Head of research and project information jobs

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

We are a small, growing charity delivering many school leadership programmes, with a growing research and policy arm. We have had excellent early impact but there is work ahead to capture this, share learning with schools and policy-makers, and campaign to lower exclusions across England.

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

Design and execute an impactful influencing plan 

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

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

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

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

Build policy capacity and credibility across the organisation

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

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

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

Person Specification

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Position: Head of Service Development
Hours: Full-time (35 hours a week)
Contract: Permanent
Location: Office-based in London, with flexibility to work remotely
Salary: £65,118 per annum, plus excellent benefits
Salary Band and Job Family: Band 4

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

This year, we’ve embarked on introducing a bold, exciting new operating model and structure to improve our services and support to help everyone affected by MS.

We’re making it easier for people who use our services to find and connect to the support they need. And we're looking at ways to make our support more accessible and personalised to meet people’s individual needs, no matter where they are on their MS journey.

We’re creating services that are flexible so that, when someone's circumstance changes, we’ll change too. As demand for our services grows, we’ll always be ready to support everyone who needs our help. 

Our new structure and our new ways of working will bring all of these services together under one delivery model launching next year. We're creating a new virtual support hub to bring together everything our community needs to manage their MS or support and care for someone living with MS.

Our Services Development team are responsible for: UK-wide service development and experience design, community development

Our Head of Services Development will be:

• leading the development and continuous improvement of our UK-wide and community-based services, ensuring they are inclusive, accessible, and aligned with organisational strategy.  And also working alongside our Digital Services Product Manager on all of our digital services.
• overseeing the full-service development lifecycle, using evidence to drive continuous improvement and ensuring that lived experience is embedded into design.
• ensuring that our new or improved services are operationally viable. Supporting our Fundraising to ensure that new services are funded.
• Developing and managing our service development roadmap.  
• With the Director of Service Development, acting as an organisational lead for coproduction / lived experience. Driving best practice and upskilling in coproduction and lived experience involvement and participation across the organisation.  

We’re looking for:

• significant experience of leading coproduction and service experience design, and ability to support others to deliver these activities.
• ability to lead organisational discussions and be an authoritative champion based on subject expertise (for coproduction, service development and innovation).
• experience of effectively implementing change and improvement across an organisation, and ability to drive continuous improvement across a department.
• experience of leading service development and managing the service lifecycle (including horizon scanning, research, coproduction, piloting and using monitoring and evaluation data to make improvements), ideally in a health or third sector setting.
• substantial experience of people management, in a team of similar size or complexity. Demonstrable ability to lead, manage and support others to deliver high-quality results.
• Proven experience in policy implementation, compliance and risk governance (and with an understanding of Safeguarding and demonstratable experience implementing Safeguarding policies).

Closing date for applications: 9:00 on Monday 2nd February 2026

Interested?

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

We particularly welcome applications from disabled people and or people from minoritised ethnic 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 recruitment and selection process 

• The first round of our recruitment and selection process includes an interview with competency-based questions.
• Our recruitment and selection process might also include extra tasks. For example, a written or Microsoft Excel test or making a presentation.  
• We’ll let you know what the selection process will include when we invite you to interview. You can ask for any more reasonable adjustments for the interview as part of the invitation.
• You might also be invited for a second interview. We’ll let you know about this during the selection process.

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

Encouraging work life balance

• 39 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.

Head of Fundraising (internally known as Head of Income Generation)

Build Up is a youth-led charity that designs and builds public spaces, supporting young people aged 10-25 years old to shape their local area. We’re looking for a Head of Income Generation to drive our fundraising strategy and secure significant investment for our youth-led projects.

The Role

This is an exciting new position in our team, created to help build our case for investment, tell our story and harness the support of new audiences. You’ll shape priorities, diversify income, and build lasting funder relationships – while writing compelling bids that win investment. With consultancy support on communications and evaluation, you’ll have the tools to make a powerful case for our work.

Who You Are

You’ll have a proven track record in leading fundraising strategy, securing charitable investment and writing successful grants. Alongside trusts and foundations, you’ll bring experience across other income streams (like corporates or major donors). You’ll balance strategy with delivery, thrive under pressure, and be excited by funding young people’s ideas. Because our model is unique, we need someone who can turn our distinctive approach into clear, inspiring narratives that unlock new opportunities.

About Build Up

Build Up works to build the power of young people to shape where they live, and to change who can make decisions about London. We support young people to design and build public spaces, equipping young people with the tools and agency to have ownership over their neighbourhoods.

Our approach is unique – and it works. Young people gain skills, leadership and power over decisions that affect them, while local communities benefit from genuinely inclusive spaces designed by and for local residents.

Why Join Us

At Build Up, your work has a visible, lasting and personal impact. You’ll lead strategy, enjoy flexibility and support, and join a small, passionate team where your ideas genuinely shape the organisation’s future.

Key Details

This role is available on a 3 OR 4 day a week contract, subject to candidate preference.

Salary: £48,700 - 54,000 (pro rata, depending on experience) + 8% employer pension contribution
Full / part-time: 3 days (22.5 hrs) or 4 days (30 hrs) per week
Work pattern: Flexible
Holiday: 32 days plus public holidays (pro rata)
Location: Hybrid – at least 1 day per week in our office
Contract: 2 years (with potential to extend)
Start date: March / April 2026 (flexible)

To Apply

For more information and to apply, please visit our website.

Applications close Sunday 18th January 2026.

#fundraising #fundraising manager #head of fundraising #fundraising lead #fundraising director #director of fundraising #fundraiser #youth-led fundraising #project fundraising #unrestricted fundraising #fundraising strategy

The National Gallery is looking for an experienced Project Manager to lead the delivery of the upcoming major capital projects at the National Gallery. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a major capital project that will have a lasting impact on the Gallery’s future.

The successful candidate will have a proven track record in managing complex capital projects and a strong understanding of heritage environments and design quality.

This is a full-time, fixed-term contract for up to 36 months. The role is primarily on-site (4–5 days per week), with some flexibility. Full attendance will be required during key project phases.

For more information, please refer to the attached job pack and explore the benefits we offer.

Our enduring focus is to strengthen the voluntary sector and transform the funding system, so that charities can do their best work.

About IVAR

At IVAR, we’re more than researchers – we’re sense-makers and bridge-builders. We turn real-world challenges in the voluntary sector into clear, practical insights that inspire change and action.

For 25 years, we’ve worked shoulder-to-shoulder with charities, funders and community organisations: listening, learning and tackling tough problems together. Our work is curious, grounded, human and hopeful.

Our 2025–2030 strategy includes a clear commitment to transforming the funding system and the Open and Trusting programme will be the key to achieving that commitment.

Born in 2021, Open and Trusting is directly inspired by what matters most to charities. Today, 170 funders have signed up to the eight commitments – actively working to be clear, flexible, proportionate, and purposeful in their grant-making. We know this makes a huge difference to charities and the communities they support.

About the role and person

Open and Trusting has come a long way, but there’s a lot more it can achieve – which is why we are looking for a dedicated leader for the programme. The success of the role will depend on an understanding and belief in the work of charities and funders, and the power of transforming funding practices. 

As Head of Programme and Engagement, you’ll bring energy, structure and connective thinking to the work. You will strengthen the community, support learning and ensure that the programme runs with momentum and purpose.

This role is collaborative and outward-facing and combines project management, engagement, community-building and fundraising. The person will need first-rate listening, diplomacy, influencing and relationship-building skills and will be a proven manager, with a track record of developing management infrastructures that underpin the success of initiatives involving multiple strands and big ideas.

If you feel you fit the role and are motivated by our work then we’d love to hear from you. Please find out more by looking at the Candidate Information Pack.

Closing date for applications is Friday 23 January; please download the pack before 18 January.

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

• Location: Berlin or London

• Contract Type: Indefinite

• Hours: Full Time

• First Interview Dates: Week beginning 16 February 2025

About the role

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

Meet your Manager

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

Main Duties

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

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

Role requirements

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

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

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

Further Information

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

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

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

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

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

This is an exciting opportunity to get experience with a large and growing charity with an engaged and fun team. You will be a key part of our mission to ​find a cure for all types of brain tumours.​

​Our Systems Manager is being seconded to an internal project for the next 6-9 months and so we are seeking an experienced IT professional to join our team for an interim basis for six months with the possibility of a three month extension.​​​​

In this role you will you lead a team of three people in supporting our staff team of 70 by providing reliable, effective and efficient IT systems and equipment. This include ​the monitoring and maintenance of our IT software and, with external support, our IT hardware. ​​

You will line manage the Database Assistant ​and Data Processing Assistant.

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​If you are excited to learn more about this position, please take a read through our recruitment pack provided in the advert.

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If you have the skills and ambition that we are looking for we welcome your application. ​ We are really looking forward to welcoming a new member to our team!​​​

We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process. ​

Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.​

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We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.​

We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.

At Ambitious about Autism, we're currently looking for a Head of Philanthropy to join our Fundraising team.

You'll lead, oversee and implement ambitious plans, as set out in the new fundraising strategy and enabling us to fully capitalise on the opportunities presented over the next few years, with a focus on the development of a major donor strategy, growing our profile and supporting a high-performing Philanthropy team. Alongside this you will personally manage a portfolio of high value solicitations, resulting in 6- and 7-figure gifts.

You'll evaluate each income stream and develop plans aligned with fundraising strategy, ensuring these translate into deliverable objectives. You'll play a key role in the development of fundraising appeals, including large scale proposals and approaches, as well as developing creative and compelling funding applications to engage new supporters.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Proven experience of planning and implementing successful major donor fundraising programmes
• Proven experience of securing high-value major gifts
• An understanding of trends and developments across the sector and demonstrable knowledge of best practice in major donors, trusts and foundations fundraising
• Experience of financial management of expenditure budgets including setting, accurate forecasting and achieving financial and non-financial targets

In return, we offer great benefits including a generous holiday allowance and commitment to continued professional development (CPD), flexible, hybrid working and more!

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious individual who would like to work for a forward-thinking, open and honest organisation and make a real impact to the young people we work with. Please find our full recruitment pack on the link below.

If you have any questions about the role or would like to have a confidential chat, please contact James Axford, Recruitment Officer.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age.

Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations. We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search maybe carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

The Safeguarding responsibilities of the post as per the job description and personal specification.

Whether the post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendment to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.

Head of Fundraising

We are seeking an experienced fundraising professional with a strong track record of securing major gifts to lead and deliver a high value global fundraising strategy that supports ambitious scientific and conservation programmes.

Position: Head of Fundraising

Salary: £70,000 plus, depending on experience

Location: Hybrid, with weekly Oxford presence and some international travel

Hours: Full time

Contract: Initial 2 year fixed term, full time employment (with extension opportunities)

Closing date: 19 January 2026, with early applications recommended

About the Role

This is a senior post responsible for designing and delivering a multi-year fundraising strategy focused on major donors, high net worth individuals and philanthropic foundations. You will play a central part in securing significant multi-year commitments that enable large scale expedition, research, and public engagement programmes.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the development and execution of a major giving and philanthropic strategy
• Building and managing a robust income pipeline with clear revenue targets
• Identifying, cultivating and stewarding prospects capable of six and seven figure gifts
• Developing compelling proposals, cases for support and tailored donor materials
• Providing strategic support and briefing for senior leadership fundraising activity
• Maintaining strong donor stewardship through high quality communication and reporting
• Working collaboratively with scientific, operations and finance teams to align funding needs

About You

You will be a confident and credible fundraiser with a strong understanding of major gifts and donor relations. You’ll bring:

• A proven track record of securing six and seven figure gifts
• Experience managing international donor relationships
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to translate complex information into compelling narratives
• A strategic mindset with the drive and initiative to lead and deliver income growth
• Ability and willingness to travel internationally as required
• Experience in conservation, scientific research or biodiversity fundraising is welcomed, along with a wider understanding of global philanthropic networks.

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Director of Development, Major Donor Lead, Philanthropy Manager, Head of Partnerships, Senior Development Manager, Foundation Relations Lead, Global Giving Manager. #INDNFP

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organization.

PRT is seeking an exceptional candidate for the newly created role of Head of Practitioner and Prisoner Engagement, to be our senior strategic lead for bringing the experiences of those working and living in our prisons to promote a better understanding of the merits of their collaboration, to enhance their network of criminal justice partners, to bring greater innovation into prisons and to share good practice.

Responsibilities:

• To lead on engagement with prisoners and practitioners working in UK prisons

• To support the CEO in the delivery and project management of the annual Next Generation Leadership scheme run by PRT for future prison leaders 1 2

• To oversee the annual Hope & Fulfilment Awards scheme to recognise the achievements of prisoners

• To maintain a network of prisoner engagement through planned communications and engagement activities

• To identify priority issues and good practice from prisoners and practitioners and bring them to attention within PRT and through PRT to the relevant individuals and agencies

• To represent PRT in the media and in policy and cross-sector forums

• Liaise and work with PRT departments as required, such as the Policy, Communications & Research team, advice and information, and with other commissioned researchers.

• To contribute to the management and strategic direction of PRT as a member of its senior management team

• To draft articles and other publications as required

• To contribute to funding proposals, reports and liaison with funders in coordination with PRT’s Head of Development 

How to apply

To apply please send your CV and covering letter (no longer than 2 sides of A4) addressing how you meet the above criteria to us by 5pm on 20th January 2026. Full details are on our website and in the attached job description and person specification.

Please also include our completed recruitment monitoring form which will be processed separately. We must receive all 3 documents in order to process your application, and we will request any documents not received.

Interviews will be held at our offices at 15 Northburgh Street, London EC1V 0JR on the 26th and 29th January 2026. Thank you for your interest in working for the Prison Reform Trust. 

We’re offering an opportunity to support the delivery of the Trust’s flagship Lessons from Auschwitz Project, and the Trust’s Youth Advocacy Programme (AKA Ambassador Programme), including all content and quality assurance related to the delivery of a portfolio of activity that falls within these programmes. Ensuring that the young people we work with, through these programmes, understand what the Holocaust was, inspiring them to be part of ensuring this history is remembered, and empowering them to recognise and address antisemitism when they see it today. Driving our youth engagement strategy, developing high quality and empowering content, and advocating for youth engagement and youth advocacy.

About the Role
The Senior Programme Development Lead (Lessons from Auschwitz Project and Ambassador Programme) Maternity Cover is accountable for the delivery of the Trust’s flagship Lessons from Auschwitz Project, and the Trust’s Youth Advocacy Programme (AKA Ambassador Programme), including all content and quality assurance related to the delivery of a portfolio of activity that falls within these programmes. The remit of the Senior Programme Development Lead (Lessons from Auschwitz Project and Ambassador Programme) Maternity Cover will include two areas of leadership:

1. The continued development and delivery of our Youth Advocacy/Ambassador Programme – the Trust’s youth engagement initiative. The SPDL is responsible for ensuring that through this programme the Trust engages young people across the country, ensuring they understand what the Holocaust was, inspiring them to be part of ensuring this history is remembered, and empowering them to recognise and address antisemitism when they see it today. The SPDL is responsible for driving a youth engagement strategy, which actively scales up the reach of the programme – bringing it to new audiences. They will be responsible for developing high quality, inspiring, engaging and empowering content to young people in England, Scotland and Wales – quality assuring the programme and all associated initiatives. The SPDL will be an advocate, internally and externally, for youth engagement and youth advocacy, ensuring the Trust’s voice and reputation plays a role in leading and shaping the sector and a future where young people play an active role in Holocaust remembrance and tackling antisemitism today.

2. Oversight of the Trust’s Government funded Lessons from Auschwitz Project, ensuring that the programme continues to reach students across the country each year; that it continues to be regarded as a globally recognised site-based learning initiative; that we are delivering in line with all associated KPIs; and importantly that the content continues to educate in-line with objectives, and continues to inspire young people to continue to engage with the Trust’s cause. This role will work closely with the Chief Programmes and Outreach Officer to drive delivery across programmes in line with the Trust’s strategic vision and strategic plans. The SPDL will work closely with the Senior Logistics Manager who will be accountable for schools marketing; engagement with and registration for all Trust programmes; all associated logistics for schools’ programmes; and ticketing and logistical support for the Ambassador Programme.

For information on the key responsibilities of the role and the person specification, please see the full application pack on our website. This also contains information on how to apply. 

Location: Office-based (currently Bethnal Green, likely to be Euston from Sept 2026) with some home working.

Salary/job band: £56,463 (for 36 hrs) or PTE

Team: Fundraising & Communications

Contract type: Permanent

Hours: 28-36 hrs per week

Reports to: Director

Line manages: Fundraising co-managers, communications manager

Purpose of role

To plan and oversee QSA’s income generation and communications work. To strategically support the success of QSA as part of the leadership team.

Role overview

This is a linchpin role for QSA. We are looking for a hard-working, experienced and creative fundraiser. Our head of fundraising & communications oversees all of our income generation portfolio, including charitable trusts, public bodies, individual giving, and fundraising events.

Above all, we are looking for a candidate who believes in QSA’s mission and values, who can convey this passion through our fundraising and communications. 

We recognise that the current fundraising climate is challenging. As a charity, we have a sizable and engaged network of supporters and an excellent reputation for delivering innovative services.

The head of fundraising & communications is also responsible for overseeing QSA’s communications output, ensuring we build great relationships and successfully share our impact, stories and expertise across a variety of channels.

This is an exciting opportunity to build up a broad experience base in communications. Our approach to this work is centred in an ethical storytelling mindset. Our work has a national profile and we’re keen to maintain our reputation and our media presence.

Our head of fundraising & communications will also join the leadership team, working closely with the head of finance, the head of services and the director. This is a tight knit group with the purpose of supporting the longer term and strategic work of QSA.

You will be welcomed into a wider team at QSA that is enthusiastic, expert, and highly committed to social justice. We are proud of our ability to collaborate successfully and to celebrate one another’s success.

About Quaker Social Action (QSA)

Quaker Social Action’s mission is twofold. We enable people on low incomes to seek solutions to the issues affecting their lives. We listen and respond to the needs of communities and run practical, sustainable and collaborative projects.

Secondly, we share our learning where we see the potential to bring benefit to communities outside of our own – by running professional training, and by speaking truth to power to seek structural change.

Our services include crisis support for those unable to afford funerals; practical support for people experiencing homelessness, such as a mobile library and a community kitchen space; and free mindfulness and wellbeing programmes.

QSA has a rich 150-year history with roots in the Quaker movement. Our work is still guided by Quaker values like Truth and Justice, and we are proud of our place within the Quaker community. At the same time, there is nothing religious about our work: our services, jobs and volunteering roles are open to all.

“The advice and support was beyond beneficial. As a family we were just above the threshold for getting any financial support and at a very difficult time already, money worries was the last thing we needed.”   

- Down to Earth funeral costs helpline caller

Duties & responsibilities

Income generation

1. To design and develop a fundraising strategy for QSA, incorporating a wide range of approaches, including statutory sources, charitable trusts, individual donations, legacies, earned income from training, and event fundraising.
2. To set clear targets based on previous trends, and realistic aspirations for growth.
3. To ensure all fundraising activity sits within the required legislative framework and complies with best practice, especially regarding donor consent.
4. To ensure accurate financial information is presented within fundraising materials.
5. To ensure that QSA fundraising applications are supported by up-to-date evidence of need, gained from relevant research and policy developments.
6. To ensure that QSA fundraising applications are supported by up-to-date evidence of impact, gained from internal monitoring systems.
7. To identify and lead major funding applications.
8. To build strong and warm relationships with funders and donors of QSA.
9. To ensure QSA is compliant with all grants and contracts and provides accurate and timely monitoring reports back to funders.
10. To ensure that project teams are aware of funders supporting their work and are clear what targets or commitments are in place with these funders, including reporting requirements.

Communications, marketing, media, brand, digital

1. To design and develop a communications and marketing strategy for QSA, incorporating a wide range of approaches across a number of appropriate channels and platforms.
2. To understand best practice in charity communications and marketing and use this to promote the work of QSA.
3. To manage QSA’s approach to reputational risk through our communications output.
4. To oversee the development of the content, structure and key messages of QSA’s online communications channels; specifically our website, email marketing and varied social media platforms.
5. To oversee the digital marketing development of QSA, ensuring we have clear systems and protocols to analyse, track, measure and review our output.
6. To understand the benefit of and risks of using AI in our fundraising and comms output and to be part of the strategic leadership around emerging best practice.  
7. To oversee diverse and evolving ways to communicate, using podcasts, videos, data, photos as well as high quality copy.
8. To oversee media relations and protocols for media engagement for QSA.
9. To develop proactive and strategic communications responses very quickly or under pressure to manage situations of risk or opportunity for QSA.
10. To oversee and develop the QSA brand, ensuring it communicates our core purpose and is consistent with our values.
11. To oversee our duty of care to our participants who share their stories, ensuring we approach this with due care, sensitivity and respect for their autonomy, and that we have sufficient safeguards in place to be attentive to their wellbeing.

Leadership

1. To work collaboratively with the leadership team to support the strategic development of QSA. To provide materials that support QSA’s trustees to undertake their governance tasks.
2. To work alongside the head of finance to provide accurate and timely quarterly reports for the trustees’ finance & fundraising committee.
3. With the head of finance, to be responsible for regular reconciliation of finance and fundraising records and for annual audit processes.
4. To work alongside leadership colleagues in all operational matters. To offer ideas for service development, to identify resource needs, and to share strategies to support team wellbeing.  

Organisational requirements

1. To work within, and actively promote, the policies and procedures of QSA.
2. Any other duties as appropriate to the role, as agreed by the QSA director. 

“I feel the service from these marvellous book fans and their very committed, caring staff are an essential…I use them twice a week every week. Please may they continue.”   

- Visitor to Turn a Corner mobile library for people experiencing homelessness.

Person specification

Experience

1. Significant experience of charity fundraising from a wide range of sources, especially charitable trusts and individual donors. 
2. Experience of communications activities/digital development is highly desirable.

Skills

1. Ability to write creative and engaging copy for a range of different audiences.
2. Ability to build excellent collaborative working relationships with a wide range of people; including within the close-knit QSA team, external partners, funders and QSA supporters. 

Knowledge

1. Knowledge of differing funding streams suitable for an anti-poverty charity – i.e. trusts, statutory sources, corporate support, individuals, legacies.
2. Knowledge of a range of communications channels and platforms and of the best ways for a charity to utilise these.
3. Knowledge of technology, including AI, as a way of furthering reach and impact. 

Personal Qualities

1. Exceptional ability to prioritise workload and accurately deliver work to deadline.
2. Demonstrates inner resilience, and ambition to deliver work of the highest standard.
3. Ability to be flexible and have a ‘hands-on’ attitude when required.
4. Commitment to and understanding of the role of equity, diversity and inclusion, in the workplace and in service provision.
5. A willingness to work within a Quaker ethos, as clarified by the mission of QSA.

Main terms and conditions of employment

1. QSA uses the local government pay scales for salaries. Your salary will be on NJC scale point 41-44, which starts at £56,463 (including London weighting) for a full-time/36 hours post. All appointments are made at bottom of scale. 
2. This is a permanent position.
3. This post can be offered as a role to be worked between four and five days per week, so 28 hours to 36 hours per week. We pride ourselves on our flexible working practices.
4. Leave entitlement for a full-time post is 25 days per year, plus 8 bank holidays, with the leave year running from January to December. This increases by 2 days after 3 years of service and a further 3 days after 5 years of service. QSA closes between Christmas and New Year and days falling within this period are not taken from your leave entitlement.
5. QSA pays an additional 6% of salary into the QSA group personal pension, with a 2% staff contributory element.
6. We have probationary periods of six months and the period of notice is 1 week during the probationary period and 8 weeks on its completion.
7. QSA has a union recognition agreement with Unite although staff are welcome to join any trade union or none.
8. This is a hybrid role. We see the benefits of being in the office with colleagues on a regular basis, and consider 2-3 days per week in person to be ideal for this role.
9. The successful candidate will be required to obtain a basic DBS check. The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act applies.
10.  

“It was what I was looking for. The way they deliver the sessions makes it feel inclusive and non-judgemental. Participating online, the energy felt tranquil.”

- Audrey, online attendee of our This Way Up mindfulness and coaching course

Being a diverse and inclusive organisation is very important to us. We’re particularly focused on three elements of this: lived experience of poverty; race & heritage; and disability.  We actively encourage applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.

We hope that you find this job pack and our recruitment process clear and welcoming. Please let us know if this is not the case. We want to do recruitment well and feedback really helps.

Thank you for your interest in this role.

Job Title:                                                   Head of Policy & Campaigns

Grade and Salary:                                     Team lead - £56,000 to £60,000 (depending on experience)

Reporting To:                                             Director

Number of direct reports:                           Three (currently)

Location:                                                    Brighton/Hybrid (At least two days per week in Brighton Office)

Contract:                                                  Full time, permanent (35 hours a week)

Travel Requirements:                                The post involves some UK travel and may include occasional travel to Europe.

Background

Pesticide Action Network UK (PAN UK) is the only charity in the UK focused solely on tackling the problems caused by pesticides and promoting safe and sustainable alternatives in agriculture, urban areas, homes and gardens. It is an independent, non-profit organisation, which works nationally and internationally to eliminate the use of the most hazardous pesticides, reduce dependence on pesticides overall, and to increase the adoption of sustainable alternatives to chemical pest control.

Our Head of Policy & Campaigns leads our work in the UK which aims to better protect both the environment and human health from pesticide harms. Through policy work, lobbying, research, media and strategic communications, we aim to influence a range of decision makers, from the UK government and devolved administrations to local councils and the country’s biggest supermarkets. The role also includes working alongside PAN UK’s Director to secure funding to cover the UK team’s salaries, overheads and activities. It is an incredibly varied role, involving everything from leading on strategy development for the UK team while also being intricately involved in writing and editing publications and executing other activities such as events and mobilising the public.

The Head of Policy & Campaigns is part of PAN UK’s Senior Management Team (along with our Director, Head of Finance and Governance and Head of International Programmes) which sets the direction of the organisation and ensures it is well-managed and delivering on our mission. 

Specific responsibilities

1.       Advocacy, policy and campaigning

• Lead the UK team in developing advocacy strategies, and fully utilising opportunities to make progress towards achieving PAN UK’s mission.

• Conduct high quality research and analysis aimed at influencing decision makers. Ensure it is presented in a way which is both technically accurate and compelling.

• Develop and/or maintain expertise in pesticide policy with the aim of being able to represent PAN UK credibly in a range of external fora.

• Build relationships with a wide range of decision makers including government ministers and civil servants, parliamentarians, devolved administrations, local councils and supermarkets.

• Ensure that the organisation’s policy positions on UK pesticide issues are clear, well thought out and will lead to positive change.

• Find creative ways to involve the UK public in PAN UK’s work, including enabling members of the public to contact decision makers directly.

2.       Communications

• Secure media coverage for PAN UK outputs, including writing press releases and liaising with journalists. Provide written quotes for media outlets and give interviews for radio and TV.

• Write materials including policy reports, political briefings and public-facing communications such as blogs and supporter emails. Edit and sign off all outputs from the UK team, ensuring they are both well-written and accurate.

• Conduct public speaking at a range of events, from high-profile events in parliament to community gatherings (and everything in between!).

• Work closely with PAN UK’s Communications Manager to provide content for the organisation’s website and social media channels. Support the Communications Manager in their broader work which includes raising PAN UK’s public profile and leading on individual giving.

3.       Fundraising and financial management

(Please note that PAN UK does not employ fundraisers).

• Raise sufficient funds to cover the UK team’s salaries, activity costs and contribution to organisational overheads.

• Contribute to efforts to raise core funds, which are led by PAN UK’s Director.

• Identify and build relationships with new funders, particularly trusts and foundations, with the aim of securing funding.

• Maintain excellent relationships with existing funders, making sure to meet reporting deadlines.

• Follow PAN UK protocols to ensure that the UK team’s finances are well-managed.

 4.     Leadership and strategy

• Manage a high-performing team, leading on strategy development and implementation and ensuring that the team runs effectively.

• Line manage the staff of the UK team, running regular 121s, annual appraisals and generally making sure they are happy and productive.

5.       Contributing to the organisation

• Contribute to the effective and smooth running of the organisation through membership of the Senior Management Team.

• Report to the PAN UK Board of Trustees as and when required.

• Other duties as may reasonably be requested by the Director and commensurate with the post.

Person specification

Essential

• At least eight years’ advocacy experience, including experience of designing, developing and implementing both policy work and public campaigns.

• Experience of developing, implementing and reviewing strategies designed to create change. 

• Excellent writing and editing skills and experience of producing both technical and public-facing materials. Exceptional attention to detail and a personal commitment to accuracy.

• An understanding of the political context, actors, and processes relating to key policy areas that intersect with pesticides such as food, farming, environment and/or health.

• Experience lobbying decision makers and knowledge of how the UK political system works.

• Demonstrable experience of preparing successful funding applications and building relationships with funders.

• Experience of managing, leading and motivating staff.

• Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice.

• Proven ability to work on own initiative, meeting objectives and tight deadlines under pressure.

• The right to work in the UK.

 Desirable

• Knowledge of problems and solutions associated with pesticides and/or other chemicals. 

• Experience working in sectors related to pesticides including environment, health and/or social justice. 

• Relevant degree in a related discipline (science or social science).

• Experience of dealing with the media and acting as a spokesperson.

• Experience in managing project budgets.

• Knowledge of UK libel laws.

Macular disease is the biggest cause of sight loss in the UK, with around 300 people diagnosed every day. The Macular Society is the only charity determined to beat the fear and isolation of macular disease with world class research, and the best advice and support.

To support people affected by macular disease now, the Macular Society provides a range of support, information and services. Our research programme is focused on finding new treatments and a cure to Beat Macular Disease forever.

If you can create content in a range of formats to make sure that people living with macular disease get the information they need, when they need it and if you have excellent research and communication skills and are confident managing multiple projects at once then we would love to hear from you.

As our Patient Information Manager:

• You will produce high quality, engaging and interesting patient information materials that are accurate and up to date.
• Seek and use input from people living with macular disease to inform our information offer and ensure it is meeting their needs.
• Lead evaluation of our patient information offer, gathering feedback and making changes to improve its quality.
• Create user journeys around content and services that allow and promote deeper engagement.
• Be an expert in what people with macular disease need to know and use that knowledge to guide others.

Our ideal candidate will have:

• Experience of creating quality-assured written patient information, translating complex scientific information into understandable language.
• Ability to search, understand and summarise scientific information and research papers.
• Extensive experience of tailoring content for different audiences and channels, including print, email and digital information.
• Excellent knowledge of best practice in digital health and patient information, including accessibility, SEO, and user journeys.
• Understanding of the information and support needs of people with macular disease, families and carers at all stages of their journey, or desire to develop this understanding.

In return, we provide a great working culture – we do something worthwhile and are proud to work together to Beat Macular Disease – as recognised by our inclusion in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2023 list.