Head of family support jobs

Community Based/Home Working – Yorkshire & Durham

Permanent, Full Time

Circa £30,000 plus competitive benefits

Do you want to make a difference?

The RAF Benevolent Fund is the leading welfare charity for the RAF. Every year we make a real difference to over 40,000 people who benefit from our services. Working at the Fund is more than sitting at your desk ad in this role you will have the opportunity to be part of our RAF Family.  Alongside helping our beneficiaries, we also get to hang out with Spitfires and Typhoons, take part in a Dambusters bike ride, attend events like Royal Ascot, the Chelsea Flower Show, and the Bomber Command Memorial Service. Every day you will make a difference and play your part in changing the lives of others and helping people in the RAF Family get through the toughest of times.

It doesn’t matter how long someone served or when. If they were part of the RAF, they and their family are part of our RAF Family. We will always be here to support them when they need it most.

Join the RAF Family and play your part in making a difference.

Do you want to play a part in what we do?

People are at the heart of what we do. Together we:

· Help reduce social isolation and loneliness among veterans. 

· We support ill or injured men and women to have a safe place to call home, a home that meets their specific needs.

· We fund youth services on stations to provide clubs and activities for the children of serving personnel who move every few years.

· We provide grants to help with the cost of living. But this is just a few of the ways we help.

We are seeking an individual to undertake the dual role of promoting the profile of the RAF Benevolent Funds welfare offer, whilst also carrying out welfare casework. Post holders will be expected to undertake holistic assessment of need both remotely (over the telephone and online) and when required in person across their region. You will be expected to work with individuals who may have complex and sometimes challenging welfare needs, assisting them by identifying appropriate support from within both the RAF Benevolent Fund and the wider statutory and military charity sector, ensuring that support is made available to meet their need through the case working process.

The successful candidate will have experience of working in a social welfare role supporting individuals and will have strong people and relationship-building skills, as well as empathy with or understanding of issues affecting the Armed Forces community.

This is a community-based position working from home but covering the Yorkshire and Durham areas, ideally based in the York area. The candidate must have their own vehicle for use of traveling around the regions. Occasional travel to London will be required. The successful candidate for this role will need to be Enhanced DBS checked and prove they have the right to work in the UK.

To apply, please click on this link and send your CV, together with a cover letter detailing why you believe you are suitable for this role, providing examples of how you meet the job profile when you apply through our recruitment portal.

The closing date for applications is Monday 12th May 2025, 5.00pm. Interviews will be held on Tuesday 27th May 2025.

A copy of the Fund’s Candidate Privacy Notice can be found on our website. As an equal opportunities employer, the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. The Fund takes safeguarding seriously, and appropriate background checks will be completed. You can find out more about our commitment to safeguarding on our website. This role requires an Enhanced DBS check. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join the Fund.

The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund is a Registered Charity (No. 1081009).

About Leeds Baby Bank

At Leeds Baby Bank our mission is to ensure no child goes without. We support families in Leeds, with children aged 0-5 years, who are experiencing poverty. We provide families with all the essentials and equipment they need for their babies and young children. This includes bed bundles, nappies and toiletries, baby baths, potties, highchairs, prams and buggies, clothes and shoes, toys and books.

Families are referred to Leeds Baby Bank by our professional referral partners. This includes midwives, health visitors and social workers. This ensures we’re helping families who are in the most need. We also run an Outreach project, where we support families in the community at four different community centres across Leeds. Here we provide signposting and advice as well as essential items for young families.

About the role

The Head of Charity will work with the board of trustees to lead the day to day running and management of Leeds Baby Bank. You will be self-motivated and enthusiastic with demonstrable leadership experience and a strategic mindset. The Head of Charity will lead a dedicated staff and volunteer team to achieve the ongoing strategic aims of Leeds Baby Bank, whilst also having the skills to support the charity through a period of ongoing change.

You will be able to think creatively, be a problem-solver, seize opportunities and create a sustainable future Leeds Baby Bank. You will have excellent communication skills, a flexible approach to managing the demands of the role, and the skills to build strong relationships with a wide variety of people including service users, staff, volunteers and supporters.

Why work for Leeds Baby Bank
With more and more families in Leeds struggling to afford the essentials for their children, the need for our charity has grown significantly. Leeds Baby Bank has been operating for over eight years and is about to take a big step in its journey. The charity is about to move into its own standalone premises, which will bring new opportunities for the charity and our beneficiaries and enable us to support even more families.

We are a friendly and dedicated team of six paid staff, over thirty volunteers and a supportive board of trustees. Together we work hard to deliver for families, in partnership with our network of referral partners. This is an exciting time to join the charity, and this role of Head of Charity provides an opportunity to make a real difference to families in need in Leeds.

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Manage the implementation of Leeds Baby Bank’s strategic plan.
• Develop and present an annual business plan and income and expenditure budget to deliver the strategic plan.
• Manage all operational activity of the charity in line with the business plan and budget, ensuring they are the central drivers of the charity’s work.
• Develop and maintain systems which monitor progress against the business plan and budget and provide regular reports to the Board of Trustees on progress against those plans.
• Create the annual Social Impact Report and share with key stakeholders and partners.
• Support the creation of the annual accounts reporting via QuickBooks.
• Ensure that the legal requirements of the Registered Charity are met and that all trustees, staff and volunteers are kept abreast of changes in relevant legislation and policy as appropriate.
• Responsible for the charity’s policies and procedures, leading on their implementation in the charity’s work and ensuring trustees, staff and volunteers are aware of their responsibilities.
• Review policies and procedures proactively and reactively as required, in line with the charity’s review procedures.
• Responsible for the charity’s day to day risk management procedures, this includes updating risk assessments, ensuring that ongoing risks are reported on and highlighting new risks to the Board of Trustees.
• Provide strong leadership, direction and management in all aspects of the charity’s work and represent the charity with stakeholders and publicly.
• Facilitate the continual development of the charity’s services by introducing new ideas, identifying new opportunities and increasing income. 

Are you ready to take on a new challenge with a leading charity making a real difference to people with brain tumours and their loved ones?

Brain Tumour Research is seeking an experienced, dynamic and influential Head of PR and Communications.

Do you have the experience, drive and determination to thrive in this role?

​

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of our PR, Communications and Social Media
  teams
• Develop our PR, Communications and Social Media strategy to ensure maximum
  visibility for our charity
• Be an ambassador for our brand and help to devise and implement strategies which
  support our ambitious fundraising goals
• Be a champion of cross-functional working, engaging with internal and external
  stakeholders at all levels
• Support the team to secure coverage in the news media both nationally and
  regionally
   

Requirements:

• To be able to work from the office in Milton Keynes two days a week, with the option of working from home three days a week 
• ​Proven leadership and people management skills, with experience in overseeing multi-disciplinary teams. Essential experience includes team leadership, employee motivation, setting clear objectives, and fostering a collaborative work environment
• ​Have a track record of securing coverage in the news media both nationally and
  regionally and be able to demonstrate how you have informed communications and
  social media strategies
• Ability to embrace a variety of communication assets, from statistics to celebrities
• ​Drive to exceed objectives and be able to deliver effective and confident reports at a
  senior leadership level on progress
• ​Outstanding communication skills, including an excellent standard of written English

​

If you are looking for a fulfilling and impactful role and have the level of experience and skill we are looking for, we welcome your application.

​We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.

We are asking for a CV as the first step, but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process.  Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.

About the role

We’re recruiting for a Head of Retail Operations for our Southern Division. In this role, you’ll be at the heart of driving success within five regions, leading a team of dedicated Regional Managers across 85 shops with around 270 colleagues.

This isn’t just about overseeing operations – it’s about owning them. You’ll have the freedom and autonomy to shape the strategy for your division, making key decisions on everything from financial performance to people development. You’ll build a values-led, inclusive culture – one where our people feel appreciated, respected and supported.

As part of the senior leadership team, you’ll play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of Mind Retail, bringing fresh ideas and driving initiatives that make a real impact. And because every pound we make in our shops helps support Mind’s mission, the work you do will have a lasting and meaningful impact.

This is a role for an ambitious leader – someone ready to take ownership, think strategically and inspire a team to do great things.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Is a natural leader, passionate about creating high-performing teams and building an inclusive culture
• Has senior-level experience leading multi-site, large-scale retail operations and knows how to drive commercial success
• Understands retail finances inside out, from managing P&L’s, to spotting opportunities for growth
• Thinks strategically, but isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and make things happen
• Embodies our values and behaviours

Ready to make a difference?

Join Mind Retail. Join the fight for mental health.

Due to our commitment to work/life balance, you must live within reasonable travelling distance of the division. The geography of the division covers the South East, South West, South Wales, Norfolk and Suffolk.

Mind Retail reserve the right to close the vacancy to applications earlier, should we receive a high volume of strong candidates. Therefore we encourage an early application.

About our benefits

As Head of Operations, you’ll receive:

• A competitive salary of £59,753 per year
• A company car
• A strong commitment to work-life balance with a working pattern that supports this, with the occasional weekend working
• 25 days’ paid holiday per year, plus bank holidays
• Development workshops & courses, to help build your career
• Comprehensive, personalised induction programmes, tailored to your role when you join us
• A huge variety of additional qualifications & development programmes for anyone looking to grow their skills
• Family friendly policies & enhanced pay
• A competitive pension scheme & life assurance, available to all our employees
• 25% staff discount in all Mind shops
• Access to exclusive discounts at over 160 retailers through our employee savings app
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Interest free season ticket loan

About Mind Retail

Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating an income of around £25 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we’re going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve. There’s never been a more exciting time to join us.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We value the power of diversity. We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We are creating an inclusive working environment where everyone is appreciated for being authentic and bringing their whole selves to work.

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working with us to share this commitment. In line with our Safer Recruitment policy, the successful candidate will be required to provide references and will be expected to undertake an enhanced DBS check with a check of the Children's Barred List and/or ‘Work with Adults' workforce check based on their role and responsibilities. A DBS check is a process to check someone's criminal record (if they have any). A Barred List is a list of people who are barred from working with children. To enable you to predetermine what might be disclosed in your DBS check, please use this disclosure calculator.

Mind Retail is an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applicants from all communities. We are committed to the fair treatment of our staff, potential staff and volunteers, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, responsibilities for dependants, age, physical/mental disability or offending background.

This job vacancy is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. 

More details

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

About UP

Unlocking Potential deliver high performing therapeutic programmes and education provision for children and young people with SEMH needs. We work in collaboration with families, communities, and other partners to ensure that children and young people access the interventions they need to thrive.

Mission

We work collaboratively with communities to enable children and young people with social, emotional, and mental health needs to unlock their full potential

Values

Trust

We build trust by being honest, transparent, and accountable in the way we work with children and young people, staff, and partners and by providing services and programmes whose outcomes are measurable and evidenced based.

Collaborative

Relationships are at the heart of our work. We prioritise communication and collaboration with partners, families, and communities, believing that by working together we create more effective and holistic outcomes for children and young people.

Empowering

We co-create opportunities for our children, young people, parents/carers and staff to actively participate in decision-making that influences change. We promote the voices of children and young people in our organisation and the wider community.

Nurturing

We provide a nurturing approach based on safety and space for creativity, exploration, and growth. We support and care for our children, young people, and staff to realise their potential.

Impact

We are committed to measuring our impact through a data driven method to develop our programmes and make a greater difference to the lives of children, young people, and their parents and carers.

Overview

We will be launching our new programme from September 2025, initially as a pilot working with families across Wandsworth, with aims to be able to expand and continue beyond this.

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Family Support Manager to play a pivotal role in establishing our new Family Support programme. Your initial focus will be leading on the development of the service, implementing policies and procedures, building referral pathways, and recruiting a team of skilled Family Support Workers.

Once the service is established, you will manage a high-quality programme providing support and guidance to families facing complex challenges. Your role will involve overseeing a team of Family Support Workers, case management, fostering effective collaboration with internal and external multidisciplinary teams, and leading the service under a shared vision to ensure the well-being of children and their families.

Using a restorative approach, you will develop strong relationships to support families and empower them to take an active role in their own support plans and interventions, helping them build resilience and make informed decisions. A commitment to safeguarding excellence will be at the heart of everything you do.

This role would be an exciting opportunity for a qualified Social Worker or an experienced professional with a background in setting up and developing family support services. It offers a genuine opportunity to shape a new service and build an impactful team to make a real difference in the lives of children, young people, and their families.

Head of Risk, Compliance and Governance - Charity - 6 Month Day Rate

A leading national charity dedicated to supporting individuals and families facing a significant health challenge is seeking a proactive and detail-oriented individual to join them on a temporary basis as their Head of Risk, Compliance and Governance to ensure the smooth continuation of key functions during a transition period.

This six-month contract offers a crucial leadership role, primarily focused on driving the risk management strategy and ensuring a robust compliance framework. You will line manage a team and collaborate across the organisation, playing a vital role in maintaining operational efficiency and safeguarding the charity's interests. This role offers remote working with an expectation of attending the office in [Specify Location, e.g., London] approximately once a month.

As Head of Risk, Compliance and Governance, you will be instrumental in maintaining a strong governance and risk culture, enabling teams to operate effectively and with confidence. This role requires a strong understanding of risk management principles, excellent communication skills, and the ability to lead and support a team.

Key Skills Required:

• Extensive Risk Management Expertise: Proven experience in developing and implementing risk management frameworks, including strategic and operational risk registers, and holding a relevant qualification.
• Compliance and Governance Oversight: Strong understanding of compliance requirements, policy development, and experience with company secretarial matters, including relevant regulatory body filings.
• Effective Line Management & Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to lead and support a team, fostering a collaborative environment and working effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Proactive and Detail-Oriented: Ability to work independently, manage conflicting priorities, and ensure meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of the role.

Contract Details:

• Duration: 6 months
• Rate: £450 - £500 per day - Inside IR35
• Location: Remote - one day per month in London

Apply now for immediate consideration for this impactful leadership opportunity.

URNFP is acting as an employment agency for this vacancy

Join Our Team as Head of Finance

Are you a qualified accountant with a passion for making a difference? Do you have a knack for financial analysis and strategic development? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you!

About Us:
We are a dynamic organisation dedicated to supporting community projects, retail initiatives, and national fundraising efforts. Our mission is to create a positive impact through strategic financial management and exceptional customer service. We are always on the lookout for talented individuals who are passionate about bringing their skills to advance our work tackling poverty in all its forms. This is a great opportunity to work for a flexible employer committed to its staff. The St Vincent de Paul Society is accredited IIP at Silver level and is proud to be a Living Wage Employer.

Working Hours: You will be contracted to 37.5 hours per week, Mondays to Fridays
Location: St Vincent’s Store, Allenby House, Rees Way, Bradford, BD3 0DZ. There is the potential for hybrid working.
Contract: Permanent
Salary: Up to £55,000 per annum
Requirements: This role is subject to 2 satisfactory references

Benefits Package:

• 33 days holiday (pro rata) per year inclusive of bank holidays, increasing to 38 days (pro rata) with service
• Employee assistance programme
• Retail discounts
• An extra day off on your birthday
• Buy/sell holiday scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free will writing
• 1x annual salary death in service benefit
• And lots more

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Financial Management: Oversee financial transactions for various projects, including retail, trading, and community support.
• Year-End Accounts: Lead the production and reporting of consolidated year-end accounts, ensuring compliance with legal obligations.
• Business Partnering: Collaborate with managers, budget holders, and the Director of Finance to provide financial insights and support.
• Internal Audits: Conduct internal audits and monitor financial activities to identify and report irregularities.
• Taxation and Compliance: Ensure VAT compliance, oversee Gift Aid schemes, and manage annual tax computations and returns.
• Payroll Oversight: Review monthly payrolls and ensure accurate processing.
• Fundraising Support: Partner with the Fundraising and Communications team to oversee financial aspects of fundraising initiatives.
• Financial Reporting: Prepare accurate, timely management information and provide strategic insights for decision-making.
• Support and Cover: Assist in the overall management of the finance function, helping to embed a high-performance culture. Provide support and cover for the Director of Finance as required.

Person Specification:

• Qualifications: CCAB recognised qualified accountant.
• Experience: Minimum 5 years in senior finance roles, with experience in complex organisational structures and the charity, voluntary, or retail sectors. Experience liaising with auditors, business advisers, and board members.

Skills:

• Advanced IT and data manipulation skills, particularly in Excel (SUMIFS, VLOOKUPS, Pivot Tables).
• Impeccable attention to detail and dedication to accuracy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Good organisational skills, including the ability to prioritise and allocate tasks to ensure deadlines are met.

Why Join Us?

• Impactful Work: Contribute to meaningful projects that make a difference in the community.
• Professional Growth: Opportunities for training, development, and career advancement.
• Collaborative Environment: Work with a supportive team of professionals dedicated to excellence.

If you are a proactive, detail-oriented financial expert looking to take the next step in your career, we would love to hear from you!

How to apply: If you have the relevant skills and experience to fulfil this role successfully, please click apply. If you require any adjustments throughout your journey with us, please let us know.

Closing date: 15th May 2025
Interviews: 20th May 2025

Whilst we ask that staff have a connection to Christian values, religion is not considered in recruitment as we value people of all faiths or none.

Previous candidates need not apply. Unfortunately, if you have not received a response within four weeks of your application, you have not been successful on this occasion. We encourage early applications as we may close the listing early once sufficient applicants have been received.

The St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) was established in England and Wales in 1844 and is part of a large and thriving Christian voluntary movement dedicated to tackling poverty in all its forms by providing practical assistance to people in need in 153 countries. Our core value is one of service and we treat each person as a unique individual deserving of dignity and respect. Person-to-person contact is therefore at the heart of our work and spending time with people is our greatest gift. We offer non-judgemental support to anyone in need, regardless of faith, race, gender, sexual orientation, background, or circumstances.

Prisoners Abroad is a small but powerful organisation supporting people through some of the most isolating and traumatic experiences imaginable. Whether it’s someone surviving a prison sentence overseas, returning to the UK with nothing, or a family facing the distress of having a family member imprisoned abroad, your work here will have a direct and lasting impact.

A fantastic opportunity has opened up to lead and grow a well-established major donor programme. Working closely with our Head of Giving & Communications, you’ll manage and develop relationships with high-net-worth individuals, craft compelling cases for support, and deliver thoughtful stewardship that makes donors feel truly valued and connected. You’ll also have the chance to shape how we grow our pipeline, with support from a team that values creativity, emotional intelligence and collaboration, so plenty of opportunities to get creative and make your mark.

With experience of securing 4–5 figure gifts and a flair for building meaningful relationships, you’ll be a confident communicator with strong writing skills, and you’ll enjoy using insight to create personal donor journeys that inspire generosity.

To apply for this position, please read the job pack which provides lots of information about the charity, the role and how to apply (by sending in  your CV and a supporting statement). 

The deadline for applications is 10am Friday 9th May, however we will be reviewing applications as we receive them, so please apply when you are ready and you may be contacted about your application before the closing date. To ensure inclusivity, all applications received up to the closing date will be considered equally.

If you have any questions about the application or recruitment process, or want to schedule a call for more information, then get in touch and we'll happily arrange that.

Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet historically just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease. Brain Tumour Research is determined to change this. 

Their vision is to find a cure for all types of brain tumours. To achieve their mission, they are looking for a Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships to lead the high value function, including income from major donors, corporate partners, and trusts and grants. The P&P team also encompasses volunteering and relationships held with the family of member charities.  

There is currently an interim Head of P&P in place until August to ensure progress continues towards the income ambition, and to support the team.  

The P&P function is on a journey, much work has been done to embed effective processes and a consistent approach to pipelining. There has been much improvement so far, but there remains a lot of scope for the incoming Head to shape the team, define areas of focus and ways of working.  

The team have had significant success this year, especially in the corporate partnerships space, so there is energy and enthusiasm to harness. There are exciting opportunities for high value fundraising connected to the launch of new Centres of Excellence across the UK, and some key events in the calendar such as a major donor dinner in September.  

This role would suit an experienced fundraiser across major donor or corporate income streams. You will have led a team before, and have experience of designing and delivering fundraising strategies.  

This is an exciting opportunity for the right candidate to come into a team that is on the right path, but needs a confident Head of to ensure the team works in the most effective way, and to provide support and guidance to the team.  

Please note - the successful candidate will be required to work from Brain Tumour Research's office in Milton Keynes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 

Application notes 

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

Interviews: 

Stage 1 (virtual) - Friday 16th May

Stage 2 (in person in Milton Keynes) - Thursday 22nd May

Our Adventure Playground Manager plays an integral role within our Children, Young People and Families team, supporting our Head of Service to create inspiring, high quality and child focused youth and play services. The work of the Children, Young People and Families team is diverse, and service includes after-school and weekend adventure play, school play sessions, mentoring, holiday activities and youth leadership programmes.

Tulse Hill Adventure Playground is at the centre of our Children, Young People and Families service, and you will have solid experience working in an Adventure Playground, or similar outdoor setting, as you will hold managerial responsibility of the site and resources ensuring that the environment meets the needs of all the children who use it and to enable children to obtain the full benefit of the playground and its facilities.

As a strong and inspiring manager you will lead a team of play practitioners to deliver a range of dynamic, exciting, and meaningful services, ensuring the children who need them most are supported to play, develop, and thrive. You will take both an ambitious, organised, yet hands on approach to your management of the service - we are a small but dynamic team and truly believe services are best when all are involved, from management to practitioners. You will bring enthusiasm and passion to ensure an exceptional service for the children and young people we work with.

You will champion the role that adventure play services play in supporting children and young people to thrive and be an advocate for partnership working, building relationships with parents, schools and other local organisations, to maximise use of the Adventure Playground and the range of services we provide. A strong understanding of how the service sits within the wider work of the organisation and building strong relationships internally and externally is essential to the role.

You will be joining the organisation at a very exciting time as we are just about to undertake a large scale rebuild of the outdoor adventure play structures which will be completed this summer - creating a new and exciting environment for children and young people to play. This will include a range of challenging play structures, a wildlife garden, growing area and outdoor kitchen, along with a small animal enclosure.

Employee Benefits
• 35 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays and 3 Christmas days) rising by 1 day each year
after 2 years’ service (capped at an additional 8 days)
• Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption leave after 2 years’ service
• Save money off a new bike with the Cycle to Work scheme
• Up to 7% contribution to the staff pension scheme
• 24/7 Employee Support Line
• Clear pay structure with yearly increments (based on performance)
• Annual Staff away day
• Premium eye-care vouchers through Specsavers and season ticket loans

Reporting to: Director of Policy and Engagement 

Direct reports: 1 x Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager and Legislative Lead, 2 x Policy and Public Affairs Officers, 1 x England Policy and Public Affairs Manager 

Location of work: Home-based. The post holder must be easily and quickly commutable to London and will require frequent meetings in London. The role may involve some irregular travel throughout England and Scotland to attend events and meetings.

Contract type: Full-time, 35 hours per week,  flexible hours may be considered. The role may require occasional evening and weekend work 

Contract Length: Permanent 

Salary: £54,500 - £56,500 

BACKGROUND

Our work has never been more needed. The latest research suggesting that the number of children and young people at risk of hunger has rocketed to 2.6 million* means that one in five children don't have enough to eat.When a child is too hungry to learn, when they’re aching for something to eat, they can’t concentrate. They can’t absorb information. Big feelings and worries can be impossible to control. They fall behind in their studies.

Magic Breakfast provide a nutritious and filling breakfast to over 300,000 children and young people every school day. We work with schools in areas of high disadvantage, helping staff target the children most in need without barrier or stigma.  Magic Breakfast are ambitious to grow our impact to remove hunger as a barrier to learning for all children and young people in the UK.

 This is an exciting time to join Magic Breakfast if you wish to make a difference to the lives of children as we work to influence both policy implementation, with the national rollout of primary-aged universal school breakfast, and legislative change, through the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. There has also been commitment from the Scottish Government for a national breakfast scheme and we are seeking to expand our advocacy work into Wales. Magic Breakfast’s influence will be instrumental to ensuring school breakfasts are implemented in a way that is hunger-focused and barrier free.

In addition, thousands of secondary school children are at risk of losing their free school breakfasts from September next year. For many of these students, this is their only opportunity to have a nutritious meal before facing a demanding school day, including taking exams.  And for the very youngest, we know that the disadvantage gap begins before they even reach reception. With the Government commitment to another 100,000 places in school-based nurseries, early years is also a critical part of our advocacy work.

 Being part of the work of Magic Breakfast is your chance, together with parents, teachers and people across the UK, to demonstrate the power of school breakfasts and to shape the way forward to end morning hunger for good.

*Food Foundation Insecurity Tracker Jan 2025

JOB PURPOSE

The Head of Policy & Public Affairs will review, develop and implement our advocacy strategy and lead a team to influence the devolved legislatures across the UK to address child morning hunger, with a view to the underlying systemic causes of child poverty and hunger, by driving change through policy and legislation. The role operates at our ‘Head of level’ which is the most senior operational specialist level and provides both operational and strategic leadership.

This role will also provide wider leadership across the charity and input into organisational strategy development and planning as part of the Core Management Group. This role will ensure that the Policy and Public Affairs function is aligned to the wider strategic aims and outcomes of Magic Breakfast as well as the internal operational systems and delivery.

The strategic leadership will ensure an external and long term view, with an outward looking and forward thinking approach that builds thought leadership, relationships and partnerships, with positioning to anticipate and build on new opportunities to end child morning hunger for good.

It will require an experienced Policy and Public Affairs professional, with significant experience of high impact and demonstrable outcomes at a senior level in the field. The postholder will lead the policy and public affairs team to influence the Early Adopters Scheme, the national rollout of primary school breakfast provision in England and breakfast legislation in the Children’s Wellbeing Bill (CWB).

They will also develop, guide and lead plans to influence the Scottish government, particularly in the run up to the election in May 2026 and the influencing of manifestos; and will lead Magic Breakfast’s upcoming influencing work in Wales. 

In the external leadership that the role provides they will build relationships with politicians, political influencers, special advisors and civil servants to establish long-term, sustainable solutions to child morning hunger in the UK.

As a compassionate, people centric and inspiring leader they will work to enable their team to grow and develop in their skills ensuring they can step away from the detail whilst retaining accountability, build effective resource management and progression pathways. This role may manage external consultants where necessary, and work collaboratively with external organisations to amplify our voice and asks and strengthen our position as a thought leader. 

 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

· Review and define the advocacy strategy for 25/26 in line both with moving political environment and Magic Breakfast’s influencing agenda, considering the systemic barriers to ending child morning hunger for good.

· Develop and maintain close relationships with the Department for Education and other key departments including Department for Health and Social Care and Treasury, to secure hunger and child focus as key priorities for breakfast provision.

· Develop, monitor and evaluate influencing plans for each devolved nation

· Support the development of influencing plans with coalition groups and organisations to influence school breakfast policy, commitments and implementation

· Review policy positions in Wales and Northern Ireland and define our advocacy approach, gaining external insights and analysing available research and data to shape the plan

· Develop a vision for advocacy beyond current demands, considering political appetite and gaining insight from lived experience communities and relevant sectors, to ensure that we are clear on future asks, and can build the foundation towards them.

· Work with Impact and Insights team to define future research needs to meet our longer-term advocacy plans

· Enhance and establish internal processes and ensure good internal information dissemination 

· Work closely with key internal stakeholders to shape advocacy work and support broader organisational objectives

· Embed learnings and develop a fail fast, learn fast culture in the team

· Coach, support and lead direct reports enabling increased professional development, strategic decision making, proactive project management and robust political influencing

· Contribute to and help shape the work of the Core Management Group to ensure ongoing alignment for in year implementation of the strategic plan and create integrated future year plans which meet organisational goals

· Monitor and review KPIs to monitor and measure both team and cross organisational performance, using the results to guide teams and surface learnings

· Assess areas of risk and escalate where necessary and according to policy

· Develop and monitor annual team budgets

General

• Work collaboratively across the organisation, building good working relations and providing ad-hoc support to other teams and members of staff

• Passion and commitment to Magic Breakfast’s aim of alleviating morning hunger as a barrier to learning for children in the UK.

• Help to maintain a positive working environment; keeping the vision of Magic Breakfast at the heart of everything we do. 

• Share Magic Breakfast’s commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

• Establish and ensure existing Ways of Working are adhered to across team

• Adhere to all Magic Breakfast policies and procedures and ensure that all activity is compliant with current legislation, GDPR, data protection and child safeguarding requirements

• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role

 PERSON SPECIFICATION

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

· Strategy development, demonstrating a deep understanding of how to craft, implement, and evolve strategies that align to operational outcomes for the Policy and Advocacy function as well as enabling our organisation strategy in our aim to end child morning for good.

· Stakeholder management and partnership building with extensive experience of engaging, influencing, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including senior political figures, policymakers, funders and sector leaders.

· Ability to confidently and flexibly deal with volatile political environment, anticipating potential developments and adapting to emerging situations to meet aims

· Highly experienced in developing and shaping policy positions, using insights, research and data sets to inform and guide decision-making

· Understanding and experience of the role of the broader external environment to shape policy asks and political influencing, including the implications of a policy ask in one sector on another.

· Experience of influencing key political events such as budgets, national elections and the legislative process.

· Significant experience of coaching, supporting and managing the development of a team, with the ability to make difficult decisions and challenge where needed to deliver the organisational strategy.

Desirable

· Experience of education, food insecurity, child poverty or childcare sectors

Skills and Abilities

• Effective leadership mentality with confidence to step away from the detail and delegate responsibility, enabling others to use judgements, make decisions, learn from failures and continuously improve.

• Analytical and evidence based decision making, with the ability to turn data and analysis into policy and advocacy related recommendations or outcomes for action.

• Effective planning, prioritisation and project management skills. Able to organise self and team to meet planned objectives and strategic direction with the ability to pivot and manage the unexpected.

• Strong, influential and impactful interpersonal and communication skills and to advocate for own specialism, department and Magic Breakfast's mission, effectively conveying the organisation's impact and needs to a wide range of audiences.

• Operational and financial acumen and analysis: understanding and practical application of knowledge as required around funding considerations, budget development and management, risk management, and ensuring systems in place for efficiency by setting and maintaining policy and procedural frameworks.

• An outward looking and forward thinking approach that drives a sense of curiosity, innovation and continuous improvement. Always thinking what can we learn from others, what new developments can be explored and what are the opportunities for the function to improve and grow with others too.

WHAT WE OFFER

At Magic Breakfast we value our employees and work hard to develop offer a supportive, respectful culture which enables everyone to bring their whole self to work.

Please find attached our job pack

APPLICATION PROCCESS

Should you wish to discuss the role before applying please email our People and Culture Team, recruitment @ magicbreakfast. com

Shortlisting - w/c 5th May

Interview 1 - 15th and 16th May

Interview 2 - w/c 21st May

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications are received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately, once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Head of Children and Young People’s Services, to join an ambitious healthcare charity based in Leatherhead.

As Head of Children and Young People’s Services, you will be lead, manage and develop the services in this area, providing overarching leadership, and management.

The Head of the department needs to monitor the needs of the service, and where possible find creative and innovative ways to develop the service and address growing and changing needs. Key responsibilities include leading on the delivery of outputs and outcomes of a number of grant funded services, planning and managing the departmental budget for the Children and Young People’s Service and regular reporting to Surrey County Council, Services Committee, Trustee Board, and funders as required. You will work to support and supervise the team of staff and volunteers and provide information, support and advice for children and their families /carers.

The successful candidate will be an outstanding individual who is passionate about providing high-quality care and support for children and young people, and who can lead and manage with strategic vision and operational excellence. Extensive experience of working with children, young people and families that has included the overarching responsibility for Safeguarding children and young people is crucial, as is a strong knowledge of regulatory frameworks and best practices. The ability to travel extensively throughout Surrey is a must.

If you’re looking to join a well-established and impactful charity who work to help people live full and independent lives, then please do get in touch ASAP!

Please note, only successful candidates will be contacted with further information.

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

We are looking for an experienced Grants Commissioning Manager to join our Grants & Commissioning Team based in Portsmouth. The Commissioning Manager will support the Head of Commissioned Grants with all elements of the commissioning cycle including understanding need, designing projects, performance management of delivery and reporting of impact as well as providing and developing commissioning and project support, in line with RNRMC’s commissioning and partnership funding model.The role will work with internal and external stakeholders regarding the performance of grants programmes to ensure quality, evidenced outputs, and value for money of projects.

In addition, you may be asked to line manage team members, taking responsibility for actively and proactively supporting them to achieve in their post. 

About the RNRMC

RNRMC is the Navy’s principal charity which exists to support every sailor, marine and their families, for life. We do this by offering grants to and working with, other organisations to deliver programmes that meet the needs of our beneficiaries. We work hard, engaging with supporters to help raise awareness and funds to deliver the outcomes required for today and tomorrow. 

Experience and Background

You will be an experienced commissioning manager with excellent interpersonal skills. You will be diplomatic and approachable with a strong ability to communicate verbally and in writing.  You will possess excellent problem-solving skills and judgement alongside a meticulous, accurate and disciplined approach to work. You will demonstrate good organisational skills and be able to prioritise a varied and busy workload and deliver to deadlines.

You will have strong people management skills and experience in working with a wide range of stakeholders and will inspire confidence, provide credible leadership, build and maintain relationships plus motivate and drive towards delivery of change at pace. 

You will be self-motivated and enthusiastic, be able to think strategically to resolve problems and make recommendations and present options for approval. 

Please see the job description for full details on the duties and responsibilities.

Hours of Work

Hours of work are 35 hours per week, 09:00 – 17:00 Monday to Friday.

We have a friendly, supportive, and inclusive environment with a hybrid working approach of 60% in office and 40% home-working.

Salary

The salary range for the post is between £ 38,000 to £ 45,000 per annum, according to skills and experience.

Benefits

30 days holiday plus Bank Holidays

Hybrid working – 60% in office and 40% home working

Employee Assistance Programme to give you confidential support 24 hours a day

Life Assurance (after one year’s qualifying service) 

Private Healthcare Scheme (after one year’s qualifying period) 

A generous non-contributory Pension Scheme (7% contribution after 3 months qualifying period) 

Enhanced Maternity Leave Package (after 2 year’s qualifying period) 

Closing Date: 12:00noon on 15/05/2025

Interview Date: As applications received

Interviews will be held on a rolling basis during the advertising period and RNRMC reserve the right to close the vacancy early and make an appointment at any stage of the application process. Applicants may be asked to attend an on-line Application Discussion prior to the closing date to aid in the shortlisting process. This will be held via Microsoft Teams.

Macular disease is the biggest cause of sight loss in the UK, with around 300 people diagnosed every day. The Macular Society is the only charity determined to beat the fear and isolation of macular disease with world class research, and the best advice and support.

To support people affected by macular disease now, the Macular Society provides a range of support, information and services. Our research programme is focused on finding new treatments and a cure to Beat Macular Disease forever.

This exciting role is responsible for delivering income from a range of donors and prospects, with a focus on trusts and foundations, lottery and statutory sources, as well as HNWI. We are looking for an ambitious and strategic fundraiser with a proven track record of raising significant funds from charitable trusts and foundations, lottery and statutory sources as well as HNWI, who, alongside our existing team, will help to grow and develop this area of fundraising for the Macular Society. The post holder will have a proven eye for detail, an analytical nature, first class relationship management skills and a flair for writing successful applications.

In return, we provide a great working culture – we do something worthwhile and are proud to work together to Beat Macular Disease – as recognised by our inclusion in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2023 list. 

We offer flexible working options, 26 days annual leave, rising to 27 after one years’ service, the ability to buy or sell annual leave, supportive family policies, and 6% pension contribution.

We are passionate about treating people fairly and as equals, doing so is instinctive to us. To Beat Macular Disease for all we know we have work to do. That’s why we are keen to hear from people of all backgrounds who have the skills and experience we are looking for. We particularly encourage applications from people from under-represented groups, to help ensure what we do and how we do it is inclusive – for everyone.