Are you methodical, highly organised, great at juggling ten plates and glasses at the same time whilst still solving a problem that hasn’t even arisen yet? Then come and join us at the Mary Ward Settlement as our Access to Services Manager!
You are a proactive, people-focused manager with a passion for delivering exceptional service. You will lead a high-performing team that ensures a welcoming, inclusive, helpful and efficient experience for all students, staff, and visitors.
In this pivotal role, you will oversee a dynamic advice and guidance team, ensuring that every interaction is informed, supportive and aligned with our commitment to excellence. You will be a ‘go-to’ person who ensures that activity runs smoothly with the right resources and support in place all whilst demonstrating a calm and professional approach.
You will be joining an organisation who is genuinely warm and welcoming, who thrives on nurturing people and their growth. You will work closely with staff who are skilled and passionate people who are a pleasure to work with.
We are a multi service charity who offer adult learning, access to free legal advice and community services that work with the most vulnerable and disadvantaged groups to build stronger communities. Based over three sites in Stratford, Southwark and Holborn.
This is a wonderful opportunity for an individual who wants to immerse themselves in a successful, interesting and inspiring organisation.
We very actively encourage applications that are representative of the diverse communities that we serve.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Location: You can be based near one of the following office locations - Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, Liverpool, London, or Newcastle.
We operate a hybrid model of work i.e. a combination of in-person and remote, with flexible days in the office depending on business need and your preferences. We would typically expect in-office attendance an average of one day per week.
Your office is where you will usually attend in-person events, training sessions etc. though some travel, to other offices and other locations, will occasionally be expected.
Hours: We are looking for the right candidate and while we envisage this being a full-time role (37.5 hours per week) we are very open to flexible working arrangements such as part-time, compressed hours and/or flexitime.
Occasional/frequent evening or weekend work may be required, for which time off in lieu (TOIL) will be given.
Ideal start date: ASAP, as agreed with candidate
Purpose of the Role:
As a key leader within our Partnerships and Income Development team, you will be responsible for creating, developing and delivering the Social Mobility Foundation’s Employer Programme – how we inform, influence and positively impact employer-led social mobility, and a source of income generation.
Reporting to the Head of Partnerships and Income Development, you’ll be the custodian of the Social Mobility Employer Index (SMEI) – our annual benchmarking and assessment tool for how UK employers recruit, retain and develop talent from all socioeconomic backgrounds and build inclusive workplaces. You'll have full product ownership, managing the delivery lifecycle from end-to-end: from marketing, to pipeline development and entrant submissions, data analysis, reporting and evaluation, as well as ongoing development and improvement.
In addition, by collaborating with existing partners who offer pro-bono consultancy, you’ll scope, develop and deliver new products, resources and services that equip employers with the knowledge and practical tools to improve social mobility in the workplace.
We’re looking for someone who is willing and able to move easily between strategic thinking and hands-on delivery, and is excited about taking full ownership over this important work. Combining a passion for delivering our mission with keen commercial acumen, high attention to detail and project management skills, this is a unique chance to make a big impact on social mobility in the UK.
Key Responsibility Areas
- Product ownership and project management
- Product and service development
- Quality standards
- Customer service and value proposition
- Stakeholder management
- Systems and processes
- Team development and collaboration
- Line Management (Matrix structure)
Please review the attached pdf for the full job description.
Person Specification (Knowledge, skills and experience required)
Project management and product development
- Demonstrable experience designing, delivering and developing programmes, products and/or services that meet organisational needs
- Demonstrable experience in project management, shaping long-term strategy while managing day-to-day operations and delivery
Stakeholder engagement
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with experience building and managing relationships
Policy and data skills
- Understanding of issues related to social mobility, diversity and inclusion, or workforce development
- Understanding of and/or experience in benchmarking tools, indices or assessment frameworks
Commercial and customer service
- Demonstrable experience in managing pipelines and/or stewarding customers, demonstrating excellent customer service skills and a high attention to detail
- Confidence in public speaking, presenting or facilitating workshops with professional audiences
IT skills
- Experience using Microsoft Office
- Experience of using or understanding of CRM software to effectively support pipeline and partnership management e.g. Salesforce
- Experience of or understanding of managing and using digital platforms for programmes, products and/or services
Please review the attached pdf for the full person specification.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply by submitting the following information to our application portal Pinpoint by 23:59pm, Monday 25th August:
- A cover letter (500 words maximum) outlining why you would like to work at the Social Mobility Foundation and why you are a strong candidate for the role, including specific examples from your experience and skills.
- A short statement answering the following question: “Tell us about a time you managed a project or developed a product or programme. How did you plan and deliver it, work with others and ensure a positive experience for users or customers? What challenges did you face, and what was the outcome?” (500 words maximum)
Please note that generic applications and CV’s will not be considered.
We unlock potential, broaden horizons and create opportunities for young people



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Job Summary
Are you passionate about supporting refugees, and want to use your skills to make a difference to their lives? We are looking for a Resettlement Manager, to lead our small but committed group of caseworkers who support refugees to settle in the area and help them to rebuild their lives. .
Our new Resettlement Manager will oversee our delivery of the Home Office’s resettlement schemes, which we manage in partnership with Nottingham City and County Councils.
In this busy and varied role you will be responsible for ensuring the Resettlement Scheme is meeting its service delivery targets. You will lead and develop the team to make sure clients receive accurate information and appropriate support. You will liaise with external partners such as Nottingham City Council regarding all aspects of service delivery, and will be expected to attend relevant interagency meetings and conferences to influence positive change.
This role will involve line-management responsibilities, and you will be required to provide some casework cover during staff absences. You will also be a member of our management team, and as such will play a key role in helping to develop Nottingham Refugee Forum’s strategic aims and service delivery.
We're looking for someone with:-
- Minimum of two year’s recent experience of managing a team
- Minimum one year’s recent experience of providing advice and support in a paid or voluntary capacity to vulnerable people
- Experience of liaising and negotiating with partners and external agencies
- Experience of keeping work records and writing reports
- Excellent organisational skills
(Please see our Job Description and Person Specification for full information about the job, and a list of the essential and desirable criteria)
How to apply
To be considered for this role please submit your CV, together with a cover letter. Your cover letter should be no longer than 2 sides of A4, and show how your skills and experience meet each of the criteria listed on the Person Specification. Please use examples.
Deadline for applications: 23:59 Sunday 17 August 2025
Interviews to be held: w/c 25 August 2025
We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.
We are committed to equality and strongly values diversity. We welcome applicants from people with lived experience of the asylum system.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.