Executive support officer jobs in south croydon, surrey

Could you be the impactful Programme Director we seek to lead, develop and oversee the delivery of the next stage of the Richmond Group Physical Activity Programme and We Are Undefeatable Campaign (WAU), with a budget of £8m?

This influential post is offered as a fixed-term contract ending March 2028. It will initially involve improving programme oversight and integrating the Physical Activity Programme and the We Are Undefeatable Campaign teams to enhance collaboration and ways of working. The Physical Activity Programme, a partnership with Sport England and the National Lottery, is entering an exciting new phase, which will focus on the evolution of We Are Undefeatable, from Above-The-Line to an 'always on' campaign, expanding our system influencing work, both nationally and at 'place' level, and building a powerful evidence base for how we can support the least active to move more

The role will have overall responsibility for the implementation of the strategic aims of the programme and ensure effective governance, budget oversight, and delivery of the system influencing work and WAU campaign. As Programme Director, you will extensively collaborate at leadership level with existing and new partnerships and stakeholders, parliamentarians and systems leaders to drive impactful interventions.

We operate a hybrid-working model and will require the post holder to be in our central London office a minimum of two days each week. Travel costs to our London office are not covered by the charity.

Please see role description for all responsibilities.

Essential criteria:

• Proven experience in programme management, ideally within the health sector or physical activity, in a fast-paced organisation Strong leadership and strategic planning skills.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and partnership management to influence change, increase collaboration and sustainability
• Working and leading partnerships, developing and maintaining strategic and professional networks
• Experience of managing externally funded restricted income programmes.
• Effectively leading, developing and managing large multi-million-pound programmes.
• Robust financial planning, monitoring and management expertise.
• Successfully leading change and shaping innovative approaches.
• Clear and concise communicator, with excellent written and oral communication and advocacy skills - able to effectively market and influence on behalf of Age UK and the Richmond Group with senior stakeholders.
• Developing and implementing a performance management strategy

Desirable criteria:

• A background in the health sector, sports science, or a related field.
• Experience working with government health initiatives or large-scale behaviour change campaigns.
• Knowledge of marketing and social media outreach strategies.
• Knowledge and experience of government reforms in relation to health sector and behaviour change.
• Understand the complexities of bringing about behaviour change.

What we offer in return:

• Competitive salary, 26 days annual leave + bank holidays + annual leave purchase scheme
• Excellent pension scheme, life assurance, Health cashback plan and EAP
• Car Benefit Scheme, Cycle to Work Scheme and Season Ticket Loan
• Techscheme - buy any tech from Apple or Currys, up to £1000, and spread the cost over 12 months, interest free
• Blue Light Card Scheme
• You Did It Awards - recognition awards from £100-250.

Additional Information

Supporting statements and anonymisation

Candidates are expected to provide a supporting statement that explains how they meet the competencies. Age UK acknowledges and accepts that AI may be used to support the application; we do expect candidates to personalise experience, knowledge and skills and failure to do so, may result in your application being rejected.

Please submit a Word version of your CV as it will be anonymised by our recruitment system when you apply for a role. Our system is unable to anonymise supporting statements and heavily formatted CVs. Please could you remove any personal information including your name before you upload to support our inclusive recruitment process. All equalities monitoring information is also anonymised and not shared with the hiring panel. Your name and address will only be known to us if invited for interview.

Equal opportunities & Disability Confident Scheme

Age UK is an Equal Opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates, regardless of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital/civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity. Age UK is a Disability Confident Scheme employer. Due to high numbers of applications received, Age UK reserves the right to limit the overall number of interviews offered, and therefore, it may not always be practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people that meet the minimum criteria for the job.

Reasonable adjustments

Disabled job seekers can access reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. All requests for reasonable adjustments are considered on a case-by-case basis, in collaboration with the disabled job seeker to best meet their needs, by contacting the Recruitment Team. Disability disclosures will be kept confidential and only shared on a need-to-know basis to support the implementation of adjustments. Disclosures will not be used to inform hiring decisions.

Age UK is committed to safeguarding adults at risk, and children, from abuse and neglect. We expect everyone who works with us to share this commitment.

Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert at any time.

Age UK politely requests no contact from recruitment agencies or media sales. We do not accept speculative CVs from recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

For a full list of benefits please visit our website.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Department/Service:

The finance department is responsible for the overall financial management and administration of the 4million turnover at GSU. The department plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with statutory regulations, including HMRC, Charities Commission, Companies House, and pensions. This includes supporting our annual external financial audit.

The finance team act as Business Partners to the rest of the organisation ensuring they understand financial processes to aid effective working. The team also work alongside our external payroll provider and our external digital system provider to ensure smooth and effective working.

Job Purpose:

Provide a professional, accurate, and timely accounting service in respect to all management and statutory reporting. Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external support services to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the Finance department, ensuring excellence in service delivery.

Reports to:

• Currently reporting to the CEO whilst the senior management role in the Finance Department is under review. The senior management post is currently vacant.

Responsible for:

• Supporting, managing, supervising, and developing one Finance Coordinator and one Finance Assistant.
• Temporary Interns and/or student staff supporting the Finance team as required

Duties and Key Responsibilities

1. Management and Statutory Reporting:

• Prepare accurate management accounts on a timely basis each month.
• Reconcile all balance sheet accounts monthly, including accruals and prepayments.
• Prepare and submit statutory reports, including VAT Returns, Companies House, and Charities Commission Annual Returns.
• Support the preparation of the annual accounts for the external financial audit and play an instrumental role during the audit process.
• Reconcile GSU bank accounts including PayPal online accounts weekly and monthly.
• Reconcile Commercial Income to Bank Accounts producing weekly sales and analysis reports.

2. Budgeting, Forecasting, and Cashflow Statements:

• Support in the preparation of the annual budget and reforecasts.
• Create forecast reports and statements as and when required.
• Produce monthly and annual cashflow and liquidity statements.

3. Business Partnering and Collaboration:

• Act as a business partner to all GSU staff members, providing financial insights and support to meet organisational goals.
• Work alongside external support services (e.g., payroll providers and digital finance systems) to ensure smooth operations and excellence in the Finance department.
• Collaborate with external auditors and other stakeholders to ensure compliance and effective financial management.

4. Managing and Supervisory Duties:

• Supervise and support the professional development of two GSU finance staff members.
• Foster a team culture that promotes accountability, continuous improvement, and collaboration.
• Oversee the responsibilities of Finance Coordinator and Finance Administrator and ensure their tasks align with departmental goals.
• Supervise and support interns and student staff as appropriate.

5. Digital Systems and Processes:

• Maintain efficient digital finance systems and processes to streamline financial operations (Twinfield, Ezora & Basecone for example).
• Ensure the accuracy and timeliness of digital records and reporting systems.
• Evaluate and improve digital tools and workflows to enhance departmental efficiency.

6. General Finance Department Duties:

• Oversee and assist with sales ledger, purchase ledger, and payroll functions as needed.
• Support the Finance Coordinator and Finance Assistant to issue and maintain records of purchase orders and associated invoices.
• Support the Finance Coordinator and Finance Assistant to maintain and post all petty cash transactions.
• Prepare ad hoc financial reports and information for the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), Trustee Board, and other stakeholders as required.
• Respond proactively to financial queries from GSU staff.
• Support the ongoing review and development of Finance department systems and procedures.
• Maintain customer-facing systems and ensure smooth operations for Finance department stakeholders.

7. External Audit and Compliance:

• Prepare schedules and reconciliations for the annual audit.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, including HMRC and Charities Commission guidelines.

General Responsibilities:

• Represent and be an ambassador for GSU.
• Be flexible and carry out other associated duties as may arise, develop, or be assigned in line with the broad remit of the position.
• Maintain and improve competencies through continuous professional development.
• Abide by organisational policies, codes of conduct, and practices.
• Support and promote liberation, diversity, and equality of opportunity in the workplace.
• Treat with confidentiality any personal, private, or sensitive information about individuals, organisations, clients, or staff and project data.
• Adhere to the Sustainability Policy and strive to reduce the organisation’s carbon footprint.
• Actively seek better ways to assist GSU in becoming a more sustainable workplace.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Experience:

• Experience in preparing management accounts budgets, forecasts, and cashflows.
• Experience in preparing and reconciling VAT returns.
• Experience in reconciling balance sheet control accounts including salaries
• Proficiency in using accounting software and digital finance systems.
• Previous experience working in a Finance department.
• Experience in customer service and promoting financial literacy.
• Experience in payroll processes.
• Familiarity with supporting and developing team members.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong customer service focus and ability to build effective working relationships.
• Ability to engage, motivate, and support team members.
• Excellent communication skills (face-to-face, MS Teams, phone, and email).
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting abilities.
• Proficiency in IT tools for report writing, email, and database management.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills.
• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and methodical working.

Knowledge:

• Regulatory requirements and best practices in accounting and finance.
• Knowledge of HMRC, Charities Act, SORP, VAT, PAYE, and pension compliance.

Education/Training:

• Part-qualified ACCA or a training towards a relevant professional accounting qualification.
• Relevant practical experience in accounting and finance.

Personal Attributes and Other Requirements:

• Hybrid or office-based work with the ability to travel to other campuses when needed.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, or stay overnight as necessary.
• Strong team player with a flexible approach to work.
• Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities.
• Awareness and application of diversity issues in all areas of work.
• Commitment to the values and ethos of the organisation

Starting Salary - £31,613 (including London Weighting)

Location: Office Based - London

Job Profile

Are you interested in an opportunity in the charity sector? Would you like to develop an understanding of internal processes and liaise with multiple teams in the organisation? Are you someone who likes to work with money, data and people? 

The post holder will contribute to ensuring the Supporter Donations Team (SDT) manages and administers supporter donation activity on behalf of CAFOD, providing a high level of supporter care while delivering within agreed service levels and Key Performance Indicators. SDT has the overall responsibility for managing and thanking all supporter donations to CAFOD made through a variety of channels and schemes. SDT works within the Finance and infrastructure group, liaises across all teams in CAFOD, and external service providers to ensure donations are processed within agreed service levels and quality standards. Due to the nature of SDT’s role, SDT has particularly close ties to CAFOD Fundraising activities and actively engages in our fundraising programmes and schemes. 

Accountability 

The post holder reports to the Supporter Donations Manager and will work alongside a team of Supporter Donation Assistants, collectively delivering the team’s key aims and responsibilities. 

Key Responsibilities 

Supporter Care: 

• Handle telephone, email and postal enquiries from supporters; identifying and resolving queries in a prompt, warm and sensitive way. 

• Provide phone cover to the Supporter Care team as required. 

• Provide Reception training to the Supporter Care team as required. 

Donations: 

• Accurately code donations received, ensuring agreed departmental procedures are followed. 

• Process, set up and administer instructions and payments through a variety of donations channels and schemes such as Online, Direct Debit, standing orders, BACs, Payroll giving schemes and online giving platforms. 

• Input and maintain data on CAFOD’s supporter database, ensuring high degrees of accuracy on our donor records.

• File and archive financial data, while adhering to strict audit controls. 

Gift Aid: 

• Understand Gift Aid and its application within CAFOD. 

• Assist with all aspects of tax-effective giving, in accordance with agreed procedures and priorities, including preparation of regular tax claims for submission to HMRC. 

Thanking: 

• Produce and dispatch letters to thank and acknowledge donations received. 

• Write bespoke letters of thanks to supporters to respond to exceptional donations and provide a personal touch. 

• Contribute to ongoing enhancement and improvement of supporter thanking 

Post/banking: 

• Assist with all incoming and outgoing postal duties held by SDT to maximise effectiveness of processes and delivery of key service levels. 

• Preparation of daily banking, cash handling and initial reconciliation of all monies received daily. 

Safeguarding  

All CAFOD staff share responsibility to promote and maintain a strong safeguarding culture, including identifying the key actions they should take given their role and responsibilities. 

Person Specification

Understanding our context  

• Understanding Catholic identity - Show an understanding of and work with the Catholic community to further CAFOD's mission. 

• Understanding CAFOD - Demonstrate how both CAFOD’s and Catholic values influence all our work internally and externally. 

• Understanding international development – Have an understanding of the nature and causes of world poverty and how it affects different individuals, groups and communities 

Working together  

• Managing ourselves – Happy to take on additional responsibility to help the team or others under pressure. 

• Working with others – Build collaborative relationships across CAFOD and with external partners, donors and suppliers. 

• Communicating - Ensure others fully understand what has been discussed and agreed. Make timely contributions to decisions. 

• Looking outwards – Build cooperative, professional relationships with partners, supporters, donors, suppliers and the communities we serve 

 Making change happen  

• Managing resources - Offer ideas to improve information systems and processes to reduce costs and improve efficiency. 

• Achieving results - Look for better processes and ways of working to achieve results. 

• Managing our performance - Agreeing realistic deadlines and measurable objectives for myself, others and the team.

• Taking the lead - Take a lead in identifying solutions and making change happen 

Job Specific Competencies 

• Displays a methodical approach to administrative tasks to meet processing deadlines, whilst maintaining an excellent standard of attention to detail and accuracy. 

• Ability to communicate professionally with supporters, from individual givers to religious communities. 

• Displays excellent written and verbal communication skills. 

• Ability to build strong collaborative relationships with colleagues.

Desirable Criteria  

• Experience with a CRM software/ database 

Safeguarding for Children and Vulnerable Adults  

CAFOD recognises the personal dignity and rights of children and vulnerable adults, towards whom it has a special responsibility and a duty of care and respect.  CAFOD, and all its staff and volunteers, undertake to do all in our power to create a safe environment for children, young people and vulnerable adults and to prevent their physical, sexual or emotional abuse.  CAFOD is committed to acting at all times in the best interests of children and vulnerable adults, seeing these interests as paramount.  Any candidate offered a job with CAFOD will be expected to adhere to CAFOD’s Safeguarding policy and sign CAFOD’s Code of Behaviour as an appendix to their contract of employment and agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the provisions of these documents.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references, and appropriate screening checks can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. CAFOD also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures. 

Please click here for a full list of CAFOD’s Staff Benefits 

Come and join us and help make a real difference in the lives of the world’s poorest communities. 

CAFOD is an equal opportunities employer. Recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. 

We are the national body for careers education in England, delivering support to schools and colleges to deliver modern, 21st century careers education.

The Careers & Enterprise Company (CEC) is a great place to work. We operate within a fast-paced and collaborative environment. We are brought together by one thing: our passion to ensure young people get the best possible start in life and are supported to find their best next step.

Do you want to be part of a mission-driven team focused on transforming young people’s lives? If so, we’d love to hear from you!

Role Summary

We are looking for a confident and experienced self-starter to join the Strategy and Communications division as the Government and Parliamentary Relations Senior Officer.

Your role is essential to support and ensure:

• Our relationships generate national and local engagement that helps us to advocate about the issues and practice that can enable high quality careers support for young people across policy debate and the delivery.
• We raise awareness of our work to the extent that our government and parliamentary stakeholders can articulate what we do and why it matters nationally as well as locally in constituencies across the country.
• We initiate and hold strong relationships across Westminster, maintaining a robust management system to track and monitor engagement.

Your work will support the strategic communications and policy workstreams of CEC, ensuring the delivery of a coherent and effective political engagement strategy as part of wider joined-up external affairs approach for the organisation.

You’ll be expected to have a sound understanding of the political climate, a keen interest in current affairs and aptitude for identifying policy and political engagement opportunities for the organisation. You will work closely with CEC’s Policy & Impact Team to distil insight and evidence into government and parliamentary policy thinking and ideas.

To be successful, you will be able to demonstrate flexibility, proactivity and strong organizational skills in what is a fast-paced and exciting environment. The work you support on will be an essential part of a coherent and effective influencer engagement strategy as part of a wider joined-up external affairs approach for the organisation (which ensures the CEC’s mission and work is visible, understood and engaged on).

Essential criteria:

• Experience in a government relations, policy or public affairs environment (previous experience of working in Parliament and autonomously with parliamentarians or ministers is highly desirable).
• Operational experience of UK political structures, processes and trends.
• Proven experience of engaging through the policy process – (1) developing policy ideas and (2) responding to consultations, strategy development and call for evidence from parliamentary committees. To do this you are able deploy evidence and stakeholder insight expertly to positively engage government and parliamentary stakeholders with a clearly framed point of view.
• Proven ability to engage working level stakeholders and manage political, ministerial and departmental sensitivities.

To apply, please visit our website via the apply button, complete the application form and cover letter section and upload an anonymised version of your CV.

Please describe in your cover letter:

• How you meet the experience, skills and competency criteria detailed in the job profile.
• Why you would like to work for Careers and Enterprise Company.

Closing date: Midnight on Wednesday 20th August 2025.

Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.

Please be aware that this role may close earlier than the advertised deadline if we receive a high volume of applications.

At the Careers and Enterprise Company (CEC) we are committed to fostering a culture of belonging. We know that engagement at work relies on feeling included and valued. Inclusion is both a choice and a practice, for us as an organisation and for individuals within our team. We aim to drive inclusion through every aspect of our work, and we understand that diverse teams are essential for innovative careers education and are central to our mission and impact. CEC values the visible and invisible qualities that makes each member of our team who they are. We are a disability confident employer and if you need any help or support through the application process, please contact the HR team and details can be found on our website.

JUSTICE is looking to recruit an Interim Head of Governance and Operations to join our friendly, values-led team. This is a fixed term post for 12 months (maternity cover) and provides an exciting opportunity for someone who has experience of governance and operational management. 

We are looking for an individual who has an interest in the purpose of the charity (to improve the UK justice system so that it is fair and within everyone’s reach), as well as a keen interest in taking responsibility for a diverse and wide range of tasks from providing and overseeing the secretariat functions related to our governance and risk as well as leading in important cross-cutting areas such as audit, budget management and providing HR support. This role will really suit someone who enjoys working with people, is comfortable with a degree of autonomy and who thrives in a role where no two days are the same. 

This role plays a central role in the workings of the organisation including with our Policy Team, our Comms Team and our Development Team. They also join Senior Management Team meetings and all Board and Committee meetings. The role currently line manages one direct report but this may be increased to two and reports into and works closely with the Chief Executive. This role also leads on the relationships with our accountants (who deliver our financial management and accounting functions) and other external contractors. 

JUSTICE is a law reform and human rights organisation, working to improve processes and policies to support everyone, particularly marginalised groups, be able to seek justice or a remedy when their rights have been breached or the law has been broken. We also seek to improve the justice system as a whole, ensuring that laws are clear and consistent and that the government and other key decisionmakers are held to account.

We are a founding member of The Justice Hub, which is situated next to St Paul’s Cathedral. in London. We also have staff based in other locations including in Manchester, Sheffield and Edinburgh. As a UK wide organisation, we are keen to support team members from all over the UK and this is a role that can be fulfilled in a hybrid way. Our London base has a number of hot desks dedicated to JUSTICE and access to meeting rooms and other spaces and we work alongside other like-minded charities in the justice sector as part of the Hub. 

All team members are expected to join the ‘in-person’ days in the office (roughly 5 days a year) but otherwise we encourage and support flexible working. In addition, this role requires a minimum of 5 days per month working in our London offices. Alongside flexible working conditions, every member of staff is entitled to 27 days annual leave plus an additional two days of leave to look after your wellbeing and to celebrate your birthday. We also close the office between 25 December and 1 January (inclusive), which is addition to the annual leave mentioned above. We review salaries according to inflationary changes on an annual basis, contribute 8% to your pension for the first 2yrs, rising to a 10.5% contribution thereafter and offer generous parental and dependency-related leave. As part of looking after your wellbeing, we also provide access to an Employee Assistance Programme.

The candidate pack including the Job Description for the role and details of how to apply can be found on our website.  

The deadline for applications is midday on Monday 18 August 2025.

Sifting will be completed by Friday 22 August 2025. 

Interviews will be held on Wednesday 10 September and Thursday 11 September. Candidates may be required to complete a test as part of the interview process.

JUSTICE is an equal opportunities employer. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and welcome everyone who shares our values and purpose regardless of age, gender, race, region, socio-economic background, education, sexuality, identity, disability and neurodiversity.

Due to the high number of applications we receive we are unable to provide individual feedback to applicants who are not interviewed.

Please note that we will not respond to any enquiries from recruitment agencies. 

Carers First is a charity that works directly with, and for unpaid carers, providing personalised information, advice and tailored support making it easier for those caring for someone else to continue living their lives to the fullest.

We have a committed, dedicated staff team and you could be just the person we are looking for to join us to make that valuable difference in carer’s lives. We live and work through our values in all that we achieve by being positive, collaborative and ambitious and we have clear plans to scale our reach, support and impact for carers.

About this role

As a Communications Manager your responsibilities would include: -    

1. Lead, inspire and manage the Communications team to raise the profile of Carers First with multiple audiences and awareness of the issues affecting carers 
2. Develop our digital offer across England to expand our reach and engagement with carers online, helping them to access timely and relevant information.
3. Support the wider Carers First team with the promotion and delivery of projects and events to strengthen our offer and services for carers. 
4. Work with the Director of Income and Engagement, and the wider fundraising team, to support campaigns, events and marketing approaches that increase Carers First’s voluntary income and wider donor engagement
5. Effectively develop and manage a range of stakeholder relationships to deliver the Communications Plan.

About you

To be successful in this role you will need:

Leadership and management 

• At least 3 years of experience in a senior communications position, ideally within the charity or public sectors

• Proven ability to manage both strategy and delivery programmes, balancing long-term objectives with operational priorities
• Superb manager with the proven ability to inspire, motivate, support and lead staff to thrive and create a high performing team and measurable results.

Communications and stakeholder engagement 

• Proven experience of developing and delivering marketing and/or communications plans 

• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
• Skilled copywriter able to communicate messages in a clear and engaging way

IT and digital experience  

• Experience using Canva or similar accessible content creation tools, with an eye for strong visual design and brand consistency
• Ability to simplify systems and processes, particularly spreadsheet-based workflows
• Experience using CRM systems, analytics tools, email marketing software, and social media platforms

Fundraising and project management 

• Previous experience working in support of fundraising campaigns, or relevant marketing approaches 

• Project management experience: leading others to oversee and manage projects, events or campaigns.

We are looking for passionate people who are committed to the overall aims and objectives of the Charity. Carers First is committed to providing a supportive, vibrant, diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.  

Carers First Can Offer You

In return for your contribution, we have an amazing package of staff benefits including 26 days annual leave entitlement which increases with length of service, flexible working options, paid carers leave, access to our work-place pension, staff discount scheme, employee assistance programme and a Benenden Healthcare package.  Whatever you are aiming to achieve in your career, we are here to encourage, help and support you grow, through our excellent training and development programmes.

How to apply

To apply for our exciting opportunity and make a real difference to the lives of carers, click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to begin your application. Appointments are subject to Carers First receiving an appropriate disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service that we consider acceptable.

Interview process

The closing date for applications is 5pm on 01 September 2025. There will be a two-stage process 

Candidates who have fully evidenced they meet the requirements of the Personal Specification to a satisfactory standard will be long-listed and invited to Stage 1.  

Stage 1: Informal online meeting to discuss application. Please note that applications will be assessed on an ongoing basis and therefore it would be helpful to make an early application.  

Following the informal meeting, candidates will be short-listed, and successful candidates will be invited to Stage 2:  

Stage 2: 23 September 2025 - formal face-to-face interview in London.  As part of the formal interview, candidates will be asked to give a presentation, and details will be provided in advance.  

Carers First is an Equal Opportunities Employer

Positive      Collaborative      Ambitious

Head of Finance

Brain Research UK are seeking a Head of Finance to oversee the finance function and participate in the development of this evolving charity.

About us

Brain Research UK (BRUK) funds world-class research to discover the causes, develop new treatments and improve the lives of all those who are affected by neurological conditions.

The brain is the most complex organ in our body. It weighs just 3lb, yet it controls our emotions, senses and actions. Every single one of them. It is how we process the world around us. So when it breaks down, we break down. It doesn’t have to be this way.

There are hundreds of neurological conditions. We fund the best research to discover the causes, develop new treatments and improve the lives of those affected. We inspire scientists and families to come together, side by side, stride by stride.

We are an agile organisation operating with a small staff base to deliver far reaching impact.

The role

Effective financial management is central to our strategy and operating model. The Finance Manager will be crucial in determining how we manage our finances, resources and operations whilst embedding a culture of financial efficiency and effective controls.

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Head of Finance will lead on financial matters and be expected to provide critical financial information, insightful analysis and timely reporting to facilitate the growth of the Charity.

The role is standalone but working within a closeknit team. It with therefore have a degree of autonomy but will be expected to contribute to the wider development of the Charity. This is a pivotal appointment within the Charity and will provide some broad exposure to the Board and Investment Committee.

We are therefore seeking a dynamic qualified accountant who has had wide exposure to financial reporting and processes, preferably within a fundraising Charity. Being a financial ‘all rounder’, there is a real opportunity to contribute to the way the Charity operates by instilling sound financial operations and providing meaningful financial reporting. The role provides an opportunity to lead the finance function and will suit a progressive accountant looking for this kind of responsibility.

We would therefore be looking for an individual that has demonstrable experience in operating financial functions and has the personality to fit within a charity that works collaboratively. 

About UP

Unlocking Potential deliver high performing therapeutic programmes and education provision for children and young people with SEMH needs. We work in collaboration with families, communities, and other partners to ensure that children and young people access the interventions they need to thrive.

Mission

We work collaboratively with communities to enable children and young people with social, emotional, and mental health needs to unlock their full potential

Values

Trust

We build trust by being honest, transparent, and accountable in the way we work with children and young people, staff, and partners and by providing services and programmes whose outcomes are measurable and evidenced based.

Collaborative

Relationships are at the heart of our work. We prioritise communication and collaboration with partners, families, and communities, believing that by working together we create more effective and holistic outcomes for children and young people.

Empowering

We co-create opportunities for our children, young people, parents/carers and staff to actively participate in decision-making that influences change. We promote the voices of children and young people in our organisation and the wider community.

Nurturing

We provide a nurturing approach based on safety and space for creativity, exploration, and growth. We support and care for our children, young people, and staff to realise their potential.

Impact

We are committed to measuring our impact through a data driven method to develop our programmes and make a greater difference to the lives of children, young people, and their parents and carers.

Overview

We will be launching our new programme from September 2025, initially as a pilot working with families across Wandsworth, with aims to be able to expand and continue beyond this.

As a Family Support Worker, you will deliver flexible, hands-on, and therapeutically minded support to families facing multiple and complex challenges. You will build trusted relationships through home visits, school meetings, and practical support—empowering parents and carers to strengthen routines, manage behaviour, improve attendance, and access services. Your role will be guided by detailed needs assessments and focused on achieving meaningful outcomes with each family.

We’re looking for a motivated and friendly Administrator / PA to support our Senior Leadership Team (SLT) – including the CEO, Head of Services, and Head of Advice – with day-to-day administrative tasks and office coordination.

This is a fantastic entry-level opportunity for someone who wants to develop practical workplace skills while contributing to meaningful work that supports refugees and people seeking asylum

What you’ll be doing:

• Booking meetings and managing diaries for SLT
• Taking notes during internal meetings and sharing summaries
• Keeping digital files and records well organised
• Supporting general office duties like printing, supplies, and reception cover
• Assisting the legal team with basic admin (filing, data entry, document prep)
• Learning internal systems through hands-on training

What we’re looking for:

You don’t need previous admin experience – we’ll support you with training and mentoring. We're looking for someone who is:

• Friendly, helpful, and organised
• Willing to learn and take initiative
• Comfortable using a computer (or happy to be trained)
• Interested in refugee rights, social justice, or the charity sector

Why this role matters:

This role helps keep our leadership and office running smoothly so we can better support the people who need us most. It’s also part of our commitment to creating accessible, meaningful roles that build experience and confidence in the next generation of changemakers.

You'll be joining a mission-driven team where your values matter and your contribution is truly valued.

�� Ready to apply?
We’d love to hear from you – especially if you’re just starting out in your career and want to grow with purpose.Please submit a Covering Letter and CV using the apply button. 

Role: Full-time* Trust & Foundations Manager

Salary: £37,000 - £40,000 dependent on experience

Location: Remote, with occasional travel to Edinburgh or London

This position is full-time; however, for the right candidate, we would consider a four-day working week (or equivalent reduced hours) at the full salary rate, depending on the demonstration of exceptional relevant experience. 

ABOUT US

School of Hard Knocks (SOHK) is an education charity that exists to empower and support young people living in complex and challenging circumstances. We use rugby to foster an environment of genuine acceptance, where the sport becomes a platform for participants to improve their confidence, communication skills, commitment, self-control, and ability to work effectively within a team. Through group learning and one-to-one mentoring, SOHK helps young people (re)engage with education and safeguard their wellbeing.

Ninety percent of our participants report feeling more confident and more engaged with school after taking part - with long-term effects on attendance, attainment, and life outcomes. Find out more about our Schools Programme here.

SOHK is at a new and exciting stage of development. Having delivered its programmes to thousands of adults and young people over the past 13 years, in 2024 we chose to focus solely on working in schools. This shift responds to a dramatic rise in need among young people in the UK, many of whom are struggling to navigate adolescence amid rising poverty, a mental health crisis, and increasing isolation.

We plan to double the number of young people engaging with our programmes over the next five years. We are also making significant investments in our impact function, to better understand how we can maximise the benefits for participants and attract more attention and investment to social and emotional learning (SEL) interventions.

Our Mission:

To empower young people to fully realise their potential.

Our Vision:

A society in which every young person has an equal opportunity to succeed. 

OVERVIEW

The Trusts & Foundations Manager will play a central role in shaping SOHK’s future growth. They will lead on major grant applications, support targeted bids aligned with regional delivery, and manage relationships with existing charitable funders.

Around one-third of SOHK’s £1.5 million income currently comes from grants, with active partnerships including major funders such as the Garfield Weston Foundation and Impetus. Sustaining and growing this income will require proactive research, strategic outreach, and a highly organised, detail-focused approach to both applications and stewardship.

The role works closely with the CEO, who is committed to leveraging their time and networks to support fundraising success. The post-holder will also collaborate with Regional Directors and other fundraising colleagues, while enjoying a high level of autonomy and contributing to the long-term direction of SOHK’s Trusts & Foundations strategy.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Develop and submit high-quality funding proposals, including applications for six-figure and multi-year grants, by meeting appropriate deadlines and tailoring applications so they appeal to different funder priorities
• Manage and develop a strong pipeline of Trust & Foundations funders for future years, including researching and prospecting new leads through active outreach
• Work with the CEO, Regional Directors and overall fundraising team to identify key funding priorities and strategically deploying the capacity available
• Develop and keep the fundraising CRM updated as a central source of trusts and foundations knowledge, clearly identifying funding gaps and adjusting targets
• Strengthen existing funding partnerships through warm stewardship and efficient grant reporting, maximising the charity’s chances of repeat funding
• Build upon the organisational strategy for scaling trusts & foundations income

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Demonstrable track record in leading on successful medium and major grant applications, including six-figure and multi-year grants
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, able to present a compelling case for support to a variety of funders
• Comfortable in understanding and presenting financial information and in creating budgets for grant applications
• Experience with CRM/fundraising databases for tracking applications, deadlines, and relationship management
• Highly organised and proactive, used to taking the lead on managing a large volume of potential grants in line with the submission dates
• Confident in liaising and engaging with external organisations, including building new relationships with potential funders who are invite-only
• Enjoy working across different teams within an organisation, bringing in new perspectives and utilising the assets and expertise of current staff for fundraising purposes
• Growth mindset, always ready to accept new challenges and opportunities to develop funding strategies.
• Genuinely buy into the SOHK mission, purpose and values

Desirable

• An understanding of how to build and develop a multi-year fundraising strategy for trusts and foundations
• Experience in social impact measurement, with a grasp on how we could use impact data even more persuasively with funders
• Knowledge of the education and/or youth work sector, understanding the impact which this work can make specifically and the context of fundraising for work in schools
• Experience, or willingness to develop knowledge, in how the charity sector can safely and appropriately utilise AI in the creation of strong funding bids and efficient reporting

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

• Salary range: £37,000 - £40,000
• Full-time or 0.8 Full-time Equivalent - dependent on the skills and experience of the candidate, we would be open to discussing a 4-day week on full salary
• 28 days annual leave entitlement plus public holidays.
• Some travel to the different regions may periodically be required.
• Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required for successful candidates and the job is dependent on suitable references.

The role is responsible for ensuring the charity operates within a robust governance framework and complies with all relevant statutory, regulatory, and internal requirements. This role requires the ability to operate, and pivot, between subject matter expert, strategic partner, advisor and team member - with hands-on delivery, supporting the Board of Trustees, senior leadership, and staff to embed a culture of good governance, risk awareness, and ethical practice across the charity.

The role line manages a small team (including two administrative assistants), and oversees the use of external experts to provide advice.

Finance Manager Job Description

Brent Mencap has been passionate about a healthier and fairer Brent since 1979. We’ve developed and run successful housing, employment, health, advice, wellbeing and self-advocacy services. During austerity and Covid we diversified, successfully taking on NHS work with people with long-term health conditions. We provide social prescribing support and health and wellbeing coaching to patients for Brent GPs. In 2024-25 we helped over 18000 people. We’re a leading partner on the Brent Health Educators Programme.

Our income has substantially  increased from £382k in 19/20 to £1.71 million in 23-24. We’ve had to adapt quickly, developing and retaining a much larger staff group, using our data better and improving our marketing.

Brent Mencap offers fantastic free creative and wellbeing activities for people with a learning disability, autism and long-term health conditions. These have flourished since Covid. People love yoga, poetry, singing, gardening, Breathe and Move, self-advocacy, campaigning, awareness raising, CREATE art activities for young people, external trips and parties. Small grants, donations and our reserves fund this while we get longer term funding. Our self-advocates want us to focus on paid employment, youth services and making Brent Council use accessible information properly.

Our current finance manager has been pivotal to Brent Mencap’s recent growth, adapting to paying more people, dealing with complicated invoices, making sure we get paid promptly, being as diligent about a project budget worth 5k as our overall budget and supportive with staff  wage queries. While there is lots of data input, reconciling, processing purchase orders, the role involves real involvement in project development, monitoring with other managers and face-to-face involvement with users and staff. It’s never boring and definitely not for the faint hearted!!

As Finance Manager for Brent Mencap, you will have a key leadership position. You will be responsible for the strategic and operational oversight of our finances, ensuring compliance with all statutory requirements while ensuring our services are sustainable through sound financial planning. You will work closely with the Executive Director and Trustee Board to provide accurate insights and projections that support long-term growth and resilience.

You will play a pivotal role in reviewing and maintaining our robust finance and administrative system and procedures, managing risks and ensuring our charity finances can support delivery of our mission. You will also contribute to the development of funding applications, tenders, and financial strategies. You will play a key role in supporting funding applications, demonstrating impact through financial reporting, and building processes that enable future growth.

This post is:

• subject to Enhanced DBS Disclosure

• subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. It will be necessary for a disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and barring Service for details of any previous criminal convictions.

• Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK

• Please note our office base is on the first floor of a Victorian building

To be shortlisted,

· Candidates must fully complete our application form, and show clearly how their previous experience and knowledge meets all aspects of the person specification with examples given of actual actions/experience relating to the person specification. Please go to our website to complete the application by 9.00am on 28th August. We do not accept CVs

Interview details

· A 2-part Interview with senior staff will take place at Brent Mencap on Monday 8th or 15th  September 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be given a paper-based scenario to complete and print at Brent Mencap before the interview

· We anticipate the interviews will take 2.0 hours with a 15-minute break  between scenario and actual interview.

You'll play a vital role in developing work experience opportunities for adults with learning disabilities as well as supporting our team members into permanent employment. This is a new role which will require you to show heaps of flexibility and learn-as-we-go in order to shape and develop our impact into the future.

If you have pints of personality and want to work for a fantastic cause, we want to hear from you. You’ll be experienced in coaching or mentoring, be well organised and understand the barriers faced by people with a learning disability when moving into employment.

You'll support and develop our team. This means:

• managing a caseload of between 6 and 10 people who are neurodivergent and/or have a learning disability, and who are looking to move into supportive employment locally
• preparing our team members for long-term employment by supporting them to understand their skills, aspirations and goals by offering employment profiling, job matching, action planning and skill development opportunities
• working to a minimum target of 2 adults moving into long term employment by the end of your contract
• undertaking monthly work coaching sessions for team members to develop and upskill them in brewing and bar management skills
• supporting team members to reduce work-related barriers such as travel-to-work, better-off calculations, disclosure of health & wellbeing needs and budgeting
• providing in-work support to assist team members in maintaining and retaining employment, including frequent in-person meetings during the first few months of a successful employment match

You'll be responsible for our employer engagement. This means:

• undertaking tailored job searches and proactive engagement with employers to source supportive, paid job opportunities which meet our team members preferences and match their developing skillset
• identifying potential opportunities for employment within their businesses and sales opportunities amongst employment partners
• providing education and support to employers, which may include negotiating adjustments and on-going employer support to ensure job retention
• building Ignition’s profile as a skills-based, local employment specialist

You will develop our wider employability programme. This means:

• organising and facilitating regular employment taster days for people with learning disabilities looking to move into work in order to raise aspirations and developing an understanding of the workplace
• planning & running CV development workshops to help adults with learning disabilities prepare for the world of work
• developing our evidence-based employability model, drawing on good practice from other sectors, in order to constantly improve and refine the model

As part of your 20 hours per week, you will also be required to undertake one evening or weekend shift per week of up to 6 hours, as a Taproom Supervisor.

What we need from you (the essentials):

• experience of working or volunteering with neurodivergent adults or people with learning disabilities
• experience of leading, teaching, coaching, mentoring or otherwise supporting groups of people
• an understanding of the barriers to employment experienced by adults with learning disabilities
• proven experience of meeting and exceeding outcomes and targets
• well organised with experience of managing a varied workload
• outstanding interpersonal and communication skills with an ability to build rapport with people
• good administrative skills with an ability to use IT and tools such as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• a flexible and hands on approach with an an ability to think and problem-solve independently
• being comfortable trialling new approaches and learning in response

What we’d ideally like from you (the desirables):

• experience of supporting people to obtain employment
• knowledge of the benefits system and how to navigate this when moving into employment
• experience working in a bar or other customer service setting

Job Title Director of Marketing and Communications

Reporting to Chief Executive

Working Hours 37.5 hour working week, 9:00 to 5:30 Monday to Friday to include some evening and weekend hours as required

Location Onsite at the Company office in Fitzrovia (currently 175/176 Tottenham Court Road) and surrounding local area as required to carry out the duties of the company. Flexibility for one day pw working from home.

Job Purpose

This role is a senior leadership team member and strategic lead for all corporate and consumer communications, member business engagement and marketing.

The relationship with our business community is essential to the success of The Fitzrovia Partnership (TFP) and the delivery of the organisation’s vision and it is a key part of our strategy to ensure that businesses are aware of us and the services and projects we deliver. As such you would be responsible for the delivery of member engagement.

You will lead the marketing and communications function and manage the Marcomms team, continually developing and implementing effective marketing and communications strategies clearly articulating TFP’s vision, aims, projects and services.

Finally, you will provide strategic oversight and development for:

· Member communication strategy including BID renewal communications

· Consumer communications and campaigns strategy

· Social, wellbeing, member event and training programmes

· All communications channels including newsletter, websites, social media

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Senior Leadership

· To play a role together with the CEO and the Director of Policy and Place in setting the overall vision of the organisation and ensuring delivery specifically in relation to the agreed business plan.

· Have a key role working closely with the Board and relevant sub-groups.

· To represent the organisation publicly as required, and step in for the CEO as required.

Member Engagement

· Driving, developing and ensuring implementation of the member engagement strategy.

· Ensuring effective account management contact with member businesses.

· Developing a detailed mid-term consultation and review.

• Overseeing market research and consultation such as surveys, customer questionnaires and focus groups to inform the development of plans, projects and services.

· Ensuring effective response management to enquiries from members (levy paying businesses) and stakeholders.

· Ensuring the company database is maintained as an accurate source of interactions with businesses and members, and is actively utilised to best effect.

· Ensure a programme of engagement is in place with the business community, charities and Not for Profit organisations to develop outreach projects including volunteer days and CSR activities for our business members.

Strategy and oversight

· Developing and ensuring implementation of an effective Marketing and Communications strategy aligned to business goals.

· Producing an Annual Marketing and Communications Plan to implement the strategy effectively communicating and supporting our vision, projects and services.

· Developing and ensuring implementation of communication, marketing and activity strategies to deliver the aspirations of new work streams.

· Continual building of insights from businesses on their specific needs and requirements.

· Advising the Senior Leadership Team on brand, campaigns and public engagement.

· Owning and developing key messages for all main programme streams.

· Owning the brand identities including their evolution and ensuring full brand guidelines are in place.  

Consumer Marketing

· Developing and ensuring implementation of an effective consumer communications strategy.

· Leading on development of collateral centring around the TFP website and social media.

· Oversight of consumer campaigns and ensuring effective evaluation and impact studies.

· Overall responsibility and accountability for the events programme including risk management governance.

· Experience of design and working with/commissioning designers.

Projects

· Developing, refreshing and ensuring implementation of project specific communications (new and existing).

· Providing creative input and Marcomms elements of new, placemaking and cultural projects.

· Identifying and securing brand-aligned sponsorships to enhance destination campaigns.

· Driving joint marketing with businesses, tourism and media partners.

· Structuring BID renewal communications based on insights gained throughout the BID term.

Communication and Marketing Channels and Collateral

· Ensuring production of high quality and effective collateral.

· Considering and where appropriate developing new communications channels.

· Ensuring TFP’s messaging is clear, effective, accurate and alive to different audiences and local and other sensitivities.

Team Leadership

· Leading and developing a high-performing, collaborative MarComms team

· Managing MarComms budgets, procurement, KPIs, forecasting and reporting to ensure best value and effective impact.

· To undertake such other duties commensurate with your position, and / or hours of work, as may reasonably be required.

Sustainability Statement
The Fitzrovia Partnership is committed to sustainable urban development across environmental, social and economic priorities. Our work supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on climate action, health and wellbeing, inclusive economic growth, responsible consumption and sustainable cities. All roles contribute to this commitment, whether through direct project delivery, partnership working, day-to-day operations or procuring services. Staff and contractors are expected to support our ambition to be a responsible and sustainable organisation, helping to improve outcomes for Fitzrovia and its communities.

Person Specification

- Strong and proven experience of developing, shaping and ensuring implementation of marketing and communications strategies.

- Experience in corporate and consumer marketing and communications.

- Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of marketing and communication techniques and strategies, positioning and implementation of brand management identities.

- Degree-level or professional equivalent qualification in Marketing and/or Communications.

- Confident interpersonal and communication skills for face to face and remote interactions.

- Staff management and development experience gained first-hand.

- Evidence of leadership presence and contribution to an organisation.

- Exceptional personal planning, project management and organisational skills.

- Adept at independent working taking accountability for own and team’s workload and timely deliverables of work, along with the flexibility to adapt to change.

- Ability to communicate and work cohesively and collaboratively with a wider team and colleagues.

- A flexible approach, professional outlook and positive attitude is essential.

- Proficient in canva, media databases, CRM systems, social media management dashboards, web CMS.

- Ability themselves and to instill in others to work to tight deadlines whilst caring to ensure a high standard of work quality.

- Confident in managing stakeholders, suppliers and cross-functional teams.

How to apply

Please send your CV and a supporting statement of no more than two sides of A4 outlining your suitability and motivation for the role.

Closing date: August 31st 2025 at 12:00hrs

If this sound likes the opportunity for you, please apply now. If you would like the opportunity to talk to our CEO ahead of applying please email us.

We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy/maternity. If you have any questions, or any disability and require reasonable adjustment/s to any part of the selection process then please contact us.