Communications fundraising officer jobs in belfast

Imagine This is the only UK charity solely dedicated to supporting the mental wellbeing of seriously ill children and their families. Founded in 2014 by actors Sarah Parish MBE and Jim Murray MBE in memory of their first daughter Ella-Jayne, the charity has rebranded from The Murray Parish Trust to Imagine This in 2025. The charity is now leading a national movement to address a hidden mental health crisis in seriously ill children.

There are one million children in the UK facing life-limiting, life-threatening, and serious chronic conditions. These children are at much higher risk of long-term mental health difficulties that can become more complex and difficult to treat, on top of living with often complex medical needs. Imagine This provides imaginative, innovative and empowering projects to help them navigate their journey with connection, resilience and hope. Our vision is to reach every seriously ill child, and their families, across the UK by 2035, delivering diverse and impactful projects in hospitals, hospices and community settings.

This role will be responsible for the development and delivery of public fundraising and engagement activities, building new and existing relationships with community, individual and business supporters. You will be the first point of contact for the charity, providing exceptional administration and an outstanding supporter experience. You will also proactively secure new support, and be involved in wider campaigns and events, to help the charity significantly grow income year on year.

We are looking for a proactive individual to join our small team. Someone with an eye for detail in data and administration. You will be ambitious and entrepreneurial, with real vision and a passion for the cause. You will be resilient and collaborative, someone who is highly organised with the ability to juggle a diverse and high workload. We are looking for someone who prides themselves on delivering exceptional stewardship to build new and long-lasting relationship with supporters, whilst also continuously seeking new opportunities to grow income.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Engagement

• Build rich relationships through exceptional and inspirational stewardship to increase retention, average gift and supporter experience.
• Organise acquisition/engagement events and campaigns (online and in-person), showcasing our projects and creating a deeper connection with the charity.
• Serve as the primary point of contact to the public, responding promptly to all enquiries, providing information, advice and support.
• Identify fundraising stories to enhance marketing/communications activity.

Fundraising

• Proactively secure new support from businesses, individuals and community groups using a planned process of cultivation, conversion and stewardship - including: 1. Businesses: charity of the year, staff fundraising, sponsorship. 2. Community: individual fundraising, schools, groups, official charity for third party events. 3. Individuals: one-off/appeals, regular giving, in-memoriam/celebration and legacies
• Create engaging fundraising campaigns that increase profile, secure new support and increase income.
• Proactively identify opportunities for retaining, growing or diversifying income from existing supporters.
• Actively network to raise the profile of the charity and identify opportunities for new support.
• Recruit, support and coordinate volunteers to support for fundraising and engagement activity.

Data/administration

• Ensure prompt and effective supporter communications, particularly when thanking donations.
• Maintain accurate, compliant data in our CRM (Donorfy), growing the database and improving data quality.
• Use data insight to prepare reports and analyse performance to identify trends and opportunities.
• Monitor/evaluate income and KPIs making recommendations for remedial action or growth opportunities.
• Prepare Quarterly reports for the Board, and upon request.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and the Fundraising Code of Practice.

We’re looking for an excellent communicator who is also efficient, friendly and super organised, to help win public services for people not profit. This is a fast-paced role in a small team with a big mission!

You’ll be providing ongoing support to the team on campaigns as well as growing our media and social media profile with impactful communications. We’re looking for someone who has a track record of making compelling videos and graphics, or is eager to learn. You'll need to be keen to carry out a variety of tasks and be flexible about your role.

This role is a crucial part of the We Own It team and central to increasing our impact. Part of a small, high performing team working mostly remotely and sometimes in London, you’ll need to be extremely self-motivated and able to work efficiently and autonomously.

Do you want to help create a better world for animals? Are you a creative communicator with a flair for storytelling and a passion for protecting animals from cruelty?

Join us at the Animal Welfare Investigations Project (AWIP), a not-for-profit organisation that investigates and disrupts organised animal cruelty worldwide, from dogfighting and puppy farming to wildlife trafficking and the dog-meat trade. Our work brings offenders to justice and builds a global movement to end suffering, powered by digital storytelling and public support.

We’re now looking for a Marketing Executive (Social Media) to join our fast-paced Marketing & Communications Team. This role will shape how millions see our mission — driving engagement, income, and supporter growth through bold, creative campaigns.

�� About the Role

Reporting to the CEO and working closely with our Digital Marketing Officer and Gifts in Wills Officer, you will:

• Develop and deliver a data-driven social media strategy that fuels measurable fundraising growth.

• Use ManyChat to grow a permission-based Messenger community and launch engaging campaigns that drive both immediate and sustained fundraising results.

  Plan, launch, and optimise virtual fundraising challenges (like Run for the Dogs or Step Up for Wildlife) — turning clicks into community and compassion into cash.

• Create powerful storytelling content across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and X — designed to move people from awareness to action.

• Manage and optimise paid social advertising to grow AWIP’s supporter base and recurring donor network.

• Engage directly with our followers — responding to messages and comments with empathy, professionalism, and urgency.

• Work alongside our investigations team to flag and report potential cruelty cases seen on social media, gather evidence from witnesses, and receive OSINT (open-source intelligence) training to support real-world investigations.

• Capture and produce behind-the-scenes content from field operations and events, showcasing AWIP’s lifesaving work.

• Represent AWIP at digital fundraising and social media conferences, contributing to growing our thought leadership profile in digital engagement.

�� About You

You’re a performance-driven, strategic, and creative thinker who thrives in a fast-moving environment. You understand that social media isn’t just about followers or likes — it’s about measurable impact, mission growth, and movement-building.

Essential:

• Proven experience managing social media for a brand, NGO, or campaign.

• Strong writing, editing, and visual-content skills (Canva, Meta Business Suite, or similar).

• Experience running social-media ads or supporter-acquisition campaigns.

• Passion for animal welfare and investigative storytelling.

• Professional resilience when handling sensitive or distressing material.

Desirable:

• Experience with fundraising, challenge events, or membership marketing.

• Familiarity with ManyChat, MailerLite or similar EPS, FundraiseUp, Tally.so, or Salesforce.

• Willingness to travel nationally or internationally for short assignments and support investigations.

�� Contract Details

• Type: Permanent (initially 22.5 hours/week, with opportunity to expand to full-time)

• Salary: £24,500–£29,000 FTE (depending on experience and performance). Pro-rata for 22.5 hours is £15,750.00.

• Location: Fully flexible within the UK (occasional in-person events). Must be a UK resident.

• Probation: 6 months, including delivery of at least one fundraising challenge.

• Progression: Potential to grow to full-time based on KPI delivery.

❤️ What We Offer

• Fully flexible working arrangements

• Annual salary review and growth-linked progression

• Private healthcare & Employee Assistance Programme

• Pension contributions in line with Living Pension standards

• Fully funded professional development in digital fundraising & social media

• A chance to make a tangible difference, protecting animals and investigating animal cruelty worldwide.

Regional Net Zero Carbon Fundraising Officer

Salary £35,000 - £38,000 FTE

35 hours per week

Three-year fixed term contract

Are you an experienced fundraiser with a proven track record of stakeholder engagement and experience of coordinating and developing large-scale funding proposals? Do you have a passion for the environment and reducing carbon emissions? If so, read on.

The Church of England’s Net Zero Carbon (NZC) programme has been established to help the Church deliver its commitment to reaching its NZC goals. It aims to equip, resource and support all parts of the Church to reduce carbon emissions from the energy used in its buildings, schools and through work-related transport.

All parts of the Church will need to raise funds to implement this Net Zero plan. To this end, the Dioceses of Chelmsford, Ely, Norwich, St Albans and St Edmundsbury and Ipswich are collaborating on the shared ambition to achieve NZC across our diocesan estates and are looking to appoint a Fundraising Officer to work across the region to identify funding opportunities and secure funding towards delivering net carbon zero projects.

This is a new role and, as such, offers an excellent opportunity for the successful candidate to make their mark. You will develop and maintain relationships with a range of potential funders and internal and external stakeholders across the region. You’ll need drive, initiative, resilience and the ability to shape an approach to NZC fundraising across the region. Above all, you’ll need to be an excellent communicator and relationship builder with a proven ability to adapt your approach as appropriate, be this creating links with the national NZC Team, influencing and securing funding from grant-making bodies, or delivering training and advice on securing funding locally. Given the scope and nature of the role you’ll also need to be highly organised, flexible and sympathetic to the ethos of the Church of England.

We recognise that this is a specialised role, and training and support will be available for the post-holder both locally and from the national Church of England NZ Fundraising team.

A full driving licence and access to a vehicle are also required. The role will be home-based and can be anywhere within the region, with regular travel across the region required. The role will be employed by the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich so line management meetings will be in Ipswich.

The five dioceses are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.   
   

All appointments are subject to acceptable pre-appointment checks, including a satisfactory DBS check where required.   

Closing Date for Applications: Tuesday, 18th November 2025 

Interviews: Wednesday, 3rd December 2025 

About the Role

We have an exciting opportunity for an Individual Giving Officer (Acquisition) to join our collaborative Individual Giving team.

As an Individual Giving Officer, you’ll lead the delivery of multi-channel campaigns designed to recruit new supporters and the ongoing supporter stewardship of these new donors. You’ll manage acquisition activity across products including cash giving, lottery, and regular giving, ensuring campaigns are delivered on time, within budget, and meet performance targets.

You’ll be responsible for the creative development of campaign assets, day-to-day agency collaboration, and the ongoing optimisation of supporter stewardship communications. From planning and reporting to evaluating impact, you’ll play a key role in shaping how we acquire new donors and retain our supporters.

About You

You’re confident in managing campaigns with track record of delivering successful multi-channel fundraising campaigns that drive supporter growth. You bring excellent project and budget management skills, analytical thinking, strong reporting and evaluation capabilities and think supporter-first.

You’re experienced in working across channels including email, social media, telephone fundraising and print, and you know how to use insight to shape compelling supporter journeys. You’re a collaborative team member, able to manage internal stakeholders and external suppliers with ease, and you thrive in an environment where attention to detail and strategic focus are key.

About the Team

You’ll join our Individual Giving team, committed to growing our supporter base and delivering meaningful and engaging experiences that inspire long-term support.

We work closely with colleagues across the organisation and with external agencies to deliver campaigns that make a real impact. You’ll be supported by a team that values innovation, shares learnings, and celebrates success—while always keeping our supporters at the heart of what we do.

Please see the Job Description below for more detail about this exciting role.

The detail

• Hours: 35 hours per week
• Contract: 12 months fixed-term contract
• Closing Date: 26th October 2025 

Help for Heroes values diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

Head of Income Generation and Marketing

• FTE £37- £42k dependant on experience.

• 35 hours a week (flexible for right candidate).

• Home based with travel for events and meetings.

The PDA Society is looking to recruit its first ever Head of role and we believe the right person could be transformative for our organisation. We are a small charity that makes a big impact – and we are excited to recruit someone who is hands on, pragmatic and experienced in raising income onto our team.

We are looking for a goal oriented, entrepreneurial individual who can help us maximise our fundraised and earned income through effective relationships and online communications. Over the next three years, we must significantly expand our free services and support offers for the people who most need them – and this role will be entrusted with ensuring we can afford to do that.

You will be part of a fast moving, high performing team who are determined to make a difference. This is a small organisation where senior team members do as well as plan. So while you’ll be setting direction and leading strategy, you’ll also be rolling your sleeves up and delivering directly alongside colleagues. You’ll be supported by a small communications team and a small budget to commission trust applications, and you’ll hold responsibility for maintaining trust funder relationships and ensuring reporting is timely and accurate.

If you have provable experience in growing income in a small charity or training organisation, are excited by growth, and want to make a difference to some of the most underserved disabled people in the UK this could be the job for you.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a small but growing team as we enter a new chapter in our ministry. Based in Belfast, you will be in a key position in the organisation: providing executive assistance to the CEO and responsible for our finance and HR administration. This is a new post with opportunity to shape and develop the role.

We're looking for a committed Christian who is a proven administrator, can juggle multiple priorities and is excited by change and innovation. You will have a track record in providing executive assistance at a senior level and will be able to demonstrate excellent teamworking and communication skills.

The job is permanent and full time, but we are open to considering applicants who want to work full time over 4 days or substantial part-time (4 days).

If you think this role is for you, we would love to hear from you. To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter showing how you meet the person specification. 

Deadline for applications: 12pm, 16 November 2025 
First interviews (online): 27 November
Second interviews (in person, Belfast): 5 December

In accordance with the Equality Act 2010, it is a genuine occupational requirement that the post holder is a practising evangelical Christian and in agreement with our statement of faith, vision, mission and cultural values.

The Initiatives and Partnerships Manager plays a key role in the Trust’s Initiatives and Partnerships Team. The post holder will support the development and implementation of the Trust’s projects, manage team members and on occasion support external and partnership projects. Our work is varied, ranging from early-stage feasibility planning, partnership development, fundraising, business planning and design development, as well as supporting our conservation team who lead construction phase oversight. 

This role builds on the successes of the Trust’s longstanding Regeneration programme, which has undertaken pioneering Regeneration projects addressing some of our most pressing conservation needs, as well as developing new operating models for some of the churches in our care. The job will support our regional teams in developing and implementing projects to deliver a range of conservation, social and regeneration benefits; with the balance of each responding to local need, demand and opportunity.

In addition, it encompasses the work undertaken to develop new commercial income opportunities. Examples are our groundbreaking Champing™ initiative, as well as others such as filming, and other commercial partnerships.

We have recently published our TRUST values, which outline the behaviours and expectations that act as our foundations at CCT. We have attached the pack, outlining each value, which we will also be using as part of our shortlisting and interview process to find the right candidates that align with our values.

We are building a compassionate and high performing organisation at Kentown Support. We are 
looking for an ambitious, energetic and collaborative colleague who has both a passion for their work 
and the difference it can make to children and their families. This is a pivotal leadership role and 
opportunity to join an incredible charity at the beginning of its journey offering a real opportunity to 
shape our future success

SSAFA’s Grants and Statutory Income Team, operating across the UK, are proud to announce this role as part of their strategic plans to develop a steady and growing source of income from statutory organisations.

About the role

This is a new fundraising opportunity to help provide support for serving personnel, veterans and their families ensuring that no-one battles alone.

Supported by the Statutory Grants Manager, this role is fundamental in developing, advancing and championing both new and existing income from local authorities, health providers, and other local commissioning bodies and grant funders. The aim of this role is to increase income generation in this area whilst enhancing SSAFA’s visibility and profile within these organisations on a local level. Achieving this will require the development of strong, strategic relationships, underpinned by excellent bid writing skills to produce effective proposals for support.

SSAFA is entering into an exciting period of strategic development with this income stream and if successful, you will be part of a small team with the potential for career development.

Whilst the post is homebased, to be eligible for this role you are required to live in the South East or South West of England as the role will focus on these regions and will require regular travel within them. There will also be an occasional need to travel across the UK and to work evenings and weekends at key events.

About the team

You will join a small, established and dedicated team who cover the whole of the UK. With regular team meetings and a variety of communication mediums you will be given ongoing support, training and mentoring throughout. We are a remote team and well connected to all colleagues. This supports and drives our determination and success 

About you

We are seeking an exceptional candidate who thrives on challenge and brings a strong understanding of the statutory funding landscape. You will be a determined, highly motivated individual, with a proven track record of securing significant funds from statutory organisations. You will be a natural communicator with proven success with bid writing and presentation skills. You will be a confident networker, able to represent the charity to external stakeholders and will excel at developing strong relationships with statutory organisations, both in person and remotely whilst working from home. An ability to self-motivate with a can-do attitude is a must.

About SSAFA

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, has been providing practical, emotional, and financial support to our Forces and their families since 1885. SSAFA, is a trusted source of support for the Armed Forces community in their time of need; last year our trained teams of volunteers and employees helped more than 53,000 people in need, including veterans, serving personnel (regulars and reserves) and their families.

SSAFA understands that behind every uniform is a person. We are here for that person and their family – any time they need us, in any way they need us, for as long as they need us.

Diversity and Inclusion at SSAFA

SSAFA exists to support a diverse range of beneficiaries within the armed forces community, and we believe diversity within our teams is key to ensuring we can deliver our services effectively. We thrive on differences and believe it is critical to our success as a worldwide charity. SSAFA is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace that seeks to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We therefore encourage applications from all genders, races, religions, ages and sexual orientations, as well as parents, veterans, people living with disabilities, and any other groups that could bring diverse perspectives to our business.

SSAFA is committed to using the Disclosure & Barring Service to ensure we, as an employer, safeguard those we serve.

No agencies please. Any unsolicited submissions from agencies will be accepted as a direct application from the candidate and no fees will be payable.

Closing date: Midnight Monday 27 October 2025

Interviews: TBC

Job Title: Head of Corporate Partnerships
Reporting To: Director of Fundraising & Communication
Manages: Corporate Partnerships Managers x 3, New Business Officer x1, Team expected to grow in line with fundraised income increase
Location: Remote (Occasional travel to Leicester office & other UK locations as necessary)
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £48,000 PA
Hours: Full time (36 hours per week).

About Home-Start UK

Home-Start is a federated charity consisting of a central national office – Home-Start UK - and over 170 geographically dispersed local Home-Start organisations, all working together under the same identity.

We recognise that being a parent has never been easy. Every Home-Start volunteer is trained to work alongside parents to overcome the challenges they are facing. We work with parents to build on their strengths and give them the support that they tell us they need. We offer no judgement – just compassionate, confidential help and expert support. This peer-to-peer support is key to the difference Home-Start makes and often our volunteers have lived experience of the challenges their families are facing themselves.

About The Role

This role will lead the Corporate Partnerships team at Home-Start UK and drive the development and implementation of a fundraising strategy that builds on a recent period of significant growth. With projected corporate income of £2.5 million in 2025/26, the successful candidate will focus on generating sustainable, high-return income. They will ensure excellent supporter-focused account management for existing partners, while also identifying and securing new partnerships to build a strong pipeline for long-term income.

Ultimately, this work will enable Home-Start UK to support more families with young children through challenging times.

If it sounds like your type of challenge, we would be delighted to hear from you.

The people at Home-Start are its most important resource. Home-Start UK has been accredited with Investors in People since March 2005, which recognises the commitment we give to developing our staff.

Benefits of working for Home-Start

• Flexible working
• Family friendly policy
• PayCare health cash plan
• Enhanced employer contribution pension
• Learning and development
• DAS Employee Assistance

The closing date for applications is 14th November 2025 at 4pm.

First interviews will take place virtually on week commencing 24th November 2025.
Second interviews will take place in-person at our Leicester office on week commencing 1st December 2025.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

Home-Start UK is committed to Equality of Opportunity and Diversity. We wish to encourage applications from all parts of the community irrespective of gender, race, colour, age, sexual orientation or disability.

No agencies please.

Join Evolve Music as our next Executive Director — and lead a creative, purpose-driven charity using music to change lives across the South West.

We’re looking for an inspiring, strategic and compassionate leader to guide Evolve into its next exciting chapter.

Since 2017, Evolve Music has grown into one of the South West’s leading community music organisations, working in partnership with health, education and cultural organisations to deliver inclusive, creative and high-impact programmes. From Sound Lab for neurodivergent young people to Dads Rock for fathers and male caregivers, our work reaches thousands each year, using music as a catalyst for wellbeing, confidence and connection.

As Executive Director, you’ll shape our strategic vision, lead fundraising and partnership development, and nurture a talented and passionate team. If you believe in the power of music to transform lives, we’d love to hear from you.

Chief Executive Officer

We are looking for a visionary and compassionate Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the charity into its next exciting chapter, as Kids for Kids’ celebrates their 25th Birthday.

This is a unique opportunity to succeed our Founder and make a lasting difference for children and families facing one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

Position: Chief Executive Officer
Location: Home based (with occasional travel)
Salary: £65,000 – £75,000 per annum (commensurate with experience)
Hours: Full Time (37.5 hours per week)
Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: Sunday 26th October, the client reserves the right to interview before the closing date so please apply asap.
 

The Role

As CEO, you will provide inspirational leadership, overseeing all aspects of the organisations work in the UK and abroad, ensuring continued impact and growth. You will manage our fundraising programme, finances, and operations, as well as motivate and inspire a small but highly dedicated team and network of volunteers.

You will:

• Lead the organisation’s strategy, safeguarding its mission and values.
• Oversee all fundraising, awareness-raising, and financial management.
• Report regularly to the Board of Trustees, working closely with the founder as she transitions to her role as Chairman of Trustees.
• Be the public face of the charity, representing us at events, with donors, and in the media.
• Manage relationships with our Patrons, celebrities, supporters, and volunteers.
• Oversee major fundraising events including our Candlelit Christmas Concert, Gala Gourmet Dinner Dance, and 25th Birthday celebrations in 2026.

This role is central to ensuring that more children and families in Darfur can access lifesaving and sustainable support, enabling communities to thrive despite unimaginable hardship.

About You

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated leader with a strong track record of management, fundraising, and financial acumen. You will be values-driven and compassionate, with the ability to inspire others and build meaningful relationships at all levels.

You will have:

• Proven senior leadership experience, ideally in the charitable or not-for-profit sector.
• Strategic thinking skills with strong financial and operational management experience.
• Demonstrable success in fundraising and developing new income streams.
• Experience of working with Boards of Trustees and managing governance requirements.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with experience of acting as a public spokesperson.
• The ability to inspire, manage, and grow staff, volunteers, and supporter networks.

Desirable:

• Ability to speak Arabic.

How to Apply

Please apply by providing a CV and cover letter demonstrating your suitability for the role.

About the Organisation

This is the only charity founded specifically to help children in one of the most challenging regions of the world, Darfur, Sudan. For the past 24 years we have been transforming the lives of children through a unique package of integrated projects, working closely with the communities themselves. Since 2001 we have adopted 110 villages, transforming the lives of over half a million people.

There could not be a more exciting time to take the charity forward. You will be responsible for shaping both the projects in Darfur, and all the exciting opportunities to raise awareness and funds in the rest of the world.

Other roles you may have experience of could include Charity Director, CEO, Chief Executive, Chief Executive Officer, Senior Director, Finance Director, Corporate Services Director, Human Resources Director, IT Director, General Manager, Operations Director, Partnerships Director, Managing Director, CFO, Fundraising Director etc.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

Harris Hill is delighted to be working with a leading national children’s health charity to recruit a Corporate Partnerships Manager.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced corporate fundraiser to develop and grow a successful corporate partnerships programme, helping to drive meaningful support for children and young people affected by long-term health conditions.

Reporting to the Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships, you will manage a Corporate Partnerships Officer and play a key role in delivering the organisation’s ambitious fundraising goals. You’ll manage existing partnerships with care and creativity while proactively identifying and securing new opportunities across a range of sectors.

Location: UK-wide (home-based, with occasional travel to London)
Contract: Permanent, Part-time (4 days per week)
Salary: £38,000 per annum (pro rata)

Key Aspects of the Role

• Develop and deliver a corporate fundraising strategy to meet agreed annual targets.
• Manage and steward existing corporate supporters, maximising engagement and income.
• Identify and secure new business partnerships through research, networking, and creative proposals.
• Prepare tailored proposals and high-quality reports for partners and prospects.
• Collaborate with colleagues across fundraising, marketing, and programmes to align partnership activity with organisational priorities.
•  

They Are Looking For

• Proven experience in corporate fundraising or business development, ideally within the charity sector.
• Strong relationship management and negotiation skills.
• Experience of working to financial targets and deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with confidence presenting to senior stakeholders.
• A proactive, strategic thinker with initiative and creativity.
• A collaborative team player who thrives working independently and flexibly.

To apply: Please send your CV and supporting statement to Hannah Laking at [email protected]
Closing date: 27^th October 2025

As leading charity recruitment specialists 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.