123 Head of business development development policy and practice jobs

CENTRE FOR AGEING BETTER

Head of External Affairs (Maternity cover) - January 2027 start

· Maternity cover

· Salary £62,388 per annum

· Full or part time (minimum 4 days a week)

· Flexible working options will be supported.

· Central London Office and Hybrid working (at least 6 days a month office attendance)

We offer a pension scheme with employer contribution up to 10%, in addition you’ll receive 28 days holiday plus bank holidays, 24-hour access to a comprehensive employee assistance programme, cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan scheme and other benefits.

Help shape the UK's response to an ageing society

The Centre for Ageing Better is looking for an experienced, politically astute and ambitious Head of External Affairs to join us on a maternity cover contract.

This is a unique opportunity to lead one of the UK's most influential voices on ageing at a time of significant social, economic and political change. As Head of External Affairs, you will lead our communications, public affairs and campaigning work, helping us secure greater government attention, commitment and action on the opportunities and challenges of our ageing society.

Alongside leading a high-performing team, you will personally drive some of our most strategically important influencing priorities. Working closely with senior leaders across the organisation, you will lead high-profile programmes of work across our action areas of Work, Homes & Communities and Ageism & Inequality, helping to ensure that government, parliamentarians, local leaders and other decision-makers take meaningful action to improve the experience of ageing. These programmes will sit at the heart of our efforts to make ageing a mainstream political priority and secure practical policy change.

This is an ideal role for someone who combines outstanding strategic leadership with a track record of delivering high-impact public affairs, policy and communications programmes that have achieved real-world change.

About you

We're looking for someone who brings a blend of strategic leadership, political awareness and hands-on delivery experience.

You will have:

• Significant experience in public affairs, strategic communications, campaigning and policy influencing.
• A strong track record of securing policy, political or systems change through effective influencing and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience of working successfully with Westminster, Whitehall and other senior decision-makers.
• Demonstrable experience of developing policy positions and translating evidence, research and evaluation into compelling content and influencing narratives.
• Experience of leading high-profile programmes, campaigns or initiatives that have attracted government attention and resulted in action from decision-makers.
• A track record of developing and delivering integrated communications and influencing strategies that achieve measurable impact.
• Excellent writing, stakeholder management and political influencing skills.
• Strong leadership and people management experience, with the ability to motivate and develop high-performing teams.
• The ability to think strategically while also delivering complex projects and responding to a fast-changing external environment.

About us

The Centre for Ageing Better is an independent centre of excellence on ageing and demographic change. We work with national and local government, industries, businesses and community organisations to improve how people experience ageing. Our work focuses on creating better workplaces, homes and communities, while tackling ageism and addressing inequality in later life.

The Centre for Ageing Better is a charitable foundation funded by The National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF) and part of the government’s What Works Network. We are fortunate to have monies remaining from our endowment from the NLCF to fully fund us until 2029, and we will be looking for new funding opportunities to sustain activity beyond 2029.

We are striving to create an organisation that reflects our society and the communities we serve with a workplace where everyone feels empowered and where diversity of background and thought is celebrated. We know there is more work to be done and are committed to continuing to improve our practice around Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.

We very much welcome applications from minority groups and those underrepresented in our workforce. This especially includes people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBT+ people, and Disabled people. 

We are a Positive Action employer, therefore in recruitment where two candidates are ‘as qualified as’ each other, we will favour a candidate from any group identified as currently underrepresented in our team based on protected characteristics as outlined in the Equality Act 2010.

To Apply

To apply, please follow the link to complete an application form and Equality and Diversity form.

Please address in your supporting statement how you meet the person specification for the role as fully as possible to demonstrate why you should be shortlisted for an interview for this post.

Failure to do so will result in your application being automatically rejected.

We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace and the support that generative AI can offer. However, we would encourage you to write your supporting statement and complete your application without the use of AI and if you do use AI, to avoid copy and pasting and to consider the value it will add. We encourage you to showcase your experience and knowledge using your own unique voice.

The closing date for this role is 9am on Monday 28th September, with in- person interviews to take place during the week commencing 26th October with an expected W/C 4th January start date.

The National Biodiversity Network Trust is the UK charity dedicated to making biodiversity data accessible and useful. We co-ordinate the National Biodiversity Network, develop the NBN Atlas, support iNaturalistUK and are developing the NBN Record Manager. Our work connects biological recording, digital infrastructure and better decisions for nature across the UK. 

Our vision is Nature thriving everywhere, in all its diversity.
Our mission is Making data work for nature.

We are looking for an experienced leader to undertake a newly-created Head of Data & Digital role reporting to the Chief Executive Officer on a full-time fixed-term contract of 24 months.
 

Purpose of Job
 

• Lead the NBN Trust’s data and digital function, providing strategic and functional leadership across the NBN Atlas, related digital products and services, and the Trust’s wider data and digital portfolio.

• Line manages the Trust’s data and technical team managers, ensuring clear priorities, strong performance, proportionate governance, and effective delivery across business as usual, funded projects, and strategic development.

• Ensure the Trust’s data and digital work is led in a way that is inclusive, accessible, and supportive of a diverse range of staff, partners, and users.

• Deliver the Trust’s 2-year National Lottery Heritage Fund’s organisational sustainability project, “Building a Sustainable Future for the UK’s Biodiversity Data Heritage”, including the development and testing of value-added data and digital services, hosted products, and support offers that strengthen financial resilience without compromising the Trust’s public good role.

• Support the strategic direction, stewardship, and future sustainability of the NBN Atlas, related digital products and services, and the Trust’s wider technical delivery, ensuring that risks, opportunities, and investment choices are well managed.

•  Play an active role in the NBN Trust’s Executive Team, contributing to organisational planning, funding development, cross Trust collaboration, and external engagement where this supports delivery and the Trust’s wider strategic objectives.

• The role provides strategic and functional leadership across the Trust’s data and digital work, working closely with the Principal Software Engineer as the Trust’s senior software engineering lead. 

Main Responsibilities
 

Strategic Leadership and Function Management
 

·   Lead the Trust’s data and digital function, aligning work with organisational priorities, the NBN Atlas strategy, and the wider Operating Plan.

·   Provide strategic advice to the CEO and senior colleagues on delivery priorities, service development, digital risk, technical resilience, and future investment needs.

·   Translate complex technical, delivery, and service development issues into clear options, trade-offs, and recommendations for the CEO, Executive Team, Board, and relevant committees.

·   Lead, line manage, and develop the Trust’s data and technical managers, and relevant technical project staff, ensuring clear objectives, strong management practice, accountability, wellbeing support, and effective performance management.

·   Build leadership capacity within the function, supporting managers to develop their teams, handle performance issues well, and contribute positively to the Trust’s culture and ways of working.

·   Assess capacity, sequencing, and resource pressures across the data and digital portfolio, working with team managers to identify priorities, trade-offs, and resourcing needs and advise the CEO accordingly.

·   Work across the Trust to improve prioritisation, sequencing, decision making, and resource allocation across data and digital activity.

·      Champion inclusive leadership and equality, diversity and inclusion in team management, service design, recruitment, and ways of working, helping ensure the Trust’s data and digital function is accessible, supportive, and well-led.

Data Infrastructure, Services, and Innovation
 

·    Provide strategic leadership for the stewardship, prioritisation, development, and continuous improvement of the NBN Atlas and related data and digital products and services, working with the relevant data, technical, and programme leads.

·    Ensure data and digital activity support the long-term accessibility, usability, quality, and public value of biodiversity records and related digital services.

·    Lead diagnostic work, market testing, and service development to identify viable value-added data and digital offers, working with relevant data, technical, programme, and commercial colleagues to shape propositions.

·    Oversee the selection, development, and testing of pilot services, hosted products, training, or support offers, working with the relevant delivery leads and refining propositions in light of evidence, demand, legal advice, licensing constraints, and delivery capacity.

Governance, Risk and Project Delivery
 

·    Lead delivery of the organisational resilience project within agreed scope, time, and budget, with support from colleagues and external consultants as required.

·    Ensure major data and digital programmes have proportionate project governance, reporting, stakeholder, and advisory arrangements in place, working with relevant programme and project leads and identifying additional project support where required.

·     Commission and manage consultants and contractors, ensuring briefs are clear, outputs are practical, and learning is embedded in delivery, working with relevant technical or data leads where specialist assessment or oversight is required.

·     Act as the senior staff lead for the Data and Technology Committee, working in partnership with its Trustee Chair and relevant data and technical leads to support effective oversight of the Trust’s data and digital infrastructure, strategic development, risk, and associated governance.

·     Oversee function-level risks relating to data and digital resilience, data governance, licensing, delivery capacity, and service sustainability, working with the relevant technical and data leads to ensure specialist risks are identified, managed, and escalated appropriately.

·     Balance governance, assurance, and innovation so that data and digital systems support delivery, resilience, and public value without creating unnecessary burden.

·      Work with finance and programme colleagues to ensure accurate budgeting, reporting, monitoring, and evidence of impact.

Partnerships, Income Development and External Engagement
 

·   Build and manage relationships with key partners, data providers, heritage and conservation organisations, public bodies, consultancies, funders, and prospective service users.

·   Help shape and test future income opportunities, including service offers, hosted portals, training, funded programmes, and strategic partnerships.

·    Develop and support fundable and deliverable future propositions arising from the work, ensuring the Trust is better positioned for long term resilience.

·    Act as the Trust’s UK Node Manager for GBIF, leading relationships, coordination, and representation linked to the UK Node function, and ensuring this role supports the Trust’s wider strategic, technical, and partnership objectives.

·    Represent the Trust externally on biodiversity data infrastructure, digital leadership, service development, standards, and innovation, working alongside relevant technical and data leads where specialist expertise is required

Trust Wide Contribution
 

·    Play an active role in the Executive Team, contributing to organisational planning, business improvement, and wider strategic discussions.

·    Keep the wider NBN Trust team up to date with, and involved in, relevant data and digital activity as appropriate.

·    Contribute to Trust wide initiatives, events, business planning, and other activities as needed.

·    Share ideas, lessons learned, and opportunities openly to improve organisational performance.

General Responsibilities  
 

• Attend any required learning and development opportunities. 
• Collaborate effectively with other departments.  
• Contribute to a respectful and inclusive working environment. 
• Ensure commitment to continuous professional development. 
• Follow organisational policies including Health & Safety, Cybersecurity, IT, Finance, and EDI.  

The ability to travel occasionally is required, including international travel. Candidates must also be based in and have the right to work in the UK, and be able to work effectively from home. 

These are the criteria we will be looking for in your application. If you don't meet all of them in full, but can offer something else that would help you excel in the role, we'd still encourage you to apply.

Essential Experience and Qualities
 

·   Strong leadership experience in data, digital, technical, product, or programme roles, ideally with responsibility for teams, delivery, and strategic planning.

·   Ability to operate at both strategic and practical levels, moving between organisational leadership, service design, risk management, and delivery oversight.
·   Experience of commissioning and managing consultants, contractors, or specialist external support to deliver clear and practical outputs.
·   Experience of developing partnerships, shaping propositions, or securing income through funded programmes, service offers, or strategic collaboration.
·   Good judgement, with the ability to assess trade-offs, challenge assumptions, and make proportionate decisions in a resource-constrained environment.
·   Strong communication and relationship management skills, including confidence with senior stakeholders, funders, partners, and technical specialists.

·   Knowledge of biodiversity data infrastructure, environmental data, heritage data, or closely related fields would be beneficial, but is not essential if the candidate can learn quickly and lead credibly.

·   Experience of working with Boards, committees, or governance groups, including presenting complex issues clearly and supporting effective decision-making.

 

Context and Background

The Public Engagement team is responsible for developing and delivering the strategy that will drive significant, long-term income growth by inspiring and engaging public audiences to support the work of the NSPCC.

This is achieved through integrated, audience-led, multi-channel marketing and fundraising activity, including individual giving, mass participation and public campaigns that generate sustainable funding aligned to the NSPCC's strategic priorities.

Alongside income generation, the team plays a vital role in increasing public understanding of abuse and neglect and building advocacy for children.

The team fosters a high-performing, results-driven culture that values collaboration, innovation and integration. By focusing on excellent supporter relationship management and purposeful engagement, it delivers long-term, sustainable impact to support the NSPCC's mission.

The Direct Fundraising team plays a critical role in acquiring and engaging supporters through face-to-face and telephone fundraising channels, ensuring activity is supporter-centred, compliant and aligned with best practice across the fundraising sector.

We are looking for an organised, proactive and collaborative individual to join the team and help deliver high-quality fundraising campaigns that generate sustainable income and positive supporter experiences.

Job purpose

Reporting to the Associate Head of Direct Fundraising, the Direct Fundraising Fundraiser will support the delivery, monitoring and optimisation of face-to-face and telephone fundraising activity that recruits and engages supporters across the UK.

The role will work closely with internal teams and external agency partners to ensure campaigns are delivered effectively, compliantly and in line with organisational objectives, while providing an excellent supporter experience and protecting the NSPCC's reputation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Support the planning, delivery and optimisation of face-to-face fundraising campaigns.
• Monitor campaign performance, income and expenditure, providing accurate reporting and insight to support decision making.
• Work closely with agency partners to ensure fundraising activity reflects NSPCC values, fundraising regulations and best practice.
• Support campaign compliance through activities such as mystery shopping, call listening and monitoring against agreed standards.
• Assist with supplier and campaign management processes, including campaign setup, purchase orders, invoices and budget tracking.
• Help develop and maintain effective processes, guidance and documentation to support campaign delivery and compliance.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across Engagement and Fundraising, Supporter Experience, Finance, Compliance, Insight and other NSPCC teams to maximise supporter engagement and income.
• Maintain awareness of developments in the fundraising sector, including changes to legislation, regulation and best practice.
• Champion a supporter-centric approach in all aspects of campaign planning and delivery.

Key relationships – Internal

• Reporting to the Associate Head of Direct Fundraising.
• Member of the Direct Fundraising team within the Engagement Delivery, Public Engagement Directorate.
• Works closely with colleagues across Engagement and Fundraising, including Audience Strategy, Engagement Delivery, Supporter Experience, Insight and Digital Engagement teams.
• Collaborates with Finance and Compliance teams to support budget management, governance and regulatory compliance.
• Engages with colleagues across NSPCC services and functions to maximise opportunities for supporter engagement and income generation.

Key relationships – External

· Direct Fundraising agency partners delivering face-to-face and telephone fundraising programmes.

• External suppliers supporting campaign delivery, compliance monitoring and supporter engagement activity.
• Charity sector peers and professional networks to share learning and remain informed of sector developments and best practice.

Main duties and responsibilities

Campaign Delivery and Performance

• Support the planning and delivery of face-to-face fundraising campaigns in line with agreed objectives, budgets and timelines.
• Monitor campaign performance, income and key performance indicators, identifying trends, risks and opportunities.
• Produce accurate reporting and analysis to support campaign decision making and continuous improvement.
• Support campaign setup and implementation, working with internal teams and external partners to ensure successful delivery.

Compliance and Supporter Experience

• Help ensure fundraising activity complies with legislation, regulations, Codes of Fundraising Practice and NSPCC policies.
• Coordinate and undertake compliance monitoring activities, including mystery shopping, call listening and quality assurance reviews.
• Work with agency partners and internal stakeholders to identify and implement improvements arising from compliance reviews.
• Promote excellent supporter experiences across all fundraising activity and maintain a strong focus on safeguarding and ethical fundraising practices.

Supplier and Financial Management

• Build and maintain effective working relationships with agency partners and suppliers.
• Support financial administration processes, including purchase orders, invoice approvals and expenditure tracking.
• Assist with budget monitoring and reforecasting activity where required.
• Ensure accurate records and documentation are maintained.

Collaboration and Continuous Improvement

• Work collaboratively across teams to maximise fundraising performance, supporter engagement and organisational impact.
• Contribute to projects and initiatives that support wider Public Engagement objectives.
• Maintain knowledge of fundraising trends, innovations and sector developments, identifying opportunities to improve performance and supporter experience.
• Undertake other duties as required by the Associate Head of Direct Fundraising.

Responsibilities for all staff within the Engagement and Fundraising Directorate

• To actively participate in regular team and department meetings, contributing to discussions and decisions that support the NSPCC's strategic objectives.
• To behave at all times in a manner consistent with the NSPCC's values.
• To ensure data held within relevant systems is accurate, current and reliable.
• To maintain an awareness of own and others' Health and Safety and comply with NSPCC policies and procedures.
• To work in a manner that promotes equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging.
• To support a culture of continuous learning, collaboration and improvement.
• A commitment to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk.

Person Specification

1. Experience supporting the delivery of fundraising, marketing or supporter engagement campaigns, ideally within a charity or customer-focused environment.
2. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and appropriately for different audiences.
3. Ability to analyse and interpret data, identify trends and opportunities, and present findings in a clear and meaningful way.
4. Experience working with budgets, financial information and performance reporting, with strong numerical skills and attention to detail.
5. Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
6. Strong relationship management skills, with the ability to build productive working relationships with internal stakeholders, external suppliers and agency partners.
7. Experience using Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, alongside other business systems and databases.
8. Understanding of, or willingness to learn, fundraising regulations, compliance requirements and sector best practice.
9. Commitment to delivering excellent supporter experiences and protecting organisational reputation with a personal commitment to the NSPCC’s mission and values to do so.
10. Willingness to travel within the UK to support compliance monitoring activities, including mystery shopping and agency visits where required.

Safer Recruitment

As an organisation, we are committed to creating and fostering a culture that promotes safeguarding and the welfare of all children and adults at risk.

Our safer recruitment practices support this by ensuring that there is a consistent and thorough process of obtaining, collating, analysing and evaluating information from and about candidates to ensure that all persons appointed are suitable to work with our children and adults.

The recruitment and selection of our people will be conducted in a professional, timely and responsive manner and in compliance with current employment legislation, and relevant safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance.

Our principles:

· Always seek to recruit the best candidate for the role based on merit including their skills, experience, motivation and competencies. Our robust recruitment and selection process should ensure the identification of the person best suited to the role and the organisation.

· Committed to diversity and equality of opportunity and will interview all applicants (internal and external) who self-declare at application as having a disability and who meet the minimum requirements in the person specification of the vacancy they are applying for.

· We will make reasonable adjustments at all stages of the recruitment process in order to enable successful candidates who declare disabilities to start working or volunteering their time with us.

· Any current member of staff or volunteer who wishes to apply for vacancies and is suitably qualified will be considered and addressed fairly and objectively based on their merit.

· As an organisation committed to safeguarding, we will ensure all under 18’s joining the organisation will have ongoing risk assessments to ensure their role and activities are safe and appropriate.

· All documentation relating to candidates will be treated confidentially in accordance with the GDPR legislation.

Workforce Development Coordinator

WorldSkills UK is looking for an organised and proactive Workforce Development Coordinator to join our Workforce Development Team.

At WorldSkills UK, we have big ambitions to help young people, the education system and the economy. We work across the UK to raise standards in technical education and apprenticeships, champion future skills and help more young people from all backgrounds succeed in work and life.

As Workforce Development Coordinator, you will play an important role in supporting the successful delivery of our workforce development programmes. Working with colleagues, participants, delivery partners and other stakeholders, you will help ensure our programmes are well organised, our systems and information are accurate, and participants receive a professional and positive experience.

The role is varied and will include:

• coordinating programme activity, meetings, events and workshops;
• maintaining programme documentation, schedules, records and systems;
• coordinating communications with participants and internal and external stakeholders;
• collecting, validating and collating data and supporting programme reporting;
• coordinating participant registration, onboarding and ongoing support;
• working with suppliers, venues, contractors and delivery partners; and
• helping to improve systems, processes and ways of working.

We are looking for someone who is highly organised, has excellent attention to detail and can confidently coordinate multiple activities, priorities and deadlines. You will need strong administrative and communication skills, the ability to build effective working relationships with a range of people, and the confidence to use your initiative while working collaboratively as part of a team.

Salary: £28,000
Contract: Permanent, full time (35 hours per week)
Location: London, with flexible hybrid working. The postholder is expected to attend the office at least once or twice a week.

How to apply

Please download and read the application pack attached before applying.

WorldSkills UK uses a blind recruitment approach. To apply, please submit the following:

1. an anonymised CV in Word format;
2. a supporting statement in Word format outlining your suitability for the role and addressing the role description and person specification; and
3. a separate document containing your name, email address, telephone number and confirmation of your right to work in the UK.

Closing date: 23:59 on Sunday 4 October 2026.

Late or incomplete applications, or applications that do not follow the application requirements, may not be considered.

Head of Housing Development

Location: London/Hybrid

Salary: £80,000.00 per annum

Weekly Hours: 35

Reference: YMC1237090

About YMCA

Founded in England in 1844, YMCA today is a global Movement and the world's largest youth-focused charity, reaching more than 58 million people across 119 countries. In England & Wales, we are a federation of 80 local YMCAs, based in over 700 communities across 168 local authorities, supporting young people and communities to reach their potential. We are also the largest provider of supported accommodation in the country — a role that puts housing at the heart of our mission.

YMCA England & Wales is a £23 million organisation of more than 400 colleagues, supporting the wider Federation. Combined, the Movement's turnover across England & Wales reached £386 million in 2025–26. As we grow our income and impact, housing is one of our clearest opportunities for scale: through our 10,000 Homes ambition, we are building a national platform that will let local YMCAs deliver affordable and supported housing faster, at lower risk, and with a unified voice. As we take this ambition forward, we are seeking an established and inspirational Head of Housing Development to lead one of the most pivotal roles in our organisation.

About The Opportunity

This is a brand-new role. Our Head of Housing Development will establish and lead our national Housing Centre of Expertise: the capacity- and capability-building engine behind our 10,000 Homes ambition. This is not a scheme-delivery role — local YMCAs build, own and operate their own homes. Instead, you will mobilise the talent and resources of the Federation around a shared platform for scale: guiding local YMCAs from feasibility through to investment-readiness, brokering the partnerships and expertise no single YMCA could assemble alone, and leading a single national conversation with strategic partners including Homes England, the Greater London Authority and Welsh Government. You will establish a panel of preferred development partners, support funding bids, and help YMCAs learn from one another rather than rebuilding expertise scheme by scheme. Success will be measured by the pipeline and capability you build across the movement, not by any single project.

About You

You bring real knowledge of social and affordable housing development, including structuring significant financing models, grant regimes and the regulatory landscape, alongside hands-on experience of property development projects and securing private and public-sector funding. You know how to build strategic partnerships, convene and influence people you do not manage, and translate strategy into coordinated action across independent partners. Experience mobilising change across a federated, membership or infrastructure organisation would be a strong advantage, combined with an in-depth knowledge of  Homes England, Greater London Authority and Welsh Government or similar agencies. Above all, you are a natural relationship-builder who can represent YMCA with confidence at a senior, national level, while helping local YMCAs move further and faster together than they could alone.

Build Up aims to build the power of young people to shape where they live and to change who can make decisions about London. We are recruiting a Head of Income Generation to shape and lead an ambitious fundraising vision to grow our impact across London.

The Role

This is an exciting new position in our team, created to help build our case for investment, tell our story and harness the support of new audiences. You will develop and deliver a 3-year fundraising strategy that unlocks new opportunities, diversifies income and builds lasting funder relationships. With consultancy support on communications and evaluation, you’ll have the tools to make a powerful case for our work.

Candidates are welcome to discuss the role with our Director before applying - contact details are in the job description.

Who You Are

You’ll have a proven track record in leading fundraising strategy, securing charitable investment and writing successful grants. Alongside trusts and foundations, you’ll bring experience across other income streams (like corporates or major donors). You’ll balance strategy with delivery, thrive under pressure, and be excited by funding young people’s ideas. Our approach is innovative and we are looking for someone that can create clear, inspiring narratives that unlock new opportunities.

About Build Up

Build Up works to build the power of young people to shape where they live, and to change who can make decisions about London. Regeneration leaves young people behind. We support young people to take action by advocating for, designing and building local spaces to meet their needs.

Our approach is unique – and it works. Young people gain skills, leadership and power over decisions that affect them, while local communities benefit from genuinely inclusive spaces designed by and for local residents.

Why Join Us

At Build Up your work has a visible, lasting and personal impact - your ideas will genuinely shape our development. We’re a small, collaborative and passionate team with a flexible approach to work - we welcome proposals for non standard work patterns.

Key Details

This role is available on a 4 OR 5 day a week contract, subject to candidate preference.

Salary: £50,000 - 54,000 (pro rata) + 8% employer pension contribution
Full / part-time: 4 days (30 hrs) or 5 days (37.5 hrs) per week
Holiday: 32 days plus public holidays (pro rata)
Work pattern: Flexible
Location: Hybrid – at least 1 day per week in our Elephant & Castle office
Contract: Permanent

To Apply

For more information and to apply, please see the job description.

Applications close Sunday 20th September 2026.

#Fundraising #FundraisingManager #HeadOfFundraising #FundraisingLead #FundraisingDirector #DirectorOfFundraising #Fundraiser #YouthFundraising #GrantFundraising #UnrestrictedFundraising #FundraisingStrategy

• Provide strategic leadership for Governance across the Group
• Advise around governance matters, governance assurance and best practice

About Our Client

Founded in 2000, the Calico Group has grown from a small housing provider into an award-winning group of specialist companies and charities. More than 1000 staff have joined us on our journey, and together we work with a shared purpose: to make a real difference to people's lives.To do this, each part of The Calico Group has its own specialism and expertise. Together, we've established a track record across the North-West for providing a complete community service that includes housing, healthcare, support, employability, and construction.

Job Description

Head of Governance
North West England (Burnley)

Role:

• Provide strategic leadership for governance across The Calico Group, ensuring governance arrangements support organisational objectives, effective decision-making and strong accountability.
• Provide strategic advice to Board Members, Executive Directors and senior leaders on governance matters, governance assurance and best practice.
• Ensure appropriate governance support, oversight and assurance arrangements are in place across the Group, Calico Homes, Syncora and Ring Stones
• Provide strategic oversight of governance services delivered to Group Board, subsidiary Boards and Committees.
• Oversee Board effectiveness reviews, Board member recruitment, succession planning, induction, development and appraisal arrangements, ensuring continuous improvement in governance capability.
• Lead the development of governance assurance methodologies, standards and reporting frameworks used across the Group.
• Provide leadership, direction and professional development to the Governance Team.
• Actively contribute towards organisational decision-making, strategic planning, policy development, business improvement and the achievement of corporate objectives.
• Represent the Group on governance matters with regulators, external reviewers, governance networks, professional bodies and sector partners where appropriate.

The Successful Applicant
Essential:

• Demonstrable experience of managing Board and Committee meetings
• Strong working background within a senior governance or company secretarial role
• Outstanding stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
• Demonstrable background of advising Senior Stakeholders around Corporate Governance matters
• Excellent governance experience from within a regulated sector
• Brilliant people management experience
• CGI Qualified, Legal, or similar

Desirable:

• Knowledge of the NHF Code of Governance, the Charity Code of Governance, and the Wates Principles.

What's on Offer

• Salary: £57,000 + benefits
• Location: Burnley
• Hybrid working: example 2 days per week in the office
• Advert close date: 23rd September

Interview Process:

• First stage interview: Wednesday 7th October 2026 (online)
• Second stage interview: Tuesday 13th October 2026 (face to face)

Head of Community Services

£54,961 PA
37.5 hours per week
Working days: Predominately Monday-Friday with On Call requirements

Benefits

5 weeks’ holiday plus Bank Holidays Pension Scheme, Staff referral scheme (earn extra each time you successfully refer someone), Employee Assistance Programme, including private GP access, Blue Light Card discount scheme, Free DBS check, Free parking and uniform

Closing date: Mid-day 9 October
Interview date: 19 October

Make a genuine difference, every day

At Nottinghamshire Hospice, we’re proud to lead the way in delivering compassionate, community-based palliative care for people living with a terminal or life limiting illness across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. Our values—Compassion, Trust and Ambition—guide everything we do, for the people we support and for each other.

About the Role

The Head of Community Services is a senior leadership role responsible for the operational, and clinical delivery of Nottinghamshire Hospice’s community-based services. You will ensure the provision of high-quality, safe, and compassionate palliative and end-of-life care, supporting people to live as well as possible in the place they call home.

As a key member of the Hospice Leadership Team, you will provide visible and inspiring leadership, driving excellence in care delivery, service performance, and workforce development. This role combines strong operational management with professional clinical leadership, requiring an experienced registered healthcare professional with a sound understanding of palliative and end-of-life care.

You will lead and develop our Hospice in Your Home (24-hour service) and Wellbeing Day Services, ensuring they are responsive, sustainable, and patient-centred. The role involves regular travel across Nottinghamshire and participation in the clinical on-call rota (approximately one week in every five weeks).

What we’re looking for

We are seeking a compassionate and experienced leader to drive excellence in our community palliative care services.

You will champion equity, inclusion, diversity and belonging, while fostering a positive, high-performing culture where staff feel supported and empowered. With strong experience in service delivery, you will manage performance, resources, and workforce planning to meet the needs of our patients and families.

You will build effective partnerships with healthcare and community stakeholders, helping to improve access and patient pathways. A commitment to quality, governance, and continuous improvement is essential, alongside the ability to lead confidently in complex situations.

Above all, you will embody our values of Compassion, Trust, and Ambition, helping us deliver outstanding care and shape the future of hospice services.

You don’t need to meet every desirable criteria — we recruit based on values.

If you’re compassionate, reliable and eager to learn, we’d love to hear from you.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging

We want Nottinghamshire Hospice to be a place where everyone feels they belong. We warmly welcome applicants from all backgrounds and value the different perspectives and experiences that help us provide better care. We particularly encourage applications from people who are currently under‑represented in our workforce, including individuals from minoritised ethnic communities, people with disabilities, and men.

Registered Charity No: 509759

Role 

Bowel Research UK are looking for a manager with experience across either philanthropy, corporate partnerships or both to join their Fundraising team in a new role.

This role will lead and manage the corporate and philanthropy income streams, building on existing successes, spotting opportunities to engage new partners and donors, and nurture green shoots. 

This role, with support from the Head of Fundraising and Communications, will develop, embed and lead the corporate and philanthropy strategy. As such, Bowel Research UK needs an experienced corporate and/or philanthropy fundraiser with well-developed relationship management skills. Someone who is excited by the opportunity of shaping, developing and elevating these important supporters for the charity.

This role will manage two direct reports across community fundraising, challenge events, supporter care and data. Experience managing staff or volunteers would be helpful, but Bowel Research UK are open to applications from candidates for whom this would be a development area.

Equally, Bowel Research UK are open to applications from those looking to develop their expertise and will be fully supported, should they not have equal experience in corporate partnerships and philanthropy. The ideal candidate should be able to demonstrate experience across areas such as prospecting, pitching and account management. 

Application notes 

Please download the Candidate Info Pack provided for further information about the role, timelines and next steps.

To progress your application, please contact THINK Recruitment at organise an informal screening call. Please note, we cannot shortlist candidates who have not had a screening call so please allow enough time to have a call before the deadline for expressions of interest.

If you need assistance with downloading the pack or any reasonable adjustments to ensure you can engage with the selection process, please contact THINK Recruitment and our team will support you.

Deadline for expressions of interest: EOD Friday 2nd October 

Closing date for full applications: Midnight Monday 5th October 

Interviews are expected to be two stages, with Stage 1 being virtual via Teams and Stage 2 in person in London.

Salary:£50,000–£55,000 per annum (full-time equivalent) with a part-time salary of £30,000–£33,000 per annum, depending on experience.
Contract: Permanent  
Hours: Part-time, 22.5 hours per week  
Location: Hybrid working with a combination of working from our office based in Putney, London (SW15) and working from home 

About Us 

Our vision is for every child and young person to be safe,lovedand happy, achieve their potential and have a bright future. 

St Christopher's is a leading children's charity with a long history of providing high-quality fostering services, children'shomesand innovative leaving care support across the UK. 

Everything we do is centred around helping children and young people build brighter futures. We are particularly committed to supporting those who cannot remain with their families or foster carers, ensuring they have the opportunities, stability and support they deserve. 

Weare proud to be an inclusive employer and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, abilities, genders, sexual orientations,agesand faiths. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. 

About the Role 

The key objective of this role is to support Trustees and the Senior Leadership Team with strategic development and income growth, by identifying opportunities, presenting business cases, leading on tendering activity, and project mobilisation. Building strong relationships with external commissioners and funders is also key to this post. 

This is a critical role for the organisation, at a time when we are actively seeking to grow existing and new services. You will have the opportunity to inform the charity’s future development, and to build relationships with key external stakeholders including local authority commissioners.

Applicants should have

• Education to A level standard, or equivalent. 

• Experience of leading business development activity within the non-profit sector. 

• Strong track record of making recommendations about income growth opportunities to senior management and/or at a Board level 

• Experience of the commissioning landscape in children’s / 16+ residential/ fostering services

• Experience of leading external stakeholder engagement at a senior level 

• People Management experience and working collaboratively with key stakeholders. 

• Strong business plan, tenders and bids writing skills. 

• Ability to build effective working relationships with commissioners and deliver effective presentations. 

• Analytical skills - the ability to analyse financial & statistical data to inform decision-making. 

What we offer

• Competitive salary: £30,000- £33,000 per annum for part time role.

• Annual salary review based on performance. 

• A friendly working environment at a values-led charitable organisation.

• 25 days holiday rising to 27 days after 3 years’ service, plus Bank Holidays, pro-rata for part time working.

• Contributory pension scheme, enhanced maternity and company sick scheme.

• UK Life Assurance (Death in service) to the value of 3 times your annual salary.

• BUPA employee assistance programme, offering counselling, financial advice and legal support.

• Cycle to work scheme.

• Bluelight card; discount shopping scheme at hundreds of retailers across the UK both in store and online.

• Discretionary funded training programs for you to explore and attain new and relevant skills.

• Employee awards based on performance and length of service.

• Fantastic opportunities to develop your career within our range of services. 

Recruitment Process 

To apply, please complete our application form along with a supporting statement outlining how you meet the criteria listed in the Person Specification. Please note that applications without a supporting statement will not be considered. 

Please note we review applications as they are received, so early application is encouraged. 

Interviews: 1/10/2026 and 2/10/2026

Safer Recruitmentnote: 

St Christopher’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to thorough screening, including DBS checks. 

Please note that it is against the law to apply for work with Children/Young People if you are barred from working in Regulated Activity and if your name is added to a Children Barred List. 

All shortlisted candidates invited to interview will be asked tosubmita Self-Declaration and Disclosure form which will need to be returned prior to an interview being booked. 

About the team

The Philanthropy Team raises income for Impetus and for Impetus partner charities. The team consists of 15 staff. Impetus has an annual income of c.£11 million which we are looking to grow significantly within the next few years. The team is led by two Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships. 

The Philanthropy Team works with major donors, corporates and grant making trusts, as well as collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to ensure we make a compelling case to generate new financial commitments and wider support for our work. The team also deliver a high-quality engagement programme of volunteering and pro bono for Impetus’s corporate supporters.   

Impetus is driven by a shared belief in tackling the barriers that hold back young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in education and employment. Alongside investing extensive financial and non-financial support in our charity partners through our Investment Team we also seek to influence decision makers to design and implement evidence led policy and direct new resources to get young people the support they need through our Public Affairs team. We are resolutely focused on outcomes, driven by quality evidence.

You would be joining a team that is passionate, ambitious, determined and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our charity partners and the young people we serve. 

About this role

The Development Director (New Business) provides strategic leadership for Impetus’ new business development, prospect pipeline and high-value funding opportunities. The postholder will have responsibility for identifying, cultivating and converting new corporate, trust and foundation, and high-net-worth donor relationships, as well as continued relationship management for key, established relationships.

In 25/26, the Philanthropy and Partnerships team generated £11m in philanthropic income, alongside £2.8m in probono contributions. The Development Director will play a key role in delivering Impetus' growth ambitions, helping to increase philanthropic income to £14m by 2029. 

Working closely with the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships, the role will translate the fundraising strategy into clear new business priorities, pipeline plans and prospect engagement approaches, ensuring a strong flow of qualified opportunities and sustainable growth in high-value income.

Working closely with colleagues across Philanthropy and Partnerships, the postholder will personally lead and support significant six and seven-figure prospects and strategic funding opportunities, while overseeing the stewardship and retention of current partners. 

Working collaboratively across the Philanthropy and Partnerships team and with colleagues across the organisation, the Development Director will ensure a joined-up approach to donor acquisition, pipeline development, prospect conversion and stewardship, maximising income, partnership value and long-term impact within the agreed fundraising strategy.

Key responsibilities

New Business, Pipeline & Conversion

• Personally lead on six and seven-figure level priority prospects and strategic funding opportunities, managing the full fundraising cycle from qualification to close.
• Work with trustees, senior volunteers, and networks to unlock introductions and new opportunities, providing clear support and follow-up to maximise success.
• Evolve Impetus’ new business strategy, driving the identification, cultivation, and conversion of new high-value donor and partner relationships.
• Translate Impetus’ impact, evidence base, and venture philanthropy model into compelling propositions for new audiences and sectors.

Strategic Relationship Management & Growth 

• Own and oversee select donor relationships at six and seven-figure levels within the philanthropy portfolio, ensuring high levels of retention, satisfaction, trust, income growth and long-term value.
• Ensure your donors receive timely, consistent, high-quality and relevant engagement and communications throughout their relationship with Impetus.
• Work closely with the wider team to ensure a smooth transition between new business, and long-term stewardship.
• Ensure account plans for priority donors and partners include clear renewal and growth pathways; engagement and risk-management plans.
• Act as senior relationship owner where required, modelling strong stewardship and coaching the Head of Development and other colleagues to navigate complex or sensitive relationships.

Research, Insight & Pipeline Development

• Provide strategic leadership for the Research & Insights function, ensuring prospect research, donor intelligence and market insight inform fundraising strategy, pipeline development and organisational planning.
• Lead the strategic development of fundraising pipelines, ensuring focus on opportunities with the greatest potential for long-term income growth, impact and strategic fit.
• Ensure donor intelligence and prospect research are used effectively to identify, qualify and prioritise new funding opportunities.
• Maintain oversight of gift acceptance, due diligence and fundraising compliance in relation to fundraising opportunities, ensuring adherence to relevant regulatory requirements and organisational policies.
• Identify and escalate strategic, reputational or compliance risks associated with donors and partners.

Leadership and Team Performance

• Line manage and develop the Head of Development, providing strategic direction, coaching and performance oversight.
• Establish the Head of Development as the operational lead on new business, ensuring capability, succession and high performance across the wider team.
• Set clear objectives and success measures for new business growth, aligned to Impetus’ wider income strategy.
• Build and sustain an inclusive, evidence-led and high-performing team culture that balances pace and ambition with quality, learning and collaboration.
• Build fundraising capability across your team through leadership, coaching and consistent, fair, and high-quality performance management, including objective-setting, feedback and development planning.

Pro Bono, Events, Volunteering & Partnership Value

• Ensure engagement opportunities, including volunteering, pro bono and events, strengthen strategic partnerships and support long-term income growth through strong collaboration with colleagues.

Operational Excellence, Governance & Risk

• Ensure new business activity complies with due diligence, gift acceptance and risk management requirements.
• Oversee accurate pipeline reporting, forecasting, and performance tracking, using Salesforce and other systems to ensure insights inform decision making.
• Work with Finance and Operations to ensure income is contracted, invoiced, and reported accurately and on time in line with financial controls.
• Identify and escalate strategic or reputational risks associated with prospective partnerships.

Cross-Organisational Leadership & Representation

• Act as a senior ambassador for Impetus, representing the organisation credibly with new donors, partners, and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to organisational strategy, income planning, and senior leadership discussions.
• Lead philanthropic work on Impetus funds including identifying funding opportunities and risks; shaping prospect pipelines; contributing to cases for support and donor presentations; and develop fund stewardship.
• Champion collaboration across the Philanthropy team, ensuring opportunities are shared, relationships are leveraged and expertise is used to maximise income and impact.
• Back Impetus’ values, evidence-led approach, and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion across the Philanthropy team.

Strategic leadership

• Work in partnership with the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships to contribute to the fundraising strategy.
• Translate strategic priorities into clear operational plans, objectives and delivery, ensuring new business delivers against organisational priorities, income targets and long-term growth ambitions.
• Provide strategic oversight of annual forecasting, budgeting, pipeline performance and resource planning, ensuring risks and opportunities are identified and addressed proactively.
• Maximise the contribution of trustees, committees, senior volunteers and wider networks to support strategic relationship building and new business development.
• Act as a trusted senior adviser to the Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships, providing insight, challenge and solutions to strengthen organisational fundraising performance and capability.
• Deputise for the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships where appropriate, within agreed delegations and priorities.
• Build a positive, collaborative and high-performing culture across the Philanthropy team, modelling Impetus' values and supporting continuous improvement.

Person specification

Essential:

Fundraising & new business leadership

• Significant experience in major donor and/or corporate fundraising at six and seven-figure gift level, with a strong track record of securing new income and managing complex partnerships.
• Ability to lead and personally deliver the full fundraising cycle, from prospecting and cultivation through to solicitation, negotiation, and close.
• Proven experience of building, managing, and converting a new business pipeline, balancing ambition with delivery.
• Strong ability to leverage internal and external networks, including trustees, senior volunteers, and professional contacts.

Senior stakeholder engagement

• Experience of operating at a senior level and leading high value or complex stakeholder relationships (trustees, board members, senior external partners).
• Ability to influence and build credibility with senior audiences through clear, confident and evidence led communication.
• Excellent negotiation skills, with the ability to secure mutually beneficial outcomes while protecting organisational values and reputation.

Leadership & people management

• Proven experience leading and developing high-performing teams, including developing senior colleagues and building leadership capability.
• A strong track record as a collaborative senior team member, contributing beyond own area of responsibility and supporting wider organisational success
• Ability to build a high-trust, high-challenge culture that supports excellence, inclusion, and learning.
• Strong performance management capability and ability to handle complex people issues, giving strategic feedback, and addressing underperformance constructively.
• Ability to deputise for the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships when appropriate.

Strategic & intellectual capability

• Strong strategic thinker with the ability to translate agreed strategy and insight into clear plans and execute them effectively.
• Ability to grasp, interpret apply and communicate complex information and ideas, including Impetus’ venture philanthropy and impact-led funding models.
• Evidence of an innovative and creative approach, with the ability to adapt in changing contexts.

Financial, operational & delivery capability

• Solid financial management, with experience contributing to budget-setting, managing agreed budgets, supporting forecasting and identifying efficiencies.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to delivery, with the ability to manage multiple priorities to a high standard
• Able to use insight and data (including CRM systems such as Salesforce) to inform decisions and strengthen performance.
• Sound judgement in identifying, managing, and escalating risk, particularly in relation to donor relationships and reputation.

Communication, values & ways of working

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate clearly, persuasively, and with impact.
• Excellent relationship-building skills, with the ability to establish, maintain, and leverage relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• A strong commitment to Impetus’ mission and to improving outcomes for young people.
• A clear commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, demonstrated through inclusive leadership and professional practice.

Desirable 

• Experience working within venture philanthropy, impact investing, or systems-change funding models.
• Familiarity with private equity, professional services.
• Experience contributing to income growth, donor strategy or portfolio development within an agreed organisational fundraising strategy.
• Knowledge of the UK charity or social impact sector, particularly education, employment, or youth-focused work.
• Experience using CRM systems (e.g. Salesforce) to manage pipelines, performance, and forecasting.

About Impetus

At Impetus, our focus is on helping young people achieve positive education and employment outcomes to increase their chance of leading fulfilling and successful lives, irrespective of their background.

We tackle the three most difficult challenges that affect a young person’s ability to succeed in life in Britain today:

• Lost learning through absence, suspensions, exclusions from school
• Stagnation in education attainment outcomes, which means many are missing out on key qualifications like GCSE English and maths
• The large numbers of young people out of education, training and employment

We use our deep expertise and high calibre networks to give the best non-profits working in these sectors the essential ingredients to have a real and lasting impact on the young people they serve.

Through a powerful combination of long-term funding, direct capacity building support from our experienced team and our pro bono partners, alongside research and policy influencing to drive lasting systems change, we work towards a society where all young people can thrive in school, pass their exams and unlock the doors to sustained employment, for a fulfilling life.

We are resolutely focused on outcomes and impact, driven by quality evidence.

You would be joining a team that is passionate, rigorous, determined, creative and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our portfolio partners and the young people we serve.

Impetus is a registered charity and our charity number is 1152262.

Our Values

In 2022 the Impetus staff agreed the following set of Values to act as our guiding principles as an organisation and help us to remain focused on achieving our mission to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

We are brave and curious

We are bold and brave in our pursuit of better outcomes for young people. We lead with curiosity and stay open to new perspectives. We support one another to take considered risks and learn together.

We bring high trust, high challenge

We build strong, long-term relationships through honesty, kindness, integrity, and respect. We create the space for open, constructive challenge, where colleagues, partners and supporters feel safe to speak up, hold each other to account, and bring their best in pursuit of our mission.

We are evidence led and results driven for young people

We pursue excellence for the young people we work with, are wholly committed to better outcomes, unapologetically results driven, and accountable for our actions.

We thrive through diversity

We seek to embed diversity of thought, background and experience in every aspect of our work. We are open, thoughtful and proactive in better understanding and challenging our assumptions to better deliver the change we seek.

We always seek collaboration

We will not succeed alone. We seek meaningful, productive partnerships with others to achieve our mission and drive systems change for young people.

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

We believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more open, creative and gets better results.

We want our team at Impetus to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our team to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.

We want to reach a diverse pool of candidates. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need to in order to be successful.

We recognise the importance of a good work/life balance. We do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, working part-time job shares and other arrangements.

Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.

Impetus is an equal opportunity employer and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We value diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

Our employee benefits

Impetus appreciates the invaluable contribution made by all employees and wishes to encourage and reward loyalty, motivation and experience. We therefore offer a range of benefits and policies which aim to assist employees during various stages of their lives and careers. For more information on these, please download the job information pack from our website.

How to apply

Please click on the "Apply for this job" button.

You will need to:

• Complete the online form (including the equal opportunities monitoring form).
• Upload a comprehensive CV and supporting statement.

The supporting statement should be no more than two sides of A4 and should address the criteria in the person specification.

You should also include the contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be approached with your express permission.

As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at interview stage.

The deadline for applications is Sunday 20th September 2026, 11:59pm.

Interviews:

1st Interviews will take place on w/c 5th October 2026.

2nd Interviews will take place on w/c 12th October 2026.

You will also be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK.

Personal Data

Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.

UK Youth has launched an ambitious new strategy to widen the reach and deepen the impact of youth work and outdoor learning. At the heart of that strategy is a clear commitment: We Back Youth Work Leaders.

As our new Head of Network Development, you will turn that commitment into action.

You will lead the development and delivery of a powerful national offer that equips youth work leaders with the investment, support, relationships and connections they need to thrive. This includes leading our Grants+ approach—combining significant, multi-year grant funding with tailored organisational-development support—and developing partnerships that strengthen youth sector infrastructure locally, regionally and across the UK nations.

This role is about much more than managing a network. We are evolving towards a more relational way of working: listening deeply to youth-work leaders, understanding the realities they face, involving them in shaping our work and building relationships founded on trust, respect and shared purpose. You will ensure organisations can access the right support, expertise and opportunities—and that their insight continually shapes UK Youth’s work.

You will have the opportunity to lead the delivery of the £13 million UK Youth Fund, strengthen the resilience and effectiveness of grassroots youth organisations, and help create a more connected and equitable system of support for the wider sector.

We are looking for someone with deep knowledge and experience of youth work and the youth sector—someone who can talk the talk and walk the walk with youth organisation leaders. You will bring substantial experience of the youth work sector and infrastructure, organisational development and capacity building, alongside the strategic and operational leadership needed to deliver significant grant-making activity and complex partnerships.

You will be an inclusive and credible leader who can turn ambitious strategy into excellent delivery, bring people and organisations together, and remain focused on what youth work leaders need to succeed.

Across the country, youth workers are changing—and often saving—young lives. This is your opportunity to ensure the people and organisations doing that vital work have the investment, infrastructure and support they deserve.

Purpose of the job

The Head of Network Development will lead the operationalisation of UK Youth’s new We Back Youth Work Leaders strategic pillar. The role will turn our ambition to equip youth-work leaders with the skills, networks and confidence to deliver exceptional support into a coherent network development offer—leading our Grants+ approach of multi-year funding alongside tailored organisational development, and strengthening youth-sector infrastructure locally, regionally and across the UK nations.

Central to the role will be embedding UK Youth’s increasingly relational approach to its network: building trusted, mutually beneficial relationships with youth-work leaders; listening to and understanding their needs; involving them in shaping our support and connecting organisations to the right opportunities, expertise and infrastructure. Reporting to the Director of Network Delivery, the postholder will be responsible for translating this strategic ambition into high-quality, well-governed delivery, while ensuring that learning and insight from the network continually improve our work and contribute to securing sustainable investment in youth work and outdoor learning.

Why work at UK Youth?

Every young person deserves a youth worker. UK Youth exists to make that a reality. Our vision is a society that backs every young person - through each spark, struggle and success.

As the UK’s national infrastructure body for youth work, we strengthen and champion a diverse network of youth organisations, unlock investment, shape policy and build the evidence base for what works. At a time of growing need and inequality of access, our work has never been more important.

We are entering an exciting new phase of our strategy - focused on long-term resilience, income diversification and a transformational Capital Appeal to develop Avon Tyrrell as a national centre of excellence for outdoor learning. Joining UK Youth means being part of an ambitious, impact-driven organisation committed to strengthening youth work for generations to come.

Key responsibilities

 Portfolio leadership and delivery

• Lead the strategic and operational delivery of UK Youth’s network development portfolio, translating organisational strategy and funded commitments into clear plans, outcomes, budgets, milestones and accountabilities.

• Ensure programmes and services are delivered to a high standard, on time and within budget, with effective governance, performance management, risk control and escalation to the Director of Network Delivery.

• Mobilise new initiatives and partnerships, establishing proportionate delivery models, systems, teams and governance arrangements.

• Lead continuous improvement across the portfolio, responding effectively to evidence, partner feedback, changing needs and the external environment.

• Be a champion of UK Youth’s network across all of UK Youth’s work.

Grant making and organisational development

• Lead the delivery of UK Youth’s significant, multi-year grant-making portfolio, including the £13 million UK Youth Fund, ensuring responsible stewardship of charitable and restricted funds.

• Ensure effective management of the full grant lifecycle, including programme design, application and assessment, due diligence, decision-making, contracting, payments, monitoring, reporting, complaints and closure.

• Maintain robust and proportionate grant governance, financial controls, safeguarding assurance, risk management, data quality and compliance with funder and regulatory requirements.

• Lead an integrated organisational development offer alongside grant funding, enabling smaller youth and outdoor learning organisations to strengthen their financial sustainability, leadership, governance, workforce and resilience.

• Embed open, trusting, accessible and equitable grant-making practice, reducing unnecessary barriers while maintaining appropriate accountability.

Network and sector infrastructure support

• Develop and deliver UK Youth’s approach to engaging, connecting and supporting our national network, informed by the needs and experiences of youth work leaders and organisations.

• Create opportunities for peer learning, collaboration, knowledge exchange and access to relevant support across the network.

• Lead major initiatives that strengthen youth sector infrastructure locally, regionally and nationally, working with partners to improve the consistency, coordination and accessibility of support.

• Support regional and national partners to understand need, develop shared plans and approaches, and deliver locally relevant infrastructure and organisational support.

• Work with the Communications Team and relevant colleagues to ensure network communications are timely, accessible, coordinated and purposeful.

Experience we're after

• Substantial leadership experience within the youth sector, grounded in an in-depth understanding of youth work practice, youth work leadership and the realities facing youth organisations and their leaders.

• Experience of leading a complex, multi-year network development or comparable portfolio, translating strategy and funded commitments into successful delivery and managing significant budgets and risks.

• Experience of leading substantial grant making or onward funding activity, including governance, due diligence, financial oversight, risk and accountability.

• Substantial organisational development and capacity building experience, including diagnosing organisational needs and designing practical support that strengthens leadership, governance, financial sustainability, workforce and resilience.

• Experience of developing networks, partnerships or infrastructure across multiple organisations, regions or systems, with demonstrable credibility among youth organisation leaders.

What we can offer you

We offer a competitive range of benefits, good work/life balance, excellent learning and development opportunities and vibrant organisational culture:

• Flexible/Agile Working

• 27 days annual leave (24 days + 3 days winter closure) plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time employees)

• Funded training provided in; Safeguarding, GDPR, Information and Cyber Security & Equality & Diversity

• Other training available in support of your personal and professional development

• Pension scheme (currently UK Youth match employee contributions up to 5%)

• Membership of our life insurance scheme which would pay-out up to 4 times your salary

• Employee Assistance Programme to support employees both professionally and personally

• 20% discount off bookings at Avon Tyrrell, our New Forest Outdoor Centre, including camping, lodges and outdoor activities.

• IT equipment provided for the duration of contract

• CycleScheme and TechScheme

How to apply

If you would like to be considered for this fantastic opportunity, please complete an application via our completely anonymised recruitment system provided by Applied which looks to create a fair and unbiased application process for all. Scroll to the top of the page and start your application.

Closing date: 29th September 2026 at 09:00

Provisional First Stage Interview Dates: 5th & 6th October 2026

Provisional Final Stage Interview Dates (in person): 9th October 2026

As this role involves working in a regulated environment with young people, any offer will be conditional to satisfactory background checks, which include criminal record check and employment reference.

Please note CVs will be reviewed as the first stage of the recruitment process. Candidates who are shortlisted following the CV review will then have their sift questions assessed. Only candidates who meet the requirements at both stages will progress further in the recruitment process.

The Head of Operations will provide strategic leadership and oversight of HEY Smile Foundation’s governance arrangements, organisational systems and infrastructure, human resources and culture, and buildings and facilities. The role will ensure Smile has the people, processes, controls and resources to deliver its purpose reliably and respond confidently to future opportunities. Working closely with the CEO and senior leadership team, the postholder will translate organisational strategy into a clear operational plan, strengthen accountability and lead improvements across the charity. They will provide the CEO and trustees with timely information, assurance and practical recommendations on operational performance, capacity and risk.

This is a senior leadership role combining strategic oversight with the ability to secure delivery through colleagues, managers and specialist providers. The postholder will establish clear responsibilities, standards and reporting, intervening directly where necessary and building capacity so that routine delivery does not depend on the CEO.

About the role 

This is an exciting opportunity to join Women and Girls Network's Senior Leadership Team and lead two of our most impactful service areas: the Intersectional and Anti-Oppressive (IOS) Team and the Criminal Justice and Violence Against Women & Girls (CJS, VAWG) Team. 

As Head of Services, you will play a vital role in shaping and driving services that support women and girls affected by gender-based violence, ensuring they receive empowering, trauma-informed and culturally responsive support. You will lead with a strong commitment to feminist, anti-racist and anti-oppressive values, ensuring that the voices and experiences of survivors remain at the heart of everything we do. 

Working closely with the Director of Services and senior colleagues, you will provide strategic leadership across a diverse portfolio of services, strengthening partnerships, influencing systems and championing innovative approaches that remove barriers and improve outcomes for women facing multiple disadvantages. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced leader to make a lasting impact, both within our organisation and across the wider VAWG sector.

Job description 

As the Head of Services, you will:

• Lead and inspire the IOS and CJS, VAWG teams, providing strategic direction and oversight to ensure services are accessible, high-quality, survivor-centred and aligned with WGN's feminist values and vision.
• Champion intersectional and anti-oppressive practice, ensuring services are responsive to the diverse experiences of women and girls, particularly those from Black and Global Majority communities and others facing systemic barriers.
• Drive excellence in service delivery, safeguarding and quality assurance, ensuring robust risk management and compliance while creating environments where survivors can heal, recover and thrive.
• Lead, support and develop Service Managers, fostering a culture of collaboration, wellbeing, accountability and continuous learning that enables staff to deliver their best work.
• Build influential partnerships across statutory, voluntary and community sectors, strengthening pathways for survivors and ensuring WGN's expertise informs local, regional and national responses to violence against women and girls.  
• Use insight, evidence and survivor feedback to evaluate impact, drive innovation and shape the future development of services, ensuring they continue to meet emerging need and deliver meaningful change.
• Represent WGN as a sector leader, advocating for systemic change and helping to create a society where all women and girls can live free from violence, inequality and discrimination.

Supporting Statement Guidance

Your supporting statement should clearly demonstrate how your experience, knowledge, skills, and qualifications meet the requirements of the role. Please address the key criteria outlined in the Job Description and Person Specification, providing specific examples of achievements and responsibilities that evidence your suitability for the position.

Focus on relevant professional experience, transferable skills, and the impact of your work. Where possible, use concise examples to illustrate how you have successfully applied these skills in practice.

The supporting statement should be no more than 500 words and should complement, rather than repeat, the information contained in your CV or application form.

Closing date and interviews

This vacancy will close at 9am on Monday 28 September 2026. Interviews will take place shortly thereafter, and shortlisted candidates will be notified of the arrangements.

We encourage early applications, as we reserve the right to close the vacancy before the advertised closing date should we receive a high volume of applications or identify a suitable candidate.

The selection process will consist of two interview stages and a role-related assessment task. Interviews may be conducted either in person or remotely, depending on panel availability and logistical requirements, and may involve a combination of both formats throughout the process. Candidates invited to participate will receive full details of each stage, including the assessment task and interview arrangements, in advance.

About us 

Women and Girls Network (WGN) is a pan-London organisation that supports women and girls affected by all forms of gendered-based violence. Our overall aim is to promote, preserve and restore the mental health and well-being of women and girls who have experienced, or are at risk of, gendered-based violence, whilst working towards a society free of gendered-based violence.

We do this by:

• Providing women-only holistic and seamless therapeutic services, which meet women and girls’ needs and contribute to total and sustainable recovery from the experiences of violence.
• Evidencing the impact of gendered-based violence and presenting this information in appropriate forums to affect social change in attitudes towards, and responses to, gendered-based violence.
• Developing good practice in the sector by providing training and guidance on specialist service provision and the development of culturally appropriate service delivery.

WGN is proud to be an accredited Living Wage Employer and a member of The London VAWG Consortium, Halo Code, and Helplines Partnership.

Commitment to Equity and Inclusion

We are deeply committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity, resilience and strength of the women and girls we serve. We strongly encourage applications from Black and Global Majority women and applicants with Lived Experience, including those who may not meet every criterion.

WGN is an equal opportunities employer.

Exemption

This post is exempt under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1, and is open to female applicants only, due to the nature of the role.