Communications officer jobs in carshalton, greater london

Job Title: Programme Lead (Path Protection)

Team: Programmes and Delivery

Location: Hybrid (split between home-working and either London, Cardiff or Edinburgh)

*This role sits within a pay grade with a pay range of £32,239 to £48,593. The salary on appointment will be set at the lower end of the pay range, to a maximum of £35,635 depending on the candidate's skills and experience. This approach aims to ensure fair compensation for new hires while maintaining alignment with the structured pay scale for the role.

It’s an exciting time to join the Ramblers as we have recently refreshed our strategy to support the delivery of our long-term ambitions.

We need your drive, knowledge, skills, and creativity to help us raise awareness of the Ramblers and what we stand for, enabling the charity to grow its supporter base and open up the joys and wellbeing benefits of walking to many more people.

Context and purpose of role

At Ramblers we work to empower the public and volunteers to take action to protect paths and access – whether claiming lost rights of way, pursuing resolutions to path problems, or objecting to changes to the definitive map. As a member of the Programmes team, the Programme Lead (Path Protection) will be responsible for the successful development and delivery of the programme across GB.

Key responsibilities

• Lead on the design, development and operational delivery of the Path Protection programme across GB.
• Create operational delivery plans – to identify milestones, monitor risks, resolve issues and manage resource requirements.
• Design and develop resources and processes to support programme implementation.
• Be responsible for managing a budget in line with programme goals and objectives.
• Be responsible for evaluation and reporting, to ensure the programme meets KPIs and delivers measurable impact.
• Manage new and existing strategic partnerships with partner organisations and those working to improve access and reduce barriers to becoming active outdoors.
• Train and support volunteers – and promote the programme more widely.
• Provide advice and guidance to the public on path protection issues.
• Engage diverse audiences from communities facing additional barriers to getting outdoors, to senior stakeholders including funders and other strategic external partners.
• Directly deliver Path Protection events to support the continued development and co-production of the programme.
• Work closely with Nations Directors, Community Development Officers and the Fundraising team to secure the support required to sustain and grow the programme.
• Ensure robust risk management systems are in place to ensure the safety of participants.
• Ensure programme compliance with relevant policies and regulations.
• Review the programme annually to identify lessons learned or areas for development to drive continuous improvement.

Other

• Work collaboratively as a member of the Programmes team, to share learning and develop innovative practice in programme design and development.
• Engage and proactively develop excellent working relationships across the organisation
• Undertake such other duties as may be reasonably required of the post.

The person

Knowledge and Experience

• Programme management experience – including responsibility for planning, budgeting, and monitoring and evaluation.
• Experience providing advice to a variety of stakeholders and managing casework.
• Experience recruiting and managing partners and volunteers.
• Experience designing and delivering a training programme – working with participants to drive innovation and continuous improvement.
• Experience of successfully working with fundraising colleagues to secure funding to sustain and scale a programme.
• Knowledge of the potential barriers to participation in outdoor recreation.
• Experience managing relationships with strategic stakeholders.
• An understanding of rights of way law and practice.

Skills and Leadership

• Ability to develop, introduce and champion new ways of working as an expert on path protection initiatives.
• Strong verbal, written and digital communication skills – with an ability to convey information clearly to a range of different audiences.
• Ability to work with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build strong relationships.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively to achieve common goals.
• Ability to use initiative and to be flexible and adaptable in approach.
• Ability to analyse information thoroughly and make sound decisions and recommendations.

Personal Attributes 

• Interest in walking and a commitment to the principles of inclusion and enabling everyone to feel welcome in the outdoors.
• Able to engage diverse audiences, including community partners and senior decision makers.
• Flexible and able to develop strong, collaborative team relationships.
• Entrepreneurial approach to developing and growing innovative projects.
• Flexible and resilient with the ability to work under pressure and to deadlines.
• Willingness to travel and to spend evenings and weekends away from home as required.

Values and Behaviours

Our values are the core principles that guide us daily in our work and our membership of the Ramblers. We all share the passion that walking is for everyone and by living our shared values we can ensure the Ramblers is an organisation to be proud of. Our values will earn trust for the Ramblers brand which will allow us to open up a world of walking opportunities for even more people.

Inclusive

We make everyone feel welcome and part of the Ramblers community. We make sure we all feel respected and accepted and know our contributions make a difference in achieving our mission.

Inspiring

We strive to inspire people through the way we act and the things we say. We channel our passion and ambition so others are moved to help us achieve our mission.

Empowering

We empower and encourage each other to make a positive contribution to our teams and the Ramblers. We do all we can to make sure everyone has the ability, and feels confident, to take action.

Responsible

We take responsibility for ourselves and those around us seriously, by always acting in a safe and supportive way. We care about the environment and make sure we do what we say we will do.

The Childhood Trust is London's child poverty charity. We are dedicated to creating opportunities and brighter futures for the 700,000 children growing up in poverty in London. While we work to alleviate today’s impact of poverty, we support children and families to build pathways to become happier, healthier, safer and more resilient, breaking the cycles of inequity. Listening to and engaging with young people who have experience of living in poverty, is critical to ensuring our efforts truly reflect their needs and aspirations. 

As a grant-making charity, we award funding to charities actively supporting children in poverty across the capital. This funding is made possible thanks to the partnerships we build with corporate organisations, other trusts and foundations, philanthropic individuals and families, and public donations. 

Volunteers are a vital part of The Childhood Trust’s work. Through our Transforming Spaces programme, they deliver direct support to children affected by poverty and the communities that support them across London. They also have the potential to grow our internal capacity so that we can reach our ambitious vision to scale our work and ensure that every child in London is well prepared for life. 

As The Childhood Trust’s Volunteer Manager, you’ll be responsible for volunteers across the organisation. Your role will include oversight of the corporate and community volunteers who take part in our Transforming Spaces programme. You will work closely with colleagues in the fundraising team to create a positive and inspiring experience for corporate volunteers. 

Key to this role will be working with the Head of Volunteering and Community Programmes to embed volunteering across The Childhood Trust. You will lead on developing a diverse and inclusive volunteer base of skilled and specialist individual volunteers, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment where they feel valued and connected to the mission. 

Our organisation takes pride in offering key benefits such as flexible working arrangements, 25 days annual leave per year and enhanced maternity provisions. We are also deeply committed to the development and growth of our staff, providing opportunities to enhance skills and achieve career goals. Plus, you’ll be joining a dedicated and passionate team that truly makes a difference.

We will be holding interviews on 28th July 2025.

About Blagrave

We are a social justice funder committed to shifting power, dismantling oppression, and supporting communities to thrive. We fund organisations and young people creating change, with a strong focus on lived experience, anti-oppression, and systems change.

We are committed to centering the voices of those we seek to serve. Our board and staff team have relevant lived and learnt experiences to help us fulfil our mission. We listen to the communities we seek to serve both directly and broadly to have as accurate of an understanding as possible about the issues that they are facing. 

As we come to the end of our current strategy cycle we are ambitious to explore how we can put our full asset base to work in support of mission and we have some exciting plans unfolding. This new role will be instrumental in ensuring collaboration is at the heart of our next strategy, with our funder peers, young people, the youth sector and local government.

We fund work in England, as well as having a specific focus on several counties in the South East of England. 
 

About you  

You believe in the power of young people to lead change and are passionate about social justice. You’re a natural relationship-builder with experience working across public, private and voluntary sectors, confident engaging at both national and local levels. You understand how to develop partnerships that are equitable, transformational, and that centre the voices and needs of young people. You have a track record in bringing in substantial partnerships in service to organisational goals.

You bring strong problem-solving skills and experience managing people. You’ve worked in, or alongside, organisations going through growth or transition and thrive in complexity. You care deeply about genuine partnerships and have a track record of working collaboratively to build collective power and challenge injustice.

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and are especially keen to hear from people who can help diversify the voices shaping philanthropic work. We are committed to creating an equitable environment where everyone can thrive.

Purpose of the Role

This exciting new role is about creating connections, building ecosystems and developing and strengthening relationships that power social justice movements. As a member of the Senior Management Team, you will work closely with the CEO to lead our partnerships and community engagement work — creating the enabling conditions and networks that help youth-led movements grow, sustain, and make lasting change.

You will take lead on:

• Partnering with other funders to resource youth-led change, including co-designed and co-held programmes with other foundations.
• Developing community partnerships based on the needs and priorities of the young people we are here to serve - including charities, local businesses, and local authorities.
• Understanding the landscape of youth-led change and social justice work, identifying gaps in support and guiding our investment to help fill them, both at the national and local level.
• Monitoring and communicating the impact of our work with external audiences.
• Ensuring our work is grounded in safeguarding practices that minimise harm and uphold our commitment to care, equity and justice.

Success in this role looks like:

· A stronger Blagrave presence and impact at a local level.

· Growing networks of trust and solidarity across youth-led social justice movements, nationally and locally.

· Greater capacity, visibility, and long-term sustainability for youth-led organisations.

· Strengthened support for collective action and systems change.

· Young people and communities feeling ownership of, and connection to, the work.

Special Events Coordinator (Fundraising)

Salary £31,000 - £33,000 per annum - subject to skills and experience 

Hours of work 37.5 hours a week over five days (due to the nature of this role,

                                    some anti-social hours working will be required)

Base Hybrid working for the foreseeable future, with attendance in the office two days a week, including                                          one day being a Thursday at our central office:

                                     · Pears Building, Pond Street, London, NW3 2PP

                                     Other office days may be worked from our other sites at:

                                    · Barnet Hospital, Wellhouse Lane, Barnet, EN5 3DJ

                                    · Chase Farm Hospital, 127 The Ridgeway, Enfield, EN2 8JL

The role

The special events coordinator will report to the special events manager.

We have a great opportunity for an experienced and proactive special events coordinator to join our dynamic philanthropy & campaign team at the Royal Free Charity. This is a role for someone with proven experience of delivering high-quality events end to end - someone who thrives on the detail, keeps things running like clockwork and brings creativity and poise under pressure.

You will be instrumental in delivering bespoke, high-value experiences such as private dinners, small group tours, donor visits and our flagship annual event, The Marsden Lecture. These are carefully curated opportunities to inspire generosity and deepen relationships with key supporters. You will work closely with internal teams and senior stakeholders, so diplomacy, adaptability and strong interpersonal skills are essential. If you're looking to deliver purposeful work in a fast-paced, mission-led environment, we would love to hear from you.

Principal responsibilities

Event planning and coordination

· Develop event concepts and themes, create detailed event plans and coordinate all logistical aspects of events of events falling within the remit of this role.

· Work closely with the philanthropy and campaign team to design and implement special events that maximise fundraising potential.

Stewardship events

· Plan and manage events to acknowledge and appreciate donors, facilitating their continued support and engagement with the charity.

Engagement activities

· Organise and execute events that foster engagement and increase awareness of the charity's mission and goals.  

Supporting the new cancer campaign

· Prepare for campaign events in support of a £50m campaign for a ground-breaking cancer centre on the Royal Free Hospital site.

Vendor management

· Whether on-site at one of our hospitals or at an external venue, take responsibility for sourcing, negotiating and managing relationships with vendors, including caterers, suppliers and on-site partners.

Budget management

· Create and manage event budgets, ensuring cost-effective solutions while maintaining high-quality standards.  

Communications and promotion

· Collaborate with the communications team to develop promotional materials and strategies to maximise event attendance and engagement.  

RSVP management

· Managing the RSVP mailbox, ensuring timely and accurate responses to event invitations and queries.

Database management

· Maintain and update event-related databases, ensuring accurate records of participants, donors and sponsors.  

Relationship management

· Act as the main point of contact for colleagues, donors and contractors, ensuring their needs and expectations are met throughout the event planning and delivery process.

Portfolio manager support

· Assist portfolio managers in engaging with prospects and donors effectively, providing event-related insights and facilitating meaningful connections.  

On-site coordination

· Oversee event setup, execution, and breakdown, ensuring all elements are in place and events run smoothly.  

Post-event evaluation

· Conduct post-event evaluations to gather feedback and identify areas for improvement.  

Oversight and responsibility

· Manage risk assessment, risk management and first aid training to ensure the safety and well-being of all event participants. 

This job description is not exhaustive; the role will include other tasks and responsibilities commensurate with the post and subject to change to meet legislative requirements. 

This position would suit a candidate who:

- is highly organised, creative and possesses effective communication skills

- has proven experience in event planning and coordination, ideally including fundraising events

- develops excellent client relations with a wide variety of stakeholders

- has the ability to oversee events from setup to breakdown

- can manage RSVPs and maintain event-related activity on a CRM.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Qualifications

· No specific qualifications are required, but a good level of numeracy and literacy is essential.

Experience

Essential 

· Significant events delivery experience, ideally within the not-for-profit sector.

· Proven track record in developing and managing events on time and ensuring they are in line with budget (managed             by the special events manager), achieving key performance indicators and receiving positive feedback from                 guests.

· Evidence of outstanding planning skills to deliver complex projects.

Desirable 

· Experience of leading on the creation and implementation of innovative events that are tailored towards a specific        audience’s interests.

Skills and knowledge

Essential 

· A keen interest in the fundraising sector, with a desire to learn and grow in the role.

· An excellent eye for detail.

· Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including diplomacy and the ability to negotiate.

· Committed to achieving objectives and delivering a high-quality service to agreed timescales.

· Excellent IT skills in MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and experience of using a CRM.

Desirable 

· Understanding of the events sector and appropriate techniques and approaches for a major donor audience.

· Ability to develop and monitor budgets.

· Understanding of major donor fundraising and the role events can play in successful cultivation of relationships     (ideally learned through direct experience).

· Ability to contribute to a collaborative and agile team, enabling others to learn and deliver and celebrating  successes.

· Ability to:   

 - support colleagues and stakeholders positively

 - build supportive and trusting relationships .

  - Knowledge of fundraising regulations and best practice including Gift Aid and GDPR. 

The team

Our dynamic fundraising department generated £4.5m through donations in 2023/24, and we are now preparing for an ambitious multi-million-pound campaign in support of a ground-breaking cancer centre on the site of the Royal Free Hospital.

We pride ourselves on being a supporter focused and agile function, working at the heart of the charity to deliver impact for patients and staff across our hospitals.

Responsible for attracting and retaining donors, and delivering an outstanding supporter experience, the fundraising department comprises two teams which work closely together to achieve our shared objectives:

·Our philanthropy & campaigns team builds relationships with individual philanthropists, trusts, foundations, corporate organisations and intermediaries, giving or facilitating donations of £10,000 or more to the charity each year. They lead major appeal activity for the charity, currently focused on our forthcoming cancer campaign, the charity’s first patron programme, and special events to support these activities.

·Our public fundraising team harnesses the support and energy of individuals and groups, helping them to give back in the way that works for them. This includes committed giving, in memory support, gifts in wills, and fundraising events and challenges.

·Our database and supporter care colleagues underpin and support the entire department.

Organisation

The Royal Free Charity stands at the threshold of its most important period of development.

Our vision is for everyone served by the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust (RFL) to have access to world-leading healthcare, delivered by a thriving workforce, and driven by medical research that has a global impact. We support the 17,000 staff of the RFL and their two million patients across Barnet, Chase Farm, North Mid and Royal Free hospitals and more than 30 NHS services.

Through the services we provide, and the programmes and equipment we fund, we make a profound and immediate difference to patients’ experiences of care.

The recruitment process

To apply for this post, send your:

• CV (please include your last employer and dates of employment)
• Cover letter: 1-2 page letter detailing your interest in the role and how you meet the person specification

Please note, that applications submitted without a cover letter may not be considered for this role.

Closing date for application: 27 July 2025, midnight.

Interview date: 5 August 2025

Please kindly note that we may close the job advert before the closing date if we receive a large volume of applications.

• You must be eligible to work in the UK

We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may require during the recruitment process. 

As an equal opportunities’ employer, the Royal Free Charity is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.

Benefits:

Core benefits

· 25 days of paid holiday, plus three-day office closure rest period between Christmas and New Year, and UK bank holidays. This increases to 30 days leave after five completed years of continuous employment (all leave is pro rata for part time employees).

· A contributory pension scheme, where we match your 4% contribution towards your pension. If you choose to increase your payments into your pension scheme, we’ll match your contribution up to 9%.

· A sick pay package that offers one month’s full pay and one month’s half pay in any 12-month period if you’ve been with us for less than two years. This rises to two months’ full pay and two months’ half pay in any 12-month period after two years of continuous employment.

· Occupational maternity pay and paternity pay packages that provide more generous support than statutory pay alone.

· A flexible working policy to support our employees’ work/life balance.

Support for your financial wellbeing

As a member of the Royal Free family, you’ll be entitled to benefit from:

· Expert financial advice from our financial partner, the London Credit Union

· Savings on purchases with the Blue Light Card

· Our Death in Service benefit

Support for your health and wellbeing

· Subsidised gym, pool and classes at our Rec Club in Hampstead

· Secure bicycle parking and shower facilities at our Hampstead site

· Fortnightly guided meditation

· Free massage therapy from our complementary therapy team

· Menopause peer support group

· Employee Assistance Programme offering 24-hour access to free confidential advice and support on work and personal issues.

Are you looking for a fulfilling & rewarding career?

Vibrance has an exciting opportunity for a Service User Engagement Lead to join our team. You will join us on a 12 month secondment contract and in return, you will receive a competitive salary of £38,916 pa, plus benefits. 

As an employer we are proud to have earned both the Investors in People Silver accreditation and ranked in the Sunday Times ‘Best Companies to work for’ list.

About our Service User Engagement Lead role:

No two days will be the same in this role.

You will be great at helping us change things and embrace new ideas and ways of working, helping others to get on board with them too.

You will provide high quality advice and support throughout our services, identifying opportunities for improvements in how our Service Users are supported.

As well as the linking with the operations team, you will build a strong and effective relationship with the central teams, to ensure a Group-wide overview of work.

You will help develop and monitor action plans to support service innovation and best practice.

You will be good at producing a range of written reports and presentations, tailored to specific audiences.

You will look externally, and support and challenge colleagues to learn from good practice elsewhere.

It is important you keep up to date with your own professional knowledge and so engaging with learning and development opportunities is a must.

What we’re looking for in our ideal Service User Engagement Lead :

Highly organised, you will have great attention to detail and help to reinforce our high standards in our work.

You will be good with data and proactively use this, other research information and best practice standards to identify opportunities for services to develop and improve. You will support others too in the use and analysis of data and its importance to service improvement.

You will demonstrate a passion to ensure the best outcomes for our service users, always placing them at the heart of what we do. Happy to challenge poor practice and internal and external policies.

You will also need to ensure that Vibrance’s Leadership Values into Actions are delivered and maintained to a consistently high level, and staff teams work with service users to identify and meet their own goals and aspirations.

Good knowledge of Care Quality Commission (CQC) requirements is essential.

You must be willing to work flexibly across our services and will have experience of managing staff and leading a diverse team, with a willingness to develop within the role. You must have outstanding interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal), both internally and externally and have a good understanding of Microsoft Office.

As the role requires travel between services it is essential you have a driving licence and access to a vehicle for business use.

In return for your skills, knowledge, and experience, you’ll enjoy:

• A comprehensive training programme
• Generous holiday entitlement
• Pension scheme
• Rewards and recognition for your service
• AIG Lifeworks Work-life Assistance (24 hours)
• Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Pay
• Flexible Working Options (Subject to service requirements)
• Learning & Development
• Mindful Employer
• Positive about Disability
• DBS online applications paid by Vibrance
• Long Service Awards

Vibrance welcomes applications from all sections of the community including from people with disabilities. As users of the Disability Confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who satisfy the essential criteria for a job vacancy and consider them on their abilities.

What the job involves 

We’re looking for an exceptional nurse to join the Specialist Nurses team at Prostate Cancer UK, part of our wider Support Services team that helps men and their loved ones to navigate the challenges of prostate cancer.

First and foremost, you’ll be providing invaluable information and support directly to men and their families via a range of channels, including telephone, email, webchat, and WhatsApp. 

You’ll also work with other teams across the charity, ensuring that Prostate Cancer UK maintains a strong, credible clinical voice in all its activity. This will range from supporting men through webinars and classes, to delivering education sessions to health professionals, to reviewing health information resources, to supporting communications campaigns. 

Please note that there is no face-to-face patient contact as part of this role, and the team’s remit is contained to information and support – not clinical advice. 

You’ll be working Monday – Friday, with a hybrid working model. The service runs predominantly remotely, but periodical office attendance for collaborative work is expected. 

Current daily shift patterns are 8.45am – 4.45pm or 9.15am – 5.15pm. The appointee will need to be available 8.45am – 5.15pm daily, as shift patterns are allocated based on service requirements.  

What we want from you 

You’ll be a registered nurse with solid experience at NHS Band 6, including recent work in either urology, oncology or palliative care looking after men with prostate cancer. You’ll bring excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to organise and prioritise your work effectively and flexibly. You’ll also be flexible and adaptable to meet the complex demands of this role. You’ll show willingness and proactivity to step away from frontline service delivery to support a range of wider charity activity. You’ll also be comfortable with remote working, both in terms of delivering information and support over the phone and working in a remote team.

As a Specialist Nurse, you’ll be committed, enthusiastic and compassionate – keen to apply your existing clinical experience and knowledge to provide information and support to those affected by prostate cancer and have the desire to develop new skills. 

Why work with us?
Every man needs to know about the most common cancer in men – prostate cancer. It’s a real and present danger that takes over 12,000 of our dads, grandads, brothers and friends each year.

Prostate Cancer UK is the largest men’s health charity in the UK. We have a simple ambition – to stop prostate cancer damaging lives. We invest millions in research to revolutionise testing, treatment and care. We’re blazing a trail to a screening programme that could save thousands of lives with regular, accurate tests for all men at risk. And we work tirelessly to spread the word about risk and offer specialist support to people living with the disease.

Work with us and you’ll see your efforts pay off as we give men and their families the power to navigate prostate cancer.

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

At Prostate Cancer UK we’re committed to righting health inequalities across the UK, starting with those faced by Black men. This includes ground-breaking research into Black men's risk and working with communities directly to overcome barriers to the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. To make this happen, we're dedicated to being an inclusive, proactive organisation, as we strive to be Allies to Black communities. We’ll achieve this by advocating and working alongside those communities to promote change. We're also working to be Allies to each other, not only protected groups. In 2024, we launched our New Allyship Training Programme. All colleagues at Prostate Cancer UK will be trained to act and identify as an Ally.

We've also signed Business in the Communities Race at Work Charter, as a dedication to our Black health equity work and wider EDI priorities. As a signatory, we're responsible and accountable for driving positive change.

Ways of working

Our hybrid working approach combines the best of flexible working – a positive work/life balance, inclusive and accessible platforms, and online information at our fingertips.

Next steps
More information on what we offer, as well as the role, can be found on our vacancies page. Please download our job profile document (job description) with our ‘How to apply’ section sharing the key points to refer to in your application and to apply.

Got a question? Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements or questions – we’re here to help.

The closing date is Sunday 10th August 2025.  Applications must be submitted by 23:45 UK time.

Interviews: By arrangement. Currently scheduled for the week of Monday 18th August 2025.

Diversity and inclusion matter to us.

Our vision is of a future where both people and the planet thrive. Diversity is one of our core values and we strive to build a workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging. All new staff who join us learn about the importance of diversity and inclusion to the Museum and how to contribute to creating an inclusive environment.
We know we have more to do, but we are committed to ensuring that everyone who works at the Museum feels they can thrive and feel valued and respected.

Job Summary

To manage talent acquisition for the Museum, working with hiring managers to plan and deliver effective campaigns to fill each role with the best possible candidate.  To manage and develop a range of materials and systems to support talent acquisition activity.
 

Main responsibilities

• Be responsible for the end-to-end recruitment pipeline across the Museum (around 150 campaigns per year)
• Work with the HR Business Partners to understand and predict resourcing needs and plan future hiring needs
• Be responsible for the Museum’s candidate marketing materials including the careers site, developing content and working with the Digital team to ensure content is updated regularly
• Work with hiring managers to plan and deliver tailored recruitment campaigns for each role
• Undertake focused research and campaign planning for hard-to-fill and specialist roles to ensure they are filled with appropriately qualified candidates
• Keep abreast of best practice and new developments in talent acquisition, testing and learning new ideas and methodologies to improve our approach
• Liaise with the HR Administrators to ensure vacancies are posted as needed and candidates are moved through the recruitment pipeline.  Administer an allocation of campaigns where required during peak periods
• Plan and manage volume recruitment events for front of house roles in conjunction with hiring managers and the HR Advisor
• Develop and deliver a range of selection assessment tools and methodologies to ensure we select the right hires for each role.  Sit on interview/assessment panels as required
•  Work with the Volunteering Co-ordinator and HR Operations Manager to develop and deliver an effective recruitment service for volunteers
• Manage the recruitment advertising budget ensuring it is deployed where it will deliver the best returns in terms of candidate quality
• Liaise with recruitment and agencies as needed, selecting the best value partners, negotiating rates and managing their service delivery
• Support on Executive Search campaigns where required for senior hires
• Manage the day-to-day functioning of the Applicant Tracking System, liaising with the HR Operations Manager on system developments and improvements
• Work with the managers of proposed externally funded projects to understand potential hiring needs and advise on timing/strategy
• Work with the Head of Inclusion & Organisational Development on strategies to ensure inclusive recruitment and to meet our targets for increasing representation at every level of our workforce
• Work with the HR Operations Manager to develop a suite of management information reports for hiring managers, senior leaders and HR that give insight into campaign performance and candidate diversity.  Make recommendations for changes and developments based on insights from this data.

Person Specification

• Significant experience as an in-house recruiter with a successful track record of hiring into key roles
• Experience of a broad range of assessment methodologies and deploying these to select the best candidates for each role
• Experience of developing and implementing assessments against behaviour frameworks
• Experience of coaching hiring managers to deliver effective recruitment campaigns
• Experience with developing candidate attraction materials and communications
• Experience of developing and delivering training for hiring managers
• Experience of developing targeted campaigns for hard-to-fill/niche roles
• Significant experience using digital tools such as LinkedIn Recruiter to identify and approach potential candidates
• Experience of working with Applicant Tracking Systems, developing their use to maximise their effectiveness
• Highly numerate with proven ability of taking a data-driven approach and making recommendations based on insight
• Highly organised with the ability to manage and prioritise a range of campaigns
• Flexible and proactive approach
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience of managing budgets and supplier relationships

Desirable

• Accreditation in one or more psychometric testing methodologies e.g. BPS RQTU certification
• Experience of hiring in the academic/scientific sectors

Key Information

This is a hybrid working role so you will be expected to divide your time between home working and working on-site at South Kensington.

All positions at the Natural History Museum are conditional subject to
receipt of:

• Proof that you are legally entitled to work in the UK
• A Basic Disclosure Check from the Disclosures and Barring Service (DBS) 
• Satisfactory references covering the last 3 years of your employment or education 
• Health clearance 

The Museum supports flexible working.

Head of Institutional Relations and Governance

About Charity Right
At Charity Right, we are a focused and passionate international food charity on a mission to free people from the devastating effects of hunger. Since our founding, we have provided over 40 million meals across 7 countries, serving those who need it most with dignity and care.

Our Mission
We believe that no child should go to school hungry. Our single-cause focus allows us to be exceptionally effective at what we do best: providing nutritious school meals that keep children in classrooms and give them the opportunity to break free from poverty through education.

About the Role

This is a newly created leadership role responsible for developing and embedding the governance infrastructure and strategic partnerships that will position Charity Right as a credible and competitive organisation for institutional funding. The Head of Governance and Institutional Relations will be responsible for cultivating relationships with institutional funders, multilateral agencies, and foundations, while also leading internal governance and capacity-building efforts to ensure Charity Right is fully prepared to secure and deliver such partnerships.

The role will build and oversee the development of international branch offices where appropriate, ensuring alignment with partner eligibility requirements and regulatory frameworks. This role is cross-functional and high-impact, sitting at the intersection of compliance, strategy, fundraising, and programme delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Institutional Fundraising & Relationship Management

• Identify and engage potential institutional funders and foundations both in the UK and internationally.
• Lead the full lifecycle of institutional donor relationships—from prospecting and due diligence through to application, stewardship, and renewal.
• Build a comprehensive pipeline of funding opportunities aligned with Charity Right’s mission and delivery capacity.
• Work closely with Programmes, Finance, and Fundraising teams to coordinate compelling funding proposals and aligned delivery models.

Organisational Governance & Capacity Building

• Lead the development and continuous improvement of Charity Right’s governance framework to meet international standards for institutional funders.
• Identify and implement structural, policy, and procedural enhancements that elevate Charity Right’s readiness to enter and sustain institutional partnerships.
• Conduct periodic organisational assessments and produce recommendations to close capacity gaps identified by funders or prospective partners.

International Presence & Localisation Strategy

• Design and oversee the establishment of Charity Right branch offices in key geographies.
• Ensure all international branches are compliant with local laws, reporting requirements, and brand/mission alignment.
• Collaborate with legal and operational advisors to manage entity registration, governance structures, and oversight models in each country.

Strategic Partnerships and Alliances

• Develop and implement a formal institutional partnering strategy.
• Identify and vet strategic implementation partners that complement Charity Right’s delivery capabilities.
• Negotiate, draft, and manage partnership agreements ensuring alignment with Charity Right’s values and strategic objectives.

Monitoring, Reporting & Evaluation

• Develop and implement a framework to monitor the performance and outcomes of institutional partnerships and funded projects.
• Ensure robust reporting mechanisms, including narrative and financial reporting, are in place.
• Regularly brief the CEO and Board on the status of funder relationships, branch development, and institutional readiness.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Significant senior-level experience in institutional fundraising, partnership management, or international development.
• Strong understanding of governance frameworks, compliance standards, and operational due diligence requirements for international NGOs.
• Demonstrated success in securing and managing funding from institutional donors.
• Experience in establishing and managing international offices, branches, or subsidiaries.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across departments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strategic thinker with strong project management and execution capability.
• Values-driven, with a commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusion.
• Familiarity with safeguarding frameworks, donor audits, and risk registers.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Experience working in humanitarian or faith-inspired development contexts.
• Legal, compliance, or public policy background.
• Existing network within institutional funding or global development sectors.

Success Indicators

• Institutional Fundraising & Relationship Development
• Number of institutional funder relationships established (UK and international)
• Number of funding applications submitted per quarter
• Total value (£) of secured institutional or foundation grants annually
• Application success rate (%) across funding proposals submitted
• Donor retention and re-engagement rate (%)

Governance & Organisational Capacity

• Completion and implementation of key governance policies
• Improvement in organisational assessments conducted by external funders or partners
• Internal audit readiness and compliance rate
• Number of governance or compliance gaps resolved each quarter
• Staff training or briefings delivered on governance-related improvements

International Branch Development

• Number of international entities registered or formalised in target geographies
• Time taken from initiation to legal establishment of each branch
• Compliance rate with local registration, reporting, and governance requirements
• Annual cost-to-benefit ratio of each registered branch (qualitative + financial assessment)

Strategic Partnerships

• Number of partnership MOUs or contracts formalised
• Partner performance satisfaction score
• Number of co-designed or co-delivered proposals with partners submitted per year
• Strategic alignment index – measured via internal SLT reviews

Reporting & Monitoring

• Reporting compliance rate (%) with donor reporting deadlines and formats
• Timeliness and quality score of narrative and financial reports submitted
• Quarterly internal partnership performance reports delivered to SLT/CEO
• Monitoring framework adoption rate across new institutional projects

Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Location: Remote Working
Salary: £48,000 – 54,000 per annum, depending on experience
Reports to: CEO

This is an exciting time to join BUCS and make a huge difference to the organisation that sits on the shoulders of those who established competitive inter-university sport competitions over a century ago, and which is responsible for the most dynamic element of the sport sector.

The Head of People is a dynamic leadership role, shaping the organisation’s people strategy and driving a values-led culture. You will inspire and empower people, ensuring a motivated workforce that delivers excellence. You will be acting as a champion for learning and development by creating an environment where people grow, innovate and truly feel valued.

Beyond shaping culture, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring that BUCS operates safely and is compliant. From health and safety to safeguarding the experience of our staff and participants, you will lead best practices and work closely with the governance and compliance team to meet all statutory and industry regulations.

Collaboration is key in this role. Working with the senior leadership team and management team, you will align people strategies with organisational goals. Additionally, you will oversee key safeguarding matters, monitor disclosures and case management, and escalate concerns to the CEO and the Board as required.

This is an exciting time to shape the future of BUCS through forward-thinking people-first leadership. If you are a strategic thinker who thrives on building and fostering a positive, inclusive culture, we would be delighted to hear from you.  

Working at BUCS

BUCS prides itself on being an ambitious and challenging place to work, where staff enjoy work, embrace development opportunities, and have fun.

We're open to discussing what flexibility could look like for the right candidate!

Benefits include:

• Generous Pension Scheme
• Paid Health Care Plan
• Tax-free - Cycle to work scheme
• Christmas Closure from 24th December- 2nd January time off! 
• Volunteering Day leave
• Flexible hours - hybrid working
• Wellbeing and Social activities
• Company-supported Learning and Development opportunities
• Access to sporting events such as Wimbledon and 6 Nations ! 

Please apply on our recruitment platform Applied 

The successful candidates will be invited to a virtual interview the week commencing the 4th August 2025.

The role will close 11:59pm, 27th Jul 2025 BST. 

If you have any questions about the role please contact a member of the BUCS team.

Job Summary

Location : Requirement to attend our sites in Basildon, Harlow and Thurrock if required and to team meetings quarterly.

Type: Remote

Salary: £48,000.00 per annum

Hours :  37.5 hours per week

Term: Permanent

Main Responsibilities:

Leadership

1. As a member of the Operational Leadership Team and wider Senior Leadership Team, work collaboratively and take collective responsibility for the strategic management and leadership of the organisation.

2. Work closely with the CEO, Treasurer and Board of Trustees to facilitate good governance and risk management.

3. Manage, maintain and develop all financial systems and control; increasing their impact and quality, and implementing best practices in financial management.

4. To supervise finance assistants and ensure that they are adhering to financial code of practices.

Financial Management

1. Lead and manage all aspects of the financial cycle, including budgeting, forecasting, fixed asset management, reserves & designated fund management and financial reporting.

2. Work with HR & Payroll Officer to manage and retain oversight of the day to day financial operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, banking and general ledger maintenance, including the reconciliation of petty cash, credit cards and all bank accounts on a monthly basis reviewing and approving payment runs and payroll.

3. Work with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team to prepare the annual budgets and forecasts.

4. Lead and manage the provision of regular budget monitoring and reports to budget holders.

5. Assist with the budget preparation for funding bids. Manage, monitor and keep track of any grants, funding or commissioned income, working with relevant managers to provide relevant financial information for inclusion in monitoring reports.

6. Lead and manage the provision of quarterly financial reports to the Board and advise them on financial issues as appropriate

7. Provide insightful financial analysis and reporting to inform and support organisational management, development and decision[1]making, and funding applications across the organisation.

8. Work with the CEO to prepare medium term financial forecasts for the organisation to support strategic decision-making and delivery of strategic priorities.

9. Lead on the audit process and the preparation of year end accounts to trial balance including preparation of the audit file and the closing down of the accounts on our accounting management system to ensure that the organisation is compliant with legal requirements and good practice.

10. To work closely with the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and designated Trustees to advise, review and cost the annual pay award.

11. To provide back-up and holiday cover for the processing of monthly payroll.

12. To work with and support the HR & Payroll Officer in providing payroll information and reconciling payroll monthly.

Governance and compliance

1. Ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations and reporting requirements (e.g. Companies House, HMRC and the Charity Commission).

2. Attend Trustee Board meetings to report on financial matters, including the identification and management of financial risk, and provide any relevant reports.

3. To support the Trustees, SLT and line managers in managing our finances carefully and within our financial means, through provision of advice, guidance, support and training.

4. To be the main point of contact with external auditors.

5. To ensure that robust financial controls are in place, underpinned by appropriate financial policies and procedures and to ensure that they are adhered to and that the organisation is protected from fraud and error.

Closing date for applications : 21st July 2025

One of the UK’s most inspiring and best-known faith-based organisations, The Salvation Army, is looking for a motivational General Counsel and Company Secretary to support its work in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

The Salvation Army has one of the widest ranges of charitable work in the United Kingdom, providing social and community services to all ages, supporting survivors of modern-day slavery, helping people experiencing homelessness and supporting individuals struggling with addiction, and those seeking employment. With a turnover of £350m and around 4,500 employees, it has been combating social inequality and transforming lives for over 150 years. 

Key Responsibilities
As General Counsel and Company Secretary you will be a key advisor to The Salvation Army and an active attendee at the Board of Trustees and all key Executive boards/committees, making an important and lasting contribution to the broader strategic direction of the organisation. Reporting to the Chief Secretary, with direct access to the Chair of Trustees, and working extensively with the Board of Trustees and senior executives, you will line-manage an Assistant Company Secretary and The Salvation Army’s Legal Services Unit (10 people), ensuring the delivery of high quality and pro-active legal advice to key stakeholders throughout the organisation, across its many, varied services and functions.

The successful candidates will be able to demonstrate:

• Extensive experience as a qualified Solicitor in England and Wales, preferably in an in-house legal team within a large and complex organisation and with relevant subject matter expertise.
• Senior leadership experience with the ability to advise Trustees, Board members, senior managers and employees on a range of complicated legal, strategic and business areas.
• A comprehensive understanding of the role of Company Secretary within a large and complex organisation and knowledge of relevant governance areas
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, including the ability to convey complex information to stakeholders and so influence decision making, behaviours and culture.
• Proven ability to develop successful strategic plans with a 3–5-year time horizon.
• Strong financial management skills, with experience of setting and managing function/unit budgets.
• Excellent analytical, problem solving and critical reasoning skills.
• The credibility to represent the organisation at the highest levels of government/regulatory bodies.
• Ideally, experience of successfully managing employees to deliver objectives and of developing/training staff.

Benefits:
25 days annual leave + bank holidays (pro rata for part-time); a contributory pension scheme; season ticket loan; an employee assistance programme

To complete your application please visit our website where you can download and read the job profile and any other attachments.

In the job profile you will find the criteria required for the role – please make sure that you address this in your supporting statement as this forms the basis of our shortlisting.

Appointment subject to satisfactory references, proof of right to work in the UK and relevant qualifications 

For details of how to prove your right to work in the UK please click here and please note that we are unable to offer sponsorship. 

Promoting equality in the workplace and as a disability confident scheme employer, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.

Closing date: Thursday 31st July 2025. We reserve the right to close this advert earlier if we feel that we have received sufficient applications.

About Small Woods Association

Small Woods Association is the UK’s leading charity promoting sustainable woodland management, social, environmental and economic benefits of small woodlands. We support woodland owners, deliver hands-on training in woodland skills, and run wellbeing programmes that connect people with nature through woodlands.

As a national charity we are seeking a committed Philanthropy and Partnership Coordinator with UK-wide knowledge of charitable income generation models, to strengthen relationships with funders, supporters and stakeholders—helping secure the resources and recognition needed to expand our impact.

Purpose of the Role

This role plays a key part in advancing Small Woods’ sustainability by:

• Securing philanthropic support through grants, trusts, and donors.
• Building and nurturing strategic partnerships with supporters, funders, sponsors, and networks.
• Promoting the charity’s work through digital outreach and storytelling to engage members and stakeholders.

You will work closely with the CEO and delivery teams to align income generation with the charity’s mission and priorities.

Key Responsibilities

Philanthropy & Fundraising (Approx. 2 days/week)

• Identify and pursue funding opportunities from UK-based trusts, foundations, public sector schemes and corporate sponsors.
• Write compelling grant applications for projects focused on woodland innovation, social prescribing, education, and conservation.
• Steward funder relationships, ensuring timely reporting, compliance, and meaningful engagement.
• Collaborate with internal teams to shape fundable project proposals with measurable outcomes and clear budgets.
• Support development of earned income streams, such as training, consultancy, and membership, by identifying and promoting opportunities.

Partnerships & Outreach

• Develop and manage partnerships with philanthropic donors, environmental organisations, and community networks.
• Coordinate cross-sector collaborations to support long-term funding and awareness.
• Represent the charity at relevant events, building networks and advocating for Small Woods’ mission.

Marketing (Approx. 1 day/week)

• Plan and deliver digital campaigns to promote income generation related initiatives, membership services, events and impact stories.
• Maintain and update website content to reflect income generation related current activities and opportunities.
• Create high-quality materials, including items for the newsletters, case studies, reports and social media content.
• Support member engagement by helping grow and connect our network of woodland supporters, volunteers and stakeholders.
• Ensure consistency of brand and messaging across all platforms and materials.

Person Specification

Essential

• Proven experience in grant writing and fundraising for charitable organisations.
• Strong understanding of the UK charitable funding environment.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Confident in digital marketing, including social media, websites, and email campaigns.
• Highly organised, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple priorities remotely.
• Passion for environmental or community-based work.

Desirable

• Experience developing strategic partnerships or sponsorships.
• Skills in visual content creation (design, photography, video).
• Experience with CRM systems or donor databases.
• Interest in sustainable woodland management, nature-based wellbeing, or outdoor learning.

Working Conditions

• Remote work with flexible hours.
• Occasional travel to Telford or other UK sites.
• Equipment and support for home working provided.
• Collaboration via online platforms and video calls.

What We Offer

• Flexible working arrangements and supportive culture.
• 25 days holiday pro rata + bank holidays.
• Pension contribution.
• Opportunity to help shape the future of people and woodland wellbeing across the UK.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a short cover letter (max 2 pages) outlining your suitability.

The Commonwealth Foundation is mandated by its Member States to advance the interests of Commonwealth civil society. The Foundation seeks to nurture the growth of vibrant and free societies: championing the active and constructive participation of people in all aspects of governance. 

The Advocacy and Creative Programme is central to our mission. While advocacy and creativity are two distinct strands of our work, this new programme signifies our commitment to integrating the arts into our advocacy and vice versa. 

As Senior Manager, Advocacy and Creative Programme, you will have overall responsibility for the Advocacy and Creative Programme. Leading a diverse team of professionals, you will engage with policymakers, build partnerships with national and international entities, connect with storytellers and artists from around the world and play a pivotal role in designing, implementing, and overseeing events and engagements that will take you and your work to the global stage.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Strategic planning: Developing programme work plans for the advocacy and creative programme around the Foundation’s key thematic areas – climate justice, health justice and freedom of expression – and ensuring that our advocacy and creative work is intertwined.
• Project management: Overseeing advocacy and creative initiatives, including planning, budgeting, execution, and learning.
• Stakeholder engagement: Building and maintaining effective working relationships with civil society leaders, senior government officials, diplomats, storytellers and creative practitioners, and other relevant partners.
• Convening civil society: Designing, convening, and nurturing spaces and platforms – both online and in-person – for civil society and artists to amplify their voice and work, discuss, debate and make recommendations for change.
• Cross-programme collaboration: Collaborate with the wider-Foundation, particularly in harmonising our advocacy and creative work with the Foundation’s expanded programme of grants to Commonwealth civil society.
• Event management: Designing and leading impactful platforms and events where civil society can come together and influence policymakers.
• Team leadership: Managing a team of diverse, dedicated professionals, providing guidance and coaching, and fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Monitoring and evaluation: Working with the wider team to track performance against our progress markers and collect evidence so that we can tell our story of change.
• Reporting: Preparing reports for our board of governors and communicating programme progress and impact to our stakeholders.
• Representing the Foundation: Attending and participating in meetings and events nationally and internationally.

We seek an individual with strong knowledge of international development and diplomacy, extensive experience in programme leadership and event management, and a demonstrated capacity to lead a high-performing team. An understanding of the power of art and creative expression is essential, preferably with experience of how the arts can bring about social change. Excellent communication and strategic thinking skills are essential, along with a highly practical, solutions-based mindset. Appropriate tertiary qualifications or additional experience in lieu of such qualifications are required.

The Foundation is proud of our welcoming and accommodating working environment. We strive to be a great place to work.

We offer generous holidays (almost seven weeks a year excluding public holidays). Fifteen percent of your salary is payable tax-free at stipulated periods in lieu of a formal superannuation scheme.

Foundation staff have access to our private health scheme, including dental cover.

We are based in Marlborough House, Pall Mall, central London. We are currently operating a flexible working policy which requires all staff to work from the office at least five days per fortnight including every Wednesday, and applicants must be able to affirm their capacity and willingness to work within this policy.

The Foundation celebrates diversity, and we are proud of our diverse and welcoming team. All qualified applicants already eligible to work in the UK will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital status or pregnancy.

Bromley Experts by Experience is a local Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisation, run by and for Deaf and Disabled people and carers in Bromley and neighbouring Boroughs.

We have a vision of a world where Disabled people are able to live their lives independently, in the way they choose, participating fully in society and enjoying equity and respect for diversity.

Our mission is to enable Deaf and Disabled people and carers in Bromley and neighbouring Boroughs to fully understand our rights, develop collective pride and build skills and experience in self-advocacy and strong civic participation. We believe this will allow Disabled people to lead in challenging discrimination in Bromley and beyond, breaking down barriers to independence, choice and equity. 

Our aims are:

• To support Disabled people to get our voices heard and to influence change locally.
• To campaign for an inclusive and accessible society.
• To support, develop and celebrate Disabled people’s skills and leadership.

You would be joining a small, committed team of staff who are passionate about creating more inclusive and accessible communities in Bromley and beyond to enable Deaf and Disabled people to participate fully in society and realise our rights.

As Youth Transition Worker, you will be working with young Disabled people in schools/colleges and the local community to support them to navigate the transition to adulthood. You will lead on co-producing workshops and events with young Disabled people to ensure they have the skills and knowledge they need to make this transition successfully.

Position: Youth Transition Worker

Responsible to: Deputy CEO

Location: You will be based in our office in Anerley. During term time, you will be visiting four Bromley schools weekly. In addition, you will need to be able to travel to other Bromley venues as required and occasionally further afield. Some hybrid working may be possible in this role in consultation with your line manager.

Hours: 28 hours per week

Salary: £29,300 per year pro rata to 28 hours per week (35 hours FTE)

Annual leave: 5.6 weeks per year including bank holidays, pro rata

Pension: Statutory opt in rules applied to all our jobs

How to apply:

Please visit our website to complete an application form with a supporting statement that gives examples of how you meet each criteria in the person specification.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to lead a short session with a group of young Disabled people at our Anerley office on Monday 11th August 2025. Details of what is required for the session will be sent with the interview invitation.

Successful candidates will then be invited to an online interview on Wednesday 13th August 2025.

Closing date: 11.59pm on Thursday 31st July 2025.

What you will be working on:

• Plan and deliver accessible and engaging workshops within schools/colleges, taking the access needs and learning preferences of young Disabled people into account.
• Establish a working group to develop a Youth Forum for young Disabled people in the Borough to campaign and have influence around issues that affect them.
• Develop connections with other youth organisations to organise workshops in school holidays that appeal to young Disabled people.
• Promote our free membership and volunteering opportunities to young Disabled people.
• Develop the skills of young Disabled people so they can take up positions on our Trustee Board.  
• Support young Disabled people to regularly evaluate the project and ensure that this data is updated on our database in a timely manner.

This job is for you if:

• You have personal lived experience of being Deaf and/or Disabled.
• You have experience of working with young people with a diverse range of needs to build their confidence and resilience.
• You can show empathy with young people and an understanding of their needs, empowering them to overcome barriers to reach their potential.
• You have understanding of the importance of safeguarding and working with people who might be ‘at risk’.
• You have strong organisational and time management skills, including being able to problem-solve, show initiative, meet targets and plan and prioritise your workload. 
• You have excellent communication skills, including an ability to adapt and tailor communication for people with varying access needs.
• You are able to cope with limited resources, seize opportunities and think creatively.​
• You are willing and able to travel frequently across Bromley to schools/colleges and local community venues.