Community development jobs in Mole valley, greater london

High Trees are seeking a new team member to provide full administrative and programme support to the Research & Impact team. You will be joining us at an exciting time as High Trees continues to grow the reach and scale of our research and impact. This is an exciting opportunity for a thoughtful and proactive individual to work within a small, collaborative and dynamic team in a varied role. You will be passionate about ensuring that the voices of the communities that we work with remain at the heart of what we do and how we do it.

This role is central to supporting the team in the day-to-day running of our service. You will be responsible for producing dynamic and impactful marketing and communications content, and providing administrative support for our research, evaluation and partnership activities and events. You will also be proactive, keeping abreast of developments and opportunities in the sector to raise the profile of our work. You will be highly organised and details-focused, a compelling communicator, and confident to take initiative.

Collaboration with colleagues is an essential part of this role and you will enjoy working with others and be a valued partner, peer and colleague. Supporting the Head of Community Research and Impact and the wider team, you will actively contribute to delivering and shaping our service. You will need to be highly responsive to the needs of colleagues, service users, partners, and be able to provide practical solutions for a range of situations. This is an entry-level post, and you will be encouraged and supported to grow and develop your skills and expertise across a range of areas.

About us

We’re Breast Cancer Now, the research and support charity. We’re the place to turn to for anything and everything to do with breast cancer. However, you’re experiencing breast cancer, we’re here. 

The brightest minds in breast cancer research are here. Making life-saving research happen in labs across the UK and Ireland. Support services, trustworthy breast cancer information and specialist nurses are here. Ready to support you whenever you need it. Dedicated campaigners are here. Fighting for the best possible treatment, services and care for anyone affected by breast cancer.

About the role

Do you live in Edinburgh or the surrounding area?

As a senior community fundraiser, you’ll be an important part of the team building Breast Cancer Now’s presence in Scotland, with a particular focus on Edinburgh and the surrounding areas. 

We’re looking for someone who is an experienced relationship builder, someone who can find and develop new supporters.  You’ll need excellent local knowledge, and the enthusiasm to develop a brand-new fundraising region.

The successful candidate will also be part of the team working on our large-scale project supporting and growing Asda Tickled Pink, our award-winning partnership with Asda and CoppaFeel! which has already raised over £100 million.

You’ll work directly with passionate colleagues across Asda stores in your region driving new fundraising initiatives, inspiring communities and celebrating incredible successes.

No 2 days will look the same as you travel, connect and engage supporters to help us grow income to deliver our mission.

The role is initially offered as an 18-month contract with the potential to become permanent

About you

You’re confident in approaching new contacts and are experienced in developing new relationships from scratch. This may currently be in a customer service, account management or stewardship role.

You’re experienced in managing and building new and established relationships with a focus on retention and income growth.

You’re enthusiastic, proactive, organised and unafraid to test and try new ideas.

You’re required to be involved being out and about in the community that you’re building, so you must be able to work independently outside of the office in varying locations and enjoy being busy.

Previous experience working in a charity is not required.

Job description and benefits

Please download the job description and our attractive benefits package.

Primary location of role

This is a remote role, and the candidate will need to be based in the Edinburgh area with unlimited access to their own car. Regular travel will be required to meet supporters and visit Asda stores in your region, as well as occasional travel to our London, Sheffield or Glasgow office.

When applying

We hope you choose to apply for this role. To support your application, you’ll be asked to submit your anonymised CV. Please refer to the essential criteria on the person specification and clearly provide as much information as you can with examples, to demonstrate how and where you meet the criteria. If you’ve any immediate questions please contact the Breast Cancer Now Recruitment team.

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

We’re committed to promoting equity, valuing diversity and creating an inclusive environment – for everyone who works for us, works with us, supports us and who we support.

Closing date Tuesday 6 January 2026 9am

Interview date Tuesday 13 January 2026

We reserve the right to close this advert early. Therefore, to avoid disappointment please submit your application as soon as possible, if you’re interested in this opportunity.

Community Fundraising Officer

Location: Remote (UK-based)
Hours: 30 hours per week, fully flexible
Salary: £27,000 FTE (pro-rata for 30 hours)
Contract: 1-year Fixed Term Contract (with possibility of extension subject to performance)

About Animal Welfare Investigations Project (AWIP)

Animal Welfare Investigations Project (AWIP) is a specialist animal protection organisation that investigates, disrupts, protects and rescues animals from organised animal cruelty.

We work through intelligence-led investigations and partnerships with law enforcement across the globe. Our work is unapologetically justice-led, outcomes-focused, and impact-driven.

AWIP is a remote-first, flexible organisation. We prioritise autonomy, trust, and clarity.

Values alignment

AWIP is a close-knit, mission-driven team working to end organised animal cruelty.

Because of the nature of our work, we are particularly interested in candidates whose personal values strongly align with animal protection. A cruelty-free lifestyle (such as veganism or vegetarianism) is therefore preferred, though we welcome applications from anyone who shares our commitment to protecting animals and is aligned with our mission.

About the role

We are seeking a Community Fundraising Officer to lead and deliver a small number of high-impact virtual fundraising challenges and supporter-led events each year.

This role exists to generate lumpy, time-bound income spikes through well-executed campaigns.

This is a delivery-focused, commercially minded position suited to someone who is comfortable working with data, managing budgets, and being accountable for results.

Key responsibilities

Virtual fundraising challenges (core responsibility):

• Designing and delivering 3–4 virtual fundraising challenges per year.
• Managing each challenge end-to-end, including campaign concept and structure, participant onboarding and journey, fundraising targets, timelines, delivery, and wrap-up.
• Running private Facebook Groups or similar community spaces during live challenge periods.
• Managing paid incentives and paid social advertising budgets.
• Ensuring challenges are repeatable, scalable, and cost-effective.

Supporter-led and external events

• Coordinating and promoting participation in:
• Run for Charity events
• Overseas challenge events (e.g. treks)
• Peer-to-peer fundraising (e.g. birthday fundraisers or evergreen P2P)
• Acting as the main point of contact for supporters taking part
• Providing clear guidance, materials, and support while keeping delivery light-touch

Income, data & performance

• Owning net income targets for each campaign
• Monitoring and analysing campaign performance
• Tracking: Spend, Cost per lead, Activation rates, Funds raised.
• Reporting clearly on outcomes, learning, and recommendations
• Continuously refining formats to improve performance year-on-year

About you

You will bring:

• Experience in community fundraising, events fundraising, or supporter-led campaigns
• Strong project management skills with the ability to deliver campaigns to deadline
• High-performance mindset with confidence working to clear income targets and demonstrating Return on Investment (ROI)
• Proficiency with digital platforms and tools such as:Meta Ads, FundraiseUp and/or Raisely, Google Analytics.
• Comfort interpreting data and adjusting campaigns based on performance
• The ability to work independently in a fully remote environment
• Alignment with AWIP’s mission and comfort working in a justice-led organisation

Experience delivering virtual fundraising challenges or digitally driven campaigns is highly desirable.

Working pattern & flexibility

• 30 hours per week, fully flexible
• Fully remote (UK-based)
• Occasional evening or weekend work around campaign launches
• Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) provided for any additional hours worked during peak periods

Salary & benefits

• £27,000 FTE (pro-rata for 30 hours = £23,142.86)
• 8% employer pension contribution with NEST Pensions
• Private healthcare and dental insurance with Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Training and development opportunities
• Fully remote, flexible working environment

Contract details

• 1-year fixed-term contract
• Possibility of extension subject to performance and organisational needs

How to apply

Closing date: ASAP

Expected start date: January 2026
This role requires urgent placement and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The vacancy will close once a suitable candidate is appointed.

Please send:

• Your CV
• A covering letter explaining your relevant experience, values alignment, and interest in the role

Any applications without a covering letter will be not considered.

Employer: Community Rail Network 

Salary: £43k-£51.5k pa, full time 

Location: Home based / flexible or Huddersfield 

We are seeking a dynamic director of policy and communications, to lead and develop our increasingly impactful external affairs activity. You’ll be sharing community insights and evidence with policy and decision-makers at national and devolved level, supporting a shift towards more inclusive and sustainable transport and mobility, while overseeing high-quality, inspiring member communications and thought-leadership, drawing on grassroots experiences.  
  

About us 

Community Rail Network is a national not-for-profit organisation supporting a growing ‘community rail’ movement, which helps communities get the most from their railways, promotes sustainable and inclusive travel, coordinates volunteering and place-making, and brings people together.

Community rail is made up of 76 community-based partnership organisations, and c.1,300 station friends volunteer groups and other community-led initiatives around Britain. Their activities range from creative projects for young people, to advising train operators on service improvements, to building travel confidence among marginalised groups, to biodiversity projects at stations, to promoting greener tourism by rail.

Our enthusiastic team of 24 works from home in different locations, but we come together regularly in person and online. We work collaboratively to support our members, provide training, events and resources, run campaigns, and champion community rail and its insights. We believe in developing our team and helping everyone reach their potential while having a good work-life balance.

About this role 

This role is crucial for us, our members and their communities, especially at the current time, with our need to seize on the opportunities of rail reform and devolution, promote wider use of sustainable transport, and bring communities together. You will spearhead our external affairs strategy and plans, building political relationships, influencing decision-making and raising awareness of community rail and its insights, while ensuring effective communications with our members and helping them to have a voice locally and regionally. You’ll be striving to put community rail at the forefront of a shift towards more inclusive and sustainable mobility.

As a member of our senior leadership team, reporting to and working closely with our chief executive, you will manage a passionate team of four, ensuring collaboration with our other teams, partners and funders, and drawing on members’ insights.

 
Main responsibilities 

• Lead the review, development and delivery of our communications, policy and insights strategy, working to position the community rail movement effectively, use its insights to influence policy change, and ensure our members are well-informed and have a voice; 

• Further strengthen our advisory and influencing work with national, devolved and regional government, transport bodies, parliamentarians and other decision-makers, especially around rail reform, transport devolution and integrated, inclusive, sustainable transport; 

• Ensure we’re engaging effectively with policy developments and opportunities, taking forward a programme of relationship-building, and identifying and engaging in relevant consultations, events and speaking opportunities, enabling community rail’s insights and experiences to be shared; 

• Collaborate with partners in rail, government and the third sector to feed in our expertise on community engagement with rail, amplify our campaigns, and build opportunities for joined-up communications and policy work;

• Continually develop and disseminate our evidence base and insights on the social, environmental and economic value community rail delivers, and opportunities to create greater benefits for communities from rail and transport; 

• Oversee high-quality, coherent and inspiring communications with our members and partners, promoting our work, and sharing news, opportunities, and good practice across the movement; 

• Manage production of high-quality resources, case studies and reports that our members can use to enhance their impact and which showcase community rail’s impact; 

• Lead and develop our media relations and awareness-raising PR, championing community rail and its messages on sustainable, inclusive travel and communities at national and regional level, while supporting members on local PR; 

• Develop our online presence and reach, making full use of our website, social media, our Scenic Rail Britain campaign, and partners’ channels to celebrate and position community rail and grow its reach and impact; 

• Oversee a calendar of creative and impactful campaigns that involve and empower our members, creating PR and engagement opportunities, including Community Rail Week;

• Play a key role in collective leadership, strategic focus and organisational development as a member of our senior leadership team, including through internal communications and cross-team working, annual planning, funder liaison and reporting, upholding our strategies and policies, and pursuing opportunities for continuous improvement. 

 
Skills and competencies 

1. Strong leadership and management skills, including experience managing, developing and drawing on a multi-faceted team delivering complex campaigns or projects, and budget management; 
2. Excellent communication and external leadership skills; articulate, assertive, and with the ability to work diplomatically and persuasively with stakeholders at all levels; 
3. An understanding of public affairs, ideally in relation to community development, sustainability and/or transport, and a demonstrable ability to identify influencing opportunities, deliver thought-leadership, and engage with policy-makers, including sharing community insights; 
4. Politically astute, with awareness of and commitment to social inclusion, social justice and sustainability, and a good grasp of the importance of public transport sustainable travel, and community-led action, to these agendas; 
5. Understanding of political processes and experience of engaging with policy and decision-making, ideally at national, devolved and local levels; 
6. Sound knowledge of communication and marketing methods and channels, and ability to oversee messaging and targeting of public and professional audiences, and to align content across multiple channels; 
7. A demonstrable ability to think analytically and draw on statistical and qualitative research to construct robust, evidence-based arguments; 
8. Experience of working with the media and achieving coverage at national, regional and local level; 
9. Experience working collaboratively with partners and ideally funders to deliver communications and policy activity and forming professional networks; 
10. Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines while dealing with competing priorities, and to support team members to do so; 
11. IT literate with a good working knowledge of Office, the internet and social media; 
12. Appropriate qualifications and professional development demonstrating knowledge and skills in line with the above, and a commitment to ongoing learning and development.

Other information

As you will be home-based, we are flexible about your location. However, you will be expected to travel to in-person full team meetings quarterly (usually in West Yorkshire), and you will need to bring your team together (currently all West Yorkshire based) with similar regularity in between. Attendance at in-person events and meetings is also important. We therefore welcome applications from those with decent public transport links, not too far from a railway station, to enable journeys to be made sustainably.   

This is a full-time position, 37 hours per week. We use a flexi-time system with core hours 10am-3pm, and are committed to being a flexible, supportive and understanding employer. This is a permanent position with a probationary period of six months.   

Community Rail Network is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from disabled people and Black, Asian and other minoritised groups, who meet with the skills and competencies for this role. We will provide reasonable adjustments for interviews as required.  

Salary:  £37,000 (FTE) 

Days:  Part-time, 3.5 days (25.9hrs) p/w – flexible working patterns available 

Benefits:  25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays; pension with employer contribution of 3%; flexi-time working (core hours 10am-3pm); access to Employee Assistance Programme 

Contract type:  Fixed, until 31 March 2027

Location: Remote, from home (within Great Britain), with occasional travel

Direct reports:  None, but responsible for liaison with project partners 

We are seeking a dynamic, experienced manager to manage our part in “On track for inclusive train travel”, a research, scoping and piloting project, aiming to make rail travel more accessible and inclusive for disabled people.  This project is being delivered alongside RNIB as lead partner, and funded by Motability Foundation, working with our members Community Rail Lancashire (CRL) and Gloucestershire & Oxfordshire CRP (GOCRP) to engage disabled people and shine a light on lived experience.

You will work closely with RNIB and their project manager, forming part of a small project team to ensure the success of this exciting project. You will support CRL & GOCRP in their coordination of local engagement with disabled people, helping to facilitate a pan-disability, empowering approach that draws on and champions expertise by experience. Ensuring excellent collaboration with railway partners is also key to this role, enabling us to co-create an effective, adaptable model for training, learning and culture change that can be deployed across the railways as they are reformed and renationalised.
 

About us 

Community Rail Network is a not-for-profit organisation, working across Britain to support a growing ‘community rail’ movement. Community rail promotes sustainable and inclusive travel, coordinates volunteering and place-making projects, and brings people together. 

Community rail is made up of 75 community-based partnership organisations, 1,300 station friends volunteer groups, and other community-led initiatives around Britain. Their activities range from creative projects with young people, to advising train operators on service improvements, to building travel confidence with families and marginalised groups, to biodiversity projects at stations, to promoting greener travel and tourism by rail. 

Our enthusiastic team of 23 works mainly from home in different locations, but we come together regularly in person and online. We work collaboratively to advise our members, provide training, events and resources, run campaigns, and champion community rail and its insights via decision-makers and the media. We believe in developing our team and supporting everyone to reach their potential while having a good work-life balance. 

Responsibilities

Project and local engagement coordination  

• Work closely with the RNIB project manager and as part of the project team to help ensure effective planning, coordination, management, communication and the overall success of this project, in line with its purpose and aims; 

• Ensure excellent coordination and communication with the two community rail partnerships, supporting their delivery of empowering, high-quality engagement, in line with project plans, requirements and objectives; 

• Ensure CRL and GOCRP are enabled to play their part effectively, using their expertise and local relationships to bring the experiences, ideas and voices of disabled people to the fore, while engaging railway staff constructively, to research, develop and test our model, and forge ongoing dialogue and understanding between the disabled community and railway; 

• Take a particular lead in utilising and championing co-creation principles and empowering ways of working, across this project and its partners, and in building a legacy; 

• Coordinate closely with our core railway partners helping to develop and test our model, and work across the rail industry, including engaging existing inclusion and accessibility forums and networks, to support the research phase and generally build on community rail’s positive relationships and ability to support inclusive railway practices; 

• Manage Community Rail Network’s budget and monitor the CRPs’ budgets in partnership with their project leads, ensuring these are in line with agreed grant funding; 

• Maintain and uphold our partner agreements and MoU with RNIB.

Research, evaluation and reporting 

• Work as part of the project team to engage railway partners and jointly deliver effective research, to understand current practices and issues within the railway around accessibility and inclusion, and opportunities to improve this;

• Support the CRPs and their interaction with RNIB’s research and innovation staff and our academic advisor, and involving the disabled community and railway staff members;

• Support effective recording and evaluation by the CRPs, ensuring this is in line with project requirements, and serves our goals around legacy-building and empowering those involved; 

• Advise and feed into RNIB on the completion of grant reports and financial statements, including coordinating and reviewing input, data and reports from the CRPs; 

• Maintain strong relations with Motability, as part of the project team.

Legacy building, communications and influencing 

• Continually feed into our senior team and the project board on insights emerging from the programme to help us advocate for more inclusive, confident (rail) travel for disabled people; 

• Support and feed into Community Rail Network and RNIB’s strategic work engaging with rail reform and transformation, such as attending meetings and providing briefings, reports and recommendations, to help us seize opportunities to advocate for positive change; 

• Attend and speak at community rail and other relevant events to develop awareness of the project, share its lessons, and promote our model; 

• Work with Community Rail Network and RNIB’s communications teams, and other colleagues and partners, to promote the project and its achievements, and amplify the voices/views/needs of disabled people, across our networks and build a legacy. 

General team working  

• Contribute to the wider objectives and development of Community Rail Network, especially by sharing project progress and learnings, and offering advice and input.

• Help our member support & development team to embed lessons from the project on involving and empowering disabled people.

• Contribute to the maintenance and development of our internal systems (e.g. shared drive, CRM) such as by data capturing relevant contacts and saving documentation.

• As a member of the Community Rail Network team, assist with more general work as needed. 

Skills and competencies 

1. A proven track record in project management, including coordinating between multiple delivery partners and ensuring project/funding requirements are met, and supporting/overseeing effective monitoring and evaluation. 
2. Demonstrable experience in supporting community engagement, ideally related to inclusion, disability and/or mobility, and a good understanding of and confidence using engagement, project planning, and evaluation techniques to develop and support such initiatives. 
3. The ability to collaborate and communicate with community groups and other local partners, draw on their views and expertise, and support them to build capacity and confidence. 
4. Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work confidently with stakeholders at all levels and facilitate positive discussion; articulate and assertive, and a great team player. 
5. A proven ability to bring partners and groups together, develop and maintain mutually-beneficial partnerships, deliver joint activities, and form professional networks. 
6. Good writing, research and analysis skills, including the ability to draw on quantitative and qualitative evidence, produce case studies, briefings and reports. 
7. Awareness of accessibility, social mobility and social inclusion issues, and an appreciation of the importance of rail, sustainable travel and mobility to communities and disabled people.
8. A demonstrable ability to manage time effectively and juggle a range of activities in an organised, professional, productive manner, including planning and scheduling, coordinating with colleagues and partners, and bringing projects to fruition.
9. Proactive, positive and self-motivated, able to work on own initiative and inspire and enthuse others, and overcome hurdles to achieve results. 
10. IT literate with a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and the internet. 

Other information

This post is home-based, but with travel (including occasional overnight stays) for project meetings, events and external meetings. Applicants will need local access to a train station to enable rail-based travel for work as needed.

This is a fixed term contract and includes a probationary period of three months from the date of appointment. Successful applicants will need to provide proof that they have the right to work in the UK and provide two references.

We are committed to being a flexible, supportive, inclusive and understanding employer.

The Senior Organisational Development Manager is responsible for leading the design, implementation, and evaluation of organisational development strategies and programmes to foster a high-performing culture, improve employee engagement, and support the achievement of strategic business goals. 

This role involves partnering with senior leadership, identifying organisational needs, and developing innovative solutions to complex challenges related to structure, processes, leadership, and talent. 

This role is not open to sponsorship.

Staff benefits include shuttle bus, and more… Read more below.

Role Requirements

• Lead strategic OD initiatives that build leadership capability, drive cultural change, and support talent development as part of the organisation’s 2030 Strategy.
• Establish an organisational EDI framework with clear priorities, metrics and governance.
• Continue to embed and further develop the organisational Wellbeing strategy and embed practises that support emotional resilience.
• Champion EDI and Wellbeing initiatives, ensuring these are integral to the OD Plan and embedded in the Workforce Strategy.
• Lead the design and implementation of a trauma-informed, psychologically safe organisational culture.
• Develop frameworks for staff engagement, inclusion, and psychological safety to create a wider positive and high-performing culture.
• Collaborate with senior leaders to shape organisational behaviours, leadership styles, and decision-making that reflect our mission and values.
• Undertake diagnostics analysis to identify cultural, behavioural and capability gaps and develop/ implement a plan to address.
• Drive cultural alignment and leadership cohesion following organisational change, ensuring leaders are equipped to model values, foster collaboration, and lead change effectively across all directorates.
• Design and deliver leadership development programmes that equip leaders to inspire, manage change, and drive organisational success.
• Ensure the fulfilment of current and future commitments to the Leadership Development programme ensuring that our leaders are equipped with the tools they need to drive the organisation forward together with inspiring their individual teams.
• Support succession planning and talent pipelines, ensuring future leadership capability and culture aligns with strategic priorities.
• Provide sound recommendations and strategic direction on learning, career and leadership development, across the organisation based on observation of best practice externally.
• Oversee the Apprenticeship Scheme and core training programmes, ensuring alignment with workforce growth and retention goals.
• Manage the central training budget, ensuring efficient delivery of mandatory and developmental training.
• Continuously review induction and learning programmes, adapting content and processes to meet evolving organisational needs and cultural development.
• Drive organisational initiatives aimed at achieving elevated professional standards and qualifications.

Interview Date: To be confirmed.

Terms and Conditions

Strictly no agencies, please.

About Us

The Children’s Trust is the UK’s leading charity for children with acquired brain injury, providing expert rehabilitation, education, therapy, and care at our national specialist centre in Tadworth, and to children and their families across the UK, via our Brain Injury Community Service.

Boasting a beautiful 24-acre site in Surrey, we are located just outside of London, close to the M25 (accessible via Junction 8, A217 to Tadworth) and easily accessible via National Rail, by way of: Clapham Junction, Sutton, and Epsom.

Staff Benefits

The work we do is highly rewarding, and in addition to an attractive salary, we offer a valuable range of benefits, including our staff flexible benefits platform, on-site nursery, free eye tests, enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay, time out days for those experiencing menopause symptoms and time off for gender reassignment.

We also offer additional annual leave days for those with long service, with entitlements ranging from 35 to 41 days (including bank holidays) depending on your length of service.

Other benefits include free on-site parking; a staff shuttle service from Epsom and Sutton train stations to Tadworth Court, subsidised cafeteria, on-site staff accommodation (subject to availability), the ability to retain your NHS pension (where applicable), Teacher’s pension (where applicable) or the opportunity to join an alternative scheme, and the opportunity to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Rehabilitation of Offenders

Many roles at The Children’s Trust are exempt from the provisions of Section 4 (2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, by virtue of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 and 2020) and as such, are subject to an Enhanced DBS check.  Successful applicants will be required to complete an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check, which will disclose all unspent convictions and adult cautions and any spent convictions or adult cautions that would not be protected.  The exceptions to this are our retail roles within The Children’s Trust shops, which are subject to Basic DBS checks which will disclose unspent convictions or adult cautions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

To help us achieve our ambition to give children and young people with brain injury and neurodisability the opportunity to live the best life possible, we want to accurately reflect the UK’s diverse population. We want equity, diversity, and inclusion to be at the heart of everything we do, and our people, services, and culture to reflect the diverse needs of all. Through our diversity and inclusion strategy, we have made a commitment to increase the diversity of our charity and create an inclusive culture. We have networks across the organisation working to ensure that these aims are met - including an LGBTQIA2S+ group, Ethnic Diversity Group, and Spark – our broad EDI group. Read more about our EDI work here. We welcome applications from all who share our ambition regardless of background. We will strive to ensure that any reasonable adjustments are made in respect of interview and working arrangements.

Online Searches

In accordance with statutory safeguarding and child protection guidance, online searches will be conducted for shortlisted candidates before interview. The online searches will be conducted by a person who is independent of the interview and selection process and will focus on relevant information returned via searches of the candidate’s name (and variations thereof). Social media searches will be limited to professional platforms such as Linked In. Any concerns relating to suitability for work with children and young people will be forwarded to the interview panel, for discussion during the interview.

We are seeking a Community Development Officer to lead a major in-progress project improving recognition, support, and care for people with smell and taste disorders at a local level across England. 

This three-year, volunteer-led programme, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund has achieved significant success in its first eighteen months. We are now recruiting a new postholder to take this strong foundation forward through the next phase of delivery. 

Over the past eighteen months, we have recruited and established a thriving network of volunteers and local groups across England. This momentum is expected to continue. The Community Development Officer will work closely with existing volunteers and groups, primarily remotely, while also attending in-person events and meetings in different parts of England as needed. 

The postholder will lead the ongoing recruitment, training, and support of volunteer groups, working with them to identify opportunities for local outreach and engagement. Together, you will ensure that more people affected by smell and taste disorders access the information, support, and recognition they need, while continuing to raise awareness of these often-unrecognised sensory impairments. 

Our volunteer groups bring together people with lived experience alongside experts from the food, beverage and fragrance sectors, and other relevant fields. 

We are looking for a motivated, forward-thinking individual with experience in leading and inspiring others. You will bring energy, creativity, and excellent communication skills to drive the project forward and help build an innovative, sustainable programme of volunteer-led activity, supporting our volunteers to influence change within their communities. 

You will empower volunteers to play an active role in transforming public understanding of how essential smell and taste are to our lives, whether they are running peer support groups, organising local events, delivering talks in community settings, or representing the charity at information days. 

You will join a small, friendly and ambitious team committed to your professional development as the charity continues to grow. 

If you are passionate about making a difference, enjoy working with people, and want to contribute to a pioneering and collaborative organisation that values and empowers its community, we would love to hear from you. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. 

Position: Community Support Senior Officer x 3
Type: Full-time (35 hours a week), permanent
Location: Homebased (1 x with access to North West England, 1 x with access to East Midlands and 1 x with access to West Midlands). Must have access to a car with clean driving licence
Salary: £33,044* per annum plus excellent benefits
Salary Band and Job Family: Band 2, Charity

*you’ll start at our entry point salary of £ 33,044 per annum, increasing to £35,109 after 6 months service and satisfactory performance and to £37,174 after a further 6 months.

About us

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

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

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

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

About this job

Please note, you must have access to car with a clean driving licence for this role.

Join us as a Community Support Senior Officer and make a real difference!

In this pivotal role, you’ll provide high-quality support to volunteers, volunteer managers, and service providers across our community networks. You’ll help ensure enquiries are resolved promptly, guide volunteers through their journey, and work collaboratively to maintain well-governed, compliant groups that meet local needs. If you’re passionate about empowering volunteers, skilled in communication and planning, and eager to contribute to positive change for people affected by MS, we’d love to hear from you.

Closing date for applications: 9:00 on Monday 5 January 2026

We anticipate interviews will take place week commencing 12th January 2026.

Interested?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Encouraging work life balance

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

Caring for you and your family 

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

Thinking about your finances 

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

Enriching your life at work

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No agencies please.

Role description: You will work with local residents to continue our community engagement work, empowering residents to bring about positive change for North Leatherhead and facilitating their engagement in decisions affecting the local area.

Pay and hours: £16 an hour. 15 hours per week, with occasional evening and weekend working.

Contract: 6-month contract, initially.  

Location: LCH, Kingston Road, Leatherhead. KT22 7PX. Not suitable for remote working.

Context:

North Leatherhead is in the top 5% most deprived neighbourhoods in Surrey, with one of the highest concentrations of foodbank use in the county and healthy life expectancy rates that are, on average, seven years lower than in South Leatherhead. A listening exercise by Mole Valley District Council highlighted the lack of community provision and the damaging impact of the closure of the children’s centre and other community buildings in recent years.

Leatherhead Community Hub (LCH) opened in March 2022 as a dedicated community centre in North Leatherhead. LCH provides opportunities for people to come together socially and build community, as well as giving partner organisations a permanent base from which to offer vital support. Our mission is to create a safe, welcoming space at the heart of the community, where people of all ages can connect, learn, have fun, and find the support they need to thrive. The Hub attracts around 3,500 visitors a month to our community café and the many other community activities run by LCH and other local groups.

One of LCH’s core values is to be community-led, and we are always looking for opportunities to take on board people’s ideas and develop their gifts. Last year, we set up a non-contact boxing project and we have plans for a new football project, in response to parents’ concerns about the lack of provision for children and young people. Responsibility for both projects is being handed over to local residents.

Role description:

You will be responsible for listening to, engaging with and empowering local residents to facilitate positive change in their community, with the following specific objectives:

· To establish a residents’ panel (or similar), giving local residents a greater say in decisions affecting local community.

· To organise an Annual General Meeting (or similar), ensuring that LCH is accountable to the local community.

· To carry out a community survey (or listening exercise) for North Leatherhead, to increase our understanding of the concerns and hopes of local residents.

In addition, we would like to explore ways to increase ownership and involvement of local residents in all aspects of the running of LCH. You will be employed by LCH, using the Hub as a base for networking and capacity-building, whilst also reaching out to other sections of the community. This role will require you to have a regular presence at LCH and in the wider community.

Requirements of the postholder: 

Essential:

· Excellent listening skills – friendly and approachable, with the ability to connect with people from a wide range of backgrounds and make them feel supported and valued.

· Experience of volunteering and/or working in a community setting.

· Strong organisational, time management and IT skills.

· A positive and creative approach to work – able to handle new or competing demands and work on own initiative without close supervision.

· A willingness to work flexibly, including occasional evening and weekend meetings.

· A firm commitment to the vision, mission and values of LCH.

Desirable:

· Good networking skills and experience of working with other organisations to achieve positive change for the community.

· An understanding of the principles of asset-based community development and other participatory approaches to community development.

· A proven ability to motivate and support people to use their strengths and skills for the benefit of the wider community.

· Experience of carrying out community research and/or grassroots organising.

· Experience of living, working and/or volunteering in the local area.

How to apply:  Please send us your CV and a cover letter (no more than 500 words), explaining why you would like this role and how you meet the job requirements.

 Posted on: 15th December 2025 

Closing date: 15th January 2026 

Interview date: 23rd January 2026

We are keen to appoint someone to start in February, or as soon as possible.

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. 

Macular disease is the biggest cause of sight loss in the UK, with around 300 people diagnosed every day. The Macular Society is the only charity determined to beat the fear and isolation of macular disease with world class research, and the best advice and support.

To support people affected by macular disease now, the Macular Society provides a range of support, information and services. Our research programme is focused on finding new treatments and a cure to beat macular disease forever.

We’re looking for someone who can lead on community engagement across Wales – helping to grow and strengthen our local peer support services. You’ll work collaboratively with colleagues and volunteers, develop partnerships, and help us reach more people affected by macular disease. You’ll need to be organised, adaptable, and confident managing multiple projects at once. If you feel you have the attributes above, we would love to hear from you.

In return, we provide a great working culture and offer flexible working options, 26 days annual leave, the ability to buy or sell annual leave, supportive family policies, and a 6% pension contribution.

We are an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.

This role is predominantly home-based; however, travel will be required across Wales and occasionally to Andover in Hampshire.

Macular disease is the biggest cause of sight loss in the UK, with around 300 people diagnosed every day. The Macular Society is the only charity determined to beat the fear and isolation of macular disease with world class research, and the best advice and support.

To support people affected by macular disease now, the Macular Society provides a range of support, information and services. Our research programme is focused on finding new treatments and a cure to beat macular disease forever.

We’re looking for someone who can lead on community engagement across the North of England – helping to grow and strengthen our local peer support services. You’ll work collaboratively with colleagues and volunteers, develop partnerships, and help us reach more people affected by macular disease. You’ll need to be organised, adaptable, and confident managing multiple projects at once. If you feel you have the attributes above, we would love to hear from you.

In return, we provide a great working culture and offer flexible working options, 26 days annual leave, the ability to buy or sell annual leave, supportive family policies, and a 6% pension contribution.

We are an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.

This role is predominantly home-based; however, travel will be required across the North of England and occasionally to Andover in Hampshire. 

Macular disease is the biggest cause of sight loss in the UK, with around 300 people diagnosed every day. The Macular Society is the only charity determined to beat the fear and isolation of macular disease with world class research, and the best advice and support.

To support people affected by macular disease now, the Macular Society provides a range of support, information and services. Our research programme is focused on finding new treatments and a cure to beat macular disease forever.

We’re looking for an experienced and strategic individual to lead our community engagement work in Northern Ireland and manage our UK-wide team of Community Engagement Managers. You’ll oversee peer support development, build strong partnerships, and ensure consistent delivery across regions. This role requires excellent leadership skills, the ability to manage complex relationships, and a strong understanding of how to engage and empower communities. If you feel you have the attributes above, we would love to hear from you.

In return, we provide a great working culture and offer flexible working options, 26 days annual leave, the ability to buy or sell annual leave, supportive family policies, and a 6% pension contribution.

We are an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.

This role is predominantly home-based; however, travel will be required across NI and occasionally to Andover in Hampshire.

Lead policy and research projects that shape national conversations on cohesion and integration. Join Belong and help create lasting change across the UK.

This is an exciting opportunity to take a pivotal role in delivering high-impact projects that inform practice and influence decision-makers. As Belong enters its next phase of growth, we are determined to deepen our impact, strengthen our resilience, and champion cohesion and integration at scale.

About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation focused on building a more united and less divided society. Established in 2019, we work across sectors to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience in communities. Through research, policy influence, and place-based programmes, we connect people, places, and organisations to share learning and drive systemic change. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses. Belong is collaborative, evidence-led, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

The Role
As Policy and Research Lead, you will design and deliver research and policy projects that inform practice and influence decision-makers. You will produce high-quality outputs, translate evidence into actionable recommendations, and contribute to Belong’s thought leadership. This role combines strategic insight with hands-on delivery and offers the chance to shape national conversations on social cohesion.

Key Responsibilities

• Policy and Research Leadership

  • Lead the design and delivery of policy and research projects, ensuring quality, relevance, and impact.
  • Produce policy briefings, reports, consultation responses, and thought leadership pieces.
  • Translate research findings into actionable recommendations for policymakers and practitioners.
  • Ensure projects are inclusive, participatory, and informed by lived experience.
  • Monitor policy developments and contribute to strategic positioning and horizon scanning.

• Stakeholder Engagement

  • Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, researchers, funders, and sector leaders.
  • Represent Belong at external meetings, events, and networks.
  • Support collaborative research and policy initiatives with partners and commissioners.
  • Contribute to dissemination of Belong’s work through events, media, and digital channels.

• Internal Collaboration

  • Support the Director of Policy & Research in developing Belong’s policy influencing strategy.
  • Contribute to organisational learning and cross-team collaboration.
  • Assist with proposal development and funder engagement.
  • Line manage junior staff or associates as required.

About You
We are seeking a strategic and thoughtful leader with:

• Proven experience in leading policy and applied research programmes.
• Experience working in or with government, think tanks, or advocacy organisations.
• Strong analytical and writing skills.
• Knowledge of cohesion, integration, and community development.
• Excellent project management and organisational abilities.
• Familiarity with participatory and inclusive research methods.
• Experience in income generation or bid development.
• Relevant qualification in public policy, social research, or related field.
• Ability to translate complex ideas into accessible messages.
• Politically aware and intellectually curious.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.

Personal Qualities

• Passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK.
• Strategic and solutions-focused.
• Collaborative and inclusive.
• Practical, reliable, and detail-oriented.
• Committed to personal and professional development.
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced and evolving environment.

Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:

• 30 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays)
• Hybrid working
• Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
• Opportunities for professional development and growth

Join us and help shape policy and research that builds stronger, kinder, and more connected communities across the UK.

Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.