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We believe that change for people affected by ME won't just happen; it must be made. That's why action and impact are at the heart of everything we do. Whether that's helping people today with support, information, or care. Or working towards securing future change through our research and campaigning work. The intent of everything we do is to pursue positive impact for the lives, rights, and futures of people affected by ME.
As Communications Manager you will play a pivotal role in delivering strategic, impactful communications that advance Action for ME’s work, improve understanding and recognition of ME and support fundraising efforts
The Communications Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day delivery of the communications strategy, leading a team of two other communications staff. You will work closely with colleagues across the fundraising, policy, research and services departments, delivering clear and compelling storytelling, and maximising visibility across media, digital platforms and key stakeholder networks.
Key duties
Leadership and Management
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Work to ensure that people with ME are at the heart of everything we do through meaningful engagement and participation to influence all aspects of communications and marketing.
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Contribute to the development of, and then lead implementation of, the Communications Strategy, ensuring the appropriate involvement of key stakeholders, scoping, evaluating, and improving our practice.
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Maintain a data-insight led approach to the communications work providing regular management information and key performance indicator reports.
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Work as a member of the Extended Leadership Team.
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Line manage Communications Team members, supporting them to set and achieve performance objectives through regular one-to-ones and 12-monthly appraisals.
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Be responsible for Communications budget and the relationship with services providers required for the production of the charity’s digital and printed information and support resources.
Communications and Marketing
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Raise the profile of the impact of ME, and of Action for ME and its work, to enable the organisation to reach more people and better support need, by establishing a regular cadence of appropriate but innovative product across all main social media channels.
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Ensure fundraising is supported by embedding clear calls to action around donations and membership growth as a matter of course.
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Under the direction of the Director of Fundraising, develop all website, press and social media content for charity appeals.
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Market the charity’s Support and Healthcare services, including key digital and printed information and support resources, to the ME community and the professionals working with them, working closely with respective service leads.
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Contribute to income generation by working closely with the Director of Fundraising to develop the communication and marketing materials needed to implement the organisation’s Fundraising Strategy.
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Coordinate the charity’s response to any crisis communications, including developing appropriate crisis management plans and working outside of office hours as required.
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Establish effective systems/processes for gathering, supporting, maintaining, and managing case studies for a range of purposes (including press and media opportunities, public affairs and policy work, and fundraising).
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Draft and issue press releases and media statements and ensure appropriate follow-up by telephoning journalists, contacting picture desks etc. as appropriate.
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Alongside the CEO and any commissioned agency, develop relationships with key press, media and communications stakeholders to enhance the charity’s work.
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Oversee the production of the annual report, on budget, to schedule, taking overall editorial responsibility for content.
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Oversee the ongoing development of our digital engagement including our website and social media and being the point of contact on website issues.
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Fulfil the role of brand gateway keeper, ensuring all digital and printed communications, including information and support resources, adhere to brand guidelines, house style and organisational tone.
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Maintain an up-to-date knowledge and oversight of how ME and related key issues (e.g. Long Covid) are discussed in the media and wider ME community.
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Build networks to enhance the charity’s strategic communications and marketing work.
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Build and maintain an effective social media monitoring regime, ensuring fit for purpose rules of engagement are in place and applied consistently.
Other Key Accountabilities
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Ensure that all relevant service standards are met including compliance with best practice, legal and regulatory frameworks and internal standards.
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Ensure best value in all our work.
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Undertake any other duty within your ability and within reason, as may be required, from time-to-time, at the discretion of your line manager.
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On occasions, provide management support and cover within the organisation, as needed.
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Act as an advocate for the charity and its work.
Person specification
Experience, Knowledge and Understanding
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A minimum of 2 years’ experience working in a communications management role
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Experience of developing integrated, insight and audience-led communications plans including social media
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Experience of website and brand management
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Experience of delivering successful campaigns
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Experience of engaging with press and/or media including writing press releases and media briefings
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Experience of working collaboratively with different teams/departments
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Experience of working in charity communications (desirable)
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An understanding of ME and the impact on people affected by it (desirable)
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Experience of integrating fundraising with communications (desirable)
Skills, Behaviours and Values
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Adaptable and highly organised with an ability to work methodically, managing and prioritising a varied workload, use your own initiative, work independently, and work well in a team.
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Strong MS Office skills including the ability to use Word, Excel, databases and web-related programmes and software.
Registered Charity
21 - 50
Our mission is to improve the lives of people affected by ME. Better meeting their needs today while taking action to secure change for tomorrow.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Are you our next Trusts Fundraising Officer?
If you have a talent for story telling, are looking for a role where your words can make a lasting impact and are passionate about giving vulnerable young people life changing opportunities, then this is the job for you. We’re seeking a talented individual who can tell our story and help secure vital funding from trusts and grant-makers.
Trusts and other grant-makers are an important source of funding for our charity. As we look ahead, we’re expanding our Trusts fundraising portfolio to meet the growing needs of our programmes. This is where you come in.
As our Trusts Fundraising Officer, you’ll be an inspiring storyteller whose enthusiasm for our work shines through in your writing. You’ll play a key role in researching new funders, crafting compelling funding applications and keeping our supporters engaged with our work. Your work will involve developing case studies and gathering evidence to show the need for our services. This will help secure sustainable funding. You’ll be supported by our experienced Trusts Fundraising Manager to build lasting relationships with funders. Together, you’ll keep them engaged and informed about the positive impact they’re making on the young people we support.
The Trusts Fundraising Officer must be self-motivated, well organised, able to multi-task, have good administration skills and understand the “power of the outdoors”. Paid or voluntary experience in a fundraising environment is essential. This is a great opportunity for somebody looking to take the next step in their career, with plenty of scope to develop your skills and experience within a supportive team. Whilst the role is home-based you must live in the South West to ensure easy access for in-person meetings.
The Charity
At the Youth Adventure Trust, we use outdoor adventure to empower vulnerable young people from Swindon, Wiltshire and Somerset to fulfil their potential and lead positive lives in the future. We work with them to build resilience, develop confidence and learn skills that will last a lifetime, helping them to face the challenges in their lives. Dedicated support, guidance and mentoring from our staff and volunteers ensures young people receive the maximum benefit from our long-term intervention. Our aim is to make a lasting improvement to the lives of vulnerable young people. All our services are provided completely free of charge to the young people who are nominated by schools and other youth organisations to take part.
We’re proud to offer our programmes completely free of charge to participants which means the fundraising team is crucial. With ambitious plans to help more young people over the coming years, our Events Fundraising Officer role is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference. You’ll be well-supported as part of a small fundraising team with a big heart, with plenty of opportunities to visit our programmes and see the tangible impact of your work.
What We’re Looking For:
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Outstanding communication skills – You can write clearly, persuasively and passionately. You’re confident speaking to others about the charity’s work.
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Writing experience – You have experience writing successful funding applications, proposals, or compelling articles, ideally but not necessarily with a fundraising focus
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Fundraising experience - You may not have written a grant application before but you should have some paid or voluntary experience in a fundraising capacity.
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Attention to detail – You take pride in your work, have a good eye for detail and a thorough approach.
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Creativity - able to put together eye-catching proposals, impact graphics and social media posts.
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Self-motivation and organisation – You’re able to manage your own time and prioritise effectively.
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Passion for the outdoors and youth development – You understand the importance of giving vulnerable young people outdoor experiences and are willing to put on your waterproofs and join in on our activities and camps to witness first-hand the difference the Youth Adventure Trust makes.
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Willingness to learn - if you think you have what it takes but don’t have lots of experience as a Trusts Fundraiser, this role comes with plenty of scope to develop your writing skills and gain experience within a supportive team environment.
Safer Recruitment
The Youth Adventure Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and requires all employees to share this commitment. The suitability of all prospective employees will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment and in compliance with current employment legislation, and relevant safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance.
Registered Charity
11 - 20
We use outdoor adventure and one-to-one support to empower young people to fulfil their potential and lead positive lives in the future.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
The overall purpose of the role is to lead and coordinate meaningful participation and engagement opportunities for children, young people and adults to shape services, influence decision-making and ensure the voices of lived experience are central to organisational development. The postholder will support in designing, delivering and evaluating initiatives that build trust, inclusion and empowerment.
Main Responsibilities
- To co-ordinate and provide safe spaces for children, young people and adults to participate in user- led activities and projects.
- To be a key link between children, young people and adults within our participation service and staff, making sure their voices and experiences are heard.
- To recruit and engage children, young people, and adults, to enable them to feel comfortable to join our Participation service.
- To support the Head of Voice, Participation & Engagement to develop opportunities for children, young people, and adults to be actively involved throughout the organisation.
- Lead and facilitate small scale participation projects.
- To maintain records of all interactions with stakeholders, using Salesforce.
- To be able to work flexibly, including regular evening and occasional weekend work in response to participants availability.
- Support the Head of Voice, Participation & Engagement in planning and facilitating forums.
- Work with people with lived experience of bereavement to create meaningful content and service recommendations.
- Work across the organisation sharing, promoting and training in best practice in participation.
- To assist in planning, organising and delivering participation events (virtually and in-person).
- Ensure that a range of voices are heard, with particular focus on EDI.
- Ensure the safety and wellbeing of members of the participation service through adherence to the organisation’s safeguarding policy and practice.
- Maintain accurate records throughout all services, complying with the organisation’s recording and reporting requirements.
Communication and Relationships
- Develop and maintain trusted relationships with children, young people, families, adults, and stakeholders to create safe and inclusive spaces for participation.
- Facilitate group and one-to-one engagement sessions using creative and accessible methods to ensure diverse voices are heard and valued.
- Collaborate with internal teams, including service delivery, communication, marketing and fundraising to embed participation principles across all areas of work.
- Represent the organsiation externally at meetings, events and networks, sharing insight from lived experience to inform sector-wide learning.
- Translate feedback and participation outputs into clear reports, presentations or creative formats that inform decision-making.
- Demonstrate empathy, confidentiality and active listening when engaging with individuals or groups who may have experience loss and trauma.
- Establish excellent internal working relationships with peers and colleagues.
- Model the values and culture of the organisation in interactions and relationships at work.
- Adapt communication style and approach to suit the needs, preferences, and emotional states of children, young people and adults, including those with neurodiverse profiles or communication difficulties.
- Provide clear, compassionate explanations of support options, safeguarding procedures, and next steps to children, young people, adults and families.
- Maintain professional boundaries while fostering a safe and supportive environment for children, young people and adults.
- Respond to challenging or emotionally charged situations with sensitivity, professionalism, and a focus on empathy and support.
- Ensure accurate and timely documentation of communications and decisions in line with organisational policies and data protection regulations.
Knowledge, training and experience
- Proven experience in youth participation, community engagement, co-production, or related areas, ideally within charity, education or health and social care sector.
- Understanding of participation frameworks, rights-based approached and trauma-informed practice.
- Demonstrate a good understanding of grief, loss, trauma, child development, and the psychological and social impact of bereavement on children, young people, families and adults.
- Experience in facilitating groups, workshops, and creative engagement activities both in-person and online.
- Ability to translate engagement insight into practical feedback and recommendations
- Adhere to legislation and statutory guidance related to Safeguarding Children and Young People, Safeguarding Adults, and the Mental Capacity Act.
- Participate actively in clinical supervision and reflective practice to ensure safe, ethical, and effective service delivery.
- Contribute to the development and sharing of knowledge within the team by supporting training, mentoring, and peer learning opportunities.
Analytical and judgment skills
- Ability to gather qualitative and quantitative feedback and identify key themes, trends, and areas for improvement.
- Exercise sound judgement in managing sensitive information, ethical boundaries and participant confidentiality.
- Assess engagement risks and implement appropriate boundaries and referrals in line with safeguarding policies.
- Critically evaluate participation initiatives and contribute to evidence-based practice through reflection, evaluation tools and reporting.
- Balance organisation priorities with participant needs, ensuring representation remains authentic rather than tokenistic.
- Ensure accurate, timely, and meaningful data recording and reporting to inform practice, service evaluation, and organisational performance monitoring.
Planning and organisational skills
- Plan, coordinate and deliver participation activities, forums and events with clear objectives, timelines and outcomes.
- Support the development of annual participation calendars or frameworks as needed.
- Manage competing priorities across multiple projects, ensuring timely communication with internal teams and external partners.
- Maintain accurate records, consent forms and participation data using appropriate digital systems.
- Support logistical arrangements including venue booking, accessibility adjustments, transport and safeguarding measures.
- Contribute to strategic planning by identifying emerging themes, opportunities for partnerships and areas for innovation.
- Provide cover and support for participation and engagement team members during periods of absence or high demand.
- Demonstrate self-awareness and reflective capacity, using supervision and peer support to sustain personal wellbeing and professional effectiveness.
- Contribute to the development of efficient, evidence-based practices by supporting team planning, service evaluation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Person Specification
Essential
- Minimum 3 years’ experience of working with children and young people or adults in health, social care, youth, community or education setting
- Experience of advocating for the interests of children, young people or vulnerable adults or individuals from ethnically diverse communities
- Strong written and oral communication skills, with experience of tailoring these to a wide range of audience
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage sensitively with children, families, and professionals while maintaining professional boundaries at all times
- Experience of facilitating participation groups both in person and online
- Knowledge of different facilitation approaches and methods
- Demonstratable experience of safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and an ability to practice in a way that promotes this
- Experience of building trusting relationships with children, young people, and adults creating safe space
- Passion for the power of Voice and Lived Experience
- Understanding of the challenges that participation work can present, and experience of how to overcome this
- Ability to work collaboratively within a team and with external organisations
- Emotional maturity, stability and resilience with a strong commitment to self-care and the ability to seek support and guidance when difficulties arise in the course of work
- Strong IT skills, including confidence in using multiple IT systems
Desirable
- Experience of working in bereavement sector
Benefits
- 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays (pro rata if applicable) with increase for long service.
- TOIL for our hours work.
- Contributory pension scheme.
- Company sick pay.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Life assurance.
- Training loans.
- Enhanced family friendly policies.
Recruitment Timetable
Application deadline: 16th June 2026 at midnight
Winston’s Wish reserves the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications for the role before the closing date.
Please refer to our recruitment pack for further details on the interview process.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.