Community support officer jobs in purley, greater london

Shape the Future of Finance at ABRSM

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

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

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

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

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

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

You’ll bring:

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

Why Join ABRSM?

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

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

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

Location: London with options for flexible/hybrid working
Department: NUS UK
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: 35.00
Salary: £35,494
 
Do you want to make change in the world?
Do you like to be creatively and intellectually challenged?
Do you love working with students, apprentices and young people?
Do you see education as a transformative force for individuals and society?
 
If you answered ‘Yes!’ then we’d love to hear from you.
 
Who we are
 
We’re one of the world’s largest student movements. Together with our 450 member students’ unions and 7 million students and apprentices, NUS are fighting to make education, and the world, better. We believe that education should be accessible and enjoyable for all – and our community of students, educators, activists and advocates are determined to make it happen.
 
Who you are
 
We're looking for a Public Affairs Consultant dedicated to building strong relationships and delivering lobbying activity that make students more powerful in Westminster. You might have previously worked as a Public Affairs Assistant in a membership, education or campaigning organisation, you might have experience working in an MP’s office or on the campaign trail and be looking for your next move, or you might have honed your representation, research and influencing skills in a students' union.
 
We're a small team with huge ambition and student leadership right at the centre. You might be supporting our officers to appear in front of a Select Committee one day, then using your relationships to secure a set of lobbying meetings another day. You might be welcoming 50 student leaders to Westminster to speak to our APPG and rounding off your week supporting a students' union with their own campaigns. If you think this sounds exciting and you're keen to be constantly learning new things and approaches, then this is the role for you.
 
Why apply?
 
In return for your passion and experience we offer the flexibility for work-life balance, a competitive salary for the non-profit sector and a great benefits package:

• 27 days holiday (increasing with service)
• Flexible working opportunities from day one
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, adoption and sick pay
• Employee wellbeing support
• Paid Volunteering Days
• Other Benefits available: Company Pension Scheme, Free Flu vaccinations, Free Eye Test vouchers, Employee Assistance Scheme, Cycle to Work Scheme, discounts, Childcare Allowance, Health Cash Plan

 
We see anti-oppression as central to our mission. Education isn’t working unless it’s working for everyone in our society. We’re trans inclusive without exception and we welcome individuals who are up for taking active responsibility for their own ongoing learning on liberation, equity, diversity and inclusion.
 
We recognise that candidates from Black, Asian and Minoritised-Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds are under-represented in our organisation, and that there are often additional barriers present for people from these groups when applying for roles in the non-profit sector and beyond. We are committed to taking positive action to expand the diversity of our staff team, and if you meet the minimum criteria for a role (at least 80% of the criteria in the person specification) and are from a BAME background, you'll be guaranteed a first stage interview. It is important to note that this scheme guarantees an interview for candidates who meet the minimum criteria and tell us that they'd like to be considered under the scheme. The selection decision at interview will be based on the most suitable candidate, regardless of any protected characteristic.
 
This is a full-time permanent post based at our London office, with options for flexible and hybrid working.
 
Closing date for applications: Monday 18th August 2025 (23:59)
If you’re successfully shortlisted, we’ll see you at an interview on Monday 1st September 2025
 
REF-222917

**PLEASE NOTE: To apply for this vacancy, please ensure you firstly download a copy of our application form from the documents section on our portal. Click the 'apply' button and fill out your personal details in the relevant sections. Once you have submitted these you will be asked if you would like to attach any documents. At this stage please submit the completed version of the application form.**

JOB PURPOSE
UK for UNHCR (UK4U), the UN Refugee Agency's national charity partner, is looking for a Prospect Research Manager to join its Partnerships and Philanthropy Team (PPH). This role will play a key part in continuing to build our UHNWI, HNWI, Trust and Foundation and Corporate pipelines, by working closely with fundraising colleagues as well as UNHCR internationally.  
 

This role reports to the Head of Philanthropy and manages the Prospect Research Officer. The post holder will identify research, organise and evaluate a prospect’s financial capacity, ability to give, willingness to give, charitable interests, and connection to the organisation, operating within the organisation’s due diligence process. The post holder will work closely with senior stakeholders within PPH to help drive each area’s strategy and the overall team objectives.
 

The role manages UK for UNHCR’s due diligence process from renewing due diligence on existing pipelines, to completing new due diligence profiles utilising key due diligence tools and platforms, working with the PPH team, SMT and UNHCR’s global due diligence team.
 

Passionate about the refugee cause and UNHCR’s contribution, you will have demonstrable experience of successfully identifying prospects as well as preparing and presenting in depth prospect briefs for across the high value fundraising pipeline from UHNW and HNW individuals, Trusts & Foundations and corporates.  You will be familiar with using a variety of information sources, of complying with GDPR and other regulations and working with a CRM database.  Donor focussed and a problem solver, you will with have excellent written and verbal communication skills and be someone who enjoys working as part of a team.   
 

We are interested in hearing from candidates with a range of professional experience: charity or private sector. If you think you have the relevant skills and crucially, the passion to support the refugee cause, please apply.
 

 WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO  

United Kingdom for UNHCR is the United Nations Refugee Agency’s national charity partner for the United Kingdom. We generate public awareness of the plight of refugees and raise funds to help protect them through UNHCR’s humanitarian operations across the world.

Our supporters include UK private individuals, communities, corporate partners, trusts and foundations. The funds we raise help UNHCR deliver emergency relief such as shelter, medical care and basic supplies to people fleeing conflict and persecution, as well as healthcare, education and livelihoods opportunities for those who remain displaced over the long term.

Nobody chooses to be a refugee, but we can all play a part in their protection, and we want those who work with us to share our values and passion for the cause.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION AND BELONGING 

We strongly value diversity and recognise that it is critical to our success and the cause that we serve. We are committed to providing an inclusive environment for all who work with us and strongly welcome applications from diverse backgrounds, particularly those with lived experience of being a refugee, asylum seeker, internally displaced person, or a stateless person.  
 

UK for UNHCR is proud to have Diversity & Inclusion Working Group. The Diversity & Inclusion Working Group is a group of colleagues focusing on tasks that drive action in the implementation of our D&I Approach.  The group also works to create safe spaces that brings colleagues together for events, discussions and learning experiences that celebrate and support diversity and tackle barriers to inclusion. 

We are also open to flexibility in many ways, including an element of working from home and flexible hours. Please don’t be afraid to speak to us about this at the interview stage, so we can explore what’s possible.

Role Responsibilities 

• Collaborate with the Head of Philanthropy and Senior Stakeholders within PPH, to build upon the overarching strategy for the prospect research function, to deliver a strong and sustainable prospect pipeline
• Using a broad spectrum of sources, identify, research, organise and evaluate a prospect’s financial capacity, ability to give, willingness to give, charitable interests, and connection to the organisation. Support fundraising staff in prioritising prospects and building pipelines.
• Lead meetings with senior stakeholders (CEO and Fundraising Heads) to discuss new prospects and the current HNWI portfolio and Corporate pipeline.
• Keep up to date on research and due diligence trends including identifying ways to improve risk research, due diligence and market insight.
• Work within UK4U’s due diligence policy and processes, maintaining a system to enable the organisation to track due diligence carried out, ensuring compliance with all regulatory best practice standards.
• Track and manage prospect research KPIS using power BI.
• Produce in-depth, well-written reports on prospects based on a combination of data from the donor database, open access records and other markers of high-quality donors.
• Managing and coaching an officer level prospect research role, overseeing their work on key projects and developing their skills.
• Embed best practice use of the database within the team, developing tools to analyse and review our prospect pool and how prospects are moved through the pipeline.
• Implement new research techniques as they arise, striving to design a high quality and efficient prospect research methodology.
• Carry regular pipeline reviews to ensure pipelines remain dynamic and fit for purpose.

The above list is not exhaustive, and the post holder may be required to perform duties that are not detailed above.
 

Personal Attributes and Experience

Essential Experience

• Experience of providing strategically aligned research to help identify and prioritise prospects capable of offering significant financial and/or other support. 
• Experience of profiling, network mapping, prospect qualification and other intelligence gathering activities.
• Experience of working with colleagues in Individual Giving as well as with major donor and corporate fundraisers to optimise use of a CRM database to identify potential prospects.
• Experience managing, coaching, motivating and supporting more junior members of the team.
• Experience carrying out due diligence.
• Strong understanding of GDPR and working within GDPR policies.
• Experience of working with senior stakeholders (CEO and Trustees and fundraising board members) to identify key prospects within their networks and offering recommendations on next steps and areas of UNHCR’s work that may be of interest to prospects.
• Experience of working on fundraising databases.

 Essential Skills/Knowledge

• Ability to investigate, analyse, and synthesize large quantities of data into a user-friendly and concise format for the use by fundraisers and key volunteers (e.g., Trustees). 
• Ability to act proactively to identify new prospects.
• Knowledge of due diligence platforms and how to carry out due diligence effectively.
• Ability to lead meetings with senior stakeholders.
• Ability to juggle and prioritise multiple tasks and meet deadlines.  
• Able to demonstrate flexibility, with a willingness to respond quickly, particularly at times of humanitarian crisis.
• Ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations well.
• Demonstrable strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to be discreet with valuable and personal donor details that are often confidential.
• Ability to problem-solve effectively.
• Ability to take a tactful and ethical approach to fundraising tasks/projects.
• Demonstrable understanding of GDPR and other regulatory compliance issues. 
• Ability to work proficiently with CRM databases (knowledge of Salesforce helpful). 
• Ability to work proficiently in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong understanding of the UK philanthropic environment across UHNWs/ Major donors/ Trusts and Foundations and Corporates.

Desirable Skills/Experience (not compulsory)
·  Demonstrable interest in or higher education on/or similar study on international development/humanitarian issues.
·  Line management experience.
 

WHY JOIN UNITED KINGDOM FOR UNHCR? 

You will be part of a high performing agile team of talented people, all committed to build solidarity and raise funds for refugees and displaced people worldwide. You will be working in a flexible, supportive, and inclusive environment, where your work will be recognised and appraised. 
 

What else?
Wellbeing
28 days’ leave per annum plus bank holidays.

• Employee Assistance programme providing 24/7 access to online GP, mental health support and virtual wellbeing. 
• Access to 100s of perks with discounts on everyday purchases.
• Office wellness perks.
• Discount on gym memberships. 
• Hybrid and Flexible Working.
• Staff socials.

Financial 

• Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8%.
• Non-contributory group life assurance scheme
• Non-contributory Income protection scheme.
• One-off contribution towards homeworking set up.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption pay.
• Enhanced sick pay scheme. 

Development

• Comprehensive training and continuing development opportunities.
• Individual training budget.

HOW TO APPLY
If you have the relevant skills and the passion to use them to support refugees, please apply by completing our application form which is available in the documents section.   

We are actively reviewing applications for this positions and interviews will be held on a rolling basis. To avoid disappointment, submit your application now.

If you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to the application or hiring process that may better facilitate your participation, please contact us using the email address provided when you click through to our online portal. We will make every effort to respond to your request for assistance as soon as possible.

United Kingdom for the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is registered with the Charity Commission (England & Wales), charity no. 1183415. It is the UK national partner of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Refugee Agency.

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

Our vision is to empower women to love, follow and serve Jesus boldly in every age, stage and season of life.  The current outworking of this is two annual conferences – in both London and Birmingham to over 3000 women, a two-day women in leadership retreat and a biblical teaching series over podcast. Currently, we are seeing God move powerfully and we stand in a defining moment of our journey. We sense a clear call to deepen our impact and expand our reach. To step into this next chapter, we are thrilled to be adding a freelance Head of Fundraising to our small but dedicated team.

We’re seeking a visionary leader who can craft and execute a dynamic fundraising strategy to propel The Orchard to the next level. This role demands a unique blend of relational and strategic acumen—someone who grounds their decisions in data, draws from a wealth of experience, and thrives on unlocking potential. By harnessing a diverse range of fundraising approaches, the right person will help us raise £100,000 per year over the next three years, enabling us to fulfil God’s calling on the organisation.

We are Hestia. We make a difference.

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Housing Services Manager to play a pivotal role in our Central Services in London.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

The Housing Manager plays an important role in delivering high-quality housing services to vulnerable people, including those with complex mental health needs, young people, and survivors of domestic abuse. Reporting to the Head of Housing Services, the Housing Manager is responsible for ensuring that tenancies are sustained, rent is collected on time, and repairs are reported and monitored efficiently. The role requires a good understanding of housing law and involves working closely with other agencies in a supported housing environment. Key tasks include overseeing rent collection, ensuring correct tenancy sign-ups, and providing trauma-informed housing management in line with organisational values.

The Housing Manager also leads a team of Housing Officers, offering regular supervision, training, and support to help improve their performance and knowledge. They are responsible for making sure repairs are followed up, rent accounts are managed properly, and performance targets are met. The role involves building positive relationships with service users, dealing with complaints or issues, and working with support staff to help tenants maintain their housing. Accurate record-keeping and reporting are essential, and the Housing Manager must work with partners like local authorities and support services to ensure that housing support is delivered effectively and professionally.

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

Here's what the team will be looking for

The ideal candidate will have solid experience delivering housing management services within supported accommodation or housing associations. They must have a proven track record in line managing or supervising staff and demonstrate strong expertise in rent collection and arrears management. It is essential that they have worked with people who have complex needs, such as mental health challenges, experiences of domestic abuse, or homelessness. The ideal candidate must have a good understanding of housing law, tenancy and licence agreements, and rent recovery procedures. They should also be knowledgeable about Housing Benefit, Universal Credit, and entitlements for individuals with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF). Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills are essential, along with effective written and verbal communication abilities. The candidate must be IT literate and experienced in using housing management systems. Additionally, they should possess the ability to coach, support, and motivate staff to ensure high standards of service delivery.

Interview Steps

Interviews for this role will be held at our Head Office on 13th August 2025

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape a new senior role within our organisation. The Interim Head of Research and Campaigns will lead our Research function and advocacy efforts, ensuring that evidence-based insights drive our campaigns, policy work, and public engagement.

Recently kicking off our new ‘Creating Positive Change Together’ strategy, coproduced by over 130 staff, volunteers, clients and partners, Groundswell has ambitious plans around influencing more change and amplifying voices to promote healthier lives and a better future for anyone who has experienced homelessness. This role directly aligns with these strategic plans, to refine and use innovative participatory research centring lived experience, share and amplify insight from people with experience of homelessness, and increase our campaigning activities to change systems and break down the barriers that stand in people’s way to a healthier life and more hopeful future.

This role has been created on an interim basis to assess its impact and effectiveness, with a key focus on reviewing the priorities, progression and support of our Research Team and making recommendations for the future regarding this new role. The role will sit within the wider Participation, Progression and Creating Change team. 

We anticipate that some form of Head of Research & Campaigning role will continue beyond this 12-month period, and this interim position will very much shape and inform that longer term role. 

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

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

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

 

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

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

Ideal start date: ASAP, as agreed with candidate 

Purpose of the Role:

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

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

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

Key Responsibility Areas    

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

Please review the attached pdf for the full job description.

Person Specification (Knowledge, skills and experience required)

Project management and product development

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

Stakeholder engagement 

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

Policy and data skills 

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

Commercial and customer service 

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

IT skills 

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

Please review the attached pdf for the full person specification. 

How to Apply

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

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

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

About The Role

What if your expertise in IT project management could help drive transformational technology change that directly supports families facing dementia's greatest challenges?

About the opportunity

As Senior IT Project Manager, you'll lead some of our most complex technology programmes. Overseeing delivery of major technology initiatives that directly enhance our ability to support people affected by dementia. You'll line manage a team of IT Project Managers and Project Support Officers. You'll bring out the best in your team while delivering complex, high-impact projects on time and within budget.

This is an important technical leadership role within our Technology Directorate. Working closely with our Project Management Office (PMO) to implement large-scale technology projects using PRINCE2 and Agile methodologies. You'll build relationships across the organisation. Managing cross-functional specialist teams and ensuring our technology infrastructure, systems and applications evolve to meet the needs of those we serve.

If you're a seasoned project management professional looking for an opportunity to contribute to transformational change in a cause-driven environment where your technical expertise makes a meaningful difference - we'd love to hear from you. 

About you

You're an accomplished Senior IT Project Manager with proven expertise in delivering complex technology programmes. You have substantial line management experience and a passion for developing others while driving successful project outcomes. You thrive in technical environments, connecting effectively with both specialist teams and business stakeholders to deliver results that matter.

You'll have:

- Significant line management experience with responsibility for team development, performance management, and leading through organisational change.
- Proven track record in senior IT project management roles, delivering complex technology change programmes with lasting organisational impact.
- Extensive experience across technology infrastructure, data, digital, systems and/or applications project delivery, with in-depth expertise in at least one area.
- Advanced understanding of end-to-end project lifecycle management, including planning, risk management, resource allocation and financial controls.
- A formal project management qualification at Practitioner level (PRINCE2, MAPM, PMP, or APMG) alongside experience with both traditional and Agile project management methodologies.
- Excellent communication abilities, engaging technical and non-technical audiences with equal effectiveness alongside strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.

What you’ll focus on: 

- Formal line management and development of a small team of IT Project Managers and Project Support Officers including coaching, mentoring and supporting their career progression.
- Leading selected technology programmes within our broader Technology Transformation initiative, ensuring projects meet deadlines, budgets and strategic organisation wide objectives.
- Managing cross-functional specialist teams and building effective partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to deliver sustainable technology solutions.
- Developing comprehensive project plans, maintaining proper governance structures, and producing regular progress reports for senior leadership and project boards.
- Identifying, documenting and managing risks and interdependencies across programmes, escalating resource conflicts and issues as appropriate.
- Working collaboratively with the PMO to ensure projects align with our methodology standards while supporting the organisation's broader strategic goals.

Ready to lead a team where every successful project deployment, every system enhancement, and every technological advancement directly empowers our mission to transform lives affected by dementia?
 
Important Dates

Application Deadline: 23:59 on Sunday 17th August.
Applications will be reviewed on week commencing 18th August.
Interviews will begin end of August.

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.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

BACKGROUND
Over the past 90 years, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has developed unparalleled expertise in responding to emergencies and helping uprooted communities to rebuild. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. The IRC is on the ground in more than 40 countries, providing emergency relief, relocating refugees and rebuilding lives in the wake of disaster.

The IRC is committed to a culture of bold leadership, innovation in all aspects of our work, creative partnerships and, most crucially, accountability to those we serve. The IRC is a tireless advocate for the most vulnerable.

IRC UK
IRC UK is part of the IRC global network, which has its global headquarters in New York. Our team in the UK works to raise profile, deliver policy and practice change, and increase funding to help restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Since 2021, IRC UK has also provided integration services directly to refugees in England.

In Europe, the IRC also has offices in Berlin, Bonn, Brussels, Geneva and Stockholm.

EXTERNAL RELATIONS

The External Relations (ER) unit comprises four complementary functions: Private Fundraising, Marketing & Mobilization, Policy & Advocacy and Operations & Analytics. To enable IRC to deliver our Strategy100 commitments, the ER unit established a bold new approach that enhances our ability to raise diverse and flexible funding aligned with IRC’s top priorities, while raising our profile and influence. The ER unit is international, with colleagues in more than 10 offices globally.

 

The Purpose of the Role

As Director of Communications, UK, you lead IRC UK’s core communications strategy with the objectives of growing our profile, influencing policy, driving income, and building our reputation. This is done by taking a strategic approach to generating effective messaging for cross-team use, creatively collaborating to produce cut-through external products across media and digital channels, and generating top tier media coverage in collaboration with communications, advocacy and fundraising colleagues globally. In this role you will be expected to use expert judgment to manage IRC UK’s reputation, as well as ensure media and digital outputs protect clients, staff and programming from harm. 

The Director will report to the UK Executive Director and the Acting Senior Director of Global Public Affairs. The Director will collaborate closely with the Director for Digital Engagement, UK Advocacy Director, and the Director of UK Mass Markets to meet the organization’s strategic objectives surrounding profile, income and influence.

 

Scope and Authority

 

Authority:

●The role holder sets strategic direction for UK communications, with a focus on earned media, public advocacy and organic digital.

●The role oversees the UK comms operational budget, with access to the Global External Relations budget.

●The role has the authority to brief journalists with agreed messaging and act as spokesperson for the organisation.

●The Director will line manage the communications team and other positions when required.

●The role is a key member of the UK Senior Management Team, with collective responsibility for the leadership, culture and efficacy of IRC UK.

 

Key Working Relationships

●Reports to the UK Executive Director and Acting Senior Director Global Public Affairs & Communications.

●Close collaboration with External Relations staff in the UK, US and globally, including Policy and Advocacy, Mass Markets, Fundraising, Awards Management, Digital Engagement, Entertainment Relations, Creative Studio, and Experiential Marketing.

●Works closely with key country directors, country programme staff and technical unit colleagues.

●Supports policy staff in the IRC President’s Office on key UK messages and policy initiatives involving the IRC President.

●Works closely with counterparts in NGOs and donors particularly FCDO and the DEC.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

 

Strategic Direction

●Raise IRC UK's profile, income, influence and brand in the UK market by developing and delivering a 360 comprehensive communications & marketing strategy that reaches target audiences, attracts new supporters, and connects supporters with IRC clients.

●Partner with global external relations leadership to set Key Performance Indicators for achieving the strategy, and drive and monitor progress towards them with the support of your team.

●Contribute to the development and delivery of the UK Strategic Plan.

 

 

 

Team Management & Stakeholder engagement

●Manage a team of communications professionals, setting objectives, portfolio scope, and partnering on professional development opportunities

●Drive creative insights and strategic thinking within the UK comms team and influence / maximize policy, advocacy and fundraising outputs and results

●Lead strategic communications planning to maximize opportunities of partnering with income and influence objectives and outputs

●Ensure the UK Communications Team are clear on systems, processes and organization to drive efficiency and team productivity

●Review team performance quarterly and present on results to global stakeholders

●As a member of the UK Senior Management Team (UK SMT) support the UK Executive Director in the creation and delivery of IRC UK strategies and priorities, foster cohesion and collaboration among UK based departments, representing the needs and objectives of the team in the UK SMT and UK office.

 

Execution: Driving IRC profile, influence and income; and protecting the reputation of the IRC

●Work alongside global communications colleagues, Policy & Advocacy colleagues, Digital Engagement and UK Fundraisers to develop appropriate messaging on key proactive and reactive issue areas across the scope of IRC’s work.

●Plan and identify key moments of opportunity for IRC UK Communications according to internal and external landscape and timetables.

●Ensure pro/reactive message accuracy and cut through calls to action that engage audiences for proactive campaigns and news cycle opportunities.

●Develop, commission and drive creative cut-through tactics and products, from revealing IRC research and analysis to emergency media briefings.

●Secure top tier media coverage of IRC’s work, solutions and innovation, balancing mentions with long-form/features and profiles.

●Influence and shape key media and digital narratives around IRC UK priority issues.

●Oversee strategic media opportunities by commissioning, writing, editing and disseminating messaging for multi-channel use includingpress-releases, op-eds, statements, web and social content to secure coverage of the IRC in the UK across print, broadcast and online media.

●Work with global communications colleagues and country office staff to create strong, persuasive and impactful outputs, and to arrange interviews and media visits to frontline work.

●Act as a spokesperson for the organization in the media as needed.

●Liaise closely with Fundraising teams to collaborate on timely messaging, client-centered storytelling, digital outputs, and media coverage to bring in donations to the IRC during emergencies and other fundraising appeals.

●Manage the communications component of IRC UK’s relationship with the DEC and lead communications on DEC appeals.

●Use expert judgment to ensure the IRC’s brand is protected and to develop and enact strategies to enhance IRC’s reputation, as well as ensure media outputs protect clients, staff and programming from harm.

●Ensure coordinated and topical messaging across media outreach and digital channels.

●Establish close relationships with press counterparts within statutory donor organizations that lead to opportunities to promote IRC in the media.

●Leverage IRC’s President and CEO, and UK Executive Director to grow our profile in the UK, through proposing and implementing op-eds, interviews and other media activities.

●Support, prepare and coach staff, spokespeople and board members for media interviews and visits; and provide guidance across the organisation to dealing with media.

●Build expertise on current and potential issues in the humanitarian NGO arena via research and monitoring of national media and competitors and in liaison with global colleagues.

●Work with the global media colleagues to ensure that IRC has a system for managing media enquiries at all times, as needed.

●Responsible for reporting to the IRCUK board, subcommittees and Executive Director on press activity, trends and upcoming opportunities.

●Responsibility for the budget oversight, tracking & administration as well as ensuring adherence to financial processes

 

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Experience

●**Track record in creating, driving and evaluating a 360-degree communications and marketing strategy that focuses on media, digital and enabling income.**

●**Experience leading and managing media and digital teams.** 

●Experience navigating and influencing within large matrixed organizations.

●Extensive experience of developing key messages and implementing media strategies with an international, and ideally humanitarian or development focus.

●**Experience of conducting media relations and communications opportunities in developing countries and sensitive contexts.

●Experience of organising international media visits to projects in order to facilitate reporting on key issues.**

●**Experience responding to reputational threats.**

●**Experience leading a digital communications team that delivers breakthrough digital content

●Experience/knowledge of tools for monitoring media coverage and digital results.**

●Experience of dealing with media enquiries into crisis and sensitive issues.

●Experience of acting as a spokesperson for an organisation.

●Experience managing a budget, ensuring timely payment and adherence to finance protocol

Skills and Knowledge

●Creative thinker who can identify opportunities and collaborate internally to produce external products that cut through media and digital and meet strategic IRC UK objectives.

●Strong communication and interpersonal skills: ability to communicate effectively with colleagues both in the UK and overseas and manage working relationships diplomatically.

●Excellent eye to detail and commitment to high speed and high quality writing and editing

●Strong understanding of marketing and how communications intersect with income generation, and influencing

●Strong organisational and time management skills: ability to prioritise team’s work, and multi-task in a fast-paced work setting.

●Good knowledge of UK and international media landscape and news cycle

●Good instinct for digital marketing and digital environment

●Good contacts with key UK journalists and media outlets, and knowledge and ability to develop relationships quickly.

●Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills; adept at writing clean, engaging, jargon-free copy for a range of channels.

●Ability to represent IRC-UK and the wider IRC professionally and appropriately at all times.

●Knowledge/interest in international affairs, particularly of conflict and humanitarian crises and issues.

●Knowledge of key political debates in the UK around international development and aid.

●Flexibility as regards working hours, as the need arises.

●Willingness to travel occasionally to conflict areas.

●Fluency in English, spoken and written.

Are you a fundraising expert intrigued by the idea of transforming healthcare through the power of volunteering? If so, we have an incredible opportunity for you!
 
Helpforce is on a mission to revolutionise health volunteering and we need a dynamic, strategic, and results-oriented Head of Business Development to be at the forefront of this exciting journey. This is your chance to shape the future of a rapidly growing national charity, working at the intersection of innovation, impact, and social good.
 
In this role, you'll be responsible for driving the growth of our income-generating portfolio, securing new business, and forging high-value partnerships with the NHS and the broader healthcare sector. You'll also oversee the fundraising function, ensuring seamless alignment between our commercial growth and philanthropic income. This dual role is perfect for a senior professional who thrives on relationship building, business innovation, and revenue generation from both commercial and charitable sources.
 
Since our launch in 2017, we've been pioneers with a clear vision for a nation where volunteering is integral to healthcare being its very best. We collaborate closely with NHS Trusts and other healthcare organisations to co-create expert volunteering models that meet healthcare’s biggest challenges, while generating evidence that showcases the value and impact of initiatives. Our insights empower health leaders across the UK to invest in solutions that enhance patient experience, reduce pressure on staff, and bring meaningful benefits to tens of thousands of people who volunteer their time and talents.
 
This is not just any job, this is a chance to make a tangible difference to the lives of millions who receive and deliver healthcare.
 
Key Responsibilities
 
Business Development — Core Focus
 
 

• Develop and lead the business development strategy to expand market presence, secure new contracts, and grow sustainable income streams.
• Identify new markets, service offerings, and strategic partnerships that align with Helpforce’s mission and impact goals.
• Lead negotiations for contracts, partnerships, and commercial agreements.
• Oversee the preparation of bids, proposals, and tenders, working with internal teams to ensure high-quality submissions.
• Leverage Helpforce’s reputation and evidence of impact to generate new business opportunities.
• Conduct market research and competitor analysis to inform strategic decisions.
• Build strong commercial relationships with public sector bodies, corporate partners, and health system leaders.

 
Fundraising — Leadership Oversight
 

• Provide strategic oversight of all fundraising activities including trusts, foundations, major donors, and institutional funders.
• Directly line manage the fundraising function, providing leadership, coaching, and performance oversight.
• Support the development of high-quality funding applications, stewardship plans, and donor communications.
• Ensure fundraising activities comply with ethical standards, contractual obligations, and regulatory requirements.
• Work closely with the CEO and Trustees on high-value fundraising relationships.

 
Leadership & Strategy

 

 

• Serve as a key member of the Senior Management Team (SMT), contributing to organisational strategy and leadership.
• Set income targets, KPIs, and performance metrics across business development and fundraising.
• Work with Finance to monitor budgets, forecast income, and manage financial risks.
• Represent Helpforce externally at high-profile events, conferences, and with key stakeholders.

 
Relationship Management

 

 

• Build and maintain relationships with donors, funders, corporate partners, and public sector stakeholders.
• Support senior-level relationship-building with strategic funders and institutional partners, working alongside the CEO and Trustees where appropriate.

 
Person Specification
 
Essential

 

 

• Senior-level experience (7 years) in business development, commercial partnerships, or strategic fundraising,
• Experience in a non-profit, NGO, social enterprise, or impact-driven business.
• Proven track record of securing significant business contracts or partnerships.
• Strong leadership and line management experience.
• Excellent negotiation, commercial acumen, and contract management skills.
• Outstanding relationship-building skills with diverse stakeholders including public sector, corporate, and philanthropic partners.
• Experience in setting and delivering income growth strategies.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for proposals, reports, and presentations.

 
Desirable

 

 

• Sector knowledge: [e.g. healthcare, NHS].
• Knowledge of CRM systems and fundraising databases.

 
Equality and Diversity
 
Helpforce encourages applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries. We're committed to having a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities. We actively encourage BAME and disabled applicants and value the positive impact that difference has on our organisation. We are committed to equality and diversity within our workforce and all opportunities provided by Helpforce.
 
Location: Remote, but travel to the London office will be required, as will UK wide client meetings.
Salary: c.£62,000 per annum
Benefits: Competitive
 
Closing date for applications is 21st August 2025. Please use the application link to send us your CV and a covering letter to support your application. Applications submitted without a covering letter may not be considered.
 
REF-223097

Exciting Opportunity: Join West London Centre for Counselling as a Trainee Couples Counsellor (NHS Recruit to Train Programme)

West London Centre for Counselling (WLCC) is pleased to offer an excellent opportunity to join our team through a full-time, salaried NHS Recruit to Train position.

Successful candidates will:

• Be employed by WLCC
• Join the Tavistock Relationships training programme
• Begin training as part of the September 2025 cohort and complete by September 2028.

About the Programme

Building on the success of previous cohorts, NHS England is funding new opportunities starting September 2025.

This three-year programme offers:

• Full tuition coverage
• Salary support funding
• Completion of foundation-level counselling training
• Specialist NHS Talking Therapies modality training in Couples Therapy for Depression (CtfD)

Funding

NHS England funds:

-Full tuition fees across the 3-years of the programmes

-Salary support to cover the salaries across the 3-years of the programme:

· Year 1- Band 5

· Year 2 & 3- Band 6 

Important Eligibility Information

• These are training roles, and candidates must remain in the funded Recruit to Train post to retain their place on the course—and vice versa.
• If you are ineligible for the course, you cannot be offered the role.
• If you withdraw from the employment offer after accepting a course place, you will not be permitted to join the course.

Course structure and requirements

The National Curriculum for High Intensity Psychotherapeutic Counselling within NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression outlines the full details of the course structure. To summarise, the following outlines the key training requirements:  

· A 1-year core psychotherapeutic counselling foundation level training, which also introduces the chosen NHS Talking Therapies modality. Following sign off for readiness, trainees can begin to practice at West London Centre for Counselling with people with mild to moderate depression

· Followed by, a 2-year post-graduate diploma (PGDip) in psychotherapeutic counselling (minimum 120 credits at Level 7)

· A minimum of 450 supervised client hours gained within a NHS Talking Therapies service

· A minimum of 450 training hours (skills and theory)  

· A minimum of 50 personal therapy hours  

· A minimum of 90 minutes of training supervision to every six hours of client work (or the equivalent for group supervision), or 90 minutes per week if they have completed less than six hours of client work in the week

· NHS Talking Therapy services will be responsible for supervision on site, including oversight of case management, clinical governance and management supervision in line with the supervision requirements of the NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression manual.

· An average of two to three days per week of clinical practice in NHS Talking Therapies services

· Individual accreditation (professional registration) with a professional body in line with the NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression manual (see the manual for more details)

Key Dates

· Application deadline: 18th August 2025

· Interviews: Week commencing 25th August 2025

· Course start date: 29th September 2025

Selection process

Selection processes including shortlisting and interviews will be carried out jointly by West London Centre for Counselling and Tavistock Relationships (training provider). Successful applicants will need to meet both the requirements of the employing service’s job description and person specification, and the training provider’s entry requirements. The recruitment process to identify the trainees for this psychological role will be collaborative and values based.  This is to ensure that trainees recruited can meet both service expectations but also the educational requirements for the 3-year pathway.

The vacancy

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

About the GOC

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

About the Council

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

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

Remuneration and time commitment

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

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

How to apply:

Please email the the following to appointment@optical. org

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

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

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

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  midnight on Sunday 10 August 2025.

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

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

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

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