Communications manager jobs in bedford, central bedfordshire

We are seeking a proactive and experienced Temporary HR Advisor to support our dynamic and growing organisation. This is an exciting opportunity to join a charity making a genuine impact on the lives of people living with allergic conditions.

In this role, you will play a key part in strengthening our HR foundations during a period of growth and change. Your primary focus will be:

• Recruitment: Managing end-to-end recruitment processes, from drafting job descriptions and advertising roles to shortlisting, interviewing, and onboarding new team members. You’ll ensure an excellent candidate experience and help us attract passionate, talented individuals who share our mission.

• Policy Review: Conducting a comprehensive review of our HR policies and procedures to ensure they are compliant, up-to-date, and aligned with best practice. You’ll work closely with senior managers to recommend updates and support the embedding of refreshed policies across the organisation.

About you:

• You are CIPD-qualified (or equivalent) and have solid experience in recruitment and policy development.

• You have a strong understanding of current UK employment legislation.

• You are highly organised, with excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

• You are confident working independently and can manage multiple priorities effectively.

• Experience within the charity sector would be an advantage, but is not essential.

At Allergy UK, we pride ourselves on creating a positive, inclusive, and supportive working environment. This is your chance to contribute to an organisation that’s transforming awareness, understanding, and care for millions of people across the UK.

Ready to bring your expertise to a cause that matters?
Apply now and join us in making a lasting difference.

A skilled project manager and technical advisor, with a proven ability to work with external stakeholders, you will work in support of the Technical Manager to manage the technical aspects of Leaping Bunny and other organisational programmes. You will have excellent administrative skills gained in a customer-facing environment, including the ability to deal with multiple complex enquiries in a calm manner.

From the provision of technical advice and guidance to existing members and prospective new joiners, to supporting complex third-party supply chains; your meticulous approach, eye for detail and flexibility will help advance the organisation’s Vision, Mission, and Values.

You will act as a main point of contact for all Leaping Bunny technical enquiries and other potential new programmes, and in doing so, you will enjoy dealing with a wide and diverse range of people mainly via phone/email/video calls.

Your energy, commitment and experience will help propel the department and organisation successfully forward; and in doing so, you will help end testing on animals worldwide.

Operational Leadership:

• Provide strategic leadership to the Senior Management Team's and it’s operational functions, ensuring efficient and high-quality service delivery.
• Develop and implement operational policies, procedures, and best practices to enhance productivity and ensure compliance.
• Continuously streamline processes and workflows to improve operational performance.
• Deputise for the CEO when required, representing the organisation at events, meetings, and in day-to-day operations.

Strategic Planning and Execution:

• Collaborate with the CEO and support, manage and develop the senior management to shape and execute the charity’s strategic plan.
• Translate strategic objectives into actionable initiatives, ensuring effective implementation and tracking progress.
• Identify opportunities for growth, cost optimisation, and improved service delivery.

Board of Trustees Liaison:

• Provide regular reports to the Board of Trustees on operational performance, strategic initiatives, and financial matters.
• Work closely with the CEO to ensure transparency, accountability, and alignment with the Board's expectations.
• Attend Board meetings and provide insights on operational challenges, opportunities, and key achievements.

Financial Management:

• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning, ensuring the efficient use of resources.
• Monitor financial performance, identifying areas for improvement and taking corrective actions as necessary.
• Drive cost-efficiency initiatives while maintaining a focus on quality and service outcomes.

People Management and Development:

• Line manage and develop the SMT (nine managers)
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Establish performance goals and metrics for staff, offering regular feedback and development support.
• Promote an inclusive, diverse work environment that values employee engagement and professional growth.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and retention strategies.

Risk Management and Compliance:

• Develop and implement strategies to identify, assess, and mitigate operational risks.
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards, maintaining the highest ethical standards.
• Implement internal controls and governance practices to safeguard the charity’s reputation and assets.

• Contract: 18 months fixed term. We can’t accept applications for job shares for this role. We're unable to provide sponsorship for a work visa.

• Salary: £33,962 for 4 days a week, which is a £42,452 full time equivalent salary - band C3 on our pay scale. An annual cost of living increase will be included from July. We are unable to negotiate salary.

• Location: Some of the role will be site-specific. We are therefore open to candidates based anywhere in the UK, although some travel to sites will be required. Occasional requirement to attend our Camden office or another central London location for team days, although you would be welcome to work from the office more frequently.

• Working hours: 0.8 full time equivalent, i.e. four days per week. Our core working days are Tuesday and Wednesdays, when all staff are required to work. 

• Managed by: Alethea Warrington, Head of Aviation, Heat and Energy.

• Works closely with: Possible’s Head of Comms, Supporter Engagement Officer and Head of Grants and Fundraising, as well as key external partners including community energy groups.

• Ideal starting date: July/August 2025

• Application process: Application form and then two interview rounds

• Application deadline: 5pm, 18 May 2025

Possible is a climate action charity working on climate solutions which improve people’s lives, support communities and cut the cost of living, as well as slashing carbon. Our “Where We Live” workstrand creates innovative new ways to improve the roll-out of clean, affordable heat and energy, and to better insulate homes. 

We are looking for someone with experience of delivering community energy and/or heat projects. Are you excited to unblock the delivery of innovative local clean energy and heat projects which cut emissions and energy poverty and empower communities? Do you enjoy working with communities to help design and deliver local energy projects which work for them? If so, we should talk!

As our new Community Heat and Energy Project Manager, you’ll play a key role in delivering our major new community heat and energy workstrand. You’ll work with expert partners to move forward local renewable energy projects which help power clean heat solutions at three different sites, as well as developing ways to remove barriers to delivering this type of project, such as supplying energy locally and matching supply and demand. 

The role will include coordinating and working with key expert partners, including community energy groups and research partners, across the three sites. The design stage of the project is largely complete, but there is still scope for creativity in delivery.

Like all our staff, you will contribute to our anti-oppression work, attend team-wide meetings and training sessions and feed in to the production of organisational strategy. And everyone at Possible chips in in the best ways they are able, by doing things like organising digital birthday cards, taking out the bins or the virtual equivalent, so there’s that too.

About Possible

At Possible, we create, build, and share ways people can take meaningful action on climate change. Combining personal and local actions into larger systemic change, we face climate dread with a can-do attitude and sense of fun. Whether we’re helping people fix their electronics, turning parking spaces into tree planting zones or lobbying MPs on clean heat, everything we do is about inspiring more people to take ambitious climate action. We have a set of values that guide our actions and our organisational culture, daring, joy and community.

Commitment to anti-oppression

At Possible, our vision is a zero carbon society, built by and for the people of the UK. To achieve this, it is essential that the whole spectrum of the British public is represented in our organisation. 

We welcome applications from those who are from marginalised groups, in terms of their sexual orientation, race, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, disability status, or if you are returning parents, carers or any other aspect which makes them unique. We particularly welcome applications from people who are underrepresented in the climate movement too, including People of Colour, Disabled people, those from a working class or low/ no income background, people who are trans, non-binary or gender fluid. You can find out more about our anti-oppression work here.

If you are from a marginalised group and/or have a non-traditional work or educational background and would like to discuss the role, or if you have any questions about the job or how we do things at Possible before you apply, there's information in the job pack about how to get in touch for a chat.

Interested?

Read the full job application pack on our website, and upload your CV and question responses.

Deadline: 18th May 2025

Patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) is a fundamental approach in our work at UCLPartners. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual with some experience in patient involvement or community engagement to coordinate and support activities to ensure patients, carers and communities are at the forefront of UCLPartners’ work.

Reporting to the Head of Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement and closely working with our Patient, Carer and Public Advisory Panel, you will use your excellent communication and interpersonal skills to support development and delivery of projects that support inclusive and meaningful PPIE.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

PPIE Planning and Coordination:

• Support the delivery and evaluation of the UCLPartners Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) strategy.
• Support the development of new ways of equitably involving patients, carers and the public from across our region in what we do, ensuring we work with communities facing the biggest health challenges.
• Support the delivery of the UCLPartners Patient, Carer and Public Advisory Panel, including organising panel meetings, co-facilitating sessions, and providing guidance and training to current members
• Support the continued development of the Lived Experience Network including recruitment and demographic monitoring.

PPIE Support and Development:

• Support the provision of PPIE advice to staff and innovators, including providing additional facilitation and hands-on activity support (when required).
• Support patient, carer and community contributors with induction, ongoing training and feedback processes.

Operational duties:

• Act as a point of contact for patient, carer and public contributors to ensure clear, two-way communication.
• Support patients, carers and communities through the ‘Contributor Payment Process’ to ensure timely reimbursement
• Lead the safe and secure data management and up-to-date record keeping within PPIE activities
• Develop content to share and promote our PPIE work including patient-facing newsletters
• Carry out any other duties as requested by the line manager

You

• Experience of designing or delivering patient/public involvement or community engagement activities
• Ability to involve and work with diverse groups of patients, carers and community groups in a way that builds trust and transparency
• Experience of delivering involvement and engagement activities such as workshops, focus groups, and coproduction sessions
• Familiarity with online tools to support engagement (i.e. Zoom, Padlet, Miro, Slido)
• Experience of developing content for external communications such as newsletters 
• A strong understanding and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion in healthcare 
• Ability to work flexibly in the planning and organisation of multiple strands of work
• Ability to work as both as part of a team and independently according to project needs
• Experience of advising and supporting the development of involvement activities and projects is desirable
• Experience of working with researchers, professionals, and innovators in the health and care sector is desirable

Terms and Conditions

The PPIE Officer will report into the Head of Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement and work closely with all our teams and functions. The remuneration for this post is competitive depending on skills and experience with a salary range of £36,010 to £51,500 per annum.

This is a full-time, permanent position although 4 days a week will also be considered. Some evening and weekend working will be required to support involvement activities.

We offer flexible working arrangements and support hybrid working at UCLPartners. All staff will typically spend a minimum of 40% of their working time at the UCLPartners office i.e. for a minimum of 2 days/week if full-time or 40% of your working time for part-time staff. This can be averaged over a 3-month period.

As part of our benefits package, employees are entitled to 27 days of annual leave (plus bank holidays), company pension (employer contribution 10% of annual salary), life assurance coverage, cycle to work scheme, travel season ticket loans and flexible working.

Our day centre service is currently open three days per-week offering respite, food and somewhere safe to be for anyone facing street homelessness. It provides advocacy and casework services to those who are vulnerably housed or homeless, supporting them to address their individual crisis and the underlying causes. We also provide a small year-round night shelter provision. 

APAP works in close partnership with a number of key agencies locally including drug and alcohol teams, street outreach services, local authority housing teams and the wider VCS. We are a gateway service in the community through which our clients can access a range of support. 

This role will require a keen interest in homelessness and the devastating impact this can have on people. This is a new role which would suit someone with experience of recruiting and managing volunteers. The role will entail expanding our volunteer base, developing processes and procedures to effectively support them and managing them on site. The role will report to the Senior Project Worker.

The successful candidate will be working with adults in a residential setting delivering assessments, group sessions and one-to-one therapy to those admitted to the service. The post-holder will offer an intensive, abstinent-based programme with high levels of group therapy and a strong emphasis on aftercare support. The role will include facilitating specialist psycho-educational groups, 12 step, relapse prevention therapeutic groups and individual counselling sessions.

You will work closely with our Supported Housing team and be required to participate in regular team meetings. You will also be required to liaise with external agencies and work creatively to provide the most appropriate treatment plans for clients with complex needs. You may be required to cover occasional evening Aftercare groups.

Main Responsibilities
•  Undertake assessments of people entering the service through various referral sources.
•  Develop, facilitate, and review a group work programme that meets the needs of our clients. These might include dual diagnosis, trauma, cross-addiction, criminal justice issues and various types of substance use.
•  Provide a holistic package of care to people which meets their needs and includes working with colleagues across other teams to help residents with diversionary activities, employment, training, and education.
•  Work with the Supported Housing team to ensure residents are safe, secure, and maintain their tenancies and are prepared to move onto independent living.
•  Provide a range of one-to-one interventions that might include MI, person-centered care, CBT, DBT and trauma work.
•  Manage a caseload of individuals with a wide spectrum of needs.
•  Assist residents to understand the effects and benefits of any medication prescribed for them and the importance of complying with treatment regimes. This might include liaising with pharmacists, doctors, and psychiatrists for monitoring purposes.
•  Provide psychoeducation to raise awareness and understanding of substances and their effects.
•  Provide onward referral and liaison with wrap-around support within SCT to enable our residents to achieve social integration and personal development.

Client Management
•Coordinate and carry out assessments of new residents and the referral and acceptance process, ensuring that each client has a programme appropriate to their needs.
•  Conduct joint 3 and 6-monthly reviews with Supported Housing team colleagues.
•Provide group and individual counselling as required by the service.
•Support residents from admission until completion of treatment.

Operational Support
•Comply with all monitoring and evaluation requirements.

General Responsibilities
•Engage with and inspire people in recovery.
•Ensure a safe and secure environment for residents, free from alcohol and drugs, and free from abusive behaviour and exploitation.
•Ensure that all SCT activities are carried out with due regard to Health and Safety legislation, SCT policies and procedures, as well as good practice.
•Work within the policies and procedures of SCT.
•Implement SCT’s Equal Opportunities Policy, understanding its implication in the development of services to clients.
•Attend regular supervision sessions, both internal and external.
•Attend meetings within and on behalf of SCT as appropriate.
•Undertake other tasks consistent with the post or as delegated by your line manager.

Strategic Excellence
•Be an effective role model, with the ability to inspire and motivate others.
•Work collaboratively with the Recovery Hub team.
•Ensure you are kept up to date with developments within the sector, thus enhancing your knowledge and practice
•Capture the outcomes of the therapeutic programme with all monitoring and evaluation methods that are required by your line manager, to capture the impact of SCT work, whilst ensuring the voice of SCT clients are heard.
Qualifications and Experience

ESSENTIAL
•   Educated to degree level or Diploma Level 4 in Counselling.
•Two years’ experience of therapeutic work with: people in recovery, people experiencing homelessness or people with significant trauma histories / adverse childhood experiences.
•   One year’s experience of one-to-one counselling.
•A solid working understanding of CBT, MI, Relapse Prevention techniques and/or other interventions applicable to working with people in recovery.
•Experience in delivering therapeutic group work.
•Experience in encouraging individuals to reflect on their behaviour (consequences and risks), recognise the benefits and potential for change and provide support and encouragement to help residents achieve change positively within an abstinent community.
•Using effective support systems and networks to develop own knowledge and practice.
•Adhere to the principles of confidentiality of information.
•The ability to understand and work with others’ points of view, values and beliefs.
•The ability to change working techniques based on new information or evidence.
•Able to encourage others to express their views, feelings and wishes.
•Contributes positively to debate within the staff team.
•Promotes SCT by their own standards of conduct.
•Encourages, values and respects contributions from other team members.
•Possesses good written and oral communication and IT skills.

DESIRABLE
•Knowledge of local services and geography.
•Knowledge of the addiction, homelessness sector, social housing and the benefits system
•Experience of working with people with complex needs.

Job Title: People & Recruitment Officer
Contract: Fixed Term 12 months
Salary: £28,100 Per Annum
Hours: Full time (36 hours per week)
Reporting To: Senior People Officer
Manages: N/a
Location: Remote (Occasional travel to the Leicester Head Office and other UK locations as necessary)

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

The People & Recruitment Officer will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day People activities, including being the first point of contact for queries and advice. You will also lead on recruitment throughout the organisation, ensuring that the organisation has the right people in the right roles to drive its success and growth. The officer will collaborate closely with hiring managers and other members of the People team to develop effective recruitment strategies, foster a positive candidate experience, and contribute to the overall employee lifecycle management.

We are a flexible and family-friendly employer with genuine commitment to building equity, diversity and inclusion. If there are any ways we can make this opportunity more accessible for you to apply or to be successful, please do reach out for a conversation.

If this sounds like your type of challenge we’d love to receive your application.

Closing date for applications is Thursday 15th May, 4pm.
Interviews will take place virtually on the 29th and 30th May 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. Appointments will be based on merit, following an open and clear selection process.

Home-Start UK, a charitable company limited by guarantee. Company No. 5382181. Charity No. in England and Wales 1108837 and in Scotland SCO39172.

No agencies please.

Position: Head of Data and Business Intelligence
Type: Full-time (35 hours a week), permanent
Location: Office-based in London, N4 with flexibility to work remotely
Salary: £65,118 per annum plus excellent benefits
Salary Band and Job Family: Band 4

About us

We make sure people living with MS are at the centre of everything we do. And it’s this commitment that unites us across the UK.

Our strategy is based on what people affected by MS have told us is important to them. It gives us a clear and determined focus.

Our work is based on the hopes and aspirations of our MS community. Together we campaign at all levels, fund ground-breaking research and provide award winning support and information. 

Our people are our greatest asset and the key to our success. We offer a vibrant, progressive working environment where you'll be able to make a difference.

About this job

This year, we’ve embarked on a bold, strategic initiative to enhance our data capabilities. We’re aiming to improve our data use, integration and analytics to increase engagement, maximise impact and drive forward our strategic goals. With a key focus on: effective and efficient operations; collaboration; and continuous improvement in our Technology, Strategy and Business Intelligence teams.

To achieve this ambition, we’ve developed a new technology infrastructure which we are calling “Sage”.  We’re implementing new technology infrastructure this year (such as our new CRM system and suite of data tools – Microsoft Dynamics). 

We will be taking a structured and phased approach to transitioning and embedding our new team structures, infrastructure and ways of working as part of Phase 2 of this Project.

Our Head of Data and Business Intelligence is a cross-organisational leadership role responsible for improving our use of data and insight. This role involves overseeing impact measurement, data governance, and the effective use of BI tools to support evidence-based decision-making. By driving data maturity and fostering a culture of data and insight driven decision-making, this role will help ensure that the MS Society maximises organisational impact and operational effectiveness through robust data management and analysis.

Our Head of Data and Business Intelligence is responsible for: 

• Provide strategic leadership and implement initiatives to improve data maturity and the overall data and insights culture across the organisation
• Develop and implement a comprehensive and organisational-wide data management and BI framework(s) aligned with the MS Society’s mission and organisational strategy
• Act as MS Society’s Data Protection Officer, overseeing compliance with data protection laws and regulations, and acting as the key point of contact for regulatory bodies and data subjects
• Drive adoption and effective use of data management and BI reporting and analysis tools across the organisation
• Collaborate with senior leadership to identify key data, insights, and reporting needs
• Improve and implement an organisational-wide logical data model and taxonomy
• Develop and manage a high-performance data and BI function and ensure practices continuously improves
• Chair a cross-organisational Data and Information Management Group

For this role we’re looking for:

• Experience in a senior data management and BI role, driving up data maturity across an organisation with a variety of disciplines, teams and processes
• Expert knowledge of business intelligence concepts, data visualisation and analytic methods
• Detailed working knowledge of one or more intelligence platforms e.g. PowerBI, and proficiency in SQL
• Experience of developing and managing a technical team, which provides advice and data related services across an organisation
• Experience in training and mentoring staff in the use of data
• Broad knowledge of information and data architecture
• Experience of managing external stakeholders and 3rd party suppliers

Closing date for applications: 9:00am on Thursday 15 May 2025

Interested?

PLEASE PRESS THE 'HOW TO APPLY' BUTTON FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Equal Opportunities 
We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and or from ethnic minority backgrounds.

We’d be grateful if you downloaded and completed the equality and diversity monitoring form and submit it with your application. 

Disability Confident Employer 
We’re a Disability Confident Employer and we’re committed to promoting equality and diversity.

You can ask for reasonable adjustments as part of both our recruitment and new starter on-boarding processes.

If you need any help or adjustments to apply for this role, please contact us. You can also ask for the application materials to be sent to you in a different format. Such as for them to be sent to you by email or in a larger word format.

More about our employee benefits:
We have a wide range of employee benefits including (but not limited to): 

Encouraging work life balance

• 38 days paid annual leave (including bank holidays), pro-rata for part-time
• More annual leave entitlement, based on length of employment
• Smart working options (with the opportunity to work remotely and find a smart working pattern that suits both you and us) 
• Flexible working options 

Caring for you and your family 

• Generous sick pay entitlement
• More sick pay entitlement, based on length of employment 
• Opportunity to buy and sell annual leave in each calendar year 
• Free access to a GP virtually 24 hours a day/7 days a week allowing you unlimited advice, reassurance and where appropriate diagnosis 
• Enhanced leave for new parents 
• Free access to a confidential 24 hours a day/7 days a week helpline service for both you and your family with a specialist range of support and information
• Special leave options (such as up to 5 days paid leave for domestic or personal emergencies a year)
• 10 days paid disability leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• 10 days paid carers’ leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• Cycle to work scheme 
• Death in service scheme
• New family-friendly benefits, including paid leave:
  • In the event of miscarriage or still birth 
  • To support fertility treatments
  • For antenatal appointments for both parents

Thinking about your finances 

• Enhanced salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Discounted season ticket loan and interest-free emergency loans
• Give as you earn to support other charities of your choice before tax
• New employee portal including lifestyle savings vouchers and personal wellbeing

Enriching your life at work

• Personalised development plans with a wide range of training courses and opportunities to source additional training options with your line manager
• Yearly internal apprenticeship opportunities
• New, modern offices that embrace working together both in-person and remotely 
• Various opportunities to influence how we internally operate (including surveys, and focus and committee groups) 
• Active and supportive internal employee networking groups for collaboration and peer support 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering for MS Society activities during normal working hours (such as fundraising events, or campaigning in the local community) 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering with other charities during normal

Safeguarding 
We’re committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone who uses our services and we come into contact with.

This is regardless of Gender, Race, Disability, Sexual orientation, Religion or belief, Pregnancy, Gender reassignment.

We recognise our particular responsibility to make sure vulnerable adults and children are protected.

We have measures in place to protect everyone we come into contact with from abuse and maltreatment of all kinds.

Your right to work in the UK 
You must have the right to work in the UK to work in paid employment with us. You’ll need to share documents showing you’re eligible to work in the UK if we offer you employment.

You can find the UK visas and permits granting you the right to work in the UK on the UK Government website. We currently don’t have a Sponsor Licence agreement with the Home Office and aren’t able to support you with your visa applications.

No agencies please.

Prison Facilitator - HMP Aylesbury

Location HMP Aylesbury
Salary: £16,964 per annum
21 hours per week at HMP Aylesbury

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

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

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

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

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

‍Interviews are planned for: week commencing 19th May 2025

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

REF-221329

The Philanthropy team at Alzheimer’s Research UK (ARUK) is responsible for securing donations from individual major donors, grant-making trusts and foundations. The role of Philanthropy Officer is key to the success of the Philanthropy team, working closely with other team members and stakeholders across ARUK.

At the heart of the Philanthropy team is our desire to help our supporters change the world, in a way that is meaningful and exciting to them.

We work with a growing portfolio of individual donors and charitable trusts, getting to know them - through meetings, events, lab tours, reporting on the impact of their donations and regular touchpoints - so that we can match their philanthropic goals to our research initiatives. We work hard to provide bespoke stewardship, build relationships, and impart scientific information to promote ARUK and give donors the best possible experience of working with us.

By nurturing these relationships, we gain long-term meaningful support from donors and their networks, and as a result can secure significant donations which range all the way up to eight figures.

We are looking for an articulate, proactive and people-orientated individual to join our highly successful team. The ideal candidate will have strong relationship management skills, a high degree of emotional intelligence, and will be an ambitious self-starter.

We are seeking someone who understands the importance of investing in dementia research and can convey that with passion to our supporters. In return, we can offer an exciting, supportive working environment and the opportunity to join a small major gifts team that punches well above its weight.

Main duties and responsibilities of the role:

Relationship building and income generation

· Build relationships with a portfolio of current and prospective major donors and charitable trusts, gauging their level of interest in our work, providing them with opportunities to engage with ARUK, and encouraging them to invest in our research.

· Develop an engagement plan for each relationship, taking full ownership and moving each donor / trust forward through qualification, solicitation and stewardship.

· Fundraise for different aspects of ARUK’s work, including key research initiatives such as the Drug Discovery Alliance.

· Think ambitiously and creatively in producing compelling and persuasive written communications for donors, including letters, proposals, applications and progress reports.

· Solicit donors for gifts at face-to-face meetings, where appropriate.

· Provide an exceptional level of stewardship to donors, ensuring they are thanked and updated and that their relationship with ARUK grows in depth and value.

· Think innovatively and support the team’s goal to embed the use of digital in our work.

· Work with senior volunteers and senior staff, where appropriate, empowering them to open their networks and ask for support.

· Build and maintain strong working relationships with colleagues in the Science Communications, Media and Engagement, Research and Finance teams.

CRM

· Ensure donor records are kept up-to-date through daily use of Salesforce.

· Use Salesforce to track income and activity, and as a planning tool.

Events

· Support the Donor Relations Manager in planning bespoke events / lab tours for our supporters, by providing guest lists, communicating with invitees and updating Salesforce records.

· Represent ARUK at Philanthropy team events, and at other ARUK events where major donors or the representatives of charitable trusts may be attending.

What we are looking for:

· Experience gained working in a major gift fundraising or client relationship management role

· Demonstrable experience of developing long-term / strategic relationships

· Demonstrable experience of developing / influencing relationships through face-to-face conversations

· Demonstrable experience of working effectively without close supervision

· Ability to communicate with, and enthuse, a wide variety of people in a compelling, professional manner

· Exceptional listening skills

· Strong writing skills with the ability to write persuasively for a range of audiences

· Ability to absorb and process new information quickly

· Ability to grasp complex scientific concepts to a reasonable level (ie. well-informed lay person)

· Ability to plan, prioritise and set goals, and to follow through each piece of work to completion

· Ability to work collaboratively and see the bigger organisational picture

· An understanding of the principles of major gifts fundraising

· Excellent IT skills, including strong working knowledge of Outlook, Word, Excel and Powerpoint

· High levels of emotional intelligence

· Genuine interest in people

· Curious and creative, enjoys investigating and solving problems

· Driven and highly proactive - adept at spotting opportunities and maximizing them

· Feels strongly that dementia research is valuable and vital

· Confident and personable

· Diplomatic and discreet; has integrity

· Belief in the importance of striving for excellence

· Flexible approach, with willingness to undertake occasional evening work

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 £32,000 per annum, plus benefits

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

The closing date for applications is the 11th May 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.

In addition, we were also shortlisted for a special award recognising the work undertaken on reducing our environmental impact.

In 2021, we were awarded the HR Management award by The Charity Times for our Wellbeing initiatives throughout the pandemic.

In 2020, we demonstrated our commitment to changing the way we think and act about mental health in the workplace and signed the Time to Change Employer Pledge. 

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

Position: Director of External Affairs
Type: Full-time (35 hours a week), permanent
Location: Office-based in London with flexibility to work remotely
Salary: £73,653 per annum plus excellent benefits
Salary Band: Band 5

About us

We make sure people living with MS are at the centre of everything we do. And it’s this commitment that unites us across the UK.

Our strategy is based on what people affected by MS have told us is important to them. It gives us a clear and determined focus.

Our work is based on the hopes and aspirations of our MS community. Together we campaign at all levels, fund ground-breaking research and provide award winning support and information. 

Our people are our greatest asset and the key to our success. We offer a vibrant, progressive working environment where you'll be able to make a difference.

About this job

It is a very exciting time to join the MS Society as Director of External Affairs a brand-new role in the organisation. We are implementing an ambitious cross-organisational transformation programme. And we have just started a new 2025-29 strategy.

We’re looking for an experienced and focused leader who has the ability to drive forward our brilliant Policy & Evidence, Campaign & Public Affairs and PR teams. We’re looking for someone who can work collaboratively across the organisation to ensure our work has a positive impact for the MS community.

With the ability to provide strategic and thought leadership, you’ll act as the leading authority on matters relating to external affairs, providing advice across the organisation including to the Executive Group and Trustees.

You’ll have significant experience of developing and implementing relevant external affairs strategies and of successfully leading policy, communications or campaigning functions in an organisation of comparable size and complexity. You’ll also need to be influential both internally and externally, including representing the MS Society at a range of external meetings with a variety of audiences.

As well as leading on planning and budget setting for the external affairs functions, as a member of the leadership team, you will also contribute to the strategic leadership, planning and policy formulation of the MS Society as a whole.

We’re looking for someone who is committed to collaborative working, who is excellent at building relationships and trust with colleagues at all levels, and whose focus is on supporting high performing teams and enabling them to do their best for the MS community.

Closing date for applications: 9:00 am Monday 12 May 2025

Anticipated interview date:

First interviews: Friday 23 May 2025

Second interviews: Wednesday 28 May 2025 or Thursday 29 May 2025

Interested?

PLEASE PRESS THE 'HOW TO APPLY' BUTTON FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Equal Opportunities 
We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and or from ethnic minority backgrounds.

We’d be grateful if you downloaded and completed the equality and diversity monitoring form and submit it with your application. 

Disability Confident Employer 
We’re a Disability Confident Employer and we’re committed to promoting equality and diversity.

You can ask for reasonable adjustments as part of both our recruitment and new starter on-boarding processes.

If you need any help or adjustments to apply for this role, please contact us. You can also ask for the application materials to be sent to you in a different format. Such as for them to be sent to you by email or in a larger word format.

More about our employee benefits:
We have a wide range of employee benefits including (but not limited to): 

Encouraging work life balance

• 38 days paid annual leave (including bank holidays), pro-rata for part-time
• More annual leave entitlement, based on length of employment
• Smart working options (with the opportunity to work remotely and find a smart working pattern that suits both you and us) 
• Flexible working options 

Caring for you and your family 

• Generous sick pay entitlement
• More sick pay entitlement, based on length of employment 
• Opportunity to buy and sell annual leave in each calendar year 
• Free access to a GP virtually 24 hours a day/7 days a week allowing you unlimited advice, reassurance and where appropriate diagnosis 
• Enhanced leave for new parents 
• Free access to a confidential 24 hours a day/7 days a week helpline service for both you and your family with a specialist range of support and information
• Special leave options (such as up to 5 days paid leave for domestic or personal emergencies a year)
• 10 days paid disability leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• 10 days paid carers’ leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• Cycle to work scheme 
• Death in service scheme
• New family-friendly benefits, including paid leave:
  • In the event of miscarriage or still birth 
  • To support fertility treatments
  • For antenatal appointments for both parents

Thinking about your finances 

• Enhanced salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Discounted season ticket loan and interest-free emergency loans
• Give as you earn to support other charities of your choice before tax
• New employee portal including lifestyle savings vouchers and personal wellbeing

Enriching your life at work

• Personalised development plans with a wide range of training courses and opportunities to source additional training options with your line manager
• Yearly internal apprenticeship opportunities
• New, modern offices that embrace working together both in-person and remotely 
• Various opportunities to influence how we internally operate (including surveys, and focus and committee groups) 
• Active and supportive internal employee networking groups for collaboration and peer support 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering for MS Society activities during normal working hours (such as fundraising events, or campaigning in the local community) 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering with other charities during normal

Safeguarding 
We’re committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone who uses our services and we come into contact with.

This is regardless of Gender, Race, Disability, Sexual orientation, Religion or belief, Pregnancy, Gender reassignment.

We recognise our particular responsibility to make sure vulnerable adults and children are protected.

We have measures in place to protect everyone we come into contact with from abuse and maltreatment of all kinds.

Your right to work in the UK 
You must have the right to work in the UK to work in paid employment with us. You’ll need to share documents showing you’re eligible to work in the UK if we offer you employment.

You can find the UK visas and permits granting you the right to work in the UK on the UK Government website. We currently don’t have a Sponsor Licence agreement with the Home Office and aren’t able to support you with your visa applications.

No agencies please.

Following the return of our co-founder Becca Dean MBE as CEO, we're excited to be recruiting for several new roles as we move into the next chapter of our journey. Having recently celebrated our 12th birthday, we're more determined than ever to reach even more girls and young women, and we’re building a brilliant team to help us do just that. If you're passionate about empowering the next generation, we’d love to hear from you.

THE ROLE

The Deputy CEO will play a pivotal leadership role, working closely with the CEO to drive the organisation’s strategic vision, operational excellence, programme leadership, and financial sustainability. As a key leader, you will oversee critical functions, ensure high-impact programme delivery, and strengthen partnerships that expand our reach and influence. You will also act as a key external representative of The Girls’ Network, advocating for our mission and developing relationships with funders, partners, and stakeholders. Additionally, you will deputise for the CEO as required, ensuring continuity of leadership and decision-making in their absence.

Key Responsibilities

Deputy CEO Leadership

• Deputise for the CEO as required, leading key meetings, making strategic decisions, and ensuring seamless leadership continuity.
• Support the CEO in monitoring and reporting against The Girls’ Network’s operational performance, ensuring KPIs are being delivered in line with Trustees’ expectations.
• Support on budget planning and cost control, ensuring financial sustainability.
• Build positive Board relationships and act as an ambassador for The Girls’ Network.
• Ensure a crisis communications strategy is in place and manage risk monitoring and mitigation.
• Lead, support, and motivate staff, fostering a culture of high performance.
• Oversee internal communications, ensuring staff are informed and engaged.

Strategic Leadership & Organisational Growth

• Develop and deliver strategy and operational plans in collaboration with the CEO.
• Work with the Head of Fundraising to ensure sufficient income to sustain and grow programmes.
• Act as joint lead for organisational safeguarding (with the Head of Programme Delivery & Development), ensuring policies and procedures are in place and followed.
• Represent The Girls’ Network externally, speaking at events and strengthening strategic partnerships.
• Stay up-to-date on national and regional policy developments affecting girls, mentoring, and education.
• Embed a girl-centred approach to organisational development and ensure programme impact is maximised through innovation and the use of technology.
• Report to the CEO and Board on programmes and safeguarding.

Programme Leadership & Delivery

• Provide strategic leadership for programmes, ensuring stability and growth in existing regions and identifying opportunities for expansion.
• Lead on innovation, piloting new programme elements, systems, and processes to enhance efficiency, impact, and revenue generation.
• Ensure programme decisions are informed by data, research, and organisational learning.
• Oversee quality assurance and impact measurement, ensuring consistency across regions and effective reporting on mentee outcomes.
• Oversee programme pipeline, targets, and income generation from schools, reporting to the Board.
• Maximise relationships with key stakeholder groups (mentees, schools, partners, ambassadors, and mentors) to enhance engagement, experience, and retention.
• Lead, support, and motivate the Programme Delivery Directorate, aligning OKRs with organisational goals.

Programme Delivery & Reporting

• Stay informed about best practices in mentoring, gender equality, and social mobility to ensure maximum programme impact.
• Use data and feedback to continuously develop and refine programmes.
• Ensure robust processes and procedures are in place to optimise resources and impact.
• Oversee the mentor network, ensuring engagement, retention, and a high-quality experience for both mentors and mentees.
• Support the Ambassador Programme Lead in integrating the Ambassador Programme with the mentoring programme.
• Report quarterly to the CEO on programme KPIs, including participant numbers, impact metrics, stakeholder perceptions, and regional variations.
• Prepare quarterly reports for the CEO and Trustees.

Management & Training

• Manage the Senior Programme Team, overseeing performance, development, and wellbeing.
• Support programme teams to deliver growth and impact targets with consistency.
• Ensure the Ambassador Programme is successfully implemented and contributes to an engaged network of former mentees.

Safeguarding Leadership

• Serve as Joint Safeguarding Lead, with accountability for safeguarding decisions.
• Oversee Designated Safeguarding Officers and ensure all policies and procedures reflect best practice.
• Review and approve key training materials, particularly those shared externally.
• Maintain oversight of safeguarding systems, including managing the safeguarding phone and any related rota.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ROLE

Essential skills, knowledge and attributes

• Proven senior leadership experience, ideally within a non-profit, education, or youth-focused organisation.
• Strong strategic thinking skills with the ability to drive organisational growth and impact.
• Experience managing programmes, operations, and teams at a senior level.
• Track record of securing and managing funding, including corporate, trusts, and foundations.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills, with experience in stakeholder engagement and external representation.
• Strong financial acumen and experience overseeing budgets and financial planning.
• Passionate about social mobility and gender equality, with a deep commitment to The Girls’ Network’s mission.

Desirable

• Experience of working with mentoring programmes or youth-focused initiatives.
• Knowledge of policy and advocacy related to education, social mobility, or gender equality.
• Experience working with Boards of Trustees or governance structures.

WHY JOIN US?

• Opportunity to play a crucial leadership role in a high-impact, mission-driven organisation.
• Collaborative, ambitious, and values-led culture.
• Flexible working environment with a commitment to staff wellbeing.
• The chance to make a real difference in the lives of thousands of girls across the UK.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early application is encouraged. If a high number of applications are received, this advert will be closed early (with a minimum of 24 hours’ notice). We regret that due to time constraints, we will not contact you if you are not selected for interview.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to individual requests for further information about the role.

Visit our website for the candidate pack and further details on how to apply.

We have been lucky enough to secure funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for our wilder future for Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust Project. This is to undertake a programme of digital and cultural transformation at the Trust, creating a more efficient and effective organisation.

You’ll be part of the Trust’s Development Directorate, leading the development and delivery of the Trust’s volunteering transformation plans with the aim to improve collaboration and efficiency across the Trust.

About the role

This is a new role funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund that will enable the transformation of how the Trust supports volunteering by delivering a programme of volunteer and staff engagement and training, and leading the set up and migration to a new cloud-based volunteer management system. The role will also lead on volunteer development with external partners as part of the project.

The postholder will require the ability to work collaboratively and to implement an agreed project plan to fixed milestones and is expected to support and embrace a positive team culture, and to uphold the Trust’s values and expected behaviours at all times. They should act as a positive role model for staff, volunteers and external stakeholders through a professional, collaborative and engaging approach.

Please see our recruitment for further job description and person specification.

How do we support you?

We offer an excellent benefits package, ranging from office perks, generous leave entitlements and financial benefits. You can find out more on our website.

How to apply

It’s quick and easy to apply.

Once you had read our recruitment pack just email with your up-to-date CV and a supporting statement (max 2 sides of A4), outlining your interest in the role and how you meet the role’s criteria. Please see our recruitment pack online for contact details. 

The application deadline is 9am, Tuesday 6th May 2025.

Early application is encouraged as we will be reviewing applications as they are received and may contact you to discuss your application further before the interview stage.

About the Trust

Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust is a local nature conservation charity.

We believe that wildlife should have space to thrive alongside our everyday lives and that everyone benefits from having access to nature.

Our staff team is enthusiastic, friendly and committed to making a difference.