Communications jobs in great cambourne, cambridgeshire

We are looking for someone who is outgoing and enthusiastic to join our Supporter Care team, who will carry out essential supporter engagement and administrative activities associated with marketing campaigns, donations, fundraising events and requests for materials. With previous experience of providing excellent customer service, you will have the ability and confidence to communicate with a variety of people, engaging with supporters by phone, email and in writing about a wide range of enquiries.

The Supporter Care team at Alzheimer’s Research UK is often the first point of contact in the charity for supporters, potential donors and members of the public. The Supporter Care Administrator works alongside five other team Executives handling supporter enquiries, processing donations, and thanking supporters to ensure an excellent standard of customer care and to generate the maximum amount of income for dementia research. This role reports to the Senior Supporter Care Officer (SSCO) and ensures that the team successfully deliver an efficient and a first-class supporter experience for the charity.

This role will be known internally as Supporter Care Executive.

Main duties and responsibilities of the role:

Supporter engagement

· Answering inbound telephone calls; responding to a wide range of enquiries including marketing campaigns, donations, fundraising events and requests for materials.

· Managing email enquiries, either by responding or forwarding as necessary.

· Responding to written enquiries received in the post.

· Making outbound telephone calls in order to increase the value of, or to retain supporters; including thanking, obtaining Gift Aid declarations and reactivating lapsed donors.

· Recording feedback received by the charity and assisting in the resolution of complaints.

· Champion high quality supporter care, ensuring that all supporters and members of the public have an excellent experience when contacting the charity.

Donation processing, database and general administration

· Processing donations from telephone calls and mailings, acknowledging supporters appropriately.

· In Memoriam giving; sending out materials, processing donations and sending appropriate acknowledgements to donors, Funeral Directors, and the Next of Kin.

· Regular giving; processing new Direct Debit instructions and Standing Order payments, amending and cancelling gifts as necessary.

· Processing and thanking donations relating to regional fundraising and sporting events.

· Ensuring the integrity of the database (currently Salesforce), by amending supporter details as necessary.

· Opening and batching incoming post.

· Updating team procedures as required.

· Archiving, scanning and filing documents.

Other duties

· To take personal responsibility for ensuring a good working knowledge of Alzheimer’s Research UK when communicating with supporters. This will require attendance at marketing campaign briefings and other staff presentations and continuously building knowledge by taking the time to read daily news summaries, press releases and the staff intranet.

· To recognise fundraising, engagement and retention opportunities when communicating with supporters using a range of initiatives to explain how donations positively contribute towards the cause.

· To actively and enthusiastically promote supporter care at Alzheimer’s Research UK and be willing to take part in various initiatives to help maintain this such as department updates and trainings and being involved in inducting new starters to Alzheimer’s Research UK on the work of the Supporter Care team.

What we are looking for:

· Experience of working in a customer facing role.

· Experience of handling queries and complaints.

· Confidence working with computers – good knowledge of Word, Excel, Outlook and CRM databases.

· Excellent written and spoken communication skills.

· Engaging and professional telephone manner.

· Ability to work with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

· Good organisational skills and the ability to prioritise workload.

· Professional and hard-working team player.

· Outgoing, enthusiastic and able to remain calm under pressure.

Additional Information:

Ways of working: As part of our Agile ways of working you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the business needs. Flexibility on where you work can be split between working from home and our office.

Roles that are classed as part of the Agile ways of working are not able to claim any costs for Mileage/Travel on Public Transport, Accommodation and/or Meals.  This includes when attending the office for various meetings/events.

Our Office: Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD. 

Salary: Circa £24,000 per annum, plus benefits

Please download the Vacancy Pack on our website for more information.

The closing date for applications is the 3rd August 2025, with interviews being arrange once shortlisting has been completed. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as on occasion we may have to bring forward the interview date and/or the closing date based on the needs of the business. Although a possibility, this will only happen in exceptional circumstances. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential.  We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.  Any offer of employment is however subject to you having the right to work in the UK.

As part of our commitment to being an inclusive employer and ensuring fairness and consistency in our selection process, we will handle your CV and application with the utmost confidentiality. While we strive to anonymise your CV where possible, there are certain sections, such as the application question, that cannot be fully anonymised. We kindly ask that you remove any personal information, including your name, when answering the application question. The hiring panel will not have access to your personal details, such as your name and address, until you are invited for an interview. Should you require any adjustments at either the application or interview stage, please contact us via our website.

How to apply: Please create an online account using our Online Recruitment Platform which can be accessed through our Job Vacancies page. You will be able to attach your CV to your application and track the status of your application.

About Alzheimer’s Research UK: Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading dementia research charity. Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure.  Today 1 in 2 people will be impacted by dementia, either through caring for a loved one, developing it themselves or tragically both. But there is hope. 

There has never been a more important and exciting time in dementia research. With promising new drugs in clinical trials that slow the progression of the diseases that cause it, and revolutionary new ways to diagnose them on the horizon, we are now at a tipping point. Working with the smartest minds globally and across the UK, with industry and academia, Alzheimer’s Research UK is uniquely placed to invest in the very best research identifying barriers to a cure and knocking them down so that there are more and better treatments for everyone with dementia. For the first time in history, we can see a future where people with dementia can get a swift and accurate diagnosis, and effective treatments that could slow or even stop their disease. We stand for everyone affected by dementia. We stand for a cure. 

In 2024, we were incredibly proud to be awarded a 3-star accreditation by Best Companies which recognises ‘World Class’ levels of workplace engagement. This is the second consecutive time; we have been awarded a Best Companies 3-star accreditation.

We were also listed in the prestigious Best Companies lists:

· 18th in the 100 Best Large Companies to Work For in the UK.

· 10th in the 50 Best Companies to Work For in the East of England.

· 2nd in the 30 Best Companies to Work For in the Charity Sector.

ARUK really does look after its people, where you will be able to add value and make a difference. 

To view further details about working for us and the benefits we offer, please visit Alzheimer’s Research UK

As the UK’s leading dementia research charity, we’re determined to stop this from becoming a reality. We’re working to revolutionise the way we treat, diagnose and prevent dementia. But we will not stop there. With your support, we will keep going until every person is free from the heartbreak of dementia. We exist for a cure.

As Research Contracts Manager, you will play a vital role in the delivery of Alzheimer’s Research UK’s growing research portfolio. You will lead on the financial and contractual aspects of our research funding processes. You will help ensure our funding is administered responsibly, efficiently, and in a way that maximises impact for people affected by dementia. This role sits within the Research Directorate, an ambitious, supportive and friendly team, and working closely with colleagues across Finance and Fundraising,

Main duties and responsibilities of the role:

Research award financial oversight

· Manage and develop the post-award lifecycle, ensuring compliance with ARUK’s funding policies and funding conditions, whilst reducing administrative burden.

· Act as a primary point of contact for host institutions on post-award matters, including financial management, reconciliation and contractual issues.

· Maintain systems to track financial data associated with funded grants, providing information to internal teams and act as the primary contact for all questions related to award finances.

· Collaborate with the Research Manager, Finance team and Research Leadership team to maintain robust grant forecasting and budget control across research programmes.

· Be a Subject Matter Expert for the Grants Management system and maintain accurate grant records and ensure internal and external stakeholders have access to accurate data.

· Provide advice and training on financial best practices to internal teams.

· Implement, oversee and refine a grants audit approach.

Research contracts and agreements

· Lead the drafting, negotiation, and finalisation of all research-related awards and contracts, including funding agreements, collaboration agreements, and data agreements.

· Develop and maintain templates and a database of executed agreements.

· Liaise with host institutions, collaborating organisations, and legal advisors to resolve contractual queries and ensure efficient processing.

· Work in partnership with internal legal counsel and DPO, ensure contracts are consistent with ARUK’s policies, funder requirements, and regulatory obligations.

Research policy and process development

· Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of ARUK’s research finance, grant cost and contracts policies, ensuring they remain aligned with best practice, proportionate and compliant with legal and regulatory frameworks.

· Support the development and roll-out of new funding schemes by advising on financial models and contract terms.

· Represent ARUK at relevant sector forums, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of trends and developments in research funding and compliance.

· Champion the implementation of the new Grants Management system across the organisation.

Management Responsibilities

· Manage, coach and develop of a Research Executive, effectively delegating work to support delivery of their objectives.

· Work to promote an inspiring team culture across the Research Funding team where personal development is prioritised.

What we are looking for:

· Significant experience in research finance and/or research contract management, ideally within a medical research funder, university, NHS, or research setting.

· Sound knowledge of research funding frameworks, budgeting principles, and financial governance.

· Experience drafting and negotiating research-related agreements, with a good understanding of IP, data sharing, and collaboration issues.

· Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to communicate complex information clearly and diplomatically.

· Proactive and detail-oriented, with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

· Strong project management skills, with experience managing multiple priorities and identifying risks

· Commitment to ARUK’s vision, mission and values

· Excellent presentation, written and verbal communication skills.

· Excellent eye for detail with a focus on continuous improvement

· Willingness to embrace and drive change to maximise impact

· A team player who can collaborate effectively with a range of stakeholders internally and externally to deliver

· Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritise competing demands

· Ability to work independently

· Willingness to travel, including occasional overnight travel

Additional Information:

Ways of working: As part of our Agile ways of working you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the business needs. Flexibility on where you work can be split between working from home and our office.

Roles that are classed as part of the Agile ways of working are not able to claim any costs for Mileage/Travel on Public Transport, Accommodation and/or Meals.  This includes when attending the office for various meetings/events.

Our Office: Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD. 

Salary: Circa £44,000 per annum, plus benefits

Please download the Vacancy Pack on our website for more information.

The closing date for applications is the 3rd August 2025, with interviews being arrange once shortlisting has been completed. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as on occasion we may have to bring forward the interview date and/or the closing date based on the needs of the business. Although a possibility, this will only happen in exceptional circumstances. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential.  We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.  Any offer of employment is however subject to you having the right to work in the UK.

As part of our commitment to being an inclusive employer and ensuring fairness and consistency in our selection process, we will handle your CV and application with the utmost confidentiality. While we strive to anonymise your CV where possible, there are certain sections, such as the application question, that cannot be fully anonymised. We kindly ask that you remove any personal information, including your name, when answering the application question. The hiring panel will not have access to your personal details, such as your name and address, until you are invited for an interview. Should you require any adjustments at either the application or interview stage, please contact us via our website.

How to apply: Please create an online account using our Online Recruitment Platform which can be accessed through our Job Vacancies page. You will be able to attach your CV to your application and track the status of your application.

About Alzheimer’s Research UK: Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading dementia research charity. Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure.  Today 1 in 2 people will be impacted by dementia, either through caring for a loved one, developing it themselves or tragically both. But there is hope. 

There has never been a more important and exciting time in dementia research. With promising new drugs in clinical trials that slow the progression of the diseases that cause it, and revolutionary new ways to diagnose them on the horizon, we are now at a tipping point. Working with the smartest minds globally and across the UK, with industry and academia, Alzheimer’s Research UK is uniquely placed to invest in the very best research identifying barriers to a cure and knocking them down so that there are more and better treatments for everyone with dementia. For the first time in history, we can see a future where people with dementia can get a swift and accurate diagnosis, and effective treatments that could slow or even stop their disease. We stand for everyone affected by dementia. We stand for a cure. 

In 2024, we were incredibly proud to be awarded a 3-star accreditation by Best Companies which recognises ‘World Class’ levels of workplace engagement. This is the second consecutive time; we have been awarded a Best Companies 3-star accreditation.

We were also listed in the prestigious Best Companies lists:

· 18th in the 100 Best Large Companies to Work For in the UK.

· 10th in the 50 Best Companies to Work For in the East of England.

· 2nd in the 30 Best Companies to Work For in the Charity Sector.

ARUK really does look after its people, where you will be able to add value and make a difference. 

To view further details about working for us and the benefits we offer, please visit Alzheimer’s Research UK

***Must be in France/Spain/UK/Netherlands/Sweden

About Us

The Sunrise Project is a global network of independent organizations united by a common mission: scaling social movements to drive the global transition beyond fossil fuels. We've developed a unique model that combines strategic grant-making with campaigning, supporting interconnected organizations to create powerful change aligned with our mission. Find out more here.

About the Program

The Europe Regional Finance program has evolved out of our Financial Regulation and Policy Program that began in 2019 with a narrow focus on European central banks. Since then, we've expanded to shape financial regulation and policy globally to accelerate clean energy and create lasting systemic change in how public finance addresses climate challenges. Now the Europe Regional Finance program will focus on EU Policy and Finance and UK Policy and Finance. 

About The Role

Working closely with the Program Director, the Program Manager adapts and manages the Europe Regional Finance program to ensure the program team delivers on its objectives and goals. The role requires high-level coordination and support to a team working across Europe, leading campaign planning and evaluation processes, grant management, while coordinating the program's budgeting and re-forecasting. 

The Program Manager ensures the effectiveness of the Europe Regional Finance Program by managing and coordinating its various projects, overseeing budgets and grant cycles, implementing team effectiveness initiatives, and supporting the development and execution of program planning, monitoring and evaluation processes.

We support networks of organisations to work together to achieve outcomes that would not be possible by individual organisations acting alone. We expect all roles at Sunrise to actively support the capacity building of these networks and partner organisations. 

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Program Director to develop and implement robust planning, monitoring, and evaluation processes and foster a culture that recognises the importance of failure and learning in the pursuit of greater impact, identifying ways of measuring impact and success.
• Manage a multi-million dollar campaign budget, including tracking spending to stay on budget, reporting on our spending to donors and internal audiences, and advising on a partner grants plan and resourcing plan.
• Manage the entire program’s grant portfolio, ensuring efficient management and processing of grants to support program delivery. This includes providing guidance to team members on grant processes, tracking and monitoring grant payments, authoring and reviewing grant dockets and memos as appropriate, working with other program teams on grants as needed, and ensuring timely follow-up and feedback with partners. 
• Oversee program’s contracts, including the hiring and onboarding of necessary new agency partnerships, contracts, and temp employees, and tracking and monitoring contract payments.
• Foster a collaborative, supportive team environment that values continuous learning and professional growth to maximize program effectiveness, including proactively supporting the professional development of individual team members and line management as appropriate for the program structure.
• Lead programmatic oversight of risk, security, and compliance as appropriate for the program and in coordination with TSP’s operations team
• Co-lead on high-performance, collaborative and sustainable teamworking by fostering Sunrise’s culture and hiring, managing, and developing talented individuals.
• Lead the planning and delivery of online and in-person events (briefings, convenings, and retreats) from ideation to debrief, with responsibilities spanning logistics, agenda design, facilitation support, vendor management, RSVP oversight, in-person support, and post-event follow-up.
• Lead in developing program-specific onboarding systems and materials for new staff and contractors that build on Sunrise-wide onboarding processes.
• Represent the program as appropriate in various operational initiatives and organizational efforts.
• Proactively contribute to the culture of the wider organization, including leadership on our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Align programmatic strategies and OKRs with Sunrise’s Values.

Required skills and experience

• Demonstrated experience in management of complex projects with a strong orientation to detail, including demonstrated ability to develop a detailed plan to monitor projects from initiation to completion, including managing stakeholder input and coordinating people and processes to deliver desired results.
• Demonstrated experience in people, performance, and culture leadership, with operational management experience including hiring, nurturing, coaching and enabling talented and diverse people.
• Demonstrated ability of building, managing and tracking large, multifaceted budgets including grant plans.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute team systems, processes and culture that enable a team to work more efficiently and effectively together for maximum impact.
• A high level of emotional intelligence with excellent interpersonal communication and group facilitation skills.
• Ability to manage risk, security, and compliance in complex programmatic environments.
• Experience, successfully managing across cultures, and a track record of creating inclusive work cultures, both internally and with partners.
• A passion for action on climate change and a commitment to social justice, equity, diversity.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Experience supporting fundraising is beneficial.

Job requirements

• You must have full working rights in the country in which you will be working. The Sunrise Project is unable to sponsor applicants for employment visas.
• Employment background checks may be required.
• Previous employment reference checks will be required for successful applicants
• Intermittent travel with advanced notice may be required.

How Sunrise supports its staff

The Sunrise Project is committed to creating a workplace that supports our staff to do their best work and develop professionally. Sunrise has the following in place to help us achieve that, noting pro rata will apply for part time staff and/or temporarily appointed-fixed term staff. The successful candidate will be hired via a Professional Employment Organisation (PEO) on behalf of the Sunrise Project, so conditions of employment may vary.

• Statutory benefits and entitlements of the country in which you are employed.
• Sunrise may provide additional benefits, where in-country entitlements are less than our standard package, where applicable including:
• Paid Parental Leave that is gender-neutral & inclusive of all types of families, incl. Parental Return To Work & Keeping In Touch Program
• Life Leave (up to 40 days p.a. for significant personal reasons)
• Public Holiday + Cultural Leave
• Workspace Benefits incl: Macbook & accessories, initial $2,000* for home workspace & IT equipment + $800* every 2 years + up to $75/mth phone/data/internet (equivalent local currency) .
• Shared office support

Additionally we offer:

• Flexible Working Policy
• VIDA - An AI tool to support your health and wellbeing
• Regular all-org and team meetings & retreats
• Learning & Development Program incl. a professional development budget for every staff member
• Coaching & manager support with regular 1:1 meetings
• Annual performance & development reviews with 360 feedback
• A co-developed work plan to ensure clarity on your role & key responsibilities
• We provide our staff with a voice on issues that concern them via consultation, caucuses, working groups, and surveys.

How to apply for this job

We recognize that racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, classism and other forms of discrimination creates structural barriers that impact opportunities to formal education and experience. When assessing candidates we look at more than the jobs you've been paid to do but the range of ways you've picked up skills and knowledge throughout your life.

This is why we assess candidates on how well they respond to application questions. Please do not write a cover letter. 

The successful candidate will be expected to endorse and promote the objectives set out as part of AvMA’s five year strategic plan.

Lawyers Service

• Providing high quality services to our lawyers including identifying and recommending appropriate medical experts to clinical negligence solicitors; maintaining and developing the medical expert database. Routinely considering the Experts’ Protocol and ensuring that it remains relevant and fit for purpose.

Inquest Service

• Assessing cases for eligibility for AvMA’s pro bono Inquest Service according to AvMA’s criteria.
• Preparing cases for the coroner’s court to include sorting medical records; liaising with bereaved families by phone and in writing; researching medical literature; taking and preparing initial statements; liaising with the Coroner’s officer; securing appropriate disclosure documents; instructing counsel; assisting with preparation of bundles of documents for the hearing. Identifying general and specific patient safety issues; considering need for Prevention of Future Death Reports and or Action Plans.
• Attendance at pre-inquest hearings and inquest hearings with counsel and the family. This may involve travel and overnight stays. Out-of-pocket expenses are paid. Although overtime is not payable, time out of the office is recoverable in accordance with AvMA Time Off in Lieu (TOIL) policy. Attendance may also be required to attend partial remote hearings via Teams/Zoom
• Capturing and recording key data from inquests, securing feedback from clients.
• Working with Medico Legal Team Leader to ensure appropriate publicity on case outcomes where appropriate to include obtaining relevant client consents and that the case is written up for potential publication in AvMA’s Lawyer Service Newsletter ​​​​​​​

Advice & Information Service

• Providing advice, support and information to the public through written casework. This involves helping people affected by medical accidents to obtain an understanding of what has happened to them, their rights and the most appropriate option(s) for resolving their concerns and meeting their needs including referrals to panel solicitors.

Helpline

• Providing advice and assistance to the public on AvMA’s specialist helpline. Training will be given and in due course assisting the Helpline Development Officer to train helpline volunteers.

Other Duties

• To endorse and promote the objectives set out as part of AvMA’s five year strategic plan: AvMA's 5 Year  Strategic Plan
• Junior Certification: Promoting the Certificate Competence Scheme (junior lawyer scheme) to include assessing applications received
• Feedback from clients: Working on the direction of ML Director and ML Team Leader to secure maximum feedback from clients on inquest and advice and information services
• Website: Helping to keep AvMA self-help leaflets up to date on the website
• Occasional representation of AvMA at meetings and events
• Conference: To help develop AvMA’s annual conference programme and other conferences as appropriate.

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824, we have been saving animals for almost 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity. It has always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.

We seek to raise standards of care through our numerous campaigns and awareness of issues affecting animals today. We rely heavily on our volunteers, who play a significant role in enabling us to carry out this important animal welfare work every day!

The RSPCA Buckinghamshire South Branch

The RSPCA Buckinghamshire South Branch is one of the branches of RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area. Much of the animal welfare work of RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which is run by volunteers who have the support of the National Society of RSPCA.

The main activity of our branch is specialised in the rehoming of small animals including cats, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs and hamsters. The animals come into our care from various sources such as those which are rescued, abandoned, neglected or given up by their owners. Each animal is medically and characteristically assessed to ensure it is fit and well before being available for rehoming. This all costs money, and could not be achieved without your support. 

Job Summary

This role is responsible for the development, implementation and operation of appropriate financial and business management tools to support the day-to-day business and financial administration of the Branch.

Reporting to and working closely with the Chief Executive Office (CEO), you will be expected to make use of the full capability of the Branch’s existing software systems (Google Workspace, and Quick Books) to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery and develop management information to aid the Trustees & CEO in decision making.

You will be responsible for all financial management across the charity. This includes bookkeeping; financial statements; financial planning; financial policies, processes and controls and budgeting. 

You must ensure that all activities are carried out in compliance with current legislation, Branch and Society policy, relevant Health & Safety regulations and any associated statutory or legislative requirements.

Note: Branch targets and budgets are agreed on an annual basis and these will inform the personal targets agreed at the annual performance review. Progress towards personal targets will be reviewed at regular one-to-one meetings with your line manager.

This role is home based, with occasional travel across South Bucks.

Principal Accountabilities

Financial Management & Operations

• Support the CEO as a key strategic and operational partner, acting as second-in-command and deputising in their absence where appropriate.

• Maintain all financial records and accounting systems (the Branch currently uses Quick Books accounting software), registers and statistics as required by the CEO & Branch Trustees.

• Work with the CEO and Branch Trustees to develop financial plans and an annual financial budget.

• Maintain close oversight of the branch’s budget in collaboration with the CEO, proactively identifying and addressing any discrepancies, overspend, or unplanned financial activity to ensure effective financial control and informed decision-making.

• Process, monitor, record and manage all receipts & payments to/from the Branch in accordance with the agreed procedures and in liaison with the appropriate staff and volunteers including weekly banking, cash handling, invoice creation and processing, Branch payments (including those made via credit cards and petty cash) and account reconciliation.

• Monitor, review and reconcile monthly receipts & payments on the Quick Books accounting system.

• Produce monthly management accounts which include bank reconciliations, balance sheets, Branch/departmental profit & loss statements, departmental comparisons and performance against budget and such other financial reports/management information as may be required including monthly reporting to the board of trustees.

• Coordinate bank accounts across the charity, including set-up and balance management.

• Prepare and submit quarterly VAT returns.

• Prepare annual financial statements and coordination of annual audit review.

• Support the staff and volunteers with day-to-day financial operations and ensuring departmental financial records are maintained and that monies received or expended are accounted for correctly.

• Work with the RSPCA Society National team regarding legacies, submission of care contribution funds, renewals of insurances etc.

• Ensure that strict protocols are followed for cash handling and that unbanked cash remains within the insured limit for cash held at each premises.

• Liaise with the Branch’s payroll provider to ensure staff hours are submitted and salary payments processed on a monthly basis and within the appropriate timescale.

• Process all staff and volunteer expenses in a timely manner.

• Manage all bookkeeping processes and functions, including the asset register, ensuring annual accounts are produced no later than the end of March each year.

• Develop, implement and maintain appropriate financial administrative procedures and processes.

Business Administration

• Responsible for day-to-day financial administrative support for the CEO and Trustees.

• Ensure that all administrative paperwork, including external correspondence is processed in accordance with Branch and Society procedures, including completion of all appropriate records for insurance and risk management purposes.

• Ensure financial data processing, retention and destruction conforms to the relevant policies such as GDPR.

• Ensure regulatory and legislative compliance of financial charity policies.

• Work closely with relevant operational staff to ensure appropriate responses are issued to all enquiries whether from members, supporters & volunteers, RSPCA colleagues or the general public.

• Liaise with staff and volunteers to facilitate the ordering of materials, supplies and equipment for the effective operation of the Branch, ensuring budgetary controls are maintained at all times.

• Work with the CEO and other staff to manage relevant licences, vendor relationships, service agreements and invoicing.

• Work with staff and volunteers across the whole charity on financial processes and controls.

Fundraising & Donations

• Identify, assess, and apply for appropriate grants and funding streams to maximise income for the branch, ensuring applications are timely, well-prepared, and aligned with funder criteria to support the branch’s strategic and operational objectives.

• Ensure that all donations (financial or otherwise) are acknowledged in a timely manner, receipts are issued for financial donations and the banking of all funds raised.

• Responsible for the accurate recording and banking of the funds raised.

• Develop, and manage relationships across relevant stakeholder groups, both within and outside the charity.

Gift Aid

• Ownership of the Gift Aid process.

General

• Attend meetings and training courses as required.

• Undertake such other duties as directed from time-to-time by your line manager.

Essential skills, qualifications and experience:

• A finance qualification or working towards level 3 AAT or ACCA with proven experience in charity financial operations.

• Good general level of education.

• Strong experience in financial reporting, budgeting and compliance.

• Demonstrable experience of managing small to medium size budgets (circa £400,000) & accounting systems (ideally with experience of Quick Books software).

• Proven experience of cash handling and financial management procedures. 

• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

• Proven ability to work to tight deadlines, be proactive and work autonomously.

• Proven IT literacy including use of business software and accounting packages (including Quickbooks), and Google Workspace.

• Strong numeracy and analytical skills.

• Experience supporting audits and implementing robust financial controls.

• Knowledge of Charity and Company Law.

• Proven ability to work under direction from superiors but equally able to use their own initiative.

• Proven ability to prioritise workload and meet tight deadlines.

• Proven ability to complete essential management paperwork and analyse data.

• Personable and with an open, positive approach to new ideas coupled with drive and enthusiasm.

• A flexible and collaborative approach to colleagues both staff and volunteers.

• Honest, trustworthy and reliable.

• A calm and friendly approach particularly when working under pressure.

• Sympathy for animal welfare and the work of the RSPCA.

• Full valid UK driving licence.

• Willing and able to travel around the Branch area on occasions.

Desirable skills, qualifications and experience:

• Experience of management & leadership.

• Training, coaching & mentoring skills.

• Experience of working with the general public and/or in a customer care environment.

• Experience of managing change in the workplace.

• Experience of managing small projects.

• Good basic knowledge of employment law.

• Knowledge of data protection requirements.

• Willingness to learn and acquire new skills through training.

We promote an inclusive working environment in which diversity is recognised, valued, and encouraged. We acknowledge the multi-cultural and diverse nature of the UK workforce and society in general. We are committed to principles of fairness and mutual respect where everyone accepts the concept of individual responsibility. 

The vacancy

We are seeking to appoint one lay member to sit on our GOC Council.

About the GOC

We are the regulator for the optical professions in the UK. Our purpose is to protect the public by promoting high standards of education, performance and conduct.  For more information about us please visit our website:optical. org.

About the Council

The role of Council is to lead on the GOC’s mission to protect the public by upholding high standards in eye care services.  The Council is composed of six lay members (including the Chair) and six registrant members (i.e. registered optometrists and dispensing opticians).  At least one member of the Council must work wholly or mainly in each of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.  One Council member acts as a Senior Council Member whose role is to carry out the Chair’s appraisal as well as provide a sounding board for the Chair and serve as an intermediary for Council members, Executive and stakeholders as necessary. 

The successful candidate will contribute to Council by exercising oversight, ensuring effective corporate governance, and making high-level policy decisions. They will be able to operate strategically and impartially; listen, communicate, and influence effectively; exercise judgment; and inspire confidence and support amongst our stakeholders. 

Remuneration and time commitment

Council members are remunerated in accordance with our member fees policy (£13,962 per annum plus reasonable travel and subsistence expenses).  The member fee includes time for reading and preparation.

The appointed member will be expected to commit approximately 2-3 days per month.  Meetings will usually take place via MS Teams but may on occasion be held at the GOC Offices at Level 29, One Canada Square, London, E14 5AA. There are occasional online catch-up meetings - these are currently scheduled on a Tuesday evening every 6-8 weeks, from 5.30pm – 6.30pm.

How to apply:

Please email the the following to appointment@optical. org

· your CV outlining your employment history, any relevant voluntary work, public service or other experience; together with any relevant professional, academic or vocational qualifications;

· the application form, stating how your experience matches the criteria for the vacancy you are applying for; and

· complete the EDI monitoring form linked in the candidate pack (this is an online form and does not need to be included in the email with your CV and application form).

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  midnight on Sunday 10 August 2025.

Online interviews will be held on between Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 October 2025.

If you have any questions, please email them to appointment@optical. org and we will aim to respond to you within 48 hours. 

We welcome applications from individuals who are disabled and from diverse ethnic backgrounds as these are currently under-represented on our council and committees.

We strive to be as diverse as the public we protect and welcome applications from everyone, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity and geographical locations outside of London.