Head office receptionist jobs in walthamstow, greater london

Join the team at St Hilda’s East – a community charity with 135 years of history and impact in Tower Hamlets. 

St Hilda’s East is a vibrant, inclusive charity with a mission to combat deprivation and social exclusion in East London. We bring together people of all ages and backgrounds at our welcoming community centre in Shoreditch and at our Elders Day Centre in Shadwell. Our work includes early years support, youth programmes, mental health and wellbeing activities, advice services, and community engagement for older people. 

Finance Assistant (Part-Time) 
 
Location: Shoreditch, East London 
Salary: £27,008 (pro rata to £16,205 for 22.5 hours per week) 
Contract: Permanent, part-time 

Reporting to the Head of Operations, the Finance Assistant will play a vital role in the day-to-day financial administration of the charity. You will manage transactions using QuickBooks, process invoices and payments, assist with payroll, support the preparation for audit, and maintain accurate financial records. You'll also help us improve our financial systems as we continue to grow and adapt. 

This role also includes occasional receptionist cover, so we’re looking for someone friendly, reliable and adaptable. 

This job is for you. if you: 

• Have previous experience with financial administration in a small organisation 

• Are comfortable using bookkeeping software e.g. QuickBooks 

• Have excellent attention to detail and strong numerical skills 

• Can handle confidential information with discretion 

• Enjoys working both independently and as part of a team 

• Are aligned with our values and passionate about community work 

Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter. The cover letter should be no more than two pages long and should explain point by point how you meet each of the Essential Criteria on the Person Specification. Don’t forget to provide examples to evidence your experience and abilities. 

Interviews will be held in the week commencing 19th May 2025 

Benefits include flexible working arrangements including the option to split your time approximately half-and-half between the office and home, 25 days annual leave, and access to an Employee Assistance Programme. 

St Hilda’s is committed to racial justice and wider inclusion and diversity. We are working towards a goal where our team fully reflects the diversity and difference in lived experiences of our local community. 

Reporting to: Director of Policy and Engagement 

Direct reports: 1 x Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager and Legislative Lead, 2 x Policy and Public Affairs Officers, 1 x England Policy and Public Affairs Manager 

Location of work: Home-based. The post holder must be easily and quickly commutable to London and will require frequent meetings in London. The role may involve some irregular travel throughout England and Scotland to attend events and meetings.

Contract type: Full-time, 35 hours per week,  flexible hours may be considered. The role may require occasional evening and weekend work 

Contract Length: Permanent 

Salary: £54,500 - £56,500 

BACKGROUND

Our work has never been more needed. The latest research suggesting that the number of children and young people at risk of hunger has rocketed to 2.6 million* means that one in five children don't have enough to eat.When a child is too hungry to learn, when they’re aching for something to eat, they can’t concentrate. They can’t absorb information. Big feelings and worries can be impossible to control. They fall behind in their studies.

Magic Breakfast provide a nutritious and filling breakfast to over 300,000 children and young people every school day. We work with schools in areas of high disadvantage, helping staff target the children most in need without barrier or stigma.  Magic Breakfast are ambitious to grow our impact to remove hunger as a barrier to learning for all children and young people in the UK.

 This is an exciting time to join Magic Breakfast if you wish to make a difference to the lives of children as we work to influence both policy implementation, with the national rollout of primary-aged universal school breakfast, and legislative change, through the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. There has also been commitment from the Scottish Government for a national breakfast scheme and we are seeking to expand our advocacy work into Wales. Magic Breakfast’s influence will be instrumental to ensuring school breakfasts are implemented in a way that is hunger-focused and barrier free.

In addition, thousands of secondary school children are at risk of losing their free school breakfasts from September next year. For many of these students, this is their only opportunity to have a nutritious meal before facing a demanding school day, including taking exams.  And for the very youngest, we know that the disadvantage gap begins before they even reach reception. With the Government commitment to another 100,000 places in school-based nurseries, early years is also a critical part of our advocacy work.

 Being part of the work of Magic Breakfast is your chance, together with parents, teachers and people across the UK, to demonstrate the power of school breakfasts and to shape the way forward to end morning hunger for good.

*Food Foundation Insecurity Tracker Jan 2025

JOB PURPOSE

The Head of Policy & Public Affairs will review, develop and implement our advocacy strategy and lead a team to influence the devolved legislatures across the UK to address child morning hunger, with a view to the underlying systemic causes of child poverty and hunger, by driving change through policy and legislation. The role operates at our ‘Head of level’ which is the most senior operational specialist level and provides both operational and strategic leadership.

This role will also provide wider leadership across the charity and input into organisational strategy development and planning as part of the Core Management Group. This role will ensure that the Policy and Public Affairs function is aligned to the wider strategic aims and outcomes of Magic Breakfast as well as the internal operational systems and delivery.

The strategic leadership will ensure an external and long term view, with an outward looking and forward thinking approach that builds thought leadership, relationships and partnerships, with positioning to anticipate and build on new opportunities to end child morning hunger for good.

It will require an experienced Policy and Public Affairs professional, with significant experience of high impact and demonstrable outcomes at a senior level in the field. The postholder will lead the policy and public affairs team to influence the Early Adopters Scheme, the national rollout of primary school breakfast provision in England and breakfast legislation in the Children’s Wellbeing Bill (CWB).

They will also develop, guide and lead plans to influence the Scottish government, particularly in the run up to the election in May 2026 and the influencing of manifestos; and will lead Magic Breakfast’s upcoming influencing work in Wales. 

In the external leadership that the role provides they will build relationships with politicians, political influencers, special advisors and civil servants to establish long-term, sustainable solutions to child morning hunger in the UK.

As a compassionate, people centric and inspiring leader they will work to enable their team to grow and develop in their skills ensuring they can step away from the detail whilst retaining accountability, build effective resource management and progression pathways. This role may manage external consultants where necessary, and work collaboratively with external organisations to amplify our voice and asks and strengthen our position as a thought leader. 

 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

· Review and define the advocacy strategy for 25/26 in line both with moving political environment and Magic Breakfast’s influencing agenda, considering the systemic barriers to ending child morning hunger for good.

· Develop and maintain close relationships with the Department for Education and other key departments including Department for Health and Social Care and Treasury, to secure hunger and child focus as key priorities for breakfast provision.

· Develop, monitor and evaluate influencing plans for each devolved nation

· Support the development of influencing plans with coalition groups and organisations to influence school breakfast policy, commitments and implementation

· Review policy positions in Wales and Northern Ireland and define our advocacy approach, gaining external insights and analysing available research and data to shape the plan

· Develop a vision for advocacy beyond current demands, considering political appetite and gaining insight from lived experience communities and relevant sectors, to ensure that we are clear on future asks, and can build the foundation towards them.

· Work with Impact and Insights team to define future research needs to meet our longer-term advocacy plans

· Enhance and establish internal processes and ensure good internal information dissemination 

· Work closely with key internal stakeholders to shape advocacy work and support broader organisational objectives

· Embed learnings and develop a fail fast, learn fast culture in the team

· Coach, support and lead direct reports enabling increased professional development, strategic decision making, proactive project management and robust political influencing

· Contribute to and help shape the work of the Core Management Group to ensure ongoing alignment for in year implementation of the strategic plan and create integrated future year plans which meet organisational goals

· Monitor and review KPIs to monitor and measure both team and cross organisational performance, using the results to guide teams and surface learnings

· Assess areas of risk and escalate where necessary and according to policy

· Develop and monitor annual team budgets

General

• Work collaboratively across the organisation, building good working relations and providing ad-hoc support to other teams and members of staff

• Passion and commitment to Magic Breakfast’s aim of alleviating morning hunger as a barrier to learning for children in the UK.

• Help to maintain a positive working environment; keeping the vision of Magic Breakfast at the heart of everything we do. 

• Share Magic Breakfast’s commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

• Establish and ensure existing Ways of Working are adhered to across team

• Adhere to all Magic Breakfast policies and procedures and ensure that all activity is compliant with current legislation, GDPR, data protection and child safeguarding requirements

• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role

 PERSON SPECIFICATION

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

· Strategy development, demonstrating a deep understanding of how to craft, implement, and evolve strategies that align to operational outcomes for the Policy and Advocacy function as well as enabling our organisation strategy in our aim to end child morning for good.

· Stakeholder management and partnership building with extensive experience of engaging, influencing, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including senior political figures, policymakers, funders and sector leaders.

· Ability to confidently and flexibly deal with volatile political environment, anticipating potential developments and adapting to emerging situations to meet aims

· Highly experienced in developing and shaping policy positions, using insights, research and data sets to inform and guide decision-making

· Understanding and experience of the role of the broader external environment to shape policy asks and political influencing, including the implications of a policy ask in one sector on another.

· Experience of influencing key political events such as budgets, national elections and the legislative process.

· Significant experience of coaching, supporting and managing the development of a team, with the ability to make difficult decisions and challenge where needed to deliver the organisational strategy.

Desirable

· Experience of education, food insecurity, child poverty or childcare sectors

Skills and Abilities

• Effective leadership mentality with confidence to step away from the detail and delegate responsibility, enabling others to use judgements, make decisions, learn from failures and continuously improve.

• Analytical and evidence based decision making, with the ability to turn data and analysis into policy and advocacy related recommendations or outcomes for action.

• Effective planning, prioritisation and project management skills. Able to organise self and team to meet planned objectives and strategic direction with the ability to pivot and manage the unexpected.

• Strong, influential and impactful interpersonal and communication skills and to advocate for own specialism, department and Magic Breakfast's mission, effectively conveying the organisation's impact and needs to a wide range of audiences.

• Operational and financial acumen and analysis: understanding and practical application of knowledge as required around funding considerations, budget development and management, risk management, and ensuring systems in place for efficiency by setting and maintaining policy and procedural frameworks.

• An outward looking and forward thinking approach that drives a sense of curiosity, innovation and continuous improvement. Always thinking what can we learn from others, what new developments can be explored and what are the opportunities for the function to improve and grow with others too.

WHAT WE OFFER

At Magic Breakfast we value our employees and work hard to develop offer a supportive, respectful culture which enables everyone to bring their whole self to work.

Please find attached our job pack

APPLICATION PROCCESS

Should you wish to discuss the role before applying please email our People and Culture Team, recruitment @ magicbreakfast. com

Shortlisting - w/c 5th May

Interview 1 - 15th and 16th May

Interview 2 - w/c 21st May

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications are 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.

Description

Location: London SE1

Contract: Permanent, full-time

Salary: £18k

Closing Date: 6th May 2025

Are you looking for an apprenticeship opportunity? We are national charity based in central London providing a range of services to the maritime sector. We are looking for someone to assist in the administration of all our services, from seafarer training courses to ship libraries. You will learn about this amazing industry and gain a broad range of skills working within our small team.

About the role

Responsibilities

• To support the Head of Seafarer Learning and Welfare in the effective administration and development of Marine Society training and mentoring programmes.
• To act as first line contact for all internal and external enquiries and to respond to these in a timely manner.
• To receive and process seafarer bursary applications and forward to the Head of Seafarer Learning and Welfare for assessment and approval.
• To accurately track and monitor beneficiaries of the Coming Ashore programme and to provide administrative support to programme mentors.
• To take minutes for team meetings and maintain records and files
• To work with the Digital Marketing Coordinator in the administration and promotion of all Marine Society services through social media and press publications
• To maintain the use of Google Classroom as a communication hub for programme users and bursary recipients and to track their progress and outcomes.
• To input data that will support the production of reports by the Head of Seafarer Learning and Welfare to funders and stakeholders as required.
• To assist the Apprenticeship Delivery Manager in all aspects of administering the apprentice and adult skills programmes.

Requirements

• Good general level of formal education (including English and mathematics GCSE Grade 4/C or above)
• Proficient user of Microsoft Office applications and virtual meetings software
• Good standard of written and spoken English

For further information, please download the Recruitment Pack. If you are interested in this role, please apply now!

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave per annum increasing with length of service
• Hybrid working for many roles
• Life assurance (4x salary)
• Private medical insurance
• Generous pension (employer contribution up to 10%)
• Cycle to work scheme
• Wellbeing portal and EAP with 121 counselling
• Employee development: We are investing in our employees' development and have an annual calendar of learning and development opportunities, designed to support employees to develop into their roles and stretch them to achieve their full potential.

For further information, please download the Recruitment Pack. If you are interested in this role, please apply now!

Additional Information

The Marine Society & Sea Cadets (MSSC) is the leading maritime charity for youth development and lifelong learning. We are a vibrant and growing charity inspiring young people to achieve their potential through challenge and nautical adventure and also enabling seafarers and maritime professionals to realise their potential through learning and career development. Working with our employees, cadets, and volunteers, we have built a strong vision and five-year Future Ready strategy to meet the growing demand for what we provide, both for young people, seafarers and maritime professionals – and the thousands who aspire to be the sea cadets and marine professionals of the future. It is also about equipping them to achieve their potential and thrive in a rapidly changing world, while growing our charity to benefit even more people – including those from under-represented or marginalised groups.

MSSC positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates from all backgrounds. Equity, diversity, and inclusion really matters to us, so we can best serve our beneficiaries from every community. We work to ensure a fair and consistent recruitment process and aim to be a charity where diversity of experience, identity and skills are valued and welcomed. MSSC is an equal opportunities employer.

We recognise our responsibilities to safeguard and protect the young people and vulnerable adults with whom we work. We do all we can to promote their health, safety and wellbeing, and we expect our staff to share this commitment and work in line with safeguarding policy, the MSSC’s values and ethos of inclusivity. We adhere to safer recruitment practices and therefore employment is subject to detailed pre-employment checks for successful candidates, including references and criminal disclosure checks and the completion of a disclosure questionnaire. 

All successful applicants are required to attend safeguarding training and undergo pre-employment checks including a criminal record check.

About the roles:

Camden’s Integrated Drug and Alcohol service is offering an incredible opportunity for individuals with lived experience of homelessness and/or substance use to join a pioneering team supporting others in their recovery journey. With one year of funding secured, we are seeking two passionate and dynamic individuals to take on specialist roles, based at both treatment sites and within Camden hostels. These roles will also involve working alongside the In-reach team and the Specialist Women’s team, allowing you to make a tangible impact on the lives of clients by helping to shape and enhance services for those who need them most. You will be a familiar, trusted face, guiding clients through their recovery journey, empowering them to access treatment and overcome barriers, while contributing your own insights to ensure services are truly supportive and accessible.

In these roles, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills in trauma informed interventions, working alongside expert practitioners to transform how clients experience treatment. The focus is on creating safe, welcoming spaces for individuals to seek help without fear of further harm or trauma, while also engaging in meaningful activities that inspire positive change in their lives. You will be pivotal in supporting Camden’s hostel pathway clients, helping them not only access treatment but also discover the strength within themselves to rebuild their lives. This role offers an exciting, empowering career development opportunity to make a real difference, leveraging your lived experience to guide others, and to grow within a supportive, developmental environment at SHP.

For occupational requirement reasons, one of the two roles advertised will be protected for female only applicants (exemption under the Equality Act 2010; Schedule 9 Part 1). 

About you:

• An individual with a lived experience of substance misuse as well as experience of accessing Treatment and Recovery services.
• An understanding of the principles of planned support and working with vulnerable people.
• An understanding of the principles underlying a quality and customer focussed service with the proven ability to empower service users.
• The ability to be self-motivating, work under pressure and manage time effectively, prioritising different areas of work according to need.
• Willingness to work flexibly in response to changing organisational requirements and work outside of office hours on occasion.
• Strong time management skills, ability to work on own initiative, manage competing priorities and maintain high standards.

About us:

Single Homeless Project is a London-wide charity. Our vision is of a society where everyone has a place to call home and the chance to live a fulfilling life.

We help single Londoners by preventing homelessness, providing support and accommodation, promoting wellbeing, enhancing opportunity, and being a voice for change. From supporting people in crisis to helping people take the final steps towards independence and employment, we make a difference to 12,000 lives every year across all 32 boroughs.

We offer you more than a job; we offer you a chance to be part of a compassionate, driven team that's committed to making a real difference in people's lives. You'll have the opportunity to lead, co-create, and inspire change while enjoying a collaborative, growth-oriented environment.

Join us in creating a brighter, more hopeful future for individuals in need. 

Important info:

Closing Date: Sunday 11th May at midnight

Interview Date: Wednesday 21st and Thursday 22nd May at SHP Head Office in Kings Cross

This post will require an Enhanced DBS check to be processed for the successful applicant.