Head of education and learning jobs

This is a people-facing, system-focused role. The MEL Systems Officer is responsible for maintaining the quality, organisation, and user uptake of Practical Action's online MEL system. You will develop the protocols that guide how data is entered and maintained, and support internal teams to follow them, ensuring colleagues always have accurate data to draw on for reporting, learning and influencing.

This role requires high degrees of organisational skills, demonstrating a methodical and people-oriented approach. You will act as a bridge between the MEL system and our internal MEL community, ensuring the system is user friendly, contains high-quality data, and that users feel supported in using it.

1. SYSTEM ADMINISTRATION & ORGANISATION • Ensure high-quality and well organised MEL data, system structures, indicators, results, and templates and carry out routine data quality checks to ensure consistency. • Work with the Data & Insights team to ensure Power BI reports are optimised, providing useful management information for analysis and decision making. • Maintain clear, accessible user guidance documentation and standard operating procedures. • Coordinate with system providers and IT colleagues to develop system upgrades and fixes, and ensure smooth integration with the Outcome Harvesting system. 

2. USER SUPPORT & RELATIONSHIP BUILDING • Act as the primary point of contact for MEL and programme staff on system queries, providing high quality customer support, managing user accounts, permissions and access. • Routinely deliver onboarding and training sessions for new and existing users. • Build strong relationships across our MEL community, proactively identifying challenges and opportunities for system improvements.

3. REPORTING & DASHBOARDS • Produce organisational impact dashboards, MEL reports, and supporting information for both annual and donor reporting, all in clear, accessible formats for a range of stakeholders. • Support MEL colleagues to extract and present data for project reviews, evaluations and learning processes.

4. MEL PROCESS SUPPORT • Incorporate theories of change, results frameworks and indicators into the system as they develop over time, working with MEL colleagues to incorporate latest thinking. • Support knowledge sharing within internal communities of practice by ensuring that reports, evaluations, learning products and evidence are accessible on internal platforms. • Provide technical MEL advice and support to programme teams and II&I colleagues as required.

PERSON PROFILE Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience To be successful in this role, the ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate:

ESSENTIAL

• Experience administering online data systems, databases or digital platforms, with confidence working with structured data and reporting tools.

• Highly organised and methodical, with a drive to produce high-quality output. • Confident communicator and relationship builder, with a focus on nurturing team coherence. • Demonstrable experience in leading and delivering training and user support.

• Good understanding of MEL concepts, indicators, results frameworks, data collection and theories of change. • Ability to explain system or data processes clearly to non-technical audiences.

• Fluent English, written and spoken. DESIRABLE

• Experience working in an international development or NGO context. • Familiarity with MEL or data collection platforms (e.g. Kobo, or similar).

• Experience producing dashboards or data visualisations (e.g. Power BI, Tableau, Excel).  Proficiency in one or more additional languages, Spanish, French or Arabic particularly.

LOCATIONS: UK, Kenya, Rwanda, Senegal, Zimbabwe, Peru, Boliva, Nepal or Bangladesh 

It is a requirement of employment that you are able to provide the necessary documentation as proof of entitlement to legally work in the country to which you are applying

HOW TO APPLY

To apply please submit a copy of your CV and supporting that includes the answers to the following questions:

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

1. Please describe your experience administering an online data system, database or digital platform. What was the system, what was your role in managing it, and how did you ensure the quality and consistency of the data held within it

2. This role involves supporting a wide range of colleagues, many of whom are not technical specialists, to use our MEL system confidently and correctly. Please give an example of a time you have delivered training or user support on a system or process. What approach did you take, and how did you know it was effective?

3. Please describe your understanding of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) in an organisational context. What experience do you have working with results frameworks, indicators or theories of change, and how have you applied this in practice? 

Join the National Institute of Teaching as Deputy Head of ECF Faculty and help shape high-quality, evidence-informed professional development that strengthens teacher and leader development across the education system. This is a strategic leadership opportunity for an experienced education professional to drive programme quality, build influential sector partnerships, and make a lasting impact on teaching and learning nationwide.

About Us

The National Institute of Teaching (NIoT) has an unswerving commitment to high-quality, evidence-informed teacher education, and is on a mission to generate and synthesize research on professional development to improve the quality of teacher and leader development at NIoT and across the system.

About the Role  

The Deputy Head of ECF Faculty plays a key role in helping NIoT deliver high-quality, evidence-informed professional development programmes. Working closely with the Head of ECF Faculty, this role supports the design, implementation and continuous improvement of programmes, ensures research and sector insight shape delivery, and builds strong relationships with partners across the education sector. The role also helps maintain quality standards, supports recruitment and retention, and contributes to consistent, excellent delivery that advances NIoT’s mission to improve teacher and leader development.

Key Benefits:

• Highly competitive pay and pay progression opportunities.

• Flexible start and end working times.

• Flexible working opportunities, with significant scope for hybrid working.

• At least 27 days’ holiday a year (plus 8 bank holidays) rising to 33 days after five years’ service (with an annual discretionary office shutdown between Christmas and New Year).

• Entry to the highly valued Local Government Pension Scheme.

• Excellent opportunities to develop your skills and experience and to progress your career.

• A stimulating, supportive and rewarding working environment with a dedicated team of likeminded professionals.

If you have any queries about this role, please email our recruitment team.

For more information and to apply, please visit our vacancies page.

Closing date: 22 May 2026.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications.

As a condition of employment this post requires a satisfactory enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) with a Children’s Barred List Check and an Occupational Health Check.

We’re looking for a creative and collaborative Head of Programme Design to lead the Programme Design Team at BookTrust, as part of our central Research and Design function.

The role will cover evidence-informed, human-centred programme design across the full spectrum from new opportunity definition to programme iteration and continuous improvement. It will hold overall programme design accountability for our products and experiences designed for impact with primary audiences - delivery partners and families. 

We have a skilled Design team, experience of applying human-centred design approaches in programme design and strong organisational support for a design-led approach. The post-holder will lead our Programme Design approach to the next level of maturity and help it become even more embedded within the organisation. The post-holder will deliver excellent stakeholder stewardship around our programme design ensuring our detailed product design (e.g. with our communications, partnerships and books teams) stay true to our overall programme intent (ie. against objectives that will include impact and supporting income generation). 

The role will have accountability for innovation in programmes - ensuring that we make rapid progress against our riskiest assumptions using design-thinking approaches to help us define and activate opportunities quickly. 

Please apply through our website and attach your CV and covering letter showing how you meet the person specification and your motivations for applying for the role in addition to answering one of the following questions: 

1. How would you go about setting and maintaining an organisational standard around co-design and inclusive design? How would you balance practical considerations and limitations with best-in-class approaches? 
2. What are the key features of a high performing Programme Design Team and what approaches would you take to help the team achieve excellence?

Your covering letter should not be longer than 2 pages.

For more information and the person specification, please download the full job description.

Closing date: Friday 22nd May

We may choose to close applications early if we have received sufficient numbers of quality applications, so please don’t wait until the closing date to apply.

This role supports the finance function by leading the preparation and integrity of management accounts across the National Centre for Circus Arts group. Working closely with the Head of Finance, the Management Accountant ensures that financial processes, controls and reporting are robust, accurate and delivered to a high standard.

The role prepares monthly management accounts, supports budgeting and forecasting processes, and provides financial analysis and reporting to budget holders. It serves as a key point of contact for internal stakeholders, helping non-finance colleagues understand financial information and improve decision-making.

The post holder oversees core transactional processes including purchase and sales invoicing, reconciliations and payment runs, ensuring compliance with internal controls and policies.

This is a hands-on role in a busy, collaborative environment, requiring strong attention to detail, organisational skills, and the ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining accuracy and professionalism.

To apply, please complete the online application form, where you will upload a CV and be asked to write a response to three questions which are available on the Job Description.

Main Role & Responsibilities

The post holder is required to provide strategic leadership and oversight of all programme activity, ensuring all activity is delivered and evaluated effectively and in alignment with organisational goals.  

The successful candidate will lead and develop programme teams and oversee engagement, planning and delivery, and monitor risk and opportunities. They will develop strong relationships representing the organisation externally, and ensure programmes demonstrate clear impact and meet quality standards.

Role Requirements

Duties will include but not be limited to:

Strategic Leadership & Direction

• Lead all programme activity and ensure alignment with organisational goals
• Translate vision and strategic goals into actionable programme, content and priorities
• Identify opportunities for growth, innovation, and impact
• Contribute to wider organisational strategy and oversee the operationalisation of strategic goals
• Work closely with other heads of services to support strategic development

Programme Development & Design

• Oversee the development and evolution of programmes, content, and resources
• Ensure programmes are evidence-based, relevant, and high quality, aligning with quality standards, working closely with the insights team
• Lead needs assessments and stakeholder consultations to understand programme needs
• Embed inclusivity, accessibility, and best practice in all programme design

Programme Delivery & Operations

• Oversee the planning, implementation and delivery of all programmes
• Develop systems, processes, and timelines for consistent execution
• Manage programme budgets and resource allocation
• Identify and mitigate risks to delivery
• Identify opportunities for commercialisation of products and services

Performance, Monitoring & Impact Measurement

• Define KPIs and success metrics aligned to organisational outcomes
• Analyse data to assess programme effectiveness and impact
• Use insights to drive continuous improvement and strategic decisions
• Report on performance to senior leadership, funders, and stakeholders

Stakeholder & Partnership Management

· Build and maintain strong relationships with:

• • Partners and collaborators
  • Funders and commissioners
  • Community or beneficiary groups
• Represent the organisation externally at meetings, events, and networks
• Identify and develop strategic partnerships to enhance programme reach

Team Leadership & Management

• Lead, manage, and develop the delivery leadership team
• Participate in strategic development and oversee work within delivery and impact portfolio
• Work closely with other heads of services to provide support to the SLT
• Set clear objectives, expectations, and performance standards
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and professional development opportunities
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team culture

Quality Assurance & Governance

• Ensure programmes meet quality standards and organisational policies
• Maintain compliance with relevant regulations and safeguarding requirements
• Oversee documentation, reporting, and accountability processes

Resource & Content Oversight

• Ensure the development of high-quality programme materials and resources
• Oversee content consistency, branding, and alignment with organisational values
• Ensure resources are accessible and effectively utilised

Financial Oversight

• Manage programme budgets and ensure cost-effective delivery
• Monitor expenditure and ensure alignment with funding requirements
• Support fundraising and contribute to funding proposals as required

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Work with Insight and Innovation team to stay informed of sector trends and best practices
• Encourage innovation in programme design and delivery
• Pilot and scale new approaches based on evidence and feedback

· Oversee development of all programmes and associated content and resources

Person Specification 

Essential

· Educated to degree level or have the equivalent experience

· A detailed understanding of education, Health and Social Care and family services and how to engage these sectors

· Confident leader with previous demonstrable experience in overseeing multiple programmes or portfolios with matrix management experience

· Proven track record of developing, delivering, and scaling programmes with measurable impact

· Experience working with a range of stakeholders, including partners, funders, and communities

· Experience managing budgets and resources effectively

· Experience of delivering regional and national programmes

· Strong understanding of programme design, delivery, and lifecycle management

· Understanding of partnership working and stakeholder engagement approaches

· Awareness of relevant policy, regulatory, and safeguarding requirements

· Strong strategic thinking skills with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans

· Excellent planning, organisational, and project management skills

· Ability to manage multiple priorities and complex programmes simultaneously

· Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and drive continuous improvement

· Ability to define KPIs and measure programme success effectively

· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and build relationships

· Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams through coaching and performance management

· Strong commitment to quality, impact, and continuous improvement

· Collaborative and inclusive leadership style

· High level of integrity, accountability, and professionalism

· Adaptable and resilient in a dynamic and changing environment

· Passionate about the organisation’s mission and values

Desirable

· Experience of working in gambling harms prevention sector or another similar or related field

· Experience of operationalising strategic plans

· Experience in developing harm prevention programmes and or interventions

· Knowledge of sector trends, innovation, and best practice

· Leadership qualification

· An understanding of public health frameworks and approach to harm prevention

· An understanding of PSHE, PSE, Learning for Life and Work

Who we are, what we do

Father Hudson’s Caritas (FHC) is a social and community care charity working across the Catholic Archdiocese of Birmingham.  For over 124 years we have responded to need, helping people to lead fulfilled lives through our range of services and partnerships. Our work is rooted in a Catholic ethos and we welcome and support people of all faiths and none.  As an organisation we have continued to adapt our services to the changing needs of those who are most vulnerable; it is an exciting time to join our organisation as we deliver our new 3-year strategy.

The Role

As our Head of Finance, you will be a key member of FHC’s Senior Management Team, providing strategic and operational leadership across finance and the wider resources portfolio (Finance, IT, Estates and Facilities). Working closely with the CEO and Trustees, you will ensure strong financial planning, robust controls, clear reporting and regulatory compliance. 

As part of this senior role you will line manage the Finance, IT and Facilities Manager.  We’re looking for a values-led leader who will model FHC’s organisational values, including compassion, respect, collaboration and excellence. 

What we are looking for

You will be CCAB qualified and bring senior-level financial leadership experience with the ability to operate confidently in a complex, mission-driven social care environment.  We’re particularly keen to hear from candidates who can combine strong technical skills, a thirst for digital transformation and effective use of resources, alongside collaborative, person-centred leadership.

Location

The role is based at our modern, purpose-built Head Office in Coleshill – St George’s House, Gerards Way, Coleshill, B46 3FG.

Closing Date: Monday 1st June 2026

Interview Date: Thursday 11th June 2026

Martin House has been caring for babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions from West, North and East Yorkshire for more than 30 years. Every year we care for more than 550 families at our hospice in Boston Spa, in hospitals and in their own homes. We also support more than 200 bereaved families each year.

We have recently delivered THE BUILD, a £21.9m project to extend and completely refurbish the hospice.  THE BUILD has seen the hospice create a new children’s wing, which opened last February, while work to fully refurbish and extend the existing building, with brand new facilities including a hydrotherapy pool, wellbeing suite, and education centre, is expected to be completed very shortly. We are now looking for a dynamic, imaginative and strategic Head of Mass Relationships to lead the next chapter of our journey.  This is your chance to make your mark within a bold and forward‑thinking organisation that is not  afraid to think big.

As Head of Mass Relationships, you will work with our Head of Major Relationships to lead the strategy that powers our core income , motivating thousands of supporters, developing unforgettable campaigns, and inspiring people across the region to stand with Martin House.

About the Mercury

The Mercury creates and shares stories that are exhilarating, revelatory and relevant. Through the reinvention of classic texts and the creation of bold, new writing, we believe that the transformative power of theatre can enrich the lives of our community.

The Mercury is a significant regional developer of new talent, working with a range of partners across the arts, education and creative industries to deliver a studio programme and a learning, participation and professional development programme aimed at nurturing the next generation of theatre makers.

Everything we do is driven by our values of quality, innovation, diversity, and connection.

About your new role

Are you a commercially minded fundraiser, passionate about garnering support for a cause you love? Come and join #TeamMercury as our new Head of Development and Partnerships.

We are looking for someone with a strong track record in identifying and securing funding, building commercial partnerships, and nurturing meaningful strategic relationships that drive sustainable growth.

You will lead on securing income from Trusts and Foundations, statutort funders, lottery sources, individuals, corporate partnerships, membership schemes and commercial coproduction investments.

The successful candidate is creative, highly collaborative and forward-thinking. You will bring experience across a range of fundraising approaches and the ability to make the most of a mix of commercial streams. We would love to hear from you!

To find out more, download the candidate pack.

Applications close at 10am on Monday 18 May 2026. First round of interviews will take place on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.

Head of Learning, Operations & Partnerships

We are seeking an experienced senior leader to oversee impactful outdoor learning and land-based education programmes across multiple sites in the South.

Position: Head of Learning, Operations & Partnerships (South)
Salary: £50,000 to £53,000 depending on experience
Location: Gloucestershire based with hybrid working considered and regular regional travel
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: Monday 25 May 2026

About the Role

This senior leadership role is responsible for overseeing the strategic delivery of learning programmes across a range of outdoor, farm-based and land skills environments. Working across multiple sites, you will lead regional operations, develop partnerships and ensure learning experiences are delivered to a consistently high standard.

You will work closely with senior colleagues to shape and expand the learning offer, support operational development and drive positive outcomes for learners, communities and partners.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and developing a regional learning team across multiple disciplines
• Overseeing Outdoor Learning, Farm Learning and Landbased Skills programmes
• Building partnerships with schools, training providers, community organisations and stakeholders
• Managing budgets, operational planning and programme performance
• Supporting development of accessible and modern learning environments
• Overseeing compliance across safeguarding, GDPR and health and safety
• Supporting apprenticeship, trainee and accredited learning opportunities
• Identifying funding opportunities and supporting grant-funded initiatives
• Developing opportunities for wider educational use of estates and learning sites

About You

You will be a strategic and collaborative leader with experience managing teams, operations and partnerships within education, environmental, agricultural or land-based settings.

To be successful, you will ideally have:

• Strong leadership and operational management experience
• Experience managing budgets, projects and compliance requirements
• A track record of developing successful partnerships and stakeholder relationships
• Knowledge of outdoor learning, environmental education or land-based training
• Excellent organisational and communication skills
• A passion for sustainability, learning and creating opportunities for young people

About the Organisation

This educational charity works to help people build stronger connections with nature through outdoor learning, environmental education and land-based experiences. Through collaborative partnerships and progressive land management, the organisation delivers impactful programmes that support learners, communities and the environment.

The organisation offers a supportive and flexible working culture alongside benefits including generous annual leave, pension contribution, life assurance and wellbeing support.

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Head of Education, Head of Outdoor Learning, Head of Operations, Learning Programme Manager, Education Operations Manager, Environmental Education Manager, Land-Based Learning Manager, Regional Learning Manager, Partnerships Manager, Director of Learning Programmes, Outdoor Education Lead.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client – Not For Profit People.

Head of HR
Hours: Full-Time, 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £63,000 - £69,000 per annum, depending on experience
Location: Trinity Lane, Cambridge, CB2 1TL

The Role

Are you an experienced HR professional? Do you have a proven track-record of delivering an effective HR service across a complex organisation? Clare College Cambridge seeks to appoint a new Head of HR, in succession to the current post-holder who is retiring after 22 years at the College. This is an exciting opportunity to join a college which seeks to remain at the forefront of education, learning and research.

As Head of HR, you will make a vital contribution to the smooth and effective running of the College by providing relevant, timely and professional HR advice and support, and by ensuring that the HR Department delivers its operations to a high standard.

About Us

Founded in 1326, Clare College is the second oldest of the 31 colleges in the University of Cambridge. Regarded as one of the more progressive and informal, it is renowned as a college that achieves academically at the highest levels, whilst also being welcoming, forward-thinking, and inclusive. Clare College has a small number of academic employees and around 150 non-academic staff across a wide range of departments (including Housekeeping, Hospitality, Buildings and Maintenance, Porters, Finance and Tutorial). Staff support the academic mission of the College as well as its commercial conferencing business.

Located in the heart of Cambridge city centre, the College is extraordinarily beautiful and famed for its gardens on “the Backs” (the famous backs of the Colleges that overlook the River Cam). Clare’s Old Court, a Grade I listed building, is the centre of the College and is unique among the ancient Cambridge Colleges in having maintained its architectural integrity over the course of its history.

About You

You will be an experienced HR professional with a demonstrable ability to multi-task at operational and strategic levels, including policy development, staff engagement, wellbeing and training.  A high degree of discretion, judgement and tact, and the ability to work and remain calm under pressure are all prerequisites, as are a solution-oriented mindset and a focus on continuous improvement. You will be able to deal with people professionally, politely and sensitively at all levels, both verbally and in writing, and to take into account different views or priorities before making balanced recommendations or taking action.

Remuneration will be between £63,000 and £69,000 depending on experience. There will be a four-month probationary period. The role holder will be eligible to join the College’s contributory pension scheme after three months’ service.  In addition to this the post holder would be eligible to park at the College, receive a bonus every year, and meals on duty. We also offer membership of a defined salary sacrifice pension contribution scheme and a Healthcare cash plan.

The closing date for this position is 09:00 BST on Thursday 21 May 2026.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview on the afternoon of Wednesday 27 May 2026.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

We are committed to the principles of equal opportunities, diversity and respect and want to be known as an employer that invests in its staff, recognising and rewarding them for their commitment.

No agencies please.

Executive Head of Education
£85,000 per annum | Full-time (35 hours) | Hybrid - London (Clerkenwell)

Charity People is delighted to be recruiting on behalf of the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) for a new Executive Head of Education, a pivotal executive-level appointment at a time of cultural reset and strategic transformation.
With over 20,000 members across 74 countries, IBMS is the leading professional body for biomedical science. Education sits at the heart of its charitable mission, and this role will be critical in shaping the future of professional standards, qualifications, and accreditation both in the UK and internationally.

The Opportunity
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, the Executive Head of Education will provide strategic leadership across the Institute's entire education portfolio, ensuring IBMS continues to be recognised as an authoritative standard setter and HCPC-approved education provider.
This is a senior, hands-on leadership role with responsibility for building trust, strengthening team culture, and leading a high-performing, multidisciplinary Education Department through change. The postholder will work closely with the CEO, Council, trustees, committees and external stakeholders, influencing at the highest levels and playing a central role in the organisation's executive leadership.

While IBMS is rooted in biomedical science, the organisation is intentionally open-minded about background. This appointment is about leadership, credibility and strategic education expertise rather than narrow technical specialism.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership of the Education Department, including quality assurance, accreditation, qualifications, examinations and digital learning.
• Lead organisational and cultural change, setting clear direction and rebuilding confidence and engagement within the team.
• Act as senior lead for HCPC-approved programmes, regulatory compliance, and UK and international degree accreditation.
• Advise the CEO, Council and committees on education strategy, regulation, policy and emerging sector developments.
• Work in close partnership with the Education & Professional Standards Committee to deliver strategy, standards and continuous improvement.
• Build strong relationships with academic institutions, regulators, professional bodies and other key stakeholders.
• Oversee education budgets and ensure robust governance, risk management and performance reporting.
• Represent IBMS externally as a credible and authoritative voice on education and professional standards.

Who We're Looking For
IBMS is keen to hear from two broad but equally welcome groups of candidates:
You may be a senior Biomedical Scientist with significant leadership experience, deep understanding of education, training and accreditation, and the confidence to operate at executive level.
Or you may be a senior education leader from a life science, healthcare, medical or health-related professional or membership organisation, royal college, regulator or education body, bringing transferable expertise, strong credibility and a sophisticated grasp of regulated professional education.

Essential Criteria

• Proven experience in senior leadership, with a strong track record of people management, cultural leadership and delivery through change.
• Significant experience of education, training, accreditation or quality assurance within a regulated or professional context.
• Credibility operating at executive and trustee level, with the ability to influence, advise and challenge constructively.
• Strong understanding of professional standards, regulation and governance in healthcare, life science or adjacent sectors.
• Experience of committee work and managing complex stakeholder environments.
• Strategic thinking combined with delivery focus, sound judgement and excellent communication skills.
• Experience of managing budgets and operating within organisational governance frameworks.

Desirable (but not essential)

• HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist.
• Direct experience of biomedical science, pathology or laboratory practice.
• Background in degree accreditation or higher education quality processes.

Why Apply?
This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of professional education within a respected, values-led membership organisation whose work underpins patient care across the UK and beyond. You will join a committed executive team and have genuine influence over strategy, standards and culture during a critical period of change.

How to Apply
Recruitment is being managed exclusively by Charity People to ensure a fair, transparent and externally led process.
For a confidential conversation or to apply, please contact Charity People with a CV and supporting statement addressing the role's leadership focus and your relevant experience.

Interview Dates:
First stage: 5th June 2026
Final stage: 22nd June 2026

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

Role/Job Title: Head of Kent Services
Location: Pembury, with travel between services as required 
Contracted Hours Full time -37 hours per week (Mon-Fri)
Salary: £55,000 - £65,000 per annum FTE

Application Deadline Date:  Friday 24th May 2026 / Interviews to take place at Cornford Lane site (Pembury) on Wednesday 10th June
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

FULL JOB DESCRIPTION

Equal Opportunity/Accessibility and Accommodations Statement:
As a Disability Confident employer, Aspens Charities is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with disabilities. We actively promote the recruitment, retention, and career development of people with disabilities, recognising the invaluable contributions they make to our organisation. We are dedicated to ensuring an accessible recruitment process for all candidates. If you require any accommodations during the application or interview process, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Aspens’ mission is to provide high-quality care and support to individuals on the autism spectrum and with learning disabilities; meeting their needs and aspirations and empowering them to learn and grow through an integrated network of services across the South-East.

We provide support and care to children, families and adults across Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Brighton and Hove, Surrey and the London Borough of Bexley. Our services include registered care homes; supported living; community outreach; day services, including pathways to employment; children and young people’s groups and support; specialist support; and free online support for families and carers across the South-East.
 

About the role:
This is a tremendously exciting time to join Aspens. With our new Chief Operating Officer in place, we are actively shaping how we work to ensure we deliver the very best for the people we support. Her focus and ambition are centred on establishing consistent, high-quality practice across the organisation and ensuring that everything we do enhances, in a meaningful and measurable way, the lives of those we support.
 

The Head of Kent Services is a leadership role responsible for the strategic, operational, and financial oversight of services within Kent, currently residential services for adults with autism and/or learning disabilities, supported living services, and services for children and families across Kent.

The postholder will ensure the delivery of safe, high-quality, person-centred care and support that promotes autonomy, dignity, inclusion, and positive outcomes for individuals and families. The Head of Kent Services will lead and develop a small team of locality managers ensuring regulatory compliance, financial sustainability, and continuous service improvement across the portfolio.

The Head of Kent Services will be a member of the Inclusive Executive Leadership Team, working in collaboration with other leaders to drive the best outcomes for the People we Support and the Charity.

 

Knowledge and Experience:

We’re looking for someone who brings a combination of the following experiences, whether gained through formal roles, lived experience, volunteering or other pathways.  We value diverse routes into leadership and welcome applications from individuals who may not have followed traditional career paths.

Essential Experience:

• Significant senior management experience in health and social care.
• Proven leadership experience managing CQC Registered Managers.
• Strong knowledge of autism and learning disability support models.
• Experience managing budgets and financial performance.
• Demonstrable experience of regulatory compliance and inspection processes.
• Experience working with commissioners and local authorities.
• Experience managing large-scale change programmes.
• Significant experience in building team capability and managing complex employee relations.
   

Essential Skills & Competencies:

• Strategic thinking and operational delivery capability.
• Strong financial acumen.

• Experience overseeing impactful, outcomes-driven services at a strategic level.

• Strong project and programme management skills.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent analytical and data interpretation skills.
• High-level communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to manage complexity and drive change.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making ability.
• Ability to build and sustain relationships, with trust and integrity
  
  
   

Desirable:

• Relevant professional qualification in health or social care (Level 5 or above).
• Experience overseeing multiple residential and/or supported living services.
• Experience in service mobilisation or turnaround.
• Experience with Positive Behaviour Support at strategic level.
   

Core Values & Leadership Expectations:

• Commitment to person-centred, rights-based and autonomy approaches.
• Passion for inclusion, dignity, and empowerment.
• Dedication to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
• Evidence-informed decision-making.
• High levels of integrity, resilience, and accountability.

• Reflective, open to feedback and committed to continuous learning
• Brings authenticity, empathy and a collaborative spirit
  
   

What we can offer you:

• An exciting and rewarding role that you can really make your own
• An opportunity to learn and grow in a supportive environment, with formal and informal training and development initiatives.
• Member of the Inclusive Executive Leadership Team.
• Hybrid working
• Adjusted Hours or compressed working weeks
• Fantastic paid training and career progression opportunities (including recognised qualifications in health and social care)
• Paid DBS 
• Annual Leave / Pro rata dependent on hours. Annual leave entitlement increases with length of service
• Nest Pension and Death in Service Benefit
• Dedicated Employee Assistance Programme and Access to Mental Health First Aiders
• Aspens High Street Stores -20% discount on all items for Aspens’ staff
• Bluebell cafe- Discounted staff menu available
• Refer a Friend scheme, so you can earn up to £250 for every person you refer to work for Aspens
• Recognition schemes, including ‘Employee of the Month’
• Wellbeing initiatives such as: no email/meeting Fridays, no meetings over lunchtime to ensure people can take a break, encouraged not to read or reply to emails outside of working hours, and access to counselling

If shortlisted, we will contact you directly to schedule an interview. We strive to respond to all applicants; however, if you have not received a response within a reasonable timeframe, please feel free to contact us for a status update or feedback (where available). After the interview, you will be notified of the outcome. If successful, you’ll receive a formal offer in writing. Upon acceptance, we’ll guide you through the onboarding process, providing you with all the details you need.

Please note, any offer of employment will be subject to Disclosure and Barring checks (which we will arrange on your behalf if you don’t already have one) and satisfactory employment references.

St John's College is an award-winning, Ofsted-rated Good autism-specific college for autistic young people aged 16–25. We are now seeking an experienced and strategic Deputy Head of College to join our College Leadership Team (CLT).

About the Role

As Deputy Head of College, you will play a key role in the strategic and operational leadership of the College. Working closely with the Head of College, you will drive the quality of education, ensuring that all learners receive a high-quality, ambitious and personalised curriculum that prepares them for adulthood.

You will lead on the continuous improvement of teaching, learning and assessment, ensuring strong outcomes for learners, and will contribute to the development and delivery of the College's strategic vision. This is a highly influential role, supporting the alignment of education, health and care provision while ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the strategic leadership and continuous improvement of the College, contributing to long-term planning and vision
• Lead on the quality of education, ensuring a well-sequenced, ambitious curriculum aligned to learner needs and EHCP outcomes
• Drive high standards in teaching, learning and assessment through effective leadership and performance management
• Oversee curriculum planning, timetabling and delivery, ensuring consistency across provision, including off-site learning
• Lead on external accreditation and RARPA, ensuring robust assessment, tracking and reporting of learner progress
• Monitor learner outcomes and use data to inform decision-making, interventions and improvement planning
• Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders including families, local authorities and partner organisations
• Support safeguarding across the College, contributing to DSL responsibilities and a strong culture of safety and wellbeing
• Ensure effective operational management, including staffing structures, resource allocation and day-to-day systems
• Deputise for the Head of College as required

About You

We are looking for a confident and values-driven leader who is passionate about improving outcomes for autistic young people.

You will bring:

• Qualified Teacher Status and a relevant degree (or equivalent)
• Experience of leading teaching, learning and curriculum development within a SEND or specialist setting
• Strong understanding of autism, SEND legislation, EHCPs and the SEND Code of Practice
• Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop teams to deliver high performance
• Excellent communication, organisational and decision-making skills
• A commitment to inclusive practice, equality and learner-centred approaches

You will be resilient, collaborative and driven to deliver continuous improvement, with the ability to balance strategic thinking and operational delivery.

Why Join St John's College?

• Be part of a values-driven, autism-specialist organisation with a strong reputation for quality and innovation
• Join a committed and supportive leadership team with a shared ambition for learner success
• Play a key role in shaping the future of education for autistic young people
• Access high-quality training and professional development opportunities

If you are an experienced leader with a passion for inclusive education and a commitment to excellence, we would love to hear from you. Only applications submitted online will be considered via the recruitment portal.

Informal visit to setting/main college site - Ongoing through May 2026

Candidates informed of application outcome - Monday 18 May 2026

 Interviews - Friday 22 May 2026

Start Date- September 2026

Ambitious about Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age.

Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations. We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search maybe carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

The Safeguarding responsibilities of the post as per the job description and personal specification.
Whether the post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendment to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.

What we do is extraordinary.

And we need a Head of Fundraising who understands all of that.

Let’s start with the obvious.

You’ll need a sense of humour for this job.

Because we work with animals and children — and both have a habit of humbling you, daily.

HorseWorld Trust rescues abused and neglected horses and gives them a second chance at a meaningful life. Some of those horses go on to support vulnerable children and young people — including those with SEMH needs, SEND and children in care — through our Discovery – Discover Horses, Discover Yourself™ programme.

What we do is extraordinary.
It is also muddy, unpredictable, emotional, joyful, heartbreaking, funny and deeply human.

About HorseWorld (the real version)

Horses are incredible animals. They’ve carried humans into war; it’s no wonder they can read exactly what a child needs, often before the child knows it themselves.

Sadly, some people still abuse and neglect them. That’s where the HorseWorld hug comes in. With us, horses are safe. They live out all year round, form herds, roll in the mud, escape occasionally (because… horses), and get to live like horses again.

Our 160-acre farm is minutes from Bristol and Bath, but feels like a different world. In winter, photoshoots and tours involve waterproofs and wellies. In summer, it’s an outdoor oasis.

We do serious work — and we also believe in joy:

· Horse Festivals

· Carol services

· Massive corporates on their knees pulling ragwort

We are kind, committed, slightly irreverent, and very proud of what we do.

Why this role exists (the honest bit)

We raise around £1.5m a year against operating costs of around £2.5m.

Fundraising needs to grow — but more importantly, it needs to work better.

This role exists to:

• grow sustainable, controllable income
• improve return on investment (ROI)
• focus on what actually delivers impact
• stop doing things that don’t (even if they’re well-loved)

You won’t be expected to perform miracles.
You will be expected to bring clarity, judgement and leadership — with empathy and humour intact.

The role (what you’ll actually do)

As Head of Fundraising & Communications, you will:

• Sit on the Senior Management Team and report to the CEO
• Lead all fundraising and marketing comms activity
• Take responsibility for income and cost-effectiveness
• Shape strategy, set priorities and make evidence-based decisions
• Personally steward a small number of key major donors and partners

You’ll lead a talented team covering:

· Individual Giving

· Major Donors & Philanthropy

· Corporate Partnerships

· Trusts & Grants

· Digital Content

• Data, CRM & Compliance

You’ll also work closely with our Heads of Equine Welfare and Discovery to fundraise for our work with vulnerable horses & children.

Who this role is for

You’ll probably thrive here if you:

· Are an experienced charity fundraiser who’s seen how things really work

· Understand that “more activity” is not the same as “more impact”

· Care about ROI and relationships

· Can make tough decisions without losing kindness

· Are both proactive and adaptable

· A great communicator and relationship builder

· Are comfortable talking to Trustees one minute and standing in a muddy field the next

· Can laugh when a horse wanders into a carefully planned moment (because it will)

You don’t need to be an equine expert — but you do need to like animals, people, and the beautiful messiness of both.

What we offer

· A genuinely senior SMT role with real authority and Board backing

· Space to think, not just react

· A values-led organisation that tells the truth

· A team that works hard, laughs often and cares deeply

-        Horses who will keep you grounded (sometimes literally)

Final thought

This is not a polished, corporate fundraising role.

It is a meaningful one — rooted in rescue, recovery, growth and second chances.

If you want to lead fundraising in a place where the work matters, the people are lovely, the horses are honest, and humour is not optional — we’d love to hear from you.

Key Details
Salary: £50,000 per annum depending on experience plus benefits
Hours: 35 per week (Mon–Fri, some weekends)
Location: HorseWorld Trust, Bristol
Reports to: CEO

 DBS required

Application Details

To apply for this role please complete the  application form (available to download from our website or contact us to request the form).

 This role is subject to a DBS check, and you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK. We are a Safer Recruitment organisation and this is mandatory.