Community leadership team assistant jobs

This is a unique and high-profile position at the heart of the Archbishop of Canterbury's ministry. As Head of the Private Office, you will provide leadership and operational oversight for a busy, complex office that supports the Archbishop's work locally, nationally and internationally. The role demands exceptional organisational ability, political awareness, and emotional intelligence to manage sensitive matters and relationships with discretion and professionalism.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
* Strategic Leadership: Oversee the Private Office to ensure it provides seamless
executive support for the Archbishop. Manage administration, logistics and scheduling
with discretion and efficiency.
* Consultation and Communication: Act as a key conduit between the Archbishop and
staff, consulting on decisions and disseminating her views effectively.
* Confidentiality: Handle highly sensitive matters with discretion and emotional
intelligence.
* Diary and Requests management: Line manage the Archbishop's Diary Manager and, in
partnership with senior colleagues, ensure engagements reflect priorities and respond to
changing circumstances. Ensure all incoming requests and invitations are logged, assessed,
and responded to appropriately. Seek advice on prioritisation and alignment with the
Archbishop's objectives.
* Hospitality: Ensure that the Archbishop's guests and visitors receive warm and welcoming
hospitality and are well looked after.
* Travel arrangements: Ensure travel arrangements are made accurately and on time,
including booking tickets and accommodations when necessary.
* Inbox Management: Develop and maintain an efficient system for managing the
Archbishop's inbox, ensuring timely responses, prioritisation of urgent matters, and clear
communication with the wider team.
* Team Management: Line manage the Diary Manager, Correspondence Manager and
Personal Assistant, fostering a high-performing team and collaborative work culture.
* Briefing & Preparation: Ensure the Archbishop is fully prepared for all engagements, and
that briefs from relevant staff members are produced and logged.
* Research & Correspondence: Conduct research on a range of issues and draft sensitive,
high-level personal correspondence in liaison with the Correspondence Manager.
* Gifts Management: Maintain oversight of gifts given and received, ensuring accurate
logging.
* Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with key external
stakeholders and personal contacts in a complex political environment.
* Security Liaison: Coordinate with the Metropolitan Police regarding the Archbishop's
movements to ensure appropriate security measures.
* Staffing: Occasionally accompany the Archbishop on visits and meetings as required.
Archbishop's Spouse Support
* Facilitate communication between Lambeth Palace staff and the Archbishop's spouse,
ensuring effective diary management and briefing.
All staff working at Lambeth Palace share responsibility to promote and maintain a strong
safeguarding culture with regard to children and vulnerable adults, including identifying the key
actions they should take given their role and responsibilities.

The Church of England is for everyone and we want to reflect the diversity of the community the
Church serves across the whole country. Therefore, while of course we welcome all applications
from interested and suitably experienced people, we would particularly welcome applicants from
UK Minoritised Ethnicities (UKME)/Global Majority Heritage (GMH) and other under-represented
groups.

Essential
Knowledge/Experience:
* Experience of working in a complex organisation with multiple external, diverse
relationships.
* Experience of leading and motivating a team, enabling them to carry out integral support
roles to a senior figure, with the ability to instil a positive culture with strong awareness of
wider priorities.
* Experience of planning and managing high level events in support of a senior figure.
* Experience of overseeing the extensive/complex diary management of a senior
manager/leader, which is affected by an evolving political landscape.
* Demonstrative experience of drafting complex letters and other correspondence, taking
into account the bigger picture.
* Previous experience of coordinating research projects, including producing high-level
briefing documents.
* Experience of staffing a senior figure in meetings or/and on travel engagements.
* Experience of managing staff in a busy and complex office.

Skills, Abilities and Attributes:
* Sensitivity and good judgement in understanding and dealing with urgent and complex
issues and relationships across a very wide range of subjects.
* A commitment to supporting the Archbishop to provide compassionate, consistent and
hopeful leadership to the Church of England and in the Anglican Communion.
* A thorough understanding of the Church of England, and the ability to quickly grasp the
work of the Archbishop of Canterbury, including her personal priorities.
* Seeing the big picture and navigating a complex and constantly changing political
landscape.
* A natural instinct for prioritisation and seeing what is important.
* Proven ability to be a proactive problem solver and to take initiative.
* The ability to develop and maintain relationships in a fast-paced and politically complex
environment, demonstrating confidence and emotional intelligence.
* Proven ability to work collaboratively to achieve results.
* Highly diplomatic and discreet, with experience of being exposed to highly sensitive
material, involving a range of stakeholders.
* Ability to juggle being a trusted and supportive adviser to a senior leader, whilst pushing
back where necessary.
* Outstanding communication skills, both oral and written.
* A calm and reassuring presence, with a nurturing leadership and communication style.
* Resourceful and calm under pressure, with the ability to cope with a number of
simultaneous demands.
* Proficient in Microsoft Windows and the Office suite.
* Due to the demanding nature of this role, a degree of flexibility with working hours and
responsibilities is required, with the ability to adapt to unforeseen circumstances.

Qualifications & Training:
* Educated to A-Level, or equivalent qualifying experience.

You will hold an integral role at the DEC for accurately and efficiently managing DEC’s accounting function, ensuring compliance with charity and donor regulations. You will oversee budgeting, grant management, and donor reporting with transparency and accuracy. You will provide financial insights to support cross organisational projects and program delivery and hold a key role in developing and implementing financial strategies that align with our vision and strategic planning.

About You

You will be a confident communicator, who can engage with diverse internal & external stakeholders, including funders and partners, creating a collaborative approach to meet varying commitments. You must be ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified (or equivalent) with senior finance leadership experience in the non-profit or NGO sector and demonstrate strong understanding of charity accounting standards and donor compliance requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Processes

• Ensure accurate income/expenditure recording, bank reconciliations, and daily donation processing.
• Manage monthly accounting routines, prepare management accounts, and lead budget/forecast reviews.
• Coordinate annual and strategic budgeting, financial reporting, and analysis.
• Oversee income reconciliation across multiple streams and liaise with fundraising teams.
• Review and process drawdown payments to member agencies.
• Maintain and update accounting systems and support procurement processes.

Financial Controls

• Lead annual accounts preparation and audits; ensure regulatory compliance.
• Manage pension schedules and benefits compliance.
• Ensure tax compliance (VAT, Corporation Tax, Employment Taxes).
• Audit gift aid claims and maintain robust financial control environment.
• Update financial policies, procedures, and systems, support due diligence standards.

 

Financial Analysis & Reporting

• Oversee appeal finances, income tracking, and fund allocation.
• Coordinate governance processes (e.g., Indicator of Capacity) with member agencies.
• Monitor legacy income and liaise with fundraising/legal teams.
• Deliver annual report and accounts; produce reports for executive team and committees.

Leadership & Team Management

• Deputise for the Director of Finance and Resources.
• Prepare papers for finance committees and membership groups.
• Oversee finance team members and provide leadership support.

If you have used Sun Accounts (Infor SunSystems Cloud) or similar, have worked within a UK charity context and dealt with restricted funds, have prepared budgets, annual accounts and monitored cash flow and treasury management, then we would love to hear from you.

The DEC is an equal opportunities employer and provides opportunities to learn and grow in an inclusive, supportive, and productive environment. We encourage applications from anyone who can meet the criteria, regardless of gender, race, age, disability, sexuality, or religion.

How to apply

If you have the skills and passion for this role, please apply by 9am, Thursday 29th January 2026.

We are unable to support applications for our vacancies if you do not have the right to work in the UK.

The DEC is committed to the safeguarding and protection of children and vulnerable adults and participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from successful applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. 

By applying, the job applicant confirms their understanding of, and consent, to these recruitment procedures.

About the DEC

The DEC is made up of 15 member charities who are experts in humanitarian aid and specialise in different areas of disaster response. They come together to speak in one voice and make fundraising more efficient when we launch an appeal. Our members fund our running costs, and we give them back the money we raise in our appeals to carry out their vital work.

Permanent

Location: The Children's Society Shop, Calverton, Notts

37 hours per week over Monday to Sunday

£25,760 per annum

We offer many enhanced benefits including:

-28 days holiday a year, plus Bank Holidays

-Stakeholder pension scheme with matching contributions up to 8%

-Free confidential counselling service: available to all staff and volunteers

-Free parking space at the shop

-Flexible working days depending on business needs

-Opportunity for all managers to join our Bespoke Management Development Programme - Compass

Full details about our benefits can be found on our website.

Do you have retail experience and a flair for leadership? Are you a natural leader with a drive for results and a passion for making a difference?

We're looking for a confident and motivated Shop Manager to lead our team in our Calverton shop. This is a fantastic opportunity for the right person to engage with the local community, shape the shop's future, and drive up income to support young people.

You'll be responsible for managing an Assistant Shop Manager and a brilliant team of volunteers, working together to turn donated goods into meaningful support for young people. You'll lead and inspire existing volunteers, and attract, recruit and develop new ones to build a team that maximises the shop's potential.

If you have retail experience and enjoy connecting with people from all walks of life, this could be the perfect role for you. If you're also passionate about making a difference, we'd love to hear from you.

The Children's Society has been helping children and young people in this country for over 140 years. We run local services that support children when they are at their most vulnerable and in desperate need of help. We're there for children, every step of the way.

We run over 100 local services that help thousands of young people who desperately need our support, and we campaign to get laws and policies changed to make children's lives happier and safer.

Every day we're changing the lives of children in this country for the better - and with your help, tomorrow we can be there for even more.

The Children's Society is committed to safeguarding and protecting the children and young people that we work with. As such, all posts are subject to a safer recruitment process, including the disclosure of criminal records and vetting checks. We ensure that we have a range of policies and procedures in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practices across our services.

We look forward to receiving your application.

This vacancy closes at midnight on Friday 5th February 2026.

Interviews will be held on a date to be confirmed.

IN2

Are you a skilled and compassionate leader with a passion for making a difference in the lives of others? You will have a key role in helping to serve older Christians and in leading a motivated and committed staff team catering to the residents in Worthing, West Sussex. View our lovely home here.

Our amazing team at Koinonia Christian Care Home provide a loving and caring environment for our residents, whilst maintaining the Christian ethos that is so important to them. The health, well-being and happiness of our residents are of primary importance to us. We are looking for a Business Manager to oversee the operations and ensure the highest standards of care for the people we care for.

As a Business Manager, you will play a pivotal role in managing our day-to-day operations, supporting our dedicated staff, and driving our mission to enhance the well-being of those we serve. Find out more about how we care for our residents: https://youtu.be/Po6md7pq7nI

If you are a dynamic professional with a strong background in business management and a heart for caring, we invite you to apply now.

Have a watch here of "What it means for us, to work in a Christian Care Home like ours:" https://youtu.be/uCa1_BtS34w

For more information, please read the job pack

Responsibilities:

• Lead the business performance of the home alongside the Registered Manager, delivering agreed income, occupancy, cost and surplus targets
• Ensure high standards of service, cleanliness and hospitality through effective leadership of housekeeping, catering and maintenance teams
• Work in partnership with the Registered Manager to maintain quality standards, prepare for inspections, and meet regulatory requirements
• Oversee the administration of the home, including staffing, rotas, payroll information, recruitment, training records and compliance
• Contribute to a well-led, positive and values-driven culture, promoting Pilgrims’ Friend Society’s ethos and “The Way We Care”
• Support staff development, wellbeing and morale through effective supervision, appraisal, performance management and engagement
• Manage resident applications, fees, contracts and family communications, ensuring excellent customer care and responsive complaint handling
• Take responsibility for health, safety and compliance matters when on duty, including fire safety and liaison with external bodies
• Oversee property, maintenance and supplier relationships, working with Property Services to ensure the home is safe and well maintained
• Provide visible leadership in the pastoral and spiritual life of the home, supporting devotions, community engagement and relationships with local churches.

Skills/Experience:

• Willing and able to take a lead in maintaining the Christian ethos of the home;
• Management experience in a business setting;
• Comfortable with writing business communications to staff and residents as well as authorities etc;
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels whilst maintaining confidentiality;
• Ability to lead, motivate and encourage staff to give of their best, and have people-leadership and management experience;
• Able to work under pressure and provide calmness in all situations;
• IT literate ( including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and the Internet);
• Willing to be flexible in the working pattern and are prepared to participate in training and attend relevant staff meetings.

*Applicants must be evangelical Christians (This role has an Occupational Requirement to be filled by a Christian under the provisions of the Equality Act (2010).)

Hours:

40 hours a week, usually worked over 5 days.

“On-call” cover is required on a rotating basis to meet demands. Please get in touch for more information about working patterns. 

Benefits:

• £44,500 to £50,000 per annum
• Relocation support (to be discussed)
• 5 Weeks' paid holiday per year as well as bank and public holidays
• On-going training and support
• Team events
• Pension scheme
• Care Friends referral 
• Medicash
• Perkbox – including an Employee assistance programme.
• Long-standing service rewards
• Birthday rewards

— What our staff say about us: …“It is a friendly and welcoming place to work” … —

We are committed to having a diverse senior management team and we encourage applications from disabled and Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic candidates, as these groups are underrepresented on our senior management team at present.

 Please note: this vacancy may close sooner if sufficient applications have been received so please apply as soon as possible if interested

Full time, 35 hours per week

Fixed Term Contract - 7 months

Grade FL, Salary £35,500 per annum

Location: London with hybrid working (minimum 2 days per week in the office)

Closing date: 5.00pm on Monday 02 February 2026

Interview date: Week commencing 09 February 2026

The Royal College of General Practitioners is the largest membership organisation solely for GPs in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1952, it has over 55,000 members who are committed to improving patient care, developing their own skills and promoting general practice as a discipline. General practice is the largest branch of the medical profession. It provides some 1 million consultations for patients in the UK every working day and deals with 86% of the health problems experienced by the UK population.

As part of the Training and Registration team in the Education Directorate, this role will be responsible for monitoring and assessing applications for Certificates of Completion of Training (CCT) and providing specialist advice and guidance while contributing to ongoing improvement in GP training and registration.

• Do you have experience of working in a regulatory or statutory environment handling complex issues?
• Can you evaluate written evidence and write clear, logical, accurate and persuasive responses and reports?
• Have you worked in a customer facing environment with senior professionals?

You will manage and prioritise a constant caseload of applications and related queries, exercising sound judgement and decision-making while working to deadlines in a high-risk environment. In addition, you will play an active role in improvement initiatives including data analysis and stakeholder engagement.

Educated to GCSE / A level standard or equivalent (including English and Maths), you will have excellent prioritisation and organisational skills and be able to communicate clearly and diplomatically. You must be able to work efficiently and accurately under pressure and demonstrate confidence in making informed decisions. Knowledge and understanding of GP training and registration processes are desirable.

The successful candidate will share our corporate values. In return, the College offers excellent terms and conditions and a great working environment.

A full job description for the role is included in the Candidate Pack.

To apply, please click 'Quick Apply' and complete the application form.

The Royal College of General Practitioners is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

                             ~ Building a sustainable future for general practice ~

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – The Eveson Trust
Location: Worcester (minimum two days per week in the Trust’s office; travel across Worcestershire, Herefordshire and the West Midlands)
Salary: circa £75,000
Contract: Permanent, 35 hours per week

Are you a judicious, outward-looking leader who can sharpen strategy and raise the profile of a regionally rooted grant-maker with a significant endowment?

About The Eveson Trust
The Eveson Trust is a Worcestershire-based, place-focused grant-maker established from the bequest of Violet Mary Eveson. With an endowment of approximately £100 million, the Trust supports an annual grants programme of around £5–6 million and in 2022 modernised its legal structure by becoming a Charitable Incorporated Organisation while retaining strong local roots.

We exist to relieve need and enhance quality of life across Worcestershire, Herefordshire and the West Midlands, prioritising support for people with disabilities, mental-health needs, children and young people in need, older people, those experiencing homelessness, and users of hospitals and hospices. Our next CEO will be central to translating stewardship into measurable local impact and sustainable grant practice.

As our next Chief Executive Officer, you will:

• Strategy & Impact: lead the development and delivery of a refreshed strategic plan and grant-making framework that focuses resources where they will make the greatest measurable difference.
• Governance & Finance: support and advise the Board and sub-committees, ensuring robust governance, high-quality committee papers and sound financial stewardship of the endowment.
• Operational Leadership: strengthen internal systems and processes, make effective use of Salesforce, and propose a right-sized resourcing model to deliver the Trust’s ambitions.
• Income & Investment Oversight: work with the investment advisers and Trustees to balance spending policy, long-term capital protection and responsible investment principles.
• Community & Partnerships: build regional funder partnerships, increase reach in under-represented areas and foster strong relationships with grantees and local stakeholders.
• Grants Quality & Safeguarding: ensure rigorous due diligence, proportionate monitoring and consistently high standards of safeguarding and risk management.
• Brand & Profile: establish and deliver a communications plan that raises the Trust’s visibility across urban and rural communities.
• Team & Culture: lead, mentor and develop a compact team and oversee high standards in HR, data protection and operational compliance.

Who you are

• A seasoned senior leader with demonstrable experience in grant-making, philanthropy or a closely comparable mission-driven setting.
• Financially literate and confident with investment reports, annual accounts, budgets and risk analysis.
• Experienced in modern grants processes, due diligence and impact-focused monitoring.
• Comfortable advising and constructively challenging Trustees, producing concise, evidence-based committee papers.
• A strong relationship builder with a track record of partnership development and external representation.
• Skilled in strategic analysis, clear judgement and using data (for example Salesforce reporting) to inform decisions.

Why The Eveson Trust?

• A rare leadership opportunity to steward a significant endowment and shape a strategic grant-making approach across a diverse regional footprint.
• A respectful, detail-focused Board and a compact, capable team who value proportionate, evidence-based practice.
• The chance to expand the Trust’s presence in under-represented boroughs and to develop meaningful funder partnerships.
• Competitive salary, defined-contribution pension, flexible working and a supportive, mission-focused culture.
• The role offers clear scope to design the team and systems needed to deliver a more impact-focussed future for the Trust.

For full details of the role including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief. For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny Hills at Harris Hill at via the apply button with times to speak and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile which will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 2nd February 2026

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

Business Manager

Are you a skilled and compassionate leader with a passion for making a difference in the lives of others? You will have a key role in helping to serve older Christians and in leading a motivated and committed staff team catering to the residents in Bridgemead, Bath.

As a Business Manager, you will play a pivotal role in managing our day-to-day operations, supporting our dedicated staff, and driving our mission to enhance the well-being of those we serve. Find out more about how we care for our residents: https://youtu.be/Po6md7pq7nI

If you are a dynamic professional with a strong background in business management and a heart for caring, we invite you to apply now.

Have a watch here of "What it means for us, to work in a Christian Care Home like ours:" https://youtu.be/uCa1_BtS34w

For more information, please read the job pack

Responsibilities:

• Lead the business performance of the home alongside the Registered Manager, delivering agreed income, occupancy, cost and surplus targets
• Ensure high standards of service, cleanliness and hospitality through effective leadership of housekeeping, catering and maintenance teams
• Work in partnership with the Registered Manager to maintain quality standards, prepare for inspections, and meet regulatory requirements
• Oversee the administration of the home, including staffing, rotas, payroll information, recruitment, training records and compliance
• Contribute to a well-led, positive and values-driven culture, promoting Pilgrims’ Friend Society’s ethos and “The Way We Care”
• Support staff development, wellbeing and morale through effective supervision, appraisal, performance management and engagement
• Manage resident applications, fees, contracts and family communications, ensuring excellent customer care and responsive complaint handling
• Take responsibility for health, safety and compliance matters when on duty, including fire safety and liaison with external bodies
• Oversee property, maintenance and supplier relationships, working with Property Services to ensure the home is safe and well maintained
• Provide visible leadership in the pastoral and spiritual life of the home, supporting devotions, community engagement and relationships with local churches.

Skills/Experience:

• Willing and able to take a lead in maintaining the Christian ethos of the home;
• Management experience in a business setting;
• Comfortable with writing business communications to staff and residents as well as authorities etc;
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels whilst maintaining confidentiality;
• Ability to lead, motivate and encourage staff to give of their best, and have people-leadership and management experience;
• Able to work under pressure and provide calmness in all situations;
• IT literate ( including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and the Internet);
• Willing to be flexible in the working pattern and are prepared to participate in training and attend relevant staff meetings.

*Applicants must be evangelical Christians (This role has an Occupational Requirement to be filled by a Christian under the provisions of the Equality Act (2010).)

Hours:

40 hours a week, usually worked over 5 days.

“On-call” cover is required on a rotating basis to meet demands. Please get in touch for more information about working patterns. 

Benefits:

• £44,500 to £50,000 per annum
• Relocation support (to be discussed)
• 5 Weeks' paid holiday per year as well as bank and public holidays
• On-going training and support
• Team events
• Pension scheme
• Care Friends referral 
• Medicash
• Perkbox – including an Employee assistance programme.
• Long-standing service rewards
• Birthday rewards

— What our staff say about us: …“It is a friendly and welcoming place to work” … —

We are committed to having a diverse senior management team and we encourage applications from disabled and Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic candidates, as these groups are underrepresented on our senior management team at present.

 Please note: this vacancy may close sooner if sufficient applications have been received so please apply as soon as possible if interested

Country Director – Scotland

We are seeking an experienced and credible senior leader to provide strategic direction and operational leadership for a national fostering charity’s work in Scotland.

Position: Country Director – Scotland
Salary: £53,836 to £59,012 per annum
Location: Glasgow, with hybrid and home based working considered
Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Closing date: Sunday 25 January 2026

About the role

This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for leading and delivering the organisation’s vision, strategy and impact across Scotland. As a member of the Leadership Team, you will provide strategic oversight, manage people and budgets, and act as a key external representative with government, regulators and sector partners.

Key responsibilities include:

Providing overall leadership and management of the organisation’s work in Scotland
Developing and delivering Scotland specific strategies aligned to UK wide objectives
Leading, managing and supporting staff, volunteers and associates
Building and maintaining strong relationships with national and local government, regulators, fostering services and members
Acting as a spokesperson and senior representative in Scotland
Overseeing the design, delivery and evaluation of impactful programmes for foster carers and children
Driving robust monitoring, impact measurement and reporting
Securing funding through grants, tenders and partnerships
Holding and managing budgets in line with organisational policies
Identifying opportunities for innovation, collaboration and sector improvement
Growing individual and corporate membership across Scotland
Acting as safeguarding lead for the country and ensuring compliance with safeguarding policies

About you

You will be an experienced senior leader with strong credibility across children’s social care and fostering, comfortable operating at strategic and operational levels.

You will bring:

Senior leadership and management experience within children’s social care or a closely related field
In depth knowledge of foster care practice and policy across the UK
Experience of working with statutory local authority services and senior stakeholders
Proven ability to lead teams, manage change and deliver strategic plans
Experience of managing budgets and securing funding
Strong relationship building, influencing and communication skills
Sound safeguarding knowledge and practice
Excellent organisational and IT skills, including confidence using Microsoft Teams and Office 365
A clear commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and to the organisation’s mission and values

Desirable experience includes a social work qualification, experience in the voluntary or independent sector, working across a national remit, or lived experience of foster care.

About the organisation

The organisation is the leading fostering charity in the UK, working to improve outcomes for children and young people through support, advocacy, programmes and membership services for foster carers and fostering services. It operates across all UK nations, working closely with governments, regulators and partners to influence policy and practice.

Other roles you may have experience of could include; Director of Children’s Services, Head of Fostering, Assistant Director Social Care, Regional Director, Service Director, Programme Director, Policy Director, Operations Director, Strategic Lead Children’s Services, Senior Social Work Manager, National Manager.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

The Difference is an education charity, founded to change the story on lost learning. Our vision is to see lost learning falling nationally by 2030 and for schools to be better equipped to support all children, particularly those most vulnerable.

We are a small, growing charity delivering many school leadership programmes, with a growing research and policy arm. We have had excellent early impact but there is work ahead to capture this, share learning with schools and policy-makers, and campaign to lower exclusions across England.

The Role
This is an exciting time to join The Difference as we increase our impact, reach more schools, and develop our influencing strategy. As Head of Policy and Public Affairs you will: 
 

Design and execute an impactful influencing plan 

• Design an influencing plan - Identify via horizon scanning opportunities to influence national policy using open policy windows, or by nudging/creating new ones. 

• Execute an influencing plan - Utilise own assets and assets across the organisation, including the Director team, to deliver against the influencing plan.

• Relationship building - Build highly credible and impactful relationships with a variety of stakeholders who hold power. This will include policy makers in national governments, local government officials, politicians, other third sector organisations and think tanks. 

• Leadership - Play a significant role internally and externally in communicating the organisation’s policy position, raising organisational and own brand.

Build policy capacity and credibility across the organisation

• Policy positions and solutions- Use the concepts, work and experience of The Difference’s programmes to develop new, and refine existing, national policy positions to shift incentives. 

• Thought leadership - Be the organisation’s education policy and political expert. 

• Generating income - Use own and team’s expertise and credibility to generate income via speaking engagements and consultancy to support the organisation’s financial sustainability. 

Person Specification

Essential – We are looking for someone with the following knowledge, experience and skills, though you may be stronger in some areas than others:
 

• Deep expertise in education policy, particularly on the topic of lost learning and the various policy and political debates, including areas of controversy, surrounding this policy topic. 

• Strategic thinker with a proven track record in identifying policy windows and designing activities that lead to meaningful national policy change. 

• Excellent relationship builder, who brings with them their own network of influential stakeholders and has a plan for building new relationships. Adept at navigating tricky situations and explaining complex, sometimes difficult, messages.

• Expert convener with a strong knowledge of the education sector, including which schools, trusts and local authorities are influential and experience in bringing a variety of perspectives together to generate consensus. 

• Persuasive and clear writing style for publication, including reports, press, blogs and ghost writing for members of the senior leadership team, often based on consensus positions, and designed to communicate key messages for impact. 

• Confidence and credibility in communicating nuanced messages in a contentious landscape, in writing, verbally and in public (e.g. on panels), to raise the profile of The Difference. 

• Strong project manager who can design systems and processes to keep self, team and other stakeholders on task and on time. Experience of designing programmes of work and monitoring their effectiveness. Flexible project management style that can adapt to a changing environment. Confidence in managing a variety of stakeholders and supporting them to deliver on time. 

Desired – You are more likely to be successful in your application if you have one or more of the following: 

• Familiarity with The Difference’s programmatic work, theory and practice. 

• Lived experience or insight into the school experiences of marginalised young people (e.g. those with experience of the care system, mental ill health, special educational needs, exclusion, and racism).

We know that some people, especially those from marginalised backgrounds, may hesitate to apply unless they meet every listed requirement. If this role excites you and you believe you could make a strong contribution, we warmly encourage you to apply. 

We actively welcome applications from people whose backgrounds are under-represented in the charity sector, including but not limited to: people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people with experience in the case system, non-graduates and first-in-family graduates.

The Salvation Army is recruiting a Head of Data Insight. This critical role will ensure that The Salvation Army maintains and increases its impactful presence as one of the top ten charities in the UK, and as a worldwide Christian Church that puts belief into action. 

One of the UK’s most inspiring and best-known faith-based organisations, The Salvation Army, is looking for a Head of Data Insight who will be responsible for ensuring internal teams have the knowledge at their fingertips to make informed fundraising decisions and improvements across the supporter experience.

As Head of Data Insight you will lead your team to provide essential audience and financial insights, underpinning marketing and fundraising activities, with a key focus on building frameworks to monitor effectiveness, support financial reconciliation and foster a high degree of trust within the data function. The ultimate goal is to help ensure that The Salvation Army, as one of the most diverse providers of community and social services in the UK and beyond, can continue to do so in the future, by implementing a data insight strategy that underpins our ambitions for income growth and is absolutely right for our identity, brand and values. 

To be successful in this role you will have; 

• Substantial experience of delivering data insight within a complex organisation 

• A confident people leader and collaborator 

• Ability to influence at a senior level and inspire and motivate colleagues. 

This is an exciting time to join The Salvation Army. If you are an ambitious experienced data insight expert looking for your next challenge and would like to play a key role in The Salvation Army’s income growth, this could be the role you’re looking for. 

To apply:

To find out more and to progress an application, please download the Candidate Pack and email us to arrange a chat with the THINK Recruitment team. All suitable candidates will be required to undertake the selection process outlined in the Candidate Pack including those who express interest directly through the TSA website. 

Promoting equality in the workplace and as a disability confident leader scheme employer, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet all the minimum essential criteria for the vacancy. 

Location:

The Territorial Headquarters (THQ) are located in Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8FJ. We require the post-holder to work a minimum of 2 days per week from THQ. 

Timeframes: 

Role closing: midnight Tuesday 27th January – please ensure you have allowed time for a screening conversation with the THINK Recruitment team before the closing date 

1st Stage interviews (virtual): Wednesday 4th February 

2nd Stage interviews (in person): Thursday 12th February 

Overview

We’re looking for a strong bid writer to join our successful national Business Development Team as a Business Development Officer. This is an excellent opportunity to grow your career in business development within a successful team that prioritises social impact, development and progression. We’d particularly like to hear from people that have experience of writing high-scoring drug and alcohol service bids.

Location: London, Brighton, Manchester or Leeds.

Salary: £37,184.91 – £39,891.91 per year. If you’re based in London, you’ll receive an additional £4,133.14 per year - Inner London Weighting.

Contract: Permanent.

Responsibilities

About the role

Change Grow Live is a health and social care charity. Across the country, we support people to make positive changes in their lives, including around drug and alcohol use, smoking, homelessness and criminal justice.

As a Business Development Officer, you’ll play a key part in helping us secure new contracts and deliver high‑quality services for adults, children and young people. You’ll work with colleagues across the organisation to develop excellent written material for bids and proposals. This role offers a great opportunity to learn and develop while using your established skills, and you’ll be encouraged to take on more responsibility as you progress.

Your day-to-day will include:

• Writing and editing multiple complex bid responses within live tenders
• Working with colleagues across the organisation to gather information and evidence
• Project managing smaller bids and proposals with support from a Senior Business Development Officer or Business Development Manager
• Completing online research, analysing data and collating evidence
• Creating presentations, diagrams and reports
• Helping improve how we do things.

About you

We’re looking for candidates with proven experience of writing tenders, proposals or grant applications, or writing in other professional or academic environments, for instance journalism, research or marketing.

You are:

• A highly competent communicator with excellent writing skills
• Able to analyse data and interpret evidence, with good IT and research skills
• Solution-focused, creative and proactive
• Happy to give and receive challenging feedback
• Collaborative and contribute to a positive culture team
• Ready to work hard to deliver on CGL’s values and mission.

What we offer

You’ll be able to access structured training, development and mentoring as part of a supportive team. There’s a clear progression pathway within the team, from Officer to Senior Officer, Manager, Senior Manager, Deputy Director, and Director. Several of our current Seniors and Managers were previously in the Business Development Officer role.

We also offer:

• The option to work from home for some of the week
• Wellbeing support, including an employee assistance programme and an hour each week for wellbeing activities of your choice (find out more here).

We want our workforce to represent the diversity of the people and communities we work with. We pride ourselves on an inclusive and supportive workplace, evidenced through our Investors in People silver status.

We’re happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that you need to be successful. Please let us know in your application or at any stage of the process if you would like to discuss this.

Before you apply

In the application portal, there’s a section called ‘how you meet the criteria for the role’. This is your chance to tell us about why you’re a good fit for this job – we won’t be able to consider your application unless it’s filled in. Please explain how you meet each of the person specification criteria (listed at the end of the job description). Use clear examples of your experience (this link contains some useful guidance). As guidance, written statements should not exceed 1,000 words. You can address multiple criteria together where you think it makes sense.

Interviews will be held 16th – 23rd February 2026 via MS Teams. We’ll also ask shortlisted candidates to complete a written task online during this timeframe, at a time of your choice. We may hold a pre-qualification stage task (e.g. presentation) depending on the number of applicants.

We encourage applications from individuals who may not meet every requirement but are excited about the role. We value lived experience of substance use, homelessness, and/or multiple disadvantages.

We’re a Disability Confident Committed employer. Under our Disability Confident interview scheme, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates where they meet our selection criteria in their application. Some of our roles attract a high volume of applications and in some circumstances where it is not practicable or appropriate, we may limit the number of interviews offered to disabled and non-disabled candidates. Please confirm in the ‘how you meet the criteria for the role’ part of the application if you are applying under this scheme. We will provide reasonable adjustments as needed.

Check the job description and team explainer for more information. You can contact Yasmin Gilders to discuss this role further.

What our people say

Kitty, Business Development Officer:

“What was your route into your current job? I graduated with an English Literature degree in 2019 and started out as an Editorial Assistant in publishing. Furloughed during the pandemic, I took the opportunity to complete a master’s in English Literature before moving into medical communications, where I also worked as an Editorial Assistant. While I enjoyed the work, I wanted a role that allowed me to get more involved in the research and writing, which led me to join CGL as an Assistant Business Development Officer in 2023. After gaining bid writing experience, I started as Business Development Officer in 2024.

What are your favourite parts of the job? I love how varied the job is. One day I might be deep in research, whether that’s desk-based or visiting a service in person, while the next I’m writing and editing responses for a live bid or even creating visuals. No two days are the same, and variety keeps the job exciting.

How would you describe the team? The team is incredibly lovely and supportive. There’s always someone ready to offer help, share advice, or even just have a quick chat, which makes it a really positive and collaborative environment to work in.

What were your highlights from last year? Being part of the team that won the Blackpool contract. We all invested a lot of time and effort into it, and the whole organisation was excited by the outcome.

Is there anything you would say to someone considering applying? Go for it! It’s a fantastic role within a supportive, friendly team, and there’s so much variety and opportunity to learn. If you’re considering applying, you won’t regret it.”

Holly, who progressed from Business Development Officer to Senior Business Development Officer last year:

“What are your favourite parts of this work? The amount we learn from bid to bid. No two services are the same and I’m constantly coming across amazing individuals, teams and interventions. Being part of a team that helps share and celebrate great work, and support other services to implement new and exciting initiatives is really rewarding.

How would you describe the team? Helpful, real and full of knowledge. Everyone comes from different backgrounds and is happy to share their skills, knowledge and learning. I’ve never felt like I’ve asked a silly question, and I don’t feel like I must put a on ‘work mask’.

What were your highlights from last year? Becoming a Senior and working across 7 different bids or direct awards last year. It was busy but I learnt so much, made some great connections with people across the organisation and feel excited for 2026.”

Salary Range (pro rata if part time)

CGL points 33 to 36 (£37,184.90 - £39,891.91)

Interview Date

16/2/2026

Closing Date

8/2/2026

The Operations Director is a  senior leadership role at St Stephen’s, helping turn vision and strategy into effective day-to-day delivery. A highly relational role, combining strong operational leadership with collaboration, trust-building and a genuine care for people. The person we are looking for will lead across people, finance, systems, buildings and operations helping the church respond to the Holy Spirit and deliver our mission well.

Overview

We’re looking for a Senior Business Development Officer to join our national Business Development Team. This is an ideal next step for you if you’re an experienced bid writer looking to grow your career in business development, make social impact, and develop your leadership skills. We’d particularly like to hear from people that have experience of writing high-scoring drug and alcohol service bids.

Location: London, Brighton, Manchester or Leeds.

Salary: £43,384.62 − £47,792.23 per year. If you’re based in London, you’ll receive an additional £4,133.14 per year for Inner London Weighting.

Contract: Permanent.

Responsibilities

About the role

Change Grow Live is a health and social care charity. Across the country, we support people to make positive changes in their lives, including around drug and alcohol use, smoking, homelessness and criminal justice.

As a Senior Business Development Officer, you’ll play a lead role in the development and writing of tenders and proposals for a variety of health and social care services. This role offers a great opportunity to learn and develop while using your established skills, and you’ll be encouraged to take on more responsibility as you progress.

This role offers a great opportunity to learn and develop while using your established skills, and you’ll be encouraged to take on more responsibility as you progress, including line management opportunities.

Your day-to-day will include:

• Writing and editing complex and highly weighted bid responses, working to short timeframes
• Project managing the writing of key tenders with support from a Business Development Manager
• Supporting the development of Assistant Business Development Officers and Business Development Officers, with the potential of providing line management
• Working with staff across the organisation and our partners to develop bids that reflect best practice respond to local needs
• Producing and coordinating detailed research for upcoming opportunities, including meeting with subject matter experts, analysing data and collating evidence
• Creating presentations, diagrams and reports
• Participating in and leading reviews of our bid and proposal processes.

About you         

We’re looking for candidates with proven experience of writing tenders, proposals or grant applications in health and social care.

You are:

• A highly competent communicator with a successful track record in bid writing, ideally for drug and alcohol treatment or related services
• Experienced in leading smaller bids and proposals
• Able to analyse data and interpret evidence, with good IT and research skills
• Solution-focused, creative and proactive
• Happy to give and receive constructive, challenging feedback
• Collaborative and contribute to a positive culture team
• Ready to work hard to deliver on CGL’s values and mission.

What we offer

You’ll be able to access structured training, development and mentoring as part of a supportive team. There’s a clear progression pathway within the team, from Senior Business Development Officer to Manager, Senior Manager, Deputy Director, and Director. Several of our current Business Development Managers were previously in the Senior Business Development Officer role.

We also offer:

• The option to work from home for some of the week
• Wellbeing support, including an employee assistance programme and an hour each week for wellbeing activities of your choice (find out more here).

We want our workforce to represent the diversity of the people and communities we work with. We pride ourselves on an inclusive and supportive workplace, evidenced through our Investors in People silver status.

We’re happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that you need to be successful. Please let us know in your application or at any stage of the process if you would like to discuss this.

 Before you apply

In the application portal, there’s a section called ‘how you meet the criteria for the role’. This is your chance to tell us about why you’re a good fit for this job – we won’t be able to consider your application unless it’s filled in. Please explain how you meet each of the person specification criteria (listed at the end of the job description). Use clear examples of your experience (this link contains some useful guidance). As guidance, written statements should not exceed 1,000 words. You can address multiple criteria together where you think it makes sense.

Interviews will be held 16th – 23rd February 2026 via MS Teams. We’ll also ask shortlisted candidates to complete a written task online during this timeframe, at a time of your choice. We may hold a pre-qualification stage task (e.g. presentation) depending on the number of applicants.

We encourage applications from individuals who may not meet every requirement but are excited about the role. We value lived experience of substance use, homelessness, and/or multiple disadvantages.

We’re a Disability Confident Committed employer. Under our Disability Confident interview scheme, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates where they meet our selection criteria in their application. Some of our roles attract a high volume of applications and in some circumstances where it is not practicable or appropriate, we may limit the number of interviews offered to disabled and non-disabled candidates. Please confirm in the ‘how you meet the criteria for the role’ part of the application if you are applying under this scheme. We will provide reasonable adjustments as needed.

Check the job description and team explainer for more information. Contact Yasmin Gilders to discuss this role further.

What our people say

Holly, Senior Business Development Officer said:

“What are your favourite parts of the job? The amount we learn from bid to bid. No two services are the same and I’m constantly coming across amazing individuals, teams and interventions. Being part of a team that helps share and celebrate great work, and support other services to implement new and exciting initiatives is really rewarding.

How would you describe the team? Helpful, real and full of knowledge. Everyone comes from different backgrounds and is happy to share their skills, knowledge and learning. I’ve never felt like I’ve asked a silly question, and I don’t feel like I must put a on ‘work mask’ every day.

What were your highlights from last year? Becoming a Senior and working across 7 different bids or direct awards last year. It was busy but I learnt so much, made some great connections with people across the organisation and feel excited for 2026.”

Fran, who progressed from this role to Business Development Manager last year:

“How did the role help you progress? The Senior Business Development Officer role sets you up to well to progress into a Business Development Manager role, as you begin to get involved in managing writing teams, reviewing written responses, engaging with Service Managers and Directors in model development and hold line management responsibilities. I was in the Senior Business Development Officer role for just over a year and a half before successfully applying to the Manager role.

How would you describe the team? The Business Development team are incredibly supportive and will give you the opportunity to develop in areas that you’re interested in. My manager supported to me build skills and experience that pushed me out of my comfort zone but enabled me to progress into the Business Development Manager role.

What would you say to someone thinking of applying? Alongside developing your writing skills, this role is a great place to shape your leadership and management skills. If you don’t have line management experience, don’t let this put you off.”

Salary Range (pro rata if part time)

CGL points 39 to 43 (£43,384.61 - £47,792.23)

Interview Date

16/2/2026

Closing Date

8/2/2026

Working hours: This is a full-time role (35 hours per week) with the opportunity for hybrid working and flexible working. Attendance in person will be required at the Diocesan Office or venues within the Diocese for relevant committee meetings.

Part-time working may be considered for an exceptional candidate, with a minimum of 28 HPW (0.8 WTE).

Salary: £42,000- £46,000 per annum, subject to qualifications and experience.

Benefits: We offer a range of benefits including hybrid and flexible working, 11% non-contributory pension scheme, 25 days holiday rising to 29 after five years’ service.

ROLE DUTIES

• Act as the primary governance support for the COO, ensuring all governance activities align with strategic priorities.
• Lead and manage the administration of the Finance Executive, Audit & Risk Committee, and Property Committee
• Support the COO, Diocesan Secretary and Head of Service Delivery in managing risk processes, including risk registers and compliance reporting.
• Prepare governance and Committee reports and relevant dashboards for the COO, CEO and senior leadership, including the Management Team and Bishops Leadership Team.
• Acting as a liaison between governance bodies and internal/external stakeholders.

CRITERIA

• Degree or equivalent level of relevant experience in governance, business administration, or a related field.
• Relevant and substantial experience in committee administration and governance support.
• Experience of working with and familiarity with regulatory compliance and risk management.
• Experience of working with, alongside a strong understanding of governance principles and compliance frameworks

For more information  please see the job description, and to apply please visit the Chelmsford Diocese website to complete a application form.

Closing Date: Midday Thursday 12th February

Interview Date: Tuesday 24 February

We reserve the right to invite candidates for preliminary interviews.

Please be advised we reserve the right to close the role early and we cannot consider candidates who do not complete and return a completed application form.

Please refer to the CDBF Privacy Policy found on the Chelmsford Diocesan website for guidance on how we will process your data.