Director of finance and business improvement jobs
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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Note: Unfortunately we cannot support applications from international candidates at this time
As one of the largest federated charities in the UK, with arguably greater reach into the lives of families and educational settings than any other non-Government organisation, Parentkind is on a bold and urgent mission: to support, champion, and empower parents to be partners in their children’s education and wellbeing. To help deliver this, Parentkind's fundraising efforts helped grow Parentkind's income from £1.5m to £10m (including in-kind donations) between 2022 and 2024.
Although best known for our support of almost 24,000 Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs), Parent Councils, and Schools, helping them build strong school communities whilst they raise over £130 million each year to enhance children’s education, our work stretches far beyond the school gates. Parentkind is building a powerful movement that recognises parental engagement not as a nicety, but a necessity.
In recent years, families have faced a series of compounding challenges: the cost-of-living crisis, rising child poverty, and deepening educational inequality. These pressures have left many parents struggling to meet basic needs—let alone feel confident engaging in their child’s learning journey. Parentkind has responded to this moment with compassion, agility and purpose, through a series of transformative campaigns, resources, and partnerships. Our recent transformational journey has seen Parentkind’s network grow by more than 70% of schools, and the income Parentkind has delivered both for itself and for its members by more than 550%.
Our No Cold Child initiative, launched with FatFace, stepped in to address a stark statistic: over 150,000 children in the UK do not own a winter coat due to poverty. Through our trusted relationships with schools, we distributed 10,000 warm, high-quality coats worth £600,000 to the children who needed them most. Shortlisted for two Business Charity Awards, the campaign has been praised not just for providing warmth, but for restoring dignity, inclusion, and school readiness to thousands of children.
Our collaboration with Asda on Cashpot for Schools is another example of unlocking support at scale. This innovative community-led funding model allows shoppers to nominate and fund their local schools simply through everyday spending. In just the last year, this campaign has generated £5.78 million for schools—supporting everything from basic classroom supplies to vital extracurricular programmes and pupil wellbeing initiatives. Also shortlisted for a Business Charity Award, it is already a model for community-driven philanthropy.
Meanwhile, our All Dressed Up campaign—developed with World Book Day and Rubies Masquerade—confronted the often-overlooked issue of financial exclusion on key celebration days. More than 100,000 free dressing up costumes worth £1.34 million were delivered to children from low-income families. By enabling participation in events like World Book Day, we helped spark imagination, joy, and belonging for children who might otherwise feel left out—boosting self-esteem and supporting a positive connection to learning.
Alongside these national campaigns, Parentkind supports families year-round through a growing suite of programmes designed to inform, prepare and empower parents. Our Be School Ready programme offers crucial guidance and confidence to parents preparing their children for the leap into primary education. With a mix of practical advice, developmental tips, and reassurance, through the distribution of 135,000 copies of Be School Ready and an online campaign, it supports families at one of the most formative moments in their child’s life.
We also deliver a wide-ranging series of live expert webinars and parent-friendly resources, covering topics such as managing anxiety, supporting special educational needs, navigating school transitions, and building home-school partnerships. These resources—developed in consultation with experts and rooted in lived parent experience—equip families to feel informed and empowered, no matter what challenges arise.
This month, we launched our Parent-Friendly Schools Accreditation Programme, designed to formally recognise schools that go above and beyond in fostering positive, inclusive relationships with parents. The accreditation celebrates schools that actively listen to parent voices, make engagement easy and accessible, and embed family partnership in their culture. It is a practical and inspiring tool to drive long-term change in the sector and offers a roadmap for schools wanting to strengthen their community.
Our work is grounded in evidence. Every year, we conduct the UK’s largest parental engagement study: the National Parent Survey. In 2024, over five thousand parents participated, providing invaluable insight into what families think about the education system. The findings are fed directly into government consultations and have already influenced national debates on school funding, attendance, mental health support, SEND provision, and curriculum reform. We believe passionately that parents must not be the missing voice in education policy—and we work tirelessly to ensure their views shape the decisions that affect their children’s lives.
Today, through Parentkind’s federated network of more than 130,000 parent and teacher volunteers, our work impacts the lives of millions of parents, carers, teachers and children throughout the UK through our membership, programmes, advocacy and campaigns. But we know we can—and must—do more.
We’re looking for someone with passion, purpose, and creativity—someone who understands that a warm coat, a World Book Day costume, or a parent’s voice at the table can all be catalysts for lifelong change.
This is an exciting opportunity to join our growing Fundraising Team and play a leading role in shaping a brand-new trust fundraising programme from the ground up. We’re looking for someone with experience in securing income from trusts and foundations—someone who’s a confident communicator, both in writing and in person, and who brings a curious and strategic mindset to prospect research.
You’ll help craft compelling cases for support and develop a portfolio of proposals and reports that showcase the impact of our work—amplifying the voices of parents and schools and demonstrating how Parentkind is driving positive change. Strong attention to detail is essential, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.
If you believe, like we do, that when parents matter, children succeed, we’d love to hear from you.
You’ll have:
- Proven experience in trust and statutory fundraising, securing five- and six-figure grants.
- Demonstrable success in developing compelling proposals and reports for funders.
- Strong relationship management skills with a track record of stewarding long-term partnerships.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey impact effectively.
- Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
- Knowledge of the education, family support, or community development sectors.
You’ll get:
- To join a fast-moving charity with an exciting future
- To build your own team, playing a key role in driving forward the charity’s strategy and shaping our fundraising activity
- Remote working full-time with a great online team culture
- 25 days holiday in addition to UK public holidays.
How to apply
A full candidate pack is attached on this listing. To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter outlining your motivations for applying for the role and how you meet the Person Specification.
Interviews will be held on a rolling basis via video conference.
Parentkind is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and we ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and equally. We would be grateful if you would complete the equal opportunities monitoring questions when applying online to help us check that we are carrying out our policy of equal opportunities for all people. The information will be kept confidential and will be separate from your application. It will have no bearing on your application.
Parentkind is committed to meeting the needs of applicants with disabilities. Please let us know if you require any adjustments to your application or interview process.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About UP
Unlocking Potential deliver high performing therapeutic programmes and education provision for children and young people with SEMH needs. We work in collaboration with families, communities, and other partners to ensure that children and young people access the interventions they need to thrive.
Mission
We work collaboratively with communities to enable children and young people with social, emotional, and mental health needs to unlock their full potential
Values
Trust
We build trust by being honest, transparent, and accountable in the way we work with children and young people, staff, and partners and by providing services and programmes whose outcomes are measurable and evidenced based.
Collaborative
Relationships are at the heart of our work. We prioritise communication and collaboration with partners, families, and communities, believing that by working together we create more effective and holistic outcomes for children and young people.
Empowering
We co-create opportunities for our children, young people, parents/carers and staff to actively participate in decision-making that influences change. We promote the voices of children and young people in our organisation and the wider community.
Nurturing
We provide a nurturing approach based on safety and space for creativity, exploration, and growth. We support and care for our children, young people, and staff to realise their potential.
Impact
We are committed to measuring our impact through a data driven method to develop our programmes and make a greater difference to the lives of children, young people, and their parents and carers.
Overview
We will be launching our new programme from September 2025, initially as a pilot working with families across Wandsworth, with aims to be able to expand and continue beyond this.
We are seeking an experienced and passionate Family Support Manager to play a pivotal role in establishing our new Family Support programme. Your initial focus will be leading on the development of the service, implementing policies and procedures, building referral pathways, and recruiting a team of skilled Family Support Workers.
Once the service is established, you will manage a high-quality programme providing support and guidance to families facing complex challenges. Your role will involve overseeing a team of Family Support Workers, case management, fostering effective collaboration with internal and external multidisciplinary teams, and leading the service under a shared vision to ensure the well-being of children and their families.
Using a restorative approach, you will develop strong relationships to support families and empower them to take an active role in their own support plans and interventions, helping them build resilience and make informed decisions. A commitment to safeguarding excellence will be at the heart of everything you do.
This role would be an exciting opportunity for a qualified Social Worker or an experienced professional with a background in setting up and developing family support services. It offers a genuine opportunity to shape a new service and build an impactful team to make a real difference in the lives of children, young people, and their families.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Vacancy
Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW) is a faith-based humanitarian relief and development organisation working to save and transform the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable people. Established in 1984, with an active presence in over 45 countries, we strive to make the world a better and fairer place for those affected by poverty, conflict and natural disasters.
IRW’s Office of the General Counsel Division is recruiting for the position of ‘Complaints & Compliance Administrator’ to join its dynamic team based in Birmingham, UK. The organisation is currently operating a hybrid working model.
Job purpose:
To assist with the day-to-day processing, reporting, oversight and management of a diverse range of incoming complaints and whistleblowing disclosures and appropriate escalation of complaints requiring escalation to relevant Area Leads.
The post will play an active role in providing support to the IRW Complaints Team ensuring compliance with associated policies and processes. The role will involve the preparation of key documents and acting as a liaison with relevant internal and external stakeholders to compile and organise key information to support the work of the IRW Complaints Team.
To provide support and assistance to the Policy and Compliance Manager in the effective and efficient management and administration of the Policy and Compliance function and wider needs of the Division. To assist with ongoing reviews of internal or external policies and processes, production of resources, reports and associated materials and additional support as directed.
The successful candidate must have:
- A degree in a relevant qualification and/or significant experience suited to the wide remit of the role.
- Strong and seasoned analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think creatively and laterally, to overcome challenges.
- Strong organisation skills and attention to detail to ensure delivery of high-quality work.
- Ability to prioritise and work efficiently under pressure and subject to changing priorities, meeting deadlines, and using judgment and initiative in problem resolution.
- Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills. Excellent written and spoken English in particular.
- Excellent levels of computer literacy including Microsoft Office applications.
- Knowledge of compliance related subjects.
- Willingness to attend training where relevant.
- Independent and excellent time management skills
- Innovative thinker, able to develop and translate strategy into tactical action plans and deliverables.
- Experience of complaints resolution or customer facing role.
- Proven record of excellent people and interpersonal skills with strong communication skills at individual and group level. This includes ability to adapt to and engage within a multicultural and diverse environment.
- Previous experience of working within humanitarian and development (third) sector is an advantage.
- Proven ability and experience in analysing, interpreting and reporting on data which enables sound conclusion and recommendations to be drawn.
- Demonstrates the flexibility and energy that is required for self-management and prioritising workload.
- Ability to build constructive working relationships and ability to respond appropriately in fast changing and challenging situations.
- Willingness to travel within UK and internationally.
For more information, please click on the Documents tab above to view the full Job Description.
If you are talented, reliable, service-minded, resilient and a highly motivated professional looking for a meaningful career, with a strong commitment to IRW’s mission and values of sincerity, excellence, compassion, social justice and custodianship, please apply by completing our online application form.
For more information on the excellent company benefits we offer our employees, please visit our website.
PLEASE NOTE: Interviews are expected to take place on or around 18 June 2025.
Pre-employment Checks:
Any employment with Islamic Relief will be subject to the following checks:
- Screening clearance
- Proof of eligibility to live and work within the UK
- Receipt of satisfactory references
Please note, for UK-based roles, we are only able to accept applications from candidates who are eligible to work in the UK. We are unable to progress applications which would require sponsorship.
Our values and commitment to safeguarding
IRW is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people, adults and beneficiaries with whom IRW engages. IRW expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.
The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.
All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records checks. IRW also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.
In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment.
By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.
Islamic Relief is an equal opportunities employer
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Following a successful 12-year tenure by the current Chief Executive Officer, South Yorkshire Eating Disorders Association (SYEDA) is seeking a new leader to guide the organisation into its next exciting chapter.
Rooted in lived experience and developed over three decades, SYEDA is a leading regional charity offering support to individuals affected by eating disorders, along with their carers and the professionals who support them. The organisation has recently secured a major five-year contract, along with additional grant funding, to expand both its clinical services and early intervention work, including innovative programmes in schools and community settings.
This opportunity calls for a forward-thinking, emotionally intelligent, and strategic leader with the vision and capability to build on a strong foundation—enhancing reach, influence, and impact across the region.
As CEO, you will:
- Lead SYEDA’s strategy and vision, working closely with a committed Board and team
- Oversee the delivery of clinical and preventative services, ensuring high standards of care, access and innovation
- Support and develop the staff team (~20 people), embedding a culture of inclusion, learning, and wellbeing
- Drive income generation and ensure financial sustainability
- Represent SYEDA regionally and nationally.
About you:
You’re an experienced senior leader with proven experience in people management, strategy, and operational delivery. You understand the importance of good governance and inclusive leadership. Ideally, you’ve worked in or alongside the NHS or charity sector, and you bring passion for health/social care, EDI, and recovery.
Why join SYEDA?
· To become part of a specialist charity with a growing national profile, a financially stable, and with ambitious plans for future growth.
· To join and promote a warm, collaborative culture with a strong commitment strong commitment to incorporating lived experience at all levels of the organisation.
· For an opportunity to shape support for some of the most underrepresented individuals in the mental health field today.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Battersea's Global Programmes Department are looking for a passionate individual to join the team as Grants and Programmes Associate.
The Grants and Programmes Associate will support the delivery of a portfolio of work within the Grants and Programmes function at Battersea, focusing on the UK portfolio. The Associate will work closely with and report to a Grants & Programmes Manager who leads the portfolio. This is an exciting time for Battersea as we expand our work to impact more dogs and cats.
Over the coming five years, it is planned that the size and complexity of grant making will grow, including the establishment of several multi-year programmes in the UK and abroad.
This is a grants management role within the Grants and Programmes team in the Global Programmes Directorate, requiring excellent experience of relationship, grant and project management. The successful postholder should be comfortable working as a team, with considerable scope, and complexity and nurturing relationships with colleagues across the organisation as an integral element of the role. The Associate would support a portfolio led by a Manager who would also be their line manager.
What we can offer you:
In return for your commitment to our cause and to recognise the value of our employees, Battersea offers a range of benefits to support the wellbeing of our employees. These include:
- 28 days of annual leave (plus 8 days paid public holidays) per year
- Discounted gym memberships and cycle to work schemes
- Employee Assistance Programme and access to Wellbeing Resources.
- Generous pension contributions – up to 10% employer contribution
- Free healthcare cash plan, where you can claim for a range of treatment including dental, optical, physiotherapy, chiropody and acupuncture every year.
- Annual interest-free season ticket loans
We are also committed to providing learning and development to our employees. During your time with us, we provide support for your professional and career development, including access to digital and in-person training programmes, leadership and management training, mentoring and much more.
Our hybrid working model:
We operate a 50% onsite hybrid working model, with our office-based staff splitting their time between site based and home working. This enables our office-based staff to balance the benefits of home working with onsite collaboration and maintaining a connection to our cause.
Diversity and inclusion:
We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive experience for all staff, volunteers and trustees and those hoping to join us. We operate an anonymised shortlisting process and actively seek to ensure our process is fair and equitable for all.
We understand the value of diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences to help us deliver even more for our dogs and cats, and we welcome applicants from all sections of the community.
As a Disability Confident Committed Employer we will ask about any adjustments you may need at application and/or interview stage, and if you are offered a role with us, we’ll talk to you about any workplace adjustments you may need to help you perform at your best.
More about us:
At Battersea, we aim to never turn away a dog or cat in need of help. We give each one lots of love, expert care and get to know their characters and quirks so we can find them a new home that’s just right for them. Join us and help us be here for every dog and cat, wherever they are, for as long as they need us.
Closing date: 13th May 2025
Interview date(s): 16th May 2025
To apply for the role, please click the button below. All applications must be submitted before the closing date advertised. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received.
Battersea is here for every dog and cat, and has been since 1860. We believe that every dog and cat deserves the best.





The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.