Head of policy jobs in borehamwood, hertfordshire

About the role:

This is an opportunity to bring your big ideas and ambition to life, taking our Individual Giving and Legacy Marketing to the next level. Identified in our newly launched fundraising strategy as growth areas, this role will build on the successes of the past and push the boundaries of what’s possible – with full support from the fundraising and leadership teams.

You will develop exciting plans to improve communication and create new products for our audiences – all driven by what our supporters want. Alongside this, you will lead on developing an acquisition programme, tripling the number of active supporters over five years. If you have experience of delivering audience and income growth across Individual Giving and Legacy Marketing, have a passion for trying new things and a curious attitude, we’d love to hear from you!

Back Up could offer you an inspiring and fulfilling role making a significant difference to the lives of people affected by spinal cord injuries.

Together we’ll be working hard to make sure everyone affected by spinal cord injury has access to the support they deserve; and we are the only spinal cord injury charity in the UK providing specific services to children and young people.

For full details please see our job description.

About us:

At Back Up, we have big ambitions. Over the next few years, we’re going to be transforming the lives of even more people affected by spinal cord injury.

Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. Please read our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy Statement. We are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where all our employees are encouraged to reach their full potential, and individual differences are valued and respected. We particularly welcome applications from those from black, Asian or ethnic minority backgrounds or those with higher level spinal cord injuries.

In 2024 Back Up won The Times and The Sunday Times Spotlight Award for Best place to work for disabled employees. As well as this, Back Up has been voted one of the top ten charities to work for (Third Sector Best Charities 2020). The enthusiastic, inclusive and supportive spirit of our very skilled staff ensure excellence in the services we deliver.

We are recruiting a General Advice Officer to support with the delivery of advice and welfare support to vulnerable guests who access the Community Wellbeing Service, a local support hub offering relief from the rising cost of living for local families. The General Advice Officer will support our guests on a range of areas including benefits, immigration, housing, money management and access to training and employment services. The postholder will provide high quality welfare advice and guidance through weekly one-to-one advice sessions, undertake case work, work with partners to facilitate referrals, and provide support to advice volunteers. 

The successful candidate must have at least two years’ experience delivering effective advice or in a similar capacity, demonstrate empathy, an understanding of the issues facing vulnerable people, and have in-depth and up-to-date knowledge of welfare benefits and housing policies/legislations, with a strong focus on achieving tangible outcomes for our guests.

Advice Work

• Carry out assessments to identify urgent needs and appropriate support pathways for members at the Community Wellbeing Service.
• Support outreach or community engagement activities as needed.
• Provide holistic and person-centred advice and casework on the main enquiry areas, particularly welfare benefits, housing, employment, health and wellbeing, immigration and money management.
• Maintain Sufra’s Advice Quality Standards and meeting tangible outcomes.
• Produce detailed case records on our case management system for the purpose of continuity, statistical monitoring and report preparation
• Apply for funds from trusts and foundations to support individuals and families with essential costs such as housing deposits or white-goods and/or cancellation of debts;
• Develop and maintain good working relationships with external stakeholders for joined up working, including statutory and voluntary service providers, making referrals for guests where appropriate.
• Enable and support guests to act for themselves, wherever appropriate.
• Monitor the progression of all cases to the point of resolution.
• Conduct follow-up calls with guests where needed and track outcomes
• Support volunteers who are working on delivering Advice Services e.g triage volunteers and pathways volunteers
• Provide advice to the General Advice Service as and when required

Case Management

• Manage own caseload and work independently to support guests
• Use of Case Management System (AdvicePro) as well as Microsoft Office for communication and document production.
• Support with developing case studies and gathering guest feedback
• Collect statistical information as requested for reporting purposes.
• Feed into the development of monitoring reports for funders and other stakeholders

Other Responsibilities

• Maintain and update the charity’s record of referral and signposting agencies;
• Ensure data protection regulations are adhered to, and that sensitive data is handled in accordance with relevant legislation and organisational procedures.
• Keep informed of new and changing legislation relevant to the post, and of local issues and policies
• Be committed to the aims, procedures and policies of Sufra’s advice service in every aspect of service delivery.
• Take part in supervisions, personal development training, team meetings and appraisals
• Undertake any other reasonable duties to support the operations of the charity.

You will take the lead on managing our existing corporate partners, creating new and interesting opportunities to grow and develop their engagement and support. Stakeholder management, effective stewardship (planning and delivery) and income management are essential. You will also support the Head of Corporate Partnerships in the development of new partnership opportunities. This role is about shaping and growing corporate fundraising income and so priorities may change and these are fairly fluid, so it’s important that this is an environment that you have experienced before and can thrive in. You will have an innate desire to listen, to learn and to grow in this role.

You’ll be successful in this role if you have a creative and purposeful mindset, with a desire to make the most of opportunities while also being able to ruthlessly prioritise. Valuing and developing high quality relationships will be second nature to you, and written and verbal communication will also be strengths that you apply to the highest standards. Experience in researching and developing potential new partnership prospects, activities and campaigns are also important as well as the ability to work both collaboratively across the whole organisation and independently on your own initiative.

For 140 years, the Forces Employment Charity has proudly supported Service leavers, veterans, and their families in building successful civilian careers.

We provide veterans with life-long, life-changing support, jobs, and training opportunities, regardless of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving.

Brief role description:

The Marketing Manager will lead the delivery of high-impact, multi-channel campaigns that enhance engagement, drive fundraising initiatives, and strengthen support for our mission: to provide life-long, life-changing support, employment and training opportunities to Service leavers, veterans, reservists and their families. 
As we mark our 140th anniversary, this is a pivotal time for the Marketing Manager to lead a team of four marketing specialists to drive impactful campaigns and amplify the Charity’s presence across multiple platforms. You will work closely with programme managers across the business to identify marketing needs and opportunities, while working with the wider MarComms department to develop and deliver marketing campaigns, advise on the most effective delivery channels, and propose ways of enhancing the Forces Employment Charity presence.​

​Interested? Want to know more about the Charity? Please see the Charity website ​

Eager to know more the role? Have a look at the Job Description attached.​

​What’s in it for you? Check out the Benefits sheet attached.​

Have we convinced you to apply? If so, submit your CV and Covering Letter by closing date Wednesday 14 May 2025​

​Please note: Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert; therefore, we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as possible. ​If you are an internal applicant, please ensure you have made The People Team aware before applying.​

We are committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff by fostering an inclusive, supportive environment where everyone, including those with disabilities, can thrive, develop, and achieve their full potential. We actively encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and ensure reasonable adjustments are made to support candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.​

​We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process.

​​

The Health Collective is one of our central campaigns. It has emerged out of the urgent need to close the health gap for women from marginalised communities and is made up of and led by grassroots organisations, representing women’s voices from every marginalised community in our society.

The Health Collective Community Manager will be responsible for managing the development, expansion, and sustainability of the Health Collective.

This role will focus on managing and growing the existing community of members, organising and facilitating regular meetings, content creation for the Health Collective, coordinating the development of a unique identity for the group, and establishing an online community forum.

The role will also involve coordinating training sessions, events, and communication between the Collective and external stakeholders. This is an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of a growing community that empowers women and promotes health equality.

The successful candidate will play a vital role in fostering a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment for women to connect, learn, and share their experiences around health and well-being, as well as influencing national and local policy to reduce health inequalities (for women from marginalised communities).

The ideal candidate will be skilled in community engagement, digital content creation, and communication, with a strong passion for women’s health and empowerment.

Please note, this role is funded through the National Lottery Community Fund.

Main Duties

Community Engagement & Growth

• Actively manage and grow the online and offline community, recruiting new members from all marginalised communities and fostering a sense of trust and connection.
• Design and manage regular communications with members, updating them about upcoming HC events/meetings, news/policy relevant to the inequalities agenda and funding/research opportunities.
• Set up and run a virtual community for members and monitor and moderate community interactions to ensure a positive and respectful environment.
• Develop and implement strategies to attract and retain members, promoting inclusivity and engagement.

Content Creation & Communication

• Create and share high-quality, educational, and influencing content across social media platforms and the website.
• Collaborate with experts, healthcare providers, and advocates to produce webinars, workshops, and other community-centred initiatives.
• Work with a designer and members to create the Health Collective's logo and identity.

Event Coordination

• Plan, organize, and manage virtual and in-person health collective meetings, liaising with members to determine the agenda and experts to find a diverse range of speakers.
• Collaborate with external partners to enhance event quality and reach.

Monitoring, evaluation & reporting

• Record and monitor the Collective’s activities (output) and their effectiveness (impact) through data collection, surveys, interviews and case studies.
• Report on project progress and update the Wellbeing of Women team regularly.
• Report on project progress to National Lottery at least twice a year with information about the Collective’s outputs and impact along with an expenditure budget for the period
• Work with an external consultant to assess the Collective’s impact annually.

Advocacy

• Work with the Head of Comms and Campaigns to build relationships with key stakeholders, influencers, and organisations aligned with the collective’s mission.
• Monitor news and political developments relevant to the Health Collective’s work.

Benefits

Attractive benefits package including employee discount scheme and cycle to work scheme.

Wellbeing of Women is an equal opportunities employer.

The position of CEO is an exciting and challenging role that is primarily external facing in order to promote and further develop the essential support we provide to families in need throughout Camden and Islington.

A key aspect is to continue growing our network of stakeholders, partners, corporate sponsors, commissioners and donors. The CEO will also be expected to lead the drive to secure new income streams, and maintain existing relationships with key funders and stakeholders.

The CEO works with the Board of Trustees to drive the future strategy, ensure fulfilment of the implementation plan and direct a staff team comprising a Head of Delivery, 3 Family Liaison Managers, An Operations Manager, a Community Projects Manager, a Bookkeeper, and a Fundraising Consultant.

There is considerable scope for the post-holder to make a real difference and significantly further raise our profile within the community that we serve, building on our track record of excellence and impact as one of the leading organisations affecting social change in the local area.

Core Responsibilities

· Support the team in identifying funders and income generation opportunities

· Build networks with new and existing funders to engage their support

· Represent and participate at external events and meetings to promote HSC&I

· Actively contribute to expanding the role and influence of Home-Start London consortium in the wider London area

· Be accountable for the management of resources to enable us to actively support a minimum of 90 to 120 families at any one time

· Provide leadership and oversight to colleagues and volunteers to ensure the correct outcomes for families through training, governance and quality assurance

· Performance and line management of Head of Delivery, Funding and Projects Manager and Bookkeeper

· Annual budget setting in conjunction with the Treasurer, and ongoing monitoring and reporting of financial position

· Provide management reports to the Trustee Board on progress against key performance measures

· Ensure that we remain compliant with all legislative and policy changes that impact the charity and our processes

· Understand the impact of legislative, changing political, economic and social climate on our work, and share this knowledge within the team to ensure compliance

Personal Specification / Attributes

The successful candidate will be an experienced Senior Manager/Chief Executive with a demonstrable track record of successfully running an organisation or team leadership. You will possess strong strategic management, governance and people skills in addition to being solution focussed. Excellent stakeholder management skills are essential as is the ability to generate income from a range of sources.

Essential knowledge and skills

· Three years experience as a Senior Manager / Chief Executive

· Ability to prioritise and manage a varied workload, working to tight deadlines

· Demonstrable success in raising significant income from a variety of external sources

· Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills

· Accomplished at providing motivational and influential leadership

· Proven track record of successfully delivering change

· Good understanding of financial accounting and budgeting in the charity sector

· Strategic and innovative thinking

· Understanding, interpreting and presenting Management Information and data

· Previous experience of working with organisations in social services or health, with an understanding of the public sector commissioning process

· Good working knowledge of MS Office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint)

Preferred experience but not essential

· Experience of working in the voluntary sector

· A background in health and wellbeing

· Safeguarding children and working with families

· Understanding and interest in perinatal mental health, isolation, early years’ development and recovery through crisis.

· Using Charitylog or other CRM platforms

· Presentations and public speaking

Affiliation

Home-Start Camden & Islington is affiliated to the national organisation Home-Start UK, but we are autonomous and responsible for own management and securing our own funding. Home-Start UK provides support and advice to over 300 Home-Start schemes around the UK, and manages a stringent Quality Assurance Review process to ensure schemes operate effectively.

Notes

· The CEO will benefit from supported career progression, including mentorship if appropriate.

· Home-Start Camden & Islington offers a staff pension contribution.

· The post holder would be expected to attend evening and weekend meetings whenever necessary, and agreed Time of in Lieu (TOIL) is available for this work.

· Applications from people who reflect the community we support are most welcome

· The post holder will need to complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS)

Turn2us is a national charity tackling financial insecurity and its structural causes. We work with co-producers and partners to provide people in financial crisis with the means and agency to get back on their feet, build resilience, move forward with their lives and thrive.

Turn2us and its partners have secured £1.5 million from The National Lottery Community Fund to deliver an ambitious and innovative new programme that will support charities in England and Scotland to empower diverse and marginalised communities to respond to climate change and to get their voices heard in environmental policy and media debates.It will focus on Disabled people, those facing financial insecurity and people from ethnic minority communities. These voices are often the least heard from in national and local debates on our environment. This new work aims to change that.

As part of this programme, The National Lottery Community Fund have funded the creation of an Engagement Manager post at Turn2us to work with those facing financial insecurity. The Engagement Manager employed by Turn2us will deliver activity with smaller charities and grassroots organisations supporting those facing financial insecurity that:

• Increases awareness of the impact of environmental change and related policy on different communities 
• Listens to people in these communities to find out what actions they want charities and local government to take
• Develops shared local environmental policy priorities and empowers these organisations to advocate directly to local and national policy makers
• Identifies actions that these organisations can take to support communities to respond to climate change, and helps organisations to implement them
• Identifies people with lived experience to receive hands on training in order to act as diverse champions to media and policy makers

They will work closely with Community Engagement Managers employed by Disability Rights UK, and Race Equality Foundation, focussed on reaching organisations supporting Disabled people and people from ethnic minority communities. 

We offer flexible working patterns, both in terms of hours and remote working. Please note that all employees are required to work from the office a minimum of 4 days a month on a weekly basis.

Some roles may be required to be in the office more often than others and this will be agreed with the hiring manager upon starting at Turn2us.

Please note that all job offers are subject to 2 – 3 satisfactory references and a disclosure satisfactory to Turn2us from the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS).

As an equal opportunities employer, we are committed to equity, inclusion and diversity and the value people from different backgrounds bring to a team. If, like us, you believe everyone has the right to have enough to live on, and you are ambitious about eradicating financial insecurity, join us and build your career with a charity dedicated to ensuring dignity and equity for all.

Closing date: 06/05/2025, 23:59

Interview date: w/c 19/05/25

At Fuel Bank Foundation, we are united by a shared mission purpose: ensuring that no one must choose between heating and eating. Creating a United Kingdom free from fuel crisis. We exist to make it possible for everyone in the UK who prepays for energy to have sustainable access to the heat, light, and power they need to live a happy, healthy, and productive life. Every day, our work helps people facing fuel crisis, providing emergency financial support, practical and actionable advice, and long-term advocacy to create real, lasting change.

As part of the Fuel Bank team, you play a vital role in making this happen. We are committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered. Whether you're working directly with those in need, behind the scenes supporting operations, or helping shape policy, your contributions make a real difference to the lives of the people we support.

Are you a natural team leader or strive to be one, do you have excellent communication skills? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, ever evolving environment, that manages customer queries and applications processing? Are you flexible, empathetic, and dedicated to delivering outstanding customer service? If so, this role is perfect for you.

As the Triage Team Leader, you will be responsible for managing the team’s daily operations and ensuring performance targets are met, in line with our mission to help and support our clients out of crisis. Your role will include leading and supporting triage advisers, conducting regular one-to-one meetings, overseeing resource allocation, and delivering quality assurance and coaching."

Key Responsibilities:

• Leading with Purpose: Support and guide our triage advisers, helping them meet their goals and deliver high-quality support. Hold regular one-to-ones to offer encouragement, feedback, and development.
• Using Resources Wisely: Ensure the team is well-organised and resourced so we can offer the best possible service to those who need us, when they need us.
• Championing Quality: Carry out regular quality checks and offer tailored coaching to help the team grow their skills and confidence, making sure every interaction counts.
• Keeping Track: Monitor and report on how the service is performing against both internal and external targets. Quickly raise any challenges or concerns with the Head of Customer Service and Advice to keep things running smoothly.
• Always Improving: Look for ways to strengthen our service and improve outcomes for people in fuel crisis, making sure we’re always learning and evolving.
• Stepping In When Needed: During busy times, lend a hand by speaking directly with customers facing fuel emergencies—carrying out needs assessments and ensuring they receive same-day support.

 Experience and Skills:

• Previous Advice Role: Experience in an advice role with an understanding of how to develop the support we offer.
• Team Leader/Senior Experience: Previous experience as a Team Leader or in a senior role is desirable but we are open to developing the right person.
• Phone-Based Experience: Preferably in a triage/advice role, but general customer service experience is also suitable.
• Empathy and Support: Demonstrated empathy with a strong desire to help and support customers.
• Attention to Detail: Strong administrative and reporting skills with a keen attention to detail.
• Continuous Improvement: A mindset focused on continuous improvement and service enhancement.
• Computer Literacy: Proficient in using computer systems and software.

What You’ll Receive in Return:

• Team Support: Join a supportive and collaborative team committed to your success.
• Enhanced Annual Leave: 27.5 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell additional days.
• Flexible Working: Enjoy a flexible schedule that supports a healthy work-life balance.
• Comprehensive Benefits:
  • Enhanced pension contributions.
  • Private healthcare and access to an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Training and Development: Benefit from a comprehensive onboarding programme and ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Equal Opportunities Employer: We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

The Governance and Risk Officer (GRO) will provide support to the Head of Governance & Risk by providing administrative and organisational support in all areas of governance and risk by implementing and maintaining risk assurance activities, including the corporate risk registers, policy management, contract review and internal audit delivery.

The GRO will aid in the creation of an assurance function to manage governance, risk and adherence to policies and procedures, and will also support with the administration of the charity’s committees, both at executive and trustee level.

• Involved in ensuring the charity is keeping to the highest standards of corporate governance, and identifying, implementing and tracking changes to procedures to help drive improvements.
• Working with colleagues across all levels and areas of the organisation to promote awareness of good governance and assurance practices.
• Providing administrative support to the Head of Governance & Risk and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders both internal and external.
• Responsible for creating and maintaining various risk assurance logs and registers and engaging with key stakeholders to drive improvements against those logs.
• Undertaking various administrative tasks and assisting the Head of Governance & Risk to maintain a robust forward plan for the risk and assurance function and various trustee sub-committees.

We are looking for.

• You’ll demonstrate strong administration skills, self-motivated and exceptional attention to detail.

• You’ll have outstanding communication (clear and concise in both written and spoken communication) and interpersonal skills to engage with colleagues at all levels.
• You’re enthusiastic about personal learning and growth – willing to undertake training and an ability to learn quickly.
• You’ll demonstrate excellent administration, planning and organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workloads and meet deadlines.
• You’ll be computer literate and competent in MS Office applications, particularly Excel.
• You’ll have ability to review, analyse and interpret data and act upon the findings.

Why the DofE Award?

• The opportunity to work for a successful and dynamic charity that has the development of young people at its heart.
• Access to a generous benefit, including volunteering leave, generous pension scheme and a healthcare cash plan and employee assistance programme.
• The opportunity to collaborate and engage on national projects with colleagues across the whole charity.
• The ability to work flexibly to meet yours and our business needs.

How to apply

If you are excited about the prospect of working for the DofE and believe you have the desired skills and experience to make a real success of this role, then we are keen to hear from you.

 If you would like to access the application form in a different format or if would like any assistance that might help improve your experience while completing the application, please contact us.

Applications will close on Monday 5th May – Midnight

1st Interviews will take place: WC 12th May (to be held virtually via Teams)

2nd Interview will take place: WC 19th May (to be held virtually via Teams)

​The DofE are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people.   All successful applicants will be required to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service check. (e.g. DBS/PVG or similar), including references covering any gaps of employment/education, confirm eligibility to work in the UK and complete a health check.

**The geographical allowance is based on a member of staff having a home or office-based postcode within 30 miles (as the crow flies) from Charing Cross, WC2N 5HS. The allowance is 7% capped at £4,000 per annum.

The Volunteer Engagement Manager will manage a range of volunteers and support groups, and support staff across the charity to ensure volunteers are recruited, trained and managed effectively

About us:

Muscular Dystrophy UK is the charity bringing individuals, families and professionals together to fight muscle-wasting conditions. We bring together more than 60 rare and very rare progressive muscle-weakening and wasting conditions, affecting around 110,000 children and adults in the UK. 

We share expert advice and support to live well now; fund groundbreaking research to understand the different conditions better and lead us to new treatments; work with the NHS towards universal access to specialist health; and together, campaign for people’s rights, better understanding, accessibility, and access to treatments.

Benefits:

We appreciate the range of skills and experience our staff have to offer. In return for your enthusiasm and commitment we commit to actively developing and supporting you. We also offer a range of benefits including pension, life assurance, cycle scheme, health cash plan, financial wellbeing and an employee assistance programme.

Please download the job description to see full role responsibilities.

Location: We operate a hybrid model (home and office, London SE1). 

Closing date: 15 May 2025

The Amateur FA have a vacancy for a Designated Safeguarding Officer 

You could you be part of the team responsible for ensuring that Safeguarding Standards are upheld within grassroots football across Amateur FA football, whilst helping to promote and shape safeguarding best practice throughout the game

This fantastic opportunity offers the right candidate the chance to join our team and supporting the development of Clubs, Leagues and Match Officials across the game.

Our offices are based in London, near Old Street and Islington. We offer hybrid working in a friendly team.

Position: Designated Safeguarding Officer
Contract Type: Permanent 
Hours: 14 hours per week
Salary: circa £13,400pa (Full Time Equivalent ~ £33,500)
Based: Amateur FA, nr Old Street, London (with Hybrid working available)

This position reports to the Head of Operations and will function to drive Safeguarding365 Standards across football the Amateur FA. You will work with the volunteer workforce to deliver best practice, in conjunction with The Football Association.

The successful candidate will help local volunteers across the game to administer, play, coach and officiate in a safe environment. Supporting the network of volunteers and professionals who keep the game safe and enjoyable for all is at the heart of how we operate.

It is of high importance the successful candidate communicates clearly, provide excellent customer service and ensures safeguarding is of paramount consideration whilst undertaking all aspects of their role.

Benefits Include:

• Build a career in football with the local governing body of the grassroots game here in Amateur football
• Access to high-quality training, networking and personal development opportunities
• Opportunities to progress your career across the County FA Network and at The FA
• Employee Assistance Programme offering support across a wide range of areas
• Nike staff uniform provided and the opportunity to buy Nike products at a discount
• Company laptop and mobile phone, access to tickets for events at Wembley Stadium, access to BHN extras discounts programme including cyclescheme
• Flexible and remote working as appropriate, starting with 10 days holiday (pro rata from 25 days plus bank holidays)

How to Apply

Please download the job description above for further details of the role. Once you are familiar with our requirements, please submit your application, covering letter and CV through the link below.

Applications close at the end of Monday 5th May 2025.

Interviews will commence thereafter and will take place at The Amateur FA Office, Unit 3, 7 Wenlock Road, London N1 7SL . 

ARMA (UK) is the professional association for research management in the UK. We represent research leaders, managers and administrators, offering professional development and opportunities to build networks, knowledge and skills.

We are looking for a Conference and Major Events Manager to lead on the delivery of our successful annual conference and other major events.

The role includes, but is not limited to, project management, budgeting and financial management, marketing and promotion, sponsorship and exhibition sales/ coordination, venue selection and contracting, supplier management, speaker liaison, abstract management and delegate administration.

This role will work closely with our Head of Membership Engagement, the chair of Conference and Conference Working Group to deliver an excellent programme and outstanding delegate experience. The role holder is also responsible for managing the relationship with our appointed Professional Conference Organiser (PCO).

For full details about this role, our work and the skills required please refer to our role profile.

Position: Director of External Affairs
Type: Full-time (35 hours a week), permanent
Location: Office-based in London with flexibility to work remotely
Salary: £73,653 per annum plus excellent benefits
Salary Band: Band 5

About us

We make sure people living with MS are at the centre of everything we do. And it’s this commitment that unites us across the UK.

Our strategy is based on what people affected by MS have told us is important to them. It gives us a clear and determined focus.

Our work is based on the hopes and aspirations of our MS community. Together we campaign at all levels, fund ground-breaking research and provide award winning support and information. 

Our people are our greatest asset and the key to our success. We offer a vibrant, progressive working environment where you'll be able to make a difference.

About this job

It is a very exciting time to join the MS Society as Director of External Affairs a brand-new role in the organisation. We are implementing an ambitious cross-organisational transformation programme. And we have just started a new 2025-29 strategy.

We’re looking for an experienced and focused leader who has the ability to drive forward our brilliant Policy & Evidence, Campaign & Public Affairs and PR teams. We’re looking for someone who can work collaboratively across the organisation to ensure our work has a positive impact for the MS community.

With the ability to provide strategic and thought leadership, you’ll act as the leading authority on matters relating to external affairs, providing advice across the organisation including to the Executive Group and Trustees.

You’ll have significant experience of developing and implementing relevant external affairs strategies and of successfully leading policy, communications or campaigning functions in an organisation of comparable size and complexity. You’ll also need to be influential both internally and externally, including representing the MS Society at a range of external meetings with a variety of audiences.

As well as leading on planning and budget setting for the external affairs functions, as a member of the leadership team, you will also contribute to the strategic leadership, planning and policy formulation of the MS Society as a whole.

We’re looking for someone who is committed to collaborative working, who is excellent at building relationships and trust with colleagues at all levels, and whose focus is on supporting high performing teams and enabling them to do their best for the MS community.

Closing date for applications: 9:00 am Monday 12 May 2025

Anticipated interview date:

First interviews: Friday 23 May 2025

Second interviews: Wednesday 28 May 2025 or Thursday 29 May 2025

Interested?

PLEASE PRESS THE 'HOW TO APPLY' BUTTON FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Equal Opportunities 
We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and or from ethnic minority backgrounds.

We’d be grateful if you downloaded and completed the equality and diversity monitoring form and submit it with your application. 

Disability Confident Employer 
We’re a Disability Confident Employer and we’re committed to promoting equality and diversity.

You can ask for reasonable adjustments as part of both our recruitment and new starter on-boarding processes.

If you need any help or adjustments to apply for this role, please contact us. You can also ask for the application materials to be sent to you in a different format. Such as for them to be sent to you by email or in a larger word format.

More about our employee benefits:
We have a wide range of employee benefits including (but not limited to): 

Encouraging work life balance

• 38 days paid annual leave (including bank holidays), pro-rata for part-time
• More annual leave entitlement, based on length of employment
• Smart working options (with the opportunity to work remotely and find a smart working pattern that suits both you and us) 
• Flexible working options 

Caring for you and your family 

• Generous sick pay entitlement
• More sick pay entitlement, based on length of employment 
• Opportunity to buy and sell annual leave in each calendar year 
• Free access to a GP virtually 24 hours a day/7 days a week allowing you unlimited advice, reassurance and where appropriate diagnosis 
• Enhanced leave for new parents 
• Free access to a confidential 24 hours a day/7 days a week helpline service for both you and your family with a specialist range of support and information
• Special leave options (such as up to 5 days paid leave for domestic or personal emergencies a year)
• 10 days paid disability leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• 10 days paid carers’ leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• Cycle to work scheme 
• Death in service scheme
• New family-friendly benefits, including paid leave:
  • In the event of miscarriage or still birth 
  • To support fertility treatments
  • For antenatal appointments for both parents

Thinking about your finances 

• Enhanced salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Discounted season ticket loan and interest-free emergency loans
• Give as you earn to support other charities of your choice before tax
• New employee portal including lifestyle savings vouchers and personal wellbeing

Enriching your life at work

• Personalised development plans with a wide range of training courses and opportunities to source additional training options with your line manager
• Yearly internal apprenticeship opportunities
• New, modern offices that embrace working together both in-person and remotely 
• Various opportunities to influence how we internally operate (including surveys, and focus and committee groups) 
• Active and supportive internal employee networking groups for collaboration and peer support 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering for MS Society activities during normal working hours (such as fundraising events, or campaigning in the local community) 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering with other charities during normal

Safeguarding 
We’re committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone who uses our services and we come into contact with.

This is regardless of Gender, Race, Disability, Sexual orientation, Religion or belief, Pregnancy, Gender reassignment.

We recognise our particular responsibility to make sure vulnerable adults and children are protected.

We have measures in place to protect everyone we come into contact with from abuse and maltreatment of all kinds.

Your right to work in the UK 
You must have the right to work in the UK to work in paid employment with us. You’ll need to share documents showing you’re eligible to work in the UK if we offer you employment.

You can find the UK visas and permits granting you the right to work in the UK on the UK Government website. We currently don’t have a Sponsor Licence agreement with the Home Office and aren’t able to support you with your visa applications.

No agencies please.

The Association of Charitable Foundations (ACF) is the leading membership association for foundations and independent grant-makers in the UK. 

Driven by a belief that foundations are a vital source for social good, our purpose is to strengthen trusts and foundations so they can rise to the challenges of our times. We do this through the provision of policy and advocacy, research and information, and a wide-ranging programme of events and learning.

ACF are recruiting for a Finance and Operations Officer to work within our Operations team. You will support the Head of Finance with a range of financial administration including processing and paying invoices, reconciling bank statements, updating our accounting and CRM systems, responding to member queries in relation to payments and invoices, processing expenses and supporting the cash flow forecasting process.   

You will also provide other operations support relating to office management and will support the HR Manager by maintaining annual leave and sickness records, providing administration support for staff onboarding and leaver processes, and updating key documents such as organisational charts and welcome handbooks. 

We are looking for someone process-oriented with excellent attention to detail and administrative skills, with experience of financial administration, proficiency in Excel, and the ability to ensure accurate data entry and reporting. 

As an employer we offer a great range of benefits including generous leave entitlements, flexible working arrangements, an employee assistance programme, free flu vaccine vouchers, season ticket loans and a 10% employer pension contribution. 

JOB DESCRIPTION

 JOB PURPOSE

To provide the administration of ACF’s finance processes. 

To support with other Operations functions including IT, HR, and office management. 

KEY RESULT AREAS/PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Finance 

Prepare invoice authorisation and payment process, ensuring invoices and expenses are recorded and approved appropriately, and payments made to suppliers in a timely manner. 

Reconcile bank statements, accounting software, and CRM, to ensure accurate income and expenditure records. 

Administer the corporate credit card scheme to ensure statements and transactions are approved, reconciled and accurate. 

Issue and update membership invoices using CRM. 

Manage outstanding debtor balances to ensure timely receipt of cash for ACF’s income. 

Respond to member and supplier queries regarding invoices and payments. 

Support cashflow management by maintaining a cashflow forecast. 

HR 

Maintain annual leave and sick leave records. 

Support HR manager with onboarding new staff: issuing offer letters, contracts, new starter forms, sending reference requests and arranging IT set up. 

Support HR manager with processing staff leavers: managing leaver checklists, issuing leaver letters, requesting the closure of IT accounts. 

Update ACFs organisational chart and welcome handbook as required. 

Ad hoc HR administration support around peak periods e.g. end of year reviews 

Other 

Support other Operations and Office Management functions as needed, including IT and office equipment, ensuring adequate levels of kitchen and office supplies, managing incoming post, and liaising with suppliers. 

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential:

Demonstrable experience of financial administration

Demonstrable experience of using databases and spreadsheets ensuring accurate data entry and quality 

Strong working knowledge of MS Office, particularly MS Excel and ability to report and present data clearly 

Strong IT/systems skills, particularly including Excel and databases

Numerate 

Developed administrative and time management skills 

Excellent attention to detail 

Process-oriented 

Rational, logical thinking 

Organised 

Pro-active 

Flexible 

Discretion in dealing with confidential information 

Desirable

Finance qualification or study 

Experience of using Sage 50 Accounts 

Experience of CRM systems 

Understanding of basic accounting

Understanding of VAT 

Developed analytical ability 

Interviews to be held w/c 12 May, in-person