Community support manager jobs

Senior External Affairs Adviser 
Contract type: Fixed Term Contract (12 months) 
Full time: 34.5 hours, we are open to a conversation about how you work these hours  
Location: Home based
Salary range: £43,000 - £48,000

About us 

At Macmillan you'll find talented people working together to do whatever it takes to support people living with cancer. We're going all out to find even better ways to help even more people who need our support. Our values are at the heart of who we are and everything we do, inspiring our thinking and guiding our actions. 

Our new organisational strategy sets out how we’ll fight even harder to make every pound raised count for even more. With your help, we’ll transform cancer care for good. 

About the role

Join Macmillan Cancer Support as a Senior External Affairs Adviser, where you will play a vital role in shaping and delivering impactful change propositions and external affairs strategies across the UK. Your work will focus on delivering at-scale change for people with cancer, particularly the most marginalised groups. 

Key responsibilities:

• Provide senior-level advice to develop external affairs strategies aligned with Macmillan’s mission. 
• Lead cross-functional external affairs projects that are evidence-based and impactful. 
• Develop and manage relationships with political stakeholders, policymakers, civil servants and healthcare providers. 
• Provide high-quality insight and briefings to senior colleagues on the political landscape, and what the external opportunities and risks are. 
• Anticipate shifts within the external environment and adapt approaches to maintain our relevance and influence. 
• Collaborate with teams to ensure policy positions are strategic and evidence-based. 
• Represent Macmillan at external events, advocating for improvements in cancer care. 
• Coordinate campaigns to influence public policy and funding decisions. 

About you 

The successful candidate will have... 

• Proven ability to manage complex and sensitive external contexts, making sound judgements on tone and messaging. 
• Strong understanding of operating within a four-nations context and engaging with diverse stakeholders, including senior politicians and civil servants.
• Expertise in analysing complex policy issues and developing impactful, evidence-based policy positions. 
• Strong organisational skills and flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and emerging issues. 
• Excellent communication skills which are adaptable for external and internal audiences. 
• Experience of working in multi-disciplinary teams or on multi-disciplinary projects. 

Recruitment process 

Application deadline: 23:59 on Tuesday 16th December 2025 

Interview date: Virtual interviews will be held on 8th January 2026 

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. 

So we can support you to be your best during the application or interview process, please contact Macmillan's TA Team for advice and reasonable adjustments.  

We welcome applications from everyone who meet the criteria and 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 Macmillan. Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy along with our internal employee representation body, ‘Our Voice’ and 8 Employee Network groups help us promote fairness and belonging, becoming an engaged and inclusive organisation for all our people. 

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Heritage Activity and Evaluation Consultant to support the delivery and evaluation of our tower restoration and heritage project funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. This role is crucial in ensuring the project meets its approved purposes and outcomes, while providing valuable insights for future development.

Scope of Work

1. We expect that the appointed Heritage Activity Consultant will deliver the following:

· Lead on the successful delivery of the heritage engagement activities as per the Project Plan to achieve The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s outcomes and approved purposes

· Lead on the promotion and publicity of the project

· Lead on the recruitment and management of volunteers

· Liaise with the project partners listed in the Project Plan, as well as any other connections that are created through the project

· Maintain high quality records of all project activities

· Submit Progress Reports and Grant Claims to the Heritage Fund

· Support the Evaluation Consultant with the evaluation of the project

2. Regular Monitoring Support

· Assist the church with the submission of The National Lottery Heritage Fund grant reports and payment claims.

· Work closely with the Heritage Activity Consultant to collect data on project events and activities, monitoring progress against agreed plans.

· Support any project reviews and help implement necessary changes.

· Provide general project support as required.

3. End-of-Project Evaluation

· Produce a comprehensive evaluation report assessing the achievement of the project’s approved purposes and outcomes.

· Document major successes and any areas that did not go as planned.

· Record changes implemented during the project.

· Identify lessons learned and make recommendations for future projects or opportunities arising from this work.

Requirements:

Essential:

· Proven experience in project evaluation, preferably within heritage or community projects.

· Familiarity with evaluation and reporting guidelines (or willingness to learn quickly).

· Strong analytical, reporting, and communication skills.

· Ability to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders.

Desirable:

· Experience of working with project’s funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund or similar funding bodies.

· An understanding of evaluation and reporting guidance.

Closing Date: Monday 29th December 2025

Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage. Telling the Story of St Nicholas Berden is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to raise funds to support the restoration of the tower at St Ncholas church, Berden and link this historic building to the history of the small village that it sits at the heart of. The project involves the local community in the story telling of this beautiful village whilst linking the past to the present through re-enactments, storytelling and the physical, built, environment.

Harris Hill is delighted to be working with the Cotswolds Dogs and Cats Home (CDCH) to recruit its new Chief Operating Officer (COO).

The CDCH has been providing care and support to vulnerable animals in our community for over 80 years. We work across Gloucestershire and support over 1,000 animals each year living in our community.  We find wonderful families for pets who need a new home and provide access to veterinary treatment for pets living with financially vulnerable families through our subsidised veterinary clinics, ensuring no animal suffers because of cost.

As COO, you will:

• Oversee operations, including the CDCH centre, retail and fundraising as well as project delivery, finance, human resources, IT, customer service, and facilities.
• Translate the Board’s strategic vision into actionable plans and upgrade daily procedures.
• Lead a high-performing team.

If you are inspired and excited by what CDCH does, we’d love to hear from you.

Job title: Chief Operating Officer

Salary: Up to £75,000 p.a.

Location: Gloucestershire

Employment term: Permanent / Full Time

Please review the Recruitment Pack for further information about CDCH, the COO position and for details on how to apply.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 5th January 2026

Both CDCH and Harris Hill operate an equal opportunity policy and commit to treating all of our candidates and jobseekers fairly. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnership.

Night Recovery Worker

When registering to this job board you will be redirected to the online application form. Please ensure that this is completed in full in order that your application can be reviewed.

Job Title: Night Recovery Worker

Location: Brent -  Unfortunately there is no step free access available on this site. 

Salary: £27,000 (Full Time Equivalent)

Shift Pattern: 17.5 hours per week on a rolling rota between Monday to Sunday 19:45 - 07:15. You may be required to work outside these hours as per service requirements such as bank holidays and evenings. 

About the Role

We're looking for a Recovery Worker to join our night team in successfully rehabilitating and reintegrating our male residents and participants into the community. In this role, you will provide pathways, support, and appropriate interventions to enable successful resettlement. You will also collaborate with internal and external partners and agencies to achieve desired outcomes.

Working in a trauma-informed and psychologically informed environment, you’ll empower residents to achieve their goals and improve their well-being. This role involves working closely with residents during the night, conducting welfare checks, providing guidance, and responding to individual needs. You will ensure the smooth running of the night service by conducting welfare checks, supporting residents, and handling any issues that arise. The role includes completing administrative tasks and providing thorough handovers with day staff and managers to maintain consistent service.

Some key responsibilities include: 

• Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of residents and participants at all times
• Focusing on empowering our residents to take control over their lives and meet their personal goals
• Planning activities to engage residents with other people, communities, and opportunities
• Building trusting professional relationships with residents, helping them to achieve their goals and aspirations which could be through tailored one to one sessions, group sessions, in and out of service activities, and general wellbeing check ins
• Be a valued and reliable member of the team, completing handovers for night colleagues for a seamless service

About You

We’re looking for someone with a genuine passion and felt purpose to help people, challenge stigma, and make a real difference to people’s lives!
We are looking for a team player, driven to provide high quality care and support to others, an effective communicator who is able to build rapport with others from various backgrounds. You will be compassionate, supportive, and empowering to others, whilst able to form effective, positive and motivational relationships. 

• Experience of working with people of complex backgrounds and/or a good understanding of the sector, particularly around multiple and complex needs and homelessness
• Ability to show empathy and compassion to our residents, and different challenges they face
• Ability to use, learn and adapt to IT at an intermediate level, including Microsoft and other software programs
• Ability and willingness to show flexibility of working patterns, responding to the needs of the service and residents
• Ability to promote the service and provide outreach-based provision, with an ability to liaise and work effectively in partnership with stakeholders
• Understanding of the different needs people with multiple and complex needs have and be aware of the social marginalisation that can be attached to people who face personal challenges
• Alignment with our values of Ambition, Empowerment, Inclusivity, and Transparency

Please refer to the JDPS attached for more details on the vacancy and our requirements/key criteria.

What we Offer

• 25 days (Full time equivalent) annual leave, increasing with the length of service
• Employer Pension Contribution
• Eligibility to register with Blue Light Discount Card
• Access to discounted tickets for music events, shows, sports and more
• Reflective Practice regular sessions with a therapist provided by an external provider to support Mental Health and Wellbeing at work
• Training and Development, including access to courses, upskilling, and progression plans
• Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Annual Staff Awards
• EDI Ambassador programme

About Social Interest Group (SIG)

SIG is a not-for-profit organisation providing thousands of people with good-quality support and care in residential, drop-in centres, community floating support settings, probation settings, and hospitals. We do so across London, Brighton, Bedfordshire, Luton, Kent and Liverpool. Our goal is to transform lives through empowering change. 

We believe good care and support improves lives with the vision to create healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities. Join us on our mission to empower independence through trauma-informed solutions and dynamic partnerships that keep people out of prison, out of hospital, and off the streets.
Want to know how we work? Watch our short Theory of Change video to see how we support people towards a brighter future: Theory of Change Further details can be found on our website here: Theory of Change - Social Interest Group - Social Interest Group. 

Additional Information

Please note that this job advert may close early due to screening applications on an ongoing basis. We advise applying as soon as possible for your application to be taken into consideration at the early stages.

Please note that as part of our process, we complete an enhanced DBS check, some roles may require further vetting. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds. If you have any questions regarding this, please contact us on the details below. 

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship, please ensure you have full right to work in the UK prior to applying to our positions. 

Additional information on our company policies including Gender Pay, Equality and Diversity, Company Benefits and our Candidate Privacy Policy can be found on our website.

If you’re a purpose‑driven CEO with a deep passion for animal welfare, this is your opportunity to steer a trusted charity as it transforms for a sustainable future.

Margaret Green Animal Rescue is embarking on an exciting phase of strategic revitalisation. As a leading animal welfare charity with a proud history since 1965, we are seeking a visionary and dynamic Chief Executive Officer to lead us into our next chapter. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our charity and ensuring the animals in our care receive the very best support.

As Chief Executive of Margaret Green Animal Rescue, you’ll lead a proud organisation delivering rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming, and providing lifetime care for animals with complex needs across Dorset and Devon since 1965. You’ll harness the charity’s tangible local footprint across three rescue centres and a network of retail shops to elevate outcomes, scale supporter engagement, and embed operational excellence.

You’ll be the catalyst for significant strategic change—partnering closely with the Board of Trustees to set bold transformational objectives and KPIs. You’ll transform our operating model to meet current and future needs, oversee a data and IT modernisation programme to strengthen insight, efficiency and compliance (from donor management and welfare tracking to retail operations), steward budgets and risk with rigour, and act as the charity’s primary spokesperson to media, partners and the wider community.

The role is full‑time, based at Head Office in Church Knowle, Dorset, with regular travel across centres and shops, and offers a competitive package including 30 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays. We welcome experienced CEOs and senior leaders who bring strategic planning, change delivery and inclusive leadership.

The Role

As CEO, you will provide inspirational leadership and strategic direction, working closely with the Board of Trustees to deliver our mission and vision. You will be responsible for:

• Leading the development and implementation of a revitalised strategic plan, ensuring alignment with our values and ambitions
• Driving operational excellence across all areas, including animal welfare, fundraising, retail, and administration
• Championing a ‘One Charity’ culture, embedding consistent ethics and best practices across all teams and locations
• Acting as the primary spokesperson, enhancing our profile and engagement with supporters, partners, and the wider community
• Overseeing financial stewardship, risk management, and the effective use of data and technology to support organisational goals
• Ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation and charity governance requirements

About You

We are looking for an exceptional leader who is passionate about animal welfare and ethical leadership. The ideal candidate will have:

• Proven senior leadership experience, ideally within the charity, animal welfare, or related sectors
• Demonstrable experience in strategic planning, organisational development, and change management
• Strong financial acumen and experience in budget management and income generation
• Experience in data and IT management, including digital transformation
• Excellent communication, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement skills
• A commitment to the highest standards of animal welfare

Experience in retail operations, fundraising, and working with Boards of Trustees is desirable.

What We Offer

• Full-time role (37.5 hours per week) with flexibility for additional hours as required
• Competitive salary (£65-80k depending on experience) and benefits, including 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), business expenses, and mobile phone provision
• The chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of animals and the communities we serve

Join us at this pivotal moment and help shape the future of Margaret Green Animal Rescue. If you are ready to lead with vision, compassion, and drive, we would love to hear from you.

Ygam is seeking panel members to join our Lived Experience Advisory Panel. We are looking for individuals with either direct or indirect experiences of gambling harms to provide the organisation with an increased knowledge on the issues that children and young people face in today’s society.

We are particularly keen to hear from individuals who can bring a range of skills, knowledge and experience to the panel, including the ability to communicate clearly, reflect thoughtfully, and contribute respectfully to group discussions. Experience of engaging with education, safeguarding, treatment, peer support, research or policy is valuable, as is an understanding of the wider impacts of gambling harms on young people, families and communities. Above all, we are looking for people who are motivated to use their experience to help shape meaningful change for children and young people.

Role Requirements

Duties will include but not be limited to:

· Contributing to panel discussions and activities

· Sharing knowledge and areas of expertise

· Keeping up-to-date with current developments in the risks and emerging themes surrounding young people’s exposure and experiences with gambling.

· Submitting expenses

· Reading through minutes

· Completing any relevant actions pre and/or post meeting

· Declaring conflicts of interest whilst participating on the advisory panel

Person Specification 

Essential

· Demonstrable experience and knowledge in the fields of education, safeguarding and lived experience

· Understanding of issues related to gaming and gambling harms among children and young people

· Excellent communication skills

· Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of stakeholders

· Passionate about safeguarding children and young people from gaming and gambling harms

· Ability to commit time to attend regular meetings and contribute to the panel

· Open-minded and respectful of different perspectives and experiences

Desirable

· Previous experience serving on advisory panels or boards

· Knowledge of the charity sector

 Harris Hill is supporting a leading London charity to recruit a new Deputy CEO.

Salary: £65,000 + pension · Full time · Kensington & Chelsea (hybrid)

In this pivotal role, you’ll work closely with the CEO to drive organisational strategy, lead high-quality Health, Wellbeing and Community Services, and ensure the charity continues to grow, innovate and deliver real impact for older people.

You’ll oversee service delivery, impact and quality, lead business development and income generation, and build strong partnerships across the NHS, local authority and voluntary sectors. You’ll also provide compassionate leadership to managers and teams, champion co-production, and deputise for the CEO when required.

We’re looking for:

• A senior leader from the charity, public or community sector
• Experience delivering health, wellbeing or community services
• Strong track record in business development and securing income
• Excellent partnership-building, strategic and communication skills
• A values-led, collaborative leader with commercial acumen

Why apply?
A unique chance to shape the future of a respected local charity, drive innovation and impact, and develop as a future CEO — with a supportive culture, ambitious team and competitive package.

For more information, please send your CV to

Deadline: Wednesday 7th January  at 9am

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.

We’re looking for an organised and person centred leader who can join our leadership team to support the quality, growth and sustainability of Stomping Grounds North East CIO.

The Deputy CEO will support the CEO by planning, overseeing, monitoring, reporting and taking appropriate action to deliver the service, business and financial strategies ofStomping Grounds North East CIO, with a focus on developing people, business and safeguarding and ensuring management capability across the organisation. It is key that the successful candidate can work at least some of the school holidays. 

Reports to: CEO

Hours of work :35 hours per week (1 FTE)

Remuneration: TBD

Main responsibilities 

• To ensure projects and delivery adheres to the Company’s vision, mission and values. 

• To oversee the development and implementation of new projects and sessions to meet the Company’s aims and objectives. Specifically, to ensure that:

  • Appropriate risk assessments are undertaken and documented in line with Stomping Grounds Risk Assessment procedure

  • Appropriate communications to and involvement of communities, parents and schools are delivered effectively

  • High quality Forest School provision is delivered, in line with the Stomping Grounds NE vision

• To proactively manage the financial performance of projects and the business overall, including overseeing the planning and delivery of fundraising and donations

• To oversee, monitor and report on all aspects of business governance including health and safety, safeguarding and employee wellbeing.

• To work with line managers to develop their managerial capabilities and performance, with a focus on team development. As part of this, to ensure that:

  • Regular meetings of the team leaders are organised to share information on business performance, plans and issues and to create action plans as appropriate

  • Appropriate observations are conducted, documented and shared

  • PDRs are completed in line with company policy

  • To ensure training is up to date and relevant

  • To ensure that company policies are up to date and relevant and are reviewed as required

• To be proactive and maintain requirements for governing bodies, associations and memberships

• To develop and support the implementation of effective evaluation and impact monitoring processes, including annual reporting of the impact of Stomping Grounds work. 

• To attend meetings of the Board of Trustees and report progress against the business plan

• To carry out other duties compatible with the role purpose as reasonably required or as directed by the CEO.

Person Specification 

Essential 

• Proven exceptional leadership skills

• Experience of leading and developing a diverse staff team

• Excellent communication skills 

• Excellent organisational skills 

• Extensive project management experience

• Excellent understanding of neurodivergence 

• Excellent business management skills 

• Flexibility to work during school holidays 

• Ability to travel to our multi region sites including but not restricted to: Prudhoe, Haltwhistle, Chopwell, Leadgate, Benwell and Gateshead Riverside Park

• Commitment to Stomping Grounds Mission and Values

Desirable 

• Experience with Ofsted

• Experience of working in the charity sector

• Experience of working with children and young people, particularly those with neurodivergence and/or who are not currently thriving in mainstream schools

• Experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead

• Experience of leading teams through change and growth

We abide by Safer Recruitment guidelines and therefore we only accept application forms.

Are you passionate about school libraries? Do you believe in the power of school libraries to transform children and young people’s experiences in education? Can you communicate confidently to a wide audience and range of stakeholders?  

The School Library Association (SLA) supports approximately 2000 members working in schools across the UK with advice, training and advocacy. The School Library Lead will be at the forefront of our member offer and outreach, to help us deliver on our mission to support all those working in school libraries, so that more children and young people reach their full potential through the school library.   

This role will lead on providing advice, inspiration and support for schools looking to develop their school library provision and all the benefits this brings. An expert in school libraries, you will be comfortable supporting members 1:1, delivering training to larger audiences, providing consultancy to schools and sector organisations, writing training and resources, or preparing book recommendations. An exciting opportunity for someone experienced in school libraries with knowledge of the curriculum, teaching and learning and children’s books, you will be the first port of call for library advice and expertise, contributing to the growth and sustainability of the membership network.

You will be experienced in developing relationships with a variety of stakeholders at all levels relish a busy role. This will include supporting our Branch network, collaborating on initiatives for development, delivery and new projects as they come online. As resident children’s book expert, you will support with programmes and projects such as the SLA Information Book Award and member book-related events. You will work with your SLA colleagues to develop and deliver high-quality member events and training as well as advocacy events to raise awareness of the importance of school libraries. Using your sector insight, you will identify opportunities for development of initiatives that will support the SLA vision and mission enabling us to reach more children and young people through our work.  This is a busy and rewarding role and will suit someone with passion and resilience. 

This is a full time role working remotely, throughout the year (37 hours per week). Find out more about the role including full job description and how to apply by downloading the job specification pack. 

Application deadline: 19th December 

Interviews: First round interview (online): 13th/14th January

Second round interview in person TBC: 20th/22nd January 

Applications without a covering letter will not be considered. No agencies please.   

Due to the volume of applications we cannot provide individual feedback. We really appreciate your interest. If you haven’t heard from us within four weeks of the deadline, it means we’ve moved forward with other candidates on this occasion. We encourage you to apply again in the future. Please note we may close recruitment early should the right candidate be identified.  

This is a unique opportunity to lead a high-impact voluntary sector charity at the heart of the Bexley community. You’ll be supported by a passionate and dedicated staff team committed to inclusion, collaboration and strengthening the local VCS. If you are a resilient, adaptable and empathetic leader with a strategic mindset and a deep belief in the power of communities, we would love to hear from you.

About the role

As the Chief Executive Officer, you will: 

• Lead strategy, vision, and organisational direction.
• Represent BVSC across local, regional, and national partnerships.
• Ensure governance, compliance, and financial oversight.
• Lead staff and senior leadership team; fostering an inclusive and supportive culture.
• Promote continuous improvement, service quality, and impact.
• Strengthen relationships with statutory partners, funders, VCS organisations, and communities.
  
  About you

We’d love to hear from you if you are:

• Experienced voluntary/public sector leader with strategic, operational, and financial expertise.
• Collaborative, resilient, inclusive, and adaptable.
• Skilled in partnership working, stakeholder engagement, and system leadership.
• Committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and organisational values.
  
  Why join BVSC?

BVSC is a supportive, friendly team committed to strengthening the voluntary and community sector in Bexley. We offer:

• 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays).
• An extra day off for your birthday.
• 6% employer pension contribution.
• Flexible working: one day working from home each week, with flexible start and finish times (8am–6pm, core hours 10am–4pm).
• Access to the Blue Light Card.
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
• A positive, inclusive team culture where your ideas are valued.

Location: Hybrid – London office and home
Contract: Permanent, full time
Reporting to: Chief Executive
Working pattern: Four-day week

About Spinal Research

Every two hours, someone in the UK becomes paralysed. Globally, more than 15 million people live with paralysis. At Spinal Research, our vision is a world where paralysis can be cured. We fund groundbreaking research to deliver life-changing treatments for people with spinal cord injuries. By backing the brightest minds and fostering innovation, we are driving progress towards what could be the medical breakthrough of the 21st century: curing paralysis. We will not stop until that future is achieved.

The Role

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as Head of Strategy and Operations. This pivotal role ensures Spinal Research is efficient, resilient, and future-focused. You will work closely with the Chief Executive, board, and senior colleagues to deliver organisational strategy, oversee operations, finance, HR, and systems, and help position the charity for growth and impact.

You will bring people, processes, and data together to maximise effectiveness, empower teams, strengthen cross-department collaboration, and champion innovation—including the use of AI and technology—to help us deliver our mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Shape and deliver organisational strategy, project development, and workforce planning as part of the Senior Leadership Team.
• Act as a key point of contact for the board on operational matters.
• Build alignment between research, fundraising, community engagement, and operations.
• Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring efficient and consistent processes across teams.
• Lead on HR, recruitment, staff wellbeing, safeguarding, health & safety, and cyber security.
• Ensure robust financial management, reporting, and compliance.
• Develop and implement policies, systems, and processes to support organisational resilience.
• Act as Data Protection Officer, ensuring compliance with data protection laws and championing data-driven decision-making.
• Lead change management initiatives and explore AI tools and technologies to enhance efficiency.
• Line-manage staff and partners in operations, finance, HR, and data.
• Promote internal career progression, training, and succession planning.
• Be a visible advocate for Spinal Research’s mission and support new initiatives, partnerships, and fundraising activities.

The Kind of Person We’re Looking For

We’re seeking a strategic, collaborative, and innovative leader who thrives in a mission-driven environment. The ideal candidate will be passionate about making a difference, with a proven ability to drive organisational effectiveness and lead teams through change.

Experience and Skills

• Senior Leadership: Significant experience in a senior operational, strategy, or general management role, ideally within the charity, health, research, or not-for-profit sectors.
• Strategic Thinking: Demonstrated ability to shape and deliver organisational strategy, manage complex projects, and align cross-functional teams.
• Operational Excellence: Strong track record overseeing day-to-day operations, including HR, finance, compliance, and systems development.
• Change Management: Experience leading change initiatives, with the ability to engage and support teams through transitions.
• Data and Technology: Comfortable championing data-driven decision-making and integrating new technologies (such as AI tools and platforms like Salesforce) to enhance organisational performance.
• People Leadership: Skilled at empowering, developing, and line-managing diverse teams and partners, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, able to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and act as a credible advocate for the organisation’s mission.
• Values-Driven: Committed to upholding Spinal Research’s values of commitment, integrity, collaboration, and innovation in all aspects of work.

Personal Attributes

• Proactive, resilient, and adaptable, with a growth mindset.
• Highly organised, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Passionate about making a positive impact for people affected by spinal cord injury.

Working Arrangements

• Hybrid role split between home and our London Bridge office.
• Spinal Research is a four-day week employer
• Part of a supportive, values-driven team (commitment, integrity, collaboration, innovation).
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support organisational priorities.

Ready to help us deliver life-changing impact?
Apply now to join Spinal Research and play a key role in our mission to cure paralysis.

Do you want to work with a leading advocacy charity organisation supporting those in need?

Do you have experience of working or volunteering in welfare, support or health and social care and are looking for a new challenge?

Are you keen to make a difference to people who want to be heard?

Then come and join us here at VoiceAbility.

We are looking for an Advocate to join our team over in Shetland. We are seeking applicants who have transferable skills, a willingness to learn and a desire to help those in need of support.

About us

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations.

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity for an Advocate to join and shape this service covering Shetland Your role will require you to travel to locations such as clients’ homes, hospitals, care homes and within community settings across the area to meet with clients and professionals. You will be home based for administration; therefore, access to your own transportation and a suitable home internet connection is essential. 

About you

Desirably you will have some experience of working in advocacy, or providing welfare, supporting, or caring for Adults who have support needs, ideally for those with a variety of communication needs, mental ill health, physical health issues, or barriers to accessing support.

You should have worked or volunteered in health, social care, welfare, support services, education or young person’s services, or advice and guidance. 

How will you make a difference?

You will be responsible for ensuring the individual’s wishes, feelings, beliefs, needs, and values are met to create positive outcomes for the people you support.

You will support people to speak up for themselves and grow in confidence, equip them to understand and exercise their rights and options, and will assist them in the decision-making process relating to their care, treatment, and support.

You will work resourcefully and collaboratively with the individuals you support.  You’ll be creative in your approach to empower our clients by ensuring you meaningfully explain people’s options and rights to them under Scottish legislation.  You’ll support individuals to fully participate in decisions affecting them and will make sure they have their voices heard. 

Benefits 

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time colleagues) rising to 30 days upon 5 years’ service 

5% employer pension & minimum 3% employee contribution 

Salary sacrifices pension scheme 

Separate Life Assurance Cover (equivalent of two times your annual salary) 

Staff discount scheme including retail discounts, entertainment, holidays, gym membership etc 

24/7 Employee Assistance programme 

Access to remote counselling service 

Paid Disability Leave 

Paid compassionate Leave 

Home Working Allowance  

Support with continuous professional development 

Access to Clifton Strengths Coaching for development  

Personal Development Plans 

How are staff supported to work remotely? 

VoiceAbility has a small number of offices. Employees including Team Leaders are homebased for Administration and meetings will be held online as well as in person in the relevant community. 

When you need to travel for work, expenses will be paid (mileage or public transport costs).  

VoiceAbility offers the usual regular manager one to ones, Staff forums and communities of practice depending on role. Team meetings with a mix of virtual and in person approach. 

Equality and Diversity

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact HR for further options.

How to apply

To apply for this role please sign up for a recruitment account by clicking the apply button on this page. Follow the instructions to create your account, upload your CV, and complete our short application form. 

Important Dates:

Closing date for applications; Midnight on 17th December 2025 however, VoiceAbility reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy before this date.

Don’t forget to read the person specification so you can tell us about yourself and how your skills, abilities and experiences match the criteria outlined in the person specification.

Hint: you can use work, personal and/or voluntary experiences, and examples to tell us why you should be our next Advocate.

We look forward to hearing from you.

We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our Development team. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about the arts and eager to build a career in fundraising.

As part of our small, dynamic and purpose-driven team, you will play a key role in helping to grow support for our work. You will bring excellent organisational skills, attention to detail and a commitment to collaborative working and high professional standards. With previous administrative experience, confidence using Microsoft Office, and a background in a customer-focused environment, you will feel at home in this varied, people-focused role.

Alongside your core responsibilities, you will help maintain our organisational database and support the coordination and delivery of a diverse programme of supporter events—ensuring that every guest enjoys an exceptional experience. (Please note that some evening and weekend work will occasionally be required.)

A key feature of this role is the comprehensive training programme built in to support your professional growth. You will receive structured development across all areas of fundraising—including trust and foundation fundraising, individual giving, stewardship, event management and data management. This is a role with real potential; you will learn, grow, and see your work make a meaningful and visible impact.

As Development Executive you will

• Manage the Spektrix CRM database
• Work alongside colleagues to deliver bespoke supporter events in Leeds and at venues across the UK
• Research and collate data to support fundraising activities
• Work with colleagues to draft funding bids and reports
• Support the smooth running of the Development department
• Be supported with an in-depth training programme to develop your skills as an arts fundraiser

We are looking for someone who

• Has administrative experience, organisational and time-management skills – able to manage multiple priorities effectively
• Has experience using or an interest in learning how to use CRM systems (ideally Spektrix) to manage data and support fundraising activities
• Is a motivated self-starter with strong interpersonal skills and the confidence to engage with Northern Ballet’s supporters
• Has a passion for arts and culture

The Coach’s role will be to engage with our adult beneficiaries, supporting them to identify and achieve their aspirations for themselves and for their families.

Adopting a holistic, person-centred approach, she will support beneficiaries both to reach short term goals (through the delivery of Information, Advice and Guidance) and to develop the resources, skills and behaviours necessary to make longer term progress (through Coaching) across the five ‘pillars’ of our social mobility framework:

• ­ Employability 
• ­ Education 
• ­ Family stability 
• ­ Money management 
• ­ Resilience and well-being 

We currently have 3 Social Mobility Coaches on the team.  Whilst supporting women across all five pillars, each Coach has specific areas of responsibility, which may change from time to time.  We anticipate that for the first twelve months of employment at least, this new Coach will have specific responsibility for building out our Employment offer.