Courses jobs in Birmingham, west midlands

The Director of Finance will be an integral part of the Senior Management Team, with responsibility for the strategic and day to day management of Cathedral Finances. They will support the ongoing development and implementation of its multi year financial plan to underpin the Cathedral’s Strategic Plan.

The postholder will ensure law and regulatory compliance and that all aspects of financial planning and management are conducted to provide accurate, relevant and timely financial information to both budget holders and Chapter.

The Director of Finance will be pivotal to the delivery of the Cathedral’s vision and strategy. Last year, Chapter (the Cathedral’s equivalent of the board of trustees) approved its Strategic Plan for 2026-2030. The Director of Finance will be an integral part of the Senior Management Team, with responsibility for the strategic and day to day management of Cathedral Finances.

Key issues include:

• Working towards financial sustainability with the Senior Management Team and the Cathedral Finance & Risk Committee.
• Working with the Chief Operating Officer to ensure that the Cathedral’s Strategic Plan is underpinned by a multi -year financial plan.
• Producing and overseeing the detailed annual budget, rolling 3-year financial plan together with re forecast during the financial year.
• Supporting the COO and Heads of Department with project development by advising on financial and commercial plans, supporting the generation of business cases and financial forecasts for projects.
•  Supporting with fundraising applications and regular submission and reporting to Church Commissioners and other funders 

Full details on the main responsibilities can be found in our downloadable Recruitment Pack.

Finance Business Partner
Reference: APR20260381
Location: Flexible in UK - However this role will include travel in the UK to meetings and to UKHQ in Sandy, Bedfordshire.
Contract: 12 months, Fixed-Term
Hours: Full-Time, 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £45,644.00 - £48,732.00 Per Annum
Benefits: Pension Scheme, Life Assurance Scheme, 26 days' Annual Leave

The RSPB is one of the UK’s most respected conservation charities for the conservation of birds and nature. As an RSPB employee, you will be helping to save nature every time you come to work. If you have a passion for nature and conservation this could be your ideal role, there’s never been a more important time to protect our wildlife and wild places.

We are seeking an excellent qualified accountant to join our Financial Planning and Reporting team, as a Finance Business Partner, supporting colleagues in the UK Countries Directorate more specifically for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland (though you do not need to live in any of those locations). This is a key role working directly with our conservation delivery and our reserves network areas, all with individual characteristics and skills requirements.

What's the role about?

As a Finance Business Partner you will work proactively with senior colleagues to provide an added-value service of financial support to our UK Countries Directorate. In addition to a strong management accounting background, you will understand the difference that can be made through strong business partnering relationships and be confident in building those relationships. You will gain the respect and confidence of the colleagues you support through strong communication skills (written and oral) and your ability to constructively challenge ideas and plans. You will add value through gaining an intimate understanding of the Directorate that you partner, together with contributing to business performance and the requirements of the finance function with the charity's need.

You will be a fully qualified accountant with up-to-date technical knowledge and a desire to progress in your profession. We will want the successful candidate to influence change and use their skill set to further drive the organisation's objectives forward. You will also be comfortable working under pressure, to tight deadlines, and interacting with people at all levels within the RSPB.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Fully qualified accountant (ICAEW, ACCA, ICAS, CIMA, or equivalent professional body)
• Sound knowledge of technical accounting legislation
• Ability to act as a critical-friend to senior management balancing challenge and support. Develop effective working relationships that influence and challenge senior management teams, so that the role of the Finance Business Partner is an integral and valued part of the organisation
• Ability to influence decision makers through sound logic, diplomacy and assertiveness, with the ability to convey appropriate financial messages to various audiences
• Ability to evaluate incomplete and complex financial information, to develop and consider a range of possible options and make a judgement as to the recommended course of action
• Excellent communication (written and oral), coaching, mentoring, presentation and training skills
• Ability to ascertain financial trends and calculate the impact of them on the organisation under various scenarios
• Working in cross-functional teams to provide transformational advice on new initiatives, investment appraisals/organisational restructures/matters of risk and control design effective mitigation strategies, in order to support effective decision making
• Build capability and knowledge in managers so that they can effectively manage their budgets through effective financial information, support and advice
• Working with the all finance teams, to implement new Finance initiatives, ensuring the highest level of customer service and procedures are continuously reviewed so that the service is business focused in the delivery of objectives with an expert knowledge of your client area.

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• Experience of forecasting and planning in a dynamic environment
• Experience of delivering transformation change
• Delivery of coaching and training of financial matters to non financial colleagues
• Experience of annual accounts preparation
• Knowledge of charity finance matters.

Additional information:

The role is a hybrid position that will require travel in the UK including to the UKHQ Finance Department in Sandy Bedfordshire, and to attend meetings in the support of your team, department and directorate.

This is a 12 month Fixed-Term role for 37.5 hours per week.

The RSPB reserves the right to extend or make this role permanent without further advertising dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term.

Closing date: 23:59, Sunday, 24th May 2026
We will be reviewing applications and conducting interviews on an ongoing basis throughout the advertising period.
N.B. We reserve the right to close the advertisement early should a suitable candidate be found.

Interested?

If you would like to apply and find out more about this position, please click the apply button to be directed to our website. 

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

As part of this application, you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete an application form where you will have the opportunity to tell us how you meet the criteria set above. If you wish to provide a cover letter with your application, please include this at the end of your CV document upload.

Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.

No agencies please.

JOB TITLE: Northern Partnership & Dog Training Manger

LOCATION:                         Northern Region (Including Scotland, Northern England and parts of the Midlands)

SALARY: £37,000 - £45,000 p/a

JOB TYPE: Permanent, Full-Time and Part-Time applications considered

Medical Detection Dogs trains dogs to save lives.

We train specialist dogs to detect the odour of human disease, providing life-saving Medical Alert Assistance Dogs to people with complex health problems across the UK and collaborating with NHS Trusts and other researchers and Universities both in the UK and internationally to advance the early diagnosis of disease.  We have an exciting new opportunity to join this small, but ambitious charity that is a world leader in its specialist, innovative field.

MAIN PURPOSE & SCOPE OF THE ROLE:

The Northern Partnership & Training Manager is responsible for the operational leadership, coordination and quality assurance of Partnership and Dog Training Instructor roles operating within the Northern region.

Partnership and Dog Training Instructor roles within the Medical Alert Assistance Dog department combine elements of dog training, client instructing, partnership placement and aftercare, depending on programme need. This role provides direct line management and oversight of Northern region staff working in these hybrid capacities.

The postholder ensures consistent, high‑quality delivery of MAAD partnerships, working collaboratively with training, welfare and senior management colleagues to support dog progression, client outcomes and compliance with ADUK and ADI standards.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

Provide operational leadership for Northern region Partnership and Dog Training Instructor roles, ensuring staff who work across training, instructing and partnership delivery are effectively supported, coordinated and developed.

You will act as the regional lead for instructor‑delivered partnership work, maintaining oversight of workloads, partnership progression, accreditation readiness and aftercare delivery, while contributing to continuous service improvement under senior management guidance.

Reports to: Interim Head of Partnership Services

ABOUT THE ROLE

You will oversee and coordinate the Northern Medical Alert Assistance Dog function, managing staff in Partnership and Dog Training Instructor roles who support MAAD partnerships from allocation through placement and ongoing aftercare.

You will provide clear leadership, supervision and quality assurance, ensuring consistent delivery standards, balanced workloads and clarity of expectations for staff whose roles span multiple functions.

You will maintain oversight of partnership pipelines, regional capacity and accreditation timelines, ensuring accurate reporting and timely escalation of risks or concerns.

This is a senior operational role requiring strong people management, excellent dog training and instructing expertise, and a calm, organised approach to managing complex client‑facing services.

Responsibilities of the Role

Hybrid Role Leadership & Management (Northern Region)

• Line manage and support Northern region‑based Partnership and Dog Training Instructor roles
• Conduct regular 1:1s, supervision and appraisals
• Chair Northern regional team meetings and provide updates to the Interim Head of Assistance Dog Programme
• Approve annual leave and expenses, ensuring appropriate regional cover
• Support senior Partnership and Dog Training Instructor staff in mentoring or supporting less experienced colleagues
• Ensure staff adhere to departmental standards, methods and policies

Partnerships, Training & Client Delivery

• Oversee the progression of puppies within the Northern region and where required, carry out relevant assessments 
• Oversee the progression of MAAD partnerships across training, placement and aftercare within the Northern region
• Ensure client learning styles, family dynamics and individual needs are identified and supported
• Support or directly deliver Partnership and Dog Training Instructor role activity where required, including: Scent and odour training, Client‑specific training, Placement training, Aftercare and refresher support
• Maintain oversight of partnerships requiring remedial training or additional intervention
• Carry out or support final accreditation assessments where appropriate
• Ensure qualified partnerships continue to meet ADUK standards

Planning, Oversight & Reporting

• Maintain oversight of Northern region partnership activity, including: Applicants, Dogs approaching match, Partnerships in training, Accredited partnerships receiving aftercare
• Escalate risks, delays or welfare concerns to the ADPM with recommended solutions
• Contribute to departmental reports and inspection readiness

Governance, Welfare & Compliance

• Ensure all Partnership and Dog Training Instructor role activity complies with ADUK and ADI regulations
• Liaise with the Health & Welfare Manager regarding health or welfare concerns
• Support rehoming outcomes for withdrawn dogs in conjunction with relevant teams
• Ensure accurate and timely record‑keeping within the Harlequin CRM system
• Occasional handling of the emergency phone, liaising with clients and volunteers to manage emergency situations

Stakeholder & Cross‑Departmental Working

• To ensure volunteers and Dog training contractors based within the Northern region are well supported by regional staff.
• Act as the primary Northern region contact for partnership‑related matters
• Work closely with Applications and Welfare teams
• Support fundraising, communications and volunteering activities when required
• Promote best practice and learning across the charity

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Experience & Qualifications

Essential

• Minimum 2years’ experience managing or leading staff in the Assistance Dog roles within an ADUK‑affiliated organisation
• Extensive experience delivering assistance dog partnerships, including training, placement and aftercarProven experience mentoring, supporting and performance‑managing staff
• Sound knowledge of ADUK and ADI regulations
• Strong organisational and caseload‑management abilities
• Confident working independently and managing competing priorities
• Comfortable working in the presence of dogs

Desirable

• Experience working with medical alert assistance dogs
• Knowledge of medical conditions affecting adult and child clients
• Experience supporting accreditation reviews or inspection processes

Knowledge & Skills

DESIRABLE

• Strong practical dog handling, scent training and knowledge of dog behaviour and development
• Excellent coaching, assessment and quality‑assurance skills
• Calm, clear and empathetic communication style
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to exercise sound judgement in complex, client‑facing situations
• High level of IT literacy including Microsoft 365 and CRM systems

Other Requirements

• Full UK driving licence
• Willingness and ability to travel across the Northern region
• Willingness to stay away from home and have dogs reside in the home when required

DIVERITY, EQUALITY & INCLUSION

We are a welcoming, diverse and inclusive charity. Medical Detection Dogs thrives when everyone feels comfortable bringing their best self to work. We celebrate difference, whilst striving to create an environment where colleagues feel respected and valued for their unique potential. We are committed to our values on equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Values & Behaviours

Working at Medical Detection Dogs will be a richly rewarding experience.

Our Values & Behaviours encapsulate who we are, what we stand for and what it will feel like to be part of our team:

• We are respectful
• We stay positive
• We strive for excellence
• We communicate and listen
• We are ambassadors
• We are one team

And of course, we advocate for Medical Detection Dogs whenever we get the chance, and we pride ourselves on our role as ambassadors for the charity.

About Spear

We launched the award-winning Spear Programme over 20 years ago, and there are now 18 Spear Centres across the country, equipping unemployed 16–24-year-olds facing barriers to employment with the skills and mindset they need to secure work and thrive in the workplace.

Spear operates a joint venture model with churches across the UK to run our Spear Centres. Some Centres operate in collaboration with independent charitable trusts, while others are run directly with the local church (both referred to below as ‘Spear Church Partners’ or ‘Church Partners’).

About the role

We’re looking for a new Church Partnerships Manager to join us for this northern based role, with travel across the region.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in driving national growth by developing and nurturing partnerships with churches across the North of England. You will be at the forefront of developing new relationships with potential early-stage partners, inspiring churches to engage with our mission, and supporting them through the pipeline, and helping to establish a diverse and thriving network of church partnerships.

We are looking for a confident relationship-builder who can engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders, particularly church leaders, and who is comfortable working in a dynamic and evolving environment.

Key information:

• Salary: £37,000
• Location: Remote with once a month travel to London for team meetings and regular travel in the North of England
• Full-time, 12-14month Fixed Term Contract, with the possibility of extension
• Closing date: We interview on a rolling basis and will close the role early if we find the right candidate

For more information please read through our Job Specification and Work with Us Pack.

If you require any reasonable adjustments as part of the recruitment process, please let us know.

Person Specification

• A practising Christian, passionate about personally representing the values and beliefs of Spear, and our mission to equip and support young people facing barriers to employment
• Strong leadership ability with the confidence to make effective decisions
• Outstanding people skills and emotional intelligence, capable of quickly winning trust and confidence, as well as network, influence and negotiate with church leaders and a range of audiences, internally and externally
• An understanding of the needs and workings of churches and their leaders, and the ability to innovate, build our growth strategy and generate new partnerships
• An excellent communicator (both written and verbal)
• Excellent initiative and a self-starter, with the ability to operate flexibly in a changing and dynamic environment and in response to the support needs of each partner
• Strong organisational skills including the ability to establish appropriate processes and structures and to manage multiple priorities to meet targets and deadlines
• Strong quantitative skills including ability to work with and interpret impact data, fundraising pipelines and basic financial information
• Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint competent and experience of/ability to use databases

Contract type

Permanent

Location

Whittington

Hours

37.5 hrs Full time, site based

Annual salary

D1 £31,168.36 to D3 £38,129.42

Review date

19/04/2026

The postholder integrates people, place and process by connecting operational delivery with governance and strategic oversight; to protect patient dignity through environmental standards, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive patient and family experience assurance.

The aim of the role is to ultimately ensure safe, compliant, dignified and high-performing environments that actively support patient care delivery and staff workplace experience.

The role provides managerial oversight of the Clinical Facilities Coordinator and Support Facilities Coordinator, ensuring clarity of standards, regulatory compliance, cost control and service resilience.

In summary, the Facilities & Patient Experience Manager is accountable for:

• Safe, compliant and well-coordinated Facilities Services.
• Regulatory readiness across environmental, equipment and hospitality functions.
• Positive patient and family environmental experience and subsequent feedback channels.
• Performance and development of Facilities Coordinators.
• Contract oversight and cost-effective service delivery.
• Continuous improvement across the Facilities function.

Key to the quality of service we provide, this role requires a proactive approach, visible, hands-on leadership, emotional intelligence and a strong delivery mindset. The postholder must be comfortable operating within a hospice environment where compassion, discretion and professional standards must coexist.

Subsequently, success in this role depends on presence, accountability and the ability to translate policies into consistently delivered day-to-day practice.

Qualifications

Essential

·Recognised Health & Safety qualification (e.g. IOSH Managing Safely or NEBOSH General Certificate).

·Evidence of formal training in Infection Prevention & Control principles.

·GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths.

Desirable

·IWFM (Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management) Level 4 or Level 5 qualification.

·Safeguarding Level 3 (or willingness to complete).

·Formal leadership/management qualification (e.g. ILM Level 5, CMI Level 5).

·Qualification or formal training in Quality Improvement methodologies.

·Contract management training.

·First Aid at Work

Knowledge and experience

Essential

·Proven experience managing operational service teams.

·Strong understanding of facilities management within a healthcare or regulated environment.

·Knowledge of CQC standards relating to safety, dignity and environment.

·Understanding of infection prevention, asset governance and stock control principles.

·Experience overseeing service contracts and performance monitoring.

·Awareness of safeguarding and public-space risk management.

Values

·Exhibits our hospice values and behaviours

Skills

Essential

·Highly people-oriented with strong interpersonal skills.

·Practical mindset - focuses on solutions rather than process for its own sake.

·Able to provide supportive but firm supervision to staff and volunteers.

·Comfortable having difficult conversations when standards are not met.

Personal Attributes

·Visible, hands-on leadership style.

·Strong emotional intelligence and ability to operate in sensitive environments.

·Calm and decisive under pressure.

·Ability to balance compassion with regulatory discipline.

·Strong accountability mindset.

·Confident in holding others to performance standards.

·Analytical thinker able to interpret feedback data and translate into action.

·Excellent communicator across clinical and corporate audience.

Other requirements

·Valid driving licence

·Eligibility to work in the UK

·Please note that St Giles Hospice does not hold a sponsorship licence and is therefore unable to accept sponsorship requests

Just so you know:

This post is subject to a Disclose and Barring Service (DBS) check.

We may review applications before the application review date, however, if you apply after the application review date, your application may not be considered. We will accept applications until we have successfully filled the role; this may be earlier than the closing date.

If you have not heard within 14 days of the application close date, then please consider that your application has been unsuccessful at this time.

As part of your application your data will be managed in line with St Giles Hospice Privacy Policy and kept for 6 months. If you would like to see this in full, please visit our website for our Privacy Policy. This is in extension to Charity Job Privacy Policy.

Please see attached Recruitment Pack for full job description and person spec for the Senior Programme and Network Lead.

This role leads our work across Birmingham at an exciting moment. We are developing a participatory, community-centred approach to analysing the city's economy, identifying opportunities for change and coordinating alliances to act on them. This means bringing together mixed groups, including grassroots changemakers, researchers, funders and other partners, and facilitating processes that help people make sense of complex information together, find common ground and make decisions about collective priorities. The role requires someone who can hold these processes well: strong facilitation skills, communicating complex ideas accessibly, building trust across groups, sustaining momentum over time and helping diverse coalitions move from analysis to strategy to action.

The Senior Programme and Network Lead will develop and deliver initiatives that support a growing movement for economic justice across the city, with a particular focus on building support and engagement amongst grassroots changemakers and communities experiencing economic injustice. It will manage projects and resources, conduct programme development and delivery, oversee outreach and partnerships, changemaker recruitment and contribute to fundraising, ultimately playing a key role in shaping our regional impact. This position is crucial in coordinating our work across Birmingham and driving meaningful collaboration with local and national stakeholders, in particular working collaboratively with Economic Justice Brum, a long-standing initiative working on local economic systems change.