Head of education and engagement jobs
First Give
First Give is a national charity that partners with secondary schools to inspire and equip young people with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to drive change. Through our structured programmes, students explore social issues, connect with charities, and take tangible steps to improve their community.
Empowering and equipping young people to meaningfully contribute to their community is a first step to addressing many of the challenges we face at this time of social disconnection and division. Our vision is of a more generous society where everyone is willing and able to give their time, money and skills to the causes they care about.
The Route to a Million Campaign
This is an exciting time for First Give, as we seek to expand and diversify our fundraising streams into Corporate and HNWI. To support this, we are launching the Route to A Million campaign in March, aiming to raise an additional £1.5 million over the next 3 years on top of our forecast income. The campaign is supported by a newly recruited campaign board, and the new Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships will spearhead the work required to achieve this target.
Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships
We are seeking a dynamic, strategic and entrepreneurial Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships to supercharge First Give’s next phase of income growth. This is a pivotal role at the heart of our mission, offering the opportunity to shape and deliver a multi‑year fundraising strategy that fuels real, measurable impact for young people and society as a whole. First Give is a small charity, with a growing fundraising team and big ambitions. You will therefore be someone who thrives in a start-up environment, brings new ideas to the table and is comfortable leading a brand-new team.
As the senior leader for all income streams, you will own and drive our major donor programme; unlock new philanthropic partnerships; and build a talented team across other income streams to achieve ambitious goals. Working closely with the Director and our emerging Campaign Board, you will play critical role in growing our £1m+ annual income, deepening donor engagement and building the culture, systems and relationships that will propel First Give into its next phase of expansion.
This is an exciting opportunity for an exceptional fundraiser who thrives in a values‑driven, high‑ambition environment and wants to make a lasting contribution to a fast‑growing education charity.
Contract: Full time (35 hours per week), Permanent
Salary: £60K (+£2K London weighting if applicable)
Location: This is a hybrid contract. The successful candidate will be expected to work from our London office or attend in-person meetings and host donors at school Final events as required. The remainder of the week can typically be worked remotely, with flexibility as required.
The students we work with come from a diverse range of backgrounds, and so do we. We want to foster a diverse and inclusive culture, to empower our teams to achieve our vision drawing on the broadest possible range of experiences. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates from minoritised groups currently underrepresented on our executive team, particularly black and minority ethnic and disabled candidates.
Please download the candidate pack for more details, and don't hesitate to get in touch if you'd like a chat about the role or any reasonable adjustments we can make before applying: contact details provided in the candidate pack.
Creating opportunities where young people are inspired and empowered to give their time, money or skills to charities and causes that they care about


We are recruiting a Head of Income and Engagement to provide strategic leadership and vision for two critical functions—Fundraising and Marketing & Communications—bringing them together into a unified, high-performing team. This role focuses on shaping strategy, building external relationships, and driving organisational growth through income generation and brand engagement, rather than day-to-day operational management.
You will set the direction for attracting significant funding, particularly through corporate partnerships, while strengthening what PAPYRUS already does well:
- Securing grants and trusts funding
- Harnessing the passion of our large, committed supporter base - including bereaved families and others who raise voluntary income for us
In a challenging financial climate, you will lead efforts to grow these income streams and maintain a strong, values-driven presence across press, social media, and broadcast channels. The role requires influence, innovation, and the ability to inspire all managers and staff, as well as external stakeholders.
Please visit the careers site for the full job description and person specification for the role.
Salary: £58,523 per annum (Scale SCP 46) progressing by increments to £62,852 per annum (Scale SCP 49)
Hours: 36 hours per week Location: Remote with regular travel across the UK
Contract: Permanent
Benefits: You will receive 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time workers), hybrid and flexible working arrangements, an attractive pension scheme, Simply Health membership, enhanced sick pay and enhanced parental pay. Please visit our website for more details.
Closing date: midnight on 22nd February 2026
We reserve the right to close the vacancy earlier if we receive sufficient applications so, please submit your application as soon as possible.
PAPYRUS is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment, and its recruitment policies are designed to ensure that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender re-assignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
PAPYRUS is committed to safeguarding all children, young people and adults at risk that interact with the organisation. The organisation recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of these vulnerable groups by a commitment to procedures to protect them. The charity expects all staff and volunteers to fully support and promote these commitments.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
First Give
First Give is a national charity that partners with secondary schools to inspire and equip young people with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to drive change. Through our structured programmes, students explore social issues, connect with charities, and take tangible steps to improve their community.
Empowering and equipping young people to meaningfully contribute to their community is a first step to addressing many of the challenges we face at this time of social disconnection and division. Our vision is of a more generous society where everyone is willing and able to give their time, money and skills to the causes they care about.
Corporate Parnterships Manager
We are seeking a self-motivated and driven Corporate Partnerships Manager to lead on growing and stewarding First Give’s portfolio of high-value funders. This role will focus on developing corporate partnerships and will also support our Campaign Board and major donor activity.
First Give is a small charity, with a growing fundraising team and big ambitions. You will therefore be someone who thrives in a start-up environment, brings new ideas to the table and is comfortable setting up new systems and processes. You will play a pivotal role in shaping First Give’s income growth, working closely with our Head of Philanthropy and the Director. This role will also support key engagement activities, including hosting donors at student-led Final events and facilitating employee volunteering at schools.
This is an exciting opportunity for a confident fundraiser and communicator looking for the next step in their career. Someone who thrives on strategy, storytelling, and social impact.
Contract: Full-time, 35 hours per week. Permanent.
Salary: £40K (+£2K London weighting if applicable)
Location: The successful candidate will be expected to work from our London office or attend in-person meetings and host donors at school Final events for two days per week on average. The remainder of the week can typically be worked remotely, with flexibility as required.
Reporting to: Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships
The students we work with come from a diverse range of backgrounds, and so do we. We want to foster a diverse and inclusive culture, to empower our teams to achieve our vision drawing on the broadest possible range of experiences. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates from minoritised groups currently underrepresented on our executive team, particularly black and minority ethnic and disabled candidates.
Please download the candidate pack for more details, and don't hesitate to get in touch if you'd like a chat about the role or any reasonable adjustments we can make before applying: contact details provided in the candidate pack.
Creating opportunities where young people are inspired and empowered to give their time, money or skills to charities and causes that they care about


Head of Health Information and Education
We’re the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity. We’re determined to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer. We support and fund targeted research, provide expert information and support to patients and their families, educate the public and professionals about the disease and campaign for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care.
We currently have around 95 staff based in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we’re in a privileged position to be able to grow our staff team to deliver our ambitious strategy, On a mission. There are huge challenges facing bowel cancer patients across the UK and our community needs us now more than ever. We’re building a strong and united team to bring us closer to a future where nobody dies of bowel cancer.
Job summary for Head of Health Information and Education
The Head of Health Information and Education is a key role at Bowel Cancer UK, leading the delivery of our health information and health professional education. We currently provide high quality support, but we know we need to do even more, reach more people and have an even greater impact.
The Head of Health Information and Education will, alongside our Clinical Lead, lead the development and delivery of our services in this area. This is a pivotal role with key areas of focus:
• Drive innovation in health information.
• Drive innovation in the content and delivery of health professional education.
• Expand our reach and accessibility to ensure no one faces bowel cancer alone.
• Build strong partnerships with stakeholders.
• Champion technology and digital solutions to enhance service delivery.
You’ll work closely with the Director and the Services Leadership team to set strategic direction and ensure our services are impactful, inclusive, and evidence based.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and at Bowel Cancer UK we are committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Successful candidates may be subject to either a satisfactory basic, standard or enhanced DBS check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) dependent upon the role.
We’re the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity. We’re determined to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This is a practical, hands-on leadership role at the heart of Richmond CVS’s work with local charities and community groups. The postholder will lead our support to voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations across the borough – helping them to grow stronger and more sustainable.
The main focus of the role is to strengthen the fundraising skills and income generation of local organisations, alongside providing high-quality advice on governance, planning and strategy. The role requires curiosity, creativity and strong problem-solving skills to help organisations find practical solutions to real-world challenges.
Richmond CVS already works with a range of experienced consultants and trainers and has an established suite of training resources. The postholder is not expected to be an expert in every aspect of charity management. A key part of the role is to coordinate and facilitate this support, drawing on specialist expertise where needed, while providing direct advice particularly in relation to fundraising and the fundamentals of good governance.
Working with a small, passionate team, you will deliver support, facilitate learning and manage projects that make a real difference to grassroots groups.
Key Responsibilities
Organisational Support
· Provide practical tailored advice and support to VCSE organisations on governance, fundraising, income generation, and strategic planning.
· Help groups to identify funding opportunities and develop strong, realistic funding applications
· Support organisations to become more sustainable and resilient
· Develop clear resources, toolkits and guidance
· Ensure all support is inclusive and accessible
Training & Events
· Oversee and coordinate a high-quality programme of training and learning opportunities
· Work with an established network of external trainers and consultants to deliver specialist training
· Facilitate meetings, workshops and network events where appropriate
· Develop new learning opportunities based on emerging needs
· Maintain and develop existing Richmond CVS training materials and resources
· Promote peer learning and collaboration across the sector
Project & Programme Management
· Lead and manage capacity building projects from start to finish
· Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and to agreed outcomes
· Monitor and evaluate impact and produce reports for funders
· Oversee external consultants and specialist support ensuring quality and consistency
· Identify opportunities for new funded projects
Leadership & Team Management
· Lead and support a small, committed team
· Coordinate workplans and priorities
· Provide supervision, support and development for staff
Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement
· Build strong working relationships with Richmond Council, the NHS and other partners
· Represent Richmond CVS at meetings and networks
· Facilitate networking and collaboration across the VCSE sector
· Encourage digital skills and innovation across the sector
Income Generation & Operations
· Lead on income generation for capacity building work
· Contribute to funding bids and proposals
· Support budget planning and financial monitoring
· Ensure compliance with organisational policies and procedures
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential Criteria
Experience & Knowledge
· Significant experience of working within the VCSE sector
· Strong practical experience of fundraising and bid writing
· Experience of helping organisations improve income generation and sustainability
· Experience of managing or supervising staff or volunteers
· Experience of developing, coordinating or facilitating training and learning opportunities
· Good understanding of the principles of charity governance and good management practice
· Confidence in using digital tools to support organisations
Skills & Abilities
· Excellent communication and presentation skills
· Strong problem-solving skills and a solutions-focused approach
· Curiosity and a genuine interest in understanding organisational needs
· Ability to build positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
· Ability to recognise when specialist expertise is needed and work effectively with external trainers and consultants
· Strong organisational and time management skills
· Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
· Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
Desirable Criteria
· Knowledge of the Richmond upon Thames VCSE sector
· Experience of working with local authorities or the NHS
· Experience of grant assessment or management
· Understanding of charity law
· Experience of hybrid working environments and flexible team management
· Relevant qualification in fundraising, charity or project management
Personal Qualities
· Curious and keen to learn
· Resourceful and solution-focused
· Approachable and supportive
· Passionate about the VCSE sector
· Flexible and willing to get involved where needed
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are looking for an experienced museum and heritage professional with a curatorial and/or learning and engagement background to ensure our collection, archive and content development has relevance for diverse audiences and partners.
The role of Head of Content, Learning & Engagement offers a hugely exciting opportunity to join a young and ambitious charity at a pivotal moment in its evolution.
You will develop our work across the collection and archive, including having curatorial oversight for Crystal Palace Museum, ownership of which will be transferring to the Trust during 2026. You will also lead our learning and engagement programmes, ensuring all activity is audience-driven and rooted in our mission, values and strategic principles and taking inspiration from our rich heritage and landscape and fascinating creative, cultural, and sporting legacy.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you a strategic, results-driven fundraiser ready to make a real impact?
Join the Orpheus Centre, a vibrant charity that transforms lives through the performing arts. We’re on an exciting journey, launching a £25m capital appeal to expand our facilities and grow our reach. To achieve this, we need an exceptional Deputy Head of Fundraising to help lead our income generation efforts and drive sustainable growth.
About the role
As Deputy Head of Fundraising, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering innovative fundraising strategies across multiple streams—corporate partnerships, trusts and foundations, individual giving, and community fundraising. You’ll oversee donor acquisition and stewardship, inspire your team, and ensure we meet ambitious targets. This is a fantastic opportunity to influence the future of a charity that champions creativity, inclusion, and resilience.
Location: The Orpheus Centre, Surrey
Salary: £45,000 per annum
Hours: 35 hours per week (flexible working considered) / 52 weeks per year
Contract: Permanent
What you’ll do
- Lead revenue fundraising strategies and secure income through personal efforts.
- Manage and develop a talented fundraising team.
- Build strong relationships with donors, partners, and stakeholders.
- Design compelling campaigns and optimise performance using data insights.
- Deputise for the Head of Income and Growth when required.
What we’re looking for
- Proven experience in managing multiple fundraising streams and meeting income targets.
- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
- Strategic thinker with a track record of delivering results.
- Knowledge of fundraising compliance and best practices.
Why join us?
- Be part of a passionate team that celebrates creativity and makes a tangible impact on people’s lives.
- Work on a high-profile capital appeal and exciting projects.
- A supportive, inclusive workplace where your ideas matter.
- Join us in making a lasting difference in the lives of young disabled people through the power of the arts.
Orpheus is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. All posts are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and satisfactory references. This post is classed as having a high degree of contact with vulnerable adults and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
As part of our safer recruitment process and in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025, online searches may be undertaken as part of due diligence.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
In order to be considered you must be eligible to work in the UK.
The Orpheus Centre is proud to be a disability confident employer.
We have made a positive commitment to employing disabled people. Reasonable adjustments will be made to the recruitment procedure as required in consultation with the applicant to ensure no-one is disadvantaged because of their disability. If a disabled person is selected for a position, reasonable adjustments will be made to the workplace, including premises and equipment, work duties and practices or policies, as appropriate. All disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role as set out in the role profile and person specification will be considered for interview.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we are:
- Challenging attitudes towards disability
- Increasing understanding of disability
- Removing barriers to disabled people and those with long-term health conditions
- Ensuring that disabled people have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspiration
No agencies please.
We are focused on inspiring and empowering young disabled students to live fulfilling, independent lives



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We’re looking for a Head of Stakeholder Engagement and Events to provide strategic leadership for a broad and high-profile portfolio of stakeholder engagement and events activity at Leeds Beckett University. This is a senior role within the Communications and Marketing service, responsible for setting direction, leading teams and ensuring engagement and events activity supports the university’s strategic priorities, brand reputation and student recruitment ambitions.
In this role, you will lead the development and delivery of an integrated stakeholder engagement and events strategy that strengthens the university’s relationships with key audiences, including civic partners, industry, employers, alumni, and internal stakeholders. You will ensure that activity is purposeful, impactful and aligned with marketing, communications and recruitment objectives.
You will have oversight of a complex portfolio of events and engagement activity, from high-profile external events and partnerships to internal engagement programmes. You will use insight, evaluation and audience understanding to shape activity that enhances the university’s reputation, supports student recruitment and contributes to regional, national and international profile-building.
As a senior leader, you will provide clear direction and leadership to managers and teams, fostering a high-performing, collaborative culture. You will be responsible for strategic planning, resource allocation, budget oversight and performance management, ensuring activity delivers value and measurable impact.
You will work closely with senior colleagues across the university, providing expert advice on stakeholder engagement and events, influencing decision-making and representing the university externally. Excellent communication skills, strong judgement and the ability to operate confidently in a complex, fast-paced environment are essential.
At Leeds Beckett, we value diverse perspectives and offer generous annual leave and strong support for professional development. Join a senior leadership team committed to delivering engagement and events activity that enhances the university’s reputation, strengthens partnerships and supports future growth.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
After a successful Inspiring Minds Campaign that raised £50m over a 10-year period and achieved the goal of providing bursaries to 1 in 4 pupils, the Latymer Foundation is now entering a new strategic period. A new three-year strategy will sustain and grow bursary provision, driving us towards the goal of achieving needs-blind admissions, whilst positioning Latymer as the independent school that sets the global standard for access, inclusion and opportunity.
Within this context, the Head of Philanthropy will play a vital role in securing the financial resources that sustain Latymer’s sector-leading bursary programme, ensuring that talent, not financial circumstance, determines access to a life-changing Latymer education.
The Head of Philanthropy role will have a strong personal focus on major gifts fundraising, whilst overseeing all philanthropic income streams — Major Gifts, Regular Giving and Legacies.
Salary circa £75,000 per annum, dependent on experience.
To apply and find out more about the school and our attractive staff benefits package, please visit our dedicated recruitment website via the Apply button.
Closing date: 9.00 am on Monday, 23rd February 2026.
Interviews 1st Round (Virtual) – Tuesday 3rd & Wednesday 4th March 2026.
Interviews 2nd Round (In-person at Latymer Upper School) – Wednesday 11th March 2026.
Diversity – The School is fully committed to the principles of equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion. We have an established and representative staff Equality and Diversity Board to help drive forward positive change. A further Equality and Diversity Committee has recently been formed from our student population.
We are committed to attracting and retaining the very best staff, ensuring that our staff body reflects the diversity of our students and local community. Acknowledging a lack of ethnic diversity within our Support Staff community, we particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates for this role. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010; however, the School may employ positive action where diverse candidates can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.
The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All posts are subject to an enhanced DBS, online checks and receipt of two satisfactory references.
Join Racing Welfare as Head of Fundraising and Make a Lasting Impact!
Are you an ambitious, results-driven fundraising leader with a passion for making a difference? Racing Welfare is looking for an exceptional Head of Fundraising to join our senior management team and take the helm of a thriving, high-performance fundraising operation. This is a unique opportunity for someone who wants to shape the future of British horseracing’s charitable support, driving growth and innovation in a vital sector.
About Racing Welfare:
Racing Welfare is a registered charity dedicated to supporting the workforce of British horseracing – from stud, stable, and racecourse staff to those in related professions. Our mission is to help these dedicated individuals thrive in their careers and lives, offering guidance, practical assistance, and support throughout their journey – from recruitment to retirement.
The Role:
As Head of Fundraising, you will play a central role in Racing Welfare’s strategic direction and growth. You’ll work closely with the Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer to craft and execute an ambitious fundraising strategy that delivers innovative income streams to fund our vital services. You’ll lead, inspire, and develop a talented team, empowering them to deliver outstanding fundraising initiatives and events that drive real change.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop & Deliver Fundraising Strategy: Work with senior leadership to shape the charity’s fundraising vision, ensuring the strategy aligns with our wider goals and drives long-term sustainability.
- Innovative Fundraising Campaigns: Create and implement engaging campaigns, managing budgets and evaluating performance to optimise success.
- Team Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and motivate a high-performing fundraising team, supporting their professional growth and achieving collective goals.
- Building Strategic Partnerships: Cultivate relationships with trusts, foundations, and corporate partners to build lasting, mutually beneficial collaborations.
- Drive Operational Excellence: Oversee day-to-day fundraising operations, ensuring smooth management of income, expenditure, and compliance.
You Will Bring:
- Proven experience in fundraising or commercial management, with a track record of successfully recruiting donors and sponsors.
- A natural leader with exceptional people management skills, able to inspire and empower teams to excel.
- Solid experience in budgeting, financial planning, and performance management.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage and motivate diverse stakeholders.
- A passion for innovation and the ability to think strategically about fundraising opportunities.
Bonus: Experience in the horseracing industry is desirable, but not essential.
Why Racing Welfare?
This is your chance to take on a leadership role in a respected and impactful charity. You’ll be part of a passionate team, working in a dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth. The role offers flexibility with the option to work from home or our Newmarket office, alongside occasional travel across the UK (including evenings and weekends).
As a charity, wellbeing is at the forefront of all we do. We aim to be a leading employer in the industry and make sure everyone at Racing Welfare has the opportunity to thrive.
If you’re ready to make a significant contribution to the future of Racing Welfare and help improve the lives of those who dedicate themselves to British horseracing, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply Today:
Submit your CV and covering letter to join Racing Welfare and lead our fundraising efforts to new heights.
We welcome enquiries from everyone and value diversity in our workforce. The closing date for this role is 16 February 2026. First stage interviews will be held the week commencing 23 February 2026 in person in Newmarket. We reserve the right to bring forward the closing date if we receive a large number of suitable applications.
Salary: £50,000 - £60,000 DOE
Racing Welfare is committed to safeguarding and will always recruit all personnel in line with government guidelines, relevant legislation, and the Charity Commission's best practice guidance.
This post is not exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. We only ask applicants to disclose convictions which are not yet spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
Racing Welfare’s Safeguarding Statement of Intent can be found on our website.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Head of Communications to come and join our team providing maternity cover until January 2027 during a period of organisational growth.
Location – This role is mainly working from home with one day a week in our London office (usually a Monday). Occasional travel to our other programme sites (currently Stoke-On-Trent, Redcar, Middlesbrough and Scotland) will also be required.
Salary – Circa £60,000
Employment Type – Fixed term until January 2027, 35 hours per week
Team – Communications team
About you
We are looking for someone who can demonstrate the following:
· Strong experience in strategic communications, ideally within a start-up, growing, complex or place-based organisation.
· Experience setting up and embedding communications functions, including establishing foundations and building approaches as priorities evolve.
· Significant experience in people leadership, including developing others and building a strong, collaborative working culture.
· Experience influencing senior stakeholders and working with an SLT, including supporting government policy, media, funding and influence related activity.
· Strong content, storytelling and copywriting expertise and the ability to communicate a clear organisational narrative.
About the role
The responsibilities of this role include:
· Overseeing and ensuring the delivery of national and local communications strategies and plans, including national content activity and priority local campaigns and stakeholder engagement.
· Leading the set-up and embedding of new place-based communications functions.
· Leading and overseeing the planning and delivery of Thrive at Five’s 2026 Impact Report, communications relating to evaluations and learning, and our fifth-year anniversary, working closely with evaluation and fundraising colleagues.
· Maintaining and strengthening relationships with key national and local stakeholders in line with our communications strategy and goals.
· Providing professional and operational leadership and coaching to the wider Communications team to ensure they deliver to a high standard.
About us
Thrive at Five is a national charity focused on giving every child the best possible start in life. We know the foundations for life and learning are built in the earliest years, from pregnancy to five. By working alongside families, communities and local partners, we help build stronger, more connected support for parents, so more children get what they need to thrive and reach a good level of development by age five.
Thrive at Five is a relatively young organisation but with an already strong national and political profile, having been called out in Parliament for our ways of working in Stoke-on-Trent and invited to be interviewed at the 2025 Civil Society Summit by the Secretary of State for Education. We have grown rapidly in our first four years, with a growing team of nearly 40 across the country. 2026 will be a year of further growth and milestones for the charity as we celebrate our fifth-year anniversary and expand into our third and fourth regions. This will involve recruiting for a new teams, establishing our programmes and beginning to co-design and implement our work in partnership with communities.
About our benefits
· Pension contributions – We will contribute 3% and you can contribute 5% towards your pension through NEST.
· Hybrid working with one anchor day a week in our central London office near to Victoria train station, coach station and underground.
· 25 annual leave days per year plus bank holidays.
· In addition to your laptop and phone provided by us, you can also receive a £100 contribution towards your home-working set up.
· £100 contribution towards your professional body membership
Please note that as this role is subject to a successful Basic Level Disclosure check through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). If you have any unspent convictions, but wish to apply for this role, please advise us in your application. The successful candidate will also need to provide satisfactory references and current right to work in the UK.
To apply for this role, please submit your cover letter and CV by following the Apply Now button. Applications will be reviewed and shortlisted as they are received. While the closing date is midnight on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, we may close the vacancy earlier if a suitable candidate is identified.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
The Difference is an education charity, founded to change the story on lost learning. Our vision is to see lost learning falling nationally by 2030 and for schools to be better equipped to support all children, particularly those most vulnerable.
Leading national policy strategy
As Head of Policy and Public Affairs, you will work closely with the CEO to develop and execute a four-year influencing plan. Together we’ll aim to shift local and national incentives on inclusion by 2030, which see the national trend of rising suspension and absence begin to fall.
You will hold relationships with the Department for Education and Ofsted and advise on policy priorities ahead, such as:
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Widening the definition of inclusion beyond special needs, recognising the needs of those young people historically or currently interacting with social services
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Reducing perverse incentives for schools to alter their school roll through admissions and pupil exits
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Expectations for multi-academy trusts in capturing and analysing data on lost learning, including how it disproportionately affects different groups
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Improving local alternative provision eco-systems, to improve outcomes for young people
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National standards for inclusive school practice, at a universal and targeted level
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Professional development standards for school inclusion
Developing implementation expertise in the middle tier
In your first six months, you will advise on the internal development of a new programme for middle tier policy actors: multi-academy trust and local authority leaders. You will support the Programme team in its design, to plan strategically for the recruitment of trusts and local authorities, and you will plan the research and influencing work which will seek to share their success nationally.
Building the evidence base
In your second six months, you will work with the CEO to build out our research function. Your influencing plan will include how The Difference can learn from the work across our multi-academy trust, local authority and internal AP pioneer partners over the next four years, to develop influential publications. Research work ahead will include publishing sector-facing publications of The Difference’s own research, carried out by our research lead and associates; alongside managing external contractors and internal colleagues to bid for and deliver aligned research disseminating our ideas.
Raising your voice
This is an exciting opportunity for someone committed to inclusive policy change. The Difference has always punched above our weight in national and sector press reach. In post, you will publish blogs and comment pieces, disseminating our shared ideas. You will be a prominent voice on inclusion.
The Difference is still a small and growing charity. This means that our work is fast-paced, our roles are broad, and there is a culture of being highly autonomous, reactive and flexible, as the needs of the organisation evolve. If this sounds exciting rather than daunting, then this could be the role and team for you!
The Role
This is an exciting time to join The Difference as we increase our impact, reach more schools, and develop our influencing strategy. As Head of Policy and Public Affairs you will:
Design and execute an impactful influencing plan
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Design an influencing plan - Identify via horizon scanning opportunities to influence national policy using open policy windows, or by nudging/creating new ones.
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Execute an influencing plan - Utilise own assets and assets across the organisation, including the Director team, to deliver against the influencing plan.
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Relationship building - Build highly credible and impactful relationships with a variety of stakeholders who hold power. This will include policy makers in national governments, local government officials, politicians, other third sector organisations and think tanks.
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Leadership - Play a significant role internally and externally in communicating the organisation’s policy position, raising organisational and own brand.
Build policy capacity and credibility across the organisation
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Policy positions and solutions- Use the concepts, work and experience of The Difference’s programmes to develop new, and refine existing, national policy positions to shift incentives.
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Thought leadership - Be the organisation’s education policy and political expert.
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Generating income - Use own and team’s expertise and credibility to generate income via speaking engagements and consultancy to support the organisation’s financial sustainability.
Person Specification
Essential – We are looking for someone with the following knowledge, experience and skills, though you may be stronger in some areas than others:
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Deep expertise in education policy, particularly on the topic of lost learning and the various policy and political debates, including areas of controversy, surrounding this policy topic.
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Strategic thinker with a proven track record in identifying policy windows and designing activities that lead to meaningful national policy change.
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Excellent relationship builder, who brings with them their own network of influential stakeholders and has a plan for building new relationships. Adept at navigating tricky situations and explaining complex, sometimes difficult, messages.
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Expert convener with a strong knowledge of the education sector, including which schools, trusts and local authorities are influential and experience in bringing a variety of perspectives together to generate consensus.
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Persuasive and clear writing style for publication, including reports, press, blogs and ghost writing for members of the senior leadership team, often based on consensus positions, and designed to communicate key messages for impact.
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Confidence and credibility in communicating nuanced messages in a contentious landscape, in writing, verbally and in public (e.g. on panels), to raise the profile of The Difference.
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Strong project manager who can design systems and processes to keep self, team and other stakeholders on task and on time. Experience of designing programmes of work and monitoring their effectiveness. Flexible project management style that can adapt to a changing environment. Confidence in managing a variety of stakeholders and supporting them to deliver on time.
Desired – You are more likely to be successful in your application if you have one or more of the following:
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Familiarity with The Difference’s programmatic work, theory and practice.
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Lived experience or insight into the school experiences of marginalised young people (e.g. those with experience of the care system, mental ill health, special educational needs, exclusion, and racism).
We know that some people, especially those from marginalised backgrounds, may hesitate to apply unless they meet every listed requirement. If this role excites you and you believe you could make a strong contribution, we warmly encourage you to apply.
We actively welcome applications from people whose backgrounds are under-represented in the charity sector, including but not limited to: people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people with experience in the case system, non-graduates and first-in-family graduates.
The Difference exists to improve the life-outcomes of the most vulnerable children by raising the status and expertise of those who educate them.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you a highly organised, proactive leader with proven management experience and a passion for delivering exceptional visitor experiences? Guildford Cathedral is seeking a dynamic Head of Commercial Enterprise to oversee our Visitor Experience and Events Team. In this pivotal role, you will drive excellence across our Café Restaurant franchise and Cathedral Shop, ensuring outstanding service for all events clients and visitors.
Background
Guildford Cathedral is a sacred space and a community of people who engage with God and the wider world for the common good. We do this by being a warm-hearted community open to God, to all, to growth and to transformation. Over 100,000 visitors come to the Cathedral each year and our Cathedral ‘community’ comprises thousands who feel close the Cathedral because of historical connection, the purchase of a brick in the 1950s, their membership of the worshipping congregations or staff and volunteers.
Reporting to:Chief Operating Officer.
Accountable to:The Chapter of Guildford Cathedral and the Guildford Cathedral Enterprises Management Board.
Hours and salary:Full time – 35 hours per week (flexibility is essential for this role and the hours worked are governed by the pattern of the events programme). The salary for the post is £45,400.
What You'll Do:
Lead the Enterprise team to provide an outstanding level of service to events clients, visitors, including the families programme, and deliver excellence in the Café Restaurant franchise and the Shop. You will work enthusiastically as part of the Cathedral’s team of staff and volunteers to help deliver our vision.
Some of the Key Responsibilities of the role:
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Events
- To direct the events team in organising the extensive events programme, maximise the spare capacity of the Cathedral building and the adjacent grounds, thereby generating income as required by the Cathedral budget.
- To be responsible for the execution of events, delegating to the Events Team and/or other Staff members as appropriate.
- To be on duty as part of the team rota delivering events.
Café Restaurant
- To ensure that the franchise delivers the requisite performance, in terms of quality and financial benefit to the Cathedral, as required by the contract between Guildford Cathedral Enterprises and the franchisee.
Management
- To be the line manager for the Enterprise team members, including Events Officer, Events Assistant, Shop Manager & Shop Assistant, Visitor Engagement Officer, and the Families Engagement Officer.
- To be the Cathedral point of contact for management issues related to the employees of the Café Restaurant franchisee.
- To attend Diary Management and Head of Department Meetings.
- To ensure all marketing and relevant information reaches the marketing team in a timely manner.
Shop
- To direct the Shop team to provide value for money in the Shop, delivering an excellent level of service to the community and a level of income required by the Cathedral budget.
Visitor Engagement & Families Programme
- To direct the Visitor Engagement Officer and Family Engagement Officer to deliver the wide programme of tours, concerts, and Family engagement days, broadening our visitor numbers and demographic and managing the outreach activities actively and effectively.
We are looking for a Head of Commercial Enterprise who will has:
- Significant management and leadership experience.
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Excellent financial, numerical, and administrative skills.
- The ability to work within tight deadlines, highly organised with excellent time management skills.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Confidence and is self-starter, diplomatic and helpful.
- Flexibility and is a responsive team player.
- Evidence of strong IT skills.
- Experience of working in a unique venue or similar environment.
- 3 years operational experience of running events.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you passionate about inspiring generosity and driving meaningful change across communities?
Do you have the strategic mindset and fundraising expertise to help shape a more generous, hopeful future?
We’re looking for a Head of Generosity and Giving to lead our strategy for income generation, generosity culture, and parish engagement across the Diocese of Bristol.
In this role, you will:
✨ Lead a bold Generosity & Giving strategy
✨Deliver major fundraising campaigns and events
✨Develop our new Legacy & In‑Memorial Giving Programme
✨Build trusted relationships with parishes, partners, funders and supporters
✨ Use data, insight and storytelling to drive growth
✨Lead and inspire a small, dynamic team
You’ll be joining us at an exciting moment as we prepare to strengthen our culture of generosity rooted in openness, creativity, bravery and community.
What we offer
✔ Flexible working
✔ 28 days annual leave + bank holidays
✔ Pension, life assurance & sick pay
✔ Values‑led, supportive team culture
Closing date: 22 February 2026
Interviews: 2 March 2026
If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.
The Diocese of Bristol is committed to being a fair, respectful and inclusive organisation. We believe diversity helps us flourish, and we warmly welcome applications from under‑represented groups.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About the role
Working at equation means being part of a dynamic and passionate team, dedicated to creating a world free from domestic abuse, sexual violence and gender inequality.
Join Equation’s dedicated and highly skilled Children and Young People (CYP) team, a passionate and experienced group committed to creating safer futures for young people affected by domestic abuse. As CYP Service Manager, you will play a pivotal leadership role—guiding a motivated and enthusiastic team, driving service innovation, and ensuring our work continues to make a powerful and lasting impact across Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire.
Working closely with the Head of Service, you will help shape strategic direction, develop high-quality practice, build strong partnerships and champion the voices of children and young people. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a well-established, impactful team and contribute to real, positive change in local communities.
What we’re looking for
We are looking for someone who is confident, proactive and committed to delivering high-quality services for children and young people. The ideal candidate will be an inspiring leader who brings positivity, compassion and a solution-focused approach to everyday challenges. You will value collaboration, support others to achieve their best, and be able to make clear, child-centred decisions in a fast-paced environment.
You will contribute:
- Strong and confident leadership that motivates and supports an experienced and dedicated team
- A calm, professional approach to managing complex and challenging situations
- A commitment to equality, inclusion and amplifying the voices of young people
- A proactive mindset that drives improvement, innovation and excellent practice across the CYP workstream
How to apply
- Applications can be made via our recruitment portal.
- CVs cannot be accepted.
Closing date
- 9am on Monday 23rd February 2026. Interviews will be held on Thursday 5th March 2026.
Location
- Hybrid working with 2 days in our Nottingham office
Salary
- £31,484.01 pa FTE, £25,527.58 actual salary for part time hours
Hours
- 30 hours per week, fixed term until 31 July 2027
Safeguarding
Equation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and to work in accordance with our safeguarding policies and procedures.
The successful candidate will be subject to safer recruitment checks including an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references covering the past five years, and completion of our safeguarding disclosure questionnaire.
This post involves regulated activity with children and vulnerable adults.
Equation operates a zero-tolerance approach to any form of abuse, discrimination, bullying, harassment or exploitation. We are dedicated to creating a safe environment where everyone we work with feels protected and able to speak up if they have concerns.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.



