Communities administrator jobs in Houghton regis, central bedfordshire

Mind BLMK works across our communities to support positive mental health and wellbeing. Working closely with a range of partners, we offer a number of activities from our wellbeing centres and local venues to make a difference to the mental health and wellbeing of people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, and our aim is to make sure that no-one has to face a mental health problem alone.

Community Wellbeing Navigator
Post no: 657
Salary: £24,454.04 FTE (£16,523 per annum actual for 25 hours per week)
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Part-Time, 25 hours per week.
Work Pattern: Monday to Friday (10:00 - 15:00 and Online evening group (every other week) Monday 6.30pm - 8.00pm
Covering: Central Bedfordshire – Ampthill/Flitwick, Biggleswade, Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard.
Working base(s): HQ The Rufus Centre, Steppingley Road, Flitwick MK45 1AH (Wednesday – admin base) and 2 days per week onsite in: Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard

This role offers an exciting opportunity to join our Central Bedfordshire Mental Health Recovery and Prevention Service which covers Ampthill/Flitwick, Biggleswade, Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard.

Key Duties and Service Delivery

As a Community Wellbeing Navigator you will be at the heart of the Recovery Service, delivering all aspects of the service, building positive relationships with those using the service and strong links into the wider community services within Central Bedfordshire.

You will offer focussed 1-2-1 support where needed, to assist people to navigate through the range of other services within the community. You will offer guidance and information that reduces the chance that people will fall through gaps or continue to be isolated and disconnected from their communities, ensuring the right support and the right time that manages a range of needs.

You will also deliver group wellbeing sessions and facilitate drop-in sessions that provide a safe environment for service users to talk openly and develop practical tools, techniques and coping strategies in order to manage their own wellbeing.

In addition, you will assess individuals’ suitability for the service and signpost where necessary. There will also be opportunity to support events in the community to raise awareness of our services and build links with local organisations.

You will need to be empathetic and deliver a person-centred approach in a non-judgemental way, collaborating with people to empower and engage them.

Entitlements/benefits:

• 25 days (pro rata) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays (pro rata)
• Auto-enrolment NEST pension scheme (employer contributes 3%, employee contributes 5%)
• Optional Health Plan
• Discounts available through Blue Light Card & Tickets for Good
• In-house and external Learning and Development as appropriate for the role.
• Flexible Working On request (in line with Mind BLMK policy on Right to Request Flexible Working)

If you have a passion for working in mental health and possess the required skills, we would love to hear from you.

Closedown: 5pm on Friday 1st May 2026
Please note: We reserve the right to close this advert early if enough suitable applicants apply.
Start date: ASAP

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.

Mind BLMK has been committed to the Mindful Employer charter and the Disability Confident Employer Scheme since 2008.

Please note: Mind BLMK follows Safer Recruitment practices and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Therefore all our roles are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

No agencies please.

We seek to appoint a community pioneer for ‘Earthed’, a relatively new initiative that seeks to work across the Almondsbury and Severnside area (South Gloucestershire)

The successful applicant will be supported fully so they are free to wander and seek to respond to where God is calling. Applicants will be creative visionaries, who are resilient and able to respond to the challenges such a unique role will uncover.

This isn’t about running polished events or having everything figured out. It’s about bringing people together in simple ways - walks, time around a fire, moments of reflection - and seeing what grows.

The Community Pioneer for Earthed will cultivate spaces where people can connect - with one another, with nature, and with God. These spaces will be open, authentic, and welcoming, especially to those who are curious, questioning, or exploring faith.

We have an exciting new role at Bags of Taste!

We’re looking for an  enthusiastic and passionate experienced Corporate and Community Fundraiser to play a key role in the growth of our corporate and community income and develop new partners. This brand new role will develop fundraising opportunities with businesses and  community groups, helping to broaden our supporter base and strengthen long-term relationships. 

This is an fantastic opportunity for a motivated and proactive individual who is keen to make a tangible difference. This is the first time we’ve recruited a corporate and community fundraiser and there is significant opportunity to raise funds as our organisation grows. The issues of health and well-being across the population and food insecurity are urgent and our work directly addresses these critical issues. 

You’ll be a key part of the growth of Bags of Taste’s fundraising activity and will be able to make this your own role. We’re initially recruiting this role as a one year contract however we expect this to become a permanent role as funding allows and we’ll review this with the post holder after six months.

Key responsibilities

Corporate Fundraising

● Develop and implement a plan to raise funds from companies (this could be nationwide or within local project areas) with the Head of Fundraising and Comms

● Research corporate fundraising opportunities and develop a pipeline of prospects

● Approach new businesses to financially support Bags of Taste through presentations, applications, pitches and proposals

● Devise partnership opportunities where required eg volunteering days/fundraising ideas

● Work across the organisation to develop leads via staff, Directors and volunteers

● Account manage all corporate supporters in order to develop strong long-term relationships

● Attend networking events to develop new leads.

Community Fundraising

● Develop and implement a plan to raise funds from community groups. This could include events, peer to peer fundraising or volunteer led activity

● Provide guidance, resources, and encouragement to community fundraisersto help maximise their fundraising efforts.

● Attend networking events where needed.

Relationship Development and Stewardship

● Build and develop relationships with all corporate and community partners

● Develop fundraising tools and guidance for all supporters

● Ensure excellent stewardship for all partners in order to build strong, long term relationships. This includes good recognition and communication (reporting and updating).

Administration

● Prepare budgets where needed, track income and forecasts

● Maintain accurate records acrosscorporate and community fundraising

● Ensure compliance with all fundraising regulations, GDPR and organisational policies.

General

● Support and supervise volunteers as and when required

● Attend and support networking events or other events or fundraising activity as required to represent Bags of Taste, including occasional working outside of normal office hours, including some evenings or weekends.

● Undertake other duties appropriate to the role to support the aims of Bags of Taste.

Person specification

Essential

● A minimum of  2 years of experience managing all aspects of corporate fundraising within a charity (including experience of securing new business, account management and stewardship)

● Experience of community fundraising

● A successful track record of securing corporate and community income

● Exceptional interpersonal and presentation skills

● Excellent written skills - you’ll need to be able to write compelling presentations, proposals, applications and reports

● Ability to build a rapport with a wide range of stakeholders

● Strong negotiation skills

● Ability to network, build, and nurture relationships with a wide variety of people

● Excellent organisation and project management skills and ability to work to tight deadlines

● Proactive, self motivated and tenacious 

● Self starter with the ability to set your own workload

● Strong attention to detail 

● Strong IT skills including all Word packages

● Strong knowledge of all social media channels including relationship building on Linked in 

● Good understanding of the relevant fundraising codes of practice and GDPR/data protection

● Passion for the work of Bags of Taste 

● Flexible and able to attend networking events/events occasionally out of work hours as part of the role.

Desirable

● A relevant professional qualification eg Institute of Fundraising Certificate or Diploma in Fundraising or sales or marketing

● Good understanding of CANVA and WordPress

● Good understanding and knowledge of food insecurity and health issues

Why join Bags of Taste?

● You’ll be part of a small, ambitious organisation with a big vision and a strong sense of purpose. The issues around health inequalities and poor diets and the need for solutions are critical.

● This is a hugely flexible role in a supportive organisation.

About Bags of Taste

The work of Bags of Taste and the issues that we tackle are highly topical and relevant so there is a lot of opportunity and scope to raise funds from companies and the community. Our vision that everyone should be able to access and cook good food has never been more important. 

We address dietary related health inequalities and food insecurity - both these issues have been exacerbated by the current cost of living crisis and public health challenges. There is recognition now that food banks are not a sustainable solution and Bags of Taste works across a number of high need communities enabling people to be happier, healthier and more resilient.

Events and Community Coordinator - Remote (UK based) – 0.8FTE

• Salary: £30,000 for 0.8 FTE (£37,500 FTE equivalent) + 5% pension + 25 days holiday
• Location: Remote (must be UK-based), with occasional travel for events
• Eligibility: Applicants must have the right to work in the UK
• Application deadline: 20 April 2026 at midday (GMT)

The Engineers and Scientists in Business Fellowship (ESBF) is a UK charity with a clear mission: to champion the impact of business education for engineers and scientists. 

Through our flagship Sainsbury Management Fellows programme, we award £50,000 MBA scholarships to outstanding individuals, supporting them to study at leading global business schools. Our Fellows go on to lead organisations, build companies, and drive innovation across sectors. 

We also support entrepreneurship across more than 50 UK universities by sponsoring enterprise competitions for engineering and science students, helping them develop entrepreneurial skills early and turn ideas into ventures with real-world potential. 

Founded by Lord David Sainsbury and delivered in partnership with the Royal Academy of Engineering and the National Physical Laboratory, our work sits at the intersection of science, business, and leadership. 

The Role

This is a role for someone who enjoys making things happen and bringing people together. 

As our Events and Community Coordinator, you will deliver a high-quality events programme while building strong, lasting relationships across a network of 400+ Fellows. You will play a central role in shaping how our community connects, contributes, and grows. 

You will also lead on our CRM system, helping us use data more effectively to strengthen engagement and support alumni philanthropy. 

Working in a small, collaborative team, you will have real scope to shape the role, particularly as we build towards our 40th anniversary in 2027. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Plan and deliver a programme of high-quality events, including our flagship events and events with partner organisations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Fellows, supporting an active alumni community.
• Coordinate engagement initiatives, including networks and special interest groups.
• Manage and develop the CRM system to support engagement and fundraising.
• Contribute to the smooth running of the organisation as part of a small team. 

About You 

You are organised, proactive, and people-focused, with a natural ability to build relationships and keep multiple priorities moving. 

You will bring experience in events delivery and community or stakeholder engagement, along with strong communication skills and attention to detail. Experience managing CRM systems is important and previous experience in higher education, charity, fellowship or scholarship management would be a bonus. 

Why Join Us? 

• Be part of a purpose-driven organisation with national impact.
• Work with an inspiring network of leaders across business, science, and engineering.
• Shape how a growing alumni community connects and contributes.
• Join a small team where your ideas and input matter.
• Play a role in a significant milestone: our 40th anniversary. 

The Vacancy

Make a difference every day with PDSA  

About Us   

Join us to help keep even more people and pets together when times are tough. For over a century, PDSA have provided vital veterinary care for the pets of people in financial hardship.    

We’re now on a journey to expand our reach to support even more people and their beloved pets. To achieve this ambitious goal, we need passionate and driven individuals who are ready to embrace change and help shape a future-focused PDSA. Together, we'll build a stronger organisation to ensure our services help those who need us most for the next hundred years.    

If you're ready to make a real difference and be part of a team that's creating positive change, we want you to join us. Let's build a brighter future for pets and their owners, together.   

About you  

As a Project Support Officer, you will play a key role in enabling the successful delivery of projects, programmes and the wider portfolio by providing coordination, reporting and administrative support to the PMO. You will help ensure that project controls, standards and processes are consistently applied, supporting transparency and effective decision‑making across the change function.

In this role, you’ll provide hands‑on support with reporting, scheduling and stakeholder communication, as well as managing meeting coordination, documentation and general PMO administration. Acting as a central point of coordination, you’ll contribute to clear visibility, informed decisions and smooth delivery across the change portfolio.

We’re looking for someone with experience in a PMO or project support environment, ideally in an administrative capacity. Any expereince or understanding of project management methodologies would be desirable such as PRINCE2, APM or Agile. Confidence using tools like MS Project, Power BI or Smartsheet to support planning and reporting activities is essential.

This is an 18‑month fixed‑term contract, primarily home‑based, with travel to PDSA sites and our Head Office in Telford as required.

Rewards, support and benefits    

We’re really passionate about being a great place to work, somewhere people feel proud of what they do, connected to a meaningful purpose, and able to make a genuine difference every day. Our teams are collaborative and supportive, and we encourage everyone to bring their ideas, individuality and passion for pets to work with them.  

As well as a rewarding role and a positive, people-focused culture, we also offer a wide range of benefits, including:  

• Flexible working options to support your work–life balance and individual circumstances.  

• 25 days’ holiday plus Bank Holidays, with option to buy or sell an extra five days. 

• Three paid special days off: Volunteering Day, Celebration Day and Wellbeing Day annually.  

• Generous pension options, with PDSA contributions starting at 5% and rising to 10%.  

• Life assurance providing four times your annual salary for added peace of mind.  

• AXA Health Employee Assistance Programme, with 24/7 wellbeing support   

• Retail, holiday and lifestyle discounts available through our staff Fetch benefits platform.  

• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave to support you and your family.  

• 10% discount on PDSA Pet Insurance plus access to staff veterinary services.  

To apply for this role, click Apply Now at the top of the page, create a candidate account and complete our simple application form.     

PDSA is committed to embedding a culture of diversity and inclusion within our teams that reflect the communities we serve. We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals are able to make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment, and in which all decisions are based on merit. We offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies and opportunities for flexible working arrangements to support team members from different backgrounds.   

If you have any questions or concerns regarding accessibility, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss via email or telephone reasonable adjustments that you may require throughout the recruitment process.   

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, adults at risk and all our colleagues and expect everyone who works for us to also share this commitment and to treat people with courtesy and respect.   

To support this commitment, our recruitment & selection processes are robust and rigorous. All appointments will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate background checks.   

This is a a unique opportunity has arisen within a national breastfeeding charity to support the organisation through an exciting new phase of development. 

The ABM is a small but growing national charity. To support our expanding activity, we are creating a new role that provides comprehensive administrative and operational support across the organisation. The Team Support Officer will ensure the smooth running of core processes while also assisting colleagues working across all functions, including but not limited to, fundraising, communications, training, governance, and events.

This new post integrates and expands on previous administrative functions, providing flexible operational support across all areas of ABM’s work. It replaces the former Administrator and Admin Assistant roles, bringing together core administrative functions with additional capacity to support ABM’s strategic growth.

Retail Regional Business Manager – Region 1 (Midlands, Kent, South Coast)

Service: Retail

Salary: £32,365 plus £480 home working allowance, per annum

Location: Home-based with regular travel throughout Region 1 (covering shops in Evesham, Hythe, Meads, Seaford, Warwick, and Whitstable); overnight stays as appropriate

Hours: 37 hours per week (full-time)

Contract: Permanent

Family Action & the Role’s Impact:

At Family Action we support people through change, challenge or crisis. It’s what we’ve done for over 150 years. We protect children, support young people and adults and offer direct, practical help to families and communities.

We see first-hand the power of family to shape lives, for better or worse, so we speak up for the

importance of family in national and local policymaking, amplify family voices and represent the changing needs of families in the UK today.

This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic and driven Retail Regional Business Manager to play a pivotal role in leading the success and growth of our Community Shop network. You will champion high-quality retail operations across your region, inspire and develop Community Shop Managers, and cultivate strong, positive relationships within local communities. With a focus on commercial performance, brilliant customer experience, and exceptional people leadership, you will help shape the future of our shops and strengthen their impact. This role offers the chance to influence strategic direction, support new store developments, and contribute meaningfully to Family Action’s mission and values while growing your own leadership and retail management expertise.

Main Responsibilities:

• Provide direct line management to Community Shop Managers, ensuring clarity of objectives and accountability and assist them in the day-to-day running of their stores.
• Maximise income from the Community Shops in the region by tightly managing expenditure and being innovative in income generation.
• Conduct regular shop visits to monitor performance, provide feedback, and document findings in visit reports.
• Develop and execute an annual business plan for the region and the individual Community Shops.
• Assist with the preparation of budget forecasts and monthly reporting.
• Monitor retail budgets, track expenditures and flag variances.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety, financial control, and all operational policies and procedures.
• Process Shop Teams’ petty cash claims and expenses and sign-off timesheets.
• Work with Recruitment and HR teams to fill vacancies and support Community Shop teams.
• Maintain staff and volunteer records – particularly around absence tracking and training logs.
• Work with and support Shop Teams to achieve financial targets.
• Keep up to date with developments in the charity retail sector at the local and national level and use this information to help grow the business.
• Support the Shop Teams in embedding the shops in their local communities.
• Allocate resources within the region and share best practices across the shops to maximise opportunities to achieve budgets.
• Serve as a liaison between Shop Teams and the wider charity.
• Deliver inductions, coaching, and training to Community Shop Managers and Shop Teams.
• Promote a positive image for Family Action among your team.
• Lead on creating high-performing cultures with a focus on customer service, operational excellence, financial control, and delivering budgets and targets (both financial and Gift Aid).
• Maintain P&L accountability for the region, controlling costs and monitoring budgets.
• Contribute to the development of the national Retail Strategy.
• Support on new site acquisitions, refits, and disposals in the region as required.
• Act as a key member of the Retail Senior Leadership Team, supporting strategic decision making.
• Uphold Family Action’s Health & Safety and Data Protection policies, reporting issues promptly.
• Promote and embed Family Action’s Equality & Diversity principles in all work.
• Adherence to Family Action’s Safeguarding policies and processes. 
• Work flexibly to meet the needs of the service, visiting shops a minimum of once per month and overnight stays as required.

Main Requirements (for details check the job description and person specification):

• Experience in managing multiple retail locations and teams
• Experience in charity retail or community-based initiatives
• Experience in P&L management
• Proven ability to deliver against financial targets and control costs
• Strong leadership and people development skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to work cross-functionally with other charity functions
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and retail management systems
• Full UK driving license and willing to travel
• Excellent commercial awareness and financial acumen
• High levels of organisational skills and attention to detail
• Competence in using EPOS systems
• Ability to work under pressure
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities

Benefits:

- an annual paid leave entitlement that commences at 25 working days, rising each April by one day, subject to a maximum of 30 working days plus bank holidays (pro rata)

- up to 6% matched-pension contributions

- enhanced paid sick leave and paid family leave provisions

- eye care and winter flu jabs vouchers

- cycle to work scheme

- investing in your professional development with ongoing quality training and career development opportunities

We are forward looking, ambitious and committed to continuous improvement. We are a people focused, can-do organisation, which strives for excellence in all we do and operates with mutual respect.

To Apply:

· Click the ‘Apply’ link below and fill out our digital application form

· Closing Date: 13th April 2026 at 23:59pm

Interviews are scheduled to take place virtually, with slots throughout the working day and early/late slots available.

All appointments with Family Action are subject to satisfactory Safer Recruitment checks.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:

We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process and you will be asked whether you require any adjustments if shortlisted for interview. We also make reasonable adjustments on the job, where required.

We are committed to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion in all that we do and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Intersectionality is important to us and we welcome applications from ethnically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ candidates and disabled candidates. We are committed to increasing the representation of these groups at Family Action because we know that greater diversity will lead to even greater results for families and children and we strive for our workforce to be truly representative of the diverse communities we support.

All candidates with a disability are welcome to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme and request priority consideration for an interview, provided they meet the essential criteria for the role.

To help remove financial barriers to working with us, we will reimburse reasonable travel costs if you are invited to attend an interview in person.

*Ordinarily Family Action appoints new starters at the starting point of the salary scale (with subsequent annual pay progression), unless you have experience that would justify appointment further up the salary scale or there are any other exceptional reasons.

About Parenting for Lifelong Health:

Parenting for Lifelong Health (PLH) aims to empower parents to improve child development, reduce family violence, and promote mental health. We give parents the support they need, the skills that work, and trusted advice they can count on to protect and support their children’s health, safety and development. Our parenting courses are developed with families, powered by low-cost and accessible technology, backed by rigorous evidence, and delivered within systems. Originally founded as an initiative in 2012 in collaboration with UNICEF and the WHO, Parenting for Lifelong Health was established as a UK charity in 2022 and since then has reached over 8 million families in more than 35 countries. 

PLH Values

• Courage

We have the courage to design for the big picture and complex problems with a commitment to creating sustainable solutions that last.

• Evidence

We believe our work transforms the lives of children, families, and communities. Evidence of impact guides every decision, and we are relentless in pursuing the greatest impact with the least investment of time and resources required for parents and providers.

• Playfulness

Parenting and child wellbeing thrives on play — and so do we. We experiment, learn from each other, as well as from parents and children, and create playful and engaging products and programmes that inspire joy, curiosity, and connection.

• Respect

Everyone brings something essential. We show kindness in our team, honesty with our partners, and deep respect and empathy for parents and children, and those who are on the frontline of providing services for them.

PLH has a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity in how we work, who we work with, and what we do. Candidates from minority and disadvantaged backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

PLH also has a strong commitment to the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA). All candidates considered for the role will be subject to background and reference checks in their country of residence. 

Benefits: Flexible remote-working, home office set-up, unlimited annual leave, professional development opportunities, enhanced pension contributions, enhanced statutory leave provisions including maternity and paternity leave. 

About the role:

Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Operations Officer will play a key role in coordinating core operational and HR processes across the organisation. This role is well suited to someone looking to build a career in charity operations and people management, who is comfortable working across multiple functions in a remote, international organisation and who brings strong attention to detail, sound judgement, and a collaborative approach.

Responsibilities

Operations & Systems Coordination

• Maintain PLH’s internal systems, including shared drives and databases, ensuring information is accurate, accessible, and managed in line with GDPR and data protection requirements.
• Act as a first point of contact for operational queries via PLH’s central inbox, exercising judgement in responding to requests, signposting information, and escalating issues where appropriate.
• Support the development, documentation, and consistent application of internal policies and procedures, working with the Operations Manager to ensure alignment with UK charity best practice, safeguarding standards, and employment legislation.
• Identify opportunities for improving operational processes and support the implementation of agreed improvements.

Travel, Expenses & Events

• Coordinate organisational travel arrangements, ensuring bookings are safe, cost-effective, timely, and compliant with internal policies.
• Administer staff expense processes in collaboration with the Finance team, including checking submissions, tracking approvals, and following up on discrepancies.
• Coordinate logistical arrangements for in-person and virtual meetings and events, including scheduling, communications, and follow-up actions. 

Finance & Operational Reporting

• Coordinate the collection of staff timesheets and attendance data, producing accurate monthly attendance summaries for the Finance team.
• Liaise with colleagues across the organisation to ensure timely provision of operational and financial information. 

People Operations & HR Support

• Coordinate HR administration processes, including contracting, onboarding, and maintenance of staff records, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with GDPR.
• Support the administration of PLH’s performance management framework, including tracking review cycles, documentation, and agreed actions.
• Assist in coordinating internal learning and professional development activities, supporting staff development and organisational capability.

Culture & Organisational Development

• Support initiatives that promote an inclusive, values-led organisational culture, with a focus on staff wellbeing, equity, and professional growth.
• Assist in coordinating internal communications and activities that strengthen connection and collaboration across a distributed team.

Essential criteria: 

• Bachelor's degree.
• 3 years experience of coordinating operational processes such as HR administration, finance processes, travel coordination, or internal systems ideally within a UK charity.
• High level of attention to detail, with the ability to maintain accurate records and manage information systematically.
• Confidence using digital tools and systems (e.g. shared drives, databases, spreadsheets, HR or finance systems) and the ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Ability to identify process improvements and support the implementation of agreed changes.
• Clear and professional written and verbal communication skills. 2
• Basic understanding of data protection principles (e.g. GDPR) and the importance of confidentiality and safeguarding in organisational operations. 

Preferred criteria: 

• Experience working in a remote or distributed organisation.
• Working knowledge of UK employment practices and charity sector policies.

Personal attributes:

• Proactive and reliable, with a strong sense of ownership and follow-through.
• Collaborative working style, with the ability to build positive relationships across a remote and international team.
• Commitment to PLH’s values, including equity, social justice, and supporting families and communities. 

Help tackle loneliness among older people in care homes

Thousands of older people living in care homes receive few or no visitors. Friends for Life Bedfordshire exists to change that.

Through our befriending and group activities, we bring companionship, connection and meaningful relationships to care home residents across Bedford and the surrounding area.

We are now looking for a Fundraising Lead to help secure and grow the income that makes this work possible.

About Friends for Life Bedfordshire

We are a Bedford-based charity working to address the social isolation of older residents in Bedfordshire’s care homes.

Founded in 2007, we have grown from a small local initiative to a registered charity with c90 volunteers supporting more than 30 care homes across Bedford Borough. In the last year, over 1,100 care home residents received our services.

The Role

This is a pivotal role for the charity. It is key to the delivery of our business plan and growth aspirations.

You will take ownership of fundraising and income generation, ensuring we have the resources to sustain and grow our impact.

You will lead on grant fundraising whilst also developing community and individual giving, and delivering engaging fundraising events.

This is a hands-on role in a small organisation, so you will have real ownership and visibility. You will shape our fundraising strategy and directly influence how many residents we can reach.

This role is suited to someone who is both strategic and practical — someone who can develop the fundraising strategy and the plan to deliver this, but is equally comfortable writing applications, building relationships and making things happen.

Key Responsibilities

Grant Fundraising

• Identify and secure funding from trusts, foundations and statutory bodies
• Write high-quality, compelling funding applications
• Build and manage a strong pipeline of funding opportunities
• Maintain relationships with funders, including reporting and stewardship

Community & Individual Fundraising

• Grow income through local partnerships, supporters and community initiatives
• Engage schools, businesses and individuals to generate support
• Work with Marketing, Partnerships & Activities Lead to develop campaigns that drive regular and one-off donations
• Strengthen our local supporter base and visibility

Fundraising Events

• Plan and deliver fundraising events (community and corporate), managing logistics, budgets and stakeholder coordination
• Work with Marketing, Partnerships & Activities Lead to promote events through social media and marketing platforms
• Ensure events are engaging, effective and financially successful
• Evaluate performance and improve future activity

Strategy, Compliance & Reporting

• Develop and deliver a clear fundraising strategy aligned to organisational goals
• Track performance against targets and provide insight
• Ensure all fundraising is compliant with regulations and best practice
• Represent the charity externally with confidence and credibility

About You

We are looking for someone who can take ownership of fundraising and produce results in a small, resource-constrained environment.

You will likely bring:

• Experience developing or contributing to a fundraising strategy
• Proven experience in fundraising, with a track record of generating income
• Strong experience in writing successful grant applications
• Experience of developing and growing income from community fundraising initiatives (e.g. partnerships, volunteer-led activities, individuals and events)
• Ability to build and manage relationships with funders, donors or partners
• Strong written communication skills — able to create compelling cases for support
• Ability to work independently, prioritise effectively and meet deadlines
• A proactive, resourceful approach — you don’t wait to be told what to do
• Comfortable balancing strategy with hands-on delivery

What We Offer

• £16.79 per hour (£18,334 per year for 21 hours per week)
• Employer pension
• Flexible and hybrid working
• A supportive and passionate team of staff, volunteers and trustees
• The chance to transform the lives of care home residents every single week

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a short covering statement outlining how your experience aligns with the position.

Selection will be via an interview.

Please note that applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be able to evidence this prior to interview.

Finally, the role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check.

Closing date is Friday 24 April 2026.

About This Job

This is an exciting training role in Army Cadet Headquarters responsible for assuring that First Responder training supported through ACCT UK for the Army Cadets is delivered in accordance with appropriate national governing bodies or appropriate awarding bodies, and that the appropriate qualifications are recorded on Westminster.

We are looking for a training professional to bring their skills, enthusiasm, and personal credibility to the team and lead on medical planning policy, process and assurance being completed.

Essential Skill

· Be an experienced trainer with a minimum of a Level 4 Teaching Qualification

· Evidence of continuing personal and professional development

· Have knowledge of the requirements of awarding bodies for the delivery of first responder

· Have a sound understanding of the role of medical support in the Army Cadets.

· Understand the legislative requirements for First Aid provision as set out by the HSE.

· Demonstrable success in establishing effective working relationships across a range of organisations at all levels

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Please refer to the attached Job Description for further information.

Our charity

ACCT UK is a national youth charity dedicated to improving the life chances of young people. The Combined Cadet Force Association (CCFA) is a charity dedicated to the promotion of the ideals and activities of the Combined Cadet Force in schools. Together we want to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to learn new skills, build confidence and be inspired through their cadet experience.

We want to develop the youth leadership and training abilities of adult volunteers whilst also helping young people to access cadet activities through fundraising, grant-making, developing new resources and direct support.

We strongly believe that everyone benefits when you help young people to develop their character and values through activities that stretch and mature them. We also know that when young people engage with others at a range of levels in their communities it builds confidence and improves empathy for other’s lives.

Who we are

By joining ACCT UK you will help us to reach more young people and make a greater difference and we look forward to working with you. We actively promote and encourage you to explore ideas that improve all aspects of the charity’s work in pursuit of its charitable aims.

The charities are proud of our diverse teams, with people on different working patterns, from different backgrounds and at different life-stages. Our experience has taught us that having people with different perspectives and different lived experiences leads to better outcomes for our beneficiaries. If you are wondering if our organisation is for someone like you, the answer is yes! Please apply and explain how you, your experience, your talent and your potential are the right fit for this role.

What we can offer you

In addition to your salary, we offer all staff:

· Flexible working arrangements (you agree a working pattern with your line manager).

· The ability to work both from home and from our Aldershot office.

· Personal Accident Insurance, including loss of earnings cover and death benefit.

· 15 days of sick pay in any 12-month period (after 12 months employment - pro-rata for part time staff).

· A contributory pension scheme (you contribute at least 5% and we will contribute 10%).

· Good leave allowances (which are offered pro-rata for part time staff):

o 20 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays.

o Additional privilege leave, on set days each year, such as between Christmas and New Year.

o An additional five days of volunteering leave.

· Support for qualifications and personal development.

· Employee Assistance Programme.

· Season ticket loan.

· Railcard (if you are eligible)

· A caring and supportive team environment.

How to apply

Please send a CV and Cover letter that details how you meet the requirements of the job description by 2359hrs by Sunday 26th April 2026.

Interviews will be held in person during the week commencing Monday 11th May 2026.

While AI tools can be beneficial, we value the personal touch and authenticity in job applications. We encourage you to highlight your unique experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, ensuring all information is accurate. Please use AI tools responsibly and with integrity throughout the application and selection process.

Please note that as a charity dedicated to improving the lives of young people, we require staff to make a declaration about any relevant convictions, undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check, Right to Work check and a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) check (one of the requirements being that applicants must have been resident in the UK for 3 years). In addition, we will follow up references.

Please be advised that this position may close earlier than the stated deadline if a sufficient number of high-quality applications are received. To ensure your application is considered, we strongly recommend submitting it as soon as possible. Candidates will be notified of the next stage in the recruitment process if they are shortlisted.

Evolve Counselling is a long‑established Cambridgeshire charity providing professional, affordable mental‑health support to individuals, organisations and communities. Each year, Evolve delivers thousands of counselling sessions through a team of trained, accredited counsellors working across the East of England region.

Our mission is to deliver counselling services to adults at the lowest possible cost, wherever possible seeking to subsidise sessions for those on low incomes. We do this through a mixed model of commissioned services, private counselling, and grant‑supported provision. By working to grow and foster a membership body of professional counsellors, Evolve strives to improve access to quality counselling and psychotherapy for all, and to create a positive working environment for those in the profession.

The CEO role provides strategic and operational leadership to drive Evolve’s growth, sustainability and impact. The position delivers effective organisational management, high‑quality service delivery, robust governance, regulatory compliance, and a positive staff culture.  Working in conjunction with the board, this is an exciting opportunity to shape the organisation’s future, ensuring that Evolve remains a trusted, quality and sustainable source of mental health support for years to come. 

Following several years of successful internal stabilisation—strengthening governance, staffing, and operational systems—the charity is ready to enter a critical period of transformation and growth. Our current CEO plans to retire in September 2026, having laid strong foundations for what must come next.

Our new CEO will lead Evolve into this next phase—strengthening partnerships, expanding referral pathways, stabilising revenue streams, and championing accessible counselling across our communities.

Would you like to make a positive impact for rural communities across England? Would you like to help tackle rural deprivation and ensure rural areas have fairer access to essential services? Would you like to help rural communities reach their full potential?

Job title: Programme Officer
Contract type: FTC until 31st March 2027
Hours: 2 days (15 hours per week)
Salary: £32k per annum, plus benefits (FTE)
Location: Home-base, with some travel to in-person meetings and training events required. As our meetings take generally place somewhere in the London-Oxford-Bristol corridor, we are looking for candidates that live within reasonable travelling distance of this area.

About Us

Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) is the only national charity speaking up for everyone in rural areas. We champion thriving, sustainable and inclusive rural communities that have the services they need and the resources to secure equitable outcomes for everyone. We work closely with our 38 member organisations who support local communities across England. Together we campaign for change, enable local action, and improve support for people most in need. We work with government and other national partners to explore the issues affecting rural communities and identify solutions so that no one is disadvantaged by where they live.

About the Rural Housing Enabler programme

ACRE is the responsible body for the delivery of a £2.5m programme funded by Defra that is creating of a new network of Rural Housing Enablers (RHEs). RHEs are specialists who help rural communities consider the need for affordable housing locally, connecting them with landowners, housebuilders and planners to bring about suitable schemes.

About the Role

We are seeking an organised and reliable Programme Administration Officer to join our ambitious team. This post plays a vital role in delivering our Defra-funded Rural Housing Enabler (RHE) programme, providing support to the Programme Manager to ensure the efficient running of day-to-day operations. Your responsibilities will include the collecting and organising of complex data, liaising with stakeholders and network members, auditing reporting data for accuracy and consistency and other tasks listed in full in the job description.

About You

You will be experienced in managing administrative processes, with an eye for detail and a methodical approach to your work. You will have the ability to manage your own time, understanding what to prioritise and planning tasks around deadlines. You will be a clear communicator, able to relay information and instructions clearly and concisely, responding to queries from our members promptly and professionally.

This role is a fantastic opportunity to support a vital programme helping to get rural affordable homes built across the country, helping to keep rural communities empowered, connected and sustainable for years to come.

Working at ACRE

The ACRE team is home-based. We meet together at least once a month, generally somewhere in the London-Oxford-Bristol corridor. Benefits include up to 30 days holiday, a contributory pension scheme, life cover and flexible working arrangements.

We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to achieving the highest standards of diversity, equity and inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, traditions and ways of life. Please note you will be asked to provide evidence of your eligibility to work in the UK prior to interview selection.

Closing date: Wednesday 22nd April, at 23:59.
Interviews will be held online on Friday 24th and Monday 27th April. Please confirm in your application that you are able to attend on this date.

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.

No agencies please.

SMART CJS – Trust and Foundations Bid Writer

Role Overview

Are you committed to supporting people who are homeless or rough sleeping?

Are you proactive with a positive attitude?

Job Title: Trust and Foundations Bid Writer (with some responsibility for corporate fundraising)

Hours: 37 hours per week

Location: Working from our office in central Bedford, with some provision for remote working.

About SMART CJS

Founded in 1997, we are a charity that provides safe spaces for people who are facing or experiencing homelessness, are rough sleeping or have fallen on tough times. As times have changed, our services have adapted and grown, but we’ve always kept the people we support at the centre of all that we do. We believe that everyone needs a little help sometimes and, with trust, respect and honesty, people can make incredible changes. Our vision is to transform communities so that everyone has the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential, participate in and contribute to all aspects of life. Our mission is to provide safe spaces to work with vulnerable people within our communities, empowering them to make positive changes and take control of their lives.

Why Join Us?

We believe in diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Benefits include:

• 27 days Annual Leave (rising to 30 after 3 years) + Bank Holidays (pro rata)
• Generous Pension scheme (after successfully completing a probation period)
• Excellent Development and Growth Opportunities
• Access to a Charity Worker Discount scheme
• Access to the company health and wellbeing service including support with mental health, legal advice and more
• Access to an online GP service

We require all staff and volunteers to be committed to safeguarding and to respond proactively to safeguarding concerns. Successful applicants are required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). This job description will be supplemented by annual objectives which will be developed in conjunction with the post holder.

The Role

SMART CJS is looking to recruit a Trusts and Foundations Bid Writer. The successful candidate will also have some responsibility for corporate fundraising with businesses based in Bedford and beyond; this responsibility will be shared with our Community and Corporate Fundraiser.

The main responsibility, though, will be to generate income by writing bids to charitable trusts and foundations, and to statutory funders.

The role will include researching and identifying charity trusts and similar bodies which are able to make an award to SMART. It will also include keeping abreast of developments in fundraising in the charity sector as a whole, especially in the field of grant awarding and, to a lesser extent, of corporate giving.

There will be a probationary period for the role. As it generally takes six months for a grant to be awarded (though some arrive more quickly), the probationary period will need to be for a minimum of seven months, though its precise duration can be negotiated with the successful candidate.

Training will be given; the scope of the training will depend on the candidate’s previous experience.

This is an exciting opportunity to join SMART’s friendly and dedicated team. You’ll need to be able to manage your time effectively; the role is primarily self-directed. We envisage that you’ll be working primarily from our offices in Prebend Street, Bedford, though you'll be able to work from home for some of the time as well. Given the nature of our work, personal resilience is important; some of the stories we use when applying for funding can be emotionally challenging.

Our fundraising comes from regular gifts, donations from the community (individuals and groups), and corporate bodies (businesses). The majority of our fundraising income comes from grants. There will be a realistic target for the amount you need to raise; this will reflect the performance for grant applications in the charity sector as a whole and it will not be unrealistic. Fundraising is not an exact science; the assessment of performance against the targets will be fair and reasonable. The final responsibility for SMART’s fundraising rests with the trustees; they appreciate and understand the complexity of the issues involved.

Main Purpose of the Role

You will work closely with the CEO, the Chair of Trustees, the Head of Business and the fundraising team. The post involves gathering information, writing the bids, tracking the progress of submissions, and reporting back to grant awarders on how their money has been spent, if they require this.

There will also be a responsibility for corporate fundraising. This will involve building relationships with businesses in and beyond the Bedford area. The responsibility for this will be shared with our Community and Corporate Fundraiser.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising and Bid Writing

• Research and identify suitable grant and funding opportunities from charitable trusts, foundations, and statutory bodies.
• Write and submit high-quality funding applications and proposals in line with SMART’s strategic priorities.
• Work collaboratively with service leads and front line teams to gather accurate, up-to-date data and service information for applications.
• Tailor the applications to the funder’s criteria, using storytelling effectively.
• Manage a pipeline of applications and submissions, ensuring deadlines are met and income targets are tracked.
• Maintain and build relationships with key funders, providing timely reports and updates on grant-funded work.
• Work to realistic targets and be able to provide feedback on these.
• Organisational Development and Support
• Contribute to the strategic development of SMART’s income generation plans.
• Support development of strong internal bid and grant management systems.
• Monitor success rates and provide monthly reporting on funding performance to the Head of Business and to the Chair of Trustees.
• Represent SMART CJS at funding briefings, webinars, and networking opportunities where appropriate.

Other Responsibilities

• Participate in SMART’s performance management and appraisal process.
• Attend the monthly meetings of the Fundraising Committee (a sub‑committee of the Board of Trustees).
• Comply with health and safety policies and procedures.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role, as required by the CEO, the Head of Business or the Chair of Trustees.

Person Specification

Whether you’re already an experienced bid-writer, or whether you think this is something that you could learn to do effectively, we’d like to hear from you. You need to have excellent skills in written English and be able to write in prose that’s clear and readily understandable to the general reader. The criteria for each grant awarder are different; you need to be able to match your bid to what they would like to fund (homelessness, mental health, relief of poverty, women’s issues and so on). You need, then, to tell SMART’s story in a way which appeals to each funder.

You need to have excellent inter-personal skills and be able to work as part of a team. While there is a strong element of self-direction in the role, you need to be able to work closely with senior management and also with the trustees; the trustees have the final responsibility for fundraising in the charity.

You will need, too, to have a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and to have a genuine interest in homelessness and the work of the charity, and a commitment to improving our clients’ lives and wellbeing.

Location: Working remotely from home across the four nations of the UK, occasionally co-working spaces, with occasional travel

Start date: As soon as possible (Spring/Summer 2026)

Salary: £38,422 p.a. (FTE)

Benefits: 38 days (FTE) annual leave (including bank holidays) so that leave can be taken when you wish, not necessarily on the fixed bank holiday days / Christian calendar. Pension Scheme. Flexible working arrangements. Access to co-working budget

Hours of work: Full-time or part-time (1 FTE or 0.8 FTE) worked flexibly around business needs (28 to 35 hours per week)

Contract type: Permanent contract

Do you feel passionate about supporting a charity who are reshaping the systems that support children and young people across the UK?  Do you want to develop skills and get involved in a range of innovative social research and design initiatives? 

Dartington Service Design Lab is a national charity that harnesses experience, cutting edge evidence and design to tackle the challenges children and young people face today, securing thriving futures for tomorrow. As we move forward with our refreshed strategy, we are looking for a new Research and Design Officer to join our dynamic team.

The Research and Design Officer plays a crucial role in our work at Dartington. They work alongside experienced Leads, Senior Researchers and Designers, to support a varied portfolio of research and design projects.

As an organisation, we recognise that a diversity of backgrounds, identities and lived experiences is fundamental to shaping research and design that genuinely tackles inequalities. This is reflected in our anti-racism commitments and Anti-racism Action Framework, and in our broader ambition to be a workplace where people of all backgrounds can thrive and do their best work. We particularly welcome applications from members of Black, Asian and ethnically minoritised communities, who remain underrepresented in the social research and design sector. We also warmly encourage applications from disabled people, those from the LGBTQ+ community, people from lower socio-economic backgrounds, and anyone who brings experience of navigating the barriers that inequality creates. If you share our commitment to equity and inclusion, we want to hear from you. 

Key duties of the Research and Design Officer include data collection and analysis, covering both qualitative research and design engagements (workshops, interviews, and focus groups – with young people, practitioners and system leaders) and quantitative work (surveys, synthesis of secondary and administrative data).

The Research and Design Officer also plays a key role in synthesising learning and insights, into digestible, engaging reports and outputs for a varied mix of clients and partners.

As well as strong research skills, the candidate will also bring a strong approach to co-design, facilitation and visual design.

Research and Design Officers work across multiple concurrent projects and report directly to experienced Leads (who specialise in research, evaluation, service design, youth and community engagement, and systemic change).

The role demands a highly relational approach – working with a diverse range of clients, partners and working styles - flexing approaches as required.  It also requires an ability to effectively context-switch and manage a varied workload and set of priorities. It will suit a candidate that thrives with a varied workload, is able to effectively prioritise and communicate well.

This is a fantastic opportunity to learn, develop new skills and experiences, and be part of a passionate, curious and highly skilled team.

If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.

Don’t meet every single requirement outlined in the Job Description? Studies have shown that women and racially minoritised groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single requirement. Here at Dartington we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone. So, if you’re excited about this role but your experience or qualifications don’t match the job description exactly, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might just be the right person to help us achieve our impact for children and young people.

The post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service certificate and pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.