Head of business planning jobs

This is an exciting entry-level opportunity for someone with interest in or experience of health or social care services who is passionate about improving health and wellbeing in England and looking to begin a new career in policy or research.

The King’s Fund has an ambition to increase the diversity of our workforce and to create career opportunities in health and care policy for a broader range of people. The policy and research field is not yet reflective of the health and care workforce in terms of ethnicity. We believe that diversity of background and experience contributes to a broader collective perspective, and we want to improve the way we influence health and social care policy. This positive action trainee post is aimed at people from an ethnic minority background who are interested in pursuing a career in policy and/or research who have not previously worked or had an internship in this field and is advertised under Section 158 of the Equality Act 2010. 

About the role 

The Policy and Research Trainee post is a broad-ranging development role that will support the post-holder to gain knowledge and experience of various aspects of policy and research within a specialist health and care policy team.

You will contribute to projects across a wide range of issues relating to health and social care policy and practice (see our website for some examples of our recent projects). You will gain experience in creating a range of outputs for different audiences, publishing and presenting research findings in an accessible way. Training will be available both internally and externally to develop not only relevant research skills but also wider aspects such as writing and giving presentations.

About us 

The King’s Fund’s mission is to inspire hope and build confidence for positive change, by boldly reimagining a health and care system that is compassionate, equitable and fit for the future, with people at its heart.

We want our staff to feel like they can bring their whole selves to work. We have a range of staff networks, including a Black Staff Network and an Allyship group. You can read more about our work on diversity and inclusion on our website.

About you 

We are looking for someone who is passionate and curious about improving health and care in England and who wants to learn more about health and care policy. 

You will have a demonstrable interest in learning about English health and care policy and research. You will already have experience with health or care, whether as a carer, patient or staff member, and an interest in improving health and wellbeing, for example by reducing health inequalities and improving social determinants of health.

You will not have previously worked in research or policy, but you’ll be enthusiastic about gaining the new skills and experience needed to start a career in policy or research. We are particularly interested to hear from people who see this opportunity as unique and critical to their career development.  

How to apply

To apply, please visit our website and read our supplementary guidance documents, then download and fill in our application form and the equal opportunities form. If completing the application forms present any challenges, contact us by email so we can discussion options. 

We will also be running two informal online sessions on Zoom on 9 or 13 April where you can hear from existing colleagues about what it’s like to work in The King’s Fund policy team and have the opportunity to ask questions. Please visit this job advert on our website to register. You only need to attend one of the sessions. . 

Please note that in order to apply, you must have existing documented proof of your right to live and work in the UK. Sadly, we are unable to sponsor work permit applications, extensions or transfers from an existing UK employer. 

CVs will not be accepted as applications. Applications must be submitted using The King’s Fund application form. 

Closing date for receipt of completed applications is 19 April.

Interviews will be held in person at The King’s Fund London office on 13 May (role available to commence in June but no later than September 2026).

Are you a brilliant communicator who loves writing copy and supporting donors? Join a passionate team working to end education inequality through the power of Classics.

We're looking for a Fundraising and Communications Officer to create and distribute newsletters and emails and be the first port of call for new and existing donors. You will enjoy collating case studies and reports, learning about our impact in schools and ensuring that donors and funders have a positive and meaningful relationship with Classics for All. You’ll play a vital role in enabling our programmes to reach schools and students across the UK. This is a varied and rewarding role at the heart of a small, friendly team making a big impact.

Diversity and inclusion

As a social mobility charity, being inclusive is a fundamental value of Classics for All. We welcome applications from all eligible people and are particularly keen to receive applications from those who are from communities that are less represented within the Classics community, such as those from minoritised ethnic backgrounds and those with disabilities.

It does not matter if Classics was offered at your own school, and you do not need to be a Classicist to join our team – there are no Latin tests!

Bible Society believes the Bible is God’s gift for God’s world. We share it because we believe it changes lives for good. We want Christians to be confident in the Bible’s truthfulness and reliability, and we want to change how people talk about it in wider society and invite them to see it as a source of wisdom and joy.

In this role, you’ll develop and align content to achieve two core aims: raising Bible confidence among Christians and engaging the spiritually open with the Bible in meaningful, accessible ways.

As Content Manager, you’ll lead a multi‑disciplinary team including a Creative Specialist, Editorial Assistant and Copywriter, playing a central role in shaping and delivering impactful content. You’ll work with the Head of Marketing to develop briefs that turn organisational goals into actionable content strategies and collaborate with colleagues to deliver and distribute that content effectively.

If this sounds like you and you have the legal right to work and remain in the UK, we’d love to hear from you. Please provide your CV and a 250-word statement that sets out why you’re the best person for this position.

Bible Society is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and aspire to reflect this in our workforce. We welcome applications from people representing all sections of the community.

Closing date is 12 April 2026, first round interview date 20 April 2026 (online) and second-round interview date 29 April 2026 (Swindon)

​

Financial Controller
Oxford

We are looking for our new Financial Controller: someone who takes pride in running an excellent finance operation and who enjoys being closely involved in the life of a college.

This is a senior role at the heart of the College’s professional services team. Reporting to the Treasurer, the Financial Controller leads the College’s finance function and ensures the delivery of high-quality financial management, reporting and control across the organisation.

We are looking for someone with substantial experience of running a highly effective finance operation, but who is also curious and interested in the wider context of the organisation they support. College life is varied and dynamic, and the finance team plays an important role in supporting activity across academic, operational and commercial areas of the College.

You will be a key member of the Treasurer’s senior management team and the operational lead for the College’s finance function. Senior colleagues across the College look to the Financial Controller for sound financial advice as they develop plans and initiatives, and the role provides an opportunity to contribute to decision-making across a wide range of activities.

You will lead a finance and payroll team of nine staff (6 FTE) and will be responsible for the integrity of the College’s financial reporting, control environment and systems. The role also involves working closely with the Governing Body and its committees, providing clear and insightful financial information that supports effective governance and stewardship of the College’s resources.

Just as important as technical expertise is how we work together. Our finance team is collaborative, supportive and collegiate in the best sense of the word. We take pride in delivering high-quality work, but we also value openness, mutual support and a willingness to help colleagues across the College navigate financial matters. We are looking for someone who enjoys building relationships, working constructively with others and contributing positively to the culture of the team.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced finance professional who enjoys combining strong financial management with meaningful involvement in the life of an institution.

We recognise that excellent candidates do not always meet every requirement listed in a job description. If you feel that your experience and skills would enable you to succeed in this role, we would be very pleased to hear from you.

We welcome applications from candidates with experience across a range of sectors who are interested in contributing to the work of the College.

For further information on this opportunity, please contact Rosemary Pini at Allen Lane, who is supporting on this appointment and would be happy to discuss the role in more detail.

Join Clore Social Leadership at an exciting moment for the organisation as we begin delivering a new strategy to expand our reach, deepen our impact and strengthen our voice across the social sector. We are looking for a confident and creative Marketing and Communications Coordinator to help bring this work to life.

Clore Social Leadership has supported more than 5,000 individuals from nearly 3,800 organisations through leadership development programmes, courses, events and research. Our work supports leaders across the UK social sector who are working to create change in their communities, organisations and movements. We are committed to advancing justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, and to challenging traditional ideas about who leadership is for.

In this role you will take ownership of the delivery of our marketing and communications activity, helping to grow our audiences, promote our programmes and strengthen our position as a thought leader in inclusive leadership.

What will you be doing?

• Creating engaging content and campaign materials across digital channels

• Managing the website and developing new content

• Leading digital campaigns across social media

• Supporting paid advertising campaigns

• Analysing campaign performance and audience engagement

• Planning and delivering email marketing and newsletters

• Supporting audience journeys and engagement across our platforms

• Collaborating with colleagues, partners and external suppliers

• Supporting marketing for events, programmes and organisational activity

Interested? Read the full job description and apply with a tailored CV and cover letter. We look forward to hearing from you.

In line with the Equality Act 2010, we are committed to offering reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and beyond. If you need support or have any questions about the job description, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Endometriosis UK is the leading UK charity supporting those living with endometriosis. Formed in 1981, we offer information and support, for example through our website, information leaflets and webinars, and via our local support groups, Helplines and online forum.  As well as directly supporting those with endometriosis, we work to raise awareness of endometriosis amongst healthcare professionals, the public and the media; lobby for improved diagnosis, treatment and management; and support research. We have a big job to do and ambitious plans.

We are looking for an experienced Policy and Campaigns Manager to manage our policy and campaigning work. You will have a strong understanding of the UK political system and how to influence it, and will be confident in drafting reports, consultation responses and working with and disseminating data. You will have worked on health policy before, and will have strong knowledge of how to influence health policy at local and national level.
You must be pro-active in your approach to monitoring the external environment and seeking out opportunities for Endometriosis UK to have the most influence. You’ll be able to work in a small team and understand how we can make the most impact with our limited capacity.

You will be passionate about menstrual health and ensuring patient voices are at the heart of all we deliver, and will be able to turn policy asks into strong campaigns.

 About the role:

This is a pivotal role in our Campaigns and Communications Team, reporting to the Head of Campaigns and Communications. You will be managing the drafting of evidenced-based policy positions (for example analysing research, data and lived experience insight) and work with the Head of Campaigns and Communications to ensure these are translated into effective campaigning activity that drives real change.

You will oversee the integration of policy and campaigns activity, working closely with the Campaigns and Policy Officer, and enabling the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team to engage with parliamentary and high-level stakeholder engagement.

This role offers a great opportunity for an experienced Policy and Campaigns Manager to shape how Endometriosis UK uses evidence, policy and campaigning together to improve diagnosis times, access to treatment, and support for those affected by menstrual health conditions across the UK.

Are you an experienced fundraiser, skilled in crafting persuasive appeals and telling moving stories of impact and change? We have a fabulous opportunity for you to use your creative and organisational skills to make a difference to families in South London and East Surrey.

Our programmes include individual family support, domestic abuse recovery and a range of parenting and group work programmes to enable families to thrive.

The core of your role will be in generating funds from trusts, foundations and grant making trusts.

• Identify and research prospective funders aligned with Welcare’s priorities.
• Develop tailored, high-quality grant applications, expressions of interest, and monitoring reports.
• Manage a rolling pipeline of small, medium, and large grant opportunities.
• Lead on multi-year and restricted funding applications where appropriate.
• Ensure accurate tracking of deadlines and submissions using eTapestry (Blackbaud’s CRM/Supporter Management System)
• Work closely with CEO, Head of Practice and Business Manager to gather data, case studies, and outcomes.

• Translate impact data into compelling narratives aligned with funder priorities.
• Support development of monitoring and evaluation frameworks to strengthen future bids.

Salary:  £41,771 FTE (pro-rata £25,062)

Fully remote working

Generous Annual Leave allowance

Longlisted candidates will be required to complete a full application form prior to interview.

Application closing date: 6 April 2026

Interview date: rolling interview

My Sisters’ House is expanding its fundraising team — and we’re looking for a dynamic, creative and relationship‑driven fundraiser who can help take our income generation to the next level. If you love building connections, crafting compelling stories and spotting opportunities others miss, this role will give you the space to thrive.

What you’ll do

You’ll lead the growth of our individual giving and high‑value supporter base, nurturing relationships with donors, partners and philanthropists who want to make a tangible difference. You’ll shape engaging fundraising appeals, deliver standout donor experiences and bring fresh ideas that cut through a challenging fundraising landscape.

You’ll also help develop new income streams — from local businesses to female‑led enterprises — and work closely with colleagues to strengthen donor journeys and build a confident, ambitious fundraising culture.

What you’ll bring

You’re a natural communicator with a flair for storytelling and a sharp eye for opportunity. You’re organised, proactive and energised by a busy, varied workload. You enjoy thinking creatively, writing persuasively and turning insight into action. Above all, you’re motivated by the impact your work can have on women facing trauma, abuse and disadvantage.

Why join us?

You’ll be part of a small, passionate and supportive team with big ambitions. You’ll have room to innovate, freedom to shape your approach and the chance to grow your skills across individual giving, corporate partnerships and high‑value fundraising. With strong foundations already in place — and a growing network of committed supporters — you’ll be joining at a genuinely exciting moment.

Flexible working is essential, with occasional evenings and weekends. The role requires a DBS check

St Pauls Advice Centre is a trusted, community-based charity providing free, specialist legal advice to people facing poverty, insecurity and injustice. We work across welfare benefits, debt, and immigration, supporting people to understand and exercise their rights.

We are looking for a skilled and thoughtful Marketing & Communications Officer to help us strengthen how we communicate our work, reach underserved communities, and influence the systems that shape people’s lives.

This is a role for someone who combines creativity with purpose. You will help ensure our communications are clear, accessible and rooted in the realities of the communities we serve.

About the role

Working closely with the Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director, you will lead the coordination of our internal and external communications. You will shape and deliver a strategic communications approach that reflects our values, strengthens our voice, and supports our impact.

Your work will include:

• Acting as a brand guardian, supporting consistent tone of voice and visual identity
• Managing and developing our website and digital platforms, improving accessibility and user experience
• Creating engaging and accessible content for social media, reports and publications
• Producing Annual Reports, Impact Reports and other key outputs
• Designing clear, inclusive information and publicity materials
• Supporting media engagement, including drafting press releases and articles
• Contributing to events, partnerships and fundraising activity

You will also contribute to organisational learning by helping us communicate insight, evidence and impact in ways that are meaningful to communities, partners and funders.

About you

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience in a communications, marketing or digital role
• Writes clearly and effectively for a range of audiences
• Can translate complex information into accessible, engaging content
• Is confident managing digital platforms and content systems
• Understands the importance of inclusive, community-centred communication
• Brings strong organisational skills and the ability to work independently
• Shares our commitment to equity, dignity and social justice

Experience in the advice, charity or public sector is helpful but not essential.

Why join us

This is an opportunity to play a meaningful role in an organisation working at the intersection of advice, health and justice. You will help ensure people can access the support they need, and that their experiences inform wider change.

We offer:

• Salary: £31,357 pro rata (Actual £12,614.80)
• 14 hours per week (flexible, with some preference for Wednesdays)
• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata)
• Additional 3 days leave between Christmas and New Year
• 5% employer pension contribution
• Flexible and hybrid working options
• A supportive, reflective team culture

Apply

We welcome applications from people with lived experience of the issues our clients face, and from communities underrepresented in the advice sector.

To apply, please complete the personal application form, the competency application form and the equal opportunities monitoring form and email them to us.

Closing date: Monday 27th April, 10:00 am
Interview date: Thursday 7th May

Please note: we do not accept CVs. No agencies.

Contract: Permanent – Full-time

Salary: £42,000 per annum

Hours of Work:Full-time, 37.5 hours per week /requires a minimum of a minimum of 40-60% on site at the Hospice

Location: HA3 0YG

We’re looking for an experienced and inspiring Community & Events Fundraising Manager to lead a motivated team and deliver ambitious income growth across our vibrant programme of community fundraising and events. 

This new role plays a major part in shaping the future of Public Fundraising at St Luke’s. You’ll lead a team of four, develop clear plans and KPIs, embed data driven decision making, and ensure our supporters receive excellent stewardship at every step. 

We’re looking for someone who can: 

• Provide strong, empathetic leadership 

• Translate strategy into practical delivery 

• Oversee event and community fundraising portfolios 

• Manage budgets, track performance and mitigate risk 

• Build team culture and cross team collaboration 

• Champion best practice and regulatory compliance 

If you’re an experienced community or events fundraiser ready to build a high performing team, this is a hugely rewarding opportunity. 

Join our Ask Us Anything Webinar on Wed 1 April @12.30pm to learn more: 
BITLY: https://bit.ly/4cLlZ9X

Applicants are encouraged to inform us if any reasonable adjustments are needed to be made during any part of the recruitment process.

St Luke’s Hospice are equal opportunity employers and particularly welcome applications from groups who are currently under-represented in our staff.

Please note: We will not be able to employ you if you are not eligible to work in the UK. We will not be able to obtain a work permit on your behalf.

Salary: £52,000 per annum.

Location: Hybrid Work Culture. We are proud to promote a truly hybrid work culture, recognising that every role is different, and everyone has unique needs and preferences. Our Hybrid Work Arrangement empowers each team member to work with their manager to choose the most effective way to work that balances your needs and Hospice UK’s.

For this role, we expect someone to come into the office for two or more days a week. One of those days would be a Tuesday when Income Generation & Grants colleagues come into the office. You can work remotely for the rest of the time, but equally, you may prefer to work from the office full-time. You can discuss your preferences as they meet our business needs with your line manager at the start of your employment. You will also need to be available for some out of hours events in the evenings.

Contractually this role is London-based.

Contract: Permanent.  Full time role - 35 hours per week.

Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave rising to 30 days after 2 years (+ an extra 10 days on each 5th year). Pro rata for part time hours
• Matched pension scheme up to 7% of salary
• Healthcare plan
• Support for staff with caring responsibilities
• Family-friendly culture

How to apply: CV and supporting statement - using Hospice UK’s supporting statement document – available on our website to download.

Closing date for applications: 10:00am on Sunday 29 March 2026.

Job Information:

The Role

This is an exciting time to join Hospice UK!  We are growing significantly as a charity and our brand awareness and profile has never been higher. 

You will have already proven you can raise significant funds from trusts and foundations and are now looking to develop your skillset and deepen your experience in an exciting new role. This is a great opportunity if you are ambitious and have the passion to excel. Hybrid working is part of the deal too, so you will be looking to work between time in the office and home.

As our Senior Philanthropy Manager we see you maximising the capacity of our well-established portfolio of warm trusts and foundations of all sizes via bespoke proposals and relationship management. You’ll also be developing exciting new business opportunities as we continue to grow our ambitious but achievable targets, with major income already pledged for future years. 

You will have the chance to work with large funders like the National Lottery, Wolfson Foundation, Masonic Charitable Foundation and others. You’ll be writing complex applications to secure new, multi-year income for interesting and fundable projects, as well as growing our pipeline of unrestricted income for the charity.

You will also be supporting the Head of Philanthropy and Philanthropy Manager (major donors) as well as line-managing the Philanthropy Assistant.

The Team

We are a supportive and collaborative team of four, focussed on delivering over £1.5M per year from trusts and major donors. Hospice UK offers a vibrant and rewarding work environment with a great culture of sharing, learning, social activities, and regular meet-ups. We work collaboratively, support each other, commiserate our failures and celebrate our successes!

At Hospice UK you will have the structure, support and opportunities to develop a stellar track-record and work towards your career goals. We pride ourselves as one of the best in the sector for providing excellent development and training opportunities for our fundraisers.

About You

You are a positive, creative, and proactive individual who embraces the challenge of a diverse portfolio. With success in cultivating new relationships, as well as managing existing donors, you will have the drive to succeed as a self-starter with excellent written and verbal communication skills. You’ll already have great database and prospect research skills, and pride yourself on your organisation and attention to detail. 

You will be able to quickly form relationships with internal and external partners, and act as a representative for Hospice UK. You will have a track record of generating income and hitting your targets through high quality applications and excellent reporting and account management.

More information is available in the candidate information pack, which is available on our website to download.

Store Manager

Salary£24,765.00 per annum

LocationBrighton

Weekly Hours37.5

The Vacancy

Job Title: Store Manager

Location: Brighton

Salary: £24,765.00 per annum

Weekly Hours: 37.5

Reference: YMC1188329

Are you an experienced retailer?

Why not try a new type of retailing where you get to run your own store, inspiring a team of paid staff and volunteers to be proud of everything you achieve together at the heart of your local community and raise money for an amazing charity? If so we have a fantastic opportunity at our Brighton store.

Operating within a fast paced environment, you will work effectively and efficiently to maximise income from sales, gift aid, and other promotional activities plus drive donations from the local area. Delivering a great store offer and standards, inspiring your team to give amazing customer service, you will raise funds for and promote the work of YMCA within the local community.

You will have exceptional organisational skills, creative flair and drive which, along with your commercial awareness, will enable you to motivate, develop and inspire your team of paid staff and volunteers. You will be looking for an opportunity to work in an environment that has challenge, excitement and meaning. This role is varied and no two days are the same.

Why join YMCA England & Wales?

We’ll give you real autonomy in a role that is varied and stimulating and the opportunity for you to use your entrepreneurial skills to raise money and represent YMCA in your area.  

You’ll also get a package that includes:

• Pension
• 28 days annual leave including bank holidays (pro rata for part time staff)
• Regular salary reviews
• Sick pay (after a qualifying period)
• Services to support your physical, mental and financial wellbeing, including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Health shield cash plan

This is an exciting time to join us as we embark on a journey of expansion. We are opening many new stores across England and Wales, Our Charity Shops are unique and offer a wide range of donated products. We are passionate about recycling and pride ourselves in selling over 95% of our donated stock and we don’t sell new goods! If successful, You will be joining an amazing team and receive support and guidance from your Area Manager, Regional Manager, other Store Managers and the wider Retail team at Head Office.

 At YMCA England & Wales, we strive to create a workplace that fully reflects and serves its local community. We want all staff to feel empowered to bring their full, authentic self to work each day. We have diverse teams, we encourage everyone to do their best and support them to reach their full potential.

If you are passionate about improving young lives, this will be the role for you.

Safer recruitment is important to us and the successful applicant will be asked to provide two references. They will also be required to complete a safeguarding self-declaration and undertake a DBS check.

For further information on YMCA, website 

SMART CJS – Trust and Foundations Bid Writer

Role Overview

Are you committed to supporting people who are homeless or rough sleeping?

Are you proactive with a positive attitude?

Job Title: Trust and Foundations Bid Writer (with some responsibility for corporate fundraising)

Hours: 37 hours per week

Location: Working from our office in central Bedford, with some provision for remote working.

About SMART CJS

Founded in 1997, we are a charity that provides safe spaces for people who are facing or experiencing homelessness, are rough sleeping or have fallen on tough times. As times have changed, our services have adapted and grown, but we’ve always kept the people we support at the centre of all that we do. We believe that everyone needs a little help sometimes and, with trust, respect and honesty, people can make incredible changes. Our vision is to transform communities so that everyone has the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential, participate in and contribute to all aspects of life. Our mission is to provide safe spaces to work with vulnerable people within our communities, empowering them to make positive changes and take control of their lives.

Why Join Us?

We believe in diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Benefits include:

• 27 days Annual Leave (rising to 30 after 3 years) + Bank Holidays (pro rata)
• Generous Pension scheme (after successfully completing a probation period)
• Excellent Development and Growth Opportunities
• Access to a Charity Worker Discount scheme
• Access to the company health and wellbeing service including support with mental health, legal advice and more
• Access to an online GP service

We require all staff and volunteers to be committed to safeguarding and to respond proactively to safeguarding concerns. Successful applicants are required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). This job description will be supplemented by annual objectives which will be developed in conjunction with the post holder.

The Role

SMART CJS is looking to recruit a Trusts and Foundations Bid Writer. The successful candidate will also have some responsibility for corporate fundraising with businesses based in Bedford and beyond; this responsibility will be shared with our Community and Corporate Fundraiser.

The main responsibility, though, will be to generate income by writing bids to charitable trusts and foundations, and to statutory funders.

The role will include researching and identifying charity trusts and similar bodies which are able to make an award to SMART. It will also include keeping abreast of developments in fundraising in the charity sector as a whole, especially in the field of grant awarding and, to a lesser extent, of corporate giving.

There will be a probationary period for the role. As it generally takes six months for a grant to be awarded (though some arrive more quickly), the probationary period will need to be for a minimum of seven months, though its precise duration can be negotiated with the successful candidate.

Training will be given; the scope of the training will depend on the candidate’s previous experience.

This is an exciting opportunity to join SMART’s friendly and dedicated team. You’ll need to be able to manage your time effectively; the role is primarily self-directed. We envisage that you’ll be working primarily from our offices in Prebend Street, Bedford, though you'll be able to work from home for some of the time as well. Given the nature of our work, personal resilience is important; some of the stories we use when applying for funding can be emotionally challenging.

Our fundraising comes from regular gifts, donations from the community (individuals and groups), and corporate bodies (businesses). The majority of our fundraising income comes from grants. There will be a realistic target for the amount you need to raise; this will reflect the performance for grant applications in the charity sector as a whole and it will not be unrealistic. Fundraising is not an exact science; the assessment of performance against the targets will be fair and reasonable. The final responsibility for SMART’s fundraising rests with the trustees; they appreciate and understand the complexity of the issues involved.

Main Purpose of the Role

You will work closely with the CEO, the Chair of Trustees, the Head of Business and the fundraising team. The post involves gathering information, writing the bids, tracking the progress of submissions, and reporting back to grant awarders on how their money has been spent, if they require this.

There will also be a responsibility for corporate fundraising. This will involve building relationships with businesses in and beyond the Bedford area. The responsibility for this will be shared with our Community and Corporate Fundraiser.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising and Bid Writing

• Research and identify suitable grant and funding opportunities from charitable trusts, foundations, and statutory bodies.
• Write and submit high-quality funding applications and proposals in line with SMART’s strategic priorities.
• Work collaboratively with service leads and front line teams to gather accurate, up-to-date data and service information for applications.
• Tailor the applications to the funder’s criteria, using storytelling effectively.
• Manage a pipeline of applications and submissions, ensuring deadlines are met and income targets are tracked.
• Maintain and build relationships with key funders, providing timely reports and updates on grant-funded work.
• Work to realistic targets and be able to provide feedback on these.
• Organisational Development and Support
• Contribute to the strategic development of SMART’s income generation plans.
• Support development of strong internal bid and grant management systems.
• Monitor success rates and provide monthly reporting on funding performance to the Head of Business and to the Chair of Trustees.
• Represent SMART CJS at funding briefings, webinars, and networking opportunities where appropriate.

Other Responsibilities

• Participate in SMART’s performance management and appraisal process.
• Attend the monthly meetings of the Fundraising Committee (a sub‑committee of the Board of Trustees).
• Comply with health and safety policies and procedures.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role, as required by the CEO, the Head of Business or the Chair of Trustees.

Person Specification

Whether you’re already an experienced bid-writer, or whether you think this is something that you could learn to do effectively, we’d like to hear from you. You need to have excellent skills in written English and be able to write in prose that’s clear and readily understandable to the general reader. The criteria for each grant awarder are different; you need to be able to match your bid to what they would like to fund (homelessness, mental health, relief of poverty, women’s issues and so on). You need, then, to tell SMART’s story in a way which appeals to each funder.

You need to have excellent inter-personal skills and be able to work as part of a team. While there is a strong element of self-direction in the role, you need to be able to work closely with senior management and also with the trustees; the trustees have the final responsibility for fundraising in the charity.

You will need, too, to have a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and to have a genuine interest in homelessness and the work of the charity, and a commitment to improving our clients’ lives and wellbeing.

We are looking for a new CEO to lead Surrey Community Action into a bright and exciting future, where the voluntary sector and communities of Surrey are helped to survice and thrive.

Surrey Community Action

Chief Executive Officer

35 hours per week, mostly office based but with some scope for working remotely.

Based in Burpham, Guildford, Surrey

The role is subject to a satisfactory DBS check.

£62,000 for a 35-hour week

5% employers pension contribution

25 days annual leave plus three days over Christmas

Employee Assistance Programme

About Surrey Community Action

Surrey Community Action supports Surrey’s voluntary sector, the diverse communities of Surrey, and other organisations who seek to work with either. We ensure that non-voluntary sector stakeholders understand the value of our sector and how to work together to achieve shared objectives. We provide services to Surrey’s voluntary sector that increase their effectiveness or fill gaps in their capability, capacity, and resilience. Services to the Surrey’s Communities and we provide services directly to Surrey’s communities that support community action and address unsupported needs.

About The Role

We are seeking a new Chief Executive to join us at an ideal time to complete and implement our emerging new strategy and direct Surrey Community Action into a bright future.

As Chief Executive Officer, you will have the scope and authority to shape strategy, influence policy, empower Surrey’s voluntary sector, and champion rural communities, working closely with a committed Board, and experienced staff team.

You will be the organisation’s lead ambassador, building trusted relationships with partners, funders and decision‑makers, and ensuring the organisation’s voice is heard at local, regional and national level.

You will also play a critical role in leading change and transformation within the charity - strengthening systems, diversifying income and evolving how the organisation works so it remains resilient, relevant and impactful in a fast‑changing environment.

This is a role for someone who enjoys balancing big‑picture thinking with practical delivery, and who can bring people with them through periods of transition.

If you are motivated to improve the capability, capacity and resilience of the Surrey’s voluntary sector, communities and residents; if you thrive in complex and changing stakeholder environments; and if you are excited by the challenge of leading an organisation through its next phase of growth and influence, this role is for you.

No two days will be the same, but there are some core parts of this role.

• Strategic Leadership & Organisational Direction
• You will lead the delivery of a clear, compelling organisational strategy, adapting it in response to an evolving operating environment and ensuring the organisation remains agile, future‑focused and well positioned within the voluntary and community sectors.
• Board Partnership & Governance
• You will work collaboratively with the Board of Trustees, providing high‑quality insight, advice and assurance on strategy, finance, risk, governance and compliance, and then supporting effective Board decision‑making through clear reporting, analysis and professional guidance.
• Leadership of People & Culture
• You will lead, inspire and support the staff team through a transparent, inclusive and empowering management style, creating a high‑performance culture rooted in trust, accountability, equality, diversity and wellbeing.
• Change Management & Organisational Development
• You will be a skilled change manager, leading transformation in response to evolving funding landscapes, policy shifts, technology and community needs, designing and implementing systems, structures and processes that strengthen organisational effectiveness and resilience.
• Ambassadorial Role, Advocacy & External Relations
• You will be the public face of the organisation, representing it with credibility, passion and authority, and building strong, influential relationships with funders, partners, policymakers, communities and stakeholders.

About You

The purpose of the Chief Executive Officer’s role is to guide and plan the strategic development and overall direction of the organisation, providing strong leadership and co-ordination to ensure the aims, strategic objectives and priorities of the organisation are achieved.

To do this, we need someone who embodies the following attributes, skills and experience.

You will have:

• Senior leadership experience within a voluntary, community, public or values‑led organisation, with accountability for strategy, performance and resources.
• Proven experience of working effectively with a Board or trustees
• Demonstrable success in leading and managing organisational change, including restructuring, service development or cultural transformation.
• Experience in fundraising, income generation and business development
• Experience of financial leadership, including budgeting, financial planning, income generation and managing funding agreements or contracts.
• A strong track record of external engagement, partnership working and representation at senior level.
• People management experience, supporting a compact team delivering diverse projects.
• Excellent communication skills (including social media) and governance literacy.
• It will be a distinct advantage to have familiarity with Local Government Reorganisation and devolution, ideally in a county like Surrey.

You will be:

• Motivated, motivating and dynamic
• An effective communicator (including social media) with good network contacts, especially in the VCSE sector and across local government
• A strong team builder, able to develop, encourage and support colleagues in making the most of their experience and skillsets and to feel confident in their abilities
• A visionary leader who is able to embrace and manage change through strategic creativity and innovation, while also able to pay attention to detail when necessary.
• Ideally, you will also be able to demonstrate understanding of charity governance, compliance and safeguarding.
• Calm and confident under pressure with an evidence-based approach to prioritising finite resources.

These attributes, skills and experience will make you stand out, but even if you do not match all the criteria below, we still want to hear about you and what you can offer.

The Nuts and Bolts

The role is a permanent contract for 35 hours per week, mostly office based but with some scope for working remotely.

Our offices are in Guildford, Surrey

We are committed to continued professional development and will support you to develop your skills even further.

The role is subject to a satisfactory DBS check.

The salary for this post is £62,000 for a 35-hour week.

We also offer:

• 5% employers pension contribution
• Employee Assistance Programme
• 25 days holiday with an additional three days between Christmas and New Year, as well as all English Bank Holidays

We can only accept applications from candidates with the right to work in the UK.