Head of service disability and mental health jobs

Join our Community Fundraising Team and play an important part in supporting some of The Royal Marsden Cancer charity’s most dedicated supporters. Working alongside the Community Fundraising team you will effectively steward existing supporters, engage our community supporters and identify new prospects.

If you are a high performing fundraiser with experience of delivering income growth through effective relationship management, this is a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

What you’ll be doing:

- Line manage a team to ensure they achieve their objectives and fundraising targets

- Deliver best in class stewardship to develop long term relationships

- Identify and develop fundraising initiatives to engage community fundraising supporters in line with the Charity’s strategy

- Identify opportunities to raise awareness of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity including giving talks and presentations, attending local events and networking events

- Monitor income monthly and contribute to budgeting and reforecasting. Identify areas of concern and where there might be potential for growth

- Work with other teams within the Charity, including Finance, Data, PR, Marketing and other fundraising teams to maximise best practice and supporter experience

What we’re looking for:

We’re looking for someone who is:

· An experienced, high-performing fundraiser with a proven track record of securing financial support from community fundraising supporters

· An excellent written and verbal communicator, able to engage effectively with a wide range of audiences

· A confident leader, able to motivate, manage and support high-performing teams

· Highly organised, with experience in financial planning, monitoring and budgeting

· Proactive and self-sufficient, with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to take initiative

· Able to work with sensitivity and diplomacy, including in emotionally complex situations

· Experienced in using Raiser’s Edge NXT and/or fundraising for major charitable appeals (desirable)

Why join us?

We’re a values-driven charity committed to saving lives by funding world-leading research, treatment, and care at The Royal Marsden. You’ll be part of a collaborative, ambitious, and kind team, with plenty of opportunities for learning and development.

What we offer:

· Hybrid working between home and Sutton with occasional travel to Chelsea.

· Flexible working around our core hours of 10am to 4pm

· 27 days annual leave rising with length of service

· Up to 6% employer contributions subject to matched contribution from you (increasing with length of service)

· Training, support and development opportunities

· Access to the Blue Light discount scheme and other discounts opportunities

· Access to subsidised staff restaurants, on-site yoga and wellbeing classes, staff choir and much more

· Range of wellbeing initiatives including access to an employee assistance programme designed to save money and improve your physical, financial and mental health and wellbeing, access to free online GP appointments and free eye tests and contribution towards any glasses required for work purposes

· Opportunities for training and career development

Inclusion matters:

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Applications from all backgrounds are warmly welcomed

Please note: To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately, once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.

How to apply:

Use CharityJob ATS

We are recruiting a Head of Income and Engagement to provide strategic leadership and vision for two critical functions—Fundraising and Marketing & Communications—bringing them together into a unified, high-performing team. This role focuses on shaping strategy, building external relationships, and driving organisational growth through income generation and brand engagement, rather than day-to-day operational management.

You will set the direction for attracting significant funding, particularly through corporate partnerships, while strengthening what PAPYRUS already does well:

• Securing grants and trusts funding
• Harnessing the passion of our large, committed supporter base - including bereaved families and others who raise voluntary income for us

In a challenging financial climate, you will lead efforts to grow these income streams and maintain a strong, values-driven presence across press, social media, and broadcast channels. The role requires influence, innovation, and the ability to inspire all managers and staff, as well as external stakeholders.

Please visit the careers site for the full job description and person specification for the role.

Salary: £58,523 per annum (Scale SCP 46) progressing by increments to £62,852 per annum (Scale SCP 49)

Hours: 36 hours per week Location: Remote with regular travel across the UK

Contract: Permanent 

Benefits: You will receive 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time workers), hybrid and flexible working arrangements, an attractive pension scheme, Simply Health membership, enhanced sick pay and enhanced parental pay. Please visit our website for more details.

Closing date: midnight on 22nd February 2026

We reserve the right to close the vacancy earlier if we receive sufficient applications so, please submit your application as soon as possible.

PAPYRUS is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment, and its recruitment policies are designed to ensure that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender re-assignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

PAPYRUS is committed to safeguarding all children, young people and adults at risk that interact with the organisation. The organisation recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of these vulnerable groups by a commitment to procedures to protect them. The charity expects all staff and volunteers to fully support and promote these commitments.

Our client is a leading Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy and Counselling training organisation and therapeutic services provider based in North London. They provide high quality, low-cost psychotherapy and counselling to children, young people, parents and families in over 35 schools and organisations in London and the South East as well as from their London-based therapeutic and training centre ‘The Bothy’. At an exciting time of change, the organisation are now looking to recruit a dynamic new Head of Services to oversee the efficient delivery and development of their therapeutic services.

As Head of Services you will be responsible for leading on the delivery, development and growth of the organisation's therapeutic services. You will oversee a small, tight-knit team (comprising of office staff, as well as a Clinical Lead and a School Liaison Coordinator), leading on administrative, marketing and budgeting for the entire service.  You will update and implement policies across the organisation to meet standards in the field of therapeutic provision and mental health services. You will also liaise with external agencies, statutory and non-statutory organisations and schools, nurturing relationships, identifying new clients and securing new contracts in order to develop additional revenue streams and ensure the financial sustainability of the Centre.

To apply for this role you will be a supportive leader with significant experience of overseeing staff and service operations previously. You will have an awareness of children mental health services (CAMHS) and related settings such as education, social care, health, public sector, and will be confident working in partnership and building relationships with a variety of external agencies. You will have the ability to think strategically and creatively with a solutions-focused attitude and will have knowledge of safeguarding processes. A recognised child psychotherapy qualification with UKCP or ACP training organisation would be an advantage.

In order to apply please initially submit your CV in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will then arrange a suitable time to fully brief you on the role.

At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy/maternity. If you have any disability and require reasonable adjustment/s to any part of the process then please contact Victoria Savva at Prospectus.

Please note this is a full-time role and will be based on-site at the organisation's offices in North Finchley.

James’ Place London, Senior Suicide Prevention Therapist

Job Title: Senior Suicide Prevention Therapist

Salary: c.£38,000 per annum pro rata, plus 15% ILW

Hours: 22.5 hours over 3 days per week – Monday, Wednesday and Thursday

Contract Type: Permanent

Location: London

Reports to: Head of Centre

THE CHARITY

Suicide is the leading cause of death of men under 35 and three quarters of those who die by suicide are men. James’ Place exists to save the lives of men in suicidal crisis through delivering clinical services. We are a charity currently offering free, life-saving therapy to suicidal men at our centres in Liverpool, London and Newcastle.

James’ Place was set up by Clare Milford Haven and Nick Wentworth-Stanley in 2008 after their twenty-one-year-old son, James, died by suicide ten days after a minor operation. James had no history of mental illness or depression and had sought urgent help for anxiety and suicidal thoughts but didn’t find it.   

James' Place was set up to make the experience of finding help as easy as possible. We offer men who are experiencing a suicidal crisis a brief, intensive, therapeutic intervention in a safe environment. Men who walk through the door at James’ Place will be in a space where they feel valued and respected.  We provide a calm and peaceful environment both inside the centres and in our outside spaces, accessible to men who visit us as well as their friends and families. We have so far treated over 4,300 men who might otherwise have been unable to access the support they desperately need.

In early 2026 we will be opening our fourth centre in Birmingham. Our new centre in Birmingham will be there to support suicidal men living in the West Midlands.

THE OPPORTUNITY

As a Senior Suicide Prevention Therapist, you will work closely with the Head of Centre to provide strong clinical leadership and oversight while also delivering direct therapeutic work with men experiencing suicidal crisis and their supporter(s). You will play a key role in supporting the clinical team to deliver our unique intervention and to co-produce effective, individualised safety plans to help men remain safe.

This role requires an experienced mental health professional or therapist with a strong background in suicide prevention, excellent risk assessment and formulation skills, and demonstrable experience of supervision, line management, and leadership. Training, induction, and ongoing support will be provided by the Head of Centre and the wider James’ Place team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Senior Clinical Duties

· Work as a duty therapist to triage and assess suitability of James’ Place referrals daily

· Take full clinical responsibility of the men under James’ Place care, as a co-leader of the clinical team and in consultation with Head of Centre

· Lead and support peer support sessions, caseload discussions and reflective practice with the team

· Create an environment in which confidentiality, privacy and dignity are respected and be clear with clients about limits of confidentiality

· Deputise for the Head of Centre when required

Clinical

· Conduct initial Welcome Assessments with men in a suicidal crisis, assessing risk and the suitability of the James’ Place intervention and co-producing effective safety plans

· Deliver our therapeutic intervention, building trust and exploring the reasons for crisis

· Use the Lay Your Cards on the Table intervention to encourage men to talk about and explore their feelings, attitudes and behaviours and develop positive coping strategies

· Escalate care to appropriate services when necessary, including emergency services and secondary mental health teams

· Deliver one-off guidance sessions to supporters of men under the James’ Place care

· Work collaboratively with other professionals to coordinate comprehensive care

· Undergo clinical supervision with a qualified supervisor to reflect on clinical work and raise any issues or concerns arising from work

· Remain up to date with developments in law, theories and research

· Maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards

· Complete session notes in a timely and effective manner

· Participate in continuous professional development and engage in training provided both internally and externally

· Support the Clinical Administration team as and when necessary

Leadership and Management

· Manage, support and lead Suicide Prevention Therapists, encouraging staff to develop and grow

· Conduct regular probation reviews, monthly 1:1s and annual Personal Development Reviews with staff

· Conduct therapist case reviews to ensure work is completed safely, effectively and in accordance with James’ Place policies and procedures

· Confidently identify and sensitively communicate areas for development and conduct performance management reviews when necessary

· Demonstrate and promote self-awareness and regularly dedicate time and space, inside and outside of work, to keeping yourself and the team well

· Provide support to access training and other developmental activities

· Support staff wellbeing

Outreach and Engagement

· Work alongside the Head of Centre to actively increase contact with local community organisations able to refer to us or offer move on support for men completing our intervention

· Support the fundraising team to bring potential supporters into our building and showcase our work, including the facilitation of events

Values

· Demonstrate commitment to the James’ Place values of Focus, Bravery, Respect, Compassion, Professionalism, Collaboration and Hope through all aspects of work

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The role requires someone with a relevant qualification who can confidently lead a team and support men experiencing a suicidal crisis. You will need to be able to effectively conduct risk assessments and deliver our clinically proven therapeutic intervention to ensure client safety. Strong therapeutic communication, the ability to work autonomously and teamwork skills are also essential to this role, as well as the ability to build trust and hope.

Essential

Qualification(s)

· A Core Profession such as Mental Health Nurse, Occupational Therapist or Social Worker, counselling or practitioner psychologist registered with NMC, HCPC, or Social Work England

or

· Accreditation as a psychological therapist, psychotherapist, or counsellor registered with BACP, UKCP, BABCP or equivalent, or have completed training and awaiting accreditation

You must hold a relevant qualification to be considered for this role.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

·       Experience of leading, supervising and developing a team or others

·       Experience of holding supervision, reflective practice and/or case management with colleagues 

·       Experience of decision making, when asked by colleagues for advice and support 

·       Experience of triaging referrals and demonstrating accountability for decisions made

·       Experience of modelling best practice to others and working to address issues of performance and competency when they arise

·       Commitment to continued professional development and can evidence additional learning since completion of core training

· Demonstrable experience working with adults experiencing acute psychological distress

· Demonstrable knowledge of social and other factors which could lead to suicidal thinking and actions

· Demonstrable knowledge of the factors contributing to male suicide

· Evidence of being able to deliver a therapeutic session and work in a therapeutic environment  

· Effective communication skills (both written and verbal)

· Good interpersonal skills with the ability to manage difficult situations

· Ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate therapeutic interventions

· An ability to collaborate with clients in the development of a person centred, individual intervention plan

· An ability to engage clients in the intervention plan, overcoming barriers to communication

· Ability to conduct effective risk assessments and collaborative safety plans with men who are presenting with high risk of suicide, or be willing and able to learn how to do so

· Ability to identify if the James’ Place service is not adequate to maintain the person’s safety and facilitate rapid transfer to the most appropriate service

· Ability to maintain boundaries within a time-limited intervention

· Ability to work as an effective team member

· Ability to manage and prioritise own workload, using own initiative and confidence in decision making

· Strong time management

· Ability to maintain up to date client records in line with James’ Place standards

· Ability to maintain own personal safety and the safety of others within the centre

· Knowledge and understanding of Safeguarding Procedures

Values

· Commitment to clinical supervision

· Ability to engage with James’ Place values

· Ability to promote people’s equality, diversity and rights

· Ability to work collaboratively and demonstrate commitment to co-production

· Ability to be transparent, honest and show discretion when needed

· Commitment to suicide prevention and working with men in a suicidal crisis

·    Willingness to cover Head of Centre delegated duties when needed (e.g. leave and other absence)

WE OFFER

· A 7% employer contributory pension scheme

· Family friendly policies

· Death in service insurance scheme

· 25 days plus bank holidays leave entitlement (FTE), including enhanced holiday allowance with incremental rises after qualifying period

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please see instructions on the attached document.

Closing date: 9am on Friday 27th February 2026

Our aim is to recruit clinicians who are representative of the communities of men who will access treatment at James' Place London. We particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups and those who have experience delivering therapy within culturally diverse communities, particularly in widely spoken languages within those communities.

James’ Place is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community. Our aim is that no job applicant, temporary worker or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender and transgender status, race and ethnicity, religion and belief (including no belief), marriage or civil partnership status or sexual orientation.

If you have a disability or health conditions which means you'd benefit from any adjustments to the interview process to help you perform at your best, please do let us know in advance.

Any job offers made are subject to the receipt of two relevant satisfactory employment references. We expect this to include one from your most recent or current employer. Any job offers made are also subject to a satisfactory DBS check and a Right to Work in the UK check.

This is a challenging, exciting and rewarding role for a highly motivated, enthusiastic and pro-active fundraising professional with a strong background in community engagement and communications. You will continue building the public profile of St Petrock’s and be responsible for generating the income needed to run and further develop our vital and life-saving services.

About St Petrock’s (Exeter) Ltd:  St Petrock’s is Exeter’s local, values-led and much-loved homelessness charity, created and supported by the local community to provide vital services for rough sleepers and other people experiencing homelessness, and those at risk of homelessness in Exeter. For more details, please visit our website.

About the role:  You will be creative, self-motivated, conscientious and energetic, and have superb interpersonal and communication skills to engage effectively with a wide range of people and build the supporter base of St Petrock’s. You will have strong project and event management skills to lead on major fundraising campaigns and events such as our annual Christmas fundraising video campaign, the Big Night Out sponsored sleepout, and the Big Night In fundraising dinner, along with the imagination and drive to develop a full programme of public fundraising challenges and events. You will also have the knowledge and drive to develop legacy giving and major donor programmes and, supported by the Fundraising and Communications Officer, will be responsible for our social media platforms, website, media relations, and other external communications.

You will be primarily based at the St Petrock’s homelessness centre, with the opportunity for some hybrid working (at home or at local co-working venue). Given the nature of the role, it is essential that you have a suitably insured vehicle and are able to attend meetings and events outside normal working hours to share about St Petrock’s as needed.

Applications:For more detail (including a full Job Description & Person Specification) and how to apply, please download the Job Pack from our website or in the ad attachments.

To complete your application, please send us your CV, covering letter and a disclosure form as per the details in the Job Pack, outlining why you feel you are an ideal candidate for this post..  (These can also be emailed to us following the details in the pack). 

Closing date for applications: Monday 16th February 2026 at 9am

Please contact Peter Stephenson, Chief Executive via the contact details in the Job Pack if you would like to have an informal discussion before applying (including a contact phone number if you would like to arrange a call back).

St Petrock’s is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable adults and children. We use “safer recruitment” practices throughout our recruitment processes, and all successful candidates will be subject to the highest level of DBS check that is legally permissible for their role. Any offer of employment is subject to a satisfactory DBS check. Applicants should understand that a criminal history will not necessarily bar applicants from this role but will be subject to risk assessment.

James’ Place London, Suicide Prevention Therapist

Job Title: Suicide Prevention Therapist

Salary: c.£33,000 per annum pro rata, plus 15% ILW

Hours: 22.5 hours over 3 days per week

Contract Type: Permanent

Location: London

Reports to: Senior Suicide Prevention Therapist

THE CHARITY

Suicide is the leading cause of death of men under 35 and three quarters of those who die by suicide are men. James’ Place exists to save the lives of men in suicidal crisis through delivering clinical services. We are a charity currently offering free, life-saving therapy to suicidal men at our centres in Liverpool, London and Newcastle.

James’ Place was set up by Clare Milford Haven and Nick Wentworth-Stanley in 2008 after their twenty-one-year-old son, James, died by suicide ten days after a minor operation. James had no history of mental illness or depression and had sought urgent help for anxiety and suicidal thoughts but didn’t find it.   

James' Place was set up to make the experience of finding help as easy as possible. We offer men who are experiencing a suicidal crisis a brief, intensive, therapeutic intervention in a safe environment. Men who walk through the door at James’ Place will be in a space where they feel valued and respected.  We provide a calm and peaceful environment both inside the centres and in our outside spaces, accessible to men who visit us as well as their friends and families. We have so far treated over 4,300 men who might otherwise have been unable to access the support they desperately need.

In early 2026 we will be opening our fourth centre in Birmingham. Our new centre in Birmingham will be there to support suicidal men living in the West Midlands.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are expanding our team of clinicians to deliver our clinically proven intervention at our James’ Place centre in London. As a Suicide Prevention Therapist, you will be an experienced mental health professional or therapist with demonstrable interest in suicide prevention. You will support men who are experiencing a suicidal crisis and their supporter(s), delivering our unique intervention and co-producing effective safety plans to maintain their safety. Training and support will be provided by the Head of Centre in London and the wider James’ Place team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical

· Conduct initial Welcome Assessments with men in a suicidal crisis, assessing risk and the suitability of the James’ Place intervention and co-producing effective safety plans

· Deliver our therapeutic intervention, building trust and exploring the reasons for crisis

· Use the Lay Your Cards on the Table intervention to encourage men to talk about and explore their feelings, attitudes and behaviours and develop positive coping strategies

· Take full clinical responsibility of the men under James’ Place care, as a member of the clinical team and in consultation with Senior Suicide Prevention Therapist and Head of Centre when needed

· Escalate care to appropriate services when necessary, including emergency services and secondary mental health teams

· Deliver one-off guidance sessions to supporters of men under the James’ Place care

· Work collaboratively with other professionals to coordinate comprehensive care

· Demonstrate self-awareness and regularly dedicate time and space, inside and outside of work, to keeping yourself well

· Undergo clinical supervision with a qualified supervisor to reflect on clinical work and raise any issues or concerns arising from work

· Remain up to date with developments in law, theories and research

· Engage in peer support sessions, caseload discussions and Reflective Practice with the team

· Contribute to an environment in which confidentiality, privacy and dignity are respected and be clear with clients about limits of confidentiality

· Maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards

· Complete session notes in a timely and effective manner

· Participate in continuous professional development and engage in training provided both internally and externally

· Support the Clinical Administration team as and when necessary

Outreach and Engagement

· Support the local management team to increase contact with local community organisations able to refer to us or offer move on support for men completing our intervention

· Support the fundraising team to bring potential supporters into our building and showcase our work, including the facilitation of events

Values

· Demonstrate commitment to the James’ Place values of Focus, Bravery, Respect, Compassion, Professionalism, Collaboration and Hope through all aspects of work

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The role requires someone with a relevant qualification who can confidently support men experiencing a suicidal crisis. You will need to be able to effectively conduct risk assessments and deliver our clinically proven therapeutic intervention to ensure client safety. Strong therapeutic communication, the ability to work autonomously and teamwork skills are also essential to this role, as well as the ability to build trust and hope.

Essential

Qualification(s)

· A Core Profession such as Mental Health Nurse, Occupational Therapist or Social Worker, counselling or practitioner psychologist registered with NMC, HCPC, or Social Work England

or

· Accreditation as a psychological therapist, psychotherapist, or counsellor registered with BACP, UKCP, BABCP or equivalent, or have completed training and awaiting accreditation

You must hold a relevant qualification to be considered for this role.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

· Demonstrable experience working with adults experiencing acute psychological distress

· Demonstrable knowledge of social and other factors which could lead to suicidal thinking and actions

· Demonstrable knowledge of the factors contributing to male suicide

· Evidence of being able to deliver a therapeutic session and work in a therapeutic environment  

· Effective communication skills (both written and verbal)

· Good interpersonal skills with the ability to manage difficult situations

· Ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate therapeutic interventions

· An ability to collaborate with clients in the development of a person centred, individual intervention plan

· An ability to engage clients in the intervention plan, overcoming barriers to communication

· Ability to conduct effective risk assessments and collaborative safety plans with men who are presenting with high risk of suicide, or be willing and able to learn how to do so

· Ability to identify if the James’ Place service is not adequate to maintain the person’s safety and facilitate rapid transfer to the most appropriate service

· Ability to maintain boundaries within a time-limited intervention

· Ability to work as an effective team member

· Ability to manage and prioritise own workload, using own initiative and confidence in decision making

· Strong time management

· Ability to maintain up to date client records in line with James’ Place standards

· Ability to maintain own personal safety and the safety of others within the centre

· Knowledge and understanding of Safeguarding Procedures

Values

· Commitment to clinical supervision

· Ability to engage with James’ Place values

· Ability to promote people’s equality, diversity and rights

· Ability to work collaboratively and demonstrate commitment to co-production

· Ability to be transparent, honest and show discretion when needed

· Commitment to suicide prevention and working with men in a suicidal crisis

WE OFFER

· A 7% employer contributory pension scheme

· Family friendly policies

· Death in service insurance scheme

· 25 days plus bank holidays leave entitlement (FTE), including enhanced holiday allowance with incremental rises after qualifying period

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please see instructions on the attached document.

Closing date: 9am on Friday 27th February 2026

Our aim is to recruit clinicians who are representative of the communities of men who will access treatment at James' Place London. We particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups and those who have experience in delivering therapy within culturally diverse communities, particularly in widely spoken languages within those communities.

James’ Place is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community. Our aim is that no job applicant, temporary worker or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender and transgender status, race and ethnicity, religion and belief (including no belief), marriage or civil partnership status or sexual orientation.

If you have a disability or health conditions which means you'd benefit from any adjustments to the interview process to help you perform at your best, please do let us know in advance.

Any job offers made are subject to the receipt of two relevant satisfactory employment references. We expect this to include one from your most recent or current employer. Any job offers made are also subject to a satisfactory DBS check and a Right to Work in the UK check.

About Muscular Dystrophy Support Centre (MDSC)

Muscular Dystrophy Support Centre (MDSC) is a regional charity supporting people affected by muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular conditions. We deliver a growing portfolio of health, wellbeing and community-based services, underpinned by strong values, lived experience and a commitment to quality.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Head of Delivery to provide inspirational operational leadership across our services. This is a senior leadership role responsible for ensuring high-quality, compliant and sustainable delivery, while supporting growth, innovation and continuous improvement.

Working closely with the CEO and Senior Team, the postholder will embed a strong performance culture, champion service-user involvement, and ensure services meet regulatory, contractual and organisational requirements.

Head of Delivery JD

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for MDSC’s service delivery portfolio
• Lead and manage delivery teams, ensuring consistent, high-quality performance
• Oversee safeguarding, risk management, health & safety and regulatory compliance
• Develop and maintain quality systems, audits and performance frameworks
• Champion meaningful service-user involvement and co-production
• Lead service development, mobilisation and change management initiatives
• Build productive relationships with commissioners, funders and partners
• Oversee service budgets, financial planning and sustainability
• Support staff development, supervision and performance management

About You

You will be a confident operational leader with significant experience in health, care or disability services. You will bring strong people management skills, financial acumen and a clear understanding of quality, compliance and performance management in regulated environments.

You will be credible with commissioners and partners, comfortable leading change, and committed to ensuring services are shaped by the people who use them.

What We Offer

• A senior leadership role with real influence and responsibility
• The opportunity to shape and grow impactful services
• Supportive, values-driven organisational culture
• Pension contribution
• Annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays
• Ongoing professional development

Safeguarding

This role is subject to a probationary period and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Citizens UK

Citizens UK is the UK’s biggest, most diverse and most effective people-powered alliance. We bring communities and local organisations together to work on issues that matter; from campaigning for zebra crossings on dangerous roads, to reforming the immigration system, to the Living Wage campaign. We have a track record of winning change through hundreds of local and national campaigns. We know everyday people have the ability to shape the world around them. We believe that through developing local leaders, we can drive nationwide change and create community-led solutions to big and small problems.

Purpose

The Head of People & Culture ensures that Citizens UK has the people, organisational capacity and enabling culture required to deliver its mission of building people power and strengthening civil society. The role plays a central part in securing a workforce that is capable, motivated and aligned with Citizens UK’s values, enabling the organisation to build strong alliances, support local leadership and achieve lasting social change.

Working as part of the senior leadership team, and under the direction of the Executive Director, Finance & Operations, the role strengthens organisational effectiveness by embedding fair, inclusive and well-governed people practices. Through sound employment frameworks, statutory compliance and a culture that supports engagement, performance and wellbeing, the Head of People & Culture safeguards Citizens UK’s resilience, reputation and ability to deliver impact at scale.

Main Responsibilities

Working as the Head of People & Culture for Citizens UK, reporting to the Executive Director, Finance & Operations, your main responsibilities will include:

People & Culture Strategy

Ensure Citizens UK has the people, capability and organisational shape required to deliver its mission and sustain impact over time.

· Analyse organisational strategy, change priorities and external context to identify their implications for people, capability, structure and ways of working.

· Carry out workforce planning to assess current and future capacity and capability, identifying gaps, risks and realistic options to address them.

· Develop, maintain and refresh the People & Culture strategy so it responds directly to organisational needs and provides clear priorities for action.

· Provide expert people and culture advice to the Executive Leadership Team and Board, informing strategic discussions, trade-offs and decisions.

Talent Management

Develop and implement talent management processes that ensure Citizens UK attracts, retains and sustains the people needed to deliver its work.

· Lead recruitment, selection and onboarding to bring in people who can perform effectively in their roles and are aligned with Citizens UK’s values.

· Develop and maintain retention approaches focused on the key drivers of retention, including meaningful work, effective management, development opportunities, wellbeing, inclusion and fair treatment.

· Identify critical roles and critical talent and put in place practical succession and risk-mitigation plans, including knowledge transfer, handover planning and interim cover where needed.

· Monitor employee experience across the employment lifecycle, using insight from feedback and people data to improve people practices and ways of working.

Performance, Leadership & Capability

Strengthen organisational effectiveness by enabling teams to perform well, grow in capability and contribute consistently to shared goals.

· Maintain and operate performance management processes, including objective setting, regular feedback and reviews, ensuring that staff are clear on expectations and accountable for results.

· Support managers to address performance issues constructively by clarifying expectations, strengthening feedback, building capability and resolving barriers to effective performance.

· Coordinate and deliver learning and development activity that supports managers and staff to build skills, leadership capability and confidence in their roles.

Organisational Culture, Engagement & Wellbeing

Foster a working environment where people feel engaged, supported and able to do their best work together.

· Promote Citizens UK’s values in everyday people practices, supporting managers to translate values into consistent behaviours, decision-making and ways of working.

· Design and operate staff engagement and feedback mechanisms, ensuring staff voice is heard, themes are analysed, and practical actions are taken in response.

· Develop and maintain wellbeing approaches that support psychological safety, healthy workload management, early resolution of concerns and sustainable working practices.

· Support constructive relationships with the Trade Union and enable effective consultation and dialogue on people-related matters. 

EDI & Safeguarding

Ensure Citizens UK is equitable, inclusive and safe for all by embedding fairness, care and accountability into how the organisation operates.

· Develop and implement Equity, Diversity and Inclusion priorities, using clear measures to monitor progress, identify gaps and support accountability across the organisation.

· Embed EDI considerations into recruitment, progression, policy development and everyday people decisions, working closely with relevant colleagues to ensure consistency in practice.

· Act as the People & Culture lead for safeguarding, ensuring responsibilities are clear, processes are understood, and concerns are handled appropriately, sensitively and in line with agreed procedures.

· Support managers and leaders to recognise and address inclusion or safeguarding issues early, escalating concerns where required and ensuring appropriate follow-up.

Governance, Risk & Compliance

Ensure Citizens UK has a clear, effective and trusted people governance framework that supports lawful decision-making, fair treatment and organisational confidence.

· Develop, review and maintain People & Culture policies and procedures, ensuring they are legally compliant, values-aligned and understood by managers and staff.

· Provide day-to-day advice and guidance on people-related risk and compliance, identifying emerging issues early and supporting proportionate, lawful responses.

· Manage disciplinary, grievance and other formal employment processes, ensuring fairness, consistency, appropriate documentation and timely resolution.

Systems & HR Operations

Ensure the efficient, reliable and compliant administration of people processes and systems.

· Operate and maintain HR systems, payroll processes and core people administration, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality and compliance with organisational and legal requirements.

· Review and improve people processes to reduce duplication, minimise manual work and improve efficiency, making best use of available technology and automation.

· Maintain accurate and up-to-date people records and data, ensuring information is accessible, secure and fit for reporting, audit and operational needs.

Functional Leadership & Resource Management

Build and manage CUK’s People & Culture function, ensuring that staff and resources contribute effectively to achievement of CUK’s mission.

· Plan, prioritise and sequence People & Culture work to ensure available capacity is focused on the organisation’s most important people risks and priorities.

· Manage the People & Culture budget, including payroll, monitoring spend and applying value-for-money principles in line with organisational policies.

· Manage People & Culture staff and outsourced service providers utilising an engaging leadership style to support effective delivery of expectations.

Personal Specification

(D) Desirable, (E) Essential

Qualifications

· (E) CIPD qualification (Level 7) or equivalent senior-level professional experience in People / HR leadership

· (D) Degree or equivalent qualification in human resources, organisational development, management or a related field

Experience

· (E) Significant experience in a senior People / HR role, ideally within a charity, not-for-profit or values-driven organisation

· (E) Experience of leading and delivering people and culture priorities in complex, mission-led organisations

· (E) Experience of advising Executive and Board-level stakeholders on people, culture, governance and risk matters

· (E) Experience of operating as a senior, hands-on HR generalist, covering strategy, policy, employee relations and operational delivery

· (E) Experience of workforce planning, recruitment, performance management and organisational change

· (D) Experience of working with trade unions or staff representative bodies

Key skills and knowledge

· (E) Strong generalist HR expertise across employment law, compliance, safeguarding, performance management and people governance

· (E) Proven ability to design and implement practical people processes that support performance, inclusion and wellbeing

· (E) Strong coaching capability, with the ability to support managers to address performance, capability and behavioural issues constructively

· (E) Ability to manage complex employee relations matters with judgement, fairness and confidence

· (E) Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present clear advice and recommendations to senior leaders and boards

· (D) Knowledge of HR systems, people data and process improvement to support efficient delivery

Personal qualities & values

· (E) Strong commitment to social justice, inclusion and the values and mission of Citizens UK

· (E) Values-led and relational leadership style, combining empathy, integrity and pragmatism

· (E) Resilient and adaptable, able to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced and evolving environment

· (E) Comfortable working within an accountable team culture, open to feedback, reflective practice and continuous improvement

· (D) Willingness to work occasional evenings or weekends, and to travel when required to support organisational priorities

Job Title: Clinical Administrator

Salary: c.£25,000 per annum

Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 5:30pm. This post is open to job sharing.

Contract Type: Permanent

Location: Birmingham

Reports to: Centre Manager

THE CHARITY

Suicide is the leading cause of death of men under 35 and three quarters of those who die by suicide are men. James’ Place exists to save the lives of men in suicidal crisis through delivering clinical services. We are a charity currently offering free, life-saving therapy to suicidal men at our centres in Liverpool, London and Newcastle.

James’ Place was set up by Clare Milford Haven and Nick Wentworth-Stanley in 2008 after their twenty-one-year-old son, James, died by suicide ten days after a minor operation. James had no history of mental illness or depression and had sought urgent help for anxiety and suicidal thoughts but didn’t find it.   

James' Place was set up to make the experience of finding help as easy as possible. We offer men who are experiencing a suicidal crisis a brief, intensive, therapeutic intervention in a safe environment. Men who walk through the door at James’ Place will be in a space where they feel valued and respected.  We provide a calm and peaceful environment both inside the centres and in our outside spaces, accessible to men who visit us as well as their friends and families. We have so far treated over 4,300 men who might otherwise have been unable to access the support they desperately need.

In early 2026 we will be opening our fourth centre in Birmingham. Our new centre in Birmingham will be there to support suicidal men living in the West Midlands.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are looking to recruit a Clinical Administrator to support the administration and operations processes at our new James’ Place centre in Birmingham, due to open in Spring 2026. You will be the first point of contact for men who are experiencing a suicidal crisis and their supporters and will take a key role in in facilitating a warm and welcoming introduction to the centre. You will be expected to set and maintain the tone of the experience at James’ Place and provide efficient and effective administrative support to the centre team. Under the guidance of the Centre Manager, you will process referrals, conduct accurate record keeping and help to ensure the centre runs safely and smoothly.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical Administration

· Covering daily administrative tasks and duties at James’ Place Birmingham including:

· Being the first point of contact for referrers and men in distress, greeting visitors, answering the phone, booking appointments, and responding to email enquiries.

· Dealing with enquiries over email and telephone, scheduling/amending appointments and taking messages as required.

· Speaking to men in distress who have contacted the centre and, where appropriate, taking self-referrals over the phone.

· Processing referrals and maintaining accurate records at all times in line with our administrative procedures.

· Supporting users of the service to access information about other agencies.

· Maintaining an effective appointment system ensuring all the resources at James’ Place are used efficiently.

· Recording and collating data to support the effective evaluation and monitoring of James’ Place.

· Providing admin support to the wider team as required e.g. recording and sharing meeting minutes.

Operations

· Maintaining a safe and tidy environment in all areas of the centre and monitoring/replenishing stocks.

· Supporting the Centre Manager to conduct routine Health & Safety checks and assessments.

· Completing electronic filing, shredding, and general office admin.

· Providing occasional administrative support to the Centre Manager, Head of Centre, and the Senior Management Team. 

· Following Health and Safety procedures around safety alarms, security, heating, lighting, electrical equipment, and lone working.

· Managing refuse and recycling collections, ensuring it is collected by the contractors each week.

Values

· Welcoming men and their supporters into the centre, maintaining a calm and caring approach with all those who are seeking support from our services.

· Treating every person who contacts us with respect and offering them support in line with our values, policies, and procedures.

· Demonstrate commitment to the James’ Place values of Focus, Bravery, Respect, Compassion, Professionalism, Collaboration and Hope through all aspects of work.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

This role requires someone with both excellent people and organisational skills and the ability to communicate compassionately, both verbally and in writing, with a range of stakeholders. Your administration skills will be vital, and you will be able to work with a broad range of IT, including shared Outlook inboxes and calendars. You will feel comfortable using the full Office 365 suite and have the necessary organisation skills to maintain the highest standards of record keeping.  You will support the wider teams to deliver our effective intervention, therefore an ability to work collaboratively is essential. You will be able to work proactively and have a high level of attention to detail.

Essential

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

· Strong communication skills, both written and verbal

· Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to remain calm and caring in challenging situations

· Ability to manage time effectively, prioritise workload and meet deadlines

· Ability to maintain accurate records and follow set procedures

· Strong IT skills with the ability to learn new systems quickly and efficiently

· Knowledge of relevant Data Protection Regulation

· Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding procedures

· Ability to work in a therapeutic environment

· A high level of attention to detail

· Ability to maintain your own personal safety and the safety of colleagues and visitors to the centre

Values

· Ability to engage with James’ Place values

· Ability to promote people’s equality, diversity and rights

· Ability to work collaboratively and demonstrate commitment to co-production

· Ability to be transparent, honest and show discretion when needed

· Commitment to suicide prevention and working with men in a suicidal crisis

Desirable

· Experience of working in a therapeutic environment or health-based setting

· Knowledge of relevant Health and Safety procedures

WE OFFER

· A 7% employer contributory pension scheme

· Family friendly policies

· Death in service insurance scheme

· 25 days plus bank holidays leave entitlement (FTE), including enhanced holiday allowance with incremental rises after qualifying period

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please see instructions on the attached document.

Closing date: 9am on Wednesday 11th March 2026

Interview date:

First round interviews aim to be held w/c 16th March via MS Teams

Second round interviews aim to be held w/c 25th March in person

Our aim is to a team who are representative of the communities of men who will access treatment at James' Place Birmingham. We particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups and those who have experience delivering therapy within culturally diverse communities, particularly in widely spoken languages within those communities.

James’ Place is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community. Our aim is that no job applicant, temporary worker or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender and transgender status, race and ethnicity, religion and belief (including no belief), marriage or civil partnership status or sexual orientation.

If you have a disability or health conditions which means you'd benefit from any adjustments to the interview process to help you perform at your best, please do let us know in advance.

Any job offers made are subject to the receipt of two relevant satisfactory employment references. We expect this to include one from your most recent or current employer. Any job offers made are also subject to a satisfactory DBS check and a Right to Work in the UK check.

We are seeking an exceptional, results-driven fundraising leader to spearhead major donor engagement and deliver an inspiring programme of high-profile fundraising events. This is a unique opportunity to help shape one of the UK’s most ambitious philanthropic programmes as we enter a defining period, including our landmark £200m Global Cancer Appeal, which will transform cancer treatment at our Chelsea site.

As Head of Philanthropy & Special Events, you will lead a high-performing team, cultivate enduring relationships with major supporters, and deliver compelling events that deepen engagement and inspire transformational giving. You will work closely with senior clinical leaders, Trustees, Appeal Board members and influential volunteers to ensure philanthropy continues to accelerate the pace and impact of our work.

What you’ll be doing:

- Lead a successful major gifts fundraising programme, developing and implementing strategies to secure significant six- and seven-figure gifts

- Work closely with colleagues to deliver the Charity’s £200m Chelsea Development Appeal.

- Personally cultivate and steward a portfolio of major donors and prospects, developing tailored solicitation strategies that inspire transformational giving.

- Build strong, effective relationships with senior volunteers, high-value committees and new supporters, recruiting and motivating volunteers to help raise funds for the Charity.

- Lead the delivery of a diverse and strategically aligned high-value events portfolio, including major galas, private dinners, webinars, panel discussions, tribute events and stewardship experiences.

- Provide inspirational leadership to a team of fundraisers and event specialists, ensuring ambitious KPIs are set and achieved.

- Collaborate across the Charity and The Royal Marsden Hospital, cultivating relationships with senior clinicians and key internal stakeholders to shape compelling philanthropic opportunities.

- As part of the P&P leadership team, contribute to cross-team strategic projects and help drive forward an integrated, high-performing fundraising directorate.

About you:

We’re looking for a confident and inspirational leader with:

· Extensive experience in senior fundraising, including major gift programme development and proven success in personally securing seven-figure gifts.

· Expertise in high-value committees, appeal boards or volunteer-led fundraising groups.

· A strong track record in delivering exceptional fundraising events.

· Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to develop trusted relationships with VIPs, influential stakeholders and committees.

· Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop high-performing teams.

· Excellent strategic thinking, financial acumen, and organisational skills, with the ability to interpret budgets and set ambitious but achievable targets.

· A highly proactive, self-sufficient approach and the ability to work with sensitivity and diplomacy, including in emotionally complex circumstances.

· Experience using Raiser’s Edge NXT and/or fundraising for major charitable appeals is desirable.

Why join us?

The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity supports one of the world’s leading cancer centres. Our teams are united by a deep determination to improve the lives of people affected by cancer, and we are entering one of the most exciting and ambitious phases in our history.

You will join a high-performing, values-driven Philanthropy & Partnerships directorate and have the opportunity to help shape transformational projects that will change the future of cancer care.

What we offer:

· Hybrid working between home and Chelsea with occasional travel to Sutton.

· Flexible working around our core hours of 10am to 4pm

· 27 days annual leave rising with length of service

· Up to 6% employer contributions subject to matched contribution from you (increasing with length of service)

· Training, support and development opportunities

· Access to the blue light discount scheme and other discounts opportunities

· Access to subsidised staff restaurants, on-site yoga and wellbeing classes, staff choir and much more

· Range of wellbeing initiatives including access to an employee assistance programme designed to save money and improve your physical, financial and mental health and wellbeing, access to free online GP appointments and free eye tests and contribution towards any glasses required for work purposes

Inclusion Matters

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and walks of life.

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, we’d love to hear from you.

Please note: To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately, once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.

How to apply:

Use the Charityjob ATS

Regional Operational Manager

Service: Services and Innovation London

Salary:

• £42,562 - £46,703 FTE per annum (£34,049.60 - £37,362.40 per annum for part-time, 29.6 hours per week)
• Additional £3,866 Inner London Weighting FTE per annum (£3,092.80 ILW per annum for part-time, 29.6 hours) for office based
• OR £480 homeworking allowance per annum (£384 per annum for part-time, 29.6 hours per week) if homebased

Location: Various areas across London

Hours: 29.6 hours per week (part-time) – can also be worked as a 3 day a week role (22.2 hours per week)

We offer flexible working arrangements - please see below for more details.

Contract: Permanent

Family Action & the Role’s Impact:

At Family Action we support people through change, challenge or crisis. It’s what we’ve done for over 150 years. We protect children, support young people and adults and offer direct, practical help to families and communities.

We see first-hand the power of family to shape lives, for better or worse, so we speak up for the

importance of family in national and local policymaking, amplify family voices and represent the changing needs of families in the UK today.

This is an exciting opportunity for a Regional Operational Manager to oversee a portfolio of services across London, driving innovation, operational excellence, and community impact.

The postholder will lead service managers, manage stakeholder relationships and pursue development opportunities across the capital.

Key requirements:

• Proven leadership experience managing services for vulnerable children, young people, and families.
• Strong background in team management, budget oversight, and quality assurance.
• Skilled in stakeholder engagement, partnership building, and service development.
• Experience with tenders, funding bids, and strategic growth.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, compliance, and data-driven performance monitoring.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, with an understanding of intersectionality.
• Excellent communication, project management, and organisational skills.
• A recognised qualification in social work, health, education, youth work (or equivalent), and ideally a management qualification.

We welcome applicants with lived experience of the communities we support.

Main Requirements (for details check the job description and person specification):

· Appointments are subject to Family Action receiving a satisfactory disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service

Benefits:

• an annual paid leave entitlement of 30 working days plus bank holidays (pro-rated for part-time hours)
• up to 6% matched-pension contributions
• enhanced paid sick leave and paid family leave provisions
• eye care and winter flu jabs vouchers
• cycle to work scheme
• investing in your professional development with ongoing quality training and career development opportunities

We are forward looking, ambitious and committed to continuous improvement. We are a people focused, can-do organisation, which strives for excellence in all we do and operates with mutual respect.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:

We are committed to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion in all that we do and welcome applications from all sections of the community / particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates and candidates with disabilities because we are committed to increasing the representation of these groups at Family Action. We know that greater diversity will lead to even greater results for families and children and strive for our workforce to be truly representative of the diverse communities we support.

All candidates with a disability are welcome to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme and request priority consideration for an interview, provided they meet the essential criteria for the role. 

To help remove financial barriers to working with us, we will reimburse travel costs if you are invited to attend an interview in person. 

To Apply:

• Click the ‘Apply’ link below and fill out our digital application form
• Closing Date: Monday 23rd February at 11.59pm

Interviews are scheduled to take place on March 17th, 2026, at our Head Office in London, with slots throughout the working day and early/late slots available.

Appointments are subject to satisfactory Safer Recruitment checks, including a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check where appropriate to the role.

*Ordinarily Family Action appoints new starters at the starting point of the salary scale (with subsequent annual pay progression), unless you have experience that would justify appointment further up the salary scale or there are any other exceptional reasons.

Head of Corporate Partnerships

Location: North London (3 days per week in the office)
Hours: 37.5 per week
Salary: £50,000 to £55,000 per annum
Reporting to: Director of Fundraising
Term: Permanent

Aquilas is delighted to be partnering witth a much loved children's charity to recruit a Head of Corporate Partnerships to join their successful fundraising team.

About the role:

In this role, you will work closely with the Director of Fundraising & Communications to develop and enhance their Corporate and Special Events Programme. This is very much a hands-on role of team leadership and direct account management. This includes six figure partners. 

The post-holder has a key role in the management of their Philanthropy & Corporate Board, which bring together industry leader to help move both these programmes forward. There is great freedom to innovate and a healthy pool of local business with an affinity to our cause. The post-holder takes a key leadership role across fundraising and marketing, working with their peers  and Director to take strategic decisions for wider benefit of the department. 

Line managing a small team of two you will play a key role in building and maintaining relationships with existing and prospective partners of the charity. You will ensure our partners have the best possible experience, making them feel engaged and motivated, valued and informed about the impact of their involvement and help them achieve their organisation’s objectives.

About you:

You will be an inspiring Corporate Fundraising Head, excellentcommunicator and a natural relationship builder. You will have demonstrative experience in people management within Partnerships and ideally a strong, broad background in corporate fundraising or commerical sales.  Excellent donor stewardship skills in terms of account management of existing supports

To Apply:

To receive a candidate pack or arrange a confidential conversation, please contact:

Kieran McGorrian, Head of Not for Profit Appointments, Aquilas 

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

Leading national policy strategy

As Head of Policy and Public Affairs, you will work closely with the CEO to develop and execute a four-year influencing plan.  Together we’ll aim to shift local and national incentives on inclusion by 2030, which see the national trend of rising suspension and absence begin to fall. 

You will hold relationships with the Department for Education and Ofsted and advise on policy priorities ahead, such as:

• Widening the definition of inclusion beyond special needs, recognising the needs of those young people historically or currently interacting with social services

• Reducing perverse incentives for schools to alter their school roll through admissions and pupil exits

• Expectations for multi-academy trusts in capturing and analysing data on lost learning, including how it disproportionately affects different groups

• Improving local alternative provision eco-systems, to improve outcomes for young people

• National standards for inclusive school practice, at a universal and targeted level

• Professional development standards for school inclusion

Developing implementation expertise in the middle tier

In your first six months, you will advise on the internal development of a new programme for middle tier policy actors: multi-academy trust and local authority leaders.  You will support the Programme team in its design, to plan strategically for the recruitment of trusts and local authorities, and you will plan the research and influencing work which will seek to share their success nationally.

Building the evidence base

In your second six months, you will work with the CEO to build out our research function. Your influencing plan will include how The Difference can learn from the work across our multi-academy trust, local authority and internal AP pioneer partners over the next four years, to develop influential publications. Research work ahead will include publishing sector-facing publications of The Difference’s own research, carried out by our research lead and associates; alongside managing external contractors and internal colleagues to bid for and deliver aligned research disseminating our ideas.

Raising your voice

This is an exciting opportunity for someone committed to inclusive policy change. The Difference has always punched above our weight in national and sector press reach. In post,  you will publish blogs and comment pieces, disseminating our shared ideas.  You will be a prominent voice on inclusion.

The Difference is still a small and growing charity. This means that our work is fast-paced, our roles are broad, and there is a culture of being highly autonomous, reactive and flexible, as the needs of the organisation evolve. If this sounds exciting rather than daunting, then this could be the role and team for you!

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

Design and execute an impactful influencing plan 

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

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

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

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

Build policy capacity and credibility across the organisation

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

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

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

Person Specification

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We know that some people, especially those from marginalised backgrounds, may hesitate to apply unless they meet every listed requirement. If this role excites you and you believe you could make a strong contribution, we warmly encourage you to apply. 
We actively welcome applications from people whose backgrounds are under-represented in the charity sector, including but not limited to: people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people with experience in the case system, non-graduates and first-in-family graduates.

Job Title: Senior Manager: Specialist & Outreach Services

Reports to: Director of Services

Location: Nankeville Office & Women’s Support Centre, Woking (Hybrid)

Hours: Full time (35 hours per week), to be worked flexibly for needs of business

Salary: £41,000 - £45,000 p.a.

Please note that this post is open to women only under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010, due to the nature of the services delivered within the Women’s Support Centre and the needs of the service users.

Who we are

Catalyst Support is a leading Surrey charity dedicated to championing wellness across communities, transforming lives by addressing mental, physical, and emotional health needs. Guided by the belief that wellness is a right for all, we empower individuals and communities with innovative, accessible services. Our values are kindness, integrity, and commitment.

About the role

This is a senior, hands-on leadership role with immediate operational responsibility and strategic outreach portfolio leadership.

As the Senior Manager: Specialist & Outreach Services, you will provide strong, visible leadership to Catalyst Support’s specialist and outreach provision, with an initial core focus on the Cuckooing Assertive Outreach Service. Managing the cuckooing team, you will provide direct operational oversight while developing and leading the service, ensuring safe, trauma-informed, high quality delivery and effective partnership working across Surrey.

You’ll support and guide a team of staff, helping them stay motivated, work well together, and deliver meaningful support, while holding accountability for performance and practice. Building a positive team culture will be key, encouraging collaboration, learning, and shared responsibility. You’ll also manage key relationships with commissioners, partners, and stakeholders, and work closely with the Director of Services to help shape and deliver strategic priorities.

You will work closely with, and be based regularly within, Catalyst’s Women’s Support Centre, supporting services working with women affected by domestic abuse, on their journey of recovery and living with complex trauma.

Alongside this, the role is designed to grow into the strategic and operational leadership of Catalyst’s wider Specialist & Outreach portfolio, bringing coherence, quality and sustainability across services working with people experiencing multiple disadvantage.

The role is line managed by the Director of Services and you will play a key role in shaping the future operating model for specialist and outreach services.

About you

We are looking for candidates with:

• A relevant professional qualification in mental health, substance use, criminal justice, social care or a related field and/or substantial equivalent professional experience, with a strong applied understanding of trauma-informed and outreach-based practice.
• Significant experience working in specialist, outreach or community-based services, supporting people experiencing multiple disadvantage, including exploitation, domestic abuse, substance use, mental ill-health and criminal justice involvement.
• Proven experience of managing staff and services in complex environments, including line management, supervision, and leading programmes or projects within operational settings.
• Strong Safeguarding knowledge and sound professional judgment with experience of holding safeguarding decisions in multi-agency contexts.
• Demonstrable ability to combine hands-on operational leadership with strategic thinking, including service development, performance improvement and change.
• High level of emotional intelligence, resilience and integrity, with the ability to hold complexity, lead others through change, and work in partnership with a range of stakeholders and partners.

Benefits

• 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays (rising with service)
• Pension scheme and access to Simply Health (including optical, dental, counselling sessions)
• Birthday leave, employee discounts, and flexible working where possible
• Supportive probation, sick pay after probation, and wellbeing/EAP resources

Catalyst Support is an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate difference and are committed to fairness, accessibility, and inclusion throughout recruitment and employment.

Please refer to the Job Description for further information about this role.