Community centre manager jobs in lambeth, greater london

CENTRE FOR AGEING BETTER

Communications Officer – Homes team

· 3 months Fixed Term

· Salary £37,275 per annum

· Full time

· Flexible working options will be supported.

· Central London Office and Hybrid working

We offer a pension scheme with employer contribution up to 10%, in addition you’ll receive 28 days holiday plus bank holidays, 24-hour access to a comprehensive employee assistance programme, cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan scheme and other benefits.

About the role

We’re looking for a talented and motivated Communications Officer to join our Homes team at the Centre for Ageing Better. In this exciting and varied role, you’ll lead on delivering high-quality, impactful communications that raise awareness of the importance of good quality, accessible housing for older people.

You’ll be responsible for creating engaging content across a range of channels – from blogs and case studies to media pitches and social media posts – and help shape and deliver communications and influencing plans for key projects. You'll also support events, stakeholder engagement and public affairs activity, working closely with colleagues across the Homes and Communications teams.

The role offers the opportunity to make a real difference to our external presence and influence, contributing to national conversations on housing and ageing. You'll be at the heart of a dynamic and supportive team, with flexible working and hybrid office arrangements in place.

About you

We’re looking for someone who is a strong communicator, creative storyteller and confident writer, able to turn complex ideas into accessible content for a range of audiences. You’ll be comfortable managing multiple priorities, planning communications activity, and working collaboratively across teams.

You’ll bring experience working in a communications role and have a good understanding of media engagement, content creation, and digital communications. Ideally, you’ll also have some knowledge of housing or the challenges facing our ageing population, but more importantly, you’ll have a passion for making change happen through great communications.

You’ll be highly organised, enthusiastic, and collaborative, ready to take the initiative while being a strong team player. A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion is essential, along with a willingness to learn and grow in the role.

About us

The Centre for Ageing Better is a charitable foundation funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and part of the government’s What Works Network

Everyone has the right to a good life as they get older and our whole society benefits when people are able to age well. But far too many people face huge barriers, and as a result are living in bad housing, dealing with poverty and poor health and made to feel invisible in their communities and society.

The Centre for Ageing Better is pioneering ways to make ageing better a reality for everyone. Its key areas of work include challenging ageism and building a nationwide Age-friendly Movement, creating Age-friendly Employment and Age-friendly Homes.

We are striving to create an organisation that reflects our society and the communities we serve. A workplace where everyone feels empowered and where diversity of background and thought is celebrated. We know there is more work to be done and are committed to continuing to improve our practice around Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.

We very much welcome applications from minority groups and those underrepresented in our workforce. This especially includes people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBT+ people, and Disabled people.

We are a Positive Action employer, therefore in recruitment where two candidates are ‘as qualified as’ each other, we will favour a candidate from any group identified as currently underrepresented in our team based on protected characteristics as outlined in the Equality Act 2010.

Project Background

Come and join our award-winning place-based volunteering programme that works with residents living across Hackney and the City of London.

You will be based out in the community - the programme is based at GP practices - to engage, support and enable local residents and patients to deliver local services for themselves, to meet local needs. We support residents to come together, to share their skills and experience for the benefit of each other, to deliver local groups and activities such as a book group, film club, exercise classes or cooking group. Residents from diverse backgrounds and demographics attend these activities together and make new connections, building strong local communities, all working together to make their area a better place to live. People, many of whom are isolated across all ages, and who have difficult life circumstances, are brought together, providing each other with mutual support and encouragement to develop new skills and pursue life goals, and to feel better able to voice their concerns to services.

You will be joining a nationally recognised project - having won an award from the Royal Society of Public Health in November 2024 - to support residents to fulfil their personal goals, make connections with others, and design activities and services that meet local needs. You will also be supporting people to improve their mental and physical health through signposting them to appropriate services and encouraging them to talk to their GP if they have concerns; and will be working in partnership with GP practice staff to co-create volunteer roles to make the practice more efficient and a better place to visit.

Who are we?

Volunteer Centre Hackney is a medium sized charity (currently 30 staff) based in the London borough of Hackney, working to support local residents to realise their skills and passions through volunteering and social action, and to share these for the benefit of others.

Our mission is to build and strengthen communities across Hackney through supporting residents of all ages and backgrounds to volunteer and build projects together.

In 2021, we were awarded the Freedom of the Borough Award by Hackney Council for our efforts to support residents during COVID, which included mobilising over 2000 volunteers to deliver food, prescriptions and essential items, provide emotional support to isolated residents and support the vaccine rollout. 

We work with hundreds of diverse community organisations and deliver various programmes to help residents share their skills and deliver their own social action projects to improve people’s lives. These include a befriending programme, volunteering brokerage matching local people to volunteer roles based on their skills, interests and goals, a specialist mental health programme, peer research and multiple resident engagement programmes at GP surgeries and estates across Hackney.

Post holders need to be enthusiastic and engaging, bringing energy to the role, be self-motivating and confident to work primarily alone, albeit with some support from the team members based at other sites.

About UKCF 

At UK Community Foundations (UKCF), we put inclusivity at the forefront of all we do, we put relationships first and we are ambitious for our members and the communities they serve. 

Everyone should have the opportunity to have a fulfilling life and to feel they belong. This can’t be mandated by government, or done to people, only with them. Change needs to be driven by people who understand the local situation and our support makes this possible. 

UKCF is a national network of community foundations based all over the UK. Community foundations connect philanthropic people with local causes that matter to them. They are charitable organisations focused on supporting a defined geographical area by leveraging funds to support community needs and local organisations making a difference. As well as supporting our members, at UKCF we explore social challenges, we provide national funding and we work with those who have the solutions to improve lives. 

Benefits of working at UKCF include 30 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays, up to two days paid leave for volunteer days, season ticket loans available, enhanced pension and a flexible working plan. As a disability confident employer, we encourage applications irrespective of your age, disability, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion and belief, gender reassignment, sex or sexual orientation. 

About the role 

Come and join our small but brilliant Membership and Learning team. We have an ambitious strategy to strengthen the network through growing a culture of continuous learning, improving member insight and developing targeted learning. 

We’re looking for a proactive and detail-oriented individual to support our team with a range of administrative and project-based tasks. The Membership & Learning team is dedicated to developing, co-creating, and delivering engaging, inclusive learning experiences that foster creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking in philanthropy and grant-making. In this dynamic role, you'll be involved in organising conferences and meetings, hosting webinars, managing key projects, and building strong relationships across the network. Your work will be a blend of project coordination, event management, and administration, ensuring our learning initiatives run smoothly and effectively.  

Our members vary from very small teams with two or three staff to well established very well- resourced foundations. The Membership and Learning team are the contact point for all community foundations. You will be supporting the team to: answer members’ enquiries, champion best practice and raise standards. 

Working closely with other teams including Communications, Business Development and Programmes, the Membership and Learning team has an oversight of all UKCF activity relating to our members. 

The ability to listen, problem solve and engage others is critical. You'll bring strong organisational skills, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to manage a diverse and dynamic workload, supporting a range of projects across both the membership network and the UKCF team. 

See the full job description for more detail.

Job Purpose

This role sits within our Adult Services, across Hammersmith, Fulham, Ealing, Hounslow. You will be responsible for the operational delivery and service development, of a portfolio of services. Namely (but subject to change):

• Safe Space Community Drop In Service 
• Hounslow Helpline
• Nova Roots (Forensic Community Hub)

One large service you will be responsible for is our crisis alternative service – Safe Space - which is a tri-borough core and out of hours service providing a safe and welcoming space for people who are feeling distressed and experiencing crisis. The service operates 365 days a year from 14:00-22:00 across all of our boroughs. You will be responsible for managing peripatetic teams: we currently have 3x in person Safe Spaces, a Helpline and a Forensic Community You’re your portfolio may expand as new services are acquired.

Our aim of the service is to keep individuals well in the community and prevent readmission into hospital. The service operates 365 days a year from 14:00-22:00pm across all of our boroughs.

Staff within the service will provide person-centred, practical and emotional support, face to face or via telephone or virtual on a one-to-one basis to individuals experiencing mental health crisis or preventing crisis. 

The objectives of the service include: 

• To improve the mental wellbeing of people experiencing mental health and social crisis in HFEH. 

• To proactively work with keeping people well in the community to reduce re-admitters into hospitals by working with WL NHS teams (e.g. discharge, LPS, CATT, MINT and SPA) 

• To provide a true alternative to A&E via a non-clinical drop-in service to support clients 

• To provide support to clients accessing the service- for instance: signposting, de-escalation and crisis recovery planning. 

• To contribute to an improvement in individual mental wellbeing. 

• To remain a source of independent support for all clients. 

• To treat service users with respect, dignity and personalised support 

• To raise awareness of mental health services available with the goal to improve long term mental health and reduce social isolation 

• To increase self-management skills of those accessing the service 

• To reduce the use of police, ambulance and statutory mental health services whilst experiencing crisis via a drop-in service. 

• To reduce the use of statutory crisis services by people experiencing mental ill health without positive outcomes for the individual. 

The Role

The role of the Crisis Alternative Service Manager will provide operational management, mobilisation and service development of all Crisis’ Services within Adult Services. The ideal candidate will have experience of mobilising and developing high quality, large services. In addition to managing and supporting staff working within challenging environments and experience of working with challenging behaviour and complex needs. The Service Manager will hold all operational risk.

Excellent organisation and decision-making skills are essential for this role, as it requires being able to manage time effectively to meet tight deadlines and work unsupervised during evenings and weekends. You will also be required to be rostered into the on-call rota.

The Crisis Alternative Service Manager will be required to work collaboratively with the Director of Adult Services and will be proficient at communicating effectively with staff at all levels, a wide range of key stakeholders and service users. They will ensure the service is well resourced from a staffing perspective and embed high-quality operational plans and processes. The Service Manager will also be expected to build and sustain working relationships with statutory services and represent HFEH Mind at external meetings.

They will be responsible for the delivery, progression and continual improvement of the service. They will have responsibility for ensuring Crisis Services operate in line with organisational H&S processes and procedures, HFEH Mind policies and CQC requirements

Key Responsibilities

· To oversee the management of the Crisis Alternative Drop-in Services and other services, in line with organisational values and service quality expectations.

· To ensure all risks are recognised and mitigated in line with the serious incident and safeguarding policies.

· To ensure safe working and risk management

· To ensure feedback is provided on risk mitigation through serious incident reports.

· To continually drive enhancements to operational effectiveness and maximise outcomes against targets (key performance indicators)

· To complete audits and high quality reports for senior internal and external stakeholders

· To ensure interpret performance and impact data for crisis services and be responsible for reporting against service targets

· To provide effective line management supervision to Team Managers, Senior Support workers and Support Workers where applicable.

· To collaborate with the Director of Adult Services and the Head of HR to deal with performance management/disciplinary issues confidently and effectively in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.

· To mobilise the crisis services in line with agreed project plans and ensure they are promoted and marketed well.

· To pro-actively develop relationships with external stakeholders in order to improve and develop crisis provision for people with mental health needs.

· To develop robust referral routes and pathways into the service with both statutory and non-statutory bodies.

· To ensure excellence in the recruitment, training and ongoing support of staff and volunteers where applicable.

· To support the Deputy Manager, Team Managers to ensure adequate and appropriate staffing at all times within the service.

· To ensure high levels of meaningful service user involvement in service provision, responding to the needs of service users locally.

· Work collaboratively with West London Mental Health Trust staff to support, develop and promote both the service.

· Establish excellent working relationships with core and out-of-hours services such as Emergency Services, Crisis Teams and GPs, around inward and outward referrals.

· Ensure quality and compliance (in line with CQC standards, NICE guidelines, MQM and other relevant standards)

·        Work within HFEH Mind’s policies and procedures including; Performance Management, Confidentiality, Safeguarding, Equal Opportunities, Service User Involvement, Health & Safety, GDPR and Professional Boundaries.

· To embed all operational policies across managed services in line with a consistent organisational approach.

· Ensure service users satisfaction surveys are undertaken.

· Ensure data and qualitative information is collected, collated and communicated to key partners and key stakeholders, as required and directed by the Director of Adult Services.

· Ensure that all managed services are effectively informed by service user feedback.

· Keep up to date with best practice and contribute to the continuous improvement of the service.

· Monitor the quality of the service and ensure appropriate data is collected (in line with GDPR) to monitor outputs and outcomes.

· Produce regular service summary reports.

· To be rostered on the on-call rota

· Undertake such duties not included in the job description as are reasonably requested by the Director of Adult Services

Person Specification

· A minimum of three years managing a crisis service or similar setting with high complexity and high incident rates

· Experience of managing and mitigating risks

· Experience of managing safeguarding risks and understanding legal requirements for safeguarding adults and children

· Understanding of how to report and mitigate risks

· Understanding of suicide prevention

· Understanding of trauma informed care

· Understanding of mental health and safety planning

· An understanding of CQC requirements for mental health

· Managing services for vulnerable people in a service delivery organisation.

· Excellent people and project management skills and significant experience of supporting and managing staff.

· Experience of working in the voluntary sector and/or statutory services

· Experience of motivating, developing and training staff

· Successful track record in performance management of staff

· Experience of creating and implementing safety and risk policies and procedures.

· Compiling and interpreting performance data and reporting against service targets.

· Successful track record in planning and project management.

· Experience of report writing and presentation.

· Supporting people with mental health problems.

· Knowledge of and empathy for the issues facing people with mental health problems.

· Knowledge of the day-to-day application of relevant legislation e.g., Health and Safety.

· Understanding of the principles of ensuring safe service provision for people at risk and how these are put into practice.

· Knowledge and understanding of the relevant statutory authorities including NHS and social care.

· Excellent communication skills and able to communicate effectively to a variety of audiences.

· Commitment to service user involvement and able to work with service user groups to develop this. 

· Is committed to working in an anti-oppressive way and striving to create equal opportunities for all people.

· Clear understanding of Equality, Equity, Diversity and inclusion organisational approach

· Commitment to working within the policies of HFEH Mind including confidentiality and safeguarding.

· Positive attitude, passionate about working for HFEH Mind and able to inspire people to higher levels of performance.

· Team player and able to form positive, professional relationships with staff at all levels.

· Able to work effectively with a range of external stakeholders to promote and develop the service.

· Strong organisational skills and able to take control of own workload and meet deadlines.

· Ability to work independently with minimum support.

· Confident in challenging poor performance assertively, constructively and successfully.

· High professional standards and the ability to communicate these clearly to others.

· IT literate to aid communication and analysis of data.

· Willing to undertake training and development.

· Ability to travel to multiple sites

Desirable:

· Mental health registration (nurse/doctor/therapist etc)

· Mental health qualification

· Has a full driving licence and use of own vehicle (desirable, not essential)

· Experience of working with databases such as Views, IAPTUS, Rio and Python

· Project management qualification

We are an equal opportunities employer; and are proud to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons from all backgrounds.

Post is subject to an enhanced DBS check

Thames Chase Community Forest was established in 1990 and covers an area of 98 square miles on the edge of east London and south-west Essex. Thames Chase Trust welcomes around 65,000 visitors per year to the Forest Centre complex. The architecturally acclaimed Visitor Centre is the information hub for the entire Community Forest and includes a cafe, shop, and public toilets. The complex also includes a 17th century barn, original stable block, refurbished Education Room, and farm cottages.

Our dedicated and friendly Forest Centre team seeks to provide the best possible visitor experience and to continue to develop and grow the complex. You will manage volunteers and five members of staff focussed on the Forest Centre complex. The staff team includes four Forest Centre Assistants and one Forest Centre Caretaker. You will be further supported by our Communications and Media Officer, Finance Officer, and Administration Officer. You will also work closely with the Progammes Team whose focus is project delivery across the Community Forest.

Role Description - What will you do?

People

You will bring this spectacular place closer to the hearts of visitors, our local communities and our many partners and you will lead on facilities, retail, catering (outsourced), visitor experience, membership, and volunteer teams. 

You will show initiative in developing the visitor experience through events, guiding, informing, and reinforcing the Thames Chase Plan, brand and values.

You will need to be able to promote the natural and cultural heritage of landscapes.

You will be familiar with the use of professional and social media and will need to be an exceptional communicator and an inspiring manager for an enthusiastic and knowledgeable team of staff and volunteers.

You will know just how to get the very best out of everyone and to support and motivate the team. There are set targets for income, and you will be responsible for ensuring that your team meets these.

You will lead the development, integration and delivery of all the visitor facing elements of the Thames Chase Forest Centre complex.

Place

You will work with the Thames Chase Community Forest Director, Deputy Director, your fellow colleagues and with the support of the Board of Trustees, to create a sense of place, a destination venue and a resource that families and visitors will consider as a day’s offer.

You will sensitively maximise the built heritage within the complex, acknowledging that this adds to the sense of place, our culture, heritage, and tradition. In particular, the agricultural heritage of this landscape.

Business

You will support the Thames Chase Community Forest Deputy Director in leading staff and volunteers in developing and growing the income from all aspects of the Forest Centre, to support the work and aims of the Community Forest and provide a quality visitor experience.

To create a robust business plan for the Forest Centre complex that identifies income potential and scope for maximising the diverse facilities on site whilst protecting the built, cultural and natural heritage

The approach you will need and the skills and attributes we require

To be an exceptional communicator, team-player, and an inspiring manager of an enthusiastic and knowledgeable team. Teamwork will be essential for your role.

To quickly gain an understanding of the Thames Chase Plan and the overall functions, aims and objectives of Thames Chase Community Forest.

To quickly gain an understanding of the Forest Centre budget and financial procedures.

To be familiar with the use of social media, be an effective communicator and able to engage and enthuse others.

To be IT proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Google Docs.

To have a Full UK driving licence.

To be flexible. The operation of the Forest Centre complex is 7 days. The role requires some evening, weekend and bank holiday working

Are you ready to take on a new challenge with a leading charity making a real difference in brain tumour research? 

Brain Tumour Research is seeking an experienced and motivated Community Development Manager to join our team and lead the West team of Community Fundraisers to reach ambitious goals and grow our presence with our West region.

Position: Community Development Manager (West) 

Location: Home-based, within our West region which includes South West England, West Midlands, Wales, Gloucestershire, Bristol, Hampshire, Berkshire, Dorset and Oxfordshire.

Salary: Circa £43K per annum 

Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week 

Benefits: Holiday entitlement, 25 days per annum, excluding UK Public Holidays, access to an Employee Assistance Programme, personal safety app, and option to join our healthcare scheme. 

Closing Date: Friday 30th May. Early applications will be considered as they are received and, as a result, the closing date may be brought forward.

About the Role 

Brain Tumour Research is a growing charity with a diverse range of exciting and fast-paced campaigns and activities. Our Community Fundraisers are at the heart of everything we do, and responsible for income generated through Regional Workplace Fundraising, Challenge Events, Fundraise your Way (including schools, individuals and community groups), Fundraising Groups and our flagship campaigns which are Walk of Hope and Wear A Hat Day. 

The Community Development Manager will lead of team of Community Fundraisers across the West of England and Wales, stewarding supporters to generate and grow income in order to achieve a regional team target of approximately £1 million. You will work within an innovative and supportive fundraising team, who are passionate about our cause as well as cross-functionally with teams such as PR and Comms, and the Research, Policy and Fundraising departments.

About Brain Tumour Research 

Brain Tumour Research is an exciting, innovative and ambitious charity. You will play a crucial role in helping the charity meet its strategic plans and objectives, which include campaigning to increase the national investment in brain tumour research to £35 million per year, while fundraising to create a network of seven sustainable Brain Tumour Research Centres of Excellence across the UK. 

We are invested in our employees and are proud to be accredited by Investors in People. 

We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.

We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process.  Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.​

​To apply: Please send your CV via our Application System. See attached for a copy of the JD. 

​

Salary: £28,500 per annum

Hours: 35hrs per week, FTC until 30th September 2025 with possibility of extension dependent on funding.

Location: New Horizons, Guinness Trust Estate, Cadogan Street, London, SW3 2PF

Line Management: Head of Member Experience

Working with: Head of Member Experience, Centre Coordinator New Horizons and the wider Open Age team, Service Users, community organisations

Open Age is seeking a person who is the welcoming face of Open Age.  They will be able to give our members the time they need, whilst juggling a busy workload.  The person will have a friendly manner and remain calm when managing different priorities.

The role would suit someone who has a proven ability to multi-task, think of their own initiative and also enjoy being part of a team. Someone who can support a junior role and their development and training.  The person will require competence in time management, organising workload/priorities and decision making.

About Open Age:

Open Age was established in 1993 and we’re now celebrating over 30 years of championing an active life for older people. Each week we run a wide range of activities for older people from our own three centres and over 60 other community venues. Open Age’s array of activities improves the physical and mental wellbeing of our members.

What you get in return

You will be working in a passionate and enthusiastic team with a strong vision and ambition in striving to enrich the lives of older people.

We offer 25 days leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays and 1 extra day off for your Birthday and occasionally additional paid leave over Christmas period is given.

Employer and employee contribution to pension in line with auto-enrolment pension requirement, 3% employer contribution

Access to the Cycle to Work Scheme through salary sacrifice.

We are London Healthy Workplace Award accredited and proactively invest in the health and wellbeing of employees supporting fair employment practices and a better workplace. 

Regular staff social events.

Training opportunities.

An inclusive work environment welcoming people from all backgrounds, sexuality, ability, race, ethnicity, gender and age.

Equal Opportunities:

Open Age is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and experiences.

Finance Manager

ABOUT US – THE GESTALT CENTRE

We are the Gestalt Centre, an established therapy not-for-profit organisation, supporting the mental and psychological well-being of individuals, groups, and organisations. We are a dynamic charity that runs, accommodates, and supports a number of counselling, psychotherapy, personal and professional development courses, and a range of therapeutic practices that enhance mental and psychological wellbeing.

As Gestalt Centre, our relationship with people who work for the centre starts from a place of trust. We see our structure as an organisational shape that we use to organise ourselves. What matters for us is how we all work together. We prioritise collaboration and ‘horizontal’ consultative decision making with individual and collective responsibility and accountability.

OUR VISION is a world were meaningful and fulfilling relationships lead to wellbeing and positive change in people’s lives.

OUR PURPOSE is to promote the mental and psychological well-being of individuals, groups and organisations through Gestalt education, training, and practice.

Gestalt is a life-changing approach to life, counselling, and psychotherapy. It enables people to develop meaningful relationships, navigate change and lead fulfilling lives by creatively utilising their own resources, skills, and strengths.

OUR VALUES

• Awareness and personal responsibility.
• Diversity, equality, inclusion and anti-discrimination.
• Kindness and respect for each other and the space we cohabit.
• Collaboration and community: every person matters and so does the collective.

Ready to make a difference? Join us!

We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated and experienced Finance Manager with strong background in charity finance to join our Executive team. A key role working closely with the CEO, the Executive team and Trustees.

✔ join a highly committed, experienced and collaborative team in a dynamic organisation, with strong collaborative and human-centric practice, growing and changing in innovative ways

✔ deliver a diverse role with opportunities to grow as a professional

✔ join the Gestalt Centre, a beacon of excellence in the therapy world

✔ support people develop emotional and psychological wellbeing and create a world where meaningful relationships lead to wellbeing and positive change in people’s lives

✔ flexible working and hybrid with home working and convenient office location when you’re in the office.

ABOUT THE ROLE

FINANCE MANAGER JOB DESCRIPTION

Role Purpose

The Finance Manager will proactively plan, manage and oversee the financial strategy, operations, and compliance of our dynamic and growing organisation. The role contributes directly to the organisation’s strategic planning and has hands-on oversight of financial transactions, operations, compliance and reporting.  

As the Finance Manager, you will be a member of the Executive leadership team working closely with the CEO on matters of financial strategy and business development - contributing to strategic decisions and providing financial guidance.You’d also be supported by the Finance Manager Assistant and the Bookkeeper.

Main Objectives

• Provide leadership, in-depth knowledge and financial expertise to support the organisation’s strategy, business development and operations. 
• Manage the day-to-day financial operations including payroll, payments, controls and cash flow to ensure sound financial management and accuracy around all financial routines and procedures. Also ensure compliance and accurate reporting.
• Lead on and manage financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting - working closely with the CEO.
• Lead on enhancing procedural efficiencies and streamlining in finance operations.
• Prepare statutory and management accounts. Manage the annual financial audit and implement recommendations.
• Provide and manage sound financial reporting and conduct financial analysis and financial modelling for business development.
• Work with and manage the Finance Manager Assistant and Bookkeeper.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

The role works closely with the CEO and is assisted by the Assistant Finance Manager and the Bookkeeper.

Financial Planning

• Lead on financial planning, budgeting and forecasting.
• Conduct financial analysis to support decision-making, highlighting key trends, opportunities and risks. Also scenario planning and financial modelling for growth and sustainability.
• Provide sound financial advice to the CEO, Executive and Trustees also assisting with business planning and strategy and business development.

Financial Management

• Lead on and manage the annual financial audit, including preparation, responding to auditors queries and implementation of recommendations, effectively and in a timely manner. Also filling with the Charity Commission and Companies House.
• Lead on the day-to-day management of financial operations to ensure sound financial management and accuracy of all financial routines and procedures.
• Monitor performance of actuals in relation to budget, income generation targets, approved expenditure and in relation to forecast. Note, analyse and comment on variations and propose adjustments.  
• Prepare quarterly management accounts and reports for decision-making and planning.
•  Advise on and manage investments and cashflow.

Governance: Policies, procedures and financial controls

• Ensure compliance with all requirements and standards in respect to Insurance, Companies House, Charities Commission and HMRC.
• Proactively lead on process improvements as we grow. Includes writing, reviewing and updating finance procedures and policies, in collaboration with the CEO and Executive colleagues.
• Ensure governance documents are up to date. Including Trustees appointment and resignation records, conflict-of-interest forms, and relevant submissions to Companies House.
• Monitoring and mitigating financial risks while maintaining robust internal controls. Also manage credit control and ensure that payments are received on time.
• Ensure financial procedures, policies and reporting systems are updated as required and maintained thereafter.

Accounting

• Supervise and review accounting tasks and records processed by the bookkeeper and the Finance Manager.
• Ensure timely, up to date and accurate accounting practice including journal entries, accruals, phasing and reconciliation.
• Ensure accuracy of income and expenses allocation and coding, including deferred income and monthly reconciliations.
• Review and update coding structures and nominal coding, clearing accounts and reconciliations in collaboration with the CEO and finance colleagues.

Payments and Payroll

• Manage effectively payroll, tax and pension submissions, banking and associated procedures.   
• Ensure all payments are made, received and acknowledged in an accurate, compliant and timely manner.
• Maintain up to date records of financial calculations regarding payments and fees for tutors, assessors and other stakeholders.

Contracts Management

• Ensure that operational, building, insurance and supplier contracts are up to date and renew them as required. Includes utility bills, IT and telephone.
• Prepare and issue employee contracts (working with the CEO/HR).

Support service delivery

• Calculate and prepare courses fees and other financial information for reviews and to support decision-making
• Liaise with students to offer and manage payment plans
• Ensure financial queries by colleagues, collaborators, students and practitioners are dealt with effectively and in a timely manner.
• Support the integration of financial and operational systems.

People Management

• Supervise, manage and support the Finance Manager and Bookkeeper, ensuring and supporting high performance and wellbeing.
• Recruitment, induction and professional development of the finance team. Also ensuring team members understand and adhere to organisational policies and procedures.

ABOUT YOU

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Qualifications and experience  

• Qualified or part-qualified (final stage), for example ACA, ACMA, CIPFA, CIMA.
• Minimum 3 years relevant financial management experience working with a charity/not for profit.
• Good experience of sound accounting and financial management in the charity/not for profit sector. Good knowledge of charity accounting and the Charity SORP.
• Sound knowledge and experience of leading and managing the audit process.
• Thorough practical up-to-date understanding of management accounting principles and techniques.
• In-depth knowledge and experience with payroll and pension processes and management systems for accounting functions, including QuickBooks.
• Sound knowledge and experience providing monthly management accounts, year-end statutory accounts and financial reporting.
• Extensive experience of contributing to the strategic, organisational and financial planning processes and leading on budgeting and forecasting.
• Extensive experience in balancing competing complexities of a busy role and prioritising effectively, forward planning and working to tight deadlines.
• Sound experience working effectively with confidentiality and GDPR in mind and in line with organisational policies and practice.
• Good experience with organisational realities, challenges and opportunities in the charity sector.
• Experience of working well within a multidisciplinary team (desirable).
• Experience facilitating or leading change and growth (desirable).

Qualities

• Awareness of self and others alongside a learning and growth mindset
• Leadership and management with kindness, integrity and collaboration
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including ability to communicate financial concepts and information in accurate, simple and clear ways and work collaboratively across teams and at a senior level
• Proactive dynamic leadership and project management skills and ability to apply big picture thinking. 
• Excellent numeracy skills with attention to detail, sound analytical and problem-solving skills. 
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable in a dynamic organisation.
• Ability to receive and provide feedback, learn and grow as a professional
• Creativity, resourcefulness and an open mind to be able to see opportunities, embrace challenges and facilitate resolution of any issues.
• Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
• Passion and commitment to the Gestalt Centre values, work and direction
• Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and anti-discrimination.
• Excellent IT skills, including advanced Microsoft Excel skills and accounting software systems
• Competency using MS Office, email, online platforms and learning management systems

We are looking for an experienced, visionary and strategic Director of Community Services to lead and develop our Advice and Support Services and our Engagement and Development Programmes. You will have a passion for, and a demonstrable track record of, building strong, resilient, and inclusive communities as well as developing and motivating a team of staff and volunteers. You will be a supportive, compassionate, enthusiastic, and experienced leader and manager of Community led and quality-led Community services.

An effective change manager, you will be passionate about making a real difference to the Irish and wider communities across London. This is a great opportunity to join the leadership team of the London Irish Centre (LIC) as it embarks upon a significant turning point in its 70-year history, helping the charity deliver its ambitious organisational strategy to empower and enrich even more lives through Irish Community and Culture.

About You

• You have demonstrable experience of leading and managing community services in the independent or public sector for a minimum of ten years.
• You are a professional, enthusiastic leader who can bring your sector experience to benefit this critical role and the wider organisation.
• You are an inspirational leader, bringing a team and others with you and leading by example.
• You have a proven track record in successfully leading a team, across multiple service delivery areas, and in implementing change.
• You are well-organised, able to manage several competing requirements with the ability to prioritise your work effectively to meet tight deadlines.
• You demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal and are comfortable working with people across a wide portfolio, with various levels of experience and socio-economic backgrounds.

Key areas of responsibility

 Workforce

• Maintain a positive culture within the Centre in line with the London Irish Centre values and expectations.
• Overall responsibility for management, development, motivation, support and appraisal of the community services teams, and other team members when agreed with the line manager.
• Maintain and implement effective policies and processes for managing staff and volunteers, including recruitment and retention, induction, training and appraisals. 
• Ensure adequate and appropriately skilled staffing of the community services team.
• Monitor performance against budgets, targets and Key Performance Indicators.
• Ensure best practice and quality assured delivery of Community Services and Programmes.

Financial 

• Overall responsibility for management and reporting of community services budget. 
• Overall responsibility for management and monitoring of all community services` grants. 
• Responsibility for ensuring services are managed within delegated budget.
• Operating within financial governance arrangements at London Irish Centre.

Income generation

• Ensure relationships with all supporters and donors are managed and developed effectively, including trusts, individuals, major donors and corporate partners. 
• Identify suitable new grant and trust funds and lead on applications.
• Lead on monitoring, reporting and submissions for current grant and trust funds in accordance with funders` requirements.

Impact and Innovation 

• Overall responsibility for the service`s impact management in line with the London Irish Centre’s theory of change. 
• Lead on identification and adoption of innovative technology to improve the processes and impact on community services.
• Overall responsibility for communicating the outcomes and impact of the community services and programmes.
• Strategic Development.
• Work with the CEO, other management and the Board of Trustees to set and achieve the charity`s strategic objectives. 
• Ensure Community Services resources are effectively targeted. 
• Lead in implementing a strategic plan for Community Services and support team leaders to deliver against performance targets. 
• Develop and foster positive relationships with external stakeholders. 
• Engage with existing and new partners to ensure the charity meets the increasing needs of those who use our community services.

This job description is a guide to the nature of the work required of the Director of Community Services. It is not wholly comprehensive or restrictive and may be reviewed as required.

In our application pack we have included a job description and person specification to support your candidature. The details in the job description and person specification should be addressed in a maximum one-page cover letter. The cover letter should include your current job title, salary and position within banding where relevant. Click apply, upload your CV and cover letter to the portal on our website link.

 Please note that all roles at the London Irish Centre are subject to enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks as part of our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable individuals.

 The deadline for applications is Wednesday 30th April 9:00 a.m.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and we will be actively interviewing. We reserve the right to close applications before the stated deadline. Interviews will begin with an initial online screening, followed by in-person interviews at the Centre, likely during the week commencing May 5th.

This is an exceptional opportunity to be at the heart of a truly exciting heritage restoration project to restore,  renew and open up to new audiences, a nationally-important building in a thriving but economically and socially challenged central London neighbourhood.

In November 2024, St Peter’s Walworth submitted a First-Round application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) for Development Phase funding for the “Building Beyond: Soane Reimagined” project. The request was for a First Round Pass of £3.1m and a Development Grant of £438,000.  A decision was received by NLHF on 13th March 2025 and pending Permission to Start, the Development Phase is set to run for 18 months, at which point a Delivery Round application will be submitted to activate a Delivery Phase.  Staff, a Design Team, a QS and specialist consultants will need to be competitively appointed to complete a list of required documents/studies for the Delivery application. Design development needs to be completed to RIBA Stage 3, planning, Faculty and consents need to be in place and all partnership funding raised or pledged.

Capital works are proposed to the exterior of the Church, respecting its heritage integrity, making it more sustainable and putting it in good order throughout. Similarly inside, where improvements will make the Church more welcoming, improving infrastructure and circulation and accommodating planned activities. Works will take place over the three floors: Crypt Basement, the Ground Floor and the Gallery/First Floor.

A full time Heritage Manager will need to be appointed at the beginning of the 18-month Development Phase. The successful candidate will provide leadership for the Project reporting to Claire Maugham (Chair of the Steering Group Committee) involved in strategic planning, management, execution, and coordination with internal and external stakeholders.  In order to achieve the goals of St Peter’s Walworth,  they will oversee design development to RIBA Stage 3 of “Building Beyond: Soane Reimagined” and oversee the preparation of key NLHF checklist documents, supporting on the roll out of a successful fundraising campaign - with a target to raise just over £1m working with a Fundraising Appeal Board, and a F/T Trusts and Foundations Manager.

The Heritage Manager will be a strategic thinker with an understanding of the planning and delivery of major projects funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF). We are also looking for a candidate that will successfully integrate partnerships that are being forged in the local area. They should have a strong background in project management and possess the ability to move adeptly between big picture thinking and day-to-day operations, where it will be necessary, for example, to process their own admin.

The Heritage Manager will have some experience of fundraising, networking and financial management and be comfortable working in a start-up environment, being able to demonstrate experience of extensive community engagement, as well as an understanding of and empathy with the ambitions and vision of the St Peter’s Walworth PCC (Parochial Church Council) and the needs of a Grade 1 listed building. 

They will bring an inclusive approach to their work, able to centre and involve the church and local community in the project while integrating the experience of a wide range of volunteer professionals

Their task will be ensure that the project is delivered within time and to budget in accordance with an agreed programme, budget and checklist of deliverables, as well as working closely with all project stakeholders and partners.

St Peter’s Walworth is an inclusive and welcoming Church. We seek candidates with the skills and experience required, irrespective of any protected characteristics, and encourage applications from all regardless of background. We are especially keen to receive applications from people who are members of communities minoritised and under-represented in the heritage sector. We are a Christian church but this role may be filled by someone of any faith or of none.

Are you knowledgeable and passionate about community and health? Could you recruit, lead and support a team of community volunteers to run fun and healthy living initiatives? Do you have the ability to take the unexpected in your stride? Then why not join us at SMART?

We are looking for someone that recognises the importance of good wellbeing for all, is capable of dealing with a wide scope of managerial areas, and can work with our local communty as our Public Health-funded Community Champions Manager.

SMART is a unique Chelsea-based charity, serving the local community in a supportive and flexible environment. We offer 28 days annual leave (plus paid bank holidays), a pension program, competitive salary, and additional benefits.
   
Think you'd be a good fit? Just click the Apply button, and send us an up-to-date CV, and a 2-page covering letter telling us why.

The closing date to apply is 15th May at 23:30, with interviews taking place on 23rd May. 

About Us: The Weir Link is a small and vibrant charity and community centre dedicated to bringing the community together through educational, training, and social opportunities. Established in June 2010, we have transformed a derelict space into a thriving hub for local residents. Our centre hosts a variety of activities including after-school clubs, stay-and-play sessions, arts and crafts, Pilates, yoga, ante-natal classes, and community meetings.

Contract type: Fixed Term Contract – 1 year (potential to extend)

Location: Clapham Park/Balham, SW12

Hours: 20 hours per week, working pattern can be flexible, subject to agreement

Salary: £20-25 per hour depending on experience

Job Description: We are seeking an experienced Centre Manager to join our team and manage this important community resource. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about community development and has a proven track record in business development, fundraising, and, ideally, project management.

Key Responsibilities:

Oversee the management and operation of The Weir Link in alignment with our mission, vision, and values.

Identify fundraising opportunities and submit credible applications resulting in income generated to support the great work of the Centre.

Manage the delivery of high-quality activities and events for the local community.

Maintain and develop partnerships with organizations and community groups.

Line-manage the Facilities and Bookings Coordinator to ensure the building is well-maintained and safe.

Work with Trustees to implement the business plan and sustainable funding strategy.

Develop and execute an effective marketing strategy to promote our activities and events.

Ensure all visitors feel welcome, safe, and encouraged, and maintain systems for monitoring satisfaction and evaluating outcomes.

Person Specification:

Experience in business development and identifying potential opportunities.

Proven success in fundraising and applying for grants.

Strong project management skills, including marketing and communications.

Experience in community research and organizing events.

Motivated, organized, and reliable with a flexible and resourceful approach.

Commitment to contributing meaningfully to the local community.

Benefits:

Flexible working pattern, ideal for parents or carers.

Hybrid working options during school holidays.

Opportunity to make a significant impact in the community.

How to Apply: Please send your CV and a short cover letter explaining why you are suitable for the role and why you would like to work for The Weir Link.

Interview Process: First interviews will take place between 20th and 23rd May, in person, at The Weir Link.  There will be a final, informal conversation between the successful candidate and the trustees as a second and final stage (virtual).

Ready to make an impact? Apply now!

We are looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Community Hub Co-ordinator to lead the development and day-to-day running of our exciting new Community Hub, made possible thanks to five years of National Lottery funding. This is an incredible opportunity to be part of a member-led organisation that supports people with a learning disability and autistic people to thrive.

You’ll shape a vibrant, inclusive and accessible community space at the heart of Bexley—one that offers a range of activities, support, and services. The exact shape of the Hub is still to come—because we’re co-creating it with our community. From creative workshops and peer-led support, to potential social enterprises like a community café—your ideas, energy and leadership will help make it happen.

You’ll lead a team that includes staff with learning disabilities or autism, and you’ll work closely with our partners and other charities to open up new opportunities for local people.

This role is ideal for someone who is dynamic, compassionate, and organised—with experience of coordinating projects, working with people with learning disabilities and/or autistic people, and a strong belief in inclusive community-led change.

About Us

Bexley Mencap is a small but growing local charity working exclusively with people with a learning disability and their families. Our vision is a world where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to live life to the full.

We provide support, activities and opportunities for people to thrive. We’re proudly member-led, passionate about inclusion, and committed to creating spaces that feel welcoming and safe for all.

We’ve just secured five years of National Lottery funding to create a brand-new Community Hub in Bexley. This will be a truly shared space—designed with and for our members—where people with a learning disability, autistic people, and the wider community can come together, connect, and grow.

About the role

 As Community Hub Co-ordinator, you’ll lead the launch and development of this exciting new space. You’ll manage the day-to-day running of the Hub, support and line-manage a small team (including staff with lived experience of learning disability or autism), and co-design a wide variety of services, events, and partnerships with our members and community.

You’ll also work with other local organisations and charities to expand the support on offer—exploring exciting ideas like social enterprises, creative groups, advice drop-ins or a community café. This is a hands-on role. Some days you’ll be welcoming people and helping with a session, other days you’ll be planning future activities, liaising with partners, or exploring funding ideas. No two days will be the same.

We’re a growing organisation with big ambitions—so this is a great time to join and shape something truly special.

About You

 You’re proactive, passionate, and organised. You love bringing people together, creating welcoming spaces, and making things happen.

You’ll have experience of managing community-facing services, working with diverse groups (ideally including people with learning disabilities or autistic people), and leading a team.

You’re happy rolling up your sleeves to get things done—and you’re confident developing new ideas, building partnerships, and planning activities.  Being a car driver is a plus (but not essential), and some evening or weekend working may be required. We’re happy to talk about flexible working, part-time options and job shares.

What we offer

 We offer a range of benefits including discounts at local shops and restaurants (through a Blue Light Card), training and development opportunities and flexible working.  We also offer 22 days holiday plus all English bank holidays, as well as a variety of other leave such as volunteering days and enhanced carers leave.

Person Specification

Our work is underpinned by our values and you will be expected to demonstrate these in your daily work:

Nurturing:  You work in a person-centred way supporting every individual to reach their full potential.  You empower people to take risks and develop their skills

Approachable:  You can communicate with a range of people with differing abilities and maintain a welcoming and friendly atmosphere for the people you support and their families.

Inclusive:  You involve people you support in all aspects of services.  You are able to communicate effectively with people with a learning disability and adapt your approach where need.

Passionate:  You are dedicated to improving the lives of the people that we support.  You will professionally challenge where necessary whilst maintain effective working relationships.

Respectful:  You treat everybody with compassion, dignity and respect ensuring privacy and confidentiality for the people we support.

You will also be able to demonstrate or tell us about the following areas in your application and at interview:

Skills, Abilities and Knowledge

Essential

· Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to plan and prioritise a varied workload.

· Strong interpersonal and communication skills, able to work effectively with a wide range of people including people with learning disabilities and autistic people.

· Ability to coordinate multiple projects or activities, ensuring smooth delivery and follow-up.

· Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, using initiative and sound judgment.

· Confident IT user, including Microsoft 365 (e.g. Outlook, Word, Excel), Canva, and database/CRM systems.

· Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and how to implement them in a community setting.

· Good working knowledge of inclusion, accessibility and equality in service delivery.

 Desirable

· Understanding of the voluntary and community sector and the opportunities and challenges it faces 

· Understanding of the support needs of people with a learning disability and/or autistic people.

Experience

 Essential

· Proven experience of running or coordinating community-based services, hubs, or similar projects.

· Experience of working directly with people with a learning disability and/or autistic people (in either a paid or voluntary capacity).

· Experience of line managing or supervising staff and/or volunteers, including giving feedback and supporting development.

· Experience of organising and delivering events, activities or workshops.

· Experience of maintaining records and reporting on impact or outcomes.

Desirable

· Experience of working in partnership with other organisations or agencies.

· Experience supporting or delivering social enterprise or community business activity.

Values and Personal Qualities

 Essential

· A strong commitment to the rights, inclusion and empowerment of people with learning disabilities and autistic people.

· A values-led approach aligned with Bexley Mencap’s ethos: Nurturing, Approachable, Inclusive, Passionate, and Respectful.

· Calm and approachable under pressure, able to adapt to unexpected challenges and find practical solutions.

· Willingness to “muck in” and take a hands-on approach to running the Hub—including setting up rooms, greeting visitors or supporting a group activity.

· Creative, enthusiastic and pro-active—always looking for ways to improve what we offer and how we work.

· Commitment to learning, personal development and continuous improvement.

· Willing to work occasional evenings or weekends and travel locally when required.

Desirable

· Lived experience of disability or of supporting someone with a disability.

· Holds a full driving licence and access to a vehicle (or equivalent ability to travel within the borough).

The Company seeks an experienced Income Generation and Fundraising Manager to join this dynamic and highly driven company to help us diversify and grow our income across corporate partnerships, individual giving, philanthropy and trusts and foundations.

This is a newly created part-time opportunity - for six months in the first instance, with the intention to be extended to two years plus - for an experienced, motivated and committed person who can develop and lead a strategy and delivery plan to realise our ambitions.