Funding officer jobs in wickford, essex

About you

You’re entrepreneurial, independent, and driven. You treat your work like it’s your own business - spotting opportunities, testing ideas, and chasing results.

If you’re a traditional charity fundraiser, this probably isn’t for you. But if you’re excited by risk, growth, and pace - keep reading.

Over the past three years, we’ve bought and scaled swim events, turned others down, failed fast, and doubled our unrestricted income. We want someone who’s up for that kind of journey over the next three years too.

You’re as comfortable pitching to a corporate partner as you are writing fundraising copy, tweaking button text, or building a forecast. You can move between detail and vision, instinct and data, phone calls and spreadsheets.

You know how to deepen supporter journeys, grow fundraising per head, and develop new income streams. Bonus points if you like outdoor swimming.

About us

We’re a Founder-led charity working to solve learn-to-swim for disabled children - and we aim to do that in the next ten years.

We’ve grown our impact 5x in the past three years and now raise over £1m in unrestricted income annually through our swim events. Our events attract 5,000 swimmers and 3,000 fundraisers, and we own and operate some of the UK’s most iconic outdoor swims - including the Dart10k and Bantham Swoosh - alongside a growing series of 24-hour relays in lakes and lidos.

We’re small, ambitious, and fast-moving. Strategy and delivery happen side by side. We work on multiple projects, test constantly, and keep things flexible and responsive. You’ll need to thrive in that environment to enjoy the role.

The role

We’re all driven, and you’ll need to be too - this is a fast-paced, ambitious environment with lots of learning and change.

We’re looking for a strategic, creative Head of Fundraising to lead our next phase of growth.

Your first focus will be stewarding our 3,000 fundraisers - overseeing segmented email journeys, managing a £40k prizing fund, and improving supporter care through deeper, more personal touchpoints. That might mean calls, events, or just finding ways to help people feel more connected to their impact.

Beyond that, you'll help us develop and test new income streams - from matched giving and regular giving, to sponsorships, repeat fundraising, and post-event conversion. You'll also play a key role in evolving our Challenge Events portfolio across in-person, virtual, and blended formats.

This role requires someone with a strong track record in fundraising growth, a test-and-learn mindset, and the ambition to build something big.

Core Responsibilities

• Strategy Development and Implementation
• Develop and execute a fundraising strategy aligned with the charity's objectives.
• Identify and cultivate new fundraising opportunities to diversify income streams.
• Defining our fundraising growth strategies, specifically around our event series.

Community and Events Fundraising

• Oversee the planning and execution of community fundraising initiatives, specifically with our event fundraisers.
• Engage and mobilise volunteers and supporters for fundraising activities.

Fundraiser Care

• Customer Lifetime value / retention / regular giving.
• Build and maintain relationships with donors, ensuring effective stewardship.
• Develop and implement donor retention strategies to increase long-term support and regular giving.

Trusts and Foundations

• Working closely with our Head of Programmes to oversee our bids process, working with specialists and utilising learnings from previous years.
• Deepen strong relationships with grant-making bodies and ensure compliance with grant requirements.

Corporate Partnerships

• Manage and develop corporate partnerships and event sponsorships. 
• Develop tailored proposals and pitches to attract corporate support.

Team Leadership

• Lead, inspire, and manage a small fundraising team, fostering a culture of high performance and collaboration.
• Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities for team members for both fundraising and marketing.

Monitoring and Reporting

• Track and report on fundraising performance against targets.
• Provide regular updates to the Senior Leadership Team. 

Qualifications and Experience

• Proven experience in a senior fundraising role.
• Proven experience working on fundraising events and event fundraising.
• Demonstrable success in developing and implementing successful fundraising strategies.
• Strong track record of securing major gifts, grant funding and/or corporate partnerships.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire a wide range of stakeholders.
• Experience in digital fundraising and leveraging social media platforms.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

Optional / Ideal Responsibilities

Marketing & Comms

• Developing Level Water’s marketing and communications strategy
• Leading strategy implementation and ensuring that we’re representing our Programmes work and impact work in the best possible way to our different groups of stakeholders. 

Digital Fundraising

• Leverage digital platforms, advertising and social media to enhance fundraising.
• Implement innovative online fundraising campaigns and initiatives.

Event growth and innovation

• Understanding the mass participation event landscape and its opportunities, ideally within the swimming sector but other sports experience very welcome.

Personal Attributes

• Passionate about the mission and values of Level Water.
• Strategic thinker with a results-oriented approach.
• Creative and innovative mindset.
• Resilient and adaptable, with a positive attitude.
• High level of integrity and commitment to ethical fundraising practices.

Please send a CV and Cover Letter (which can be a 2-3 minute video) to apply.

Executive Director, DIVA Charitable Trust

About DIVA 

DIVA Charitable Trust is committed to elevating, celebrating, and supporting LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people everywhere. Our goal is to be a stage for talent, a mirror that reflects our community in all its diversity, and a megaphone, amplifying our movement in its work to create a fairer, more just world for all LGBTQIA+ people. Through this work, we believe we can contribute to shaping a world that is better for everyone.

Following an exciting year in which we registered as a charity after more than 30 years serving our community, we are looking to appoint an Executive Director who can work with our talented team of staff and trustees to grow and nurture DIVA at a critical time for LGBTQIA+ women and non binary people.​​

Job description

The Executive Director is an externally facing role, responsible for growing DIVA’s income, partnerships, and impact. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and dynamic leader to build on our iconic brand and deliver for LGBTQIA+ women and non binary people in the UK and globally.

A key aspect of the role will be to continue growing DIVA’s network of partners, corporate sponsors, and donors. The ED will work with the Board of Trustees to drive the future strategy and lead a small editorial and design team.

Core Responsibilities

·Act as the public face of DIVA, and support the wider team (including Board, Patrons, and colleagues) to represent DIVA to key audiences.

·Work with the Board to set and deliver the strategy for DIVA Charitable Trust and be accountable for ensuring its implementation and the appropriate governance of the charity.

·Lead on fundraising for DIVA Charitable Trust, growing our sponsorship and partnership income and establishing new charitable donation and grant-based funding streams.

·Oversee the planning and delivery of Lesbian Visibility Week, continuing to grow its global reach, and work with the team to develop new flagship projects.

·Oversee the delivery of an engaging, high quality and creative magazine in both print and digital formats, and develop a marketing strategy to increase magazine sales

·Manage the DIVA team and oversee operations at DIVA Charitable Trust, including leading on the financial strategy and business plan.

Person Specification / Attributes

The successful candidate will be a talented leader with a strong track record in fundraising and partnership development and experience of building high performing teams.

Essential skills and experience

·Demonstrable track record of raising significant income from a variety of sources

·Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills

·Demonstrable track record of providing motivational and influential leadership and in representing a high-profile organisation and issues

·Good understanding of financial accounting and budgeting in the charity sector

·Strategic and innovative thinking

Desirable but not essential

·Experience of working in or with the LGBTQIA+ movement

·Experience of working in media or communications 

About Habitat for Humanity Great Britain

Habitat for Humanity Great Britain (Habitat GB) is part of the global Habitat for Humanity network fighting global poverty and homelessness. We believe that a decent home helps to permanently break the cycle of poverty and allows families to achieve strength, stability, and self-reliance.

Habitat GB has recently completed a strategic review, resulting in a new National Strategy and an organisational restructure, to ensure the organisation is able to deliver the Strategy impactfully, efficiently and effectively.

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Location of this role: Home-based with regular travel to internal and external meetings and team events.

Job Purpose

Head of Major Gifts, Foundations and Trusts will be a key member of the Team.

With strong foundations already in place, Habitat for Humanity Great Britain are ready to take philanthropy to the next level—growing income from high-net-worth individuals, trusts, and foundations. This role offers the opportunity to grow and lead a talented team, cultivate transformational gifts, and build a sustainable, high-performing philanthropy programme. The role offers flexibility in how you manage your time and team, giving you the freedom to creatively approach donor stewardship, team development, and pipeline growth.

The foundations are already in place, over the past 3 years our team have established relationships with established and emerging Trusts and Foundations and created a robust set of stewardship journeys for new and existing donors.  We are in the process of launching an inspiring calendar of events from online webinars for mid-level donor conversion and early engagement to tailored thought leadership events and international project engagement. This is an exciting time to lend your philanthropy experience to a high growth area within Habitat for Humanity.

The role leverages the connections, networks, support, proposals/programmes and partnerships from across Habitat for Humanity GB and the Habitat for Humanity International network by working in collaboration, support and shared vision with others. As a member of the Fundraising and Partnerships Team the role will support and enable the development of the whole organisation. Externally, the role develops the profile of HFHGB, bringing in new relationships as well as managing existing, requiring strong oversight of fundraising and delivery.

We’re looking for a proven leader with hands-on experience in securing six and seven-figure gifts, developing high-value pipelines, and inspiring teams. The role is based remotely with frequent travel within the UK, and occasional global travel. 

Key responsibilities include:

• Strategic and operational planning and research.
• Partnership working and development.
• Management and reporting of Major Donor fundraising.
• Being an active leader, collaborating effectively with teams, and contributing fully to initiatives and opportunities.
• Co-creating ways of working to enable an adaptive, collaborative and high performing team
• Leading and managing a team.

Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities

Strategic and operational planning and research

• Research and develop plans for fundraising from trusts, foundations, & philanthropists.  Collaborate with CEO, Board, and Development Councils to explore and equip opportunities to extend networks and relationships.
• Partnership working and development: Cultivate, secure and steward funding and relationships for HFHGB from major donors, high net worth individuals, trusts and foundations. Design and implement a programme of relationship development/stewardship and cultivation events.

Management and Reporting

• Develop oversight and reporting on development and delivery of Major Donor fundraising monitoring progress against key performance indicators.
• Maintaining the database of critical information (pipeline proposals, meetings, grants and donations. 

Leadership, networking and representation

• To develop a culture of support within the organisation. To lift others up and to give voice, agency and equity to all. Contribute to the Development Team, taking the lead on cross-organisational activities.
• Collaborate with the CEO to support/enable them to develop engagement with HFHGB.  Represent HFHGB externally at a senior level, building the organisational profile.

Skills and competencies:

• Extensive knowledge of trusts, foundations and high net worth individual fundraising best practice.
• Proven experience of raising 6 and 7 figure gifts from Trusts, Foundations and High Net Worth Individuals.
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing strategic plans for high value donors/ trusts and foundations.
• A strong track record of overseeing prospect research, pipeline development and delivering growth.
• Extensive experience of producing high quality and compelling donor facing proposals, reports and other materials.
• Experience of fundraising management databases.
• Strong interpersonal and professional network development skills
• Engaging communications style for all stakeholders.
• Empowering and engaging line management style and approach.
• Excellent numeracy skills including experience of financial planning, budgeting, target setting and presenting detailed financial information.
• A self-starter with creative, entrepreneurial energy and confidence to take calculated risks with tenacity to manage setbacks. 
• Strong integrity, showing respect for others, trustworthiness and responsibility.
• Commitment to our vision, mission and values.
• Right to work in the UK at time of application.
• Ability to travel in the UK and occasionally globally

The role and responsibilities will be carried out in a way which reflects:

•  Habitat GB’s commitment to safeguarding children in accordance with the Safeguarding Policy.
• A commitment to Habitat GB’s vision, mission, values and approach.
•  A commitment to effective management of risk, by operating within the Charity’s code of conduct, policies, procedures and controls and by carrying out the risk management and assurance responsibilities of the role as set out in relevant Policy and Procedures.

Programme Officer for Europe & Eurasia

About the role:

The Programme Officer will provide programmatic support to a portfolio of Internews Europe’s projects in the Europe & Eurasia (E&E) Region. The role will be part of Internews’ Regional E&E Team and report to the UK-based Regional Programme Manager. The role will support the project teams in the E&E region as they conduct their project activities and ensure effective programme implementation, particularly related to project reporting, work planning, and monitoring, evaluation, research and learning (MERL).

The role will coordinate with diverse international donors to contribute to development opportunities that support E&E media and journalists to safely provide good-quality information. The role supports the design and development of innovative programmes and serves as the point of contact for E&E projects within Internews Europe and for some project donors. The role may also be asked to represent Internews at partner and donor meetings. The role will also contribute to Internews’ knowledge management and improvement of Internews systems.

Key responsibilities:

• Support the project teams across all programmatic and operational aspects of European-funded grant programmes to implement high-quality projects on time, according to the budget, and to the highest technical standards, and in a way that positions projects within a broader regional or thematic portfolio and contributes to organisational impact
• Monitor progress towards project deliverables and provide guidance to project teams
• Support project openings/start-ups and closeouts
• Advise on project team composition and support with hiring key project personnel
• Guide the project teams on rules and requirements of European donors and Internews’ internal policies and procedures
• Work closely with the E&E Business team on business aspects of project delivery, including budget management and financial tracking
• Review and revise donor narrative reports, workplans, and MERL plans to ensure their high quality
• Review and provide feedback on relevant programmatic and monitoring aspects, including MERL reporting, external project evaluation, and other research and studies
• Solicit, draft, and edit success stories, briefers, and other communications materials for E&E projects in coordination with project teams
• Contribute to or draft scopes of work, programme descriptions, etc. for subgrants or contracts as needed
• Coordinate and contribute to various aspects of proposal development, including research, writing, and editing
• Provide input and support for organisation-wide initiatives as needed
• Travel within the E&E region as necessary
• Represent Internews in official meetings as necessary
• Other duties as reasonably assigned
• In all duties, uphold Internews’ Core Values and demonstrate commitment to fostering a culture of Belonging, Dignity, and Justice.

Qualifications:

Required:

• 5+ years of relevant experience
• University degree in a related field;
• Familiarity with the E&E region and/or media-related issues
• Native-level fluency in written and spoken English, with superb writing and text-editing skills. Proven ability to convey complex ideas with clarity and precision
• Excellent research and analytical skills and relevant experience
• Ability to set priorities and manage time effectively
• Willingness to roll up sleeves and do any task required to get the job done
• Self-starter and dynamic with a strong level of self-awareness. Assertive, with the ability to work on own initiative with little supervision
• Strong teamwork experience and proven track record of a collaborative approach to problem-solving
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, including diplomacy, tact, and the ability to negotiate
• Proven ability to operate effectively in a multicultural environment
• Demonstrated proficiency with MS Office programmes
• Ability to travel internationally.

Desirable:

• Proficiency in Russian (written and spoken) and/or other languages spoken in the E&E region is an asset, but not required
• Solid understanding of and/or interest in media development and other civil society development issues in the E&E region
• Experience supporting donor-funded projects and contributing to proposals for donors (particularly EU-funded projects).

The Talent Set are delighted to be working with a fantastic education charity to find their Fundraising Manager. The charity offers a flexible working environment, with home-based working, and occasional travel to their office in London.

The charity is embarking on its ambitious next five-year strategy. They are looking to strengthen the team with a talented and ambitious Fundraising Manager. Your role will support the Head of Fundraising, CEO and wider team to develop new sources of high value support, working flexibly across trusts and foundations, corporate and philanthropic fundraising.
The successful candidate will demonstrate a knack for identifying funding opportunities and discovering new prospects. You’ll contribute your ideas and initiative to develop and deliver compelling engagement opportunities for current and potential supporters, and lead on reporting impact to funders. Ultimately the post-holder is expected to grow in this role, to manage their own portfolio of high value donors.

Key Responsibilities:
 

• Research and develop a qualified pipeline of trust/foundation and corporate prospects to ensure achievement of voluntary income targets in 2027/28 and beyond. 
• Draft winning funding bids and support the Head of Fundraising and/or CEO to develop compelling proposals and/or pitches. 
• Support and manage the CEO to lead relationships with funders and prospects.
• Lead on managing the funder reporting cycle and ensuring we deliver on our funding agreements, producing timely and inspiring impact reports.
• Drive awareness and understanding of fundraising internally by making connections with colleagues across the organisation and working collaboratively to support achieving fundraising goals. 
• Maintain the quality of data in the fundraising team CRM (Salesforce), managing contacts and pipelines through the database and producing accessible reports on fundraising performance and forecasts. 

Person Specification:
 

• Previous high value fundraising experience (trusts and foundations, corporates or philanthropy), with a track record of successfully securing significant donations and achieving income targets.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a varied workload, deliver to deadlines, and successfully manage multiple work streams and projects.
• Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, with the confidence and evidenced ability to be able to nurture and maintain successful relationships with high value external stakeholders and senior colleagues. 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with an ability to translate complex projects and/or ideas into accessible and persuasive narratives that inspire and motivate. 
• The instincts and initiative to spot and seize fundraising opportunities; with the resilience, flexibility and tenacity to guide long term fundraising activities through to successful outcomes. 
• Passionate about reducing educational inequalities and transforming learning and life chances for young people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

To be considered for this position please apply with your CV as soon as possible, regrettably please note we may not be able to reply to each and every application.

We are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practises that ensure equal opportunity for everyone, regardless of race, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, age or gender. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and will happily make reasonable adjustments to always ensure a fair process

About The Role

About the opportunity

Would you like to play a key part in influencing national decisionmakers across Wales, England and Northern Ireland to drive major, positive change in the dementia policy space? Then this could be the role for you.

Sitting within Alzheimer’s Society’s National Influencing team, as our new National Influencing Officer (Public Affairs) you would be instrumental in delivering innovative, engaging, collaborative, and evidence-based influencing work. You’d be ensuring that political and health system stakeholders are acting on the biggest issues affecting people living with dementia, working closely with other teams to drive work that is integrated locally and nationally.

While this role is predominantly focused on delivering national influencing activity in England, you’ll also be part of a fluid and flexible team that operates across boundaries and supports with our political work in Wales and Northern Ireland.

This is an exciting time for dementia policy in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We have the chance to ensure that governments are prioritising dementia and the needs of all those affected by the condition. Our National Influencing Officer (Public Affairs) will be at the forefront of taking on this vitally important challenge.

About You

You will bring:

- Excellent knowledge of the political and health system and how to influence national decisionmakers.
- A strong understanding of the external political environment and a proven track record in political or similar stakeholder management at a national level.
- Experience engaging proactively with national politicians and decisionmakers, acting as the first point of contact for their teams.
- Confidence and credibility in working with both internal and external stakeholders, with the ability to influence across geographical and organisational boundaries.
- A proven ability to operate and thrive in fast-paced, multi-dimensional environments, and to adapt well to change and ambiguity.
- Strong analytical, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex data into accessible, impactful content and recommendations.
- Experience working across multiple UK nations in complex influencing environments.
- A commitment to involving people with lived experience – such as those with dementia or long-term health conditions – in your work.

What You’ll Focus On

In this role, you will:

- Lead or support political engagement across England and potentially other UK nations, using your knowledge of parliamentary structures and influencing routes to drive change.
- Provide oversight and coordination of political monitoring and stakeholder engagement activity.
- Plan and deliver impactful public affairs (or similar) events, including parliamentary receptions, breakfast meetings, roundtables, and party conference activity.
- Translate evidence-based policy positions into compelling and effective influencing strategies that achieve real-world impact.
- Build delivery plans focused on meaningful outcomes and measure their success through evaluation and learning.
- Produce high-quality, accessible content to inform and engage stakeholders, using strong presentational and communication skills.

About Alzheimer's Society - who are we and what’s our mission?  

Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer. One in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime.  

At Alzheimer’s Society, we’re the UK’s leading dementia charity and the only one to tackle all aspects of dementia by giving help and hope to people living with dementia today and in the future. We give vital support to people facing the most frightening times of their lives, while also funding groundbreaking research and campaigning to make dementia the priority it should be.  

Together with our supporters, we’re working towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives. 

Our values make sure that our focus is clear for the challenges and opportunities ahead and remind us of what we all stand for. 

Our commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging  

We need to ensure the voices around our table better reflect and understand the communities we exist to serve. We strongly encourage individuals to apply who have a disability, impairment or health condition or individuals who identify as part of a minority ethnic background, as these groups are currently under-represented at Alzheimer's Society.     

Our hiring process 

We want you to bring your whole self to the process. Applications are anonymised until interview stage, and we’re happy to support any adjustments. Share your feedback via our candidate survey when applying to help us improve. We may close early if we receive high interest (with 48 hours’ notice). Some roles may require a DBS check as part of our safer recruitment commitment. Thinking about using AI during the recruitment process? we know this can be helpful in many ways but remember to include your personal and authentic self too. Your voice and experience are what really set you apart. 

Giving back to you  

At Alzheimer’s Society, we value our people and take a total reward approach to pay and benefits. You’ll enjoy a generous double-matched pension scheme, 27 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays and wellbeing days), and access to a free Bupa Cash Plan, 24/7 EAP, Thrive mental wellbeing support, and virtual GP services. Our Society Plus platform offers exclusive discounts, wellbeing resources, and recognition schemes, while our flexible working, family-friendly policies, and life assurance provide peace of mind and work/life balance. We also offer a free Will-writing service and long service awards to recognise your ongoing commitment.

About Us

SOSRC (SOS Rape Crisis) works with survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse, providing independent, specialist support and promoting and representing their rights and needs. SOSRC provides service across Southend, Castle Point and Rochford. SOSRC is a registered charity working with adults of all genders, young people and children. 

We are part of Synergy Essex, a partnership of three Rape Crisis Centres (SOSRC, SERICC and CARA), funded by the Office for the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex to provide a countywide ISVA service.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a dedicated Adult and Young Person Sexual Violence Therapist (sessional) to join our multi-disciplinary team. In this role, you will provide specialist counselling support to adults and young people who have experienced rape, sexual violence, or sexual abuse. You will uphold professionalism and deliver trauma-informed, empowering therapeutic support.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver counselling and emotional support services from a Feminist perspective, upholding the Rape Crisis ethos and values.

• Provide one-to-one counselling, maintaining a caseload of 10-25 clients per week (minimum 10).

• Conduct assessments and complete regular risk assessments using the SAS (Safety and Support) Form.

• Maintain accurate and confidential records in line with SOSRC policies and GDPR.

• Keep up to date with relevant legislation, policies, and best practices.

• Work flexible hours, including some evenings, and across various locations in Southend, Castle Point, and Rochford as needed.

• Participate in training and contribute to the wider counselling team within The Synergy Essex Partnership.

• Adhere fully to all organisational policies and safeguarding procedures.

• Report to the Clinical Manager or CEO and undertake other related duties as required.

About You

Essential Skills and Experience

• Diploma in Counselling or equivalent, with a minimum of 400 counselling hours.

• Experience working therapeutically with adults and young people.

• Experience of supporting people with mental health issues and psychological or behavioural problems.

• A strong understanding of feminism and gender-based violence.

• Knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures for children and vulnerable adults.

• Ability and willingness to work remotely, as a lone worker, and across multiple locations.

• Flexible availability including some evening work.

• Proven ability to manage your own workload, prioritise effectively, and work independently.

• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and accurate record-keeping.

• Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and database management.

• A professional, flexible, and non-judgemental approach.

• Commitment to SOSRC’s ethos and mission.

• Membership of BACP or UKCP.

• Full UK Driving License.

Desirable

• Experience working specifically in the field of sexual violence.

• Experience liaising with multiple agencies.

• Experience conducting client assessments.

• Experience with crisis intervention.

• Experience facilitating support groups and providing telephone or video support.

• An understanding of social injustice and discrimination with a commitment to countering these.

Additional Information

• Salary: Paid sessional hours at £30 per hour.

• Hours: Caseload of 10-25 clients per week (minimum 10).

• Place of work: Flexible between SOSRC office in Southend and outreach across Southend, Castle Point, and Rochford.

• This post is restricted to women applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1.

• Start date: Inductions possible from August 2025

• Application deadline: 19th August 2025

• Interview dates: TBC

Join Us

If you are passionate about supporting survivors of sexual violence and committed to making a positive impact through empowering therapeutic work, we would love to hear from you. Join SOSRC and be part of a dedicated team making a real difference in our community.

Please refer to the job description and person specification attached to this post for full details.

About us 

We are an independent charity that supports, promotes and represents public libraries. Our work is driven and led by our membership, which includes almost every library service in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Crown Dependencies (Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man).  

Across the areas we serve there are 176 individual library services with around 3,000 library branches serving over 61 million people. 

Our unique approach is to bring these services together to share experience, expertise and evidence – driving innovation and impact across the public library sector.

While senior library leaders sit on our board and committees, we work with library staff at all levels.

As well as providing practical support, training and advice to libraries, we represent them to government and raise their profile in the media. We also develop and lead national library projects with cultural, academic and corporate partners.  

We work to a strategic plan that runs until 2027, organised around four themes: drive, grow, connect and engage.  

We generate income from membership subscriptions, commissioned services, events and grants. As an Arts Council Investment Principle Support Organisation, part of our core funding in England comes from the Arts Council to help embed their Investment Principles across the library network.   

Our values 

• We are supportive. We respond to the varied, emerging needs of our members and their communities to enable libraries to learn from each other, and other sector leaders, so that they can safeguard and improve their services.  

• We are inclusive. We work with our members and partners to design and deliver our work and to determine our strategic priorities because we are committed to representing the diverse communities and libraries which we serve.  

• We are open. We are in constant communication with our members and partners on all levels to learn from their experiences, reflect on our practice and develop our services. We welcome challenge and new directions for our work.  

• We are ambitious. We believe that libraries are an essential part of the solution to a range of society’s needs. We promote innovation and collaboration to ensure that libraries are recognised locally and nationally.  

Working at Libraries Connected 

We are a friendly, collaborative team of around 20 staff based all around England and Wales. 

We value diversity and are committed to promoting an inclusive working environment. We strongly believe that inclusive and diverse organisations are not only better places to work, they are more innovative, make better decisions and are more successful. We value people who bring unique perspectives and knowledge to our team. 

We want to make our recruitment process as fair as possible. To reduce bias, we shortlist candidates based on their responses to up to six application questions. These are designed to tell us about your values, experience, attitudes to work, and transferable skills. We do not ask for a separate cover letter or supporting statement. 

We offer flexible working as standard, helping work fit around family and caring responsibilities. Many of our staff work their hours in different ways, including flexi time and compressed hours. We are open to discussing what would work for you and be possible for the role. 

All roles are remote and are open to applicants who live anywhere in the UK. We provide staff with a home office set-up including laptop, monitor and phone. There is the option to work from our central London office or use a co-working space if it is not possible to work from home. 

We welcome requests for adjustments to our standard recruitment processes for anyone who needs them. 

Our Commercial Team 

We have a small commercial team with big ambitions for the sector.

Currently, we hold a single commercial contract worth around £3m per year delivered through 12 libraries. Our aim is to reach a point where we have a menu of commercial contracts that all of our 176 member library services can choose to benefit from according to the skills and assets of their service, their focus and strategy and of course the needs of their communities.

In the current funding climate for local authorities and local government services, these contracts are not just about the income and the services they can provide but about demonstrating nationally the power of the library sector, and how national services can be delivered locally through library services and the communities they serve.

Our approach is to identify and secure contracts procured by national government – either directly or with partners to extend the libraries’ capabilities – with an eye to local delivery through the library services. This allows us to centrally hold and manage the risk of the national contract, leaving the library services to deliver themselves.

We see libraries as a solution to many of society’s challenges and this is one route we use to bring the libraries into that solution.  

This area is part of our long term strategy – we are seeking to build the commercial team with this role and while it is initially a 12-month contract, our hope is that with the role in place we can generate the income to sustain and build on it.

Job description - Partnerships and Income Manager

Salary: £38,000 per annum 

Contract: Permanent

Reports to: Head of Commercial Services

Hours: Full or part-time hours considered, minimum 0.8 FTE 

Start date: November 2025

Location: Home-based (travel costs paid for meetings) 

Annual leave: 27 days FTE per annum plus Bank holidays (22 days FTE per annum under the Four Day Week) 

Please note that at Waterwise we work a Four Day Week, under voluntary agreements which all staff members sign. This means that you will be contracted and paid as full-time but you will sign a voluntary agreement stating that you commit to employing efficiency tools both individual and team-wide to deliver and be paid for 5 days work within four normal 9 to 5 days - the office is closed on Fridays. Training will be provided and you will be expected to continue to refresh your training and to keep up use of the efficiency tools. Annual leave is also pro rata’d. We can answer any questions you may have about this at the interview/s. On a 20 hours a week contract, you would be spending 16 hours a week at work including the equivalent of 2 one hour lunch breaks, and this can be worked in a flexible pattern, such as two full days or more, shorter days. 

Waterwise 

Waterwise is the leading independent voice in the UK for using water wisely, for the benefit of people and the planet. Our vision is that water is used wisely every day, everywhere, by everyone. We are the UK’s conscience on water efficiency, on behalf of people and the planet, and are experts in water efficiency policy, regulation, research, behaviour and campaigns. Waterwise is a people-led organisation which prioritises the wellbeing of its staff.

Water scarcity is an urgent issue right here, right now, right across the UK - consistent record-breaking high temperatures and low rainfall, and recurring drought, show how climate change and population growth are already putting our water resources under severe pressure, and this challenge is growing. Water efficiency has to be a big part of the solution, and we support and challenge governments, industry, customers and others to be innovative and ambitious on water efficiency. Our work includes campaigns, events, media, policy and regulatory influencing, research projects, stakeholder engagement and services such as Waterwise Training and the Waterwise  Checkmark. We are funded by supporters across and beyond the UK water sector. Our Waterwise Strategic Direction, published in August 2022, tells you a bit more about us. Our UK Water Efficinecy Strategy to 2030 tells you a bit more about our ambition.

At Waterwise we put staff wellbeing first, and our staff surveys show that our team knows, feels and appreciates this. Our values are:

People: We will prioritise staff wellbeing, be an inclusive, kind and positive team. 

Purpose: We will deliver independent and ambitious leadership to drive social and  political change on water efficiency 

Pioneer: We will be forward-thinking and visionary in our approach, being brave and  innovative in challenging the status quo 

Passion: We will campaign to protect water and the planet and work to keep our own  environmental impact as low as possible 

We are always looking for bright, committed people with a diverse set of skills and  experience to help achieve our vision that water is used wisely every day, everywhere, by  everyone. We are a lively, happy, friendly team, and we can’t wait to read your application! 

At Waterwise, we’re committed to driving equity and preventing discrimination at work and in the work we do. Please see more on this below. 

We are also working to reduce Waterwise’s own carbon and environmental footprint. 

Partnerships and Income Manager Role Description

The Partnerships and Income Manager role involves engaging a range of stakeholders to help generate greater impact and income for Waterwise. The Partnerships and Income Manager will be responsible for researching and identifying potential new business opportunities; conducting outreach to new and existing stakeholders to encourage collaboration; building and maintaining relationships with Waterwise partners, sponsors and members; and assisting with developing winning proposals for funding, in order to deepen the impact we make with individuals, communities and businesses across the UK. The Partnerships and Income Manager will lead on delivery against income targets for our services and events. 

Key responsibilities in the role include: 

• Generating income for Waterwise by retaining existing partners, recruiting new partners, selling sponsorship opportunities, and increasing engagement and investment in Waterwise membership and services

• Researching and identifying new business development leads in line with Waterwise’s commercial strategy

• Building and maintaining an active pipeline of commercial and partnership opportunities to drive income 

• Conducting market and competitor research and engagement to ensure we have a clear understanding of customer needs and align our services to meet those needs

• Conducting lead generation and lead nurturing activities, including representing Waterwise at events and conferences, reaching out to potential new partners by email, phone or social media, and conducting introductory meetings with potential sponsors, members and partners

• Acting as account manager for Waterwise partners, (working alongside the Membership and Marketing Manager who manages member relationships), leading on administration such as ensuring Salesforce CRM is up-to-date, conducting Waterwise’s ethical screening process for potential partners, managing partnership agreements and payments

• Working with the Memberships and Marketing Manager to design and implement communications to demonstrate how partnering with Waterwise offers value for money and delivers against ESG commitments

• Working on grant funding proposals and project bids

• Working with the wider team to assist in the development of content for our newsletter, social media, blogs, trade media and press

• Assisting the team with organising events (e.g. Waterwise annual conference)

• Attending conferences, seminars and meetings to represent Waterwise

The above is not an exhaustive list of activities but hopefully gives you a sense of the role  and requirements. 

Partnerships and Income Manager Person Specification

We need someone who is proactive and a self-starter, with exemplary communication and relationship building skills.

• Target-driven and commercially-minded, with a proven track record of income generation through sales, sponsorship and grant funding

• Experience in business development, sales, commercial services or relationship management roles

• Experience in writing successful new business proposals, compelling pitches and funding bids

• Good interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders and forge great relationships inside and outside of the organisation

• Ability to approach new leads with confidence, including making ‘cold’ introductions to new organisations 

• Excellent networking skills and confidence to ‘work the room’ at meetings and events

• Strong organisational skills, including the ability to plan and work proactively to meet deadlines

• Proactive and action-oriented approach to achieving income targets and KPIs

• Confident communicator, with excellent written and verbal communication skills and strong negotiation skills

• Ability to positively promote Waterwise and its work

• Ability to work flexibly within a small team that works from home

• Ability to manage own time and prioritise tasks

• Ability to communicate across the team about your work and workload

• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and wellbeing 

• Eligibility to work in the UK

Benefits 

At Waterwise the wellbeing of our employees is our number one priority. To recognise the  fantastic work our team does in driving water efficiency, and to support their wellbeing, we  have a wide range of employee benefits, beyond statutory commitments. These include: 

• Positive, values-based environment and an inclusive culture where it feels safe for  employees to say ‘no’ on grounds of workload 

• Strong emphasis from CEO on wellbeing and workload management 

• Homeworking and a small allowance for occasional shared office working 

• Four Day week - being paid full-time but working 80% of this (or pro rata equivalent), in exchange for using tools to work efficiently - for full-time employees this equates to a day off every week, in addition to annual leave

• Flexible working

• Part-time working 

• 27 days annual leave per annum for full-time employees (or pro rata equivalent for part-time colleagues), plus Bank Holidays (pro rata’d to 22 days full-time equivalent as we work a Four Day Week)

• Death in service benefit at x2 of salary 

• Paid chartered and professional memberships 

• Individual and team training budgets 

• Maternity leave and maternity adoption leave beyond statutory 

• Childcare costs for activities undertaken outside normal working hours 

• Sickness pay beyond statutory 

Equity, diversity and inclusion 

At Waterwise, we’re committed to driving equity and preventing discrimination at work and in the work we do. We know that simply having a diverse workforce is not enough. We want to create an inclusive environment within Waterwise and in our work and events, where everyone can contribute their best and develop to their full potential. We celebrate and value how different everyone is, and we work hard to ensure everyone is treated with dignity and respect. This aligns with our ‘People’ value that we will prioritise staff wellbeing, and will be an inclusive, kind and positive team.

We are committed to treating all current and prospective employees fairly and to ensuring  that our workplace and employment practices are free from discrimination, harassment or  victimisation on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil  partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. We  strongly encourage applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and with different identities and experiences to apply. Everyone in our team has a role to play in helping Waterwise become more diverse and inclusive, and we hope you will join us for this next stage in our journey - for this role we therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be under-represented in Waterwise’s workforce. These include people of the global majority, LGBTQI+ people, and men.

We want to ensure that our recruitment process is inclusive of and accessible for everyone.  If you are interested in applying for a role with us and think you may need some additional  support or reasonable adjustments made to any part of the recruitment process, please get in touch.

How to apply 

To apply for this role, you will need to answer role-related questions. Please provide evidence and examples from your work history or other aspects of your life to  answer the questions and demonstrate how you meet the criteria required. Please refer to the person specification when you are doing this.

Our goal is to remove bias from the hiring process and so rather than asking you for a CV and cover letter, we have set up role-related questions which will allow us to assess your approach to a problem and understand what knowledge and skills you have. Your answers will be anonymised, randomised and reviewed by the selection panel. We will use these scores to shortlist for interviews. We also think giving feedback is incredibly valuable for candidates, so at the end of the process, you'll see how well you performed during the application process.

The closing date for applications is 23:59pm on 31st August 2025. There will be a two-stage interview process. First interviews will be held on 17th September 2025 and second interviews will be held on 29th September 2025.  First interviews will be held online via Zoom and second interviews will be held in person in Birmingham (venue TBC).

Looking to use your grant writing skills to drive real, measurable change? Join SOS!SEN and help secure the funding that empowers thousands of families navigating the SEND system.

SOS!SEN is hiring a Trusts and Foundations Manager (part-time) to lead income generation from charitable trusts and foundations. This is a pivotal role in a small but rapidly growing charity, where your work directly translates into legal advice, support and empowerment for families of children with special educational needs and disabilities.

• Job title: Trusts and Foundations Manager
• Salary: £35,000-38,000 FTE
• Location: Remote first, with roughly quarterly visits to Surrey office/London
• Working pattern: Part-time, 3 days per week
• Contract: Permanent

Why this role matters
Last year, SOS!SEN supported over 4,000 families – up from fewer than 1,000 just two years ago. Demand for our free legal advice, training and SEND helplines is rising fast, and robust trust funding is crucial to sustain and grow that impact.

You’ll join us at a time of real momentum. With our first CEO in place, a clear growth strategy, and a compelling case for support, we’re looking for a fundraiser who can help shape the future of our income generation.

What you’ll be doing

• Researching, identifying and applying to relevant trusts and foundations
• Writing clear, persuasive proposals aligned with our mission and 2025–26 strategy
• Managing funder reporting and stewardship to build long-term relationships
• Working directly with the CEO to shape and implement our fundraising plans
• Playing a key role in delivering organisational growth and impact

We’re looking for someone who

• Has secured significant trust and foundation income, ideally in the £10k range
• Writes clearly and persuasively, with a sharp understanding of impact and narrative
• Is organised, motivated and comfortable working independently in a small team
• Understands and cares about tackling systemic inequality in the SEND system
• Wants their fundraising to directly change the lives of children and families

Why join SOS!SEN

• You’ll have real ownership and autonomy in your area
• We offer flexible working and a values-driven culture that puts people first
• Your fundraising will go directly towards front-line support for families navigating an unfair and exhausting system
• You'll work alongside passionate, expert advocates and legal minds fighting for children’s rights

Apply now to turn your trust fundraising skills into urgent impact. Help us make sure no child is left behind simply because their family can’t afford to fight for their rights.

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.

Harris Hill is proud to be partnering with a dynamic and fast-growing international NGO at the forefront of the fight against global waste pollution to recruit their new Director of Programmes. Our client works across low- and middle-income countries to deliver impactful environmental and economic empowerment programmes that promote circular economy solutions, support green entrepreneurship, and improve public health.

The role is offered on a permanent, fully remote basis and is open to candidates based in the UK or EU only, with up to 25% national and international travel required.

As Director of Programmes, you will play a vital strategic role in shaping the future direction and reach of the organisation’s mission. This is a senior leadership role, effectively the number two in the organisation, with significant responsibility for supporting strategic growth and organisational evolution. Reporting to the Chief Executive and joining the Senior Management Team, you will oversee a diverse and growing portfolio of programmes, ensuring their design, funding, and delivery meet the highest standards of impact and quality. With oversight of activity in The Gambia, India, South Africa, and Uganda, your leadership will directly support the organisation’s vision of a world where waste causes no harm and people are empowered to recover its value. This is a rare opportunity to bring your creativity, strategic thinking, and leadership to a small but highly ambitious organisation at the nexus of environmental and development work. You’ll empower a passionate international team, represent our client in high-level forums, and drive the growth of their flagship initiatives.

We are looking for a strategic and entrepreneurial International Development professional with significant experience leading complex programmes in low- and middle-income countries, ideally with a focus on environmental sustainability, waste management, or circular economy approaches. You will bring a strong track record of managing geographically dispersed teams, developing impactful and inclusive programming, and securing funding from a range of donors, including institutional and corporate partners. A confident external representative and relationship-builder, you will be comfortable navigating high-level stakeholder environments, from government and funders to grassroots communities. Operational, strategic, and adaptable, you’ll thrive in a dynamic organisation where hands-on leadership and a solutions-focused mindset are essential. Experience in Sub-Saharan Africa or South Asia, along with a genuine passion for climate justice and community-led development, will be key to success in this role.

To apply, please submit your CV by the 10^th of August 2025 at 23:59.

Please note, only successful applicants will be contacted with further information.

As a leading charity recruitment specialist and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

JOB PURPOSE

To improve the provision of consistent high-quality debt advice, enhancing the experience of clients, by working collaboratively with delivery suppliers, to support them in implementing improvement activities, and in assessing and monitoring the quality of debt advice.

To support the implementation and ongoing facilitation of project quality assurance and improvement processes, working collaboratively with the EMMA management team to inform and support contract compliance and performance management activities.

To identify good practice and share learning with delivery suppliers, and across roles within MaPS and across all funded services to support improvement and development of advice services.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Deliver individual strategic projects/business plan objectives for the team

Work with debt advice providers on an individual basis to improve the provision of consistent and high-quality debt advice, by supporting suppliers to implement improvement activities, and to assess and monitor the performance of their advisers and debt advice service overall to ensure that the quality of debt advice is improved where required, maintained and provided in accordance with regulation, project requirements, best practice, and agreed standards.  This includes:

• Working in collaboration with suppliers to make tailored recommendations and providing feedback to improve the quality of debt advice and client experience in a delivery supplier as appropriate, and identify good practice, where applicable

• Measuring and analysing information gathered against risk ratings, quality frameworks and standards and liaising with delivery suppliers to agree improvement action plans using the results of assessments and analysis

• Liaising with delivery suppliers about the practical arrangements required to carry out the monitoring of their work and improvement plans and ensure understanding of the service improvement process

• Supporting, where appropriate, the implementation of any follow on/corrective action following the assessment and /or support visits/file reviews.

Support participants internal and external quality assurance, quality related grant requirements and quality improvement schemes by:

• Ensuring delivery partners and advisers understand the objectives of the service and quality requirements.

• Facilitating the smooth application of the quality improvement process as required by LCALC and/ or the funder including writing guidance documents, regular liaison with the delivery suppliers and answering ad hoc queries.

Project compliance and quality requirements are achieved by:

• Ensuring delivery suppliers have a good awareness and understanding of the quality and service delivery requirements through communications and active involvement in the delivery of EMMA events related to quality improvement.

• Providing support and advice to delivery suppliers and other internal colleagues on the quality requirements and service delivery standards.

• Escalating risks promptly and appropriately.

• Providing support with delivery and quality compliance and performance management activities, including active involvement in performance enhancement plans as appropriate.

• Contributing to the design of monitoring and reporting processes.

• Respond to requests from delivery suppliers for support with quality matters and proactively encourage delivery suppliers to engage with quality improvement activities.

• Ensure that work undertaken reflects and supports equality and diversity.

Support the implementation of best practice systems and processes

Implement best practice systems and processes to ensure the development and improvement of delivery and advice services, including:

• Providing reports and/or data on trends, compliance, and quality.

• Liaising with colleagues to identify key learning points and delivery issues, to inform the development of EMMA.

• Identifying training and development needs within delivery suppliers, and work with colleagues and MaPS to improve the quality of advice services.

• Facilitate the sharing of learning and good practice identified through quality assurance and service improvement across EMMA delivery partners.

• Support delivery partners to maintain systems and processes for service delivery, management and improvement to ensure effective and consistent delivery of the quality of debt advice work.

• Support the development and/or updating of content for information systems.

Maintain expertise and insight

• Manage your own day to day activities to deliver tasks on time and to the required standard while gaining experience of the work of the Quality Team and maintaining expertise in debt advice.

• Be proactive in identifying external and internal contacts to inform activity to improve service delivery.

• Advise managers on recent developments in field of work.

• Undertake research and analysis in field of work.

Contribute to team

• Be an active member of the Quality Team, identifying opportunities for your own development.

• Provide regular updates to the Quality Manager regarding partners quality and processes.

•  Contribute to the good and efficient working of the team in delivering against the business plan.

•  Work in collaboration with MaPS and its funded organisations, working with other quality roles contributing to key projects, meetings and Supervisor Forums.

•  Compliance with LCALC policies and procedures, including health and safety.

•  Undertake any other duties as may be reasonably required within the scope of the role.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• To ensure that all duties and responsibilities are discharged in accordance with LCALC’s Health and Safety at Work and other work-related policies and with due regard to the Equality Act 2010 and LCALC Equality and Diversity Policy.

• To comply with LCALC’s equal opportunities policy and assist with its development and promotion within LCALC, and amongst partner organisations.

•  To comply with all relevant policies and procedures maintained by LCALC regarding matters such as regulatory compliance, data protection, client care, confidentiality, safeguarding.

PERSON SPECIFICATION – Quality Officer / Central Supervisor

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

(1) Expert knowledge of, and proven ability to deliver debt advice, including the diagnosis of relevant issues and remedies.

(2) Up to date knowledge of the key issues of debt advice arising from legislation, regulation, policy, practice and services.

(3) An understanding of compliance monitoring and performance management.

(4) A proven commitment to continuing professional development.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

(5) Proven ability to monitor and evaluate performance through case checking (conducting Independent File Reviews) and providing supervision and support to aid improvement.

(6) Proven ability to identify learning and development needs and contribute to the development of appropriate learning activities for individuals and groups.

(7) Proven ability to identify service delivery issues affecting quality

(8) Ability to plan effectively and realistically, managing own workload in a busy schedule and working accurately to agreed deadlines

(9) Ability to work on own initiative or as part of a team. Excellent inter-personal and client care skills

(10)Excellent influencing, negotiating and administrative skills.

(11)Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and an ability to build relationships with staff at all levels.

(12)Ability to collate information and write concise reports, including analysing information, identifying issues/risks and making recommendations for corrective action.

QUALITIES

(13) Commitment to initiatives to combat poverty and social exclusion

(14) Energetic and self-motivated

(15) Commitment to equal opportunities

(16) Willingness to accept direction and supervision

(17) Willing and able to work outside office hours from time to time

(18) Commitment to the aims of Leicester Community Advice and Law Centre

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

(19)  Must have access to own car and be willing to undertake travel throughout  Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire and Rutland.

(20)  Willing and able to work remotely and/or from home.

Interviews are currently expected to take place via Microsoft Teams during the week commencing 25th August 2025.

Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust is seeking a dynamic and strategic individual to lead all aspects of fundraising and development during a 12-month maternity cover period.  As a key member of the Management Team, you will work closely with the Senior Leadership Team to drive capital fundraising campaigns, deliver the Trust’s Arts Council England NPO Consortium, and expand core fundraising activities that support our charitable aims of Preservation and Learning.  You'll also play a vital role in developing new streams of charitable giving including corporate partnerships, individual giving, and legacy campaigns.

This is an exciting opportunity to support shaping the future sustainability of one of the UK’s most significant heritage sites. You will lead high-impact fundraising initiatives, build relationships with key funders, manage grant applications and reporting, and embed a culture of impact assessment across the Trust.  If you have a proven track record in fundraising, strong leadership skills, and a passion for heritage and charitable impact, we’d love to hear from you.

How to Apply

If you are interested in joining our team and wish to apply for this vacancy, please complete our application form and send it back to us along with a copy of your CV by Sunday 10th August 2025, 5pm.

Interviews are scheduled to take place w/c 18th August 2025. 

Please note, due to the volume of applications we receive, we are not able to contact all unsuccessful candidates.

We are an equal opportunities employer and committed to providing our employees with a work environment free from discrimination in which all can develop and thrive.

We acknowledge and value the benefits of a diverse workforce and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to ensuring that our recruitment process is transparent, fair, and as inclusive as possible for all applicants.

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824, we have been saving animals for almost 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity. It has always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.

We seek to raise standards of care through our numerous campaigns and awareness of issues affecting animals today. We rely heavily on our volunteers, who play a significant role in enabling us to carry out this important animal welfare work every day!

The RSPCA Buckinghamshire South Branch

The RSPCA Buckinghamshire South Branch is one of the branches of RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area. Much of the animal welfare work of RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which is run by volunteers who have the support of the National Society of RSPCA.

The main activity of our branch is specialised in the rehoming of small animals including cats, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs and hamsters. The animals come into our care from various sources such as those which are rescued, abandoned, neglected or given up by their owners. Each animal is medically and characteristically assessed to ensure it is fit and well before being available for rehoming. This all costs money, and could not be achieved without your support. 

Job Summary

This role is responsible for the development, implementation and operation of appropriate financial and business management tools to support the day-to-day business and financial administration of the Branch.

Reporting to and working closely with the Chief Executive Office (CEO), you will be expected to make use of the full capability of the Branch’s existing software systems (Google Workspace, and Quick Books) to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery and develop management information to aid the Trustees & CEO in decision making.

You will be responsible for all financial management across the charity. This includes bookkeeping; financial statements; financial planning; financial policies, processes and controls and budgeting. 

You must ensure that all activities are carried out in compliance with current legislation, Branch and Society policy, relevant Health & Safety regulations and any associated statutory or legislative requirements.

Note: Branch targets and budgets are agreed on an annual basis and these will inform the personal targets agreed at the annual performance review. Progress towards personal targets will be reviewed at regular one-to-one meetings with your line manager.

This role is home based, with occasional travel across South Bucks.

Principal Accountabilities

Financial Management & Operations

• Support the CEO as a key strategic and operational partner, acting as second-in-command and deputising in their absence where appropriate.

• Maintain all financial records and accounting systems (the Branch currently uses Quick Books accounting software), registers and statistics as required by the CEO & Branch Trustees.

• Work with the CEO and Branch Trustees to develop financial plans and an annual financial budget.

• Maintain close oversight of the branch’s budget in collaboration with the CEO, proactively identifying and addressing any discrepancies, overspend, or unplanned financial activity to ensure effective financial control and informed decision-making.

• Process, monitor, record and manage all receipts & payments to/from the Branch in accordance with the agreed procedures and in liaison with the appropriate staff and volunteers including weekly banking, cash handling, invoice creation and processing, Branch payments (including those made via credit cards and petty cash) and account reconciliation.

• Monitor, review and reconcile monthly receipts & payments on the Quick Books accounting system.

• Produce monthly management accounts which include bank reconciliations, balance sheets, Branch/departmental profit & loss statements, departmental comparisons and performance against budget and such other financial reports/management information as may be required including monthly reporting to the board of trustees.

• Coordinate bank accounts across the charity, including set-up and balance management.

• Prepare and submit quarterly VAT returns.

• Prepare annual financial statements and coordination of annual audit review.

• Support the staff and volunteers with day-to-day financial operations and ensuring departmental financial records are maintained and that monies received or expended are accounted for correctly.

• Work with the RSPCA Society National team regarding legacies, submission of care contribution funds, renewals of insurances etc.

• Ensure that strict protocols are followed for cash handling and that unbanked cash remains within the insured limit for cash held at each premises.

• Liaise with the Branch’s payroll provider to ensure staff hours are submitted and salary payments processed on a monthly basis and within the appropriate timescale.

• Process all staff and volunteer expenses in a timely manner.

• Manage all bookkeeping processes and functions, including the asset register, ensuring annual accounts are produced no later than the end of March each year.

• Develop, implement and maintain appropriate financial administrative procedures and processes.

Business Administration

• Responsible for day-to-day financial administrative support for the CEO and Trustees.

• Ensure that all administrative paperwork, including external correspondence is processed in accordance with Branch and Society procedures, including completion of all appropriate records for insurance and risk management purposes.

• Ensure financial data processing, retention and destruction conforms to the relevant policies such as GDPR.

• Ensure regulatory and legislative compliance of financial charity policies.

• Work closely with relevant operational staff to ensure appropriate responses are issued to all enquiries whether from members, supporters & volunteers, RSPCA colleagues or the general public.

• Liaise with staff and volunteers to facilitate the ordering of materials, supplies and equipment for the effective operation of the Branch, ensuring budgetary controls are maintained at all times.

• Work with the CEO and other staff to manage relevant licences, vendor relationships, service agreements and invoicing.

• Work with staff and volunteers across the whole charity on financial processes and controls.

Fundraising & Donations

• Identify, assess, and apply for appropriate grants and funding streams to maximise income for the branch, ensuring applications are timely, well-prepared, and aligned with funder criteria to support the branch’s strategic and operational objectives.

• Ensure that all donations (financial or otherwise) are acknowledged in a timely manner, receipts are issued for financial donations and the banking of all funds raised.

• Responsible for the accurate recording and banking of the funds raised.

• Develop, and manage relationships across relevant stakeholder groups, both within and outside the charity.

Gift Aid

• Ownership of the Gift Aid process.

General

• Attend meetings and training courses as required.

• Undertake such other duties as directed from time-to-time by your line manager.

Essential skills, qualifications and experience:

• A finance qualification or working towards level 3 AAT or ACCA with proven experience in charity financial operations.

• Good general level of education.

• Strong experience in financial reporting, budgeting and compliance.

• Demonstrable experience of managing small to medium size budgets (circa £400,000) & accounting systems (ideally with experience of Quick Books software).

• Proven experience of cash handling and financial management procedures. 

• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

• Proven ability to work to tight deadlines, be proactive and work autonomously.

• Proven IT literacy including use of business software and accounting packages (including Quickbooks), and Google Workspace.

• Strong numeracy and analytical skills.

• Experience supporting audits and implementing robust financial controls.

• Knowledge of Charity and Company Law.

• Proven ability to work under direction from superiors but equally able to use their own initiative.

• Proven ability to prioritise workload and meet tight deadlines.

• Proven ability to complete essential management paperwork and analyse data.

• Personable and with an open, positive approach to new ideas coupled with drive and enthusiasm.

• A flexible and collaborative approach to colleagues both staff and volunteers.

• Honest, trustworthy and reliable.

• A calm and friendly approach particularly when working under pressure.

• Sympathy for animal welfare and the work of the RSPCA.

• Full valid UK driving licence.

• Willing and able to travel around the Branch area on occasions.

Desirable skills, qualifications and experience:

• Experience of management & leadership.

• Training, coaching & mentoring skills.

• Experience of working with the general public and/or in a customer care environment.

• Experience of managing change in the workplace.

• Experience of managing small projects.

• Good basic knowledge of employment law.

• Knowledge of data protection requirements.

• Willingness to learn and acquire new skills through training.

We promote an inclusive working environment in which diversity is recognised, valued, and encouraged. We acknowledge the multi-cultural and diverse nature of the UK workforce and society in general. We are committed to principles of fairness and mutual respect where everyone accepts the concept of individual responsibility.