Director of service development jobs in south ockendon, thurrock

Are you the person to take The Ivy Street Family Centre to the next level? We are looking for a motivated and passionate Director of Operations who can take this much-loved and vibrant charity into the next phase of its life. 

ABOUT US

The Ivy Street Family Centre is a little oasis of warmth and fun in the heart of Hoxton. We provide welcoming and relaxing spaces for children and their carers where everyone makes friends. We welcome mums, dads, childminders, nannies, grandparents and anyone else looking after under fives.

Ivy Street has a history of serving the local community for over 40 years. We punch well above its weight in terms of reach and impact, and you have the opportunity to build on this solid foundation to reach more people and organisations to improve lives and promote thriving relationships within families in Hackney.

THE ROLE

The main purpose of the role is to build a financially stable base for the work and impact of The Ivy Street Family Centre, by making full use of the income producing potential of our fabulous new centre.

You will work with our small, but wonderful and committed team of play workers to develop our range of services and increase the impact of Ivy Street in Hackney and beyond.

Title: Director of Operations

Reporting to: Ivy Street Family Centre Trustees

Salary: £32,000 (working 4 days/week) or £40,000 (5 days/week); scope for higher salary and/or annual bonus if sustainable funding targets achieved.

Benefits: Eligible to join our stakeholder pension scheme after passing probation.

Location: 54 Ivy Street, Hoxton, London, N1 5JE; up to one day per week working from home.

Hours: 28 (if working 4 days/week) or 35 hours (5 days/week)

Holiday entitlement: 22.5 days (if working 4 days/week) or 28 days (5 days/week)

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: 15th June 2025

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Operations Director reports directly to the Trustee Board and is responsible for the following:

1. Working with the Trustees

• Overall vision and mission setting: Developing the use of the services and the building and increase the impact of Ivy Street for the benefit of the local community.
• Fundraising: Raising funds from a variety of sources to ensure the long term financial security of the charity, particularly focussing on rental income from the facility.
• Financial: Overseeing finance (with the assistance of a Trustee Treasurer)  and ensuring that regular, accurate financial reports are provided to the Trustees and accurate records are kept, and providing an Annual Report for the annual accounts.
• Compliance: Ensuring that all legal requirements are met:
  • Health and Safety
  • HR
  • Safeguarding
  • All other policies and procedures including risk management.
• Community Impact: Nurturing of outside relationships with other organisations and services.
• Monitoring: Overseeing the quality and monitoring of our services.

2. Day to Day Responsibilities

• Developing and implementing a robust rental strategy to increase the use of the building for the long term financial security of Ivy Street and benefit of the local community.
• Networking with other organisations, charity partners and donors.
• Work with the staff team and trustees to develop and monitor the programme of activities and services.
• Overseeing staff and the activity programme.
• Overseeing the maintenance of the fabric of the building.
• Promoting the charity’s work with other organisations and in the local community.
• Ensuring that accurate financial and service records are kept.
• Developing and implementing a volunteer programme to support the work of the staff and provide opportunities for local people.

3. Reporting

• Attending Trustees meetings.
• Providing regular written reports to the Trustees for each trustees’ meeting.

4. Training

• Ensuring that appropriate training is available to all staff and volunteers.
• Pursuing self development by attending appropriate training courses/events and networking opportunities.

5. Equal Opportunities

• Encouraging mutual understanding, support and co-operation amongst a diverse group of people in line with the Equal Opportunities policy.

6. Safeguarding

• Working with the staff and trustees to ensure that:
  • all staff and volunteers are following safeguarding procedures in accordance with the Safeguarding policy.
  • all DBS checks are up to date.
  • staff and trustees can access appropriate training.

7. Other

• Undertaking other relevant duties as required, in consultation with the Trustees.

ABOUT YOU

Skills and Experience

• A good degree OR relevant professional qualification OR relevant experience.
• Experience of running a facility and programme of services.
• Demonstrable ability to develop and execute a business strategy or fundraising programme.
• Good interpersonal skills and an ability to work as part of a team.
• Strong administrative ability; including computer literacy and experience.
• Willingness to work with volunteers and a positive attitude to their development, including an ability to undertake some on-the-job training.
• An awareness of the factors affecting inner city life and marginalised groups, and knowledge of the local community.
• Knowledge and understanding of relevant Health and Safety, Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities requirements.

Personal Qualities

• Genuine passion for supporting vulnerable families in urban communities.
• Personal commitment to social justice and community development.
• Respect and appreciation for diverse cultural and racial backgrounds.
• Deep resonance with our charity's roots and ethos.
• Self-starter, willing to learn and with a great can-do attitude.

Job overview

A fantastic opportunity to lead the Chrysalis East team in the role of Director at the London Academy of Excellence Tottenham - the Sunday Times ‘State 6th Form College of the Year 2020-21’.

About us

LAE Tottenham is a selective 16-19 free school, which offers a rigorous academic curriculum alongside a broad co-curricular programme and exceptional pastoral support enabling students to access high tariff universities. In 2023-24, over 75% of students won places at Russell Group universities, from a cohort in which 50% of students had been eligible for free school meals at secondary school.

LAE Tottenham

• Academically selective 6th form, opened in September 2017. Results in the top 3% nationally for attainment and progress.
• Principal Education Sponsor Highgate School and Lead Business Sponsor Tottenham Hotspur Football Club.
• Partnered by eight other leading independent schools - Alleyn’s, Chigwell, Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’, Harrow, John Lyon, North London Collegiate, Mill Hill and St Dunstan’s College, each offering departmental support, CPD, expertise and shared student experiences.
• Providing first-class support into top class higher education and employment, focused on academically ambitious young people
• Housed in a stunning new state of the art school building linked to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
• Sunday Times ‘State 6th Form College of the Year 2020-21
• Rated outstanding by OFSTED

Chrysalis East aims to reduce inequalities in progression to highly-selective universities for students across Tottenham. Working in partnership across a network of local schools, the programme includes academic enrichment, university preparation and careers guidance.

Chrysalis East seeks to help young people in Tottenham flourish educationally and make better informed choices about their futures. We want to support more young people to achieve the grades to be able to progress to sixth form ensuring our school is accessible to as many young people locally as possible. Whilst based at LAE Tottenham, we work in partnership with a network of local schools and our programme includes academic enrichment, small group teaching, university preparation and careers guidance.

As the most senior leader of Chrysalis East, the Director will be its most passionate advocate - able to communicate its mission with authenticity and conviction, and to bring people with them. They will act as the programme’s public face, winning hearts and minds among school leaders, teachers, pupils and parents, and ensuring the project’s vision is shared, understood, and supported across the community.

The Director of Chrysalis East role is advertised on a full-time basis, and on a fixed-term contract until August 2030.

LAE Tottenham offers a range of benefits to all directly-employed members of staff, including free breakfast and lunch and access to Benenden Health private healthcare.

We are actively working to close the gap in areas within the school that are currently underrepresented. To better reflect the diversity of Haringey, we especially encourage applications from within the Black community, as well as other members of our diverse community, to further enrich all aspects of our school.

LAE Tottenham is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to this post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Please note that this role is ‘exempt’ from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore, if shortlisted, you will be required to declare any convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings that are not ‘protected’ (i.e. filtered out) as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. Further information is available on the school's website.

The closing date is 23rd June 2025. Interviews are scheduled to take place w/c. 30th June 2025.

(LAET will invite strong candidates to interview as applications come in throughout the designated advertisement period).

Assistant Director of Network Development and Impact
Reporting To: Director of Network Development and Impact
Manages: Head of Volunteering, Head of Practice and Learning (vacant role, managing Learning and Development Manager and 2x Practice Leads in interim) and Head of Design and Impact (new role, managing Data Analyst in interim)
Location: Remote (occasional travel to Leicester office & other UK locations as necessary)
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £58,000 per annum
Hours: Full time (36 hours per week)

About Home-Start UK

Home-Start is a federated charity consisting of a central national office – Home-Start UK - and over 170 geographically dispersed local Home-Start organisations, all working together under the same identity.

We recognise that being a parent has never been easy. Every Home-Start volunteer is trained to work alongside parents to overcome the challenges they are facing. We work with parents to build on their strengths and give them the support that they tell us they need. We offer no judgement – just compassionate, confidential help and expert support. This peer-to-peer support is key to the difference Home-Start makes and often our volunteers have lived experience of the challenges their families are facing themselves.

About The Role

The Assistant Director of Network Development and Impact leads our strategic programme of work to enable sustainability, growth, inclusion and impact across the Home-Start federation. With a deep understanding of programme and service development, and a commitment to insight-led decision-making, the postholder will lead a more strategic, data-informed approach to how we grow and strengthen our network’s collective impact.

As a member of our senior leadership team, they will provide inspiring, strong and supportive leadership to teams delivering ongoing activities and planned projects, and to foster cohesion and alignment across Home-Start UK and the Home-Start network. They will work across the organisation and with partners to ensure our programmes of work evolve to meet emerging needs and to deliver meaningful, measurable change over time.

This senior leadership role has oversight of teams who are leading work to:

• Harness the brilliant leadership, expertise and innovation that exists across our network so that we are working collaboratively to grow our reach and impact nationally.
• Enable strong leadership, governance and relationships across the network, so that we can make the most of the strengths and opportunities of our federated model.
• Build a culture of inclusion, strengthen diversity and representation across our teams, ensure accessibility and equity throughout our work, and grow our voice for equity, equality and anti-racism.
• Designing and driving forward major programmes and initiatives to deliver our strategic ambitions for growth, voice, inclusion and impact.
• Deliver evidence-led and policy-informed portfolio of practice development and quality improvement, which is responsive to the needs of local Home-Starts and the children, families and communities they are supporting.
• Support and enable accessible, inclusive, high quality and rewarding volunteering experiences across the network, to grow volunteering numbers as part of wider supporter engagement.
• Establish a high-quality, federation-wide learning and development offer, embedding a culture where individuals and organisations can learn and grow.
• Better understand and demonstrate our impact for children and families, and ensure our programme of network and practice development is informed by evidence, data and insights.

This is a new role leading a growing team, and there will be a strong focus on working collaboratively with colleagues across Home-Start UK and the Home-Start network to develop the programmes and partnerships needed to achieve our vision for children and families.

Closing date for applications is Wednesday 11th June at 4pm.

Interviews will take place virtually on Tuesday 24th June.

Second interviews will be held in-person on Wednesday 2nd July (location: Leicester).

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

Home-Start UK is committed to Equality of Opportunity and Diversity. We wish to encourage applications from all parts of the community irrespective of gender, race, colour, age, sexual orientation or disability. Appointments will be based on merit, following an open and clear selection process.

No agencies please.

Are you passionate about modernising property services systems to support a mission-driven organisation?

St Mungo’s is transforming its systems to better support colleagues and clients experiencing homelessness. As Property Systems Business Lead, you will lead the implementation of new Property Services systems, ensuring alignment with policies and a seamless user experience. Working closely with the Director of Property Services, and collaboratively with a variety of teams across St Mungo’s you will focus on key responsibilities:

• Act as the voice of the user, ensuring the system meets operational needs.
• Utilise expertise in property services and social housing to identify and navigate challenges.
• Oversee procurement, delivery, stakeholder engagement, and implementation.
• Work closely with the Project Manager to ensure timely delivery of the project.
• Drive continuous improvement in property-related systems and processes.

About You

We need a strategic, solutions driven leader passionate about modernising property services in a complex organisation. If you have experience in social housing or charity environments, with expertise in Asset Management, Property Systems, or system change, we encourage you to apply.

• Proven success in driving change, improving services, and meeting deadlines in complex settings.
• Strong time management, prioritisation, and change management skills.
• Highly organised, adaptable, and thrives in evolving environments.
• Excellent stakeholder management, balancing user needs with business goals.
• Strategic thinker with attention to detail, assessing cross-functional impacts.
• Good communication skills, able to use influencing and negotiation skills and build relationships.

In this role you will be required to work flexibly for at least 2 days per week from our Central Office in Tower Hill, London. This allows for training, in person collaboration, team building, line management and other relationship building opportunities. We support a flexible approach to work with opportunities for agile working for the rest of your week; from home, or other St Mungo’s London or regional locations. 

How to apply

To view the job description and guidance on completing your application form, please click on the ‘document’ tab on the advert page on our website.

To find out more and apply please go to the St Mungo’s careers page on our website. 

Closing date:  16 June 2025

Interviews: 30 June 2025

St Mungo's are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We strongly encourage applications from all under-represented groups.

What we offer

• Excellent Development and Growth Opportunities
• A Diverse and Inclusive Workplace
• Great Pay and Other Benefits

The Royal Osteoporosis Society – Director of Income and Engagement

Location: Dependant on distance, the role will be either fully remote with occasional travel to the Bath office (around once per quarter), or hybrid for those based nearby.

Salary: £102,000 per annum.

Contract: Permanent, full-time hours. 

The Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS), the UK’s largest national charity dedicated to improving bone health and beating osteoporosis, is seeking a bold and dynamic fundraising and communications leader who can drive transformative income growth and galvanise public engagement.

Half of women aged over 50 live with osteoporosis, plus a fifth of men.  The condition causes bones to break (fracture) following everyday occurrences – e.g. sneezes, coughs and falls.  Fractures are the fourth worst cause of disability and premature death, but most people with osteoporosis are undiagnosed.

ROS works to improve diagnosis and access to care for the unacceptably high number of people whose lives risk being destroyed by this highly treatable condition each day. They equip people with practical information and support to take action on their bone health and, working with healthcare professionals and academics, influence and shape policy and practice at every level. The charity’s research arm is investigating new diagnostic approaches, including the world’s first screening programme, as well as novel treatments to beat osteoporosis for good.

This is a pivotal time for ROS as they aim to seize on momentum garnered from half a million people checking their risk, two national media partnerships, a groundbreaking Ministerial pledge to roll-out early diagnosis clinics to every area, and more people than ever engaging with their services. They aim to lead a movement for change around bone health similar to those that have gained widespread attention by menopause and prostate cancer campaigners.

To capitalise on this momentum and as the charity prepares for its 40th anniversary, the time is right for ROS to step up fundraising and public engagement to address one of the most urgent threats to people living well in later life and meet the charity’s vision - No more broken bones, no more broken lives. To achieve this, the ROS Board has committed to investing up to 80% of annual designated spent into developing fundraising every year up to 2030.

To deliver on this investment, the ROS team is seeking a creative and inspiring fundraising and communications leader who can build strong partnerships, harness digital innovation and create and deepen supporter journeys to convert awareness into long-term support.

As well as driving the delivery of a transformational audience-centric growth strategy, the role-holder will also be responsible for building a powerful organisational brand to reflect ROS’s vision and impact, as well as compelling communications and media plans to drive momentum. They will lead and motivate a high-performing team, as well as embedding a fundraising culture across the organisation and acting as a key ambassador for the cause.

The successful candidate will have a strong track record of senior leadership experience and possess outstanding business acumen. They will have proven success in developing and delivering income generation and communication strategies within the health or not-for-profit sector. They should also have extensive experience of setting and delivering an organisational income development vision and securing buy-in from colleagues at the most senior level. Experience in building and maintaining a strong brand profile and of driving impactful communications and PR to underpin income generation will be essential, as well as the ability to work collaboratively across department boundaries and externally to achieve organisational goals. Finally, they will have a ‘can do’ personality with the gravitas, energy, creativity and solutions-focused mindset to drive transformative income growth.  

ROS has made osteoporosis one of the most prominent health conditions on the national stage, but there is so much more to be done to address the enormous unmet need in the NHS for people living with this devastating condition.  This is a unique opportunity to join an ambitious charity and play a pivotal role in helping them directly change the trajectory of public health in the UK.

Please download our Candidate Pack for further information [PDF], which includes details on how to apply.

Closing date: Wednesday 18th June, 9.00am.

Are you passionate about Jesus and gospel outreach into London?

Are you creative, wise, and inspirational?

Then London City Mission would like to hear from you!

London City Mission shares the gospel alongside the local church of London, equipping everyday Christians to lovingly bring a message of hope in Christ to those least likely to hear it.

One in two people don’t have a Christian friend to invite them to church, open a Bible with them, or tell them the good news of Jesus. We want to see that change. The poor areas of London are incredibly diverse, in fact London is the most ethnically diverse in the world, growing at over 100,000 people a year. The world has come to London – we long to see the Gospel taken to the world by working alongside churches to visit homes and go out into the streets of London with the good news of the Gospel.

We are praying for a talented Director of Fundraising and Supporter Partnerships to join our Leadership Team. You will be inheriting a skilled and diverse team raising income from individuals, legacies, trusts and foundations, corporates and major donors with the support from a new CRM system, to fulfil your responsibilities.

• Salary: £73,000 depending on experience + 13.8% employer contribution to pension, 30 days holiday plus Bank Holidays and 3 days ex-gracia during Christmas and New year + other benefits.
• Location: London City Mission will carefully consider flexible working patterns where possible, though at least 2 days a week presence at Nasmith House, 175 Tower Bridge Road will be necessary.
• Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week). Permanent. Let us know if you need more flexibility than this.
• Responsible for: Currently the team is 12 people, with four direct reports.
• Closing date: Wednesday 11th June 2025 at 5pm BST.
• Interview dates:  A selection of candidates will be invited to a first interview via MS Teams on either Wednesday 25th or Friday 27th June. Those who are invited to a second interview will also be asked to complete a psychometric test. In addition finalist candidates will have the opportunity to have an informal meeting with the CEO, Graham Miller in w/c 30th June.  A second round of in-person interviews is scheduled for Friday 11th July along with the opportunity to meet the team. 

Key Responsibilities:

1. Leading and overseeing the development of Fundraising and Supporter Partnerships Strategy and Operation.

2. Leading and overseeing the management and development of the Fundraising and Supporter Partnerships team.

3. Providing inspiring leadership and contributing proactively to a vibrant worshipping Christian community.

This post is subject to an occupational requirement under Schedule 9 of the Equality Act that the post holder be a practising Christian (see application pack for details).

Are you passionate about leading high-impact services that support individuals facing multiple disadvantage? Do you thrive in complex environments and have the leadership skills to shape a psychologically informed, client-centred team? If so, we’d love to hear from you.

About the role:

We’re looking for a dedicated Service Manager to lead our specialist 18-bed 24/7 Complex Needs hostel in Camden. Leading a team of Project Worker Complex Needs, Specialist Multiple Disadvantage Workers, Trainee Project Workers, an Apprentice, ETE Worker, Night Concierges, and locums - the service supports individuals who have experienced significant disadvantage. This includes long-term rough sleeping, substance use, severe and enduring mental health issues, involvement with the criminal justice system, and self-care challenges.

This is not a typical hostel service - it is a dynamic, intensive, and highly specialist environment requiring compassionate leadership, robust risk management, and strong inter-agency collaboration. You will be at the forefront of driving a psychologically informed and trauma-responsive service that not only provides accommodation, but creates a platform for meaningful recovery, connection, and progress.

As Service Manager, you will lead a skilled team in delivering high quality, person-centred support and accommodation. You’ll be responsible for staff development, operational oversight, risk management, partnership engagement, and ensuring compliance with service specifications and safeguarding standards.

In return, we offer a strong culture of learning, access to a sector-leading leadership development programme, and the opportunity to shape practice in one of the most critical and challenging areas of homelessness work. Join us in creating a place of safety, growth and transformation in the heart of Camden.

About you:

• You’ll bring a deep understanding of complex trauma and how to translate this into Psychologically Informed Environments (PIE).
• You’ll have a proven ability to lead and motivate staff teams, respond to crisis, and ensure that frontline practice is effective, compassionate, and empowering.
• Demonstrable experience working with people facing multiple disadvantage in a supported accommodation or complex needs setting.
• A strong track record of managing or leading teams to deliver measurable, client-centred outcomes.
• Confidence in working in partnership with statutory and voluntary agencies to build integrated and effective support pathways.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
• A reflective, emotionally intelligent leadership style grounded in values of inclusion, equity, and respect.

About us:

Single Homeless Project is a London-wide charity. Our vision is of a society where everyone has a place to call home and the chance to live a fulfilling life.

We help single Londoners by preventing homelessness, providing support and accommodation, promoting wellbeing, enhancing opportunity, and being a voice for change. From supporting people in crisis to helping people take the final steps towards independence and employment, we make a difference to 12,000 lives every year across all 32 boroughs.

We offer you more than a job; we offer you a chance to be part of a compassionate, driven team that's committed to making a real difference in people's lives. You'll have the opportunity to lead, co-create, and inspire change while enjoying a collaborative, growth-oriented environment.

Join us in creating a brighter, more hopeful future for individuals in need. 

Important info:

Closing date: Sunday 8th June at midnight

Interview date: Thursday 19th and Friday 20th at SHP Head Office in Kings Cross

This post will require an Enhanced DBS check to be processed (by SHP) for the successful applicant. 

Location:  Hybrid working between the Aldgate, London office

The charity is seeking to build upon its influencing progress over the last two years to make the urgent case for change with Governments across the four nations, as well as decision and policy makers in the health and clean air space. Our next Director of External Affairs will have the ability to meld impactful campaigning, political astuteness and evidence-based policymaking to drive change with demonstrable sensitivity to health inequalities which are especially acute in respiratory conditions.

Asthma + Lung UK is the only charity in the UK fighting for everyone with a lung condition, aiming for a world where everyone can breathe with healthy lungs. We fund cutting-edge research, provide advice and support for the 12 million people who will get a lung condition during their lifetime. We also campaign for clean air and for better NHS diagnosis and treatment.

Working closely with the Chief Executive and other stakeholders, you will help deliver our strategic goals by creating and leading plans relating to external affairs. You will be a member of the Executive Team providing leadership to the charity. As such you will contribute to, and be jointly responsible for, the development and delivery of the charity’s organisational strategy and business.

As well as a competitive salary, you’ll enjoy a range of benefits including 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), membership of a health cash plan, employee assistance programme, cycle-to-work scheme, interest-free annual season Travelcard loan and pension scheme. This is a fantastic opportunity to join an organisation committed to being the driving force behind the transformation of lung health.

Make a real difference in Newham: Supported Housing Services Manager

Are you passionate about empowering communities and tackling homelessness head-on? The Renewal Programme is seeking a skilled and passionate Supported Housing Service Manager to lead our dedicated team and deliver life-changing impact.

About Us

For over 50 years, the Renewal Programme has stood alongside Newham’s most marginalised residents. We're a respected local charity supporting people through advocacy, education, housing, and wellbeing. Our mission is rooted in dignity, inclusion, collaboration, and empowerment—inspiring hope and enabling lives to flourish.

Your Role

As Supported Housing Service Manager, you'll lead a trauma-informed, strengths-based housing service for single homeless adults. You'll drive performance, support your team, and ensure residents are equipped with the tools to live independently—managing finances, maintaining tenancies, and building brighter futures.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver impactful support: Oversee personalised casework, support planning, and use of tools like Outcome Star.

• Lead performance & improvement: Monitor KPIs (move-on rates, tenancy sustainment), refine supervision and quality assurance, and implement our move-on strategy.

• Inspire your team: Foster a positive, proactive, and solution-focused culture.

• Maximise sustainability: Ensure rental income and effective arrears management.

• Strengthen partnerships: Collaborate with commissioners, housing partners, and support services.

• Ensure compliance: Uphold safeguarding, health & safety, and risk management standards.

What You’ll Bring

• Proven leadership in supported housing or homelessness service settings

• The ability to effectively lead and inspire a team

• Experience with contract delivery, KPIs, and outcomes-based commissioning

• Strong financial and budgetary skills

• Knowledge of safeguarding and trauma-informed practice

• A collaborative, values-driven approach and commitment to continuous improvement

Why Join Us?

• Permanent, full-time role (36 hours/week)

• Salary of £45,000 – £48,000, depending on skills and experience

• 28 days annual leave + bank holidays

• Cycle & tech salary sacrifice schemes, employer pension, EAP, staff development

• Based across our two supported housing sites in the London Borough of Newham

Please review the full job description and person specification. An enhanced DBS check will be required.

Newham Community Renewal Programme proudly welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and identities.

We can't wait to hear from you!

SUMMARY

Position Title:  Operations Lead

Level: Level 4

Salary: £31, 320 - 36, 720 (FTE yearly)

Reports to: Director of Finance, HR and Operations

Location: Liberation centre Brixton,  London (New office in Brixton)/ Remote working within the UK with at least 2 days work from our office (Pro rata for part time)

Contract: Part time (32hrs/weekly),  fixed-term contract for 2 years, with potential for extension and role expansion.

Hours: TAA has flexible working hours, with some expected evenings and weekends due to the nature of the role. All extra hours are reimbursed as Time off in Lieu (TOIL).

Start date:  As soon as possible (potentially August)

Benefits:  TAA laptop and phone, (employee assistance and health cash package including staff supervision, counselling, dental, optical care and more.).

The Advocacy Academy is an activist youth movement. We serve as the political home for grassroots youth organising and the catalyst for collective action. The lives of the young people we work alongside have been directly shaped by living in an unjust world, and we exist to turn their anger into action. 

Young people are often the catalysts for major social change, from the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee at the heart of the Civil Rights Movement, to the Soweto Uprising mobilising young people to resist the apartheid regime's education policies, to the Sunrise Movement redrawing the electoral map across America, and more recently encampments and protests across the world protesting the genocide in Palestine. How successfully they achieve real and lasting change depends on whether they are organised and whether they have the right strategy and tactics to be effective. 

This is why we are looking for an Operations Lead capable of envisioning the full journey of a young person through their time with The Advocacy Academy from the first activation point to whenever they choose to end their journey with us. We want someone who is excited work with us in creating an environment that supports our mission and aspiration for our young people.

We want our young leaders to win and to build real power across the UK that ensures that the generations that follow aren’t just inheriting our mess, but our equipped and ready to fix it. That is why we are looking for someone passionate, a trusted partner, and the go-to person who will support us in all aspects of facility management. Working closely with the Operations and Community team, you will be responsible for the physical spaces and infrastructure within TAA. This includes overseeing the maintenance, security, and functionality of the Liberation Centre, equipment, and physical assets. Your focus is on the efficient operation of the physical environment.

Before you skim the job description, please remember you don’t have to tick all the boxes for each role to apply. Charity experience is not a requirement! We all experience a bit of imposter syndrome, including the staff here at The Advocacy Academy. Let’s name it for what it is - a manifestation of the oppression many of us face on a day to day. If this role pulls you and you believe you could make a difference, then apply anyway or reach out to us to discuss more!

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

1. You will become a key member of the Finance, HR & Operations Team, including but not limited to:
   1. Supporting the Director of Finance, HR & Operations in maintaining and improving the relevant operational systems and processes.
   2. Supporting the Director of Finance, HR, and Operations in ensuring the delivery of our Liberation Centre strategy: working closely with the Community team to ensure the Centre provides a functional, welcoming, inclusive, and safe space environment for our staff, young people, and community.
   3. Building relationships with other departments, engaging with them to understand their needs, and communicating regular Operations updates.
2. You will ensure that your responsibilities run like well-oiled machines by being a conductor of the orchestra through becoming a key member of the Finance, HR and Operations team supporting the team to achieve their strategic objectives for the year:
   1. Provide Support for TAA’s facilities, including cost savings and ensuring a safe and conducive work environment for our staff, members, and community groups by:
      • Supporting the Director of Finance, HR, and Ops in ensuring the maintenance of our Liberation Centre, which includes: establishing protocols and processes for healthy work environments, supporting in making the space accessible and safe for all its user groups.
      • Supporting maintenance and safety checks are regularly carried out at the Liberation Centre, including security and fire systems, evacuation, and emergency drills.
      • Acting as the main point of contact with the council and centre manager and liaising on matters related to maintenance and repair.
      • Being the main point of contact for building contractors.
      • Supporting with identifying first aiders and marshals, acting as one of them, and ensuring that the first aid box is adequately stocked up at the Liberation Centre and that the fire extinguishers are within date.
      • Supporting the Director of Finance, HR, and Operations with the development of applicable risk assessment forms (e.g., general risk assessment for the Liberation Centre, fire risk assessment, COVID, remote work, employee wellbeing, incident report, etc.) and their completion as may be required.
      • Rolling out mandatory Health and Safety training courses and undergoing regular H&S training to keep your knowledge updated and informed of changes in regulations.
      • Ensuring the space is well-stocked, and holding our procurement practices 
      • Liaising with our cleaner and making sure that the relationship works well and that the cleaner is supported in their access of the space
      • Supporting the Community team in holding overall safety practices for the Liberation Centre 
   2. Provide Support on TAA IT infrastructure, to include but not limited to:
      • Act as the primary point of contact for our IT support provider, engaging with them to ensure they are managing troubleshooting and issue resolution well.
      • Support the Finance, HR and Ops Director with planning for future IT infrastructure needs, keeping scalability and cost-efficiency in mind.
      • Assist the Director Finance and Resources with monitoring IT and data protection compliance throughout the organisation, ensuring secure data storage, transfers, archiving and deletion.
      • Sourcing and Setting up laptops and phones for staff, and supporting staff in using tech as part of inductions.
      • Keep updated with changes in legislation that may need to be considered within The Advocacy Academy’s facilities and IT management.
      • Managing our trello project management tool.
      • Leading on tech repair via apple support or penelope for the staff team
   3. Provide HR support, to include but not limited to
      • Supporting the Head of People with DBS checks and the onboarding of new staff, ensuring they have the necessary information and equipment for their work.
      • Working with the Head of People to ensure that all our candidates have a great experience from the beginning to the end. 
      • Support with Office induction for new starters.
      • Supporting with planning social events.
      • Supporting on tech off  boarding for staff leaving
   4. Provide M & E Support, to include but not limited to
      • Coordinating and supporting the implementation of  monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEAL) infrastructure across departments to track impact and efficiency.
      • Managing and optimising Airtable dashboards and databases to streamline data reporting and enable insights for decision-making.
   5. Provide Finance Support, to include but not limited to:
      • Be the main point of contact for our day to day Host finance administration. 
      • Supporting our team with generating sales invoices.
      • Monitoring and responding to our Operations and expenses and invoicing slack and email messages.
      • Processing invoices and expenses in a timely and accurate manner.
      • Supporting fundraising team with gift-aid reconciliation.
3. Share responsibilities for achieving our strategic objectives by upholding our vision, mission, strategy, ideology, and cultural values within your area and also across TAA, supporting on cross-departmental projects as needed:
   1. Embody our commitment to social and economic justice
   2. Role model upholding ideology, culture and value expectations across the organisation including but not limited to: leading by example across departments and during team days and role-modelling leadership, identifying new opportunities to the Director of Finance, HR and Ops and to the team and identifying risks to our integrity and authenticity in relation to ideology and culture
   3. Ensure that you work in tandem with and in support of other team members including but not limited to: encouraging collaborations across other departments with resources as needed
   4. Take responsibility for communicating your own wellbeing and needs and providing feedback on TAA wellbeing initiatives to your line manager, and contribute to living the TAA culture
   5. Take responsibility for pursuing your own development to build knowledge and skills to fulfil your role and areas of interest 
4. Governance and Compliance
   1. Work with the Finance, HR and Operations to prioritise and centre risk management in your portfolio: feeding into risk analysis and mitigation, identifying and escalating risks to the strategic objectives, taking the lead to mitigate risks early and thoroughly.
   2. Ensure understanding and compliance with TAA policies and practices and take the lead on their implementation within your portfolio

A BIT ABOUT YOU  

• You are passionate about, and committed to, creating a more fair, just and equal world. 
• You believe in the potential of young people to challenge the status quo and are dedicated to helping them become more powerful citizens.
• You’ve got a deep understanding of, and a personal relationship with, issues of social justice. From racism to the housing crisis to climate justice, you’ll be aware of how systemic injustice operates in our society, clued-up and well-informed on the big issues of our time, and committed to changing them.
• You’ll be comfortable managing a “to-do” list of competing priorities and balancing your workload to meet competing deadlines.
• You’re a sensitive and thoughtful relationship-builder who is interested in building a network of relationships to support the Advocacy Academy’s work. You’re a great listener, and remember people’s names, faces, and stories. 
• You’re a confident written and verbal communicator, who is comfortable with tailoring communication to reach a diverse range of audiences and stakeholders.
• You’re proactive, organised, and eager to learn, whether that’s chatting with potential funders, researching new opportunities or collaborating with teammates.

  IDEAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE  

• Detail oriented 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience working with different audiences or types of stakeholders 
• Project management and experience working collaboratively across teams both in person and online
• Excellent organisational skills with confidence managing multiple tasks at the same time/ balancing multiple priorities to meet deadlines
• Experience with our existing systems e.g., Microsoft Excel/ Google Sheets, Canva
• Confidence working in a fast-paced environment 

This is an outline of the responsibilities and duties of the Operations Lead role, it is not intended as an exhaustive list and may change from time to time to meet the changing needs of the Liberation Centre and our young people. Any changes will be made in consultation with the post holder.

HOW TO APPLY  

Candidates will be asked to provide a CV and a Cover Letter OR a supporting video application addressing the following questions (no more than 1000 words or 10 minutes for all questions).

• Tell us about a social justice issue that makes you angry and why it matters to you?
• Our Operations Leads entails working and building relationships with different stakeholders. Tell us about a time when you successfully cultivated a relationship with someone when working towards a shared goal - What did you do and what did you learn?
• Include anything else you would like us to know as we consider your candidacy for the Operations Lead role.

In addition, please also provide information on your notice period and your availability for interview. You may also attach any other content that would be relevant for us to have in order to showcase interest and experience. The content can come in any

form of media, including but not limited to - a mind map of ideas, a timeline or portfolio of your work, life or experiences; a recording; a Powerpoint or other form of presentation; a song, article, poem or other writing samples.

DATES  

• • Closing Date: The deadline for applications 27th June 2025 by 10am.

Please be aware that there will be two rounds of interviews (including an interview task) and we will be interviewing as we receive applications. The application date might be brought forward if we find the right person.

NOTHING ABOUT US WITHOUT US  

We aim to be representative of the community we are working with. We encourage applications from people of colour, those who identify as LGBTQIA, working class as well as disabled people, those living with mental health conditions, refugees and migrants. We welcome people from all identities who are made to feel marginalised.

We’re not just committed to being an equal opportunity employer, we actively celebrate diversity in all its forms. Let us know if we can do anything to make the application or interview process more accessible. If you are invited to interview, we will at that point ask you for any accessibility requirements or preferences.

As an employer we make all reasonable adjustments to support employees in their work if they are disabled or have a health condition. We support the Access to Work scheme which could provide you with financial support to get the help you need to do all tasks successfully. We are happy to facilitate Access to Work assessments and reclaims, and would actively welcome applicants who would need this in order to do the job.

All staff who work on our programme must have, prior to starting work, a returned satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) dated no earlier than 1st January 2021. The Advocacy Academy will assist the application for, and pay for the processing of, a new DBS for staff members where required. 

We welcome applications from people with convictions. Please disclose in your application if you have any convictions, cautions, reprimands or final warnings that are not “protected” (as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013)) . We consider each person on their own merits, taking into account all the circumstances.

This is an exciting opportunity to steer Asylum Aid at an important time in its 30-year existence. As Executive Director you will be responsible for delivering on our strategy for impact. You will oversee our work to increase access to expert, trauma-informed legal representation to those in the asylum, trafficking and statelessness systems and lead our policy and strategic legal work to achieve systemic change that contributes towards our vision.

You will line manage the Director of Legal Casework to oversee the provision of supportive and enabling leadership to Asylum Aid caseworkers so that they can continue to deliver high quality expert advice in complex cases, while being supported in their professional development and wellbeing. You will also manage and develop the work of our welfare advice team within the Westminster Advice Services Partnership and beyond, and work collaboratively with colleagues in the sector to build capacity and increase our impact. 

The ideal candidate, who may be legally qualified, will have experience of leadership in the charity/NGO sector and a sound understanding of the asylum, human rights and trafficking processes in the UK and the legal frameworks which govern the protection of refugees, survivors of trafficking and stateless people, and of the role of law in achieving system change.

We are looking for someone who is strategically minded and passionate about providing supportive and inclusive leadership to our expert team. You will be committed to our objectives and to the role which expert legal representation plays in enabling people in need of protection in the UK to obtain it.

As is the nature of this sector, the role may be exposed to a high volume of traumatic and distressing material and, whilst they will be supported by the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO and surrounding team, the candidate should also be able to demonstrate knowledge of good self-care principles in an intense work environment and dissemination of those principles to junior members of the team.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and strategy

·Be responsible, with the support of the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO, for the development, implementation and monitoring of Asylum Aid’s organisational strategy

·Provide leadership and strategic direction at Asylum Aid in accordance with its aims and objectives, with the support of the Director of Legal Casework

·Act as external spokesperson for Asylum Aid, maintaining and strengthening Asylum Aid’s position as a leader in the refugee rights, statelessness and legal aid sectors;

·Work collaboratively with others in the sector to promote and strengthen Asylum Aid’s work, identify and establish potential partnerships, with the support of the Director of Legal Casework;

·Work collaboratively with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO and Executive Leadership team to drive the implementation of the Group strategic framework;

·Ensure that all reporting and monitoring requirements are met to support fundraising, contract compliance and monitoring strategic impact;

·Support the cross collaboration of the Asylum Aid team with the Helen Bamber Foundation team and play an active part in the management of the Helen Bamber Foundation Group.

Governance  

·Act as the Data Protection Supervisor with responsibility for data protection and cyber security within Asylum Aid

·Together with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO and designated safeguarding leads, be responsible for child and adult safeguarding within Asylum Aid

·In collaboration with the Director of Legal Casework, ensure compliance by Asylum Aid with all legal and regulatory obligations, including the Legal Aid Agency contract, the Immigration Advice Authority and Solicitors Regulation Authority;

·Lead on the preparation and presentation of quarterly reports on Asylum Aid’s activities, strategy and risks to the Asylum Aid Board, the Finance and Fundraising Committee and the People and Governance Committee;

·Lead on the preparation of the Trustees’ annual report and ensure that monitoring and evaluation systems are adequate to enable reporting on Asylum Aid’s activities and impact.

Management and Supervision 

·Responsible for line management of the Director of Legal Casework and Welfare Advice service coordinator, and other team supervisors as required;

·Together with the Group Director of People, responsible for Human Resources and implementation of the People Strategy within Asylum Aid, including development and implementation of HR policies and procedures;

·Together with the Director of Legal Casework and team supervisors, drive the effective management and supervision of the Asylum Aid team and ensure that they comply with relevant professional standards and accreditation;

·Foster a supportive and inclusive team culture at Asylum Aid in which each member feels valued and supported to develop professionally and to perform to the best of their ability;

·Ensure the team’s well-being and that self-care practices are established and work in tandem with the Director of Legal Casework and supervisors to ensure trauma-informed ways of working.

Policy & Strategic Legal Work

·Together with the Group Director of Policy, identify policy priorities and coordinate the preparation of evidence and briefings drawing on Asylum Aid’s experience and expertise to influence system change;

·Build and maintain relationships and partnerships with sector colleagues to support joint strategic engagement including policy advocacy and strategic legal work;

·Work closely with the Director of Legal Casework and team supervisors to drive changes in the UK asylum, trafficking and statelessness systems through strategic legal work.

Finance & Fundraising

·Work closely with the CEO and the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Finance Team to set and manage budget(s) and general financial matters for Asylum Aid

·Together with the Director of Legal Casework and the Group Finance Team, establish systems for monitoring legal aid Work In Progress and billing, and securing casework income including legal aid, and inter partes income from judicial review cases;

·Work closely with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Fundraising and Communications Team to secure funding for Asylum Aid from a range of sources including trusts and foundations, corporate philanthropy and major donors;

·Ensure that Legal Aid and other income is maximised, and targets are achieved.

Other duties

·Manage the recruitment and supervision of volunteers where necessary in collaboration with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Volunteers Coordinator;

·Support the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Facilities team to ensure the smooth running of the office and that the facilities meet the needs of Asylum Aid;

·Work outside normal office hours as required and travel in order to carry out the responsibilities of the post.

·To undertake any task that may be requested from time to time that may be consistent with the nature and scope of this post.

Essential Experience, Skills and Knowledge

•Experience of running a small to medium sized charity/legal NGO and/or legal department within the NGO sector (or other equivalent senior management role);

•Demonstrable experience of managing and leading a successful team and the ability to manage a growing team with mixed roles from team supervisors to administrative support staff, working co-operatively with colleagues to maintain transparency and effective working relationships within the team;

•Strong communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with people from a wide range of backgrounds

•Strong understanding of good governance including legal, regulatory and financial responsibilities;

•Ability to work with a range of stakeholders from trustees to external partners;

•Experience of leading and/or participating in organisational strategic planning;

·Experience of legal policy work within the human rights field and /or of strategic litigation, whether as an NGO claimant or legal representative;

•Experience of managing diverse funding sources and setting and implementing budgets;

•Experience of working in a service delivery partnership with other organisations;

•Experience of fundraising, especially grants from trusts and foundations;

•Sound working knowledge of the law and policy as it relates to immigration,  asylum, human rights and modern slavery/trafficking;

•Demonstrable understanding of the asylum and human rights sector in the UK;

•An understanding of the barriers migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers face regarding access to legal advice, reasons why they may become destitute and why this makes it more difficult to access advice and support; and

•The passion for working empathetically and supportively with migrants, refugees, stateless people and asylum seekers.

Desirable Experience

·Experience of managing the delivery of frontline casework with people in the asylum or trafficking systems

·Experience of tendering for and delivering publicly funded contracts e.g. LAA or local authority funding;

·Working knowledge of Legal Aid Agency contracts, including the delivery of casework and billing under a legal aid contract in the immigration and asylum category and/or the public law category;

How to apply 

The first stage is to complete on our online application form on our website by 9am on 23 June 2025.

The website form will ask you to:

1.Upload a short covering letter. Please tell us why the position appeals to you, and how your relevant skills and experience, including any voluntary experience and lived experience, matches the listed responsibilities and person specification. Please also state in your covering letter when you would be available to start the role.

2.Upload your current CV

3.Complete an online Equal Opportunities monitoring form – completion of this form will help us ensure that our recruitment procedures operate in such a way as to provide genuine equality of opportunity. The questions are entirely optional, and this information will not be available to members of the selection panel.

For an informal conversation about the post before applying, please contact Alison Pickup, the current Executive Director.

Selection Process

We anticipate that we will invite candidates to an initial online interview on Wednesday 3rd July 2025, followed by shortlisted candidates attending in-person interviews at our office in Old Street on Wednesday 9 July 2025.

We regret that we can only respond to applicants who make it to the interview stage.

We offer a guaranteed initial interview for refugees, stateless people and others with lived experience of forced migration, provided that they meet at least 50% of the essential criteria.

Eligibility

Please note that the successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK (as a small charity we do not have the capacity to sponsor work visas).

Successful candidates will also be subject to a basic DBS check. If appointed, you will also be required to give your consent to the charity to receive regular updates on your criminal records status throughout your employment and to disclose any relevant convictions incurred during your time with us.

Adjustments

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. If you require a different format of the application form, such as large print or Word format, or if you would like to discuss any specific requirements, please get in touch with us.

EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Our commitment to principles of equity, diversity and inclusion is an integral part of our approach to our clients, our volunteers and our staff, and we are an equal opportunities and Living Wage employer.

We are committed to attracting and recruiting diverse candidates because we are keen to make sure that our staff, trustees, volunteers and ambassadors reflect the communities we serve and the wider community we work in.

We genuinely welcome and encourage applications from candidates from a range of backgrounds, especially people of colour, people with disabilities, people from low socio-economic backgrounds, refugees, stateless people and others with lived experience of forced migration or trauma and of the housing and welfare system, who are under-represented in our organisation.

We recognise and value the role of lived experience in meeting the needs of our clients and acknowledge the under-representation of people with lived experience of forced migration and statelessness in the advice sector. We value experience gained overseas as well as in the UK.

We are also proud to be a member of the Experts by Experience Employment Network which aims to increase representation of people with lived experience in the charitable sector.

If you are an expert by experience (a refugee or a migrant with direct, first-hand experience of issues and challenges of the UK asylum or immigration system), you can ask for an independent and confidential support for your job application from the Experts by Experience Employment Network and access other information and resources which may help in preparing your job application.

Please complete the form on their website to request support and they will confirm if they can match you with a mentor to support your application.

The Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) Service Manager provides leadership for the outsourced service desk, IT supply and Site Service Engineering functions of the DDaT team and is the point of escalation for all Barnardo's colleagues accessing services, incident management and request fulfilment.

The DDaT Service Manager is responsible for the delivery of exceptional Site Service Engineering at over 1000 sites and responsible for the delivery of IT Supply services to over 7000 colleagues across the UK. The Service Manager also owns and operates the outsourced Service Desk via the current partner relationship, working in collaboration with internal technical teams. The Service Manager will report to the Director of Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) and is a member of the DDaT Leadership Team.

Continuous improvement of services, ownership of the service catalogue entries, effective self-help documentation and assets, are core activities of the role, alongside ensuring the delivery of excellent business as usual services, and ownership of key transformation initiatives. Fiscal management of delegated budgets, accurate forecasting are key success factors of the role.

The post holder will be responsible for engagement with all stakeholders, aligning working practices with the DDaT Operating Model, identifying improvement opportunities and all other similar practices to grow the function.

Pay & Reward Framework

We know that our colleagues go above and beyond in delivering our vital work, driven by their passion and commitment to Barnardo's values.  We also know that we can only realise our ambitions and achieve better outcomes for more children, thanks to the talent, hard work and creativity of our people. 

For all these reasons, we are committed to a new approach to pay and reward, to ensure it is fair, attractive and progressive, which was rolled out in April 2023. This is a positive change for the charity, and a part of our People & Culture Strategy. It will assist us in supporting colleagues to belong, thrive and grow in their colleague journey at Barnardo's and in time will offer clear routes of progression for colleagues in both their career and their pay. 

Whilst the full pay band and salary range is advertised, our approach to starting salaries is to appoint between the minimum to mid-point of the pay band – this ensures that pay steps are available to reward our colleagues annually based on their contribution to excellence and alignment to our values and behaviours.  More details on Barnardo's pay framework can be found upon application. 

Benefits

Workplace Offer: What it means for you

The world of work has changed. We are understanding of what works best for our colleagues both current and future as we look to embrace this new way of working. Our hybrid working initiative is based on trust, flexibility and empowerment. We understand our workplace offer means different things to different people, and we encourage those conversations. This may mean working at one of our stores, services, working at home, at one of our Collaboration Hubs or any combination of these.

• Barnardo's believe in creating equality of opportunity in the workplace and supporting people to manage their work-life balance; we are therefore open to offering flexible working arrangements.
• Annual Leave entitlement for full-time colleagues is 26 days per annum, increasing to 27 days per annum, after 3 years Barnardo's service, 29 days per annum, after 5 years Barnardo's service and 30 days per annum, after 7 years Barnardo's service. Those working less than full time are entitled to the same level of holiday pro rata
• The ability to buy up to another 5 days annual leave via our HolidayPlus scheme
• A host of family friendly leave options including company Maternity Paternity and Adoption pay; together with all family additional leave options
• Service related sick pay from day 1
• Access to a Group Personal Pension with a matched 4% or 6% contribution from Barnardo's. Ability to pay via salary sacrifice to garner both tax and NI savings on your own contribution
• Death in service cover of 4x annual earnings for all staff contributing to our Group Personal Pension
• Cycle2work scheme
• Interest free season ticket loans
• Discounts and cashback from at high street shops including major supermarkets, cinemas, gyms, leisure/theme parks, holidays and much more via our Benefit Portal
• 20% discount at Barnardo's stores
• Opportunity to purchase a health cash plan to claim towards dental, glasses, therapy etc
• Free access to round the clock employee assistance program for advice and support
• Access to Barnardo's Learning and Development offer

*T&C's apply based on contract

About Barnardo's

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and cultivating a culture where everyone can belong and thrive through inclusion and connectivity. We want our workforce to be reflective of the communities we work with, and for equality, diversity and inclusion to be embedded in everything we do. We are a Disability Confident Leader, are progressing our ambition to be an anti-racist organisation with Anti-Racism Commitments and actions in place and have networks for colleagues who are disabled, LGBT+, Black and Minoritised Ethnic and Women. We particularly encourage applications from Black and Minoritised Ethnic and/or disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce. For disabled applicants, we offer reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

Job Title: HR Manager

Line Reports:  Interns and secondments to People Team

Location: Flexible, hybrid, with some travel required to our offices (London, Manchester or Birmingham)

Salary:  £32,500-38,500 (£35,000-41,000 in London)

Hours: Full-time 37.5 hours per week, open to flexible working

Contract: Permanent

Overall purpose

Reporting to the Director of People, the HR Manager will take responsibility for the operational delivery of Breaking Barriers’ key People and HR activities and initiatives. You will have a strong knowledge of all aspects HR and provide proactive, practical support on day-to-day operations as well as leading strategic HR projects. A keen understanding of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) in the workplace and employee wellbeing is an advantage.

This role is essential to ensure we continue to be an effective, inclusive and people-led organisation. Your role will be vital in making sure Breaking Barriers is and continues to be a great place to work for its staff.

You will deliver day to day HR support to team members and managers, work across the organisation to advise on HR policies and good practice, deliver recruitment processes, and deliver and track Learning & Development. You will support on wider strategic initiatives, working with the Director of People to embed new strategies and projects informed by employee feedback.

To view the full job description and person specification, as well as details on our accessible recruitment process, please view the attached recruitment pack.

Other considerations

• As part of our safeguarding commitment to our clients, we carry out preemployment checks to ensure that successful applicants are suitable to work with adults at risk. These include basic DBS checks, obtaining references and verifying a candidate’s identity and right to work in the UK.
• Some travel between our different areas of operation (including London, Birmingham and Manchester) will be required. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required. Time off in lieu would be provided in this case.
• We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion or belief.

How to apply

If you are looking for a role where you can make a real difference, we want to hear from you. To apply, please submit a CV and statement (up to approximately 500 words/1 A4 page) outlining:

• Why you are interested in the role
• What skills you would bring to be successful in this role
• Any experience you would like to highlight
• Any reasonable adjustments you require for the interview process
• Disclosure of disabilities if you wish to do so (as a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role)

Please note that applications without a covering letter will not be considered.

Closing date for applications is 11:30pm on Saturday 5th July. Interviews will be held on a rolling basis so please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

We belong to the Experts by Experience Employment Initiative, which advocates and supports organisations to employ more people from a refugee background. With this in mind, we particularly welcome applicants with experience of seeking asylum and/or a refugee background. 

If you are an expert by experience (a refugee or a migrant with direct, first-hand experience of issues and challenges of the UK asylum or immigration system), you can ask for an independent and confidential support for your job application from the Experts by Experience Employment Network. Please reach out to HR Manager Dani Meier for further details (we are unable to include email addresses in this advert, but you can find contact details on the final page of the attached recruitment pack).

Role Summary

We are seeking a dynamic and mission-driven Executive Director to lead ProVeg UK in this next phase of growth and impact. This role combines strategic leadership with high-level stakeholder engagement, fundraising, and organisational development. The ideal candidate brings entrepreneurial energy, exceptional communication skills, strong credentials in the UK NGO sector, and a passion for food systems transformation.

ProVeg UK has a very strong track record in influencing public food through its School Plates programme, which has, to date, swapped over 47m meals from meat-based to plant-based or veggie. We work in over 8,000 schools across the UK, reaching over 1.3 million children every day. We are keen to expand this excellent work to a wider range of stakeholders, including hospitals (a new manager has just been recruited to develop a Hospital Plates pilot), policymakers, the corporate sector and media. 

The Executive Director will be at the forefront of this expansion, while also ensuring the continued success of our existing programmes. As such, this is a high-impact role, offering the opportunity to be a catalyst for positive change in the UK’s plant-based and alternative protein movement — helping to shape a more sustainable future.
 

Job Details

Reports to: Deputy CEO
Country: UK
Location: Greater London Area (within 1.5 hours by train)
Hours: Full-time (35 h/week)
Salary: £55-60k (plus London allowance of £3k, if applicable)
Start date: ideally ASAP
 

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and deliver ProVeg UK’s long-term strategy aligned with ProVeg International’s mission
• Lead the design and scaling of UK-based programmes that create measurable impact and reflect local opportunities and needs
• Represent the organisation to increase ProVeg’s visibility and influence.
• Sit as a member of the ProVeg C.I.C. Board.

Stakeholder Engagement & Fundraising

• Cultivate and strengthen relationships with strategic partners including food companies, government agencies, foundations, and major donors
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities, including government tenders and philanthropic partnerships, with a strong focus on climate and health-related funding
• Act as a public thought leader and spokesperson in the UK for food systems transformation in line with ProVeg International’s strategy
• Manage governance and engagement with the UK board

Team & Organisational Development

• Lead and support our fantastic, high-performing UK team and foster a culture of collaboration, inclusion, impact and evaluation
• Provide regular coaching and feedback, ensuring clear objectives, performance development, and providing recognition
• Foster innovation, improvement and a growth mindset in the team, and identify new opportunities to grow our UK work
• Collaborate with ProVeg International teams and other ProVeg countries on shared programmes and goals

Financial Management & Reporting

• Develop and oversee the UK annual budget, ensuring financial sustainability and strategic resource allocation
• Ensure compliance with UK regulations, reporting requirements, and ProVeg International policies
• Provide timely and transparent reporting to the Deputy CEO, International team, and Board

Qualifications

Essential

• Proven leadership experience (5+ years at deputy- or C-level)  in a UK-based NGO or mission-driven organisation, ideally in food, climate, or health sectors
• Demonstrated success in fundraising and partnership building, especially with foundations, governments, or climate philanthropies
• Strong entrepreneurial mindset and ability to develop and execute impactful strategies
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with experience speaking to media and government bodies, at public events, and with internal stakeholders of all levels (Board, Senior Leadership Team, Staff and Volunteers)
• Deep understanding of UK funding landscape, policy environment, and relevant NGOs 
• Experience leading diverse and remote teams, with a collaborative and empowering leadership style
• Commitment to ProVeg’s mission and values, and strong alignment with our strategic goals
• Experience working with cross-functional and international teams
• Committed to following a plant-based lifestyle
• Knowledge of good governance practice
• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to effectively fulfil the role of Director

Desirable

• Existing network of funders, policymakers, or influencers relevant to food systems or climate in the UK
• Postgraduate degree in a relevant field (e.g. in public policy, environmental studies, food systems, business, or similar)
• Familiarity with effective altruism principles and evidence-based programme design
• Understanding of plant-based innovation, sustainable diets, or alternative proteins

Benefits of working with us

• Generous annual leave entitlement - 25 days per year, with an additional day granted at the start of each calendar up to a maximum of 30 days (plus bank holidays)
• A strong organisational focus on personal development, with a designated training budget.
• Provision of a work laptop.
• Flexible, trust-based working arrangements and home-office arrangements.
• Career development support
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental and adoption pay
• Compassionate animal companion leave
• Employee Assistance Programme including counselling
• Access to 24/7 virtual GP Service
• Mindfulness support via a free Headspace account for you and up to 5 friends or family members
• Access to the Wisdom app with exclusive perks and discounts
• Membership to the OpenUp platform
• We are a workplace that encourages everyone to bring their whole selves to work. We are an inclusive workplace for our diverse employees around the world.
• And, last but not least, become part of a great team and work with us towards a world where everyone chooses delicious and healthy food that is good for all humans, animals, and our planet!
   

When?

Application deadline: 15.06
First (People & Culture) interview: 23.06 - 26.06
Trial task: 03.07-06.07.
Second (team) interview: 14.07 - 22.07
Final (executive) interview: 24.07 - 26.07
 

Further information

Your application should include a cover letter and CV. Please indicate your motivation for the role and describe how you meet the requirements. Please send us your application using our online form. Thank you!

Important: Please make sure to use your own words and ideas on the cover letter. The goal is for us to know you better in order to assess if this role and your motivation are a good fit. Letters written with AI, or written in a language other than English, will be disregarded.