Development support officer jobs in Belfast

We are seeking an exceptional leader to be our next chief executive, leading a respected and influential membership organisation at the heart of a thriving grassroots movement.

You’ll be working to build on the success we’ve seen and strong position and voice we have established for ourselves and our members, as a leading force for inclusive and sustainable transport and communities.

You’ll bring an impressive track record in values-based leadership, a proven ability to engage and inspire grassroots change-makers, strategic partners and policy-makers, and a deep belief in the importance of community-led change towards a sustainable, equitable future.

About us

Community Rail Network is a national not-for-profit organisation, which is in the process of applying for charitable status, supporting a growing ‘community rail’ movement, which helps communities get the most from their railways, promotes sustainable and inclusive travel, coordinates volunteering and place-making, and brings people together.

Community rail is made up of 77 community-based organisations, and around 1,300 station volunteer groups and other community-led initiatives around Britain. Their activities range from creative projects for young people, to advising train operators on service improvements, to building travel confidence among marginalised groups, to biodiversity projects at stations, to promoting greener tourism by rail.

Our enthusiastic team of 24 works from home in dispersed locations, but we come together regularly in person and online. We work collaboratively to support members, provide training, events and resources, run campaigns, and champion community rail and its insights. We believe in helping everyone reach their potential while having a good work-life balance.

About this role, and your main responsibilities

Our current CEO is moving on after nine years in role, leaving the organisation, team and wider movement in a strong and empowered position to deliver on the next phase of our development.

Your opportunity is to lead the organisation, and to deliver on our new five-year strategy setting an ambitious course for the future during a period of major transformation for our railways and the wider transport system. You will ensure that we are:

• clear in our identity and our independence, and seen as thought leaders in our field;
• are supporting our members and stakeholders to meet their changing and diverse needs; and
• ensuring the financial and operational resilience of the organisation in an environment that is undergoing a period of rapid change.

As CEO, you will lead a passionate and experienced senior leadership team with three direct reports, while working closely with and reporting into our Board, key partners and funders, and ensuing an engaging, empowering, tenacious approach across all we do.

Advocacy of community rail and its benefits will be high on your agenda, and you will be working closely across multiple stakeholders including UK and devolved national governments, regional and local authorities as well as forging collaborative partnerships with like-minded organisations.

Maintaining our community-centric ethos, you will need to ensure we're effective in enabling members to unlock greater value from the railways at a grassroots level, while drawing on their insights to affect wider change. With hundreds of member groups and organisations across Britain delivering life-changing, place-enhancing work, you will have a solid foundation to build on, to take community rail forward and expand our impact in the years ahead.

Last, but not least, you will be responsible for ensuring the strong and effective governance of the organisation, modelling our governing principles, values and behaviours, and ensuring that we have robust financial and resource management in place.

Skills, competencies and qualities

1. Exceptional leadership skills, including a proven ability to lead, develop and grow third sector organisations or multi-faceted teams delivering complex activities, projects and campaigns;
2. Excellent communication and external leadership skills: articulate, assertive, with the ability to work diplomatically and persuasively with stakeholders at all levels;
3. Experienced in acting as the public face of an organisation, such as through the media, public speaking and high-level meetings, and using evidence and storytelling to articulate and champion a cause;
4. Politically astute, with knowledge of and commitment to social inclusion, social justice and sustainability, and a sound grasp of the importance of public transport, sustainable travel, and community-led action;
5. A proven ability to influence policy and decision-makers, and to identify influencing opportunities, ideally in relation to community development, sustainability and/or transport, including sharing community insights;
6. A strong track record in income generation and development, building strong funder relationships and delivery partnerships, managing programme or organisational budgets and controlling expenditure;
7. Experience of working with and/or reporting to a board, ideally in a not-for-profit and/or membership context;
8. An empowering, engaging approach to leadership, management and change-making;
9. Resilient, pragmatic and determined, with the ability to work under pressure, seize emergent opportunities, manage risk, and support others dealing with competing priorities.

Other information

The role will involve extensive travel within Britain as part of building your profile and that of the organisation with central and devolved government in Scotland and Wales, and increasingly with the devolved regions of England.

There is flexibility on location given the requirement to travel and that your office will be home-based. You will need to travel to in-person quarterly team meetings (usually in London or West Yorkshire) and to Board meetings which alternate between online and London. It is expected that travel will be by public transport and easy access to the rail network is therefore required to ensure journeys can be made sustainably. 

This is a full-time position, 37 hours per week. We use a flexi-time system with core hours 10am-3pm, and are committed to being a flexible, supportive and understanding employer. This is a permanent position with a probationary period of six months. 

Benefits: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (rising up to 30 days, plus Bank Holidays, in line with long service); pension with employer contribution of 7%; and access to Employee Assistance Programme.

Successful applicants will need to provide proof that they have the right to work in the UK and provide two references.

Community Rail Network is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from disabled people and Black, Asian and other minoritised groups, who meet with the skills and competencies for this role. We will provide reasonable adjustments for interviews as required.

Team: Digital Engagement 

Location: Remote 

Work pattern: 35 hours per week 

Salary: Up to £36,327.99 per year 

Contract: 18-month fixed-term contract 

We are the UK’s largest cat welfare charity. All over the country, our passionate employees, volunteers and supporters are using their kindness and expertise to make life better for millions of cats and the people who care for them. 

Will you join us and make life better for cats? 

Responsibilities of our Regional Social Media Officer: 

• Work with the Social Media team (as part of the Digital Engagement team) to promote awareness of the charity, raise funds and communicate our key aims effectively across all social media channels 

• Support our regional network of volunteers and employees across our branches, centres and shops with their social media presence 

• Support the development of our social media training programme 

• Support with the management of a social media database to secure Cats Protection channels 

• Support and lead projects to improve the efficiency of the [regional] Social Media team and how we support others 

• Provide regional teams with day to day support, including technical and platform-specific advice 

About the Digital Engagement team: 

• The Digital Engagement team is responsible for the strategy and delivery of social media, website and video content at Cats Protection 

• The team is made up of twelve colleagues with social media, digital content, website development and video production expertise 

What we’re looking for in our Regional Social Media Officer: 

• Significant experience of using social media in a professional capacity 

• Experience of working to brand guidelines and policy constraints 

• Experience of working with volunteers 

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal 

• Excellent copywriting skills 

• Understanding of social media principles and the technicalities of key social media channels 

• Ability to manage workload and prioritise effectively 

What we can offer you: 

• range of health benefits 

• 26 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service 

• Salary Finance, which empowers you to take control of your financial wellbeing 

• and much more, which you can learn about

Application closing date: 3rd May 2026 

Virtual interview date: 13th & 14th May 2026 

Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment. Please note, applications received after the closing date may not be responded to. 

If successful, your recruitment journey will include: 

1. Anonymised application form 

1. Video interview 

Please note, the process may change slightly dependent on application numbers. We will inform you of any relevant changes. 

Please email [email protected] if you require any adjustments to be made for you to complete your application or to participate in the recruitment journey. 

Head of Income & Engagement

Driving growth, influence and life saving visibility for Papyrus

Papyrus is recruiting a Head of Income & Engagement to provide strategic leadership across two critical areas - Fundraising and Marketing & Communications.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive and working closely with the Senior Leadership Team, you will play a central role in shaping how Papyrus grows its income, strengthens its brand and reaches new audiences — not for organisational prominence, but to ensure that young people, families and communities know where to turn for support, hope and practical help when they need it most.

One of your early priorities will be to bring together our Income Generation and Marketing & Communications teams, creating a cohesive, collaborative function with shared purpose, aligned strategy and a strong collective identity.

You will lead the development of ambitious income strategies—particularly through corporate partnerships, grants and trusts, and the passion of our committed supporter community—while also setting the direction for our brand identity, campaigns, media presence and digital engagement.

In a challenging financial climate, you will champion innovation, build powerful external relationships, and ensure Papyrus maintains a strong, values led voice across press, social and broadcast media. You will inspire colleagues, partners and supporters to help us grow our reach, our reputation and our impact — always keeping young people at the centre of every decision.

Please visit the careers site for the full job description and person specification for the role.

Salary: £58,523 per annum (SCP 46) progressing by increments to £62,852 per annum (SCP 49)

Hours: 36 hours per week

Location: Remote with regular travel across the UK

Contract: Permanent

Benefits: You will receive 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time workers), hybrid and flexible working arrangements, an attractive pension scheme, Simply Health membership, enhanced sick pay and enhanced parental pay. Please visit our website for more details.

Closing date: midnight on 10th May 2026

We appreciate the previous interest in this role, however we are only considering new applicants for this role.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy earlier if we receive sufficient applications so, please submit your application as soon as possible.

Papyrus is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment, and its recruitment policies are designed to ensure that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender re-assignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

Papyrus is committed to safeguarding all children, young people and adults at risk that interact with the organisation. The organisation recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of these vulnerable groups by a commitment to procedures to protect them. The charity expects all staff and volunteers to fully support and promote these commitments.

The role 

The Innovation team at Leadership Skills Foundation is responsible for the design and evaluation of learning programmes that give young people life‑changing skill development and leadership opportunities. As Innovation Officer you will provide support to our Innovation Leads across learning development, visual design, and research activities. 

This role is ideal for a creative all-rounder. You don’t need to be an expert in all areas on day one. We are looking for a proactive problem solver who can grow into the role and is energised by the idea of wearing multiple hats to help young people succeed. 

You will directly support a broad range of projects including: 

• Our strategic partnership with Sport England to positively impact a wider diversity of young people through sports leadership opportunities.

• The development of our new youth voice initiative to empower young people to lead positive change. 

• The expansion of our Environment Leaders Programme to raise awareness and equip young people with green skills for their future employment.

What you’ll do 

Learning development 

• Work collaboratively to help create and test new learning programmes, and continuously improve our range of Awards and Qualifications based on research findings e.g. from our Sport England Programme. 

• Support the creation, editing and quality-checking of course content and materials, such as Learner Evidence Records and tutor guidance documents. 

• Support digital learning activity, including content creation, managing online platforms and testing user experience.

Visual design and content 

• Create engaging visual designs for use in course materials and impact reporting, ensuring designs are always accessible and on brand. 

• Manage our library of learning resources, ensuring designs are reviewed regularly and improved based on feedback and research findings e.g. from our Sport England Programme.

Research and evaluation 

• Play a supporting role organising and conducting research interviews, observations, surveys and focus groups.

• Assist with data collection and analysis of qualitative and quantitative insights.

• Support the preparation of engaging impact reports and insight summaries.

What you’ll love 

Remote working with flexible / agile working, with some travel to in-person meetings. 

A small, friendly team committed to making a difference for young people.

Summer and winter team events. 

Optional Vitality Health Care Plan, with option to add family/significant others at reduced rate ((following successful completion of probation period). 

*** Please review the job pack for the full person specification and further information. This is a full-time, two‑year fixed‑term contract, with the ambition to extend subject to funding. *** 

We are seeking an enthusiastic and efficient Partnerships Coordinator to join our dynamic team. The main purpose of this role is to support the delivery of high-quality partner engagement and stewardship, ensuring positive and responsive partner experiences. You will be involved in the development of compelling partner communications, and proactively identifying new funding opportunities. Additionally, there will be opportunity to support the implementation of organisational system and process improvements. Essential attributes for this role include a willingness to learn, enthusiasm, drive and a proactive mindset.

If you are passionate about making a difference in the global health or non-profit sector, keen to work with a collaborative & dedicated team, thrive on building and maintaining strong relationships with corporate partners, and eager to get involved in improving internal systems and processes, we would love to hear from you.

Experience & Skills:

Essential:

• Proven experience in corporate partnerships / fundraising, or transferable skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to confidently and competently interact with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Excellent attention to detail, planning, and organisational skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a small team
• A genuine interest in the global health or non-profit sector
• Enthusiasm and willingness to learn
• Flexibility and ability to prioritise workload

Desirable:

• Familiarity with Salesforce or other CRM system
• Experience in streamlining operational systems and processes

Why join us?

• Be part of a global organisation driving real-world impact
• Support a mission focused on equity, systems change and better health outcomes
• Join a supportive and collaborative team environment

Other essential:

• Must have right to work in UK
• Must be able to travel to London to attend quarterly team meetings

Location - Hybrid (based at home or local community) with regular travel in the South of England 

Are you a communications professional looking for an exciting and rewarding new role? Emmaus UK is recruiting for a Regional Communications Officer to help support people on their journey out of homelessness.

About Emmaus

Emmaus (pronounced em-may-us) is a movement of charities that empowers people to overcome homelessness. We provide a stable home and tailored, life-changing support for people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. By focusing on each person’s strengths, we help people rebuild their lives and work towards the future they want to create.

As part of a nationwide network of Emmaus charities, we provide skills, training and work experience to help people achieve their goals and regain independence.

Together, we are ending homelessness one person at a time.

About the role

The Regional Communications Officer role is an exciting and varied opportunity to work with Emmaus communities across the South of the UK, helping to raise their profile and engage supporters.

You will work closely with up to four Emmaus communities to identify their communications needs and deliver a mix of activity to help them achieve their goals. As part of a wider team, you will also share ideas and build on each other’s experience to maximise PR, digital and communications opportunities.

This is a hybrid role, offering the flexibility to work from home or from within an Emmaus community.

Building and maintaining strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders will be key to this role. Regular travel to your allocated communities is essential, typically at least once a week, so we are looking for someone based in or around London. You will also attend quarterly team meetings, usually held in Birmingham, although these may occasionally take place elsewhere in the UK and may require an overnight stay.

This is a part-time role, Monday to Friday, with a minimum of 22.5 hours a week (three days) and the potential for the role to be four days a week (30 hours), to be confirmed at interview.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for someone with a strong communications skillset and at least two years’ experience in a busy communications, public relations or marketing role. While not essential, knowledge of homelessness and the charity sector would be an advantage.

Creativity and passion are essential. You will have a broad range of communications skills, enjoy seeing your ideas come to life and be keen to continue developing your experience within a national homelessness charity.

This is an exciting and rewarding opportunity for someone who enjoys working with different people and communities. The successful candidate will be organised, adaptable and able to manage multiple projects, relationships and campaigns.

If you are passionate about making a difference and creating long-lasting impact, this is the perfect time to join Emmaus UK.
 

What we offer

· Salary: £18,696 (3 days)/£24,928 (4 days)

· Working hours: Part-time minimum of 22.5 hours a week (three days), and the potential for the role to be four days a week (30 hours)

· Contract: Permanent

· Pension: Stakeholder pension with employer contribution

· Annual leave: 25 days + Bank Holidays + 3 concessionary days leave

· Training & development: Individually tailored induction. Ongoing training and development

· Volunteering: 2 days allowance each year

· Employee assistance: A 24/7 employee assistance scheme is available

· Flexible working: Options available, subject to the requirements of the role

· Life assurance: Death in service lump sum of 3 x salary

To apply

To apply for this role, please complete our application form and equal opportunities monitoring form and email them to us, our email address is in the application pack.

Please ensure you refer to the job description and person specification when completing your application form. CVs and posted applications will not be accepted.

The closing date for applications is Monday 11 May 2026.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview via Microsoft Teams during the week commencing Monday, 18 May 2026. As part of the interview process, candidates will also be asked to complete a set of tasks.

If you would like to arrange an informal discussion about the role, please email us, our email address is in the application pack.

Equal Opportunities

Emmaus UK is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a working environment free from discrimination. We actively promote an inclusive culture and aim to create a workplace where people from diverse backgrounds, characteristics, perspectives, ideas and experiences work together.

We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion or belief, disability, marital status or parental responsibilities.

To ensure fairness and consistency in selecting the best candidate, all applications are anonymised until the interview stage is confirmed. This means shortlisting is based solely on the relevance and suitability of experience.

Reporting to the Chief Executive, the Director of Development will have responsibility for the leadership for innovation, improvement, and development at the Bikeability Trust. The role ensures the Trust fulfils its development commitments under the Active Travel England (ATE) grant agreement to deliver a high-quality national cycle training programmes, and drive forward the Trust’s 2025–2035 strategic ambitions.

This post oversees the development and delivery training guidance, evidence-based pilot projects, digital learning products, and cross sector partnerships, ensuring the Bikeability programme remains effective, future-focused and aligned with Government priorities.

Part time or flexible working offered 

Mary’s Meals is a global movement supported by people from all walks of life and we are focused on one goal – that every child receives a nutritious daily meal in a place of education. We offer more than just a career, we offer the opportunity to support our global movement in a dynamic and inclusive environment with a real focus on personal development.

We are seeking an experienced, Glasgow-based fundraiser to join us as a Regional Development Officer. In this role, you’ll be a confident, visible champion for Mary’s Meals, someone who knows the city, understands its communities, and can build relationships that spark action. You’ll bring boldness and creativity to your work, whether delivering inspiring talks in churches and schools, making fundraising asks or forging genuine partnerships with local businesses and networks.

Using your deep knowledge of Glasgow’s people and places, you will identify high‑potential opportunities, grow income and participation, and cultivate a committed local movement of supporters and volunteers. Through strategic, outward‑facing work, you’ll turn first conversations into committed, long‑term support that strengthens our movement and fuels our mission.

Working closely with the Head of Scotland, you will co‑design and deliver a local growth plan shaped by the pulse of your region. You will represent Mary’s Meals across faith communities, schools, community groups, business networks, and key connectors, bringing energy, authenticity, and a passion for our mission.

Highly autonomous, you’ll combine insight, data, and local intuition to focus on areas of greatest opportunity. You’ll collaborate across the organisation to create seamless supporter journeys and tell compelling, meaningful stories. Everything you do will reflect Mary’s Meals’ warmth, simplicity, and dignity.

Key responsibilities include

• Work with the Head of Scotland to create and deliver an insight‑driven regional growth plan, with clear priorities around income, visibility, and volunteer mobilisation.
• Use local knowledge, data, and community insight to focus your time on the strongest opportunities for growth.
• Balance relationship‑building with a proactive, opportunity-led approach, identifying new supporters, networks, and partnerships and developing them from prospective supporters into committed donors.
• Actively network across Glasgow to initiate new meetings, build connections, and follow up purposefully.
• Represent Mary’s Meals with authenticity and enthusiasm across schools, churches, parishes, universities, community groups, and local businesses.
• Deliver engaging talks, assemblies, parish visits, small events, networking sessions, and partnership meetings that increase income, participation, and visibility.
• Build a diverse pipeline of leads and partnerships that reflect Glasgow’s communities and faith landscape.
• Create the environment for a strong volunteer network and empower volunteers through thoughtful delegation, coaching, encouragement, and recognition.

• Strengthen local visibility by nurturing community connectors and supporting appropriate local media engagement.

Please see the recruitment pack on our website for full list of duties.

To apply for the role of Regional Development Officer based at Mary’s Meals UK, please follow the apply instructions on Charity Job where you will be redirected to our website.

Your covering letter or video should make a compelling case for why you feel motivated to apply for this role within Mary’s Meals UK, as well as giving a concise overview of your most relevant skills and experience, and should fill no more than two pages of A4.

Applicants must hold full right to work in the UK.

We welcome applications from candidates of all different backgrounds and identities to apply. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse charity providing a supportive place for you to do the best and most rewarding work of your career.

Closing date for applications is Friday, 8th May

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Please note: If you have any special requirements or adjustments before an interview, please let us know.

Job Title: Partnerships Officer

Duration: Permanent

Hours: Full time – 36 hours per week (job share/part-time considered)

Salary: £32,700 per annum, plus pension and benefits

Location: Homebased

Overall job purpose

The post-holder will play a key role within the Initiatives and Partnerships team, working with regional teams to develop and implement proposals to expand use of historic churches in our existing estate and, on occasion, working with other heritage and community groups to deliver their own projects via consultancy or partnership work.

They will manage a programme of work that will include a number of site-specific projects and national initiatives across multiple sites, as well as from time to time working with third parties on partnership or consultancy projects.

The Partnerships Officer will support regional teams and communities to scope and develop projects, supporting feasibility, options and project development work as well as business planning, project management and funding. The post-holder will also work closely with colleagues in conservation and regional teams to make sure that impacts on both areas are fully considered, whilst in tandem seeking to maximise opportunities to expand and increase commercial activity, income and ultimately profitability.

We have recently published our TRUST values, which outline the behaviours and expectations that act as our foundations at CCT. We have attached the pack, outlining each value, which we will also be using as part of our shortlisting and interview process to find the right candidates that align with our values.

If you would like to apply for this role, please visit our recruitment portal to begin your application. You will be asked to submit a CV and a short supporting statement (max 2 sides A4) outlining why you’d like to apply and how you fulfil the person specification for this post, so you’ll need to refer to the job description.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 9am on Sunday 10 May 2026.

The interviews will take place in Northampton on Wednesday 27 May 2026. Please note that the interview date and location have been specifically chosen according to the availability of the panel.

Please note: As part of our recruitment process, we undertake candidate psychometric testing, you will receive an email following your application submission asking you to complete a series of activities.

All successful applicants will be subject to a basic DBS, credit check, references and right to work checks.

We are a Disability Confident Committed Employer. Candidates who declare that they have a disability and who meet the essential criteria for the job will be offered an interview.

If you have any queries about this role, or if you have a disability and wish to request a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us.

We are an inclusive employer and offer equal opportunities to all regardless of an individual’s age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

We are not a licensed sponsor at this time. Any offer of employment will be made subject to valid right to work in the UK being provided.

Shine supports a community of over 15,000 members living with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus, including 5,000 children and young people (0–25).

You will be delivering high-quality support and creating opportunities for children and young people living with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus and their families/carers. Supporting Shine members to lead healthy, independent, and fulfilling lives by improving condition management and fostering connections within the Shine community. 

This role will focus on children and young people (0–25), you will be primarily working within the Children, Young People and Families team. However, there will be occasions when you will work across age groups to ensure the best outcomes for our members. 

The role is home-based but you will be required to attend regular clinics in London including GOSH (Great Ormond Street Hospital). Other travel across Southern England including Bristol, Devon and Hampshire may be required. There will be occasional travel required across wider areas and nationally including attendance at events, conferences and meetings at our head office in Peterborough. 

Benefits: 

• Competitive salary: Review due April 2027 

• Regular working hours, and no shift work (some very occasional weekends or evenings)   

• 3% pension contribution 

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with additional discretionary leave between Christmas and New Year 

• Additional annual leave awarded for ‘long service’ 

• Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave 

• Broadband allowance for home-based roles 

• Life insurance after 12 months’ employment   

• Access to our Employee Support Programme and Mental Health First Aiders  

• Support to learn and develop  

How to apply  

Shine is a Disability Confident employer and will offer guaranteed interviews if a disabled applicant meets the minimum criteria for the job.  

If you would like to discuss the role please email Gill Valentine, Deputy CEO, to arrange a convenient time for a call.  

To apply please submit your CV and supporting statement, which should outline your interest and explain how you meet the role criteria.

*Please note applications without a supporting statement will not be accepted* 

We understand that you may wish to use AI tools to help you with some aspects of your application, but we do expect tailored applications which are personalised to your experiences and not generic applications which are completely AI generated. We encourage candidates to be transparent about AI usage in their applications.  

Closing date:  Monday 17th May 2026 at 11pm  

Interviews:  Tuesday 26th May 2026  (Virtual) 

Please note: we reserve the right to interview suitable candidates before the closing date, therefore we encourage applications as soon as possible.  

Please see full details on the Job Description and Person Specification document below and on our website.

Do you want to change the world for vulnerable children?

The Consortium of Voluntary Adoption Agencies UK (CVAA) aims to improve adoption policy and practice across the UK for the benefit of children, challenging the adoption system to deliver for children and work in their best interests. Alongside advocating for system change, CVAA works to support our member voluntary adoption agencies (VAAs) across the four nations of the UK, stimulating innovation and ensuring they stay at the leading edge of practice. The active engagement of members and the building of collaborative alliances with others who seek positive change for children are essential to the effectiveness of our work.

The Head of Policy is a vital member of the small CVAA team, working closely with the CEO and Board of Trustees to champion the voluntary adoption sector and put children at the heart of everything we do. Due to maternity leave we have an exceptional and unique opportunity for someone who shares our passion to change the world for children, to gain valuable experience working at national level with senior stakeholders to contribute to system change, advocating for the power of adoption to change lives.

You will need strong people skills, experience of developing policy in consultation with stakeholders and using data to transform services and strengthen lobbying work. Most of all you need a cast iron commitment to change the world for vulnerable children.

CVAA works to challenge discrimination and disadvantage and welcomes applications from all communities, particularly those who are underrepresented in our sector, which includes but is not limited to people from Global Majority backgrounds, adoptees, men and those who identify as LGBTQ.

Key information

• Maternity Cover 1 year from July 2026
• Location - remote contract with occasional travel
• £40 – 45K depending on experience
• An enhanced DBS check is required for this role.

Applications

Please send a CV and letter of application, outlining your motivation for applying and the skills you offer, to Satwinder Sandhu (CEO) by 5pm on Friday 8th May 2026.

Both Satwinder (CEO) and Alice (Director of Strategy and Policy) are happy to have an informal chat about the role. Please email to arrange a convenient time to speak.

Initial online interviews via Microsoft Teams will be on Monday 18th and Tuesday 19th May, with final in-person interviews scheduled for Thursday 28th May 2026 in London. Please let us know whether you cannot make any of these dates in your application.

This is a new role, working remotely and reporting to the Directors to handle the increased financial and logistics workflow of the organisation as we embark on a new 18-month EU-funded grant. In this respect, the role involves day to day operational and financial administration but is also an opportunity for a flexible and pro-active person to support the organisation’s development and expand its capabilities, and also to engage with project partners and learn more about our work. While this is a fixed term contract, the role may be extended (subject to funding) and evolve to meet changing needs. As a small team, we are open to flexible working.

Grant management:

• Financial administration: ensure accurate records and supporting documentation is kept for all financial transactions, including regular entry of data into the relevant financial and budget management systems.
• Manage sub-grants to partners and consultants as allowed for within project budgets, ensuring timely receipt and processing of financial reports, and checking accuracy of invoices, timesheets, receipts and all supporting documentation, contracts, etc. in line with donor requirements.
• Budget monitoring and tracking: Preparing monthly forecasts and expenditure updates, to enable timely and efficient expenditure of project funds in accordance with the deliverables and budgets in grant contracts.
• Prepare quarterly financial reports for donors ensuring accuracy, accountability and alignment with donor contract requirements and Indie Peace policies.

Logistics support: Supporting the organisation and financial administration of Indie Peace project initiatives. Includes:

• Remote support in organising events, meetings and project activities in the regions where Indie Peace works, e.g. arranging meeting/conference venues within budget limitations, organising transport/accommodation bookings, ensuring documentation is in place (e.g. financial documentation, participant lists, etc.).
• Support Indie Peace Directors’ activities while travelling on business, as required, including supporting logistics, preparing expense reports with supporting receipts, maintaining timesheets, etc.

Other:

• Entry of financial transactions into accounting software, ensuring all financial records are recorded and all payments reconciled in a timely manner.
• Prepare monthly expense and financial reports, maintaining and updating cash flow forecast.
• General administrative support as agreed.

Line-management and relationships: While the position works with both Directors of the organisation, day to day line management and supervision is provided by the Director responsible for operations. Other people the post will need to liaise or maintain communication with on a regular basis include: in-country partners, consultants, and donor representatives.

EXPERIENCE: Minimum of two years of proven experience in UK-based international non-profit organisation, involving financial management of EU grants.

Related Skills or Knowledge:

• Experience of EU grants and financial management.
• Experience in reporting and accounting in the not-for-profit sector, including donor reporting.
• Experience with budget monitoring and oversight.
• Experience of a range of finance functions (bookkeeping, reporting, audit, etc.).
• Experience of systems management (financial or otherwise)
• High level of professionalism and attention to detail.
• Ability to work on own initiative.
• Proficiency in MS Office Applications, especially Word and Excel, is required.
• Experience using accounting software, such as Xero.
• Ability to communicate effectively. Strong written and oral skills in English. Russian is a strong advantage.

Contract hours and time-frame: 15 months (July 2026 – September 2027) fixed term contract.

Salary: £28,476 - £31,640 per annum  (pro-rata £22,780 – £25,312)

Hours: 30 hours per week 
Contract Type: Permanent 
Job Type: Part time 
Location: Home-based (UK, with regular meetings in Belfast) 
 
We speak up for all who cycle to make sure it’s a safe and easy choice for everyone to travel, explore and have fun. We are almost two years into our ambitious organisational strategy, and this is an exciting moment to join Cycling UK as our Northern Ireland Advocacy and Development Lead. 
 
As our Advocacy and Development Lead you will be Cycling UK’s representative in Northern Ireland. You will be responsible for exploring and developing opportunities for delivery work in Northern Ireland, with support from colleagues from the Behaviour Change, Business Development and Commercial teams. 
 
The scope of the Northern Ireland Advocacy and Development Lead role is wide-ranging, touching on campaigns, policy, public affairs and business and programme development. You will seek out, establish and nurture relevant relationships and partnerships, with support from colleagues across the charity. You will be the face and voice of Cycling UK in Northern Ireland, helping to raise our profile, improve our reputation, increase our influence and help deliver a broad range of the charity’s strategic objectives. 
 
We are an inclusive organisation and would particularly welcome applications from candidates from a broad range of backgrounds. We strongly believe that diversity strengthens our work. If you are already passionate about cycling, that’s great, many of us are too. But if you are simply really excellent at what you do, no matter what your background, that is what matters most to us. 
 
Explore the attached job description for full details on this exciting opportunity. Complete the application form expressing why you are the right candidate for this opening. Focus on gearing your supporting statement to exemplify how your skills and experience match the requirements of the role, directly referring to the person specification. This enables the selection panel to assess your relative strengths against the specified criteria. 
The role is home-based in the UK, with regular meetings in Belfast and occasional travel to other parts of the UK as required. 
 
Applications close at 9:00am on the closing date shown. 
 
Benefits 
 
27 days holiday plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time roles), perk scheme access, life assurance, paid compassionate leave, enhanced sick pay, Cycling UK membership plus many more staff benefits. 
 
You may have experience in the following: Advocacy Lead, Policy and Campaigns Lead, Public Affairs Manager, Development Manager, Programme Development Lead, Charity Advocacy Manager, External Affairs Manager, Campaigns and Policy Officer, Cycling Advocacy Officer, Transport Policy Manager, Active Travel Lead, Community Partnerships Manager, Stakeholder Engagement Manager. 
 
REF-227 906

Due to educational commitments and a strategic review of our services, our Founding Director is stepping back from leading the organisation. This creates an exciting opportunity for a Managing Director to join a women-led movement shaped by lived experience.

Working closely with the Founder, Board, and team, you will take the lead in implementing our strategy, turning vision into action, and ensuring our work is sustainable, impactful, and ready to grow. You will play a central role in securing financial stability, strengthening income streams, and building a resilient organisation for the future.

We are looking for a proactive and experienced leader who can strengthen systems, processes, and team culture, while supporting and developing a small, dedicated team. This role is not just about leadership, but about working alongside others - someone who is human, approachable, and a genuine team player.

You will value collaboration and co-production and feel comfortable working in a culture rooted in trust, flexibility, and compassion. You will bring the confidence to represent the organisation externally, alongside the humility to listen, learn, and grow with the team.

This UK-based, remote role sits within a small, friendly organisation committed to reflection, learning, and continual improvement. You will help shape how we evolve, ensuring we deliver safe, high-quality, trauma-informed, and gender-sensitive support for women affected by their own or someone else's gambling addiction.

We are seeking someone who aligns with our values, understands the realities women face in a male-dominated space, and can lead with humanity and humility.

The Managing Director will be accountable for:

• Strategic direction
• Financial sustainability
• Safeguarding and risk oversight
• Commissioner relationships
• Organisational culture and values

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Lead development and delivery of the 3-year strategic plan.
• Ensure organisational growth aligns with mission and peer-led ethos.
• Identify opportunities for funding, partnerships and influence.
• Ensure services evolve in line with women’s needs and policy context.

Governance & Risk Oversight

• Maintain oversight of safeguarding and clinical governance.
• Ensure robust risk management and compliance systems are in place.
• Report quarterly to the Board on performance, finance and risk.
• Ensure Delegated Authority Framework is implemented effectively.
• Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Financial Sustainability

• Accountable for organisational budget and reserves strategy.
• Oversee funding pipeline and income diversification.
• Negotiate and sign contracts within Board-approved limits.
• Ensure staffing model remains financially sustainable.

Leadership & Organisational Culture

• Lead and support staff team.
• Maintain trauma-informed, women-centred organisational culture.
• Ensure appropriate delegation and clear accountability.
• Protect staff wellbeing and prevent executive overload.

External Representation & Influence

• Represent the organisation with commissioners, funders and partners.
• Build relationships with VCSE organisations, OHID, NHSE, ICBs, Local Authorities and sector bodies.
• Position the organisation as a credible specialist provider.
• Support policy and influence activity at strategic level.

Board Relationship

• Work closely with the Chair
• Provide clear and transparent reporting.
• Support Board development and portfolio governance.
• Ensure Board receives timely information on risk and performance.

Person Specification

Essential Experience

• Senior leadership experience within VCSE, health or social care.
• Experience in women-specific services.
• Experience managing budgets and financial sustainability including evidence of successful fundraising and income diversification.
• Experience working with statutory commissioners.
• Experience overseeing safeguarding in complex services.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams.

Desirable Experience

• Experience in addiction, gambling harm or mental health sectors.
• Experience within CIC or charity governance structures.
• Experience influencing policy or commissioning frameworks.
• Understanding and appreciation of lived experience communities and peer support spaces

Essential Skills

• Strategic thinking and planning
• Financial acumen
• Strong governance understanding
• Stakeholder diplomacy
• Ability to delegate effectively
• Crisis management capability
• Clear written and verbal communication

We kindly ask applicants to avoid submitting AI generated responses to encourage a real sense of who you are. 
 

Our operational days are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. We operate flexibly but our regular team meetings are held on a Wednesday and this role is expected to be accessible for our staff within these days.