Community engagement officer jobs in watford, hertfordshire

Shape the Future of Finance at ABRSM

ABRSM is the UK’s leading music education body and a globally respected charity, supporting millions of learners and teachers across 90+ countries through world-renowned music exams, publications, and digital learning tools. With a turnover of approximately £50 million, ABRSM is undertaking an ambitious programme of digital transformation—modernising systems, operations, and ways of working to better serve its global community.

They are now seeking a dynamic Head of Transactional Finance to lead the evolution of finance operations and define the future of this function within a modern, collaborative finance team.

The Role
Reporting directly to the CFO, the Head of Transactional Finance as a pivotal leadership role that oversees payroll, accounts payable, and finance systems. It has a strong relationship to accounts receivable in an adjacent team. It’s a unique opportunity to lead a function through significant change.

You’ll be instrumental in driving automation, improving processes, and ensuring seamless integration between finance systems (UNIT4) and wider business platforms such as Microsoft Dynamics. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, change-oriented environment and is passionate about delivering operational excellence and strategic impact:

• Driving automation and process improvement across transactional finance
• Managing the successful deployment and optimisation of UNIT4 and its integration with wider business systems (notably Microsoft Dynamics)
• Enhancing financial compliance, policy, and controls
• Ensuring underlying data is clean and timely for reporting
• Supporting change management across finance and the broader organisation

The Person
We’re looking for a confident and forward-thinking finance professional who thrives in change-oriented environments and wants to put their stamp on a high-impact function. You'll play a critical role in bridging systems, processes, and people—bringing structure, clarity, and innovation to a function that underpins ABRSM’s financial strength and strategic direction.

You’ll bring:

• A recognised finance qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
• Demonstrated leadership in finance operations, including payroll and accounts payable
• A track record of managing or supporting finance system implementations and integrations (experience with UNIT4 is essential)
• Excellent project management and stakeholder engagement skills
• A mindset geared toward continuous improvement, digital transformation, and cross-functional collaboration
• The ability to shape and position transactional finance as a partner to teams such as financial accounting and FP&A
• This role is not for a pure systems accountant—but for someone who thinks systemically, understands how to embed finance within digital workflows, and can bring a modern, strategic lens to transactional processes.

Why Join ABRSM?

• This is a rare opportunity to lead change in an organisation with a global reach and a purpose-driven mission. You’ll have the autonomy to define the transactional finance function and be part of a broader transformation journey that’s reshaping how ABRSM delivers value internally and externally.
• A high-impact leadership role in a purpose-driven organisation
• The opportunity to shape and modernise finance operations
• A chance to contribute to a global mission in music education
• A competitive salary and benefits package including matched pension contribution plus 2% (employer contribution capped at 10%), 25 days annual leave plus Xmas closure days, Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Contract: Permanent or 18-Month Fixed Term
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
• A collaborative and supportive work environment.

How to Apply
ABRSM are working in partnership with Hays Senior Finance to identify the right person for this role. Please contact Peter O’Sullivan at Hays if you have any queries, but the first step towards being considered is to make your application. If suitable, Peter will follow up with a call to discuss next steps.

Closing date: 30th August 2025
First round interviews: w/c 8th Sept
Second round interviews: w/c 15th Sept

You will be part of a small team that works collaboratively towards making a huge impact on the lives of the children and families we work with. We look for people who want to be part of a service that is innovative, creative and constantly striving to do better.

We are seeking a highly organised and proactive Adoption Service Coordinator and Panel Administrator to support the effective delivery of adoption services. This pivotal role ensures smooth coordination of assessments, panel meetings, and administrative tasks across the Permanency Service. You will act as a key point of contact between professionals, adoptive families, and external agencies, ensuring efficient communication and compliance with regulatory standards. The successful candidate will possess exceptional attention to detail, excellent time management skills, and the ability to work in a sensitive and dynamic environment

You will be involved in the development of the service and your views, and insights are encouraged.

· Coordinate diaries and communication across the Permanency Service team.

· Manage and log adoption enquiries; maintain records in Beacon CRM and CHARMS.

· Support adoption assessments, events, and i-adopt marketing updates.

· Organise Adoption Panel meetings, including scheduling and report preparation.

· Take and finalise panel meeting minutes; ensure timely decisions and notifications.

· Maintain panel member records, training logs, and meeting attendance.

· Update web content, brochures, and social media with adoption recruitment materials.

· Collect and share feedback for service improvement and performance reporting.

You will have regular informal guidance and formal supervision on a monthly basis. You will be part of the wider service of Family Futures and attend monthly Team Days to learn, share and develop the service and your practice.

We are looking for an individual who is:

• Motivated to work with families and derive satisfaction from seeing the development of adopters
• Not fazed by complex needs, challenges, and adversity
• Embraces a parent-positive and child friendly approach
• Able to work in a small team and be a team player
• Wants to develop their knowledge base and interest in multi-disciplinary working through a therapeutic lens.
• Thrives in a collaborative and integrated team environment.

What we offer

Benefits of joining Family Futures

· High-quality supervision and professional development training.

· We run regular Learning Forums to support and learn from each other

· An empowering and encouraging environment

· A nurturing environment for staff to work, including a weekly self-care session.

We believe that embracing different perspectives enriches our agency's culture and strengthens our ability to serve the children and families we work with. Therefore, we welcome applications from candidates from a wide range of lived experience and are actively recruiting people from the global majority. By ‘global majority’, we mean Black African, Black Caribbean, Asian and dual heritage communities.

We are an equal opportunities employer and committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workforce. We encourage applications from suitably qualified applicants regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Family Futures is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. The organisation follows safer recruitment practices to protect children and adults at risk of harm and will require the successful applicant to undertake an enhanced DBS disclosure.

Family Futures is a menopause friendly employer.

Contract Type: Fixed Term Full Time
Salary: From £38,252 to £42,502 per annum
Location: London
 
Closing Date: 17 August 2025
 
Concern Worldwide (UK) is looking for a Senior Prospect Researcher on a 3-year fixed term contract.
 
About us
 
Concern Worldwide is a non-governmental, international humanitarian organization dedicated to the reduction of suffering and working toward the ultimate elimination of extreme poverty in the world's poorest countries. Our mission is to transform the lives of people living in extreme poverty. We work with 27 million people each year, in some of the hardest-to-reach and most fragile places. Places prone to conflict, natural disasters, climate change, and extreme hunger.
 
About the role
 
To contribute to the success of the Philanthropy and Partnerships Team success, and the delivery of income targets through effective and timely prospect research and pipeline management.
 
Main duties & Responsibilities
• Develop and implement a robust prospect research strategy supporting high-value fundraising across philanthropists, trusts & foundations, and corporates in the UK.
• Work collaboratively with our team in Ireland, to realise the pipeline opportunities for the portfolios across territories and allocate a percentage of time to supporting prospecting for our Ireland-based fundraising colleagues.
• Lead on prospect identification and qualification, building a diverse, strategic pipeline of potential supporters.
• Produce tailored research and high-quality briefing materials for fundraisers, senior leadership, and trustees.
• Manage team-wide prospect pipelines, portfolio allocation, and reporting. Fundraisers will be responsible for engagement of prospects.
• Conduct due diligence research in line with Concern's Gift Acceptance Policy and ethical fundraising standards.
• Support the ongoing development of prospect research systems and processes using our CRM and research tools.
• Ensure the prospect pipeline and new contacts and correspondence is captured on our CRM system, ensuring legal and regulatory compliance (for example in respect to data protection legislation)
• Keep up to date on sector trends and identify ways to improve research, due diligence and market insight. Proactively bring these insights to research meetings and share with colleagues
 
About You
• Demonstrable experience in prospect research within a high-value fundraising environment.
• Demonstrable experience of identifying, collecting and analysing prospect research data, utilising a wide variety of resources, including free and subscription research tools, internal systems and informal networks (such as forums) to produce high quality prospects leads and new business opportunities
• Contributing to the deliver of the Philanthropy and Partnerships team income targets
• Skilled in analysing and interpreting complex information from a variety of sources.
• Experience of using a CRM database to store prospect data, information and communications
• A thorough understanding of data protection legislation and how this relates to prospect research and fundraising
 
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
 
Concern Worldwide encourages all qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, ethnicity and origin, disability, political beliefs, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status to apply to become a part of the organization. Concern is against all forms of discrimination and unequal power relations, and is committed to promoting equality.
 
Benefits
• 25 days' annual leave, pro-rated for part-time employees.
• Office closure between Christmas Day and New Year's Day
• Flexible hours and hybrid working
• Annual leave purchase scheme
• Enhanced parental leave pay
• Stakeholder pension
• Season ticket loan
• Cycle scheme
• Life assurance
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
 
About our office
 
Our London office is based in The Foundry close to Vauxhall and The Oval underground stations. The Foundry offers a unique opportunity to be a part of a vibrant and ambitious community focused on social justice and human rights.
 
Concern is currently trialling a hybrid model. Staff are expected to come into their base office once per week or the monthly equivalent i.e. 4 times per month. Staff are also able to flex their start and finish times between the hours of 7am to 7pm daily.
 
How to apply
 
Please upload your CV and cover letter by 17th August 2025.
All candidates who are short-listed for an interview will be notified via email.
Candidates must be legally entitled to work in the UK at the time of application.
 
The successful post holder will be required to complete a criminal records self-declaration form.
 
Having a criminal record will not necessarily debar you from working with Concern Worldwide (GB). This will depend on the nature of the position, together with the circumstances and background of your offences.
 
You may have experience of the following: Prospect Research Officer, Development Research Analyst, Fundraising Research Specialist, Donor Research Coordinator, Philanthropy Research Manager, Major Gifts Research Officer, Trust and Foundation Research Analyst, Corporate Research Specialist, etc.
 
REF-223 049

Location: You can be based near one of the following office locations - Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, Liverpool, London, or Newcastle. 

We operate a hybrid model of work i.e. a combination of in-person and remote, with flexible days in the office depending on business need and your preferences. We would typically expect in-office attendance an average of one day per week.  

Your office is where you will usually attend in-person events, training sessions etc. though some travel, to other offices and other locations, will occasionally be expected.

 

Hours: We are looking for the right candidate and while we envisage this being a full-time role (37.5 hours per week) we are very open to flexible working arrangements such as part-time, compressed hours and/or flexitime.

Occasional/frequent evening or weekend work may be required, for which time off in lieu (TOIL) will be given.
 

Ideal start date: ASAP, as agreed with candidate 

Purpose of the Role:

As a key leader within our Partnerships and Income Development team, you will be responsible for creating, developing and delivering the Social Mobility Foundation’s Employer Programme – how we inform, influence and positively impact employer-led social mobility, and a source of income generation.

Reporting to the Head of Partnerships and Income Development, you’ll be the custodian of the Social Mobility Employer Index (SMEI) – our annual benchmarking and assessment tool for how UK employers recruit, retain and develop talent from all socioeconomic backgrounds and build inclusive workplaces. You'll have full product ownership, managing the delivery lifecycle from end-to-end: from marketing, to pipeline development and entrant submissions, data analysis, reporting and evaluation, as well as ongoing development and improvement.

In addition, by collaborating with existing partners who offer pro-bono consultancy, you’ll scope, develop and deliver new products, resources and services that equip employers with the knowledge and practical tools to improve social mobility in the workplace.  
 
We’re looking for someone who is willing and able to move easily between strategic thinking and hands-on delivery, and is excited about taking full ownership over this important work. Combining a passion for delivering our mission with keen commercial acumen, high attention to detail and project management skills, this is a unique chance to make a big impact on social mobility in the UK.    

Key Responsibility Areas    

• Product ownership and project management 
• Product and service development 
• Quality standards
• Customer service and value proposition 
• Stakeholder management
• Systems and processes  
• Team development and collaboration 
• Line Management (Matrix structure)  

Please review the attached pdf for the full job description.

Person Specification (Knowledge, skills and experience required)

Project management and product development

• Demonstrable experience designing, delivering and developing programmes, products and/or services that meet organisational needs 
• Demonstrable experience in project management, shaping long-term strategy while managing day-to-day operations and delivery

Stakeholder engagement 

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with experience building and managing relationships 

Policy and data skills 

• Understanding of issues related to social mobility, diversity and inclusion, or workforce development 
• Understanding of and/or experience in benchmarking tools, indices or assessment frameworks 

Commercial and customer service 

• Demonstrable experience in managing pipelines and/or stewarding customers, demonstrating excellent customer service skills and a high attention to detail 
• Confidence in public speaking, presenting or facilitating workshops with professional audiences 

IT skills 

• Experience using Microsoft Office 
• Experience of using or understanding of CRM software to effectively support pipeline and partnership management e.g. Salesforce 
• Experience of or understanding of managing and using digital platforms for programmes, products and/or services 

Please review the attached pdf for the full person specification. 

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply by submitting the following information to our application portal Pinpoint by 23:59pm, Monday 25th August: 

1. A cover letter (500 words maximum) outlining why you would like to work at the Social Mobility Foundation and why you are a strong candidate for the role, including specific examples from your experience and skills. 
2. A short statement answering the following question: “Tell us about a time where you played a key role in securing or growing a funding opportunity or partnership. How did you find the opportunity, and what was your approach to writing the proposal and stewarding the relationship? What impact did it have, and what did you learn?” (500 words maximum) 

Please note that generic applications and CV’s will not be considered.

Job Title: Independent Gender Violence Advocate (IGVA)

Location: The GAIA Centre (Lambeth)
Salary: £28,857.12 per annum (Inclusive of London Weighting, which may not be applicable depending on your home location and any agreed permanent homeworking arrangement)

Contract type: Full Time, Permanent 

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as an IGVA supporting women and children who are impacted by different strands of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). The independent gender violence advocate will work closely with victims of gender-based violence from the point of crisis, to provide high quality independent advocacy and support to survivors of gender-based violence at the highest risk and their children.

The role will be part of increasing the ability of partner agencies to recognise, reject and respond appropriately and safely to all forms of gender-based violence (including domestic violence, sexual, financial and emotional abuse, female genital mutilation, forced marriage and honour-based violence). The job involves working within a multi-agency framework consisting of the MARAC and local partnership protocols and procedures that prioritise the safety of survivors. The post holder will empower survivors by providing them with emotional, practical and personal welfare support. The job involves ensuring that women are provided with a safe, supportive and welcoming environment, enabling them to access their rights, make decisions and increase their life options

The job involves working within a multi-agency framework consisting of the MARAC and local partnership protocols and procedures that prioritise the safety of survivors. The job involves informing survivors of the full range of civil, criminal, and practical options that might increase their safety. 

Closing Date: 09:00am 5 August 2025

Interview Date: 14 and 15 August 2025

The International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) is exclusive partnering with Robertson Bell in their search for a Head of Financial Planning & Analysis to join their evolving team on a permanent basis, in this newly created role.

The Head of Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) is a key senior member of the finance team and will help shape the strategic management and direction of the team. They will support the Director of Finance and Operations, Senior Leadership Team, Trustees and budget holders to understand and interpret IIED’s finances and play a key role in the long term strategic financial planning process.

The organisation:

IIED is a global research organisation dedicated to sustainable development, connecting local needs with global challenges. They operate on six continents, advocating for the world's most vulnerable communities to influence decisions that impact them. Based in London and Edinburgh, with 200 staff and associates worldwide, IIED has led sustainable development policy for over 50 years.

Their new manifesto launched in May 2024, aims to address the complex interconnectivity of today's global issues with innovative, collaborative approaches. Recognising the limitations of traditional project planning in a rapidly changing world, IIED is shifting towards forming dynamic, diverse alliances to tackle systemic issues, focusing on justice and decolonisation, and creating significant, scalable impacts through collaborative, adaptive efforts.

The key duties of the Head of Financial Planning & Analysis are as follows:

• Lead on strategic financial reporting to provide a clear picture of the organization’s short- and long-term financial position
• Manage the design and build of financial models to support strategic planning, project impact assessment, and forecasting
• Lead the annual budgeting process, working closely with department heads to develop realistic forecasts and budget plans
• Develop and maintain financial models to project future financial performance
• Lead the finance business partnering function, providing support and guidance to budget holders and key stakeholders
• Ensure monthly management accounts are produced and shared with stakeholders
• Financial evaluation of project proposals to support management decision-making
• Manage and mentor the FP&A Team, providing guidance, training, and support to foster professional growth and development
• Work closely with project managers and budget holders, ensuring projects are financially sustainable and aligned with donor requirements
• Collaborate with operational teams, including HR, IT, and Procurement, to integrate financial planning with operational strategies

The successful candidate will have:

• Qualified with a recognised professional body, or be able to prove they are qualified by experience
• Experience in charity financial planning, budgeting and cost recovery model in a complex organisation
• Substantial relevant finance management experience in the not-for-profit sector
• Experience in mapping and analysing processes and identifying and implementing process improvement
• Excellent communication skills and be able to influence at all levels within the organisation
• Ability to manage, support and develop diverse teams to work effectively together and with the rest of the organisation
• Ideally, experience of accounting within a grant receiving organisation

This role is offered on a hybrid working basis, with only occasional travel required, just a few times per month, to either the London or Edinburgh office for key meetings.

Applications are open until Sunday 24^th August, with first stage interviews due to take place the week commencing 1^st September, but CVs will be under continuous review before then, so do not delay in applying – submit your CV via Robertson Bell today to make sure you don’t miss out!

The vacancy

We are seeking to appoint one lay member to sit on our GOC Council.

About the GOC

We are the regulator for the optical professions in the UK. Our purpose is to protect the public by promoting high standards of education, performance and conduct.  For more information about us please visit our website:optical. org.

About the Council

The role of Council is to lead on the GOC’s mission to protect the public by upholding high standards in eye care services.  The Council is composed of six lay members (including the Chair) and six registrant members (i.e. registered optometrists and dispensing opticians).  At least one member of the Council must work wholly or mainly in each of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.  One Council member acts as a Senior Council Member whose role is to carry out the Chair’s appraisal as well as provide a sounding board for the Chair and serve as an intermediary for Council members, Executive and stakeholders as necessary. 

The successful candidate will contribute to Council by exercising oversight, ensuring effective corporate governance, and making high-level policy decisions. They will be able to operate strategically and impartially; listen, communicate, and influence effectively; exercise judgment; and inspire confidence and support amongst our stakeholders. 

Remuneration and time commitment

Council members are remunerated in accordance with our member fees policy (£13,962 per annum plus reasonable travel and subsistence expenses).  The member fee includes time for reading and preparation.

The appointed member will be expected to commit approximately 2-3 days per month.  Meetings will usually take place via MS Teams but may on occasion be held at the GOC Offices at Level 29, One Canada Square, London, E14 5AA. There are occasional online catch-up meetings - these are currently scheduled on a Tuesday evening every 6-8 weeks, from 5.30pm – 6.30pm.

How to apply:

Please email the the following to appointment@optical. org

· your CV outlining your employment history, any relevant voluntary work, public service or other experience; together with any relevant professional, academic or vocational qualifications;

· the application form, stating how your experience matches the criteria for the vacancy you are applying for; and

· complete the EDI monitoring form linked in the candidate pack (this is an online form and does not need to be included in the email with your CV and application form).

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  midnight on Sunday 10 August 2025.

Online interviews will be held on between Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 October 2025.

If you have any questions, please email them to appointment@optical. org and we will aim to respond to you within 48 hours. 

We welcome applications from individuals who are disabled and from diverse ethnic backgrounds as these are currently under-represented on our council and committees.

We strive to be as diverse as the public we protect and welcome applications from everyone, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity and geographical locations outside of London.

 

 

Job Title: Refuge Worker

Location: This is an onsite role, located within the London Borough of Hounslow, there may be a requirement to occasionally work in the London Borough of Hillingdon.
Salary: £17,314.27 per annum (Inclusive of London Weighting, which may not be applicable depending on your home location
Contract type: Part Time, Permanent 

Hours: 22.5 hours (days to be discussed)

Are you passionate about supporting women and children escaping domestic abuse? We are looking for a compassionate and dedicated Refuge Worker to join our team, providing vital support in a safe and secure environment for those in crisis. This is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals when they need it most.

As a Refuge Worker, you will be responsible for delivering practical and emotional support to residents, ensuring their safety and wellbeing while they rebuild their lives. Key duties include conducting risk assessments, safety planning, supporting access to benefits and housing, liaising with external agencies, and maintaining accurate case records. The ideal candidate will be empathetic, resilient, and highly organised, with experience of working in a support or advocacy role, ideally within the domestic abuse or safeguarding sector.

This is a rewarding role where your work has a direct impact every day. In return, we offer a supportive team environment, opportunities for training and development, and the chance to be part of a cause that truly matters.

Closing Date: 09:00am 13 August 2025

Iterview Dates: 18 and 19 August 2025

Refuge is the UK’s largest provider of specialist services, and we are proud to be a leader in our field and an employer of choice, with leading edge systems for supervision, quality management and development.

Refuge offers a variety of exciting opportunities to learn, develop and grow in your career. We recognise the value everyone brings to the organisation to achieve our aims and are dedicated to developing and rewarding our staff. More details of our benefits can be found in Job Information Pack.