Head of operational development jobs in whitechapel, greater london

Support. Without Judgment.

At Prisoners Abroad, we support British citizens imprisoned overseas, their families at home, and people returning to the UK after prison. We are a small but powerful charity, providing life-saving support through some of the most isolating and traumatic experiences imaginable.

We’re looking for a Resettlement Officer to join our frontline team on a fixed-term maternity cover contract, working at the intersection of criminal justice, homelessness prevention and social reintegration. You’ll manage a caseload of people returning to the UK after prison abroad, providing essential support and advice around housing, benefits, mental health, and advocacy for this overlooked group, and co-facilitate support groups.

You’ll need frontline experience supporting people with multiple needs, strong advocacy and communication skills, and a non-judgemental, person-centred approach. 

What we offer:

• £35,509 per annum
• 30 days' annual leave + bank holidays
• Generous pension (6.5% employer contribution)
• Flexible working (1–2 days a week from home after induction)

For further details, click 'redirect to recruiter' to be taken to our jobs page where you will find the job pack containing all the information and details of how to apply.

Today, 12 children and young people will be diagnosed with cancer. We’ll stop at nothing to make sure they get the right care and support at the right time.  

• Salary: £54,281 FTE (Outside London); £58,195 FTE (London)
• Hours: 35
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Location: Homebased with some travel
• Closing Date: 3 June 2025
• Interview Dates: 12 & 13 June 2025

Change lives in a life-changing career

When a child or young person is diagnosed with cancer, their whole world can feel like it’s falling apart. Independence is taken and confidence is stolen. Stability no longer exists. The future suddenly feels uncertain.

The impact of cancer on young lives is more than medical. That’s why we exist. Our specialist social workers help children and young people with cancer and their families navigate the emotional and practical impact of cancer. We remove barriers, solve problems and prioritise wellbeing. And we stop at nothing to make sure they get the right care and support at the right time.

We challenge the systems and policies that surround children and young people, we highlight gaps and campaign for change. Because we know what a better future could look like. And we know what we need to do to make that future a reality. We need to push harder, reach further and work smarter. And we need the right people on our team to help us get there. People like you.

About the role

At Young Lives vs Cancer, we have our own unique role to play in reaching the North Star. We know our strengths and where we can have the most impact to best support children and young people with cancer. Within our new strategy ‘The Time is Now’ we set out four strategic ambitions, the first stating we will continue to be a major service delivery provider: offering high quality, impactful services. We are proud to lead the way in delivering high-level, psychosocial support and accommodation services throughout cancer treatment, end-of-life, and bereavement and we want to ensure our investment in this area is optimised to make sure we always provide the tailored support that children, young people and families need and that our services remain relevant.

You will be joining an established operational leadership team who are committed to continuous service improvement. Service Managers play a key leadership role in the management and development of a region, which is made up of three social work teams located alongside Principal Treatment Centres which are Leeds, Newcastle and Sheffield. Your responsibilities will include delivering service standards, and compliance. You will interface with NHS stakeholder colleagues to promote effective governance and multi-disciplinary relationships with a focus on smooth referral pathways. The team meets weekly to discuss management of the overall service-this effectively allows all team members to play an active role. In addition, to your designated region you will have a lead area of responsibility-this will be Deputy Safeguarding Lead. This role works closely with the Head of Safeguarding to ensure effective management of safeguarding across the charity as well as spanning workforce development and the promotion of best practice.

This position has four direct reports, 3 Team Managers and one Regional Service Coordinator, the latter provides support to the Service Manager and regional teams.

We actively invest in your development and set clear expectations about deliverables and culture. We are looking for someone who is committed to best practice and responsiveness to the needs of children and young people. You will need to be a confident relationship builder, with a track record in social work management. This post requires registration with a professional social work body and criminal record checks.  

What will I be doing?

No two days are the same at Young Lives vs Cancer. So, summarising your ‘day to day’ isn’t easy. Here are some of the main things you’ll be doing, but you’ll find more details in the job description.

• Senior operational leadership, implementation of service objectives with responsibility for managing practice, people, budgets compliance and DEIB in a designated area. 
• Ensuring the safety of children and young people, staff, volunteers and services. 
• Managing and developing stakeholder relationships particularly with NHS colleagues. 
• Developing team culture in line with organisational values ensuring staff are motivated, supported and developed. 
• Have the Lead Service Manager role for Safeguarding.

What do I need? 

Diverse perspectives and unique skillsets are at the heart of Young Lives vs Cancer. If you're passionate about making a positive impact and eager to learn, we encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet the criteria and person specification fully. Your potential is what matters most to us, and we’re committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment to help you develop.

The key skills we’re looking for in this role are:

• Qualified and registered Social Worker with management experience in social care services for children young people and families.
• Experience of working in partnership with young people and their families.
• Evidence of experience of collaborative interagency working and managing strategic stakeholder relationships
• Understanding of oppression and the barriers that marginalised people face, and strong commitment to deliver anti-oppressive practices 
• Current knowledge of relevant legislation, national policy and guidance in health and social care 
• Highly skilled communicator with professionals and partner organisations; young people and their families with evidence of collaborative working.
• Ability to develop, motivate and empower staff and develop high performing teams whilst offering skilled support and management of performance.
• You will be expected to role model behaviour by caring deeply about your staff’s wellbeing, encouraging feedback and challenging constructively  
• Proven ability to be innovative and solutions-focused in the face of challenges.
• You take ownership of your personal development, and that of your direct reports .

What will I gain?

For people to reach their full potential, they need the right environment. As a member of Team Young Lives, you’ll be made to feel supported, valued and appreciated. Here’s how we do it:

• Flexible working: we’re open to working hours outside of 9 - 5 and we can talk through your flexibility requirements at interview stage
• Wellbeing days: four days a year to do what works for you – from catching up on training to going for a walk
• Generous annual leave allowance
• Great family/caring leave entitlements
• Enhanced pension
• Access to our employee savings scheme

To find out more about our benefits package, have a look on our website.

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At Young Lives vs Cancer, we recognise that opportunities for too many people remain a condition of their sex, ethnicity, class, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation – or a combination. This has never been acceptable to us as an organisation. We don’t just accept difference, we value it, celebrate it, nurture it and we thrive because of it.

We’re on a journey to be reflective of the diverse children, young people and families we support. We know we aren’t there yet, and we’re passionately committed to taking actions and making changes to be a truly diverse, inclusive and equitable organisation. This includes taking anti-oppressive action and removing barriers in our recruitment practices. We particularly welcome applications from members of minoritised communities. Our Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging strategy will tell you more.

We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. CVs can be uploaded, but we won't be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to fully complete the work history sections of the online application form for us to be able to assess you quickly, fairly and objectively.

Accessibility

We’re committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always aim to be as accommodating as possible.Please let us know in your application form of any adjustments or access requirements we could make to help you with the application process and interview.

#ShowTheSalary #NonGraduatesWelcome

Join us on this exciting journey and help shape the future of allergy care! As a Policy and Influencing Officer. You will work closely with internal and external partners to increase the charity's profile, influence key opinion leaders, and drive policy changes that improve the lives of those with allergies. Your responsibilities will include:

• Contributing to the planning and delivery of influencing, engagement, and campaigning activities.
• Monitoring and horizon-scanning the external policy and public affairs environment.
• Supporting the National Allergy Strategy Group (NASG) by providing secretariat services.
• Engaging with politicians, government departments, and external agencies to galvanise support for allergy-related initiatives.
• Drafting accessible communications on policy issues for various audiences.
• Representing Allergy UK at external meetings and events.
• Coordinating engagement with the allergic community and volunteers to ensure advocacy activities are informed by their priorities and experiences.

About Us:
Allergy UK is the leading national charity dedicated to supporting the millions of people in the UK living with allergic conditions. We are passionate about raising awareness, providing trusted advice, and advocating for better healthcare and support. As we embark on our 2025-2030 strategy, we are looking for a dynamic and dedicated Policy and Influencing Officer to join our team and help drive meaningful change.

What We Are Looking For:

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a similar role with a proven track record of influencing public affairs and policy change.
• Strong understanding of local, regional, and national government policy-making processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage a varied workload.
• Passionate about making a difference for people living with allergies.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and annual leave entitlement.
• Pension contributions.
• Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program and wellbeing resources.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.

BACKGROUND

Over the past 80 years, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has developed unparalleled expertise in responding to emergencies and helping uprooted communities to rebuild. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC’s mission is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. The IRC is on the ground in more than 40 countries, providing emergency relief and rebuilding lives in the wake of disaster. The IRC is committed to a culture of bold leadership, innovation in all aspects of our work, creative partnerships and, most crucially, accountability to those we serve.

IRC UK
IRC UK is part of the IRC global network, which has its global headquarters in New York. Our team in the UK works to raise profile, deliver policy and practice change, and increase funding to help restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Since 2021, IRC UK has also provided integration services directly to refugees in the UK a programme that is rapidly growing.

In Europe, the IRC currently operates in the UK, Sweden, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, Poland, Serbia and Ukraine.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The P&C Director manages the HR teams across the IRC UK, Switzerland, Belgium and Sweden, and is accountable for effective HR service delivery, HR compliance and continuous improvement within the scope of the People & Culture department to cultivate the desired culture, talent practices, and investments to deliver on our people strategy. This position plays pivotal role in fostering a positive, inclusive and high-performing workplace culture that aligns with IRC’s values through exceptional communication skills. They are deeply committed to achieving operational excellence and modelling the values of an engaging and respectful workplace where everyone can be at their best.

Reporting into the Regional Director, P&C Europe and collaborating closely with colleagues across Global People & Culture, the role provides insights supporting the implementation of People & Culture priorities across the 300+ IRC colleagues in the UK, Switzerland, Belgium and Sweden as determined by the respective country Executive Directors and the Regional Director P&C Europe.

As a member of the UK Senior Management Team (SMT) the role also supports the delivery of these priorities, and serves as an advisor and coach with a keen focus on building leadership competencies and organizational effectiveness.  The role is also part of the global P&C community to participate and stay informed of global change initiatives and to shape or adapt them to IRC UK’s culture and regulatory environment.

This role supports the UK Executive Director in managing the relationship with the UK Trade Union, Unite, including quarterly meetings with Union Representatives and ensuring smooth consultation and negotiation on matters where relevant including the annual salary review, restructures and complex employee relations matters. The post holder has an excellent understanding of Union relations and rights, working collaborative to ensure compliance and the bets outcomes for IRC UK and employees within the bounds of what is possible in the organisation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. P&C Strategic Leadership and Management (~25%)

· Serve as a strategic advisor to the local HR Managers, Executive Directors, and UK Senior Management Team (SMT) on succession planning, providing key insights to facilitate future leadership transitions.

· Act as a thought partner to the SMT, offering strategic guidance on People & Culture (P&C), and organizational culture/values to align with the mission and goals.

· Supervise and be a supportive leader to approximately 5-7 P&C staff within the UK, Belgium, Swizterland, and Sweden HR Team, ensuring the leadership and management of direct reports are handled with excellence.  Accountable for the overall quality and effectiveness of the P&C team, actively monitoring progress against established goals.

· Take the lead on conducting talent dialogues, recommending development opportunities, and coaching on conducting high-quality conversations during performance reviews.

· Serve as an advocate for Employee Wellbeing, Employee Engagement, and Safeguarding priorities and role model safe, inclusive, and caring leadership standards.

· Provide constructive feedback and guidance on career paths and professional development for the P&C team and IRC staff; establish a culture of continuous learning opportunities.

· Partner with peers to facilitate the workforce planning, including, managing workforce adjustments, such as staff reductions, or scale up, including organizational design work, in partnership with senior management teams, the Regional Director, People & Culture Europe and Global People & Culture Partners, ensuring these actions comply with local legal requirements and IRC's country and Global policies while minimizing risks and supporting affected staff.

· Support management through coaching, development, tools and guidance to build a team of skilled, committed, and motivated staff, ready to advance in their career.

· Manage the UK HR budget with support from colleagues in FP&A for planning, budgeting and reforecasting of expenditure.

· Prepare reporting to the UK Board of Trustees, including presentation to the full Board and People and Culture Committee.

2. Manage HR Service Delivery and Core Operations (~40%)

· Oversee the creation and tracking of P&C objectives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals including but not limited to providing support and contributions to the design and implementation of global shared solutions models that deliver meaningful outcomes and service improvements.

· Actively engage in proposal design and grant review meetings, providing expert advice on organizational structure, position scoping, demographic and staffing analysis to build a robust P&C foundation that supports high program quality.

· Drive informed decision making by using data to support people and culture functions, ensuring all data reporting requirements, including to the UK Board and reporting as required for UK programmes donors are delivered accurately and in a timely manner.

· Oversee end-to-end P&C activities across the employee lifecycle, including onboarding and exits, payroll, benefits, contract management, performance management, workforce reporting, and year-round staff communications to ensure high-quality outcomes aligned with organizational standards and strategic objectives.

· Ensure the development and implementation of high-quality, context-specific improvement plans and practices in areas such as recruitment, compensation and benefits, employee relations, onboarding, offboarding, contract management, learning and development, performance management, leave management, code of conduct compliance, legal compliance, HR Information Systems, coordination of policy development and implementation, etc.

· Advise supervisors on appropriate disciplinary actions, serve as an impartial mediator in disciplinary proceedings, and oversee follow-up measures to ensure fairness, compliance with employment laws, and adherence to labor regulations.

3. Workplace Culture (~15%)

· Promote initiatives that enhance the employee experience, team engagement, inclusion, and cohesion fostering an environment conducive to continuous learning and honest dialogue.

· Foster a healthy organizational culture. Oversee the integration of IRC’s Values, People Manager Standards, and Employee Success Factors throughout the employee lifecycle.

· Safeguarding:  promote best practice through the integration of safeguarding considerations in hiring, recruitment and onboarding practices, ensuring that all IRC employees receive orientation to IRC's Safeguarding Policy and expectations.

· Ensure that the IRC Way and information on reporting channels are sign-posted in all IRC office locations.

· Partner with IRC’s global Ethics, Compliance and Global Employee Relations investigations to promote safe, healthy and respectful workplaces.

· With the support of the  Duty of Care colleagues and Regional Director People & Culture Europe, provide guidance and support for all staff-related duty of care initiatives, and critical incident response is delivered according to organizational standards.

· Ensure strong connectivity and communication among P&C staff to foster a cohesive team environment.

· Actively participate in and support staff meetings to foster a collaborative work environment.

4. Collaborate with the Union (~15%)

· Working with the UK Executive Director, maintain a positive working relationship with the UK Trade Union representatives, Unite.

· Negotiate and consult with the Trade Union, facilitating the quarterly Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) meetings and ensuring a good relationship is maintained and progress is made with key priorities including introduction of new policies, policy updates and salary review negotiations.

· Develop and manage union engagement and communication plans aimed at maintaining a healthy and empowering office environment that promotes open, honest, and productive communication.

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

• Indirect reporting to Europe Regional P&C Director
• Partners with UK Executive Director and the UK SMT
• Manages the UK HR Operations Manager, UK HR staff, and the heads of HR in Switzerland, Belgium and Sweden
• Collaborates with Trade Union Representatives
• Oversees contracts with Employees and External consultants and vendors
• Collaborates with Global P&C team members at all levels
• Collaborates with senior managers across the organisation

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

· CIPD qualified with experience of complex HR processes in the UK including restructures, TUPE and employee relations.**

· Significant experience in an HR leadership role, with broad knowledge and experience across the spectrum of People & Culture responsibilities.**

· Strong teamwork approach with quality interpersonal and analytical skills who can work seamlessly in a global matrix organization.

· Experience working in a complex international matrix organsiation a plus.

· Strong knowledge of UK employment law, with experience of advising and influencing senior leaders.**

· Experience of working with Trade Unions on a range of matters.**

· People management experience.**

· High level of confidentiality and tact.

· High level of service orientation and excellent intercultural communication skills.

· Ability to work under pressure, manage and prioritize competing priorities from different stakeholders.

· Ability to drive manage projects with a high degree of subject matter complexity and a high number of stakeholders independently

· Willingness to take on a high level of responsibility and independence in day-to-day work.

Salary: £34,814 - £38,683

Job Level: 4A

Job Type: Permanent

Hours: 35 hours per week 

Shifts: Term Time: Monday – Thursday & Sunday (including some evening work). School Holidays: Monday – Friday.

Accountable to: Head of Children and Family Services

Department: Children and Family Services

Location: The Hub, Finchley

Do you have experience of leading teams in delivering high quality, responsive, holistic services for neurodivergent children and young people? Perhaps you have previously worked within special educational needs settings or residential settings with young people? Do you have a natural ability to lead, motivate and influence others with initiative and enthusiasm? If so, this role may be of interest to you!

About The Hub and Short Breaks service:

For over 20 years Norwood has run a Short Break service called Unity for young people on Sundays and during school holidays. Many families have benefited from this service, and it remains popular with families and local authority commissioners. There is a waiting list of children and young people across Barnet and Herts who wish to access this provision.

That’s why as part of our recently launched strategy, we’re expanding the Short Break Service offering, to support families and young people with a variety of choice and cohort-based opportunities including after school clubs. The opening of the Hub allows the expansion of activities throughout the week, term-time, and during school holidays, evenings and weekends.

With a recent refurbishment, we can now offer a location dedicated to supporting children throughout the week. The building has outdoor space, a sensory room, kitchen, activity rooms and multipurpose spaces which allow children the opportunity to thrive in a bespoke space for them.

The Children and Family Service Department will deliver an ambitious Whole Family Centred, Strengths and Needs Based Model to empower children, young people, and their families. This expert-led coordinated approach underpinned by robust governance and outcome and impact measures will seek to ensure families with a neurodivergent or neurodevelopmentally disabled child can realise their full potential and thrive. The objectives for each team member will be clear, ensuring a meaningful and positive impact on those accessing the services, with consistency in support and communications, and the ability to access services required effectively.

About the role:

This is one of a number of new vacancies being recruited as part of a dedicated team for the further development of the Hub and Short Breaks offering to extend the reach to more children and young people throughout the week. 

As the Hub and Short Breaks Operations Manager, you will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the service, plus take the lead in the growth and development of the service to maximize the reach and opportunities for young people within the community. The role will ensure the service is compliant with Ofsted, offers a varied timetable with clear criteria for each club/activity, undertakes referrals and assessments and works collaboratively with wider Norwood colleagues to flex, grow and change to meet the ever-changing needs of the community. 

You will utilise your existing experience of operational, funding, budget and staff management, plus knowledge of children and young people curriculum to take ownership in shaping and driving the future of our Short Breaks provision through extensive strategic development and innovative ideas for our weekday, weekend and holiday programmes, ensuring Norwood continually responds to the wishes, aspirations and needs reflected by the young people we support to provide a meaningful, flexible and creative offering. 

You will be responsible for all aspects of the management and delivery of the service including the management and recruitment of a team of permanent sessional workers, ad hoc sessional workers and volunteers. You will assess the suitability of young people to participate in the provision, design and develop choice and cohort-based sessions, whilst working within the framework of OFSTED to ensure quality and compliance.

Benefits at Norwood include:

• The opportunity to work for a leading UK charity
• Competitive salary & benefits package
• 21 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays and Jewish festivals where they fall on a working day and work is not permitted (FTE)
• Workplace Pension Scheme: Plan for your future with confidence.
• Employee Assistance Programme: We care about your well-being.
• £300 When You Introduce a Friend: Spread the word and reap the rewards.
• Free Eye test & Eyewear allowance
• Access to ‘Blue Light’ discount scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Excellent career progression pathway
• Enhanced benefits coming in July 2025

Essential skills and experience:

• Ability to commit to a full-time role with flexibility, covering the shifts required
• Significant experience of working with neurodivergent children, young people and parents/carers and of facilitating an inclusive child-centred service
• Experience of working in partnership with other agencies and organisations, with awareness of the support and advice which may be offered
• Recent experience of managing contract compliance with a demonstrable knowledge of regulatory frameworks (Ofsted, CQC contract compliance etc) and how to put these into practice
• Experience of financial and budget management
• An appropriate qualification at Level 3 or equivalent
• Knowledge and understanding of the range of interventions and approaches that can be used to support disabled children and young people
• An understanding of various communication aids including Makaton, PECS, AAC etc
• Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding policies and procedures
• A team player with strong leadership skills who enjoys working with others to achieve shared goals
• Excellent communication skills with a flexible style to communicate with people in a form and manner that is consistent with their level of understanding, culture, background and preferred ways of communicating
• Excellent time management skills who can work under pressure to meet deadlines
• Flexibility, initiative and the ability to respond appropriately to child and family needs
• Excellent active listening and problem-solving skills
• Embraces change and responds positively to new opportunities
• Motivates colleagues to understand the importance of inclusion and encourage them to improve standards of inclusive practice
• Design and deliver innovative sessions to support neurodivergent young people to develop new skills in a fun environment
• Develops and maintains mutually beneficial working relationships with key delivery partners
• Experience using observation to inform assessment and planning
• Flexibility, initiative and the ability to respond appropriately to child and family needs

About Norwood:

Founded in 1795, Norwood is the oldest Jewish charity in the UK. We support and empower neurodiverse children, their families and people with neurodevelopmental disabilities to live their best lives.

Click here to find out more about Norwood. 

Our Norwood Values and Behaviours underpin everything we do as we continue to support and empower neurodiverse children, their families and people with neurodevelopmental disabilities to live their best lives: 

Here is a short Norwood video highlighting the vital work we do and the people we support.

If this opportunity interests you, please apply today and our Recruitment team will be in touch.

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

Due to the high number of candidates who apply to our roles at Norwood, please note we can only provide feedback following an interview, if shortlisted.

We actively celebrate everyone's different abilities, sexual orientation, ethnicity, faith, and gender. Everyone is welcome and supported in their development at all stages in their journey with us.