Governance and policy officer jobs

Role Summary

The Conduit Foundation harnesses the power of convening, collaboration, and catalytic funding to advance innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing social and environmental challenges. We are in rapid start-up mode, having recently begun accepting our first grants and moving quickly to build our operating model. This is a pivotal moment for the Foundation: we are ready to translate our mission and vision into a fully functioning philanthropic engine.

This will be the first full-time hire into the Foundation, working hand-in-hand with the Board of Trustees and the Chief Impact Officer to operationalise our mission, establish systems and processes, and set the stage for ambitious, high-impact fundraising, grant management, programme delivery, and partnership development.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategy & Leadership

Translate the Conduit executive leadership and Foundation Board’s vision into actionable plans and measurable outcomes.

Collaborate with The Conduit’s Impact team to integrate Foundation initiatives into broader Conduit strategy.

Identify and cultivate opportunities for funding, partnerships, and programme innovation.

2. Grants Management

Oversee the full grant cycle – from prospecting to evaluation - managing relationships, projects and budgets.

Ensure all grant activities meet legal, regulatory, and ethical standards, including England & Wales charity compliance.

Develop robust processes for impact measurement and reporting.

3. Board Development & Governance

Strengthen the governance set up, bolstering policies and procedures to establish best practice and managing legal and regulatory requirements for the Foundation.

Serve as the principal contact for the Board of Trustees, preparing materials, facilitating meetings and owning resulting actions.

Support recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing engagement of Trustees.

Advise the Board on trends and opportunities in philanthropy and social impact.

4. Fundraising & Corporate Engagement

Build and maintain relationships with corporate, institutional, and high-net-worth partners.

Identify and secure grants from funders that align with Foundation strategic priorities.

5. Programme Design & Delivery

Lead the design, launch, and management of the Foundation’s first in-house programmes.

Ensure programmes are innovative, impactful, and aligned with strategic priorities.

Set up systems for monitoring, learning, and continuous improvement.

6. Organisational Integration

Manage the relationship between the Foundation, Conduit Holdco, and The Conduit Club London.

Foster a culture of alignment, transparency, and shared mission across entities.

Skills & Experience

· 8–10 years of proven, hands-on execution experience in the UK charity sector, including setting up and implementing systems.

· Track record of delivering complex projects from start to finish with excellence and attention to detail.

· Strong experience and expertise in grants management, board engagement and governance.

· Proven success in fundraising from corporates, trusts, foundations, and major donors.

· Experience designing and delivering impactful programmes.

· Excellent relationship building skills with experience engaging senior stakeholders.

· Understanding of UK charity law and charitable governance.

Desirable

· International or multi-stakeholder environment experience.

· Experience of a growing charity.

· Formal charity governance or legal training.

Personal Attributes

· Ambitious and eager to grow into a senior leadership position.

· Entrepreneurial, proactive, and solutions oriented.

· Highly organised, with strong attention to detail.

· Able to thrive in a fast-paced, start-up environment.

· Committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

· Passionate about social and environmental change.

Key Competencies

· Communication

· Teamwork

· Solutions Focused

· Compassionate

· Creativity & Innovation

The Vacancies

We are seeking to appoint two business registrants and one dispensing optician to our Advisory Panel Companies Committee.

About the GOC

We are the regulator for the optical professions in the UK. Our purpose is to protect the public by promoting high standards of education, performance, and conduct.

About the Advisory Panel
The Advisory Panel is a meeting of the four Council’s committees (Companies, Education, Registration, and Standards) in plenary session. They are established by statute for the purpose of giving advice and assistance to Council (whether or not in response to a request from them) on:

• matters relating to business registrants other than matters required by the Opticians Act to be referred to the Investigation Committee, the Registration Appeals, Committee or the Fitness to Practise Committee; 

• matters relating to optical training, education, and assessment; 

• matters relating to registration, other than matters required by the Opticians Act to be considered by the Registration Appeals Committee; and 

• matters relating to the standards of conduct and performance expected of registrants or those seeking admission to the register. 

Time Commitment and Remuneration 

This role is part time with a commitment of approximately 2-3 days per year, including time spent preparing for meetings.  Meetings will usually take place via MS Teams but may on occasion be held at the GOC Offices in London or other suitable venues.

A daily fee of £319 will be paid. This is in line with our member fees policy and member fee schedule.  This is taxable and subject to Class 1 National Insurance (NI) contributions. It is not pensionable.

Members can claim expenses for travel and subsistence costs incurred on Council business as set out in our expenses policy.

How to apply 

Please apply with the following: 

• your CV outlining your employment history, any relevant voluntary work, public service, or other experience; together with any relevant professional, academic, or vocational qualifications (please keep this to two sides of A4); 

• the application form (attcahed below), stating how your experience matches the essential criteria for the vacancy you are applying for; and 

• an EDI monitoring form (link can be found in the candidate pack below). 

Please email your completed application quoting reference GOC05/25 to appointment@optical .org.

We would welcome applications from individuals who are disabled and from diverse ethnic backgrounds, as these are currently under-represented on our Council and committees. 

For more information please see the attached candidate information pack.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: midnight Sunday 09 November 2025.

Online interviews will be held the week commencing 12 January 2026.

We strive to be as diverse as the public we protect and welcome applications from everyone, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity, and geographical locations outside of London.

The Data & Research Manager plays a key role in Youth Futures Foundation’s Impact and Evidence team, helping us understand and address youth unemployment in England.

The postholder will lead on managing our data infrastructure including our flagship youth labour market dashboard and contribute to the design, commissioning, and delivery of high-quality quantitative research and analysis.

They will combine strong technical skills with the ability to communicate data-driven insights clearly to internal and external audiences, influencing policy and practice to improve employment outcomes for young people.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Managing the design, commissioning and delivery of economic, quantitative social research and data analysis projects using a wide range of methods, including primary and secondary data analysis, and evidence reviews
• Critically reviewing research proposals, manage contracts and budgets, and ensure high quality outputs
• Developing evidence tools, gap maps and frameworks to address youth unemployment, and identify and prioritise evidence gaps to meet stakeholder needs
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with a range of external partners.

For a full role description and person spec, please download our recruitment pack.

Due to receiving high volumes of interest in our opportunities, this vacancy may close earlier than the advertised deadline. To ensure your application is considered, please submit it as soon as possible.

Operations Manager

Location: Kempston (Hybrid working considered)

Salary: £35,000 per annum

Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week (this may involve occasional out of hours (evenings/ weekends) in support of community fundraising events)

Contract: Fixed Term – 12 months

About Our Client

Our client provides free, specialist emotional and practical support to people affected by fatal and life-changing road collisions across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire. Each year, their small but dedicated team and cohort of over 70 trained volunteer Counsellors provide life-changing support to hundreds of individuals and families coping with grief, trauma, and loss.

Following a period of significant operational change, they are seeking a dynamic, highly organised Operations Manager to strengthen their internal systems, ensure compliance, and provide essential resilience to the organisation.

The Role

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you will play a key role in ensuring the smooth and efficient running of the organisation's day-to-day operations. You'll manage HR processes, oversee leave and TOIL systems, coordinate policy reviews, lead procurement (IT, insurance, mobile contracts, etc.), and support internal governance and compliance.

You'll also provide vital assistance across other functions, including non-clinical training coordination and event support for their growing fundraising activity. Working closely with the CEO, Clinical Lead, and admin team, you'll be central to embedding consistency, accountability, and efficiency across the charity.

What They Need

Essential:

• Proven experience in operations or office management.
• Strong organisational skills.
• HR administration and policy management experience.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• IT literacy including Microsoft 365 and database systems.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Desirable:

• Experience in the charity or counselling sector.
• Understanding/awareness of trauma-informed working.
• Experience supporting fundraising or volunteer coordination.
• Knowledge of charity governance and compliance.
• Understanding of CRM systems and data protection.

Are You A Good Fit?

This role will suit a flexible, proactive individual who thrives on variety and wants to make a genuine difference.

To apply and start supporting this great charity submit your CV now.

About the Role 

Neuroendocrine Cancer UK is entering an exciting phase of growth and development. To make the greatest difference, we need to grow in a way that is structured and sustainable, and that’s where you come in.

We’re looking for our first Director of Operations: a strategic, hands-on leader who can turn vision into action and passion into plans. Working closely with our new CEO, you’ll ensure that our people, systems, and processes all work together to deliver effectively for the communities we serve.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the organisation’s future. You’ll combine strategic oversight with operational delivery across key areas including HR, finance, compliance, governance, IT, and organisational processes. As a senior leadership team member, you’ll strengthen internal systems, support staff and make sure day-to-day operations align fully with our mission, values, and strategic goals.

Ultimately, you will help build the strong foundations and infrastructure that enable Neuroendocrine Cancer UK to grow sustainably, deliver high-quality services, and deepen its impact for the communities we support.

About the Charity 

We are Neuroendocrine Cancer UK. We exist to address the unmet needs voiced by the neuroendocrine cancer community, supporting patients and their loved ones with the physical and psychological burden of neuroendocrine cancers. Through awareness, research, better funding and support, we can give our community the attention it deserves

Our vision is for a world in which people know how to recognise, diagnose, treat, care for, and cure patients with neuroendocrine cancer. 

We are a Charity driven by strong values of equity, excellence, collaboration, honesty, transparency and integrity.

Key Responsibilities 

1. Operational Oversight and Delivery 

• Lead and manage a small in-house operations team (2 staff members) and oversee the work of external consultants as required to deliver operational plans aligned with strategic goals. 
   
• Drive the successful delivery of existing services, overseeing day-to-day operations, ensuring services are delivered efficiently and to a high standard while supporting the implementation of new initiatives and improvements. 

• Ensure systems and processes are fit for purpose and support delivery of strategic goals. 
   
• Management and maintenance of the Salesforce system.
   
• Maintain oversight of service development, ensuring it reflects user feedback and sector innovation (with Directors/Managers). 

• Lead audits and evaluations to ensure service effectiveness and continuous improvement. 

2. Governance and Compliance (working with CEO) 

• Maintain compliance with all relevant legislation, including safeguarding, data protection, and health & safety. 

• Develop and oversee policies and procedures that uphold good governance, safeguarding, GDPR, digital governance, and ethical standards. 

• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Data Protection Officer (DPO). 

• Provide assurance to the CEO and Board on compliance and operational risk. 

3. Financial Stewardship and Operational Management 

• Support the CEO in ensuring financial sustainability. 

• Oversee day-to-day budgeting, financial reporting, and grant management. 

• Ensure timely processing of payments, payroll, and contracts. 

• Support income generation through sound financial planning and operational oversight. 
   
• Review all processes, procedures & delegations and suggest updates as necessary.

4. People and Organisational Development 

• Support the CEO to recruit and induct staff.

• Work with CEO to oversee HR matters including performance management (with HR support). 

• Prioritise staff wellbeing, engagement, and professional development. 

• Support the CEO in succession planning and building organisational resilience. 

5. Service Quality and Improvement 

• Work with relevant management team to ensure high-quality service delivery aligned with user needs and feedback. 

• Monitor performance and report on impact to CEO and trustees. 

• Drive operational improvements and support the development of new initiatives. 

6. Insight, Data, and Continuous Improvement 

• Collect, analyse, and report operational data to support decision-making. 

• Oversee monitoring, evaluation, and audits to ensure accountability and learning. 

• Support research and innovation projects by ensuring operational systems are robust and effective. 
• Work with the board & CEO to review all processes, procedures & suggest updates as necessary.

 Person Specification 

About you

You’re an experienced operational leader who thrives on making things work — strategically, efficiently, and with people at the heart of it all. You know how to turn plans into action and are equally comfortable shaping systems, managing budgets, or guiding a team through change.

You bring strong leadership experience, a deep understanding of good people management practices, and sound knowledge of compliance, safeguarding, and data protection. You’re confident managing financial systems and overseeing budgets, and you know how to balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery.

You’re at your best in collaborative, purposeful environments — someone who communicates clearly, builds trust, and helps others do their best work. You’re also pragmatic and calm under pressure, able to bring clarity and stability as the organisation grows and evolves.

Above all, you’re motivated by purpose. You share our commitment to the mission and values of Neuroendocrine Cancer UK, and you want to use your operational skills to help an organisation with real impact go even further.

Essential 

• Proven experience in operational leadership and management

• Strong knowledge of people management practices, compliance, safeguarding, and data protection. 

• Experience of managing budgets and overseeing financial systems. 

• Strong line management and team development, with the ability to lead staff and volunteers. 

• Excellent communication and organisational skills. 

• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery. 

• The ability to lead through change and embed new ways of working effectively. 

• Commitment to the mission and values of the charity. 

Desirable:

• Experience in a small charity or nonprofit organisation. 
• Experience of charity governance
• A relevant qualification in safeguarding, HR, or data protection
• Experience managing Salesforce or similar CRM systems

Why Work With Us?

• Be part of a small, passionate, and values-driven team making a tangible difference.
• Shape the future of the organisation at a pivotal stage of growth.
• Take on a broad and varied leadership role with the chance to influence across all areas.
• Receive support for professional development, training, and personal growth.
• Enjoy a remote and flexible working environment.

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for a Finance Manager to join a very well-established animal welfare charity based in Solihull, with a second site in Wolverhampton. Working within a passionate and dedicated team, this role will suit an experienced finance professional with strong leadership skills and a determination to make a difference.

The organisation has been supporting dogs and the community for 133 years, employs eighty dedicated staff, and delivers vital services that improve the lives of dogs and humans alike. You’ll play a key role in guiding the charity’s financial strategy to ensure long-term sustainability.

Duties & Responsibilities

Lead and develop the finance team, ensuring effective management of budgets, forecasting, payroll, and statutory reporting.

Oversee financial governance and controls, ensuring compliance with charity and company legislation.

Provide strategic financial advice to the Executive Team and Trustees to support decision-making and risk management.

Manage the annual audit process and liaise with external auditors.

Oversee financial planning for bids, tenders, and funding applications, ensuring robust cost modelling and reporting.

What experience?

Ideally a fully qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA, or) with proven experience in a finance role.

Experience managing finance within the charity, not-for-profit, or SME sector.

Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to present financial information to non-financial stakeholders.

Following a successful application to the Henry Smith Charity, we are seeking a part-time LGBTQ+ Young People and Family Support Worker (17.5-hours per week) to join our LGBTQ+ yOUTh service.

The right candidate will have:

• JNC Level 3 Youth and Community Work qualification or equivalent (or due to complete 2025)

• A minimum 12-months experience of working with young people and/or families

• An ability to assess needs and involve young people in identifying appropriate self-action plans

• Knowledge and understanding of the impact of Homophobia, Biphobia and transphobia on LGBTQ+ young people

• A flexible approach to work and willingness to work some evenings and weekends

The main aims of the post are to ensure:

• The charity delivers quality information, advice, guidance and advocacy services which improve outcomes for LGBTQ+ young people in Calderdale

• LGBTQ+ young people who face additional access barriers are reached and given the opportunity to engage with the service, reducing their isolation and loneliness

• LGBTQ+ young people have emotionally healthy relationships with their family, friends and intimate partners

Safeguarding underpins our approach to delivering services, working with service users and the recruitment of staff, sessional workers and volunteers. As such, applicants need to show and demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk. In addition, applicants will need to demonstrate their:

• Commitment to equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice
• Commitment to confidentiality, information governance and data protection
• Organisational and team working skills

Why you’d work for us:

• So you can use your skills and passion to influence change and improve outcomes for some of the most stigmatised and marginalised people in Calderdale
• Gain experience, build your transferable skills and learn new ones
• Be part of an amazing, committed team challenging stigma, bias, and inequalities

What you’d get from us:

• Job security
• Training and development opportunities
• A generous annual leave entitlement, 31 day per year plus bank holidays
• 6% pension contribution
• Life Assurance at three-times salary rate
• An employee health plan, helping with the costs of dental, optical treatments etc
• Access to staff counselling
• Perbox Employee Benefits - 1000+ deals and discounts
• Travel expenses
• Flexible and hybrid working
• Earn between £26,510.82 – 27,836.36 (pro rata)

Join Gingerbread Family Support as we grow our residential and outreach services and progress a new supported accommodation development. Lead month-end and SORP accounts, build a simple compliance calendar, and turn KPIs and risk into clear Board insight.

The ideal candidate will be proactive in their approach, qualified (or equivalent experience) in charity finance. Plain-English communicator who gets things done on time.

You will need:

· Accountancy qualification (ACA/ACCA/CIMA/CIPFA) or equivalent senior experience in charity finance.

· A strong track record delivering management and statutory accounts, budgets, forecasts and audits in a charity environment.

· Confidence with payroll, Gift Aid and VAT; skilled in Excel and modern finance systems

· Line-manage and support a capable Finance Assistant; work closely with our Head of Services, HR Officer and Maintenance Lead

· Evidence you’ve designed and run a whole-organisation compliance/assurance approach (calendars, owners, evidence, escalation) with on-time returns.

· Experience coordinating KPI dashboards and risk registers that drive action, not paperwork.

· Clear, plain-English communication with non-finance colleagues and Trustees; a calm, organised style; and a focus on getting the basics right on time, every time.

Hours: 37 Hours per week
Flexible working considered

Closing Date for Applications: midnight on Monday 6th November 2025

Gingerbread Family Support is committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable people.
All posts are subject to Enhanced DBS.

Join Samaritans as our new Data Protection Manager and play a vital role in ensuring data protection compliance across the organisation.

As our Data Protection Manager, you’ll be the go-to expert for all things data protection. You’ll lead our compliance efforts, advise teams across the organisation, and ensure we meet our legal obligations with confidence and care.

Reporting to the Head of Governance, Risk & Compliance, you’ll work collaboratively with colleagues, volunteers, and external stakeholders to embed best practice and foster a culture of privacy and accountability.

Contract

£48,000 - £50,000 per annum plus benefits

Full Time (35hrs per week)

Permanent contract

Hybrid – Linked to our Ewell (Surrey) office

​In-person working: Meeting in person and working collaboratively are things we value. We work in person around 2 days or more per month. 

We are passionate about flexible working, talk to us about your preferences 

​

​What you’ll do 

Act as Samaritans’ appointed Data Protection Officer, offering support and advice across the organisation

Lead on data protection compliance, including incident management and Subject Access Requests (SARs)

Develop and maintain policies, procedures, and training that support a privacy-first culture

Monitor and manage data protection risks, controls and compliance

Oversee Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs), Legitimate Interest Assessments (LIAs), and third-party due diligence

Monitor and respond to queries in our data protection inbox

Serve as the main contact for privacy queries and liaison with the Information Commissioner’s Office

​

​What you’ll bring

Proven experience in managing data protection compliance

Strong stakeholder management and communication skills

Ability to explain difficult concepts and provide complex advice in simple terms

Ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams

High attention to detail and a proactive, solutions-focused mindset

​

Expert knowledge of data protection legislation (desirable)

Knowledge of cyber security risks and information security standards (desirable)

Experience in managing data protection incidents and breaches (desirable)

Experience in the charity or not-for-profit sector (desirable)

Professional qualification in data protection or related field (desirable)

​

Why Samaritans?

​At Samaritans, you’ll be part of a people-first organisation deeply committed to inclusion, compassion and learning. You’ll contribute to a team where your voice matters, your expertise makes a difference, and your work helps save lives.

We welcome applications from individuals with lived experience and encourage those from underrepresented communities to apply. We are committed to creating an environment where all our people feel seen, heard and supported.

You’ll join a values-led organisation with a powerful mission and a collaborative culture. We offer flexible hybrid working, excellent benefits, and the chance to make a tangible difference in suicide prevention across the UK and Ireland.​

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

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

​

Apply now

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, please apply. You’ll be asked to upload your CV and cover letter outlining how your skills and experience match the requirements for this role.​

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

​

Applications close: 12th November 2025 at 09:00am

Interviews: w/c 24th November 2025

CDMT is looking for a talented, ambitious and driven education and arts professional to energetically build on the company’s success over the past decade and imaginatively take forward and elevate our mission and vision for the years ahead. The role is accountable to the Chair of Trustees.

CDMT’s position in the sector and the requirements of the role are described in the job pack and on our website.

ABOUT THE ROLE OF DIRECTOR

CDMT is the industry body for world-class professional schools, conservatoires and awarding organisations in the performing arts, and we are a strong advocate on behalf of the sector.

The Director of the CDMT plays a strategic role in performing arts training, education and assessment nationally and manages the staff and resources of an organisation of UK-wide standing. The CDMT is financed primarily by membership subscriptions. As this source of income is restricted, the successful applicant will need to demonstrate a strategic business sense and a successful income-driven record that will enable the CDMT to create, diversify and take full advantage of developing opportunities.

The Director must be able to liaise effectively with all sectors of the dance, drama, music and musical theatre education communities.  They will have wide knowledge and experience of arts education at all stages of development from entry level, through Further/Higher Education to post-graduate level, and will also require an understanding of qualification frameworks in the UK. Knowledge and experience of inspection and self-assessment mechanisms similar to those operated by the Office for Students, Ofsted and Ofqual, is desirable.

The role includes advocacy on behalf of the sector and requires an ability to offer support and advice to professional schools, conservatoires and awarding organisations as well as informing the thinking of regulators, civil servants and parliamentarians. This demands a high level of tact, diplomacy, professional understanding and tenacity as well as intellectual rigour and integrity.

This is a time of change and challenge for the performing arts education community.  The post of Director of the CDMT requires a talented, ambitious and self-driven professional able to offer and energetically deliver an exciting vision for the company’s future, and manage the journey required to successfully achieve it.

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE MUST DEMONSTRATE

• Experience of management at a senior level in the education and/or arts sectors, with an awareness of national assessment and inspection frameworks
• Staff management skills and a motivating and inclusive style
• Ability to identify opportunities, take initiative, and command the respect of peers and associates, demonstrating honesty and integrity in all dealings
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, interpersonal abilities, and strategic thinking and planning
• Knowledge and experience of financial procedures and regulatory compliance and responsibilities
• Proficiency in influencing, negotiating, and finding common ground and agreement
• Resilience, self-motivation, clear vision and the ability to defend and promote CDMT’s mission
• Commitment to equal opportunities and the charity’s values
• Education to a minimum of Degree level
• The guile to engage with the pertinent issues of the time and to endeavour to shape the future for the benefit of CDMT

SUMMARY OF DIRECTOR’S ACTIVITIES

• Set CDMT strategy, vision and direction with Board support
• Establish corporate values, rewards quality and success in a culture of equal opportunity
• Create business plans, allocates capital in support of aims, produces budgets and monitors finances
• Cultivate key relationships, influences decision-makers, develops suitable partnerships and networks
• Strengthen CDMT’s reputation through representations to government, industry bodies and media
• Lead, inspire and build teams of highly qualified staff, consultants with effective use of resources
• Chair meetings and ensures success of operational policies, membership committees and inspections
• Utilise sector intelligence to reinforce the company’s standing through targeted initiatives
• Oversee reports to the Charity Commission, Companies House, HMRC, Pensions Regulator etc (acting as Company Secretary)
• Manage risk assessments and mitigating actions, seek legal and professional advice where necessary.

About The Role

This is an integral leadership position where you’ll drive the evolution and implementation of our people strategy, champion our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) agenda, and serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and Executive Team. You’ll lead a talented team, enhance our policies and practices, and ensure our people operations are aligned with our mission to support children, schools, and communities across the UK.

You’ll play a key role in shaping a workplace culture that is inclusive, values-driven, and high-performing—ensuring our people feel supported, empowered, and proud to be part of Place2Be.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and strengthen the People & Culture team, fostering a collaborative and high-impact environment
• Advise and influence senior leadership and the CEO on strategic people matters and organisational culture
• Champion our values across all people policies, processes, and communications
• Drive operational excellence across recruitment, performance, employee relations, and engagement
• Lead the implementation of our EDI strategy and co-chair the EDI Steering Group
• Oversee employee engagement initiatives, including surveys and feedback forums
• Ensure compliance with HR policies, safeguarding, and legal obligations
• Manage the People & Culture budget and contribute to governance and risk management

What We’re Looking For

 
• Proven experience leading a successful People & Culture function in a values-led organisation
• Strategic thinker with a strong track record in policy development and team leadership
• Trusted advisor with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive cultural change

For a career with purpose, this is your place.

Recruitment Process:

As part of your application you will need to answer some shortlisting questions. Please answer these as fully as you can, we recommend using the STAR model. Situation, Task, Action Result.

Closing date for applications: Midnight on 07/11/2025

1st Interview date: via Teams - W/C 17/11/2025

2nd Interview date: In person - W/C 24/11/2025

Our Benefits

When you work at Place2Be –whether that's in a school, supporting families, providing clinical supervision, or in IT, Finance, or Fundraising –every role can make the difference to a young person. To achieve this, we ask that you bring your best self to your role and our commitment to you, is to welcome you into our community, and help you progress. Because we know that you being at your best, means the best outcomes for the children we support.

Here’s just a few things we have on offer:

• Annual Leave that increases with service
• Comprehensive learning and development to enable you to progress your career
• 5% contributory pension scheme
• Life assurance of four times your annual salary
• A comprehensive employee assistance programme
• Mobile Phone Discounts (EE network)
• Wellbeing days to allow you some ‘you’ time
• Christmas holidays closure period in addition to your annual leave

We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented within our organisation.

We are proud to be a disability confident employer and will ask you during your application If you wish to be considered for a guaranteed interview under the disability confident scheme. Under the scheme we commit to offering an interview to disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria as outlined in the job role.

If you have any questions about the scheme, or require any adjustments to help you complete an application then please contact the recruitment team.

We recognise that AI is becoming part of daily life and you may want to use it to help you format your CV, create responses to application questions or even help you prepare responses. AI can be a powerful enabler and we are open to you using it to apply for roles with us, but we ask you to ensure anything you submit truly represents your capabilities and viewpoint. We value honesty, integrity and creativity and want to understand what you will uniquely bring to our team. 

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

In this pivotal role, you’ll be the central source of safeguarding expertise - advising senior leaders, shaping strategy, and ensuring best practice is embedded throughout our services. You’ll lead on strategy, practice, training, data analysis, and multi-agency collaboration, all while promoting a culture of empowerment, co-production, and service user voice.

What we’re looking for:
• Extensive safeguarding experience with children and/or vulnerable adults
• A relevant health/social care qualification (e.g. Social Work Degree)
• Strategic thinker with strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills
• Commitment to social justice and the Christian values of the YMCA

Why join us?
You’ll be part of a forward-thinking team making a real difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals. We offer flexible working, professional development, and this role provides the opportunity to shape safeguarding practice at every level.

Location: Minimum 3 days in our central hub, (currently Hatfield moving to Watford in April’26), with the ability to work flexibly across Herts, Beds, Bucks & beyond. There may be some occasional evening meetings as part of the role.

We look forward to receiving your application and learning more about how your skills, experience, and passion align with this role. Joining our team means contributing to meaningful work that makes a real difference — and we can’t wait to hear from you!

Important: We do not provide visa sponsorship; you must be eligible to work in the UK. You must reside in the UK for the duration of your employment and provide Right to Work evidence.

As some of our roles involve working with vulnerable members of society, this position may require a Basic or Enhanced Criminal Disclosure, which will be conducted once a conditional offer is made

Previous Applications: We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. However, if you have applied for a similar role within the last 6 months and were not successful, please consider whether your experience has developed further before reapplying

Accessibility & Adjustments: We are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and will strive to be as accommodating as possible. Please inform us in advance of any arrangements you may need to fully participate in the process.

At One YMCA we are an inclusive organisation and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We do not discriminate on the basis of Age, Disability, Gender Reassignment, Marriage/Civil Partnership, Pregnancy/Maternity, Race, Religion/Belief, Sex and/or Sexual Orientation. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities, and industries, and are committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills, experiences, and abilities.

About the role 

This is an exciting opportunity to join ATLEU, a leading anti-trafficking and human rights charity. We are looking for an inclusive, creative, talented facilitator, with exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills to be our Participation Manager.

The Participation Manager will facilitate survivors of trafficking to use their experiences to support the development of ATLEU’s work and services and to improve policy and practice across the anti-trafficking and legal advice sectors. Working with group members, this individual will be responsible for supporting the expansion of the group  (The Changemakers) and the remit of ATLEU’s participation work from January 2026 when the current projects come to a close, ensuring new members are inducted and supported to engage and lead in future projects. The overall aim of the participation and activism work is to integrate survivors at all levels within ATLEU, as well as creating a project that offers different levels of engagement, depending on the interests and capacity of individual group members.

The Participation Manager is a key member of the Rise and Lead project team, which is a groundbreaking new employment pathways project in partnership with Southeast and East Asian Centre (SEEAC) and Voice of Domestic Workers for those with experience of human trafficking and migration. 

The successful candidate will have direct experience of working with vulnerable individuals, ideally survivors of trafficking, a strong understanding of the challenges survivors face and be committed to shifting power to people with lived experience. They will have a flexible approach and understand what empowerment means in its truest sense, allowing the structure of the work to be led by the needs of the group rather than with a predetermined or fixed idea of what this will look like.
 

About ATLEU

Our vision is a just world where no one is enslaved or exploited. 

Our mission is to secure safety, rights and justice for survivors of human trafficking by using and challenging the law.

Our strategic priorities are: 

1. To provide a model of high quality holistic legal support to survivors of human trafficking and exploitation

2. To tackle systemic injustice through strategic litigation and pursuing policy change

3. To build survivor leadership and influence within ATLEU and across the sector

4. To strengthen the capacity of advice, frontline and community organisations to meet the needs of survivors

5. To invest in and support our people to ensure we are effective and sustainable

Our values are:

There is always another way

We are persistent, resourceful and creative in our approach.  We do the hard work to make justice accessible.  We don’t give up in the fight for fairness and freedom.

We make the time. We listen. We hear

We take the time to really listen to our clients and colleagues. We want to restore autonomy and agency from where it was stolen.  We give advice, not tell you what to do. If you fight, we fight.  Our clients’ needs come first.

Knowledge is for sharing.

We lead the way in our knowledge and expertise of reforming the law. The strength of our team comes from our willingness to collaborate and share.  We put our work before pride and always ask for help. Power of our knowledge comes through sharing it with others to secure justice and reform the law.

Although just a small team, ATLEU’s work has led to significant changes in law and policy. Since we were established in 2013, we have led the way in ensuring that survivors of trafficking have access to free, independent legal advice by enabling access to legal aid, across the range of issues survivors experience. For example, our litigation against the Legal Aid Agency led to their concession that legal aid provision was insufficient for victims of trafficking and an increase in the number of trafficking compensation cases that legal aid providers were contractually able to assist with each year (from 5 up to 100). Following litigation on behalf of our client LL, the Legal Aid Agency agreed that victims of trafficking were legally entitled to free immigration advice on applying for leave to remain in the UK on the basis of their trafficking experiences and publicised this entitlement.

Employment Information 

Job Title: Participation Manager (Lived Experience)

Job Term: Permanent 

Location: London based with hybrid working. We can offer flexible working arrangements but the role will require regular office attendance

Hours: 21 hrs per week

Salary Band: £31,374 – £37,772 pro rata per year.  Starting salary will depend on the level of candidate’s experience

Pension: 7% pension contribution 

Leave: 33 days a year (including bank holidays), with an increase of 1 day per year for each complete year of service, capped at 30 days plus bank holidays per year (38 days).

Benefits: Individual training budget and employee wellbeing programme, monthly team lunches and a personal wellbeing fund.

Probation period: 6-month probation period 

Reports to: Policy Manager

Objectives of the post 

• To lead on the development of ATLEU’s participation strategy including a plan for implementation. 

• To develop ATLEU’s Changemakers expert by experience group so that it is sustainable, resilient and inclusive and able to deliver its strategic objectives.

• To build the power of survivors within ATLEU to influence organisational strategy and decision making and inform ATLEU’s services and priorities. 

Main Responsibilities 

Strategy development

1. Using the framework of ATLEU’s 5-year strategic plan, develop ATLEU’s participation strategy creating an annual plan to deliver on our organisational vision. 

2. Develop and maintain positive relationships across ATLEU’s team staying up to date with different areas of organisational work in order to create opportunities for collaboration and coproduction with the Changemakers, finding flexible and creative ways to integrate new opportunities into the annual plan. 

Developing ATLEU’s Changemakers group

3. Recruit and induct people with lived experience of trafficking to be active participants in the Changemakers.

4. To facilitate meetings of the Changemakers ensuring activities are accessible and inclusive for all participants.

5. To secure opportunities for skills and knowledge development through internal and external training.

6. Conduct needs assessments to identify safeguarding, support needs and development goals and provide practical and emotional support where required.

7. Nurturing the wellbeing and solidarity of the group, providing individual pastoral support, coordinating reflective practice sessions and group activities.

8. Review, adapt, and agree terms of reference and foundational values with the group. 

9. To manage the annual lived experience budget.
 

Building the power of survivors within ATLEU 

10. To be an effective liaison between the group and the Director, trustees and wider staff team.

11. Understanding how ATLEU works as an organisation and its key activities and facilitating regular communication between Changemakers and ATLEU’s people. 

12. Create opportunities for collaboration, co-creation and leadership for ATLEU’s Changemakers members.

13. Identifying potential opportunities for Changemakers to take on paid roles within the organisation, defining the scope of the role, recruitment/ selection of individuals for the roles, and supporting individuals to gain experience of working independently (eg. peer research training development, training delivery).

14. To take a creative and flexible approach to working with the group, to understand their priorities and goals and find ways to steer and adapt their ideas so that they can be delivered within an organisational context. 

15. Work with ATLEU’s Director, Head of Operations and People and Inclusion Manager to create pathways for people with lived experience of trafficking to participate in ATLEU’s governance and decision-making, including at trustee board level and development of funding proposals. 

16. Support the delivery of ATLEU’s Rise and Lead Fellowship project helping to create an employment pathway for people with lived experience of human trafficking and migration in the advice and anti-trafficking sector. 

17. Support the Rise and Lead Project Manager with the development of a bespoke inclusive recruitment programme and the delivery of the training fellowship, and the project monitoring and evaluation and dissemination of learning. 

Coproduction with the Changemakers

18. Working with ATLEU’s Changemakers to act as agents of change, to influence external stakeholders (e.g. anti-trafficking organisations, policy makers, parliamentarians, media) and share their expertise, whilst ensuring the necessary safeguarding is in place. 

19. To work with the Policy Manager and Communications and Public Affairs Officer to facilitate people with lived experience of trafficking to inform, shape and co-produce: 

• Training 

• Information / legal resources

• Peer Research reports

• Monitoring and evaluation (ATLEU’s services/ Rise and Lead) 

• Policy & Communication materials

• Events

20. To find ways to cultivate respect for lived experience, and encourage inclusive practices in the sector, such as through engagement with the Lived Experience Coalition 

Professional Development 

21. To take responsibility for self-development on a continuous basis, including undertaking on-the-job and other training as required. 

22. To discuss regularly with the Policy Manager your job performance and personal career development. 

23. To participate fully in ATLEU’s appraisal process. 

Other Duties 

24. To play a full role in the organisation supporting colleagues to maximise their effectiveness. 

25. To support and adhere to ATLEU’s equal opportunities policy and to always act in an ethical manner that upholds the good reputation of ATLEU. 

26. To ensure that the terms of ATLEU’s funders are adhered to in all aspects of ATLEU’s delivery and to provide information for proposals and reports as required. 

27. To attend and participate in staff meetings. 

28. To support ATLEU’s social media presence in line with the organisation’s strategic objectives. 

29. To represent ATLEU at external meetings and where necessary and to attend meetings, occasionally including those out of normal working hours, when necessary. To travel between ATLEU’s offices as required. 

30. To undertake additional duties as may become necessary.

Please refer to the attachment below for further information and the full person specification.

We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian, Minority-Ethnic and refugee and migrant backgrounds and from those with lived experience of the issues that ATLEU seeks to tackle. 

Please note that candidates must be able to work in the UK and will be offered the job subject to suitable references and a DBS check. If you are appointed to the role, you will be required to provide further checks on your criminal records status throughout your employment. 

We are holding two online information sessions on Zoom in English for applicants to find out more about the role. Details are as follows. A Zoom joining link can be found in the downloadable job pack:

Date:    Thursday 23rd October 

Time:    6.30 - 7.15pm

Meeting ID:     Zoom 889 0469 8513

Passcode:  308237

Date:    Wednesday 5th November 

Time:    1 - 1.45pm

Meeting ID:     Zoom 871 8268 7260

Passcode:  587053

​

NB. Please feel free to attend these information sessions with your camera turned off or using a different name if that would make you feel more comfortable in the space. 

Application Process 

Key dates

• Information sessions will be held on Thursday 23 October, 6pm - 6.45pm and Wednesday 5 November, 1pm - 1.45pm.

• The deadline for applications is 23:30 on Sunday 16 November.Applications received after this time will not be considered. 

• First round interviews will be held in person on Tuesday 2 and Wednesday 3 December. 

• Second round interviews will be held in person on Wednesday 10 December. 

Please confirm your availability to attend first and second round interviews in your cover letter.

If you do not hear from us by Friday 28 November, it means that you have not been shortlisted for an interview. We regret that we do not have capacity to provide feedback to applicants who are not invited for an interview. 

Please ensure that your cover letter addresses the following three points:

1. Why you wish to work for ATLEU. 

2. How your previous experience demonstrates that you meet the essential Experience and Knowledge criteria, as well as any of desirable criteria if applicable, and 

3. Evidence that you have the following skills and abilities:

   • (i) Ability to build rapport with a wide range of people and to communicate sensitively and sympathetically with traumatised and/or vulnerable people.

   • (ii) Insightful, creative and courageous with the ability to challenge traditional thinking and push for change. 

   • (iii) Excellent interpersonal skills, professional manner, able to develop strong working relationships and effective alliances. 

   • (iv) Ability to manage effective collaboration. 

Please also include the following information:

• Contact telephone number 

• Email address

• Confirmation of availability to attend first and second round interviews, if invited.

Inclusion at ATLEU

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. We believe that diversity drives innovation, strengthens our teams, and leads to better outcomes for everyone. Each individual is valued for their unique perspectives, cultures, and circumstances, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment where all employees feel supported, empowered, and able to thrive.

We actively encourage applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. We particularly welcome applicants from groups underrepresented in our sector, including individuals from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities and those with lived experience of migration or trafficking. Please let us know of any reasonable adjustments needed during the recruitment process or in the role — we are happy to discuss how we can best support you.

We are delighted to be partnering with STEM Learning to find their next Head of Fundraising. 

Fundraising has developed rapidly for the organisation in recent years, with investment, board-level commitment and a growing team driving success. With strong foundations in place and a portfolio of high-value partnerships across corporate, trust, foundation, and major donor income, they are now poised to scale their strategic influence and deepen their impact.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and leading a five-strong team, the Head of Fundraising will shape and deliver the long-term fundraising strategy, strengthen the organisation's positioning as a trusted, high-impact partner, and drive sustainable, multi-year income growth that enables transformational change.

As Head of Fundraising, you will: 

• Lead the development and delivery of a high-level fundraising strategy, securing multi-year six-figure+ partnerships across corporates, trusts, foundations, major donors and HNWIs
• Manage, develop and inspire a team of 5 direct reports (responsibility for 7), fostering a proactive, collaborative and high-performing culture
• Engage senior stakeholders including the CEO, Chair, Trustees and senior partners to unlock networks and open opportunities
• Represent the organisation at senior-level networking events, conferences and sector forums, influencing decision-makers and strengthening brand positioning

Essential skills and experience: 

• A strategic, senior-level fundraiser with a proven track record delivering six-figure, multi-year partnerships from corporates. Experience across trusts, foundations, and/or major donors highly desirable
• A proactive new business mindset, with eagerness to meet with donors and attend events
• Strategic leadership experience, with proven ability to motivate and develop fundraising teams
• An experienced relationship-builder who has used confidence and gravitas to engage CEOs, trustees, C-suite leaders and high-net-worth individuals — and successfuly make compelling asks

STEM Learning offer a sector-leading employee benefits package, which includes 30 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays and up to 15% employer pension contributions. 

This is a mostly home-based role, with travel to N.England and London for office time and meetings. There are travel-cost reimbursements available - please discuss. 

Detailed briefing notes and full support with CV and cover letter will be provided for suitable applicants.