Contract manager jobs in thatcham, west berkshire

The Senior Bid and Funding Officer is a new role for Involve as we seek to build the infrastructure to support the growth that we have experienced in recent years.  This role will sit within our Finance & Support Services function and will work alongside colleagues at all levels in the Innovation & Practice, Capacity Building & Standards and Advocacy & Communications functions to identify and provide compelling proposals in response to fundraising and tender opportunities. 

As Senior Bid and Funding Officer you will be responsible for identifying fundraising opportunities to bring forwards to the team for evaluation and coordinating the submission of returns ensuring high quality tenders are produced that meet the needs of funders and commissioners.  You will support function leads in monitoring fundraising outcomes and comparing to income generation targets, developing a database of funders and improving tender response processes to reduce the administrative burden of tender responses without compromising on quality.

Our ideal candidate will have experience of managing the tender return process in other organisations, either in a commercial or charitable sector environment. You will bring strong project management skills, be able to coordinate tender submissions to set deadlines and have an inquisitive mindset to enjoy researching opportunities and thinking creatively how Involve can meet funder requirements while also advancing our mission.

We work across the UK, with offices in Belfast and London. Many of our staff work from home across the UK or in a hybrid pattern, rather than being based at one of our offices, though we meet up regularly as a team. We are flexible but you must be comfortable with regular travel both for project work and for Involve team activities.  Must be able to travel to deliver work across the UK.

Please see our website for more details. 

Mary’s Meals is a global movement supported by people from all walks of life and we are focused on one goal – that every child receives a nutritious daily meal in their place of education. We are currently reaching over 2.6 million children every school day, across 16 countries.

We are recruiting for a dynamic, visionary leader to join us as Director of Strategic Initiatives – a vital role in helping us grow our global movement. Reporting to our Chief Growth Officer, you’ll lead a talented team responsible for designing and delivering bold new strategies to increase revenue and build long-term, sustainable income growth and grow the strength of our National Affiliate network.

You will:

• Drive a programme of high-impact, global initiatives, from new fundraising products and digital solutions to youth and faith engagement strategies.
• Provide expert support and coaching to Executive Directors leading National Affiliates across the world.
• Guide strategic planning and change programmes with measurable outcomes, clear delivery plans and a deep focus on stewardship.
• Lead and inspire a high-performing team of specialists focused on audience insights, product development and market expansion.
• Collaborate closely with senior leadership across our global family to ensure alignment, shared learning and sustainable growth.
• Support the development of effective governance, technology and safeguarding practices across affiliates.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the MMI Executive Leadership Team and contribute regularly at the highest levels of decision-making.

About you:

You will bring significant senior-level experience in strategy, programme leadership, and/or business development – ideally in a global or multi-entity context within the charity sector.

• A strong track record of driving income growth and leading successful change initiatives.
• Experience working across cultures, with the ability to influence, inspire and build trust in diverse settings.
• A sharp focus on what works in fundraising, product innovation and audience engagement – particularly in the context of international development.
• Experience collaborating closely with technology teams to deliver digital and tech-enabled solutions.
• Proven leadership and coaching experience, with the ability to build high-performing teams and work with autonomy, agility and purpose.

Most of all, you’ll be motivated by our mission and ready to play a key role in helping us reach the next child waiting for Mary’s Meals.

About us:

We believe in the innate goodness of people, respect the dignity of every human being and family life and believe in good stewardship of the resources entrusted to us. In line with our values, Mary’s Meals is fully committed to a culture of safeguarding. Mary’s Meals is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work and we expect all the Mary's Meals family to share this commitment and work in the best interest of the communities we serve. Our safe recruitment practices ensure that only those that are committed to our high standards join our movement.

Salary advertised is for UK based candidates, our salary philosophy ensures consistency across locations where Mary’s Meals operates, please reach out for more information on salary & benefits if you are based outside the UK. 

To apply:

If you are inspired to join our movement and our vision, mission and values resonate with you, we would love to hear from you. To apply, please click below to send your CV and a short covering note (no more than 1 page) telling us why you are a great fit for this role and why you would like to work for Mary’s Meals International.

Purpose of the post

The Engagement and Involvement Lead will engage with young people, families, schools and other interest-holders in the process of designing, delivering and ensuring the best outputs from the Adolescent Health Study, and is critical for the success of the project.  We are at the early stages of laying the foundations for this and in this new role we are seeking an experienced and passionate individual to co-ordinate and lead AHS’s cross-UK participant and public involvement and engagement activities.

This is a role that requires high levels of confidence, autonomy, enthusiasm and skill. The postholder will be responsible for delivering the project’s new Engagement and Involvement Strategy, including:  establishing and coordinating a Young Persons’ Advisory Group for AHS; developing and delivering AHS public engagement and involvement activities; outsourcing and supervising engagement and involvement activities that are better provided by external partners; scoping and advising on which routes for involvement and engagement activities are best suited to different tasks. 

Main responsibilities

Planning & strategy delivery

· Ensuring the study delivers the values and approaches set out in the AHS engagement and involvement strategy

· Planning, delivering and reporting on an ongoing, regular and important programme of engagement events and activities

· Reviewing/revising/adding to existing policies, processes and procedures to support effective working together with people and communities (such as reimbursement, compensation, making reasonable adjustments)

· Developing and implementing appropriate evaluation, monitoring and reporting of Community Engagement & Involvement

· Keeping up to date with good practice & sector advances and sharing these with the AHS team.

Practical engagement and involvement

· Developing methods to enhance engagement and involvement, and helping to build positive relationships with young people and stakeholder groups, including charities, third sector & advocacy groups

· Overseeing day-to-day planning & delivery of a high-quality engagement and involvement programme.  To include, for example:

o Managing and supporting Youth Advisors

o Recruiting and running a standing Young People’s Advisory Group (YPAG)

o Organising & delivering other ad hoc engagement activities as necessary

· Securing external partners where necessary, and managing contracts and delivery of their work across the UK

· Ensuring that any external parties (e.g. organisations, freelancers, consultants) supporting AHS’s involvement and engagement work have clear roles, responsibilities & goals

· Working with the Head of Communications to develop and manage provision of relevant information to members of the public, teachers, young people & researchers

· Keep clear records of involvement and engagement activities, ensuring results are used to inform the study and the wider research community.

Team support

• Checking for and capitalising on possible opportunities for engagement and involvement to be embedded in the work of the wider team
• Ensuring appropriate induction, training, mentoring and support is organised for the research team and communities involved
• Sharing examples of emerging good practice and CEI (Community Engagement & Involvement) impact across the research team.

Wider

• Contributing to shared learning and future sustainability as part of wider CEI communities of practice
• Acting as a key point of contact for community members and partners involved in the research
• Representing and presenting the AHS study’s engagement and involvement work to the wider research community at a senior level, including in national engagement & involvement networks as necessary.

Knowledge, skills and experience

Essential criteria

· Undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field

· Experience developing and delivering engagement and involvement activities with young people and other relevant interest-holders (such as parents, families, teachers and schools)

· A proven track record or professional background in working with young people – such as in youth work, counselling, mentoring, education, or a related setting

· Understanding and experience of good practice in youth engagement and involvement,  including the principles and implementation of safeguarding, data protection, and inclusive practice

· Awareness of culturally sensitive approaches and methods to be inclusive of all relevant perspectives, including  marginalised and vulnerable groups

· Experience of successful project management and ability to deliver, working independently.

· Ability to design and deliver workshops, focus groups or meetings that encourage open dialogue and collaboration

· Ability to manage a budget and report on financial activity accurately

· Ability to work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team, with experience of working alongside and influencing senior level professionals

· Research literacy, with a clear understanding of large UK-wide research initiatives and the various competing demands and pressures the study will face

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills - able to communicate effectively and confidently with a range of stakeholders and to summarise and report key information clearly and accurately, both verbally and in writing

· Demonstrated commitment to youth participation and the meaningful inclusion of young people’s perspectives.

· Confident using online tools (e.g. MS Teams, Zoom), and collaborative platforms (e.g. SharePoint, Microsoft 365)

Desirable criteria

· Relevant qualification in engagement and involvement

· Post-graduate degree or equivalent experience

· Understanding of key concepts and challenges in young people’s health and wellbeing and the transition to adulthood

· Familiarity with health research and data governance frameworks

· Understanding and knowledge of key potential partners across the UK for delivering youth engagement in the sector.

· Experience using digital engagement and facilitation tools for online workshops (e.g. Miro, Mural, Mentimeter, Canva, PowerPoint)

Dimensions

· This has been designed as a full-time role, although part-time work could be considered for the right candidate.

· Flexible working across several geographical locations in the UK.  Travel may be required to AHS locations and partner organisations.

· AHS is a national organisation, and our activities take place across the UK.

Application Process

This post is subject to receipt of satisfactory references, an enhanced DBS check and right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available). Please apply with a CV and a covering letter (of no more than two pages) explaining what you can bring to this role, and including your current salary.

The closing date for this position is midnight on Sunday 17 August 2025.

Interviews are currently expected to be held during the week commencing 08 September, tentatively scheduled on Thursday 11 or Friday 12 September 2025.

Equal Opportunities Policy Statement

AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. It is our policy to provide employment equality to all, irrespective of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Beyond these protected characteristics, we acknowledge the importance of socio-economic background, childcare and caring responsibilities, educational background, neurodiversity, and any other factors that shape an individual’s identity and opportunities. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel valued, supported, and able to contribute fully.

Values

It is an exciting time for the Adolescent Health Study (AHS) as we establish our senior leadership team and begin to plan the pilot studies. As the senior executive team evolves, the AHS values will be grounded in inclusivity, integrity, accountability, and collaboration.

Remote position with some preference for London UK, Freetown Sierra Leone, Cape Town South Africa or Nairobi Kenya

SCOPE OF WORK

1. Grantmaking Due Diligence & Onboarding

• Coordinate the collection, review, and secure storage of due diligence documentation from prospective grantees.

• Assist with risk screening checks and internal reviews in alignment with Purposeful’s grantmaking policies.

• Prepare grantee onboarding documentation, including grant agreements and orientation materials.

• Track submission of required onboarding documents (e.g., bank forms, MoUs, safeguarding policies).

• Monitor and keep track of the grants due for payment.

• Respond to grantee and applicant inquiries and proactively update them on the status of their grant awards.

2. Grant Compliance & Documentation

• Monitor compliance status of all active grants, flagging outstanding requirements and follow-up needs.

• Ensure that compliance-related deadlines (e.g. reporting dates, grant conditions) are met and documented.

• Maintain clean, well-organised, and accessible digital grant files, using existing tools or systems (e.g., Google Drive, Netsuite, Salesforce, etc.) to ease retrieval and generation of reports.

• Support internal checks to ensure that funds are disbursed in line with compliance protocols and funding agreements.

3. Finance Coordination

• Liaise with the finance team to prepare and verify payment documents, banking instructions, and payment schedules.

• Support alignment between grant budgets and payment disbursements.

• Track the movement of funds across grants, ensuring appropriate documentation is in place for each transaction.

4. Donor & Internal Reporting

• Assist in preparing compliance-related sections of donor reports and internal grantmaking summaries.

• Track reporting obligations by donor or partner, and ensure all documentation is collected and filed on time, including any relevant country-specific compliance requirements.

5. Audit & Policy Support

• Prepare documentation for internal and external audits, including sampling, document summaries, and data extractions.

• Assist in developing and maintaining internal tools (templates, checklists, trackers) related to grant compliance.

• Contribute to ongoing improvements in Purposeful’s compliance systems, bringing in lessons learned and audit feedback, and emerging regulatory or legal considerations relevant to our work.

Join Molly Rose Foundation as our new Supporter Care Officer. We’re looking for a target-driven, ambitious and well-organised person, who is proactive, enjoys a varied role and wants to help create change and save young lives.

Molly Rose Foundation was founded following the death of 14-year-old Molly Russell. At Molly’s inquest, a coroner ruled harmful online content contributed to her death. That’s why we’re working to create a safer online world and to connect young people with the help and support they need to stay safe and well.

As Supporter Care Officer you’ll help to build our fundraising activities by working closely with the Head of Fundraising and Partnerships to grow, diversify and sustain our income generation. You’ll provide excellent care and guidance to our supporters and create plans to grow our activities across individual giving, challenge and community fundraising. We’re in the early stages of growth and this new role offers an exciting opportunity to help build a fundraising department from the ground up.

You’ll have some experience in fundraising and/or the charity sector and will be keen to develop your skills and work across multiple functions in a small, fast-moving team. Alternatively, you might be looking for an entry route into fundraising as a career path and have suitable transferable skills and a growth mind-set.

You’ll be excited by the challenge of helping to build our fundraising department from the start point, and driven by the opportunity to facilitate change that really counts in the long-term. We'll help to be the best you can be in this role and will provide a supportive and progressive environment for you to flourish in as the charity grows. 

We offer a competitive package that includes:

• 27 days annual leave plus 1 volunteering day, rising to 30 days holiday after three years’ service;
• Annual leave buyback scheme, with the option to purchase up to 5 additional days;
• Employee pension scheme;
• £500 employee wellbeing budget;
• We welcome applications from diverse range of applicants as well as flexible working request

For more information, please read the detailed role descriptiong by clicking the file link below.

How to apply
Thank you for your interest in the Supporter Care Officer position. To proceed with your application, please send us your CV (no more than 2 x A4 sides) and a cover letter (no more than 2 x A4 sides) outlining your suitability for the role. Please try not to rely too heavily on AI as it makes your application less authentic. Additionally, we kindly ask that you complete the screening questions and equal opportunities form provided as part of the application process.

Please submit your application via the Charity Jobs website.

Application closing date: Wednesday 30 July 2025 (5.30pm)

Interview dates: Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13 August 2025

Do you love databases and have experience working with IUCN Red List data?

If so, this is the role for you! 

Day-to-day you will manage the SHOAL database as the person responsible for collecting, collating and presenting the data relevant to all of SHOAL’s activities, partners, programmes and projects.

The primary set of data you will be managing is the SHOAL 1,000 Fishes Database. This is a database of more than 2,000 fish species that will require constant updates on their conservation status from experts and partners.

You will be a key person in collaborating with potentially hundreds of partners across the world to ensure that our database of priority species adequately reflects the action on the ground for each species.

To stand out you will bring your passion for conservation to the overlooked issue of the freshwater biodiversity crisis. You will be comfortable working in a small team, be self-motivated, and able to work independently, with a willingness to learn and adapt. Your interpersonal and communication skills in holding external relationships set you apart. 

If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.

Closing date: 28th July 2025 12 noon

First stage interviews (Zoom):  W/C 4th August 2025

Second stage interviews (Zoom): W/C 11th August 2025

Please note, please do not use Chat GPT or similar in your application as we want to see who you are in your originality. As a result, using Chat GPT will likely lower your likelihood at being shortlisted.

Synchronicity Earth’s mission is clear: we blend passion and action to provide safe havens for endangered species, support communities living in harmony with nature, and turn conservation into a worldwide effort. By joining, you're not just taking part; you're weaving your own story into a future that's brighter and sustainable for all.

We understand that life sometimes takes unexpected turns, and we welcome candidates who may have taken a career break. Your unique experiences and fresh perspective will only enhance our team's diversity and strengthen our ability to tackle the complex challenges facing our planet. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds for this role, particularly non-graduates, and are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements.

Candidates from Black, Asian, and Minority-Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds and people with disabilities who meet the criteria (in the section of the job description headed ‘What you will bring to the team’) and opt-in to our Guaranteed Interview Scheme will enter the first recruitment stage. You can find more information in the Guaranteed Interview Scheme and Recruitment Process document.

This is a remote position with some preference for London UK, Freetown Sierra Leone or Nairobi Kenya

Scope of Work

1. Financial Data Entry & Reconciliation

• Enter and reconcile day-to-day financial transactions in the accounting system, including expenses, transfers, payments, and receipts.

• Ensure all entries are accurately coded to the appropriate cost centres, grants, or funding streams.

• Review and reconcile staff expense claims, payment vouchers, and supporting documentation.

2. Budgeting & Grant Allocations

• Support the allocation of expenditure to budget lines across multiple funding sources, ensuring compliance with donor requirements.

• Maintain the habit to monitor actual spend against budgets using existing systems (Netsuite), highlighting any anomalies or risks.

• Assist in the preparation of internal budget summaries and financial snapshots for program and leadership teams.

3. Financial Reporting

• Assist in compiling donor financial reports by collecting, reviewing, and formatting financial data in line with donor requirements.

• Liaise with grants and programme teams to ensure alignment between financial and narrative reports.

• Maintain up-to-date and audit-ready documentation to support all reporting outputs.

4. Managing Fiscal Sponsorship Financial Reports

• Ensuring that income from fiscal sponsorship partners are accurately recorded

• Preparing regular income and expenditure reports for fiscal sponsorship partners and addressing reconciling items. 

• Represent the Finance team in update meetings with potential  or current fiscal partners.

5. Audit & Compliance Support

• Organise financial documentation and support sampling processes during internal and external audits.

• Maintain orderly and accessible digital and physical filing systems for all financial records.

• Support implementation of financial policies, templates, and compliance checks, working closely with the Head of Finance.

At Cruse, we have recently launched our new strategy, setting out our charity’s plans to grow our income and build on our expertise and unique position in the sector. We provide expert bereavement and grief information and support, and our charity has been supporting people for over 65 years. We support adults, children and young people across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, through our national services, 84 local branches and online information about grief and bereavement.

You will lead the Community Fundraising and Individual Giving team to inspire support and donations from groups, organisations and individuals in local communities across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. You will oversee a range of activity across the Community fundraising team and manage a portfolio of relationships including Fundraising Champions (volunteers in branches) and key donors and supporters. You will review, inform and deliver activity to secure individual giving income and promote gifts in Wills, building our income from individuals including those who have received support from Cruse.

As part of the Income and Marketing/Communications Management Team, you will help shape plans to grow our income, raise awareness and increase engagement from volunteers and donors. Working with key colleagues in Services, Volunteering and Finance, and key volunteers, you will build our approach to Community and Individual Giving.

Timeline:

Closing date: 6th August 2025

Interviews: w/c 18th August 2025

NB We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received.

The selection process will involve two stages. First interview will be by video call. Second interview is planned to be via video call, but we reserve the right for an in-person meeting.

If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you during the interview, please don’t hesitate to let us know—we’ll be happy to accommodate.

Support Network Coordinator (London coverage)
Location: Home based within Greater London
Salary: £35,040 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week Monday to Friday

We are seeking a Support Network Coordinator to cover the London region.

About Us

The Spinal Injuries Association is committed to a singular vision: a fulfilled life for everyone affected by spinal cord injury.

Everyone has a right to live a fulfilled life and that means the life they choose, a life that has the same opportunities as everyone else. We are the expert guiding voice for life after spinal cord injury. 

About the role

Each of the Support Network Coordinators have the responsibility for delivering, maintaining, and expanding the support services available to spinal cord injured (SCI) people and their region of the UK.

The post coordinates two vital parallel strands:

1. In your region, to reach and support newly and long-term spinal cord injured people and their families developing a strong partnership with all available specialist services, charity and business partners; managing a dedicated team of volunteers as well as providing direct support to SCI people with more complex support needs.
2. Nationally, working to facilitate the link between SCI people and SIA and the network of services; referring SCI people and their families to our clinical / health expert support teams and advocacy services; working with the Digital Engagement team to build on-line links to regional partners in your area; supporting fundraising, campaigns and communications.

Duties and Responsibilities

This is the job for your if you’re good at:

• Building strong relationships – you’ll be talking to everyone from people with SCI and their families, to healthcare professionals, solicitors and partners who deliver key services.
• Identifying opportunities – to expand SIA’s portfolio of services, we’ll need your knowledge of organisations and individuals that provide services to those affected by spinal cord injury.
• Engaging People – whether it’s service users or your team of volunteers, the success of our work relies on you being able to keep people engaged with what we’re doing.
• Being organised – managing your own diary, keeping in touch with your contacts, ensuring your volunteers are being utilised effectively, providing support to those in greatest need, referring to internal & external service providers and keeping records of the support SIA is delivering.
• Providing life-changing support to those that need it most – you’ll be facing up to the most difficult challenges our service users face.
• Making the ask – whether it’s growing the fundraising activities that underpin the charity, securing the use of a venue for a support group meeting, or ensuring healthcare professionals are promoting our services.

Benefits

• Annual leave: 28 days per holiday year plus bank holidays, increasing to 30 days after two years of service (pro-rated for part time employees)
• Access to Group pension scheme (6% employer contribution)
• Access to Group life assurance scheme
• Access to Healthcare cash plan
• Access to discounted gym membership
• Access to Employee assistance programme (EAP)
• Employee volunteer days
• Free car parking at Milton Keynes, Head Office
• Investing in their people - all members of staff are encouraged to discuss their development plans and aspirations with their line manager. A budget is available for talent development.

Please note, for this role it is essential that an applicant has a personal lived experience of a spinal cord injury (SCI) or Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES), and lives in the Greater London region.

This post will play a critical role in achieving our ambitions. We hope that the role inspires you and we look forward to receiving your application.

Closing date: 28 July 2025, 9am
Interview dates: 6 or 7 August 2025 at SIA House, Milton Keynes OR London area

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

At SIA, we value diversity. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment as we believe diversity fosters a more innovative, creative, and caring culture.

We are striving to create a culture that fully represents all the communities we serve. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will be considered for employment regardless of race, age, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, family or parental status, or disability status.

Disabled candidates who meet the standard job criteria will be offered a guaranteed interview.

No agencies please.

Civitas Charity Recruitment are delighted to be working with a leading national public interest legal organisation seeking a capable, collaborative, and motivated solicitor to join its exceptional casework team. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful litigation that defends rights and holds power to account.

Role Overview

The postholder will work on a mixed immigration/asylum and public law caseload, including individual representation and strategic litigation. Supervised by a Lead Lawyer, the role offers collaboration across legal, research, and policy teams, and involves occasional training and public legal education activities.

Key Responsibilities

- Manage a sustainable legal aid-funded caseload

- Provide expert legal advice and conduct litigation

- Contribute to research, training, and policy work

- Collaborate across internal teams and external networks

About You

- Qualified solicitor (or equivalent) with Immigration & Asylum Law Accreditation (Senior Caseworker level)

- Experience in public law and/or immigration litigation

- Strong legal research and communication skills

- Commitment to social justice and public law principles

Terms

• Permanent contract, based in Central London with flexible working options

• Full-time or part-time (min. 28 hours/week)

• Salary: £41,443.97 (pro-rata)

• Excellent leave and pension provisions

Application Process

An anonymised recruitment process is in place to ensure fairness and equity. Applications are welcomed from candidates of all backgrounds. The deadline for applications is Sunday 3 August 2025.

Interviews: Tuesday 2 & Thursday 4 September 2025.

For further details and how to apply, please contact Syed at Civitas Recruitment for a full JD.

About SOFT UK

SOFT UK is a national charity supporting families affected by Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome) and Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome). We provide emotional support, information, advocacy, and community connections to ensure no family faces this journey alone.

Purpose of the Role

The Regional Engagement Officer (REO) for Northern Ireland will build and strengthen SOFT UK’s presence in the region. This includes supporting families, developing local community networks, enhancing relationships with healthcare professionals, and coordinating volunteer and fundraising activities to reduce isolation and improve support access for families affected by Trisomy 13 and 18.

Key Responsibilities

1. Community Engagement and Support

• Build meaningful relationships with families affected by Trisomy 13 and 18 across Northern Ireland.
• Develop and facilitate local support meetings, coffee mornings, and family gatherings.
• Provide emotional support, signposting, and information in line with SOFT UK’s values and safeguarding policies.

2. Volunteer Support

• Identify, recruit, and train new volunteers within the region.
• Provide ongoing guidance, resources, and encouragement to existing volunteers to strengthen their impact.

3. Healthcare Professional Engagement

• Develop and maintain relationships with regional healthcare providers to increase awareness of SOFT UK’s services.
• Encourage and facilitate referrals of families to SOFT UK by healthcare professionals.
• Share resources and information to improve understanding of Trisomy 13 and 18 among professionals.

4. Event Coordination

• Organise and deliver regional events such as awareness campaigns, remembrance gatherings, and local fundraising events.
• Support national SOFT UK events by promoting and representing the charity locally.

5. Fundraising and Awareness

• Assist with regional fundraising activities by promoting events, supporting local fundraisers, and identifying new funding opportunities.
• Raise awareness of SOFT UK’s mission through local networks, media, and community engagement.

6. Administration and Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of activities, contacts, and outcomes to report impact effectively.
• Work collaboratively with the national SOFT UK team, contributing to meetings, strategic development, and evaluation.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Proven experience in community engagement, outreach, or support roles.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with empathy and understanding for families experiencing complex medical and bereavement journeys.
• Ability to work independently and organise time effectively.
• Experience in planning and delivering community events.
• Confidence in engaging with healthcare professionals and external stakeholders.
• Basic IT skills, including email, social media, and Microsoft Office.
• Commitment to SOFT UK’s mission and values.
• Willingness to travel regionally and work flexible hours where required (some evening or weekend meetings).

Desirable:

• Experience working within the charity or health support sector.
• Knowledge of the healthcare and perinatal loss support systems within Northern Ireland.

Additional Information

This role requires occasional travel across Northern Ireland. Mileage and travel expenses will be reimbursed in line with SOFT UK policies. The postholder will be expected to work from home and maintain confidentiality, safeguarding, and data protection standards at all times.

The role: We’re looking for a talented and driven writer to tell compelling stories that touch hearts, change minds, communicate the importance of our work and inspire people to get involved.

With a proven track record of crafting inspiring narratives, you will gather and share the lived experience of road victims, to demonstrate the impact of road crashes and the difference Brake makes to families affected.  You will source, research and write for different audiences to raise awareness of the solutions that we know can prevent road crashes and reduce death and injury.

You will write effective and powerful content to meet the needs of different functions, including fundraising materials, news and marketing bulletins, research reports, website features, and other publications.

About Brake: Brake is a renowned and respected road safety charity with a 30-year history dedicated to supporting people affected by road crashes and advocating for safer streets.

Why this role is important: Every 20 minutes, someone is killed or seriously injured on UK roads. For families affected, the emotional and practical challenges are immense. Brake provides trauma-informed care to individuals and families suffering from the sudden bereavement or life-altering injury of a loved one and campaigns tirelessly for positive change to prevent future collisions and save lives. This role will play a vital part in raising the profile of our work and effecting positive change for a safer future on our roads.

What we offer:

-  A generous 35 days of annual leave (including bank holidays and 3-day end of year shutdown)

-  Birthday day off

-  Flexible working (choose a working pattern to suit you between the hours of 8am-6pm Mon-Fri)

- Enhanced sick pay and compassionate leave

- Death in service benefit

- Pension

- Employee Assistance Programme

- A rewarding role with purpose

- Be part of a skilled, friendly team with an engaged Board of Trustees

- Opportunity to attend prestigious events such as the Brake annual reception and awards (if you want to)

Who we're looking for

You will be a qualified journalist, a skilled and talented writer, with a minimum of four years of professional experience of working in a fast-paced newsroom or equivalent. You will be well-organised, interested in the UK charity sector and keen to work as part of a dedicated and creative team.

Essential Requirements:

· Excellent writing skills, with the ability to write engaging copy that conveys complex ideas to a range of diverse audiences.

· Skilled in interviewing with sensitivity, supporting the welfare of people sharing their stories with us, including those who have experienced trauma.

· Meticulous attention to detail and collaborative approach, helping us develop and deliver bold, compelling copy and connect with our audiences.

· Qualified journalist with a minimum of 4 years of experience working in a fast-paced newsroom or equivalent, writing a broad variety of engaging copy, working to tight deadlines.

· You will have a strong portfolio showcasing versatile writing skills across different formats. You’ll be able to demonstrate how you have adapted and nuanced copy for different audiences, across a range of content formats and subjects.

· Excellent organisational and project-management skills with the ability to prioritise a varied workload, working both proactively and reactively when required.

· Ability to work independently and in a team with a positive, problem-solving approach.

· Confidence and competence in utilising modern office, communications and IT skills in the Microsoft Office Suite as well as knowledge and skills to use content management systems and databases.

Desirable Experience:

· Experience working in the transport sector with a broad awareness of the political landscape relating to road safety and victim support and how it relates in practice

· Good knowledge of GDPR compliance and data protection best practice. 

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: Brake is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity. We’re committed to supporting employees to achieve a good work/life balance and flexible around caring commitments. We welcome your application whatever your background or situation. We particularly welcome applications from those who are part of the global majority, the LGBTQIA+ community or disabled. We are proud to be a disability confident employer. We don’t want you to ‘fit’ our culture, we want you to enrich it. So, if you have a passion for making a difference and share in our vision for a world where no one is killed on our roads, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now: If you're up for a new challenge and have the skills, apply now by sending your CV and cover letter. We encourage cover letters in alternative formats such as videos or presentations. 

Not for traffic offenders: Due to the nature of our work we can't accept applications from traffic offenders. Candidates will be asked to disclose whether they have any unspent points on their licence at screening/interview.

Questions? If you would like to discuss the role further, please get in touch, we'd love to chat.

Salary: £27,000 per annum.

Location: Homebased – Covering North East of England and Scotland

Contract: Permanent, Full-time - 35 hours per week.

Benefits:

• 29 days annual leave PLUS bank holidays, with up to 5 additional days for continuous service and option to buy or sell leave.
• Gain professional qualifications and excellent training/development opportunities.
• Flexible maternity, adoption, and paternity packages.
• Pension with up to 7% employer contribution with included life assurance cover.
• Staff discount portal and Blue Light Card eligibility with 15,000 national retailer's discounts.

We are one of the largest children’s charities in the UK and have been making a difference to the lives of the UK’s vulnerable children for over 150 years.

Find out more about Action for Children here: Action for Children and on X, LinkedIn, Facebook or YouTube to get to know us better.

A bit about the role

In this role of Relationship Fundraising Executive in the Community Fundraising team, you will support delivery of the fundraising strategy in our communities to grow income and support for Action for Children.

You will steward our supporters in Scotland and the North East of England with their fundraising activity, supporting sports participants, fundraising groups, community corporate partners, DIY fundraisers, Methodists, and more.

How you'll help to create brighter futures

• Supporting the delivery of a range of fundraising campaigns and activities across Scotland and the North East that provide significant income n line with the relationship fundraising strategy.
• Assisting with the stewardship of local volunteer fundraising groups, organisations, clubs, businesses in the local area to encourage further involvement in our work.
• Manage the administrative set up and support of ‘Action Squads’, i.e. volunteer led fundraising groups to help them successfully fundraise and raise awareness.
• Working across and attending challenge events to assist the stewardship and support for sports participants, who sign up to run, walk, cycle and skydive for Action for Children across the UK.
• Demonstrate accountability to our supporters and volunteers through an open, honest, transparent, and consistent approach.
• Supporting the delivery of set financial targets and non-financial targets and outcomes locally.

Let's talk about you

• Experience of delivering successful fundraising activity to achieve income growth.
• Proven experience of networking and of developing and stewarding.
• Maintaining excellent personal relationships with senior external and internal stakeholders, donors, and volunteers.
• Proficient in the use of Raiser’s Edge or equivalent CRM database
• Able to manage challenging and demanding situations to ensure the delivery of all events and fundraising activities.
• Ability to project manage a team of volunteers to achieve against specific financial goals where appropriate.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 Suite.

Good to know

Interviews to be held week commencing the 11th August 2025

We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role

For more information about our Relationship Fundraising Executive role, please review our full job description by visiting our careers page. 

Diversity, equality, and inclusion

At Action for Children, we're dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. We actively encourage applications from Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic, and disabled candidates as they are under-represented within Action for Children. We want to take deliberate and purposeful action to ensure equal opportunity to all groups in society and for Action for Children.

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.