Head of finance and central services jobs in westminster, greater london

Do you share our dream of a UK where poverty is a thing of the past? 

Founded in 2019, the Poverty Truth Network believes that this can only happen when those most impacted by poverty are at the heart of the movement to end it. Our specific contribution brings together people experiencing poverty with those with responsibilities for alleviating it. “Nothing About Us Without Us Is For Us.” 

Thanks to funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, we are recruiting for an Operations Manager who will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Poverty Truth Network, including the oversight of systems, staff performance and finances. 

You will be a highly motivated person with a clear leadership record; dedicated to social justice; with a proven track record of operational delivery, including financial, administrative and governance management.

Key tasks of the role:

• To form part of the Core Leadership Team, providing overall strategic leadership across the Network 
• To lead on the financial management of the Poverty Truth Network, including the delivery of Management Accounts and the production of an annual budget
• To manage the Operations Team, setting clear goals and objectives linked to the Strategic Plan
• To lead on and establish the appropriate processes to ensure high levels of staff performance and development, including appraisals and performance management 
• To develop, and where necessary implement, administrative systems which ensure effective, efficient and safe practice across the Network
• To ensure that the Network operates in line with its charitable purposes, overseeing changes to its constitution as and when necessary
• To regularly update the Charity’s policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with the relevant regulations / legislation, providing advice to the Director and trustees as appropriate 
• To oversee the production and sharing of papers for trustees in an organised and timeous manner
• To oversee the effective running of online and in-person meetings and events for the Network, liaising with other teams as appropriate
• To lead on the delivery of the Network’s Support Grant Programme
• To deputise for the Director as and when required
• Undertake other activities as needed dependent on jobholder’s knowledge, skills and experience

This role involves working from home with some travel.

Do you share our dream of a UK where poverty is a thing of the past? 

Founded in 2019, the Poverty Truth Network believes that this can only happen when those most impacted by poverty are at the heart of the movement to end it. Our specific contribution brings together people experiencing poverty with those with responsibilities for alleviating it. “Nothing About Us Without Us Is For Us.” 

Thanks to funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, the PTN is recruiting a Partnerships Manager who will provide management and oversight of key partnerships essential to the delivery of the Network’s Strategic Plan, with a specific focus on the development and delivery of Regional Hubs.

You will have experience of establishing and delivering partnerships; dedicated to social justice; a commitment to collaborative working; and proven management experience.

Key Tasks

• To form part of the Core Leadership Team, providing overall strategic leadership across the Network 
• To manage the Partnership team, setting clear goals and objectives linked to the Strategic Plan 
• To lead on the development and support of Regional Hubs, including support with grant funding and income generation
• To act as the primary point of contact with Regional Hubs, for initial enquiries and ongoing relationships, including with staff and trustees
• To provide oversight of the Network’s Parliamentary work in Westminster and across the devolved administrations
• To oversee the Network’s Learning & Evaluation framework, offering insight and advice as appropriate, ensuring that agreed activities are delivered on time and in budget 
• To be the primary point of contact for partners working alongside the Network to deliver change in line with its Strategic Plan
• To recruit external partners to participate in the Mutual Mentoring programme
• To liaise closely with members of the Amplify Team in the development of national partnerships
• To develop and support work with creative partners to highlight the resilience of those struggling to overcome poverty
• To deputise for the Director as and when required
• To undertake other activities as needed dependent on jobholder’s knowledge, skills and experience

This role involves working from home with some travel.

Payroll & HR Assistant

Are you an organised, detail-oriented professional with a passion for serving others through excellence in payroll and HR?

We are seeking a Payroll & HR Assistant to support our vital back-office functions, ensuring all employees are paid accurately and on time. This is a great opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven organisation that combines professional standards with a heart for faith-based service.

We are a growing charity that values and invests in our people. We believe in developing our employees and actively support career progression. You’ll join a team where your contributions are recognised, your development matters, and where you can grow professionally while helping us fulfil our mission.

As a Payroll & HR Assistant, you’ll play a crucial role in processing monthly payroll for over 700 staff, responding to pay queries, and supporting recruitment and HR administration.

If you have experience in payroll, a working knowledge of HR processes, and a desire to make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you.

For more information, please read the job description.

Responsibilities:

• Accurately process monthly payroll using Sage Payroll for all care homes and schemes.
• Ensure all statutory and voluntary deductions are correctly applied.
• Handle queries from staff and managers regarding pay and benefits.
• Support recruitment processes and general HR administration.
• Ensure compliance with HMRC, pension providers, and payroll-related legislation.
• Assist in annual payroll processes, including year-end and P11D submissions.
• Play a key role in keeping internal systems up to date and in line with best practice.
• Regularly attend Head Office prayer times.
• Support the HR team, especially in matters related to the organisation's objective of advancing the Christian faith—such as advising managers or supporting recruitment for roles that require the post holder to be a practising Christian under an Occupational Requirement.

Skills/Experience:

• At least 1 year of payroll experience, including PAYE knowledge.
• Familiarity with Sage Payroll (or similar system).
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• High attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Comfortable using Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Creative thinker and problem-solver.

This role has an Occupational Requirement to be filled by a Christian under the provisions of the Equality Act (2010)

Hours:

Full-time, 35 hours per week

Benefits:

• Remote/hybrid working (Head Office: Tower Bridge, London)
• 5 weeks’ paid holiday per year, plus bank and public holidays
• Pension scheme
• Ongoing training and support
• Team events
• Medicash
• Perkbox – including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Care Friends referral scheme
• Long-service and birthday rewards

— What our staff say about us: …“It is a friendly and welcoming place to work” … —

Pilgrims’ Friend Society is a registered charity. Our Christian ethos is central to everything we plan and do. We are committed to having a diverse senior management team and we encourage applications from disabled and Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic candidates, as these groups are underrepresented on our senior management team at present.

Please note: this vacancy may close sooner if sufficient applications have been received so please apply as soon as possible if interested.

The Debt Advice Team at Toynbee Hall provides crucial support to individuals and families struggling with financial burdens. Funded by the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS), this team delivers expert guidance and practical solutions to help clients manage and reduce their debt. The team's advisors are trained to navigate complex financial situations, offering tailored advice that empowers clients to regain control of their finances. Their work is vital in fostering financial resilience within the community, ensuring that individuals have the tools they need to achieve long-term financial stability.

Scope of role

The Debt Technical Supervisor is responsible for supporting Debt Advisers to ensure the delivery of accurate, effective, and tailored advice to over-indebted clients. This role involves conducting debt-advice interview observations, reviewing case files, and identifying training needs for advisers. The Debt Technical Supervisor provides real-time support and constructive feedback, helping advisers navigate complex cases and ensuring they have access to the necessary resources and information. Additionally, the role includes auditing delivery partner organisations to prepare them for external reviews and supporting them in meeting compliance and quality standards. The supervisor will collaborate with the Quality Assurance Manager to promote best practices, address risks, and contribute to the continuous professional development of advisers.

Key Responsibilities

Support Debt Advisers in their roles and ensure that the advice provided to over- indebted Clients is accurate, effective and tailored to individuals’ circumstances.

• Conducting debt-advice interview observations.
• Undertaking debt advice file reviews.
• Identifying advisers’ soft skill and technical training needs.
• Providing constructive feedback, and pastoral support, to advisers and their line managers.
• Providing real-time support to advisers, which will include but is not limited to providing guidance in complex matters and provide advisers with sources of information.

Support, and regularly audit delivery partner organisations, ensuring that they are prepared for external reviews of their service in line with the Grant Agreement.

• Ensure partner organisation are kept up to date with the requirements for external assessments.
• Supporting partner organisations with the preparation and review of files and documentation ahead of an external assessment.
• Support partner organisations with the implementation of any remedial actions following an external review and support advisors to identify suitable training to improve areas highlighted.

Ensure project compliance and quality requirements are achieved

• Working closely with the Quality Assurance Mangers to ensure Advisors based at delivery partners have a good awareness and understanding of the quality and service delivery requirements and have active involvement in the delivery of partnership events related to both quality improvement and CPD.
• Working collaboratively to share good practice in performance and quality improvement and to progress key priority areas of work.
• Escalating risks promptly and appropriately and contributing to wider monitoring and reporting requirements.

Contribute to Team

• Work to an agreed work-plan meeting targets and milestones
• Prioritise and manage your own workload.
• Be an active member of the team, identifying opportunities for your development. Work in collaboration with our funder, and with colleagues from across their other funded organisations, contributing to key projects and meetings.
• Compliance with Toynbee Hall policies and procedures, including health and safety. Demonstrate financial efficiency and value for money throughout work.
• Ensure that all services comply with equal opportunities and other relevant policies and quality standards and good practice.

Other

• Travel across London as required, and occasionally the UK
• Undertake additional tasks as defined by the Quality Managers, Managing Director and Toynbee Hall’s Senior Leadership Team.

Please download the full Job Description for more details.

Our Benefits Package

We believe in supporting our employees with a well-rounded benefits package designed to enhance work-life balance, financial security, and overall well-being.

Annual Leave

• 25 days of annual leave, plus 3 additional days for our Christmas shutdown (on top of bank holidays).
• After 2 years: +3 extra days of leave.
• After 3 years: +1 additional day.
• After 5 years: A total of 30 days annual leave, plus the 3-day Christmas shutdown.

Pension

• Standard Life Pension Scheme – Employer contribution: 4%, Employee contribution: 5%

Additional Perks & Support

• Enhanced Sick Pay for peace of mind during illness
• Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Leave to support growing families
• Employee Eyecare Vouchers to support your vision health
• Employee Assistance Programme for free, confidential advice and support
• Mental Health First Aid to ensure workplace well-being
• Tenancy Deposit Scheme to help secure your home
• Interest-Free Season Ticket Loan for cost-effective commuting
• Cycle to Work Scheme to promote a healthier, greener way to travel
• Charity Mentoring Network to support professional development and networking

We’re committed to creating a supportive and rewarding work environment, because when our team thrives, we all succeed!

About Toynbee Hall

Based in the East End of London since 1884, Toynbee Hall is a charity working alongside people facing poverty, injustice, and inequality to build a fairer East London. We provide vital advice and support, working in partnership to tackle unfairness and ensure everyone has an equal chance to thrive.

We have recently launched a new strategic plan which reinforces that our purpose is to build a fairer future with an end to poverty, injustice and inequality.

We work towards this by:

• Addressing poverty and injustice through advice and support and influencing systemic change.
• Shifting power to people and communities affected by injustice and inequality.
• Collaborating to end poverty and build fairer systems and institutions. What we want to see in the world starts with our community and our organisation.

This means:

• Working together to build a thriving local community where people have the resources they need, feel their voices are heard and are optimistic about the future.
• Being a good employer, where people are treated fairly, feel engaged and empowered, and work together to achieve our shared vision.
• Acknowledging the role Toynbee Hall has historically played in civic society while recognising that our role now is to shift power, to be an effective partner, and to amplify voices that are less likely to be heard.

What we learn from our work in east London we use to inform and influence wider policy – working to influence change in structures, systems and policies.

Job Profile

CAFOD’s mission in the Catholic community of England and Wales is to inspire and equip Catholics to actively engage in the Church’s efforts to overcome poverty and injustice. Our regional teams focus on recruiting and supporting a dedicated group of volunteers within parish and school communities, empowering them to educate, engage, and inspire others to act in solidarity for the common good. Regional teams also collaborate with clergy and other representatives across the Catholic community to ensure CAFOD’s volunteer programme is aligned with faith life.

The primary purpose of this role is to provide administrative and communications support to the Community Participation Coordinators across England and Wales, with a focus on the West & Wales region as the first point of contact. This includes coordinating administrative tasks performed by office volunteers and identifying opportunities for process improvements. The role also involves volunteer recruitment administration, overseeing and training Office Volunteers, and ensuring effective database management.

This role can be based anywhere in the UK including our head office in London, working from home, from one of CAFOD’s Volunteer Centres, or a combination of both. The role requires occasional travel to London and other areas within the East & West side of the country. Travel expenses will be reimbursed, and time off in lieu will be granted for travel beyond normal working hours.

This is a full-time position (35 hours per week) and reports to the Volunteer Support and Development Coordinator.

Key Responsibilities Overview
The post holder will play a key role in driving smooth, efficient operations across CAFOD’s West & Wales region. As the go-to person for admin excellence and volunteer support, you’ll work closely with your line manager and colleagues in the East to streamline processes, improve systems, and keep everything running like clockwork.

You’ll lead on volunteer recruitment and engagement—welcoming new volunteers, managing onboarding, and ensuring everyone feels valued, equipped, and inspired to support CAFOD’s work. Your people skills and attention to detail will shine as you manage applications, data entry, and training coordination.

Communications will be at the heart of your role. You’ll create engaging e-bulletins and social media content that keeps our community informed and motivated, while ensuring messages are clear, consistent, and aligned with CAFOD’s wider goals.

You’ll be the guardian of accurate data, working with office volunteers to maintain up-to-date records that support smarter outreach and efficient workflows. Your collaborative spirit will help strengthen connections across teams, share best practices, and contribute to creative new approaches for engaging communities.

This is a role for a proactive, organised, and people-focused individual who’s excited to innovate, solve problems, and make a tangible impact in a supportive, values-led organisation.

Safeguarding

All CAFOD staff share responsibility to promote and maintain a strong safeguarding culture, including identifying the key actions they should take given their role and responsibilities.

Person Specification

Understanding our context

1. Understanding Catholic identity: sympathetic knowledge of the life, culture and structure of the Catholic Church in England and Wales and an ability to work effectively within it and especially an understanding of parish community life.
2. Understanding CAFOD: ability to express what motivates people to volunteer for, and support, CAFOD and the main activities in which Catholic community primarily participate. Being informed about, supportive of, and actively promoting our anti-racism work.

Working together

1. Managing ourselves: strong interpersonal skills including an ability to develop personal relationships quickly and to convince others.  Ability to be self-motivated and able to work in isolation linking with different people in a variety of contexts; confident with articulating support required for you to work well.
2. Working with others: builds positive and fruitful partnerships, particularly with volunteers; works effectively as part of a team which may work at a distance to ensure sharing of good practice and shared workload; being willing and able to help other team members and be helped to achieve delivery of shared objectives.
3. Communicating: ability to identify how best to communicate instructions and processes clearly and how this helps achieve the objectives CAFOD seeks to deliver and how to share knowledge and information across teams.

Making change happen

1. Managing resources: confident with processing data for planning, monitoring and reporting:  proven time-management, data-management and organisational skills/experience of delegating tasks clearly and making improvements to processes.
2. Achieving results: ability and willingness to focus on achieving efficiencies, especially in support of regional plans for community participation and income growth.
3. Managing our performance: ability and willingness to work to targets and achieve results.

Job-Specific Competencies

Administrative Process Improvement:

Proven ability to assess, streamline, and document administrative processes. Strong organisational skills are required to manage a variety of tasks and ensure efficient delegation to volunteers. Ability to identify inefficiencies and propose practical solutions to enhance office operations.

Volunteer Recruitment & Engagement:

Expertise in recruiting, onboarding, and maintaining volunteer engagement. You will build strong relationships with volunteers, ensuring their experience is positive and aligned with CAFOD’s mission. Experience in using volunteer management systems and managing volunteer data is essential.

Communication & Content Creation: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience in producing engaging content for e-bulletins, newsletters, and other media resources. Ability to tailor messaging to different audiences, ensuring clarity and consistency in CAFOD’s communications.

Data Management & Accuracy:

Attention to detail is crucial for maintaining accurate records. Experience with databases, data segmentation, and ensuring data integrity is essential. A strong understanding of data protection standards, including GDPR, will be necessary.

Collaboration & Team Communication:

Effective communicator with internal teams, ensuring smooth communication and alignment across various regions. Ability to foster positive working relationships and collaborate across teams, both virtually and in person. Proficiency with communication tools like Microsoft Teams and Zoom is required.

Training & Support:

Experience in delivering training to volunteers and staff, ensuring they have the necessary skills and knowledge. Ability to provide ongoing support to regional office volunteers, helping them succeed and contribute effectively to the team.

Adaptability & Problem-solving:

Flexible and resourceful, able to adapt to changing priorities. You will be expected to identify challenges and propose solutions to keep operations running smoothly.

Commitment to CAFOD’s Mission & Values:

A deep understanding of CAFOD’s mission and Catholic social teaching, with the ability to align volunteer engagement and administrative activities with the organization’s goals of addressing poverty and injustice.

Use of Digital Tools & Systems:

Competence in using databases, Microsoft Office Suite, and collaboration tools. Ability to train volunteers in these systems to ensure smooth operations across teams.

Project Management & Accountability:

Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring tasks are completed within deadlines and to a high standard. You will be responsible for delivering results aligned with CAFOD’s objectives.

Safeguarding for Children and Vulnerable Adults

CAFOD recognises the personal dignity and rights of children and vulnerable adults, towards whom it has a special responsibility and a duty of care and respect.  CAFOD, and all its staff and volunteers, undertake to do all in our power to create a safe environment for children, young people and vulnerable adults and to prevent their physical, sexual or emotional abuse.  CAFOD is committed to acting at all times in the best interests of children and vulnerable adults, seeing these interests as paramount.  Any candidate offered a job with CAFOD will be expected to adhere to CAFOD’s Safeguarding policy and sign CAFOD’s Code of Behaviour as an appendix to their contract of employment and agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the provisions of these documents. This post involves contact with children, young people and vulnerable adults, or has responsibility for people who will do, and applicants will be subject to specific checks related to safeguarding issues.  If based in the UK the post holder is required to present or obtain a Disclosure from the DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service).  If the post is based outside the UK the post holder will be subject to a different checking process.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references, and appropriate screening checks can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. CAFOD also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of, and consent to, these recruitment procedures.

Please click here for a full list of CAFOD’s Staff Benefits

Come and join us and help make a real difference in the lives of the world’s poorest communities.

CAFOD is an equal opportunities employer. Recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT LEAD (OASIS ASHBURTON PARK)

FULL-TIME, 40 HOURS PER WEEK

SALARY:  £33,422 per annum

LOCATION:  CROYDON

PROJECT: 100 YEARS OF ASHBURTON PARK   

Want to make your community and local park a better place?

Will you support young people to recognise and reach their potential?

Are you passionate about how education and youth work can work alongside each other to make a positive impact on young people’s lives?

Want to be part of a supportive, dynamic, fun & quality team?

Oasis Ashburton Park are now in a position to employ an experienced Youth Development Lead to work alongside wider team in Croydon. The role will be focussed on the Ashburton Park area (surrounding Oasis Academies; Arena, Shirley Park and Ryeland’s) working closely with the academies as part of Oasis Ashburton Park and the ‘100 Years of Ashburton Park’ Project funded by The Heritage Lottery Fund.

As a Youth Development Lead you will;

• Develop and oversee a Youth Advisory Panel to ensure that youth voice is central to the design of our Youth Engagement Programme and the 360 Youth Centre.
• Develop and oversee the Youth Engagement Programme as part of the ‘100 years of Ashburton Park Project’ including a range of activities in and nearby to Ashburton Park, including after school drop-in’s, evening sessions, group work and one-one mentoring.
• Support the development and engagement of young people in a Food Growing Enterprise based at Ashburton Lodge.
• Work closely with Croydon Council and other partners to support young people to engage with a wide range of programmes and activities that are part of the ‘100 years of Ashburton Park Project’.
• Deliver open access sessions, group and one to one interventions with young people including; half term, afterschool, evenings and residentials, using a planned youth work curriculum.
• Line manage youth workers, sessional youth workers and youth volunteers to plan, deliver and evaluate youth work termly.
• Contribute to the development of youth work across the area and lead on specific areas of work on behalf of the team.

Amongst other requirements, the successful post holder must have:

· Relevant experience OR qualification in Youth & Community (JNC), Social Work (QSW) or SEND.

· Proven experience working with young people ‘at risk’.

· Reliability, with a flexible approach to changes and able to work unsociable hours.

· Experience of project and/or people management

As part of the package, Oasis offers:

• A pension scheme, currently offering 7% employer contribution.
• A generous holiday allowance and training opportunities.
• A supportive, friendly work environment, with flexible working arrangements.

If you are interested in this position, please email a CV and covering letter detailing why you feel you are suitable for this role. Please visit the Oasis Chartiy Jobs website for further information.

Completed applications should be returned by 5pm 23rd May

Round one Interviews will take place on W/C 2nd June

Round two interviews will take place on W/C 9th June

We actively encourage applications from people of all ethnic backgrounds and minority and underrepresented groups. If you require any assistance to overcome potential barriers to application, please let us know. 

Oasis is a multi-national charity supporting young people and their families in 10 countries worldwide. Our vision is for building healthy communities: places where everyone is included, making a contribution and reaching their full potential.

Oasis is committed to making a difference to the lives of the communities it works in, and as such you must show a willingness to demonstrate commitment to the values and behaviours which flow from the Oasis ethos.  We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to undergo appropriate checks, including enhanced DBS checks. 

The successful candidates must have the right to work in the UK.  Oasis cannot assist with sponsorship or visas.

Oasis supports Equal Opportunities.  Registered Charity No. 1163889

We are looking for an experienced and passionate Membership Officer to work as part of our Fundraising Team, in our Office in London.

Imagine being part of an organisation whose common purpose is to help those who are severely impacted by mental illness. We believe that everyone should be treated with respect and dignity – and that’s why equity is one of our core values. We draw on the expertise, unique perspectives and lived experience of our people – regardless of who they are or their background – to help us become inclusive and anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider that reflect the diverse communities we support as a mental health charity.

The objectives of the fundraising team are to generate additional income for the charity so that they can continue to provide and develop services to those severely affected by mental illness. We operate under the guidelines from the Fundraising Regulator and abide by the Fundraising Code of Practice.

How you will make a difference

Our members are central to our past and our future. Formed by carers of people living with a diagnosis of schizophrenia in 1972, our first members laid the foundations for the Charity that exists today, which now helps thousands of people severely affected by mental illness.

Our many thousands of campaigners, supporters and donors, along with our members, give Rethink Mental Illness its mandate. Members are an important source of volunteers for our governance and peer support groups. They help shape the direction of our work through our Annual General Meeting (AGM) and the work of the Board of Trustees and other committees. Membership also provides people with a sense of community and belonging to our organisation that helps them to cope with the demands of living with severe mental illness, whether they have direct experience, or are a carer, relative or friend.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion 

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks and support groups for our ethnically diverse and LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter. 

We aim for our workforce to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve; for those who work for us to feel heard, valued and feel they belong; and for our work to help tackle wider mental health inequalities. We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience of mental illness, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual and any other gender identity not expressed here (LGBTQIA+); people who are neurodiverse, have a health condition, or a disability or hidden disability and people from an ethnically diverse background - regardless of your age, religious or spiritual belief, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, political view or socio-economic status.

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation 

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrates our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation. You can read more about our progress here. 

GuildHE represents nearly 70 higher education institutions including universities, colleges and specialists.  We advocate for diversity in higher education, championing vocational and technical education, professional programmes and specialist providers.  We are undergoing an exciting period of transformation, evolving our policy approach and member-focused services to significantly increase our impact within the sector and ensure we’re providing timely, proactive support to our members as they address current and emerging 21st century challenges.

To achieve this, we are seeking an enthusiastic and proactive Executive Assistant to be a supportive force to our Chief Executive Officer and senior leadership.  The post holder will have proven experience of supporting senior managers, including diary and inbox management, travel and event planning, and other administrative tasks. The ideal candidate will be a responsive and details-oriented team player who demonstrates exceptional communication and organisational skills while also being able to work quite independently at times. 

Key responsibilities will include:

• Executive support for GuildHE’s CEO;

• Diary support to the CEO, Director of Policy and Strategy, and Director of Operations and Membership;

• Secretariat duties for GuildHE’s Executive Board;

• Financial administration;

• Logistical and administrative support to the wider team; and 

• Demonstrating a proactive approach to embedding EDI principles in all work.

To apply, please submit a CV, and cover letter of no more than 2 sides of A4. 

Please contact Shoni Robertson-Finn with any questions regarding the role and/or recruitment process. 

The Organisation:
The Hardman Trust is the only charity in England, Wales and Scotland focusing on the unique needs of people on long term sentences.
People facing decades of prison time often completely lose connection with their family and friends on the outside. Depending on the prison, there may be limited access to rehabilitative programmes and educational courses until later in the sentence. It can be hard to maintain hope, and direction, or create meaningful plans for the future.
People leaving prison after 10 years will have different needs to those leaving after 10 months. The world has changed – there are different habits and new social norms. Prices have gone up, technology has evolved, neighbourhoods look different, and the workplace has changed. It takes time to adjust.

To find out more about The Hardman Trust, visit our website.

The Role:
The Hardman Trust is at an exciting point in its development as it celebrates the arrival of its new team, the realisation of its first ever organisational strategy and looks forward to the next phase of its journey.
Our successful multi-year applications to the Lottery (Reaching Communities), City Bridge Trust and Bromley Trust means we will continue to be part-funded by them until 2027. Deeply rooted in the criminal justice sector, we plan to develop further our programme of support for those on long sentences both within and, we hope, beyond prison too; we aim to extend the reach and deepen the impact of our support and grants; and attract new partnerships with funders and like-minded third sector organisations. Last year we completed a merger with another charity which has expanded our reach and capacity.

Person Specification:
You will bring the following skills and experience to the role:

• Demonstrable senior leadership and management experience
• Proven experience of strategic planning, financial and human resources management
• Experience of managing organisational budgets and maximising resources
• Understanding of funding applications as well as knowledge and experience of generating funds from a variety of sources
• Experience of troubleshooting, decision making and resolving problems creatively
• Understanding the prison environment and its challenges.
• Understanding and practical knowledge of the funding landscape in the UK
• Demonstrable business experience and financial acumen
• Excellent interpersonal, relationship building and networking skills
• Instinct for and experience of the principles and practice of partnership working
• Considerable skill at articulating information both verbally and in writing with authenticity, impact and enthusiasm
• Experience of working in the charitable sector

Please download our Candidate Information Pack for the person specification and more information on the role.

How to Apply
If you would like to apply for this fantastic opportunity, please provide the following with your application:

• An up-to-date CV
• A supporting statement of no more than 2 sides of A4, outlining your experience, motivations and suitability for the role.

All applications are being handled by our recruitment partner, Russam. All applications should be uploaded via the Russam website. 

If you have any difficulty uploading your application or if you would like to have an informal and confidential discussion about the role, please contact Melissa Baxter - Managing Partner, Charities.

Application Closing Date: Monday 9 June 2025
Interviews with The Hardman Trust: 
First interviews (online): 23 and 30 June 2025  
Second interviews (in-person in central London): 4 July 2025

Partnership Experience Manager (Maternity Cover)

Salary: £38,814 - £44,581 pro-rata (depending on experience and FTE)

Contract: 12 months fixed-term contract (Maternity Cover- might be potentially extended)

Start Date: Date to be agreed (potentially August)

Location: This is currently a blended-working role with two in-office days (Tuesday-Thursday) during term time and the flexibility to work from home during school holidays. Occasional travel to schools and events will be required. 

We will consider reduced office days for a successful candidate based in one of our target regions across the North and Midlands. If this might be relevant for you we are happy to explore in a conversation with you before or during the recruitment process. 

We are currently based at Resource for London near Holloway Road station, however, our office will be moving to another location in London in the coming months. 

Working Pattern: 37.5 hours per week. Our core hours are 09:30 - 16:00 from Monday to Friday. This role can be either full-time or part-time (0.8 FTE minimum) and we are open to flexible working requests. 

Benefits of working for Challenge Partners

• Work-life balance

• Annual leave

• Employer pension contributions

• Health and wellbeing support

• Training and development

• Family-friendly policies

• Connection and celebration

About the role

You will play a key role in driving the continuous improvement and growth of our national partnership through deepening the quality and impact of our local collaboration hubs. You will also oversee the day-to-day running of hubs of our schools and trusts, which includes holding responsibility for the operations of the Partnerships Team and working closely with the Partnership Lead to ensure that all hubs, schools and trusts have an excellent experience with Challenge Partners. 

You will also oversee the implementation of the organisation’s Account Management strategy, working closely with members of the Leadership Team  to implement our strategy for effective partnership experience (our term for account management and customer service) for our partner schools and trusts. This includes holding some key strategic relationships, representing the organisation at external meetings and overseeing partner experience operations.

Key Responsibilities

The Partnership Experience Manager will have the following key areas of responsibility and will be expected to undertake other responsibilities commensurate with the role as requested:

Strategic Leadership and Management  - Hub Quality and Impact

• Develop and lead our strategy to improve the quality and impact of Challenge Partners’ Hubs, continuing to develop high performing hubs and supporting rapid improvement in new and emerging hubs

• Deliver, grow and evaluate the impact of our hub-led programmes: Middle Leaders’ Quality Assurance Review and Leadership Residency Programme

• Oversee the continuous improvement of national Knowledge Exchange and Areas of Excellence

• Lead a Hub Quality and Impact team, including all central team hub owners and executive hub links, through providing clarity on the Hub Quality and Impact strategy and operations.

Strategic Leadership and Management - Partnership Experience and Communications

• Develop and lead the implementation of our Account Management strategy ensuring that accounts are given the attention needed to ensure a smooth experience and high satisfaction rates

• Oversee Customer Care processes across the organisation, guaranteeing that any issues are resolved in a professional and timely manner 

• Oversee whole partnership communications, including half termly partnership newsletters

• Develop and maintain effective stakeholder relationships (Senior Partners, Hub Managers, trust CEOs) with your allocated key accounts to ensure that regular dialogue with them informs the strategy and continuous improvement in our support of hub quality and partner experience

• Act as an ambassador for Challenge Partners, representing the organisation externally where required

• Lead an Account Management approach through providing clarity on the account management strategy and operations.

Oversight of partner experience and hub management operations 

• Line management of the Partnership Lead and one or two Partnership Co-ordinators

• Team leadership of the Hub Quality and Impact and Account Management teams, delegating tasks appropriately 

• Work closely with the Partnership Lead to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of all hubs 

• Act as a point of escalation for any issues across hubs

• Identify hubs at risk, and lead on creating sustainable solutions with team members

• Work closely with the Finance Team to facilitate our invoicing processes for each academic year 

• Oversee hub funding processes across all hubs, proactively considering any changes needed in line with Hub Quality work

• Oversee Pricing Governance processes

Leadership Responsibilities for all Managers

• Foster a collaborative, high-performance team culture.

• Provide coaching and mentorship to develop team members’ potential.

• Drive innovation and professional development, aligning with Challenge Partners’ vision and growth strategy.

• Collaborate with Managers across teams to align efforts, ensuring a seamless experience for our school and trust partners.

• Contribute to organisational strategy, future planning, and priorities as part of the middle leadership team.

General Responsibilities

• Champion Challenge Partners’ vision, values, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Take ownership of personal development and actively contribute to team learning.

• Work flexibly, undertaking additional duties as required.

• Maintain high standards of health, safety, and welfare for yourself and others.

• Attend events and external meetings, which may require travel and occasional overnight stays.

Person Specification

• Strong commitment to Challenge Partners vision and mission.

• Proven track record in strategic leadership and managing key external relationships.

• Knowledge and experience of the education sector.

• Excellent interpersonal skills used to build positive relationships with diverse stakeholders.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Experience in leading teams and developing others (formal line management experience is not required if transferable people management skills can be demonstrated).

• Proactive in improving processes, identifying risks and solving problems.

• Exceptional organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise and adapt to changing needs

How to apply

Please submit your application on Applied by 10am on Monday 19th May 2025. You will be asked to upload your CV and answer five competency and scenario-based application questions.

• First round of interviews (remote)- wlc 26th May 2025 (Specific dates TBC)

• Second round of interviews (face-to-face)- wlc 2nd June 2025 (Specific dates TBC)

A note on AI 

At Challenge Partners, we are committed to a fair and inclusive recruitment process. We don’t use Artificial Intelligence (AI) for recruitment - applications are reviewed by members of the team and we use blind shortlisting to mitigate potential bias and ensure all candidates are considered on merit.

Whilst we recognise that AI can be a useful tool for tasks like proofreading, we encourage you to share genuine examples from your own experience so we can better understand your unique skills and perspective. Authenticity is important to us and we want to hear your voice throughout the application process.

DEI Statement

Challenge Partners is committed to further enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion within our team and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, gender, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. 

Safeguarding Statement

Challenge Partners is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, beneficiaries and staff. We expect all employees, consultants and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment or contracts with us are subject to a satisfactory DBS check and references. 

No agencies please.