Director of supporter communities and groups jobs
About Demos
Demos is a highly respected cross-party think tank with a unique approach to making policy to solve our long term problems. Building on nearly 30 years of creativity, ideas and impact, Demos’s mission is to upgrade democracy: rebuilding the relationship between citizen and state. Our work explores the elements of a ‘New Deal’, in which power is devolved, citizens participate in policy making, and together as a nation we find answers to the challenges of our century.
About Waves
Demos is leading the largest trial of digital democracy in Britain.
Trust in politics and politicians is in crisis. Only 24% of people trust politicians to make decisions in the best interests of the country. Polarisation is increasing. At the same time, people want to be involved in the public policy decisions that affect them.
Waves is a €1 million project trialling new technology in local democracy, launched to bring people together to tackle contentious local issues and strengthen trust in local government. Thousands of local people will have the opportunity to shape local government policy on an issue affecting their area.
New AI-powered technology is intended to make it easier, cheaper and quicker for participants to have their say, identify areas of consensus, discuss difficult issues and work through trade-offs together.
We are working in partnership with two trailblazing councils who are both embracing the opportunity to put the public at the heart of their policy making. The trial will begin in the London Borough of Camden to co-develop an approach to adult social care. The trial will then move on to South Staffordshire District Council as they develop an inclusive engagement process to prepare for their next local plan. The partners will also support a further 25 councils to observe and learn from the process so that they too can use the tools in the future.
About the role
We are looking for an experienced programme manager who can steer Waves from now until it completes in December 2026.
You would be joining the programme at a pivotal time as we move from the ‘set-up’ and ‘co-design’ phases of the first 6-months, to the start of the first of our two trials running sequentially over the next 11 months, before moving to a final ‘impact phase’ of dissemination of our toolkits, technology and learning in the final 6 months.
Programme management of Waves means ensuring that the whole project stays on track – on time and on budget – throughout its delivery. There are 5 partners, a number of suppliers and many moving parts, so it is critical that we find someone who can work across the whole programme, anticipating who needs to do what and by when, and ensuring that the programme is delivered successfully so we can draw learnings from it to share widely across the local government, democracy, and tech sectors.
It is worth bearing in mind that Waves is a ‘test and learn’ trial of a new deliberative democratic process using existing and new technology. Therefore, the team is committed to learning from the project and being comfortable with the uncertainty of not knowing exactly what the outcomes are going to be.
What you'll need to be sucessful
The types of knowledge, skills and experience we are looking for are below. We welcome a range of applications which include at least some of these attributes.
- Demonstrable experience managing an equivalent programme in terms of complexity, scale and partners with a solid understanding of project management methods.
- Understanding and commitment to the mission of the programme – motivated to tackle issues of low trust in democracy among UK citizens with digital democratic platforms and deliberative processes a crucial part of the solution.
- Team management, interpersonal and communication skills – ability to lead and motivate a team with diverse skills and priorities to deliver a programme of great complexity and uncertainty, including fostering collaboration and trust, managing conflicts, maintaining transparency and empowering different partners to perform effectively.
- Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills – the ability to align activities with overall programme objectives, making informed decisions based on programme lead and partner inputs and, where possible, data and analysis, and drive the programme towards successful outcomes.
- Ability to identify potential risks, develop mitigation strategies and manage issues that may arise during the programme lifecycle – ideally in an innovation context, one working with diverse partners with different ways of working or when using technology/ conducting trials with the public.
- An interest in, and comfort working with, innovative technologies that utilise AI and collect data, as well as an understanding of the risks and sensitivities surrounding the use of AI, among the public and within the public sector.
- Experience of owning and managing a large-scale budget, conducting calculations when there are changes from the plan, and maintaining clear and robust tracking of expenditure to ensure financial accountability.
- Demonstrable ability to adapt to changing circumstances, solve problems creatively and maintain momentum and energy during challenging situations.
- Highly collaborative, with a commitment to teamwork and inclusivity.
Application and selection process
To apply, please provide the following through our application form:
- an anonymised CV (with any references to your name and personal details removed)
- answers to four screening questions (up to 250 words each)
- a completed copy of our diversity monitoring form (optional)
All applications will be evaluated and graded anonymously to minimise bias in our screening process.
Questions?
If you have any further questions or aren’t sure if the role is right for you, please feel free to reach out to us and we would be happy to answer any queries.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Registered Charity 
11 - 20
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Senior Executive Assistant
We are looking for a driven self-starter with a varied skillset, who will be able to provide administrative and operational support, including project management, primarily to the Chief Financial Officer.
Position: Senior Executive Assistant
Location: Swindon/Hybrid (expectations for office days is 1 – 2 days per week)
Hours: Part-time, 22.5 hours per week, (ideally worked over 4 days)
Salary: £19,523 per annum (FTE £32,538 pa)
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 02 November 2025
Interview Date: The first round is online on 11 November 2025, and the second round is in person at the Swindon office on 18 November 2025
The Role
You’ll offer limited EA support to two further directors and contribute to the smooth running of senior leadership activities, including board and committee meetings. You’ll work closely with colleagues across the Executive Support team to ensure seamless collaboration and delivery.
About You
The Senior Executive Assistant is a varied role and would suit someone who loves to make things happen, is helpful and co-operative, and takes initiative; someone able to prioritise a range of tasks and commitments. The role demands exceptional organisational skills, discretion, and a proactive approach to managing complex schedules, communications, and governance processes. It also includes responsibility for coordinating board and committee meetings, supporting the sustainability working group, and managing key projects such as the Annual Report and Accounts.
You will have experience in using your administrative and operational skills, as well as being a skilled MS Office user.
We’re looking for someone who is excited about the work and eager to contribute to the mission.
If this sounds like you and you have the legal right to work and remain in the UK, we’d love to hear from you. In order to apply, please upload your CV and a cover letter which includes your motivation to work with us and addresses the questions below:
a) Your experience supporting Senior Leaders
b) Your experience on supporting board meeting and committees
In Return…
Commitment - As a Christian organisation, the charity believe you have gifts and abilities that are all your own. So they’re willing to explore how what you have might fit what’s needed.
The checklist – There’s no such thing as the perfect candidate. You don't have to tick every box on the job description before you apply!
It's personal - You have a life outside work, and the organisation want you to be able to live it well. So are happy to talk to you about flexible working hours and working from home.
Learn and grow - When you're trained in a new skill, or learn a different perspective, it benefits everyone. The organisation is committed to making it possible for everyone to flourish, with a huge variety of learning resources available.
Together and apart - The charity believe in home working where it’s appropriate, and during lockdown they made that work really well. But know how important it is to meet face to face, too and are committed to making the office an enriching environment, where people are glad to be.
Celebrating difference - Universal acceptance for everyone, everywhere is at the heart of the organisation and it promotes diversity of thought, culture and background. Diversity is valued and this is reflected in the workforce.
Level ground - We want you to bring your best to the application and selection process. If you need any adjustments to be made for that to happen, let us know and we'll be glad to help.
Benefits include: Flexible Working, Pension, Employee Assistance Programme, Family Time benefits including TOIL, 28 days (plus bank holidays) after 2 years’ service (plus holiday trading, office closed at Christmas, additional closure the day before Good Friday and as day after Easter Monday), gym membership, Health Cash Plan or Private Medical, Cycle Scheme, Life Assurance, Staff Seminars, All Staff Gatherings, Access to LinkedIn Learning platform, Tastecard, Childcare Vouchers, Loyalty Awards, Staff Events, Free tea and coffee
Working in over 200 countries and territories, the organisations parent charity, is on a global mission to bring the Bible to life for everyone and believes that when people engage with the Bible lives can be changed, for good.
The charity is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity and aspires to reflect this in its workforce. Applications are welcome from people representing all sections of the community.
You may also have experience in areas such as PA, EA, Personal Assistant, Executive Assistant, Secretary, Clerical, Administrator, Senior Administrator, Administration Manager. #INDNFP
PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.
Thank you!
The Vacancies
We are seeking to appoint two business registrants and one dispensing optician to our Advisory Panel Companies Committee.
About the GOC
We are the regulator for the optical professions in the UK. Our purpose is to protect the public by promoting high standards of education, performance, and conduct.
About the Advisory Panel
The Advisory Panel is a meeting of the four Council’s committees (Companies, Education, Registration, and Standards) in plenary session. They are established by statute for the purpose of giving advice and assistance to Council (whether or not in response to a request from them) on:
-
matters relating to business registrants other than matters required by the Opticians Act to be referred to the Investigation Committee, the Registration Appeals, Committee or the Fitness to Practise Committee;
-
matters relating to optical training, education, and assessment;
-
matters relating to registration, other than matters required by the Opticians Act to be considered by the Registration Appeals Committee; and
-
matters relating to the standards of conduct and performance expected of registrants or those seeking admission to the register.
Time Commitment and Remuneration
This role is part time with a commitment of approximately 2-3 days per year, including time spent preparing for meetings. Meetings will usually take place via MS Teams but may on occasion be held at the GOC Offices in London or other suitable venues.
A daily fee of £319 will be paid. This is in line with our member fees policy and member fee schedule. This is taxable and subject to Class 1 National Insurance (NI) contributions. It is not pensionable.
Members can claim expenses for travel and subsistence costs incurred on Council business as set out in our expenses policy.
How to apply
Please apply with the following:
-
your CV outlining your employment history, any relevant voluntary work, public service, or other experience; together with any relevant professional, academic, or vocational qualifications (please keep this to two sides of A4);
-
the application form (attcahed below), stating how your experience matches the essential criteria for the vacancy you are applying for; and
-
an EDI monitoring form (link can be found in the candidate pack below).
Please email your completed application quoting reference GOC05/25 to appointment@optical .org.
We would welcome applications from individuals who are disabled and from diverse ethnic backgrounds, as these are currently under-represented on our Council and committees.
For more information please see the attached candidate information pack.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: midnight Sunday 09 November 2025.
Online interviews will be held the week commencing 12 January 2026.
We strive to be as diverse as the public we protect and welcome applications from everyone, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity, and geographical locations outside of London.
