Head of policy poverty jobs

"Lead finance. Shape strategy. Change lives."

Aspire Oxfordshire is an ambitious charity working to tackle inequality and create lasting opportunities for people and communities facing disadvantage. Every year, we support people experiencing homelessness, poverty, poor mental health, digital exclusion, unemployment and other barriers to reaching their potential.

Through supported housing, homelessness prevention, education, training and employment programmes and digital inclusion projects, we help people take positive steps towards greater independence, wellbeing and opportunity.

We are now seeking a values-led and commercially minded Head of Finance and Resources to join our Leadership Team and play a key role in shaping Aspire's future.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced finance professional who wants to combine strategic leadership with hands-on operational delivery in an organisation that makes a tangible difference every day.

As Head of Finance and Resources, you will lead Aspire's finance and resource functions, ensuring strong financial stewardship, effective governance, organisational resilience and sustainable growth. Working closely with the Chief Executive, Trustees and senior colleagues, you will help shape organisational strategy, support business development and fundraising activity, and ensure the charity remains financially strong and well positioned for the future.

Who We Are Looking For

We are looking for someone who combines strong technical finance expertise with excellent leadership and relationship-building skills. You will be equally comfortable presenting financial information to Trustees, supporting managers to improve financial performance, and helping to identify opportunities that strengthen our impact and sustainability.

You will bring:

• A recognised accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) and/or significant senior financial management experience.

• Experience of leading finance and operational functions within a charity, public sector, social enterprise or similarly complex organisation.

• Strong strategic financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and reporting skills.

• Experience of producing meaningful management information and using data to support organisational decision-making.

• Advanced Power BI and financial reporting skills, with the ability to develop insightful dashboards and reporting solutions.

• Knowledge of grant funding, commissioned services and restricted fund management.

• Experience of developing and improving systems, processes and organisational effectiveness.

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, support and develop others.

• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with Trustees, funders, partners and colleagues.

• A practical, solutions-focused approach and willingness to work collaboratively across the organisation.

• A commitment to Aspire's values and a genuine passion for creating opportunities for people facing disadvantage.

Why Join Aspire?

This is an opportunity to join an ambitious organisation at an exciting point in its development. You will play a key role in helping Aspire deliver its Strategy 2025–2030, supporting innovative services that help people secure safe housing, improve their wellbeing, gain qualifications, access employment and build brighter futures.

In return we offer:

• Salary: £50,000 – £55,000 per annum

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

• Pension contribution

• Cycle to Work scheme

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Hybrid working arrangements

• The opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of people across Oxfordshire

Aspire Oxfordshire celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented in the charity sector.

Jimmy’s Cambridge are seeking a Director of Performance.  This is a completely new post, designed to radically transform assurance and accountability ahead of licencing and regulatory compliance within our sector.  We have always prided ourselves on being ahead of the curve within the sector, whether that’s through innovation, widening our offer, or resourcing our professions, and now again, we are getting ahead of the curve to drive up standards and lead from the front. 

The Director of Performance will hold the organisation and its staff to account for providing exceptional service and gold standard accommodation to our residents.  The post holder will line manage the Head of services, Head of Finance and People, Head of Fundraising, Communications and Communities and the Project Officer, holding them to account for delivery of business and service plans, effective and efficient running of portfolios and functions, high levels of Return on Investment (ROI), stakeholder satisfaction, regulatory compliance and commissioner and contract delivery.  The post holder will utilise data, evidence and insights to assess performance and assure the CEO and Board that Jimmy’s Cambridge is run effectively and efficiently for the benefit of our residents. 

You will come from a very strong performance background, most likely with a highly detailed understanding of regulatory compliance within any regulated / licenced sector.  You will be unafraid to ask difficult questions, scrutinise business and operational planning, put into practice swift and effective performance improvement initiatives, and assure a Board of your services / portfolios efficiency, effectiveness and grip within complex operating environments.  Unafraid of robust conversations and relationships, you will not shy away from what needs to be done to ensure the very highest standards for our residents.  You will not necessarily come from a homelessness or housing background, but you will possess a strong poverty reduction, inclusion and social justice ethos.  Empathetic with a titanium core! 

Closing Date: 12 noon Friday 10th July 2026.

Interviews will be held in Cambridge on Friday 17th July 2026 with Natasha Davies CEO and Ian Cardwell Trustee

Please get in touch if you would like to arrange an informal Conversation with Natasha Davies CEO. Please be aware Natasha is unavailable 6-10 July. 

How to Apply

To apply, please send us your CV (maximum 3 pages) plus a short statement (maximum 2 pages) explaining why you are interested in the role with detailed reference to the person specification.

No agencies will be considered. 

Independent Age is the national charity focused on improving the lives of people facing financial hardship in later life. We believe no one should face financial hardship in later life.

Our Helpline and expert advisers offer free, practical support to older people without enough money to live on. Through our grants programme, we support hundreds of local organisations working with older people across the UK. 

We use the knowledge and insight gained from our support services and partnerships to highlight the issues experienced by older people in poverty and campaign for change.

We would love to find individuals from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds to join us on this journey.

Responsibilities and Person Specification:

This is a critical and influential role at Independent Age, reporting to the Head of Governance. The post holder will provide high-quality support across a broad and impactful portfolio, including risk management, procurement and contracts, governance, safeguarding and business continuity, helping to build a culture where accountability, learning and continuous improvement drive meaningful change. 

Working closely with senior leaders and the Board, you will play an important role in enabling effective and confident decision-making across every level of the charity. This is an opportunity to contribute across a wide range of areas and to see the direct impact of your work on how the organisation functions and delivers its mission. 

We are looking for someone with a genuine passion for risk management, alongside a strong understanding of not-for-profit governance best practice. You will also bring experience in at least one of the following areas: procurement, contracts management, third party contract risk, business continuity planning, policy management or safeguarding.

You will be an excellent communicator, confident working with senior stakeholders, with strong attention to detail and a proactive, can-do approach. Above all, you will take pride in getting things done efficiently and to a high standard and be motivated by the opportunity to work for a values-led organisation making a meaningful difference to older people.

This is a full-time role, 35 hours per week, which you can choose to work over five days or a 9-day fortnight. 

If your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all of the above criteria but you do meet most of them and are excited about the role, we encourage you to apply anyway.

What it’s like to work at Independent Age:

We celebrate diversity at Independent Age and champion the differences that make each of us unique. We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. We aim to attract and retain a wide range of talent and create an environment where everyone can feel safe, protected, welcome and included. In line with this, our office has many inclusive features, and there is no dress code. 

We offer great benefits including 28 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme with life assurance, and fantastic learning and development opportunities. We also offer a number of enhanced leave provisions and benefits.

We know that a good work life balance helps us perform at our best and supports wellbeing. Flexible working hours and hybrid working is standard for all, but if you need a different form of flexibility, we are always happy to talk flexible working. Those contracted to work in the office are required to attend the office a minimum of 4 days per month. This role supports Board and committee meetings which may be held online or in the office, meaning availability to support with this is required. 

You can find out more about what it’s like to work at Independent Age on the Careers page on our website.

Application Process:

To apply, please visit our website to submit a CV and a Supporting Statement, detailing how your skills and experience meet the criteria within the Job Description and Person Specification (please do not hesitate to contact us if you have specific requirements and need support to apply in an alternative format).

To support our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion our hiring managers use anonymous shortlisting. Therefore, please do not include your name, photo, or information to indicate your gender or age in your CV and supporting statement. Please do not omit dates of employment. Please ensure the title of any uploads does not contain your name. 

Independent Age is committed to safeguarding and follows Safer Recruitment practices to ensure we are safeguarding those we work with. We therefore ask that you supply your full work history with explanations for any gaps in the application documents you submit and, if offered the post, we will require two employment references including your current or most recent employer. A Basic DBS check will be carried out for the successful candidate.

Closing Date: Tuesday 14 July, 23:59

1st Interview Dates: Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 July, online via Microsoft Teams 

2nd Interview Dates: Wednesday 29 July, in person at our London Office (Avonmore Road)

Communications Officer - Six Month Contract

Please note that due to the required immediate start, we may close this role early and therefore recommend that interested candidates apply as soon as possible

About Us 

The Early Education and Childcare Coalition unites the voices of parents, children, providers, early years professionals and the wider business community, working together for investment and reform of early education and childcare in England. 

We believe that we all benefit from a well-functioning early education system and we all have a role to play in ensuring it works for children, parents and the economy. 

We are backed by some of the most high-profile campaign and research organisations in the UK. Our members include early years provider membership bodies, parent campaign groups, early childhood experts, trade unions, the business lobby, anti-poverty campaigners and NGOs. Together, we use our collective voice and research to build public and political support for early education and childcare. And it’s worked. Thanks to the dedication of our members, early years is one of the top priorities for the government’s Plan for Change. 

But our work isn’t done – we have an ambitious agenda to ‘rescue and reform’ the system, ensuring that: 

• Every child can access high-quality education and care that their parents can afford and that will support them to thrive 

• Every provider is funded fairly for the places they offer 

• Every early years professional is rewarded and recognised for the skilled work they do 

This is an exciting time to join the Coalition. We have experienced significant growth in recent years and with early years firmly on the policy agenda, we expect this to continue.

We are now looking for a Communications Officer to help us tell compelling stories, engage key audiences and ensure our communications activity is delivered to a consistently high standard. 

About the Role 

Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week. We may consider 4 days per week with Tuesday or Wednesday as a non-working day. 

Duration: Six month contract, renewed subject to funding. 

Location: Home-working within the UK, with occasional travel for team meetings, events and member engagement. 

Annual Full-time Salary: £33,500 per annum, pro-rated for a 6 month contract.

Start date: Immediate start

 
 
 
As Communications Officer, you will play a central role in delivering the Coalition's day-to-day communications activity. Working with the Head of Campaigns and Communications you will help ensure that our research, campaigns and policy work reach the audiences that matter, from journalists and policymakers to providers, parents and coalition members. 

This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys creating engaging content, spotting opportunities, managing multiple priorities and working as part of a small, ambitious team. 

You will support our social media presence, coordinate newsletters and member communications, monitor media coverage and enquiries, and help ensure that the Coalition's voice is consistent, timely and impactful. 

 
About You 

You are an excellent communicator with strong writing skills and an eye for detail. You enjoy creating engaging content, can manage competing priorities and are excited by the opportunity to help shape public debate on issues affecting children, families and the early years workforce. 

You are proactive, organised and comfortable working independently within a remote team. You are equally happy drafting newsletter copy, responding to urgent journalist enquiries or creating graphics for social media. 

What You Can Expect To Be Doing 

Deliver the Coalition's social media activity 

• Monitor the Coalition's social media channels on a day-to-day basis.

• Create engaging content across platforms, including graphics, video and written posts.

• Maintain content calendars and schedule content.

• Monitor sector conversations, emerging issues and engagement opportunities.

• Support the delivery of campaign moments, events and report launches.

• Track performance and provide regular reports.

Support media and press activity 

• Monitor media coverage relating to early education, childcare and the workforce.

• Manage incoming media enquiries and work with the Head of Communications and Campaigns to deliver timely responses.

• Maintain media monitoring systems and coverage reports.

• Support relationships with journalists and media stakeholders.

Produce high-quality content 

• Draft and distribute newsletters for members, supporters and stakeholders.

• Write website content, blogs and other communications materials.

• Support the development of campaign messaging and communications assets.

• Ensure content is accessible, accurate and aligned with the Coalition's tone of voice.

Support member and stakeholder engagement 

• Support the promotion of publications and campaigns 

• Assist with the delivery of Coalition events 

• Assist with maintaining contact databases

• Respond to general communications enquiries

Contribute to a small and ambitious team 

• Support colleagues with communications advice and delivery.

• Contribute to planning, team meetings and organisational development.

• Undertake other duties consistent with the role as required.

Person Specification 

Essential 

• Experience working in a communications, media, marketing or public affairs role 

• Excellent written communication skills and the ability to write for different audiences and channels 

• Experience working with social media accounts in a professional setting and creating engaging digital content 

• Experience supporting media relations or press office activity 

• Experience using Canva, Adobe Creative Suite or similar design software 

• Experience drafting newsletters and using email marketing platforms 

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities 

• Excellent attention to detail 

• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a small team 

• Commitment to the Coalition's mission and values 

Desirable 

• Experience working in a charity, campaigning, membership or policy environment 

• Understanding of early education and childcare policy in England and the challenges currently facing the system 

• Experience using website content management systems (Squarespace preferred)

• Experience using CRM systems to maintain records

• Experience of event planning and promotion

• Proven ability to work flexibly as part of a small, remote team

The Application Process 

Please apply with: 

• A CV (maximum two pages).

• A cover letter (maximum two pages) explaining your interest in the role and how your experience meets the person specification. We recognise that the use of AI technologies can be useful in reducing the work that goes into job-hunting, however, we kindly request that you use your cover letter to evidence that you have understood the requirements of the role and provide examples of how you can meet the criteria. 

The EECC is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse team that reflects the communities we seek to serve. 

Recruitment Timeline 

As this role is for an immediate start, we will be conducting interviews on a rolling basis until the post is filled.

About the role:

No one should be locked out of psychological support because their life is complex, their trust has been broken, or services have struggled to reach them. In this role, you will help bring mental health support closer to people experiencing rough sleeping in Camden, working within SHP’s Rough Sleeping Outreach & Hub Service to support people whose needs may have been missed, misunderstood or left unmet for too long.

As Assistant Psychologist, you will work alongside the resident Clinical Psychologist to support psychologically informed, trauma-informed and compassionate practice across the service. You will help strengthen how we understand people’s experiences, respond to distress, reduce harm and create safer routes into support, stability and recovery.

This is a role rooted in both direct client impact and wider service development. You will contribute to assessments, one-to-one support, group work, reflective practice, case discussions and partnership working, helping staff and clients feel better supported when the work is complex and progress is not always straightforward.

You will be part of Single Homeless Project's (SHP’s) wider Psychological Services offer, with clinical supervision, learning and development, and the chance to grow your practice in a service where psychology is brought into the heart of outreach, not held at a distance.

About you:

• You bring a strong understanding of trauma, mental health, multiple disadvantage and the barriers faced by people experiencing rough sleeping.
• You are compassionate, reflective and resilient, with the confidence to build trust with people who may be wary of services or unsure about support.
• You can use psychological thinking in a practical, accessible way, helping clients and colleagues make sense of complex needs, risks and strengths.
• You work well as part of a multidisciplinary team, valuing partnership, curiosity and shared learning.
• You are organised, thoughtful and committed to safe practice, clear recording and using supervision to keep learning and developing.

About us:

We’re London’s leading homelessness charity – and we get things done.

In a city where hundreds are forced into homelessness every day, our work has never been more needed or more challenging. And we’re not shying away. We’re rolling up our sleeves to make change and helping over 10,000 Londoners every year. We prevent homelessness, provide safe places to live and give people the opportunity to rebuild their lives and transform their futures. And we never give up. 

We’re here for Londoners wherever they are on their journey. We start with trust, building relationships that help people feel safe, supported, and ready to move forward. Every day, we put people first in everything we do, challenging injustice and barriers that keep people from the safety, stability and opportunity they deserve. We stand alongside people as they rebuild and shape a future that feels their own. 

Joining Single Homeless Project means joining a team that’s bold, compassionate and determined to do better for the people we support and for each other. You’ll work alongside colleagues with lived experience, in a space that’s trans-inclusive, disability-friendly, and actively striving to be anti-oppressive and equitable. 

We’re not perfect, but we’re real. We listen. We learn. And we push forward, together. Because this isn’t just a job. It’s a chance to lead with empathy, spark change, and help build a London where no one is left behind.

Important info:

Closing date: Tuesday 14th July at midnight

Interview date: Wednesday 22nd July at SHP Head Office in Kings Cross

Please note shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a short psychometric test before being confirmed for interview. 

This post will require an Enhanced DBS check to be processed for the successful applicant. 

Please note applications are reviewed for AI use in application questions. Applications with insufficient/without current right to work or requiring sponsorship will not be accepted for this role. 

Senior Policy Advisor - Regions – Job Description 

Resolve Poverty is recruiting to a new Senior Policy Advisor – Regions role that will oversee the delivery of Resolve Poverty’s policy and systems change activities in several English regions and in Wales. You will also support the Chief Executive and Head of Policy and Research with our strategic approach to regional work, ensuring Resolve Poverty is positioned to influence and shape regional approaches to poverty across England and in the devolved nations.

You will join a high performing team that is increasingly shaping responses to poverty at a local and regional level and informing national policy. Building on our work exploring the role of regional government in tackling poverty and in building active regional anti-poverty networks, you will be excited about contributing to strategic development and managing and delivering policy and systems changes activities.

With a background in policy and systems change work, you will also bring strong organisational and planning skills with an ability to contribute to a long-term vision for this and Resolve Poverty’s wider work.

Particulars: 

• Location: Combination of homebased and working from Resolve Poverty’s offices in central Manchester. You will be expected to work from the office for at least two days per week. There is an expectation of travel across the country that comes with this role.

• Working hours: Full-time (35 hours per week). Part-time hours will be considered.

• Salary: Fulltime equivalent salary range is £41,500 to £47,500 (dependent on experience).

• Contract type: Permanent.

• Paid annual leave entitlement: 25 days excluding bank holidays. 

• Line management responsibilities: Management of Resolve Poverty’s regional systems change and coordination roles and incoming Wales Senior Policy Officer role. Reporting to: Head of Policy and Research.

Job description: 

Regional policy development 

• Supporting the development of Resolve Poverty’s policy and research work in respect of regional government.

• Ensuring Resolve Poverty’s regional policy work aligns with organisational agendas and development goals.

• Delivering policy and research outputs, including regional policy position papers with a view to shaping policy approaches in regions.

• Developing strong networks with policymakers and other stakeholders across various English regions.

Project and line management 

• Day-to-day line management of Resolve Poverty’s regional policy roles.

• Developing and delivering policy and research and other regional projects as required.

• Supporting regionally focused members of the team to deliver systems change and achieve other KPIs. 

• Overseeing KPI reporting relating to policy and research projects and KPIs relating to the work of direct line reports.

An effective team member 

• Contributing as an effective team member, including through attendance at regular team meetings.

• Supporting organisation wide outputs and activities, including Resolve Poverty’s Annual Conference.

Person specification: 

Education & Experience 

• Background: Degree in Public Policy, Economics, Social Sciences, or demonstrable equivalent experience in the social enterprise or non-profit sector. 

• Experience: 3+ years’ experience in a policy, public affairs, or research role, with experience of line management.

• Line management: Experience of line managing policy and/or advocacy/systems change roles.

Knowledge & Expertise 

• Influencing sub-nationally: Experiencing of working at a local, regional or devolved nation level through either policy, research or advocacy activities.

• Sector Knowledge: Deep understanding of poverty and governance arrangements across the UK. This should include knowledge of the role and potential role of regional government in tackling poverty.

• Policy Landscape: Comprehensive knowledge of relevant local, regional and national policy areas. This should include knowledge of the UK social security system and areas of policy that Resolve Poverty currently focusses on.

Skills & Abilities 

• Communication & Influencing: Superb written and verbal communication skills. Confidence in presenting to a wide range of audiences and in engaging with policymakers, and building consensus across competing interests.

• Strategic Thinking: The ability to be ‘on the balcony’ where necessary, seeing the bigger pictures and identifying long-term opportunities, and develop proactive strategies that advance Resolve Poverty’s mission.

• Development: An appetite for engaging in Resolve Poverty’s development activities, working with the income generation team to identify and inform new partnerships and delivery opportunities.

• Project & Team Management: Excellent time management, with experience delivering and overseeing advocacy, policy and research activities. An ability to effectively manage a staff team working across a range of geographies. 

• Partnership Working: An ability to work effectively with partners, including funders and commissioners, providing timely and effective communication and identifying future collaboration opportunities.

Personal Attributes 

• Mission Alignment: A genuine passion for and commitment to Resolve Poverty’s mission and values. 

• Commitment to Inclusion: An embedded understanding of equality, diversity, and the importance of ensuring the voices of underrepresented groups inform policy design 

Clean Slate is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as Head of Programmes on a maternity cover basis.

This is a pivotal role responsible for overseeing the delivery of impactful services across all operational departments, ensuring our programmes continue to improve the financial wellbeing, resilience and life opportunities of people on low incomes.

As Head of Programmes, you will provide leadership to managers across the organisation, maintain strong relationships with funders and commissioners, oversee organisational performance and reporting, support business development and programme growth, and ensure that our services remain safe, compliant, effective and sustainable.

This role will suit an experienced leader who combines strategic thinking with strong operational management skills and who is passionate about creating meaningful change for people facing financial hardship.

About Clean Slate

At Clean Slate, we believe everyone should be able to provide for themselves and their family without paying the extra costs associated with poverty.

Our mission is to create meaningful, measurable change for people on low incomes, helping them become better off financially and more in control of their lives through money guidance, employment support and digital inclusion.

Role Overview

As Head of Programmes, you will oversee the successful delivery, performance and development of Clean Slate's services nationally. Working as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will contribute to organisational strategy, support business growth and ensure programmes achieve both their social impact and financial objectives.

You will provide leadership and support to departmental managers, oversee organisational reporting and performance monitoring, maintain relationships with key funders and stakeholders, and ensure that systems, processes and compliance arrangements support high-quality service delivery.

A key element of the role will be identifying opportunities for growth, supporting funding and commissioning opportunities, and ensuring services continue to evolve to meet the needs of the communities we serve.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Act as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to organisational strategy, planning and decision-making.

• Lead the implementation of organisational objectives across all programme delivery functions.

• Champion continuous improvement, innovation and service excellence.

• Support the development and implementation of policies, procedures and organisational systems.

Programme Oversight & Operational Management

• Oversee the delivery of all services and programmes, ensuring quality, compliance and impact.

• Support managers to achieve contractual targets, performance objectives and growth ambitions.

• Monitor programme performance, budgets and operational risks.

• Ensure sufficient staffing capacity and effective workforce planning across departments.

• Drive consistency, quality assurance and best practice across all service areas.

Leadership & People Management

• Line manage senior managers and support effective leadership throughout the organisation.

• Promote accountability, performance management and staff development.

• Support managers to identify training needs and implement development plans.

• Foster a positive culture that prioritises staff wellbeing, inclusion and professional growth.

Reporting, Data & Systems

• Oversee organisational performance monitoring and impact measurement.

• Lead reporting for commissioners, funders, trustees and senior leadership.

• Ensure the organisation's CRM and reporting systems are effectively managed and utilised to support performance, compliance and decision-making.

• Use data and insight to inform continuous improvement and organisational development.

Business Development & Partnerships

• Support the development of new programmes, services and funding opportunities.

• Work closely with the Managing Director and fundraising teams on commissioning opportunities, funding applications and growth initiatives.

• Maintain and strengthen relationships with funders, commissioners and strategic partners.

• Represent Clean Slate at external meetings, partnership forums and networking events.

• Support the organisation's reputation as a leading voice on financial wellbeing and poverty reduction.

Governance, Compliance & Risk

• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, health and safety, data protection and cyber security requirements.

• Oversee risk management processes and contribute to organisational governance.

• Ensure services operate in line with contractual, regulatory and quality standards.

• Promote a culture of accountability, safeguarding and continuous learning.

About You

We are looking for a strategic and collaborative leader with experience managing complex services, leading managers and driving organisational performance.

You will bring:

• Significant experience leading programmes, services or operational teams.

• Experience managing managers and supporting organisational growth.

• Strong strategic planning and organisational development skills.

• Experience working with funders, commissioners and external stakeholders.

• A track record of delivering impactful services and achieving performance targets.

• Experience overseeing reporting, monitoring, evaluation and quality assurance processes.

• Strong understanding of performance management, compliance and risk management.

• Excellent communication, relationship-building and influencing skills.

• Experience using CRM and reporting systems to support operational delivery and organisational performance.

• A commitment to Clean Slate's mission and values.

Desirable

• Experience within financial inclusion, employability, community development or related sectors.

• Knowledge of commissioning, fundraising or business development.

• Understanding of issues affecting people on low incomes, including financial exclusion and the poverty premium.

Why Join Clean Slate?

This is an opportunity to play a key leadership role within a growing organisation that is changing lives across the UK.

You'll help shape strategy, support talented teams, strengthen partnerships and ensure our programmes continue to deliver meaningful, measurable impact for the people and communities we serve.

Salary:£53,500 - £56,268 per annum

Contract Type:      12-Month Fixed Term Contract

Closing date:  12 July 2026 at 11pm

Interview date: 15 - 17 July 2026

About CARE

CARE International is a global humanitarian organisation leading the fight to end poverty in the world’s most challenging situations. Women and girls are at the centre of our work, because we cannot overcome poverty and inequality until all people have equal rights and opportunities. We know that when a crisis erupts, women are often the first to pick up the pieces, so we work alongside women, so they have the power to make change where it’s needed most. Founded in 1945, CARE currently works in over 100 countries and last year alone reached 53.4 million people through nearly 1,500 projects.

Why work for CARE International UK?

This is an exciting time to join CARE International UK. We are embarking on a new four-year organisational strategy, and our Advocacy and Influencing Team sits at the heart of it - leading efforts to sure up the UK Government's political commitment to women and girls, move power and resources to women-led organisations, and build networked advocacy for the issues we care most about.

This is also a pivotal moment for the wider sector. In a political environment marked by growing scepticism toward international aid, the mainstreaming of anti-gender narratives, and increasingly polarised public discourse, the case for gender equality has never needed making more urgently or more skilfully. At CIUK, you'll be working at the frontline of that challenge, helping to ensure or advocacy on gender equality is not only technically rigorous but politically resonant and accessible to the audiences who are shaping the debate.

About you

You are an experienced, politically astute advocate with a strong track record of influencing policy change on gender equality or international development. You thrive in complex, collaborative environments and know how to translate evidence into compelling political asks.

You will bring:

· Significant advocacy or public affairs experience, with a deep understanding of the UK Government, Parliament, and relevant political institutions

· Demonstrable expertise on gender in emergencies, violence against women and girls, or related areas of international development

· Experience developing and delivering successful policy initiatives that have shifted attitudes, behaviour or legislation

· Strong leadership skills, including experience managing teams across time zones and working in co-management or consortium structures

· Excellent communication skills (written and oral) with the ability to distil complexity for senior political audiences and the confidence to speak to media

· A genuine commitment to feminist principles, equity, diversity and inclusion, and to centring the voices of women's rights organisations in advocacy work

Experience working on violence against women and girls and familiarity with FCDO-funded programmes, are highly desirable.

About the role

This is a rare opportunity to lead advocacy on two of the most important fronts in international development. You will co-lead the External Engagement and Influencing workstream of What Works to Prevent Violence – Impact at Scale (What Works II), a FCDO-funded programme working to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls globally. Alongside this, you will drive CIUK's own influencing work on gender equality, shaping UK Government policy and building CIUK's reputation as a thought leader on gender justice.

You will co-manage a global team of six advocacy and communications professionals for What Works and represent CIUK at senior levels across FCDO and UK Parliament, with sector colleagues, global and domestic women’s rights organisations and influential thought leaders. You will oversee the development of high-impact advocacy products, events and influencing strategies for both briefs.

This role sits in the Programme and Policy team and is line-managed by the Head of Advocacy & Influencing.

Right to Work in the UK

All applicants must have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom at the time of appointment. Proof of right to work will be required as part of the recruitment process. For more information, please visit the UK Government's guidance on right to work.

Where you do not have current right to work in the UK, then this will be discussed with you as part of the recruitment process. Please note that not all roles are eligible for sponsorship and further information (should you require sponsorship to work in the UK) on eligibility can be found here.

Safeguarding 

CARE International UK has a zero-tolerance approach to any abuse to, sexual harassment of or exploitation of, a vulnerable adult or child by any of our staff, representatives or partners. CARE International UK expects all staff to share this commitment through our Safeguarding Policy (link here) and our Code of Conduct (link here). They are responsible for ensuring they understand and work within the remit of these policies throughout their time at CARE International UK.

Safeguarding our beneficiaries is our top priority in everything we do, including recruitment. All offers of employment at CARE International UK are subject to: 

· Satisfactory references. CARE International UK participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (link here).  In line with this Scheme, we will request information from successful applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. 

· Appropriate criminal record checks (including a Bridger check, link here).

By submitting an application, the applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures. 

Equality and Diversity

We are committed to Equality and value Diversity. We are a Disability Confident Employer and particularly welcome applications from disabled people. We guarantee interviews to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role (see person specification). If you require the candidate brief or need to submit your application in an alternative format, because of a disability, please do get in touch by sending an email to the HR Team.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We particularly welcome applications from people of underrepresented backgrounds, including those from Black, Asian and other ethnic minority communities, and individuals who identify as LGBTQ+.

This is a hands-on role that moves between two registers: structured qualitative research with proper analytical underpinning, and fast-turnaround reactive policy work. You will need to be genuinely comfortable in both able to run a multi-month thematic publication and turn around a tight briefing or consultation response within 48-72 hours when a policy window opens.

The role will lead The Difference's qualitative research and insight function, including research workstreams tied to the Difference Schools Partnership's annual thematic priorities, and our Harmful and Abusive Behaviours (HaB) workstream convening a sector council to build a shared framework for how schools understand and respond to peer-on-peer harm. You will produce briefings, evidence submissions and publications, manage external research partners, and work with the CEO, Head of Policy and Communications team to launch research with real impact. The role reports to the Head of Policy and works closely with colleagues across Strategy, Research and Programmes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead The Difference's qualitative research and insight function, running research workstreams tied to annual DSP thematic priorities and emerging strands on MAT inclusion and LA working
• Design and deliver qualitative research with schools, MATs and local authorities interviews, focus groups, school visits and thematic analysis  translating findings into evidence and policy recommendations
• Lead the Harmful and Abusive Behaviours research workstream, convening a sector council, producing briefing material and managing the route from convening to publication
• Produce timely, citable evidence for policy influence  including drafting briefings, consultation responses and evidence submissions on fast turnaround
• Project manage publication cycles from scoping through to launch, working with coalition and media partners to maximise reach and tracking policy traction post-launch
• Brief, manage and integrate the outputs of external research partners where commissioned (e.g. FFT Datalab, Pro Bono Economics)
• Capture and develop case studies from DSP schools and the wider Difference network

About The Difference

• Every day, the equivalent of 5,500 children are suspended from England's schools, doubling their likelihood of being NEET by 24. The Difference is a young education charity founded to change this story through whole school inclusion. We train school leaders, carry out our own research, and turn frontline insights into policy recommendations lobbying Ofsted and the Department for Education to improve funding and support for inclusion. Our vision is to see lost learning falling nationally by 2030.

About You

Essential

• Dual capability across reactive and structured research : comfortable producing tight briefings on a 48–72 hour turnaround and running multi-month qualitative publications
• Experience in education research, policy research or applied social research, with examples of published, commissioned or internally-influential work
• Strong qualitative research skills : interview and focus group design, thematic coding, framework development, synthesis across multiple sources
• Persuasive writing for mixed audiences : able to write clearly and concisely for policymakers, school leaders, the press and the sector, and comfortable ghost-writing for senior colleagues
• Project management discipline : able to run multiple workstreams in parallel, manage your own deadlines, and keep colleagues and external partners on track
• Comfortable working at pace in a fast-moving environment where priorities shift as policy windows open and close : self-directed, flexible and able to make good judgement calls under pressure
• Shared values with The Difference and personal commitment to improving life outcomes for young people

Desired

• Strong working understanding of UK education policy, particularly around inclusion, exclusion, SEND, accountability and school improvement
• Confident data literacy and basic quantitative analysis : comfortable interrogating population-level datasets and translating findings into accessible policy language
• Understanding of why language matters when writing about behaviour, exclusion and vulnerability, and the ability to frame behaviour as a signal of unmet need consistently across all work
• Lived experience or insight into the school experiences of marginalised young people
• Experience of working in or with schools, multi-academy trusts or local authorities
• Existing relationships in education research, policy or sector organisations

Please see the attached Job Description for full role details and person specification.

We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage applications from under-represented groups in the charity sector. As part of our commitment to fairer recruitment, all applications will be assessed with names and protected characteristics redacted.

About Toynbee Hall

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

Directorate background

The Advice Services directorate at Toynbee Hall is central to our commitment to address and alleviate poverty in London and beyond. Specialising in debt, welfare benefits, legal support, and generalist advice, our directorate has proven instrumental in significantly enhancing the financial wellbeing of those we serve. Last year alone, our efforts helped individuals and families to be over £23 million better off, showcasing the direct impact of our work.

Job purpose

The Director of Advice Services provides strategic leadership for Toynbee Hall’s Advice Services Directorate, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, accessible and impactful services that support people experiencing poverty, financial hardship, social exclusion and inequality.

Scope of role

The Interim Director of Advice Services is responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of all Advice Services delivered by Toynbee Hall.

This includes direct delivery services, partnership programmes, grant-funded projects and commissioned contracts delivered across community, healthcare and criminal justice settings.

The postholder will oversee a complex portfolio that includes:

• Debt advice and financial wellbeing services
• Welfare benefits and generalist advice services
• Legal advice services including employment and housing
• Welfare benefits services for customers with cancer
• Ministry of Justice-funded prison-based advice services
• Future commissioned, grant-funded and partnership programmes

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the strategic direction and development of the Advice Services Directorate.
• Contribute to organisational strategy and planning as a member of the Senior Management Team.
• Ensure services align with Toynbee Hall’s mission, strategic objectives and organisational priorities.

Financial Planning and Performance

• Work with Finance colleagues to develop budgets, forecasts and financial plans across the Directorate.
• Ensure services operate within agreed budgets and deliver value for money.
• Monitor financial performance across contracts, grants and programmes, identifying risks and opportunities.

Business Development and Growth

• Lead the development and delivery of the Directorate’s growth strategy.
• Identify new funding, commissioning and partnership opportunities.
• Lead the development of bids, tenders and funding proposals.

Contract and Partnership Management

• Provide strategic oversight of all contracts, grants and service agreements.
• Lead negotiations with commissioners, funders and delivery partners.
• Ensure effective contract management processes are embedded across the Directorate.

Service Portfolio Leadership

• Provide strategic oversight across all advice services including debt, welfare benefits, generalist advice, legal advice, Macmillan services and prison-based advice programmes.
• Ensure services are integrated where appropriate and provide a seamless client journey.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement across all service areas.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

• Experience of leading large-scale advice, support, health, justice or community services and projects.
• Proven experience of business development, income generation and securing funding or contracts
• Experience of leading complex partnerships / multi-agency programmes.
• Experience of negotiating and managing significant contracts, grants and service agreements.
• Strong understanding of service quality, governance, compliance and risk management.
• Experience of budget management, financial planning and working with finance colleagues to support effective financial oversight.
• Ability to build relationships and influence at senior level with funders, commissioners, regulators and strategic partners.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience of working within or alongside the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS)
• Experience leading within a senior Advice Services Directorate
• Experience in developing or delivering advisor training and technical supervision.
• Understanding of criminal justice or mental-health service environments.

Our Benefits

Annual Leave

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

Pension

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

Additional Perks & Support

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

Please refer to the attached job description for more details.