Finance Manager Jobs

Country Trust Head of Programmes

Employed contract   

• Hours: 21 per week  
• Salary/contract rate : £43-45,000 FTE depending on experience
• Location: Ideally within easy reach of Chelmsford. Hybrid/homeworking 
• Employed contract – benefits 
• Annual leave: 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays (FTE) 
• Benefits: Workplace pension
• Reporting to: CEO 

Possible combination with the Impact and Learning Lead role also being advertised.

About The Country Trust 

As a nation we've lost our connection with the land that sustains us all, with big and urgent ramifications for health, sustainability and equality. The Country Trust is changing this through high quality food, farming and countryside experiences that empower children in the most disadvantaged communities across the UK. For 45 years, we've worked with farmers to bring the countryside alive for over 600,000 children least able to access it. Our impactful programmes include the Food Discovery Programme, Countryside Discovery Residentials, Farm Discovery, Farm in a Box and Plant Your Pants. 

About the Role 

As the Head of Programmes, you will take on a strategic leadership role, managing the team of Programme Managers and deputising for the CEO when required. You will ensure each programme flourishes while encouraging collaboration across teams and with external partners to meet our ambitious objectives. This is a hybrid role, allowing you to work from home and travel to see our programmes in action nationwide. 

Key responsibilities include: 

• Line managing senior programme staff, including a dispersed workforce 
• Overseeing operational demands and change management 
• Financial management - budgeting, forecasting, invoices, embracing fundraising 
• Actively promoting equality of opportunity and being a powerful advocate for our cause 
• Confident communication and stakeholder engagement across sectors 
• Supporting strategic direction and deputising for the CEO when required 

You will work closely with the CEO, Senior Leadership Team of 10, and a delivery team of around 40 colleagues. 

About You 

We are seeking an exceptional communicator and versatile senior leader committed to providing quality opportunities for disadvantaged children. You must have: 

• Proven success line managing senior programme staff and a dispersed workforce 
• Strong financial management skills, including budgeting and forecasting 
• Working with the Impact and Learning Lead to ensure broad and deep understanding and implementation of our Theory of Change and our values, that evaluation and learning are embedded throughout the organisation and that we are known for the quality of our reporting, with all our activities and reporting informed by meaningful data. 
• To identify and develop key partnerships to enable us to extend our reach and our impact. 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills 
• Confidence and competence to act at Board level and deputise for CEO 

Additionally, you should have: 

• Strategic thinking abilities to balance priorities and find solutions 
• A collaborative approach suited to a dynamic team environment 
• A desire to support colleagues' growth and development 
• The ability to build successful, effective partnerships – our 5 Year Plan goals are dependent on working with and through others 
• An understanding of the reality of the lives of disadvantaged children and the barriers they face in developing a first-hand connection with the land. 
• Passion for food, farming, and the countryside 

This is a fulfilling opportunity to play a vital role in an organisation dedicated to reconnecting children with the land and creating a sustainable, equal future. 

Closing date: midnight 5th May 

Shortlisting: w/c 6th May 

Interviews: w/c 20th May (to be confirmed) 

Due to our safer recruitment policy, we cannot accept CVs for this position.

Responsibilities:

Strategy & Development

• Ensure that the organisation has a People and Culture Strategy that is aligned with and supportive ofthe organisation’s strategy, addresses staff feedback and reflects good practice in the sector.
• Ensure that the organisation has a suite of HR policies that facilitates the smooth running of theorganisation’s services, reflects the organisation’s values and includes anti discriminatory practices.
• Manage and monitor the implementation of these policies.
• Create an annual training and development plan which promotes business improvement, a positive culture and the professional development of our employees.
• Work closely with departmental managers’ in the role of business partner to address the strategic issues in their departments related to people and culture.
• Alongside the Chair, support and service the Union’s People and Culture Committee.
• Be responsible for the Union’s employer brand, using this to ensure that the Union can source and retain the staff necessary to deliver its services.
• Manage complex employee relations issues such as disciplinaries and grievances.
• Oversee complaints and student disciplinary processes.

Financial Management

• Prepare regular reports of KPIs for People and Culture as requested by the trustees and your line manager.
• Regularly review, update and rigorously enforce the organisation’s pay and grading policy with the input of the Head of Finance as appropriate.
• Contribute significantly to payroll processing and pension procedures.
• Oversee the processes for the student staff payroll.
• Ensure the smooth running of the HR department.

Governance

• Ensure compliance with right to work and other legislation relevant to the Union’s operations.
• Ensure that major processes within the Union are auditable and follow the Union’s formal procedures.

Staff Leadership and Development

• Drive a high performing, inclusive culture across Reading SU.
• Lead and inspire staff, providing clear direction, guidance, and support including giving and receiving feedback.
• Act as lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion within the Union. Ensure that our activities in this area reflect the values of the Union and the University.
• Foster a positive working environment, encouraging teamwork, collaboration, excellent customer service and a positive values led culture. 
• Identify and manager staff training and development needs, organising appropriate training programs to enhance skills and knowledge.
• Be responsible for ensuring mechanisms are in place to collect candid staff feedback to inform future People and Culture activity.

Stakeholders

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including student representatives, staff, the Students' Union executive and University representatives.
• Collaborate with external partners, sponsors, and suppliers to enhance services and explore partnership opportunities.
• Represent the Students' Union at relevant events, meetings, and industry forums.

The Ian Karten Charitable Trust is looking for a home-based, self-employed administrator to cover the current incumbent who is going on maternity leave in July 2024.  The Trust is a grant making trust focused on disability and education.

The role is very flexible; hours required are generally between 8 and 16 per month. With the exception of two trustee meetings annually, which usually take place at mutually agreed times during office hours, most of the work can be carried out according to the postholder’s individual commitments and availability.

The administrator will report to the Chair of Trustees, and will be responsible for ensuring that the administrative processes necessary for the running of the Trust are smooth and efficient. This will include monitoring emails and communicating with grantees, processing payments, preparing and distributing papers for trustee meetings, taking minutes at trustee meetings and following up on agreed actions, and ensuring any necessary documentation is kept up to date. For a full list of responsibilities, and details on how to apply, please refer to the attached job description. We are happy to have informal conversations about the role prior to application. 

We can only consider applicants based in the UK, and applications which do not include a cover letter will not be considered. 

Our programme supporting Higher Technical Education has big ambitions. Known as the ‘missing middle’ of higher education in England, we want to see the declines in level 4 and 5 technical education reversed and more providers emerge who can offer high-quality education and training to help people access highskilled occupations. Key to this transformation is the role of Institutes of Technology (IoTs) – collaborations between further education colleges, universities and employers – and we have been working closely with the National Network of Institutes of Technology to support their success. We are looking for a Project Officer to play an integral part in the successful delivery of this programme, as well as becoming an advocate for Higher Technical Qualifications more broadly. 

This role sits within the small Higher Education Team at Gatsby, and you will work closely with the Project Manager and Director of Programmes to: develop and deliver a range of projects to support our programme objectives; represent Gatsby at external meetings; organise meetings and events; and develop strong working relationships with key partners.

Key Role Responsibilities:

• Deliver projects to support Gatsby’s Higher Technical Education programme, with clear objectives and planning, delivering outputs on time and within budget.
• Research, create and write compelling communications that support programme objectives.
• Co-ordinate regular meetings and external events, including drafting agendas, writing minutes, liaising with and organising contributions from external stakeholders.
• Work effectively with other Gatsby programme teams to ensure higher technical education is appropriately represented within their areas of focus.
• Commission consultants/researchers to undertake pieces of work that will inform programme direction.
• Undertake project evaluations to measure success, analysing outputs/feedback and making informed recommendations to improve activity.
• Manage the National Network of Institutes of Technology website and LinkedIn pages, ensuring they remain a compelling national presence with engaging and relevant content.
• Provide administrative and budget support for beneficiary grants and contracts.
• Create and maintain data and contact information relevant to the Institutes of Technology and other key stakeholders in higher technical education.
• Maintain a secure understanding of all high-level Gatsby policy positions and able to communicate them effectively in written form and verbally.

About You:

Experience

• Managed projects to successful outcomes, including some budget responsibility.
• Organised meetings and external events.
• Managed external contracts or grants to deliver agreed objectives on time and within budget.
• Developed and maintained a network of external contacts.
• Have produced effective communication materials for different audiences.

Knowledge & Expertise 

• Some knowledge and understanding of the UK post-18 education and skills landscape.
• Basic understanding of the ways in which policy decisions are influenced and enacted in England. 

Skills & Abilities

• Comfortable working with partners in education and industry, able to initiate and develop positive relationships with a diverse range of people and organisations.
• Able to persuade, engage and build rapport quickly with new contacts, and maintain important working partnerships.
• Oral and written fluency in English and able to prepare and present accurate and readable briefings and reports from complex information.
• Constantly striving to improve own projects and processes. Open to new ideas and ways of doing things, enabling constructive contributions to organisational progress and innovation.
• Able to set and meet own deadlines under pressure, often balancing conflicting priorities, and dealing calmly with unforeseen issues. 
• Diplomatic and politically sensitive, using good judgement and evidence to form opinions.
• An ability to apply an awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work. 

Personal Attributes & Other Requirements

• Strong interest in the role of technical education and careers guidance in improving life chances.
• Highly self-motivated, setting high standards for themselves and those they work with.
• Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities.
• Enjoys working as part of a small team.
• Able to be flexible about working hours and locations, including working remotely and travelling to meetings around the UK and potentially overseas (may include overnight stays). 

For the full job pack and details of the application process, please click the How to Apply button.

Safeguarding is of fundamental importance to the work of the RSCM at every level, so this is a vital role which involves working collaboratively with staff and volunteers across the UK to ensure safeguarding policies and procedures are implemented and kept under review, keeping up to date with legislation and best practice.

You will act as the RSCM's Lead Recruiter through 31:8 for processing DBS applications, receiving updates and deciding levels of clearance required for staff and volunteers including for events and courses. 

Thee will be a high degree of liaison with Trustees, management and staff as well as the need to network with other agencies as appropriate.

For a full job description see the attachment.

RSCM works to positively promote the importance of effective safeguarding, holding to the Christian belief of valuing each person as someone who bears the image of God and is loved equally by God, and therefore should be protected from harm. 

This role will primarily sit within our Capacity Building and Standards (CB&S) function but will work closely with our Innovation and Practice (I&P) and Advocacy and Communications (A&C) functions. 

The CB&S function aims to build capacity both inside and outside of public institutions to embed the processes, skills, structures and cultures needed for effective public participation in decision-making. The I&P function is responsible for the deliberative, dialogic and participatory projects and processes that we run. The A&C function aims to build political and public understanding of and support for making participation and deliberation an everyday, integral part of our democracy. 

This role will have a thematic focus on public engagement in decision-making within the science, technology and data sectors. Candidates do not need an educational or work background in this sector, although it would be useful, but we would expect the successful candidate to take a keen interest in these topics. 

Involve achieves its impacts by growing expertise in sector-specific areas where public engagement is important. Science and tech represent policy areas where citizen engagement on both principles and practice is vital and where public engagement can also open the door to broader deliberative democratic interventions and feedback loops. Technological advancement, including AI, presents risks and opportunities and will be an ongoing priority for government with five critical technologies likely to be central to UK policy for at least the next Government.

Involve has a significant pedigree and is well networked in the area of public engagement in science. Over the last 20 years we have been thought leaders in this space, in particular running the government’s science and tech engagement programme, Sciencewise. We have developed a reputation for best practice public dialogue, deliberation and capacity building. 

Given the opportunity to grow this area, our reputation, and the important democratic need, we don’t want to stand still. 

As Engagement Lead you will play a central role in leading Involve’s work, and building out our strategy, on public engagement in the science, technology and data field. The job will involve leading on our Sciencewise programme of public dialogue as well as supporting, growing and communicating our science and tech public engagement in general. You will be a proven project leader and strategic thinker looking to make your next move and develop your leadership and profile in this interesting and important area of public engagement in decision-making. 

For more than 50 years, the British Dyslexia Association (BDA) has been the voice of people living with dyslexia. We aim to influence government and other institutions to promote a dyslexia friendly society that enables dyslexic people of all ages to reach their full potential. The BDA is established as the leading dyslexia charity in the UK.

Unfortunately, the need for our support and services is high. Although awareness of dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties has grown, there are ongoing and widening gaps in access to the identification of dyslexia and the provision of expert learning support. Our national Helpline is busier than ever, supporting almost 5,500 people each year, reminding us on a daily basis why we must keep fighting for the rights of our beneficiaries.

Against a challenging backdrop for so many organisations, last financial year we saw continued growth in income from fundraising and training. We invested in growing our team and identified five strategic objectives for the period 2023-2026, and activities are currently underway to deliver these priorities. Our next CEO will continue to oversee these whilst laying the foundations for our next strategy cycle which we intend to publish in 2026. As such, the timing of this appointment allows the successful candidate the opportunity to work with the Board and other key stakeholders to articulate the long-term vision for our charity, establishing a plan that enables us to expand our reach and deepen our programmes.

The role of CEO at the BDA is one of both challenge and immense reward, offering the chance to lead a passionate and skilled team dedicated to making a tangible difference in society. The ideal candidate will bring strategic thinking, leadership experience and a commitment to promoting inclusion for our beneficiaries in education, in work and in life. The successful candidate will also need to demonstrate their financial acumen and business development and delivery skills, as achieving our mission will depend on financial security and sustainability.

We are excited about the next stage in our development as a charity and the opportunity to support even more people with dyslexia to reach their full potential. If you would like to be part of that journey, then we would love to hear from you.

To download a full copy of the candidate brief and learn more about the role, please click the ‘Apply’ button, where you will be redirected to the website of our recruitment partner, Tall Roots.  If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please email Mark Crowley or Natalie Sanders at Tall Roots.

University of Manchester Students’ Union 

Associate Director of Student Engagement (Maternity Cover) 

Salary: £40,950 - £47,250 (plus a cost of living award will be added from August) 

Location: University of Manchester Students' Union, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PR 

Contract: Fixed-Term, ending on 31st July 2025 

Hours: Full-Time, 35 hours per week (open to part time working requests of 0.6 FTE) 

Do you love developing managers and leaders? Do you ask great questions and create space and safety for people to figure things out? Are you comfortable managing people who are more expert in things than you? Do you enjoy solving organisational/people puzzles and helping to guide and navigate teams to do the same? Do you value and seek co-leadership with beneficiaries (in our case, students)? If yes, this is the role for you! 

About the Students’ Union  

The Students’ Union is a registered charity and is independent from the University (although we work closely together). We are a student-led organisation and exist to help students make the most of their time at Manchester and get the best for their future. We’re the home of societies, volunteering, student media, advice, campaigns, student democracy and events. 

About the role  

We’re looking for an Associate Director to provide senior leadership to student facing teams in the students’ union. This is a fantastic opportunity to work with a competent team and provide cross-organisational stewardship with a team of senior leaders. You’ll be getting up to speed with our culture, organisational approaches in your first month or so alongside the person going on maternity leave. You’ll have a clear roadmap of what’s coming up and be given the freedom to make good decisions to respond to the context as it changes. There is good support around our senior leaders from the director team, external coaching is available to anyone who requests it, and there are well developed people, finance and compliance functions. We have requisite knowledge around the role to make this suitable for someone with transferrable skills from outside Students’ Unions and if you’re from Students’ Unions, you’ll be working alongside great people to bounce ideas and thoughts off. 

As an organisation, we’ve got a clear strategic framework, insight, people and values frameworks so your contribution will be to role model great behaviours and maintain excellent cross-directorate working. You’ll need to be able to pull different threads together and ensure our work is aligned to our strategy and values. You’ll be providing political advice to the elected student officers so being able to navigate complex stakeholder relationships and navigate others through it is important. 

You do not have to have worked in education, Students’ Unions or the third sector before. The person specification is clear we’re looking for leadership development skills and a navigating complex environments orientation. This is because there is a lot of interest and scrutiny on what our organisation does, our influencing environment, relationships with the university and programmes develop and evolve quickly. 

We recognise that we are looking for an experienced person (albeit without a sector knowledge requirement). If you have additional skills to bring to the role, we’d love to hear them. We’re open to discussing whether you want to work part time (minimum 0.6 FTE) alongside other freelancing work, so long as the outcomes and expectations are delivered to the required standard. We have a brilliant range of benefits which makes University of Manchester Students’ Union a very attractive place to work. 

Key Dates: 

Closing Date: 3pm on Monday 27th May 2024 

Interviews: Tuesday 11th June 2024 

How to Apply    

Please click 'Apply’ to be redirected to our website, where you can download the Job Description and Person Specification and find details of how to apply.   

For an informal conversation about the role and application process, please contact Anh Ly from Atkinson HR Consulting.

LMK (Let Me Know) Youth Leader (Freelance Educator / Youth Worker) 

• Across London boroughs 

• £200 per 2hour workshop 

• Sessional 

• Available for a minimum of one delivery per month, pending workshop demands

About LMK

Good relationships shape our health and happiness, yet we are taught so little about them. LMK is a registered education charity on a mission to change that. We run workshops educating young people about healthy and unhealthy behaviours, so that they can avoid abuse and thrive in relationships. 

Using film and guided discussions, our workshop leaders support children and young people in honest conversations about relationships and leave them better equipped to spot the early warning signs of abuse and inspire them to enjoy healthy, fulfilling relationships.  We explore the 10 signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships and include practical lessons young people want to learn about (like consent) and practice scenarios in a safe, supportive and non-judgmental environment. 

LMK is a learning organisation and prides itself in supporting leaders to develop their skills. We offer training and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) opportunities, as well as peer-to-peer learning and reflective practice sessions.

Job Description 

LMK is looking for passionate and organised educators (LMK Leaders) to run community workshops, aimed at young people aged between 11 and 24. Through engaging, relatable, workshops you will help young people identify signs of healthy and unhealthy relationship behaviours, provide strategies for them to recognise the early warning signs of abuse and give them tools to keep themselves and their friends safe. 

The minimum hours required per workshop is 3 hrs. This includes arriving 30 minutes before delivery, 1.5 to 2 hrs delivery and then remaining back 10 minutes and being accessible to young people who would like further information or a one-to-one conversation, surrounding the subject of relationships.

There is also 30 minutes admin, which is usually completed off-site, such as inputting student surveys and a Leader survey.

Responsibilities 

• Always adhere to LMK and partner safeguarding practices and procedures.

• Respond to comms (emails/WhatsApp) sent out by LMK core team members, in a timely manner, to support planning and organising of sessions.

• Meet with co-facilitators to carry out pre-session planning, minimum two working days before delivery.

• Plan and deliver interactive LMK workshops in educational, sports and community settings in line with LMK delivery style and ethos.

• Use your experience and knowledge of the issues affecting young people to tailor the workshops accordingly. 

• Ensure all youth participants and the adults in school/community organisations who attend a LMK workshop complete the post session feedback surveys.

• Complete reflective post session Leader surveys to support practice and programme development, after each workshop.

• Debrief with LMK’s Programme Manager and provide ongoing feedback about your sessions, through LMK’s reflective practice processes.

• Undertake relevant training associated with LMK’s work including but not restricted to child protection, safeguarding, violence against women and girls (VAWG).

• Continue to learn about and develop your skills on the issues affecting young people’s relationships including domestic violence, abuse, adverse childhood experiences, trauma informed practice, gang culture and grooming, mental health, sexual exploitation, consent, sharing of nudes /sexting, bullying in person and online, tech and online safety, pornography.

• Provide feedback and co-design training and educational resources on issues affecting young people and their relationships, including opportunities to share your knowledge and expertise at peer-to-peer learning sessions.

• Attend termly virtual Leader huddles to remain connected to peers and organisational values, mission, and purpose.

• Contribute towards and keep up to date with LMK internal/external communications platforms, such as LMK Newsletters and social media.

• Engage with LMK’s Youth Advisory Board Members, if and when invited to do so.

• Lead by example and promote healthy relationship behaviours in your own lives/communities and within LMK (team player; acknowledging and working with diversity; being receptive to new ideas and developmental feedback, etc)

• Use your own networks to recruit new schools and youth groups into the programme.

• Drive forward our evaluation programme - collecting data, as well as providing on-going feedback to LMK.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Extensive experience of teaching or working with young people (9 to 24 yrs old) in an educational, sports or community setting.

• Minimum 2 years’ experience co-designing, delivering and evaluating group sessions, consisting of minimum, of 12 and maximum of 30 participants.

• Experience or co-designing session plans and co-facilitating with others; able to collaborate equally with others.

• A strong commitment to young people and knowledge and understanding of issues affecting their relationships.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal skills with the ability to create a safe and non-judgmental space, that allows young people to speak freely about their relationships and experience.

• Strong emotional intelligence and the ability to deliver sensitive information whilst treating young people’s concerns with respect.

• Capable of maintaining confidentiality and professional boundaries with young people, peers, and professionals.

• Able to adapt and be flexible in workshops to get the best engagement from a range of participants. 

• Skilled at facilitating virtual workshops and working with a selection of online portals. 

Requirements 

• Entitled to work in the UK.

• Hold a DBS certificate or be willing to let us undertake a check on your behalf. 

• Have a recent safeguarding qualification from a recognised provider or be willing to undertake additional training in this area.

• Flexibility to work non-traditional, after-school and occasional weekend / holiday hours.

• Comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, confidentiality, data protection and reporting concerns to an appropriate person.

LMK strives to create a fair and healthy environment where all our colleagues feel valued and able to be their authentic selves at work. We understand that our people have commitments and personal interests outside of work and so we create a flexible working environment, in which people can perform at their best.

LMK values the differences that a diverse workforce brings and is committed to inclusivity. We welcome all applicants from any race, ethnicity, colour, religion, gender, age, sexuality, or any other protected characteristic.

We can make reasonable adjustments throughout the application process and on the job. Please let us know, by contacting us separately if you need any adjustments or changes to be made during the recruitment process because of a disability or long-term health condition.

You can learn more about how we handle your personal data and your rights by reviewing our privacy notice LMK Privacy Policy 

The Upper Norwood Library Hub (UNLH) provides lifelong learning & opportunity for local communities & design inclusive spaces for learning, wellbeing & the arts that support local communities & protect & sustain libraries. UNLH sits on the cusp of 5 London Boroughs (Croydon, Lambeth, Bromley, Southwark & Lewisham). Our professional library service is delivered by Lambeth Council, co-funded by Croydon Council; working in close partnership with the library & Council teams. We work in close partnership with library services, statutory & voluntary sector partners, connecting us to multiple communities & deeply rooting us into the heart of South London. Our library hub operates a co-created community programme focusing on sharing & learning, health & wellbeing, venue & performance & outreach activities. We promote equality through information, education, wellbeing & creative programmes that create open access & widen participation. UNLH is managed by the Upper Norwood Library Trust (UNLT - an independent charity), formed in 2012 by local residents & a strategic priority is that we are ‘of’ our community not ‘for’ our community to ensure resident voice is central within the organisation. 

We are seeking and experienced administrator to join our team. You will be responsible for the range of administrative tasks across the charity - facilities, visitor support, projects, HR & finance.

Our successful candidate will have excellent planning and organisational skills. They will demonstrate meticulous attention to detail, and be highly efficient as well as very flexible.

We’re seeking someone who is highly proactive and capable of working with, and across, a range of people – inside and outside of UNLT. The roles success depends on delivering competing priorities and projects to different deadlines. This means we’re looking for evidence of well-developed skills in communication (oral and written), negotiation and persuasion.

This is an interesting and varied role, with responsibility for many different areas of governance & service delivery. It is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience and understanding as to how a small charity like UNLT operates.

UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD - Senior Fundraising Executive 
known at Oxford as 'Senior Development Executive - Medical Sciences (Neuroscience)'.

We are looking for an experienced fundraiser, to lead on Neuroscience related fundraising for the Departments of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences as part of the friendly team working across the Medical Sciences Division at the University of Oxford.

The Medical Sciences Division at Oxford has been ranked number one in the world for the last twelve years in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for clinical, pre-clinical and health sciences. Recent accomplishments of the Medical Sciences Division include its research into the COVID-19 pandemic, most notably through the delivery of the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine, which is estimated to have saved over 6 million lives.

About the role:

This fundraiser will work closely with the Heads of Departments and academics in the Departments of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences. The post will focus primarily on funding for research, academic posts, scholarships and infrastructure related to Neuroscience which includes Mental Health and neurological disease (e.g. Motor Neurone Disease, Dementia, Parkinson’s, Stroke and Epilepsy). The fundraiser will work on special projects including the possible major capital redevelopment of the Warneford site. While an interest in medical research and neuroscience is essential, you do not need to be a sciences graduate, just an enthusiast for knowledge.

About you:

You are an experienced development professional with a strong track record of securing major gifts, a confident approach and the ability to think creatively. You will lead on major gift fundraising (£100k-£1m+) working with a range of donors (corporates, trusts and individuals). 

What We Offer:

As an employer, we value the wellbeing and development of all our employees. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits, including:

• 38 days annual leave (including public holidays)
• Hybrid working arrangements for a healthy work-life balance
• Extensive personal and professional development opportunities
• Membership to CASE to support your professional development as an educational advancement professional
• Supportive childcare services and other family-friendly leave schemes for working parents, guardians and those with caring responsibilities
• Generous family leave for maternity, adoption, paternity, and shared parental leave
• Excellent contributory pension scheme for your financial future
• Salary sacrifice scheme for additional savings
• Subsidised sports centre membership to promote well-being
• Cycle loan scheme to encourage sustainable commuting
• Discounted bus and transit travel

In addition, you will have access to a vibrant community with social groups and sports clubs fostering an inclusive atmosphere.

Application process:

• Click the link to ‘Apply’ and follow the on-screen instructions. You will be taken to our online Applicant portal.
• Applications should consist of a full CV and a letter of application (maximum of 2 pages), in PDF format, outlining your motivations to apply for this role, your relevant experience and how you meet the criteria of the person specification.

Only applications received before 12.00 noon on 30 April 2024 can be considered.

Interviews are currently scheduled to take place on Friday 10 May 2024, in person in Oxford.

Development and Alumni Engagement is committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills and experiences. We encourage applicants from all sectors of the community and are especially keen to encourage candidates from under-represented groups to apply.

Job Description

The Head of Advocacy and Policy will be responsible for developing an excellent Advice Service and Retention Team to support and advise students effectively to enable excellent student experience and satisfaction.

This role will lead on the development of effective insights, representation and support initiatives/campaigns for students, across our three campuses at Greenwich, Avery Hill and Medway.

This role will enhance work with the diverse student population of the University of Greenwich and lead a dynamic team to ensure students have consistent and accessible services that contribute to positive student experience.

This role sits within the wider Membership Services department, together with other key areas consisting of; Activities, Sport, Academic Communities, Representation and Democracy, we provide a high-quality service for students, that they can shape, steer and be at the heart of.

This postholder will be part of the GSU Senior Leadership Team and will be expected to contribute to department and organisation wide strategic development.

The post holder will:

• Have expert knowledge in areas of in relation to Advice and Retention and policies and legislation relating to such activity
• Support and develop strong student-led communities and campaigns in areas of: Advice, wellbeing and retention so that members can thrive
• Provide line management support to staff so that the team have up to date, specialist advice skills, knowledge and understanding of University regulations, policies and procedures that may affect the work of the Advice service and oversee engagement across Greenwich’s 3 campuses
• Undertake casework and provide expert advice for the team on all aspects of Advice
• Lead on the project management of wellbeing/health promotion campaigns and initiatives throughout the year, as well as any external bids through bodies such as OfS
• Oversee the Retention and Wellbeing Project work, and other relevant projects with external partners
• Lead on insights work relating to retention, wellbeing and support
• Lead on responses to external consultation and enquiry responses, including but not limited to OfS, Department for Education, OIA and Universities UK
• Support elected officers to deliver on campaigning priorities
• Ensure the Advice service has the skills and is equipped to support the diverse needs of students at Greenwich and Kent at Medway.
• Provide regular insights and reports on the GSU Membership to inform our strategy and service provision
• Work with other Heads to develop relevant and modern Front of House services for each GSU campus ensuring ease of access and consistency for all members.

Key Areas

• Be an engaged and active member of the Senior Leadership team, contributing regularly and working collaboratively with peers
• Provide leadership, strategic direction and day to day operational management to the Advocacy and Policy: recruiting and inducting members of staff, motivating, supporting and developing team members to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge for their roles as well as manage performance
• Develop a proactive results driven culture within the team, ensuring agreed objectives and targets are delivered, whilst promoting a collaborative approach to working with internal departments
• Develop succession plans and identify training and development opportunities within the team
• Be accountable for the quality of outputs of the team
• Provide support to the Officer team helping and equipping them, particularly in their roles as representatives and providing pastoral support and guidance.
• Ensure the whole organisation is aware of and understands the work of the Advocacy and Policy Team and its contribution to our strategic objectives
• To maintain expert and up-to-date knowledge on sector policies and regulations relating to advice, retention and student success, providing relevant guidance to officers and staff as required.
• Develop and promote a culture of continuous improvement across the team to ensure we can adapt to changing students’ needs and priorities, as well as building on successes and preparing for the future.

Strategic Development

• Contribute to the strategic objectives of GSU, with a particular focus on advice, support and wellbeing in relation to the student experience
• Develop and oversee a new and innovative approach to proactive health and wellbeing campaigns that empower students to look after themselves and each other, as well as seeking support
• Lead on Access and Participation Plan Engagement, acting as the key contact on this area with the University.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with relevant senior UoG staff and departments including Student Academic Services, Faculties and our partners at Kent Unio
• Develop and oversee the Advice service to support advocacy initiatives at multiple levels within the University, ensuring both students and University stakeholders view GSU as a credible and reliable source of information on the needs of students.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Develop and oversee a structured approach to gathering, analysing and reporting on data relating to engagement of students with our services and to student views on key issues relating to retention and success
• Develop and oversee processes of collecting quantitative and qualitative data from casework to analyse trends and inform feedback for the SU and university
• Ensure evaluation mechanism are embedded in the teams working practises and that findings are shared and used to implement learnings with the goal of improving services
• Support Officers by preparing information, statistics and trends about key services to be shared within the University committee cycle
• Be responsible for the implementation of service standards for the Advocacy and Policy Team and to monitor and report on adherence to these standards
• Prepare materials to apply for any relevant quality mark accreditations for the service.

Budget and Financial Management

• Manage a budget relating to Advocacy and Policy including any restricted funds.
• Be responsible for the teams resources, ensuring these are effectively allocated, managed and controlled
• Review and establish processes, systems, polices and where appropriate standard procedures to maximise efficiency ensure deadlines are met and a positive return on investment
• Review and provide narrative for scrutiny at monthly management meetings with the Finance Team

Stakeholder management

• Collaborate with GSU colleagues, particularly the Student Voice and Engagement Teams to ensure we have a consistent approach to how we work with and support students
• Work with students through our representative structures and forums to ensure we shape services students want and need, taking into consideration the varying campus priorities
• Maintain strong relationships with key university staff to develop, deliver and evaluate collaborative projects and interventions supporting advice and retention
• Attend meetings relating to Advocacy and Policy as well as associated areas at both GSU, the University and externally, included, but not limited to regional networks
• Identify opportunities to share best practice and represent the work of GSU and your team to the wider HE community, through conferences and publication.

Personal Specification

Essential Experience

• Line management experience
• Relevant experience working in the youth, education, students’ union or other membership or advisory organisation
• Experience of leading a multi-functional team
• Experience of mentoring coaching staff/elected officers
• Experience of developing operational policies and procedures
• Experience of budget management, project management, and operational management
• Experience of working with a range of stakeholders and partnership working or strategic networking

Essential Skills and Abilities

• Ability to work with and lead a high performing team
• Ability to troubleshoot difficult situations, and deal with them calmly, efficiently and effectively
• Ability to produce confident, clear written reports and be able to write succinct documents on complex areas
• IT skills at a level that supports membership CRM systems, Advice Pro and other platforms
• Excellent time management and organisational skills with the ability to manage others to reach deadlines, within agreed budgets and to a consistently high standard
• Ability to write strategies and be able to effectively communicate vision and mission
• Ability to stay focused and efficient in the face on changing priorities
• Track record of successfully developing and implementing projects and operational change
• Able to draft policies and procures with an eye for detail and accuracy

Essential Knowledge

• Awareness of current issues within the higher education sector
• Knowledge of relevant external bodies and organisations including Advice UK, NUS, Citizens Advice, OIA, Ofs, Student Minds
• Knowledge of relevant health and safety legislation
• Knowledge of Safeguarding, advice legislation, risk assessments and GDPR
• Knowledge of providing 121 support

Education/Training

• No one specific qualification is required, but evidence of recent continuing professional development in a professional area relevant to the post is required. For example: ILM, City &Guilds etc.

Personal Attributes and other requirements

• Able to travel within the Borough and Region.
• Able to work some evenings and weekends and stay overnight where necessary.
• Works well in a team with a flexible approach to work
• Be eligible for a DBS check if needed
• A commitment to the principles and practices of equality and diversity
• An ability to apply awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work.
• Commitment to the values and ethos of GSU.

Desirable other requirements

• Visionary, creative, and innovative strategist
• A positive, solution focused leader – able to make ‘tough’ decisions; determined and resilient in order to cope with the demands of the role
• Empowering, authentic leader with high levels of emotional intelligence