Education jobs

External Communications Manager

Overview
The Talent Set is pleased to present an exciting opportunity for an External Communications Manager on a 6-month fixed-term contract for a London university. The successful candidate will lead strategic external communications, enhancing organisational reputation through media relations, content creation, and stakeholder engagement, supporting the organisation’s broader objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and assess communications and media strategies aligned with institutional goals.
• Manage the organisation’s written brand voice across all external channels, ensuring consistency.
• Create high-quality content including publications, press releases, blogs, and social media updates.
• Support marketing efforts by producing course and organisational information for website and print materials.
• Draft speeches and scripts for senior leadership; assist with crisis communications plans and messaging, including managing crisis situations to mitigate reputational risks.
• Build and sustain relationships with media professionals, journalists, and external stakeholders to secure positive coverage and build an active press desk.
• Support and develop the External Communications Officer, providing guidance and mentorship.
• Collaborate with marketing, digital, and content teams to ensure message alignment.
• Evaluate communication activities’ effectiveness using data analytics to inform future strategies.
• Represent the organisation at open days and recruitment events domestically and internationally.

Person Specification

• Proven experience managing external communications within a strategic context.
• Skilled in content creation, including press releases, speeches, and digital content.
• Excellent relationship-building skills with media contacts and external stakeholders.
• Experience building and maintaining a press desk, managing media relations proactively.
• Strong project management and organisational skills; ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, inclusion, and organisational values.
• Ability to lead, support, and develop colleagues in a collaborative environment.
• Adaptability and professionalism with a strategic mindset.
• Previous experience working in a higher education setting 

What’s on Offer
Salary: £53,744
Length: 6 month contract with an immediate start 
Hybrid Working: 2 days a week in their London office with 3 days working from home 

How to Apply
To apply, please submit your CV demonstrating your suitability for this role by clicking the 'apply now' button (please do not apply via email). We aim to get back to all successful candidates within 48 working hours.

Commitment to Diversity
The Talent Set are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, or age. We actively encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds and are always happy to make reasonable adjustments to ensure a fair recruitment process.

Post: Digital Content Producer
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-Time
Location: South Kensington, London SW7
Salary: £33,550–£35,666 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications.

About Us

The Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) is the learned society and professional body for geography and geographers. It is also a charity and a membership organisation. The Society was founded in 1830 and has been one of the most active of the learned societies ever since. It was pivotal in establishing geography as a teaching and research discipline in British universities and continues to play a key role in geographical and environmental education.

The Society is a leading world centre for geographical learning – supporting education, teaching, research, professional practice and scientific expeditions, as well as promoting public understanding and enjoyment of geography and providing advice to policymakers.

The Society offers professional accreditation to members through Chartered Geographer status.

About You and the Role

We are seeking an experienced and creative Digital Content Producer to create high-quality audio and visual content for use across the Society’s communications channels to help us grow and engage our audiences and showcase the work we do.

Working across the breadth of the Society’s activities, you will create, and/or aid colleagues and third parties in the production of, compelling visual content including video, graphics and animation.

This role will report to the Programmes Manager, but you will also work closely with the Communications team, supporting the Digital Communications Officer in delivering their digital communications strategy, and be part of cross-team collaboration that helps our charitable services reach more people.

Salary and Benefits

This is a permanent, full-time post subject to successful completion of a probationary period of three months. The salary range for this post is £33,550–£35,666 per annum depending on experience and qualifications. The post holder will be required to work Monday evenings until 8.00pm during term time, with TOIL provided. Additional evening and occasional weekend work will be required, by prior arrangement, to support events, typically around two extra evenings per month and some weekend conferences, with TOIL or overtime provided. The post is based in Kensington, London.

There are a range of benefits at the Society which include the following:

• 35-hour working week with core working hours between 10.00am and 4.00pm.
• Flexible working arrangements are available with a mix of office based and home working.
• 25 days annual leave per annum, pro rata, plus public bank holidays.
• Society closure between Christmas and New Year, in addition to the basic annual leave allowance.
• Pension scheme - 3% employee, 7.5% employer.
• Group Life Assurance at four-times basic annual salary.
• Corporate eye care vouchers.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Free 24-hour Employee Assistance helpline with available counselling support.

Applications must be received by 10.00am on Monday 1 June 2026.
Interviews are planned to take place on Tuesday 9 June 2026.

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.

The Society aims to be an equal opportunities employer. We strongly encourage applicants from those traditionally underrepresented in the geographical discipline.

No agencies please.

Are you passionate about transforming the lives of autistic young people? Do you bring creativity, resilience, and a commitment to helping learners overcome challenges and achieve their goals?

At Ambitious College, we are looking for a dedicated and inspiring Lecturer to join our team—someone who will empower learners, nurture independence, and support them to thrive both in and beyond college.

About the Role

This is more than a teaching role. It's an opportunity to build meaningful relationships, guide personal growth, and create a truly inclusive learning environment where every learner feels valued, understood, and supported.

You will develop strong, trusting relationships with learners, taking the time to understand their individual needs and adapting your approach to help them succeed. A key part of the role involves supporting learners through both everyday challenges and more sensitive conversations, always with empathy, professionalism, and respect

You'll play a central role in shaping a positive and inclusive college community. This includes promoting emotional wellbeing, supporting positive mental health, and creating a safe environment where learners can grow in confidence and independence.

Working closely with each learner, you will help set meaningful personal, social, and educational goals, and provide consistent guidance to support their progress. You'll also contribute to preparing learners for life beyond college—whether that's further education, employment, or greater independence within their communities.

Alongside your work with learners, you will contribute to a strong and collaborative staff team. You'll lead by example, supporting colleagues to deliver high-quality, learner-centred practice and encouraging a culture of reflection, consistency, and continuous development.

About You

We're looking for someone who is adaptable, reflective, and forward-thinking. You'll be confident in adjusting your teaching strategies and support plans to meet changing needs, and creative in finding ways to engage and motivate learners.

Most importantly, you'll be committed to helping every learner achieve their long-term goals and reach their full potential.

Closing Date: Thursday 14th May 2026

Shortlisting Date: Friday 15th May 2026

Interview date: Tuesday 19th May 2026

Start Date: September 2026

Ambitious about Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age.

Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations. We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search maybe carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

The Safeguarding responsibilities of the post as per the job description and personal specification.
Whether the post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendment to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.

Youth Work Apprenticeship

Location: Based at a local GMYF Youth Centre in Manchester or Trafford with regular attendance at Ormside Mill Outdoor Residential Centre in Cumbria

Responsible to: Outdoor Education Manager

Contract: Fixed 3-year apprenticeship contract with potential for FT employment on completion of successful apprenticeship.

Hours: 30 hours per week to be worked flexibly, inclusive one day per week university study.

Salary/Grade: £20,982 with the option of an auto enrolement pension 

Annual Leave: 25 days plus Bank Holidays (pro rata)

Introduction

Greater Manchester Youth Federation (GMYF) is a long-established charity running vibrant youth centres across Greater Manchester. We are dedicated to raising aspirations and creating opportunities for young people, especially those facing disadvantage. A key part of our offer is the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and our approach champions youth voice, inclusion, building confidence and resilience. We offer outdoor education activities, including residentials at our Ormside Mill Residential Centre in Cumbria.

Purpose of Role:

The Youth Work Apprentice will work alongside professionally qualified youth workers learning the skills and qualities of the youth work profession. The apprentice will attend sessions on a weekly basis as well as committing to a university study day each trimester. A central focus will be to engage and support young people 11 – 18 years to take part in outdoor education activities including the Duke of Edinburgh Award. There will be an expectation for the apprentice to attend residential events, expeditions and wider outdoor activities e.g. canoeing, climbing and hill walking to encourage and support young people taking part in these activities. Apprentices will learn a range of essential youth work skills including mentoring, boundaries, safeguarding and reflective practice which they will utilise in their work with young people, carrying out their roles with enthusiasm, integrity and professionalism.

An overarching skill and ethos of the role will be to build trustful and meaningful relationships with young people for which ongoing training will be provided. Understanding the barriers some young people face and how to overcome these will be a regular feature of the youth worker portfolio of skills. While the core components of youth work skills will be central to the role a significant amount of time will be spent supporting young people to experience and enjoy outdoor activities which is central to our mission of improving the life chances, inclusiveness and resilience of young people.

The role will involve regular travel and overnight stays which will need to be worked flexibly to meet the needs of the charity. A TOIL system is in place which is subject to agreement with line manager.

Key Responsibilities:

Programme Delivery & Development

• Undertake a course of studies at degree level attending university one day per week developing a broad range of skills, knowledge and behaviours to achieve a professionally recognised youth worker Degree Apprenticeship.
• Develop a working knowledge of GMYF’s policies and procedures in line with the requirements of the organisation and to meet the Apprenticeship Standard.
• To have a high regard to and comply with GMYF’s Safeguarding Policy and Procedures and to maintain a strong working knowledge of appropriate safeguarding developments.
• Provide high levels of performance which comply with GMYF’s commitment to young people, particularly those facing disadvantage and wider barriers to participation and achievement.
• Under supervision, work closely with other team members to assist (and as skills levels develop lead) in a range of youth work projects and areas of specialism e.g. outdoor education.
• Plan, coordinate, and support young people aged 11–18, up to 25 with additional needs, to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award, reflecting GMYF’s youth work approach, values and behaviours.
• Develop progressive outdoor learning pathways that support personal development, confidence, teamwork, leadership, and wellbeing.
• Work collaboratively with youth workers to integrate outdoor education into wider youthwork  programmes, targeted interventions, and school partnerships.
• Ensure programmes are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the needs of young people from diverse backgrounds, including those with ADHD, SEND and other barriers to participation.
• Through personal example promote the behaviours that exemplify GMYF mission and ambition.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Ensure youth worker apprenticeship compliance and comply with university policy and procedures throughout the duration of studies. This will include working to GMYF professional guidance and licensing requirements as directed by supervising staff.
• Adhere to relevant legislation, guidance, and licensing requirements as directed by supervising staff.
• Read, understand and comply with risk assessments, operating procedures, and emergency action plans as required.
• Contribute to and support the organisation’s monitoring and self-evaluation process.

Administration & Organisation

• Maintain all academic and administrative duties aligned with the youth worker degree apprenticeship.
• Keep accurate and up-to-date records as required by line manager consistent with GDPR.
• Contribute to the promotion and marketing of GMYF to schools, youth groups, and partners.

Representation & Partnership Working

• Develop and maintain a professional partnership with the youth worker degree apprenticeship training provider, schools, DofE, funders, and outdoor sector regulator bodies.
• Represent GMYF within the youth work and outdoor education sectors at meetings and events.
• Advocate for the value of outdoor learning in supporting young people’s wellbeing, mental health, and personal development.
• Support GMYF’s strategic objectives and values through professional leadership, collaboration, and celebration of success.

Person Specification

Essential

• L2 qualification in Maths and English
• L3 qualification e.g. Youth Work, Sports Leader or similar (A’ Levels) *
• Commitment to equality, diversity, safeguarding, and youth-centred practice
• Ability to work collaboratively within a youth work and multi-disciplinary team
• L3 Safeguarding qualification working with young people – to be obtained within 3 months of employment – training provided via employer

Desirable

• Experience of working with young people from diverse backgrounds, including those facing disadvantage or additional barriers
• Experience and passion for outdoor education activities and or qualifications in this area e.g Mountain Leader, canoe instructor

*If an applicant does not have the essential qualifications stipulated, discretion may be applied if the applicant can evidence significant work experience and demonstrate appropriate levels of literacy and numeracy for studying in Higher Education.

Other Requirements

GMYF is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. An Enhanced DBS is required for this post. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

This is a UK-based post, and applicants must be living in and have the right to work in the UK. If applicable, please detail your Visa status in your cover email. 

Closing date for applications: 14th May 2026, midday.

Interview date: 20th & 21st May 2026

Start date: August 2026

Are you ready to guide and inspire a skilled team delivering life changing mental health and wellbeing support to children, young people and families? 

This is your opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our amazing Central and West Lancashire Mental Health Support Team (MHST).

You will work closely with the Service Manager to lead high quality services that deliver on our promises and make a real difference in schools, communities and family homes. This is a role where every decision you make can create lasting change, from setting service priorities and building strong partnerships to ensuring safe, effective and compassionate care for the people we support.

You will take responsibility for service performance, staff leadership, safeguarding, contract management, risk management and building meaningful relationships with partner organisations.

With the freedom to innovate and the support of a dedicated leadership team, you will ensure our services not only meet but exceed expectations.

Doing the best we can do can go a long way in building brighter futures for children, young people and their families, we need your help to make this happen!

Please note - this role is expected to start in September 2026
 

We are looking for someone who brings proven leadership experience in mental health or community services, with the confidence to manage contracts, people, performance and change whilst ensuring that values lie at the heart of everything they do. You will need:

• Experience of leading services delivering evidence based interventions for children and young people
• Strong skills in contract, risk and performance management
• Ability to build and sustain effective partnerships
• Understanding of safeguarding, governance and quality assurance
• Experience in managing teams with varied professional backgrounds

It would be great if you also bring experience of working in education settings, developing/implementing new services or delivering training. More than anything, you will be driven by the belief that every child and young person deserves to feel safe, heard, supported and valued.

If this opportunity sounds like something you`d grab with both hands…we`d like to hear from you!

 

Compass is committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults. Established for over 30 years, Compass is a national charity which works in communities across the UK providing services spanning substance misuse treatment and rehabilitation, early interventions for vulnerable young people, school-aged health programmes and associated prevention as well as treatment and health promotion initiatives.

All Compass posts are subject to appropriate level DBS checks.

We positively encourage applications from all members of the community, regardless of gender, race, faith, disability, age, or sexual orientation, and encourage applications from people who have experiences in life which enrich skills and empathy. This is part of our commitment to equality and developing a truly inclusive and representative workforce.

We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments individuals may require in the recruitment process, on commencement, or once in post.

Benefits

We offer a range of benefits including:

• 27 days holiday + bank holidays, rising to 32 days over time (pro rata)
• Life assurance at 2 x basic salary
• Competitive contributory pension scheme
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and OH service
• Enhanced sick pay
• Excellent learning & development opportunities and career progression
• Annual salary review

Help us to make a positive change to the lives of children and young people!

Closing Date: 17.05.2026

Interview Date: 03.06.2026

HR Officer

Salary: £38,738 per annum

Contract: Full-time, 3-month fixed term contract

Location: London (hybrid working available)

We are pleased to be supporting a specialist higher education institution in the search for a temporary HR Officer. This is an excellent opportunity for an HR professional with strong employee relations experience to work across a varied and impactful caseload.

Working closely with HR Business Partners and senior stakeholders, this role provides high‑quality, practical advice across the full employee lifecycle, supporting managers to navigate people matters confidently, compliantly and consistently.

Key Responsibilities for this role include:

Employee Relations & Advisory Support

• Providing professional advice and support across a broad range of employee relations matters, including absence management, performance, conduct, grievance, capability and dignity at work cases.
• Supporting managers with disciplinary, grievance and change‑related processes in line with policy, procedure and employment legislation.
• Advising on occupational health referrals, interpreting reports and supporting managers to implement recommendations.

Policy, Contracts & Casework

• Supporting the interpretation and application of HR policies, procedures and terms and conditions of employment.
• Managing the fixed‑term contracts process, including tracking end dates, coordinating extensions or terminations, issuing documentation and ensuring compliance.
• Advising on family‑friendly leave, flexible and hybrid working arrangements, career breaks and related processes, including the production of maternity leave schedules.

Change, Job Evaluation & Projects

• Contributing to organisational change activity, including restructures, changes to terms and conditions, redundancy and redeployment processes.
• Undertaking job evaluations for new or amended roles to support recruitment, regrading and organisational design activity.
• Supporting people‑focused projects relating to contractual, policy or terms and conditions changes.

Collaboration & Best Practice

• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the wider People & Culture function to share expertise, coordinate activity and ensure consistency.
• Developing strong internal and external networks to ensure the application of best practice and awareness of sector developments.

To be considered for this position, you should bring:

• CIPD Level 5 or above qualification.
• Previous HR experience within Higher Education institutions.
• Demonstrable experience managing employee relations casework within a complex, unionised environment.
• Sound working knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Strong interpersonal, analytical and communication skills, with the resilience to manage competing priorities.
• High standards of data protection, information governance and confidentiality.
• Digital confidence, with experience using HR systems and collaborative digital tools.

Knowledge of job evaluation frameworks, HR systems and UKVI requirements would be advantageous.

If you're motivated by the opportunity to provide meaningful HR support in a culturally rich and values‑driven academic environment, we'd love to hear from you.

Please apply below and submit your CV in Word format.

As a specialist Recruitment Practice, we are committed to building inclusive and diverse organisations and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you throughout the application process.

Head of Public Affairs

Over the past 2 years, GuildHE has been transforming into the voice for distinctive higher education providers, building our brand on the principle that diversity is necessary for a healthy and vibrant higher education sector.  We have a new look, a renewed energy, and a bold vision for the future of distinctive institutions. Now, we need the final piece of the puzzle: our first-ever Head of Public Affairs. 

This is a landmark appointment for us. As a newly-created role following our recent rebranding, you’ll be building our external presence, taking our fresh identity and the work we’ve undertaken so far to the next level as we seek to double-down on our high-impact advocacy and engagement work.

As our inaugural Head of Public Affairs, you will have a unique mandate to shape the way GuildHE interacts with the world, where you can:

• Own the Narrative: Take our new brand and shape the 'GuildHE voice' across Westminster, the media, and the wider HE sector.

• Build the Blueprint: You will have the autonomy to design our engagement frameworks from scratch—working with the Director of Policy and Strategy to decide how we influence policy and how we best champion the value of specialist education.

• Create a Legacy: Because this is a brand-new headcount, every success will be yours to claim. You are here to build a function that will help define our influence for the next decade.

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who will champion diversity in higher education. From world-leading arts and agricultural institutions to large and distinctive HE providers who serve their students, industries and communities in innovative ways, you will find the common threads that bind our members and weave them into a compelling national story. You aren’t just representing institutions; you’re representing a vision of a more varied, vibrant educational landscape.

We’re looking for pioneers, who are energised by the phrase, “we haven’t done that before.” We’ve done the work on our look and feel—now we need you to provide the megaphone. If you’re a strategist who loves the 'start-up' energy of building and expanding functions within a respected, established body, we want to hear from you.

This this is the right job for you?  Please send a cover letter explaining that to us (max 2 pgs) and a CV by the deadline.

Application closing date: May 22

Interviews: June 3-4

We are excited to recruit a Community Organiser for our Bedford Parent Power project, funded by the Harpur Trust. The Brilliant Club will work in partnership with the Harpur Trust, local schools and university partners to engage with parents in Bedford. This role offers a meaningful, paid opportunity to empower parents and carers to address barriers their children face.

Bedford Parent Power utilises the community organising-based model first created by King’s College London and Citizens UK with South London Parent Power, which has now grown into a movement of 16 Parent Power chapters across the UK. Parent Power supports parents and carers to develop skills in community organising and advice and guidance on accessing higher education, empowering them to make change to support their children’s future and ensure that they have a fair chance in education and their future careers.    

Working with us, the Community Organiser will:  

• Receive community organising training from Citizens UK and develop transferable skills;
• Build campaigns to combat local educational barriers with parent/carer communities;
• Support the progression of young people by empowering their parent/carers to become higher education experts;
• Join a nationwide community of community organisers making a significant impact on university access.

About you

The role will best suit someone who:

Essential  

• Has knowledge of challenges faced in Bedford’s communities. 
• Has a demonstrable passion for furthering The Brilliant Club’s mission.
• Can adhere to information security policies included in the charity’s ISO 27001 manual (information security training provided).

Desirable  

• Has prior experience of community focused work. 
• Understands the current climate in the UK school system and some of the challenges young people and parent/carers might be facing.  
• Understands the barriers young people face to university access and some of the ways these might be overcome. 

Outdoor and Sustainability Education Specialists (OASES) are seeking to appoint a highly organised and proactive Office Administrator to join our friendly and passionate team.

This is an exciting time to join OASES as we continue to grow our reach and impact. We are a charity committed to creating a more sustainable world where all children can thrive, and we are looking for someone who shares our values and enthusiasm for sustainability, education and community.

This is a varied and hands-on role at the heart of the organisation. The successful candidate will play a key role in the smooth day-to-day running of the office, supporting both administrative systems and essential financial processes.

About the role

You will:

• Manage day-to-day office administration, including handling enquiries, coordinating bookings and maintaining effective systems
• Provide a warm and professional front-of-house service, welcoming visitors and supporting communications
• Support OASES’ communications, including website updates, social media and email mailouts
• Assist with the organisation and preparation of resources and equipment for programme delivery
• Undertake financial administration tasks, including processing invoices, maintaining accurate records and supporting basic bookkeeping processes

About you

We are looking for someone who:

• Is highly organised, reliable and able to manage a varied workload
• Has strong ICT skills, including Microsoft Office, and ideally experience with tools such as Canva, XERO or WordPress
• Has good attention to detail, particularly when working with financial and administrative data
• Is confident communicating with a wide range of people and provides excellent customer service
• Enjoys working as part of a team and is willing to take a hands-on approach to support the wider organisation

The ideal candidate will be friendly, flexible and proactive, with a willingness to contribute to all aspects of office life—from administration and communications to supporting resource development and team activities.

An Enhanced DBS check will be required for this role.

Application Deadline: Monday 11th May 2026, 9am
Interview Date: Friday 15th May 2026

Job Description

Job Title: Digital Content Officer – SEND

Responsible To: Senior Parent Adviser - SEND

Team Membership: Helpline/IAS- (Information, Advice and Family Support Directorate)

Hours: 14 hours a week  

Salary scale:

Scale point 26
£32,168.00 FTE
£12,867.20 – actual (14 hours a week) plus £26.00 a month home working allowance

Contract: Fixed – until 31 March 2027

Location: Home based - UK

Job Purpose:

To write engaging plain English website copy on SEND law and related education law matters in England.

To help ensure the provision of quality information, advice and support to parent carers.

Main Duties: 

 To write quality plain English copy for the Contact website.

To review, edit and update existing SEND and education related copy on the Contact website.

To work with the education helpline team to identify and prioritise the information and advice needs of parent advisers and parent carers.

To write and develop content to respond to common SEND and related education law concerns of parent carers.

To help ensure our information and advice reaches more families by working with the comms team to promote our IAS through social media, and digital channels.

To build positive working relationships with colleagues, contributing to a culture of mutual respect, trust, and shared responsibility.

To respect diverse experiences and perspectives within the team and contribute constructively to problem‑solving and decision‑making.

Demonstrates awareness of education legislation, statutory guidance, and good practice in England.

A commitment to the provision of quality information and advice.

 General duties

In common with all Contact staff, the post holder will be expected to work in accordance with the aims of Contact and to observe the policy and procedures set out by the directors of the charity.

The post holder will be expected to assist with any reasonable duty at the request of the line manager for the post.

Staff will be expected to attend and participate in Contact staff meetings and the staff annual conference.

Staff will be expected to attend training events relevant to their specific responsibilities.

Staff will be offered supervision, support and annual review s incorporating their training needs.

Partnerships and Best Practice Lead

Salary: £42,000
Contract: 36 hours per week, fixed term (12 months initially, with potential to extend subject to funding)
Location: Home-based, with travel for meetings, collaboration, and partnership work. You’ll be expected to spend time in person with colleagues and partners across locations including London, Sutton Coldfield and Hull.
Reports to: Director of Strategy, Partnerships and Advocacy

About the Role

Too many young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) face a sharp drop in support as they transition into adulthood. This role sits within an ambitious new programme, Ending the Cliff Edge, designed to change that.

As Partnerships and Best Practice Lead, you will play a central role in building a national, cross-sector alliance of young people, families, practitioners, organisations and service providers. Together, this alliance will drive meaningful reform and create better pathways into adulthood for disabled young people.

This is an opportunity to help shape a new initiative from the ground up—spreading best practice, testing innovative approaches, and building strong evidence of what works.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and maintain a broad collaborative partnership of cross‑sector organisations, providers, and experts to achieve collective ambition of driving improvement in transitions support.
• Refine, capture and share best‑practice models for supporting disabled young people into adulthood, ensuring they are evidence‑informed and accessible.
• Support partner organisations to design, adapt and deliver pilots that test innovative approaches and generate strong evidence of impact.
• Expand Kids’ national reach by growing the number of young people supported through improved transitions pathways, and increasing the number of businesses and providers engaged.
• Act as the central link between Kids’ direct delivery and wider national partners, ensuring learning is shared widely and consistently.
• Represent Kids externally as a champion for high‑quality transitions support, contributing to sector learning, collaboration and thought leadership.

About You

You are a confident relationship builder with experience of working across sectors and bringing people together around a shared goal. You’re comfortable working in a developing programme environment, able to take initiative, manage ambiguity, and turn ideas into action.

You are motivated by improving outcomes for disabled young people and have a strong understanding of the barriers they face.

Essential Criteria

• Proven experience of partnership development and cross-sector collaboration
• Experience identifying and sharing best practice, and translating learning into practical resources
• Ability to coordinate and support pilot projects, including stakeholder engagement and evaluation
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills across a wide range of stakeholders
• Strong understanding of challenges faced by disabled young people transitioning to adulthood
• Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly to diverse audiences
• Experience supporting funder relationships and understanding funding environments
• Strong organisational and project management skills
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and sustain partnerships
• Experience using data and insight to inform practice and demonstrate impact

Desirable

• Experience in disability, SEND, education, employment or youth sectors
• Knowledge of policy and practice related to transitions into adulthood
• Experience facilitating training, workshops or communities of practice
• Familiarity with co-production approaches
• Experience evaluating programmes and capturing outcomes

Why Apply?

This is a unique opportunity to help shape a national movement for change—working collaboratively to ensure disabled young people have the support, opportunities and outcomes they deserve as they move into adulthood.

Interviews will take place on 21st and 22nd May 2026

For further details, please see the full Job Description attached.

About Action Tutoring
At Action Tutoring, we believe every child should be given the opportunity to succeed in school. But in the UK today, young people from disadvantaged backgrounds are less likely to 

achieve the grades they need to progress in life. This isn't because they are any less able; they have less access to the tools to help them reach their potential. 
 

We don't think this is fair. We know tutoring is an effective way of improving academic attainment and so we harness the power of volunteer tutors to bridge the gap and ensure this help can be accessed by every pupil who needs it, not just those who can afford it. 
 

We specifically help pupils facing socio-economic disadvantage and who are at risk of leaving primary or secondary school without reaching national standards in their exams. We work in partnership with schools in different cities and regions across the UK, delivering weekly tutoring in English or maths to those pupils who need it most. 
 

About the opportunity
The Director of Finance and Operations works closely with the CEO to build the organisation, operations and systems to enable us to scale and respond to emerging opportunities. A critical strategic role, they are a hands-on financial leader that brings strategic insight and challenge. Passionate about our mission, they lead a small team and use their experience and expertise to make our strategy a practical reality.

Closing date: Sunday, 17th May 2026
Interviews:Thursday, 28th and Friday, 29th May 2026, in our London office. There will be a second round of interviews.
Start date: Ideal start date is asap. However, we’re happy to wait for the ideal candidate.
Contract and hours: Permanent. Full time. We offer flexible hours with 9.30-4 as core hours. A full working week is 37.5 hours. 
Place of work:  Hybrid/flexible. This role requires 6 days a month in our London Office, Fivefields, Grosvenor Gardens, London SW1W 0DH.

Duties and responsibilities
 
Finance

Lead financial strategy and long-term planning to support the development of the organisation, as well as holding overall responsibility for finance processes and controls. 
 

Operations

Drive continuous improvement of operations to increase productivity, quality of delivery and value for money. With the operations team, provide oversight of all operational matters to ensure compliance and the smooth running of the organisation.
 

HR and team development

Action Tutoring has a Head of People & Culture who oversees day-to-day HR operations. However, with a permanent staff team of around 60, this role holds strategic responsibility for talent development and HR processes. This includes training and development strategy, effective diversity and inclusion policies and regular reviews of performance and reward systems.
 

Senior Leadership 

As one of the four members of the Senior Leadership Team of Action Tutoring, you will contribute to leadership decision-making, representing your own areas of expertise but also advocating for the best strategic options for the charity as a whole. 
 

Legal compliance, risk management and governance

This role ensures legal compliance of the organisation.
 

Line management

Overseeing a small team, this role has direct line management responsibility for the Head of People & Culture, the Operations Manager, and the Senior Finance Officer. You will also, with support from your team, manage relationships with external support agencies, including the outsourced management accountant, IT support company, and HR and employment law consultancy.
 

This role also plays a key part in a number of internal working groups, including leading the Digital Systems working group and serving as a member of both the Sustainability and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion working groups.
 

A full list of duties and responsibilities can be found in the job description attached to the BreatheHR advert.

Person specification
 
Qualifications criteria: 

• The right to work in the UK.

We are looking for some of the following attributes, though you might be more experienced in some areas than others:

• Deep finance and operations experience as well as a track record of strategy development. You will have significant experience overseeing finances and managing budgets and be able to demonstrate a high level of understanding of financial management and forecasting within a fundraising setting. Familiarity with charity accounting and SORP will be essential. 
• Someone with the ability to see the big picture and lead long-term strategy while being able to zoom into the detail and set high-expectations for the team and wider organisation. 
• An excellent eye for detail and an experienced project manager who relishes delivering long-term projects through to completion, you will be a self-starter with a strong ability to take initiative to drive change.
• An ability to identify areas for organisational development and growth. You are someone who leads change and development. Alert to reputational risk, proactively preventing errors.
• An established track record in delivering results in a growing environment at the management level.
• Experience with a range of business functions and systems, including budgeting, finance, legal, IT and human resources or a willingness to build expertise in these areas.
• Understanding of developing policies and procedures; experience in good governance practices, including:
  • Familiarity with routine HR legislation and processes.
  • A good understanding of GDPR compliance and processes.
  • Familiarity with reporting at Trustee level (or equivalent). 
• Excellent team leadership skills. 
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. 
• A commitment to the mission and values of Action Tutoring.
• A commitment to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children.
• Always aiming to help more pupils and have a bigger impact, we continually seek ways to improve tasks, processes and culture.

You will likely be more successful in this role if you have: 

• Additional formal qualifications relevant to the role (e.g. qualified accountant, MBA, CIPD Level 7).
• Experience or knowledge of safeguarding procedures.
• Digital transformation project management.
• Experience in the charity sector or the education sector, particularly in charity legislation and accounting.
• Experience in monitoring and evaluation processes and/or school data.
• Experience in improving systems and processes.

Do you believe every young person deserves the chance to dream big about their future? At MyBigCareer, that belief drives everything we do.

We're a small but mighty charity supporting young people aged 11–18 from underserved communities across London and the North East, helping them build the knowledge, confidence and connections to thrive in the world of work. Since 2013 we've supported over 20,000 young people through personalised careers guidance, coaching and employability programmes, working alongside schools, corporate partners and a network of more than 300 inspirational volunteers.

The role

This is a dual-focus role sitting right at the heart of how we deliver our impact. You'll lead our volunteer programme nationally; recruiting, training and supporting the coaches and volunteers who deliver our programmes, while also overseeing programme delivery across our London partner schools.

On the volunteer side, you'll manage the full volunteer journey from recruitment and DBS checks through to training, engagement and retention, and act as our organisation's DBS Lead. On the delivery side, you'll coordinate and deliver MyBigCareer programmes in London, acting as a key relationship holder for school partners and ensuring young people receive consistently high-quality careers guidance and employability support.

This is a hands-on role for someone equally comfortable with strategic coordination and direct delivery, who thrives in a close-knit, values-led small team.

About you

You'll bring experience in volunteer management, programme coordination or a similar role, ideally in the charity or education sector. You'll be a confident communicator, a natural relationship builder, and someone who cares deeply about equity and social mobility.

Essential experience and skills include:

• Experience managing or coordinating volunteers, ideally in a charity, education or community setting
• Experience coordinating or delivering programmes or projects with multiple stakeholders
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
• Confidence delivering workshops, training or presentations to groups
• Sound understanding of safeguarding principles
• Competent with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace and CRM systems

Desirable:

• Experience in or with schools or education settings
• Experience as or supporting a DBS Lead
• Knowledge of or connections to London communities
• Lived experience of the inequalities faced by the young people we support

Our values

Compassion First. Dream Big. Empower Others. Act with Purpose. It's really important to us that whoever joins us lives and works by these values and is at their best working collaboratively in a small, mission-driven team.

The details

• Salary: £30,000–£32,500 FTE (pro rata for part time)
• Permanent contract, full time (37hrs) or part time (minimum 30hrs) considered
• Hybrid; home-based with at least weekly travel to London and occasional UK travel
• 27 days annual leave + bank holidays + Christmas closure
• Target start date: August 2026
• Enhanced DBS check required

We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of the inequalities faced by the young people we support, and from those with existing knowledge of or connections to London communities.

Closing date: 13th May 2026 1st round interviews: w/c 1st June | 2nd round: w/c 8th June

Job Title: Self-Employment Coach

Reporting To: Self-Employment Manager

Salary: £30,900 pro rata (£18,540 actual)

Hours: 21 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Location: Currently one day in the office in Kings Cross N1 9LG

- working actively in the community for the rest of the week

DBS: This post is subject to an enhanced criminal record check under the arrangements established by the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Context of Job

AFK is a national charity creating opportunities for children and young people who are disabled or neurodivergent, to increase their independence, reach their individual potential and remove the barriers they face.

The Self‑Employment Programme is a growing initiative designed to help 18–25‑year‑olds transform their passions, skills and talents into real income‑generating opportunities. Through coaching, group delivery, mentoring, and practical business development activities, the programme provides accessible, person‑centred support to young people who want to pursue self‑employment as part of their pathway to independence.

The Self‑Employment Coach plays a key role in delivering high‑quality, empowering support to young people, working alongside the Self‑Employment Programme Manager to co‑design, deliver and evaluate a dynamic, inclusive and impactful programme.

Overall Job Purpose

To provide structured, person‑centred coaching to young people exploring or preparing for self‑employment. This includes delivering 1‑2‑1 and group sessions, supporting beneficiaries to develop viable business ideas, and helping them access tools, resources and opportunities needed to succeed. The role also contributes to the programme’s administrative, monitoring, partnership and outreach activities.

Working Conditions

The post is 21 hours per week, typically worked between 9:00am and 5:00pm. Contracted working days will be agreed with the Self‑Employment Programme Manager; however, Tuesdays are a mandatory working day. The post holder may occasionally be required to work evenings or weekends depending on programme needs.

The role includes 16.5 days of annual leave, in addition to public holidays.
AFK operates a TOIL (Time Off in Lieu) policy.

Working Relationships

The Self‑Employment Coach will work closely with young people, their families, education professionals, and colleagues across AFK to deliver tailored coaching and support.

The post holder will report regularly to the Self‑Employment Programme Manager and work alongside the Executive Director of Services as required, while actively engaging with external partners to ensure positive and sustainable outcomes for young people.

Principal Responsibilities

Coaching & Programme Delivery

• Deliver 1‑2‑1 coaching, small‑group sessions and workshop activities to support young people’s business development, confidence and skills.
• Work with young people to identify their aspirations, needs and goals, and translate them into practical action plans.
• Support trainees to develop essential components of their business ideas (e.g., value proposition, customer identification, pricing).
• Help young people understand the financial aspects of self‑employment, including budgeting, basic feasibility and potential benefits implications (with support from the Manager where specialist knowledge is required).
• Co‑facilitate specialist sessions with mentors, guest speakers or external partners.

Research & Business Development Support

• Research and suggest suitable platforms, markets and selling opportunities for trainees’ products or services (online and physical).
• Support trainees to understand and test their business ideas, including conducting simple market research and exploring feasibility.

Programme Co‑ordination & Administration

• Maintain accurate records, including session notes, trainee progress, KPIs and monitoring data.
• Contribute to evaluation processes, including collecting feedback, tracking impact and supporting continuous programme improvement.
• Support with scheduling, communication and preparation of delivery materials.
• Assist in maintaining a positive, accessible and inclusive programme environment.

Outreach & Partnerships

• Support delivery of outreach sessions in schools, colleges and community settings, promoting AFK’s offer.
• Develop positive working relationships with external partners, mentors and community organisations to enhance opportunities for trainees.
• Contribute to collaborative work across AFK departments, ensuring consistent communication and alignment with organisational objectives.

General Organisational Responsibilities

• Uphold AFK’s commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Engage in learning and development opportunities, and participate in supervision and appraisal.
• Carry out any other responsibilities reasonably associated with the role.