Head Of Strategic Finance Jobs

Reporting to the Head of Financial Planning & Analysis, the Senior Finance Business Partner will play a critical role in supporting ODI's strategic decision-making and financial management processes. The post holder will lead on partnering with programme managers to provide insights, analysis, and advice on financial performance and strategic opportunities.

The Senior Finance Business Partner will work closely with a Finance Business Partner in supporting half of ODI’s programmes. The other half of programmes will be supported by another Senior Finance Business Partner and Finance Business Partner pairing.

The Senior Finance Business Partner will deputise for the Head of Financial Planning & Analysis when needed.

• Drive financial excellence in a dynamic £20m charity
• Shape strategic growth and robust finance controls in a leadership role

About Our Client

Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) is a charity that provides employment, support, housing and care to the British Armed Forces community.

There is a circa £20 million turnover and 300 employees spread over the UK and Scotland.

Job Description

The purpose of this role is to

• This is an exciting opportunity to join this reputable British charity and optimise financial performance within the RBLI's finance function.
• Take a proactive approach, supporting colleagues to achieve budgets and performance targets across the charity.
• Contribute to the strategic and business planning process to ensure a strong financial future for the organisation.
• Ensure good finance controls are implemented and rigorous financial reporting is in place.
• Support the Heads of Finance to establish 'business partner' relationships with 4 Operational Divisions.

Finance

• Provide expertise to the Board of Trustees in all accounting and financial areas as part of a mutually supportive Senior Leadership Team.
• Prepare and present finance Board papers on a quarterly basis.
• Work with the Senior Leadership Team to ensure operational performance and financial targets are met.
• Lead on the monthly financial reviews to ensure we exercise rigorous financial control to optimise performance.
• Work with the Senior Leadership Team to push forward revenue opportunities and initiatives to drive cost efficiencies.
• Ensure the finance team has the right skills, processes, controls to ensure all aspects including purchase ledger, credit control, payroll and reporting work effectively.
• Overall responsibility for the preparation and completion of the annual budget for all divisions within the Company
• Control investment portfolio and short-term deposits and plan and manage the charity's tax liabilities under existing and proposed legislation. Evaluate the tax liability impact of contemplated courses of action
• Oversee the management of staff payroll and other benefits (Company Cars, private health scheme etc) including expenses
• Manage all pension activities
• Overall responsibility for the preparation of annual accounts. Ensure a satisfactory audit of these accounts and other interim accounts as may be required
• Analyse commercial elements of tenders and bids as required and advise on commercial viability of each proposal before tender or bid is submitted
• Overall responsibility for the procurement of goods and services across the organisation to achieve efficiencies.

Leadership and People Management

• Promote a highly visible leadership profile that incorporates our commitment to equality of opportunity, professionalism and quality standards
• Maintain an effective system of communication across the division, that ensures key information can be cascaded to staff effectively
• Together with the Senior Leadership Team ensure that business objectives are clearly understood across the organisation and that divisional activities support their achievement.
• Establish an effective methodology for managing performance of staff in order to support the achievement of business objectives
• Establish effective and productive relationships with all members of the Senior Leadership Team in order to deliver business excellence
• Encourage partnership working and cooperation pan RBLI.

The Successful Applicant

• Experienced Financial Director
• Significant experience at senior management level, with substantial budgetary responsibility and a proven track record of achievement in at least two relevant service areas
• Fully CIMA, ACA or ACCA qualified
• Financial accounting experience of financial management in a commercial or not for profit organisation
• Solution oriented with a proven ability to successfully deliver in a complex environment
• Exceptional people leadership skills with a proven ability to motivate, develop and inspire people to deliver outstanding performance
• Experience of successfully working at senior level with Boards and Committees
• Up-to-date knowledge of legislative frameworks, regulatory requirements and key issues relevant to the post
• IT literate (Microsoft Office)

What's on Offer

This role is based in Aylesford in Kent.

Salary will be £100K - £120k plus benefits.

Closing date 26th April 2024.

Where specific UK qualifications are required we will take into account overseas equivalents. All third party applications will be forwarded to Page Executive.

Essential Information: 

Hours of Work - 30 to 37.5 hours per week, over 4 to 5 days - flexible for the right candidate

Salary - £35k to £40k, dependent on experience and pro-rate for part time candidates

Vacancy Type - Permanent

Location - Hybrid, this role is home based with regular attendance at our Head Office in Lawshall, Bury St. Edmunds and occasional meetings at our other sites

Role Type - Leadership/Operations 

What you’ll do: 

Our Finance Manager will report to our Head of Finance and Resources and be a member of our Finance Team, you will be responsible for ensuring the financial records of the charity are accurately accounted for in a timely manner and for supporting growth of the charity in a controlled a sustainable way. 

You will directly line manage our Finance Assistant, manage relationships with 3rd parties and be financial business partner to key stakeholders.

We are ambitious and we need you to help us shape the operational and strategic direction of Green Light Trust. This will be achieved through robust, accurate bookkeeping, effective process and system controls, regular financial planning, the provision of financial information and analysis to support sound decision making and continuous improvement in controls and processes.

The priorities in this role will be: 

1. Management Accounting: Creditor and debtor control to ensure all amounts owed to and from the charity are managed in a robust manner, ensuring accurate and timely reporting to support decision making, in line with organisation and statutory requirements. 
2. Financial Accounting: Day to day treasury management, accurate and timely bookkeeping in line with statutory and regulatory requirements. 
3. Payroll: Co-ordinate with HR colleagues and 3rd party payroll processing bureau to ensure all members of staff and associated other payroll liabilities are paid correctly and on time. 
4. Financial Planning: producing cash flow forecasts on a quarterly basis, collaborating with budget holders and supporting the Head of Finance to prepare robust income and expenditure budgets and quarterly re forecasts. 
5. Analysis and Business Partnering: provide ad hoc and routine analysis to support decision making and support to budget holders to ensure ongoing spend control. 
6. Process improvement: support Head of finance to identify opportunities to ensure all processes system outputs are effective and manual input is minimised. 
7. Line management of finance assistant; providing coaching and guidance to support ongoing development and ensuring there are appropriate levels of cover for team processes, during periods of absence. 
8. General: Ensure all computerised systems are used and maintained in accordance with established processes and best practice and support the Head of finance on the implementation of a new fit for growth finance system. 

Who we’re looking for: 

•  A team player who's either fully or part qualified and brings extensive experience in managing accounts and interacting with various stakeholders. 
• Someone with strong IT literacy and high levels of numeracy.  
• You will need to have good knowledge and experience of finance systems including sales and purchase ledgers and bank reconciliations. 
• You will need to have the ability to work flexibly, independently and as part of a team. 
• You will need to be resilient, adaptable, curious and excited about working in a growing charity. 

Our Values 

• We are brave, adaptive, responsive, and fleet of foot: We respond we don’t react, we’re adaptable and at the cutting edge.  
• We create calm and inspiring communities: We’re person centred, we enhance wellbeing whilst offering challenge and inspiration.  
• We welcome and accept everybody: We’re inclusive, we’re accepting, we’re non-judgemental and we see beyond the external.  
• We support individuals to be themselves in the long term: We’re about more than one-off interventions, we provide individualised solutions, we help people to find themselves and build their confidence.  
• We really believe in what we do and demonstrate it through our actions, we’re authentic, we look after our own wellbeing whilst helping others to look after theirs, Green Light Trust is not just a job to us, we believe in the healing power of nature.  

Why Green Light Trust? 

Founded in 1989 as a conservation charity, Green Light Trust is now a leading provider in East Anglia of education and wellbeing programmes for the most disadvantaged in society; mostly those in the lowest 5% in terms of their wellbeing and integration.  

As a charity Green Light Trust (GLT) has grown 200% over the past 2 years and we have a real sense of purpose and truly believe in our aim to help create a society where everyone has equitable access to the power of nature. We have helped and continue to help thousands of people to improve their mental health through nature, teaching them skills (such as woodwork, cooking, life skills) and strengthening self-esteem and confidence of children and adults who find themselves facing challenge in life. We help motivate a huge number of people seeking employment opportunities or an escape from their addictive or abusive pasts. We really do help people change their lives.  

What’s in it for you: 

• Technology – Cloud based everything with a laptop and all the bits you need to work where suits you best – including remote IT support.  
• Proper holiday - 25 days annual leave + bank holidays as well as that time between Christmas and New Year you always forget to book.   
• Flexible working as standard from day one – Work from home or at our carbon neutral HQ (sit next to the wood burner) or a combination of what brings out the best in you.   
• Rewards and support - Enhanced employee rewards package, no questions access to counselling support. Time out in the woods to be at one with nature. Supported time off when you need it most.   
• Genuine development - Regular performance reviews, support, and progression opportunities.  
• Training and coaching – Where do you want to be? What do you need to get there? Answer those questions and we’ll find a way to make it happen with training and amazing coaching with Alitus!  

Join us at Mayor's Fund for London as we grow our finance team and introduce a new part-time Finance Manager post.  The role is offered at three days/week reporting to the Finance Director and working across our team.  This is an exciting opportunity for the postholder to put their own stamp on the position and help us enhance the finance function.  The role is varied requiring strategic thinking together with financial, technical and operational management which all contributes towards ensuring the financial health and sustainability of our fast-paced charity. 

If you're interested in learning more about this role before applying or require reasonable adjustments during the application process or at any stage, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Our details are included in the Job Pack.

Selection Process

Deadline for applications: 9.00am on Monday 29th April 2024

First round interview (in person): 8th and 9th May 2024

Second round interview (in person): 15th and 16th May 2024

How to Apply

Please refer to the details in our application pack.

Are you ready to lead strategic operations and contracts for a dynamic mental health charity? Off the Record is an award-winning young people’s mental health charity offering a range of support services for children and young people across the vibrant and diverse area of London Boroughs of Croydon, Sutton and Merton.

We’re recruiting a Head of Contracts & Operations to play a crucial role in the strategic management and oversight of our central services, including finance, administration, data, and premises. You'll lead a team and carry senior management responsibility for these areas.

If you have at least 3 years' experience in senior technical management, excellent organizational skills, and a passion for making a difference, we want to hear from you. Take the next step in your career and contribute to our mission of supporting young people's mental health by visiting our website to access the application pack. Completed applications should be returned to us via email by midday on Monday 29th April 2024.

This is a full-time position, with the possibility of reduced hours (min 30 hpw/4days) and is office-based in Croydon. Salary is £45,594 inclusive of Outer London Weighting and a range of other benefits.

If you have any further questions please email recruitment or visit our website for more information about our services. 

• Director of Finance for prestigious Surrey independent private school
• ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified accountant - All sectors considered

About Our Client

The Director of Finance is responsible for the financial management of St George's Weybridge, a £30m business with over 500 staff. The post holder will fulfil a wide range of responsibilities and roles in connection with the financial strategy, accounting and general financial management of the School. The post is the most senior finance professional on the staff and reports directly to the Bursar, who is effectively the CFO/COO. As such, the Director of Finance has frequent direct contact with Governors and the Heads and attends the Governors' Finance and Risk Committee meetings.

The Director of Finance is a member of the Business Senior Management Team and leads a team of 8 staff, comprising the Management Accountant, Payroll and People Accountant, Fees Controller, Interim Project Accountant, Purchase Ledger Assistant and two Finance Assistants. A new role of Financial Accountant has been established and the successful candidate will have the opportunity to influence this role and appointment.

Job Description

• Formulate the financial strategy of the School alongside Governors and the Executive Leadership Team (consisting of the two Heads and the Bursar).
• Attend meetings of the Finance and Risk Committee of the Board of Governors, preparing financial reports and papers and leading on financial items tabled for discussion or decision.
• Attend and contribute to ad-hoc Governor meetings and discussions as required.
• Alongside the Bursar and the Heads, implement the School's strategic financial plans.
• Work closely with ELT to formulate operational spending plans and priorities.
• Work closely with the Director of HR on people strategies.
• Exhibit the behaviours and standards befitting a senior leader of St George's Weybridge, demonstrating and promoting the School's ethos and values.
• Lead and manage the staff in the Finance Department.
• Bring financial risks and opportunities to the attention of the Bursar and Governors.
• Conduct modelling and feasibility studies as appropriate.
• Review and implement changes to the system of financial control and reporting.
• Oversee production of monthly management information and bring appropriate matters to the attention of the Bursar, Heads and budget holders.
• Prepare papers for, attend, and contribute to the dealings of the Finance and Risk Committee.
• Prepare financial appraisals and reviews of major projects.
• Prepare long term forecasts and sensitivity analysis.
• Undertake competitor analysis and benchmarking studies.
• Retain financial awareness of external changes and development and provide recommendations and advice to the Bursar, including a thorough knowledge of relevant accounting requirements, such as GAAPs, FRSs and the Charity Commission SORP.
• Proactively investigate and promote ways of improving value for money.
• All accounting functions including nominal, purchase and fee ledgers, fixed asset register and the payroll.
• Oversee the staff and systems delivering all aspects of payroll.
• The accurate and timely production of management and financial accounts.
• The internal control environment.
• Management and control of fee collection.
• Preparation of the consolidated statutory accounts for St George's Weybridge and subsidiary companies.
• Liaising with external auditors on all matters connected with the annual audit of the School's accounts and other external accountancy advice.
• Preparing annual budgets and termly forecasts, including cash flow projections for the current and future years.
• Maintain, review and ensure compliance with the School's Financial Procedures Manual.
• Preparation of internal financial management reports, accounts and briefing papers, including monthly management accounting information to include cash flow statements and forecasts.
• Control of the treasury management function in order to ensure the most efficient and secure deployment of cash.
• Ensuring compliance with external regulators, including HMRC, the Charity Commission and Companies House.
• Being responsible for accurate and timely tax returns and tax reclaims, with professional advice where necessary, preparing recommendations for mitigating potential VAT and any other tax liabilities.

The Successful Applicant

• Formal Accounting qualification and experience of working in the commercial, educational or charity sectors.
• Experience of compliance with legislation and regulations relevant to the position
• Experience of contract negotiation
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Ability to analyse and manipulate financial data.
• Competent in the use of IT, notably MS Office applications and the ability to use modern financial software tools.
• Proven experience of managing a team within a complex organisation
• Empathy with the ethos and values of St George's Weybridge.
• Personal warmth, tenacity and a transparent collaboration style.
• A 'can-do' attitude with a sense of humour and proportion.
• A flexible approach to work, both in terms of responding to changing or unforeseen circumstances and being willing to work outside of regular hours as the need arises

What's on Offer

Hybrid working opportunity

Flexible working

Generous pension scheme

School fee child remission of 50%

Life & personal accident insurance

Free meals and parking

Employee loans

Medial support and employee assistance programme

Local retailer discounts

Where specific UK qualifications are required we will take into account overseas equivalents. All third party applications will be forwarded to Michael Page.

Full time, 35 hours per week

Permanent

Grade BL, Salary £65,484 per annum

Location: London (Hybrid working, with minimum 2 days per week in the office)

Closing date: 23:59 on Wednesday 01 May 2024

Interview dates: 13 – 17 May 2024, exact timings TBC

The Royal College of General Practitioners is the largest membership organisation solely for GPs in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1952, it has over 55,000 members who are committed to improving patient care, developing their own skills and promoting general practice as a discipline.

Research is a key pillar of our organisational goals. We are looking for an experienced, dynamic manager with exceptional research skills and knowledge, who is interested in tackling the major challenges facing primary care. 

In this role, you will be responsible for a diverse range of activities and programmes. You will play a crucial role in developing the evidence-base for our high-profile influencing activity, through both in-house research and commissioning activity externally. This is an exciting time to join the organisation in the run-up to a general election, where you will play an important part informing our national policy, press and campaigns activity.

You will also shape the strategic direction of our research and innovation programmes, which support the development of research skills in general practice and facilitate sharing of innovative practices to improve patient care. This includes management of our Research and Surveillance Centre contract collaboration, which delivers instrumental insights for the UK Health Security Agency’s disease surveillance across the country, as well as our Research Ready programme, which helps to get practices prepared to carry out research.

If you are a driven, collaborative problem-solver, with exceptional analytical skills, a deep understanding of research methods, excellent written and verbal communication skills, proven people management abilities, with an eye for detail, and you are looking for a varied role where you will quickly be able to offer real value, then this is the role for you.

The successful candidate will share our corporate values. In return, the College offers excellent terms and conditions.

To apply, please apply directly on the RCGP Vacancies page by providing both your CV and a covering letter/statement.

The Royal College of General Practitioners is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

                                                         'Building a sustainable future for general practice'

We are looking for an experienced leader with a strong track record in contract performance and people management to oversee our project activity at Action Foundation and join our Senior Management Team. We need an individual who is analytical, innovative, and able to undertake a collaborative and strategic approach to developing the charity’s services.

The successful candidate will demonstrate their experience in project management and leadership, developing networks and partnerships and have a strong awareness of the issues facing asylum seekers and refugees.

Action Foundation is an award-winning charity that supports and empowers asylum seekers, refugees and migrants in the North East to overcome immediate barriers, integrate with the community, and build skills for the future. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all sectors of the community.

We operate hybrid working and flexible hours to accommodate a healthy work-life balance. Our offices at the CastleGate are situated close to Newcastle’s vibrant Quayside.

Essential information

Hours: 35 hours per week (full time)

Salary: £42,478 – £47,903 per annum plus 6% pension contribution

Annual leave: 28 days + English Bank Holidays

Contract: Permanent, subject to passing a 3-month probation

Application deadline: Midnight Monday 6th May 2024

Interview dates: Week commencing Monday 13th May 2024 at Action Foundation, Newcastle, NE1 2JQ

Pleaes refer to the attachment for the job description

To apply please submit:

• An up-to-date CV
• A supporting statement of no more than 400 words detailing your suitability for the role in reference to the Key Competencies in the Job Description

Details of email address to send completed CV and supporting statement is available on the Action Foundation website.

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role, please contact Duncan McAuley and provide contact details. Details available on Action Foundation website.

Springfield Advice & Law Centre is a community based legal practice and a registered charity. We were formed in 1982 when we were set up to serve the mental health community.  We are based mainly on the site of Springfield University Hospital Mental Health NHS Trust.  Springfield Law Centre is unique as a working model of a health justice partnership.

We are seeking a for a new Director & Head of Legal Practice to take forward this unique, niche Law Centre.  There is an opportunity for expanding the work of the Law Centre and showcasing the worth of health justice partnerships.We are looking for an energetic and compassionate lawyer with a broad experience of either housing or community care casework and representation, who is capable of being a legal aid category supervisor in either area, who has the confidence to lead the team and to develop it so that we can continue to make a real difference within the community.

Qualifications and experience

1. 5 years’ PQE qualified lawyer, with demonstrable experience of management at a senior level.
2. Ability to meet the supervisor for the Legal Aid Agency contract in either housing or community care.
3. A track record of implementing and managing change. 
4. A track record of leading and motivating others demonstrating strong people skills.
5. A track record of innovation and problem solving.
6. Appropriate skills and experience that demonstrate an ability and commitment to manage staff effectively. This should include support, supervision, and appraisal and performance management.
7. Appropriate skills and experience to effectively handle and manage complaints.
8. Experience of managing a Legal Aid Agency Contract and Legal Help matters, with billing targets.
9. Ability to bill all types of legally-aided work and to report to the Legal Aid Agency.
10. Ability to manage a varied caseload of sufficient, appropriate matters to meet the billing target in place.
11. Ability to draft appropriate documentation in your specialist area of law.
12. Experience of giving successful training or talks, for example giving presentations, or
13. representing clients before Courts or Tribunals.
14. Skills
15. Ability to take an active role in, leading the direction of the Law Centre, developing new strategies and raising profile.
16. Ability to manage the Lexcel Quality Mark and ensure that systems and standards are maintained across the organisation so that audits are passed.
17. Ability to understand the financial viability of the Law Centre.
18. Ability to report effectively to funders and to monitor progress against grant funded projects.
19. Commitment to equality and diversity as set out in the principles and policies of the Law Centre.
20. Ability to be self-servicing: you will be expected to manage most of your own typing, filing and billing of Legal Help/Aid cases to comply with LAA requirements.
21. Ability to prioritise your workload with minimum supervision.
22. Excellent communication skills: you must be able to relate well to colleagues, clients and third parties, in person, in writing and on the telephone, despite the pressures of the role.
23. You must be very well organised, with excellent ICT skills, in order to work well under pressure without compromising standards.
24. Ability to work flexibly and outside regular office hours including attending and reporting to the trustees on the progress of the Law Centre.

Consideration will be given to requests for flexible or family friendly hours of work to include job share, part time working or specific proposals. The Management Committee consider the range and number of duties to be a full-time role and that any reduction from a full-time role will result in a division of duties to accommodate all aspects of the Law Centre’s needs and aspirations.

Home-Start Barnet is seeking an experienced manager to lead its Family Services Team, so we can support more families with young children through their toughest times.

As Head of Family Services, you will be responsible for managing the delivery of Home-Start Barnet's family support services across Barnet, Brent and Harrow, through one-to-one support by volunteers, family support coordinators and groups. You will manage your team to maintain high standards in recruitment, training and supervision of volunteers, overseeing referrals and caseloads and maximising Home-Start’s impact and reach to local families facing difficulties. 

You will work closely with the Chief Executive to develop and evolve Home-Start’s services in response to changing needs, informing the strategy for our family support and the development of specialist provision and training. This is the perfect opportunity to lead a team and make a meaningful difference for local families. Our ideal candidate will:

· Be an excellent team leader and demonstrate great people management skills

· Have an inclusive and enabling approach to managing and developing high performing teams

· Have high level safeguarding experience

· Have a strong understanding of the needs of families with young children

· Have significant experience working in family support roles or within children's services

· Have experience of being or working with volunteers

· Be able to work collaboratively and build strong networks within the local community

We believe that diversity in the workplace enables us to create a relevant, innovative and effective organisation. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from candidates with diverse life experiences. We are committed to recruitment that is fair and free from bias.

An exciting opportunity to help lead The Maypole Project into our next exciting phase of growth and development; an opportunity not only to help shape the future of the charity, but in turn transform the lives of hundreds of children and young people with complex medical needs. 

The Maypole Project has, for over 20 years, been supporting families through the toughest and most stressful periods of their lives following a child’s diagnosis with complex medical needs.  The diagnosis of a complex need in childhood can affect people from all walks of life, can impact all aspects of their lives, and brings with it a lifetime rollercoaster of events and emotions.  The Maypole Project promises to be alongside every family member, every step of their way to help them live their lives to the fullest.

To fulfil our five-year strategic development plan, we are seeking key skills in our new CEO which will be increasing our ability to reach out to as many people in need of The Maypole Project expertise in psychological and social support by creating new partnerships, new support networks and reaching into new geographical areas, 

Reporting directly to the Chair of the Board of Trustees and with the support of Head of Developments, the CEO will lead the management of the organisation, drive its strategic development and, together with the Board, secure the future success of the organisation.

The post holder will promote The Maypole Project, its ambitions, values and objectives through every aspect of their work. 

Crimestoppers are delighted to be exclusively partnering with Robertson Bell in their search for a new Head of People and Organisational Development on a permanent basis. Crimestoppers has been breaking down barriers since the 1980s. We are experts at encouraging people with information about crime who might otherwise stay silent to speak up and share what they know 100% anonymously.

The Head of People and Organisational Development will report into the Finance Director and will be responsible for the development, implementation and oversight of the people, strategies, policies, procedures and technologies that together form the organisation’s HR function.

The organisation:

Our status as a charity and being independent of the police gives people the confidence to contact us and make that difference. Every day, over 1,800 people trust us with their tip-offs: our staff filter that information to ensure that they are never identified before passing on what we’re told to the relevant police force or agency.

The information we are given covers everything from murder and serious assaults, firearms, domestic abuse, modern slavery, to drugs including exploitation and gang violence. We also help prevent everything from bombs to acid attacks with sensitive, time critical intelligence that prevents injury and helps save lives.

The role:

• Driving the strategic development of human resources, organisational capabilities and culture.
• Developing, implementing and overseeing the people, strategy, and associated policies, procedures and processes that together form the HR function, which not only reflect industry best practice and run smoothly, but also foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
• Leading and developing a high-performing HR Team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.
• Overseeing talent acquisition and retention strategies to attract, develop and retain people aligned with organisational needs and values. With a focus on supporting the Contact Centre to improve staff retention rates.
• Providing both day to day and strategic HR guidance and support to senior leadership, managers and employees, on a range of HR and organisational development matters.
• Fostering a culture of continuous learning and development, by developing and executing organisation wide strategies, programmes and initiatives that enhance employee skills, capabilities and engagement.
• Monitoring and analysing HR metrics and trends to inform decision-making and enhance organisational effectiveness.
• Driving change management initiatives to support organisational growth, transformation and agility.

The successful candidate will be:

• A fully qualified HR professional.
• Experienced in managing staff.
• A fantastic communicator.
• Experienced in developing and implementing HR Strategies specifically related to learning and development.
• Confident providing advice around employment law and regulations.

This position will be based officially at the head office in Wallington and will require the postholder to work from the office three days a week. The closing date for applications is 5th May with interviews taking place most likely on 14th May.

Applications will be under constant review before the closing date, so please submit your application to our exclusive search agent, Robertson Bell. Apply now to be considered!

Job Description

The Head of Advocacy and Policy will be responsible for developing an excellent Advice Service and Retention Team to support and advise students effectively to enable excellent student experience and satisfaction.

This role will lead on the development of effective insights, representation and support initiatives/campaigns for students, across our three campuses at Greenwich, Avery Hill and Medway.

This role will enhance work with the diverse student population of the University of Greenwich and lead a dynamic team to ensure students have consistent and accessible services that contribute to positive student experience.

This role sits within the wider Membership Services department, together with other key areas consisting of; Activities, Sport, Academic Communities, Representation and Democracy, we provide a high-quality service for students, that they can shape, steer and be at the heart of.

This postholder will be part of the GSU Senior Leadership Team and will be expected to contribute to department and organisation wide strategic development.

The post holder will:

• Have expert knowledge in areas of in relation to Advice and Retention and policies and legislation relating to such activity
• Support and develop strong student-led communities and campaigns in areas of: Advice, wellbeing and retention so that members can thrive
• Provide line management support to staff so that the team have up to date, specialist advice skills, knowledge and understanding of University regulations, policies and procedures that may affect the work of the Advice service and oversee engagement across Greenwich’s 3 campuses
• Undertake casework and provide expert advice for the team on all aspects of Advice
• Lead on the project management of wellbeing/health promotion campaigns and initiatives throughout the year, as well as any external bids through bodies such as OfS
• Oversee the Retention and Wellbeing Project work, and other relevant projects with external partners
• Lead on insights work relating to retention, wellbeing and support
• Lead on responses to external consultation and enquiry responses, including but not limited to OfS, Department for Education, OIA and Universities UK
• Support elected officers to deliver on campaigning priorities
• Ensure the Advice service has the skills and is equipped to support the diverse needs of students at Greenwich and Kent at Medway.
• Provide regular insights and reports on the GSU Membership to inform our strategy and service provision
• Work with other Heads to develop relevant and modern Front of House services for each GSU campus ensuring ease of access and consistency for all members.

Key Areas

• Be an engaged and active member of the Senior Leadership team, contributing regularly and working collaboratively with peers
• Provide leadership, strategic direction and day to day operational management to the Advocacy and Policy: recruiting and inducting members of staff, motivating, supporting and developing team members to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge for their roles as well as manage performance
• Develop a proactive results driven culture within the team, ensuring agreed objectives and targets are delivered, whilst promoting a collaborative approach to working with internal departments
• Develop succession plans and identify training and development opportunities within the team
• Be accountable for the quality of outputs of the team
• Provide support to the Officer team helping and equipping them, particularly in their roles as representatives and providing pastoral support and guidance.
• Ensure the whole organisation is aware of and understands the work of the Advocacy and Policy Team and its contribution to our strategic objectives
• To maintain expert and up-to-date knowledge on sector policies and regulations relating to advice, retention and student success, providing relevant guidance to officers and staff as required.
• Develop and promote a culture of continuous improvement across the team to ensure we can adapt to changing students’ needs and priorities, as well as building on successes and preparing for the future.

Strategic Development

• Contribute to the strategic objectives of GSU, with a particular focus on advice, support and wellbeing in relation to the student experience
• Develop and oversee a new and innovative approach to proactive health and wellbeing campaigns that empower students to look after themselves and each other, as well as seeking support
• Lead on Access and Participation Plan Engagement, acting as the key contact on this area with the University.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with relevant senior UoG staff and departments including Student Academic Services, Faculties and our partners at Kent Unio
• Develop and oversee the Advice service to support advocacy initiatives at multiple levels within the University, ensuring both students and University stakeholders view GSU as a credible and reliable source of information on the needs of students.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Develop and oversee a structured approach to gathering, analysing and reporting on data relating to engagement of students with our services and to student views on key issues relating to retention and success
• Develop and oversee processes of collecting quantitative and qualitative data from casework to analyse trends and inform feedback for the SU and university
• Ensure evaluation mechanism are embedded in the teams working practises and that findings are shared and used to implement learnings with the goal of improving services
• Support Officers by preparing information, statistics and trends about key services to be shared within the University committee cycle
• Be responsible for the implementation of service standards for the Advocacy and Policy Team and to monitor and report on adherence to these standards
• Prepare materials to apply for any relevant quality mark accreditations for the service.

Budget and Financial Management

• Manage a budget relating to Advocacy and Policy including any restricted funds.
• Be responsible for the teams resources, ensuring these are effectively allocated, managed and controlled
• Review and establish processes, systems, polices and where appropriate standard procedures to maximise efficiency ensure deadlines are met and a positive return on investment
• Review and provide narrative for scrutiny at monthly management meetings with the Finance Team

Stakeholder management

• Collaborate with GSU colleagues, particularly the Student Voice and Engagement Teams to ensure we have a consistent approach to how we work with and support students
• Work with students through our representative structures and forums to ensure we shape services students want and need, taking into consideration the varying campus priorities
• Maintain strong relationships with key university staff to develop, deliver and evaluate collaborative projects and interventions supporting advice and retention
• Attend meetings relating to Advocacy and Policy as well as associated areas at both GSU, the University and externally, included, but not limited to regional networks
• Identify opportunities to share best practice and represent the work of GSU and your team to the wider HE community, through conferences and publication.

Personal Specification

Essential Experience

• Line management experience
• Relevant experience working in the youth, education, students’ union or other membership or advisory organisation
• Experience of leading a multi-functional team
• Experience of mentoring coaching staff/elected officers
• Experience of developing operational policies and procedures
• Experience of budget management, project management, and operational management
• Experience of working with a range of stakeholders and partnership working or strategic networking

Essential Skills and Abilities

• Ability to work with and lead a high performing team
• Ability to troubleshoot difficult situations, and deal with them calmly, efficiently and effectively
• Ability to produce confident, clear written reports and be able to write succinct documents on complex areas
• IT skills at a level that supports membership CRM systems, Advice Pro and other platforms
• Excellent time management and organisational skills with the ability to manage others to reach deadlines, within agreed budgets and to a consistently high standard
• Ability to write strategies and be able to effectively communicate vision and mission
• Ability to stay focused and efficient in the face on changing priorities
• Track record of successfully developing and implementing projects and operational change
• Able to draft policies and procures with an eye for detail and accuracy

Essential Knowledge

• Awareness of current issues within the higher education sector
• Knowledge of relevant external bodies and organisations including Advice UK, NUS, Citizens Advice, OIA, Ofs, Student Minds
• Knowledge of relevant health and safety legislation
• Knowledge of Safeguarding, advice legislation, risk assessments and GDPR
• Knowledge of providing 121 support

Education/Training

• No one specific qualification is required, but evidence of recent continuing professional development in a professional area relevant to the post is required. For example: ILM, City &Guilds etc.

Personal Attributes and other requirements

• Able to travel within the Borough and Region.
• Able to work some evenings and weekends and stay overnight where necessary.
• Works well in a team with a flexible approach to work
• Be eligible for a DBS check if needed
• A commitment to the principles and practices of equality and diversity
• An ability to apply awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work.
• Commitment to the values and ethos of GSU.

Desirable other requirements

• Visionary, creative, and innovative strategist
• A positive, solution focused leader – able to make ‘tough’ decisions; determined and resilient in order to cope with the demands of the role
• Empowering, authentic leader with high levels of emotional intelligence

Focused on developing cultural and accessible opportunities for new and existing audiences, building local and long-term relationships, embedding meaningful and relevant ways of working with young people and collaborating with artists, partners, programme team to create impact. Emphasising an audience-centred approach, this new role has been established to develop and deliver new initiatives and engagement projects that bridge the gap between artistic programme and communities.

Key aims include:
• Platform new narratives, underrepresented perspectives and reflective discourse to widen audience engagement
• Futureproof the creative industry for generations to come through inclusive pathways and progression routes – supporting young people that enter the programme to expand and grow skills set and build the talent pipeline.
• To produce programmes that have impact by ensuring effective implementation of the Learning and Engagement and Audience Development strategy.

Strategy
• Deliver on the ICA’s vision and mission, the L&E strategy, audience development targets, increasing reach to work with diverse audiences, working to team targets and SMART objectives. Promote equality and inclusivity in all aspects of work.
• Instigating new collaborative models to engage with contemporary society that leverages the ICA’s assets as a resource.
Programme delivery
• Working closely with the Head of Learning and Engagement to devise and produce ICA’s Learning and Engagement programme, including co-creating with young people on our core youth projects (ICA Creatives and youth forum), monthly talks programme, book launches, symposia, workshops (inc reading groups), residencies.
• Developing programme that is responsive to the artistic programme and audience need.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with institutions including higher education and third sector for collaborative purposes and to grow new audiences.
• Liaise and collaborate with the Bookstore Manager on creating opportunities in line with the talks programme and book launches. 
• Ensure programmes are accessible, in content, language and reach.
• Contracting freelance artists, facilitators, and other collaborators, ensuring they understand and apply the organisation ethos and policies in their approach to work.
• Devising and delivering new online content opportunities, that create programme visibility, promote and target audience reach, including contributing towards digital strategies (in collaboration with comms team).
• Contribute to and participate in a collaborative working environment, including weekly team discussions and other conversations.

Finance Management
• Manage the project budget ensuring both quality control and good value for money, including authorising expenditure via any payment method, tracking all transactions, and tracking actual, committed, and forecast (uncommitted) costs. With oversight from Head of L&E.
• Track income, request sales invoices, and submit a third-party audit trail for all income received.
• Reconcile project budgets and cashflow to our accounting system monthly, in collaboration with the Finance Manager.

Comms & Marketing
• Work to maintain the profile of ICA and our projects.
• Work with the Communications Team to plan and deliver communication and participant recruitment campaigns and implement appropriate strategic marketing for each project.
• Arrange photography and video documentation as necessary.
• Write copy in line with ICA guidelines to promote programme

General Administration
• Ensure all day-to-day project administration is carried out efficiently and appropriately.
• Maintain that all project activity and outcomes are carried out in line with ICA’s policies and procedures, including and not limited to insurance, liability, health & safety, safeguarding, privacy & data protection, access, equity, diversity, inclusion, safer spaces, and anti-racism.
• Work in a sustainable and environmentally conscious manner in the production and presentation of ICA programme.
• Maintaining data collection to contribute towards evaluation, tracking monitoring information to monitor impact.

KEY REQUIREMENTS:
• At least 5 years’ experience of working effectively as a producer in the cultural sector within a participation / learning / engagement context
• A strong track record of producing programmes that respond to audience need and create impact
• Experience working with diverse audiences including young people and communities
• Knowledge of access, diversity, equality and inclusion, anti-racism policies in the cultural sector.
• Growth specific mind-set; adaptive and fresh thinking in new approaches to engage audiences
• Experience of working with artists and supporting them in complex project delivery
• Excellent project management, administrative and organisational skills
• Good numeracy and project budgeting skills
• IT literate and confident across a range of programmes and platforms
• A strong written and oral communication skills with an ability to communicate effectively with a diverse group of people
• Awareness of safeguarding management principles and best practices
• Keen interest in contemporary culture and shifts in generations and society.