Community base jobs

YMCA Heart of England is a Christian charity providing a range of life-changing services for the local community. With a turnover of over £7.5m, we house over 300 young people and support them to get their lives back on track. We also care for pre-school children in our nursery and run various social enterprises and community programmes. With over 100 Staff and volunteers working for us and thousands of people using our many premises every year, we are an organisation committed to delivering the best possible service to our customers in line with our Christian ethos and values.

Job role

We’re looking for a Head of Early Years to lead and grow a key area of our organisation. This is a strategic leadership role with hands-on responsibility for driving high-quality provision and expanding our Early Years offer across Birmingham and Coventry. You’ll oversee our existing nursery while leading the development of up to four new settings in line with our five-year growth plan. Reporting to the Director of Business, Community and Youth Services, you’ll work closely with senior leaders to align Early Years with our wider organisational goals.

Key responsibilities include:

· Lead curriculum development and quality improvement across all nursery settings, starting with Billy Bears, in line with EYFS and Ofsted standards.

· Provide strategic leadership as part of the Senior Management Team, shaping early years direction, staff performance, and growth plans across Birmingham and Coventry.

· Line manage Nursery Managers and support a strong, values-driven team culture focused on reflective practice and child-led provision.

· Oversee safeguarding, compliance, and preparation for Ofsted inspections, maintaining inclusive, high-quality early years environments.

· Build partnerships with families, external agencies, and local authorities to support children’s development and community engagement.

What we Offer:

• Training and Development Opportunities 
• Travel expenses paid at 45p per mile
• 29 days annual leave including Bank Holidays plus an additional day after each year of completed service up to 5 days. 
• Free on-site car parking 
• Workplace Pension scheme 
• 20 days sick pay 
• Life Assurance of 4 times your annual salary 
• Day off for your Birthday 

We are excited to recruit a Community Organiser for our Oldham Parent Power project. This role offers a meaningful, paid professional development opportunity. The Brilliant Club will work in partnership with Trinity College, University of Cambridge to engage with parents in Oldham. Oldham Parent Power is an established project which utilises the community organising-based model first created by King’s College London and Citizens UK with South London Parent Power. Parent Power supports parents and carers to develop skills in community organising and advice and guidance on accessing higher education, empowering them to make change to support their children’s future and ensure that they have a fair chance in education and their future careers.

Working with us, the Community Organiser will:

• Support local pupils from underrepresented backgrounds by empowering their parent/carers to become higher education experts; • Receive community organising training from Citizens UK and develop transferable skills;
• Build campaigns to combat local educational barriers with parent/carer communities;
• Join a nationwide community of community organisers making a significant impact on university access. 

Senior Community Fundraiser – North & Midlands

Location: Remote (based in Birmingham or Coventry area) with regular local travel and occasional visits to London and Sheffield
Contract: 18-month fixed term
Hours: 35 per week (open to considering a four-day week)
Salary: £31,000-£34,000

Join Breast Cancer Now – the research and support charity that’s here for anyone affected by breast cancer.
We believe that by 2050, everyone diagnosed with breast cancer will live – and be supported to live well. To make this future a reality, we need passionate fundraisers to help us grow our income and impact.

About the role

As Senior Community Fundraiser, you will be an important part of the team building Breast Cancer Now’s presence across the North and Midlands; local knowledge and networks will be key to success in this role. This is an exciting opportunity to:

• Identify and develop relationships with new supporters including individuals, clubs, societies, and local businesses.
• Nurture existing long-term relationships to increase fund raised income and engagement.
• Lead a brand-new pilot for our award-winning Asda Tickled Pink partnership, engaging stores and inspiring colleagues and customers to raise vital funds.

You’ll dedicate 50% of your time to the Asda Tickled Pink pilot, working closely with store teams to increase engagement and income. The other half will focus on developing community fundraising across your region.

About you

We’re looking for someone who is:

• An excellent relationship builder providing exceptional customer service / account management / stewardship. Previous experience working in a charity is not required.
• Experience in developing  customer relationships  / accounts /  supporters, with a focus on retention and income growth.
• A confident communicator and natural team player, able to inspire and influence a wide range of audiences.
• Highly organised, able to analyse and organise data, work independently and manage budgets.

You’ll need a full clean driving licence, access to a car, and flexibility to travel and work occasional evenings/weekends.

Why join us?

• Be part of a charity that funds life-saving research and provides vital support services.
• Work in a collaborative, inclusive environment where your ideas and impact matter.
• Help shape a pilot project that could transform local engagement for one of the UK’s most successful charity partnerships.

Salary: £31,000-£34,000
Closing date: midday on Monday 5th January 2026
To apply: please share your CV and cover letter with Philippa at Charity People.

This essential role will oversee the coordination, governance, and planning of the Thames Catchment Community Eels Project (TCCEP) Development Phase. The Programme Manager will supervise the programme's daily operations, manage partner input into key workstreams (capital design, education, citizen science, inclusion), and ensure that timelines, budgets, and deliverables meet The Heritage Fund expectations. The role involves direct responsibility for preparing the Delivery Phase funding application and ensuring that the Development Phase creates a strong legacy platform for long term impact. This includes coordinating evaluation planning, risk registers, governance frameworks, and a sustainable funding strategy. The role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to facilitate collaboration among multiple partners across diverse catchments and disciplines.

TCCEP is a collaborative, catchment-scale initiative that supports the recovery of the critically endangered European eel by removing migration barriers, restoring river habitats, and reconnecting communities with their local water environments. The project builds on the successful pilot project of the same name.

You will be working closely with project partners including Rivers Trusts, a Wildlife Trust, Zoological Society of London and others.

The role is fixed term for one year, though we would look to extend the role, subject to alternative funding being available to cover the period between the end of the Development Phase and commencement of the Delivery Phase (3-5 months).Standard working week is 37.5 hours, with flexible working arrangements considered. The role will require working from home but will entail travel to meetings across the Thames Basin, and working outdoors in varying conditions.

The Programme Manager will be responsible for: Oversight of programme development, partner coordination, timeline management, and funding bid preparation

 FTE: 1.0 • Contract Type: Fixed term (12 months) • Start Date: February - March 2026 (subject to The National Lottery Heritage Fund Permission to Start) • Salary Range: £40,000 - £45,000, depending on experience • Location: Home-based with regular travel to London and Thames Basin partner locations • Hours of Work: 37.5 hours per week, with occasional evening or weekend commitments • Annual Leave: 25 days per year plus public holidays • Probation Period: 3 months, during which annual leave is by agreement only • Pension: TRT operates a contributory pension scheme; details available on request.

Thames Rivers Trust (TRT) is a catchment-based environmental charity focused on enhancing river health and resilience throughout the Thames Basin. As a convening organisation, TRT collaborates with local delivery partners, statutory agencies, and funders to implement nature based solutions, support environmental data infrastructure, and improve community access to blue spaces. TRT coordinates the Thames Catchment Community Eels Project (TCCEP), building on a tradition of multi-partner catchment initiatives to achieve significant environmental and social benefits. The Thames Catchment Community Eels Project (TCCEP) is a £3 million flagship programme delivered by Thames Rivers Trust in partnership with seven NGOs and catchment groups. The Development Phase, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, runs from January 2026 to April 2027 and lays the groundwork for a three-year Delivery Phase (2028–2030) across six sub-catchments. This builds on the successful Phase 1 pilot funded through The Green Recovery Challenge Fund (2020–2022).

Project Summary: The Thames Catchment Community Eels Project (TCCEP) is a collaborative, catchment-scale initiative that supports the recovery of the critically endangered European eel by removing migration barriers, restoring river habitats, and reconnecting communities with their local water environments. The project builds on the success of a pilot phase funded through the Green Recovery Challenge Fund (2020–2022), which trained over 200 volunteers, surveyed more than 450 barriers, and helped catalyse collaborative action across the Thames Basin. During this Development Phase (2026), partners will work together to finalise the programme design for a three-year Delivery Phase (2027–2030). This includes site-level feasibility studies, co-designed community engagement, capital project planning, evaluation framework development, and a final funding application for the Delivery Phase. Alongside habitat restoration, the programme also emphasises education, equity, climate resilience, and long-term legacy, using the iconic eel as a flagship species to inspire action and foster connection. 

Key Responsibilities • Programme Management and Delivery • Lead day-to-day coordination of all Development Phase activities across partner organisations. You will be supported by a team including a Learning & Engagement Officer, Finance & Admin Officer and four external consultants (activity, conservation, interpretation, evaluation), alongside the TRT CEO and key staff from the delivery partners • Manage and update the programme timeline, risk register, and delivery plan • Oversee preparation and submission of the Delivery Phase application to The National Lottery Heritage Fund • Track milestones and ensure high-quality deliverables across capital planning, education, evaluation, and engagement workstreams • Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination • Convene and chair monthly partner meetings and quarterly Programme Board meetings • Act as the central contact for The Heritage Fund, Environment Agency, and strategic stakeholders • Facilitate input from delivery partners, ensuring alignment with shared priorities and timelines • Communications and Reporting • Support production of communication materials including briefings, reports, and evaluation summaries • Collate and submit regular updates to The Heritage Fund • Ensure clear and effective internal communications among partners • Legacy and Strategy • Lead development of the project legacy strategy and post-2030 sustainability plans Coordinate funding strategy work with TRT’s Fundraising Officer • Embed climate resilience, equity, and inclusion principles across project planning Person Specification Essential • Proven track record of managing complex, multi-partner programmes • Strong organisational, planning, and project management skills • Excellent written and verbal communication skills • Experience with funder reporting and application development (preferably The Heritage Fund or equivalent) • Ability to manage timelines, budgets, and risk registers with minimal supervision • Strategic thinker with a collaborative working style Desirable • Knowledge of river restoration, catchment management, or eel ecology • Experience with The National Lottery Heritage Fund or similar funders is desirable • Familiarity with Thames catchment geography and delivery networks • Experience using collaborative tools and evaluation frameworks in multi-stakeholder programmes • Understanding of equity and inclusion in environmental programme design Additional Requirements • Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for site visits and meetings • Ability to work occasional evenings or weekends • Willingness to travel throughout the Thames Basin and London region.

Application Process To apply, please send a CV (no more than 2 pages)  and a one-page covering letter detailing your interest and suitability for the role.

Deadline: 11.59pm Friday 16th January 2026 Interviews: 27th – 30th January 2026. 

Director of Operations

Lead with Purpose. Shape the Future of Christian Care.

Pilgrims’ Friend Society has been providing Christian care to older people for over 200 years. Today, as the UK faces an unprecedented ageing population, we are growing to meet the challenge and we need an exceptional leader to help us deliver our vision of fulfilled living for older people.

We operate 12 care homes and 9 housing schemes across England, with ambitious plans to expand to 15 homes and beyond. Our mission is clear: to provide outstanding care rooted in Christian values, and to partner with local churches so that older people experience dignity, community, and the love of Christ.

About the Role

As Director of Operations, you will:

• Lead and oversee our portfolio of established care homes and housing schemes.
• Ensure regulatory compliance, quality of care, and financial sustainability.
• Drive operational excellence, innovation, and efficiency through systems and processes.
• Work closely with our Executive Team to deliver our Growth and Renewal Programme, including new builds and acquisitions.
• Inspire and develop a talented team of managers and operational leaders.

This is a senior leadership role with significant influence on the future of our organisation and the lives of hundreds of older people.

About You

• We are looking for a strategic, values-driven leader who brings:
• Significant experience in adult social care operations or a closely related sector.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory, Health & Safety, and compliance frameworks.
• Proven ability to deliver quality and financial targets at scale.
• A collaborative leadership style, with a commitment to developing people and culture.

A personal Christian faith and alignment with our basis of faith(a genuine occupational requirement under the Equality Act 2010).

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a growing organisation with a clear vision and calling.
• Influence how society values older people and supports churches in ministry.
• Work in a culture that prioritises prayer, faith, and excellence.
• Competitive salary, generous holiday, pension scheme, and life assurance.

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Community Outreach Officer to play a pivotal role in our Connect to Work Service in Merton.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

The Community Outreach Officer is a key member of the Connect to Work team in Merton, responsible for borough-based engagement, visibility, and collaboration. This is a community facing role that requires regular travel across the Merton borough, and occasionally wider South London, to establish new
partnerships, meet partners, attend events, and support service integration.

The postholder will build strong and trusted relationships with local stakeholders, referral partners, and community organisations to identify eligible residents and connect them to the programme. Working closely with partners across South London, including subcontractors and Local Authorities, the officer ensures that Twining-Hestia's Connect to Work offer is fully integrated with existing pathways and support services, helping create a cohesive, person-centred, and impactful employability

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

Here's what the team will be looking for

You have proven experience working to multiple contractual targets and performance measures within fast-paced employment or programme environments, effectively managing competing priorities. You understand the importance of service integration within employability programmes and its impact on wider resident outcomes.

You bring strong stakeholder management skills, confident in presenting to and engaging a range of partners. You are an excellent verbal and written communicator, able to tailor your message to inform, motivate, and inspire diverse audiences.

Highly organised, you can manage busy workloads under pressure while maintaining contractual compliance and GDPR standards. You possess strong digital skills, with accurate data handling and proficient use of Microsoft Office and online communication tools. You are also willing to travel across the borough and wider South London area when required.

When will I be working?

You will be working Monday to Friday 09:00 to 17:00

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

Location: London Diocesan House, 36 Causton Street, London, SW1P 4AU
Contract: 3-year Fixed Term Contract, Full Time
Salary: £38,750 per annum
DBS requirement: No DBS Required

Are you passionate about tackling climate change and supporting churches to reach Net Zero Carbon? Do you have strong fundraising skills and enjoy building partnerships that make a lasting impact?

The London Diocesan Fund (LDF) is seeking a Regional Net Zero Carbon (NZC) Fundraising Officer to accelerate funding and support for decarbonisation projects across four dioceses: London, Southwark, Winchester, and Oxford.

This is a unique opportunity to drive real change for church buildings and communities, helping them reduce carbon emissions and access vital funding for sustainability projects.

About the Role

Working as part of the regional NZC consortium, you will:

· Develop and deliver a strategic approach to fundraising across the four dioceses.

· Build and maintain strong relationships with grant-making bodies, diocesan teams, parish leaders and regional NZC partners.

· Research funding opportunities and share them across dioceses and parishes.

· Support diocesan staff to build a fundable project pipeline and respond quickly to grant deadlines.

· Provide fundraising training, guidance and resources to churches and local teams.

· Support communications, including regular funding updates to parishes.

· Represent the dioceses in the national Church of England NZC fundraising network, sharing best practice and insights.

The role involves hybrid working and travel across multiple dioceses. A driving licence and access to a vehicle insured for business use are essential.

Please refer to the attached Job Description for the full details on the main responsibilities.

About You

We are looking for someone who can bring energy, structure and relationship-building expertise to this collaborative regional role.

Essential Skills & Experience

· Experience building strong relationships with decision-makers in grant-making organisations.

· Ability to secure funding from charitable trusts, foundations or statutory sources.

· Excellent organisational skills, able to prioritise and balance workloads across multiple stakeholders.

· Strong communication skills—confident writing, presenting and delivering training.

· Skilled at working collaboratively across diverse organisations and church contexts.

· IT-competent, diplomatic, and able to work with discretion and confidentiality.

· Sympathetic to the ethos of the Church of England.

Desirable

· Experience working in the church, heritage or environmental sectors.

· Experience supporting community fundraising or crowdfunding campaigns.

· Understanding of environmental sustainability and the church’s NZC journey.

Please refer to the attached Job Description for the full details on the main responsibilities.

About the London Diocesan Fund

The London Diocesan Fund (LDF) is the employment body that serves and supports the Diocese of London and Church of England. The Diocese of London comprises of c400 parishes north of the River Thames and within the M25 motorway. You can find our Diocesan 2030 vision, which outlines our priorities for the next 10 years.

The Church of England in London is growing, vibrant and at the heart of communities throughout the capital. At the London Diocesan Fund, we seek to do everything we can to support this mission and growth, using our resources to help our parishes and chaplains to serve over 4 million people.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

The Diocese of London is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workforce which represents our context and wider community.

We are aware that those of Global Majority Heritage/United Kingdom Minority Ethnic (GMH/UKME), women, and disabled people are currently under-represented among our clergy and workforce, and we particularly encourage applications from those with the relevant skills and experience that will increase this representation.

Safeguarding

The Diocese of London is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Benefits of working with us

The LDF offers a supportive working environment, opportunity for career development and the following financial benefits:

• Competitive remuneration package
• 27 annual leave days to rise to 30 after 5 years’ service, plus bank holidays
• 15% employer pension contribution and salary sacrifice available
• Death in service benefit x3 of basic gross salary
• Enhanced maternity leave of six months full pay, after 12 months of employment
• Season ticket loans for public transport
• Access to Benenden Health Insurance
• EAP counselling through Health Assured
• Up to £100 for eye test and contribution to spectacles
• Two additional paid days for community volunteering

To apply:

Closing: 7 January 2026

Interview: w/c 19 January 2026

Submit your application and CV online via Pathways. Please refer to the person specification and JD when you’re answering the application questions.

For more details, please see the full Job Description and Person Specification or visit the LDF Careers Page.

Salary: £37,000 – £41,000 per annum (depending on experience)
Location: Reigate, Surrey (with some hybrid working)
Contract: Full-time
Occupational Requirement: Female, practising Christian
Closing Date: 23rd December
Start Date: Early February (notice periods considered)

Do you have the vision, leadership and compassion to transform the futures of women experiencing homelessness?

Keychange is a Christian charity with over 100 years of experience supporting people facing vulnerability. Today, we provide specialist housing for women and young people experiencing homelessness, alongside residential care for older people across the South and South West of England.

We are now seeking an exceptional Women’s Homelessness Lead (Surrey) to shape and lead our specialist women’s homelessness service at Wayside Community in Reigate. This community is a 19 bed, 24-7 supported housing for women experiencing homelessness. This is a rare opportunity to combine frontline leadership, strategic development, and church and community partnership building in a role with real depth, influence and impact.

About the Role

• This is a leadership role with both operational and strategic responsibility. You will:
• Provide leadership and line management to the Deputy Manager, Senior Administrator and a skilled team of support workers
• Lead the delivery of trauma-informed, strengths-based, person-centred support
• Develop strong partnership networks across local authorities, charities, housing providers and churches
• Shape the future of Keychange’s women’s homelessness strategy across Surrey
• Represent Keychange externally and explore opportunities for future service growth

At the heart of this role is a deep commitment to co-production, dignity, recovery, community and belonging.

Who We’re Looking For

You will bring:

• Substantial experience supporting or managing services for vulnerable individuals
• A strong understanding of trauma, safeguarding, risk and recovery-based practice
• Proven ability to build partnerships and influence across multiple stakeholders
• Excellent communication and leadership skills
• Confidence engaging with churches and Christian networks across traditions
• A values-led approach aligned with Keychange’s Christian ethos

Desirable experience includes:

• Managing accommodation-based services
• Existing Church partnerships across Surrey

Occupational Requirements
This role is subject to legal Occupational Requirements under the Equality Act 2010. The postholder must both a woman and a practicing Christian. These requirements are essential due to the nature of the role, including spiritual support, trauma-informed care for women, and active church partnership development.

What We Offer

• Salary of £37,000 – £41,000
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Hybrid working (with 4 days regularly site or community based)
• Employee Assistance Program and Life Insurance
• Contributory Pension Scheme with matched employer contributions
• Ongoing personalised learning and professional development
• A supportive, faith-centered, values-driven culture

For more information about the opportunity and for details on how to contact us informally to discuss the role in greater detail before applying, please see the job pack attached to this advert.

How to Apply
Please submit a cover letter clearly addressing the essential and desirable criteria and an up-to-date CV focused on relevant experience.

Recruitment Timeline

• Application deadline: 23rd December 2025
• First stage interviews (remote): First week January 2025
• Final interviews (in person): Mid-January 2026
• Start date: Early February 2026

Mind in Croydon is seeking to recruit a full time Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA)  to join our small, dedicated team of Independent Mental Health Advocates working to provide advocacy services to adults subjected to detention under the Mental Health Act in the London Borough of Croydon to ensure they understand, express and exercise their rights, and to enable them to access essential services. The advocacy team also provides Community Mental Health Advocacy for people who are informal patients in psychiatric hospital or living in the community and provides weekly advocacy service at two InMind Healthcare Group hospitals in Croydon.

This role is suitable for a fully qualified Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA) with a proven ability to support people under the Mental Health Act. We are not considering trainee positions at this time.

In December 2024 the team was awarded the Quality Performance Mark in Advocacy, a testament to their quality of service providing safe and life-changing support.

SALARY:                          £30,404 per annum
                                         plus pension contributions (above 4% by salary sacrifice)

REPORTS TO:                 Advocate Service Manager     

TERM:                              Permanent, subject to funding, full time (36 hours pw)

BASED AT:                       Bethlem Royal Hospital, Beckenham BR3 3BX. Advocates are also required to meet clients at different sites throughout Croydon and neighbouring boroughs.

This role supports hybrid working. Other flexible arrangements can be discussed however please note that specific flexible working arrangements such as staggered hours may not be feasible due to operational constraints set by the Hospital.

We’re looking for someone to help us double the number of children and young people in our churches and build flourishing intergenerational communities of faith.

You will

· lead our strategy in this area, helping to equip and resource clergy, lay leaders and volunteers

· Recruit and support new children, young people and families’ ministers and missioners to our diocesan network

· Develop ways to build strong partnerships between church, school, and home as a core driver of mission

You will be:

· A committed Christian with a deep passion for the spiritual growth of children and young people.

· A strategic thinker who can turn vision into action and inspire others.

· Experienced in leading change and developing leaders in complex contexts.

Are you passionate about making a difference in people’s lives, and supporting staff to ensure people receive person-led, holistic, trauma-informed support on their journey out of homelessness? Do you have perseverance, and a commitment to never give up hope in people?

Our Supported Housing and Emergency Accommodation Service is funded to provide support to those with multiple and complex needs who are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing homelessness, located in close proximity within Gateshead:

• Two supported housing sites; one 8 bed, one 6 bed, both staffed 24 hours.

• Six self-contained properties forming the emergency accommodation element of the service.

Our properties are places of safety, Psychologically Informed Environments (PIE), from which we work with individuals. We aim to provide accommodation and support that helps people find self-worth and the belief that they deserve a better future, before moving them on safely and successfully, therefore reducing homelessness and the on-going risk of homelessness. To join us you will need to demonstrate an understanding of the complexity of needs related to homelessness, especially mental ill-health, alcohol and substance misuse and offending, and a working knowledge of Safeguarding in this context. You will be able to work calmly under pressure, flexibly,  and using your own initiative to problem solve in a demanding environment. You will be able to effectively line manage staff, work in close partnership with external partners, and be able to monitor and effectively oversee the day to day running of the service, in line with organisational ethos and values.

In return, you will benefit from a supportive, creative environment and have the opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills. We are a growing charity, and we believe staff are the foundation stone to the success of the charity and so we do everything we can to make sure they feel valued, supported, engaged and developed. 

Oasis Community Housing is a Christian response to homelessness and disadvantage, providing housing, support and other specialised services. Our vision is for everyone to be part of a community where they are included, belong and have what they need to reach their God-given potential. As part of our strategy for growth and development, we are embarking on an ambitious journey to develop our culture of co-production. We want to share power and responsibility with those accessing our services in meaningful, safe and accessible ways, and to create an environment where everyone can contribute. 

We welcome applicants from all faiths or none, but it is important that all employees understand and sympathise with the Christian ethos of Oasis Community Housing.

Full-time | Permanent | Office-based with flexible options
Salary: Circa £30,000 depending on experience.

Join us at Kent Community Foundation and help make a real difference in your community.

We’re looking for a proactive, highly organised Executive & Operational Assistant to support our governance and keep our operations running smoothly. This is a varied and rewarding position where no two days are the same.

What you’ll do:

• Support governance by coordinating board and committee meetings, preparing papers, and taking accurate minutes.
• Provide high-trust executive support to our Chief Executive and Head of Finance & Governance.
• Manage finance administration: process donations, grant payments, and maintain bank accounts.
• Be the backbone of our office—managing supplies, welcoming visitors, and handling enquiries.
• Assist with HR tasks including recruitment and updating our HR system.

What we’re looking for:

• A proven and experienced administrator with strong organisational skills, integrity and attention to detail.
• Someone confident in working with numbers and familiar with finance systems.
• Someone who thrives in a busy environment and wants their work to have a positive impact.

Why join us?

• Be part of a team that supports local communities across Kent.
• Enjoy flexible working options and a collaborative, supportive environment.

Location: Our offices in Smeeth near Ashford (flexible arrangements available).
Closing date: 4th January 2026 | Interviews 14 January 2026

To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter explaining how you meet the person specification 

If you need accessibility support or adjustments during the application process, please contact us at the same email address.

We are recruiting three Funding Strategy Development Managers, two Permanent roles and one Fixed-term for 12 months. Please state clearly in your supporting statement if you wish to be considered for the Fixed Term or Permanent role

This is an exciting opportunity to join the National Lottery Community Fund’s, Funding Strategy, Innovation and UK Directorate at a key moment in the delivery of our strategy. If you are up for playing a central role in a new team, which will be vital in enabling the Fund to deliver for communities in the years ahead, then this role could be for you.

We are approaching the midpoint of implementation of our strategy “It starts with community”. Over the last few years our funding portfolios in each of the nations of the UK and corporate functions have worked hard to embed the strategic ambitions we set ourselves. We are looking to take stock of our progress, understand how a changing world may impact our work and explore how we can grow our ambition to address the issues that will impact communities over the years ahead. Building on what we have achieved so far, we want to make greater progress including:

• Ensuring the fund has a thorough and live understanding of its collective response to the strategy, where our successes are and where there are opportunities to go further.
• Supporting our senior management team to come together to understand and explore our progress and shape the strategic direction for the organisation together
• Supporting greater engagement and collaboration between funding portfolios to enable sharing and learning, to build a better collective understanding of our missions and commitments and grow our impact
• ​Delivering ambitious and impactful projects to address common opportunities and challenges, for example to support the embedding of partnership working across the Fund, or to respond to the challenges and opportunities presented by new technologies.
• Supporting ongoing strategy development, including horizon scanning to maintain a collective picture of key developments related to our missions, cross cutting commitments and wider factors impacting communities.

Your day will be a blend of strategic thinking, stakeholder engagement, and practical execution, with plenty of opportunities to collaborate, influence, and drive change across the Fund. You will be one of two permanent managers in a small new team led by the Head of Strategy Development.

As this is a new team roles and responsibilities will be defined as the Team comes together. However, responsibilities may include:

• Drafting Senior Management Team (SMT) and Board reports on strategy implementation to update on progress and promote discussions on areas for development.
• Monitoring of funding portfolio strategy development and delivery activity, including maintaining regular engagement with portfolio representatives.
• Reviewing progress reports, identifying risks and issues and shaping recommendations to meet challenges and opportunities to go further in meeting strategic ambitions.
• Working closely with the Fund’s Governance Team to ensure the appropriate use of governance fora to provide oversight of strategy implementation and development work and maintaining an effective forward look of key priorities.
• Leading on engagement with key corporate functions, such as analytical, communications, legal and Human Resources, to support alignment with strategic ambitions.
• Engaging with funding teams across the Fund to support strong alignment between strategic ambition and operational realities.
• Leading discreet projects to explore emerging shared opportunities and challenges, undertaking desk research, engaging internal and external stakeholders and shaping proposals.
• Identifying opportunities for further alignment, internal partnerships and new ways of working.

Interview Details:

• Interview Date: TBC - 22 and 23 of January
• Format: Virtual
• Location: UK-Wide

Location: We have a hybrid approach to working, work pattern and location will be agreed with the successful candidate. The role can be based at any of our UK offices, these are Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Exeter, Glasgow, Leeds, London, Newcastle and Newtown.

Briefing session: We will be hosting a briefing session to further outline the role and answer questions on the following date: 15 December 2025, 3:15- 4:00pm. To register or ask any questions about the recruitment process, please contact the recruitment team.

​How to apply:

Upload your CV in word format and write a supporting statement (1000 words) with the following criteria, we will use this to score your application.

Essential criteria:

• Experience of working with civil society, either working in a civil society organisation or in a supporting function (e.g. in a funding, consultancy or policy making body) with a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.
• Experience of managing competing priorities to ensure successful delivery of key pieces of work.
• Strong collaboration skills, able to work with a range of people at different levels within an organisation to shape plans and projects that reflect the interests of the organisation.
• Strong external engagement skills, able to proactively identify a range of relevant stakeholders, build and maintain relationships, and draw on knowledge and expertise to inform proposals and projects.
• Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to draw on data and qualitative evidence to understand complex topics and shape evidence led proposals. 
• Strong communication skills, able to present complex topics clearly using a range of communication tools, in particular, able to write clear and succinct formal papers for senior leaders. 
• Strong project management skills, able to use a range of tools to set out clear and timely delivery plans, identifying appropriate milestones, risks and issues.

Desirable criteria:

• Experience of working in a policy or strategy team, helping to set direction for an organisation or major programme of work

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion 

Communities in the UK come in all shapes and sizes. National Lottery funding is for everyone – therefore, we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and we work hard to ensure our funding reaches where it is needed.  

We also believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. That’s why The National Lottery Community Fund is committed to being an inclusive employer and a great place to work. We recognise and celebrate the fact that our people come from diverse backgrounds. We positively welcome applications from people from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities or longstanding health conditions, people who are LGBTQ+, and people from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds, as well as people of all ages. 

As a Disability Confident Employer, we take a proactive approach in making reasonable adjustments, if needed, throughout the recruitment process and during employment. (This can be related to a physical and mental health condition).

Action in rural Sussex is seeking a customer-focused, friendly Project Support & Communications Officer to join our expanding community buildings team. 

Action in rural Sussex (AirS) supports rural communities across Sussex to be vibrant and diverse places in which to live and work. Community spaces play an important role in these local communities. They build community cohesion and resilience, support the health and wellbeing of residents, help overcome social isolation. contribute to the creation of vibrant local economies, and reduce carbon emissions by providing services and activities locally, and reducing their own carbon footprint.

Most community buildings are charitable, run mainly by volunteers who need a wide range of skills and knowledge to run a successful and sustainable community space. Our Community Buildings Service supports volunteers and hall managers by providing networking opportunities, training, newsletters, an online forum, and bespoke individual advice and support.

This is an exciting time for the service as we look to expand its reach and further develop our offer. The Project Support and Communications Officer will work closely with our Senior Community Buildings Adviser to support the delivery and development of the service across Sussex. You will be the first point of contact for enquirers, helping subscribers to the service to access our platforms. You will help to plan our training and events programme and provide administrative and logistical support. You will also manage communications and marketing for the service, including monthly newsletters, website updates, email communications and social media, and take the lead on updating and developing our CRM.

We welcome applications from individuals with strong organisational and IT skills, the ability to write lively, readable newsletters, web and social media content, experience of using CRMs to manage contacts and report to funders, and a strong focus on ensuring we provide an excellent service to community buildings.

If you share our vision of active, thriving rural communities, full of choice and opportunities for everyone, regardless of their circumstances., then we would love to hear from you. 

How to apply  

Applications must be via our application form which can be found on our website using the links provided. CVs will not be accepted.