External relations and advocacy manager jobs

We're the UK's specialist blood cancer charity and our vision is clear: we’re here to beat blood cancer. We fund world-class research; provide information and support to patients and their loved ones; and raise awareness of blood cancer.

We’re looking for a driven and relationship-focused Corporate Partnerships Manager – Pharmaceuticals to lead and grow our work with the pharmaceutical sector. In this role, you’ll manage and develop high-value partnerships, secure significant income (c.£500k annually), and identify new opportunities that support groundbreaking research and services for people affected by blood cancer. Working closely with senior stakeholders, you’ll shape compelling proposals, represent the organisation in pitches and negotiations, and ensure partners are engaged through excellent stewardship and impact reporting.

You’ll be a confident communicator with a strong track record in high-value fundraising, or equivalent transferable experience, and skilled at building relationships at all levels. Collaborative and proactive, you’ll work across teams to develop ambitious, mutually beneficial partnerships aligned with organisational priorities. 

Regular travel to our London office and donor meetings will be required, typically once or twice per month, or as the role demands.

We are committed to actively promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity. In line with our strategy we welcome approaches from individuals from underrepresented groups, including minority communities, and applicants with a disability, to better reflect the community we serve and help broaden our perspectives. state this in your cover letter when applying. 

We are open to receiving applications from candidates wishing to work part-time, with a minimum of 28 hours per week. Please indicate in your cover letter if you wish to work part-time.

Do you have significant strategic leadership, operational management and budget management experience?

AFK is looking for a visible leader of our organisation to inspire and motivate the team through your presence and engagement. 

Context of Job
AFK is a national charity whose mission is to create opportunities for children and young people who are disabled or neurodiverse, to increase their independence, reach their individual potential and remove the barriers they face.
Our vision is a world where there are no barriers to independence for children and young people who are disabled or neurodivergent.
In response to this we offer bespoke employment skills training and organise work experience across North London. At a national level, we provide mobility equipment not available on the NHS for disabled children and young people up to the age of 25.

Overall Job Purpose
The Chief Executive Officer will provide strategic leadership and operational management for the charity, working closely with the Board of Trustees to deliver our mission and ensure AFK's sustainability and growth. You will lead a team of around 30 staff and volunteers, managing an annual budget of approximately £2 million.
As the visible leader of the organisation, you'll inspire and motivate the team through your presence and engagement. You'll be responsible for building strong team relationships, providing hands-on support when required, and will demonstrate the charity's values in everything you do. By leading from the front and showing the commitment and passion that drives AFK forward, you'll create a culture where everyone is motivated to deliver their best work.

Working Conditions
The post is 35 hours a week, normally 9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday. The post holder may be expected to work some evenings and weekends as required by the job.
28 days annual leave will be given in addition to public holidays.
There is a TOIL policy.

Working Relationships
The CEO will maintain close working relationships across all levels of the organisation and with external stakeholders. You'll work collaboratively with a Board of eight trustees to drive the charity's strategy forward, providing regular updates and ensuring effective governance.
You'll line manage members of the Senior Management Team, ensuring a cohesive and effective leadership group.
Building and nurturing relationships with key funders, partners, and supporters will be essential to the role. You'll act as an ambassador for the charity with AFK’s stakeholders, representing our mission and impact. Developing strong networks within the sector and maintaining meaningful connections with service users will be vital to ensuring the charity remains responsive and relevant to those it serves.
You'll also build visible and accessible connections with the wider staff team through regular communication and engagement across the organisation.
Importantly, this is a hands-on leadership role with a direct portfolio responsibility. In addition to your organisational leadership duties, you will lead and manage one of our core functional areas, whether that is Service Delivery, Fundraising, or Finance and Operations. You'll bring your specialist expertise and people management skills to this area, taking ownership of its performance and development.
This means the CEO role combines strategic leadership of the whole organisation with active, day-to-day accountability for a defined part of it.
AFK is a successful charity with well-established processes and an experienced team, meaning you'll be well supported to fulfil both dimensions of this role effectively.

Interview Schedule
First round of interviews will be held by mid June
Second round to be confirmed

Please see attached job pack for full job description

We are seeking a creative and conscientious communications leader with exceptional attention to detail and demonstrable expertise in developing and delivering high-impact strategic communications outputs in the international development or third sector. We are a relatively small team and are therefore looking for someone who is both highly strategic and able to see the ‘big picture’, while also being happy getting stuck in at an operational level to ensure timely, on-budget delivery of outputs. Experience of working with or within networks or membership organisations would be a particular asset in this role. It is also important that you are comfortable working across all areas – from digital, to design, to publishing, to events – as well as being an exceptional project manager, confident liaising with a range of partners and stakeholders at different levels, and an experienced line manager.

The Global Distributors Collective (GDC) is in an excellent position, with a strong track record of delivery and impact, a solid funding pipeline, and a clear 2026-30 strategy. High-impact communication crosscuts the entire GDC programme and is essential to ensuring that beneficial products can be made affordable and available to all. As Communications Manager (maternity cover), you will therefore need to both hit the ground running to deliver our ambitious schedule of upcoming communications activities – from in-person and online events, to high-profile research, publications, and digital outputs – as well as to work proactively with the Head of GDC, Bopinc team, GDC strategic advisors, and fellow communications colleagues to shape and embed communication activities across a range of new projects that are kicking off in 2026-27.

About Practical Action and the GDC

Practical Action is an international development organisation putting ingenious ideas to work so people in poverty can change their world. For the past eight years, Practical Action has been hosting and building the Global Distributors Collective (GDC): a collective of 300 last mile distribution companies that cumulatively reach millions of the poorest consumers in the world with beneficial products like solar lanterns, water filters and improved cookstoves. GDC activities are delivered in collaboration with strategic and implementing partner Bopinc.

The GDC provides a collective voice for distributors to ensure their priorities are heard; drives research and innovation across the sector; facilitates the exchange of information, insight, and expertise; and provides critical services that leverage economies of scale.

Moving into our 2026-30 strategy phase, we are proactively shifting from creating and setting up advisory services and tools that support last mile distributors to embedding and scaling these initiatives. Specifically, we will focus on four key strategic pillars:

· Unlocking finance: Prepare more last mile distributors (LMDs) for investment and help to unlock country-level financing mechanisms and create LMD-focussed debt facilities. 

· Strengthening business performance: Deliver training, shared services, and data tools that reduce business costs and improve efficiency, in scalable formats.

· Scaling innovation: Identify, test, and replicate high-value business innovations and remove eco-system barriers.

· Shaping systems and local leadership: Build local chapters and influence global and national agendas so LMDs are visible, valued and represented. 

About you

We are looking for a go-getting, ambitious and proactive communications specialist who is ready to lead the GDC communications team to deliver a range of high-impact, top-quality, communications activities over the next 12 months. To succeed in this role, you must be a communications all-rounder, an experienced line manager, and an excellent written and verbal communicator with exceptional attention to detail, robust project management and interpersonal skills. You will be a strategic thinker with the ability to multitask, work independently and adapt in a fast-paced environment, while also being willing to “muck in” in our relatively small team. Depending on where you are based, demonstrable experience of managing remote staff will be important; as will the ability to thoughtfully support and coach team members to achieve their full potential.

Why join us?

This is the opportunity to lead a globally recognised initiative driving innovation and impact in last mile distribution. At Practical Action, you will be part of a values-driven organisation committed to reducing poverty and inequality through sustainable, practical solutions. You will work alongside passionate colleagues and partners, contributing to meaningful change for communities around the world. We offer a collaborative and inclusive working environment that supports learning, innovation, and personal growth.

We treat all applications for employment on their merits and do not take into consideration any factors that are not relevant to the job such as disability, race, age, religion, gender, gender reassignment or sexual orientation. Practical Action is committed to safeguarding and protecting children and vulnerable adults and as such candidates will be subject to pre-employment checks including criminal checks and terrorist financing.

Additional information

We are seeking candidates based in ether Kenya or the UK. The successful applicant must have the pre-existing right to both live and work in the country in which they will be based. Please note this is being recruited as a 12-month fixed term contract. Hybrid working pattern; if UK-based, the role could be predominantly home based

To apply please submit a copy of your CV and supporting that includes the answers to the following questions:

1. Why do you consider yourself a strong candidate for the role of GDC Communications Manager at Practical Action?

2. What most excites you about working on the Global Distributors Collective programme?

3. What do you think would be your biggest strength and steepest learning curve in this role?

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People – High Value Events Manager
Location:Hybrid working with some travel to Hearing Dogs offices in either Buckinghamshire or East Yorkshire.
Salary: £40,000 per annum.
Contract: Permanent, full-time hours. 

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, whose mission is build confidence, companionship and connection for people with hearing loss, is seeking a High Value Events Manager to help create inclusive, inspiring and impactful high-value event experiences that deepen relationships and generate transformational philanthropic support for the charity.

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People has been creating life-changing partnerships between hearing dogs and deaf recipients since 1982. As well as acting as an ear to their partners and alerting them to sounds, the charity’s clever and expertly trained dogs help deaf people to live life with confidence and independence, whilst providing love and emotional support.

Following on from a strategic review, the charity is now building a new Income Generation Directorate, to enable them to transform many more lives across the UK. This role will be critical to help Hearing Dogs reach their goals to significantly grow and diversify income.

This role will be part of a newly built High Value Events function and will develop, manage and deliver a portfolio of high‑value engagement and fundraising events that advance the charity’s strategic priorities and long‑term sustainability. Working closely with the High Value Event Team Manager and collaborating across Income Generation and wider teams, the postholder will create values‑led, relationship‑driven events that celebrate impact, inspire generosity and deepen connections with major donors, trusts, foundations, corporate partners and senior volunteers. They will ensure each event is thoughtfully planned, mission‑focused, inclusive and delivers strong return on investment, while strengthening long‑term philanthropic commitment to Hearing Dogs for Deaf People’s life‑changing work.

This role requires a proven track record in planning and delivering high‑value fundraising or engagement events generating £100k+, alongside experience working with major donors, high‑net‑worth individuals, committees and senior stakeholders. The ideal candidate will bring strong stewardship‑led fundraising expertise, excellent relationship management skills and a history of meeting income targets while maximising return on investment. Outstanding organisation, project management and communication abilities are essential, as is the confidence to engage and influence high‑profile supporters. Personally, the postholder will be a collaborative, inclusive and proactive team player with strong interpersonal skills, a creative and solutions‑focused mindset, and a genuine passion for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People’s mission, able to communicate impact in a compelling and inspiring way.

This is an exciting opportunity to help an organisation which is changing people’s lives every day, and where you have the flexibility of working remotely or spending time at Hearing Dogs’ stunning bases in Buckinghamshire or Yorkshire, with friendly and passionate staff and their four-legged friends.

If you want to lead the pack and help deaf people live well with hearing loss, please download our Candidate Pack for further information [PDF], which includes details on how to apply.

Closing date: Monday 25th May, 9.00 am. 

About Us 

Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid have for over 45 years supported women and children with services around domestic violence and abuse. Could you be a part of our team as we continue our mission to end domestic violence and abuse? 

The region’s leading charity in tackling violence against women and girls, BSWA offers a helpline, webchat, drop in and and community support as well as emergency accommodation in six refuges across the area.

Projects supports women in the criminal justice system, in healthcare settings, and throughout the community, offering support to women and children experiencing domestic violence. Alongside this, we also have staff offering training and consultancy to businesses and health and social care professionals alike, raising awareness on gender based violence issues.

We seek like-minded women to join our enthusiastic team of workers, all of us passionate about the vital and valuable work we do to support women and children who have experienced domestic abuse, and tackling the wider issues of violence against women and girls. 

Key Responsibilities -

To work as part of the Management Team with specific responsibility for managing 
the young women’s refuge accommodation, ensuring a high-quality service for young 
women and children who have experienced domestic violence. To support and 
supervise a staff team, in the development and delivery of services for young women 
and children in refuge.

Experience Required -

- Working with young women and children affected by domestic violence

- Project Management

- Supervising staff/volunteers 

- Developing strong working relationships with other organisations, both voluntary and statutory

- Managing safeguarding issues for vulnerable young women and children

- Monitoring and evaluating projects, producing relevant reports and implementing learning

- Experience working with case management systems 

Benefits

• 31 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays) 

• Up to 6% matched pension contribution 

• Free access to Employee Assistance Programme 

• Life Assurance scheme while in employment (a lump sum of 4 times salary) 

• Cycle to Work scheme 

• Health Cash Plan scheme available to all employees from day one 

• Successful candidates may have the opportunity to work under hybrid working arrangements, subject to the role and to the terms of our Hybrid Working Policy 

BSWA is a Disability Confident Employer. We want everyone to have equal chance at being considered for our jobs. Should you be unable to submit your application online and would prefer an alternative method, or you are experiencing another barrier to completing your application, please contact our recruitment team via our website.

These posts are covered by a Genuine Occupational Requirement (Schedule 9; Equality Act 2010) and women only need apply.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is at 12 noon on Friday 22nd May. Interviews will take place 11th June.

Money & Energy Advice Service Lead

Pro rata salary: £39,825 (35 hour week)

Home-based, with travel as required

Up to 35 hours per week with occasional evenings and / or weekend work will be required

Permanent (subject to external funding)

Responsible for: 2.0 FTE Money & Energy Advisers

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced welfare benefits practitioner with a passion for sharing knowledge and enabling teams to deliver above and beyond.

With around 4 in 10 beneficiaries, we support seeking help with financial difficulties, this is a pivotal role for Kidney Care UK.

We are seeking a knowledgeable and confident specialist income maximisation activities for a role with three key parts: to lead a small team delivering benefits and energy advice and support directly to clients; to play a key role in upskilling and supporting our outstanding Patient Support team across the country; and to be the subject matter expert within Kidney Care UK.

Our external partners – British Gas Energy Trust have committed to fund our Money and Energy Service until March 2027. We are advertising this position as ‘permanent’ – we anticipate confirmation by December 2026 whether funding will be extended beyond March 2027.

This role is made possible thanks to the support of British Gas Energy Trust.

About Kidney Care UK

Around 3.5 million people in the UK live with chronic kidney disease, and one million of them don’t know that they do.

Since 1975, Kidney Care UK has been at the forefront of supporting people with kidney disease. From our early days when we campaigned to introduce donor cards in the UK, we have worked hard to support and represent the interests of everyone affected by kidney disease. 

About the Money & Energy Advice Service

The Money & Energy Advice Service (MEAS) provides information and support for welfare benefits and income maximisation and promotes awareness of efficient energy use. Working closely with Patient Support officers, MEAS provides specialist knowledge and directly supports clients to achieve sustainable financial outcomes. The service was established in 2023 with the support of British Gas Energy Trust and is embedded as a valued element of the many ways Kidney Care UK supports people affected by kidney failure.

What we offer

Working at Kidney Care UK is incredibly rewarding and you will see the life-changing impact that the charity has on kidney patients and their families:

• Flexi-time – we are flexible about start and finish times, and flexible about your location.
• Annual and Christmas leave – we offer 25 days annual leave for full time employees plus bank holidays. We also close for three days between Christmas and New Year, and you don’t need to take this from your annual leave allowance.
• Pension – you’ll be eligible for and auto-enrolled into a pension scheme where your employer will contribute 8% of your salary.
• Health cashback plan – ability to claim back a wide variety of routine medical treatments.
• Employee Assistance Programme – access to a wide variety of support including counselling, health resources and advice.
• Cycle2Work scheme

Join us at an exciting time in our journey to improve lives through the sport of boccia and help to lead development of the most inclusive sport in England.

The Partnership and Infrastructure Manager will focus on driving participation growth within communities by working in partnership with key stakeholders, including Leisure providers, Active Partnerships, and National charities, to create inclusive and sustainable opportunities.

Purpose of the Job

 ·      To develop and expand the boccia community infrastructure, increasing access and participation.

· To build and strengthen strategic partnerships that create more opportunities for people to play boccia.

· To coordinate and deliver the implementation of Boccia England’s action plans within key place-based locations.

As Partnerships and Infrastructure Manager you will play a central part supporting the organisation and ensuring we offer great service and care to the boccia community.

We are looking for someone who can make a positive contribution to our charity and use their experience and skills to support our work. The ideal candidate will be passionate about making a real difference and bring new ideas for our processes and services.

Accountability and Objectives of the role

Strategic Focus

• Support the co-ordination and delivery of agreed operational plans and programme by providing quarterly reports on performance against the targets in the annual delivery plan, for the board and key stakeholders.
• Drive the development of boccia delivery in key regions, aligned with Sport England place-based investment priorities.
• Collect, collate and report data, insight and learning related to the delivery of the Boccia

England operational plan

• Support the implementation of the People Plan for our external workforce at a local level where identified
• Work with colleagues to secure new funding to resource the development and growth of boccia in regions.

Relationship Building  – Lead the initiation and development of a nationwide regional community boccia infrastructure model.

• Develop and manage a network of key partners to create opportunities that connect, engage, and empower physically disabled people and wider communities through a range of Boccia initiatives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key identified partners to ensure Boccia England maximizes the opportunities to grow the sport of boccia
• Plan, promote, and deliver engagement events such as the Big Boccia Conversation, creating opportunities for partners and stakeholders to network, share ideas, and explore ways to increase participation in Boccia and disability sport.
• Collaborate with colleagues to establish new clubs, strengthen school engagement, and ensure the sustainability of participation growth.

Programme Development

• Promote and support the delivery of Try Boccia, providing partners with the tools, resources, and guidance required to deliver inclusive Boccia sessions across a range of community settings
• Support the development of local and regional Boccia communities, building their capacity to deliver sustainable participation opportunities across clubs and Try Boccia sites.
• Deliver a roadmap of initiatives across key locations to drive participation through a range of Boccia programmes.

​Finance and Budget Management - Ensure effective processes are in place to manage and report on budgets.

• Coordinate annual budget planning and monitoring of performance against budgets.
• Effectively manage and monitor the specific budgets for participation and development programmes, with clear means of measuring progress.
• With the senior leadership team, ensure the preparation of relevant and appropriate quarterly financial reports to the Board.

EDI and Safeguarding

•  Promote and embed equality, diversity, and inclusion across all aspects of work. Ensure accessibility and inclusive practices are integrated into all working processes, creating a workplace and culture that is welcoming, equitable, and representative of all communities.
• Promote the safety, welfare, and well-being of everyone to ensure full compliance with safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Report all safeguarding concerns in line with policies and legislation.
• Foster a safe, inclusive, and protective environment for all within Boccia Englands workplace and community

General Requirements

• Manage own workload effectively.
• Be committed to continuous improvement.
• Provide excellent and timely customer service with both internal and external communications.
• Use and share knowledge and expertise to promote boccia and develop Boccia England.
• Be an advocate for Boccia England and the sport of boccia.
• support the wider Boccia England team to ensure business objectives are achieved
• Any other tasks or responsibilities as deemed appropriate by the Head of Sport and commensurate with the responsibilities of the post.

For further details of the role please access the Job Descripton by visiting the Boccia England website under the careers section.

Crisis is the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. We have embarked on our 10-year strategy and launched our new campaign to end all forms of homelessness in Scotland by 2040. We know homelessness is not inevitable. We know together we can end it.

Homelessness is rising fast in Scotland, and we are seeing unprecedented demand for our services. At this critical time, as the Scottish election passes and a new parliamentary term begins, we are looking for a talented and experienced Media and Public Affairs Manager to raise the public and political profile of homelessness in Scotland, to shine a light on the human impact and trauma that it brings, and to build momentum and support for Crisis work to end homelessness for good.

Location: Cranston House, 271 Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8BQ (Working from home is an option in line with Crisis’ Hybrid working policy). You will be required to work from the Edinburgh office twice a week.

About the Role

As Media and Public Affairs Manager, you will bring to life the work of Crisis’ day to day services and our national influencing agenda. Using print, digital and broadcast journalism you will advocate for the solutions needed to end homelessness and inspire and active politicians to join our campaign and take meaningful action to end homelessness in Scotland by 2040. You will oversee the development and delivery of high-profile media, communications and political influencing campaign strategies, and help to build our brand reach, engaging a wide range of new audiences across Scotland.

With homelessness at record levels there has never been a more critical time to join Crisis and ensure ending homelessness is firmly on the national news agenda and central to all political party’s goals.

About you

You will have significant experience of working in a challenging, fast-paced news, media and public affairs environment to secure high-profile coverage and political engagement. You will also have experience of leading and managing individuals or teams, motivating people to achieve objectives and overcome challenges. Having the ability to navigate competing priorities and influence senior internal and external stakeholders is essential.

To be successful in this role, you will be able to demonstrate excellent knowledge and experience of working with the Scottish media and the Scottish Parliament to secure national policy change, demonstrate the ability to secure high profile sustained media coverage to convey complex stories in an engaging and relatable way, and have exceptional news sense, with the ability to take a creative approach when seeking out new media opportunities. You will have an excellent track record in national campaign and parliamentary influence, familiar with how parliament works and competent in influencing politicians.

Please see the full Job Pack linked below, for a full list of requirements for this role. We realise that long lists of criteria can be daunting, and you may not want to apply for a role unless you feel 100% qualified. However, if you feel you have relevant examples to answer the screening questions, we encourage you to apply.

We believe diversity is a strength, and our aim is to make sure that Crisis truly reflects the communities we serve. We are actively working towards our organisation being a place where everyone can thrive and make their best contribution to our mission of ending homelessness for good. We know that the more perspectives, voices, and experiences we can bring to this work, the better. We particularly welcome applications from people who have lived experience of homelessness, and people from all marginalised groups, communities, and backgrounds.

Working at Crisis

Our values, Bold, Impactful, Collaborative and Equitable, are at the heart of everything we do as we continue in our mission to end homelessness.

Our staff, members and volunteers are vital to getting the right government policies in place, providing breakthrough services, and building a supportive community. We’ll lead by example to nurture a positive and ambitious workplace guided by ending homelessness.

As a member of the team, you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits including:

• A competitive salary. Please note, our salaries are fixed to counter inequity and we do not negotiate at offer stage
• Interest free loans for travel season ticket, cycle to work, and deposit to secure a tenancy
• Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8.5%
• 28 days’ annual leave (pro rata) which increases with service to 31 days and the option to purchase up to 10 additional days leave
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption pay.
• Flexible working around the core hours 10am-4pm
• Wellbeing Leave to be used flexibly And more! (Full list of benefits available on website)

Alongside our excellent staff benefits, we will support your ongoing development to build your skills, experience, and career.

When you join us, you will have the opportunity to join our staff diversity networks, which aim to champion issues across the organisation, enable staff to be their authentic and best selves and contribute to making Crisis a truly diverse organisation.

How do I apply?

Please click on the 'Apply for Job' button below. Our shortlisting process is anonymised as part of our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We do not ask for CVs, instead we ask you complete the work history section and answer the screening questions for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively. At least two members of staff score all applications.

Closing date: Monday 1st June at 23:59

Interview date and location: In person, on Tuesday 9th June 2026 at Crisis Skylight Edinburgh, Cranston House, 271 Canongate Edinburgh, EH8 8BQ

AI in Job Applications

We understand some candidates use AI tools when applying. Whilst we welcome the use of technology to support clear communication and structure, we want to learn more about you, so please ensure that your application reflects your own skills, knowledge and experiences

Accessibility  

We want our recruitment process to be as accessible as possible. If you need us to make an adjustment or provide additional support as you apply for a role, please email our Talent Acquisition team to discuss how we can help.  

   
Registered Charity Numbers: E&W1082947, SC040094  

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

The Global Advocacy & Influence Department is a dynamic team that uses the power of IRC’s ideas to solve the biggest challenges facing IRC’s clients. From the drivers of conflict to the needs displaced people, the team partners with politicians, policy makers and civil society to bring these solutions to life. We take pride in being solutions-oriented and creative. We are precise in our tactics, and messages. We lead change year over year, knowing that system change takes dedicated focus while maintaining the flexibility to respond to emerging needs. Finally, we are collaborative, working not only with programs, strategy, research and innovation, and communications teams across the IRC, but also externally, constantly seeking to new ideas and perspectives from others in the humanitarian sector and beyond.

The IRC is committed to a culture of bold leadership, innovation in all aspects of our work, creative partnerships and, most crucially, accountability to those we serve. The IRC is a tireless advocate for the most vulnerable.

IRC UK
IRC UK is part of the IRC global network, which has its global headquarters in New York. Our team in the UK works to raise profile, deliver policy and practice change, and increase funding to help restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Since 2021, IRC UK has also provided integration services directly to refugees in England.

In Europe, the IRC also has offices in Berlin, Bonn, Brussels, Geneva and Stockholm.

Job Overview

As the Advocacy Officer, you are responsible for building the profile, influence and credibility of IRC’s work with UK politicians, political parties and opinion formers on our humanitarian and development issues. You will be delivering our influence strategies and identifying strategic lobbying opportunities and enabling colleagues to exploit them fully through the use of innovative and creative tactics that help IRC stand out in a crowded arena. You will support building critical strategic relationships to help deliver on IRC’s objectives in parliament. You will contribute fresh insights and analysis to inform IRC’s influence approaches, tactics, and messages.

Major Responsibilities:

• Advocacy Strategy: Support in delivering advocacy strategies, collaborating with the Advocacy Manager, policy leads, public advocacy and communications colleagues, to advance IRC’s key advocacy objectives. 

• Political and policy monitoring: Analyse and report on relevant political and policy trends and regularly communicate across external relations teams.Expand IRC’s political reach by tracking and analysing shifting government positions, individuals engaging on our issues, and the politics around our issues. Track political processes and profile opportunities / events; including bills, select committee inquiries, and other parliamentary and political developments. 
• Stakeholder management: Building and maintaining relationships with a core group of political champions in and around Westminster, whilst raising IRC’s profile and awareness of our positions on key issues among a wider political audience in order to increase our ability to deliver policy change.
• Political engagement: Developing and providing regular written or oral briefings to MPs, Peers, government officials, and other decision makers on key policies and campaigns. Producing specific asks to parliamentarians on a regular basis – parliamentary questions, debate contributions etc.

• Communications: Provide market and audience expertise to communications team to craft public advocacy in the UK. Support team in developing communications strategy and develop materials for advocacy targets, including digital/social content and take actions.
• Teamwork: Support a positive team culture by acting openly and collaboratively, supporting colleagues in their work and sharing credit with others where appropriate. 
• Steward Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: both in the culture of IRC, as well as in the policy solutions we develop and the ways we wield influence.

Key Working Relationships:

Position reports to: Advocacy Manager

Internal contacts: Policy and Advocacy colleagues, Communications, Technical Excellence leads; International Programs leads, External Relations Department 

External contacts: Parliamentarians, government officials, key opinion formers, think tanks and sector colleagues in the UK. 

Job Requirements:

Work experience: 

• Experience in delivering advocacy strategies in the UK. 2 years + of experience working on development and humanitarian issues. 

Demonstrated skills and competencies: 

• Proven success in delivering successful strategies that influence/impact on legislative and executive policy.
• Good understanding of relevant the UK’s political structures and processes, and familiar with leverage points within these institutions that can be targeted to achieve policy change objectives.
• Ability to innovatively and creatively apply influencing techniques and tactics to consistently make IRC stand out from the crowd in Westminster, Whitehall and with other key international stakeholders.

• Knowledge of development and humanitarian issues in the UK.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate successfully with parliamentarians and colleagues in the humanitarian and development fields. 
• Strong writing skills and the ability to translate sophisticated material and data into coherent narratives that resonate with policymakers. 
• Experience of developing effective working relationships with colleagues, and working collaboratively in multi-disciplinary project teams.

• Ability to work quickly against deadlines. 

• Initiative and ability to work independently on fast-paced issues, and balance competing demands. 

A great opportunity to join our Sussex focussed charity as we embark upon a new 4 year strategy.

This is a senior, high-impact post. You will lead on business development and income generation — writing bids, building partnerships and developing strategy — working closely with the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team.

A key part of the role is dedicated to securing funding for our Lost Woods Project, a multi-agency community development initiative running until November 2027.

Key responsibilities include:

• Designing and driving an organisational Business Development Strategy
• Writing and submitting high-quality grant applications and competitive tender bids (including £150k+ bids)
• Maintaining a strong pipeline of funding and contract opportunities
• Building and sustaining strategic partnerships across the public, voluntary and private sectors
• Leading on AirS communications, marketing and profile-raising
• Supporting smooth handover of awarded contracts into delivery

What We're Looking For

Essential:

• Proven track record of securing grant funding and winning contracts, including large bids of £150,000+
• Experience of collaborative bidding and partnership development
• Management experience in a similar organisation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience of CRM systems
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills
• Knowledge of the national and local funding landscape and public sector commissioning
• Educated to degree level or equivalent

Desirable:

• Knowledge of the voluntary and community sector in Sussex
• Experience of Social Value and Theory of Change impact evaluation
• Formal fundraising or project management qualification
• Knowledge of community asset development, rural housing or nature-based solutions

Personal attributes: You are self-motivated, highly organised, calm under pressure, and a genuine completer-finisher. You can write compelling bids, build trusted relationships, and present confidently to a range of audiences.

Accountable to: Head of Finance and Operations Staff responsibilities: None initially (line management potential)

Salary: £45,000 (pro rata) Hours: 35 hours per week (part-time considered at 28 hours) Contract: Permanent Location: Lewes, Sussex — hybrid working.

AirS is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Job Title: Housing Independent Gender Violence Advocate (Housing IGVA)

Location: The GAIA Centre (Lambeth, London)
Salary: £29,701.36 per annum (Inclusive of London Weighting, which may not be applicable depending on your home location and any agreed permanent homeworking arrangement)
Contract type: Full time, Permanent

Hours: 37.5 hours per week. The working pattern is 9am – 5pm Monday – Friday. Occasional late early shifts: 8am-4pm or late shifts: 1pm – 6pm on a rota basis to cover duty (approximately 2-3 days a month). Flexibility on how the hours is spread across the week within these times.

The Housing Independent Gender Violence Advocate (IGVA) will be embedded within borough housing teams to facilitate the dual working that will ensure that survivors’ safety and housing needs are met. This includes:

· Close working relationships with Housing colleagues 

· Provision of specialist knowledge relating to DA for Housing Officers and Homelessness Teams to draw on 

· Specialist support for survivors at the moment of crisis 

· Provision of advocacy; supporting survivors to access safe accommodation 

· Ongoing support from the IGVA from wider DA service, including access to group clinical supervision, casework management meetings, reflective practice sessions, one-to-one supervision from service manager 

The Housing IGVA will work closely with victims of gender-based violence from the point of crisis, to provide high quality independent advocacy and support to survivors of gender-based violence at the highest risk and their children. The role will be part of increasing the ability of partner agencies to recognise, reject and respond appropriately and safely to all forms of gender-based violence (including domestic violence, sexual, financial and emotional abuse, female genital mutilation, forced marriage and honour-based violence).

The job involves working within a multi-agency framework consisting of the MARAC and local partnership protocols and procedures that prioritise the safety of survivors. The job involves informing survivors of the full range of civil, criminal, housing and practical options that might increase their safety. The post holder will empower survivors by providing them with emotional, practical and personal welfare support especially around complex housing needs.

The job involves ensuring that women are provided with a safe, supportive and welcoming environment, enabling them to access their rights, make decisions and increase their life options.

This post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

Closing Date: 09:00am 1 June 2026

Interview Date: 8 and 9 June 2026

Head of Public Affairs

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

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

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

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

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

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

Who we’re looking for

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

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

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

Application closing date: May 22

Interviews: June 3-4

At Samaritans, our vision is that fewer people die by suicide. Every day, our volunteers and staff provide life-saving emotional support to people in distress, and behind that work is a culture built on compassion, inclusion, learning and human connection.

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Samaritans is seeking an experienced and ambitious Trust and Grants Manager to lead and grow a vital income stream supporting our life‑saving work. Reporting to the Head of Trusts and Statutory Income, you’ll play a central role in delivering an ambitious Trusts programme raising over £2 million annually, while inspiring and leading a talented team.

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​Contract

• £40,000-£45,000 per annum plus benefits
• Full Time (35hrs per week)
• Permanent
• Hybrid working - Meeting in person and working collaboratively are things we value. This role is linked to our Ewell (Surrey) office with a blend of home working and option to work out of our London office as required.
• In-person working - expectation of a minimum of 1 office day each week on Tuesdays in Ewell.
• We are passionate about flexible working, talk to us about your preferences

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About the role

​As Trust and Grants Manager, you’ll be responsible for developing and delivering our Trust Fundraising Strategy, ensuring strong performance, excellent funder stewardship and long‑term growth. You’ll manage high‑value relationships, lead strategy and planning, and provide inspiring line management to Trust fundraising colleagues.

Working closely with colleagues across Income Generation, Business Development and operational teams, you’ll ensure Samaritans’ work is communicated compellingly to Trust and Statutory funders, grounded in evidence, insight and lived experience.​

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What you’ll do

• Lead the development and delivery of the Trust Funding Strategy, with clear KPIs, work plans and performance analysis
• Oversee a Trusts programme raising over £2m per year, with responsibility for future growth
• Personally manage a portfolio of high‑value Trust relationships, delivering £600k–£700k annual income
• Shape and deliver donor cultivation and stewardship approaches that create inspiring funder experiences
• Line manage and develop Trust fundraising staff, supporting performance, wellbeing and professional growth
• Produce compelling, high‑quality funding applications, cases for support and reports on Samaritans programmes and projects
• Lead prospect research and pipeline development, identifying new large Trust opportunities
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across Samaritans to ensure strong alignment with organisational priorities
• Contribute to senior leadership discussions, team planning, away days and cross‑departmental initiatives
• Embed learning, insight and sector best practice into team ways of working

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About you

​You’re an experienced Trust fundraiser with a strong track record of securing six‑figure grants and building effective relationships with major Trusts and Foundations. You combine strategic thinking with attention to detail, and you’re motivated by making a meaningful social impact.

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You enjoy leading and developing others, thrive in collaborative environments, and are confident working with data, budgets and complex funding requirements. Above all, you’re committed to Samaritans’ vision of fewer people dying by suicide, and to working inclusively, ethically and with compassion.

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What you will bring:

• Proven success in securing six‑figure Trust, Foundation, Lottery or public sector funding
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including persuasive storytelling
• Strong grant management, stewardship and donor care expertise
• Experience developing and managing fundraising strategies, plans and pipelines
• Confidence working with financial information, budgets and full cost recovery models
• Analytical skills and the ability to translate evidence into compelling funding cases
• Experience line managing or supporting the development of staff (desirable)
• A collaborative, curious and values‑driven approach to work
• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, safeguarding and lived‑experience principles

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​Full outline in the Job description below. 

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Why Samaritans?

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At Samaritans, people matter deeply. We know that meaningful impact starts with how we support each other.

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We are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive and flexible workplace where everyone can thrive. We value diversity of thought, background and lived experience, and we actively encourage applications from people from all communities.

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Every person at Samaritans plays a role in helping fewer people die by suicide. If you are motivated by purpose, compassion and the opportunity to make a lasting difference, we would love to hear from you.

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For further information about Samaritans, including our charity structure, values, employee benefits, and application process, please read our recruitment brochure available below. You can also visit our careers website to access this.

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We recognise the enormous benefits and the social justice imperatives of ensuring diversity at every level of our organisation. Samaritans is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. To ensure Samaritans is representative of those we support and who support us, we particularly welcome applications from disabled, racialised minority and LGBTQ+ candidates, as these people are under-represented at Samaritans. 

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To Apply

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Please complete the application questions including those outlined below, and submit your CV.​

Please note the following questions have a 300-word limit for each answer.​​

Q1 What interests you about Samaritans and our work? What do you think might make Samaritans compelling to Trust Funders?

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Q2 Tell us about your demonstrable experience securing six‑figure Trust or Statutory grants. What approaches did you use to build your pipeline, cultivate funders and secure large or multiyear grants?

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Q3 This role requires strong project leadership, cross‑organisational collaboration and stakeholder management. Can you share an example of how you have led a large programme application, and what your approach to collaboration and stakeholder management was in delivering a successful outcome?

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We kindly ask that you don’t rely on AI tools for your application answers, or to generate interview answers. We want to see your own unique ideas and writing skills. We want your application to stand out from the rest and showcase your own strengths.

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Applications close at midnight on Monday 25 May

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Interviews

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All applicants will receive notification of the outcome of their application, at the appropriate time.​

1st stage interviews will be online: w/c 1 June

2nd stage interviews will be held in person in our Surrey office (KT17 2AF). Date TBC.

Our EYFS compliant Early Years Provision is an essential part of our English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) service, providing Early Years education & development for children who have English as an Additional Language (EAL). The parent(s) of our Early Years children attend onsite English Language classes for the duration of the Early Years session with the majority of our families having been resettled to the UK as those with refugee status.

Our ESOL provision currently runs at two locations, in Shefford and Bedford. This role is based predominantly in Shefford and is a term-time only role (39 weeks per year paid in equal instalments over a 12 month period) with regular team training and development opportunities at our central office in Bedford.

About the role

The Early Years Session Lead holds responsibility for leading sessions in our trauma-informed Early Years setting. They supervise a small team of L2 practitioners during the sessions, with the possibility of career progression to a Room Lead role with line management responsibilities following successful completion of probation period. As an OFSTED registered Early Years setting we work to support children to learn, grow and develop in line with the EYFS framework & Development Matters guidance.

The Early Years Session Lead is part of the EY Leadership Team, which meet together online on a weekly basis (currently Weds 15:00-16:00, with flexibility to amend meeting time to accommodate flexible working requests where possible)

In addition the EY Session Lead works in our EY setting in Bedford on a Friday alongside the Early Years Room Lead (Bedford) and the Senior Early Years Practitioner. We are open to discussing flexible working requests for the right candidate should working in Bedford on a Friday not be possible.

You can download a full job description from our website

Next Step

If this sounds like you, please complete our application form and Equal Opportunities form.

Location: Shefford, and Bedford Town Centre

Closing Date: 21st May 2026 at 6pm

Interview Date: 1st June 2026 in Shefford