Development support officer jobs in camden, cheshire west and chester

Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network
Location: Hybrid (Manchester office with national travel)
Contract: Permanent, full-time (37.5 hours per week)
Salary: £65,000–£70,000
Closing date: Monday 12th January 2026 (10am)

About Belong

Belong is the UK’s leading not for profit network dedicated to social cohesion. They work across sectors to build a more connected, less divided society by strengthening trust, belonging and resilience in communities. Their growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society and business, and they support partners through place-based cohesion and intercultural programmes, research and policy influence, training, consultancy, leadership development, and a thriving programme of networks, events and knowledge sharing. Belong are collaborative, evidence led and committed to building common ground, creating environments where diverse communities are able to thrive together.

About the Role

This is a pivotal moment for Belong as they enter the next stage of their strategic growth. They are seeking a dynamic Chief Operating Officer (COO) to play a central leadership role in shaping their future and strengthening Belong’s national impact. Working closely with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team, you will ensure the organisation has the systems, culture and resources needed to deliver on their mission. This is a transformational cross-organisational role, leading Belong’s core internal functions: finance, HR, IT, project management, communications, engagement and events, while driving continuous improvement, financial sustainability and organisational resilience.

You will bring strategic vision, operational excellence and a collaborative leadership style that empowers colleagues, champions inclusion and wellbeing, and ensures Belong’s operations remain aligned with their purpose of building a more united and less divided society.

About You

Belong are looking for a strategic, enabling and emotionally intelligent leader with proven experience overseeing multi-function operations at a senior level, strong financial management and strategic planning expertise, and experience within the charity or public sector. You will bring excellent organisational and problem-solving skills, a track record of income generation and bid development, and the ability to build productive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. Knowledge of cohesion, integration or community development is desirable but not essential. Personally, you will be collaborative, inclusive and solutions focused, with strong emotional intelligence, resilience and a commitment to continuous learning.

Benefits

• 30 days’ annual leave per year
• Hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office)
• Enhanced sick pay
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your CV and complete the application form, where you will be asked to answer three questions:

Why are you interested in this role and how do your values align with Belong’s mission?
What achievements make you a strong candidate for the COO role?
How does your leadership style empower others and create a positive culture?

Deadline: Monday 12 January 2026 (10am)
First Interviews: w/c 26 January 2026 (remote)
Final Interviews: w/c 9 February 2026 (in-person)

Belong’s Commitment to Inclusion

Belong is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. They welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly encourage individuals from communities under-represented in the charity sector to apply. Impostor syndrome can disproportionately impact candidates from marginalised groups—if you are unsure whether to apply, we encourage you to do so.

REF-225 549

Job Purpose:

1. To lead the development and delivery of WIP’s housing programme in South London and Manchester, ensuring high quality, trauma responsive services.
2. Develop effective pathways with local housing teams and providers, including through co-design with women with lived experience, developing training and resources to improve the knowledge and understanding on women impacted by the CJS. 
3. Provide effective leadership to direct reports, fostering a positive, supportive and collaborative team culture.
4. Work collaboratively with the external affairs team to provide programme insights to influence policy and systems change to prevent criminalisation of women due to homelessness and housing insecurity.

High Value Officer
Home based, remote working 
£28,000 pa plus excellent benefits
35 hours per week

The High Value Officer for our Fundraising team will focus and lead on supporting the Trusts and Major Donor teams with postal and electronic mailings; keeping the CRM up to date; supporting the Prospects Research Manager with initial research, identifying new opportunities and sources of funding; streamlining administrative systems and processes; creating purchase orders and invoices; supporting the Major Donor Manager with administration of the Mid Value pool.

This is a great junior role, offering opportunities in several High Value fundraising teams. You will get to use your administrative skills across a range of activities and also develop your research skills when looking at prospects and supporting the Corporate team in their due diligence work.

You will: 

1. With support from the MD Manager, lead on the day-to-day running of our Mid Value programme including administration and delivery of a calendar of activity

2. Support the team with various CRM system processes, and ensure records are accurately updated

3. Support the Prospect Research Manager to identify new opportunities and sources of funding

4. Streamline and manage electronic folders

5. Create purchase orders and invoices

6. Support the Trust and Major Donor teams with mailings (postal and electronic)

7. Carry out day-to-day Corporate Partnership activities and monitor incoming requests.

You will have good organisation and administrative skills. Having good time managements skills and being able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously will be key to making a success of this role. You will also have excellent IT skills, ideally with experience of using a CRM (we use Microsoft Dynamics).

We are RNID: the national charity supporting the 18 million people in the UK who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus. Together, we will end the discrimination faced by our communities, help people hear better now and fund world-class research to restore hearing and silence tinnitus.

We work with our communities and partners across industry, government, charity, education and more to change life for the better.

RNID has a proud history and big ambitions. We’re focused on making the greatest impact possible across the whole of the UK. We champion the latest technology and the opportunities it brings. We also know the value of a friendly face in local communities to support people where they need it most.

We champion the value of difference and equality and celebrate our diverse and inclusive workforce. We actively encourage applications from eligible candidates from BAME backgrounds or who are deaf or hard of hearing. With almost 20% of our employees having a disability we proudly hold Disability Confident Leader status and guarantee an interview for disabled applicants meeting the minimum essential criteria.

Closing date: Sunday 21 December 2025
Interviews: w/c 12 January 2026

About the Role

Reporting to the Head of Communications, you’ll join a small, creative, and supportive team working to make a real impact for Scotland’s seas. This is a maternity cover position, offering an exciting opportunity to step into a dynamic role where you can quickly make a difference.

You’ll help craft engaging digital content and drive public campaigns that raise awareness of seafood sustainability and marine protection — inspiring both people and policymakers to take action.

A key part of your work will be supporting collaborative external campaigns and finding imaginative ways to grow Open Seas’ reach and influence. From storytelling through film and design to building our online presence, your creativity will help showcase Scotland’s incredible marine life — and the urgent need to protect it.

You’ll contribute across a range of activities, from managing social media and improving SEO, to developing new website content and visual communications.

We’re looking for someone who’s agile, proactive, and comfortable working in a fast-moving environment. You’ll be a positive self-starter and a collaborative team player who enjoys bringing fresh ideas to life and adapting as priorities evolve.

This maternity cover role is a fantastic opportunity to use your digital and creative skills for good — contributing to progressive, solutions-focused campaigns that help shape the future of Scotland’s seas.

About Open Seas

Open Seas is a small environmental charity working in Scotland and beyond to promote environmental recovery in our seas and champion sustainable seafood. Established in 2016, we conduct environmental and policy research to inform consumers, markets and decision-makers as well as generate campaigns to drive positive change for the environmental health of Scotland’s seas. 

The Christie Charity is a vibrant, fast moving, energetic organisation with a passionate team and a fantastic reputation.

Everything we do is geared to supporting the renowned Christie hospital ensuring cancer patients receive the highest level of treatment and care and have access to world leading research and technology. We provide funding over and above what the NHS provides.

We are currently entering a particularly exciting period of growth and expansion as we fundraise for a number of major projects.

We are looking for a dynamic and enthusiastic self-starter to support the Head of PR, Communications and Celebrity Engagement and work collaboratively with Charity and hospital colleagues to highlight the impact our supporters and fundraisers make to cancer patients.

You will be equally at home pitching a story to a national journalist, working with a senior consultant or scientist to draft a new Charity funded research story, briefing photographers, liaising with fundraisers to tell their story, writing newsletter and marketing copy or devising a communications plan.

The Charity team is responsible for raising millions of pounds each year to ensure Christie patients receive the very best care and treatment. This includes everything from access to world first clinical trials and receiving radiotherapy in state-of-the-art treatment centres, to young adults being cared for in a bespoke age-appropriate centre and being able to offer patients anxiety reducing complementary therapy, or even creative sessions in our art room.

If you want to make a real difference to cancer patients and are ready to rise to the challenge of working for one of the most successful charities in the North-West, then this could be the role for you.

We will be reviewing applications and arranging interviews on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged.

Purpose

As a key member of our Senior Leadership Team, reporting directly to the CEO, you’ll drive innovation and oversee the delivery of high quality services that empower students to thrive. You will lead the membership facing services and staff including the Advice Service, Opportunities team and Student Voice team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development of our membership facing services (Advice Service, Opportunities ad Student Voice).
• Operationally manage team leaders and staff fostering a culture of collaboration, inclusion and proactivity.
• Utilise data, research and feedback to identify student trends and introduce new interventions and initiatives.
• Oversee democratic processes, representation structures, and feedback mechanisms to amplify student perspectives and drive positive change.
• Developed policies and processes to enhance services and oversee an operational budget for the membership services.

Are you passionate about school libraries? Do you believe in the power of school libraries to transform children and young people’s experiences in education? Can you communicate confidently to a wide audience and range of stakeholders?  

The School Library Association (SLA) supports approximately 2000 members working in schools across the UK with advice, training and advocacy. The School Library Lead will be at the forefront of our member offer and outreach, to help us deliver on our mission to support all those working in school libraries, so that more children and young people reach their full potential through the school library.   

This role will lead on providing advice, inspiration and support for schools looking to develop their school library provision and all the benefits this brings. An expert in school libraries, you will be comfortable supporting members 1:1, delivering training to larger audiences, providing consultancy to schools and sector organisations, writing training and resources, or preparing book recommendations. An exciting opportunity for someone experienced in school libraries with knowledge of the curriculum, teaching and learning and children’s books, you will be the first port of call for library advice and expertise, contributing to the growth and sustainability of the membership network.

You will be experienced in developing relationships with a variety of stakeholders at all levels relish a busy role. This will include supporting our Branch network, collaborating on initiatives for development, delivery and new projects as they come online. As resident children’s book expert, you will support with programmes and projects such as the SLA Information Book Award and member book-related events. You will work with your SLA colleagues to develop and deliver high-quality member events and training as well as advocacy events to raise awareness of the importance of school libraries. Using your sector insight, you will identify opportunities for development of initiatives that will support the SLA vision and mission enabling us to reach more children and young people through our work.  This is a busy and rewarding role and will suit someone with passion and resilience. 

This is a full time role working remotely, throughout the year (37 hours per week). Find out more about the role including full job description and how to apply by downloading the job specification pack. 

Application deadline: 19th December 

Interviews: First round interview (online): 13th/14th January

Second round interview in person TBC: 20th/22nd January 

Applications without a covering letter will not be considered. No agencies please.   

Due to the volume of applications we cannot provide individual feedback. We really appreciate your interest. If you haven’t heard from us within four weeks of the deadline, it means we’ve moved forward with other candidates on this occasion. We encourage you to apply again in the future. Please note we may close recruitment early should the right candidate be identified.  

Location: Home Based with regular national travel

Since 1962 the National Autistic Society has been campaigning to transform lives, change attitudes and create a society that works for autistic people. In National Programmes we champion the rights and interests of autistic people and their families, making sure national policy and legislation to reflect their needs. We provide autism training and best practice services and want all autistic people to have access to services and support that fully meet their needs. We provide diagnostic services, training, accreditation, consultancy and conferences, designed to support all professionals and organisations.  

The Supporter Fundraising team is responsible for managing and growing all supporter-led fundraising activity, including third-party challenge events, community fundraising, and our own portfolio of fundraising events. Together, our work generates over £1 million in income each year—vital funds that help the National Autistic Society achieve its mission: a society that works for autistic people.

Visit our website to find out more about who we are and what we do:  

Who we are looking for: 

We are seeking a proactive and creative Senior Events Fundraising Officer to join our dynamic team on a permanent basis.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about events fundraising and eager to take ownership of a diverse portfolio. You’ll play a key role in developing new fundraising events, supporting and inspiring colleagues, and delivering excellent supporter experiences that maximise income and impact.

The role will involve:

• Leading on a portfolio of owned and third-party fundraising events, including feasibility research, planning, marketing, participant recruitment, logistics, budgeting, and evaluation.
• Taking a lead role in the development of new fundraising events in collaboration with the Innovation Team, from research and proposals through to approval, delivery and evaluation.
• Providing first-class supporter care, ensuring participants feel valued and engaged, and that income and expenditure targets are met or exceeded.
• Working closely with marketing, press and PR colleagues to create and implement event promotion and communications plans, across both traditional and digital channels.
• Line managing and supporting Events Officers where appropriate, and deputising for the Events Fundraising Manager when required.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and event providers to ensure effective delivery and the best possible experience for supporters.
• Overseeing volunteer recruitment and stewardship plans to increase engagement and retention.

The successful candidate will bring:

• Experience of planning and delivering fundraising events, with proven ability to meet financial targets.
• Strong relationship-building skills, with confidence in working with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• A creative, innovative mindset and a passion for developing new fundraising opportunities.
• A commitment to delivering outstanding supporter care and improving supporter journeys.

This is a full-time, permanent role, for 35 hours per week. The salary for this position is £32,577 per year.

To view the full job description please click  

 What we can offer you: 

• Auto-enrolled Pension Scheme 

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays 

• Excellent induction, training and development programme including training about autism and opportunities to attend our conferences 

• Online staff discount scheme for a range of benefits such as cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan & shopping discounts for places such as Asda, Tesco, Sainsburys, Halfords, Nike, Apple and loads more! 

• Healthcare Cash Plan 

• Life Assurance at 2 x base salary 

• A portfolio of fantastic new salary sacrifices benefits and other flexible benefits private health, dental insurance, car salary sacrifice scheme, activity pass, holiday trading, enhanced pension & salary deduct loans (eligibility criteria may apply) 

• Access to a 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme & counselling programme

• Free access to the Headspace App – a global leader in mindfulness and you can enrol up to three friends or family for free! 

• Eligibility for a Blue Light Card 

Where you will be working: 

City Road, London / Homeworking / Hybrid

(Up to 20% national travel, including some evenings and weekends, as required.)

About our application process: 

When providing a supporting statement, please refer to the job description and person specification and include any information that shows your suitability for the role. 

For more information about this job, please contact Jonathan Littledale – Events Fundraising Manager ( ########### )

We do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. 

For some roles, successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks which will include additional references and criminal background checks. 

Applications for this job are sought from anyone who is suitably qualified and experienced for the role but particularly welcome from those with a diagnosis of autism. 

The National Autistic Society is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and adults who use our services and as such expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks. 

We are an equal opportunities employer

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: Circa £32,300

Hours: 37 per week

Department: People Culture & Leadership

Directorate: Continuous Improvement

Location: Working from home, with occasional UK travel

Reports to: Senior PCL Specialist

As part of the NFCC People Culture and Leadership (PCL) Hub this post plays a key role in supporting and enabling fire and rescue services (FRS) to drive organisational and culture change.

The postholder will use their subject matter knowledge, skills and experience alongside the principles of project management to support the design, development and implementation of a range of PCL products and services. Whilst the role supports all PCL activities, the role will have a focus on Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)-related projects, therefore experience in this area is particularly desirable. Moreover we require someone with relevant knowledge and experience in one or more fields of the people/HR/OD/EDI profession.

Evaluating the effectiveness of the NFCC’s PCL products and their benefits to FRS’s will be a key aspect of the role and the postholder will undertake a range of evaluation activities to identify improvements and make recommendations for improvement. They will be responsible for implementing agreed changes and maintaining PCL products to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.

Stakeholder engagement is a key element of the role by building effective relationships and establishing networks to improve the uptake/adoption of PCL products and drive culture change.

If this sounds like the kind of opportunity that you would be interested in; please have a look at the detailed Job description on the NFCC website and apply.

How to apply:

Please complete the application form linked from the ‘apply now’ button on the NFCC website. CV’s will NOT be accepted for this position.

Closing Date – 4 January 2026 with interviews being conducted on the 15 January 2026.

PLEASE NOTE - THIS VACANCY WILL CLOSE BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE IF WE RECEIVE A HIGH NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS.

NFCC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults and will require a DBS check to be completed prior to commencing in post.

NFCC is committed to being an inclusive employer. We comply with the Equality Act 2010, and we believe that everyone deserves to work in safe environments that are free from bullying, harassment and discrimination, abuse, and harm, where they feel supported, welcome, and able to thrive.

NFCC acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard, protect and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice, all staff are expected to share this commitment.

Your role will be to support women practically and emotionally as they go through the criminal justice system.

Overall Objectives

To work within a multi-agency setting to provide a proactive service to adult victims of sexual violence within and outside the criminal justice system to:

Risk assess and maintain client safety

Help clients access their rights

Monitor and keep clients informed of case progress and provide support through the criminal justice system

Help clients access health and other services they require

Build ongoing relationships with loved ones of a victim/survivor engaged in the ISVA service

Provide an information point for loved ones on the CJS

We are advertising for a Homicide Family Case Workers in the West Midlands Homicide Team.

This post is based within Staffordshire, Shropshire and North West Midlands and may cover the whole of the West Midlands. This role is working 30 hours a week on a permanent contract.

Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change & improvement for those who need it?

Do you have resilience & adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on customer service and care?

If yes, then we'd love to hear from you…

What we offer:

At Victim Support we believe in attracting & retaining the best people and offer a competitive rewards & benefits package including:

• Flexible working options including hybrid working
• 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 33 days plus Bank Holidays
• An extra day off for your birthday & options to buy or sell annual leave
• Pension with 5% employer contribution
• Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity payments
• High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment & leisure discounts
• Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
• Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
• Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes
• Cycle to work scheme & season ticket loans
• Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression

About the role:

Becoming a Homicide Caseworker is a unique opportunity to support families and individuals bereaved by and, eyewitness to murder and manslaughter. The National Homicide Service is a fast paced, specialist team funded directly by the Ministry of Justice to provide exceptional trauma informed practical and emotional support every day.

You Will:

• Work closely with the Major Crime Police Units, Senior Investigators and Family Liaison Officers, providing a pivotal role to support clients through the Criminal Justice System.
• Support clients by phone and Zoom as well as meeting families in their own homes or community, therefore you will be required to travel throughout the area.
• Complete needs assessments, and will coordinate and deliver a tailored package of support alongside our commissioned providers and other key stakeholders.

The role of Homicide Caseworker is varied, demanding and rewarding; no one day is the same and you will thrive on this challenge. You will need to be extremely organised and able work independently and as well as being a pro-active, supportive member of a team open to developing your personal resilience. Our priority is to ensure that those bereaved by and eyewitness to murder have the support they need for as long as they need.

About Us:

Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity providing a range of specialist services to people who have been affected by crime across England and Wales. We work towards a world where there are fewer victims but who have stronger rights, better support and a real influence in the Criminal Justice System. Everyone at VS is driven by our Vision Ambitions and Values to play their part in making a difference for those who experience crime and traumatic events. Working for VS gives you the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing high quality services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.

Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.

Victim Support strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.

As part of our commitment to the Race at Work Charter we particularly welcome applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.

If you have a disability, a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or a medical condition which you believe may affect your performance during any aspect of our selection process, we'll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to perform at your best.

How to apply:

To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.

We look forward to hearing from you.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date. If you have already registered & started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible.

Could you use your fundraising and leadership skills to support the movement to end homelessness in Greater Manchester?

This is a unique opportunity to lead an organisation that has grown rapidly in terms of brand, visibility and most importantly, impact. Greater Manchester Mayor's Charity exists to ensure homelessness has no place in our city region. Since launching in 2019, they've raised millions to fund emergency responses like A Bed Every Night and are now scaling impact by growing emphasis on prevention and systemic change. Backed by the Mayor of Greater Manchester as Patron, they bring business, civic and community partners together to deliver practical solutions and champion innovation.

Salary: £50k
Location: Hybrid (based in and around Greater Manchester)
Contract: Permanent, full-time (37.5 hours per week)
Benefits: 33 days holiday (including bank) + Christmas closure, statutory employer pension contribution

About the role

There's something extra special about Greater Manchester Mayor's Charity - uniquely positioned as a connector of people and places, with the ability to be agile and move at pace due to their small, but mighty make-up.

You'll report to an engaged and proactive Chair and Board of Trustees and lead a small, committed team, to ensure strong governance, financial sustainability and measurable impact.

First and foremost, this job is about fundraising, so you'll need to get excited by the prospect of rolling your sleeves up, engaging with high-value supporters and 'doing the doing'.As CEO, we'll be looking for you to:

• Shape strategic direction and drive innovation across emergency response and prevention.
• Deliver high-impact income generation as fundraising lead (focused on corporates and philanthropists), building and delivering a sustainable pipeline.
• Champion our inclusive approach to grant-making and growing our portfolio of trants.
• Act as a respected voice in the homelessness sector, convening stakeholders and influencing policy.
• Embed a values-led culture that is Pioneering, Accountable, Collaborative and Effective.

About You

We're looking for a strategic, values-driven leader who can inspire supporters and deliver results. This might be your first CEO role, but we'll be looking for you to demonstrate:

• Proven leadership experience and the ability to build strong external relationships.
• Track-record in fundraising, income generation or partnership development.
• Financial acumen and experience managing budgets and a team.
• Exceptional communication skills and confidence in public speaking.
• Understanding of (or demonstrable commitment to) homelessness, housing and social justice.

Why is this a brilliant opportunity for me?

This is your chance to make a tangible difference in Greater Manchester, leading a high-profile charity that is ambitious and committed to ending homelessness. If you are looking for a supportive and collaborative Board and the opportunity to grow and develop your skills and experience alongside a charity that intends to continue evolving, then this one could absolutely be for you.

Just to be crystal clear, we welcome applications from first-time Chief Execs for this role.

How to Apply

All you need to do is send a copy of your CV or a draft profile over to Amelia Lee as the first step.

We're anticipating a high volume of applications for this role, so from there we'll be in touch with full application details if you meet the minimum skills and experience required.

Deadline: 9am on Monday 22nd December. However, please do get in touch ASAP if interested - we'll never close early, but it would be great to ensure you have enough time to apply around the busy Christmas period.

Interviews will be held mid-January, after the festive season - dates TBC soon.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

We’re looking for a creative and passionate person to lead on our policy and communications work for this maternity cover. This role offers a great opportunity to play a key role in improving impact across the charity and the lives of those affected

The Migraine Trust is the only UK migraine charity providing information and support, campaigning for awareness and change, and funding and promoting research.

One in seven people in the UK live with migraine, and this complex and debilitating neurological disorder significantly affects their lives. We have been leading and bringing the migraine community together to change this since 1965.

Every year we support millions of people through our website and support services on all aspects of migraine and for help in managing it at work, in education, and in accessing healthcare. We campaign for increased awareness and understanding of migraine, and national policy change to improve the lives of people who get it. We have funded over 140 medical research projects and hold an international symposium every two years to bring together the world’s leading experts on migraine.

The role

People living with migraine are at the heart of our organisation, while our research highlights the urgent need to reduce the inequity we see for those living with the condition. You will ensure their voices are heard by decision makers and the public and get closer to our vison of ‘a world where migraine doesn’t stop anyone from living the life they want’.

You should be able to deliver high-impact communication campaigns, and have a real interest in policy. A skilled communicator yourself, you will be able to manage a broad role with the ability to build and nurture relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. Overall, you’ll bring a desire to create positive change.

You’ll work closely with the CEO and be a key member of The Migraine Trust’s Senior Management team, leading our strategic direction on communications activity alongside targeted public and political campaigns.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the delivery of the organisation’s 2026 policy and communications plans and coordinate the development of plans and budgets for 2027
• Oversee development and delivery of the charity’s policy and public affairs strategy, ensuring a strong evidence base and meaningful involvement of people living with migraine
• Manage work our public affairs agency to deliver targeted influencing projects to improve migraine care, workplace support, and parliamentary engagement
• Shape policy recommendations and develop strategies to engage key stakeholders including parliamentarians, policymakers, clinicians, employers and partner organisations
• Monitor the external policy environment identifying risks, opportunities and emerging issues relevant to migraine
• Work with the team to develop and execute creative and impactful communications campaigns to raise the profile of the charity and tackle misunderstanding around migraine
• Ensure content across all channels – including media, digital, social and publications - is on brand and reflects our values and core messaging
• Ensure our online presence meets the needs of our stakeholders, and is fit-for-purpose for current and future organisational needs
• Oversee production of relevant reports, marketing materials and key publications working with freelance agencies and designers as required
• Work closely with Fundraising colleagues to identify and develop opportunities that support organisational growth
• Ensure all those living with migraine and their voices are central to our policy, campaigning and communications work
• Act as a spokesperson when necessary, representing the charity externally

The above is provided for guidance and is not an exhaustive list of all accountabilities that the post holder may have over time.

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• A creative and experienced communications leader
• Wide experience working in the field of communications (in house or agency) and able to demonstrate knowledge of a broad range of communications activities
• Demonstrable experience of developing media strategies and managing media relations to achieve results
• Ability to deliver policy and public affairs strategies that create change
• A strategic thinker able to develop new ideas and turn these into action
• A strong leader and manager
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills and the ability to communicate, engage and build relationships with a wide range of audiences across the organisation and externally
• Calm under pressure with sound judgment
• Confidence to represent The Migraine Trust externally including public speaking as necessary
• Ability to manage a diverse workload and work under pressure.

Desirable

• Experience working within a health, disability, or long-term conditions context
• Experience of the voluntary sector and/or lived experience engagement
• Knowledge of digital transformation or digital communications best practice

The Migraine Trust is an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably experienced persons regardless of their race, socioeconomic backgrounds, gender, disability status, ethnicity, religion/faith, sexual orientation, or age.

How to apply

For the full role description, and to apply, please visit our website. Interviews will be week commencing 5th January. If you would like an informal discussion to find out more about the role before submitting an application, or have any other queries, we encourage you to get in touch.

Senior External Affairs Adviser 
Contract type: Fixed Term Contract (12 months) 
Full time: 34.5 hours, we are open to a conversation about how you work these hours  
Location: Home based
Salary range: £43,000 - £48,000

About us 

At Macmillan you'll find talented people working together to do whatever it takes to support people living with cancer. We're going all out to find even better ways to help even more people who need our support. Our values are at the heart of who we are and everything we do, inspiring our thinking and guiding our actions. 

Our new organisational strategy sets out how we’ll fight even harder to make every pound raised count for even more. With your help, we’ll transform cancer care for good. 

About the role

Join Macmillan Cancer Support as a Senior External Affairs Adviser, where you will play a vital role in shaping and delivering impactful change propositions and external affairs strategies across the UK. Your work will focus on delivering at-scale change for people with cancer, particularly the most marginalised groups. 

Key responsibilities:

• Provide senior-level advice to develop external affairs strategies aligned with Macmillan’s mission. 
• Lead cross-functional external affairs projects that are evidence-based and impactful. 
• Develop and manage relationships with political stakeholders, policymakers, civil servants and healthcare providers. 
• Provide high-quality insight and briefings to senior colleagues on the political landscape, and what the external opportunities and risks are. 
• Anticipate shifts within the external environment and adapt approaches to maintain our relevance and influence. 
• Collaborate with teams to ensure policy positions are strategic and evidence-based. 
• Represent Macmillan at external events, advocating for improvements in cancer care. 
• Coordinate campaigns to influence public policy and funding decisions. 

About you 

The successful candidate will have... 

• Proven ability to manage complex and sensitive external contexts, making sound judgements on tone and messaging. 
• Strong understanding of operating within a four-nations context and engaging with diverse stakeholders, including senior politicians and civil servants.
• Expertise in analysing complex policy issues and developing impactful, evidence-based policy positions. 
• Strong organisational skills and flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and emerging issues. 
• Excellent communication skills which are adaptable for external and internal audiences. 
• Experience of working in multi-disciplinary teams or on multi-disciplinary projects. 

Recruitment process 

Application deadline: 23:59 on Tuesday 16th December 2025 

Interview date: Virtual interviews will be held on 8th January 2026 

To ensure fairness and consistency to select the best candidate for this role, all our applications are anonymised up until an interview has been confirmed. 

So we can support you to be your best during the application or interview process, please contact Macmillan's TA Team for advice and reasonable adjustments.  

We welcome applications from everyone who meet the criteria and strongly encourage individuals to apply who have a disability, impairment or health condition or individuals who identify as Black, Asian or from another minority ethnic background, as these groups are currently under-represented at Macmillan. Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy along with our internal employee representation body, ‘Our Voice’ and 8 Employee Network groups help us promote fairness and belonging, becoming an engaged and inclusive organisation for all our people.