationship management to existing donors alongside growing our network of high value supporters.

Working closely with the CEO, alongside managing a portfolio of donors and prospects ensuring excellent stewardship, you will support our Breakthrough-ME Group (a group of high net worth and highly networked individuals). There is an established level of support from major donors at Action for ME so this is a role that will require exceptional relationship management to retain our current valued supporters while growing this crucial area of fundraising. 

This would be an ideal role for an experienced philanthropy professional seeking to work for a small but ambitious charity, helping us to achieve our mission to improve the lives of all people affected by ME – better meeting their needs today while taking action to secure change for tomorrow.

Key duties

Major Donor Fundraising

• Successfully develop and implement the philanthropy strategy to secure and maximise funds from high value individuals for Action for ME achieving annual income of £250k+

• Set plans and budgets which will deliver income through major gift fundraising and philanthropic giving through family trusts and foundations, including quarterly forecasting.

• Manage a portfolio of prospects and donors at the £5k to £100k level, to develop and maintain strong and long-standing partnerships

• Work closely with the Director of Fundraising and Development and other colleagues to ensure that plans and activities for fundraising from high value individuals are integrated into the overall fundraising strategy and plan for significant growth.

• Be responsible for our Breakthrough-ME Group with high quality proposition development.  Contribution to Group fundraising activities with a specific focus on ensuring their networks support pipeline growth for future fundraising.

• Lead the delivery of our biennial fundraising gala dinner, maximising income and new opportunities from attendees.

• Develop engaging and inspiring opportunities to steward and cultivate support creating a calendar of activities including events, presentations, approaches, networking and meetings.

• Utilise the CRM database (Raisers Edge) to provide the data required to strategise your approach to philanthropy, monitor progress and provide a high-quality donor experience.

• Ensure utilisation of insight & data, producing management information data to inform planning and strategy development.

• With the Director of Fundraising & Development, create inspiring cases for support and resulting propositions with clear budgets and outcomes.

• Create adequate systems and processes to support the major donor programme.

• Undertake and manage research into prospects and major donors, preparing for approaches and presentations and briefing senior leadership and trustees for donor meetings and events.

• Develop and maintain relationships with donors, a wide range of staff and volunteers from trustee level down.

• Provide regular feedback and internal reporting to line management.

• Work with other fundraisers to ensure that all fundraising opportunities and leads are followed up – particularly in corporate, community and trust fundraising.

• Work with Trustees, the Chief Executive and members of the Leadership Team to develop relationships with major donors.

• Self-administrate including managing your own diary and meetings, keeping accurate and up to date records of activity

• Occasional travel to London, Bristol & events

Other duties

• To positively promote the work and activities of Action for M.E. at all times.

• To contribute to the team’s overall, ongoing and annual planning and budgeting.

• To undertake any other reasonable activity in line with the responsibilities of the post as requested by the Director of Fundraising and Development, Chief Executive or any other senior Action for ME management.

• Act as an advocate for the Charity and its work.

• To work in accordance with Action for ME’s values of collaboration, equity and empathy.

Who we are
Benslow Music, a thriving musical hub based on a campus in Hitchin, is seeking a Head of Music & Learning to lead the strategic development and delivery of its diverse programmes. We champion the life‑long benefits music brings through a programme of residential, day and online music courses, a concert series and an instrument loan scheme.

We’re rooted in a heritage that began in 1929 as the Rural Music Schools Association, growing into a lively campus with two recital halls, practice rooms, accommodation for around 50 people and an extensive music library. Today we offer around 150 short courses annually, welcoming adult musicians of all abilities, from late starters to early career professionals, across classical, jazz and folk genres. We host a regular concert series featuring emerging and acclaimed artists.

We are also home to the Benslow Music Instrument Loan Scheme, holding a collection of over 1700 string and woodwind instruments lent to young musicians aged 7–25, ensuring access regardless of background.

About the role
As Head of Music & Learning, you will lead the delivery, strategic development and evaluation of Benslow Music’s core programmes: courses, concerts and the Instrument Loan Scheme. Reporting to the Chief Executive, you’ll shape an ever-evolving and balanced annual programme.

You’ll oversee and strategically develop diverse music education opportunities; cultivate relationships with tutors, artists and partner organisations; develop online activities; ensure excellent participant experiences and adherence to health and safety policies; manage programme budgets and monitor financial performance; monitor the quality of activities, gathering and acting on feedback from participants, tutors and stakeholders; lead and line‑manage a dedicated team to high standards; and contribute to strategic planning and partnerships that strengthen the organisation’s mission to unlock potential and share the lifelong benefits of music.

Who we’re looking for
We’re looking for a self‑starter with programme management experience, an eye for detail, flexibility and good judgement. You’ll be comfortable working autonomously and within a collaborative, supportive environment.

You’ll bring:

• Significant experience in programme and project management, particularly in music or music education contexts, including adult amateur music‑making.
• Breadth and depth of musical knowledge to be credible with a range of stakeholders.
• Proven senior management experience, contributing to strategic development.
• Exceptional people skills and communication abilities (written and verbal), including contract management and negotiation.
• Strong administrative, organisational, IT and budget management skills, including effective use of spreadsheets and familiarity with marketing, CRM and fundraising support.
• A deep understanding of and commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion; sensitivity to Benslow Music’s mission and ethos.
• Networks in the music/music education sector.

If you’re ready to lead a vital part of our community by unlocking musical wonder, enabling access and fuelling lifelong creativity, please get in touch with our consultants at Peridot Partners.

Community Fundraiser - Home Counties

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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 seeking an experienced and motivated fundraiser to join our team. As a key part of our fundraising efforts in our high-performing East region, you will have the opportunity to drive income generation through a variety of initiatives, including challenge events, fundraising groups, and corporate partnerships such as charity of the year. You will also be responsible for driving initiatives to increase our profile and supporter base within Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire and Essex. 

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Key Responsibilities: ​

• ​Generate income across a range of community fundraising initiatives and events, with the opportunity to lead on key projects 
• Steward supporters to help drive the charity’s fundraising activities and growth 
• ​Work with the fundraising team to develop and maintain strong relationships with fundraisers, donors, partners, and key stakeholders ​
• Contribute towards the growth and success of fundraising efforts, ensuring a sustainable income stream for the vital ongoing funding of brain tumour research ​

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Requirements: ​​

• At least one year of fundraising experience, with a proven track record in income generation 
• Strong experience in supporter stewardship  
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire supporters and partners alike ​
• Passion for Brain Tumour Research and its mission to fund research and ultimately find a cure 

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If you are looking for a fulfilling and impactful role and have the level of experience and skill we are looking for, we welcome your application.

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​We will give preference to those candidates living in the Bucks, Beds and Northants areas of this region.​​​

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

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.

Closing Date: 26th September 2025

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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.

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Quality Assurance Manger

Location: St Elizabeth’s Centre, Much Hadham
Full-Time | Permanent
Salary: £35,432 - £39,605 per annum
About St Elizabeth’s Centre
 
Nestled in 60 acres of peaceful countryside, St Elizabeth’s is a national charity that has supported children, young people, and adults with complex medical and learning needs for over 120 years. We provide a specialist School, College, residential care, supported living and on-site health services.
 
Our mission is to help every person we support Live Life to the Full, and our values — aspirational, collaborative, joyful, and compassionate — are at the heart of everything we do.
 
About the Role

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the Quality Assurance Manager will play a vital role in maintaining and improving the quality and safety of care delivered across our residential School and College services.
 
You will lead on quality improvement, embed compliance and regulatory standards (CQC/Ofsted), and act as a key driver in safeguarding best practices. Using structured audits, inspections, and feedback cycles, you will work closely with teams to ensure excellence in care, safety, and person-centred planning.
 
This role will also act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead for the services and take a leadership role in promoting learning from incidents and continuous service improvement.
 
Key Responsibilities

• Lead internal audits across all service areas, reporting findings and driving actions
• Monitor, evaluate and improve compliance with regulatory frameworks
• Champion safeguarding and act as a Designated Safeguarding Lead
• Audit the quality of documentation, DATIX, care planning, MCA/LPS and assessments
• Collaborate with managers to ensure inspection readiness and service development
• Support with rota effectiveness, staffing levels, and risk management oversight
• Lead on quality initiatives across both adult and children’s services
• Contribute to training, policy development and organisational improvement

 
About You

This role is ideal for a dedicated and experienced professional in adult and/or children’s social care, with a passion for quality and continuous improvement.
 
Essential:

• Relevant care experience and knowledge of both adult and/or children’s services
• Strong auditing and compliance knowledge (CQC/Ofsted)
• Leadership and team management experience
• Excellent communication and report writing skills
• Strong IT and organisational skills
• Commitment to safeguarding, diversity, and person-centred care

 
Desirable:

• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health & Social Care (or willingness to work towards)
• Experience delivering staff training and managing change

 
Why work for St Elizabeth’s?
 
You’ll join a supportive, inclusive environment where your work is valued, and your wellbeing is prioritised. We offer:

• Supportive hours:
  
  • Monday - Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
  
  
• Comprehensive training and development opportunities
• Recommend a Friend bonus of up to £500 (T&Cs apply)
• Free on-site parking and discounted meals in our on-site canteen
• Paid enhanced DBS.
• Beautiful countryside location
• Access to Blue Light Card and other discounts across high street brands.

 
How to Apply
 
Please apply via our website by completing an application form and uploading your CV. 
 
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis — we recommend applying early, as we may close the advert once enough strong applications are received.
 
Please note: We are not located on a public transport route, so having access to transport is helpful.
 
Final salary offer is dependent on experience, qualifications, and the role level.
 
Inclusion & Safeguarding
 
At St Elizabeth’s, we embrace diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and recognised as an Investor in People.
 
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All offers are subject to satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check. Some roles may involve regulated activity, and applying while barred is a criminal offence.
 
Be part of something bigger at St Elizabeth’s.
 
#INDMGR
 
REF-223 801

Having adopted a new and ambitious strategy, and embarked on a period of transformational change, Two Saints are now looking to ensure they are in the strongest position to deliver their vision in what are difficult times. This vision is ‘to be a safety net for people in tough times and the springboard to a brighter future.’ The organisation delivers a full range of services to clients across Hampshire, Dorset, Berkshire and the Isle of Wight, and the role of the Two Saints Board is to guide, direct and challenge the plans and strategic decisions relating to these services.

So we’re looking for people who can help Two Saints deliver their vision, with  a background and experience in either:

• Asset management, perhaps with experience of the net-zero agenda
• Supported housing services or social care

We’re interested in hearing from talented people who may be looking for their first governance role, and you may have had lived experience.

If you’re interested in what Two Saints do and feel you can make a contribution, we’d like to hear from you so take a look at the candidate pack here https://bit.ly/45U1yDX.

Prison Facilitator - HMP Bedford & HMP Littlehey

Location: HMP Bedford and HMP Littlehey
Department: Prison delivery
Salary: £28,274 per annum
Hours: 35 hours
Job Type: Full time
Contract Type: Contract

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy levels amongst people in prison?

Shannon Trust are delighted to be working with His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) to provide peer-led learning programmes at HMP Littlehey & HMP Bedford. Working closely with the prison and their staff, people in prison, Shannon Trust volunteers and mentors, this post will lead the delivery and development of our prison-based reading and numeracy programme, maximising opportunities for people in prison to learn to read.

Ideally you will have some experience of prison settings underpinned by the ability to build relationships and personal qualities that include resilience, determination and a problem-solving approach. 

This role will be prison based. Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme. The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.

‍We welcome job applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions. These roles do require prison security clearance, so we will need to ask for details of any relevant criminal convictions before an offer of employment is finalised.

‍Interviews are planned for: 30th September 2025

Benefits: Standard Shannon Trust: Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme.

REF-223590

Are you looking for a dynamic and rewarding role working for an organisation with the feminist agenda at the core of its ethos? Then Advance Charity could be the career choice for you!

We are looking for a Prison Advocate

Salary: £27,000 - £29,000

Location: HMP Peterborough

Hours: 35 hours per week

Contract: Fixed Term – until 31st March 2027

This post is open to female applicants only as being female is deemed to be a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.

Please note: Any offer of employment will be made subject to references, confirmation of the right to work in the UK, and satisfactory enhanced DBS check. This role is also subject to Police Vetting.

About us

Advance is an award-winning and innovative women-only organisation, established in 1998, providing emotional and practical support to women and girls survivors of domestic abuse and supporting women with short-term sentences to reduce offending. We believe in empowering women and girls to lead safe, non-violent, equal lives so that they can flourish and contribute to the community.

We are a community-based organisation who lead in best practice approaches to supporting women in their local community. We achieve this by being available to meet and support women in local settings and at our women’s centres, and by working in close partnership with other agencies.

Our values are to listen and support, to empower and respect, collaboration, innovation, and accountability.

About the role:

The Advance Prison Advocate will support women on remand and those unsentenced within the prison setting, providing pre-release support; focused on Accommodation, Finance, debt & benefits, Family & significant others and Social inclusion.

The Prison Advocate will develop a referral pathway with the Offender Management team within the prison, for women to access the service and will work in partnership with the existing service providers operating within the prison. You will co-design a person-centred support and action plan with women accessing support, enabling you to support them to address their needs and any risks in relation to the interventions identified above including providing ‘through the gate support’. The role will combine a casework- based approach, along with a signposting and advice service for the women in custody.

You will have demonstrable experience and understanding of working with women in a challenging multi-agency environment, ideally working with prisoners and/or their families.

You will build strong relationships with the Pre Release teams to ensure clients are able to maintain or access suitable accommodation, finance, benefits and debt, family and social inclusion support including negotiating terms on behalf of the women. Ensure that interventions are responsive to and meet the needs of women from diverse and minoritised backgrounds. This, together with referrals to wider partner organisations in the community, will ensure additional support needs are addressed post-release and continuity of support exists.

A car may be desirable for this role, though not essential.

About You:

To be successful as the Prison Advocate you will need the below experience and skills:

Knowledge and experience of the criminal justice system obtained through academic study, experience of working in the criminal justice system (or closely associated social system).

The ability and experience as a caseworker delivering gender specific and trauma responsive interventions which support resettlement and rehabilitation of female adults in the criminal justice system whether in the community or in prisons.

You will possess excellent organisational skills, excellent communication skills and be able to work in a prison environment whilst remaining calm.

Knowledge and understanding of the requirements of managing a caseload including maintaining and updating records, remaining focused on action plan goals, and keeping to deadlines

You will have the ability to complete trauma informed, support and action plans in collaboration with the woman; to support in addressing their multiple and individual needs and enable them to engage with services, which will result in timely and prescribed outcomes being achieved.

How to apply:

Please apply with a copy of your CV and a cover letter through our website. The closing date for applications is the 21st of September.

Interviews will take place the week of the 29th September.

· *Advance reserves the right to close the advert early, or on the appointment of a candidate.

What we can offer you - Employee Benefits:

• 35-hour working week
• An exceptional 30 days of paid holiday per year (pro rata for part time), PLUS public holidays on top (that's nearly 40 days paid holiday per year!)
• Additional days off to celebrate International Women’s Day, and for religious observance and moving home
• Perkbox - an employee discount platform where you can receive free rewards as well as take advantage of savings on clothes, groceries, travel, leisure and more
• Pension scheme
• Enhanced maternity/adoption provision
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee eye-care scheme
• Clinical supervision for front line staff and first line management roles
• Refer a Friend Scheme - £250 for each referral who passes probation
• Organisation wide away days
• One-week paid carers’ s leave
• Career development pathways

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Under the Equality Act 2010, we are required to make any reasonable adjustments. If you have a disability as defined under this act and/or have special needs, please email the Talent Acquisition Team via the Advance website and will aim to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs.

Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunities

We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and actively seek to recruit people from groups underrepresented in our current team. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay and benefits.

Safeguarding

Advance is committed to safeguarding and creating a culture of zero-tolerance of harm and expects all staff, including volunteers to share this commitment. We believe all individuals have the right to live their life free from violence and abuse and the right to feel and be safe. We have a suite of safeguarding policies, procedures and practice guidance, accessible to all staff, which promotes safeguarding and safer working practices across all our services and activities. When we recruit staff, we follow rigorous safer recruitment practices, this involves carrying out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, and identity checks. We ensure all staff undertake mandatory safeguarding training relevant to their role and responsibilities, to empower them to be competent and feel confident in recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding issues and promote wellbeing.

WDC’s Games For Waves initiative engages the gaming and streaming communities to raise funds and awareness for whale, dolphin and ocean conservation. The Influencer Lead will help drive this mission by developing strategic digital fundraising events, managing relationships with creators and influencers, and creating impactful content.