The postholders will work with the Area Engagement and Partnership Managers to identify, communicate and engage with the range of voluntary sector organisations working with individuals and their families within the CJS ensuring Clinks provides effective support to help voluntary organisations better meet their aims. To enable Clinks to share information about the sector with HMPPS and other stakeholders.
They will also work closely with the National Influencing and Networks Team.
It is essential for the postholder to be based within, and have strong knowledge of the geographical area they will be covering.
Please visit our websiter for more information about our area based work.
Please note: Clinks would welcome the opportunity to discuss potential secondments from locally or regionally based voluntary organisations.
About Clinks
Clinks supports, promotes and represents the voluntary sector working with people in the criminal justice system and their families.
Our vision is of a vibrant, independent and resilient voluntary sector that enables people to transform their lives.
Job purpose
To identify, communicate and engage with the range of voluntary sector organisations working with individuals and their families within the CJS across a geographical area ensuring Clinks provides effective support to help voluntary organisations better meet their aims. To enable Clinks to share information about the sector with HMPPS and other stakeholders
Job summary
These roles will increase awareness and understanding of the criminal justice voluntary sector operating within East of England and the South Central & South West. The post holder will undertake an initial analysis project to identify place-based voluntary sector organisations and the range of and types of services and support provided to people in contact with the criminal justice system and their families. They will identify place-based needs and lead on the collation and sharing of information across the Clinks team and with stakeholders, to highlight the challenges and opportunities. The post holder will need to build new, and nurture existing relationships, with key partners and a range of agencies across sectors.
The post will work within the Area Engagement & Partnerships Directorate and with other Clinks’ staff to identify new members and engagement opportunities, deliver events and training, and provide opportunities to support the capacity and capability needs of the voluntary sector, with a focus on place-based small and specialist organisations working in the CJS.
The post will deliver activity to meet funder requirements, aims and objectives.
Reports to: Area Engagement and Partnerships Manager
Responsible for: N/A
1. Duties and key responsibilities
Area Engagement and Impact
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Identify and increase awareness of voluntary sector organisations based in the East of England and the South Central & South West, the range of and types of services and support provided to people in contact with the criminal justice system and their families, where they deliver and how they are funded.
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Understand the work of local and regional voluntary sector infrastructure organisations in a the East of England or South Central /South West to strengthen the support offered by Clinks and increase partnership working and collaboration.
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Work alongside the National Influencing & Networks team to use this intelligence to influence key decision making at a local and national level.
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Gather intelligence from the sector to identify and understand the needs of place-based organisations and share feedback with HMPPS and other key stakeholders to develop operational processes and influence future commissioning opportunities.
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Provide support to voluntary sector organisations, keeping the sector informed and up to date and capturing the support provided and its impact.
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Respond to requests from voluntary sector organisations in need of support and signpost or consider what assistance Clinks (and others) can provide.
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Work alongside the Area Insights and Impact Officer to capture the needs of the sector and influence and inform future activity.
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Provide regular area specific communications to organisations utilising Clinks communication channels to share good practice, resources and publications.
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Produce regular blogs, case studies and social media activity to showcase the work of place-based voluntary sector organisations.
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Develop and build upon existing place-based networks to support collaboration and co-ordination between the voluntary, statutory, and private sectors in the criminal justice system.
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Provide information to help statutory partners and key stakeholders to understand the voluntary sector, its structures and how to work with it.
External Relationships
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Identify and explore opportunities to develop relationships with area-specific agencies working within criminal justice including Probation, Prisons and local statutory agencies to increase knowledge of locally based voluntary sector services and establish, and embed Clinks’ support
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Provide representation at various meetings, both internally and externally with partners and stakeholders.
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Work collaboratively to ensure effective information flow across directorates and to and from the sector and stakeholders
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Develop relationships with regional and local infrastructure organisations to widen Clinks reach and identify joint working opportunities.
2. General responsibilities
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Represent and be an ambassador for Clinks
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Work to support the mission, ethos, and values of Clinks
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Be flexible and carry out other associated duties as may arise, develop, or be assigned in line with the broad remit of the position
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Support and promote diversity and equality of opportunity in the workplace
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Work collaboratively with others in all aspects of our work
This job description does not form part of your contract of employment and can be amended from time to time as the needs of the organisation require.
Person specification
Experience, Skills and Abilities
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Significant experience of working or volunteering in the voluntary sector in the East of England
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Relationship building and management with a range of stakeholders and networks.
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Good attention to detail and ability to maintain effective records, utilising a range of different methods.
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Ability to think strategically about the voluntary criminal justice sector, and to analyse and respond to change.
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Ability to prioritise, multi-task and work under pressure, juggling a busy and varied workload.
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Excellent IT and digital skills, including use of Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, Teams and Zoom.
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Adaptability and flexibility in being able to deal with new situations quickly and efficiently.
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Good interpersonal and communication skills, both written and spoken, and ability to communicate with a range of stakeholders, at all levels of seniority.
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Convening meetings, arranging and chairing events both in-person and online.
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Ability to support and coordinate a complex network of organisations including representing diverse views, and promoting their work and issues.
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A collaborative approach to working with colleagues but also able to work alone.
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Highly organised with good project and time management skills.
Knowledge
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Role of the voluntary sector in addressing social exclusion.
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The criminal justice context and related policy.
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Understanding the role of national and local infrastructure organisations
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An understanding of East of England geographical area
Personal attributes and other requirements
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Able to travel extensively across the East of England with occasional travel across England and Wales.
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Able to work evenings and weekends and stay away from home overnight where necessary.
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Work well as part of a small team and independently, with a flexible approach to work.
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Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities. An ability to apply awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work.
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Commitment to the values and ethos of supporting people in the criminal justice system.
Key Details
We are seeking a proactive, confident, and relationship-driven Partnerships & Growth Officer to contribute to Bridging the Bar’s external income and growth activities. This is a highly client-facing role that involves engaging with chambers, organisations, major sponsors, donors, grant funders, and other external stakeholders to secure financial support for BTB’s mission and programmes. You will take ownership of outreach, lead meetings and negotiations, and build strong, long-term relationships that underpin the charity’s sustainability and impact.
Job Title: Partnerships & Growth Officer
Location: Remote (c. twice a month travel to London and other UK cities, with expenses reimbursed).
Working Hours: Mon- Fri 9:00–18:00 with a one hour lunch break.
Weekend Work: 1–2 Saturdays per month (September to June), with time off in lieu.
Salary:£25,396.80 per annum, with eligibility for a discretionary bonus linked to organisational performance. The expected range for this bonus is £1,000–£5,000, depending on results.
About Bridging the Bar
Bridging the Bar (BTB) is an award-winning charity working to increase diversity at the Bar of England and Wales. We support aspiring barristers from underrepresented backgrounds through a range of high-impact programmes, events, and partnerships with leading chambers, law firms, and institutions.
The Role
We are seeking a proactive, confident, and relationship-driven Partnerships & Growth Officer to contribute to Bridging the Bar’s external income and growth activities. This is a highly client-facing role that involves engaging with chambers, organisations, major sponsors, donors, grant funders, and other external stakeholders to secure financial support for BTB’s mission and programmes. You will take ownership of outreach, lead meetings and negotiations, and build strong, long-term relationships that underpin the charity’s sustainability and impact.
As Partnerships & Growth Officer, you will manage the delivery and renewal of our annual Partnership Cycle, cultivate major sponsorships, prepare award and grant applications, support the development of new income streams such as our accreditation scheme, high-value individual giving, and crowdfunding, and innovate novel initiatives. You will work closely with the Head of Operations and Programmes, as well as the wider Programmes team, to ensure high-quality delivery across all external commitments, seamless coordination, and effective communication of BTB’s outcomes and impact.
This role is ideal for someone who is motivated by securing resources, enjoys leading external meetings, thrives in a varied and fast-moving environment, has a flexible and innovative approach, and is excited by the opportunity to contribute to BTB’s strategic growth and long-term success.
Key Responsibilities
Partnerships Cycle
Each year, Bridging the Bar works with a cohort of chambers and organisations who financially support our work through the Partnership Cycle. This cycle runs from April to April, with partners donating a set amount in return for formal recognition and a package of benefits delivered throughout the year. As the cycle progresses, you will be responsible for outreach and renewals, onboarding, benefit delivery, and ongoing relationship management.
As Partnerships & Growth Officer, you will be responsible for:
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Researching and identifying potential partner organisations, and conducting proactive outreach to engage them in the Partnership Cycle
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Renewing existing or recurring partnerships, ensuring positive and long-term relationships
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Leading meetings and negotiations with potential or existing partners to secure onboarding to the current Partnerships Cycle
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Ensuring the smooth delivery of partnership benefits, including coordinating agreed activities and supporting partners to maximise the value of their engagement
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Coordinating with programme teams where cross-team collaboration is required to ensure expectations are met in relation to partner benefits
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Maintaining accurate partnership tracking, including invoicing, communications, benefit allocation, and delivery deadlines
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Monitoring partner accounts and taking a proactive approach to managing partner relationships and resolving issues
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Developing and refining partnership materials, such as proposals, benefit decks, and outreach resources
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Bringing an innovative, solutions-focused approach to the design and delivery of partnership benefits and improvements to the overall cycle
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Gathering partnership feedback, ensuring partners understand the value and outcomes of their contribution
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Supporting impact reporting, including gathering relevant data, preparing summaries, and assisting the Head of Operations and Programmes in the production of reports for the Board
Major Sponsorships
Bridging the Bar also secures major sponsorships to fund specific programmes, such as the Academy. These agreements are individually negotiated and supported through tailored engagement plans. You will be responsible for identifying potential major sponsors, supporting negotiations, coordinating the delivery of agreed benefits, and managing these relationships to ensure strong long-term sponsorships.
As Partnerships & Growth Officer, you will be responsible for:
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Researching and identifying potential major sponsors, and conducting proactive outreach to engage organisations aligned with our programmes and new initiatives
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Cultivating and renewing major sponsorships, ensuring positive, long-term relationships with key funders
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Developing proposals, presentations, and engagement resources tailored to major funders to support pitches
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Collaborating with programme teams to ensure cross-team deliverables related to major sponsorships are met effectively and on schedule
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Maintaining accurate tracking of major sponsorships, including records of communications, deliverables, invoicing, and benefit fulfilment
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Proactively monitoring sponsor accounts, addressing emerging needs, and supporting strong relationship stewardship
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Gathering sponsor feedback and helping sponsors understand the outcomes and impact of their contribution
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Supporting impact reporting, including gathering relevant data, preparing summaries, and assisting the Head of Operations and Programmes in producing reports for the Board
Grants and Awards Applications
Bridging the Bar also pursues opportunities through both achievement awards and monetary grants. Achievement awards help raise our profile and showcase the impact of our work, while grant funding supports the delivery and growth of our programmes. You will contribute to identifying suitable opportunities, preparing strong applications, and supporting the stewardship and reporting required by award bodies and grant funders.
As Partnerships & Growth Officer, you will be responsible for:
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Researching and identifying suitable opportunities that align with Bridging the Bar’s mission, programmes, impact, and funding requirements
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Drafting and preparing high-quality applications, including gathering evidence, impact data, and supporting materials
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Monitoring deadlines and submission requirements to ensure timely, accurate applications
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Assisting with stewardship of award bodies and grant funders, including timely communication and relationship management
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Supporting grant reporting requirements, such as gathering programme data, preparing summaries, and assisting the Head of Operations and Programmes with narrative and financial reporting
New Initiatives
In addition to established activities, Bridging the Bar pursues new and emerging initiatives to support long-term financial sustainability, programme expansion, and reputational growth. This includes in our current development phase; a Chambers focused accreditation scheme, high-value individual giving, and crowdfunding campaigns. Future expansion has the scope to include other opportunities whether identified by the organisation or by you. You will help develop, test, and implement these initiatives as they evolve.
As Partnerships & Growth Officer, you will be responsible for:
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Overseeing the pilot of the accreditation scheme including; conducting meetings with pilot chambers, co-ordinating with consultants, ensuring deliverable are met, assisting with evaluation and refinement, supporting materials production
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Overseeing the initial stages of our high value individual giving work stream including; identifying potential givers, conducting relevant meetings, co-ordinating with suppliers, dispatching thank you gifts, and supporting materials production and distribution
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Developing crowd funding and fundraising initiatives including; innovating themes for targeted campaigns, overseeing campaign delivery, co-ordinating with volunteer fundraisers, administering recurring donations, and supporting materials production and distribution
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Applying a creative, solutions-focused mindset to identifying and shaping future opportunities
Other Duties
Beyond core responsibilities, you will also support wider organisational activities as needed. This may involve assisting with the BarNav newsletter, representing Bridging the Bar at events, and completing additional tasks that contribute to the charity’s overall effectiveness.
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Overseeing production of the BarNav newsletter including; brainstorming issues themes, co-ordinating contributions from partners, sponsors, staff, and/or candidates, compiling contributions and drafting final issue in Canva, and collaborating with the programmes team to ensure distribution of each issue.
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Providing support to the Head of Operations and programmes where needed including; taking meeting minutes, supporting production of financial reports, and assisting with presenting to the Board
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Collaborating with operations and programmes departments to support cross-functional delivery
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Representing BTB at BTB hosted events, relevant sector events, award ceremonies, or grant briefings where required
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Maintaining a flexible approach and supporting emerging needs across the charity as they arise
About You
Essential
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Adaptable and flexible, comfortable working in a changing environment
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Confident communicator, able to liaise with senior stakeholders and clients, lead meetings, negotiate, and network effectively
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Proactive and self-motivated, with the ability to take initiative
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Innovative, with a willingness to propose new ideas and approaches
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Aligned with the organisation’s values and mission-driven in approach
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Commercially aware, with an understanding of opportunities, markets, and value creation
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Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
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Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities
Desirable
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Experience with business development, corporate relations, grants, or sales or similar
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Demonstrated ability to build partnerships, generate opportunities, or support income-generating activities
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Understanding of the charity or legal landscape
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Creative approach to outreach and audience engagement, including digital communications and social media
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Competence with common work tools (e.g., Google Workspace, Canva) and a willingness to learn new systems
What We Offer
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The opportunity to support an award-winning charity driving systemic change within the legal profession
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Opportunities to contribute to organisational strategy and shape new initiatives
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Remote-first working environment, enabling flexibility and autonomy
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Flexible scheduling, allowing you to balance work and personal commitments
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Additional annual leave, with one extra day of paid holiday for each year of service (up to three years)
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Reimbursed travel and accommodation expenses for all work-related travel
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Annual funded team celebration days to recognise achievements and strengthen team connection
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Role-specific training and professional development, tailored to your growth
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Regular supervision and mentorship to support your ongoing professional development
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Access to our Employee Development Fund to fund training courses or other progression costs
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Access to our Employee Equipment Fund to fund to help you enhance your home-working setup
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Supportive, inclusive, and values-driven organisational culture
How to Apply
Please submit a one-page cover letter and CV via the form with the subject line (NAME) – Partnerships & Growth Officer Application - Stage One. Your cover letter should reflect your experience, vision for how you would contribute to the organisation, and commitment to BTB’s mission. This should be submitted to us directly via the email address on our website: applications that are not emailed directly will not be considered.
If you are successful at stage one, you will also be asked to complete pre-interview tasks as stage two between 12th Jan - 16th Jan.
Our third and final stage is an interview stage. Applicants successful at stage two will be invited to interview in W/C 19th Jan.
We aim to make an offer in W/C 26th Jan.
All applicants, successful or not, will receive application feedback from the panel.
Application Deadline: 09:00 12th January 2026
Intended Start Date: 09:00 2nd March 2026
Please note that you must both be located within and have the right to work in the UK for this role.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.