Development leader jobs

CHA is recruiting an experienced and values-driven Chief Operating Officer to lead our central operations and support the delivery of high-quality housing and care services.

As COO, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across residential and sheltered services along with the finance, estates, HR, and other central services—driving performance, ensuring compliance, and enabling sustainable growth. You will work closely with the CEO and Board while leading a diverse team of senior leaders.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading delivery of organisational strategy and continuous improvement
• Managing central teams and driving high performance
• Overseeing financial planning, budgeting, and resource management
• Ensuring compliance, risk management, and governance
• Leading estates strategy, capital projects, and IT/digital development

About you:

• Proven senior leadership experience (housing, social care, or related sectors)
• Strong financial, operational, and people management skills
• Inspiring leader with a collaborative and solution-focused approach

Additional requirement:
Due to our Christian ethos and heritage, there is an occupational requirement for the post holder to have a personal Christian faith.

Our Youth and Play Practitioners will play a pivotal role in the Children, Young People and Families (CYPF) team, working as a core team of practitioners to ensure the smooth running of our programmes and services. In this role you will be part of a small and dynamic team which delivers a wide range of programmes and activities, both from Tulse Hill Adventure Playground and in conjunction with local schools. The work of the Children, Young People and Families team is diverse and varied. Our current services include open access adventure play and youth activities at our Adventure Playground, school holiday programmes with off-site trips and activities, mentoring, a Young Leaders programme offering paid work experience to young people, and working together with our youth partnerships Building Young Brixton and Lambeth Peer Action Collective.

We are in an exciting time of development for the team. To support our range of children and young people, our team will be made up of specialist Youth Workers and Play Practitioners bringing in relevant skills and experience. Whilst you will work across all of our Children, Young People and Families services you will have a specific focus:

As a Youth Worker you will:

• Focus on supporting our secondary age cohort
• Plan and run appropriate and engaging activities
• Provide structured interventions to support vulnerable young people
• Work with referral partners to provide additional support and activities
• Foster relationships with families and local schools

As a Play Worker you will:

• Focus on our primary age cohort
• Use your knowledge of Playwork Principles to plan and run appropriate and engaging
  activities
• Foster relationships with families and primary local schools

Both roles will include an element of mentoring, relevant training will be provided to give you the necessary skills to deliver this.

To be successful in this role, you will act as a trusted practitioner in all our service delivery, advocating for children’s right to play throughout our programmes. You will work as part of the team on the delivery and planning of all sessions, ensuring that the children’s and young people’s ideas are central to the construction of a varied and engaging play environment. You will understand the wide-ranging challenges facing young people and will be flexible in adjusting your practice to meet these needs. While practitioners may have a primary focus (primary or secondary age), all staff are expected to work flexibly across all age groups, programmes and delivery model including open access play, targeted youth work, mentoring and school link sessions.

Claudia Jones organisation (CJO) Is looking to appoint a highly skilled Executive Director with experience of working in the Voluntary/Community sector to support the development of the organisation. This is a key appointment funded for 1year.

CJO is one of the few small Black lead charities in London, enhancing the quality of life for African Caribbean Women and Families. Founded in 1982 at the request of Caribbean women, CJO delivers family-centred services for women with children 0-16yrs, Gender- based violence support, connections for older people, health and wellbeing activities, counselling and therapeutic interventions to inspire and empower African Caribbean heritage women and families.

Reporting to the board of directors/trustees, the Executive Director will oversee the strategic and operational efficiencies of our programmes and staff. This experienced leader will not only understand the working of the voluntary/community sector but also have experience in developing and implementing a successful fundraising plan. Experience of hiring and managing staff is essential and establishing relationships with local community groups is a plus. Most importantly, the Executive Director should be highly effective in a Leadership role that requires clear communication skills and decisiveness. It is important that the post holder embraces our community -based broader philosophy of investment in our community.

Note: Considering the nature of work and focus of the Claudia Jones Organisation, the organisation considers the candidate’s race and gender, to be an occupational requirement in accordance with Paragraph 1, Schedule 9, of the Equality Act 2010. Black and ‘Minority Ethnic’ Women only need apply (Schedule 9, Part 1, 158 and 159 Equality Act 2010). We are an Equal Opportunities employer

Objectives of this role

•  Support the development and cultivation of an active and engaged Board of trustees, standing and advisory committees
•  Work closely with the Board/Trustees and committees to assess and address issues affecting the organisation
• Identify, engage leverage and cultivate community resources, influence and connections to further the initiatives and mission of the organisation
•  Oversee daily operations of the organisation, providing executive direction for programmes, strategies and efficiencies, compliance and quality assurance
• Identify and address staffing requirements for efficient operations, and maintain a strong work culture that attracts and retains people while driving the organisation’s mission
• Increase awareness of the organisation by being the main spoke person of the charity for external communication, both verbally and written
• Develop capital and operating budgets for assigned programmes, planning for short and long-term program needs
• Comply with all national and local regulations

Responsibilities

•  Create business plans to achieve goals and objectives and presenting to the board/trustees for approval
• Meet annual fundraising goals in partnership with colleagues/staff team to obtain financial support from grant giving organisations, foundations, statutory organisations, cooperations and other funding sources
• Work with Staff and Board/trustees on other annual community initiatives, programmes and all external communications, including website, newsletters, promotional materials including the media
• Serve as the face of the organisation and participate in external events to increase visibility, credibility and market brand, and develop strategic partnership to further increase community awareness and expand programmes
• Build and lead an effective team that’s dedicated to fulfilling the organisation’s mission through highly successful programmes, community engagement and fundraising
• Manage staff members, volunteers and clients whose experience, cultures and languages reflect the community served by the organisation

Required Skills and Qualification

• Five or more years of experience in senior management preferably with a Charity
• Strong experience in public relations, marketing and fundraising
• Knowledge of leadership and management principles for voluntary/community sector
• Proven success working with a board of directors/trustees
• Innovative approach to business planning
• Dynamic and charismatic team player who enjoys being the public face of the organisation

Preferred Skills and qualifications

• Degree (or equivalent) in business, human resources or finance
• Experience in managing budgets
• Exceptional verbal, written and visual communication skills
• Experience in community engagement and volunteer development
• Experience in working in a cross functional and complex reporting environment

JOB SPECIFICATION

Essential

• At least 5 years relevant experience of managing a charitable organisation.
• Demonstrable senior leadership and strategic management
• Demonstrable passion for, or commitment to, the work of CJO
• Good understanding of the charity sector’s regulatory frameworks and legislation.
• Experience of building positive working relationships and managing teams/performance.
• Good judgement and able to act decisively
•  Collaborative, open and able to constructively challenge and inspire
• In-depth knowledge of managing family support and VAWG/GBV services that includes children and young people 
• Experience of working in and managing organisational change and development
• Experience of working with consultants and contractors
• Demonstrable experience of working in the sector and understanding of the challenges of the African Heritage women and family
• Demonstrable experience of successful fundraising from a range of sources including trust and foundations and maintaining relationships.
• Substantial experience of budget management and financial accountability at £150K and above.
• Experience of managing a varied and demanding workload
•  A credible and inspiring communicator and negotiator

DESIRABLE

• Experience of gaining quality marks for services.
• Experience of using case management systems.
• A good understanding of GDPR.

APPLICATION GUIDANCE

•  Following the points above will assist you to demonstrate your suitability for the role and assist the panel in ensuring an accurate assessment of your application.
•  Respond to each person specification point in order when completing your supporting statement
• Provide practical examples of how you meet the criteria where possible. Examples can be from paid / voluntary roles / your life experience. 

 HOW TO APPLY

Candidates are asked to submit:

• a CV of no more than 2 sides of A4, font size 12
• a Supporting Statement of no more than 3 sides of A4, font size 12
• Our completed Equality & Diversity Form

Closing Date & Time: 29th May 2026

Interview Date: Interviews are expected to take place in person On 08th June, 2026

If you have not received a response to your application within 21 days of the closing date you can assume your application has not been successful on this occasion.

Should you be successful, two satisfactory References from previous employers are required and an Enhanced DBS check.

CJO is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

All candidates must have the right to live and work in the UK.

We will only be able to contact shortlisted candidates.

At Diabetes UK, everything we do is about improving the lives of people affected by diabetes. But we know that to do our best work externally, we need to pay just as much attention to how we support, develop and engage our people internally.

That’s where this role comes in. We’re looking for a Senior Learning & Development (L&D) Advisor to join our Learning and Engagement team on a maternity cover. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced L&D professional who loves designing great learning experiences, partnering with managers, and helping organisations live their values through meaningful development.

This is a hands-on, influential role sitting in our Learning and Engagement team within the People and Organisational Development Directorate. You’ll work with colleagues across the charity to shape learning at both an individual and organisational level.

You’ll design and deliver engaging learning experiences (online and in person), support managers and leaders through coaching and action learning, and project manage organisation-wide learning and culture initiatives. You’ll also play a key role in embedding our Values and Behaviours framework, ensuring it’s actively used, not just talked about.

A big part of the role is working collaboratively with HR colleagues, internal stakeholders, coaches and facilitators, to identify needs, design the right solutions, and make sure learning activity has real impact.

You’ll be an experienced L&D professional who enjoys both strategic thinking and practical delivery who can confidently design and deliver engaging, inclusive learning across leadership, management and personal development. You’re comfortable facilitating groups, influencing stakeholders, and juggling multiple projects without losing sight of people’s individual needs. You’ll also recognise yourself in our values: putting people first, keeping things simple, making change happen and being driven to know more.

We’re an award-winning charity running local learning centres in the heart of the communities where the young people we support live. Our centres provide a high-impact education programme which includes practical learning support, pastoral care, and motivational and confidence-building activities for young people aged 7-18. Our aim is to enable students from the least advantaged neighbourhoods to realise their ambitions and achieve their wonderful potential.

As the UK’s leading university access organisation, our staff team is helping 56,000 young people each year at its 44 learning centres and extension projects across England and Scotland, and we plan to scale-up our provision to 50 centres over the coming years.

We are looking for a high-calibre candidate who will enjoy working each day with young people and who will thrive in a frontline, community-based, fast-paced and rewarding role. You will be taking up a permanent role as Centre Leader at our IntoUniversity centre in Kennington. You will have responsibility for running your IntoUniversity centre, including managing your team, planning and delivering the programme, liaising with external stakeholders and meeting  IntoUniversity’s targets for delivery.

A substantial element of this role is delivering our education programme to children and young people aged 7-18, so you will need to have a genuine passion and enthusiasm for working with young people, including leading a class of 30 from the front, working with small teams of children and providing one-to-one support.

The role at a glance

Contract: Full-time, permanent

Application deadline - 9am Monday 8th June 2026

Interview day (in-person) - Monday 15th June 2026

Start date: As soon as possible, to be agreed with the successful candidate

Working hours
Mon and Thurs: 09:30-18:00
Tues, Weds, Fri: 09:00-17:30

(Some additional weekend & unsocial hours will be required)

Centre Leaders are based at one of our IntoUniversity learning centres and work directly with young people, schools and families on a daily basis. It is therefore not a hybrid role and is based full-time in our centres

Location

IntoUniversity Kennington

The role requires intermittent travel in your region (usually within the day). Periodic travel out of the area is also required e.g. to London, this may include occasional overnight stays. 

Salary

£39,100 per annum (inclusive of £2,700 London contribution)

Annual leave

33 days (inc bank & public holidays) (pro rata for part-time staff) + 3 closure days (two in December and one in July) + additional length of service entitlement (one day per year of service, up to 5 days)

Staff benefits

• Employer pension contributions of 6% (and up to 8% after two years)

• Year round ‘early finish’ Fridays at 4.30pm

• Summer working hours (finish at 1pm on Fridays for six weeks in the summer), pro-rated for staff joining after January in the same year 

• Employee Assistance Programme including access to wellbeing and legal support 

• Life Assurance scheme with Aviva including SmartHealth service with access to 24/7 online GP appointments

• Interest-free new starter loans of up to £1,000

• Cycle to Work Scheme and Travelcard Loan Scheme

• Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental and adoption pay and sick pay allowances

• Staff in FOCUS – rewards, competitions and prizes across the year

Retail Development Officer
Harrogate, with regular travel across Yorkshire.

We offer hybrid working.

About Us

Yorkshire is one of the regions hardest hit by cancer. Together, we can change this.

Yorkshire Cancer Research is a charity dedicated to funding research so that you and those you love live longer healthier lives, free of cancer.

Thanks to supporters, the charity funds vital cancer research and pioneers innovative new services for people with cancer. These life-giving medical breakthroughs are helping more people survive cancer – in Yorkshire, and beyond.

As an inclusive employer, our aim is to ensure our workforce reflects the rich diversity of our region. We believe a diverse workforce is vital to us taking action to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer more effectively in Yorkshire. We offer equal opportunities regardless of race, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnerships.

The Benefits

We offer all employees a wide range of benefits including an enhanced contributory pension scheme, 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays (increasing to 30 days after 5 years’ service), flexible working arrangements, private medical insurance, enhanced maternity leave, career progression, learning and development, wellbeing initiatives, offices within walking distance of Hornbeam Park train station, free onsite parking and a whole lot more.

We’ve got a strong set of values that inform everything we do and we’re looking for people who are aligned with these. As our Retail Development Officer, you will put people in Yorkshire at the heart of everything you do, unite with colleagues and other organisations in this cause, and dare to think big and bold to make positive solutions happen.

The Role

Reporting to the Retail Development Manager, the Retail Development Officer will support with the continued growth and development of our retail network.

The role holder will actively support the Retail Development Manager to build, deliver, and implement a pipeline of new sites development in retail, including shops, cafes and superstores, Yorkshire Cancer Research Centres, and other retail related projects.

You will have responsibility of supporting the Retail Development Manager with market analysis and feasibility studies of potential new sites, contributing to the development of business cases, projects plans and delivery of these plans as well as contributing to compliance and ongoing maintenance and required improvements within the retail real estate. There will also be an opportunity for the role holder to inform future decision making through the delivery of business insight, KPI data and other metric reports relating to income.

Specifically, you will:

Ensure Retail Development effectively manages risk through clear prioritisation and consistent role modelling of best practices:

· Work collaboratively with the Retail Area Manager, with regards to monitoring compliance with retail policies and procedures, as well as Health & Safety standards.

· Act as a visible leader in relation to all health and safety responsibilities, taking reasonable care for your own safety and the safety of others. Adhere to all Health & Safety requirements, processes and procedures.

· Support and role model a strong safety-first approach in all retail development activities and projects.

· Work closely with the Facilities Manager to ensure new shops are in good condition and compliance documents are in place before being handed over to operate under business-as-usual activities.

Drive strong team performance across retail by consistently delivering high-quality work, demonstrating reliability, and actively collaborating across teams and external partners:

· Support, where possible, the recruitment process for new shop managers and volunteers and ensure this is complete in time for each new shop opening.

· Maintain and monitor detailed project plans for refurbishments, openings and improvement projects, ensuring suppliers, tradespeople and internal stakeholders are engaged and informed of key dates.

· Deputise for the Retail Development Manager, support and maintain relationships with property agents, shopfitters, tradespeople and third parties, in their absence.

· Assist as a contact for discussions with relevant internal and external stakeholders regarding new locations.

Support the positive representation of the Yorkshire Cancer Research brand by modelling key behaviours and helping deliver welcoming, innovative spaces that position the organisation as a brand leader:

· Undertake regular shop visits/shop floor inspections as directed by the Retail Development Manager; directing and supporting the team to deliver creative and inspiring layouts, space planning and use of point of sale to ensure that each shop maximises its sales potential.

· Empower teams through training and demonstrating the high standards expected of visual presentation of the shops in representing the brand image of Yorkshire Cancer Research.

· Be a trusted point of reference who understands expected standards, can clearly communicate them, and champions their importance in representing Yorkshire Cancer Research.

Support the delivery of commercially viable shops and related spaces by working within budget constraints and aligning with approved business cases and project plans:

· Support the Retail Development Manager in exploring and identifying the best locations for new shop openings, including market analysis, feasibility study, site visits, and site presentation.

· Assist in developing business cases for each new shop, ensuring they are financially viable and key decisions are documented.

· Support the development of project plans for shop openings, closures, and refits by ensuring suppliers, tradespeople and internal stakeholders are engaged and informed of key dates.

· Continuously improve systems and processes that support effective project delivery, ensuring accurate documentation, reporting and compliance.

· Work alongside the Retail Development Manager to identify new suppliers, ensuring they are suitable, competent, and aligned to our values.

· Support the Retail Development Manager in developing and testing new income streams, processes, and systems before moving to business-as-usual activities.

· Support the Retail Development Manager, Retail Area Managers, Head of Retail Property & Estates, and team in regularly reviewing our current retail estate, identifying maintenance and other improvements required.

Other duties:

· Support the development and execution of the ten-year Retail business strategy.

· Deliver key business insight to drive improvements through analysis.

· Provide regular KPI and metric reports on income to inform future decision-making and planning.

· Undertake additional duties outside the key job duties within the team and across the charity, as the charity may reasonably require.

About You

To be considered for this role, you will need:

· To ideally be educated to A Level or equivalent, or able to demonstrate experience in a similar role at a similar level.

· Have evidence of continued professional development relevant to the role's purpose and level.

· Experience in support of the delivery of multi-stakeholder projects.

· To have excellent business acumen and an in-depth understanding of market trends

· To have experience of working cross-functionally, both within an organisation and externally.

· To have experience in planning and implementing store openings.

· To have experience in using project management software such as Airtable and Sketchup.

· To be highly organised with good time management skills and the ability to prioritise own workload to meet deadlines.

· To have convincing and persuasive written, oral and presentation skills with the ability to present ideas and issues, clearly, and coherently to a wide range of audiences.

· To have excellent IT skills with confident use of Microsoft Office packages including Word, Advanced Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

· Project Management experience is desirable, including experience in keeping accurate documentation supporting project management.

· To have proven experience in developing retail processes for shops is desirable.

· Merchandising and/or retail display experience is desirable

· It is advantageous to hold a Project Management Qualification: IE APM, PRINCE2

Application

Before applying, please visit our Careers Page to view the full role profile and find out more about working for Yorkshire Cancer Research.

To apply please submit a CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role via Charity Job or our website before 20 May 2026. Please read our privacy notice before applying. Please note this is a two stage interview process and first interviews will be conducted on Teams, second interviews will be held in person at our Head Offices in Harrogate on 26 May 2026.

Yorkshire Cancer Research is a responsible and flexible employer.  We welcome any discussion for flexible working at the interview/offer stage where we will consider an individual’s circumstances against the needs of the charity.

We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates from all backgrounds. If we can make any reasonable adjustments to support your application, please contact us via our website. 

Youth and Community Leader

Oasis Knights (Streatham/Brixton Hill, South London)

40 hours per week (1.0FTE)

Permanent

Salary:

£38,794 - £43,268 per annum  

Want to lead a Youth Centre offering a diverse range of activities for the local community?

Want to enable young people to thrive?

Want to be lead a dynamic, passionate and impactful team?

Knights Youth Centre (KYC) was established in 1936 as an independent Christian Charity. The centre provides a range of universal and targeted youth work programmes in partnership with a number of statutory and voluntary organisations and is located on the boundary of the Clapham Park Estate (the largest estate in the Borough of Lambeth) in an area of high social need. In 2025 KYC joined the Oasis family of charities and is now known as Oasis Knights. Oasis’ vision is for community, a place where everyone is included, making a contribution and reaching their God-given potential. There is also the exciting opportunity to collaborate with the Oasis St Martins Village in nearby Tulse Hill, our new village that works with local partners to provide a welcoming inclusive space to provide opportunities for young people and tackle issues such as school attendance and exclusions.

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Youth and Community Leader to manage and develop the work at Oasis Knights. This is an opportunity to lead a team committed to making a tangible difference in the lives young people, their families and the broader community. The successful candidate will be responsible for strategic leadership and operational management, which includes overseeing a range of youth and community activities. A critical aspect of this role involves fundraising, business development, and monitoring the impact of all initiatives.

Key responsibilities include:

· Overseeing youth provision, including mentoring, youth clubs and targeted interventions.

· Ensuring effective financial management and income generation to sustain and expand services.

· Managing and growing a team of staff and volunteers, ensuring alignment with Oasis’ ethos and values.

· Building strong partnerships with local stakeholders to support the delivery of impactful youth projects.

· Developing and maintaining monitoring and evaluation frameworks to demonstrate the impact of activities.

· Working with the building narrative to ensure compliance with health and safety, safeguarding, and other statutory requirements.

The successful post holder must have:

· A degree-level qualification or equivalent in youth work, community development or a related field.

· Proven experience in leading youth projects and managing diverse teams.

· Strong fundraising and income generation skills, with the ability to create and implement successful strategies.

· Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive working relationships.

· Knowledge of safeguarding practices and experience working with young people in challenging environments.

· A track record of developing and implementing strategic plans in partnership with stakeholders.

· A commitment to the Oasis ethos and values, including inclusion, equality, and perseverance.

As part of the package, Oasis offers:

· A pension scheme, offering 7% employer contribution.

· A generous holiday allowance, starting at 25 days per year (plus 8 Bank Holidays).

· Policies which promote well-being and are family friendly.

To apply, please apply via Charity Jobs or refer to our website for further information.

Please expand on your CV to tell us about relevant skills, experience and qualification you have, that relate to the job description and person specification.

We actively encourage applications from people of all ethnic backgrounds and underrepresented groups. If you require assistance or adjustments to overcome potential barriers during the recruitment process, please let us know.

Completed applications should be returned by 9am on Friday 22nd May 2026.

Stage 1 Interviews will take place online on Wednesday 27th May 2026.

We actively encourage applications from people of all ethnic backgrounds and underrepresented groups. If you require any assistance to overcome potential barriers during the recruitment process, please let us know. 

Oasis is committed to making a difference to the lives of the communities it works in, and as such you must show a willingness to demonstrate commitment to the values and behaviours which flow from the Oasis ethos.  We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to undergo appropriate checks, including enhanced DBS checks. 

The successful candidates must have the right to work in the UK.  Oasis cannot assist with sponsorship or visas.

Oasis supports Equal Opportunities.  Registered Charity No. 1163889

About the role

As Spear expands its reach, we are looking for a Development Coach who will focus on two things: equipping young people facing barriers to employment with the confidence, mindset and skills to move into sustainable work, and developing the coaches around you to do the same.

To do this, you will work across Spear Centres throughout the UK - delivering coaching sessions directly with 16–24-year-olds as well as supporting and upskilling Spear Centre teams.

You’ll move between Centres depending on where support is needed. Your location will be taken into consideration in the planning.

Key information:

• Salary: from £27,000 - £32,000 (dependent on location)
• Contract: Part-time or Full-time, 12-14 month Fixed Term Contract, with the possibility of extension; Term time only contracts would be considered
• Location: We’re looking for multiple roles to cover the UK. We welcome applications from across the UK and will discuss which regions you'd be able to practically travel to during the interview process. Applicants happy to travel to centres in North-West or North-East of England, or both, are particularly encouraged
• Closing date: Friday 29th May (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
• Demonstrable experience as a coach, or a background in youth work or teaching, and are keen to develop these skills further
• A heart for young people and releasing their potential, no matter what challenging circumstances they are facing
• Effective interpersonal skills and high emotional intelligence with a sense of humour and fun
• Exercises initiative, highly self-motivated, flexible and a forward planner
• Good administrative and organisational skills, and prioritises workload effectively
• Works well under pressure with the ability to exercise initiative

Our EYFS compliant Early Years Provision is an essential part of our English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) service, providing Early Years education & development for children who have English as an Additional Language (EAL). The parent(s) of our Early Years children attend onsite English Language classes for the duration of the Early Years session with the majority of our families having been resettled to the UK as those with refugee status.

Our ESOL provision currently runs at two locations, in Shefford and Bedford. This role is based predominantly in Shefford and is a term-time only role (39 weeks per year paid in equal instalments over a 12 month period) with regular team training and development opportunities at our central office in Bedford.

About the role

The Early Years Session Lead holds responsibility for leading sessions in our trauma-informed Early Years setting. They supervise a small team of L2 practitioners during the sessions, with the possibility of career progression to a Room Lead role with line management responsibilities following successful completion of probation period. As an OFSTED registered Early Years setting we work to support children to learn, grow and develop in line with the EYFS framework & Development Matters guidance.

The Early Years Session Lead is part of the EY Leadership Team, which meet together online on a weekly basis (currently Weds 15:00-16:00, with flexibility to amend meeting time to accommodate flexible working requests where possible)

In addition the EY Session Lead works in our EY setting in Bedford on a Friday alongside the Early Years Room Lead (Bedford) and the Senior Early Years Practitioner. We are open to discussing flexible working requests for the right candidate should working in Bedford on a Friday not be possible.

You can download a full job description from our website

Next Step

If this sounds like you, please complete our application form and Equal Opportunities form.

Location: Shefford, and Bedford Town Centre

Closing Date: 21st May 2026 at 6pm

Interview Date: 1st June 2026 in Shefford

Regional Development Officer (RDO) - Midlands 

Location: Midlands (home-based with travel and use of hot desk office in Midlands) 
Salary: £35,100 FTE (£18/hour £21,060) 
Contract: 2-year fixed term (22.5 hours/week) 
Reports to: National Fundraising & Development Manager 

This is not an administrative role. It is comparable to: 

• Regional Development Officer (charity sector)

• Community Development Officer

• Partnerships / Outreach Officer

• Network Growth or Membership Development roles

The role combines business development, community engagement, and programme delivery, with clear responsibility for growing Phab’s national footprint and reputation. 

Why this role matters  

This is a rare opportunity to build something meaningful from the ground up. 

You’ll be the person who brings Phab to new communities—connecting disabled and non-disabled people, creating life-changing social opportunities, and building a network of clubs that transform lives. 

We’re looking for someone who thrives on meeting people, spotting opportunities, and making things happen—someone who can walk into a room, inspire others, and leave with new partners, volunteers, and future club leaders excited to get involved. 

If you’re energised by purpose and disability-inclusion, love being out in the community, and want to play a key role in growing a national charity’s reach—this role is for you. 

Role Purpose  

To grow and strengthen the Phab network by: 

• Launching new Phab Clubs in underserved areas in the Midlands 

• Supporting and energising existing clubs

• Building strong regional relationships that drive participation, partnerships, and sustainability

A critical part of this role is identifying and supporting outstanding Club Leaders—the individuals who make clubs thrive. 

What success looks like (2-year targets) 

Year 1: Establish & Build Momentum 

• Launch 3–5 new Phab Clubs in priority areas

• Identify and develop a pipeline of future club leaders and volunteers

• Build relationships with local authorities, schools, disability organisations, and community groups

• Visit and engage with existing clubs in the region to strengthen relationships and identify growth opportunities

• Generate local funding or in-kind support for new and existing clubs

• Represent Phab at key regional events and networks

Year 2: Grow & Sustain 

• Support Year 1 clubs to become fully sustainable and independently run

• Launch an additional 3–5 new clubs or affiliate groups

• Increase membership and engagement across existing clubs

• Develop regional partnerships that provide ongoing referral pathways (e.g. professionals, services, schools)

• Contribute to income generation (grants, partnerships, training opportunities)

• Establish a strong regional identity and presence for Phab

Key Responsibilities  

1. Network Growth & Club Development 

• Identify areas of need and actively develop new Phab Clubs

• Recruit, mentor, and support Club Leaders and volunteer teams

• Set up clubs alongside the club leaders (venue, structure, governance, initial membership)

• Build relationships with professionals (e.g. SEND services, social workers, educators) who can refer members

• Reconnect with former Phab participants and supporters to re-engage them

2. Supporting Existing Clubs  

• Regularly visit and engage with existing clubs

• Identify challenges and opportunities, offering practical support

• Encourage growth in membership, activity quality, and sustainability

• Share best practice and connect clubs to wider opportunities (training, funding, events)

3. Community Engagement & Partnerships 

• Act as a visible, energetic ambassador for Phab

• Attend networking events and build strong regional relationships

• Develop partnerships with community organisations, corporates, and funders

• Promote Phab’s wider offer (Phab ACTS training, Phab Adventures, events)

4. Income & Sustainability 

• Identify and secure local funding opportunities

• Support clubs to access grants and sponsorship

• Contribute to Phab’s broader income generation strategy

5. Internal Collaboration & Delivery 

• Work closely with Marketing, Fundraising & Development, and Charity Support teams

• Use CRM (Beacon) to track engagement, contacts, and progress

• Contribute to planning and delivery of regional and national initiatives

Experience & Background  

We are looking for someone who has done this kind of work before, not just worked “in charity or business”. 

Essential experience: 

• Experience in community development, outreach, or network growth

• Proven track record of starting or growing initiatives, projects, or groups

• Experience building partnerships and engaging external stakeholders

• Experience recruiting, supporting, or managing volunteers or community leaders

• Experience working in or alongside disability, inclusion, or community services

• Knowledge of UK charity landscape and safeguarding/good practice

Desirable: 

• Experience setting up or running community groups, clubs, or programmes

Experience securing local funding or sponsorship

Equal Opportunities, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Phab is committed to creating an inclusive organisation where disabled and non-disabled people can thrive together as equals. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, lived experiences and identities, particularly disabled people and those who are underrepresented within the charity sector.

We believe diversity strengthens our organisation and helps us better support the communities we work alongside. Recruitment decisions are made based on skills, experience, values and potential, and we are committed to ensuring a fair and accessible recruitment process for all applicants. 

Reasonable adjustments will be offered throughout the recruitment process and during employment. If you require any adjustments to support your application or interview, please let us know. 

As a Regional Development Officer, you will play an important role in promoting inclusion, accessibility and equality across our network of clubs, projects and partnerships. 

Safeguarding Statement 

Phab is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. We expect all staff, volunteers and partners to share this commitment and to uphold a culture of safety, dignity and respect. 

The successful candidate will be required to work in line with Phab’s safeguarding policies and procedures and may be subject to an enhanced DBS check, depending on the nature of the role and responsibilities. 

We are looking for someone who shares our values of inclusion, respect, integrity and participation, and who is committed to helping create safe and welcoming environments for everyone involved in Phab activities.

Together for Short Lives is looking for a driven and creative Business Development Manager to develop and secure high‑value corporate partnerships that will help transform the lives of children living with serious illness and their families. You’ll lead our business development strategy, build a strong pipeline of opportunities, and develop lasting relationships with prospective and existing supporters.

If you’re collaborative, tenacious and passionate about making a real impact in children’s palliative care, we’d love to hear from you.

Together for Short Lives is the leading UK-wide charity for children living with serious illness, their families and the services that provide them with palliative care.

Every child deserves many moments of happiness together with their loved ones. But it's hard for them to thrive when services don't fully meet their needs, leaving parents and siblings feeling isolated and alone.

That’s why we’re here. To make sure that every family can thrive as they navigate their child's life, death, bereavement and beyond.

Together we support families to live their lives, through the ups and downs, offering practical, emotional and financial help.

Together we unite our sector by prioritising and sharing crucial research, leading guidance and standards, connecting professionals and raising vital funds for children’s hospice and palliative care services.

Together we campaign to make sure that children with serious illness and their families get the care and support they need, when and where they need it.

Supporting, uniting, campaigning, together.
We are Together for Short Lives.

Purpose of role

The Business Development Manager will lead our efforts to secure high-profile, high-value partnerships with corporate organisations  that will generate vital income for children's palliative care. Securing new partnerships and growing our income requires exceptional collaboration skills; a driven, tenacious and resourceful nature; innovation and creativity; and a passionate determination to make a difference to the lives of children and families across the UK.

The main objectives are as follows:

1. Secure new corporate partnerships raising funds to support Together for Short Lives’ direct work, and our National Fundraising Scheme (raising funds on behalf of the UK’s children’s hospices).
2. Develop and deliver a business development strategy, including  prospect research, managing  a robust pipeline of opportunities, and developing a diverse range of business development products. 
3. Manage and develop relationships with a portfolio of individual contacts and organisations, including prospective and existing supporters.

Follow the link to our website to apply and find out more about the role. 

Join our dedicated team and play a key role in shaping the learning, development, and success of staff and volunteers across the organisation. This is an exciting opportunity to lead and embed a culture of continuous learning that directly supports high-quality services and positive outcomes for our clients.

As Training & Development Manager, you will design, develop, and deliver a comprehensive training and development framework that supports the skills, confidence, competence, and progression of both staff and volunteers. Working collaboratively across the organisation and with partner agencies, you will ensure learning and professional development are embedded into everyday practice, strengthening quality, consistency, and organisational culture.

You will lead on creating a proactive training strategy aligned to the organisation’s operational goals and values, ensuring all learning and development activity contributes to the wider vision and objectives of the organisation. This role is ideal for someone passionate about developing people, driving engagement, and creating meaningful opportunities for growth and professional development.

About the team

The Philanthropy Team raises income for Impetus and for Impetus partner charities. The team consists of 15 staff. Impetus has an annual income of c.£11 million which we are looking to grow significantly within the next few years. The team is led by the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships. 

The Philanthropy Team works with major donors, corporates and grant making trusts, as well as collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to ensure we make a compelling case to generate new financial commitments and wider support for our work. The team also deliver a high-quality engagement programme of volunteering and pro bono for Impetus’s corporate supporters.   

Impetus is driven by a shared belief in tackling the barriers that hold back young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in education and employment. Alongside investing extensive financial and non-financial support in our charity partners through our Investment Team we also seek to influence decision makers to design and implement evidence led policy and direct new resources to get young people the support they need through our Public Affairs team. We are resolutely focused on outcomes, driven by quality evidence.

You would be joining a team that is passionate, ambitious, determined and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our charity partners and the young people we serve. 

Why work with us?

Working at Impetus means joining an organisation that is serious about impact and serious about people. Our values actively guide how we make decisions, how we work together and how we deliver change.

In the Philanthropy & Partnerships Team, you will:

• Be part of a high-performing and respected fundraising team
• Build meaningful, long-term relationships with thoughtful, impact-driven donors
• Develop your skills across the full fundraising cycle, supported by strong leadership
• Work on some of the charity sector’s most exciting and long-term partnerships
• See a clear connection between your work and improved outcomes for young people

If you are motivated by purpose, enjoy working to a high standard, and want to be part of a team that is ambitious about both impact and excellence, we would be delighted to hear from you.​

Harbi Jama,

Director of Philanthropy & Partnerships

About this role

This role is a 12‑month maternity cover, supporting an important phase of delivery and development within the Philanthropy team. The postholder will work closely with colleagues to maintain momentum in new business activity while contributing to strategic account management and stewardship. 

The Head of Development is a senior role within the Philanthropy Team, with a primary focus on new business development. This includes identifying, cultivating and securing new funding relationships across trusts, foundations, corporates, co‑investment partners and high‑net‑worth individuals. 

Alongside new business delivery, the role also provides strategic account management for a small portfolio of high-value partners, ensuring smooth transitions from acquisition into long term stewardship. 

This role works alongside the Head of Philanthropy, with both roles contributing to the success of the Philanthropy Team. The Head of Philanthropy leads on deep stewardship and retention, while the Head of Development focusses on new income generation and building relationships with new funders and partners. 

The postholder will work closely with the Director of Philanthropy & Partnerships, Philanthropy Directors as well as Senior Research and Insights Manager, contributing specialist expertise, strong delivery and sound judgement, while operating within agreed strategy and governance frameworks.

​Key responsibilities:

New business development

• Support the Director of Philanthropy & Partnerships and Development Director on the development and delivery of the new business plan in line with the fundraising strategy
• Works with the Senior Research and Insights Manager to identify emerging funding trends, opportunities, market opportunities and best practice
• In collaboration with the Development Director and Growth and Insights Director, lead the delivery of agreed cultivation strategies for priority prospects, proactively progressing relationships from qualification through to solicitation and conversion, leveraging senior stakeholders, board members, donor advocates and wider networks
• Develop and deliver compelling cultivation strategies and tailored pitch plans for priority prospects, including designing and building new donor acquisition vehicles (e.g. committees, cultivation events and targeted communications), working collaboratively with colleagues across Impetus
• Lead and support high-level meetings, pitches and negotiations with prospective donors, positioning Impetus as a credible and strategic partner
• Work with trustees, senior leaders and pro bono supporters to leverage networks and secure introductions to new prospects
• Ensure high-quality written and verbal communications with prospective donors

Account management and stewardship 

• Build and maintain professional, long-term relationships within the portfolio, escalating strategic issues or risks promptly.
• Manage a targeted portfolio of high-value donors of six figures and supports on seven figure partnerships, ensuring excellent stewardship, timelyreporting and meaningful engagement
• Act as a relationship lead for selected donors, building trust and ensuring a smooth transition from new business to long-term stewardship
• Own and deliver tailored account plans for assigned donors, with a focus on renewal, upgrade and long-term relationship value
• Oversee the delivery of high-quality donor communications for assigned donors, including reports, impact updates, and engagement opportunities
• Ensure robust portfolio management, including accurate forecasting, pipeline management, and use of CRM systems
• Identify opportunities to deepen relationships through increased giving, multi-year commitments or broader engagement with Impetus’ work
• Works closely with Development Director on supporting Funds i.e. Connect, Skills, Attainment or Engage as needed 
• Supports or leads on committees such as Futures or Real estate 
• Represent Impetus externally with professionalism and credibility

Cross-team working and organisation contribution

• Build and maintain professional, long-term relationships within the portfolio, escalating strategic issues or risks promptly.
• Ensure consistent standards and best practice across account management and donor stewardship
• Collaborate closely with the Head of Philanthropy to ensure seamless handover from acquisition to stewardship and a coherent donor experience.
• Contribute insight from prospecting and market scanning to inform proposition development and strategic planning
• Ensure all activity aligns with Impetus’ gift acceptance, due diligence and ethical fundraising policies
• Champion best practice in prospecting, pipeline management and new business development across the team
• Build a collaborative, inclusive, high quality team culture aligned with Impetus’ values

​Person specification

​Essential​:

• A strong track record of raising six-figure+ philanthropic income from grant-making trusts and foundations, corporate foundations and/or individual donors, including experience with high-net-worth individuals
• Proven ability to lead and deliver the full fundraising cycle, from prospecting and cultivation through to solicitation, stewardship and renewal
• Demonstrated strategic thinking, planning and delivery skills, with the ability to generate ideas, translate them into practical account plans, and execute them effectively
• Excellent research, prospecting and qualification skills, with the judgement to prioritise high-value opportunities
• A proactive, creative and innovative approach to fundraising, with the ability to adapt and develop creative donor centred approaches 
• Experience operating with senior stakeholders, including trustees, board members and other high-level external partners
• Outstanding relationship management skills, with the ability to establish, manage and deepen trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Highly collaborative, contributing positively to team objectives and cross-organisational priorities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate impact and value clearly and persuasively
• Strong financial and portfolio management skills, including the ability to plan, forecast and deliver against income targets and budgets
• Ability to work well under pressure, managing multiple priorities and deadlines effectively
• A clear commitment to Impetus’ mission and values
• A strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

Desirable

• Experience managing and stewarding multi-year, five- to seven-figure partnerships.
• Experience line managing and developing fundraisers or relationship managers.
• Experience working within a charity, foundation, venture philanthropy or intermediary organisation.
• Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g. Salesforce), income forecasting and portfolio reporting.
• Experience supporting or contributing to new business development strategies at a senior level.

​​​About Impetus

At Impetus, our focus is on helping young people achieve positive education and employment outcomes to increase their chance of leading fulfilling and successful lives, irrespective of their background.

We tackle the three most difficult challenges that affect a young person’s ability to succeed in life in Britain today: ​​

• Lost learning through absence, suspensions, exclusions from school
• Stagnation in education attainment outcomes, which means many are missing out on key qualifications like GCSE English and maths
• The large numbers of young people out of education, training and employment ​

We use our deep expertise and high calibre networks to give the best non-profits working in these sectors the essential ingredients to have a real and lasting impact on the young people they serve.

Through a powerful combination of long-term funding, direct capacity building support from our experienced team and our pro bono partners, alongside research and policy influencing to drive lasting systems change, we work towards a society where all young people can thrive in school, pass their exams and unlock the doors to sustained employment, for a fulfilling life. ​​

We are resolutely focused on outcomes and impact, driven by quality evidence.​

You would be joining a team that is passionate, rigorous, determined, creative and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our portfolio partners and the young people we serve.​

Impetus is a registered charity and our charity number is 1152262.

Our Values​

In 2022 the Impetus staff agreed the following set of Values to act as our guiding principles as an organisation and help us to remain focused on achieving our mission to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

We are brave and curious

We are bold and brave in our pursuit of better outcomes for young people. We lead with curiosity and stay open to new perspectives. We support one another to take considered risks and learn together.

We bring high trust, high challenge

We build strong, long-term relationships through honesty, kindness, integrity, and respect. We create the space for open, constructive challenge, where colleagues, partners and supporters feel safe to speak up, hold each other to account, and bring their best in pursuit of our mission.

We are evidence led and results driven for young people

We pursue excellence for the young people we work with, are wholly committed to better outcomes, unapologetically results driven, and accountable for our actions.

We thrive through diversity

We seek to embed diversity of thought, background and experience in every aspect of our work. We are open, thoughtful and proactive in better understanding and challenging our assumptions to better deliver the change we seek.

We always seek collaboration

We will not succeed alone. We seek meaningful, productive partnerships with others to achieve our mission and drive systems change for young people.

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

We believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more open, creative and gets better results.​

We want our team at Impetus to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our team to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.

We want to reach a diverse pool of candidates. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need to in order to be successful.​

We recognise the importance of a good work/life balance. We do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, working part-time job shares and other arrangements.​

Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.​

Impetus is an equal opportunity employer and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We value diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

​​Our employee benefits ​

Impetus appreciates the invaluable contribution made by all employees and wishes to encourage and reward loyalty, motivation and experience. We therefore offer a range of benefits and policies which aim to assist employees during various stages of their lives and careers. For more information on these, please download the job information pack from our website.

How to apply

Please click on the "Apply for this job" button.​

You will need to:​

• Complete the online form (including the equal opportunities monitoring form).
• Upload a comprehensive CV and supporting statement.​

The supporting statement should be no more than two sides of A4 and should address the criteria in the person specification.​

You should also include the contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be approached with your express permission.​

As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at interview stage.​

The deadline for applications is Sunday 17th May 2026, 11:59pm.​

Interviews:​

1st Interviews will take place on w/c 25th May 2026.​

2nd Interviews will take place on w/c 1st June 2026.​

You will also be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK.

​Personal Data

Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.

Learning and Development Manager

Location: Vauxhall

Salary: £35,000 per annum

Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full time

Closing date: 26th May 2025

Are you a passionate Learning & Development professional who knows how to turn strategy into engaging, high-impact learning?

We’re looking for an experienced L&D Manager to join us in Vauxhall, (This is a primarily remote role, with occasional travel required to visit services/sites as needed) working full time, 35 hours per week, leading the delivery of an organisation-wide learning strategy that develops people, builds capability and drives performance.

This is a fantastic opportunity to shape learning across a purpose-led organisation, leading a team of facilitators and working closely with senior leaders, HR and subject matter experts to deliver training that truly makes a difference.

What you’ll be doing:

• Lead the delivery of organisational learning programmes including induction, compliance, leadership, management, EDI and behavioural skills
• Manage and develop a team of L&D Training Facilitators
• Oversee training schedules and rotas to ensure seamless delivery across the business
• Step in to facilitate sessions where required
• Partner with internal teams to translate specialist knowledge into engaging, practical training
• Ensure all learning content is high-quality, inclusive and aligned to business needs
• Own LMS content, reporting, training data and performance metrics
• Support annual and quarterly L&D planning, KPI reporting and continuous improvement
• Oversee apprenticeships, skills mapping and development pathways

What we’re looking for:

• Proven experience in L&D, facilitation and people management
• Strong track record designing and delivering both digital and face-to-face learning
• Ability to analyse training needs and measure learning impact
• Confident communicator who can engage a wide range of audiences
• Strong organisational skills with excellent attention to detail
• Experience using Microsoft Office and LMS platforms
• Experience delivering training linked to therapeutic, recovery-focused or psychosocial practice

Ideally, you’ll also have:

• Experience in the charity, social care, justice or recovery sectors
• Knowledge of apprenticeships or accredited programmes
• CIPD qualification (or equivalent)

Qualifications:

• Level 5 Certificate/Diploma in Learning & Development (or willingness to work towards)

This is more than an L&D role, it’s a chance to influence culture, develop people and help create lasting impact through learning.

About Us

We are The Forward Trust, the social enterprise with charitable status that empowers people to break the often interlinked cycles of crime and addiction to move forward with their lives. For more than 25 years we have been working with people to build positive and productive lives, whatever their past. We believe that anyone is capable of lasting change.

We are committed to our cause and the work we carry out as a charity. Equally the wellbeing and the employees who work for us are also important. Joining us an employee, we will offer you the following benefits:

• Flexible working
• Training and development opportunities
• Simply Health Cashback Scheme (optional)
• Season Ticket Loan Scheme 
• Cycle to work scheme
• Crisis Loan Scheme
• Electric Car Scheme
• 3 x Wellbeing Days (pro rata'd for part time employees)
• Access to Blue Light Card
• 25 days (rising to 30 with length of service) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays 
• Contributory Pension Scheme – Employer matched contributions of up to 6% in the first two years’ service and up to 9% thereafter 
• Death in Service Payment (2x annual salary) 
• Critical Illness Insurance (subject to qualifying criteria)

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Forward Trust, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application.