Community research officer jobs

Job Purpose 

• Oversee the delivery of a high-quality programme of community activity and engagement across three London Boroughs.

• Develop and grow our community engagement offer to ensure the needs and preferences of older people are being met. 

• Manage, lead and motivate a team of experienced community engagement officers, centre managers and lunch club coordinators. 

• Ensure a well-evidenced, high-quality and responsive service is delivered to clients with professionalism.

• Ensure that all team members are equipped with the knowledge and resources necessary to deliver and continuously improve our offer. 

Key Tasks 

• Day-to-day management and leadership of the Community activities team comprising paid staff and volunteers, ensuring a strong team culture and their ongoing professional development.

• Support and develop your direct reports to include supervision, annual appraisal, planning of continued professional development opportunities and training needs. 

• Support and develop your team including team meetings, consultation and feedback sessions and establishing a culture of continual improvement.

• Collaboration with managers across the organisation to ensure consistency of management practice and joined-up service delivery.

• Work with the AUKEL Communications team to plan and deliver accessible programme information to a range of audiences across multiple channels.

• Lead and oversee the monitoring, recording and reporting of all activity within the programme area; ensuring the service is meeting key performance indicators (KPIs), identifying and flagging any concerns and taking proactive action to address this; ensuring that internal and external stakeholders receive accurate and timely reports.

• Work collaboratively with other agencies providing aligned services, opportunity-spotting, cross referrals, maintaining excellent working relationships with all external stakeholders.

• Support the Head of Community to ensure that evidence of the wider impact of our offer is spotlighted and presented to a wide range of stakeholders.

• Manage the budget, sign-off expenses, and ensure projects are delivered to budget, liaising with the Finance Department as necessary. 

• Support the Head of Community with generating funding e.g. being actively involved in consultation of possible projects, providing activity data, opportunity spotting, and/or supporting the production of tenders. 

• Contribute to the organisational objectives contained with AUKEL’s 5-Year strategy and actively identify opportunities for development, fundraising and systems improvement.

• To undertake any other duties within the competence of the post hold as may be required from time to time for the smooth running of Age UK East London.

• To undertake all duties in line with Age UK East London policies and procedures (e.g. Health & Safety, Complaints, Confidentiality, Equal Opportunities). 

Person Specification 

Research shows that while middle class white men tend to apply for job when they meet around 60% of the criteria, women, people from the global majority, and people from other marginalised groups that encounter systematic discrimination tend to apply only when they meet all criteria. So, if you think you have what it takes, but don’t meet every single aspect of the job description, please still apply! 

Experience 

Essential 

• Of delivering high-quality community-based support/services.  

• Of service recording and reporting.   

• Of leading and motivating colleagues to deliver impactful services.  

• Understanding and commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults and their carers.  

• Of effective collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. 

Desirable

• Of providing services to older people. 

• Of supporting and contributing to successful applications to funders.  

• Working experience within East London 

Knowledge & Understanding 

Essential 

• Understanding of, and expertise in, the care and support needs of older people. 

• Understanding of the impact of discrimination and disadvantage on the lives of people and ability to work in a trauma-informed manner.  

• Understanding and commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults and their Carers.  

Desirable

• Knowledge and understanding of specific approaches and programme addressing specific older people’s needs e.g. falls prevention; dementia. 

Skills/Attributes 

• Excellent spoken and written communication skills. 

• Excellent IT skills  

• Ability to give and receive feedback in a thoughtful, reflective and impactful way.   

• Can demonstrate commitment to AUKEL values (accountable, kind, flexible, inclusive, collaborative). 

• Commitment to learning and development and reflective practise.  

Desirable

• Fluency in one or more of our community languages. 

• Strong connection with, and knowledge of, the London boroughs of Hackney, Tower Hamlets or Newham. 

Additional Requirements  

• This post is subject to the relevant check through the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS)  

• Flexibility in working hours to meet organisational needs.  

About the project  

The Housing Advice Practitioner will by providing tailored advice and guidance through mainly remote online or phone support, as well as in person housing advice at a weekly housing advice surgery in the community. The role will include advocacy, coordination with legal services, workshops, and ensuring sustained support for families. 

This new Information and Advice Support Service is established to a) provide a light touch swift response service for less complex housing issues; and b) develop mechanisms for the early identification of emerging housing problems.

About the role  

We are looking for an experienced, motivated and compassionate support worker to deliver housing advice and practical support to individuals and families. This role involves responding to enquiries, conducting housing surgeries, and running workshops to empower clients with the knowledge and skills to address their housing-related issues. The successful candidate will work with clients to identify their needs and offer tailored solutions to help them achieve sustainable housing outcomes. In this role, you will be working in partnership with community organisations and the council to coordinate tailored support for each client to address their housing issues. The objective of the programme is to provide advice and support to clients who have problems related to their housing and to improve wellbeing and awareness of tenancy rights and housing polices.

About you  

You will have experience of providing housing advice and working with individuals with complex needs.You will be an enthusiastic person who has empathy, patience, and a non-judgmental approach to working with clients and who thrives when working independently with a passion to support change. 

You will have:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills 
• Strong knowledge of housing policies and tenants' rights 
• Experience of delivering holistic support 
• Experience arranging and delivering workshops or other community events
• Good experience of working in partnerships with community and statutory organisations
• Ability to research and connect with community and statutory organisations to promote the service
• Be a solution-minded thinker, have a good understanding of strength-based approaches and be able work committing to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of work. 
• Have good organisational and planning skills
• To work as part of a team and independently, the roles require you to think creatively and use the resources around you effectively.  

About Kineara  

Kineara is a unique community interest company that supports people in poverty across London who facing barriers to housing, employment and education. We break down barriers, provide holistic support for families, vulnerable adults, and school pupils, and deliver intensive one-to-one interventions to those in need of extra help through challenging times. We use holistic, trauma-informed methods, partnership working and a flexible, non-judgemental approach that puts the needs of those we work with first.   

We’re looking for a Research Funding Officer to join our team

Salary: £34,754

Base: Central Edinburgh/hybrid

Hours: Full time and permanent.  35 hours a week over core working hours of 10am – 3pm, Monday to Friday, with a one-hour lunch break. The office is open 8am – 7pm daily and our hybrid working policy requires all full-time employees to work at least two days a week in the Edinburgh office. 

Benefits: 10% employer pension contribution; private medical insurance; employee assistance programme and counselling service; enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption pay; enhanced sick pay; 31 days’ paid holiday/year plus four paid winter public holidays; 2-weeks fully remote working/year; three paid carer days/year; death in service benefit; cycle to work and travel season ticket schemes.

To support the Team’s work-life balance, we work a nine-day fortnight where the charity is closed every second Friday.  

About the role and what we’re looking for

What will you be doing?

· Supporting applicants from all over the world to bring us their new ideas in cancer research by providing guidance in a timely manner. You’ll receive and process discovery cancer research funding applications, ensuring validity and completeness.  

· Leading on the expert peer review process. You’ll identify appropriate expert reviewers to ensure that the charity receives high quality, independent review advice to inform funding decisions.

· Managing funded grants. You’ll build relationships with grantholders and process change requests to best serve the science of our funded awards.

· Working with partner organisations.  You’ll collaborate with our research partners to manage co-funded projects as well as providing funding information for internal and external purposes. 

· Demonstrating our values. As a Curestarter, you’ll demonstrate our values every day - curious, united, real, entrepreneurial and spirited – as you help bring about our vision that no life is cut short by cancer.

What are we looking for?

· With a higher degree in a biomedical related field, you have excellent scientific understanding of molecular and cell biology as well as a broad knowledge of cancer research.

· You have a good understanding of research funding processes, particularly peer review and conflicts of interest.

· You’re a collaborative person who works respectfully in a diverse team of experts to deliver work that makes an impact.

· As a detailed planner and organiser, you thrive on deadlines and feel confident prioritising your time across multiple, concurrent projects.

Who are we? 

At Worldwide Cancer Research, we start new cures. Cancer is still one of the leading causes of death worldwide, but cutting-edge science can give us hope. Discovery research seeks to uncover new knowledge that could change the way we think about cancer. It reveals new ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer that can save lives.

We actively seek unconventional and imaginative ideas from scientists at all stages of their career, across the globe. In some cases, we are the only organisation that will fund a scientist’s idea. We take an unbiased approach to research funding by focusing on supporting only the best ideas for new cures. By having a diverse research portfolio, we increase our chances of finding breakthroughs.

Our vision is of a day when no life is cut short by cancer, and we believe we can achieve this by starting the life-saving advances of the future by sowing the seeds of discoveries. Anyone that helps bring forward breakthroughs – including our staff, our supporters, and the researchers we fund – is a Curestarter.

As a charity, we are committed to opportunity without barriers, and we are striving to seek, value and learn from different perspectives and experiences. We want Worldwide Cancer Research to be an inclusive organisation – where everyone can be themselves and feel valued – as diverse as the scientific community we fund and the families whose lives we impact.

We are committed to ensuring that we provide equal opportunities to every applicant regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. We aim to ensure that our recruitment process is unbiased and that everyone is treated equitably because our team members are at the heart of everything we do to start new cancer cures around the world.

To help start new cancer cures and save lives, we are looking for a Research Funding Officer to join the busy Research team at Worldwide Cancer Research, to help the charity run its multi-million-pound funding programme for discovery cancer research.

Community Events Coordinator

The Volunteering & Events team at KCLSU are looking for a Community Events Coordinator. To ensure that our students thrive and enjoy the best possible experience at King's College London, the focus of this role is to connect students through a diverse range of events across the academic year. 

Partnering with over 300 KCLSU student groups, this role is one of two Community Events Coordinators who deliver: 

• The KCLSU Community events programme; overseeing the successful delivery of Welcome & Social Connection Events (Freshers), Liberation Events and Faith & Culture Events. 
• The KCLSU Reach events programme, which offers bespoke activities for students identified as harder-to-reach, such as postgraduates, online learners, or those who study at our Denmark Hill campus. 
• KCLSU flagship events, such as the Welcome Fair and KCLSU Awards. 

To apply for this role, please complete an application form and include a personal statement detailing how you meet the person specification. 

To be eligible for this role, you must:

• Be eligible to work in the UK and provide proof of this (i.e. a passport or visa) when asked to by KCLSU. Please note that KCLSU is unable to offer visa sponsorship. 
• Have a National Insurance number, or be in the process of applying for one. 
• Not be a trustee of King's College London Students' Union. 

REF-225 152

Are you passionate about turning data into stories that inspire change? The Medical Research Foundation is seeking a strategic and analytical Senior Research Impact Manager to lead our monitoring and evaluation efforts ensuring we can demonstrate the real-world impact of the research we fund.

This is a high-profile role at the heart of our mission. You’ll develop and implement frameworks, analyse outcomes, and communicate insights to shape our research strategy and inspire donors. If you thrive on evidence, storytelling, and strategic influence, this is your opportunity to make a lasting difference.

Why this role matters

We fund the brightest minds to tackle the biggest challenges in human health. But to keep doing so, we need to show the world that our funding makes a difference. Your work will help us prove our impact by capturing outcomes, evaluating effectiveness, and sharing compelling stories that drive support and shape future funding.

You will:

• Develop and implement research monitoring and evaluation systems and tools that align with our strategy.
• Oversee and review research reporting, following up with researchers using structured M&E tools to capture key impact data and stories.
• Lead on impact reporting and, working closely with our Fundraising and Communications functions, tell compelling stories of our research impact to the public and our donor base.

About You

You are a data-driven thinker with a passion for medical research and a talent for turning evidence into action. You are confident leading projects, managing data, and communicating complex ideas with clarity and purpose.

You bring:

• Experience of monitoring and evaluation, impact assessment, and the collection, analysis, reporting and management of data, ideally in medical research
• Familiarity with the UK biomedical research landscape
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, IT and data visualisation skills
• Line management expertise

Bonus points if you have:

• Experience of widely used databases (e.g. Dimensions, EuropePMC), survey tools
• Experience of Flexigrant or Flexigrant Insights
• Project management or strategic planning experience
• Confidence in presenting complex concepts to non-expert audiences

What we offer

• A chance to be part of a mission that matters.
• A supportive, collaborative, and ambitious team culture.
• Opportunities to grow, learn, and make a real impact.

About the Medical Research Foundation

Our vision? A world where medical research improves health for everyone. We fund life-changing science, and we’re proud of the role good governance plays in that mission.

Salary & Working Style

• £51,000-£56,000 per year full-time (36 hours per week) dependent on experience
• 30 days' holiday plus bank holidays
• 12% employer pension contribution + life assurance
• Generous other benefits
• Wellbeing support and flexible working culture

This is a full-time post, but we are happy to consider a part-time contract (min 0.8 FTE). 

We value spending time working in-person to develop strong connections with each other and with our mission, so you will be based at our central London office for a minimum of three days a week if you are full-time (Monday, Tuesday, and either Wednesday or Thursday) with the option to work remotely for the remainder.  If you are part-time, you will be office-based for at least 50% of your time.

A Place for Everyone

At the Medical Research Foundation, we believe that diversity drives creativity and innovation. We are dedicated to promoting equality of opportunity, fostering fairness and inclusion, and creating an environment where everyone feels that they belong.

We especially welcome applications from individuals from minoritised groups, including those from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and members of the LGBTQI+ community.

Events Officer
Working Hours:  37 hours per week
Salary: 28,050 to  31,000 per annum 
Contract: 12 months Good opportunity for role to become permanent in future.
Location: Hatfield Office/Hybrid - Candidates must have a full driving license and use of own vehicle for business purposes

Herts Young Homeless is an independent charity and has been supporting vulnerable people in Hertfordshire since 1998. We are professional, passionate, collaborative and supportive charity that provides guidance to everyone who is in need of support.

We are looking for dedicated and passionate Events Officer to join our team based in Hatfield!

How will you make a difference? 

Manage, develop and evaluate an engaging programme of events fundraising, and support the Community Fundraising Officer when delivering local events to raise a target income of £90k . Support groups and individuals organising fundraising events and activities on behalf of hyh. To support the development and delivery of the Communications Plan.

What can we offer you?

• A supportive and inclusive work environment
• 25 days annual leave per annum (in addition to Bank Holidays & Public Holidays)
• Holiday purchase scheme 
• People's Pension Plan contribution
• Group Life Insurance plan
• Opportunities for personal and career development
• Hybrid working - option to work from home to be agreed with line manager
• An additional annual leave day on your Birthday
• Monthly draws to win ‘lunch on your manager’ or ‘leave work early’
• Medicash – A healthcare cash plan offering cash back on a range of healthcare related treatments including optical, dental and complementary treatments.  Unlimited access to a 24/7 health and stress related helpline and discounted gym memberships. 

What will you be doing? 

Contribute to hyh’s overall Fundraising strategy as a member of the Fundraising Team
 

• Identify, develop and support existing and new community and events fundraising activities to increase and generate significant net income and supporter engagement
• Provide excellent donor care for all fundraising activities, to develop productive and lasting relationships with the community and convert them into loyal supporters
• Assist the Head of Fundraising & Communications  in the development and delivery of hyh’s Events and Communications Plans
• Update donor CRM databases and website

If you are open, big hearted, passionate, conscientious and take pride in doing a job well, then we would love to hear from you!

Please apply via the link on the vacancy found on our website submitting a cover letter  or a short video along with your CV . If you require any adjustments to support your application please let us know and we will be happy to help where we can.Closing Date 24th November 2025.

Equal Opportunities

We treat everyone with equal dignity and respect, and promote equal opportunity for all and challenge any behaviour or practice which discriminates against any person on the grounds of race, colour, sex, marital status, religion or belief, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or any other perceived difference.

hyh strives to be an equal opportunities and inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Our promise to you
Herts Young Homeless promises to act with the upmost integrity and respect when it comes to handling your data and will not share your details with any other client without 1) discussing the opportunity with you first and 2) without your verbal or written consent for us to do so.

The Data & Research Manager plays a key role in Youth Futures Foundation’s Impact and Evidence team, helping us understand and address youth unemployment in England.

The postholder will lead on managing our data infrastructure including our flagship youth labour market dashboard and contribute to the design, commissioning, and delivery of high-quality quantitative research and analysis.

They will combine strong technical skills with the ability to communicate data-driven insights clearly to internal and external audiences, influencing policy and practice to improve employment outcomes for young people.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Managing the design, commissioning and delivery of economic, quantitative social research and data analysis projects using a wide range of methods, including primary and secondary data analysis, and evidence reviews
• Critically reviewing research proposals, manage contracts and budgets, and ensure high quality outputs
• Developing evidence tools, gap maps and frameworks to address youth unemployment, and identify and prioritise evidence gaps to meet stakeholder needs
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with a range of external partners.

For a full role description and person spec, please download our recruitment pack.

Due to receiving high volumes of interest in our opportunities, this vacancy may close earlier than the advertised deadline. To ensure your application is considered, please submit it as soon as possible.

WCCM seeks to appoint an experienced, creative, and highly motivated Grant and Major Donor Fundraising Manager to lead fundraising and grant management across a global organisation dedicated to the teaching of Christian Meditation.

Working to the Executive Director, you will interact with our decentralised finance, marketing and communications staff and volunteers.  

Together, you will nurture Major Donor relationships and create and manage appropriate donor stewardship schemes and rationalise our income streams.

You’ll ensure grant reporting and management is kept on track whilst developing targeted proposals for new funding from sympathetic donors in the arena of Trusts and foundations.  

You will work to support both our teaching and resourcing of meditation and the running of our retreat centre in Bonnevaux, near Poitiers in France.

An excellent writer with excellent financial and budgeting skills, you will be adept at pulling together relevant, succinct and compelling information for our donor reports and bids.

You’ll work with communications staff to develop impactful donor communications which enhance our accountability and inspire renewed major donations.  

You will have a demonstrable track record in winning grants as well as in the stewardship of major donors.  

Occasional trips to France.

Interest in Christian Meditation/Spirituality an advantage.

Interviews: early December 2025

About The Role
Do you believe in the power of digital spaces to break down barriers and provide life-changing support? 

We are excited to be recruiting two Online Communities Team Leaders to contribute to the effective coordination and delivery of our Dementia Support Forum and other online communities. These invaluable services are available 24/7 and offer vital peer support for people affected by dementia, helping them connect, share experiences, and access help when they need it most, regardless of location or circumstance. As part of our Universal Services team, you’ll work closely together to oversee day-to-day operations, lead a small team of Assistants and Officers, and ensure our online communities are safe, inclusive, and responsive to user needs. You’ll play an active role in safeguarding, moderation and service quality, and support the Online Communities Manager to implement service plans and contribute to continuous improvement. 

Our roles is a shared leadership model, with both Team Leaders playing a key role in maintaining service standards, supporting team wellbeing, and driving service improvements. We see the successful individual being someone who thrives in a digital environment, confident leading others, and is committed to inclusion, wellbeing, and user-centred service delivery. 

About You 
You’ll exemplify our values: Determined to make a difference, a Trusted Expert, who works Better Together and shows true Compassion and bring - 
 
• Experience managing or supporting a team in a digital or service delivery environment. 
• Confidence in coaching, motivating, and supporting team wellbeing. 
• Strong understanding of safeguarding principles and experience responding to concerns. 
• Experience using data and insight to inform decisions and monitor performance. 
• Strong IT skills and confidence using digital tools, including Microsoft 365. 
• Excellent communication skills and a calm, empathetic approach under pressure. 
• Commitment to inclusion, equity, and continuous improvement. 
 
Please note: This is a fully remote, home-based role with a 5 out of 7 working pattern, which may include some weekend shifts to support service coverage.  
 
Interviews will be held virtually 9th and 10th December over MS Teams

About Alzheimer's Society
Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer. One in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime.

At Alzheimer’s Society, we’re the UK’s leading dementia charity and the only one to tackle all aspects of dementia by giving help and hope to people living with dementia today and in the future. We give vital support to people facing the most frightening times of their lives, while also funding groundbreaking research and campaigning to make dementia the priority it should be.

Together with our supporters, we’re working towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives.

Our values make sure that our focus is clear for the challenges and opportunities ahead and remind us of what we all stand for.

Our commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

We need to ensure the voices around our table better reflect and understand the communities we exist to serve. We strongly encourage individuals to apply who have a disability, impairment or health condition or individuals who identify as Black, Asian or from another minority ethnic background, as these groups are currently under-represented at Alzheimer's Society.  

We want everyone we work with, as a colleague, volunteer, supporter, or someone we support, to feel included and that they belong at Alzheimer's Society. 

Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy here along with our internal employee forum and Employee Lived Experience network groups help us promote inclusion and belonging, becoming an engaged and inclusive organisation for all our people. 

Our hiring process

During your recruitment process we want to make sure that you bring your whole self and can be at your best. We are working hard to ensure our recruitment process is as inclusive as possible, so please do inform us of your experience and anything you think we could do better by completing our candidate survey when you apply.  Please also contact Alzheimer’s Society Talent Acquisition Team via [email protected] for application support or any adjustments you might need.

To ensure fairness and consistency to select the best candidate for this role, all our applications are anonymised up until an interview has been confirmed. We recognise the benefits of AI, but if you're considering using it to submit your application, we encourage you to reflect on the value it truly adds. AI tools often lack the personal touch and authenticity that set candidates apart. We want to hear your unique perspective, experiences, and skills, so we encourage you to showcase them in your own voice.

We try to avoid closing roles early where possible, however if we receive a high volume of applications, we may close earlier than the advertised closing date. Should this occur, we will aim to provide you with at least 48 hours' notice.

We are committed to safer recruitment and ensuring the welfare of those we work with, due to the nature of some of our roles, we might need to carry out a DBS check at the relevant level.

Giving back to you

Our employees work hard every day to make a true difference in people's lives. We are proud to support them with a range of benefits, recognition and many options for working agilely, all contributing to a strong work life balance. We also have various learning programmes to support you in your development and help you grow to realise your potential and shape a career with Alzheimer's Society. 

You can also visit our Working for Us pages, which give you more information about what it’s like to be an employee at the Society.

We are seeking a candidate with proven research experience, including the ability to interpret and analyse data and present solutions. You will have a keen interest in health and social care and the ability to write clear, concise policy reviews. You will also have a flair for programme and project management, and be skilled in organising tasks, logistics and administrative systems. The successful applicant will value equality, diversity and inclusion, and will be enthusiastic about promoting these principles in their work. They will have warmth, empathy and respect for others, alongside the ability to effectively engage seldom-heard communities in the local community (in either Barnet or Croydon).

The Research and Engagement Officer will report to, and support, the Healthwatch Manager (either in Barnet or Croydon). They will:

• Deliver research projects – including planning logistics, designing methodology and analysing quantitative and qualitative data.

• Report findings through presentations and written reports throughout the year.

• Lead on organising projects, ensuring that actions are followed up, prioritising effectively and providing relevant outputs.

• Deliver a regular programme of community-based outreach and events.

• Onboard, support and manage volunteers, working with our team of volunteers to deliver research and associated activities.

• Undertake policy reviews and provide advice on research and evaluation methodology to the Research Director, Healthwatch Manager and other members of the Public Voice team.

• Work with Public Voice teams to capture issues relating to the delivery of services or gaps in policies. Use this information to identify common themes which relate to service design and health and social care policy.

• Engage effectively with seldom-heard communities in the local community (either in Barnet or Croydon).

Title: Freelance Corporate Fundraiser

Contract: 8 hours per week (1 day). 6-month rolling contract potential to increase to 2 days in the second half of 2026 subject to funding 

Location: Remote and at the London LGBTQ+ Community Centre 

Day rate: £250 a day

Reports to: CEO and Chair of Board of Trustees

Key contacts: CEO, senior management team, finance team

Direct reports: none

About the London LGBTQ+ Community Centre

The London LGBTQ+ Community Centre is an award-winning charity launched by a team of volunteers in 2017. In December 2021 we opened our first physical space in London’s Bankside.

Our mission is to provide London with a sober, intersectional, intergenerational, community centre and café where all LGBTQ+ people feel welcome and supported, can build connections, and flourish. Our vision is for a more connected, belonging and thriving LGBTQ+ community in London.

In 2024, the Centre was visited by over 13,500 people, we hosted 700 events joined by 9,500 participants. 

In 2027 we will expand to Chroma in partnership with The Trampery, broadening our impact and reach. 

Overall purpose of the role

To work alongside the CEO to meet our fundraising goals by:

• Focusing on growing corporate donor base
• Assisting with grant writing if/when needed

As the year evolves, the role’s focus might shift. We are gearing towards opening a second location at Chroma in Bankside Yards in early 2027, so this role will be key in guaranteeing we grow as planned.

Our biggest fundraising moments of the year are Pride, Christmas, an annual fundraising event (normally hosted in November) and LGBT+ History Month. We are looking into capitalising on these key calendar moments, while developing long-lasting relationships that support the Charity throughout the year. 

Key responsibilities and duties

• Support with the development of our fundraising strategy for the next three to five years
• Expand our pool of corporate donors. We strive to work with companies and organisations that share our ethos and are truly committed to our community
• Bring in donations to meet our corporate funding goal of £75,000.00 in the financial year 2025/26
• Design and lead a corporate comms strategy including a corporate fundraising page on our new website and the creation of a LinkedIn strategy that utilises the CEO’s personal page as a key representative of the charity
• Support CEO with planning and delivery of fundraising events
• Ad hoc support with grant writing. While grant writing remains part of the CEO’s responsibilities, this role might be requested to support the CEO with bid writing or editing.
• While the role can be remote, the successful candidate will be required to come to the Centre to meet the team in person once a month on a Thursday

Person specification

Shortlisting criteria:  E = essential  D = desirable

Professional experience

• Experience developing, implementing and successfully achieving fundraising strategies for charities of similar size or bigger (FY25/26 project income of £470K) - E
• 3+ years of experience in corporate fundraising, with proven track record of developing or maintaining long-lasting relationships - E
• 3+ years of experience in grant writing or grants management for an organisation of similar size or bigger - D
• Understanding of the LGBTQ+ landscape and its fundraising challenges - E
• Demonstrated oral communication skills with a knack for storytelling. A great ability to connect with and engage others - E
• Demonstrated analytical and persuasive writing skills experience as well as superior editing skills, including ability to convey complex information in a clear manner to a diverse audience - E
• Experience in planning and budgeting - D
• Public speaking - D
• Research skills - D
• Financial analytics and numeracy skills - D
• Patience and attention to detail - E

Personal qualities

• Excellent interpersonal skills - E
• Someone who can work self-sufficiently and in a team environment - E
• An engaging, passionate, energetic human - E
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills - E
• Commitment to equality, civil rights, and LGBTQ+ rights - E
• Knowledge of the charity sector in general and the LGBTQ+ community in particular - E
• Experience working with communities in general and the LGBTQ+ in particular - D

We’re looking for an energetic and creative Community Development Worker at the Thornbury Centre in Bradford. You’ll plan and deliver engaging activities for families and residents - from Stay and Play sessions to community discussions and reading groups.

You’ll also support our food pantry and community library, provide advice and signposting to local people, and work closely with volunteers, schools, and partner organisations to make a real difference.

§  Salary: £30,600

§  Contract: 6-month fixed term contract, with potential to extend to 12 months

§  Working pattern: Full time (4 days a week or condensed hours considered)

§  Location: Hybrid until March with one or two days required in the office in Farringdon. (Think Ahead’s hybrid working model is currently under review).

§  Closing date: 9am, Wednesday 26 November

§  Interview dates: Tuesday 9 December and Wednesday 10 December

 

If you have a passion for storytelling, digital communications and using your creativity to make a social impact, this is an exciting opportunity to join our mental health charity as our communications officer, working across the full communications mix.

Think Ahead supports people living with mental health needs by supporting a strong and thriving mental health workforce. We know that good mental health care means looking at the whole person and the social determinants of their health – their home, relationships, finances, work and community.

As communications officer you will:

§  Support the organisation to secure new work and diversify our income streams through effective, targeted communications.

§  Advocate for mental health practitioners, and for social approaches in mental health, including through our campaigning, research and external engagement.

§  Amplify Think Ahead’s profile and key messages through compelling storytelling, content creation and media work. 

This is an excellent opportunity for a creative and pro-active communicator to develop their skills in a small, collaborative team and make a real difference at a pivotal time for Think Ahead.

It is an exciting time to join Think Ahead as we diversify our income and drive new business across our portfolio of training, workforce development, research and campaigning. 

We are currently funded by Department of Health and Social Care until August 2027.

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who is creative, proactive and motivated, with a talent for clear, compelling and engaging communication, and a genuine interest in mental health and social change. You’ll bring strong writing and digital skills, and an eye for engaging content that connects with different audiences.

You’ll have experience working in a communications or media role, ideally within a charity, public sector or values-driven organisation. You’ll be confident managing content across websites, social media and email marketing. An understanding of media relations and curiosity about how communications can support growth, influence and impact will also be valuable.

You’ll be comfortable juggling multiple priorities, collaborating with colleagues, and taking initiative in a fast-paced environment. Most importantly, you’ll share our commitment to improving the lives of people with mental health needs.

What we can offer you

We offer excellent employee benefits, including generous annual leave entitlement (28 days) plus additional office closure over Christmas, enhanced family-friendly leave, flexible working around our core hours of 10am to 4pm, a matched pension scheme with up to 7% employer contributions, an employee assistance programme and more. 

 

How to apply 

Please provide a CV and a supporting statement (max 2 pages) outlining your fit for the role based on the person specification in the candidate pack on our website together with the completed Equality and Diversity questionnaire.

We will use both the CV and the supporting statement to enable us to shortlist and invite candidates for interview.

Role:                     Executive Assistant and Administrative Officer

Location:             Home-based, with regular attendance (at least monthly) of meetings in London

Salary:                  £28,000 - 32,000, depending on experience

Type:                     Permanent, full-time, 37.5 hours per week

Responsible to:  CEO           

 About the role

Are you a proactive, energetic and highly effective individual with great attention to detail? We’re looking for a new Executive Assistant (EA) for the CEO and the Chair of the Overcoming MS Board of Trustees as well as organisational administrative duties.

This role plays an essential role in the smooth running of the charity. With a small team and big ambitions, everyone plays an important part. Yours is to facilitate our team to work in the most effective and productive manner, using your organisational and planning skills so we can all deliver the greatest impact for people with MS.

At Overcoming MS, we are here for everyone with MS who wants to take control of their health and wellbeing. We provide clear, practical actions for people to take and a supportive community to help people living with MS. Knowing people with MS can reduce their risk of disease progression through lifestyle choices gives hope to us all. Our vision is a world in which living a full and healthy life with MS is possible for everyone.  

Job summary:

You will support the organisation across a range of administrative, organisational and governance activities. You will be comfortable working in a busy environment juggling multiple projects, as is characteristic of a small but ambitious organisation.

You will be able to demonstrate discretion and commitment, along with excellent organisation, written and verbal communication skills and will bring experience of providing director level PA/EA support. You will be able to use your own initiative to prioritise workload according to the demands of the day and learn to anticipate changes, responding professionally, adeptly and positively.

You will be expected to provide a high standard and quality of support across a range of activities and projects, being fully aware of and upholding the charity’s values, and taking responsibility for modelling these to others across the organisation and to the wider community.

Key responsibilities and duties:

The role comprises of the following key areas of responsibility:

· Executive Assistant to CEO

Provide full support to the CEO, including but not limited to:

o Overseeing the diary of the CEO, prioritising meetings and scheduling time for reading, thinking and preparing, ensuring meeting materials are to hand.

o Providing ‘right-hand’ support, undertaking research, ensuring CEO is up to date with all projects and pre-empting needs.

o Secretarial – supporting emails, creating presentations, keeping management files organised and up to date within SharePoint.

· Executive Assistant to Chair

Provide full support to the Chair in any administrative activities that relate to her role as Chair, including but not limited to:

o Overseeing calendar appointments, and ensuring the Chair is prepared for meetings.

o Providing ‘right hand’ support in communication with staff and Board, scheduling meetings and providing administrative support as required.

 

· Governance and administrative support to the Overcoming MS Board

Provide governance and administrative support to the Overcoming MS Board of trustees, including:

o Scheduling Board, committee and Strategy meetings and making the necessary arrangements (eg booking venues, setting up virtual meetings via Teams/ Zoom).

o Preparation of documentation for meetings including circulation of agendas, compiling Board packs for the Board of Trustees and committee meetings, taking accurate minutes and co-ordinating follow up actions.

o Supporting the Chair and CEO in the recruitment and induction of new Trustees.

o Providing administrative support for working groups, for example, making arrangements for meetings, circulating agendas and papers.
 

· Internal HR administrative lead

Fully supported with external expertise, to provide administrative support for the team, including:

o Advertising vacant roles, coordinating recruitment, sifting applicants, arranging interviews.

o Onboarding new starters, including references, contracts, setting up new starters on the systems, inducting starters in organisational processes.

o Supporting ongoing team development including coordinating training, staff surveys and appraisals.

o Coordinating leavers, including exit interviews, leavers forms and relevant administration.

· Internal IT administrative lead

Fully supported by our external IT agency, to provide administrative support for the team, including:

o Regular meetings with IT agency to ensure correct licenses, equipment and protections are in place.

o Coordination of hardware and software for new starters, equipment provided and returned for leavers.

· Management of Overcoming MS contact enquiries

o Regularly check the Overcoming MS contacts mailbox and manage its contents, responding or delegating to Overcoming MS team members where appropriate, and ensuring follow up is completed.

o Manage the Overcoming MS telephone number to ensure queries are dealt with efficiently.

o Draw themes from regularly occurring queries, to make sure any trends are picked up and addressed effectively.

· General organisational support

o Provide ad hoc project management support to organisational improvement projects, including supporting project team meetings, developing project plans and tracking progress.

o Travel/ meeting arrangements – arrange meetings, attendance at conferences and book rooms and making travel arrangements as necessary.

o    Coordination with our outsourced storage facility.

o Policy support – maintenance of the policy tracker, coordinating the reviewing and updating of policies.

o Admin support for team meetings, oversight of the shared drive, central email lists.

o Lead relationship with our Employee Assistance Provider, including regular team reminders of services and other charity discounts.

o Proactively identify areas where improvements can help improve efficiencies, impact or wellbeing.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

 Experience (Essential (E)/ Desirable (D)

· At least 5 years’ experience in a senior PA/EA role (E)

· At least 5 years’ experience in writing Board minutes, supporting Boards and committees and other governance (E)

· Experience of effective engagement with senior leaders and stakeholders, both internal and external, at all levels (E)

· Experience of the charity sector (D)

· Working understanding of an organisation with a dispersed, remote team across a wide geography (D)

· Experience of supporting strategic and improvement projects (D)

· Experience of supporting HR or IT processes (D)

 

Education, Knowledge & Skills (Essential (E)/ Desirable (D)

· An excellent standard of written and spoken English and ability to communicate effectively with a range of people from diverse backgrounds (E)

· Excellent interpersonal skills (E)

· Excellent organisational, prioritisation and time management skills (E)

· Conscientious, with excellent accuracy and attention to detail, delivering high quality work (E)

· Proficiency in the full Microsoft Office suite, especially Teams, Outlook, SharePoint/OneDrive (E)

· Experience of using a variety of IT packages including databases and willingness to learn new IT systems (D)

· Awareness of charitable governance principles (D)

Personal attributes

· Calm and adaptable with an ability to work within a flexible and busy environment (E)

· Able to anticipate and problem solve with high levels of tact, diplomacy, discretion and ability to demonstrate absolute respect for the confidentiality of information (E)

· Comfortable working remotely and happy to travel, as needed, for meetings (E)

· Thrives as a team player but able to work on your own initiative, with minimal supervision (E)

· Reliable, resilient, committed and self-confident (E)

· A proactive approach to your work and are able to identify opportunities and solutions (E)

· Highly committed to safeguarding vulnerable people, equality, diversity and inclusion (E)

· Fully committed to Overcoming MS’s values (E)

· Experience of working within a charity and understanding of the charity sector (D)