Communications associate jobs in Manchester

Use your experience as a Safeguarding Lead to set clear direction, challenge thinking and ensure safeguarding is consistently strong, effective and trusted.

You will drive meaningful change ensure safeguarding is embedded across every part of the organisation. If you are ready to bring your expertise into a role where your decisions have real impact, this is your chance to lead with purpose and authority.

As our Safeguarding Lead, you will play a central role in strengthening safeguarding practice across the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association, helping ensure the right support is in place at the right time.

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead the development and delivery of the MND Association’s safeguarding strategy
• Provide expert safeguarding advice and support for staff and volunteers
• Oversee responses to serious safeguarding incidents, including reporting and learning
• Lead the Association’s Safeguarding Board and annual action planning
• Work in partnership with senior leaders to ensure safeguarding awareness at all levels of the organisation
• Maintain and review risk management and reporting, safeguarding policies, ensuring compliance and best practice
• Develop quality assurance frameworks, audits and case reviews
• Strengthen safeguarding culture through training, engagement and clear standards

About You 

• Significant experience in a senior safeguarding role and working within multi-agency safeguarding environments
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation and multi-agency working
• Experience managing complex safeguarding incidents and reviews
• Ability to provide safeguarding KPIs, reporting, data and risk analysis
• Confident communicator who can challenge constructively
• Proven ability to provide positive safeguarding outcomes for  
• Skilled in analysing data to drive improvement and risk mitigation

Desirable

• Experience in a charity or voluntary sector setting
• Social Work or other relevant qualification

Further information about working for the MND Association and full job description is available in the attached Candidate Pack. 

• Screening calls taking place Wednesday 15th July
• Interviews Wednesday 29th July inperson at our Northampton Office

This is a Home-based role with requirement to attend a main office (Northampton or London) or other designated location for team meetings, training, client visits, or other business purposes. This applies regardless of contractual location and is in line with the needs of the Association.

We can consider part time applications of 30 hours + for this role.

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We work to remove barriers for everyone affected by MND, employees, volunteers, and stakeholders. 

As part of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee interviews for disabled applicants who meet the role's requirements. 

What We Offer 

• 28 days holiday, increasing to 33 days after 5 years, plus Bank Holidays 
• Access to UK Healthcare, including dental, eyecare, health screenings, and therapies 
• 24/7 GP access via phone and video 
• Life assurance and confidential counselling helplines 
• Salary sacrifice schemes (Cycle to Work, Buy/Sell Annual Leave) 
• Access to Benefit Hub for discounts on everyday shopping 
• Enhanced pension scheme 
• Opportunities for training and personal development 

About Us 

Motor Neurone Disease moves fast. It takes away time, it takes away independence and it has no cure. Every day we support people affected by MND. We fund ground-breaking research. We campaign for better care. We’re here for everyone who needs us. Because with MND, every day matters.

About Adolescent Health Study

The Adolescent Health Study (AHS) is an ambitious new UKRI-funded initiative to establish a prospective, longitudinal population study that will generate a globally leading open science data platform and research resource. AHS aims to recruit at least 100,000 young people aged eight to 18 years from across the UK and to follow their mental and physical health and wellbeing over at least 10 years. It plans to collect data through questions and measures; to obtain bio-samples for a wide range of genomic and other high-throughput assays; and to capture linked data relevant to health and wellbeing from participants’ health, education and other administrative records. Recruitment will take place mainly through schools. There will be a strong emphasis on engaging with and involving young people, schools, parents and other relevant stakeholders in the design and delivery of the study, as well as on including young people that represent as wide as possible a range of backgrounds, experiences and characteristics. AHS will focus on enabling a wide range of research, including studies of the critical biological and social developments that occur during the transition from childhood to adulthood and the determinants of both mental and physical health and wellbeing in adolescents and young adults.

Purpose of the post

 The Procurement Lead is responsible for developing and delivering a robust procurement and commercial strategy that ensures value for money, compliance with Procurement Act 2023 regulations in line with AHS being primarily public funded and supports AHS study and operational objectives. The role will lead on sourcing, contracting, supplier management, and commercial governance, ensuring ethical, transparent, and efficient use of public funds.

Main responsibilities

Procurement Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and implement a procurement and commercial strategy aligned with organisational goals and funding requirements.
• Lead procurement planning across research programmes, operations, and corporate services.
• Act as a subject matter expert on public procurement policy and best practice.
• Drive continuous improvement in procurement processes, systems, and capability.

Tendering and Contract Management

• Oversee end-to-end procurement processes including tendering, evaluation, and contract award.
• Ensure compliance with UK public procurement regulations (e.g., Procurement Act and associated guidance).
• Draft, review, and negotiate complex contracts, including research, clinical, and grant-related agreements.
• Manage contract lifecycle including performance monitoring, renewals, and extensions.

Commercial Governance & Compliance

• Establish and maintain procurement policies, procedures, and governance frameworks.
• Ensure all procurement activities meet audit, transparency, and reporting requirements for public funding.
• Identify and mitigate commercial risks across supplier engagements.
• Support internal and external audit processes.

Supplier & Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strategic supplier relationships, ensuring high performance and innovation.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders (research teams, finance, legal) to understand needs and deliver value-driven procurement solutions.
• Work with external stakeholders including funders, partners and strategic advisors to develop optimum outcomes
• Provide commercial advice and guidance to senior leadership and project teams.
• Promote sustainable and ethical sourcing practices.

Financial & Value Management

• Deliver value for money through effective sourcing and negotiation strategies.
• Monitor procurement spend and identify cost-saving or efficiency opportunities.
• Contribute to budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes.
• Ensure funding is used appropriately, ethically and in line with public funding requirements.

Knowledge, skills and experience

Essential

1. Professional qualification in procurement or supply chain e.g., CIPS Level 5 or equivalent
2. Degree or comparable experience in business, finance, law, or related field.
3. Proven track record of managing complex procurement exercises and contracts.
4. Experience in procurement or commercial roles within regulated procurement environments, specifically those classed as a public authority
5. Strong understanding of UK public procurement regulations and best practice.
6. Commercial acumen with strong negotiation and contract management skills.
7. Experience of drafting and reviewing heads of terms and commercial agreements.
8. Knowledge of intellectual property (IP) considerations in research contracts.
9. Strong experience in supplier and stakeholder management.
10. Excellent analytical, financial, and problem-solving abilities.
11. Strong communication and influencing skills across all levels of an organisation.
12. Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively.

Desirable

1. CIPS Level 6 or equivalent
2. Membership of a professional body (e.g., MCIPS or FCIPS).
3. Experience managing high-value and complex contracts, including collaborative or partnership agreements
4. Experience in procurement or commercial roles within charity and/or research sectors
5. Detailed understanding of intellectual property (IP) considerations in research contracts.
6. Detailed knowledge of the UK Procurement Act (or Public Contracts Regulations 2015 historically) and transitions between them.
7. Experience of drafting and reviewing heads of terms and commercial agreements.
8. Understanding of subsidy control, state aid, or funding compliance frameworks.
9. Ability to analyse procurement data and generate insights using tools such as Excel, Power BI, or similar.
10. Experience leading organisational change or transformation programmes in procurement.
11. Ability to build procurement capability across a non-procurement stakeholder base.

Dimensions

• This is a full-time role, 37.5 hours per week, offered initially as an 18-month fixed-term contract with potential route to permanency.
• Flexible working across several geographical locations in the UK.  Travel may be required to AHS locations and partner organisations.
• AHS is a national organisation, and our activities take place across the UK.

Application Process

All candidates are required to complete the application form which can be found when clicking 'Apply Now' via Charity Job.

Please refer to the ‘How to Apply’ section of the downloadable application form.

Please note that only applications submitted directly to Gravitate HR will be accepted for this position.

The closing date for applications is 11:00pm on Sunday 12th July 2026.

Interviews are currently expected to take place on Wednesday 19th and Thursday 20th August 2026.

Equal Opportunities Policy Statement

AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. It is our policy to provide employment equality to all, irrespective of:

• Gender, including gender reassignment
• Marital or civil partnership status
• Having or not having dependants
• Religion or belief
• Race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins)
• Disability
• Sexual orientation
• Age

We are opposed to all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.  All job applicants and employees who work for us will be treated fairly and will not be unfairly discriminated against on any of the above grounds. Decisions about recruitment and selection, promotion, training or any other benefit will be made objectively and without unlawful discrimination. 

Values

It is an exciting time for the Adolescent Health Study (AHS) as we establish our senior leadership team and begin to plan the pilot studies. As the senior executive team evolves, the AHS values will be grounded in inclusivity, integrity, accountability, and collaboration.

Clean Slate is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as Head of Programmes on a maternity cover basis.

This is a pivotal role responsible for overseeing the delivery of impactful services across all operational departments, ensuring our programmes continue to improve the financial wellbeing, resilience and life opportunities of people on low incomes.

As Head of Programmes, you will provide leadership to managers across the organisation, maintain strong relationships with funders and commissioners, oversee organisational performance and reporting, support business development and programme growth, and ensure that our services remain safe, compliant, effective and sustainable.

This role will suit an experienced leader who combines strategic thinking with strong operational management skills and who is passionate about creating meaningful change for people facing financial hardship.

About Clean Slate

At Clean Slate, we believe everyone should be able to provide for themselves and their family without paying the extra costs associated with poverty.

Our mission is to create meaningful, measurable change for people on low incomes, helping them become better off financially and more in control of their lives through money guidance, employment support and digital inclusion.

Role Overview

As Head of Programmes, you will oversee the successful delivery, performance and development of Clean Slate's services nationally. Working as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will contribute to organisational strategy, support business growth and ensure programmes achieve both their social impact and financial objectives.

You will provide leadership and support to departmental managers, oversee organisational reporting and performance monitoring, maintain relationships with key funders and stakeholders, and ensure that systems, processes and compliance arrangements support high-quality service delivery.

A key element of the role will be identifying opportunities for growth, supporting funding and commissioning opportunities, and ensuring services continue to evolve to meet the needs of the communities we serve.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Act as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to organisational strategy, planning and decision-making.

• Lead the implementation of organisational objectives across all programme delivery functions.

• Champion continuous improvement, innovation and service excellence.

• Support the development and implementation of policies, procedures and organisational systems.

Programme Oversight & Operational Management

• Oversee the delivery of all services and programmes, ensuring quality, compliance and impact.

• Support managers to achieve contractual targets, performance objectives and growth ambitions.

• Monitor programme performance, budgets and operational risks.

• Ensure sufficient staffing capacity and effective workforce planning across departments.

• Drive consistency, quality assurance and best practice across all service areas.

Leadership & People Management

• Line manage senior managers and support effective leadership throughout the organisation.

• Promote accountability, performance management and staff development.

• Support managers to identify training needs and implement development plans.

• Foster a positive culture that prioritises staff wellbeing, inclusion and professional growth.

Reporting, Data & Systems

• Oversee organisational performance monitoring and impact measurement.

• Lead reporting for commissioners, funders, trustees and senior leadership.

• Ensure the organisation's CRM and reporting systems are effectively managed and utilised to support performance, compliance and decision-making.

• Use data and insight to inform continuous improvement and organisational development.

Business Development & Partnerships

• Support the development of new programmes, services and funding opportunities.

• Work closely with the Managing Director and fundraising teams on commissioning opportunities, funding applications and growth initiatives.

• Maintain and strengthen relationships with funders, commissioners and strategic partners.

• Represent Clean Slate at external meetings, partnership forums and networking events.

• Support the organisation's reputation as a leading voice on financial wellbeing and poverty reduction.

Governance, Compliance & Risk

• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, health and safety, data protection and cyber security requirements.

• Oversee risk management processes and contribute to organisational governance.

• Ensure services operate in line with contractual, regulatory and quality standards.

• Promote a culture of accountability, safeguarding and continuous learning.

About You

We are looking for a strategic and collaborative leader with experience managing complex services, leading managers and driving organisational performance.

You will bring:

• Significant experience leading programmes, services or operational teams.

• Experience managing managers and supporting organisational growth.

• Strong strategic planning and organisational development skills.

• Experience working with funders, commissioners and external stakeholders.

• A track record of delivering impactful services and achieving performance targets.

• Experience overseeing reporting, monitoring, evaluation and quality assurance processes.

• Strong understanding of performance management, compliance and risk management.

• Excellent communication, relationship-building and influencing skills.

• Experience using CRM and reporting systems to support operational delivery and organisational performance.

• A commitment to Clean Slate's mission and values.

Desirable

• Experience within financial inclusion, employability, community development or related sectors.

• Knowledge of commissioning, fundraising or business development.

• Understanding of issues affecting people on low incomes, including financial exclusion and the poverty premium.

Why Join Clean Slate?

This is an opportunity to play a key leadership role within a growing organisation that is changing lives across the UK.

You'll help shape strategy, support talented teams, strengthen partnerships and ensure our programmes continue to deliver meaningful, measurable impact for the people and communities we serve.

Salary – Grade 5 - £38, 724 per annum plus £312 homeworker allowance

Hours – Full time – 35 per week

Contract: Fixed term until 31st March 2029

Location – Home Worker with regular travel to London for events and meetings

Closing date: Sunday 12th July 2026 at 11:30pm

Join Shelter as a Sector Practice Lead in our mission to drive systemic change and fight for housing justice. If you have strong experience of programme management and working with professionals or as a professional supporting people facing homelessness and with complex needs, then we welcome you to apply for this role.

At a time when the housing emergency continues to deepen, your experience could help transform lives and challenge the systems that perpetuate injustice. Come and play a central role in our mission to defend the right to a safe, and secure home. Working with Shelter means being part of a passionate team that believes a safe home is a fundamental right. Here, your skills don’t just change lives - they shape a fairer housing system.

About the role

You will support local authority and voluntary sector housing and homelessness teams in developing efficient, quality and successful services and implementing outcome focused training and best practice.

You will lead on the design and implementation of learning needs analysis and activities, to build understanding of challenges, areas for improvement and building capacity through targeted learning to empower frontline staff. You will also build collaborative capacity and partnership working, and coordinate and support professional guidance, sharing and demonstrating best practice tools and approaches for housing and homelessness professionals.

Project management will play a vital part in your role, with you ensuring the effective delivery of the London Plus delivery plan, objectives and outputs within timescale and budget, plus you will develop and manage monitoring approaches or systems to demonstrate impact. Ensuring that the project is designed and delivered with a clear commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion is key, as is ensuring that the voices and experiences of people with lived experience of homelessness are fundamental to the project design, delivery and implementation.

About you  

You will have experience of working with people who are facing severe and multiple disadvantage and of working on developmental projects within a voluntary or local authority setting, plus a sound knowledge of relevant external agencies, resources and networks across London and policies and approaches to supporting homeless people. You will also have a proven record of working across organisations, sharing ideas and skills and of multi-agency working and collaborative projects. A natural communicator, both verbal and written, you will have strong data collation and analysis skills and impressive interpersonal and relationship-building abilities, while a collaborative, flexible, and proactive approach to your work is vital.

Benefits 

We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave (pro rata), enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.

About the team

The Services for Professionals Team, aim to support and bring together practitioners from different organisations and disciplines to build the knowledge, skills and expertise needed to systematically challenge barriers to tackling homelessness and for people with complex needs. The role will be part of a team of ‘systems changers’ and trainers with extensive experience in homelessness and trained in systems thinking and experimentation. 

About Shelter

Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet every day millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.

We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.

Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.

Safeguarding Statement

Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.

Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

THINK is expanding our Data function and looking for find a Data Consultant who can help achieve that growth.

THINK Data is the specialist data function of THINK, working exclusively in the charity and not-for-profit sector. We combine deep sector knowledge with hands-on technical expertise across three core areas: data health, analytics and insight, and CRM system challenges. 

Led by the Director of THINK Data, the team covers key elements of data strategy with charity clients to help them get more from their data and make better decisions. Discovering the challenges around the infrastructure of systems, processes and insight capability charities need to make data work harder for their mission. The Director leads on new business generation, team development, innovation in data products and thought leadership across the sector. Part of that innovation is exploring the best ways to use AI in how we work and how we advise clients, taking a considered and human approach. 

The Data Consultant role centres on data discovery and consultancy - working with charity clients to understand their data challenges and shape practical roadmaps for change. Alongside this you will contribute to client delivery, own key internal systems, and help develop new products and services. 

This is an opportunity to grow. We are looking for a driven, ambitious individual with a background in charity fundraising and experience in data analysis and management, who is ready to take a step up into consultancy. The role offers a clear path to develop from Data Consultant to Senior Data Consultant, with the potential over time to progress towards Data Director. The right person will help shape the future of THINK Data and grow as the function grows. 

To apply please follow the guidance in the Candidate Pack. Informal calls with Steve White, Director of THINK Data or Matt Smith, Managing Director of THINK are available upon request.