Head of finance and administration jobs in milton keynes, england
We are looking for a dynamic, values-led, strategic leader to drive our mission for migration justice and social work solidarity. The role entails oversight of the operations and strategy of the organisation, responsibility for financial management and fundraising, maintaining the health of the organisation and embedding anti-racist and anti-opressive values into every aspect of the organisation.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Summary
EduSpots is an innovative, dynamic, and community-orientated UK and Ghanaian registered charity which connects, trains, and equips grassroots voluntary educators (named ‘Catalysts’) to drive community-led change through education spaces named ‘Spots’. Our vision is of a world in which communities unite to create the futures they want to see, through education.
Since 2016, through collaborating with over 400 local voluntary community educators and actors – named ‘Catalysts’ – who take a central leadership role in the development of the network, we have supported 50 communities in creating and running community-led and owned education spaces named ‘Spots’’. Together, we are developing a model for a community-led education space with accompanying network engagement that could have global relevance.
Our Ghana-based team creates collaborative learning opportunities through three leadership programmes for Catalysts which are increasingly facilitated by the EduSpots app: the Ignite, Catalyse and Inspire Mentoring Programmes. These enable the Catalysts to lead EduKidz (early years education), DigLit (digital literacy), EcoSTEM (STEM and environmental education) and Ignite Equity (gender equity) clubs for learners typically aged 3-16, alongside locally designed education projects, reaching over 10,000 learners of all ages annually.
We are in an exciting period of our development, having more than doubled our income, programme breadth and reach in the last two years, with a recent independent evaluation by Expectation State offering further evidence in support of our model’s outcomes. We have been recently selected for two accelerator programmes, who are supporting us as we consider the scaling potential of our model. In the period, we are aiming to double our network reach, bringing an additional 50 Spots into the network.
We won the Tes International Award in 2018 and the Big Give Supporters’ Choice Award in 2022, and we were recently selected as a finalist for the 2023 Their World Scale-Up Innovation Prize. In 2021, our Founder was a Finalist in the UNESCO-backed $1 million Global Teacher Prize.
We are excited by our future.
About this role
The Global Head of Operations is a new role being introduced in 2026 with the core purpose of strengthening systems, processes and strategic delivery across both EduSpots Global and EduSpots Ghana, offering hands-on support to the CEO and wider staff across a range of areas.
In this senior role, you will work closely alongside the CEO, offering her the advice and skills needed to move EduSpots successfully through a complex period of growth in a challenging fundraising context, enabling more learners and Catalysts to participate in a unique community-led model of education, whilst sharing our practice more widely.
We are looking for an organised and empathetic strategic leader, ideally with strong or developing skills across project management, finance, HR and MEL skills and an ability to work independently in a fast moving work environment.
This role has the potential to grow into a Director of Global Operations or Deputy CEO role in time for outstanding candidates, and carries significant organisation-wide responsibility.
Candidates should hold a genuine passion for educational equity, a strong belief in the power of community-led models to transform lives at scale and a high level of flexibility in a fast-changing yet friendly and playful work environment.
Whilst this role is remote, and open to all global candidates, you will need to have understanding and experience of UK law, accounting and policy development, or a strong appetite to build experience in this area quickly.
Main duties and responsibilities
Systems
- Work with the CEO and staff to proactively strengthen systems and processes across the organisation, including monitoring, evaluation and learning frameworks and operations.
- Support the wider team with IT, including general skill development, leading the Google Space system.
- Monitor compliance to organisational policies and lead the quarterly review of the organisational risk register, working with the Ghana Head of Operations.
Finance
- Work with the Finance and Admin Officer to produce monthly and quarterly global management accounts, cash flow analysis and to complete the annual audit.
- Lead the financial planning of the organisation, working with the CEO and the Ghana Head of Operations to create the annual budget.
- Work with the Ghana Head of Operations to strengthen financial systems, processes, and training across the organisation.
- Work with the Ghana Head of Operations to prepare budgets for funding bids as needed.
- Work with the grants team to track grant spending and produce consolidated financial reports (including expenditure from the UK and Ghana) for donors.
- Ensure EduSpots’ new accounting software (QuickBooks) is fully embedded and utilised.
- Oversee bank account management, including payments, checking bank statements, and reviewing bank reconciliations for UK and Ghana.
- Ensure staff payroll (likely to be outsourced) and payments to freelancers / consultants are done accurately and in a timely manner.
HR
- Work alongside the CEO, Head of Operations, Safeguarding and Inclusion Managers and wider staff to develop strategies to sustain and strengthen a high performing and friendly work culture.
- Work across the team to strengthen HR and performance management structures, informed by best practice and legal frameworks.
- Lead the recruitment of staff, consultants and volunteers in the UK (advertising roles, drafting contracts, contacting referees and completing all filing and administration relating to recruitment).
- Onboard new staff, provide training on policies and procedures, and track key information (leave, appraisals, etc) for UK staff.
- Regularly review and keep the Staff Handbook up to date.
- Depending on skill-set, work with the CEO to lead professional development for staff across the organisation, liaising with trustees and advisory group members.
Administration & Governance
- Manage and maintain databases and our Google Drive system.
- Ensure compliance with GDPR and adherence to our child safeguarding and protection policy.
- Maintain insurance renewals, tracking and filing.
- Review and keep up to date all organisational policies in line with current legislation, working with the Trustees and Directors.
- Assist the CEO in the administration relating to EduSpots’ governance, including board meeting arrangements and minute taking.
- Support the CEO in all ad-hoc tasks that arise, working closely alongside her to ensure the smooth running of the organisation.
Strategic insight
- Work closely with the CEO and staff/Catalysts across the organisation to ensure all EduSpots’ decision-making is strategic and in the best interests of the Catalysts, Sparks and Communities we partner with.
Other areas
- Depending on experience, you may in time take on management responsibilities for some staff, but this role is principally a systems strengthening and quality improvement role, working closely with the CEO to offer advice and additional capacity.
- Depending on experience, you may support with grants writing / management and/or community fundraising. Experience of fundraising would be of significant benefit to the organisation in this key leadership role.
Personal Specification
Essential
- Minimum of 7 years’ experience of operations in a small/medium charity context.
- Self-starter with the ability to hit the ground running and work with minimal supervision with high levels of flexibility.
- Self-motivated, with an ability to motivate and energise others.
- High level strategic understanding, critical thinking and the ability to strengthen systems in a fast-paced high performance environment.
- Excellent communication, both oral and written.
- The ability to thrive and adapt in a fast-paced, creative and impact-driven culture.
- Strong administrative skills with a high level of attention to detail.
- Experience in creating user-friendly tools and processes to support project and quality management.
- Experience using Google Suite, with strong Excel skills.
- Tech savvy – ability to learn new tech tools efficiently.
- Experience coordinating others.
- Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills with strong empathy and cultural sensitivity
- Strong personal alignment with the mission, vision and values of EduSpots.
Highly desirable
- Experience supporting charity Boards, and working with external bodies including auditors, tax authorities, and other official bodies is highly desirable.
- Experience complying and strong familiarity with UK charity regulations and requirements.
- Experience preparing budgets and financial reports for donors/grants.
- Experience of working in a cross-cultural team.
- Experience of working with an international charity would be advantageous.
Please send a tailored covering letter and CV addressed to the CEO Miss Cat Davison by Wednesday 31st December with a hope to meet shortlisted candidates for a first-round interview in the week starting Monday 12th January.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About us
GSG Impact is a UK-registered charity with a global footprint. We work with a network of National Partners and collaborators across multiple countries to help build “impact economies”, strengthening the systems, relationships and market infrastructure that enable capital and policy to deliver better social and environmental outcomes. Our work brings together evidence, convening power and practical support, partnering with leaders across public, private and civil society to accelerate progress and share what works globally.
The role
We are seeking an experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead our organisational operations, including finance, HR, governance, compliance and risk. You will ensure strong systems, controls and processes that enable excellent delivery across an international organisation.
Key responsibilities
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Lead organisational operations across finance, HR, IT, legal, admin and key systems
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Own budgeting, forecasting, reporting, audit and treasury/controls
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Strengthen UK charity governance, policies, compliance and risk management
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Oversee contracts, procurement, supplier management and external advisers
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Lead people operations across multiple jurisdictions (including Employer of Record arrangements)
About you
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Track record in UK charity governance/compliance and international operations
- Senior operational leader with strong financial and people management experience
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Confident working across complex stakeholder environments and multi-country teams
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Clear communicator, pragmatic problem-solver, calm under pressure
How to apply
Please send CV (max 2 pages) and a cover letter (max 1 page) explaining your suitability.
GSG Impact is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. We are committed to safeguarding and will carry out appropriate pre-employment checks.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications or appoint a suitable candidate before the advertised closing date.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Role Description
The purpose of the Executive Assistant role is to provide administrative, organisational and coordination support to the Executive Team, ensuring their time and attention are aligned with organisational priorities, goals, and objectives. The role covers executive coordination, governance administration and project support. The Executive Assistant enables effective decision making across the Leadership Team, supports the smooth delivery of priorities, and contributes to the execution of long-term strategic goals.
The Executive Team comprises the Chief Executive, Operations Director and Business Development Director. They work together as part of the Leadership Team, comprising key leaders from across the charity.
Excellent attention to detail is crucial, as is the ability to operate with discretion and flexibility. A high standard of written and verbal communication is essential. The role requires collaboration across Finance, HR, Trustees, and external stakeholders, and an understanding of effective charity governance would be desirable.
This role requires a high level of emotional intelligence, sound judgement, and the ability to build trusted relationships across all levels of the organisation. Success in this role depends on a proactive mindset, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to remain calm and resourceful under pressure. The Executive Assistant must be highly dependable, detail-oriented, and capable of managing sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
Responsibilities
Executive Coordination
- Manage calendars, inboxes, travel and meeting preparation for Executive Team
- Coordinate agendas and logistics for internal and external meetings
- Liaise with stakeholders, clients and partners to ensure smooth engagement
Governance Support
- Own the established governance timetable, board meeting scheduling, and trustee communications
- Draft and distribute board packs, take minutes, and track actions
- Support governance processes in collaboration with the Operations Director
- Support trustee onboarding, training, and engagement
- Ensure timely completion of Charity Commission and Companies House submissions
- Leverage AI tools and platforms to enhance business processes
Strategic communications
- Communicate with external stakeholders on behalf of the Executive Team
- Coordinate staff events and meetings
- Work with marketing and communities & projects teams for conferences and external events
Project support
- Support ongoing transformation projects in collaboration with Head of Business Functions
- Support recruitment and onboarding for senior roles led by the Head of Business Operations
- Support strategic planning and performance tracking led by the Operations Director and Business Development Director
- Support handover and re-onboarding of Executive Assistant on her return April 2027
Role Requirements
Required:
- Minimum of four years’ experience in a similar role.
- Experience supporting senior leaders in a fast paced and changing environment, taking initiative and managing competing deadlines calmly and flexibly.
- Confident communicating with the executive and leadership team, trustees and external partners in a professional and timely way.
- Able to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and good judgment.
- Confident coordinating meetings, preparing papers and taking accurate minutes.
- Ability to research, digest, analyse and present material clearly and concisely.
- Ability to identify and apply AI-driven tools to enhance business activities and using AI to streamline workflows and personalise business engagement.
- Comfortable stepping into an established role quickly and maintaining continuity during the maternity leave period.
Desirable:
- Experience in charity governance
- Experience in project support/management
Employees are also expected to be flexible in undertaking the duties and responsibilities attached to their post and may be asked to perform other duties that are consistent with the grade, responsibilities, and typical scope of the role. Any additional tasks should remain appropriate to the nature of the post and not extend into unrelated functions or specialisms.
All employees are expected to work in accordance with the organisation’s values and behavioural standards, which include being supportive, transparent, respectful, kind, honest, and collaborative. This means fostering a culture of empathy, openness, integrity, and teamwork in all interactions, and contributing positively to the organisation’s mission and strategic objectives.
We are committed to flexible working and are open to requests for different working patterns. This includes part time arrangements and four day working week requests, which we will always consider as part of the recruitment process.
To apply for this role, please share your CV with a one-page cover letter setting out why this role appeals to you and how your skills and experiences meet the key skills points in the job description.
Interviews expected to take place on week commencing the 2nd of February 2026.
To apply for this role, please share your CV with a one-page cover letter setting out why this role appeals to you and how your skills and experiences meet the key skills points in the job description.
Interviews expected to take place on week commencing the 2nd of February 2026.
To support the social housing sector to unlock the full potential of its social purpose, for the benefit of residents & local communities
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
For the full recruitment pack and application form, please visit our website. We can only accept applications via our website portal.
ABOUT CAUDWELL YOUTH
Not all young people have the same opportunities in life.
Caudwell Youth exists to level the playing field for young people at risk.
We support at-risk young people who are care experienced, have mental health challenges, or are at risk of exploitation or offending.
WHAT WE DO
Caudwell Youth shapes young people’s futures by providing person-centred support to at risk 11 to 24-year-olds through volunteer-led mentoring for up to 18-months, alongside a targeted intervention programme.
Our mentoring service is designed to ensure every young person feels safe, heard and supported. Each young person gains a trusted adult (a trained volunteer) who meets with them once a week to support them as they take steps towards a more positive future.
This year, we have supported more than 400 young people.
Our vision is to help every young person at-risk in the UK. We give young people the time, trust and support they need to shape a positive future, no matter their starting point.
ABOUT THE ROLE
To support the Deputy CEO in ensuring the effective delivery and growth of Caudwell Youth’s services.
To oversee the management of operational programmes, ensuring high-quality, person-centred support for young people. To contribute to business development, leading expansion via statutory grants and contracts.
On appointment, you are expected to have significant knowledge and professional experience of your area of specialism and the ability to quickly take on significant responsibility very quickly.
KEY DUTIES
Strategic and External Leadership:
- Lead the effective delivery and development of Caudwell Youth’s programmes, in line with our strategic plan.
- Build and maintain relationships with funders, and strategic partners, with support from the Deputy CEO.
- Identify and secure new funding opportunities, leading on public sector bids and tenders, in line with our strategic plan
- Ensure a youth participation and evidence-based approach in all aspects of service delivery and development.
Services:
- Develop, oversee and report against Operations department budget and plans.
- Oversee operational systems, risk assessments and data to ensure services are safe, needs-led and effective.
- Ensure safeguarding policies are embedded across delivery, acting as DSL if required.
- Support and develop high-performing teams, ensuring training, appraisal, and performance management frameworks are in place.
- Ensure that all programme delivery is trauma informed and person-centred
- Oversee quality assurance processes, ensuring consistent standards across all delivery regions.
- Lead on operational compliance, including health & safety, data protection, incident reporting and regulatory requirements.
- Champion a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and high-quality practice across the organisation.
- Ensure that programmes are monitored and evaluated effectively and that reporting requirements are met, working with the fundraising team as required
Business Development:
- With support from the Deputy CEO, develop plans to implement a growth strategy focused on securing statutory contracts.
- Act as a key point of contact for commissioners, local authorities, and strategic partners.
- Identify and respond to commissioning opportunities across local government (crime, education, and health sectors) in line with our strategy.
- Lead on bid writing, proposal development, and contract negotiations for statutory contracts and grants
- Work with finance and fundraising teams to create budgets, proposals and tender submissions for statutory contracts
- Be responsible for starting up and implementing new funded programmes to ensure quality in delivery
- Identify new trends, emerging needs and opportunities for partnership projects.
General:
- Promote equality, diversity and inclusion across the organisation.
- Undertake and identify training as required and take a positive approach to personal development.
- Fulfil the duties and responsibilities of an employee as regards to Health and Safety at Work, including own safety and self-management.
- Ensure good administration, record keeping and reporting of all work undertaken in line with data protection and other regulations.
- Undertake any other reasonable tasks deemed necessary.
For the full job description and to make an application, please visit our website.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Deputy Director of Operations (DDO) supports the Director of Operations and Development (DOD) in ensuring the smooth, compliant, and strategic functioning of the ELSC across multiple jurisdictions, including the UK, Netherlands, and Germany.
The DDO line-manages the Finance and Human Resources Managers and provides operational leadership in compliance, finance, HR, coordination, and employee engagement.
The ELSC has four departments (Legal, Monitor & Research, Advocacy & Communications, and Operations & Development) and five work teams (Britain, Netherlands, Germany, EU, Crimes and Complicity).
The DDO coordinates staff gatherings and internal engagement, including planning the annual in-person all-staff event, managing logistics for departmental and work team meetings, and supporting cross-departmental collaboration.
The role also assists the Director of Operations and Development with meeting facilitation and agenda development, co-facilitates weekly remote all-staff meetings, and supports the coordination of the monthly staff assembly.
This role requires exceptional organisational, interpersonal, time-management, and analytical skills.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrable experience in a senior operations and/or compliance role (5+ years).
- Experience with Finance, Governance, and Human Resources.
- Strong understanding of British, Dutch, and German legal and organisational frameworks (or ability to acquire this quickly).
- Experience organising events, preferably in more than one jurisdiction.
- Experience with line-management.
REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Demonstrated skills in managing HR and Finance functions.
- Demonstrated skills in line-managing a remote team and excellent interpersonal communications.
- Proficiency in English with excellent written and spoken communication skills (English is the working language of the ELSC).
- Excellent understanding and knowledge of the political and human rights situation in Palestine.
- Facilitation proficiency, both remotely and in in-person events.
- Teamwork skills and flexibility; ability to manage time and competing priorities according to organisational needs.
- Highly organised, strong attention to detail, driven, with excellent strategic planning and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to prioritise and delegate tasks and manage a busy workload.
- Commitment to anti-racism, anti-discrimination, and equal opportunities.
- Willingness to travel and work occasional unsocial hours as required.
- Flexibility within the broad remit of the post.
DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
- Graduate in Business Administration, Law, Human Resources, Public Policy, Public Administration, Sociology, or other relevant fields.
- Master’s Degree in a related field.
- Basic knowledge of International and European law.
- Proficiency in German, Dutch, or Arabic.
MAIN DUTIES AND TASKS
Management
- Line manage Finance Manager and Human Resources Manager.
- Schedule regular 1:1 meetings with direct reports, provide guidance on division of tasks, and monitor workload.
- Support direct reports in the implementation of Finance and HR strategy.
Compliance
- Ensure compliance for ELSC entities in the Netherlands, Britain, and Germany.
- Ensure Dutch insurance compliance and associated operational requirements.
- Review and monitor payroll monthly.
- Lead the establishment of a German legal entity, working with external advisors as needed.
- Oversee the British office operations, including the evaluation of office space.
- Conduct a review of office costs and usage.
- Provide administrative and logistical support to the Senior Legal Committee where needed, including facilitation and documentation.
Staff Coordination
- Plan and oversee the in-person all-staff gathering (2026) in coordination with the ELSC executive management team.
- Coordinate the logistics of annual departmental gatherings.
- Organise Work Team gatherings, supporting cross-departmental collaboration.
- Support the Director of Operations (DOD) with facilitation and agenda development for internal meetings.
- Facilitate 50% of Remote All-Staff Meetings (60min, weekly).
- Support the coordination of Monthly Staff Assemblies.
People & HR
- Oversee HR policy implementation and delivery of the annual People Strategy.
- Support the HR Manager in leading HR operations and in the recruitment and induction of new staff.
- Oversee the development of an Organisational Handbook.
- Review and improve the performance review process.
- Establish promotion guidelines to create transparent career progression pathways.
- Maintain and update the Organisational Chart quarterly.
- Review the Organisational Wiki (“The Fridge”) yearly.
Finance
- Oversee ELSC financial operations.
- Support the Finance Manager, providing oversight and strategic direction.
- Ensure effective operation of the Finance Committee, led by the Finance Manager.
- Review and distribute monthly financial reports to Department Heads via the Finance Committee.
- Ensure monthly financial summaries are reported to Work Teams through the Senior Legal Committee.
- Oversee completion of the organisational audit.
- Support short-term investment strategies.
- Monitor and report on operational budgets, ensuring accountability and fiscal responsibility across departments.
- Liaise and coordinate with the ELSC Treasurer Board member.
Training
- Standardise training and qualifications frameworks across departments to ensure transparency, fairness, and consistency in line with the ELSC Pay & Benefits Scale.
- Lead investment in staff training and development initiatives to strengthen organisational capacity.
- Support the qualification and professional development of junior legal staff through structured learning pathways in three jurisdictions with the support of the Director of the Legal Department.
Are you ready to shape the future of workplace culture?
As a Human Resources Advisor, you’ll be at the heart of creating fair, consistent, and supportive people practices across the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association. This is your chance to influence how colleagues experience work every day, guiding managers with expert advice and helping employees feel valued. Based in Northampton with hybrid working, this 12-month Fixed Term Contract offers variety, responsibility, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference across the organisation.
Hybrid Working and Flexibility: This role offers hybrid working, with the expectation to attend the office minimum 1 day per week.
Key Responsibilities:
- Responsible for employee relations casework including managing disciplinary, grievance, performance, and absence matters.
- Escalate complex or high-risk cases to HR Business Partners when required.
- Provide expert ER support during organisational change and transformation activities.
- Design and embed a clear and robust case management framework with reporting and SLA tracking.
- Monitor and update HR policies to ensure compliance with legislation and organisational priorities.
- Advise and empower managers with practical guidance on employee relations and policy application.
- Collaborate across the HR team, maintaining strong links with payroll, recruitment, and other internal partners.
- Support the Head of HR with reporting, risk mitigation, and delivery of key ER and policy initiatives.
About You:
- Proven experience managing a wide range of employee relations casework, including disciplinary, grievance, performance, and absence management.
- Strong understanding of UK employment law and its application in ER cases.
- Skilled in developing and implementing HR policies and procedures.
- Excellent communication skills, able to influence and engage at all levels.
- Strong organisational and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail.
- Confident in managing conflict and resolving issues with fairness and empathy.
- Professional and discreet in handling sensitive and confidential information.
- CIPD Level 5 qualification (desirable)
- Experience in supporting restructures, reorganisations, and other change management activities (desirable)
About Us:
Our vision is a world free from MND. Our mission is to improve care and support for people with MND, their families and carers. We fund and promote research that leads to new understanding and treatments and brings us closer to a cure for MND. The Association also campaigns and raises awareness so the needs of people with MND, and everyone who cares for them, are recognised, and addressed by wider society.
What We Offer:
- 28 days holiday, increasing to 33 days after 5 years, plus Bank Holidays.
- Access to UK Healthcare, including dental, eyecare, health screenings, and therapies.
- 24/7 GP access via phone and video.
- Life assurance and confidential counselling helplines.
- Salary sacrifice schemes (Cycle to Work, Buy/Sell Annual Leave).
- Access to Benefit Hub for discounts on everyday shopping.
- Enhanced pension scheme.
- Opportunities for training and personal development.
- Hybrid working.
The full job description and further information about working for the MND Association is available in the candidate pack.
We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We work to remove barriers for everyone affected by MND, employees, volunteers, and stakeholders.
As part of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee interviews for disabled applicants who meet the role's requirements.
If you’re ready to bring your expertise to a role where your contribution truly matters, join us as a Human Resources Advisor and help us build a supportive and inclusive future together.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Medical Detection Dogs trains dogs to save lives.
We train specialist dogs to detect the odour of human disease, providing life-saving alert assistance dogs to people with complex health problems across the UK and collaborating with NHS Trusts and other researchers and Universities both in the UK and internationally to advance the early diagnosis of disease.
We have an exciting new opportunity to join this small but fast-growing charity that is a world leader in its specialist innovative field.
JOB TITLE: Puppy Assistance Dog Trainer
LOCATION:Great Horwood, Buckinghamshire, MK17 0NP (Office-Based)
SALARY:£24,000 - £27,000 based on experience
JOB TYPE:Full-time permanent, with occasional evenings and weekends required
REPORTS TO: Head of Canine Supply, Training and Welfare
We are looking for someone with the skills, experience and passion to join our team of trainers. They will be responsible for approximately 20 puppies from the age of around 8 weeks through to approximately 16 months of age. Ensuring they receive the highest standard of socialisation and training, thereby maximising their chances of becoming a Medical Detection Dog.
Responsibilities
Training and Development of Puppies
- Take responsibility for a group of puppies allocated to socialisers living in your geographical area
- When required, take dogs home during the training period to ensure continuous development and reinforcement of training routines.
- Provide training that adheres to ADUK regulations and MDD quality standards in accordance with timescales and targets.
- To deliver effective training by holding puppy classes, 121’s and home visits with socialisers in your geographical area
- Conduct regular training sessions with assistance dog puppies in training in various environments to ensure they are confident and responsive in real-world settings
- To prepare the puppy to be a Medical Alert Assistance Dog, using positive reinforcement techniques to teach desired behaviours and modify unwanted behaviours
- Regularly monitor progress of the puppies in your area and provide detailed, evidenced feedback to the senior team within Dog Supply and training
- Support and assist when required with the potential matches for a particular assistance dog partnership.
- To successfully prepare the puppy to pass the relevant Assistance Dog assessments
- Where necessary, highlight to your line manager, any dogs that are not progressing sufficiently through the training programme
Socialiser Support
- Be the first point of contact for the socialisers in your area, which will include guidance, support and instruction to socialisers on effective work and training with their assistance dogs.
- Provide general health care advice within your core working hours.
Socialiser Recruitment
- When required, assist in the recruitment of new volunteer socialisers.
- When required, to assess prospective new volunteer socialisers, including home, workplace, pet dog and children assessments.
Other
- Update the Harlequin CRM database in a timely fashion to ensure accurate and up to date training, veterinary and health records.
- Support the charity’s fundraising, communications and volunteering teams as required, specifically in relation to your area.
- Share best practice with colleagues across the charity.
- Other tasks or ad hoc duties agreed with your line manager required to ensure the successful running of the charity.
Knowledge and Experience
- Experience in training Assistance Dogs
- Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in dog training
- Basic theory of practical dog training
- Law in relation to dogs
- Knowledge of medical conditions relevant to puppies between 8 weeks and 2 years of age
- Dog and human psychology
- Health and safety implications of dog and socialiser handling
- Experience and understanding of ADUK, ADI regulations and MDD's internal quality standards
Skills and Abilities
Ability to demonstrate high quality judgement and a proven track record in relation to the following:
- Dog training matters including the analysis of temperaments, appropriate training methods and requirements necessary to maintain public perception in assistance dogs
- Solutions to training and behavioural problems
- Socialiser training including the ability to assess each person’s preferred learning style and adapt as appropriate your training approach, the specific programmes to be followed,
- Strong and clear teaching and instructing skills
- Ability to plan work, be organised and ensure that time is utilised effectively for yourself, colleagues and socialisers
- Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with a wide range of people internally and externally. This will include clients and their families, fosterers, other professional service providers, members of the public, the media, managers and other colleagues
- High level of IT literacy and report writing skills including experience of using Microsoft based programs such as Outlook, Word, Excel, Internet Explorer and Power Point
Personal Attributes
You should be supportive of the charitable aims of Medical Detection Dogs and capable of working as part of a team, as well as able to motivate yourself.
You should be adaptable and positively embrace change by not only being flexible towards the ideas of others but also putting forward ideas to colleagues. This will involve creativity in problem solving and making appropriate responses to new ideas and unexpected situations.
DIVERITY, EQUALITY & INCLUSION
We are a welcoming, diverse and inclusive charity. Medical Detection Dogs thrives when everyone feels comfortable bringing their best self to work. We celebrate difference, whilst striving to create an environment where colleagues feel respected and valued for their unique potential. We are committed to our values on equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Values & Behaviours
Working at Medical Detection Dogs will be a richly rewarding experience.
Our Values & Behaviours encapsulate who we are, what we stand for and what it will feel like to be part of our team:
- We are respectful.
- We stay positive.
- We strive for excellence.
- We communicate and listen.
- We are ambassadors.
- We are one team.
And of course, we advocate for Medical Detection Dogs whenever we get the chance, and we pride ourselves on our role as ambassadors for the charity.
Benefits
- Sick Pay
- Health Cover
- 26 days holiday, increasing with service
- 5% Employer Pension Contribution
- Free On-site parking
- Life Insurance
Finally, the successful candidate will also be expected to:
- Hold a full UK Driving Licence
- Provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the UK.
- Undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
- Work some evenings and weekends
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
About Kinship
We are Kinship. The leading kinship care charity in England and Wales. We’re here for kinship carers – friends or family who step up to raise a child when their parents aren’t able to.
Together, let’s commit to change for kinship families.
About the role
Kinship is undertaking a major feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) of Kinship Connected. This is aligned with recommendations set out in the Kinship Care Practice Guide published by Foundations (2024) and builds on evidence from the Kinship Navigator intervention of support for kinship carers in the USA.
This feasibility RCT is a complex, multi-partner programme involving:
- An active funding partner
- An independent evaluation team
- 5 participating local authorities (to be confirmed)
- Internal delivery teams and cross organisational services
- Kinship carers and lived experience subject experts
This role leads and supports the staff team delivering one-to-one navigator-style support to kinship carers as part of the Kinship Connected feasibility randomised controlled trial. You will ensure the team provides consistent, high quality, relational support that reflects Kinship’s values and trauma-informed practice.
You will work closely with the Mobilisation and Delivery Project Manager and will share responsibility for ensuring high quality performance across the feasibility trial. You will both work closely with the core project team and partners.
The Programmes Manager leads practice quality, staff development, safeguarding and relational delivery. The Mobilisation and Delivery Project Manager leads operational quality, systems, processes, data and compliance. Together you make sure the trial is delivered ethically, consistently and to a very high standard.
Key responsibilities include:
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Lead the day-to-day practice and relational delivery of the Kinship Connected (Navigator) support model.
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Support Kinship Family Workers to deliver high quality, trauma-informed and strengths-based support to kinship carers.
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Ensure clear case management, boundaries, risk management and reflective practice.
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Embed the delivery approach set out in the Intervention Protocol and Kinship Navigator Service Manual.
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Ensure equity, accessibility and inclusion in all aspects of delivery, with particular focus on minoritised ethnic kinship families.
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Maintain delivery tracking and operational dashboards.
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Provide high quality line management, reflective supervision and pastoral support to Kinship Family Workers
Essential knowledge and experience includes:
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Strong experience leading frontline delivery teams providing emotional, relational or social care support.
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Proven track record ensuring high quality casework, assessments, boundaries and risk management.
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Experience delivering strengths-based, trauma-informed and evidence-informed approaches.
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Substantial experience in line managing practitioners, delivering reflective supervision and supporting wellbeing.
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Experience leading high performing dispersed teams with confidence, consistency and compassion.
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Experience managing change and supporting staff through shifting delivery requirements.
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Strong background in safeguarding decision making, case discussions and organisational safeguarding culture.
What we’ll offer you
Kinship offers 30 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time). We have an excellent wellbeing offer including the Employee Assistance Programme and clinical supervision. We will invest in your professional development with training and career development opportunities.
Kinship is committed to championing equality, diversity and inclusion. We believe our work is greatly enhanced by the varied backgrounds, experiences and views represented within our teams. We aim to create inclusive teams, celebrate differences and encourage everyone to join us and be their true self at work. We therefore encourage applications from anyone who fits our values, whatever their religion or belief, sex, gender identity, race, age, sexuality or disability and are actively seeking candidates that can bring real innovation and commitment to us.
Key dates:
Application deadline: 11.59pm, Sunday 4 January 2026
First interview: Friday 9 January 2026 (online)
Second interview:Wednesday 14 January 2026 (in-person, London)
How to apply
Respond on CharityJobs to these 5 questions, along with your CV:
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What is it about Kinship’s mission and values that motivates you to lead the delivery of relational support for kinship carers, and how would these values shape your approach as a Programmes Manager?
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Describe a time you led or supported a team delivering emotional or relational support. How did you ensure consistent, high-quality practice?
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Give an example of how you have developed or supported practitioners through reflective supervision, coaching or managing difficult practice situations. What approach did you take and why?
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Describe a situation where you had to make or support a safeguarding decision. How did you balance risk, judgement and support for staff?
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Tell us about a time you worked with a local authority, commissioner or another external partner to resolve a challenge or improve delivery. What did you do?
We are looking to fill this role quickly and reserve the right to close a recruitment campaign earlier than the advertised where we have received sufficient applications so please apply early!
Some tips for your application:
• Make sure you’ve read the job description and the essential requirements – make sure your application reflects those points in the requirements very clearly.
• Tell us why you want to work for Kinship. We’re interested in working with people who share our values. You can read about our values above.
• Keep your response clear – use bullets points and short paragraphs if that helps. It will help the recruitment team to focus on your knowledge, skills and experience.
• Please do not use AI tools like ChatGPT to produce your answers. We use software to check, and your application will be rejected if you do.
We support kinship carers in their homes and communities, giving advice and helping them work through problems to find the best way forward.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
About Kinship
We are Kinship. The leading kinship care charity in England and Wales. We’re here for kinship carers – friends or family who step up to raise a child when their parents aren’t able to.
Together, let’s commit to change for kinship families.
About the role
Kinship is undertaking a major feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) of Kinship Connected. This is aligned with recommendations set out in the Kinship Care Practice Guide published by Foundations (2024) and builds on evidence from the Kinship Navigator intervention of support for kinship carers in the USA.
This feasibility RCT is a complex, multi-partner programme involving:
- An active funding partner
- An independent evaluation team
- 5 participating local authorities (to be confirmed)
- Internal delivery teams and cross organisational services
- Kinship carers and lived experience subject experts
The Mobilisation and Delivery Project Manager is the operational engine of the programme, ensuring that every workstream is scoped, resourced, sequenced, delivered and evidenced, and that Kinship is trial-ready, compliant, and well-coordinated through set-up and delivery.
This role needs someone who is an excellent communicator, highly organised, unflappable, curious, and able to sit comfortably in the detail. The successful person will keep a firm grip on timelines, dependencies and risks.
You will manage a Programmes Officer as well as the set-up, processes, documentation, reporting, trial readiness, communications and cross-team coordination. You will work closely with the Programmes Manager who will share responsibility for ensuring high quality performance across the feasibility trial. You will both work closely with the core project team and partners.
You will lead operational quality, systems, processes, data, and compliance. The Programmes Manager will lead practice quality, staff development and supervision, safeguarding and relational delivery. Together you make sure the trial is delivered ethically, consistently and to a very high standard.
Key responsibilities include:
- Lead the mobilisation plan across all workstreams and ensure trial readiness.
- Develop all processes, documentation and operational frameworks in line with the intervention protocol.
- Coordinate local authority onboarding, staff training and internal operational setup with the Programmes Manager.
- Work with internal Kinship teams to ensure everyone has clear expectations and is held to account for their performance during mobilisation and delivery – owning the workstreams.
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Ensure weekly pipeline monitoring for treatment and control recruitment.
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Work with the Programmes Manager and Kinship Family Workers to strengthen referral and screening processes where appropriate.
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Identify recruitment risks early and drive rapid problem-solving.
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Maintain delivery tracking and operational dashboards.
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Identify throughput or workload risks and support adjustments.
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Lead operational quality assurance (QA) including data quality checks, file audits and process compliance.
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Coordinate data collection, monitoring and data quality for evaluator requirements (both treatment and control).
Essential knowledge and experience includes:
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Project Management Qualification or commensurate experience.
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Significant experience managing complex projects or programmes with multiple partners and tight delivery requirements.
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Proven experience designing and maintaining structured workflows, operational systems and project plans in fast-paced environments.
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Experience coordinating across multidisciplinary teams without direct line management responsibility.
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Strong background in quality assurance, process improvement and operational risk management.
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Experience translating evaluation, compliance or regulatory requirements into practical delivery processes.
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Experience developing and maintaining documentation, SOPs, manuals and operational toolkits.
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Experience working with data for monitoring, decision making and evaluation readiness.
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Proven ability to ensure data quality, consistency and audit readiness.
What we’ll offer you
Kinship offers 30 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time). We have an excellent wellbeing offer including the Employee Assistance Programme and clinical supervision. We will invest in your professional development with training and career development opportunities.
Kinship is committed to championing equality, diversity and inclusion. We believe our work is greatly enhanced by the varied backgrounds, experiences and views represented within our teams. We aim to create inclusive teams, celebrate differences and encourage everyone to join us and be their true self at work. We therefore encourage applications from anyone who fits our values, whatever their religion or belief, sex, gender identity, race, age, sexuality or disability and are actively seeking candidates that can bring real innovation and commitment to us.
Key dates:
Application deadline: 11.59pm, Sunday 4 January 2026
First interview: Thursday 8 January 2026 (online)
Second interview:Wednesday 14 January 2026 (in-person, London)
How to apply
Respond on CharityJobs to these 5 questions, along with your CV:
-
Kinship’s mission and values emphasise putting kinship families first, being bold, stepping up and working stronger together. What motivates you to apply for this role, and how would these values shape how you lead mobilisation and delivery?
-
Describe a time you managed a complex programme or project with multiple partners or workstreams. What approach did you take to keep delivery coordinated and on track?
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Give an example of how you improved data quality, compliance or process consistency. What actions did you take and what was the outcome?
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Tell us about a situation where you worked closely with colleagues delivering frontline or relational support to solve a delivery or operational challenge. What did you do to ensure alignment and shared ownership?
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Describe a time you worked in a fast-changing or uncertain environment. How did you stay grounded, support others and keep delivery moving forward?
We are looking to fill this role quickly and reserve the right to close a recruitment campaign earlier than the advertised where we have received sufficient applications so please apply early!
Some tips for your application:
• Make sure you’ve read the job description and the essential requirements – make sure your application reflects those points in the requirements very clearly.
• Tell us why you want to work for Kinship. We’re interested in working with people who share our values. You can read about our values above.
• Keep your response clear – use bullets points and short paragraphs if that helps. It will help the recruitment team to focus on your knowledge, skills and experience.
• Please do not use AI tools like ChatGPT to produce your answers. We use software to check, and your application will be rejected if you do.
We support kinship carers in their homes and communities, giving advice and helping them work through problems to find the best way forward.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.