Development manager jobs in burford, oxfordshire

Play a vital role to ensure that the voices of lived experiences contribute effectively to the development of policy, research, and services in eating disorders.

We are recruiting maternity cover for a Co-production Officer role at Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity. You will work passionately to ensure that the voices of people with eating disorders and their carers (referred to in the team as experts by experience) contribute effectively to the development of research, policy, and services. This will include projects led by researchers, clinicians, or policymakers that we are supporting with co-production, and projects within Beat.

The role is based remotely and will require evening work for the facilitation of co-production groups and sessions.

Beat offers flexible working across four days/week, more details on the role and how to apply are available in the candidate pack.

Family Support Foster Carer

Overview

The family support foster carers (FSFCs) mentor their families and offer short breaks for children, offering stability and giving parents time to address their challenges with support. They provide feedback on their involvement with the families during review meetings.

The FSFCs could be experienced foster carers within the service who want to develop their skills and explore a new opportunity within fostering. Alternatively, they can be recruited specifically to this role in SUSD but must gain approval prior to commencing in the role. Is it imperative that the FSFCs have the skills and commitment to working with both parents and children as part of the SUSD programme. A role description for the FSFC is included in this pack.

Role and Responsibilities

The key aspects of the role are to

• provide weekly mentoring support for parents who are referred to SUSD. There is maximum caseload of 4 families at any one time.
• support the family to set and review goals, using our Person Centred Planning app.
• provide one planned short break each month for each referred child.
• offer crisis response support to families in the form of phone calls, visits or crisis short breaks.
• attend training provided by The Fostering Network & the Local Authority, enabling the FSFC to provide training and support to families.
• help with family activities, such as outings, family activities, summer schemes and residentials

The Family Support Foster Carer will be required to record details of the support provided, sharing with the supervising social worker as appropriate. During weeks that the FSFC has attend a review or support meeting for a family, they will not be required to complete another mentoring session with that family.

Working with parents and families

Families are referred to Step Up Step Down by their social worker. The scheme is voluntary, and families are empowered to decide whether they want the support. SUSD support has 4 primary aspects:

• mentoring for parents
• short breaks for children
• family activities
• community supports.

SUSD Mentoring Sessions are based upon areas of identified need. These are decided through the referral process and the initial planning meeting and are reviewed every three months throughout the duration of SUSD support. The key areas of support are: Routines, Budgeting, Healthy Living, Mental and Physical Wellbeing, Behaviour Management, Access to supports, Family Relationships, Dealing with Crisis Situations, Play and Stimulation.

The FSFC will also be required to give updates and share progress at review meetings. Information required will be:

• number of parent mentoring sessions since the previous SUSD review (including cancelations), and details of the work covered with the parent;
• number of short breaks since the previous review, and details of activities;
• any and all other support given to the family.

Support for the Family Support Foster Carer

Personal development and self-care is important, as we know that the best supporters are well supported themselves. There are several ways that SUSD will support the FSFCs.

• There will be regular supervision where they can discuss complex cases or raise any issues.
• FSFCs will be encouraged to attend training that will support them in the role, and to take an active role in identifying what this training should be.
• Quarterly carer support sessions are organised to enable the FSFCs & other SUSD team members to meet and learn from each other.
• FSFCs are also encouraged to form informal peer support networks.

Service: Children's Services

Salary: To receive a minimum allowance of £19,700, up to a maximum of £32,700 per annum

Please note, this is a self employed role and you will receive a weekly allowance. As a registered foster carer you will qualify for Qualifiying Care Relief and can earn up to £18,000 before paying tax.

Strategic Volunteer Lead

We are seeking someone brilliant to be our Strategic Volunteer Lead and work collaboratively to support Youth Zones with their volunteering strategies, recognising and rewarding the huge benefits a volunteer workforce brings.

The organisation is an equal opportunities’ employer and welcomes applications from under-represented groups; in particular from Black, Asian, Mixed Race and other ethnically diverse individuals, people with disabilities, and members of LGBTQ+ communities. The dedicated Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Group, with support from the Senior Leadership Team, is actively promoting and advancing diversity and inclusion, ensuring a culture where everyone can be themselves and thrive.

Position: Strategic Volunteer Lead

Location: Home-based with travel (across North-West England & London) (home location within reasonable commutable distance of Youth Zones in North-West or London). Bolton and London offices can also be used as a working base, if preferred.

Salary: £32,500 to £37,000 0.8 FTE (dependent upon experience)

Contract: 18-month Fixed Term contract

Hours: Part-time, 30 hours per week (Hours can be worked flexibly – working pattern to be agreed at point of role offer)

Benefits: Agile working with flexibility in working hours; 25 days annual leave (calculated pro-rata) rising to a maximum of 30 days; birthday leave, additional annual leave purchase scheme; company matched pension; company sick, maternity, paternity & adoption pay; Employee Assistance Programme, active and engaged networks to join (including Equity, Diversity & Inclusion) and access to Charity Worker discounts.

Closing Date: 12noon Wednesday 14 May

First stage interviews (virtual): Friday 23 May 2025

Second stage interviews (in-person in Wigan): Tuesday 3 June 2025

There will also be a short, values-based phone interview between Stage 1 and 2.

About the Role

As a pioneering and growing Network of youth charities, it is paramount we have clear and robust volunteer strategies, maximising the value of volunteers.

You will promote a positive culture of volunteering across the Network, working collaboratively with Youth Zone senior leadership teams. This will include support and delivery of workshops, proactively focusing discussions to result in strategic commitment to volunteering. You will also support the Youth Zone Network with general volunteering advice and guidance, promoting best practice so our volunteers shine in their roles.

About You

You will have experience of volunteer recruitment and management, implementing volunteering strategies and thrive on working collaboratively. And you will be excited to work for an innovative, young person-centred organisation.

To apply, please submit a CV and cover letter (of not more than two pages), explaining clearly why you are interested in the role, and answering as many points as you can from the role profile. We’d also love to hear about your transferrable skills.

About the Organisation

A national charity that believes all young people should have the opportunity to discover their passion and their purpose that fund and build state-of-the-art, multimillion-pound youth centres called Youth Zones in the country’s most economically disadvantaged areas. We train the amazing people that run them and offer continuing support to Youth Zones nationwide through a national network of independent youth charities.

You are actively encouraged to submit anonymous applications; in practice this means removing your name and email address from your CV and cover letter. The HR Lead will have these details from your submission, but they will not be available to the selection panel when they are considering your application.

The charity is committed to the safeguarding of young people. In accordance with its Child Protection and Safeguarding procedures, this position requires a basic DBS check.

Other roles you may have experience of could include Volunteer Engagement, Volunteer Recruitment, Volunteer Manager, Volunteer Coordinator, Volunteer Engagement Lead, Volunteer Recruitment Lead. #INDNFP

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation

Corporate Partnership Executive

Do you want to be part of a passionate team and help support a lifesaving cause? If so then read on for more details as to how you can work for our Charity!

As part of Midland Air Ambulance Charity’s (MAAC) corporate team, the Corporate Partnership Executive is responsible for taking a proactive approach to raising the profile of the charity and deepening relationships with businesses in the communities we serve.

You will provide support to the Senior Partnership Executive and the wider team helping to implement the corporate fundraising strategy via in person and online engagement methods, leading on activity within Staffordshire.

Your focus will be to ensure income growth from corporate sources and activity comprising of new business development, account management and affinity partnerships.  As a longstanding charity, we have established networks in place, however alongside this the post holder will need to innovate and develop new ways of working in line with the ever-changing external environment (i.e., global/national trends, corporate best practise such as CSR and ESG) as well as in response to opportunities and challenges happening in the south of our region.

#Corporate_Partnership_Executive #Corporate_Partnerships #Staffordshire #Partnerships #Corporate_Fundraising #Fundraising 

IPSEA is the leading charity in the field of special educational needs and disability (SEND) law in England, and we provide free and independent legal advice and support to families of children and young people with SEND. We also provide training on the SEND legal framework, and we influence policy at both a local and national level.

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Trusts and Philanthropy Officer to join our small, ambitious fundraising team. IPSEA has a proven track record of successfully securing grants, and this is a new role designed to help strengthen and grow IPSEA’s income from charitable Trusts and Foundations. You will be responsible for researching new funding opportunities, preparing and submitting tailored applications and reports, and managing relationships with existing funders through thoughtful and timely stewardship. You will also support the early development of strategies in major gifts and wider philanthropy. 

This role is an opportunity to play a key role in our future fundraising strategy and help secure long-term financial sustainability for our services. 

You will work remotely, with occasional travel required for essential meetings approximately 4-5 times per year. 

If you share our commitment to protecting, promoting and upholding the rights of children and young people with SEND and would like to use your fundraising skills at IPSEA, we would love to hear from you. 

To apply

• Download our ‘Trusts and Philanthropy Officer Recruitment Pack’
• Visit our website to download an application form
• Submit your completed application form via our website

Please note that we do not accept CVs as applications.

Closing date for applications: 9am on Monday 12 May 2025 
First-round interviews: 21 or 22 May in central Birmingham

We are seeking an experienced and technically proficient Head of Financial Control to join our finance team and play a critical role in safeguarding the financial sustainability and integrity of our organisation.

At National Star, we are dedicated to enabling people with disabilities to realise their full potential. Over the past 15 years, our charity has grown significantly—from £15 million to over £40 million in annual income—and now operates a broad range of education, care and health services across Gloucestershire and beyond. We employ over 1,300 staff and are proud of our reputation as a leader in innovative and life-changing support.

About the Role

This senior role is responsible for ensuring strong financial control, regulatory compliance, and the accurate and timely reporting of financial information. You will lead on statutory financial reporting, audit, treasury management and tax compliance, supporting the organisation’s strategic and operational decision-making.

Working closely with the Director of Finance and key internal and external stakeholders, your work will ensure the charity's financial integrity, transparency, and efficiency and will directly support National Star’s ability to deliver high-quality services to those who need them most.

We are not standing still and key to this role will be a drive for change, challenging existing systems and controls to ensure that the organisation is using best practice to minimise risk whilst shaping and strengthening our financial systems at a time of growth and innovation.

About You

We are looking for a highly capable, qualified finance professional who combines strong technical expertise with a values-driven approach to leadership.

You will have:

• Demonstrable experience in a senior financial control or financial reporting role, ideally within the charity, education, or care sectors.

• In-depth knowledge of financial compliance, VAT, and charity accounting standards.

• Excellent communication skills, with the confidence to advise senior stakeholders and influence decision-making.

• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to manage a team and collaborate across departments.

• A proactive and solutions-focused mindset, with a commitment to continuous improvement.

• A values-led mindset and genuine commitment to the mission and purpose of National Star.

Why Work with Us?

Joining National Star means becoming part of an organisation that is making a tangible difference in people’s lives every single day. You will be supported by a dedicated team and have the opportunity to shape and strengthen our financial systems at a time of growth and innovation.

We offer:

• £250 welcome bonus (on completion of probation)

• Flexible working arrangements

• Wider range of benefits and pension scheme.

• Ongoing professional development and training

• A friendly, inclusive and mission-led working culture

The eoa exists to grow and strengthen employee ownership as a force for powering fairer livelihoods, stronger businesses, and a more resilient economy. With 800+ member businesses and a community of thousands of employee owners, we are the national voice for employee ownership in the UK.

Our refreshed strategy is focused on accelerating impact through people powered growth. We’re here to make employee ownership a mainstream business model choice—by expanding the sector, setting the standard for excellence, and building a connected, values-led ecosystem. We do this through sharp insight, high-impact advocacy, and a thriving member experience.

For founders and business owners exploring employee ownership, or for leaders and managers building Great EO businesses, the eoa offers tools, knowledge, experience and connection. We facilitate powerful peer learning, codify what works, and champion the stories that inspire others to choose EO.

Together with our members, we’re creating the conditions for employee ownership to thrive—seizing the political, cultural, and digital opportunities ahead. and this is where you come in.

As Director of Partnerships and Growth, you’ll be the driving force behind the eoa’s external influence and reach. you’ll lead our advocacy and external affairs strategy, build meaningful partnerships, and deliver powerful events programmes that accelerate adoption of Great EO. You’ll also shape the narrative—ensuring our insights, policy recommendations and thought leadership land with impact.

This is a high-profile, senior leadership role at a pivotal time for the EO community. It calls for someone with a track record in advocacy or external affairs, strong commercial acumen, and the ability to lead high-performing teams. It also needs a big-picture thinker - someone who can champion EO, influence change, and help us build a more inclusive, resilient economy.

If you’re excited about the opportunity to grow an economy that puts people at the heart of business, we’d love to hear from you.

Role Details

At the heart of this Director of Growth & Advocacy role is the opportunity to shape the external environment for employee ownership, champion the voice of our members, and lead high-impact strategies that grow both our reach and the sector itself.

You’ll lead on policy, advocacy, external affairs and events—crafting compelling narratives, building powerful partnerships, and delivering programmes that drive commercial sustainability and sector-wide change.

From shaping relationships with key stakeholders and securing strategic sponsorships, to overseeing the delivery of thought leadership, content, and events, you’ll ensure that the eoa is not just part of the national conversation—but leading it.

Your ability to influence, convene, and inspire will be critical to removing barriers to employee ownership and unlocking the potential of our £1.7m organisation to deliver even greater impact.

Join us on this exciting journey where your leadership will shape policy, grow influence, and contribute to our mission of unlocking the potential of people, businesses, and the economy through employee ownership.

This role is remote, however regular travel to our HQ in Brough and across the UK is expected.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead external affairs, collaborating with stakeholders to shape policy, advocacy and best practice that removes barriers and expands EO.
• Establish relationships and secure commercial partnerships and sponsorships, generating revenue to support advocacy, events, and sector growth initiatives.
• Engage key stakeholders to co-produce content that positively influence EO practice and policy and amplify the eoa’s voice in public affairs.
• Oversee delivery of an effective content strategy that delivers our commercial objectives and positions the eoa as the leading EO authority.
• Oversee events programmes, ensuring they drive knowledge-sharing, sector development, and commercial sustainability.
• Represent the eoa at industry forums, policy roundtables, and public affairs events, championing the employee ownership model.
• Collaborate with the Director of Membership & Operations to align advocacy efforts with member needs and engagement.
• Lead and develop high-performing teams, fostering innovation and delivering measurable impact across advocacy, policy, event activities.

Success in this role

Success in this role means having a positive impact on the growth rate, influence and adoption of great EO across the employee ownership sector. Strengthening and expanding stakeholder relationships, driving advocacy impact and securing commercial sustainability through a diverse mix of sponsorships, partnerships will also be indicators of success.

Key outcomes for the role

• Growth of the employee ownership sector. Measured by increased number of EO businesses, heightened sector awareness
• Strengthened corporate engagement. Measured by growth in strategic partnerships, corporate and government engagement
• Strong Commercial Sustainability. Measured by increased sponsorship revenue, secured long-term commercial partnerships
• Increased policy influence. Measured by policy recommendations adopted, increased government engagement
• Enhanced sector insight and intelligence. Measured by utilisation of high-quality data and insights for regular sector related content outputs.
• Development and adoption of best practice. Measured by creation, adoption and promotion of best practice across the EO network.
• Successful events programmes. Measured by iIncreased participation, sponsorship growth, positive feedback.

About you

• Proven expertise in advocacy, public affairs, or policy leadership, ideally within a business, trade body, or membership association.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with experience influencing government, media, and corporate partners.
• Demonstrated ability to drive sectoral or policy change, leading successful advocacy initiatives.
• Strong commercial acumen, with experience in sponsorship acquisition, revenue generation, and developing financially sustainable initiatives.
• Exceptional strategic communication and storytelling skills, able to engage and mobilise diverse audiences.
• Experience in event programme development, ensuring high engagement and sector impact.
• Passion for employee ownership and economic models that promote shared prosperity.
• Innovative, creative, and proactive in problem-solving and strategy execution.
• A confident and transparent leader who fosters collaboration and inclusivity through teamwork.
• Self-aware with emotional intelligence, resilience, and integrity.

Role Summary

• Contract: Permanent
• Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week
• Location: Remote, with regular travel to eoa offices and national events
• Salary & Benefits: £65,000 p/a + 7% Pensions. 30 Days leave + Bank Holidays.
• Reports to: CEO
• Management: TBC

The Senior Licensing Officer (SLO) will support the Licensing Manager with ensuring charity and network contract compliance, which includes policy management, contract updates, supporting procedures and IT infrastructure, and associated reporting.

The SLO will manage and deliver complex and significant projects to manage risk and ensure adherence and compliance. They will also maintain project deliverables once adopted into business as usual and provide contract and policy support to staff at all levels within the charity.

We are looking for:

• Strong knowledge in policy and/or contract management
• strong knowledgeof end-to-end project management, from development through implementation to evaluation, including project planning, risk management, governance, etc.
• Strong stakeholder management experience, with the ability to influence and build strong relationships at every level internally and externally.
• A quick learner, with the ability to comprehend complicated principles and structures
• Proven ability to interpret and evaluate complex information to identify problems and deliver high quality solutions
• Able to work independently, flexibly, and be pro-active, using initiative to complete project work in a timely manner

How to apply

If you are excited about the prospect of working for the DofE and believe you have the desired skills and experience to make a real success of this role, then we are keen to hear from you.

 If you would like to access the application form in a different format or if would like any assistance that might help improve your experience while completing the application, please contact us.

Applications will close on: Sunday 11th May– Midnight

1st Interviews will take place: WC 19th May (to be held virtually via Teams)

2nd Interview will take place: WC 26th May (to be held virtually via Teams)

​The DofE are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people.   All successful applicants will be required to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service check. (e.g. DBS/PVG or similar), including references covering any gaps of employment/education, confirm eligibility to work in the UK and complete a health check.

**The geographical allowance is based on a member of staff having a home or office-based postcode within 30 miles (as the crow flies) from Charing Cross, WC2N 5HS. The allowance is 7% capped at £4,000 per annum.

 Position Overview

The Finance Director will play a crucial role in overseeing the financial health and strategy of the Barnabas Aid family globally, ensuring that all financial activities align with our mission and values. Reporting directly to the Chief Support Officer (CSO), the Finance Director will lead the finance team and work closely with senior leadership to support strategic decision-making. This role requires a deep understanding of non-profit and charitable financial management, compliance, and funding. The Finance Director will be part of the Senior Leadership Team.                                                                                                                              

At Fuel Bank Foundation, we are united by a shared mission purpose: ensuring that no one must choose between heating and eating. Creating a United Kingdom free from fuel crisis. We exist to make it possible for everyone in the UK who prepays for energy to have sustainable access to the heat, light, and power they need to live a happy, healthy, and productive life. Every day, our work helps people facing fuel crisis, providing emergency financial support, practical and actionable advice, and long-term advocacy to create real, lasting change.

As part of the Fuel Bank team, you play a vital role in making this happen. We are committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered. Whether you're working directly with those in need, behind the scenes supporting operations, or helping shape policy, your contributions make a real difference to the lives of the people we support.

Are you a natural team leader or strive to be one, do you have excellent communication skills? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, ever evolving environment, that manages customer queries and applications processing? Are you flexible, empathetic, and dedicated to delivering outstanding customer service? If so, this role is perfect for you.

As the Triage Team Leader, you will be responsible for managing the team’s daily operations and ensuring performance targets are met, in line with our mission to help and support our clients out of crisis. Your role will include leading and supporting triage advisers, conducting regular one-to-one meetings, overseeing resource allocation, and delivering quality assurance and coaching."

Key Responsibilities:

• Leading with Purpose: Support and guide our triage advisers, helping them meet their goals and deliver high-quality support. Hold regular one-to-ones to offer encouragement, feedback, and development.
• Using Resources Wisely: Ensure the team is well-organised and resourced so we can offer the best possible service to those who need us, when they need us.
• Championing Quality: Carry out regular quality checks and offer tailored coaching to help the team grow their skills and confidence, making sure every interaction counts.
• Keeping Track: Monitor and report on how the service is performing against both internal and external targets. Quickly raise any challenges or concerns with the Head of Customer Service and Advice to keep things running smoothly.
• Always Improving: Look for ways to strengthen our service and improve outcomes for people in fuel crisis, making sure we’re always learning and evolving.
• Stepping In When Needed: During busy times, lend a hand by speaking directly with customers facing fuel emergencies—carrying out needs assessments and ensuring they receive same-day support.

 Experience and Skills:

• Previous Advice Role: Experience in an advice role with an understanding of how to develop the support we offer.
• Team Leader/Senior Experience: Previous experience as a Team Leader or in a senior role is desirable but we are open to developing the right person.
• Phone-Based Experience: Preferably in a triage/advice role, but general customer service experience is also suitable.
• Empathy and Support: Demonstrated empathy with a strong desire to help and support customers.
• Attention to Detail: Strong administrative and reporting skills with a keen attention to detail.
• Continuous Improvement: A mindset focused on continuous improvement and service enhancement.
• Computer Literacy: Proficient in using computer systems and software.

What You’ll Receive in Return:

• Team Support: Join a supportive and collaborative team committed to your success.
• Enhanced Annual Leave: 27.5 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell additional days.
• Flexible Working: Enjoy a flexible schedule that supports a healthy work-life balance.
• Comprehensive Benefits:
  • Enhanced pension contributions.
  • Private healthcare and access to an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Training and Development: Benefit from a comprehensive onboarding programme and ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Equal Opportunities Employer: We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

Do you enjoy untangling complex systems, collaborating with users, and making technical processes run smoother? Then this might be your next role.

At Open Doors International, we rely on our ERP system—Unit4 Business World—for everything from finance to HR. As an ERP Application Specialist, you will play a crucial role in making sure this system works seamlessly for colleagues across our global offices. Whether it’s solving user issues, implementing new configurations, or rolling out improvements, you will make things better—both behind the scenes and in daily workflows.

You’re someone who enjoys switching between hands-on technical tasks and collaborating with people. One moment you're configuring the system, the next you're helping a colleague in another country work through a problem. You’re part of a small, supportive FDM team and report directly to the FDM Manager.

We’re looking for someone who thrives in a dynamic, international environment, and who’s ready to take initiative.

Your key responsibilities

• Offer functional and technical support for Unit4 ERP users worldwide by troubleshooting issues and ensuring smooth daily use.
• Maintain and configure Unit4 ERP within our IT landscape by adjusting workflows, permissions, or modules as needed.
• Collaborate with colleagues to improve how the system supports our other departments.
• Train and support users across different departments and countries (remotely or in person).
• Take ownership of small to medium-sized improvement projects, from gathering user needs to rolling out solutions.
• Share knowledge with the FDM team and contribute to continuous improvement.

Your profile

• You’re a committed Christian with a heart for the Persecuted Church.
• You have an understanding of ITIL, preferably certified with ITIL Foundation.
• You have proven analytical and problem solving skills.
• You’re proactive, service oriented, and an organized team player.
• You have excellent communication skills (in English).
• You’re able to work cross-culturally.
• You preferably have a bachelor degree in IT or similar area.
• You preferably have work experience with ERP, SQL, Excel and API’s.

Our offer

Working at Open Doors means that you are actively involved in serving the worldwide Persecuted Church. We offer you a versatile position in an international environment, a professional team and the opportunity to show your added value. Preferred location is in The Netherlands, United Kingdom or California (USA).

The Head of Operations and Projects will oversee the infrastructure of our charity. This position will involve fostering a motivated and engaged volunteer base, strategic oversight of our BUBR Africa initiative and conducting impact analysis of our activations. The ideal candidate will be passionate about community engagement, skilled in project management and possess a strong analytical mindset.

Reporting to: Director of Policy and Engagement 

Direct reports: 1 x Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager and Legislative Lead, 2 x Policy and Public Affairs Officers, 1 x England Policy and Public Affairs Manager 

Location of work: Home-based. The post holder must be easily and quickly commutable to London and will require frequent meetings in London. The role may involve some irregular travel throughout England and Scotland to attend events and meetings.

Contract type: Full-time, 35 hours per week,  flexible hours may be considered. The role may require occasional evening and weekend work 

Contract Length: Permanent 

Salary: £54,500 - £56,500 

BACKGROUND

Our work has never been more needed. The latest research suggesting that the number of children and young people at risk of hunger has rocketed to 2.6 million* means that one in five children don't have enough to eat.When a child is too hungry to learn, when they’re aching for something to eat, they can’t concentrate. They can’t absorb information. Big feelings and worries can be impossible to control. They fall behind in their studies.

Magic Breakfast provide a nutritious and filling breakfast to over 300,000 children and young people every school day. We work with schools in areas of high disadvantage, helping staff target the children most in need without barrier or stigma.  Magic Breakfast are ambitious to grow our impact to remove hunger as a barrier to learning for all children and young people in the UK.

 This is an exciting time to join Magic Breakfast if you wish to make a difference to the lives of children as we work to influence both policy implementation, with the national rollout of primary-aged universal school breakfast, and legislative change, through the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. There has also been commitment from the Scottish Government for a national breakfast scheme and we are seeking to expand our advocacy work into Wales. Magic Breakfast’s influence will be instrumental to ensuring school breakfasts are implemented in a way that is hunger-focused and barrier free.

In addition, thousands of secondary school children are at risk of losing their free school breakfasts from September next year. For many of these students, this is their only opportunity to have a nutritious meal before facing a demanding school day, including taking exams.  And for the very youngest, we know that the disadvantage gap begins before they even reach reception. With the Government commitment to another 100,000 places in school-based nurseries, early years is also a critical part of our advocacy work.

 Being part of the work of Magic Breakfast is your chance, together with parents, teachers and people across the UK, to demonstrate the power of school breakfasts and to shape the way forward to end morning hunger for good.

*Food Foundation Insecurity Tracker Jan 2025

JOB PURPOSE

The Head of Policy & Public Affairs will review, develop and implement our advocacy strategy and lead a team to influence the devolved legislatures across the UK to address child morning hunger, with a view to the underlying systemic causes of child poverty and hunger, by driving change through policy and legislation. The role operates at our ‘Head of level’ which is the most senior operational specialist level and provides both operational and strategic leadership.

This role will also provide wider leadership across the charity and input into organisational strategy development and planning as part of the Core Management Group. This role will ensure that the Policy and Public Affairs function is aligned to the wider strategic aims and outcomes of Magic Breakfast as well as the internal operational systems and delivery.

The strategic leadership will ensure an external and long term view, with an outward looking and forward thinking approach that builds thought leadership, relationships and partnerships, with positioning to anticipate and build on new opportunities to end child morning hunger for good.

It will require an experienced Policy and Public Affairs professional, with significant experience of high impact and demonstrable outcomes at a senior level in the field. The postholder will lead the policy and public affairs team to influence the Early Adopters Scheme, the national rollout of primary school breakfast provision in England and breakfast legislation in the Children’s Wellbeing Bill (CWB).

They will also develop, guide and lead plans to influence the Scottish government, particularly in the run up to the election in May 2026 and the influencing of manifestos; and will lead Magic Breakfast’s upcoming influencing work in Wales. 

In the external leadership that the role provides they will build relationships with politicians, political influencers, special advisors and civil servants to establish long-term, sustainable solutions to child morning hunger in the UK.

As a compassionate, people centric and inspiring leader they will work to enable their team to grow and develop in their skills ensuring they can step away from the detail whilst retaining accountability, build effective resource management and progression pathways. This role may manage external consultants where necessary, and work collaboratively with external organisations to amplify our voice and asks and strengthen our position as a thought leader. 

 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

· Review and define the advocacy strategy for 25/26 in line both with moving political environment and Magic Breakfast’s influencing agenda, considering the systemic barriers to ending child morning hunger for good.

· Develop and maintain close relationships with the Department for Education and other key departments including Department for Health and Social Care and Treasury, to secure hunger and child focus as key priorities for breakfast provision.

· Develop, monitor and evaluate influencing plans for each devolved nation

· Support the development of influencing plans with coalition groups and organisations to influence school breakfast policy, commitments and implementation

· Review policy positions in Wales and Northern Ireland and define our advocacy approach, gaining external insights and analysing available research and data to shape the plan

· Develop a vision for advocacy beyond current demands, considering political appetite and gaining insight from lived experience communities and relevant sectors, to ensure that we are clear on future asks, and can build the foundation towards them.

· Work with Impact and Insights team to define future research needs to meet our longer-term advocacy plans

· Enhance and establish internal processes and ensure good internal information dissemination 

· Work closely with key internal stakeholders to shape advocacy work and support broader organisational objectives

· Embed learnings and develop a fail fast, learn fast culture in the team

· Coach, support and lead direct reports enabling increased professional development, strategic decision making, proactive project management and robust political influencing

· Contribute to and help shape the work of the Core Management Group to ensure ongoing alignment for in year implementation of the strategic plan and create integrated future year plans which meet organisational goals

· Monitor and review KPIs to monitor and measure both team and cross organisational performance, using the results to guide teams and surface learnings

· Assess areas of risk and escalate where necessary and according to policy

· Develop and monitor annual team budgets

General

• Work collaboratively across the organisation, building good working relations and providing ad-hoc support to other teams and members of staff

• Passion and commitment to Magic Breakfast’s aim of alleviating morning hunger as a barrier to learning for children in the UK.

• Help to maintain a positive working environment; keeping the vision of Magic Breakfast at the heart of everything we do. 

• Share Magic Breakfast’s commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

• Establish and ensure existing Ways of Working are adhered to across team

• Adhere to all Magic Breakfast policies and procedures and ensure that all activity is compliant with current legislation, GDPR, data protection and child safeguarding requirements

• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role

 PERSON SPECIFICATION

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

· Strategy development, demonstrating a deep understanding of how to craft, implement, and evolve strategies that align to operational outcomes for the Policy and Advocacy function as well as enabling our organisation strategy in our aim to end child morning for good.

· Stakeholder management and partnership building with extensive experience of engaging, influencing, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including senior political figures, policymakers, funders and sector leaders.

· Ability to confidently and flexibly deal with volatile political environment, anticipating potential developments and adapting to emerging situations to meet aims

· Highly experienced in developing and shaping policy positions, using insights, research and data sets to inform and guide decision-making

· Understanding and experience of the role of the broader external environment to shape policy asks and political influencing, including the implications of a policy ask in one sector on another.

· Experience of influencing key political events such as budgets, national elections and the legislative process.

· Significant experience of coaching, supporting and managing the development of a team, with the ability to make difficult decisions and challenge where needed to deliver the organisational strategy.

Desirable

· Experience of education, food insecurity, child poverty or childcare sectors

Skills and Abilities

• Effective leadership mentality with confidence to step away from the detail and delegate responsibility, enabling others to use judgements, make decisions, learn from failures and continuously improve.

• Analytical and evidence based decision making, with the ability to turn data and analysis into policy and advocacy related recommendations or outcomes for action.

• Effective planning, prioritisation and project management skills. Able to organise self and team to meet planned objectives and strategic direction with the ability to pivot and manage the unexpected.

• Strong, influential and impactful interpersonal and communication skills and to advocate for own specialism, department and Magic Breakfast's mission, effectively conveying the organisation's impact and needs to a wide range of audiences.

• Operational and financial acumen and analysis: understanding and practical application of knowledge as required around funding considerations, budget development and management, risk management, and ensuring systems in place for efficiency by setting and maintaining policy and procedural frameworks.

• An outward looking and forward thinking approach that drives a sense of curiosity, innovation and continuous improvement. Always thinking what can we learn from others, what new developments can be explored and what are the opportunities for the function to improve and grow with others too.

WHAT WE OFFER

At Magic Breakfast we value our employees and work hard to develop offer a supportive, respectful culture which enables everyone to bring their whole self to work.

Please find attached our job pack

APPLICATION PROCCESS

Should you wish to discuss the role before applying please email our People and Culture Team, recruitment @ magicbreakfast. com

Shortlisting - w/c 5th May

Interview 1 - 15th and 16th May

Interview 2 - w/c 21st May

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications are received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately, once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.

This post will be responsible for supporting the Financial Controller in all aspects of the financial management of the charity. This post will take an active role in supporting both overseas and UK staff with financial management. The post will also be responsible for producing monthly/quarterly project finance reports both internally and externally. The successful candidate will be an analytical, intelligent accountant who will provide high quality support for a range of teams across the organisation. They will have the ability and communication skills to build strong working relationships at all levels across the organisation, including non-finance staff. The successful candidate will have at least two years’ experience working in a similar role and will preferably be at least part qualified.