Development research officer jobs

At Ambitious about Autism we're currently looking for a Data and Insights Officer to join our National Services team.

You'll focus on the collection, analysis and reporting of data from National Services programmes, projects and services. You'll use systems and tools to effectively capture and store data and information, enabling effective reporting and insight. You'll provide advice and support to the Product Development Manager and Deputy Director of National Services.

You'll support National Services teams with the development of KPI and data collection  routes and support with maintenance, troubleshooting and creative problem solving to ensure accuracy and efficiency. You'll create detailed reports and dashboards for use by teams, managers and leaders at agreed time points.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Experience of using statistical tools and techniques to manage and analyse data
• Ability to translate the essence of complex data into language or formats others will understand
• Experience of producing qualitative and quantitative reports and analysing results to produce impact reporting
• Ability to present insights and results through written reports, dashboards and presenting face-to-face

In return, we offer great benefits including a generous holiday allowance and commitment to continued professional development (CPD), flexible, hybrid working and more!

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious individual who would like to work for a forward-thinking, open and honest organisation and make a real impact to the young people we work with. Please find our full recruitment pack on the link below.

If you have any questions about the role or would like to have a confidential chat, please contact James Axford, Recruitment Officer.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age.

Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations. We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search maybe carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

The Safeguarding responsibilities of the post as per the job description and personal specification.
Whether the post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendment to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.

As a lawyer at The Animal Law Foundation, you will play a pivotal role in advancing our mission to protect animals through legal interventions. You will work closely with the Executive Director and supervise members of the legal team to identify and develop legal opportunities, you will also work closely with the Advocacy and Communications Officer to raise awareness of the legal interventions.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of a ground-breaking new charity and create meaningful change in the animal protection landscape in the UK.

Position: Lawyer

Contract Term: 1-year fixed term with a view of renewing

Organisation: The Animal Law Foundation

Location: London (On-site) 

Salary: £32,000 to £45,000

mary Duties and Responsibilities

• Legal Strategy: Collaborate with our Executive Director to develop and implement effective legal strategies to advance our objectives. Conduct research and analysis to identify key issues and tactics to drive impactful change.

• Supervise: Supervise the legal caseworkers in their legal strategy and research. 

• Advocacy opportunities: Communicate legal strategy with the Advocacy and Communications Officer to ensure opportunities to advocate and communicate are not missed. 

• Public Relations: Represent The Animal Law Foundation at events, conferences, and public forums to raise awareness of animal law and policy issues. Collaborate with partner organisations and stakeholders to amplify our legal strategy and build strategic alliances.

• Project Evaluation: Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of legal initiatives. Analyse data and feedback to inform future strategies and improve outcomes.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with key stakeholders, including lawmakers, government agencies, NGOs, and the public, to build support for our objectives. Coordinate advocacy efforts, coalition-building, and public consultations.

More information can be found in the job pack. 

What does The Animal Law Foundation do? 

The Animal Law Foundation was registered with the Charity Commission in August 2022. It is primarily a legal research charity that looks into neglected areas of animal law and where appropriate will instruct lawyers to bring legal challenges to secure any systems in place to protect animals function as they should.

Groups like this exist in the environmental and the human rights space in the UK and in the animal protection space in other countries. There is a desperate need for such work to exist for animals in the UK. 

The UK still has some of the best animal welfare laws in the world, yet the opportunity for vast change contained within these laws is rarely explored. Through exploring these opportunities the whole system for animals can be improved and set global examples. 

It is of vital importance that laws that exist to protect animals are understood and applied. The Animal Law Foundation will work alongside stakeholders to ensure that this happens. 

Supporting young people across the UK, STEM Learning is dedicated to improving lives through the power of STEM education.

By equipping schools, teachers and young people with the skills and confidence they need, STEM Learning helps open career opportunities, build knowledge, and enable young people to become thoughtful citizens able to tackle the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Fundraising at STEM Learning is at an exciting stage of growth. Income has increased from £3m to £3.5m this year, with ambitions to reach £5–6m in the near future. The team has expanded rapidly from 2 to 7 people, with clear organisational investment and board-level engagement to drive fundraising success. With attractive propositions such as the STEM Impact Fund, student engagement programmes, and unrestricted support, STEM Learning is well positioned to grow its high-value income.

The role of Fundraising Lead is to drive new donor engagement and secure sustainable, multi-year funding. You will develop high value 6- and 7-figure fundraising relationships, primarily with the private sector, but also with HNWIs in the future, bringing on board new supporters, so maximising income and sustainability.

With proposals already in play with leading brands, a supportive Head of Fundraising, and active trustee involvement, this is a rare opportunity to make a visible impact in an ambitious organisation.

As Fundraising Lead, you will:

• Lead corporate new business, with full responsibility for a £300k year-one target
• Build and manage a proactive new business pipeline, using prospect research tools, networking and trustee engagement
• Secure six-figure, multi-year corporate partnerships, developing creative offers across unrestricted, programme-based and blended opportunities
• Focus in the short-medium term on corporate new business, moving to incorporate HNWIs in time
• Work with the Head of Fundraising, SMT and board members to open doors and build senior-level relationships
• Collaborate with colleagues including the account management team and bid writer to ensure seamless handover and delivery of secured partnerships
• Represent STEM Learning externally, positioning the organisation as a credible and attractive partner for major corporate supporters

Ideal skills and experience:

• Proven track record of securing six-figure corporate partnerships, ideally multi-year
• Experience building a corporate pipeline from scratch, including research, prospecting and networking
• Strong understanding of how to package and position fundraising propositions to align donor interests with organisational priorities
• Confident and credible with senior stakeholders, including trustees, boards and senior corporate contacts
• Target-driven, entrepreneurial and proactive, able to deliver short-term results while building long-term income growth
• Collaborative and resilient, with the ability to represent STEM Learning externally and inspire confidence internally
• Experience in building relationships with HNWIs and major donor fundraising desirable, but not essential

Benefits include: 

• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays (up to 5 days leave can be carried over to the following leave year)
• Excellent pension scheme with employer contributions of up to 15%
• Private health care via Benenden Health plus Healthcare Cash Plan and Dental Plan
• Annual salary review
• Electric Car Benefit Scheme via Tusker
• Interest-free season ticket loan
• Discounted gym membership and shopping discounts
• Gourmet Society and tastecard dining cards (incl. 2 for 1, 50% off food bill and 25% off total bill)
• Kids Pass
• Employee Assistance Programme

This new role will focus on driving business development and fundraising opportunities, and ensuring robust contract administration across METRO's HIV services. Reporting to the Head of HIV or Director of Services, the Senior Manager (HIV Services): Business Development and Team Coordination plays a vital role in strengthening the sustainability and effectiveness of METRO's HIV services.

The post holder will support the development of funding proposals and bids, build and maintain relationships with funders, commissioners, and partners, and contribute to fundraising activity to secure the future of HIV services. Alongside this, the post holder will provide hands-on support to the team with contract management, producing high-quality data-led reports, monitoring outcomes, and ensuring compliance with funder requirements.

This role acts as a bridge between delivery teams and METRO's leadership, being part of its Senior Management Team (SMT), and enabling services to thrive by ensuring contracts are well-managed, reports are accurate and timely, and opportunities for growth and sustainability are actively pursued.

Programme

METRO runs various HIV prevention and support services across London and the Southeast. These services include pan London and local HIV prevention services, HIV support services including advice and advocacy and family support, HIV peer mentoring and counselling services. Many of these services are delivered in partnership with agencies such as the GMIPartnership consisting of Spectra, Positive East, and our collaborations with THT, Positively UK and Africa Advocacy Foundation. Our services are also embedded in other sexual health partnerships, such as the SASH programme, which consists of our partnerships with Turning Point, London Friend and Naz. We also work with several NHS Trusts as part of our work with the London HIV Fast Track Cities programme and wider programmes.

About the role

The Partnerships team is looking for a new member to join our team. You will be working with a variety of major trusts, foundations and statutory sources. This is an exciting opportunity that will enable you to develop your fundraising experience and skills whilst helping us to develop and deliver new initiatives.

Hybrid working with ability to travel to Twickenham Office and our Homes in High Wycombe, Solihull, Surbiton and Worthing.

You will be joining a values-led organisation working within our dedicated fundraising & marketing department. We are passionate about making a difference to the lives of the people we care for and ensuring they receive the care they need to live life to the full. We value our team and provide excellent training and benefits.

Purpose of the role

1. To generate funds from major trusts, foundations and statutory sources

2. Leading support for this area of fundraising for our Worthing Home

3. Contribute to overall mission to support veterans and their partners living with disabilities or dementia.

Income generation

• Research, identify, and secure income from major and local trusts, foundations and statutory sources that align with our organisational priorities.

• Write compelling and persuasive funding applications, ensuring all required information is accurate and wellpresented.

• Maximise income through both unrestricted and restricted funding opportunities.

• Work closely with the Partnerships Manager to implement the trusts and statutory fundraising strategy effectively.

Donor stewardship and communication

• Provide excellent stewardship to all funders, ensuring reporting and communication requirements are met timely and professionally.

• Maintain and nurture strong relationships with funding organisations and bodies to secure long-term support.

• Collaborate with colleagues to create impact reports and regular updates that bring our work to life 

Finance and administration

• Track and report on income progress against targets, ensuring accurate records are maintained in the CRM system (Donorfy).

• Ensure all fundraising activities comply with relevant legislation and guidelines, including GDPR and safeguarding regulations.

• Support the Partnerships Manager with administrative tasks linked to applications, reporting, and compliance.

Other

• Stay informed of changes in statutory and trust fundraising landscapes, sharing insights with the team.

• Contribute to broader fundraising projects as required.

Person specification

Experience of:

• Securing income (five-figure gifts min) from Trusts, foundations and statutory sources.

• Writing successful funding applications with proven income generation.

• Building and maintaining relationships with funders to support long-term income streams.

• Using fundraising CRMs, ideally Donorfy, to track income and manage relationships.

Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to craft compelling applications and impact reports.

• Strong organisational skills, able to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines effectively.

• Self-motivated and proactive, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

• Proficiency in IT, including Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and online research tools.

Personal characteristics:

• Passionate about supporting veterans and their partners living with disabilities or dementia.

• Enthusiastic, self-starting, and capable of working well independently.

• Collaborative team player who values respect and integrity.

Are you looking to build a career in philanthropy and fundraising? Whether you have formal charity experience or have shown your commitment through volunteering and community involvement, this could be the opportunity for you.

MK Community Foundation is seeking a motivated Philanthropy Officer to join our team.

This is an excellent development role for someone with experience as a Fundraising Assistant, Grants Officer, or in a junior charity role, as well as for a passionate community connector or volunteer who is eager to grow their career in philanthropy, relationship management, and fundraising.

In this role, you’ll:

• Support our grant-making programmes, assessing and monitoring local projects.

• Help nurture relationships with donors and supporters.

• Contribute to identifying new opportunities for income generation.

• Gain hands-on experience in philanthropy, backed by mentoring, training, and a supportive team.

We’re looking for someone who is:

• A confident communicator, able to build rapport with a wide range of people.

• Organised and proactive, with strong analytical skills and attention to detail.

• Passionate about making a difference in Milton Keynes.

This role offers the chance to develop your career while directly contributing to projects that change lives in our community.

Tender is an arts charity working with children and young people to prevent domestic abuse and sexual violence through creative projects. Our programmes are safe, enjoyable, age-appropriate spaces where young people can engage with sensitive topics and “rehearse” for real-life scenarios. Participants are encouraged to be both consumers and producers of learning through script-work, role-play and creative media such as films and art. Throughout, we enable young people to explore their choices, rights and expectations in relationships and to recognise the early warning signs of abuse. 

We have grown rapidly in recent years, and now have an exciting and varied programme of work which is funded from a wide range of sources. We have long-standing, high-value relationships with organisations such as the Mayor’s Office, Esmée Fairbairn and Clifford Chance, and continue to grow our income from a range of supporters from trusts, foundations, corporates, individuals and community fundraisers.

We now have a need for an Officer to work closely with the Development Director and CEO in developing our corporate income stream, managing the accounts of existing corporate partners and generating income through securing new corporate partnerships. These partnerships will generate both donations and earned income, with corporate partners contracting Tender to deliver workplace training. You will also work closely with our Corporate Advisory Board, which includes a diverse, ambitious group of professionals who are supporting us to maximise our corporate income stream. This role will involve a diverse range of work, from identifying prospects, creating compelling funding approaches and workforce training pitches, through to successfully managing relationships with corporate partners.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Experience in researching and developing prospect lists for priority industries and implementing new business campaigns which will secure multi-year high value partnerships, both for workplace training and donations
• Experience of selling training programmes to businesses
• Experience in developing engaging and impactful partnership proposals and training propositions
• Ability to work independently
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to develop strong relationships at all levels

The main purposes of the Development Officer role are:

• Working with the Development team to collectively achieve annual fundraising targets exceeding £2m per year
• Selling workplace training and donation opportunities to corporate partners across a range of industries, but in particular the legal and financial services sectors
• Supporting the CEO and Development Director to increase Tender’s workplace training delivery in order to achieve income targets through sales
• Contributing to applications and events in support of fundraising from other sources

About GNDR

We are the Global Network of Civil Society Organisations for Disaster Reduction (GNDR), the largest global network of organisations committed to working together to improve the lives of people affected by disasters worldwide. Since being established in 2007, we have grown into a network of 2,010 member organisations across 132 countries, representing millions of people on the frontlines of hazards, climate change and mass displacement. Through transformative, evidence-led programming and powerful advocacy, we are driving climate action and disaster resilience alongside our members across the globe.

About the role

GNDR is seeking a motivated and strategic leader to join our Senior Leadership Team (SLT) as Head of Fundraising, Impact and Communications on a full-time basis for a fixed-term maternity cover of one year.

In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for driving forward GNDR’s fundraising and communications strategy, increasing our reach, impact, and income in alignment with the organisation’s strategic priorities.

You will lead a fully integrated function spanning fundraising, monitoring and evaluation, and communications. This includes ensuring a joined-up and collaborative approach to consistent, distinctive messaging and engagement activities. These efforts underpin successful fundraising outcomes and support GNDR’s wider organisational goals – particularly our work in influencing policy and engaging external decision-makers.

This maternity cover role comes at an exciting moment in GNDR’s journey. We are currently evaluating our existing strategy and designing a new five-year organisational strategy that will unlock fresh opportunities to deepen our impact, extend our reach and amplify our global voice. 

The successful candidate will play an essential role in ensuring our fundraising, MEAL and communications operations remain strategically aligned and fully responsive to this evolving context.

Overall scope of the role

The remit of this post will cover the following core responsibilities:

• Sustainability and income growth
• Effective donor relations
• Funding proposals
• Impact measurement
• External communications
• Training and capacity building
• Leadership and governance
• Line management and team development

Candidate requirements

We are ideally looking for candidates who have the following core skills and experience:

• Fundraising & Communications: Proven success securing funding from donors, trusts and foundations, with strategic experience in NGO fundraising and communications
• Leadership & Strategy: Strong team leadership, capacity building, and strategic planning skills within humanitarian or development contexts
• Interpersonal & Cultural Agility: Excellent communicator, culturally sensitive, adaptable, and able to thrive in fast-paced, diverse environments
• Project & Proposal Delivery: Skilled in developing proposals, and producing high-quality reports and budgets
• Technical & Analytical Skills: A sharp analytical mindset and strong decision-making capabilities
• A strong commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and alignment to GNDR’s core values

Eligibility

We are accepting applications from candidates eligible to work in the UK. Candidates will need to be able to travel internationally when necessary. 

This role will be predominantly remote. However, we are currently piloting a revised hybrid working model for our UK-based team, which includes monthly in-person meetups at a flexible workspace in London. This arrangement remains subject to the outcome of the ongoing consultation, with the trial period scheduled to conclude at the end of October.

Please note that all offers of employment at GNDR are conditional and subject to satisfactory background checks.

We welcome applications from candidates who meet most of the essential criteria outlined in the job specification below.

A full Job description is attached, or please visit our website.

Salary

The gross annual salary for this role is £56,098 per annum based on working full-time.

This is a one year, fixed-term full time contract.

Start date

We are ideally looking for candidates who are available to start in November 2025. However, we recognise that availability may vary due to individual notice periods, and we are happy to accommodate some flexibility where possible.

How to apply

Please submit an up to date copy of your CV (max. two A4 pages) and a Cover Letter (max. one A4 page) outlining skills and experience relevant to the role by email to HR.  Please include in the subject of the email, the following: “Application for the Head of FRIMCO role”.

Please note: we are unable to accept incomplete applications.

If you have any questions or need to discuss any adjustments to the recruitment process, please contact our recruitment team. Full contact details are availble on our website, please follow the link below.

Interview

Week commencing 13 October

Please note: The interview process usually consists of two online stages which may include a role-specific task. Interviews are typically conducted by a panel of two to three members, including the Hiring Manager. Applicants are encouraged to advise us of any adjustments required to ensure the whole recruitment process is accessible and equitable.

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

We are dedicated to creating a team that embodies the rich diversity of the society and communities we serve. Our commitment lies in cultivating an inclusive environment, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

We strongly encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds, including those from underrepresented ethnicities, nationalities, socioeconomic circumstances, LGBTQIA+ and individuals with disabilities. We celebrate the unique experiences and perspectives that every candidate brings and are dedicated to ensuring fair and equitable opportunities for all.

We’re committed to making our recruitment process as accessible and inclusive as possible for individuals of all needs and abilities. If you require any adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us. Contact information are available on our website.

Find out more about our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion by visiting our website.

Our benefits and wellbeing

At GNDR, we are committed to cultivating a happy and healthy working environment for all our staff.

We provide a competitive salary and benefits package across all of our locations. 

Find out more about our approach to wellbeing and our benefits by visiting our website.

Flexible working

In order to support and encourage a healthy work-life balance for our staff, we are happy to consider flexible working requests as part of our recruitment process. As a global organisation, most staff work remotely depending on their role and location. 

If you have any questions on any of the above information or if you have any specific requirements that would enable you to participate more fully in the recruitment process,  please contact our recruitment team. All contact information are available on our website.

Salary                             £31,500 - £33,570 per annum - subject to skills and experience 

Hours of work               37.5 hours a week over five days (we wlcome flexible working requests)

Base                               Hybrid working for the foreseeable future, with attendance in the office

                                        two days a week, including  one day being a Thursday at our central office:

                                       · Pears Building, Pond Street, London, NW3 2PP

                                       Other office days may be worked from our other sites at:

                                      · Barnet Hospital, Wellhouse Lane, Barnet, EN5 3DJ

                                      · Chase Farm Hospital, 127 The Ridgeway, Enfield, EN2 8JL

The role

The trusts fundraising officer will report to the trusts dunfraising manager.

We are seeking an enthusiastic trusts fundraising officer to join our team to help deliver our ambitious plans for growth. This new role involves managing a warm portfolio of trusts and foundations and finding new prospective donors, submitting compelling applications and providing exceptional supporter experience.

You will be proactive and passionate about building strong relationships with charitable funders and have previous experience of securing gifts from trusts and foundations or institutional donors. Additionally, you will have experience of identifying and assessing new prospects and have excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as strong organisational abilities.

The role will offer significant scope for development, giving you the opportunity to grow your relationship-building, communication, and prospect research skills in a supportive, ambitious, and high-performing team.

The team

Our dynamic fundraising department generated £4.5m through donations in 2023/24, and we are now preparing for an ambitious multi-million-pound campaign in support of a ground-breaking cancer centre on the site of the Royal Free Hospital.

We pride ourselves on being a supporter focused and agile function, working at the heart of the charity to deliver impact for patients and staff across our hospitals.

Responsible for attracting and retaining donors, and delivering an outstanding supporter experience, the fundraising department comprises two teams which work closely together to achieve our shared objectives:

• Our philanthropy & campaigns team builds relationships with individual philanthropists, trusts, foundations, corporate organisations and intermediaries, giving or facilitating donations of £10,000 or more to the charity each year. They lead major appeal activity for the charity, currently focused on our forthcoming cancer campaign, and special events to support these activities.

• Our public fundraising team harnesses the support and energy of individuals and groups, helping them to give back in the way that works for them. This includes committed giving, in memory support, gifts in wills, and fundraising events and challenges.

• Our database and supporter care colleagues underpin and support the entire department.

Organisation

The Royal Free Charity stands at the threshold of its most important period of development.

Our vision is for everyone served by the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust (RFL) to have access to world-leading healthcare, delivered by a thriving workforce, and driven by medical research that has a global impact. We support the 17,000 staff of the RFL and their two million patients across Barnet, Chase Farm, North Mid and Royal Free hospitals and more than 30 NHS services.

Through the services we provide, and the programmes and equipment we fund, we make a profound and immediate difference to patients’ experiences of care.

The recruitment process

To apply for this post please send your:

•  CV (please include your last employer and dates of employment)
• Cover letter addressing how you meet the criteria set out in the job description and person specification,

Please note, that applications submitted without a cover letter may not be considered for this role.

Closing date for application: 2 October 2025,12 noon.

Interview date: Monday 13 October 2025 

Please kindly note that we may close the job advert before the closing date if we receive a large volume of applications.

• You must be eligible to work in the UK

We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may require during the recruitment process. 

As an equal opportunities’ employer, the Royal Free Charity is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join the Royal Free Charity and act in line with our values of dedication, innovation, partnership, energy and respect.

Benefits:

Core benefits

· 25 days of paid holiday, plus three-day office closure rest period between Christmas and New Year, and UK bank holidays. This increases to 30 days leave after five completed years of continuous employment (all leave is pro rata for part time employees).

· A contributory pension scheme, where we match your 4% contribution towards your pension. If you choose to increase your payments into your pension scheme, we’ll match your contribution up to 9%.

· A sick pay package that offers one month’s full pay and one month’s half pay in any 12-month period if you’ve been with us for less than two years. This rises to two months’ full pay and two months’ half pay in any 12-month period after two years of continuous employment.

· Occupational maternity pay and paternity pay packages that provide more generous support than statutory pay alone.

· A flexible working policy to support our employees’ work/life balance.

Support for your financial wellbeing

As a member of the Royal Free family, you’ll be entitled to benefit from:

· Expert financial advice from our financial partner, the London Credit Union

· Savings on purchases with the Blue Light Card

· Our Death in Service benefit

Support for your health and wellbeing

· Subsidised gym, pool and classes at our Rec Club in Hampstead

· Secure bicycle parking and shower facilities at our Hampstead site

· Fortnightly guided meditation

· Free massage therapy from our complementary therapy team

· Menopause peer support group

· Employee Assistance Programme offering 24-hour access to free confidential advice and support on work and personal issues.

Lead change. Tackle poverty. Build community.

East Durham Trust is looking for a visionary and dynamic Chief Executive Officer to lead our organisation into the next chapter.

We are the flagship voluntary and community sector organisation for East Durham – one of the UK’s most disadvantaged communities – and we exist to fight poverty, support vulnerable people, and empower local residents to thrive.

In 2025, our work spans:

• Crisis Support Services – providing emergency food and energy support and tackling the root causes of poverty.
• Information, Advice, and Guidance Services – including community-based advice support and the East Durham Debt centre working in collaborative community and VCSE partnerships
• Community Energy Initiatives – including PowerED (Power East Durham), Horden Heat and Energising East Durham, a 5-year programme driving forward local renewable energy solutions and fuel poverty reduction.
• No More Nowt – an Arts Council England funded programme bringing cultural opportunities to local people.
• Volunteering and Social Action Programmes – engaging and supporting a network of volunteers to strengthen local communities. Including a range of community-based services and opportunities.
• Community House – providing managed workspace, community hub facilities, and hosting co-located partner organisations.
• Other targeted projects funded by national, regional, and local funders.

About the role

As CEO, you’ll provide strategic leadership and vision, ensuring the Trust remains financially sustainable, digitally equipped, and impactful in addressing the challenges our communities face.

You will:

• Inspire and lead our staff and volunteers.
• Drive forward income generation and financial stability (we use Xero).
• Oversee effective service delivery, using digital referral systems and our Charity Log CRM to measure and grow impact.
• Represent East Durham Trust with funders, policymakers, partners, and the media.
• Lead innovation and ensure our work remains rooted in the needs of local people.

About you

We’re looking for a leader who combines passion with professionalism. You’ll bring:

• Senior leadership experience in the voluntary, community or social sector.
• A track record in securing funding and leading organisational growth.
• Strong financial management skills, with experience of digital systems.
• Outstanding communication and partnership-building skills.
• A deep commitment to tackling poverty and inequality.

Why join us?

This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected community anchor organisation with a national profile and a local heart. You’ll be part of shaping solutions to the cost-of-living crisis, fuel poverty, and social disadvantage – while ensuring local people have a strong voice and real opportunities.

Apply now and help us power change in East Durham.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Chair of Trustees

Closing Date: 6th October 2025

Interviews Week Commencing: 13th October 2025

Are you eager to make a difference in health and care but don’t know how to get started? Do you want to learn how policy is made, how senior leaders are influenced, and how research drives change?

We’re looking for a Policy and Research Intern to join our Policy and Influence team for nine months. This is a unique chance to take your first step on the policy career ladder – no prior policy experience required.

In this role, you’ll be right at the centre of our work with senior nursing and midwifery leaders. Yes, you’ll support the team with essential admin and communications, but this internship is about so much more than that. You’ll help deliver high-profile events like webinars and roundtables, track and report on member benefits, and contribute to live policy and research projects that shape the future of the NHS and wider system.

We don’t expect you to arrive knowing it all. What matters is your enthusiasm for FNF’s mission, your willingness to learn, and your drive to get stuck in. In return, you’ll gain hands-on experience, work alongside senior stakeholders, and build the skills and confidence to take the next step in your career.

What we’re looking for:

• A genuine interest in health policy and influencing
• Strong organisational and communication skills
• Someone proactive, flexible, and ready to muck in
• A team player who wants to learn and grow
• Demonstrable evidence of how you have lived FNF’s values

This is a nine-month paid internship (at the National Living Wage), with plenty of flexibility and hybrid working. You can join us part-time (three days a week) or full-time — whichever works best for you.

If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves, learn by doing, and kick start your career in health policy and influencing, we’d love to hear from you. You’ll be part of a dynamic, ambitious team that’s making a real difference — and excited to have you on the journey with us.

Would you like to make a difference?

We are looking for a highly organised and motivated individual to join our team as Executive and Policy Assistant. This is a varied and rewarding role, working directly with the CEO and closely with our Communications and Impact team.

You will provide vital support to the CEO by managing diaries, coordinating meetings and events, preparing briefings and presentations, and acting as a key contact for staff, funders, supporters and the Board. You will also play a hands-on role in our policy and campaigning work — carrying out research, drafting communications and helping to ensure the voices of children, young people and adults with dyslexia are heard at every level.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a busy, purpose-driven environment, can balance multiple priorities, and wants to use their skills to make a meaningful difference for the dyslexia community.

Please carefully review the job description (attached below) for full responsibiliites of the role and essential skills required.

Location - Hybrid - this role is primarily home-based (UK), with the requirement to work from our office in Bracknell once a month, and to travel to London at least once a week, or as needed. 

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Interview schedule - first stage will take place on Monday 13 October 2025, with second stage taking place on Thursday 16 October 2025.

Join Beacon to drive projects that place patients at the heart of translational research, shaping progress and improving outcomes with and for rare disease communities.

OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE

Beacon, now in its second decade of operation, has experienced substantial growth over the last three years, including an organisational rebrand and expansion into international projects. We are now recruiting a Senior Patient and Scientific Engagement Officer to play a central role in delivering ambitious projects that put patients at the heart of translational research.

This role sits at the crossroads of patient involvement and scientific communication, building meaningful collaborations between patients, researchers, and other stakeholders. You’ll provide essential operational support and subject expertise to ensure projects run smoothly and reflect the real-world needs of the rare disease community.

You will contribute primarily to two of Beacon’s major collaborative initiatives: REMEDi4ALL, a European-wide drug repurposing platform with over 25 partner organisations, and the LifeArc Translational Research Centres for Rare Disease (LifeArc TrC4RD), a UK-wide partnership. In this role, you will work directly and regularly with partners across these consortia, encompassing patient group leaders, patient representatives, academic researchers, clinical trialists, and beyond. You will act as a vital interface between patients and researchers in both projects, coordinating activities, facilitating collaboration, and embedding patient perspectives throughout the work. While these will be your main focus, you will also support other initiatives across the charity, particularly those aimed at advancing scientific understanding of rare diseases and strengthening patient involvement in research.

This is a varied position offering the chance to apply and further develop your expertise across areas such as patient and public involvement, scientific content development, training, and stakeholder engagement. We are looking for someone with a strong grasp of both the scientific and patient landscapes, who can balance attention to detail with big-picture awareness and work confidently in highly collaborative settings with multiple partner organisations. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible contribution to advancing rare disease research and ensuring patients’ voices drive progress across the UK and Europe.

See our full job description for more information on REMEDi4ALL and The LifeArc TrC4RD

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Your main responsibilities will span aspects of project delivery, stakeholder engagement, and patient-centred scientific support. In this role, you will:

• Support the delivery of Beacon’s work within REMEDi4ALL and the LifeArc TrC4RD, collaborating directly with partners across these consortia to coordinate activities and ensure timely delivery of shared goals.
• Assist in the preparation of project materials, reports, and updates for consortium meetings and communications.
• Write, review, and refine accessible, patient-facing materials that explain complex scientific concepts and research projects clearly.
• Help design and deliver patient engagement strategies for major collaborative projects, ensuring patient perspectives are embedded throughout.
• Support and liaise with REMEDi4ALL Patient Champions and the LifeArc Patient Engagement Group, including coordinating mentorship, facilitating input into project teams, and managing communications.
•  Build and maintain strong working relationships with patient advocates, researchers, funders, and partner organisations, ensuring clear communication and effective collaboration.
• Contribute to the planning and delivery of multi-stakeholder meetings, workshops, and webinars that bring together patients, researchers, and other partners to discuss research priorities and approaches.
• Support the creation and delivery of training materials, sessions, and talks for patient groups, researchers, and other stakeholders on topics such as patient and public involvement (PPIE) and rare disease research.
• Participate in project discussions to understand current patient engagement and provide input or signposting to improve engagement and support.
• Represent Beacon and its work at consortium meetings, external conferences, and events – both as a delegate and, where appropriate, as a speaker.
• Support other Beacon-led projects as required, particularly those focused on advancing patient knowledge, engagement, and scientific understanding.
• Provide hands-on support for the on-the-day delivery of Beacon events, training programmes, and other charity activities.

 PERSON SPECIFICATION

This is a mid-to-senior level role. Candidates should have professional experience in scientific engagement, patient involvement, or research coordination, and be ready to contribute confidently to collaborative consortium projects with external partners.

We are looking for someone with a strong commitment to patient-centric approaches, who is willing to advocate for patients’ perspectives and priorities, while also navigating the need for compromise and collaboration across multiple organisations.

Essential

• Relevant professional experience (e.g., life sciences, medical communication, translational research, or patient engagement), ideally accompanied by a scientific qualification.
• Experience in patient and public involvement or patient engagement within research, ideally in health contexts.
• Strong understanding of scientific processes, translational research, or clinical research, with the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly to non-specialist audiences.
• Ability to work effectively within multi-partner or consortium projects, collaborating with external organisations.
• Confidence in liaising with a wide range of stakeholders, including patients, researchers, funders, and partner organisations.
• Experience developing accessible, patient-centred materials, training, or communications.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills and confidence in building relationships across diverse groups.
• Ability to work independently and proactively, while contributing effectively as part of a team.
• Commitment to patient-centred research and improving outcomes for the rare disease community.
• Flexibility to travel for in-person meetings, workshops, and events within the UK and internationally multiple times a year.

 Desirable

• Experience supporting or delivering training sessions, workshops, or webinars for patient or professional audiences.
• Familiarity with drug repurposing, translational research, or rare disease research environments.
• Experience managing or contributing to multi-stakeholder research projects.
• Experience working or volunteering in the charity or not-for-profit sector.
• An understanding of rare diseases, health charities, or small-organisation dynamics

WORKING AT BEACON

Beacon is a small, tight-knit team, with a friendly atmosphere and strong commitment to our beneficiaries. We aim to give all employees opportunities to pursue their interests, develop their skills, and shape their career path.

We offer flexible working practices to help our staff balance their personal and professional lives, including hybrid working (50% split between home and office working) and flexible hours. We also recognise the substantial benefits of in-person collaboration and communication for the organisation, team morale, and for individual staff development, and are committed to maintaining this as a core part of how we work.

After the initial in-person onboarding period, we’d like this role to be based in the office for around 2–3 days a week on average (though not necessarily every single week) to support effective teamwork, strong communication, and smooth daily operations.

BENEFITS

• 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays and Christmas to New Year closure 
• Flexible working practices including hybrid working and flexitime
• Time off in lieu to support appropriate work/life balance
• 5% pension contribution 
• Annual training budget to support personal and professional development 
• A close knit and friendly small team environment 
• Frequent opportunities to meet with beneficiaries and expand your professional network
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) including access to mental health support, 24/7 GP service, discounted gym membership, shopping savings and more

War Child’s mission is to reach, protect, educate, and stand up for the rights of every child living in conflict zones. They want a world that is safer for children to live in. At the moment, 1 in 5 children are living in or fleeing from conflict – that number is too high, and War Child wants to change it.

War Child is known for bold fundraising, innovative campaigns, and a culture of creativity. Their ambassadors, high-profile supporters, and superbly connected networks among investors and philanthropists give them a unique platform to engage influential donors. With a reputation for high-profile events and strong stewardship, they are now investing in a dedicated Head of Principal Giving to take this work to the next level.

Reporting into the Director of Philanthropy and Partner Engagement, you will build and lead a bold, high-impact strategy focused on cultivating deep, long-term partnerships with influential philanthropists. Working closely with senior leadership, you will be central to unlocking significant funding opportunities that align donor values with the lasting change we deliver for children living through conflict.

If you are motivated by the chance to unlock transformational support for children affected by war, this is a rare opportunity to establish and lead a new programme with the full backing of War Child’s leadership, networks, and global influence.

As Head of Principal Gifts, you will:

• Lead the development of a high-impact Principal Giving programme
• Build deep partnerships with philanthropists capable of making transformational gifts of £500k+
• Operate at the highest levels across War Child UK (WCUK) and our global alliance, engaging CEOs, trustees, ambassadors, and programme leaders to connect donor values with War Child’s most urgent priorities
• Shape major funding propositions rooted in WCUK’s ten-year strategy, inspiring exceptional support for their mission
• Benefit from strong internal backing, and new dedicated prospect research that will strengthen your pipeline and give you the insight to target opportunities with confidence
• Leverage existing pipelines of prospects and introductions, deepening relationships and converting warm networks into lasting partnerships
• Partner with the Heads of Philanthropy and Trusts & Foundations, programme directors, ambassadors, and trustees to deliver donor engagement at the highest level

Ideal skills and experience: 

• A strong track record of securing gifts of at least £500k from UHNWIs
• Sophisticated relationship management skills, with the confidence and credibility to operate alongside CEOs, trustees, programme directors, ambassadors, and family offices
• Experience shaping ambitious, values-driven cases for support and stewarding long-term philanthropic partnerships
• Strategic insight, entrepreneurial drive, and the ability to build a new programme from the ground up
• A collaborative approach, able to work closely with colleagues in philanthropy, trusts and foundations, and partnerships
• Strong advisory skills, able to support and guide fundraisers across the organisation on managing principal-level partnerships
• Well versed in developing and assessing different financial models to structure transformational giving opportunities
• Ideally, a broad understanding of international philanthropy and donor motivations, with the ability to connect global priorities to transformational giving opportunities.

Employee benefits

Benefits include: 

• Flexible working – War Child recognise the considerable benefits that flexible working can bring and are happy to discuss any possible flexible working options with employees from hiring. For most roles, the following types of flexibility are usually possible: flexible hours, an element of working from home, compressed hours
• Annual leave – 28 days per year (full-time), plus UK bank holidays
• Pension – all eligible employees automatically enrolled into a Group Personal Pension Plan with a 5% employer contribution, with minimum employee contribution on a salary sacrifice basis
• Health & wellbeing – employees may take advantage of a healthcare cash plan and a range of wellbeing initiatives and training. In addition, all employees have access to free, confidential one-to-one wellbeing consultations with trained counsellors.
• Learning & development – dedicated to the investment in learning and continuing professional development for all our employees
• Range of flexible benefits such a Cycle to Work scheme and season ticket loans