186 Head of service and development officer jobs

The Head of Operations will provide strategic leadership and oversight of HEY Smile Foundation’s governance arrangements, organisational systems and infrastructure, human resources and culture, and buildings and facilities. The role will ensure Smile has the people, processes, controls and resources to deliver its purpose reliably and respond confidently to future opportunities. Working closely with the CEO and senior leadership team, the postholder will translate organisational strategy into a clear operational plan, strengthen accountability and lead improvements across the charity. They will provide the CEO and trustees with timely information, assurance and practical recommendations on operational performance, capacity and risk.

This is a senior leadership role combining strategic oversight with the ability to secure delivery through colleagues, managers and specialist providers. The postholder will establish clear responsibilities, standards and reporting, intervening directly where necessary and building capacity so that routine delivery does not depend on the CEO.

We are seeking an experienced, inspirational and forward-thinking Head of Dog Training & Client Services to lead one of the charity's most important service areas. 

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and forming part of the Senior Leadership Team, this role provides strategic and operational leadership across our Training Department, including Puppy Development, Dog Supply, Instructor Services and Client Services functions.

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated individual to shape the future of our training and client services, lead a dedicated team of professionals, and ensure the highest standards of support for both our beneficiaries and assistance dogs. 

As Head of Dog Training & Client Services, you will be responsible for the overall leadership, performance and development of the Training Department. 

You will work closely with senior staff to ensure the successful delivery of our assistance dog programmes, while driving continuous improvement, innovation and organisational growth. 

The role combines strategic leadership with operational oversight and is ideal for someone who is passionate about achieving excellent outcomes for both people and dogs. 

Work where it matters most, achieve what matters more

Be part of a team where passion meets purpose, as we work together where the challenge is greatest to change the lives and build the futures of children and young people.

We are excited to share an opportunity to join our central Transformation team as our Head of Marketing. In this role you will lead strategic marketing and brand development across the Trust, raising the profile and appeal of our schools to drive pupil numbers and attract brilliant candidates to work at Ormiston. You will lead the marketing team to support schools to develop and deliver marketing campaigns, manage their websites, and engage different audiences on social media.

You will also act as a strategic advisor to senior leaders across the Trust, and lead marketing for special projects such as new schools joining the trust and key trust-wide initiatives.

This is a home based, national role with regular travel to the Birmingham office, OAT academies and other locations as required.

About Ormiston Academies Trust

Our vision is to create a school system where every child thrives, regardless of background. Our people are at the heart of our approach – they are our greatest asset.

We exist to provide the best learning opportunities every day, in every school for every child. It is the people and teams in our Trust who make this a reality and ensure we have the greatest impact. If you join us at Ormiston, whatever your role, you can be sure of a role with purpose and meaning.

Ormiston, where every member of staff enjoys…

• The opportunity to build on the legacy of those who came before – being part of one of the longest standing Trusts, created with the sole purpose of enabling children and young people to thrive
• Working for a Trust nationally recognised for its impact on disadvantaged children – a rewarding, stimulating career where staff are challenged to be the best they can be, for the pupils we are proud to serve
• Being part of a team and community where you belong – receiving bespoke and holistic support from a well-resourced and ambitious network of experts and professionals that work at the heart of communities
• A supportive environment to grow your career – an extensive professional development programme, alongside flexible working arrangements and generous benefits

About you

You'll bring strong experience leading and managing a marketing team, with a proven track record of developing and delivering multi-channel marketing strategies and campaigns across digital, print and out-of-home. You'll be confident acting as a trusted adviser to senior leaders, including the CEO, Executive Office and Principals, translating organisational goals into effective marketing plans.

The ability to manage priorities in a busy, complex environment, working across multiple stakeholders, is critical to this role.

If you are passionate about making a difference and are ready to work in a challenging yet rewarding environment, we would love to hear from you.

Benefits that care for you

We value your hard work and dedication, and we're committed to ensuring you feel supported, both professionally and personally so that you are in the best position to make the most impact for the children and young people in our schools.

When you join us at Ormiston, you can be certain that your work will have purpose and meaning. You can also expect robust and holistic support from us to enable you to excel in your role.

You will have access to an attractive benefits package including:

• 30 days annual leave (rising to 32 days after 5 years' service)
• Generous pension and life cover
• Access to health and well-being programmes, including counselling service.
• Discounts on retail, travel, and leisure through our benefits platform.
• Free and confidential legal, tax and health 24/7 helpline.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Automatic pay progression.
• Flexible working arrangements.

And much more as part of a leading multi-academy trust.

If you have any questions about the role please contact our recruitment team. 

The closing date for applications is 25 September with interviews due to take place the week commencing  5 October 2026.

Early applications are encouraged as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should a suitable candidate be found.

Work where it matters most, achieve what matters more

Be part of a team where passion meets purpose, as we work together where the challenge is greatest to change the lives and build the futures of children and young people.

Ormiston Academies Trust is looking for an exceptional Head of Executive Office and Communications to sit at the heart of our organisation — running our Executive Office and shaping how we communicate with 45 schools, our staff, and the wider world.

In this dual role, you'll act as trusted adviser to our CEO and Deputy CEO, managing correspondence, priorities and special projects across the Trust. You'll lead our entire communications agenda including internal, external, press and public affairs, building a strategy that helps every one of our schools feel connected to our mission, and that raises Ormiston's voice and influence across the education sector.

You'll work closely with our National Leadership Group, Principals and senior leaders, and you'll have real scope to shape how a large, multi-layered organisation talks to itself and to the outside world.

About you

You'll bring senior leadership experience, ideally gained managing a press office or public affairs function, and you'll be confident operating as a trusted adviser to CEO-level and Principal-level stakeholders. You'll have a track record managing communications across multiple channels in a large, complex organisation, and be a confident user of technology and AI, with a clear view of how AI will change communications and administration. Experience in education, the public sector, or working with ministers, regulators or national media would be an advantage, but isn't essential.

Strong writing and interpersonal skills are essential, along with the ability to distil complex information for different audiences and communicate it clearly and simply. You'll bring calm, decisive leadership under pressure, including experience managing high-profile issues or reputational risk. This role requires you to combine excellent project management with the ability to build and sustain relationships across an organisation and beyond it.

Above all, you'll bring a genuine commitment to Ormiston's mission and values, and the creativity and critical thinking to solve problems in a fast-paced, changing environment.

About Ormiston Academies Trust

Our vision is to create a school system where every child thrives, regardless of background. Our people are at the heart of our approach – they are our greatest asset.

We exist to provide the best learning opportunities every day, in every school for every child. It is the people and teams in our Trust who make this a reality and ensure we have the greatest impact. If you join us at Ormiston, whatever your role, you can be sure of a role with purpose and meaning.

Ormiston, where every member of staff enjoys…

• The opportunity to build on the legacy of those who came before – being part of one of the longest standing Trusts, created with the sole purpose of enabling children and young people to thrive
• Working for a Trust nationally recognised for its impact on disadvantaged children – a rewarding, stimulating career where staff are challenged to be the best they can be, for the pupils we are proud to serve
• Being part of a team and community where you belong – receiving bespoke and holistic support from a well-resourced and ambitious network of experts and professionals that work at the heart of communities
• A supportive environment to grow your career – an extensive professional development programme, alongside flexible working arrangements and generous benefits

Benefits that care for you

We value your hard work and dedication, and we're committed to ensuring you feel supported, both professionally and personally so that you are in the best position to make the most impact for the children and young people in our schools.

When you join us at Ormiston, you can be certain that your work will have purpose and meaning. You can also expect robust and holistic support from us to enable you to excel in your role.

You will have access to an attractive benefits package including:

• 30 days annual leave (rising to 32 days after 5 years' service)
• Generous pension and life cover
• Access to health and well-being programmes, including a counselling service.
• Discounts on retail, travel, and leisure through our benefits platform.
• Free and confidential legal, tax and health 24/7 helpline.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Automatic pay progression.
• Flexible working arrangements.

And much more as part of a leading multi-academy trust.

If you have any questions about the role please contact our recruitment team. 

The closing date for applications is 25 September 2026 with interviews due to take place the week commencing  5 October 2026.

Early applications are encouraged as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should a suitable candidate be found.

Citizens Advice Bury & Bolton (CABB) is a leading provider of legal advice and information, supporting thousands of clients every year. We are a busy, client focused and dynamic service with a track record of delivering high-quality advice face to face, over the phone and digitally. 

There’s no ‘average’ case – our advice is tailored, but our standard of excellence is identical for every client. You will play a key role in ensuring that our services are community focused, impactful and sustainable. 

As a newly created position, this role offers a unique opportunity to shape its direction, innovate, and directly define its success. You will operate with high levels of autonomy, while being fully backed and championed by Trustees and the wider Senior Leadership Team (SLT), consisting of:
 

• Chief Executive Officer 
• Head of People, Culture & Resources
• Head of Advice Standards & Delivery
• Head of Partnerships, Data & Impact.
   

The Head of Partnerships, Data & Impact will provide strategic leadership for CABB’s generalist and community-based advice services, while driving organisational growth through strategic partnerships, data analytics and social impact storytelling. This role bridges operational delivery with external system integration, using hyper-local data to ensure our services directly meet the evolving needs of residents in the specific communities where help is needed most. By leveraging client insights to drive Research & Campaigns activity and inform strategic funding bids, you will articulate our organisational impact using partner-aligned terminology – translating advice outcomes into language that directly resonates with health, statutory and VCSE stakeholders (such as health inequalities, demand management, Marmot principles, and prevention) – to build strong, collaborative pathways.
 

Key elements and tasks within this role include:

• Data insight & impact strategy development with organisational data analysis, trend forecasting, research & campaigns and evidencing social return on investment. Leverage client data to produce high-impact insight reports, drive local, regional and national campaign work.
• Shape the future of service delivery by embedding sustainable ways of working, processes and performance frameworks, leading evidence-based recommendations that support CABB’s long-term operating model and growth ambitions, to meet client demand. 
• Collaborate and build relationships across VCSE/statutory, health and wider systems, including colleagues across CABB and wider stakeholders, build positive and professional relationships with partners and contract/ funder relationships within the scope of this role. Foster positive relationships with Head of Advice Standards & Delivery, and wider SLT, deputising as required.
• Support community & generalist services through senior oversight of generalist advice teams and managers, but frame responsibilities around high-level service performance, governance and client outcomes, aligned to advice standards. 
• Drive service improvement & innovation using data and technology to support continuous improvement, contribution to organisational strategic pillars and values. 

Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (EDI&B):

We believe inclusion is a social justice issue - a principle that underpins our EDI&B work. To that end, we particularly welcome applications from local individuals who are representative of the local communities we serve - this is not just a matter of diversity but of strategic importance to ensure our services are grounded in the realities of our communities. 

Benefits

We value the people who work here. The following are included within the employee remuneration packages as standard;
A flexible 35 hour working week (for full time employees)
Generous holiday entitlement – starting at 25 days per year, increasing to 30 (in addition to bank holidays), pro-rata for part time
Additional day off for your birthday
5% employer contribution pension scheme
Access to 24/7 confidential telephone counselling and structured counselling support
Access to online GP and telephone counselling services
Enhanced family friendly leave and occupational sick leave
Access to ‘Blue Light Card’ and other charity discount schemes

In this role you are responsible for day-to-day operational activity across both finance and HR functions, working closely with the Finance Officer and reporting to the Head of Finance (with ‘dotted line’ reporting to Director of Finance and Operations in respect of HR activity). 
The role requires effective use of systems to enable efficient processes, with responsibility for data held on the HR system and management of routine employee related processes including recruitment and onboarding. The role also shares responsibility for processing invoices and payments on the finance system, responding to queries from colleagues and 3rd party partners. You will provide support for Head of Finance and Director Finance and Operations where required, including data analysis, reporting and preparation of returns across both finance and HR remits.

How to apply
To apply for this role please send your CV and cover letter (maximum two pages) including responses to the three questions below:
1. Tell us about a time when you identified a process that could be improved or made more efficient. How did you approach making the change, and what did you do to ensure the process was accurate, consistent and effective?
2. Describe a situation where you had to handle sensitive financial or employee information while also resolving a difficult or confidential issue. What approach did you take?
3. Give an example of when you have had to manage competing priorities. How did you decide what to do first, and how did you ensure important deadlines were met?

HR and Recruitment
• Maintain accurate data on our HR system including starters, leavers, holiday and other absences
• Report on key employee metrics including sickness absence, holiday, TOIL, diversity
• Support line managers with recruitment activity including making effective use of the Applicant Tracking System to ensure a good candidate experience and to report recruitment metrics to enable continuous improvement
• Manage onboarding for new starters including reference requests, pre-employment checks, induction processes
• Coordinate arrangements for training sessions for staff
• Support Head of Finance with monthly payroll processes
• Support Director of Finance and Operations in maintaining and publicising HR policies, keeping the Employee Handbook current
• Maintain up to date employee guides and templates for key HR processes including appraisals, mid year reviews, recruitment, induction, flexible leave

Finance Administration
• Maintain appropriate employee access to Finance Systems, including being able to claim staff expenses and raise sales invoice requests, and support employees in using these systems. 
• Respond to queries in the central accounts mailbox, liaising with internal and external stakeholders.
• Support Head of Finance and Finance Officer with Purchase Ledger, including posting and payment of supplier invoices in a timely manner, ensuring accurate coding and authorisation in line with limits, maintenance of supplier accounts, reconciliations and remittances.
• Support Head of Finance and Finance Officer with management of company credit cards and virtual cards, including reconciling statements and accurate posting to the ledger. 
• Assist in raising sales invoices and accurately recording income. 
• Assist with Credit Control, chasing overdue debts and reporting to the Head of Finance.
• Support Head of Finance with analysis of financial data from the finance system (Xero) for reporting and other ad-hoc purposes
• Assist in maintaining up to date procedures. 

There is an opportunity to attend theatre press nights where appropriate and to take advantage of trade tickets when offered

This role sits within the Finance and Operations team whose focus is to ensure the organisations operate as effectively and efficiently as possible. Our team operates across Finance, HR, Technology, Facilities and Compliance, to ensure that systems and processes are set up which promote smooth delivery and support the work of the organisations. This includes adherence to regulatory requirements and best practice standards

Gendered Intelligence is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as its next Chief Executive. This is a rare opportunity to lead a nationally respected, trans-led organisation with real influence on policy, professional practice and the lives of trans, non-binary and gender exploring people across the UK.

The next Chief Executive will inherit strong foundations: an experienced and committed team of just under 40 people, a distinctive and trusted public profile, and a range of services that reach communities, professionals and institutions across the country. With income of around £1.5–2m, the next Chief Executive will lead the organisation through its next phase of development at a time when that leadership matters enormously.

The role offers the chance to shape strategic direction, open new partnerships and income streams, and contribute to national conversations on trans equality and human rights, while working alongside people who are deeply committed to the mission and to each other.

We are looking for someone who combines strategic clarity with operational grounding, who leads with calm and consistency, and who understands both the privilege and the responsibility of this role. We will be honest with candidates about what the role involves, and we expect the same in return.

Full details of the role can be found on our website and in the attached recruitment pack. 

High Trees Community Development Trust is seeking an ambitious Head of Community Research & Impact to join our senior management team and lead one of our core service areas.

Community-led research sits at the heart of how High Trees works. Our approach aims to rebalance the role and power that communities have in deciding how research is informed, delivered and used to improve lives for Lambeth residents. Over recent years we have built a strong foundation for this work and developed two flagship community research partnerships — the Lambeth Peer Action Collective and the Lambeth Community Research Network. We are now looking for someone to significantly expand this work: building local evidence of community need, working with communities to identify solutions and appropriate responses to local challenges, and advocating for change to policy and practice where needed.

This is a broad and varied leadership role. Alongside our direct research programmes, you will lead the development of infrastructure around community-led research in Lambeth, so that voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations can access the training, resources and networks they need to design and deliver their own research. You will also lead our Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning and Communications functions, ensuring the impact of everything we do is understood, evidenced and communicated well.

As part of High Trees’ senior management team, the Head of Community Research & Impact will not only oversee delivery in their service area, but also help shape organisational strategy, grow partnerships and income, and ensure we work as one High Trees — keeping our practice responsive, collaborative and always led by community need.

About High Trees

Based in Tulse Hill, High Trees has been rooted in the local community for nearly 30 years. We deliver community action, employment, education, youth services and community research, working in partnership with local people and local organisations to build stronger communities and create meaningful change. We are recognised for our collaborative, long-term approach and our ability to adapt and respond to the issues that matter most to local people.

About the role

As Head of Community Research & Impact, you will:

• Lead and inspire our Research & Impact team to deliver high-quality, community-led research that drives change.
• Shape and deliver High Trees’ strategic vision for community-led research, championing collaborative research practice across Lambeth.
• Take the lead on designing new research programmes, support with sourcing the funding to run them, and ensuring projects are completed to a high standard with high-quality outputs.
• Grow the infrastructure for community-led research locally, including through the Lambeth Community Research Network and the Lambeth Peer Action Collective.
• Support VCS organisations with community research training, resources and capacity building support.
• Lead and embed Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) and Communications across High Trees and our partnership work.
• Contribute as a member of High Trees’ senior management team, ensuring a joined-up approach across all our services.

About you

We are looking for someone who brings:

• Significant professional experience in research and/or community settings, with a track record of leading research projects.
• Experience of qualitative and mixed methods research and a working knowledge of participatory research approaches.
• A proven track record of leading teams and managing multiple projects and programmes at once.
• The ability to build trust and long-lasting relationships across community, academic, public sector and voluntary sector organisations.
• A strategic mindset, balancing day-to-day delivery with long-term vision.
• A solid understanding of the context in which High Trees delivers its work

Why join us?

This is a rare opportunity to take a senior leadership role in a values-led organisation at a time of growth and ambition. You will help set the standard for community-led research and system change, creating tools, resources and practices that benefit the wider sector — and be part of a collaborative team dedicated to creating lasting change.

Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service is looking for an inspirational and experienced Director of Care to provide strategic, clinical and operational leadership across our medical, clinical and holistic care services.

This is a pivotal role within our organisation. Reporting to the CEO and working closely with the Board of Trustees and Senior Leadership Team, you will be responsible for ensuring that children, young people and their families receive the highest quality, safe and compassionate care.

You will have the opportunity to shape the future direction of our care services at an exciting time in the development of Alexander Devine.

The role

As Director of Care, you will have overall responsibility for the leadership, management, quality and performance of our care services.

You will:

• Provide strong, visible and inspirational clinical leadership across all care services.
• Lead the strategic development of our medical, clinical and holistic care provision.
• Ensure services are safe, effective, evidence-based, family-centred and responsive to the needs of the children and families we support.
• Act as Joint Registered Manager with the Care Quality Commission.
• Provide strategic oversight of clinical governance, quality assurance, risk management, safeguarding and compliance.
• Ensure we are prepared for CQC and other regulatory requirements and that learning from incidents, complaints, audits and research drives continuous improvement.
• Lead and support a highly skilled multidisciplinary Care Team, encouraging a culture of reflection, development, innovation and excellence.
• Work with the CEO and wider Senior Leadership Team to deliver the charity's strategic plan and manage resources effectively.
• Develop strong relationships with Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and support the development and management of commissioned services.
• Represent Alexander Devine locally and nationally, contributing to the wider development of children's palliative care.
• Champion the voice of children, young people and their families, ensuring their experience informs the ongoing development of our services.

About you

We are looking for an exceptional clinical leader who combines strategic vision with strong operational management and a genuine passion for children's palliative care.

You will be a registered nurse with significant experience in paediatric palliative care and senior-level leadership experience. You will have a strong understanding of clinical governance, CQC requirements, PSIRF and safeguarding, together with experience of leading service development and change.

You will bring:

• NMC registration as a Children's or Adult Nurse.
• Significant experience of palliative paediatric nursing.
• Senior-level experience of management, strategic thinking and service development.
• Experience of CQC compliance, clinical governance, PSIRF and safeguarding.
• Strong financial and budgetary understanding.
• Excellent communication skills and the confidence to communicate complex and sensitive information to a wide range of audiences.
• The ability to interpret data and use evidence to inform strategic and operational decisions.
• Excellent networking and partnership-building skills.
• A Master's-level qualification in a relevant health or leadership subject is desirable.

Most importantly, you will be an inspirational, resilient and motivational leader who can engage people, build confidence and create a culture where staff are empowered to deliver their very best.

Why Alexander Devine?

This is a rare opportunity to join a growing children's hospice charity and play a leading role in shaping the future of our services.

At Alexander Devine, our values are at the heart of everything we do: determined, empowering, valuing others, integrity, nurture and empathy. We are looking for a leader who genuinely shares these values and can translate them into meaningful action for children, families, staff and volunteers.

You will have the opportunity to work alongside a committed Senior Leadership Team, an experienced clinical team and a passionate wider charity, while building strong relationships with partners across health, social care and the children's palliative care sector.

If you are an ambitious and compassionate clinical leader who wants to make a lasting difference to children and families, we would love to hear from you.

Please note: The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS check.

UK Youth has launched an ambitious new strategy to widen the reach and deepen the impact of youth work and outdoor learning. At the heart of that strategy is a clear commitment: We Back Youth Work Leaders.

As our new Head of Network Development, you will turn that commitment into action.

You will lead the development and delivery of a powerful national offer that equips youth work leaders with the investment, support, relationships and connections they need to thrive. This includes leading our Grants+ approach—combining significant, multi-year grant funding with tailored organisational-development support—and developing partnerships that strengthen youth sector infrastructure locally, regionally and across the UK nations.

This role is about much more than managing a network. We are evolving towards a more relational way of working: listening deeply to youth-work leaders, understanding the realities they face, involving them in shaping our work and building relationships founded on trust, respect and shared purpose. You will ensure organisations can access the right support, expertise and opportunities—and that their insight continually shapes UK Youth’s work.

You will have the opportunity to lead the delivery of the £13 million UK Youth Fund, strengthen the resilience and effectiveness of grassroots youth organisations, and help create a more connected and equitable system of support for the wider sector.

We are looking for someone with deep knowledge and experience of youth work and the youth sector—someone who can talk the talk and walk the walk with youth organisation leaders. You will bring substantial experience of the youth work sector and infrastructure, organisational development and capacity building, alongside the strategic and operational leadership needed to deliver significant grant-making activity and complex partnerships.

You will be an inclusive and credible leader who can turn ambitious strategy into excellent delivery, bring people and organisations together, and remain focused on what youth work leaders need to succeed.

Across the country, youth workers are changing—and often saving—young lives. This is your opportunity to ensure the people and organisations doing that vital work have the investment, infrastructure and support they deserve.

Purpose of the job

The Head of Network Development will lead the operationalisation of UK Youth’s new We Back Youth Work Leaders strategic pillar. The role will turn our ambition to equip youth-work leaders with the skills, networks and confidence to deliver exceptional support into a coherent network development offer—leading our Grants+ approach of multi-year funding alongside tailored organisational development, and strengthening youth-sector infrastructure locally, regionally and across the UK nations.

Central to the role will be embedding UK Youth’s increasingly relational approach to its network: building trusted, mutually beneficial relationships with youth-work leaders; listening to and understanding their needs; involving them in shaping our support and connecting organisations to the right opportunities, expertise and infrastructure. Reporting to the Director of Network Delivery, the postholder will be responsible for translating this strategic ambition into high-quality, well-governed delivery, while ensuring that learning and insight from the network continually improve our work and contribute to securing sustainable investment in youth work and outdoor learning.

Why work at UK Youth?

Every young person deserves a youth worker. UK Youth exists to make that a reality. Our vision is a society that backs every young person - through each spark, struggle and success.

As the UK’s national infrastructure body for youth work, we strengthen and champion a diverse network of youth organisations, unlock investment, shape policy and build the evidence base for what works. At a time of growing need and inequality of access, our work has never been more important.

We are entering an exciting new phase of our strategy - focused on long-term resilience, income diversification and a transformational Capital Appeal to develop Avon Tyrrell as a national centre of excellence for outdoor learning. Joining UK Youth means being part of an ambitious, impact-driven organisation committed to strengthening youth work for generations to come.

Key responsibilities

 Portfolio leadership and delivery

• Lead the strategic and operational delivery of UK Youth’s network development portfolio, translating organisational strategy and funded commitments into clear plans, outcomes, budgets, milestones and accountabilities.

• Ensure programmes and services are delivered to a high standard, on time and within budget, with effective governance, performance management, risk control and escalation to the Director of Network Delivery.

• Mobilise new initiatives and partnerships, establishing proportionate delivery models, systems, teams and governance arrangements.

• Lead continuous improvement across the portfolio, responding effectively to evidence, partner feedback, changing needs and the external environment.

• Be a champion of UK Youth’s network across all of UK Youth’s work.

Grant making and organisational development

• Lead the delivery of UK Youth’s significant, multi-year grant-making portfolio, including the £13 million UK Youth Fund, ensuring responsible stewardship of charitable and restricted funds.

• Ensure effective management of the full grant lifecycle, including programme design, application and assessment, due diligence, decision-making, contracting, payments, monitoring, reporting, complaints and closure.

• Maintain robust and proportionate grant governance, financial controls, safeguarding assurance, risk management, data quality and compliance with funder and regulatory requirements.

• Lead an integrated organisational development offer alongside grant funding, enabling smaller youth and outdoor learning organisations to strengthen their financial sustainability, leadership, governance, workforce and resilience.

• Embed open, trusting, accessible and equitable grant-making practice, reducing unnecessary barriers while maintaining appropriate accountability.

Network and sector infrastructure support

• Develop and deliver UK Youth’s approach to engaging, connecting and supporting our national network, informed by the needs and experiences of youth work leaders and organisations.

• Create opportunities for peer learning, collaboration, knowledge exchange and access to relevant support across the network.

• Lead major initiatives that strengthen youth sector infrastructure locally, regionally and nationally, working with partners to improve the consistency, coordination and accessibility of support.

• Support regional and national partners to understand need, develop shared plans and approaches, and deliver locally relevant infrastructure and organisational support.

• Work with the Communications Team and relevant colleagues to ensure network communications are timely, accessible, coordinated and purposeful.

Experience we're after

• Substantial leadership experience within the youth sector, grounded in an in-depth understanding of youth work practice, youth work leadership and the realities facing youth organisations and their leaders.

• Experience of leading a complex, multi-year network development or comparable portfolio, translating strategy and funded commitments into successful delivery and managing significant budgets and risks.

• Experience of leading substantial grant making or onward funding activity, including governance, due diligence, financial oversight, risk and accountability.

• Substantial organisational development and capacity building experience, including diagnosing organisational needs and designing practical support that strengthens leadership, governance, financial sustainability, workforce and resilience.

• Experience of developing networks, partnerships or infrastructure across multiple organisations, regions or systems, with demonstrable credibility among youth organisation leaders.

What we can offer you

We offer a competitive range of benefits, good work/life balance, excellent learning and development opportunities and vibrant organisational culture:

• Flexible/Agile Working

• 27 days annual leave (24 days + 3 days winter closure) plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time employees)

• Funded training provided in; Safeguarding, GDPR, Information and Cyber Security & Equality & Diversity

• Other training available in support of your personal and professional development

• Pension scheme (currently UK Youth match employee contributions up to 5%)

• Membership of our life insurance scheme which would pay-out up to 4 times your salary

• Employee Assistance Programme to support employees both professionally and personally

• 20% discount off bookings at Avon Tyrrell, our New Forest Outdoor Centre, including camping, lodges and outdoor activities.

• IT equipment provided for the duration of contract

• CycleScheme and TechScheme

How to apply

If you would like to be considered for this fantastic opportunity, please complete an application via our completely anonymised recruitment system provided by Applied which looks to create a fair and unbiased application process for all. Scroll to the top of the page and start your application.

Closing date: 29th September 2026 at 09:00

Provisional First Stage Interview Dates: 5th & 6th October 2026

Provisional Final Stage Interview Dates (in person): 9th October 2026

As this role involves working in a regulated environment with young people, any offer will be conditional to satisfactory background checks, which include criminal record check and employment reference.

Please note CVs will be reviewed as the first stage of the recruitment process. Candidates who are shortlisted following the CV review will then have their sift questions assessed. Only candidates who meet the requirements at both stages will progress further in the recruitment process.

About HCL:

 Open 51 weeks a year, HCL provides accommodation for a Nursery, a professional kitchen and community Café and a flexible space with rooms to hire for a range of activities providing educational and health and social activities such as hosting community meetings and refugee services, a venue for blood transfusion services and a polling station, ESOL and adult learning and social events, bingo and lunch clubs and dancing classes all aimed at combating social isolation, loneliness and anxiety.

Strategic Leadership

• To create a deliverable strategic plan, identify and respond to major external issues.
• Translate our vision into clear operational goals, ensuring long-term growth and stability.

Financial & Governance Oversight

• Stabilise HCL Financially.
• Rebuild relationships with external partners through collaborative working.
• Develop a funding plan for future stability.
• Seek to negotiate Heads of Terms on the lease of the building from Salford Diocese by 2030 or have developed a relocation plan or closure of the centre.

Team Management

• Lead, inspire, and support the management team.
• improve staffing wellbeing, motivation and esteem,
• Implement a plan of continuous professional development.

Partnerships

• Advocacy: Represent HCL publicly, raising awareness of our cause with media, stakeholders, and the community
• Represent HCL at key meetings with existing and potential funders and stakeholders.
• To develop a partnership collaborative strategy across the local voluntary sector, building networks, reducing duplication of and creating effective efficient well governed services for the betterment of the lives of our community.

Core duties are:

• Work closely with and support the Board in the overall strategic, financial and organisational development to secure its long-term sustainability.
• Financial planning, management and reporting.
• Identify funding opportunities and deliver bid development.
• Support Board development in line with modernising effective board Governance.

Organisational Management

• Lead the delivery of new projects and contracts once funding and contracts have been secured, ensuring the provision of all appropriate monitoring information.
• Work with the Senior Management Team to plan the effective delivery of services to ensure the highest possible standards are achieved.
• Ensure the effective delivery of services, by the deployment of staff and volunteers, which is value for money.
• Lead a whole company approach to promoting and publicising the range of activities and services available to the local community.

Operational Management

• Be responsible for HCL's day-to-day operation including, health & safety, safeguarding policies and procedures, customer service and the relationship with our landlord.
• Ensure that all HCL's relevant legal obligations are met.
• Support the use of IT and digital media across HCL's work by ensuring IT systems are secure, well maintained and managed with a development plan to meet HCL's needs.

People

• Co-ordinate and contribute to staff recruitment, selection processes and contracting.
• Conduct regular performance reviews of staff, identifying, organising and supporting team and individuals' training and learning and development opportunities.
• Lead and manage HCL's equality, diversity, inclusion, anti-racism and equal opportunities strategies and practices.
• Promote and ensure good practice and compliance with relevant employment law and health & safety regulations in HCL's building and any external sites where staff are working.

Legal and contracting

• Be responsible for legal compliance and good practice across HCLs business processes in line with charity and company law.
• Monitor HCL's funding agreements ensuring accurate and timely reporting to funders.

Please see the Job Description for full details of the role and responsibilities.

Join Our Leadership Team: Head of Service Delivery, Quality and Standards

Location: Eyre Street, Sheffield (with flexible/hybrid working)
Hours: 36.25 per week, Monday to Friday (flexible between 8am–6pm)
Salary: 42,000- 45,000 based on experience
Contract: Permanent

Are you a passionate, innovative leader looking for your next challenge in the charity or social care sector? Do you want to make a real and lasting impact in the lives of older people across Sheffield?

At Age UK Sheffield, we’re not just a service provider—we’re an organisation that puts older people at the heart of everything we do. We are now recruiting for a strategic, forward-thinking Head of Service Delivery, Quality and Standards to join our Senior Management Team and lead the evolution of our services at a time when older people need us more than ever.

About the Role

This is a rare opportunity to join an innovative, award-winning charity that prides itself on delivering excellence. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive and working closely with our Board of Trustees, you will have overall responsibility for the quality, delivery, development and strategic leadership of a diverse portfolio of services, including:

· Independent Living Coordination

· Hospital Discharge

· Dementia Support

· Information & Advice

· Paid-for Home Support Services

You will provide leadership to managers and teams working across multiple locations and community settings, ensuring services are safe, effective, person-centred and financially sustainable. You will lead on safeguarding, health and safety, quality assurance and continuous improvement, helping us maintain high standards and achieve excellent outcomes for older people.

About You

You will be an experienced senior leader with a background in social care, health or the voluntary sector. You will have a proven track record of managing multiple services through others, balancing strategic leadership with strong operational oversight.

You will be comfortable leading managers and geographically dispersed teams, ensuring consistent standards, strong performance and a positive culture across a complex service portfolio.

You're equally at ease presenting performance reports and strategic proposals to trustees as you are engaging with frontline staff, volunteers and older people using our services.

You'll Bring

· Significant experience of leading multiple frontline services, ideally across different locations or community settings.

· Experience of managing and developing managers, team leaders and remote or dispersed teams.

· A strong understanding of safeguarding, governance, quality assurance, health and safety and risk management.

· Experience of external audits and working within quality frameworks, with a good understanding of regulatory standards continuous improvement.

· Strong operational and contract management skills, including performance monitoring, KPI reporting and service development.

· Excellent leadership and relationship-building skills, with the ability to inspire, support and develop others.

· Strong IT and data literacy, using information and insight to drive decision-making and improve outcomes.

· A collaborative, flexible and values-driven approach to leadership.

Why Work With Us?

- You’ll be part of a visionary, supportive, and diverse organisation committed to making Sheffield a great place to grow older.
- We offer flexible working hours and hybrid working options following a comprehensive induction.
- 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
- Age UK Sheffield is proud to be a Mindful Employer and a Disability Confident Employer. We warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ and Black and ethnic minority communities.

Ready to Lead Change?

If you’re excited by the opportunity to shape and deliver outstanding services that make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply by: 9am on Monday 14th September. Interviews will be held during week commencing Monday 21st September

Join us. Lead with heart. Deliver with purpose

Arthritis Action is the UK charity giving hands-on, practical help to improve the quality of life of people affected by arthritis. We offer an integrated self-management approach, which looks at both the physical and mental health impact of living with arthritis. We support people living with musculoskeletal conditions through healthy eating advice, mental health resources, pain management techniques, Online Groups, employment support, and exercise advice and resources. 

We are looking for an experienced Volunteering Manager, based in the Midlands, to lead the development of an exciting new volunteering programme, helping us build a diverse, inclusive and engaged volunteer community that brings our strategy to life.

The Role

Home-Based in the Midlands with monthly travel to the London office (EC1V) 

The Volunteering Manager will lead the development, delivery and continuous improvement of volunteering within Arthritis Action. This is a new role responsible for ensuring that more people affected by arthritis across the country receive high-quality, evidence-based support and have meaningful opportunities to connect, participate and influence our work.

The postholder will oversee our volunteering activity, in turn enabling volunteers to extend our reach, strengthen communities and increase our impact across the region. The postholder will work closely with the Head of Services and Engagement to develop the relevant polices and strategies whilst also thinking about recruitment, onboarding, training and retention. 

Key Responsibilities

Volunteering Development 

• Develop a strong understanding of the volunteer journey, using insight, feedback and data to identify opportunities to improve engagement, satisfaction, retention and outcomes.

• Develop approaches to ensure volunteers can increase engagement amongst diverse and underserved communities. 

• Implement effective monitoring and evaluation processes to demonstrate impact. 

• Work with colleagues to identify opportunities to link volunteering and donor journeys.

• Establish effective onboarding, recruitment, training and retention processes. 

• Update existing volunteering policies and strategy documents to bring them in line with practice for 2026 and beyond. 

• Work alongside the CEO to support and develop our new Clinical Advisory Panel.

Engagement Building

• Develop and implement an engagement approach that strengthens relationships with existing and potential volunteers.

• Create meaningful opportunities for people with lived experience to volunteer with Arthritis Action.

• Work collaboratively with Communications and Fundraising colleagues to maximise awareness and impact. 

• Build relationships with community partners and relevant external organisations to build the volunteering network. 

Volunteering Strategy and Development

• Develop Arthritis Action’s volunteer strategy with support from the Head of Services and Engagement, creating a sustainable model that supports organisational priorities. 

• With support from the Head of Services and Engagement, establish appropriate volunteer policies, processes, safeguarding arrangements and systems. 

• Work alongside staff to create volunteer led services.

Line Management

• Act as the first point of contact for volunteers. 

• Responsibility for volunteers supporting the charity.

Data, Insight and Impact

• Use data, feedback and evaluation to understand the effectiveness and impact of our volunteering programme, identify opportunities for improvement, and enhance the experience and contribution of our volunteers.

• Report meaningful KPIs for volunteering and engagement, using the CRM.

Person Specification

 Essential

 Experience

• Experience of developing and establishing volunteering and volunteer led services within a charity, healthcare or related environment.
• Experience of developing and improving volunteering based on evidence, insight and user needs.
• Experience of engaging diverse communities, members, service users or people with lived experiences through volunteer led services and volunteering.
• Experience of developing partnerships and collaborative approaches.

Skills and Knowledge

•  Excellent oral and written communication skills including the ability to write in Plain English.
•  Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
•  Strong understanding of inclusion, accessibility and reducing health inequalities.
• Ability to use insight, data and evaluation to improve impact.

Attributes

•  An understanding of, and commitment to, Arthritis Action’s vision, mission, equal opportunities and diversity.
• A self-starter able to work on own initiative where required.
• Values-driven, collaborative and inclusive professional.
• Empathetic and committed to ensuring people’s voices shape services.
• Able and willing to travel within the Midlands.

Desirable

• Experience of supporting people with long-term conditions.
• Experience using CRM systems and digital platforms to improve engagement.

How to apply

Applications should be in the form of a CV with a covering letter explaining your interest in and suitability for the role. Please provide both email and telephone contact information for yourself.Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted. 

Applications should be received by 11:59pm on Thursday 17th September 2026 at the latest.

First-round interviews will take place by Zoom on Tuesday 22nd September 2026. Second-round interviews will take place in the London office on Monday 28th September 2026.

Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert ahead of the deadline should we receive a sufficient number of applications.

Arthritis Action is an equal opportunities employer. We treat employees and job applicants in the same way regardless of age, disability, marital status, gender reassignment, race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, religion or belief

12-month fixed-term contract | Full-time 

Salary: £58,560 – £71,480 per annum

Hours: 35 per week

Location: Home-based with regular national travel 

Job reference number: 1766

Help shape the future of Cranstoun’s services 

Cranstoun is a social justice and harm reduction charity supporting and empowering people to live healthier and safer lives. Each year, we support more than 45,000 people through services including substance use, criminal justice, domestic abuse, housing and services for children and young people. 

Following a successful five-year strategy and significant growth, we remain ambitious about the difference we can make. As we enter our next phase, we are investing in the leadership and operational capability needed to support our continued development. We are now recruiting an Assistant Directors of Services to join our senior management team. 

This is a significant senior leadership role offering the opportunity to lead substantial service portfolios while helping shape how Cranstoun’s services are led and delivered across the organisation. 

The role 

Reporting to the Director of Operations, you will lead a substantial portfolio of complex commissioned services and senior operational managers. 

You will lead nine services with nine direct reports, spanning criminal justice and housing/homelessness provision. You will have clear accountability for ensuring services are safe, effective and well-led, with strong contractual performance, financial sustainability and positive outcomes for the people and communities we support. 

You will provide operational grip and evidence-based assurance, strengthen safeguarding and management accountability, build effective relationships with commissioners and partners, and ensure risks and underperformance are identified, escalated and addressed early. 

You will also work collectively with fellow senior operational leaders to embed a One Cranstoun approach, strengthening common standards, sharing learning, developing leadership capability and improving quality and resilience across our services. 

What you will be accountable for 

As an Assistant Director, you will take senior operational accountability for: 

• Safe, effective and well-led services – ensuring strong safeguarding, quality, operational risk management and service user outcomes.  
• Contractual performance – ensuring services deliver against contractual requirements and KPIs, with strong commissioner relationships and timely action to address underperformance.  
• Financial sustainability – maintaining strong financial oversight, effective workforce management and oversight of the sustainability of individual contracts.  
• Evidence-based assurance – using reliable performance, quality, workforce and financial information to identify risks and drive improvement.  
• Collective organisational leadership – working beyond individual portfolio boundaries to build consistent standards, stronger leadership and shared ways of working across Cranstoun.  

You will lead and develop senior operational managers, set clear expectations and create a culture in which support and accountability operate together. 

You will also lead and contribute to service mobilisation, transformation, workforce planning and continuous improvement. 

Who we are looking for 

We are looking for established senior operational leaders with substantial experience leading complex commissioned services and geographically dispersed teams. 

You will bring a strong track record of: 

• leading safe, high-quality services for people with complex needs;  
• safeguarding, quality and operational risk management;  
• contract and performance management;  
• managing significant service budgets and improving financial performance;  
• building effective relationships with commissioners, regulators and strategic partners;  
• leading service improvement, mobilisation and organisational change;  
• developing senior operational managers and addressing underperformance; and  
• using performance, quality, workforce and financial information to provide assurance and drive improvement.  

You will need to combine strategic leadership with operational pragmatism, understanding the detail when necessary while maintaining oversight of performance, risk, quality and sustainability across a complex portfolio. 

Above all, we are looking for collaborative, credible and values-led leaders who can support and challenge in equal measure, build leadership capability and bring people together around common standards and organisational priorities. 

Specialist experience 

For this role, you will need significant leadership experience across both Criminal Justice and Housing/Homelessness services, including housing or accommodation-based provision. 

You will understand the complexity of working across criminal justice, housing, local government and other statutory systems and be experienced in building effective relationships with commissioners and partners while maintaining strong operational and contractual oversight. 

This is a 12-month fixed-term appointment at an important stage in Cranstoun’s transformation, offering the opportunity to lead a significant portfolio, strengthen operational performance and help shape the future development of our operating model. 

Be part of Cranstoun’s next chapter 

Our successful five-year strategy has seen Cranstoun grow considerably, extending our reach and the range of services we provide. We remain ambitious and innovative, committed to developing services that respond to the changing needs of people and communities. 

As we look to the future, we are investing in the leadership, operational capability and organisational infrastructure needed to support our continued development, strengthening operational governance, consistency and assurance across our services. 

This role offers the opportunity to do more than manage established portfolios. You will help shape the future of our services and build an Operations Directorate characterised by high standards, clear accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement. 

Find out more 

Please refer to the accompanying recruitment pack for the full Job Description, Person Specification and details of the application process.

Please note: All posts are subject to an Enhanced DBS check.

How to Apply:

For more details and to apply, please visit our website via the apply button. Please quote the appropriate Job Ref in all correspondence.

Applicants must be able to provide satisfactory evidence of their right to work in the UK at the application stage.

Sponsorship is not available for this post. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK that does not require employer sponsorship for the duration of the appointment.

Closing date: Sunday 20 September 2026.

We are an inclusive employer, committed to promoting equality and diversity in all areas of our work. 

Registered Charity No: 1061582