External Communications Manager
Salary: £40,000–£42,000 FTE
Hours: 30 hours per week
Location: Remote, with regular travel to FitzRoy services, team and stakeholder meetings as agreed. The role requires attendance in London once per month and applicants must be able to commute to services in Norfolk, Nottingham and Hampshire.
Reports to: Head of Communications
Directorate: Business Development and Partnerships
FitzRoy is a national charity supporting people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health needs to live lives rooted in choice, meaning and happiness.
We are strengthening our external voice and looking for a confident, perceptive and warm communicator to help more people understand FitzRoy’s expertise and impact and increase our influence.
This is a moment of change for social care. We want to play a more active role in shaping its future, ensuring the people at the heart of it are seen, heard and involved in the decisions that matter.
About the role
As External Communications Manager, you will help build FitzRoy’s profile and reputation by identifying the stories, insight and opportunities that show what good support looks like in real life.
You will work closely with the Head of Communications, fundraising, business development and operational colleagues to turn external communications priorities into practical plans, content and opportunities.
This is a delivery role with real influence. You will be expected to bring ideas, advise colleagues, shape practical plans and turn opportunities into action.
What you will do
You will:
- develop proactive external communications activity that raises awareness of FitzRoy’s work, expertise and impact
- spot opportunities for FitzRoy to contribute constructively to sector conversations
- identify realistic opportunities for media, sector press, partner or local coverage
- gather stories, photos, video and quotes that help people understand what good support looks like in real life
- use social media, website content, audience insight and analytics to strengthen FitzRoy’s external profile
About you
You may come from charity communications, PR, journalism, public affairs, stakeholder communications or another external communications background.
You do not need to have worked in social care before, but you will need to be interested in people, willing to learn quickly and able to handle stories about people’s lives with care, respect and good judgement.
We are looking for someone who is:
- an excellent writer and editor
- confident developing clear, accessible content for different audiences
- warm, curious and able to build rapport quickly
- able to spot strong stories, ideas and opportunities
- confident creating social media and website content shaped by audience insight
- comfortable working independently and managing competing priorities
- able to think strategically about audiences and influence, while being practical about what can be delivered in a small team
- confident gathering content including photos, videos and quotes
- willing and able to travel to FitzRoy services and meetings as needed
A full clean driving licence and access to a car for work travel are required, as some services are not easily accessible by public transport.
Working at FitzRoy
You will join a small, friendly communications team with big ambitions. This role will suit someone who enjoys a mix of planning, writing, relationship-building, story-gathering and hands-on delivery.
You will help us show the difference good support makes – and help ensure the voices, experiences and achievements of people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health needs are seen and heard.
How to apply
To apply, please submit your application and a covering letter.
We do not expect your covering letter to address every point in the person specification. We would like you to tell us:
- what interests you about this role and FitzRoy
- three things you would bring to the role
- a piece of communications work you are proud of and why
- how you approach using social media, website content and audience insight to build external profile
- how you would approach telling stories about people’s lives with care, respect and good judgement
If you are using AI tools to write your application, please use them with caution. We are looking for your own voice and writing style.
Our vision, mission and values guide us each step of the way, and are as important now as when the charity first began. Our vision A society where p
Northern Dog Volunteer Recruitment Officer
Location: Home based, supporting northern region’s (Including Scotland, Northern England and parts of the Midlands, with travel outside these areas occasionally)
Salary Band: £26,000 to £27,000 FTE (pro rata for part-time hours)
Job Type: Part-time (3 to 4 days per week), with flexibility required for regular evening / overnight stays and weekend work
Reports To: Head of Dog Supply & Canine Support Services
Medical Detection Dogs trains dogs to save lives.
We train specialist dogs to detect the odour of human disease, providing life-saving alert assistance dogs to people with complex health problems across the UK and collaborating with NHS Trusts and other researchers and Universities both in the UK and internationally to advance the early diagnosis of disease.
We have an exciting new opportunity to join this small but fast-growing charity that is a world leader in its specialist, innovative field.
We are looking for someone with the skills, experience and passion to join our Canine Services Department, and to be responsible for the recruitment, training and development of dog supply volunteers.
Responsibilities of the Role:
Recruitment of Volunteers (puppy socialisers, holiday cover, and fosterers)
- To liaise with volunteering team regarding current recruitment areas and support on the ground recruitment activities in the relevant regions, involving volunteers and dogs where appropriate
- To manage the process of dog volunteer recruitment
- To oversee that necessary checks have been completed to assess prospective new dog volunteers, including home, workplace, pet dog and children assessments, when required
- Inform stakeholders when a dog volunteer is signed off and ready to have an MDD living with them
- Achieve monthly targets as set by the Head of Dog Supply and Canine Services
Training of Volunteers:
- Deliver effective training by organising dog handling classes before volunteers receive their Medical Detection Dog
- Oversee the online training pathway for all dog volunteers
- Ensure all dog volunteers have received and read the training manual, addressing any questions they may have
- Be the first point of contact for all dog volunteers during the application and training process
- Link volunteers with appropriate buddies prior to placement of a puppy/dog
Other:
- To manage the Puppy Socialisers Facebook page, delivering key training messages via this platform.
- Update the Harlequin CRM and Assemble database promptly to maintain accurate and up to date records of all dog volunteers, e.g. what training they have received etc.
- Support the Dog Training and Partnership Instructor in matching and allocating dog volunteers with MDD puppies
- Support the charity’s fundraising, communications and volunteering teams as required, specifically in relation to your area
- Share best practice with colleagues across the charity
- Other tasks or ad hoc duties agreed with your line manager to ensure the successful running of the charity
Person Specification
Essential
- Experience in planning and coordinating volunteer recruitment events and recruiting volunteers
- Previous experience delivering training sessions
- Strong ability to communicate clearly and confidently with a range of audiences
- Confidence in using social media to promote volunteer recruitment
- Basic knowledge of GDPR
- Ability to deliver volunteer training, including assessing individual learning styles and adapting approaches while following structured programmes
- Strong teaching and instructional skills
- Ability to plan, prioritise and organise workload effectively for self and others
- Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with a wide range of stakeholders, including clients and their families, volunteers, professional partners, members of the public, media, managers and colleagues
- High level of IT literacy and report writing skills, including Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Desirable
- Understanding of training assistance dogs
- Minimum 1-2 years’ experience in dog training
- Basic understanding of practical dog training theories
- Knowledge of laws related to dogs
- Understanding of dog and human psychology
- Awareness of health and safety implications in dog and volunteer handling
- Understanding of ADUK and ADI regulations
Finally, the successful candidate will also be expected to:
- Hold a full UK Driving Licence
- Provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the UK
- Undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
- Work some evenings and weekends with the possibility of spending nights away
To Apply
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Medical Detection Dogs, please do not hesitate to apply.
We are a welcoming, diverse and inclusive charity. Medical Detection Dogs thrives when everyone feels comfortable bringing their best self to work. We celebrate difference, whilst striving to create an environment where colleagues feel respected and valued for their unique potential. We are committed to our values on equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Location: UK – Open to remote arrangement (Only candidates who are eligible to work legally without work visa sponsorship in the UK will be considered.)
Contract Type: Part-time (0.5 FTE / 20 hours per week), Permanent contract
Hiring Salary: GBP 46,474 per annum (before taxes, to be pro-rated to 0.5 FTE)
Target Start Date: As soon as possible
Application Closing Date: 8 July 2026 23:59 BST
This job advert is for an existing vacancy.
About Right To Play:
For more than 25 years, Right To Play has been protecting, educating, and empowering millions of children each year to rise above adversity through the power of play.
We offer programs in 13 countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and North America, reaching millions of children each year in some of the most difficult places on earth, helping them to stay in school and learn, overcome prejudice, heal from trauma, and develop the skills they need to thrive. We do this by harnessing play, one of the most fundamental forces in a child's life, to teach children the critical skills they need to dismantle barriers and embrace opportunities, in learning and in life.
This work is supported by our two global offices in Toronto, Canada and London, UK; and seven National Offices in North America and Europe.
Right To Play UK is a charity registered in England and Wales and in Scotland that works in partnership with Right To Play International to raise funds and awareness across the UK and Ireland.
Benefits Highlights:
- Connect and collaborate with a global team who are passionate about protecting, educating and empowering children and youth using the power of play!
- Culture premised on our Culture Code (accept everyone, make things happen, display courage, demonstrate care, and be playful)
- Flexible work arrangements
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays per year (to be pro-rated for part-time employees)
- Competitive benefits such as Income Protection and Life Assurance
- Learning opportunities and 5 learning and development (L&D) days per year (to be pro-rated for part-time employees)
- More information on what we offer is available on our website.
Application Method:
Apply with your resume and cover letter in English via the application link.
Right To Play provides equal employment opportunities to employees regardless of their gender, race, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation or marital status. We strongly encourage groups who have been historically disadvantaged with respect to employment to apply for positions at Right To Play.
As part of our selection process, final candidates will be required to complete security checks and Vulnerable Sector Check or equivalent criminal record check as a condition of the offer. More details about our recruitment process are available here. Safeguarding information is available here.
As part of our recruitment and selection process, Right To Play uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) - assisted tools to support the assessment of candidates or applications. This may include but not limited to generating and editing of job adverts, assessment and interview questions, scheduling, translation, transcription, note taking, etc. Our Applicant Tracking System (ATS), VidCruiter, also use AI-powered ChatBot to answer candidates' enquiries. These tools are used only to assist human reviewers in evaluation and do not make selection or screening decisions. All hiring decisions are made by human reviewers. All AI-assisted processes comply with applicable privacy and data protection regulations, including GDPR and PIPEDA. For more information, please refer to RTP AI Policy and our Best Practice: Use of AI in Recruitment.
We value and promote a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are committed to providing accommodations to candidates with disabilities during the recruitment and selection process, and thereafter. Please reach out to the People & Culture team by email. All information provided will be treated as confidential and used only to provide an accessible candidate experience.
Job Description:
Job Title: Finance and Operations Manager
Grade: 7
Reports to: Executive Director, UK and Global Strategic Initiatives
Reports Technically to Director, Finance HQ
Location: UK (open to remote arrangement)
Direct Reports: NA
Department: Finance
1- Purpose:
The Finance and Operations Manager ensures the effective financial, administrative, and operational functioning of Right To Play UK and support the establishment of Right To Play Ireland by overseeing accurate financial records, coordinating people and legal processes, and continuously improving business systems and practices to support and enable successful fundraising outcomes.
2- Accountability & Responsibilities:
Finance (90%)
- Lead financial management, compliance, budgeting and reporting for Right To Play UK and Right To Play Ireland by ensuring accurate and timely recording of all expenses and revenue connected with the operation of the offices
- Ensure revenue is appropriately captured and coded and reconciled with bank.
- Oversee liquidity/cashflow, procurement, payroll, audits, tax reporting, and external financial relationships
- Deliver reliable management and statutory reports to leadership, Boards, HQ, and authorities.
- Lead for staff payroll and benefits, HRIS data accuracy, payroll coordination, contracts, insurance and benefits administration, and employee records to ensure compliance, efficiency, and strong organisational support
- Supporting global finance in finance related initiatives, as needed
- Where applicable, ensure compliance on all governance requirements
Operations (10%)
- Direct office operations, administration, IT, and legal coordination by establishing efficient administrative processes, managing office infrastructure and IT security, coordinating vendors and service providers, monitoring licenses and compliance requirements, and supporting organisational risk management and legal obligations.
Perform other duties as assigned.
3-Scope (geographical and/or functional), Impact and Autonomy
The incumbent operates with significant autonomy, holding delegated authority over financial management, systems, and office operations, including safeguarding all funds received, and preparing supplier invoices for payment. They operate with high trust and independence and is expected to safeguard assets and ensure full statutory, fiscal, and HR data compliance.
4-Leadership and Staff management
The role exercises functional and collaborative leadership with no direct reports, providing guidance and influence across Right To Play UK and Right To Play Ireland. Leadership is demonstrated through setting standards and supporting teams to work effectively within organizational policies and financial controls, by providing authoritative guidance to the offices on financial policies, internal controls, and risk management; escalating material risks and recommending mitigation actions to the Executive Director and HQ Finance. The incumbent is expected to operate effectively in a low segregation environment due to small staff size by implementing and monitoring compensating controls (spot checks, reviews with Executive Director, exception reporting) to maintain strong control integrity.
5- Information requirement for decision-making
The incumbent requires secure access to accurate financial, donor, and operational data - primarily through the MCRM and ERP systems - which is already identified and readily available and applies established analysis and reporting methods as a super-user to interpret information, ensure compliance, protect confidential constituent records, and support informed financial and operational decision-making.
6- Innovation and Improvements
The incumbent is expected to drive process improvements and functional innovations within the offices—data integrity, financial tracking, and internal collaboration—while supporting others to implement these changes, with major or high-risk innovations subject to approval by the Executive Director.
7- Relationships & Communications: Internal / External:
The incumbent maintains key internal relationships with all team members, doner services team and HQ colleagues in MCRM, Finance, and People & Culture, and external relationships with Board members, and event partners, using effective communication and donor stewardship to support organizational objectives and ensure smooth operations. The incumbent stewards Right To Play UK and Right To Play Ireland’s fiduciary obligations and is the primary authorized liaison with banks, landlords, insurance and payroll providers, external auditors, tax advisors, and legal counsel.
8- Expertise (Certifications / Education, Professional Experience/Language)
- Post-secondary diploma or undergraduate degree in accounting, business administration, Finance, or other related fields.
- Professional Accounting Designation preferred
- 5 years of progressive finance experience, including audit coordination, statutory filings, and external advisor management
- Adaptable with the aptitude to work well under pressure, and manage multiple competing and/or changing priorities
- Experience in navigating accounting, banking and payroll platforms
- A team player who is collaborative and innovative
- Excellent organizational skills; systematic in follow-through of tasks; diligent, with strong attention to detail
- Results-oriented with a willingness to learn and take initiative
- Demonstrates professionalism and integrity, with strong judgement skills and ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
- General knowledge of fundraising practices, procedures and standards preferred
- Fluency in oral and written English
9- Core Competences
- Collaboration: Demonstrates strong teamwork by effectively partnering with internal teams and external stakeholders to achieve shared objectives.
- Growth Mindset: Actively seeks opportunities to improve processes, learn new systems, and implement innovative solutions.
- Resilience: Maintains focus and effectiveness under pressure, managing multiple priorities and challenges with composure.
- Professionalism: Upholds high ethical standards, confidentiality, and accuracy in all financial, operational, and stakeholder interactions.
- Management and Interpersonal Skills: Guides and influences colleagues through expertise, clear communication, and support, despite having no direct reports.
10- Additional Information
Ability to work irregular hours depending on event and external meeting schedule. Occasional travel for attending internal and external meetings and supporting events.
To protect, educate, and empower children to rise above adversity using the power of play.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.