Head of people and culture jobs

Hours: Full time (30 hours over 4 days)

Location: Flexible across England, Wales and Northern Ireland 

Salary:  Regional £49,202 to £53,252 per annum, or London £52,500 to £56,550 per annum

(London salary applicable to candidates who live in London or are based in the London office a minimum of two days a week)

The role: 

This is a great opportunity to join the UK’s biggest grassroots network dedicated to protecting people and planet at a critical time for our world.

We’re looking for an experienced high value fundraiser and team leader to join Friends of the Earth as our Head of Major Giving. The role will focus on growing income and leading our passionate and well-established high net worth team, which covers Philanthropy, Trusts and Foundations and Strategic Partnerships.

You’ll be responsible for developing the Major Giving strategy, retaining our loyal supporters and attracting new, long-term funders by refreshing the stewardship and cultivation programme to encourage deliver on our growth plans in line as we develop a new strategy to answer the challenges in the external environment and ensure that we have the funds to respond to the crises of climate, nature and inequality.  

We are developing a new organisational strategy, building on our proud history of working with communities to achieve change. We have longstanding partners and loyal supporters to bring with us as we evolve to meet the challenges and deliver the urgent action needed to deliver our mission.

Key Skills and Attributes we’re looking for: 

• Experience of motivating and inspiring team members to achieve high, sustainable performance.  
• Collaborative and skilled at working cross organisationally and building strong internal relationships.
• A good networker and ability to work in true partnership with grassroots organisations and funding partners.
• Demonstrable experience of significant income growth and pipeline development.
• Experience of, or knowledge of campaigning organisations would be an advantage as well as organisations going through strategic change.

The team: 

The Major Giving team consists of 12 people with five direct reports, leading the sub-teams of Philanthropy, Trusts and Foundations, Strategic Partnerships and our Events function. Your team sits within the Income Generation Directorate, and you’ll work closely with colleagues across that Directorate and with our Policy & Campaigns  Engagement and Community & Network Directorates. You will play a key role in promoting a culture of philanthropy and partnerships across the entire organisation as together, we strive to create lasting change in the fight against climate and nature crisis.

For more information, please see the detailed candidate information pack.

Closing date: Monday 23rd  February 2026 (23:59). 

Please note we only accept applications via the Friends of the Earth Application System.

We offer a competitive range of benefits, good work/life balance including a 4-day working week with no loss of pay, additional leave for sustainable travel, excellent learning and development opportunities and a vibrant organisational culture. 

Our staff body is currently under-representative of People of Colour, LGBTQIA+ people and people with long term conditions or impairments. We are committed to eroding these historic barriers, so as to create a movement in which people from all walks of life see themselves in, and so we particularly encourage you to apply if you belong to one of these groups or sit at multiple intersections of disadvantage. We are committed to the Disability Confident standard and will guarantee an interview to any candidates who declare a disability and who meet the essential criteria for the role.

Friends of the Earth staff who publicly represent Friends of the Earth (including all campaigners) are not allowed to also represent a political party. This is to ensure that there can be no confusion in the minds of the public about Friends of the Earth's party-political independence. Affected staff should also seek permission from the Senior Management Team if they wish to hold a non-public facing official role in a political party. If this is an issue, please do raise this with us as soon as possible.

Friends of the Earth is an international community dedicated to protecting the natural world and the wellbeing of everyone in it. We lead campaigns, provide resources and information, and drive real solutions to the environmental problems facing us all.

Do you want to improve the lives of people with disabilities and vulnerable people?

Humanity & Inclusion UK is looking for a Head of Institutional Relations (maternity cover) to lead our engagement with institutional donors, programme partners and allies in the UK. This is a fantastic opportunity to lead a dynamic team in the delivery and implementation of an ambitious institutional relations strategy. With a particular focus on the FCDO and Start Network alongside  growing our Australian and Irish portfolios, you will build partnerships and maximise income and influence to achieve our strategic aims. As a member of the HI UK Leadership Team, you will also play an important role in shaping the culture and direction of the organisation as a whole.

Background Information and Purpose of Post

The Head of Institutional Relations leads HI’s engagement with institutional donors, programme partners and allies in the UK, working closely with colleagues from across the global HI Federation, including our country programmes and our technical departments.

You will lead a dynamic team in the delivery and implementation of an ambitious institutional relations strategy. With a particular focus on the FCDO and Start Network alongside growing our Australian and Irish portfolios, you will build partnerships and maximise income and influence to achieve our strategic aims. This will involve managing relations with a wide range of actors, building our profile and responding quickly and effectively to opportunities. You will oversee and strengthen our compliance with donor requirements, ensure our programmes are effectively supported to implement grants and consolidate our capacity to bid for and manage commercial contracts.

As a member of the HI UK Leadership Team, you will also play an important role in shaping the culture and direction of the organisation as a whole.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and management

• Implement our ambitious plan for institutional relations, staying aligned with the organisation’s objectives and responding appropriately to the external environment.
• Contribute to the implementation of the network-wide institutional funding strategy.
• Lead, empower and motivate your team to achieve their goals, providing support as needed.
• Manage the team budget, including planning, phasing and forecasting in line with the organisation’s financial procedures.
• Participate as an active and constructive member of the Leadership Team, promoting a positive culture, modelling excellent behaviour and supporting cross-organisational initiatives.
• Provide timely and accurate reporting to the Chief Executive, trustees and Federation as required.

Institutional Relations

• Lead the team in ambitious engagement strategies for all donors in the portfolio, particularly the FCDO, Start Network, Australian DFAT and Irish Aid, strengthening existing relationships and, where appropriate, developing new ones.
• Ensure the team develops and maintains expertise on UK donor priorities, expectations and compliance requirements and is proactively analysing, interpreting and sharing this knowledge internally with relevant colleagues across the Federation.
• With your team, build the ability of our country programmes to engage with our donors locally and to comply with donor requirements, including through training.
• Oversee the process of identifying, analysing and sharing new funding opportunities with relevant colleagues, taking a lead when needed on coordinating large multi-country/framework bids to our donors.
• Maintain a network of contacts at other organisations and, working closely with operational and technical colleagues, build relationships with potential partners, including supporting the development of consortia for new bids when required.
• Contribute to building HI’s capacity to bid for and manage commercial contracts, including frameworks.
• Support the team with risk-based contract analysis and negotiation, due diligence and donor compliance.
• Ensure your team is delivering timely and high-quality reporting and grant/contract management, including follow-up of payment requests and tracking.
• Oversee the team’s information management tools and champion HI-wide internal processes and tools such as the CRM.
• Participate in the Bond Disability and Development Group, including supporting its influencing to promote greater emphasis on disability inclusion by the UK Government.
• Monitor and respond to threats and opportunities relating to the UK aid budget and aid policy, as well as for other donors in our portfolio where capacity allows.
• Support your team, the Chief Executive and technical colleagues to engage appropriately with other relevant networks in the UK to influence the UK government and raise HI’s profile (e.g. on specific crisis contexts, the impact of counter-terrorism legislation, health, education, humanitarian mine action, climate change etc.).
• Contribute to engaging with the Start Network and implementing our Start Network strategy.

Other duties

• Maintain a positive and collaborative working relationship with HI UK colleagues and the Federation’s institutional funding, operations and advocacy teams.
• Represent the organisation at relevant external events and meetings.

· Keep abreast of developments within the sector by liaising with counterparts in other NGOs and relevant networks.

• Keep up to date with any relevant changes in legislation, regulatory procedures, innovation, best practice and industry standards.
• Any other activities commensurate with the level of the post, as may be required.

Person Specification

We genuinely value diversity and are looking to build a team of people with a wide of range of personal and professional experience. If you don’t meet all of the criteria listed below but feel you would be a good candidate for this role, please apply. If you would like an informal conversation about this, please do send us an email or call us – we would love to hear from you.

Essential criteria

· Substantial relevant experience with INGOs, including at least five years’ experience managing strategic relationships with donors, partners and/or networks.

· A track record of securing and managing institutional income.

· Good knowledge of the FCDO as a donor and influencing target.

· Excellent management skills, including the ability to provide appropriate support and to develop colleagues’ capabilities.

· Excellent relationship-building, networking and negotiation skills, both internal and external, and at a variety of levels.

· Demonstrated capacity to design and deliver high-quality proposals, reports and briefs.

· An entrepreneurial thinker with a strong ability to identify opportunities, cultivate prospects and achieve strategic aims.

· Ability to carry out sound strategic analysis, identifying key trends and producing clear summaries from complex information.

· Good understanding of project design, programme quality and effective delivery.

· Excellent planning skills and an ability to work under pressure, to prioritise and to meet standards and deadlines.

· A collaborative and team-oriented approach with strong self-motivation.

· Ability to work effectively in an international and multicultural organisation.

· Willingness to travel and to work outside of office hours when necessary.

· Good IT skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

· Commitment to creating and maintaining an inclusive and protective environment for everyone that comes in contact with the organisation.

Desirable criteria

· A track record of securing and managing funding from, building relationships with and influencing DFAT and/or Irish Aid

· Good knowledge of the Start Network

· Experience of bidding for and managing commercial contracts for humanitarian and development programmes.

· Experience of cross-organisational leadership.

· Understanding of key humanitarian and development issues.

· Understanding of and experience of advocacy or campaigns, including working with the UK political system.

· Experience of developing NGO or academic partnerships.

· Lived experience of disability or from one of our countries of operation.

· French-language proficiency.

Equal Opportunities Policy

HI UK is committed to diversity and inclusion. We recognise that discrimination shapes the opportunities that many people have in society and that people have different needs in order to realise their full potential.

Addressing this requires organisations to be proactive in creating environments that encourage the inclusion and development of all. Though we still have a long way to go, inclusion is central to our identity at HI UK and we are strongly committed to the continuous work that it requires.

We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates with disabilities and/or from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds, to help make us more representative. If you declare a disability and you meet the minimum requirements for the role, we will offer you an interview to demonstrate your skills. In the event that we receive a high level of applications for a role, we will invite those applicants who best meet the person specification.

Nb: This piece of recruitment is rolling and may close at any time.

In recent years OTR has seen a significant increase in demand for our youth mental health services and we now reach over 17,000 young people each year. We are seeking a Head of Finance to oversee our (circa) £3m annual budget and to ensure that our finance operation is efficient and effective. This role will lead OTR’s finance function and, as well as having responsibility for day-to-day financial processes, will be a key member of the organisation’s senior leadership team (SLT). The role will involve providing financial insight to the SLT and Board of Trustees to improve understanding and inform strategic decision making. Examples of this will include analysing the financial performance of different activities of the organisation and preparing budget and forecast information. 

We are looking for an individual with demonstrable experience in a finance management role which includes a strategic focus, preferably in the voluntary sector. The successful candidate will be a flexible and meticulous individual who is able to present complex information to a range of audiences. Equally important is a strong personal interest in and commitment to the mental health and wellbeing of young people.

To find out more about the role please download the job pack. If you would like an informal chat about the role, please email the main contact as listed in the job pack

To apply for this role click the 'Apply now' button

We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to developing a team that reflects the diversity of the people we work with

Safeguarding:

OTR is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff, trustees, and volunteers to share this commitment.

As part of our Safer Recruitment practices, all roles involving contact with young people will be subject to robust pre-employment checks, including references, a full employment history, and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Where applicable, overseas criminal record checks will also be required.

We are dedicated to creating a culture of vigilance, transparency, and accountability. Our safeguarding procedures are guided by the principle that the welfare of the child is paramount, and all staff are required to adhere to OTR’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy. 

OTR & Benefits:

OTR is a mental health social movement by and for young people. The charity is at an exciting stage of its 59-year history and is proud to be reaching more young people than ever before (around 17,000) across Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and North Somerset with creative and diverse mental health and wellbeing info and support. 

Our approach to mental health is grounded in a set of beliefs and values that underpin all of our work. We believe in celebrating diversity, empowering and mobilising young people to make change, and that catering to the unique strengths, interests and circumstances surrounding young people is key. Our approach centres on collaboration and partnership, building relationships between individuals, peers and communities. 

Each day is as engaging and fulfilling as the last, and with a network of supportive, community minded people, we hope you’ll feel welcome here. As a thank you, we like to compensate our employees for the important work they do with a range of benefits including a flexible leave policy, healthcare cost and wellbeing assistance with HealthShield, flexible and hybrid working arrangements, enhanced sick pay, parental leave, training and development, social and wellbeing events, and more (subject to contractual terms and conditions). 

A Willingness to Work with Difference 

At OTR, whatever your role or professional background, you will be expected to work in a way that is anti-oppressive and inclusive. A key focus for OTR is to develop an organisation that is inclusive for all but we do not claim to be experts in this. We are committed to continuous learning and improvement in these areas and invite you to join us on this journey. 

OTR recognises the benefits to individual practice and organisational credibility of having a diverse community of staff and volunteers and to this end is continually working towards building and maintaining an environment which values and pursues diversity accordingly. 

We recognise that tackling systemic inequality, prejudice, racism and oppressive practice requires each of us to actively engage, self-examine and make changes where necessary, in order to improve access and equitable experience for all in society and all of those who come through our doors at OTR.

Closing Date: 31 January 2026

Ref 7237

Save the Children UK has an exciting opportunity for a HR leader with extensive experience in people operations and organisational change and transformation to join us as our Head of People Operations and Change. 

In this role, you will work closely with the Director of People to drive the strategic evolution of the People function, deliver high-impact, customer-centred services, lead change and transformation, and embed modern, agile ways of working to maximise impact for children.

This is a maternity cover contract for approx 14-months, to start at the beginning of March 2026.

About us

Save the Children UK believes every child deserves a future. In the UK and around the world, we work every day to give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn, and protection from harm. When crisis strikes, and children are most vulnerable, we are always among the first to respond and the last to leave. We ensure children's unique needs are met and their voices are heard. We deliver lasting results for millions of children, including those hardest to reach.

About the role

As Head of People Operations and Change, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the People function, delivering high-impact, customer-centred services and systems that enable organisational effectiveness and transformation. You will lead the strategic design and delivery of the people technology strategy, whilst embedding agile and design thinking principles to drive innovation, efficiency, and a seamless employee experience.

In this role, you will:

• Lead the development and implementation of People strategy, services, and operating models, embedding agile and design thinking principles to drive innovation and efficiency.
• Champion digital transformation across HR systems, automation, AI tools, and self-service solutions to enhance the employee experience and operational performance.
• Provide visible leadership and coaching to HR Business Partners, developing their capability as strategic talent partners and change leaders.
• Deliver complex organisational change programmes, restructures, and high-risk employee relations matters with legal compliance, risk mitigation, and a people-centred approach.
• Build strong, collaborative relationships with recognised trade unions and senior stakeholders to support sustainable business outcomes.
• Embed a proactive safeguarding culture and ensure safeguarding expertise is integrated into all relevant projects and initiatives.

About you

You're a confident change agent with experience leading organisational and people transformation within an HR environment. You bring an agile mindset, a strong understanding of HR roles and systems, and a genuine interest in using technology as an enabler of change.

Comfortable leading diverse teams through complexity and restructure, you know how to build trust, bring people with you on that journey, and embed lasting change.

To be successful, it is important that you have:

• Significant experience in HR operations and people transformation, including leading large-scale change programmes and restructures.
• Proven experience in developing and delivering products, services and operating models, ideally within a People / HR function, using Agile and Design Thinking principles.
• Strong understanding of digital HR systems and technologies, including experience leading system implementations, automation initiatives, and innovation.
• Strong understanding of employment law, risk mitigation, and people-centred change delivery, including managing high-risk employee relations matters with sound judgement, legal awareness, and a balanced, solutions-focused approach.
• Experience of engaging and negotiating with trade unions in a constructive and outcomes-driven way, with the ability to navigate sensitive and high-impact issues confidently.
• Strong coaching and people development capability, with experience building high-performing teams, especially in developing HR Business Partners into strategic talent and change leaders.
• Analytical and outcome-focused, with experience using data, KPIs and user feedback to drive decision-making, improve services and demonstrate value.
•   Resilient, adaptable, and future-focused, with a commitment to continuous improvement and building inclusive, modern people practices that meet evolving organisational needs.
• Commitment to Save the Children's vision, mission, and values.

What we offer you

Working for a charity provides one of the best benefits there is – a sense of purpose and reward for helping others. However, we understand the importance of giving back to our employees to ensure a happy and healthy working environment and work/life balance. 

• We focus on flexibility, inclusion, collaboration, health and wellbeing both in and outside of work. 

• We provide a wide range of benefits which will reward your hard work, motivate you, and inspire you to work to improve the lives of children every day. 

Please note: To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications are received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.

Location & Ways of Working:

The majority of our roles can be performed remotely in the UK, but at times you will be required to come to your contracted office (usually between 2–4 days per month, depending on the needs of your role, team, or service). For many roles, this is likely to be the minimum required to deliver impact.

This will be discussed and agreed with your manager / team and we encourage candidates to discuss our ways of working in more detail at interview stage.

Please note: travel costs to your contracted office will be at your own expense. 

Flexible Working - We are happy to discuss flexible working options at interview.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: 

Save the Children UK believes in a world that is fair, inclusive and equitable where all children have the opportunity to change their world. We apply this to our workforce and we are committed to developing and supporting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organisation where all employees have a sense of belonging and feel that they can be "Free to Be Me". We are not looking for just one type of person - we want to recruit people who can add fresh perspectives, innovative ideas or challenge that disrupts the risk of group think. 

We are especially interested in people whose childhood experiences - of life on a low income, of migration, of being in a racialised community, of the care system, of being LGBT+ or in an LGBT+ family or living with (or with someone with) a disability - help us to see things we might otherwise miss. Whatever your story is we want to hear it because we know that different voices, ideas, perspectives and knowledge, working together will enable us to better the lives of children around the world. This is the reason why we are all here. 

Location: 2 days weekly in our London office
Salary: £87,632.09 (incl London Office Allowance) plus competitive pension
Please note that this role will be closing on Wednesday 4 February 2026 at 9am.

A little bit about the role

Frontline has achieved significant growth and impact in our first 11 years, and we are now recruiting a director to lead on ensuring our culture, operational and financial infrastructure enable us to continue to grow and drive change for children and families.

With a ~£25m budget and ~150 employees we rely on robust systems, a clear strategy and an enabling culture to support people to do great work to achieve our mission. Reporting to the CEO, the director of culture and operations (DCO) will develop our annual priorities and strategy. They will lead on strengthening and further embedding our culture of freedom and responsibility by providing excellent operational leadership across Frontline. To effectively operate a culture of freedom and responsibility we need robust financial controls, excellent governance and strong relationships at our foundation – as DCO you will ensure these foundations are in place – and build on them.

We are an ambitious organisation – we work hard to create an inclusive culture which supports our hard-working teams through data, feedback and technology. As DOC you will lead on galvanising our leadership group to ensure they have the necessary resources, collective focus and communication channels across teams nationally. Frontline is in a strong position. We have a clear strategy, stable finances and strong internal processes so we look forward to welcoming our new director of culture and operations to help build on this, so we can have even greater impact.

Some key responsibilities include:

• People – Lead the people team to identify new and creative ways to further strengthen our culture of freedom and responsibility
• Finance – Manage the head of finance and compliance, supporting them and the finance team to deliver sound financial controls/clear reporting and manage an annual budget of £25m – ensuring financial capability and clear cross-team communication
• Governance – Work with the chair of FARC (and other subcommittees as relevant) to ensure they are taking a strategic view on key issues, providing appropriate challenge and timely decisions (e.g. in budget process).
• Management of external contracts and relationships – Manage the contract governance manager with responsibility for DfE/university contracts and regulatory approval, ensuring effective governance and compliance

Full list of role responsibilities can be found in the job pack.

A little bit about you

You should have strong leadership experience, the ability to balance multiple priorities under pressure, and a track record of shaping organisational culture. Experience in financial management, HR strategy, and operational leadership is essential, while familiarity with charity governance and regulatory compliance would be beneficial.

We’re looking for someone with exceptional communication skills, a collaborative mindset, and a practical approach to problem-solving. If you’re a values-driven leader eager to shape culture, strengthen operations, and support our mission, you’d be a great fit.

We have a fast-moving culture within the team and organisation, so we’re looking for someone who is who is well organised, details-focused and can use their initiative to do what works. You will have excellent communication skills, be able to build relationships with people and be willing to learn. There are lots of opportunities for growth and development in this role – and for the right candidate to make the role their own.

If you feel you have the skills to make a real impact and contribute to creating lasting social change for children and families, we would love to hear from you.

If you’re interested in finding out more, please email Elise Cronin, Executive Assistant (contact details are in the job pack) to arrange an informal conversation with the CEO.

Important information

We have increased the diversity of Frontline’s workforce in the last 12 months, but we need to do more to have greater global majority representation in our senior roles. We know the value global majority voices bring and therefore, we are strongly encouraging applicants from these backgrounds to apply. We are also a disability confident employer and welcome applicants with disabilities.

With so many people now using AI to apply for jobs, it is common for applications to be repetitive and nearly identical. There are tell-tale signs when AI has been used, the writing has the same structure, the same tone and the same language. Using AI to clarify your thoughts and sharpen your answers is one thing, but we strongly discourage you from using a tool to generate the substance of your answers. We want your application to demonstrate your skills, as well as show us your thought process, how you respond to problems, what you have learned from different experiences and how you communicate in your own voice. Please be reassured – we are not expecting perfection.

We reserve the right to close this role ahead of the deadline once we reach a suitable number of applications, so please apply as soon as you can!

The Difference is an education charity, founded to change the story on lost learning. Our vision is to see lost learning falling nationally by 2030 and for schools to be better equipped to support all children, particularly those most vulnerable.

Leading national policy strategy

As Head of Policy you will work closely with the CEO to develop and execute a four-year influencing plan.  Together we’ll aim to shift local and national incentives on inclusion by 2030, which see the national trend of rising suspension and absence begin to fall. 

You will hold relationships with the Department for Education and Ofsted and advise on policy priorities ahead, such as:

• Widening the definition of inclusion beyond special needs, recognising the needs of those young people historically or currently interacting with social services

• Reducing perverse incentives for schools to alter their school roll through admissions and pupil exits

• Expectations for multi-academy trusts in capturing and analysing data on lost learning, including how it disproportionately affects different groups

• Improving local alternative provision eco-systems, to improve outcomes for young people

• National standards for inclusive school practice, at a universal and targeted level

• Professional development standards for school inclusion

Developing implementation expertise in the middle tier

In your first six months, you will advise on the internal development of a new programme for middle tier policy actors: multi-academy trust and local authority leaders.  You will support the Programme team in its design, to plan strategically for the recruitment of trusts and local authorities, and you will plan the research and influencing work which will seek to share their success nationally.

Building the evidence base

In your second six months, you will work with the CEO to build out our research function. Your influencing plan will include how The Difference can learn from the work across our multi-academy trust, local authority and internal AP pioneer partners over the next four years, to develop influential publications. Research work ahead will include publishing sector-facing publications of The Difference’s own research, carried out by our research lead and associates; alongside managing external contractors and internal colleagues to bid for and deliver aligned research disseminating our ideas.

Raising your voice

This is an exciting opportunity for someone committed to inclusive policy change. The Difference has always punched above our weight in national and sector press reach. In post,  you will publish blogs and comment pieces, disseminating our shared ideas.  You will be a prominent voice on inclusion.

The Difference is still a small and growing charity. This means that our work is fast-paced, our roles are broad, and there is a culture of being highly autonomous, reactive and flexible, as the needs of the organisation evolve. If this sounds exciting rather than daunting, then this could be the role and team for you!

The Role
This is an exciting time to join The Difference as we increase our impact, reach more schools, and develop our influencing strategy. As Head of Policy and Public Affairs you will: 
 

Design and execute an impactful influencing plan 

• Design an influencing plan - Identify via horizon scanning opportunities to influence national policy using open policy windows, or by nudging/creating new ones. 

• Execute an influencing plan - Utilise own assets and assets across the organisation, including the Director team, to deliver against the influencing plan.

• Relationship building - Build highly credible and impactful relationships with a variety of stakeholders who hold power. This will include policy makers in national governments, local government officials, politicians, other third sector organisations and think tanks. 

• Leadership - Play a significant role internally and externally in communicating the organisation’s policy position, raising organisational and own brand.

Build policy capacity and credibility across the organisation

• Policy positions and solutions- Use the concepts, work and experience of The Difference’s programmes to develop new, and refine existing, national policy positions to shift incentives. 

• Thought leadership - Be the organisation’s education policy and political expert. 

• Generating income - Use own and team’s expertise and credibility to generate income via speaking engagements and consultancy to support the organisation’s financial sustainability. 

Person Specification

Essential – We are looking for someone with the following knowledge, experience and skills, though you may be stronger in some areas than others:
 

• Deep expertise in education policy, particularly on the topic of lost learning and the various policy and political debates, including areas of controversy, surrounding this policy topic. 

• Strategic thinker with a proven track record in identifying policy windows and designing activities that lead to meaningful national policy change. 

• Excellent relationship builder, who brings with them their own network of influential stakeholders and has a plan for building new relationships. Adept at navigating tricky situations and explaining complex, sometimes difficult, messages.

• Expert convener with a strong knowledge of the education sector, including which schools, trusts and local authorities are influential and experience in bringing a variety of perspectives together to generate consensus. 

• Persuasive and clear writing style for publication, including reports, press, blogs and ghost writing for members of the senior leadership team, often based on consensus positions, and designed to communicate key messages for impact. 

• Confidence and credibility in communicating nuanced messages in a contentious landscape, in writing, verbally and in public (e.g. on panels), to raise the profile of The Difference. 

• Strong project manager who can design systems and processes to keep self, team and other stakeholders on task and on time. Experience of designing programmes of work and monitoring their effectiveness. Flexible project management style that can adapt to a changing environment. Confidence in managing a variety of stakeholders and supporting them to deliver on time. 

Desired – You are more likely to be successful in your application if you have one or more of the following: 

• Familiarity with The Difference’s programmatic work, theory and practice. 

• Lived experience or insight into the school experiences of marginalised young people (e.g. those with experience of the care system, mental ill health, special educational needs, exclusion, and racism).

We know that some people, especially those from marginalised backgrounds, may hesitate to apply unless they meet every listed requirement. If this role excites you and you believe you could make a strong contribution, we warmly encourage you to apply. 

We actively welcome applications from people whose backgrounds are under-represented in the charity sector, including but not limited to: people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people with experience in the case system, non-graduates and first-in-family graduates.

Are you a strategic fundraiser who loves building something meaningful from the ground up? Would you like to use your skills to help shape the future of a place that sits at the heart of its community - spiritually, culturally and historically?

Charity People is delighted to be partnering with Derby Cathedral to recruit their first ever Head of Fundraising. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to design and deliver the fundraising strategy, playing a pivotal role in ensuring the Cathedral's long-term sustainability as it approaches its centenary year in 2027.

Salary: £40,000-£45,000 per annum
Contract: Three-year fixed term (funded by the Church Commissioners' Cathedral Sustainability Fund), with the clear ambition for the role to become self-sustaining. Full time (0.8 considered)
Location: Hybrid - Cathedral Centre, Derby and home
Benefits: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, up to 9% employer pension contribution
Culture: A warm, ambitious and values-driven team, with autonomy and trust to lead your work

About Derby Cathedral

The first church on the site of Derby Cathedral was founded in 943, with parts of the current building dating back to 1530. Today, this Grade I listed landmark remains a vibrant place of worship and a hub for the local community, welcoming people for services, music, events and moments of reflection.

Since being hallowed as a cathedral in 1927, Derby Cathedral has grown into a spiritual, cultural and community beacon for the city and county. With the 100-year anniversary on the horizon, the Cathedral has ambitious plans to strengthen its financial resilience and ensure it can continue serving future generations.

About the role

As a member of the Senior Management Team, the Head of Fundraising will lead the creation and delivery of a bold, sustainable fundraising strategy aligned with the Cathedral's Strategic Development Plan.

You will:

• Build and nurture relationships with Trusts and Foundations, existing supporters and new funding partners
• Design and deliver engaging fundraising campaigns, events and initiatives
• Work closely with the Dean to identify and cultivate relationships with high-net-worth individuals and secure major gifts
• Lead on donor communications and stewardship, ensuring supporters feel valued and connected to the Cathedral's mission

This is a highly visible role with real influence, offering the chance to leave a lasting legacy in a historic institution.

About you

Derby Cathedral is looking for a proactive, thoughtful and ambitious fundraiser who brings both strategic insight and warmth to their work.

You will bring:

• Experience of securing significant gifts, including Trusts, Foundations and/or major donors
• A strong track record of developing and delivering successful fundraising income streams
• A strategic, collaborative approach, with the ability to manage a funding pipeline and work towards ambitious goals
• A genuine passion for donor care, stewardship and relationship-building

You will also actively support the Cathedral's commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, bringing cultural awareness, openness and a willingness to engage with its increasingly diverse communities and congregations.

Why apply?

This is a unique opportunity to shape a brand-new fundraising function within one of Derby's most iconic institutions. You'll be joining a committed, welcoming team and playing a central role in securing the future of a place that means so much to so many.

If you're excited by the idea of building something purposeful, meaningful and enduring, we'd love to hear from you.

Please send a copy of your profile or CV to Ellen Drummond at Charity People as the first step.

Deadline: 9am on Thursday the 12^th of February
Interviews: One stage, in person on the 26^th or 27^th of February

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

About the role 

We’re looking for an experienced, values-led Head of People to lead our HR services and shape a positive, inclusive, and engaging workplace culture. Reporting to the Chief Executive you will work closely with our leadership team and trustees to deliver  a people strategy rooted in lived experience, equality, and co-production. 

This stand alone role will support our people strategy and HR operations including employee engagement, compliance, and workplace culture. You’ll lead on policy development, training, health and safety, and inclusive workplace practices, ensuring our people practices reflect our values and the diverse access needs of our team. You will be comfortable in providing hands on advice and support alongside progressing strategic projects. 

We’re looking for someone who brings HR expertise, inclusive leadership, and a commitment to co-production. You’ll be adaptable, solutions-focused, and comfortable navigating change in a dynamic charity environment.

Following a period of outsourced HR, this newly created role is an exciting opportunity for you to help lead transformational change at a time of real ambition and momentum.

About the Trust 

We're one of the UK’s biggest charities and we care for 2,000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs because we believe life is better by water. We're looking for people who support our cause and want to make a difference for future generations. Could this be you? 

Along with our waterways we also manage museums, archives and the country's third largest collection of historic buildings, as well as the nature and wildlife that calls our canals home. All of this enables us to provide wellbeing opportunities for millions of people each year. 

Join Our Team: Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships 

We’re excited to welcome a new strategic leader to shape and deliver transformational income growth and strategic partnerships for the Trust.

Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.

Working Hours & Location 

This role follows a 37 hours, Monday to Friday working pattern. This is a home-based role, requiring regular travel to meetings with donors, events and to our main hubs for collaborative meetings and team activities.

Role Overview 

In this pivotal role, you will lead the refinement and delivery of the Trust’s high value giving strategy, building and sustaining relationships with philanthropists, statutory funders, trusts and foundations, and corporates. You’ll inspire, lead, and manage a diverse team to achieve ambitious income targets and strengthen strategic partnerships that support the Trust’s vision. You will actively demonstrate desired behaviours - enthusiastically engaging with external partners, taking initiative to strengthen the team, and fostering a culture within the Trust that supports high level giving. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Implement and refine the Fundraising Strategy to deliver significant and sustainable income growth and impact.
• Lead, inspire and develop a diverse team, fostering a culture of delivery, collaboration, accountability, and innovation. 
• Personally lead on cultivating and stewarding transformational relationships with corporates, trusts, foundations, high-net-worth donors and some statutory sources while empowering your team to build profitable, multi-year relationships, a robust pipeline and secured income.
• Prepare, monitor, and deliver the annual business plan and income budget (currently £5m with significant growth planned).
• Represent the Trust externally at a senior level and maintain awareness of sector trends.
• Maintain best practice in fundraising compliance, risk management, and reporting, maintaining the highest standards of integrity.
• Embed diversity, inclusion, and safety responsibilities in all activities.

About You 

As an accomplished fundraising leader with a proven track record of delivering high-value income and building strategic partnerships, you thrive in complex stakeholder environments and bring a blend of vision, resilience, and hands-on expertise. You’ll be confident influencing at Board level, adept at navigating ambiguity, and passionate about making a lasting impact.

Skills & Qualifications 

• Proven experience in leading a team – skilled at building, inspiring, and motivating teams to achieve fundraising goals.
• Comprehensive expertise in major donor fundraising, corporate partnerships, and trust and foundation giving, alongside a working knowledge of statutory giving. 
• Demonstrated expertise in high-value fundraising and partnership development, with a proven ability to create, cultivate and steward long-term relationships while influencing internal stakeholders to secure and sustain transformational support.
• Proven success in securing transformational gifts and multi-year partnerships.
• Demonstrable problem-solving skills, able to influence inside and outside the organisation.
• A proven ability to develop and write persuasive and successful funding applications and partnership proposals for major donors, trusts and foundations, and corporates.
• Exceptional communication and networking skills, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse audiences.
• Experience managing significant budgets and delivering income growth.
• Knowledge of fundraising compliance and sector trends.  
• A collaborative and innovative approach, able to lead and motivate a diverse team while working cross-functionally.
• Personal resilience and adaptability, with the ability to deliver results in a fast-paced and evolving environment.

What We Offer 

We offer an annual salary of £78,000, plus £520 cash car allowance per month. Enjoy a competitive pension scheme, increasing holiday entitlement, and a range of employee benefits. For a full breakdown of our benefits, check out our brochure here: 

Our values

We care passionately for our waterways, and as importantly, for those who look after and use them. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone can thrive. We are striving to represent the diverse communities that we are a part of and welcome applicants from across all sectors of the community.

We want everyone to have the opportunity to perform at their best during our recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments - whether for a disability, neurodiversity, or health condition - please let us know what you need and how we can support you. We’ll work with you to make any necessary changes.

All of our jobs can be considered on a part time flexible or job share basis.

We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. You are considered disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. We recognise not everyone who is classified as disabled under the Equality Act personally identifies this way, or with this definition of disability. Please do not let this discourage you from applying under the scheme.

Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People – Head of Acquisition
Location: Hybrid working with some travel to Hearing Dogs offices in either Buckinghamshire or East Yorkshire.
Salary: Circa £56,000 per annum.
Contract: Permanent, full-time hours. 

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, whose mission is to build confidence, companionship and connection for people with hearing loss, is seeking a Head of Acquisition to lead and grow recruitment across individual giving, legacy and regular giving channels, as well as attracting new volunteers and service users.

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People has been creating life-changing partnerships between hearing dogs and deaf recipients since 1982. As well as acting as an ear to their partners and alerting them to sounds, the charity’s clever and expertly trained dogs help deaf people to live life with confidence and independence, whilst providing love, companionship and emotional support. This is coupled with the provision of emotional and practical support services for anyone with hearing loss.

Following a strategic review, the charity is now entering an exciting period of growth and expanding their Individual Giving programme within the Performance Marketing and Communications Directorate, to enable them to transform many more lives across the UK.

Playing a pivotal role in this transformation, the Head of Acquisition will drive sustainable income growth through innovative, data-driven acquisition campaigns targeting new supporters, donors, lottery players and legacy pledgers that deepen engagement and bring the charity’s brand story to life. The role will ensure that every acquisition activity clearly communicates the impact of Hearing Dogs’ work, connecting supporter action to life-changing outcomes for people who are deaf or have hearing loss. At the same time, the post-holder will be responsible for championing strategies to reach more people who can volunteer for, and benefit from, the charity’s vital services.

The ideal candidate will be a leader in supporter or customer acquisition in a not for profit or commercial environment, with a strong track record in delivering successful campaigns across multiple channels, including digital, face-to-face, direct marketing and fundraising products (eg lottery, legacy and regular giving). You will have experience in developing strategic investment cases and multi-year acquisition strategies, grounded in data insight and performance engagement. You will have also have a background in brand-led campaigns and communicating organisational impact to engage and convert audiences. Finally, you will have excellent communication and relationship management skills.

This is an exciting opportunity to help Hearing Dogs shape their future with the flexibility of hybrid working remotely and spending time at Hearing Dogs’ stunning offices, with friendly and passionate staff and their four-legged friends.

If you want to lead the pack and help deaf people live well with hearing loss Please download our Candidate Pack for further information [PDF], which includes details on how to apply.

Closing date: Monday 16th February, 9.00 am. 

• Salary: London £76,431 gross per annum/Berlin €100.221,12 gross per annum

• Location: Berlin or London

• Contract Type: Indefinite

• Hours: Full Time

• First Interview Dates: Week beginning 16 February 2025

About the role

Are you a senior fundraising professional with international experience? At ClientEarth, we are looking to hire an experienced and strategic Head of Philanthropy to lead the development and delivery of our global philanthropy programme. In this senior leadership role, you will guide a talented, geographically dispersed Philanthropy team, build deep relationships with major donors across Europe, the US and Asia, and drive income growth.

Meet your Manager

In this role, you will be managed by Hannah Braithwaite who is based in London. Hannah is responsible for leading ClientEarth’s fundraising efforts for its growing portfolio of programmes. Hannah has dedicated her career to raising funds and resources for climate and nature causes. With a degree in Zoology from Sheffield University, Hannah combines her scientific background with her passion for the environment to generate impact with knowledge and credibility. Prior to joining ClientEarth Hannah has held a number of leading roles at prominent international environmental organisations, including Head of External Affairs at the UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre and Head of Trusts and Foundations at Fauna & Flora.

Main Duties

• Develop and implement the global philanthropy strategy as part of the overall fundraising strategy, liaising with senior leadership, programme leads, communications and finance to ensure ClientEarth can maximise the potential income from major donors.
• Develop, implement and achieve relevant KPIs and financial targets for the philanthropy team and lead on the production of appropriate reports for senior management and the board of trustees.
• Using the strategy (organisational and fundraising) the Head of Philanthropy will personally manage and support senior staff on holding income-yielding high-level relationships.
• Manage relationships and drive strategy relating to our senior stakeholders such as the Development Board, Chair of the Board and act as a key facilitator and steward of relationships between foundation staff and key programme contacts.
• Set up and implement systems to review performance against set targets and objectives and monitor funder data and oversee the effective management of our database; 

See the job description (below) for a full list of duties for this role.

Role requirements

• Significant philanthropy management experience with complex funders
• Demonstrable experience of securing five and six figure, and multi-year gifts
• Good knowledge of donor and pipeline management and financial processes
• Experience of working with the most senior representatives of an organisation, including at CEO and Board level
• An interest in environmental issues such as climate change, conservation and air pollution

See the job description (below) for a full list of requirements for this role.

Note to candidates: We know that long lists of criteria can be daunting and that some candidates will not apply for a role unless they feel they are 100% qualified. If you feel you meet at least some of the essential criteria, we still encourage you to apply.

Further Information

Have a question about this job? Please visit our Careers site for advice on applying, FAQs, and more.

Flexible working:  We are proud to be a Flexa accredited Employer. Visit our Flexa Employer page for more information on our approach to flexible working. Our flexible working policy allows our people the choice to decide to work from home/another location in the country where their contract of employment is issued for 80% of their month, with the other 20% of their month being office-based  See our Benefits page for more as well as our flexible working FAQ.

ClientEarth values diversity and inclusion and the benefits this brings. We aim to appoint the most suitable candidate at all times and welcome applications from people from all different backgrounds. See our equity, diversity and inclusion journey page for more.

Please note that ClientEarth is only able to employ those who have the pre-existing legal right to work in either the UK or Germany.

ClientEarth is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or legal services to third parties

Location: London

Location type:Hybrid

Reporting to: Director of People and Operations

Annual salary: £60K - £70K GPB

Contract type: Permanent

Working hours: Full-time (35 hours per week)

Candidate level: Manager

Closing date: Monday 9th February 2026, at 9:00 am CET

Background

Lumos Foundation works to realise every child’s right to a family by transforming care systems around the world. Our vision is a world in which all children grow up in safe and loving families within supported communities. Founded in 2005 by author J.K. Rowling, Lumos partners with governments, civil society, and young people with lived experience to transform care systems globally and advocate for family-based solutions that help children thrive.

We ensure that families receive the support they need to stay together or reunite, and that children grow up in family-based settings such as foster or kinship care, not institutions. Despite clear evidence of the harms of institutionalisation, more than 5 million children worldwide continue to live in institutions. And a much larger number of children are at risk of family breakdown and separation – those living in poverty, experiencing domestic violence and abuse, and living in countries affected by conflict.

We are ambitious for children. In the next 10 years, Lumos will enable 500,000 children in care to return to family-based care and prevent 10 million children from experiencing family breakdown and separation – so that they can thrive in their own families. Working with local, national, and global partners, Lumos supports government-led transformation of childcare systems across Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America- driving systemic and sustainable change. Lumos’ ambition for children is significant and will require the organisation and its partners to work in new ways – with a pace, drive and urgency that this moment demands – and that children everywhere deserve. Lumos’ success will continue to be based not just on what we do, but on how we do it – our values. We embrace collaboration. We strive for excellence. We show respect. We always care. And we are passionate. We are Lumos.

Purpose of role

This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal leadership role at Lumos at a time of organisational strengthening and global growth. As a member of the wider leadership team, the Head of People will be central to building and embedding high-quality, values-led, and risk-aware people practices that enable Lumos to deliver its mission and long-term ambitions.

Working closely with Country Directors and HR focal points in country offices, the role supports the consistent application of global people frameworks while enabling appropriate local practice. The Head of People will play a key role in supporting Lumos to grow and operate safely across existing and new geographies, ensuring that people practices underpin organisational readiness, duty of care, and sustainable impact.

In close partnership with the Director of People & Operations, the Head of People provides expert insight into People strategy and organisational priorities and is accountable for translating agreed direction into consistent, effective delivery across the organisation. The role combines strategic thinking with strong operational leadership, ensuring that people frameworks, systems, and practices are embedded, trusted, and fit for purpose, and that values, culture, and ways of working are reflected in how work is done every day. This role will suit an experienced senior HR professional who enjoys shaping and embedding sustainable people practice, exercises sound judgement, and enables others to lead well. You will be motivated by values-led work, long-term impact, and the opportunity to grow with an organisation, strengthening organisational capability within a complex, international environment.

Primary responsibilities

People strategy contribution & execution

• Contribute expert insight, options, and analysis to the development of the People strategy, operating model, and organisational priorities.
• Translate the agreed People strategy into clear frameworks, plans, and delivery across the organisation.
• Ensure people initiatives are prioritised, resourced, and implemented effectively.
• Monitor impact and effectiveness, recommending adjustments based on data, risk, and organisational need.

Full employee lifecycle ownership (global)

• Own and oversee the operational delivery and quality assurance of the full employee lifecycle across all geographies.
• Ensure consistent, values-led, and safer recruitment practices are embedded across Lumos.
• Lead the design and delivery of high-quality induction and onboarding, embedding EDI, duty of care, and organisational culture from the outset.
• Oversee probation, performance cycles, development, progression, and exit processes.
• Ensure leaver processes, exit interviews, and data capture support organisational learning.

Performance, capability & leadership development

• Lead the implementation and embedding of Lumos’ performance management framework.
• Oversee annual objective-setting, performance reviews, and development planning.
• Build leadership and line manager capability through training, guidance, and coaching.
• Enable managers to take confident ownership of people management, feedback, and performance conversations.

Pay, rewards & progression

• Lead the delivery of pay and reward activity, including time-bound pay and reward reviews and job evaluation processes.
• Ensure reward approaches are equitable, transparent, affordable, and aligned with organisational values.
• Work closely with Finance and the Director of People & Operations to align reward activity with budgets and governance.
• Support the implementation of progression frameworks and guidance.

Employee relations, policy & legal frameworks

• Oversee the review, update, implementation, and monitoring of people-related policies, ensuring they are accessible, legally compliant, and consistently applied, while allowing for appropriate local context.
• Provide senior HR oversight and judgment on disciplinary, grievance, and complex employee relations matters.
• Act as an escalation point for managers and the Global HR Advisor, supporting proportionate and defensible decision-making.
• Ensure people practices reflect relevant legal frameworks across all countries of operation.

People risk & governance

• Lead the development and embedding of people-related risk frameworks across existing and new geographies.
• Ensure people risks are identified, mitigated, and monitored.
• Work closely with safeguarding, security, and operations colleagues to support joined-up risk management.
• Contribute to organisational governance and assurance through clear documentation and reporting.

Global partnership & country support

• Work closely with Country Directors and HR focal points to embed global people frameworks in country offices.
• Provide guidance, support, and constructive challenge to ensure consistent application of people policies and practices.
• Balance global consistency with appropriate local adaptation in line with legal and cultural contexts.
• Build HR capability and confidence across country teams.

EDI, culture & engagement

• Ensure equity, diversity, and inclusion are embedded across the employee lifecycle, policies, and people practices.
• Lead staff engagement activity, including surveys, analysis, and action planning.
• Support the development and reinforcement of a healthy, inclusive, and values-led organisational culture.

HR systems, data & insight

• Oversee people systems, tools, and workforce data to ensure accuracy, consistency, and insight.
• Work with the Global HR Advisor to strengthen tracking, dashboards, and reporting.
• Use people data to identify trends, risks, and priorities to inform effective decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with data protection and confidentiality requirements.

Leadership of the people function

• Line manage and develop the Global HR Advisor, providing clear direction, prioritisation, and support.
• Oversee time-bound HR consultancies, ensuring clear scope, value for money, and effective knowledge transfer.
• Act as a close partner to the Director of People & Operations, providing trusted judgment, operational leadership, and space for strategic focus.
• Deputise for the Director of People & Operations in people-related matters, as required and appropriate, including representing the People function in internal and external forums.
• Ensure the People function operates with professionalism, consistency, and strong internal credibility.

Profile

The postholder will:

• Strengthen Lumos’ ability to attract and retain talented people through fair and transparent rewards, clearer progression, and a positive employee experience aligned to our mission and values.
• Embed consistent, values-led people approaches across the organisation, while supporting appropriate local context and delivery of impact in country offices.
• Improve safer recruitment, induction, and onboarding to support safe, sustainable growth across existing and new geographies.
• Embed clear performance expectations and accountability that link individual and team contribution to organisational impact for children.
• Strengthen a values-led culture by reinforcing behaviours that support collaboration, trust, inclusion, and operational excellence.
• Build manager confidence and capability to lead people through change, manage performance well, and support development and wellbeing.
• Strengthen people-related risk management and the use of people insight to support sound decision-making, duty of care, and organisational resilience.
• Bring thoughtful, evidence-informed people practice into Lumos, drawing on best practice while ensuring approaches are proportionate, values-led, and appropriate to a complex international context.
• Operate as a trusted senior People leader and deputy to the Director of People & Operations in people-related matters, providing continuity, sound judgement, and credible leadership.

Essential experience:

• Experience operating at a senior level within a People/HR function, with experience of/or readiness to lead at the Head level.
• Experience owning and overseeing the delivery of the full employee lifecycle.
• Experience leading performance management, pay and reward, and employee relations.
• Experience building and embedding people policies, frameworks, and systems.

Desired experience:

• Experience working in international or multi-country organisations.
• Experience working closely with Country Directors or senior operational leaders.
• Experience overseeing outsourced or consultancy-based HR support.

Essential knowledge/skills

• Senior-level HR/People expertise across the full employee lifecycle.
• Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Ability to translate strategic direction into practical, high-quality people delivery.
• Sound professional judgment and confidence in handling complex people matters.
• Understanding of pay, reward, and progression frameworks.
• Ability to build and embed a values-led organisational culture.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills at a senior level.
• Ability to use people data and insight to inform decision-making.
• High standards of professionalism, confidentiality, and integrity.

Desirable knowledge/skills

• CIPD Level 7 (or equivalent professional learning and experience).
• Experience applying HR practices across multiple international jurisdictions.

Essential personal characteristics

• Strong alignment with Lumos’ mission and values.
• Calm, pragmatic, and thoughtful approach to complex situations.
• Ability to build rapport and trust with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong influencing skills, with the confidence to challenge constructively.
• Sound judgment in identifying, managing, and escalating people-related risk appropriately.

Desired personal characteristics

• Collaborative and credible working with senior stakeholders.
• Ability to balance consistency with flexibility and local context.
• Comfortable working in evolving or ambiguous environments.
• Curiosity and openness to learning across cultures and contexts.

Benefits

Alongside the opportunity to contribute to a truly life-changing mission, you’ll enjoy excellent benefits, a supportive and inclusive culture, and a genuine commitment to your personal and professional development. Some of the benefits we offer include:

• Direct impact on operational systems supporting our global mission, with exposure to senior decision-making during a transformative period.
• Hybrid and flexible working with occasional international travel opportunities.
• 30 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Enhanced family-friendly leave (maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental) and enhanced sick pay.
• Competitive employer pension scheme.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for confidential wellbeing support and advice.

Safeguarding statement

Lumos recognises that the rights of safety and security are aligned with its core mission for children, families, and communities. Effective and robust safeguarding sits at the heart of our mission and values, and accordingly, Lumos is committed to ensuring the safety and protection of children and adults at risk in all of its work. We expect all staff, associates, and volunteers to share this commitment. Lumos has a zero-tolerance approach towards all forms of abuse, bullying, harassment, and sexual exploitation. Lumos is a member of The Misconduct Disclosure Scheme and will carefully screen all applicants. Offers of employment are subject to checks and suitable references.

All staff and associates must:

• Carry out all duties with an awareness and understanding of Lumos safeguarding and PSEA requirements
• Ensure work complies with all safeguarding and PSEA policies and procedures
• Ensure that their behaviours and actions support the safeguarding of children, young people, and adults at risk as appropriate.

Equality, diversity, and inclusion statement

Lumos is wholly committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and against all forms of discrimination.  

We are committed to creating and sustaining a positive working environment that encourages, supports, and gives a voice to all, so that we can best support the children we serve.  

We must ensure that all staff are equally valued, included, empowered, and respected across the organisation and in everything we do. Lumos is fundamentally built on diverse, multi-national and multicultural teams.  

This is something we cherish as a key strength and an integral part of our identity. Our organisation values and celebrates the diversity, culture, and experience of each member of staff, provides equality of care, and support to everyone.   

We pledge to listen carefully, to educate ourselves continually, to promote open dialogue, and to seek out and deal with discrimination and prejudice wherever it occurs in Lumos.

· The deadline for applications is Monday 2nd February, 9:00 am CET ·

Upsall International actively promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion. In recruiting candidates, we seek candidates with the proven skills required, irrespective of race, gender, religion or belief, age, disability, or sexual orientation.

Contract:Permanent, full time 

Salary:circa £50,000 per annum 

Location: Burford, OX18 4PF on a hybrid basis 

Closing date:30 January 2026 

1st interviews:10 – 12 February 2026 

2nd stage:18 & 19 February 2026 

At Blue Cross, our people are central to everything we do to protect and improve animal welfare. We are recruiting a People and Culture Manager to lead the day-to-day delivery of compassionate, high-quality people support across the charity. This is a brand-new role, created to strengthen how we support managers and teams and to translate our People Strategy into practical, values led people practices. 

Sitting within the People and People Services directorate, the People and Culture Manager plays a key role in enabling confident, fair leadership across the organisation, particularly in emotionally demanding environments. The role also offers a valuable opportunity to build experience and capability towards senior People and Culture leadership. 

More about the role

As People and Culture Manager, you will provide expert, pragmatic advice across the full range of people matters, acting as a trusted business partner to the People & People Services directorate. You will lead on complex and sensitive casework, coach and develop People and Culture colleagues, and work closely with senior leaders to deliver positive people outcomes. 

As this is a new role, you will have the opportunity to help shape how people services are delivered day to day, contributing to the continuous improvement, credibility, and impact of the People and Culture function. 

You will also contribute to organisational development, culture change, wellbeing initiatives, and workforce planning, using insight and data to identify risks and opportunities. The role supports organisation wide change activity, ensuring that people processes are fair, transparent, and compassionate. 

This role is offered on a hybrid basis, based from our Burford office, with a minimum of two days a week working from the office. You will also be required to travel regularly to other Blue Cross sites to build relationships and provide effective, visible support to managers and teams.  

About you

You are a credible and empathetic professional who brings sound judgement, resilience, and a solutions focused approach. You are confident supporting managers through complex and emotionally sensitive situations and are comfortable balancing operational delivery with strategic contribution. 

You build strong, trusting relationships, communicate clearly at all levels, and enjoy coaching others to build their confidence and capability. You are committed to embedding Blue Cross values of compassion, courage, and inclusivity in everything you do. 

Essential Qualifications, Skills, and Experience 

• CIPD Level 5 or above, or equivalent professional experience 
• Substantial experience in a generalist HR or people role 
• Strong employee relations experience with sound knowledge of UK employment law 
• Proven ability to manage complex and sensitive people issues with empathy and professionalism 
• Strong communication, influencing, coaching, and stakeholder management skills 
• Experience working in a values led, care focused, or emotionally demanding environment 
• The ability to demonstrate and apply Blue Cross values of compassion, courage, and inclusivity 

Desirable Qualifications, Skills, and Experience 

• CIPD Level 7 qualification 
• Experience working in animal welfare, healthcare, social care, or frontline operational environments 
• Experience supporting managers and teams working in emotionally demanding roles 

How to apply  

Please click Apply to submit your application. We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. 

Our recruitment process for this role will take place in two stages. The first stage will be a competency-based interview, focused on experience, approach and alignment with our values. 

Candidates who progress to the second stage will be invited to attend a discovery session. This will be an informal and interactive session, designed to explore the role in more depth, share perspectives and give candidates the opportunity to meet colleagues and learn more about Blue Cross and our culture. 

Full details will be shared with candidates in advance. Both stages will be held in person at our Burford offices. 

We are committed to running a fair and inclusive recruitment process and will provide support or reasonable adjustments where needed. 

Main Duties

Strategy

• Working with senior leaders, lead on developing an organisational wide and joined up People & Volunteering Strategy aligned to organisational goals and workforce plans.

Oranisational Design and Culture

• Use engagement and feedback data to identify cultural risks and drive improvement.
• Lead strengthened leadership, coaching and management capability through clear expectations, advice and development frameworks.

Management

• Lead, coach and manage the People Services team to provide proactive support to the organisation, with a clear focus on the team’s development.

• Provide expert advice and guidance to managers and SLT on disciplinary and staff performance issues.
• Liaise with the external employment lawyers to make robust risk assessments on disciplinary and staff performance issues.

Volunteering and Resourcing

• Establish annual capacity and skills plans (headcount, volunteer hours, peak demand cover, succession planning).
• Review and implement a volunteering journey to support our volunteers.

Quality Framework

• Continue to develop and implement specific projects as part of The Passage’s internal quality framework ‘Excellence For All’.
• Lead a review to ensure there are clear and transparent salary ranges, job descriptions, aligned terms and conditions across the organisation.
• Ensure that People Services policies are up to date to reflect current legal and HR compliance and best practice.

Analytics and Systems

• Develop digital systems that add value to HR management with the organisation.
• Develop systems that give managers and staff ownership over their HR journey.
• Make use of workforce data and analytics to inform SMG of the development of improvements and interventions that can lead to enhanced HR and business outcomes.

Training

• Develop a learning and development strategy/plan for all staff to receive Continuous Professional Development.
• Develop a learning and training strategy for volunteers so that they are supported to fulfil their volunteering roles.

Reporting/Governance

• Responsible for the Peoples Services annual budget.
• Attend Senior Management Group (SMG) monthly meetings.
• Report to the People, Performance and Culture (PPC) Committee meeting.

Strategy

• Working with senior leaders, lead on developing an organisational wide and joined up People & Volunteering Strategy aligned to organisational goals and workforce plans.

Oranisational Design and Culture

• Use engagement and feedback data to identify cultural risks and drive improvement.
• Lead strengthened leadership, coaching and management capability through clear expectations, advice and development frameworks.

Management

• Lead, coach and manage the People Services team to provide proactive support to the organisation, with a clear focus on the team’s development.
• Design and lead implementation of frameworks to support those with responsibility for managing staff to demonstrate a consistent and high standard of line management and development across the organisation.
• To oversee a comprehensive training programme , including by developing a strategic training needs assessment to support the organisational values and aims.
• Provide expert advice and guidance to managers and SLT on disciplinary and staff performance issues.

Volunteering and Resourcing

• Establish annual capacity and skills plans (headcount, volunteer hours, peak demand cover, succession planning).
• Review and implement a volunteering journey to support our volunteers.

Quality Framework

• Continue to develop and implement specific projects as part of The Passage’s internal quality framework ‘Excellence For All’.
• Lead a review to ensure there are clear and transparent salary ranges, job descriptions, aligned terms and conditions across the organisation.
• Ensure that People Services policies are up to date to reflect current legal and HR compliance and best practice.

Analytics and Systems

• Develop digital systems that add value to HR management with the organisation.
• Develop systems that give managers and staff ownership over their HR journey.
• Make use of workforce data and analytics to inform SMG of the development of improvements and interventions that can lead to enhanced HR and business outcomes.

Training

• Develop a learning and development strategy/plan for all staff to receive Continuous Professional Development.
• Develop a learning and training strategy for volunteers so that they are supported to fulfil their volunteering roles.

Reporting/Governance

• Responsible for the Peoples Services annual budget.
• Attend Senior Management Group (SMG) monthly meetings.
• Report to the People, Performance and Culture (PPC) Committee meeting.

General Responsibilities

• In conjunction with your Line Manager to continuously develop the role to ensure that all tasks are being undertaken in an effective and appropriate manner which meets the strategic aims and objectives of The Passage.
• To ensure that all The Passage policies and procedures are being adhered to, particularly those relating to Health and Safety, Code of Practice and Confidentiality.
• To contribute to the effective implementation of The Passage’s Diversity and Equality Policy as it affects both The Passage and its work with vulnerable adults.
• To at all times undertake your role in a professional manner maintaining a high quality standard of work, and to always work in accordance with the aims, values and ethos of The Passage.
• Undertake any other duties that may be required which are commensurate with the role.

Desired Experience

Experience

• E1: Proven experience in leading strategic HR initiatives that support organisational goals and culture.
• E2: Experience of working with senior leadership teams to influence organisational design and workforce planning.
• E3: Track record of managing complex employee relations and advising on disciplinary and performance issues.
• E4: Experience in developing and implementing learning and development strategies for staff and volunteers.
• E5: Experience of reporting to governance committees and contributing to organisational risk management.

Knowledge and Skills

• K1: Strong understanding of UK employment law, HR compliance, and best practice.
• K2: Knowledge of organisational design, performance management frameworks, and cultural development.
• K3: Ability to use HR data and analytics to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.
• K4: Skilled in developing inclusive policies and embedding equality, diversity, and wellbeing into organisational practice.
• K5: Proficiency in HR systems and digital tools to enhance efficiency and user experience.

Qualifications

• CIPD Level 5 or equivalent professional qualification (Level 7 desirable).