Head of advocacy and campaign impact jobs in lewisham, greater london
ShareAction is an independent charity and an expert on responsible investment. We work to build a world where the financial system serves our planet and its people. We set ambitious standards for how financial institutions, through their investment decisions, can protect our planet and its people and campaign for this approach to become the norm. We convene shareholders to collectively push companies to tackle the climate crisis, protect nature, improve workers’ rights and shape healthier societies. In the UK and EU, we advocate for financial regulation that has society’s best interests at its core.
What you’ll do
ShareAction’s Financial Sector Research team works towards holding financial institutions accountable for their impact on globally important challenges such as tackling climate change, upholding human rights and reversing biodiversity loss.
Asset managers, insurance companies and banks hold a huge amount of influence over the world’s largest companies through their investment and underwriting activities. Our reports rank many of the world’s largest financial institutions on their approach to environmental and social issues, pushing for and facilitating change in the financial sector.
In this role, you will have the opportunity to:
- Lead the delivery of our 2026 benchmark of some of the world’s largest insurance companies (following our 2024 report), using your project management and research skills to ensure timely delivery of a high-quality publication and support the development of junior researchers in the team.
- Coordinate with civil society allies, executing the survey in collaboration with external partners for the first time, as well as continuing to work synergistically with other leading global NGOs.
- Present our work externally and engage with financial institutions, regulators, and industry bodies to provide detailed recommendations for improvement, supporting parallel workstreams on our benchmarks of asset managers and European banks.
Leading a small team of dedicated researchers within the Financial Sector Research team, you will support the Head of the team to ensure delivery of the insurance sector benchmark, one of ShareAction’s key reports ranking financial institutions. This involves organising the team to collect information from institutions and databases, analyse quantitative and qualitative data, produce engaging graphics to communicate results and translate this analysis into actionable steps for financial institutions to take. You would collaborate with teams across ShareAction and strengthen connections with other NGOs and external experts to ensure the rigour of this research.
This is a very exciting time to be joining the team. ShareAction is currently reviewing our strategy for work on the insurance sector, and this role therefore presents an opportunity to help shape the dialogue on how the benchmarks connect with engagement and campaigning expertise in ShareAction to achieve maximum impact.
We are looking for a person with excellent project management and communication skills, experience of research and a passion to make a difference within the financial sector at a challenging and critical time.
This will be a 6-month fixed-term position to cover the leave for an existing role.
What you’ll bring to the team
Essential
- Demonstrated experience in project management, with excellent organisational and time management skills.
- Proven ability to manage competing demands and support junior staff members to deliver high-quality work and meet deadlines.
- Strong research experience in one or more of the following areas: economics, finance, sustainability, climate, biodiversity, labour rights, or public health.
- A good understanding of responsible investment and its implications for different types of financial institutions, as well as the current state of play, trends and challenges.
- Line management experience and the ability to motivate and develop a small, dedicated team of driven researchers.
- Proven ability to handle relationships with multiple external stakeholders.
- Any experience programming (ideally in Python) and interest in further developing this expertise.
- Advanced Excel skills.
- Strong communication skills in written and spoken English.
- A passion for the work ShareAction does and for making change happen.
Desirable
- Experience working in or with the finance sector.
- Experience in conducting surveys and/or carrying out qualitative or quantitative research on financial institutions.
- Experience integrating innovative tools into research processes, particularly AI tools.
- Deep subject matter knowledge in climate change, biodiversity, human rights and/or public health.
- Experience of project management in a matrix management environment.
- Experience with Microsoft Office 365, particularly SharePoint.
- Experience with CRM systems, ideally Salesforce.
- Any experience programming (ideally in Python) and interest in further developing this expertise.
We welcome anyone who shares our passion for environmental and social justice through the transformation of the financial sector. Please feel free to apply even if you’re not sure you tick every box.
What we will do for you
We are a fast-paced organisation that has grown substantially over the past few years. We recognise that our people work hard to advocate for responsible investment and drive meaningful engagement with those who have the power to create a brighter future. Every day, they bring their expertise, passion and persistence to build a world where the financial system serves our people and planet. We want to ensure we provide the right environment for our colleagues to thrive, and we are committed to improving our employee offer where possible.
Currently, we are pleased to offer:
- A commitment to flexible working: over 60% of our employees have some sort of flexible working arrangement in place.
- Hybrid working: we are committed to supporting our staff to work in a way that suits their lifestyle and meets the requirements of their role.
- Internal promotion and development opportunities: we offer a range of ways to improve your skills and focus on what you love, including promotion, secondment, or sideways development opportunities. For some levels of roles, we also offer direct progression.
- The opportunity to help make a difference: we tackle some of the world’s biggest social and environmental challenges. We offer opportunities for you to develop your skills and experience in a friendly, flexible and supportive working environment.
- A unionised work environment: our staff have the opportunity to join the union, and are supported by our recognised union, Unite. We regularly consult and negotiate with our employees on workplace matters ranging from working conditions to pay.
- Regular in-person meetings, including all-staff away days, retreats and directorate strategy days to create connected teams.
- 8% non-contributory pension, invested with NEST and their green funds.
- A healthcare plan with Bupa.
- An employee assistance programme: advice and support, lifestyle discounts and short-term counselling.
- Death in Service cover of 3x salary.
- 25 days’ annual leave (increasing with length of service) plus office closure at the end of the year, ensuring everyone gets time to switch off together.
- Enhanced family leave pay: up to 18 weeks paid at 90% for either parent.
- Enhanced sick pay starting at 5 weeks’ full pay from day 1.
- Season ticket loan and cycle-to-work scheme.
ShareAction currently operates a hybrid working policy, with staff permitted to work either in our office or remotely. The Financial Sector Research team normally meets in the office once a week, with some flexibility possible.
ShareAction values and respects all differences in people (seen and unseen) and welcomes applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries. We are committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills, experiences and abilities, and we are working hard to provide an environment where all can bring their authentic selves to work. We know that some people won’t apply for a role unless they meet all the requirements listed in the job description. If this is the case for you, but you think you would excel in this role, we want to hear from you!
For further information and to apply, please visit our website via the Apply button.
Closing date: 9.00 am on Monday, 7 July 2025.
First-round interviews: w/c 14 July 2025 (online).
Second-round interviews: w/c 21 July 2025 (online).
To be considered for this post, you must be legally eligible to work in the UK; unfortunately, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship.
We are seeking an employment law adviser to fill the post of National Officer Employment Law. As a professionally qualified Solicitor or Legal Executive with 2 years post-qualified experience you will lead our legal team and provide professional legal advice on employment law matters. The National Officer Employment Law role is pivotal in supporting our Senior Management Team, staff, and members, ensuring that our legal services are effective and aligned with the union's objectives of building union power.
Salary and Location
- Band 5, London Spine points 21-17 or Regional Spine points 23-19
- London Starting salary: £63,279 p.a. rising to £72,098 p.a. or Regional Starting salary: £58,877 p.a. rising to £67,689 in annual increments
- London or Region
Successful candidates for the National Officer Employment Law will be able to demonstrate:
- Proven experience in employment law and legal management.
- Strong leadership and people management skills.
- Excellent communication and negotiation abilities.
- Commitment to promoting equality and diversity in the workplace.
- Ability to work collaboratively and manage complex legal issues.
The main duties of the National Officer Employment Law role include:
- Delivering expert legal guidance and representation on employment law issues.
- Conducting legal research, drafting claims, and other legal documents.
- Managing a team of legal professionals, overseeing casework management and ensuring alignment with the union's strategic goals.
You will be committed to developing your team, through training, appraisal and the use of technology and you will be able to show how you maintain and share your up-to-date knowledge of employment legislation. An understanding of the political processes in the UK and the role and work of trade unions is essential for the National Officer Employment Law role.
Closing date: at 12 midday on Friday 13 June 2025
Interviews will be held by Zoom: Wednesday 2 July 2025
Selected applicants may be invited to a second interview on Friday 4 July 2025
About PCS
PCS is the Public and Commercial Services Union, representing many thousands of members working in the civil service and related areas.
Employer Benefits
You will have access to a generous package of staff benefits including
- flexible working (including hybrid working)
- childcare and family support
- generous maternity/paternity leave
- 32 days leave and Christmas closure
- pension scheme
- employee assistance programme
Learning and Development
The union offers a wide range of learning and development opportunities. We will work with you to support your continued professional development.
PCS Recruiting Process
We use CVMinder to manage all recruitment activities. It helps us to maintain our commitment to equality and diversity by ensuring that we are fair and compliant with our recruiting practices.
Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified.
Candidates invited for interview are required to make themselves available on the date/s specified. Interview dates cannot be changed to accommodate candidates who are unavailable to attend on the specified date.
- CVs will not be accepted. Please see the job description/person specification and follow the application process.
- PCS is working towards equal opportunities and is positive about disabled people.
- All posts can be considered on a full-time, part-time or job share basis.
Please view our guidance for applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION: NATIONAL OFFICER EMPLOYMENT LAW
Ref: 0325
Grade: Band 5, London or Region
Salary:
London Spine points 21-17
London Starting salary £63,279 p.a. rising to £72,098 p.a.
Regional Spine points 23 -19
Regional Spine points £58,877 p.a. rising to £67,689 p.a.
Location: London/Region
Purpose of the job:
To lead on and deliver professional legal advice, guidance, and representation on employment law matters to the Senior Management Team, Staff, NEC and members.
To undertake a management role with direct responsibility for two Legal & Employment Rights Managers (Senior Paralegals).
Responsible to: Band 6, Head of Legal & Equality
Responsible for: Band 4 Legal & Employment Rights Managers (Senior Paralegals /Junior Lawyers)
Contacts
External:
PCS Members, elected officials and potential members. Employers, Legal and other advisors. TUC, Members of other trade unions and related bodies. MPs, pressure groups, campaigning bodies and media.
Internal:
PCS Staff and managers across Regions, Senior Management Team, National Management Team and other PCS Departments.
Main duties and responsibilities
1.Key areas
- Conduct legal research into past cases and documents
- Draft and prepare claims or other legal documents
- Provide legal advice to SMT, NEC, members
- Negotiate settlements on behalf of PCS members
- Keep up to date with new developments in employment legislation
- Provide employment law briefings to PCS staff about changes in employment legislation
- Advise members and Reps on wrongful termination and unfair dismissal claims, including reviewing dismissal procedures and advocating for members' rights
- Assist members and reps in cases of workplace discrimination, harassment, or retaliation based on factors such as age, gender, race, disability, or other protected characteristics
- Contribute to the development of the Unions policy objectives including the PCS planning process
- Provide leadership in delivering the unions Legal and Employment Rights strategy
- Provide support and have direct involvement through the National Management Team (NMT) in the unions bargaining, organising, campaigning, equality, learning and digital agendas
- Manage people and resources in the Legal and Employment Rights Unit
- Provide advice to relevant committees including the preparation and presentation of reports
- Monitor and report on issues and initiatives as requested
- Provide input into budgetary processes including bid preparation, monitoring and control where relevant
2.People Management
- Manage work allocation and workflow, future planning and support for officer team/line manager
- Motivate and manage individuals and the team as a whole to provide a high standard of service
- Check work standards and maintain consistent quality of delegated tasks
- Seek to continuously improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the team
- Through induction, the appraisal system and one-to-ones, identify staff training and development needs, train or organise formal/informal training
- Proactively promote diversity in line with the wider PCS approach
- Apply the staff conduct policies as and when required e.g. discipline, grievance, capability, dignity at work and IT security policies
- Provide advice and deal with complex issues related to staff management including disciplinary or grievance in consultation with Line Manager
- Ensure that the health, safety and welfare of staff is maintained and improved, in accordance with PCS and statutory policies
- Work effectively with lay officials
- Deputise for Line Manager when required
3.Communication
- Ensure digitalisation, information & communication methods are effectively implemented and used to generate improvements
- Draft complex communications including briefs and reports
- Communicate with members by producing circulars and briefings, and by addressing meetings and conferences etc
- As necessary, represent PCS and liaise with outside bodies
4.Casework Management
- Advise in the handling of personal casework
- Liaise with Solicitors, internal and external bodies on the handling of personal casework
- Represent PCS or PCS members at official bodies such as employment tribunals, Civil Service Appeal Board, etc.
- Maintain and improve own knowledge of the developments in employment law and practice
5.Team Working
- Proactively promote team working
- Initiate, organise, lead and participate in team meetings as appropriate
- Maintain high levels of confidentiality of sensitive issues at all times
- Provide assistance to team members
6.Equality
- Contribute to PCS policies on equal opportunities by developing innovative workplace strategies to tackle inequality and discrimination
7.General
- Participate and input information into PCS planning and budgeting processes
- At all times implement and promote the PCSs equal opportunities policy and adhere to the PCS Values
- Take due and reasonable care of self and others in respect of health and safety at work
- Participate in appraisal, training and development systems
- Act in a manner that enhances the work of the PCS and its overall public image
- In all work activities, comply with data protection legislation and PCSs requirements for the protection of personal information and the privacy of individuals
- Staff at this grade may be assigned or transferred to posts within grade. A training & development programme will be provided to assist with this, where required such other duties that may reasonably be required and that are within the level of the responsibility of this post
- Willing to work outside normal office hours and location on occasion (e.g. attendance at Annual Delegate Conference, where required)
Person Specification: NATIONAL OFFICER EMPLOYMENT LAW
Ref: 0325
Date: May 2025
Location: London/Region
ESSENTIAL FACTORS
QUALIFICATIONS
- Qualified Solicitor/Legal Executive with 2 years post-qualified experience
EXPERIENCE
- Proven experience in employment law and legal management, including advocacy and representation
- People management including induction, work allocation, appraisal and conduct
- Leading committees and teams
- Industrial relations and negotiations
- High level project management, problem solving and decision making
TRAINING
(including continuous professional development)
- Evidence of ongoing training and continuing professional development
- Commitment to undertake job-related training
- Commitment to participation in appraisal and development review process
- Commitment to staff development
KNOWLEDGE
- Understanding of the political processes in the UK and the role and work of trade unions
- Budget monitoring and control processes
- Employment rights, equality legislation, discrimination law and working practices
- Impact and use of Digital and IT applications in a trade union
SKILLS
- Ability to communicate effectively using written and oral channels, including reports and presentations, with a variety of audiences
- Ability to negotiate and form effective working relationships internally and externally
- Ability to work collaboratively and manage complex legal issues
- Ability to identify and set standards and priorities
- Ability to provide strategic and policy implementation advice and guidance
OTHER
- Commitment to the application of Equal Opportunities policies and practices at work
- Understanding of own role in maintaining legal compliances within PCS (e.g. data protection; health and safety)
- Flexible approach to work and willing to work outside of normal office hours and location on occasions
About the role
The Director of Membership Services provides strategic leadership for the Membership Services directorate and is therefore responsible for the development and implementation of all Imperial College Union strategy relating to Student Activities, Representation, Advice, Governance and Policy. The role ensure the delivery and resourcing of operating plans, policy and operating procedures to ensure that the Union delivers its strategic objectives across its Membership Services.
The successful candidate will ensure that the directorate develops and delivers impactful and inclusive services which champion and enhance the Student Experience at Imperial College. They will ensure that the Union values of integrity, inclusivity, and innovation guide the work of the directorate, and will develop and maintain excellent working relationships with internal, College and external stakeholders. They will also be a member of the Union’s Operational Management Group and Leadership Team, and as such will be responsible for the strategic development of the Union and ensuring that the Union works towards delivering its mission and aims.
This role requires strategic thinking, operational expertise, and the ability to build effective relationships. Candidates should have experience managing budgets, leading teams, and driving innovation within a membership or student-focused organisation. The ability to work collaboratively while delivering student-centred initiatives is key to success in this position.
Applications are encouraged from individuals with similar professional backgrounds who are passionate about creating an inclusive and engaging university experience. We welcome applicants who share our principles and are committed to fostering a welcoming and dynamic environment.
This role is open to consultants and secondments will be considered for the right candidate.
Please note this is a Fixed Term Maternity Cover role.
What you would be doing
- Strategic Management and Leadership
- Staff Management
- Financial Management
- Service Development and Delivery
- Health and Safety Management
- Ethical and Environmental Management
- Other duties, broadly in line with above key responsibilities
What we are looking for
- Appropriate experience of management and leadership of teams in a Students’ Union or similar environment
- Experience of managing multiple budgets
- Successfully building partnerships for the benefit or the reputation of an organisation
- Experience of working effectively in student or membership led environment
- A working knowledge of membership-led activities
- Ability to work in a complex environment with the skills to develop productive
relationships with a range of stakeholders
Please see Job Description and Person Specification for full list of duties and responsibilities.
What we can offer you
Please note this role is with the Students’ Union. We’re a registered charity in our right, with our own governance, systems, processes, and objectives. However, we work extremely closely with Imperial College London, so you’ll also be joining a wider community of staff working within higher education. If you’ve never worked in a students’ union, or are unsure why it’s different, we encourage you to get in contact. It’s a brilliant place to work.
As an employee of Imperial College, you will be part of lively community and work in a friendly and relaxed environment. Our aim is to provide to all our employees an encouraging and relaxed working environment with an emphasis on personal development and work-life balance. Based on that we offer:
- flexible working hours
- generous pension scheme
- 25 days holiday (plus 6/7 extra days per year for College Christmas and Easter closures)
- bicycle loan scheme
- season ticket loan
- health benefits
- excellent professional development opportunities and many more.
More information can be found on the Imperial College Benefits page. Please see link on College website.
Further information
To apply for the role please complete the online application form.
We are running a characteristic anonymised application process for this recruitment as part of the College’s commitment to equal opportunities and eliminating discrimination. Applicants will be assigned an application reference number and applicants’ names will not be visible to recruiting managers until the interview stage. You will not be required to attach a CV. Please also refrain from including your name in your supporting statement.
Should you require any further details on the role please contact the People team (email on application site).
Closing date: 29 June 2025
Interviews expected to take place week commencing 7th July 2025.
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 other racial minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce. If there are any reasonable adjustments needed through the process, we will accommodate as much as possible.
As part of our commitment to sustainability, every role within Imperial College Union contributes to our environmental and social goals. This includes actively participating in initiatives to reduce waste, conserve energy, and promote eco-friendly practices within every department.
35 hours a week: Flexibility available to structure around evening/afterschool hours and weekend sessions
Hybrid role (working from the office in Morden, home and in other locations)
We are looking for an outgoing and self-motivated individual to help drive and develop vision, mission and strategy to progress the youth work of both the Schools and College Pastors initiatives under the Ascension Trust umbrella and as lead for the Synergy Network.
The focus in this role:
- Coordinating and supporting the Schools and College Pastor initiatives and developing strategies to grow and strengthen the work of our teams and also to promote the network and collaborations with other organisations.
- Enthuse and engage with stakeholders who want to work to combat serious youth violence, including faith groups, police and public sector.
- Develop and implement a future strategy for School and College Pastors and the Synergy Network.
- Develop funding bids for future initiatives such as the prevention of serious youth violence, working with the Youth Endowment Fund, Violence Reduction Units, and developing funding streams for the School and College Pastor initiatives with appropriate funding bodies.
- Develop vision, strategy and training for growth in new and existing initiatives.
- Develop and maintain a communications strategy for the Synergy Network, including events organisation, website and social media maintenance.
- Support the Synergy Network board by organising events, maintaining the website and social media platforms.
- This is a role that allows for flexibility and creativity in approach with training and support available to grow the individual in post.
Further information about this opportunity can be found in the Job Specification.
Please click the Apply button for application details. We will not accept CVs in the absence of a completed application form.
Closing date: 30 June 2025
The postholder is required to be a Christian. The Equality Act 2010 Schedule 9, Part 1 applies to this post.
No enquiries from agencies or media sales.