Event manager jobs in cheltenham, gloucestershire

This experienced helpliner will help us grow our reach and better support people affected by migraine. We are looking for a dedicated and passionate self-starter with the ability to prioritise their own workload whilst supporting our community.

The ideal candidate will be engaged and willing to learn with a proven track record of delivering support services within the charity sector. They will be an excellent communicator who is good at self-motivating in a remote role and has experience in building meaningful relationships with a range of stakeholders. They will also be able to multi-task on a daily basis by supporting our service users through a range of platforms.

Experience of supporting service users face to face, being able to extract data for reporting, grow existing services and the ability to deliver presentations would also to desirable.

This role will play a leadership role in delivering our ambitious policy influencing programme, helping to shape and implement influencing plans to bring about the changes needed to reduce, prevent and eventually end the need for food banks in the UK.  It will provide management and oversight to some of our strategic projects.

Role responsibilities

· Developing and implementing Trussell’s influencing strategy

Working with teams across the organisation to ensure key groups, including our community of food banks, corporate partners, churches and church-related organisations have a clear role in our policy influencing approach.

· Planning and delivering impactful public affairs activity

Ensuring systems are in place to help plan, monitor and evaluate public affairs activity and maximise opportunities to engage with key audiences, including Parliamentarians, advisers, and UK Government Ministers; and support close working with colleagues in all UK nations and regions.  Managing the development and delivery of public affairs activity to support high profile influencing campaigns.

· Building and managing strong relationships with key external stakeholders

Developing relationships, partnerships and networks to help raise the profile, credibility and influence of Trussell and our policy positions, particularly in the UK Parliament.  Representing Trussell and promoting the organisation’s policy position to key audiences, including in meetings and events with Parliamentarians.

· Developing public affairs support to the food bank community

Working closely with a small team of Network Policy and Research Officers and the Organising and Local Mobilisation team to support our community of food banks to build and maintain strong relationships with their local MPs.  Ensuring public affairs activity is well aligned to campaign strategies involving the food bank network.

· Embedding participatory approaches across our public affairs and wider influencing activity

Supporting further development of a participatory approach to policy influencing to ensure it is rooted in the lived experience of individuals affected by poverty.  This includes ensuring an ethical approach in line with our values.

· Providing advice and line management

Have line management responsibility for individuals within the team, providing pastoral and development guidance along with task management on key projects.  This includes regular 1:1s, objective setting and collaborative monitoring, and support with development needs.

Person Specification

Technical skills and minimum knowledge:

· Track record of successfully influencing politicians and key decision-makers to achieve strategic goals at different levels of government.

· Track record of delivering strategic public affairs activity based on robust evidence, from development to evaluation.

· Can explain components of effective policy influencing, including knowledge of the machinery and structure of government (UK, devolved, local) and experience of informing campaigns activity to mobilise support for policy change.

· Demonstrates a good understanding of policies that affect UK poverty and hunger.  Can explain policy motivations of main political parties and can advise on how to influence them most effectively.

· Excellent written and oral communication skills, particularly in demonstrating enthusiasm and experience when communicating complex topics to non-specialist audiences.

· Experience of line managing, including dealing with performance issues and supporting team development.

Behaviours and competencies:

· Works collaboratively, managing challenges in a constructive manner

· Balances competing priorities and work to tight deadlines

· Demonstrates a dedication to the values of Trussell

· Demonstrates empathy for people from disadvantages, marginalised or socially excluded backgrounds

· Role models inclusive behaviour, values and leadership

We are looking for an experienced and passionate Senior Programme Officer to work as part of our National Programmes Team.

This is a 25 hour a week fixed term position until July 2026

Imagine being part of an organisation whose common purpose is to help those who are severely impacted by mental illness. We believe that everyone should be treated with respect and dignity – and that’s why equity is one of our core values. We draw on the expertise, unique perspectives and lived experience of our people – regardless of who they are or their background – to help us become inclusive and anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider that reflect the diverse communities we support as a mental health charity.

Mental Health UK brings together the heritage and experience of four charities from across the country who’ve been supporting people with their mental health for nearly 50 years.

With our local service delivery and national expertise in supporting people whose lives are affected by mental health problems, we have been able to mark a significant footprint in the areas that deeply challenge our mental health and stability.

We provide support and services for some of the biggest societal challenges that pose a threat to people’s mental health, including money problems, navigating through the system to get the right support, understanding mental health, loneliness and isolation, and resilience in young people.

The Mental Health UK programmes team is responsible for the delivery of high-quality programmes and projects that: meet the aims and objectives of Mental Health UK’s 2025-2030 Strategy, strategically align with the needs and expectations of our four founding charities, deliver for all stakeholders including funding partners and beneficiaries.

We design, deliver and measure the impact of our projects and services, ensuring that they meet the needs of people living with mental health problems and have a positive impact on the lives of individuals and communities across the UK.

One in four people in the UK have experienced a mental health problem. At Mental Health UK, we won’t stop until everyone has the tools they need to live their best possible life.

How you will make a difference

As Senior Programme Officer, I will support the Head of Commercial Insight & Development to ensure Mental Health UK delivers high quality projects and programmes that:

• Meet the aims and objectives of our 2025-30 strategy.
• Are strategically aligned with the needs and expectations of our four founding charities.
• Deliver for all stakeholders, including funding partners and beneficiaries.

In this role, I will support the Head of Commercial Insight & Development to identify opportunities to grow and expand our existing programmes. I will work with the Communications and Marketing Team to identify opportunities throughout our programmes to demonstrate our impact as an organisation.

I will oversee the day-to-day delivery of projects within Mental Health UK’s portfolio, supporting colleagues across Mental Health UK and the four founding charities to ensure outputs are delivered on time and to budget, and outcomes are achieved as planned.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion 

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks and support groups for our ethnically diverse and LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter. 

We aim for our workforce to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve; for those who work for us to feel heard, valued and feel they belong; and for our work to help tackle wider mental health inequalities. We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience of mental illness, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual and any other gender identity not expressed here (LGBTQIA+); people who are neurodiverse, have a health condition, or a disability or hidden disability and people from an ethnically diverse background - regardless of your age, religious or spiritual belief, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, political view or socio-economic status.

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation 

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrates our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation. You can read more about our progress here. 

Location: Home based, from Global South Region where WAGGGS can provide Contract for Services

About Us:

Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting is the world’s only movement for every girl and any girl because we believe that each of them deserves to be the best they can be. Girl Guides and Girl Scouts learn by doing, make friends and have fun. In brave, local spaces, girls develop the skills and attitudes to change themselves, their communities and our world. The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts supports 153 national Girl Guide and Girl Scout organisations around the world to be united, thriving and growing.

Job Purpose:

The purpose of this role is to support the Global Programmes’ communications coordinator in implementing the developing contents and multi-media assets that showcase the work and the impact that the global programmes are making. In this role you’ll get to learn about our innovative programmatic work and you’ll have opportunities to showcase change stories, good practices, and interact with young women who through Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting are shaping the world they want to see.

About You:

This person will be assist in planning, writing, and managing website content and social media posts. This will be more focused towards multimedia assets (graphics, videos/reels, carousels, GIFs, infographics, social media stories, interactive content, banners, digital posters).

Key Responsibilities:

1. Support the Global Programmes communications coordinator in the implementation of the communications work plan and activities.

2. Assist in planning, writing, and managing website content and social media posts. This will be more focused towards multimedia assets (graphics, videos/reels, carousels, GIFs, infographics, social media stories, interactive content, banners, digital posters).

3. Assist in the updating of the organisation website using WordPress with current events, relevant news, etc.

4. Design event/programme fliers, graphics, and other marketing/social media or event material.

5. Coordinate with other communications colleagues to synergise social media campaigns and activities. 

Please note that applicants from Global South region will only be considered due to the project requirements. Please note that applications without CV and Cover letter will not be considered for this role.

Membership & Engagement Officer 

Salary: £31,716 per annum to £33,322 per annum (plus up to £4,677 regional weighting allowance) – based on scale point 24 – 26 on AUK’s pay scale 

Location: Predominantly Home-based with a need to work from the London office on an ad-hoc basis. 

Hours: Permanent / Full Time (Mon-Fri) – 35 hours per week.

Interview: w/c 30th June 2025 

Benefits include: 20 days annual leave (increasing annual to a maximum of 25 days), 3 days Christmas/New Year leave, home working allowance 

About Us: 

AdviceUK is a small, growing charity working to improve the lives of people in need of advice through the support it gives to its members. 

We currently have over 700 members, who have supported 1.7m people with free advice on a diverse range of issues including debt, benefits, housing and immigration problems. 

This is an exciting time to join us, in 2024 we launched our new 3 year strategy to develop our services to members and increase organisation capacity. 

As part of our continued growth, we are seeking a Membership & Engagement Officer to join our team. 

Key responsibilities include: 

• Working directly with members to understand and respond to their needs, helping them improve service quality, sustainability, and impact.   

• Supporting the Membership and Services team to respond effectively and efficiently to member queries 

• Support the recruitment and retention of members 

• Analyse member trends and use this information to support the development of engagement strategies 

• Collaborate with partners to deliver high quality services 

• Manage and moderate online events and member communities 

• Supporting Membership with membership renewals. 

We are looking for an experienced Officer with the following attributes and experience: 

• Experience of working in a service that gives social welfare advice OR experience of working in a VCS infrastructure organisation or multi-agency network.  

• Understanding of the advice sector and pressures on services.

• Experience working in a support, membership, or advice network environment.  

• Organising events and forums (both virtual and in-person).  

• Engaging and supporting organisations or individuals in a professional context.  

• Collaborating with external partners and service providers 

Posted on: 06 June 2025 

Closing Date:  23rd June 2025 

Job title: Executive Assistant – Leadership and Governance Support
Location: Home based with occasional meetings in the Oxfordshire/Gloucestershire area and four trustee meetings a year
Hours / Contract: Part time (22.5 hrs per week over 4/5 days – pattern to be discussed). Permanent
Salary: £28-30K per annum pro rata (depending on experience)

Would you like to use your skills to help improve the opportunities available to people living in the countryside? Would you like to work with a network of organisations to help unlock resources for people in greatest need and enable rural communities to reach their full potential?

About Us

Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) champions thriving, sustainable and inclusive rural communities that have the services they need and the resources to secure equitable outcomes for everyone.  We are the only national charity speaking up for everyone in rural areas, and work closely with our 38 member organisations who support local communities across England.

Together we campaign for change, enable local action, and improve support for people most in need. We work with government and other national partners to explore the issues affecting rural communities and identify solutions so that no one is disadvantaged by where they live.  We will be launching our new strategy in the summer and are looking forward to an exciting period of development.

About the Role

We are seeking an Executive Assistant to join our ambitious team who will focus on supporting the charity’s leadership and providing governance support. You will play a vital role in supporting the Chief Executive on a day to day basis, helping her to engage with a wide range of stakeholders and to work as effectively as possible. You will also work with the wider team to ensure the efficient running of the organisation.

You will be responsible for ensuring our governance arrangements work smoothly and in line with our governing documents, by assisting the Chair and Vice Chairs, scheduling and supporting Board and Committee meetings, and arranging our Annual General Meeting. You will also have the chance to get to know our network of 38 member charities, who support rural communities in every county in England, arranging meetings and events to bring them together to share knowledge and best practice.

About You

You will be an experienced executive assistant who is also familiar with governance administration in a not for profit organisation. You will be a confident communicator who is skilled at managing multiple tasks to deadline and has an eye for detail. You will be happy working remotely but also enjoy being part of a team and having the chance to build relationships with other organisations. You will have direct experience of living in a rural community or have a strong empathy with our cause.

This role is a great opportunity to play a central role in a small but ambitious organisation and to be part of a unique national network.  It would particularly suit someone who wishes to work remotely and prefers the flexibility of shorter working days. If this sounds like you, please get in touch.

Working at ACRE

The ACRE team is largely home based. Some members of the team meet once a week in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, but by the end of the year we will all be working remotely and will meet once a month together.  Benefits include a generous holiday package, contributory pension scheme and life cover.

We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to achieving the highest standards of diversity, equity and inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, traditions and ways of life. Please note you will be asked to provide evidence of your eligibility to work in the UK prior to interview selection.

Closing date for applications: 10pm on Sunday 22 June.
Interviews: Tuesday 8 July in person at ACRE’s offices in Woodstock, Oxfordshire.
Please advise in your application you are not able to attend on this date.

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.

No agencies please.

The role

The role of Executive Assistant is needed to provide high-quality executive support to the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team. This role will oversee complex diary coordination and management, stakeholder support and communications, event planning, database management and administration for the Board of Trustees.

You’ll provide an expert administrative and coordination service to the CEO, liaising with multiple stakeholders, internally and externally. You’ll work reactively in response to changing priorities, as well as proactively, identifying ways to streamline communications, activities and engagements. You’ll be familiar with correspondence priorities, methods and composition, so that in the absence of the CEO, you can keep things moving and ensure that key stakeholders are attended to. 

You’ll have a strong personal assistance and administrative background, preferably in the charity sector. You’ll be confident in juggling multiple workstreams and communicating with all levels of stakeholders. You’ll be patient, understanding and an attentive team player.

This role will be predominantly remote, however, some occasional travel to our London office (Vauxhall) will be required.

About One Small Thing

One Small Thing is striving for positive change across the justice system by implementing small things in a big way.

We provide gender responsive, trauma-informed programmes within the prison and community sectors that consider the individual caught in a cycle of crime and incarceration, with the aim of humanising their experiences. We want to shift the voice of blame and judgement and the ‘what’s wrong with them?’ line of questioning to a kinder, respectful and healing approach that asks, ‘What has happened to them?

 Our vision is a justice system that recognises, understands, and responds to trauma.

Our mission is to redesign the justice system for women and their children by:

· Redesign the way the justice system responds to women and their children in a way that can be replicated and scaled nationally.

· Educate people within the justice system on the impact of trauma and draw on our knowledge and expertise to help build capacity within organisations.

· Influence politicians and policy makers to encourage culture change across the justice system and the people who work within it.

 Our name reflects the value of those small things – empathy, compassion, respect – and their combined power to make a big difference to the individual - and to society as a whole.

Our Values

One Small Thing is built on six core values of trauma-informed care that underpin the way we work.

· Safety:

· Trustworthiness:

· Choice:

· Collaboration:

· Empowerment:

· Cultural Competency.

 We offer the following employee benefits:

• We are a Real Living Wage Employer

• 28 days holiday plus Bank Holidays – pro rata

• A day off on your Birthday

• Long Service Award – extra holiday for 3+ years’ service

• A comprehensive induction and training programme

• An unlimited counselling service through our Employment Assistance Programme “OpenUp”, which you can also extend to 3 members of your family.

• Enhanced Company sick pay scheme

• Team member of the month awards

• Refer a Friend Recruitment Bonus

• 5% employer contribution to your NEST Pension, increasing after 1+ years’ service

• Learning & Development opportunities relevant to each role

• Blue Light Discount Scheme

• Team building activities

• Regular collaborative team days

Bipolar UK is the only national charity dedicated to supporting individuals affected by bipolar, including carers and families. We're launching an exciting new lottery-funded project in Northern Ireland to expand our peer support network.

As Senior Volunteer Co-ordinator, you’ll play a central role in growing and supporting our network of local support groups. You’ll recruit, onboard and induct volunteer co-facilitators, ensuring a welcoming, inclusive experience. You’ll supervise and support volunteers, helping them develop skills and confidence to deliver safe, effective peer support—whether online or in-person.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting the set-up and running of new support groups across Northern Ireland.
• Providing ongoing training and practical assistance to volunteers.
• Collaborating on the promotion of groups and services with internal teams and external partners.
• Ensuring compliance with safeguarding, GDPR and internal policies.
• Promoting Bipolar UK’s self-management courses and psychoeducation resources.
• Representing the charity within communities and building partnerships with local mental health services.

This is a varied, hands-on role ideal for someone with strong communication skills, experience supporting volunteers, and a passion for peer-led mental health support.

Applicants must be based in Northern Ireland due to the requirments of the role.

Salary: £28,000–£30,000 | Contract: 2-year fixed term (extension subject to funding)
Location: Home-based in Northern Ireland, with occasional travel to London. 
Hours: Full-time (35 hours/week)
Reporting to: Services Manager – Groups

Please note that we are currently only able to consider applications from candidates who have the legal right to work in the UK. We are unable to sponsor visas at this time.

Job purpose

The Clinical Lead will play a pivotal role in leading and developing Action for ME’s Healthcare Services with the Operations Director, ensuring the highest standards of clinical care for individuals affected by Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). The postholder will be responsible for clinical oversight, service development, and leadership, working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to enhance outcomes for children and adults with ME and will be the CQC Registered Manager for the service.

At present, the Healthcare Services is a small team with two doctors (GPs) and two physios. Our counsellors are overseen by a Counselling Lead Supervisor and our multi-faith Chaplains are supported by our Lead Chaplain.

We are keen to develop and expand our services, building on the small amount of spot purchasing from local commissioning boards and exploring a diagnosing and prescribing offer. We are also keen to explore the potential of increasing the range of disciplines offered within the team. You will play a key role in driving the strategy for our Healthcare Services with the Director of Operations.

Key responsibilities

• Provide clinical support and expertise to Action for ME's Healthcare Services, ensuring evidence-based, person-centred care.

• Act as Registered Manager for CQC (Care Quality Commission) purposes and ensure that the service meets all required standards.

• Lead the development and implementation of clinical policies, protocols, and best practices in line with national guidelines and regulatory requirements.

• Supervise and support healthcare professionals within the service, offering guidance, mentorship, and training.

• Designated safeguarding officer for Healthcare Services.

• Collaborate with external stakeholders, including NHS services, researchers, and others, to enhance healthcare provision for people with ME.

• Ensure the service complies with regulatory and safeguarding standards, including CQC requirements where applicable.

• Monitor and evaluate service delivery, using data-driven insights to improve clinical outcomes and patient experience.

• Provide expert advice on complex cases, supporting staff with clinical decision-making.

• Represent Action for M.E. at external forums, conferences, and policy discussions.

Person specification

• A registered healthcare professional (e.g., doctor, nurse, physiotherapist, or occupational therapist) with active professional registration (GMC, NMC, HCPC or equivalent) OR an experienced commissioner of healthcare services with experience of quality assurance, safeguarding and compliance.

• Extensive clinical experience in chronic illness management OR sound understanding of clinical practice, ideally with expertise in ME or related conditions and a clear understanding of the challenges faced by people with ME.

• An understanding of Care Quality Commission regulatory requirements.

• Proven leadership experience in a healthcare setting, including team management and service development.

• Strong understanding of evidence-based practice and clinical governance.

• A sound understanding and experience of safeguarding children/young people and vulnerable adults.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with patients, carers, and healthcare professionals.

• Experience in training and mentoring healthcare professionals.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary environment.

• Commitment to patient-centred care and advocacy for people with ME.

• Knowledge of NHS structures and commissioning processes.

• An understanding of working within the third sector or charitable organisations.

We are now at an exciting time where we must grow to meet the ambition of our new 10-year strategy. To support our team and community in this next stage of our development, we are now looking for a Communications Officer.   

Working closely with the Senior Communications Manager and our Engagement and Events team, the new hire will help to promote the capitals approach and position the Capitals Coalition as the central and leading organization in this space. 

Collaboration, communication, and shared ownership are central to our way of working. We are looking for a candidate with a strong ‘can-do’ attitude, great communication and organizational skills, who can work independently to a high standard, and have a creative eye. If you are passionate about working at the intersection of climate, biodiversity, social development, equity, and economics, believe people and planet must be at the heart of decision making, and are keen to learn, then we want to hear from you!

Download the job description and application form and learn how to apply at our website. The final deadline to apply is 15th June.

Location: Home-based; with occasional travel to Respect’s office at Voluntary Action Islington (VAI), 200A Pentonville Rd, London N1 9JP; with responsibility for pilot sites in Manchester, London, Cleveland and North Wales.

Responsible to: DAPO Triage Service Manager

Responsible for: DAPO Triage Workers and IDVAs

Salary: Point 35-36  £37,450-38,349 (a London Allowance of £3,299.00 will be applied to employees who live in London).

We are pleased to offer a starting salary at the beginning point of the salary band. This position offers opportunities for salary increases based on performance and tenure. 

Hours: 37.5 hours per week; 5 days a week with flexible working hours and provision of an out-of-hours response as needed.

Travel: You will be required to travel when the requires it.

Job type: Fixed Term Contract until 31st March 2026, with a possibility to extend, subject to funding.

Benefits:

• Friendly and collaborative working environment
• Remote working 
• 25 to 30 days holidays per annum plus bank holidays (depending on length of service and pro-rata for part-time employees) 
• Contributory pension scheme including 6% employer’s contribution (subject to employee’s minimum 2% contribution) 
• Enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity pay 
• Occupational sick pay depending on length of service and pro-rata for part-time employees.
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme 
• Access to staff discounts

Closing date: 6th June 2025, 23:59

Interviews to take place: 17th and 19th June 2025. These will be held virtually via Teams

About the role:

The Team Leader will lead on the delivery of the Triage Model in their pilot area/s, providing support, case management and supervision for the Triage Worker and IDVA roles. They will act as the first point of contact assessing the suitability of initial referrals to be allocated to a Triage Worker for a full assessment. The Team Leader will support the Service Manager and Practice and Development Lead in developing multi agency relationships for the successful implementation of the model and will take a lead role in maintaining these relationships locally to ensure operational success when undertaking assessments to try and ensure the right recommendations for positive requirements are made but also to support the ongoing development of a national delivery model and to support the evaluation of the pilot.

About you:

• At least 3 years’ experience of working on complex cases in a multi-agency environment and working with other professionals/agency to manage risk and safeguard vulnerable adults and children
• An understanding of the root causes of domestic abuse on both an individual and societal level
• Experience of working in a partnership with other organisations and managing the challenges that may arise
• Knowledge of safe and effective interventions with perpetrators of domestic abuse across different risk and needs groups
• To manage a complex workload, across multiple geographic regions, and effectively meet reporting deadlines and the needs of a wide range of stakeholders.
• A commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and an approach that centres survivors. 

About Respect 

Respect is a pioneering UK membership organisation in the domestic abuse sector.  Founded in 2000, we have built our expertise over the last 25 years in what was then a fledgling sector and recently have seen significant and rapid growth.

How to apply 

You must download an application form from Respect's job page, and submit to Operations department in word doc. format only, please. 

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact our HR Team directly. 

Closing date: 6th June 2025, 23:59

Interviews to take place: 17th and 19th June 2025. These will be held virtually via Teams

Community Project Lead 

• Two-year fixed term, full-time (35 hours per week) or part-time (minimum 21 hours per week considered), £28,000 – £32,000 per annum depending on experience (pro rata if part-time)  
• Remote or office-based. Occasional visits to IPSEA’s office in Takeley or a London venue required. This role will also include frequent travel to meet with community partners. 

Do you have experience working with under-served communities and leading impactful outreach projects? Are you passionate about improving access to support for families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)?

IPSEA is the leading charity in the field of SEND law in England, and we provide free and independent legal advice and support to families of children and young people with SEND. We also provide training on the SEND legal framework, and we influence policy at both a local and national level.

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Community Project Lead to join our team and lead the development of our advice services for under-served communities. This two-year, fixed-term role is a key part of our strategy to reach groups who may not traditionally engage with IPSEA’s support - including children and families with English as an additional language, cared-for children (children in care), migrant children, detained children, and Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.

The project builds on a detailed scoping exercise we’ve recently completed, which involved working closely with a wide range of charities and organisations that support these communities. The resulting report outlines the barriers they face, and will form the foundation for this project and directly inform the work you will lead.

What you’ll do 

• Design and develop pilot advice services that are tailored to the needs of under-served communities, using findings from IPSEA’s research 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with community groups, charities and service providers to co-produce accessible services 

• Collaborate with IPSEA’s advice, legal and policy teams to address the barriers these communities face in accessing SEND legal advice 

• Contribute to and share outreach materials, training resources and toolkits to support families of under-served communities and empower local advocates 

• Plan and lead workshops, focus groups and community events to raise awareness, gather feedback and enhance service delivery 

• Monitor and report on project outcomes and impact, providing regular updates to IPSEA staff and stakeholders 

You can work remotely or from IPSEA’s office in Takeley, with frequent travel required for essential meetings and community engagement.

If you share our commitment to protecting, promoting, and upholding the rights of children and young people with SEND, and would like to use your skills to improve access to vital advice and support, we would love to hear from you.

Visit our website to download a recruitment pack and application form.

Closing date for applications: 9am on Monday 16 June 2025 
First-round interviews: Wednesday 25 June 2025 (London) 

Job Title: CEO

Reporting To: Chair of Trustees

Salary: £50,000 Pro Rata 

Working Hours: 28 hours per week (4 days). Job share applications will be considered.

Location: Hybrid/ Prepare to travel to London several times a year for industry events. Prepared to travel to other destinations in the UK on occasion.

Contract Type: Permanent

About Us

Safer Waves was set up in 2019 to provide support to merchant seafarers who have experienced sexual assault, sexual harassment or gender discrimination on board.

Safer Waves provides an anonymous email support service, run by volunteers who are trained in responding to disclosures of sexual violence, and who understand the specific challenges experienced when these events happen onboard a vessel.

We work with shipping companies, industry leaders, law enforcement and maritime training providers to raise awareness of sexual violence within the maritime industry, and to improve the support that is available to seafarers who experience it.

Job Purpose

For the first 5 years, Safer Waves has been a volunteer-led organisation. We are now in the exciting position of being able to recruit a CEO, and we are looking for an individual who has the passion to see this new organisation thrive in the maritime welfare sector.

As the head of a small and rapidly developing organisation, the CEO role will be extremely varied, with the opportunity to shape the organisational structure as needed. The CEO will work closely with the trustee board and Operations Manager to deliver the strategy, improve sustainability and financial resilience, manage risk and deliver high-quality services to our beneficiaries.

We are a growing organisation, and this is a unique opportunity to grow and innovate with the organisation and to contribute to our future success. Applicants will need to be prepared to take on a wide range of tasks at the outset including compliance, accounting, training, public speaking, banking, leading volunteers, engaging with external partners and funders, overseeing the website and email service and many other tasks.
 

Responsibilities & Accountabilities 

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

• Strategy: Shape and deliver the charity's strategy over the next five years, whilst also ensuring the day-to-day running of the charity remains effective.

• Finance: Maintain and develop relationships with funders, and find new funding streams for the charity. Prepare budgets and control spending accordingly.

• Risk management and compliance: Work with the trustees to ensure strong governance, including effective management of risks and compliance with current legislation.

• Relationships: Build and maintain relationships with international organisations including charities, shipping companies, law enforcement and government agencies among others.

• Line management: Manage staff and volunteers

• Communications and Outreach: Work with the Operations Manager, Trustees and volunteers to raise the profile of the charity and increase the number of seafarers reached

Person Specification

Essential 

• Experience in being self-sufficient and driving progress, ideally in a business or charity setting.

• Senior Management Experience

• Able to demonstrate alignment with the core values of Safer Waves.

• Knowledge and understanding of supporting survivors of sexual violence

Desirable

• Experience working in the charity sector. 

• An understanding of the maritime sector

Your cover letter should address and provide evidence to support each of the essential criteria and the desirable criteria if applicable.