Director of development jobs in bermondsey, greater london

Womankind Worldwide are exclusively partnering with Robertson Bell in their search for a new Director of Finance, People & Culture to join their team on a permanent basis. Womankind Worldwide is a global women's rights organisation working in partnership with women's rights movements and organisations to transform the lives of women and girls.

Reporting into one of the Co-CEOs, the Director of Finance, People & Culture will lead Womankind’s finance, HR, and Resources functions while ensuring regulatory compliance across jurisdictions (UK and Kenya). You'll work closely with their Finance & Resources Committee and serve as Company Secretary, supporting their ambitious Strategy to 2030.You will also lead the people strategy that strengthens Womankind’s culture, enhances employee wellbeing, drives engagement, and aligns talent with their strategic goals.

The organisation:

Womankind Worldwide strengthen and support women’s movements in their focus countries in Africa and Asia, and take collective action at regional and global levels, to ensure women’s voices are heard, their rights are realised, and their lives are free from violence. Currently, Womankind has staff based in Kenya and the UK. They’re undertaking a strategic transformation to strengthen their impact through a grantmaking and partnership review, an updated business model and a strategic alignment process. Staff wellbeing - one of their core feminist principles - will remain central as they navigate this journey. These changes reflect their deep commitment towards a feminist future and will position them to provide more strategic support where it is most needed across their focus countries during these unprecedented times in the development sector.

The key duties of the Director of Finance, People & Culture are as follows:

• Lead strategic financial and HR planning in collaboration with Co-CEOs and Finance & Resources Committee
• Drive implementation of Strategy 2030 particularly those strategies pertaining to Womankind’s goals to value our team and decolonise our practice
• Support assessment of funding landscape and sustainable financing strategies
• Ensure effective 3-year rolling budgeting and planning cycles
• Line manage Finance, People & Culture team, provide coaching, supervision, and development support, whilst building team capacity through process improvement
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and reporting processes
• Lead annual audit and statutory accounts production in the UK and Kenya
• Act as Company Secretary to Board of Trustees
• Ensure consistent quality and delivery of all finance processes (internal and external)
• Strategic development and review of Human Resource management, policies and processes
• Shape and model a feminist, inclusive, and high-performing organisational culture that aligns with Womankind’s values
• Oversee design and implementation of a wellbeing strategy
• Lead on information technology, ensuring systems meet needs of the organisation
• Provide oversight of facilities in the UK and Kenya

The successful candidate will have:

• Qualification: A full, recognised accounting qualification
• Leadership: Proven track record delivering strategic plans as part of senior leadership team
• Experience: Significant experience leading Finance and HR functions
• International: Experience working across multiple jurisdictions
• Charity Sector: Understanding of charity governance, SORP accounting, and charity financing
• Management: Strong staff management and development experience
• Communication: Ability to explain complex financial matters to non-financial
• Governance: Experience working with and being accountable to Board of Trustees
• Values: Strong commitment to feminism, anti-racism, and social justice

This role can be based in either the UK or Kenya, with flexible hybrid working policies in place. The team are also open to considering candidates with strong experience on a 0.8 FTE basis.

Applications are open until Sunday 28^th September, with first stage interviews due to take place the week commencing 6^th October. CVs will be under continuous review in advance of this date and we reserve the right to close the advert early, so please submit your application today to make sure you don’t miss out!

Are you passionate about youth work with leadership experience? We are looking for a Director of Youth Work to provide effective leadership and strategic direction for the Youth Work team within FAST London. The Director of Youth Work will sit in the Leadership Team, working in collaboration with the CEO and managers to ensure FAST’s overall strategic objectives and desired outcomes are met.

Who we are

FAST London (FAST) is a Christian youth charity based on the Patmore Estate focused on supporting 10–19-year-olds from deprived backgrounds in Battersea and South Lambeth. Our mission is to help young people succeed by creating safe spaces and providing diversionary and inspiring activities that develop resilience and inspire hope in efforts to achieve this. We build relationships with young people by engaging with them in environments where they feel most comfortable whilst doing activities they love. Once relationships are developed, we work with young people and stakeholders to overcome challenges and unlock potential.We also provide opportunities for young people to explore the Christian faith as we believe it transforms lives. We serve people without regard to their religion or ethnic background.

Context for this role

This is a pivotal moment for FAST, as the need for our work has grown significantly. More young people are falling into poverty and struggling in school, making our mission more urgent than ever.

Although capacity remains a challenge—especially with a 60% reduction in public youth programmes over the past decade (YMCA, 2020)—we continue to grow strong, engaging over 400 young people annually.

Our desire is to build and sustain a healthy youth organisation that delivers excellent and vibrant youth work. We aim to make a lasting difference in young people’s lives and to cultivate a team of empowered, well-equipped staff who love what they do.

To achieve this, expanding our team is essential. We are seeking someone with experience in delivering and leading youth work, as well as insight into developing a healthy organisation. The ideal candidate will bring a passion for driving meaningful results, a strong work ethic, and strategic thinking.

We would love to hear from you if you:

Qualities and Attributes

• Are a committed Christian who loves young people with a heart for the most vulnerable and hard-to-reach
• Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills that inspire confidence and develop a culture of excellence.
• Are an experienced manager, with an ability to grasp detail and translate ideas into strategies and deliverable outcomes.
• Are highly organised, adaptable, problem solver with a focus on results.
• Can think systematically with knowledge of systems and governance of systems

Experience

• Have experience delivering frontline youth work in group sessions as well as one-to-one mentoring- experience delivering football projects is ideal

• Have experience managing projects and a track record for developing the systems, quality assurance that support organisational excellence;

• Have experience of managing Safeguarding and Risk within an organisation.

• Have experience in finance and managing budgets

• Have experience of project design, development and evaluation

• Have experience of working in senior leadership in an organisation and a track record of driving strategic vision to reality

This post is subject to an occupational requirement that the holder is a practising Christian under Part 1 of Schedule 9 to the Equality Act 2010.

Marketing, Communications and Fundraising Director

Salary: £65-70,000

Location: Hybrid: home working with a minimum of one day/week in Teddington and regular visits to London shops

Contract Type: Full-time (part-time or job share considered – minimum 0.8 FTE)

The Role

FARA is a unique charity retail organisation with a network of 39 vibrant shops across 26 London communities. Our shops are the heart of our fundraising efforts, providing the majority of income to support our work with vulnerable children and families in Romania. Stylish and community-driven, FARA shops offer a distinctive reuse second-hand retail experience while making a real difference.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Marketing, Communications and Fundraising Director to lead our strategic communications and fundraising efforts, with a strong focus on growing the visibility and profitability of our charity shops.

This hands-on leadership role will shape and deliver integrated marketing campaigns, drive footfall and customer engagement across our retail estate, and build brand awareness for both our shops and charitable mission. You’ll work closely with shop teams, the central office and external partners to ensure our messaging is compelling, consistent and impactful. You’ll also lead the digital and fundraising strategy, helping us reach new audiences and deepen relationships with existing supporters. With a small but passionate team, this role offers the opportunity to make a tangible impact across the organisation.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has senior-level experience in marketing and communications, ideally within charity retail or fashion.
• Can lead others to develop fantastic fundraising campaigns.
• Is a strategic thinker with a flair for creative storytelling and brand development.
• Can lead and deliver multi-channel campaigns that drive engagement and income.
• Understands the retail environment and can tailor messaging to diverse audiences.
• Is confident working across digital platforms, media relations and fundraising.
• Has excellent interpersonal skills and thrives in collaborative environments.

Working at FARA

We can offer flexible working arrangements, including compressed hours and job share options. You’ll be part of a committed leadership team and work in a values-driven organisation that blends retail innovation with social impact.

Application Process

To apply, please submit:

• A two-page CV
• A cover letter (max two pages) outlining how you meet the person specification and why you’re excited about this role.

Deadline: Midnight 20th September

Interview dates:

• Round one: 29th September or 1st October (online via Zoom)
• Round two: 7th October (in person – Teddington or Central London)

If you’d like to arrange a short call with our CEO before applying, this can be arranged for w/c 15th of September. Please get in touch to do this. Please get in touch via mail @ fara charity . org to do this. 

Job details:

• Location: FLEX office, Vauxhall, London - Flexible hybrid working with a mixture of in person and home/office working.
• Salary: £54,000 per annum subject to deductions for tax and national insurance contributions as required by law, pro-rated if part time.
• Working hours: Full time, 5 days, equivalent to 37.5 hours per week. There is also the option to work part time at 0.8 FTE (30 hours per week).
• Pension: 4%, with incremental pension contributions.
• Contract: Fixed term, 2 years (with the expectation to continue, subject to funding)
• Reports to: CEO
• People management: 4-5 staff members.
• Benefits include: 25 days holiday per year plus bank holidays (pro rata) with incremental leave (one extra day per year worked up to 5 days); extra paid days off over the end of year holiday period; enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity pay; occupational sick pay; Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling support; and opportunities for skills development

About the role

The Director of Operations will serve as a key member of the Senior Management Team (SMT) and a key driver of our organisational strength. This role leads the development and smooth running of the systems, processes, and culture that enables FLEX to deliver its mission effectively. You will oversee day-to-day operations across human resources, finance, governance, and key compliance areas such as data protection and health and safety.

Working closely with the CEO and the SMT, you will implement and continually improve our operational plans, infrastructure, and procedures, ensuring they are efficient, legally compliant, and aligned with our values. Your leadership will foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing environment, enabling the team to focus on achieving FLEX’s strategic goals.

How to apply

To apply please visit our website to download the recruitment pack. Deadline: 6 October 2025, 12pm (midday).

Shortlisting: Your application will be assessed against the criteria specified in the job description. Please explain how you meet the items marked for the ‘application form’ stage.

Interview: If you are invited to the next stage of the recruitment process, your experience, ability and skills will be further assessed at an in-depth interview with the Recruitment Panel.

Staff panel: Interviewed candidates will also meet a small group of FLEX staff in a separate session. This panel is informal and will focus on values and on how you might contribute to our organisational culture. Staff feedback will be shared with the Recruitment Panel to help inform its decision.

We would be grateful if you can also complete our Equal Opportunities Form. This information help us monitor and analyse the level of diversity within the organisation in order to assess gaps and actions needed to increase reach to underrepresented groups. This information will not be used as part of the selection process and will remain anonymous.

We encourage applications from people with lived experience of the immigration system or who identify as part of marginalised communities.

If you are disabled or become disabled, we encourage you to tell us about your condition so that we can make reasonable adjustments and consider what support may be provided at the interview and task stage.

We are looking for that special person with drive, empathy and business acument to support Circle an already proven and successful youth employment charity to the next level. Our model achieves very high outcomes as we take small cohorts and listen to what our young people want. We have partnerships with many large corporates who understand how we are differant from most charities.

We’re looking for an exceptional leader to join Community Action Redbridge as  our new Operations Director – a pivotal role at the heart of our organisation.

With an income of just under £1 million and a diverse portfolio of new and established grant-funded programmes, we’re entering a period of transformation, with ambitious plans to grow our impact and strengthen our organisational resilience.

At the heart of our work is a commitment to social justice and to tackling the root causes of inequality. We’re passionate about shifting power, amplifying community voices, and working collaboratively to create social change. 

The Centre for Progressive Change is looking for a full-time Operations Director that will be part of the newly formed Executive Team. This role will be responsible for running the operations of the organisation with a focus on our people, systems and processes. They will work closely with the Executive Team, ensuring the organisation runs smoothly and efficiently so that we can have impact.

The Centre for Progressive Change (CPC) is an organisation that builds campaigns for national policy change in the UK. Our focus is on making progressive gains that improve the lives of low- and middle-income communities. We want the UK to be a place where everyone has the financial resources they need, where people are treated as equals and are free to be who they are without persecution, and where we look after our environment.

To achieve this vision, our mission is to build proactive campaigns for progressive legislative change, do research on what works when campaigning for national policy change and offer training and consultancy to support other organisations to build effective campaigns. Our campaigns use an inter-disciplinary approach including community organising, mobilising, advocacy, business engagement, campaign research and press work.

The Centre for Progressive Change is looking for a Safe Sick Pay Campaign Director that will be part of the newly formed Executive Team. This is an exciting time to be joining the campaign, as we capitalise on our successes so far and plan for our next big policy gain - increasing the rate of Statutory Sick Pay.

The Centre for Progressive Change (CPC) is an organisation that builds campaigns for national policy change in the UK. Our focus is on making progressive gains that improve the lives of low- and middle-income communities. We want the UK to be a place where everyone has the financial resources they need, where people are treated as equals and are free to be who they are without persecution, and where we look after our environment.

To achieve this vision, our mission is to build proactive campaigns for progressive legislative change, do research on what works when campaigning for national policy change and offer training and consultancy to support other organisations to build effective campaigns. Our campaigns use an inter-disciplinary approach including community organising, mobilising, advocacy, business engagement, campaign research and press work.

The Campaign Director will be in charge of our campaign for Safe Sick Pay, so that everyone has the Statutory Sick Pay they need. The Campaign Director will form the campaign strategy to see an increase in the rate of Statutory Sick Pay, fundraise to implement the strategy, hire campaign team members, support the team to implement the strategy, hold the key stakeholder relationships, drive the campaign, and deliver parts of the campaign where needed.

As a member of the Executive Team, the Campaign Director will be part of the team responsible for the strategy, structure, team, culture and finances of the organisation.

Join The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and help save the lives of people with cancer everywhere. With one in two of us expected to develop cancer in our lifetimes, our mission to fund the life-saving research and world-leading treatment and care at The Royal Marsden is more vital than ever.

We are seeking a visionary and strategic leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as the Associate Director of Public Fundraising. This pivotal role will accelerate income growth across mass fundraising channels including Community Fundraising, Individual Giving, and Legacy programmes. You will drive innovation, supporter engagement, and product development to grow sustainable income and support transformational projects.

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

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

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

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

As Head of Principal Gifts, you will:

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

Ideal skills and experience: 

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

Employee benefits

Benefits include: 

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

Start date: ASAP

Location: UK 

Application Deadline: 30 September 2025. Please note that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged.

Job title: Development Manager

Working hours: 35 hrs per week 

Remuneration: £45,000 - £50,000 annually. Final salary will be negotiated based on skills and experience. 

ABOUT IWPR

Founded in 1991, the Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR) is a non-profit organisation that works with independent media and civil society to promote positive change in areas of crisis and conflict. From Ukraine to the Philippines – via the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Central Asia – we have trained tens of thousands of journalists and civil society activists and built many lasting organisations that remain independent to this day in Afghanistan, the Balkans, Africa and Asia.

THE ROLE 

The Development Manager will proactively develop programme ideas into winnable proposals and progress income from institutional donors as well as trusts and foundations. Reporting to the Global Development Director, the successful candidate will be a self-starter with the relevant experience, skills and relationships to develop a portfolio of prospects and grantmakers. You will work as part of a collaborative and friendly development team and work closely with programmes to develop new ideas and applications.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop new ideas for business development and submit to institutional and/or trusts & foundations as appropriate
• To work with programme teams to submit timely proposals in response to calls including proposal development and coordinating the proposal administration process
• Work closely with the programme teams to identify and respond to new opportunities for their portfolios and develop existing relationships in collaboration with IWPR programmes
• Contribute to the development team and overall organisational income targets
• Develop strategies for engaging new prospective donors – including foundations - through research
• Gather and share information on new potential funding and/or themes and contribute to the intelligence and MEL functions of IWPR with donor information and competitor mapping
• To contribute to the overall strategic development of the team including the MEL and networking functions

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• At least 4 years of experience working in a similar role
• Significant and demonstrable experience of securing income from institutional donors, trusts and foundations
• Ability to work independently and as part of a remote team
• High quality verbal and written communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, attention to detail, and a desire to collaborate effectively with peers
• Proven successful experience in identifying and securing unpublished funding opportunities
• Ability to deliver high-level presentations to donors, clients and internal audiences

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. 

Principals only. No calls please. Only those who have been selected for interviews will be contacted. IWPR will never ask for payment for recruitment.

IWPR is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, veteran status or pregnancy and maternity. 

This is an opportunity for a well-rounded accountant to join the Bild group of charities. The post-holder will be responsible for all management accounts across a group of four charities, whose combined turnover is circa £4m per year.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

• Oversee day-to-day accounting and financial controls
• Prepare monthly management accounts, reports, and financial statements
• Responsible for development of management reporting

• Meeting regularly with budget holders to review financial performance and outstanding commitments.

• Manage payroll, tax returns, and financial reporting for funders

• Support the Business and Finance Director in preparing annual budgets and forecasts.
• Support the Business and Finance Director with the annual audit process

General Responsibilities:

• Access and work within Bild’s policies and procedures. 

• Attend internal cycle of team meetings relevant to this role. 

• Engage with line management, supervision (where appropriate) and appraisal process. 

• Comply with data protection regulations, ensuring that information on clients, employees, volunteers and other stakeholders remains confidential. 

• Take responsibility for personal learning and development with support from line manager. 

• Work in a manner that facilitates equal opportunities and inclusion for all. 

• Remain professional and respectful at all times, promoting positive relations with all those we encounter in our work. 

• Maintain health and safety and risk awareness for self and others across the organisation. 

• Undertake any other duties that Bild may require within the remit of this role. 

Executive Director of Brand, Marketing & Fundraising

Location: Any Crisis office across Great Britain, hybrid working with weekly meetings in London
Salary: £120,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent

At Crisis, we believe that homelessness should not exist, and together we can end it. Our bold 10-year strategy is already driving change but with homelessness rising and funding challenges increasing, we know we must think differently, act courageously, and inspire more people to join us.

We’re looking for an exceptional leader to shape the future of our brand, marketing and fundraising. This is a chance to combine creativity, strategy and purpose, ensuring that our voice is heard, our supporters feel deeply connected, and our income grows to meet the scale of our ambition.

What you’ll do

As Executive Director of Brand, Marketing & Fundraising, you will:

• Provide inspirational leadership to a talented directorate and play a vital role as part of our Senior Leadership Team, reporting directly to the CEO.
• Lead the development of a multi-year fundraising plan that drives sustainable, diverse income and enables Crisis to scale its life-changing work — including our new ambition of direct housing delivery.
• Refresh and strengthen the Crisis brand, building awareness, trust and influence across Great Britain.
• Grow a thriving community of supporters, partners and advocates who stand with us to end homelessness.
• Personally steward high-value relationships and inspire others across the organisation to embrace fundraising and engagement as a shared responsibility.

Who you are

We’re looking for someone who combines vision with action — a leader who brings both strategic insight and personal passion. You will have:

• A strong track record of leading fundraising and supporter engagement at scale, with experience delivering significant income growth.
• Proven success in enhancing a brand to deliver organisational priorities.
• Expertise in strategic marketing, audience engagement, digital innovation and integrated campaigns.
• Experience as part of a senior leadership team, working collaboratively and influencing at Board level.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion and co-production, ensuring that the voices of people with lived experience of homelessness inform our work.
• An inspirational leadership style that motivates, empowers and unlocks potential across teams.

Above all you want to be part of a movement of change-makers determined to end homelessness in our time.

Ready to Learn More?

Click below to view our full Candidate Pack for everything you need to know – including how to apply.

Closing date: Wednesday 15th October, 9am

We are seeking a dynamic Director of Professional Activities to lead Education and Conferences & Events portfolios – the organisation’s primary revenue streams and most visible platforms for impact.

Remote | Full-time | Global impact

Salary: £58,000

In this newly created senior leadership position, you will reshape the education department, develop innovative learning products, and oversee the delivery of large-scale international conferences (4,000+ delegates). As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will ensure programmes are strategically aligned, financially sustainable, and operationally excellent.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead education and event strategy, innovation, and delivery
• Develop new professional learning offerings (e.g. micro-credentials, global training)
• Oversee major conferences, hybrid/virtual events, and delegate engagement
• Manage budgets, drive revenue growth, and mitigate risk
• Mentor and develop senior staff, building a high-performing team
• Represent the organization internationally and build strategic partnerships

About You

• Senior leadership experience in education, events, or membership organizations
• Proven ability to deliver large-scale programmes and conferences
• Strong commercial and financial management skills
• Innovative, strategic thinker with excellent communication skills
• Global mindset and willingness to travel

This is a rare opportunity to make a tangible impact on a global stage, shaping education and events that influence thousands of professionals worldwide. You will join a mission-driven organisation committed to advancing knowledge, building capacity, and supporting professional development across borders.

A global outlook and willingness to travel internationally (as required) are essential.

For more information, please submit your CV to .

 Please note, CVs are being reviewed on a rolling basis, and only successful applicants will be contacted with more information.

 As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.