55 Head of service commissioning and contracts jobs

The National Biodiversity Network Trust is the UK charity dedicated to making biodiversity data accessible and useful. We co-ordinate the National Biodiversity Network, develop the NBN Atlas, support iNaturalistUK and are developing the NBN Record Manager. Our work connects biological recording, digital infrastructure and better decisions for nature across the UK. 

Our vision is Nature thriving everywhere, in all its diversity.
Our mission is Making data work for nature.

We are looking for an experienced leader to undertake a newly-created Head of Data & Digital role reporting to the Chief Executive Officer on a full-time fixed-term contract of 24 months.
 

Purpose of Job
 

• Lead the NBN Trust’s data and digital function, providing strategic and functional leadership across the NBN Atlas, related digital products and services, and the Trust’s wider data and digital portfolio.

• Line manages the Trust’s data and technical team managers, ensuring clear priorities, strong performance, proportionate governance, and effective delivery across business as usual, funded projects, and strategic development.

• Ensure the Trust’s data and digital work is led in a way that is inclusive, accessible, and supportive of a diverse range of staff, partners, and users.

• Deliver the Trust’s 2-year National Lottery Heritage Fund’s organisational sustainability project, “Building a Sustainable Future for the UK’s Biodiversity Data Heritage”, including the development and testing of value-added data and digital services, hosted products, and support offers that strengthen financial resilience without compromising the Trust’s public good role.

• Support the strategic direction, stewardship, and future sustainability of the NBN Atlas, related digital products and services, and the Trust’s wider technical delivery, ensuring that risks, opportunities, and investment choices are well managed.

•  Play an active role in the NBN Trust’s Executive Team, contributing to organisational planning, funding development, cross Trust collaboration, and external engagement where this supports delivery and the Trust’s wider strategic objectives.

• The role provides strategic and functional leadership across the Trust’s data and digital work, working closely with the Principal Software Engineer as the Trust’s senior software engineering lead. 

Main Responsibilities
 

Strategic Leadership and Function Management
 

·   Lead the Trust’s data and digital function, aligning work with organisational priorities, the NBN Atlas strategy, and the wider Operating Plan.

·   Provide strategic advice to the CEO and senior colleagues on delivery priorities, service development, digital risk, technical resilience, and future investment needs.

·   Translate complex technical, delivery, and service development issues into clear options, trade-offs, and recommendations for the CEO, Executive Team, Board, and relevant committees.

·   Lead, line manage, and develop the Trust’s data and technical managers, and relevant technical project staff, ensuring clear objectives, strong management practice, accountability, wellbeing support, and effective performance management.

·   Build leadership capacity within the function, supporting managers to develop their teams, handle performance issues well, and contribute positively to the Trust’s culture and ways of working.

·   Assess capacity, sequencing, and resource pressures across the data and digital portfolio, working with team managers to identify priorities, trade-offs, and resourcing needs and advise the CEO accordingly.

·   Work across the Trust to improve prioritisation, sequencing, decision making, and resource allocation across data and digital activity.

·      Champion inclusive leadership and equality, diversity and inclusion in team management, service design, recruitment, and ways of working, helping ensure the Trust’s data and digital function is accessible, supportive, and well-led.

Data Infrastructure, Services, and Innovation
 

·    Provide strategic leadership for the stewardship, prioritisation, development, and continuous improvement of the NBN Atlas and related data and digital products and services, working with the relevant data, technical, and programme leads.

·    Ensure data and digital activity support the long-term accessibility, usability, quality, and public value of biodiversity records and related digital services.

·    Lead diagnostic work, market testing, and service development to identify viable value-added data and digital offers, working with relevant data, technical, programme, and commercial colleagues to shape propositions.

·    Oversee the selection, development, and testing of pilot services, hosted products, training, or support offers, working with the relevant delivery leads and refining propositions in light of evidence, demand, legal advice, licensing constraints, and delivery capacity.

Governance, Risk and Project Delivery
 

·    Lead delivery of the organisational resilience project within agreed scope, time, and budget, with support from colleagues and external consultants as required.

·    Ensure major data and digital programmes have proportionate project governance, reporting, stakeholder, and advisory arrangements in place, working with relevant programme and project leads and identifying additional project support where required.

·     Commission and manage consultants and contractors, ensuring briefs are clear, outputs are practical, and learning is embedded in delivery, working with relevant technical or data leads where specialist assessment or oversight is required.

·     Act as the senior staff lead for the Data and Technology Committee, working in partnership with its Trustee Chair and relevant data and technical leads to support effective oversight of the Trust’s data and digital infrastructure, strategic development, risk, and associated governance.

·     Oversee function-level risks relating to data and digital resilience, data governance, licensing, delivery capacity, and service sustainability, working with the relevant technical and data leads to ensure specialist risks are identified, managed, and escalated appropriately.

·     Balance governance, assurance, and innovation so that data and digital systems support delivery, resilience, and public value without creating unnecessary burden.

·      Work with finance and programme colleagues to ensure accurate budgeting, reporting, monitoring, and evidence of impact.

Partnerships, Income Development and External Engagement
 

·   Build and manage relationships with key partners, data providers, heritage and conservation organisations, public bodies, consultancies, funders, and prospective service users.

·   Help shape and test future income opportunities, including service offers, hosted portals, training, funded programmes, and strategic partnerships.

·    Develop and support fundable and deliverable future propositions arising from the work, ensuring the Trust is better positioned for long term resilience.

·    Act as the Trust’s UK Node Manager for GBIF, leading relationships, coordination, and representation linked to the UK Node function, and ensuring this role supports the Trust’s wider strategic, technical, and partnership objectives.

·    Represent the Trust externally on biodiversity data infrastructure, digital leadership, service development, standards, and innovation, working alongside relevant technical and data leads where specialist expertise is required

Trust Wide Contribution
 

·    Play an active role in the Executive Team, contributing to organisational planning, business improvement, and wider strategic discussions.

·    Keep the wider NBN Trust team up to date with, and involved in, relevant data and digital activity as appropriate.

·    Contribute to Trust wide initiatives, events, business planning, and other activities as needed.

·    Share ideas, lessons learned, and opportunities openly to improve organisational performance.

General Responsibilities  
 

• Attend any required learning and development opportunities. 
• Collaborate effectively with other departments.  
• Contribute to a respectful and inclusive working environment. 
• Ensure commitment to continuous professional development. 
• Follow organisational policies including Health & Safety, Cybersecurity, IT, Finance, and EDI.  

The ability to travel occasionally is required, including international travel. Candidates must also be based in and have the right to work in the UK, and be able to work effectively from home. 

These are the criteria we will be looking for in your application. If you don't meet all of them in full, but can offer something else that would help you excel in the role, we'd still encourage you to apply.

Essential Experience and Qualities
 

·   Strong leadership experience in data, digital, technical, product, or programme roles, ideally with responsibility for teams, delivery, and strategic planning.

·   Ability to operate at both strategic and practical levels, moving between organisational leadership, service design, risk management, and delivery oversight.
·   Experience of commissioning and managing consultants, contractors, or specialist external support to deliver clear and practical outputs.
·   Experience of developing partnerships, shaping propositions, or securing income through funded programmes, service offers, or strategic collaboration.
·   Good judgement, with the ability to assess trade-offs, challenge assumptions, and make proportionate decisions in a resource-constrained environment.
·   Strong communication and relationship management skills, including confidence with senior stakeholders, funders, partners, and technical specialists.

·   Knowledge of biodiversity data infrastructure, environmental data, heritage data, or closely related fields would be beneficial, but is not essential if the candidate can learn quickly and lead credibly.

·   Experience of working with Boards, committees, or governance groups, including presenting complex issues clearly and supporting effective decision-making.

 

About GoodGym

GoodGym is a charity that combines exercise with volunteering. Our members run, walk, or cycle to do physical tasks for community projects and to support isolated and older people.

The potential is even greater, cities around the world have requested that we start there and the goal is to make our activity ubiquitous. Doing so would transform urban life and make cities greener, happier and healthier.

Role summary

The Head of Business Development is responsible for all income generation for the organisation. Working with the CEO they are responsible for creating and executing our business development strategy. They work closely with the senior team to ensure the long term financial sustainability of the organisation.

Goal of the role

The goal of the role is to generate more income than is required to run GoodGym each year and to develop plans to do this sustainably.

• Direct reports 1
• Team Business Development
• Hours 5 days (37.5 hours) per week with flexible arrangements
• Location GoodGym’s Central Team works hybridly from an office in London.
• Report to CEO
• Salary £45-50k
• Application Closing Date Midnight 05th of October 2026
• Planned Interview dates
• First round: Week beginning 19th October
• Second round: Week beginning 26th October

Key responsibilities and accountability

• Develop and manage a business development strategy in line with targets and needs of the organisation.
• Stay informed on changes and trends in relevant funding areas and keep the organisation informed of where we might need to adapt to obtain funding.
• Accountability for all income including, but not exclusively, public sector, grant funding, brand partnerships, member donations and gift aid.
• Identifying new income generation channels, and working with the CEO to ensure opportunities and risks are understood
• Own the end to end business development pipeline - modelling, identifying opportunities, producing proposals, tender submission, negotiation of contracts.
• Ensuring visibility of funding pipeline for the CEO, Treasurer and Board, with regular review of accurate likelihood of delivery across each funding route
• Ensure reporting to funders is executed to a high standard.
• Build and develop relationships with funders and potential funders including chasing funding where necessary.
• Lead, motivate and manage staff and contractors in the business development team.

Wider organisation responsibilities

• Inputting to the overall strategy development of the organisation, and creating delivery plans. Assessing the financial implications of the organisation’s strategy and providing feedback.
• Working with others to ensure that the financial strategy and the organisational strategy are compatible. Work across GoodGym to understand the barriers and enablers for operational work in relation to partnerships
• Ensuring operational teams are consulted on proposals that affect them Building the GoodGym brand and reputation through all interactions and communications, particularly amongst potential and existing funders.
• Reporting relevant information to the Trustee Board, and attending meetings as required
• Working with others to ensure that GoodGym communications reflect our obligations to funders and partners

What success looks like

The success of this role is measured by:

• Development and execution of Business Development Strategy
• Revenue generated at least in line with annual target
• Growth of sustainable income sources e.g. donations, brand sponsorships and long term partnerships
• Contribution to GoodGym’s overall strategy

Growth Opportunities

You will play a key role in the senior leadership of the organisation, and be a representative for GoodGym in meetings with various stakeholders . The role provides the freedom to influence strategy in consultation with the CEO.

You will work closely with other teams across the organisation meaning you can learn from their skills and experiences. You will also have the chance to work closely with our trustees who have a wealth of varied experience and expertise.

Your manager will support your personal development and provide suggestions for learning opportunities, mentorship, training or non-executive roles. There is an annual organisation budget to support the cost of external training.

You will be invited to team events, socials,fitness sessions, meetings and optional working groups on issues such as diversity and the environment.

Expectations of the role

• Occasional national travel - flexible in discussion with manager
• Occasional unsociable hours - flexible in discussion with manager
• Completion of a DBS check

Person specification

What we are looking for in the role:

Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours

Essential

Knowledge

• Understanding of social value and its role in corporate giving
• Budget management experience - including forecasting, tracking against targets and reporting
• Understanding of how to use data and insight to inform decisions, shape proposals and measure impact

Skills

• Proven track record in business development and income generation securing six figure plus amounts
• Experience of bid writing to successfully gain grant/ trust / foundation income
• Experience of people management
• Exceptional relationship building skills
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Strategic planning skills - translating strategy into operational delivery plans
• Project management skills
• Time-management and working to deadlines

Behaviours

• Strategic thinker with interest in operations and delivery when needed
• Collaborative
• Person-centred
• Proactive and adaptable
• Committed to diversity, inclusion and safeguarding

Desirable

Knowledge

• Understanding of commissioning environments and public sector procurement
• Relevant sector(s) knowledge - sport/ physical activity, mental health/ isolation/ loneliness or older people

Skills

• Experience of managing people responsible for income generation
• Experience working for a charity or third-sector organisation

For more information on the role and the organisation see our job pack below.

How to apply:

To apply, please apply on our company website no later than midnight on the 05/10/26.

Worcester Community Trust (WCT) is looking for a Director of Services to provide strategic and operational leadership for our community-based services. The postholder will be responsible for ensuring services are high quality, responsive to local need, financially sustainable and delivered in line with contractual, legal and organisational requirements.

The role will provide leadership and oversight to relevant Contract Managers, Team Leads and service teams, ensuring effective performance management, contract delivery, budget control, risk management, partnership working and continuous improvement. The postholder will contribute to WCT-wide strategy and work closely with the CEO, fellow Senior Leadership Team members and the Board of Trustees.

About Worcester Community Trust

Worcester Community Trust (WCT) is a registered charity that runs six community centres across Worcester, providing facilities and services for people of all ages. We aim to be at the heart of thriving communities — connecting people, building confidence, and empowering positive change.

Our services aim to increase feelings of wellbeing, reduce loneliness and isolation, offer specialist support for survivors of domestic violence, support people into training, education and employment and work with people to deliver local services especially for young people, families and older people.

Vision: To work with residents to build communities where people feel connected, supported and empowered

Mission: Bringing Communities Together by enabling the provision of services and activities for all.

Our values:

• Collaborative – we acheive more together with local people and partners.
• Inclusive – we welcome diversity and value uniqueness.
• Ambitious – we drive progress through innovation and creativity.
• Delivering Excellence – we invest in our people and infrastructure to provide high-quality services.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Strategic Leadership and Service Development

• Contribute as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team to WCT’s organisational strategy, business planning and future development.
• Provide strategic leadership for the community-based services portfolio, ensuring services remain relevant, effective and aligned with WCT’s mission, values and strategic priorities.
• Use service data, community insight, evaluation and feedback to identify opportunities for improvement, innovation and growth.
• Work with the CEO and colleagues to identify funding and partnership opportunities that support the sustainability and development of services.

People Leadership and Management

• Lead, support and develop managers and team leads within the service area, setting clear expectations and ensuring effective supervision, performance management and communication.
• Promote a positive, accountable and inclusive culture that encourages teamwork, professional development, initiative and continuous improvement.
• Ensure staffing structures, deployment and resources are appropriate to contractual requirements, service demand and available budgets.
• Support recruitment, induction, development and, where required, formal peoplemanagement processes in line with WCT policy.

Contract, Performance and Quality Management

• Oversee the implementation and delivery of multiple contracts, grants and commissioned services across the community-based portfolio.
• Ensure clear systems are in place to monitor outputs, outcomes, quality, contractual milestones and service-user experience.
• Analyse quantitative and qualitative information and produce clear, accurate reports for funders, commissioners, the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees.
• Ensure subcontracted or partner-delivered activity is appropriately monitored and managed where applicable.
• Address underperformance promptly and support managers to implement effective improvement plans.

Financial Management and Sustainability

• Lead the development and management of service budgets, including budgets of significant value, ensuring expenditure remains within agreed funding and organisational parameters.
• Monitor income, expenditure, forecasts and variances in partnership with the Head of Finance & Resources and relevant managers.
• Ensure resources are used efficiently and that services demonstrate value for money and financial sustainability.
• Contribute to funding applications, tenders, business cases and service-costing activity where required.

Risk, Governance and Compliance

• Identify, assess and manage risks relating to service delivery and ensure significant risks are escalated through WCT’s organisational risk-management arrangements.
• Ensure services comply with contractual requirements, WCT policies, data protection requirements, safeguarding arrangements and relevant legislation and guidance.
• Contribute to the development and review of organisational policies and procedures within the postholder’s areas of responsibility.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries, confidentiality and information-governance standards.

Partnerships and Representation

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with commissioners, funders, statutory agencies, VCSE organisations, local communities and other partners.
• Represent WCT professionally at strategic and operational partnership meetings, networks and forums.
• Promote collaboration across WCT services and with external partners to improve pathways, reduce duplication and strengthen outcomes for local people.
• Protect and enhance the reputation of WCT in all internal and external relationships.

Safeguarding, Health & Safety and Organisational Responsibilities

• Actively promote a culture in which safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and ensure
  concerns within the service area are managed and escalated in accordance with WCT
  procedures.
• Adhere to WCT’s safeguarding, Health & Safety, GDPR, equality, professional boundaries, social media and Code of Conduct requirements.
• Complete mandatory training and maintain the knowledge required for the responsibilities of the role.
• Promote equality of opportunity, dignity and respect for employees, volunteers, partners and service users.
• Undertake other duties commensurate with the seniority and responsibilities of the post, as reasonably required by the CEO.

• Adhere to WCT’s safeguarding, Health & Safety, GDPR, equality, professional boundaries, social media and Code of Conduct requirements.
• Complete mandatory training and maintain the knowledge required for the responsibilities of the role.
• Promote equality of opportunity, dignity and respect for employees, volunteers, partners and service users.
• Undertake other duties commensurate with the seniority and responsibilities of the post, as reasonably required by the CEO.

For full details including a Person Specification, please download the Recruitment Pack here

What you get…

• Be part of an amazing, welcoming passionate community.
• Put your skills to use to create positive social impact.
• A voice and input into shaping and influence services and decisions.

What we offer…

• Holiday – 25 days plus bank holidays (pro-rata for PT staff) plus an extra day of birthday leave and two additional self-care days
• Commitment to continued professional development
• Access to Westfield Health which provides a range of benefits towards health & wellbeing as well as support with essential healthcare (after completion of probationary period)
• Free Parking
• Life Assurance and a pension contribution of 3%
• Access to professional bereavement and probate support
• An annual celebration and investment review
• A blue light card scheme

Representing the City

WCT is committed to equality of opportunity, fairness and inclusion, and to being representative of the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences.

To apply please visit our website.

Closing Date: Sunday 4th October 2026

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.

Head of Community Services

£54,961 PA
37.5 hours per week
Working days: Predominately Monday-Friday with On Call requirements

Benefits

5 weeks’ holiday plus Bank Holidays Pension Scheme, Staff referral scheme (earn extra each time you successfully refer someone), Employee Assistance Programme, including private GP access, Blue Light Card discount scheme, Free DBS check, Free parking and uniform

Closing date: Mid-day 9 October
Interview date: 19 October

Make a genuine difference, every day

At Nottinghamshire Hospice, we’re proud to lead the way in delivering compassionate, community-based palliative care for people living with a terminal or life limiting illness across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. Our values—Compassion, Trust and Ambition—guide everything we do, for the people we support and for each other.

About the Role

The Head of Community Services is a senior leadership role responsible for the operational, and clinical delivery of Nottinghamshire Hospice’s community-based services. You will ensure the provision of high-quality, safe, and compassionate palliative and end-of-life care, supporting people to live as well as possible in the place they call home.

As a key member of the Hospice Leadership Team, you will provide visible and inspiring leadership, driving excellence in care delivery, service performance, and workforce development. This role combines strong operational management with professional clinical leadership, requiring an experienced registered healthcare professional with a sound understanding of palliative and end-of-life care.

You will lead and develop our Hospice in Your Home (24-hour service) and Wellbeing Day Services, ensuring they are responsive, sustainable, and patient-centred. The role involves regular travel across Nottinghamshire and participation in the clinical on-call rota (approximately one week in every five weeks).

What we’re looking for

We are seeking a compassionate and experienced leader to drive excellence in our community palliative care services.

You will champion equity, inclusion, diversity and belonging, while fostering a positive, high-performing culture where staff feel supported and empowered. With strong experience in service delivery, you will manage performance, resources, and workforce planning to meet the needs of our patients and families.

You will build effective partnerships with healthcare and community stakeholders, helping to improve access and patient pathways. A commitment to quality, governance, and continuous improvement is essential, alongside the ability to lead confidently in complex situations.

Above all, you will embody our values of Compassion, Trust, and Ambition, helping us deliver outstanding care and shape the future of hospice services.

You don’t need to meet every desirable criteria — we recruit based on values.

If you’re compassionate, reliable and eager to learn, we’d love to hear from you.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging

We want Nottinghamshire Hospice to be a place where everyone feels they belong. We warmly welcome applicants from all backgrounds and value the different perspectives and experiences that help us provide better care. We particularly encourage applications from people who are currently under‑represented in our workforce, including individuals from minoritised ethnic communities, people with disabilities, and men.

Registered Charity No: 509759

Lead services that support those who serve on the frontline
 

DMWS is seeking an experienced operational leader to develop and deliver high-quality services for blue light organisations and their workforces. This senior role combines strategic thinking, practical delivery, partnership building and strong project management.
 

A key part of the role is bringing services together. You will work closely with DMWS welfare teams, psychological services and clinical governance colleagues to strengthen referrals, coordinate support pathways and ensure operational delivery is safe, responsive and well governed.
 

What you will do
·   Lead operational plans, service performance, contracts, budgets and improvement activity.
·   Manage service mobilisations, pilots and improvement projects from scope through delivery, evaluation and handover.
·   Build effective working relationships across welfare, psychological, occupational health and partner services.
·   Coordinate cross-functional teams, project governance, milestones, risks, dependencies and reporting.
·   Strengthen relationships with military, blue light organisations, commissioners, public-sector partners, funders and suppliers.
·   Use evidence, outcomes and feedback to improve services, demonstrate impact and create opportunities for sustainable growth.
·   Lead and develop staff while maintaining high standards of governance, safeguarding and compliance.
 

What you will bring
·   Senior operational leadership experience in a complex service environment.
·   Strong project or programme management skills and a track record of delivering change.
·   Credibility with varied stakeholders and the ability to work effectively across professional boundaries.
·   An understanding of welfare, wellbeing and psychological support pathways and the importance of clear clinical and safeguarding escalation.
·   Commercial awareness, sound financial judgement and a commitment to quality and value for money.
·   A collaborative, evidence-led and values-driven approach.
 

Why join DMWS?
 

This is an opportunity to shape a growing area of work, strengthen integrated support for military Services, blue light communities and help DMWS turn trusted expertise into sustainable, high-impact services across the UK. This role is progressive and offers the right candidate an opportunity 
 

How to apply
 

Please submit your CV and a supporting statement explaining how your experience meets the requirements of the role by 28th September 2026. Applicants must hold a full UK Driving Licence and have access to a vehicle which is required for this role. 
 

DMWS is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds.

Head of Service – Reddo

Reddo is looking for an ambitious and entrepreneurial Head of Service to lead our next stage of growth.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced children’s services leader who can combine strong operational management with a commercial and entrepreneurial mindset.

You will work closely with the Managing Director and leadership team to:

• Lead and strengthen day-to-day service delivery

• Develop our team, systems and processes

• Drive quality, safeguarding and performance

• Build strong relationships with local authority commissioners

• Support new business and the mobilisation of new contracts

• Help shape Reddo’s future growth and development

We are looking for someone with experience in children’s social care and local authority commissioning, strong leadership and commercial awareness, and a genuine passion for building and improving services.

If you are ready to make a real impact and help shape the next chapter of Reddo, we would love to hear from you.

Please see the attached job description for full details.

Mind In Enfield and Barnet combines over 50 years of experience to improve peoples mental health in Enfield, Barnet and beyond. We are led by lived experience and driven by a passion to support and protect people’s mental health in ways that they want.

The Head of Families and Children’s Services will provide senior leadership and strategic direction across services that support families, parents, children, and young people. The role will ensure delivery of high-quality, evidence-based interventions that promote wellbeing, strengthen family resilience, and safeguard vulnerable children.

This postholder will oversee Perinatal Coaching, Crisis Outreach, Family Hubs, and Parenting Programs, embedding a culture of excellence, innovation, and partnership working to achieve meaningful outcomes for families.

This is a part-time position across 21 hours per week, (Monday to Friday 9-5).

Based at Head Office in Fore Street, Edmonton N9 0PD

Please see full attached job description.

Rural Refugee Network (RRN) is a small local charity in East Hampshire, Havant and Portsmouth, working alongside refugees and people seeking asylum through the work of six board members, thirty operational volunteers, one part-time permanent employee and a small bank of project staff and contractors. The charity is widely recognised by stakeholders and the local community for sensitively and effectively addressing the many challenges people arriving in the UK face as they strive to resettle and thrive in our community.

RRN is seeking an experienced Head of Operations to lead its support for refugees and people seeking asylum. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a small charity through a period of significant change, with overall operational responsibility for the charity, including partnerships, funding, coordination of delivery, safeguarding and compliance. 

Working directly with a range of stakeholders and beneficiaries, the ideal candidate for this complex and high trust role will be self-reliant, adaptable, and able to engage and influence through excellent face-to-face and online communication skills. This is a genuinely flexible role, with significant autonomy over when and where work is undertaken. There will be regular opportunities for in-person team management and relationship-building, alongside substantial flexibility in how the wider working week is structured and where work is carried out. We are looking for someone who is confident working independently, manages their own time effectively and values the trust and responsibility that come with this level of autonomy.

A candidate who is energised by working flexibly and sensitively with a small team will thrive in this role, which offers the opportunity to make a direct and meaningful impact on people’s lives.

Experience in the refugee sector is desirable.

Deadline: 5pm Monday 21 September

To apply, please send your CV and a supporting statement of not more than 2 sides, explaining your motivation, reflecting on how you would approach being RRN’s only core employed leader, and demonstrating your fit against the specification below. Please use the email subject heading “Head of Operations Application”. Unfortunately, we are unable to respond to all applications.

Job Description

Title: Rural Refugee Network Head of Operations

Reports to:  Board of Trustees

Hours:  Part-time (0.5 FTE, negotiable). Permanent contract.

Salary range: £40,000 - £45,000 FTE depending on experience.

Benefits: 25 days plus bank holidays (pro rata to hours agreed). 3% employer pension contribution.

Location and expectations: Flexible hybrid working with frequent travel to projects, events and stakeholder meetings in Portsmouth, Havant, Petersfield and the wider Hampshire area. Occasional evening and weekend in-person working required.

Purpose: To lead the day-to-day operation, development and sustainability of Rural Refugee Network, working with trustees, volunteers, funders and partner organisations to ensure refugees and asylum seekers receive practical support and RRN maintains compliance and operational sustainability.

About the role:. 

In this small charity, the Head of Operations combines operational coordination, programme oversight, partnership development and income generation, with delivery shared across volunteers, trustees and contracted staff.The role offers a high degree of autonomy and flexibility, alongside the opportunity to shape how the organisation works and develops. It requires strong judgement in balancing opportunities, risks and priorities within limited capacity, and the confidence to work independently while bringing others with you.

RRN is volunteer-led, and the Head of Operations is the organisation’s only permanent employee, holding overall coordination and accountability for day-to-day operations. This is therefore a broad, high-trust role: rather than delivering everything directly, you will enable and coordinate others, working closely with trustees, volunteers and contractors who deliver significant elements of the activity you lead.

The role will suit someone who enjoys variety, autonomy and a flexible working pattern, and who is comfortable taking ownership while knowing when to collaborate, delegate or seek support.

Key responsibilities:

Leadership, coordination and partnerships

• Deliver agreed strategic objectives and support trustees in developing future priorities.

• Prepare quarterly Board reports.

• Coordinate relationships with statutory, voluntary and community partners.

• With the support of trustees, represent the charity in local forums, develop opportunities for collaboration and promote RRN in the local community.

Programme and volunteer coordination

• Provide oversight of funded and core programmes.

• Recruit, train and manage project staff (currently two youth workers) and contracted/sessional staff.

• Recruit, train, support and retain volunteers.

• Oversee referral pathways and access.

• Support volunteer-led communications activity including website, newsletters, social media, impact reports and case studies.

Income development and funding

• Write grant applications and manage reporting requirements (with volunteer/trustee input).

• Maintain and develop funding pipeline and actively develop new funding streams.

• Support relationship-building with donors and community supporters.

Finance and compliance 

• Monitor programme budgets, working with the Treasurer.

• Support trustees in governance, reporting and compliance responsibilities.

• Maintain organisational policies and procedures.

• Lead safeguarding practice and reporting, acting as Designated Safeguarding Lead and ensuring policies are implemented by staff, volunteers, and contractors.

• Maintain oversight of organisational risk, compliance with Charity Commission, data protection, employment requirements and insurance arrangements.

• Ensure appropriate administrative systems are in place and followed, including maintaining up-to-date records in the CRM, Lamplight.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

• Substantial experience managing programmes or services in the charity/social impact sector, including line management, budgeting and financial oversight, and grant compliance/reporting.

• Strong partnership-building and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Experience leading and recruiting volunteer teams. 

• Deep understanding of safeguarding and compliance and recent experience leading safeguarding practice and decision-making. Up to date on requirements and best practice.

• Ability to work independently, exercising sound judgement about what trustees need to know and when, and to prioritise effectively within limited capacity and competing demands.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, IT proficiency.

Desirable

• Experience working with refugees, asylum seekers or other vulnerable groups.

• Understanding of immigration, integration or resettlement issues.

• Successful fundraising and bid-writing experience. 

• Experience of local authority commissioning or grant funding.

• Comfort and experience in IT, data and/or CRMs.

RRN is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. Appointment is subject to an enhanced DBS check, including a check of the relevant barred list, two satisfactory references, including your most recent employer, and safer recruitment practice including verification of employment history and a right to work check. RRN is unable to sponsor work visas, so applicants must already have the right to work in the UK.

About Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis

Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis is a UK charity. We bring people together to drive change so that everyone affected by pulmonary fibrosis can live well for longer.

We provide support, information and education, raise awareness, campaign for better diagnosis and care, and invest in research. Our strategy, For Every Breath, Every Journey, Every Future, is shaped by lived experience and supported by stronger organisational foundations and sustainable income.

The role

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you will lead APF's communications, marketing and engagement function. You will turn organisational priorities into an integrated plan, set clear standards and measures, advise senior leaders and ensure that marketing, media, content, digital and internal communications work together.

You will lead three managers: the Senior Marketing and Communications Manager, the Press, PR and Stories Manager, and the Communications Operations and Engagement Manager. The Digital Marketing Coordinator will report to the Senior Marketing and Communications Manager. This structure gives you the scope to shape the whole function while delegating specialist delivery clearly.

Your early work will include establishing the team operating model and annual plan, moving PF Together to quarterly publication, strengthening email marketing, leading a complete website content rewrite, creating clearer supporter journeys and building a proactive media and story pipeline. You will also work closely with fundraising so that strong propositions and campaigns reach the right audiences and contribute to acquisition, retention and income growth.

The role will lead APF's approach to communications data, performance reporting and responsible use of AI and connected systems. Human judgement, data protection and information security will remain central to how these tools are used.

Citizens Advice Stevenage is an ambitious and innovative member of the Citizens Advice network. We have expanded our services and offering to meet the increased demand in the area, doubling in size over the last few years. 

As a positive subsequence, we are looking for a Head of Finance & Business Support, who will become a core member of the Senior Leadership Team, responsible for overseeing the financial stewardship of Citizens Advice Stevenage. To lead on financial governance, business support operations, and compliance, ensuring the organization operates sustainably and meets all legal and regulatory obligations. The role is pivotal in safeguarding the charity's financial integrity, supporting strategic decision-making, and enabling effective service delivery. 

Financial Leadership 

• Prepare, review, and present draft and final budgets for approval by the board, ensuring timely submission of financial information to the CEO and Trustee Board. 

• Oversee financial reporting processes, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and compliance with regulatory standards, including variance analysis and annual balance sheets, ensuring timely submission of financial information to the CEO and Trustee Board. 

• Manage the reserves policy, ensuring regular review and alignment with operational needs and financial risks. 

• Identify and manage financial risks, ensuring integration into the organization’s risk register and adherence to appropriate mitigations.

• Ensure that the day-to-day finance and back-office function is high performing and compliant, safeguarding effective and efficient financial management processes. 

• To co-ordinate the proactive and timely dissemination of high-quality financial information to services, the CEO, and Board such as annual budgets, monthly management accounts, cash flow analysis, financial forecasting and monthly business performance figures.

• To ensure that the organisation has in place, robust and compliant financial systems and procedures; and that these are complied with by all budget holders, ensuring that any oversights are fully investigated and reported upwards as necessary.

• To lead on the preparation of statutory accounts, provide year end accounts, provide appropriate support and assistance to the organisation’s auditors and delivery of recommendations arising from the Audit process.

• To ensure that all statutory returns are complete in a timely and effective manner, including those in relation to VAT, PAYE, NIC and SSP, and that appropriate compliance dates are met for the Charities Commission and Companies House.

• Oversee the transactions, activities and processes of the external payroll provider.

• To monitor and advise on current and future tax legislation, with a view to optimisation.

• To support service managers in the preparation of bids and contract negotiations and provide financial activity analysis and reports in line with specific project reporting requirements.

• To monitor, report and make recommendations regarding the Investment and Reserves Policy to the Board.

• To oversee the payroll function to ensure employees are paid in an accurate and timely manner.

• To monitor and control creditors and debtors, ensuring invoices are paid on time and the risk of bad debts is minimised.

Compliance and Risk Management 

• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory frameworks, including the Charity Commission, Companies House, FCA, ICO, and other relevant bodies. 

• Maintain and regularly review financial systems, controls, and policies, ensuring they are effectively implemented and aligned with legal requirements. 

• Conduct due diligence for pension, redundancy, and other liabilities, ensuring plans are in place for management and mitigation. 

• Support the trustee board in understanding risks related to projects and contracts, providing assurance of compliance with funders’ requirements. 

• To lead on the Risk Management process, advising the CEO and managers on risk matters, and reviewing the risk register on a regular basis, reporting to the Board of Trustees.

• To check, amend and monitor the Financial Procedures Manual; reporting material breaches to the CEO and Board of Trustees, as required/in-line with governance.

• Working with the senior leadership team monitoring and updating Insurance matters as required, reporting to the CEO and Board of Trustees.

Business Support Operations 

• Lead on organisational business continuity planning, ensuring resilience during crises and alignment with the charity's objectives. 

• Oversee the development, implementation, and review of key policies, ensuring they reflect legal obligations and organisational values. 

• Manage IT systems and cybersecurity measures to protect organisational data and operations, ensuring compliance with standards such as Cyber Essentials. 

Strategic Contribution 

• Provides proactive strategic financial advice and guidance to the Trustees and wider leadership team, monitoring and reporting on the financial performance against agreed targets, identified risks and key performance indicators. 

• Provide financial and operational insights to inform strategic decision-making and long-term planning. 

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and financial accountability across the organisation. 

• Funding strategy: Support the CEO and board to regularly review the sustainability of its income sources and their impact on achieving charitable purposes in the short, medium and longer term.

• Work with the CEO and Head of Impact and Development to prepare the funding strategy that should go beyond immediate budgetary considerations and look at the wider funding landscape. The organisation needs to understand potential emerging opportunities and the organisation's readiness to pursue them. 

Team and Stakeholder Engagement 

• Build and maintain effective relationships with trustees, funders, regulators, and key stakeholders, to ensure that Citizens Advice Stevenage meets its financial, regulatory and legal obligations. 

• Provide leadership and support to finance and business support teams, ensuring professional development and effective performance management. 

People management and development  

• Develop and implement a culture of continuous learning that will equip and develop people to deliver outstanding delivery. Responsibility for the training and development plan for the Finance and Business Support ensuring it is in effective operation including maintaining records of training needs identified and training attended.  
   

• Working with the rest of the leadership team ensure the organisation delivers a fair, inclusive, equitable and transparent employee and volunteer experience, taking account of our EDI aims and in line with employment law and the Equality Act 2010. 
   

• Ensure Open and timely communication that provides information about the organisation and context for decisions that are made, helps to build trust and confidence and earn legitimacy. 
   

• Ensure the effective performance management and development of staff through regular supervision sessions, appraisals and learning and development.  
   

Person Specification 

• ACA/ACCA/CIMA Qualified, CPE up to date.

• Strong financial management experience at a similar level within the charity/not for profit sector 

• A proven track record of leading, developing and inspiring small teams 

• Experience of strategic business & financial planning, forecasting and budget management. 

• Sound experience of producing month-end management accounts and audited year-end financial accounts 

• Experience of managing and using financial systems 

• A working knowledge of relevant legislation (regulatory, legal and financial) in the context of a charitable organisation 

• Experience of managing change and change programmes 

• A track record of initiating, leading and managing associated risks 

• Strong influencing, negotiating and collaborative working skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly and concisely in writing or verbally 

• Confident IT skills; confident using Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel

• Experience designing and introducing new financial processes, procedures and reports

• Working knowledge of QuickBooks software [advantageous]

• Experience working with a Board of Trustees [advantageous]

• Understanding of Charity Commission and Companies House reporting requirements

• Project and/or professional services experience

• Understanding of Charity Law

• Experience of working in the not-for-profit sector

• Understanding and experience using the Charity Governance Code

• Experience in working with Charity SORP

• Legal experience – as so far as they can scrutinise and review basic contracts and their revenue recognition requirements and VAT implications

• Strategic and forecasting experience

Help Shape a Brighter Future for Bedford

Do you have the vision to turn great ideas into impactful programmes? Are you committed to creating opportunities for children and young people, and helping communities to thrive?

The Harpur Trust is a charitable organisation that operates four leading independent schools, delivers a substantial community grants programme and sponsors the Heart Academies Trust. With more than 1,200 employees, we invest in education, community development and initiatives that improve life chances across Bedford Borough.

We are also a founding partner and host of Bedford Giving, a movement of businesses, charities and other partners, who have all come together to form Bedford Giving to help create a brighter future for the next generation in Bedford.

We're looking for a dynamic Programmes and Grants Manager to play a central role in delivering these missions. This is a unique opportunity to join a respected local charity and help shape the future of Bedford Giving.

About the Role

As Programmes and Grants Manager, you will lead the development, commissioning and management of high-impact programmes and partnerships across The Harpur Trust and Bedford Giving.

You'll take ideas from concept to delivery, identifying community needs, researching solutions, commissioning services, managing partnerships and ensuring programmes achieve meaningful outcomes.

This is a varied and rewarding role combining strategy, programme development, stakeholder engagement, grant-making and contract management.

You'll work closely with senior leaders, trustees, community organisations and delivery partners, helping to ensure that every pound invested delivers maximum impact.

About You

We're looking for someone who combines strong project or programme management skills with a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for children, young people and communities.

You will bring:

• Experience of programme development, commissioning, grant-making or service delivery within the charitable, public or voluntary sector.

• Strong project and contract management skills.

• Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder engagement abilities.

• Confidence managing multiple priorities and delivering work to a high standard.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• A proactive, solutions-focused approach and a willingness to take initiative.

• A passion for creating positive social impact.

Why Join Us?

At The Harpur Trust, you'll be part of an organisation with a long history of investing in people and communities.

In return, we offer:

• A competitive salary up to £40,000.

• The opportunity to influence programmes that improve lives across Bedford.

• A supportive and collaborative working environment.

• Professional development and learning opportunities.

• Generous pension and employee benefits.

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements where appropriate.

• The chance to work with inspiring partners across the charity, education and community sectors.

Interested?

Find out more by viewing the full job description and click on apply to find out where to send your CV and covering letter.

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Contract Type: 21 hours per week. Initial 12-month fixed term contract with the potential for extension and/or a permanent position at the end of the term.

Salary: £27,00 - £30,000 per annum dependent on relevant experience (£45,00 - £50,000 FTE)

Base: Remote/Hybrid

About us

Do you want to make a difference in the lives of others? Do you want to work with like-minded professionals in a great team?

Rees seeks to support those who have, at some stage in their lives, been in foster care or residential care, including those with custodial experience. The charity understands the importance of having a lifelong support network. Our aim is to help care experienced people thrive in all aspects of their lives at any age. We seek to listen; and offer help and advice about any aspect they may have.

Rees delivers its services and products to public and voluntary sector commissioners, businesses, other agencies, and professionals.

Role Purpose

The Head of Commercial Income is a senior leadership role and a member of the Senior Leadership Team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer.

The postholder will lead the Charity's commercial income function, with responsibility for growing sustainable income through commissioned and commercial services, training, Ask Jan membership and other opportunities.

This is a strategic, commercially focused and hands-on role. The postholder will be a visible face of the Charity, building strong relationships with local authorities, commissioners, public sector organisations, businesses and other partners. They will identify opportunities, understand customer and commissioner needs, develop compelling propositions and secure sustainable business.

A particular focus will be growing the Charity's position within the statutory sector. The postholder will develop a strong understanding of local authority priorities, commissioning, procurement and purchasing processes and use this insight to anticipate emerging needs and create opportunities for the Charity to provide innovative and valuable solutions.

The postholder will lead and develop the Commercial Income function, with the Business Development Manager and Training & Commercial Services Co-ordinator reporting directly to them. They will set direction, priorities and targets while maintaining an active role in developing relationships, identifying opportunities, progressing bids and supporting commercial negotiations.

Working across the Charity, the postholder will ensure commercial opportunities are translated into high-quality, financially sustainable services that deliver positive outcomes for care experienced people.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership

• Provide strategic and commercial leadership for the Charity's commissioned and commercial services, training portfolio and Ask Jan membership offer.
• Lead and develop the Commercial Income function, line managing the Business Development Manager and Training & Commercial Services Co-ordinator.
• Set clear commercial priorities, targets and performance expectations and ensure the team has a strong focus on growth and results.
• As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, contribute to the leadership, planning and future development of the Charity.
• Develop a proactive, creative and customer-focused commercial culture across the function.
• Work collaboratively with the Head of Income and Development, Head of Service Delivery and wider Leadership Team to maximise income and impact.
• Balance strategic leadership with direct involvement in key commercial relationships, opportunities and negotiations.

Strategic Partnerships and Business Development

· Provide strategic leadership to the Charity's relationships with local authorities, commissioners and key partners, building senior-level relationships and positioning the Charity as a trusted partner.

· Oversee the commercial services pipeline, providing direction and support to the Business Development Manager to identify, prioritise and progress opportunities for growth.

· Develop approaches to securing new commissioned and commercial opportunities, working with Service Development and Service Delivery colleagues to shape services in response to market and beneficiary needs.

· Provide senior leadership and input on key bids, tenders and commissioned service proposals.

· Represent the Charity at strategic commissioning forums, partnership meetings and senior stakeholder events, promoting its expertise, services and impact.

· Monitor developments in commissioning, procurement, public policy and relevant markets, using this insight to identify emerging opportunities and potential challenges.

Commissioned and Commercial Services

• Provide overall strategic oversight of the Charity's commissioned and commercial services portfolio, ensuring services meet contractual obligations, quality standards, agreed outcomes and financial targets.
• Work with operational and service development colleagues to ensure services respond effectively to commissioner and customer needs.
• Identify opportunities to develop, improve and expand existing services and create new commercial offers.
• Ensure commercial propositions are viable, deliverable, competitive and aligned with the Charity's mission.
• Monitor market, commissioning and policy developments and identify their implications for the Charity's services and commercial opportunities.

Training and Ask Jan

• Provide strategic leadership for the continued growth and development of the Charity's training offer and Ask Jan membership service.
• Ensure training and membership propositions remain relevant, innovative and responsive to customer and sector needs.
• Identify opportunities to develop new training, membership and other commercial products and services.
• Work with colleagues to ensure these offers are effectively positioned, developed and brought to market.

Financial and Operational Management

• Provide strategic oversight of the financial performance and sustainability of the commercial income portfolio.
• Set and monitor income, growth and performance targets and report progress to the CEO and Senior Leadership Team.
• Oversee the commercial pipeline, income forecasting, contract performance and retention.
• Ensure commercial services are delivered within agreed budgets and provide value for money.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, pricing, sustainability and long-term income.
• Ensure appropriate monitoring, reporting and evaluation arrangements are in place for commercial activity.
• Ensure commercial activities comply with contractual, legal, regulatory and organisational requirements.

General

• Work collaboratively across all departments to maximise impact for care experienced people.
• Maintain an awareness of developments in local government, commissioning, procurement, children's services, social care and the wider charity sector.
• Promote the Charity's expertise, services and impact and protect its reputation through high-quality commercial relationships.
• Ensure the Charity's commercial activity remains consistent with its values, purpose and commitment to care experienced people.
• Contribute to organisational planning, continuous improvement and long-term sustainability.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the level and responsibilities of the role.

Essential

• Significant experience of leading and growing commercial income, commissioned services, business development, sales or other income-generating activity.
• Proven track record of securing new business, growing existing contracts and generating sustainable income.
• Experience of building strong relationships with local authorities, commissioners, public sector organisations and other senior stakeholders.
• Experience of leading or overseeing successful tenders, procurements, bids or commissioned service proposals.
• Understanding of public sector commissioning, procurement and purchasing processes, ideally with experience of local authorities and the statutory sector.
• Experience of identifying customer or commissioner needs and developing services, products or propositions in response.
• Strong commercial and business development approach, with the ability to build relationships, influence decision-makers, negotiate and secure business.
• Experience of managing and developing staff within a commercial, business development, sales or income-generation function.
• Strong commercial, financial and strategic awareness.
• Ability to combine strategic leadership with an active role in business development and income generation.
• Creative, proactive and opportunity-focused, with excellent communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.
• Commitment to the values and mission of the Rees Foundation.

Desirable

• Experience of working with local authority children's services, social care, leaving care, corporate parenting or related statutory services.
• Knowledge of the care experienced and/or social care sectors.
• Experience of developing and selling services to local authorities or other public sector organisations.
• Experience of managing training, membership or subscription-based services.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, GDPR, charity governance and relevant regulatory requirements.

Application Process

The closing date for this position is Friday 18th September 2026 at 5pm. Please note that we reserve the right to close applications before the advertised closing date or extend the application window at our discretion.

We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and welcome applications from those who are care leavers.

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