Head of business development development policy and practice jobs

Are you an experienced accountant who is passionate about dogs?
We’re searching for a Financial Accounting Manager to take the lead on all things accounting: from ongoing accuracy on the general ledger to year-end accounts.

What does this role do?
As Financial Accounting Manager, you will:

• Be responsible for end-of-year accounts, working closely with colleagues and auditors to ensure all accounts are completed accurately and compliance is maintained,
• Maintain ongoing accuracy in the general ledger for UK entities, reviewing transactions and control accounts to identify and rectify errors,
• Ensure tax compliance, from reviewing returns to ensuring compliance in line with changes to tax legislation and guidance,
• Manage and coach the Assistant Financial Accountants, providing strong leadership, performance management and professional development,

Interviews for this role are provisionally scheduled for 1st June 2026, and will take place on Teams. This role is available as a fixed term, family leave cover until August 2027.

Could this be you?
To be successful in this role, you’ll need to be a fully qualified accountant who has been responsible for managing the year-end process in a large group, who understands complex VAT environments and maintaining an accounting system. You’ll work pro-actively and flexibly to meet multiple competing deadlines, while leading and coaching a small team. You’ll be an excellent communicator, with the ability to collaborate with stakeholders across the charity and communicate complex financial information to non-financial colleagues. A commitment to the work we do is essential.

About Dogs Trust
We love dogs. That’s why we do whatever we can to make sure every four-legged friend gets the love they deserve. We’ll never put a healthy dog down, so our work is focused on helping dogs in need, supporting owners every step of the walk, and creating a better world for dogs in the future. It’s what we’ve been doing since 1891 and how we’ve grown to become the UK’s leading dog charity, helping 12,000 loyal friends find their forever homes every year.

To apply for this position please click the APPLY NOW button. Our application process requires you submit a personal statement explaining your interest and suitability for the role.
 
Dogs are incredibly diverse, much like the humans that love them! At Dogs Trust we value diversity, and we're committed to fostering an inclusive culture. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, abilities, and cultures and believe that a diverse workforce helps us to achieve our mission. Our colleague networks give our people a voice, acting as vehicles for real and meaningful change within Dogs Trust. We truly want to see every candidate shine throughout the entire job application process, interview stages, and during their time with us. If there's anything on your mind or any adjustments you may need, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to support you every step of the way.

Are you a bold communicator who knows a great story when you see one? Do you want your work to genuinely matter - amplifying the voices of people who need to be heard, shifting public perception of social care, and putting a passionate, values-driven charity on the national map? 
 
Community Integrated Care is one of the UK's largest social care charities, supporting thousands of people with learning disabilities or mental health conditions to live the lives they choose.

​As we launch our new five-year strategy, Best Lives Bolder this is a defining moment for our organisation. We are setting out to be even more creative, courageous and influential in how we champion the people we support and drive change across the sector.

​We're looking for an exceptional PR & Media Manager to lead our media function and help us tell our story with ambition, imagination and impact - playing a pivotal role in bringing our Best Lives, Bolder vision to life through powerful storytelling and high-impact media engagement.

​This is a full time permanent, national role with hybrid working. You will be required to work from our head office at least once a week, so our ideal candidate will be based within an hour's commute of Widnes, Cheshire.

​What is "The Deal" for you?

• Flexibility: You can work your 37.5 hours over 4 days and enjoy a long weekend, or split the hours over 5 days to accommodate your other commitments.
• Pension: contributory pension scheme
• Benefits: retail discounts, holiday discounts, cycle to work scheme and travel discounts through our benefits app
• Best Lives Possible: You'll be working for an award winning charity who is passionate about ensuring our colleagues and the people we support lead the best lives bolder 
• Development: We'll work with you to develop your career or to learn and experience new things. We're passionate about developing our people! 
• Support: From our Employee Assistance Programme (available 24/7), financial support options, and wellbeing fund you'll have the support available to lead an easier (financial) life

This isn't a press office role. It's a platform for someone who wants to shape conversations, build national influence and champion the people at the heart of social care. 

What you’ll be doing:

• Developing and owning our national and regional Media & PR Strategy, aligned to our influencing and advocacy goals. 
• Proactively pitching compelling stories to secure high-quality national, regional, trade and broadcast coverage 
• Building and nurturing relationships with journalists, influencers and media contacts across care, sport, culture and nature sectors. 
• Leading crisis communications - protecting our reputation calmly and decisively when it matters most. 
• Translating complex policy and social care issues into accessible, powerful content for diverse audiences. 
• Collaborating closely with our Head of Influencing, Policy and Public Affairs to align media work with policy goals. 
• Working with our Partnerships & Communities team to turn high-profile community programmes and brand partnerships into media ready stories.
• Supporting and developing confident spokespeople at every level of the organisation.
• Monitoring coverage, producing insight-driven reports and keeping senior leaders informed on media trends and reputational risks. 

Our ideal candidate:

• ​Track record - Proven experience in a PR, media or communications role in the charity, public, health or social care sector. 
• ​Media instinct - You know a story, you know how to place it, and you know when to act fast. 
• ​Strategy - Experience designing and delivering media strategies with measurable outcomes. 
• ​Crisis management - Experience building proactive processes for reputation risks and leading calm, confident responses when issues arise.
• ​Relationships - A strong network of media contacts or the ability to build one quickly across sectors. 
• ​Storytelling - Exceptional writing, from press releases to opinion pieces to compelling human stories. 
• ​Collaboration - Proven ability to work across teams, influence senior leaders and align messaging. 
• ​Policy experience - Ability to turn complex social, regulatory or policy issues into content that lands with public and political audiences. 

Why join us

• You'll be working for an award-winning charity that’s passionate about ensuring our colleagues and the people we support lead the best lives possible.
• Flexible hours - work 37.5 hours over four days for a long weekend, or across five days to suit you. You can also work from home, with at least one day per week at our Widnes Head Office. 
• A collaborative, values-driven team where your work will be seen, valued and celebrated 
• Opportunities to travel nationally and attend sector events and media moments. 
• A contributory pension scheme to help you plan for the future. 
• Wellbeing support, including a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, financial support options and a wellbeing fund. Retail discounts, holiday deals, cycle to work scheme and travel discounts via our benefits app. 

If you're a bold, strategic communicator who wants to use your skills to change perceptions, influence policy and amplify the voices of people in social care - we'd love to hear from you.

​Please note, if you are interested in this role, we welcome your application as soon as possible! Depending on the volume of applications received, the vacancy may be closed before the expected advertising end date.

We’re really proud to be a Hive HR Employee Voice Certified organisation, a recognition that confirms our commitment to creating a culture where our colleagues are not only encouraged to share their thoughts, but where this feedback is actively sought and acted upon to drive positive change at every level.

In our 2025 Colleague Engagement Survey, 59% (nearly 3,800) of our people shared their feedback and insights, giving us an incredible Employee Net Promoter Score of +34.

The Employee Net Promoter Score is a measure of how willing our colleagues are to recommend us as a good place to work to their loved ones – and a score of +34 is considered a Very Good score when compared to global benchmarks set by hundreds of other organisations. 

About Spear

Spear is a national youth employment charity. The award-winning Spear Programme was launched over 20 years ago, and is now running in 18 Spear Centres across the country, equipping unemployed 16–24-year-olds facing barriers to employment with the skills and mindset they need to secure work and thrive in work and life. 

About the role

This is an exciting and varied, relationship-focused role within a successful corporate partnerships team. Working with the Head of Corporate and Employer Partnerships, you’ll help manage partner relationships, develop funding proposals, track income, and identify new business opportunities to support strategic growth.

You’ll also lead corporate volunteering initiatives, creating meaningful engagement opportunities with Spear trainees through workshops, mock interviews, and visits. From planning to follow-up, you’ll ensure a high-quality experience while supporting events and wider engagement. This role suits someone organised, proactive, and confident building relationships, who is motivated to make a tangible difference in a mission-driven, faith-based organisation.

Key information:

• Salary: from £28,00 depending on experience
• Full-Time, One Year Fixed-Term Contract 
• Location: London Office 
• Closing date: Tuesday 2nd June (We interview on a rolling basis and will close the role early if we find the right candidate)

For more information please read through our Job Specification and Work with Us Pack.

If you require any reasonable adjustments as part of the recruitment process, please let us know.

Person Specification

• A practising Christian, passionate about personally representing the values and beliefs of Spear, and our mission to equip and support young people facing barriers to employment.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, establish effective processes and structures, and maintain a high level of attention to detail.
• Excellent communicator with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build rapport and engage effectively with people from a wide range of backgrounds and professional levels.
• Strong and effective project coordination skills, with the ability to bring together multiple stakeholders to deliver shared outcomes.
• Self-starter with the ability to take initiative and work independently.
• Fundraising experience is desirable but not essential.
• IT literate, with a good working knowledge of MS Office (including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).

We are looking for a creative and passionate person to be responsibile for securing financial support to sustain and grow the Charity's work. A priority is to lead a £3M campaign for a new building. 

Background

The history of our Charity stretches back over 230 years to the foundation of a school for the blind by Edward Rushton. Since 1898 the school has been based in Wavertree and in 2016 Rushton Futures opened alongside the school, providing a service for young adults aged 19+ with complex needs. 

About the Rushton Centre Project

The Development Manager's primary work in the initial phase of the role will be to direct a fundraising campaign for the new Rushton Centre. The Centre is being designed to meet the changing needs of the Charity. As well as a hydrotherapy pool, we want to open a cafe which will give young people with additional needs opportunity for work, and we want to create additional spaces. The Centre will cost an estimated £4M. The Trustees are in a position to contribute £1M from reserves, but the Development Manager will play a crucial role in designing and implementing a fundraising strategy for the remaining funds. 

Key Tasks

1. Develop and implement fundraising strategies and campaigns to meet organisational goals and ensure financial sustainability.

2. Identify and cultivate relationships with potential donors, sponsors, and foundations, including individuals, corporations, and community organisations.

3. Research and pursue grants and trusts applications, managing the process from start to finish.

4. Coordinate and oversee current charitable donations and legacies.

5. Work with colleagues at the Charity to identify funding priorities; liaise with key post-holders, including the Finance Manager, to meet audit and compliance requirements.

6. Organize fundraising events and initiatives, such as galas, charity drives, and online campaigns, to generate donations and increase public awareness.

7. Manage donor databases and maintain accurate records of contributions, sponsorships, and communications.

8. Take a supporter-centred approach in all your work, building strong, respectful relationships with donors.

9. Communicate the organization’s mission and impact to donors, stakeholders, and the public through presentations, newsletters, and promotional materials.

10. Be responsible for managing and promoting our fundraising profile through social media and other online presence.

11. Monitor and evaluate fundraising campaigns to assess effectiveness and inform future strategies.

This post is not exhaustive of the above responsibilities. For full roles and responsibilities, please contact our HR Team for an application pack. 

Job details, benefits and application process

Hours: Full time (37 hours per week)

Location: Hybrid. Based in Wavertree and Remote. You will be required to be on site for a minimum of 2 days per week. 

Pay: £35K - £40K, depending on experience

Benefits:

• Flexible working
• 24 days annual leave + Bank Holidays
• Pension Scheme (7.5 employer contribution)
• Refer a friend Scheme (Currently £500)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Medicash
• Cycle to work Scheme
• Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme
• Christmas Club
• Occupational Sick Pay
• Death in Service

Please note we do not accept CVs. To apply for this post, please complete the application form and return to our HR Team by 9am on Thursday 21st May. Interviews will be on Wednesday 10th June.

This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check. 

This is an exciting opportunity to lead the Sussex Community Housing Hub team in providing technical advice and support to communities engaged in rural and community led housing projects.

Community-led housing involves local people playing a leading and lasting role in solving housing problems, creating genuinely affordable homes and strong communities.

You will be working in conjunction with other members of the Hub to help deliver quality affordable housing schemes that these communities are truly proud of.  

The role

This is a senior, externally facing post reporting to the Chief Executive. You'll manage a caseload of community-led housing projects, lead a small team of advisors, and work in partnership with communities, parish councils, housing associations, local authorities, landowners, and developers across East and West Sussex.

You'll also play a part in shaping Druv Homes, AirS's emerging housing association.

What you'll be doing

• Guiding community groups through all stages of the housing development process — from vision and site identification through to planning, funding, and scheme delivery
• Advising on site selection, RP partnerships, planning applications, S106 agreements, and funding strategies (both capital and revenue)
• Building and managing relationships with a wide range of partners — communities, RPs, local authorities, planners, developers, and agents
• Supporting communities to access funding and drafting bids where needed
• Overseeing professional advisers (architects, engineers, etc.) commissioned by community groups
• Leading project team meetings, maintaining project plans, and problem-solving
• Contributing to lobbying and sector advocacy alongside national partners
• Keeping pace with policy and legislative changes in affordable housing and community-led development

What we're looking for

Essential:

• At least 5 years' experience in affordable housing development
• A relevant degree (surveying, building, business management or equivalent experience)
• Proven track record in project management and scheme delivery
• Experience working with local authorities, RPs, and community organisations
• Team management experience
• Strong analytical, communication, and negotiation skills

Desirable:

• Experience of rural affordable housing and community-led models e.g. Community Land Trusts (CLTs)
• Knowledge of rural housing policy
• Background in the not-for-profit sector
• Experience reporting to boards or executive teams

Practical

The role is based in Lewes with hybrid working. Regular but infrequent travel across East and West Sussex is required — a driving licence or equivalent transport access is essential.

For more information about the role and the organisation download the Job Description, Person Specification and AirS Prospectus.

About Police Care UK

Police Care UK is the national, independent charity supporting serving and veteran members of the police community, and their families, when they’ve been physically or psychologically harmed through policing.
Demand for our services has grown by more than 400% in the last decade. This reflects the increasing impact of trauma in modern policing – from major incidents and serious violence to cumulative and vicarious trauma. We understand that harm doesn’t end with a shift, and that families are often affected too.

We’ve evolved from a traditional benevolent fund into a sector-leading organisation delivering evidence-informed support, trauma-focused recovery services and practical prevention programmes across UK policing. Our work is grounded in compassion, clarity and evidence, and we’re fiercely independent so we can focus on what people really need.

Our vision is simple: a future where every member of the police community has access to the care and support they need, and nobody faces the impact of harm alone. Based in Woking and working nationally, we’re committed to strengthening the people behind the force – and we’re looking for those who want to be a part of that work.

Role Purpose

Reporting to the Director of Development and working closely with the Executive Leadership Team, the Head of Insight and Innovation will lead the Charity’s research, data, evaluation and innovation functions. This is a strategic leadership role responsible for embedding a culture of evidence-informed practice, continuous improvement and sector-leading innovation across the Charity. 

The postholder will ensure that our insight drives decision-making, strengthens fundraising, informs service design and positions Police Care UK as a thought leader within the policing and blue light sectors. This will involve leading a multi-disciplinary team, with responsibility for future growth of the Insight and Innovation function as organisational needs evolve.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the development of our long-term insight and innovation strategy.
• Ensure data, evidence and evaluation meaningfully influence strategic planning and resource allocation.
• Drive horizon scanning across policing, mental health and the charity sector to inform organisational priorities.

Research and Academic Development

• Oversee our research portfolio, including academic collaborations and commissioned studies.
• Translate research findings into actionable recommendations that strengthen our services, policy influence and fundraising.
• Ensure our understanding of unmet need across the policing family remains current and robust.

Data, CRM and Impact Intelligence

• Lead the strategic development of our CRM and data systems.
• Embed strong KPI frameworks, dashboards and impact reporting across the charity.
• Ensure high standards of data governance, integrity and compliance.

Innovation and Service Development

• Lead our innovation pipeline, from discovery and prototyping to pilot evaluation and scaling.
• Embed co-production with beneficiaries and policing partners.
• Develop business cases and secure funding for new initiatives. 

Monitoring, Evaluation and Impact

• Oversee our success measurement framework and ensure outcomes are evidenced and clearly articulated.
• Produce high-value insight for funders, trustees and external stakeholders.

Governance and External Representation

• Provide high-quality insight and reporting to the Board of Trustees.
• Represent the charity externally across academic, sector and policy forums.
• Uphold the highest standards of safeguarding, ethics and data protection.

Person Specification

Essential

• Degree-level education and ongoing professional development.
• Significant senior experience in research, insight, evaluation or organisational development.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insight.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams and driving data-informed decision-making.
• Excellent communication skills, including presenting to senior stakeholders and Boards.
• Strong understanding of mental health, trauma or wellbeing in a public-sector or charity context.
• Knowledge of evaluation methodologies, data governance and ethical research standards.

Desirable

• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant field.
• Experience within policing, emergency services or the wider blue-light sector.
• Experience securing research or innovation funding.
• Knowledge of innovation methodologies (e.g. design thinking, co-production, agile).

Why work with us

You’ll be joining a forward-thinking, committed and values driven team making a real difference to the people who keep our communities safe.  We offer:

• Enhanced wellbeing support
• Pension scheme with up to 8% employer contributions
• Development opportunities
• A 35-hour working week
• A supportive, collaborative culture
• The chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of police officers, staff, volunteers, and their families

How to Apply:  Please submit your CV and a detailed cover letter explaining why you’re the right fit for this role. Applications are assessed on a rolling basis, so please apply as soon as you are able. 

Limitations: This job description is neither exclusive nor exhaustive. The duties and responsibilities may vary from time to time in the light of changing circumstances in consultation with the jobholder. The jobholder will be required to work within the rules and regulations of the Charity and accept the authority of the Chief Executive, who has the discretion to delegate authority to the jobholder and to withdraw it.

Equal Opportunities Policy: The Charity is committed to eliminating any discrimination and promoting diversity and equality of opportunity in all it does.

The Charity is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment, and we will not unlawfully discriminate against job applicants, employees of the Charity, volunteers, workers, or contract workers on the grounds of their age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race (which includes colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins) religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

REF-228 334

Your new role
We are seeking an experienced Interim HR Manager to provide hands-on support while we recruit a permanent post holder. This is a key role within the not-for-profit organisation, ensuring continuity across the HR function while also leading on several priority improvement areas.

A significant focus of the role will be reviewing and strengthening recruitment processes and updating HR policies, alongside delivering a high-quality, pragmatic HR service to managers and employees.

Overview of the Role

• Review and assess current recruitment processes, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, consistency, and candidate experience
• Update, review, and implement HR policies and procedures, ensuring they are compliant, clear, and fit for purpose
• Act as a trusted HR lead, providing operational advice and guidance to managers across the employee lifecycle
• Manage and advise on employee relations matters, including absence, performance, disciplinary and grievance issues
• Oversee end-to-end recruitment activity, from role scoping through to onboarding
• Ensure HR processes are applied consistently and in line with employment legislation and best practice
• Maintain accurate HR records and contribute to basic HR reporting and insights
• Support and stabilise the HR function, ensuring a smooth handover to the incoming permanent HR Manager

What we are looking for

• Proven experience in an HR Manager or senior HR generalist role
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and operational HR best practice
• Confident reviewing and improving processes, policies, and ways of working
• Comfortable operating in a hands-on, fast-paced environment
• Able to build credibility quickly with stakeholders at all levels
• CIPD qualification or equivalent experience desirable

What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk

The Senior Evidence & Evaluation Manager will sit within the Impact & Evidence directorate at the heart of Youth Futures Foundation.

Working with three Heads of Evaluation, the Deputy Director and the Director, you will help ensure our evaluations are designed to generate credible evidence of what works.

You will:

• lead the design, commissioning and management of impact evaluations, including RCTs and QEDs. This will include feasibility or developmental work where interventions are not yet ready for full impact evaluation.

• work closely with independent evaluators and delivery partners and colleagues in our Programmes & Grants and Policy & Communications directorates to assess the evaluability of interventions, and lead the design and delivery of large-scale, complex impact evaluations.

• contribute to strengthening our ‘evaluation architecture’, leading projects that enhance data infrastructure and access to administrative datasets, and set standards for methodological rigour in the sector.

In addition, you will lead other aspects of the team’s commissioning. This may include developing policies and processes, supporting the Heads of Evaluation to strengthen commissioning practice.

This role can be based at our Birmingham, Leeds or London hub. We currently operate a hybrid model of two-days per week in the office and three-days from home.

For more information on this role, please download our job recruitment pack.

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

Be part of something extraordinary at Epilepsy Society. We are seeking a values driven Policy & Public Affairs Manager to join a charity that provides world leading support for people with epilepsy through Care, Research and Advocacy.

About the role

Epilepsy Society is a dynamic charity with ambitious plans to revolutionise the lives of people through advocacy, research and care.

We are looking for someone to join our award-winning campaigns team and help us to progress change through political engagement at both national and local level. We have an impressive track record of working with government, locally elected politicians, professional organisations, patient stakeholder groups and other charities in the sector on a range of issues which affect people with epilepsy.

Our recent work includes our successful Zach’s Law campaign. This role is an exciting opportunity to help bring about further change that will make a real difference to the lives of people with epilepsy. 

The postholder will develop an effective programme of policy and public affairs work across the UK to have maximum impact for people with epilepsy and to raise the public profile of epilepsy. 

We seek someone with a degree or relevant experience in political or public affairs, extensive experience of influencing, organising campaigns and major events and negotiating at a senior level. You will be required to have a detailed level of understanding of government politics and the charity sector and an empathy to the cause.

Please download the recruitment pack attached to view the full job description and essential criteria. 

The post holders should demonstrate our people values of CAIRO (Caring, Accountable, Improving, Respectful and Open.

Some information about us

The Epilepsy Society’s Vision is a full life for everyone affected by epilepsy. We want everyone affected by epilepsy to have the best opportunity for a full life - as free from seizures as possible. We set out to make a difference to every person affected by epilepsy whatever their background, however seriously it impacts on their life, and whether they have the condition themselves or are close to someone with epilepsy.

What we can offer

•    27 days annual leave + bank holidays, with the ability to buy and sell annual leave 
•    A generous Employee Referral Scheme (refer a friend and earn up to £150) 
•    Length of service awards
•    Access to shopping discounts and cashback with thousands of retailers through Purple Rewards
•    Staff recognition scheme 
•    Excellent training and development opportunities
•    Group Pension
•    Life Assurance (2x your annual salary)
•    Confidential, supportive Employee Assistance Programme, accessible 24/7
•    Salary Finance, offering you products linked to your salary and tailored to your individual circumstances. Providing services such as loans, advances, savings and financial education

If you have the right skills and experience and are inspired to apply, please do so by uploading your CV and covering letter explaining how you meet the specifications of this role. 

A DBS (Disclosure & Barring) check will be required before appointment is confirmed. 

We reserve the right to close the post early once we have received a sufficient number of applicants: please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Job Title: Finance Business Partner

Location: Homeworking with a requirement to occasionally work at Head Office (Vauxhall, London). The role will also be considered on a fully homeworking basis.

Salary: £47,701.95 per annum plus £3000 London Weighting (which may not be applicable depending on your home location and any agreed permanent homeworking arrangement)

Contract type: Full Time, Fixed Term (until April 2027)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Finance Business Partner on an interim fixed term contract basis during a period of significant change for the charity. 

Refuge is transforming the way it manages its finances, modernising all aspects of financial management across the organisation with the implementation of a new finance system.

We are looking for an experienced Finance Business Partner to cover this Interim Fixed Term Maternity cover contract, you will bring a deep understanding of delivering a modern finance partnering service, ideally in a charity or housing association setting.  As the Finance Business Partner in this very hands-on role, you will manage and carry out all aspects of business partnering, preparation of monthly management information and insights to meet the needs of our colleagues across the organisation.

This is an exciting time to join an organisation which provides crucial services to women and children, helping us build our capabilities and make a significant contribution. This is a fixed term contract role and will allow you to focus on delivering what we need in the short term, whilst putting in the foundations for the next stages of financial transformation.

If you are inspired by our mission and would like to bring your skills and energy to our work, we look forward to receiving your application.

Closing Date: 09:00am 26 May 2026

Interview Date: Week Commencing 8 June 2026

The Role

We're looking for an experienced community development worker to lead a portfolio of projects and support the wider Lost Woods team. Using an asset-based community development (ABCD) approach, you'll work with adults, children, young people and families — particularly those facing barriers to accessing nature.

Your lead projects will include:

• Woods on Prescription and sustainable community woodland wellbeing activities
• Five Ways to Family Wellbeing – building confidence to take children and YP into woodlands
• Networking for underserved groups engaging with woodland and nature
• Evaluating and legacy-planning for all lead projects by November 2027

Alongside the team, you'll:

• Engage communities, map needs and help overcome barriers to participation
• Support volunteer groups to develop their own sustainable woodland activities
• Work with landowners, local authorities and partners to improve woodland access
• Deliver training, events and networking for stakeholders
• Report accurately on outcomes and maintain GDPR-compliant records
• Represent AirS at events and through social media
• Contribute to fundraising for Lost Woods and future AirS projects

About You

Essential:

• Experience of community development, including asset-based approaches and mentoring community groups
• Experience delivering nature-based, outdoor or conservation activities across a range of ages and abilities
• Experience working with people from diverse backgrounds, including those with vulnerabilities or complex support needs
• Experience on multi-organisation partnership programmes
• Confident collecting, monitoring and evaluating data and writing funder reports
• Knowledge of ABCD and an understanding of barriers to community involvement, particularly in rural areas
• Strong interpersonal skills — able to influence and motivate volunteers, communities and stakeholders at all levels
• Good organisational skills and experience meeting monitoring and reporting requirements
• Qualified to GCSE level or equivalent; Forest School (level 2/3), Eco Psychology, Nature Connection or Counselling training also considered
• Current driving licence and use of own vehicle
• Outdoor First Aid trained, or willing to be — you'll lead risk assessments for woodland activities

Desirable:

• Accredited qualification or significant experience in community development or community organising
• Knowledge of rural Sussex, relevant statutory services and local conservation organisations
• Experience of line management or team leadership
• Coaching, mentoring or training facilitation skills
• Experience using social media to promote projects

Location: Lost Woods programme area (West, Mid & East Sussex) with home working Hours: 21 hours per week (some evenings/weekends – TOIL given) Salary: £30,833 pro rata Contract: Fixed term – programme ends November 2027 Annual leave: 28 days pro rata | Pension: 5% employer contribution

AirS is committed to equality of opportunity. This post is subject to a DBS check.

The Wesley Hotel is a progressive hospitality brand based in the London Borough of Camden. Known for our commitment to sustainability and community, we leverage both ethical practices and innovative technology to enhance guest experiences. As a social enterprise, our profits support charitable activities, reinforcing our mission to provide meaningful hospitality services. The Methodist Church of Britain is the owner of The Wesley Hotel in Euston and Camden.

The Vacancy

We are seeking two exceptional individuals to join our Board as a Non-Executive Directors (NED) and help guide the organisation’s strategic direction. The successful candidate must meet the statutory duties outlined in the Companies Act 2006, including acting within the company’s powers, promoting its success, exercising independent judgement, and upholding the highest standards of care, skill, and integrity.

Board Directors must avoid conflicts of interest, declare relevant interests, and maintain strict confidentiality at all times.

If you are committed to strong governance and ethical leadership, we welcome your application. Additional information on directors’ duties is available from Companies House.

Key Responsibilities

Non-Executive Directors are expected to contribute across the following areas:

• Strategy: Support and constructively challenge long-term strategic direction
• Performance: Monitor and scrutinise Executive performance against objectives
• Risk: Ensure effective systems for identifying and managing risk
• Accountability: Promote clear responsibilities and strong internal controls;
• Governance: Uphold high standards of corporate governance and Board effectiveness

Director are expected to contribute to smaller working groups comprising both Board members and senior executives.

Values and Ethos

While the company is owned by the Methodist Church, Non-Executive Directors are not required to be members of the Church. However, candidates with suitable experience and who are in sympathy with the aims and ethos of the Methodist Church are encouraged to apply, including first-time NED applicants.

Please note that while The Wesley manages the formal recruitment process, the final appointment decision rests with the Methodist Church in Britain.

Any appointment will be subject to approval by the Trustees of the Methodist Church, who act as the Company’s shareholder.

About You

We are seeking two candidates with senior-level experience and strong governance capability. While a range of professional backgrounds will be considered, we are particularly interested in individuals with expertise in finance, IT/cyber security, legal, HR, risk, property, or communications. Experience within the hospitality sector is highly desirable. Above all, candidates must demonstrate the ability to operate effectively as Non-Executive Directors, providing independent judgement, strategic insight, and constructive challenge.

Successful candidates will be able to provide independent oversight, constructive challenge, and strategic guidance to the Board, ensuring the long-term success, sustainability, and effective governance of the company. The Non-Executive Director will contribute to Board decision-making, uphold high standards of corporate governance, and support the Executive Team in delivering agreed objectives.

Remuneration

Non-Executive Directors receive a monthly fee based on an estimated commitment of 24 days per annum, remunerated at a rate of £375 per day. Reasonable, pre-approved expenses incurred in the course of fulfilling the role will also be reimbursed.

Informal Enquiries

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Pragya Pant, Head of HR & People Development at Direct:+44 (0)207 691 8554 and email the HR department.

Closing date :  Friday, 24 July 2026

Shortlisting date: by 21 August 2026

Interviews date:  September and October 2026 (Dates TBC)

Please note: We reserve the right to extend the closing date and pursue alternative recruitment routes if unable to identify a suitably qualified candidate.

Director of Isle of Man Services & Quality, Performance and Safeguarding
Service: Isle of Man Services & Quality, Performance and Safeguarding

Salary: £85,000 - £95,000 FTE per annum* Additionally £480 FTE per annum home-based working allowance

Location: Homebased with a requirement to be present on the Isle of Man for at least three days/30 hours a week, including regular travel to our London Head Office.

Contract & Hours: Permanent, 37 hours per week. We offer flexible working arrangements.

Family Action & the Role’s Impact:
Family Action supports people through change, challenge or crisis. It’s what we’ve done for over 150 years. We protect children, support young people and adults and offer direct, practical help to families and communities. We see first-hand the power of family to shape lives, for better or worse, so we speak up for the importance of family in national and local policymaking, amplify family voices and represent the changing needs of families in the UK today.

Are you an innovative, inspirational leader, who is solution focused and passionate about making a difference? Do you have the energy and focus to lead an extraordinary combination of services for children and families across the Isle of Man and take organisational responsibility for quality, performance and safeguarding?

Do you have a proven track record of delivering safe, excellent, inclusive services and cultivating quality and diversity? Are you hungry to show how you can drive system change? Are you looking for a diverse, ambitious and fast paced organisation where you can be part of the Executive leadership team – if so, you have found it.

About the Role:
The Director’s primary function is to provide strategic, operational and professional leadership across Family Action’s services on the Isle of Man (children’s residential homes, secure accommodation, short-stay homes, wraparound and edge of care services, semi independent accommodation, aftercare services, family support and Family Time) - ensuring consistently high-quality, safe, trauma informed practice and provision that meets statutory requirements and best practice standards.

The Director will be the organisational lead for quality assurance, performance and safeguarding, responsible for designing, implementing and assuring robust governance, oversight, and continuous improvement frameworks. They will collaborate closely with Manx Care, Commissioners, partners, multi agency safeguarding arrangements, and internal teams to deliver exceptional outcomes for looked after children, care leavers and families - modelling the organisation’s values; people focus, can do, excellence and mutual respect.

Main Responsibilities:
• Provide executive leadership for Residential, Wraparound, Edge of Care, Leaving and Aftercare services, Family Support and Family Time on the Isle of Man ensuring alignment with organisational strategy and contract specifications.
• Develop high-quality, trauma informed, therapeutic approaches across all services, ensuring models reflect emerging research, innovation, and best practice.
• Serve as the strategic lead for safeguarding, ensuring compliance with organisational safeguarding procedures and statutory requirements.
• Establish, monitor and report on Quality Assurance frameworks, including audits, inspections, risk management, incident reporting, and service performance.
• Ensure all residential services, including secure accommodation, operate in accordance with the Children and Young Persons Act and relevant inspection and regulatory frameworks.
• Advise senior leaders and governors/trustees on matters relating to Residential, Wraparound, Edge of Care, Leaving and Aftercare, Family Support and Family Time provision on the Isle of Man and quality assurance, performance and safeguarding across Family Action.
• Direct line management of two Deputy Directors and overseeing budgets to ensure efficient, cost-effective service delivery. Championing the sharing of learning, the development of staff and volunteers and best practice across services to support continuous improvement and innovation.
• Strategic and accountable leadership, leading the Directorate by motivating and galvanizing the team to achieve the highest quality services maximising outcomes for the children and families we support.
• Be part of the Executive Group of Directors and the Chief Executive, influencing organisational development and decision-making, resource allocation and future strategy.

Main Requirements (for details check the job description and person specification):
• Passionate about social justice, improving life chances and supporting children, young people and adults on the Isle of Man.
• Passionate about leading quality, performance and safeguarding across an entire organisation, and being part of a high-performing executive team leading an exciting and fast-paced charity.
• Extensive senior leadership experience in children’s social care with significant leadership experience in regulated environments.
• Proven responsibility for safeguarding, statutory compliance, quality assurance and regulatory engagement. And who has
• Proven experience working with vulnerable children, young people, and complex families, including trauma-informed practice.
• Highly robust, able to prioritise multiple workflows and issues and a fantastic and inclusive leader that can inspire their Directorate, peers and other senior leaders across Family Action.
• Present on the Isle of Man for a minimum of three days/30 hours a week and to attend Executive Group meetings in London once a month.
• Appointments are subject to satisfactory Safer Recruitment checks and Family Action receiving a satisfactory disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service – Enhanced and children’s barred list.

Benefits:
- an annual paid leave entitlement of 30 working days plus bank holidays
- up to 6% matched-pension contributions
- flexible working arrangements with the right to make flexible working requests from day one of employment
- enhanced paid sick leave and paid family leave provisions
- eye care, winter flu jabs vouchers and cycle to work scheme
- professional development with ongoing quality training and career development opportunities

Closing date - Thursday 21st May at 23:59.

Interviews and assessment - week commencing 1st or 8th June via Microsoft Teams.

If you would like to discuss the selection process or the potential for flexible working, please see email address provided on the Family Action job advert for David Holmes.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:
We are committed to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion in all that we do and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Intersectionality is important to us and we particularly welcome applications from ethnically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ candidates and disabled candidates because we are committed to increasing the representation of these groups at Family Action. We also encourage applications from candidates with lived experience of the people we serve. We know that greater diversity will lead to even greater results for families and children and we strive for our workforce to be truly representative of the diverse communities we support.

We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process and also, we will make reasonable adjustments on the job where required. All candidates with a disability are welcome to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme and request priority consideration for an interview, provided they meet the essential criteria for the role.

To help remove financial barriers, we will reimburse reasonable travel costs if you attend an interview in person.

*Salaries are typically not offered at the top of the range and will be based on the level of skill and expertise of the successful candidate and internal equity.

Key responsibilities:

1. Main Purpose of the Job

• To ensure the panel reflects AvMA’s values and that where possible the panel is managed in line with our strategic plan.

• To manage and oversee the operation of the specialist AvMA clinical negligence panel to include ensuring the qualifying requirements for panel applicants are relevant and up to date and reflect any important medical and legal developments.

• The assessment of panel applications and interviewing of Applicants. Convening meetings of the panel committee, drafting agendas for those meetings and identifying issues to be discussed.

• Identify ways for the AvMA panel application process to become more streamlined, efficient and supportive of lawyers making panel applications. To develop the process to ensure it is fit for purpose, relevant and continues to meet the needs of the public.

• Ensuring the AvMA database of panel membership and special interests is kept up to date. Giving informal advice to solicitors enquiring about panel membership requirements, liaising and meeting with firms as required.

• Travelling and attending key networking events, including AvMA’s three-day (2 overnight stays) annual conference and AvMA annual panel meeting (usually held end Nov, beginning December), engaging with potential AvMA panel applicants, promoting the benefits of accreditation and the junior scheme (Certificates Competence Scheme (CCS)), keeping up to date with medical and legal developments. Speaking at panel meetings and generally to promote the panel.

• Working with the conference department to identify relevant topics for panel meetings and conference events.

• To improve on the current re-accreditation process to make it more streamlined and user friendly for applicants.

• To ensure relevant data from panel applications is captured on the CRM. Regular analysis of panel data, findings shared with AvMA senior leadership team and more widely where appropriate.

• To pursue AvMA’s EDI strategy by considering ways in which the panel can be developed to ensure panel members are as ethnically diverse as possible.

• To liaise with AvMA’s conference department to advise on any training which may be required to strengthen AvMA panel members knowledge and information base.

• To work with the Director Medico Legal services in assessing applications for Certificate of Competence Scheme (CCS) for juniors. To update and work on the Certificates Competence Scheme including organising applicant feedback to ensure this scheme continues to be fit for purpose. To inform and work with panel applicant mentors in strengthening the scheme.

• To deliver on administrative requirements such as quarterly reports for trustees, working with AvMA’s Service Delivery Quality and Outreach Committee (SDQOC) as required to update on continued improvement of AvMA Panel Accreditation Scheme.

• Dealing with queries raised by AvMA Panel applicants and/or juniors who may have had their applications rejected.

• Ensuring AvMA panel template letters and documents are updated

• From time to time speaking publicly about requirements for AvMA panel membership, common pitfalls and how to overcome them as well as other matters relating to panel.

• To consider client complaints about panel members to determine whether the threshold for disciplinary action under AvMA’s Panel procedures is met.

• To manage disciplinary procedure for AvMA Panel members, identify and liaise with adjudicators, prepare documentation, set up the hearing.

• To manage appeals against rejection of an application for accreditation/reaccreditation, liaise with adjudicators.

• To keep on top of any government, regulatory or other policy changes which may affect the way in which patients can access justice, recover damages and seek redress for adverse clinical outcomes, as well as any improvements or impediments to lawyers undertaking this work.

• To develop and grow the AvMA panel accreditation and Certificates Competence scheme membership; to identify cost efficiencies and maximum engagement with AvMA accredited panel solicitors.

• Any other duties associated with the role.

2. Skills and Experience

Administration of the AvMA Panel

The bulk of the administration and management tasks do not require specialist skills; however, assistance is provided by the PA to the CEO when required.

AvMA has a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) driven computer system throughout the organisation, the introduction has been phased and the applicant should be confident enough with sufficient IT skills to onboard the new system. The CRM works with Microsoft Dynamics 365 a data driven software solution which is intended to manage, track and store information. AvMA considers IT to be an ongoing commitment and the new panel accreditation manager should be willing to consider ways in which AvMA can maximise the impact of the CRM to improve services and data collection on key issues identified from panel related activities.

Tasks such as updating and preparing new panel application documents and report forms will require medical and legal input, the panel application interview process will involve discussions about topical medico legal issues and for this reason the post would suit someone who has a legal background, ideally qualified as a solicitor or barrister, preferably with clinical negligence accreditation. A a medical background would be helpful.

Assessment of new applications, interviews and dealing with correspondence

The Panel Accreditation Manager is primarily responsible for the assessment of new panel accreditation applications.

The role of Panel Accreditation Manager would suit someone who has practised as a claimant clinical negligence lawyer who is looking to draw on their expertise and experience in a new role.The successful applicant should be confident in assessing former peers and colleagues in a fair and impartial way.

The nature of this work is such that the Panel Accreditation Manager can come into possession of sensitive information, discretion and respecting confidentiality are key qualities for this role. 

Reaccreditations

Reaccreditation assessments are done internally by the Panel Accreditation Manager, occasionally assistance can be provided by members of the internal panel assessment team.

AvMA aims to make reaccreditations more straightforward for practitioners and the new appointee will be expected to liaise with the profession to understand where they consider the biggest hurdles to reaccreditation lie and to consider how these can be overcome without compromising standards. 

AvMA receives a minimum of 15 applications for reaccreditation per annum, however numbers are usually considerably higher, up to 30 per annum.It is thought that the reaccreditation process could be designed to be more streamlined and user friendly for both the applicant and in house.

Other AvMA Panel assessments

In addition to assessing AvMA panel applications and reaccreditations the Panel Accreditation Manager will need to assess applications from accredited panel members who have changed firms.

Change of firm applications tend to be straightforward if the applicant has been on the panel for some time and is going to a firm where there is another AvMA panel member but the process is more in depth for those going to a firm which does not have another AvMA panel member.  The Panel Application Manager needs to be confident that the new firm can meet the minimum standards and supervision requirements required of a first time panel application. 

There are about 5 applications for changes of firm rising to a maximum of 10 per annum. 

Interim Reviews

From time to time first time applicants may demonstrate that they largely meet the core criteria for AvMA Panel membership but there may be some areas that require improvement.In those cases, AvMA can award the applicant AvMA panel status subject to a review sometime later.The Panel Accreditation Manager is responsible for following up that review and examining progress made.The review is an opportunity to identify if the applicant has succeeded in strengthening the areas of weakness identified.If they have not, they risk losing their AvMA panel status entirely. 

There are about 3 interim reviews per annum, currently not exceeding 6. 

3. Other

• To support the Events Department’s quality initiatives and to suggest continuing improvements where needs arise.

• To undertake other duties commensurate with the post as may be required.

• Deputise for the Head of Events when necessary