140 HR support officer jobs
With a 110-year history, we are proud to be able to say that the WI continues to be the largest and most influential UK women’s organisation, with over 170,000 members. Our campaigns push for change on the issues that matter to women and their communities, from equal pay to climate change, mental health and violence against women. The WI has brought about real change, and this record of action shows that we are as relevant today as we were in 1915.
The National Federation of Women’s Institutes (the NFWI) is responsible for running the organisation and provides support and advice to members at both regional and local levels.
About the Innovation and Project Officer role
Supporting innovation across the organisation, you will help to develop and deliver programmes that grow our membership, reach and influence. You will lead the day-to-day management of pilot projects that test new initiatives and engagement opportunities with new audiences, monitoring and evaluating outcomes to capture insights and valuable learning that helps shape the direction of the organisation. This role will involve developing project plans, timelines and key deliverables to monitor project progress and ensure success. You will carry out qualitative and quantitative research to identify the current and changing needs of women to support organisational decision-making and drive innovation in everything that we do.
Location: Hybrid working, with one day per week at our London, Oxfordshire or Wales office.
About you
You should be experienced in supporting organisational development within membership settings, and skilled in project design and delivery. You will have strong data analysis and interpretation skills, with the ability to communicate your findings to diverse audiences. You should have a methodical approach to project management, and be able to confidently engage and build relationships with stakeholders and different audiences. Familiarity in overseeing budgets would be beneficial, as would some knowledge of the trends affecting the voluntary sector, but above all a passion for supporting initiatives that contribute to organisational growth and change will be key to your success in the role.
How to apply
For further information about this Innovation and Project Officer role, please download the recruitment pack which includes the job description and person specification.
To apply, please submit your current CV with a covering letter clearly explaining why you would be suitable for the role to the HR department.
Closing date: 15 September 2026.
First-round interview (virtual): w/c 21 September 2026.
Second-round interview (in-person): w/c 28 September 2026.
No other media or agencies, please.
The WI is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and values diversity. Reg. Charity No. 803793.
We are looking for a Supporter Experience Officer to deliver an exceptional experience to all supporters across the organisation, by implementing a diverse range of personalised communication journeys across a range of channels and audiences to retain support and increase engagement with Battersea.
The ideal candidate will:
- have proven experience in planning, delivering and evaluating direct marketing campaigns across multiple channels, with strong knowledge of direct marketing principles.
- be highly organised and detail-oriented, able to manage multiple complex projects, competing priorities and tight deadlines while maintaining high-quality work with minimal supervision.
- have excellent relationship-management and communication skills, with experience working collaboratively with internal teams and external suppliers, developing clear campaign briefs and effectively communicating objectives, messaging and requirements.
- be proactive and solutions-focused, with strong problem-solving and decision-making skills and a track record of successfully introducing new and improved ways of working.
- be accountable for achieving results and managing income and expenditure within their remit, with strong reporting and analytical skills. They will have excellent written English, strong numerical ability and advanced IT/MS Office skills.
- be an excellent communicator and influencer, able to present, negotiate, build credibility and develop positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. They will also demonstrate empathy and resilience when handling sensitive issues and be comfortable working effectively in a changing, high-pressure environment.
What we can offer you:
In return for your commitment to our cause and to recognise the value of our employees, Battersea offers a range of benefits to support the wellbeing of our employees. These include:
- 28 days of annual leave (plus 8 days paid public holidays) per year.
- Discounted gym memberships and cycle to work schemes.
- Employee Assistance Programme and access to Wellbeing Resources.
- Generous pension contributions - up to 10% employer contribution.
- Free healthcare cash plan, where you can claim for a range of treatment including dental, optical, physiotherapy, chiropody and acupuncture every year.
- Annual interest-free season ticket loans.
We are also committed to providing learning and development to our employees. During your time with us, we provide support for your professional and career development, including access to digital and in-person training programmes, leadership and management training, mentoring and much more.
Diversity and inclusion:
We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive experience for all staff, volunteers and trustees and those hoping to join us. We operate an anonymised shortlisting process and actively seek to ensure our process is fair and equitable for all.
We understand the value of diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences to help us deliver even more for our dogs and cats, and we welcome applicants from all sections of the community.
As a Disability Confident Committed Employer we will ask about any adjustments you may need at application and/or interview stage, and if you are offered a role with us, we’ll talk to you about any workplace adjustments you may need to help you perform at your best. If you would like to talk more about this, please contact us. Greyscale copies of the recruitment pack are also available on request.
More about us:
At Battersea, we aim to never turn away a dog or cat in need of help. We give each one lots of love, expert care and get to know their characters and quirks so we can find them a new home that’s just right for them. Join us and help us be here for every dog and cat, wherever they are, for as long as they need us.
Acceptable use of AI:
At Battersea, we value expertise. We recognise each candidate that applies to us will have a range of expertise they can offer us, so we want to hear about this in your own words. We understand the support that generative artificial intelligence (AI) software can offer but it can also lead to numerous applications presenting as generic and impersonal. This makes it difficult to gain understanding of your unique experience.
To best showcase yourself, we encourage you to write your responses without the assistance of AI. If you require the use of AI software to aid in completing your application, we ask you use the generative responses as a prompt for writing your answers and avoid copying and pasting. You must also ensure the information presented in your application accurately reflects your experience.
Closing date: Tuesday 15th September 2026, 11.59pm
All applications must be submitted before the closing date advertised. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received.
Interview date(s):
First round (Online, via MS Teams) - Thursday 24th and Friday 25th September 2026
Second round (In person) - Week commencing 5th October 2026
For more information about the role, please download our Recruitment pack.
Battersea is here for every dog and cat, and has been since 1860. We believe that every dog and cat deserves the best.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
An exciting opportunity!
This is a rare and genuinely exciting opportunity to lead the UK's only dedicated charity supporting children, adults and families affected by MPS, Fabry disease and related lysosomal storage disorders. Following the current Chief Executive's planned move to become Managing Director of Rare Disease Research Partners (RDRP) in January 2027, the incoming CEO will take the helm of an organisation with over forty years of history, a trusted national reputation and a growing role on the international rare disease stage. The successful candidate will shape the strategic vision for more than 1,800 families, oversee the close partnership between the Society and its research subsidiary RDRP, and champion the patient and family ethos that sits at the heart of the organisation's work. It is an opportunity to combine ambitious strategic leadership with deeply meaningful, human impact, working alongside a committed Board, Senior Leadership Team and wider community of clinicians, researchers and pharmaceutical partners.
As our next Chief Executive, you will
- Define and deliver the MPS Society’s strategic vision.
- Provide confident oversight of governance, finance, compliance and reporting.
- Effectively manage the operational alignment between the MPS Society and RDRP.
- Always keep the members and family voice at the heart of strategy, service design and decision-making.
- Build and maintain senior-level relationships with statutory bodies, government agencies, pharmaceutical partners, clinical expert centres and other key stakeholders to support the Society’s objectives, influence policy and practice, and protect its professional reputation.
- Act as a visible and credible public voice to raise awareness, improve visibility, support, treatment access and outcomes for people affected by MPS, Fabry disease and related conditions.
- Collaborate with other rare disease bodies, patient organisations and other key audiences.
- Lead and empower the senior leadership team through effective delegation, early involvement in strategic discussions, clear accountability and support for individuals to flourish.
- Encourage an open, supportive work environment allowing creativity and building staff confidence.
- Help shape the future of the MPS Society.
About you
- Self-motivated, with the drive to lead the organisation through a period of change and transition.
- Unquestionable probity and personal integrity, given the trust placed in the CEO by families, trustees and partners.
- Exemplary written and verbal communication skills, able to convey complex scientific and clinical information to audiences ranging from clinicians to families with no prior knowledge of MPS disorders.
- Strong self-awareness, with insight into their own leadership style and impact on others.
- Emotional resilience, able to sustain performance while supporting a community facing life limiting conditions.
- A collaborative and empowering leadership style, able to build trust, delegate effectively and help individuals across the organisation flourish.
- Genuine passion for the Society's mission, with a family and member-first ethos.
- Confidence to build relationships across a wide range of stakeholders, from beneficiaries and Trustees to politicians, media and pharmaceutical partners.
- A proactive, positive approach, comfortable reacting to change and organising their own work to meet deadlines.
- Confidence speaking publicly on behalf of the organisation and the people it represents.
Why join us?
A close-knit, values-led culture. With just over thirty staff across the Society and RDRP combined, this is a place where the CEO can know the team personally, work closely with families day-to-day, and see the direct results of decisions rather than managing at a distance through layers of bureaucracy.
- Genuine autonomy to shape direction. The Board is explicitly looking to the new CEO to bring fresh thinking on technology, AI, and digital tools, and to give real freedom to modernise fundraising, services, and engagement rather than simply maintaining what already exists.
- A stable foundation to build from over forty years of track record, trusted relationships and a strong national reputation mean the incoming CEO can focus energy on vision and growth rather than firefighting or rebuilding credibility from scratch.
- Proximity to cutting-edge science: the Society's close relationship with RDRP gives the CEO regular exposure to advances in rare disease research and treatment access, while day-to-day research leadership sits with the RDRP Managing Director, allowing the CEO to focus on strategy, people and sustainability.
- A high-visibility, high-influence platform. Regular contact with government, pharmaceutical companies, clinicians and international rare disease bodies offers strong opportunities to build a public profile and personal network well beyond the charity sector.
- A team that already shares the mission. Staff are described as passionate about the Society's aims, and as having a family-first ethos, so the new CEO inherits a culture to lead and empower rather than one that needs to be built from the ground up.
- Work with a different kind of return. Beyond salary and career progression, this role offers the less tangible reward of knowing that strategic and financial decisions translate, into better support for families facing some of the rarest conditions in the country.
Benefits
Join us and you will be working for a caring charity offering:
- A competitive salary
- Generous annual leave
- Extra leave between Christmas and the New Year
- Contributory pension
- Life assurance (subject to the conditions of the scheme)
- Employee assistance programme offering support 24/7
Further information
The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the UK.
The main duties, responsibilities and requirements of this role can be viewed in the job description on our website.
Salary to be agreed depending on experience and will be pro-rata for part time hours.
This is an essential car user post. The applicant must hold a current UK driver’s licence, with no more than 6 points, have access to a car and be able and willing to drive UK wide as required.
This senior role requires flexibility in working hours and location. It is primarily offered on a hybrid basis with a minimum of 2 days in our Amersham, Buckinghamshire, office each week. As part of the role, UK and overseas travel is necessary, which may on occasion include early morning and/or evening working and sometimes overnight stays. We have policies in place to ensure that any unsociable hours worked over the weekend are fairly compensated through TOIL.
This role will require an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring check (DBS) details of which can be found in the job description.
For an informal discussion about the role or the work of the MPS Society, please contact Dr Fiona Stewart. Contact details can be found on the full job description. Kindly note, meetings with other relevant people will be available to shortlisted candidates at interview stage.
Please include your CV with a supporting statement of no more than 800 words. Your supporting statement should include an answer to the question below:
The MPS Society supports individuals and families affected by mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) and related disorders. What interests you about coming to work in this area, and what motivates you to contribute to supporting individuals and families affected by these conditions?
To transform lives through specialist knowledge, support and advocacy, and research.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Age International's vision is a world where every older person is included and valued. Its mission is to inspire and channel UK and international support so that older people in challenging situations across the world can improve their lives.
The CEO of Age International provides leadership to a committed and dynamic charity which champions the rights, and improves the lives, of older people in low- and middle-income countries.
This is an exceptional opportunity to lead Age International at a pivotal moment for the rights and wellbeing of older people globally. As CEO you will provide inspirational leadership to an organisation with a strong reputation, deep expertise and a clear purpose: to ensure that older people everywhere can live with dignity, security and choice.
While the current strategy is defined, you will deliver this and then shape a new, ambitious strategy in years to come, working to influence policy, mobilise resources and nurture powerful partnerships that bring about lasting change.
With credibility, compassion and determination, you will champion the voices of older people internationally and lead Age International into its next chapter of impact and influence.
Please view the attached role description for full details.
Person specification:
Essential:
* Strategic vision, forward-looking, clear-thinking strategist able to read the environment and lead strategy processes.
* Passionate, values-based leader, committed to advancing the rights of older people.
* Senior leadership and governance experience in a complex organisation, preferably in the charitable / NGO sector.
* Strong experience of international development and humanitarian programme development and management, and related policy issues.
* Experienced income generator with financial acumen.
* Collaborative, relational team builder and manager committed to diversity equality and inclusion, able to use soft-power to build support.
* Partnership-builder creating impact greater than the sum of the parts.
* Confident external affairs representative, manager of stakeholder engagement and spokesperson, including for the media.
* Advocate and confident influencer able to drive policy change
* Engaging and effective communicator and campaigner, able to explain impact, inspire support and grow profile.
* Calm manager of change who is both agile and pragmatic.
* Thrives working in a small team on a big mission.
* Willing to travel internationally on programme monitoring visits and for conferences.
Desirable:
* Understanding of UN processes, health system strengthening, income security and social pensions, able to articulate the impact of gender discrimination and climate change on older people internationally.
* Experience as a CEO or of overseeing organisational management, policies and compliance.
* Technology and digital skills.
* Experience of leading public change campaigning.
* Experience as a Trustee.
What we offer in return:
- Competitive salary, 26 days annual leave + bank holidays + annual leave purchase scheme
- Excellent pension scheme, life assurance, Health cashback plan and EAP
- Car Benefit Scheme, Cycle to Work Scheme and Season Ticket Loan
- Techscheme - buy any tech from Apple or Currys, up to £1000, and spread the cost over 12 months, interest free
- Blue Light Card Scheme
- You Did It Awards - recognition awards from £100-250.
Additional Information
The closing date for applications is 14th September, 2026.
Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert at any time.
Anonymisation
Please submit your CV as a Word document. It will be anonymised by our recruitment system.
Please provide a supporting statement that explains how you meet the competencies in the job description. Age UK acknowledges that AI may be used to support applications, however we expect candidates to personalise their experience, knowledge and skills. Failure to do so may result in your application being rejected.
Please do not include your name, or any other personal information in your supporting statement, to assist our inclusive recruitment process.
Please do not use heavy formatting for either your CV or supporting statement, as the system is unable to anonymise these.
All equalities monitoring information is also anonymised and not shared with the hiring panel. Your name and address will only be known to us if you are invited for interview.
Equal opportunities & Disability Confident Scheme
Age UK is an Equal Opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates, regardless of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital/civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity. Age UK is a Disability Confident Scheme employer. Due to high numbers of applications received, Age UK reserves the right to limit the overall number of interviews offered, and therefore, it may not always be practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people that meet the minimum criteria for the job.
Reasonable adjustments
Disabled job seekers can access reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. All requests for reasonable adjustments are considered on a case-by-case basis, in collaboration with the disabled job seeker to best meet their needs, by contacting the Recruitment Team. Disability disclosures will be kept confidential and only shared on a need-to-know basis to support the implementation of adjustments. Disclosures will not be used to inform hiring decisions.
Safeguarding
Age UK is committed to safeguarding adults at risk, and children, from abuse and neglect. We expect everyone who works with us to share this commitment.
Age UK politely requests no contact from recruitment agencies or media sales. We do not accept speculative CVs from recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.
For a full list of benefits please visit our website.
People Operations Officer
Location: High St, Brasted, Westerham, UK
Contract type: Full time, Permanent
Salary: Up to £27,184 per annum
Access to your own means of transportation would be beneficial, as the local bus service is unfortunately neither frequent nor reliable. We recommend you research your potential commute ahead of applying.
Company Description
At Catch22, we are proud of our reputation as a modern and progressive employer. Our 1,300 colleagues and 300 volunteers work at every stage of the social welfare cycle, supporting over 60,000 individuals from cradle to career. Our work spans education, social justice and rehabilitation, children's social care, family support, social action and getting people into work.
The People Team plays a critical role in supporting our services to deliver our work. We're a team of nearly 20, and work from our offices in Brasted, Kent, Central London and remotely (with travel to our services).
Job Description
If you're looking for your first or second job in HR and already have impressive administrative and organisational skills, as well working towards your CIPD level 3 or equivalent then we have the ideal role for you.
As People Operations Officer you will be delivering a customer-focussed HR processing service for a number of areas of our organisation. You will be working with our Service Managers to ensure they work to our HR polices, processes and practices. This will include:
- Using the ATS system to approve and publish roles
- Carrying out background checks and onboarding new staff.
- Issuing offer letters and contracts of employment.
- Administering the leaver processes.
- Processing variations to contracts and payroll changes and entering timesheets.
- Monitoring key events and dates relevant to the employment relationship (e.g. DBS renewals) and taking appropriate action.
- Collating inter-company transfer (TUPE) data as required and implementing the payroll and records aspects of TUPE transfers
- Managing the employee absence processes, including annual leave, sickness, maternity and paternity.
- Preparing redundancy calculations
- Supporting with grievance and disciplinary investigations by making arrangements and taking notes.
- Supporting Managers with informal and Stage 1 sickness absence cases.
- Dealing in a sensitive and professional manner with enquiries from all sources and maintaining privacy and confidentiality at all times
You will be managed by our People Operations Manager, and will be working with a wider People team who support other areas of the organisation, so there will be plenty of opportunities to learn from others, hear more about what we do and how you play a part in the bigger picture.
You'll also be working closely with the rest of the team in particularly the Strategic People Partners and ER & Wellbeing team. Your relationship with our Payroll team is also going to be key.
Qualifications
An understanding of, or keen interest in HR is essential, while some experience of the area would be desirable. We will also look to supporting you with further development and in gaining a recognised qualification in HR support.
To succeed in this role you must possess a good basic education and strong administrative skills - including a familiarity with Word and Excel, and experience of using mail merge and databases. You will be able to work on your own initiative and maintain confidentiality. In addition, you must be able to demonstrate:
- The ability to build and develop strong working relationships
- A strong customer service ethos and good communication skills
- The ability to work effectively under pressure
- Time management and prioritisation skills
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
Desirable criteria:
- Experience of working in a busy Human Resources or Finance Department.
- Experience of using a HR database system.
- Knowledge of the main areas of HR administration
- Able to develop basic administration procedures.
Additional Information
Access to your own means of transportation would be beneficial, as the local bus service is unfortunately neither frequent nor reliable. We recommend you research your potential commute ahead of applying.
Unless otherwise stated, interviews will be arranged as suitable candidates are identified, so early application is strongly advised.
At Catch22 we value equality, diversity and inclusion. We are wholeheartedly committed to the principle of equality of opportunity, both as an employer and as a provider of services. Diversity and Inclusion is part of what we do every day, working to deliver our vision to build a strong society where everyone has good people around them, a purpose, and a good place to live.
To Apply
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Catch22, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application.
Reporting to the Director of Ministry and People, the Head of People will lead the delivery of an inclusive People and HR service that supports the Diocese in fulfilling its mission through effective people practices.
Working closely with the Head of Vocations and Formation, the Head of People will provide professional leadership across employment, organisational development and workforce support for diocesan employees, while ensuring effective and appropriate advice and support is given to clergy, volunteers and parishes, recognising the differing legal, canonical and governance arrangements that apply across each setting.
Working collaboratively with ministry colleagues, Bishops and Archdeacons as well as senior leaders within the Diocesan Board of Finance, the successful candiate will strongly contribute to the wellbeing, development and effectiveness of all those who serve the Diocese of Salisbury.
You will be someone who:
- Has significant experience in a senior HR or People Management role.
- Is confident working as a trusted advisor to senior leadership.
- Has a thorough knowledge of Employment Law and HR best practice.
- Has experience managing complex ER matters and can support workforce planning.
- Has the ability to align with and support the mission, ministry and values of the Church of England.
If you are interested in working in a supportive environment and can bring your HR/People-based worked experience to the Diocese, we would love to hear from you. You can find more information on our website, as well as details of how to apply.
The Diocese of Salisbury is a Christian community of churches, schools and chaplaincies serving one million people over 2000 square miles.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.
IRC UK
IRC UK is part of the IRC global network, which has its global headquarters in New York. Our team in the UK – approximately 220 colleagues – works to raise profile, deliver policy and practice change, and increase funding to help restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Since 2021, IRC UK has also provided integration services directly to refugees across the UK.
In Europe, the IRC currently operates in the UK, Germany, Sweden, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Greece and Poland.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
The People and Culture (P&C) Director works in a highly matrixed environment with staff from several functions across the global organisation. The postholder manages the HR team in IRC UK and is accountable for effective HR service delivery, HR compliance and continuous improvement within the scope of the People & Culture department, localising the IRC’s global people strategy. This position plays a pivotal role in fostering a positive, inclusive and high-performing workplace culture that aligns with IRC’s values, through exceptional communication skills.
The role jointly reports into the UK Executive Director and Regional Director, P&C Europe – with additional reporting accountabilities to the UK Board’s People and Culture Committee. Working within global frameworks set by Global People & Culture, the role localises the implementation of People & Culture priorities and drives UK-specific change initiatives within IRC UK’s culture and regulatory environment.
As a member of the UK Senior Management Team (SMT), the role is jointly accountable for the delivery of IRC UK’s Strategic Plan, and has responsibility for the effective delivery of P&C priorities. The Director has a keen focus on building leadership competencies and organisational effectiveness.
Success in this role requires the ability to build strong relationships, influence decisions, and navigate multiple stakeholder perspectives to deliver effective people solutions within a matrix environment where accountability is shared.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. P&C Leadership (Advisory, Implementation, and Partnering) (25%)
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As a member of the UK Senior Management Team, assume collective accountability for the effective delivery of IRC UK’s Strategic Plan.
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Serve as an advisor and thought partner to the Executive Director and fellow SMT members on the UK application of IRC’s Global P&C strategy, and lead on strengthening IRC UK’s kind, inclusive and high-performing organisational culture.
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Support talent dialogues, performance conversations, and career development planning for IRC UK staff, embedding a culture of continuous learning.
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Partner with peers on workforce planning — including managing workforce adjustments such as staff reductions or scale-up, and organisational design work — in partnership with senior management, the Regional Director P&C Europe, and Global P&C Partners, ensuring compliance with local and global policy while minimising risk and supporting affected staff.
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Translate data and metrics into actionable items in line with IRC UK’s strategy.
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Lead, supervise, and develop the UK P&C team, accountable for team quality and effectiveness and for building a skilled, motivated team ready to advance.
2. Manage HR Service Delivery and Core Operations (~40%)
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Manage end-to-end HR service delivery across the employee lifecycle; recruitment, onboarding, contracts, payroll coordination, benefits, performance and leave management, offboarding, and HR information systems, maintaining high-quality, context-specific P&C practices aligned with organisational standards.
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Provide leadership on UK employment law and regulation to the UK HR team, ensuring the HR team supports supervisors of UK staff in the management of their teams in a supportive and compliant way.
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Provide high quality HR partnership to the Refugee, Asylum and Integration (RAI) UK Director and team to support programme needs and donor requirements.
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Advise supervisors on appropriate disciplinary actions, coordinating with Global Employee Relations and Legal on complex or escalated disciplinary proceedings, to ensure fairness and compliance with employment law.
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Responsible for P&C reporting for the UK Board of Trustees and People & Culture Committee, and for the annual production of IRC UK's Gender Pay Gap and Ethnicity Pay Gap reports, in line with IRC's global P&C reporting standards and applicable UK statutory requirements.
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Support any organisational restructure requirements, including active management of any necessary staff consultation and resulting redundancy processes, by providing expert guidance to management and affected staff throughout the process.
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Track UK P&C objectives set by Global P&C and contribute HR input - organisational structure, position scoping, staffing analysis - to proposal design and grant review processes.
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Lead the delivery of regular staff engagement surveys, analysing data and proposing leadership actions in response.
3. Workplace Culture (~15%)
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Promote employee experience, engagement, and inclusion, and oversee the integration of IRC's Values (the ‘IRC Way’), People Manager Standards, and Employee Success Factors across the employee lifecycle.
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Implement safeguarding standards set by the global Safeguarding function across hiring and onboarding, and ensure the IRC Way and reporting channels are visible in all IRC UK locations.
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Serve as a local advocate for Employee Wellbeing, Employee Engagement, and Safeguarding priorities set by global functions, and role model safe, inclusive, and caring leadership standards.
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Operate and promote collaboration in a highly matrixed environment where several units intersect and work together to reach joint decisions.
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Accountable for the effective delivery of specific P&C-owned elements of IRC UK's Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (GEDI) Strategy and Action Plan, as well as assuming joint accountability for the full GEDI Strategy and Action Plan as a key member of IRC UK SMT.
4. Trade Union Relationship (~20%)
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Working with the UK Executive Director, maintain the relationship with UK Trade Union (Unite) representatives, and negotiate and consult via the quarterly Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC), driving progress on policy and annual salary review negotiations.
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Develop and manage union engagement and communication plans that support open, honest, and productive dialogue across the office.
KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
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Direct reporting line to UK Executive Director; indirect reporting to Regional Director, P&C Europe
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UK Board and P&C Committee
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UK SMT, with particularly close collaboration with Director, Strategy and Delivery, Financial Controller, and RAI UK Director
PERSON SPECIFICATION
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CIPD qualified with significant HR leadership experience across the full P&C spectrum, including complex UK processes such as restructures, TUPE, and employee relations.**
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Strong interpersonal and analytical skills, with proven ability to operate effectively in a complex, global matrix organisation. Solution-oriented, positive, ‘can do’ attitude.
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Strong knowledge of UK employment law, with experience of advising and influencing senior leaders.**
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Experience of working with Trade Unions, including leading on consultations and negotiations.**
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People management experience.**
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High level of confidentiality, tact, service orientation, and intercultural communication skills.Ability to manage competing priorities and complex, multi-stakeholder projects independently, with willingness to take on significant responsibility.
The mission of the IRC is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster.



Finance Director
Hours of work 30 hrs / 4 days per week, permanent contract
Based Newhaven, with some hybrid working available after completing induction
Starting Salary £65K per annum pro rata
Sussex Community Development Association (SCDA) has been supporting people and communities to thrive for over 28 years. We deliver a range of projects, services & activities aimed at improving economic stability and opportunity, health and wellbeing, and addressing loneliness, social isolation and social cohesion. Come & join our flexible, inclusive and friendly organisation in this crucial role, and help make a difference!
Are you an experienced senior level finance decision maker with broad cross sector knowledge, who demonstrates excellent communication skills, and wants to use your skills to support a community facing organisation? If so, we would welcome your interest and application!
You will be a qualified accountant with an understanding of the complexities of working within the 3rd sector funding framework. With responsibility for providing expert strategic financial advice and professional input right across the organisation, you will ensure the finances of the Charity run smoothly and efficiently. You will consider the wider internal and external factors presented to you by our internal knowledge experts alongside the financial position to support the delivery of SCDA’s services and enterprises, and which fulfil the organisation’s mission and values.
As a manager you will also provide effective leadership, operational support and direction to the well-regarded finance team.
Providing sound financial, contract & risk management advice and ensuring compliance with legal, statutory and audit requirements, you will contribute to the strategic leadership of the charity as an active member of our Senior Management Team.
We are looking for people to join our team who have the qualities and skills we feel would most benefit our internal and external clients; professionalism, empathy, kindness and understanding. In return, we understand people want to work in a supportive environment with friendly colleagues. We offer a flexible, hybrid approach to delivery wherever possible, annual leave of 25 days per year pro rata plus bank holidays and sick pay from the start (increasing with service), additional sick pay for planned operations and recovery, a pension scheme, bereavement leave, and managers who are available to you… plus a day off for your birthday!
Interviews will be held in Newhaven.
Closing date: 5pm on Sunday 27th September 2026
1st stage interviews: Wednesday 7th October 2026 / 2nd stage interviews: Wednesday 14th October 2026
You may think that you’re not a 100% match to what we’re looking for, but we recognise that some skills and experience may be transferable rather than an exact match.If you’re unsure about whether to apply, please do contact the HR team and we would be happy to arrange an informal discussion with the CEO or HRD.
SCDA includes: Employability; Community Advice and Wellbeing; Community Development & Health
Registered Charity Number: 1094905
Company Limited by Guarantee: 3387617
Supporting people and communities to thrive
£50,798 pro rata | Initial 6-Month FTC | 35 hours per week | Hybrid, with remote working considered
Immediate start required. Please note that CVs will be reviewed and submitted on a rolling basis, therefore early applications are strongly encouraged.
Are you an experienced HR professional looking for an opportunity to combine your people expertise with meaningful, purpose-driven work?
Our client is a pioneering environmental charity working at the intersection of women, health, equity and environmental justice. Through an intersectional feminist approach, they support communities to take climate action, amplify underrepresented voices and drive systemic change.
This is a rare opportunity to join a respected, values-led organisation and play a key role in shaping its people, culture and learning agenda during an important period of organisational development.
Reporting to the Executive Director, you will become the senior people specialist and trusted adviser, providing expert guidance on employee relations, employment law, policy development, organisational culture and learning. Working closely with senior leaders and Trustees, you'll help strengthen people practice, build management capability and embed sustainable ways of working across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead complex and sensitive employee relations matters.
- Provide expert employment law advice and guidance.
- Review, develop and implement people policies and processes.
- Coach and develop managers to confidently lead their teams.
- Drive organisational development, culture and leadership initiatives.
- Design and coordinate learning and development activity.
- Support senior leaders and Trustees with people-related governance and decision making.
- Heads of People
- Senior HR Business Partners
- HR Consultants
- CIPD Level 7 qualification (or equivalent senior-level expertise).
- Significant experience in employment law and complex employee relations.
- Experience developing people policies, management capability and organisational culture.
- Strong stakeholder management, coaching and influencing skills.
- Excellent judgement, discretion and credibility.
- A commitment to equity, inclusion and values-led working.
- Availability to start at short notice and commit to an initial six-month contract, with potential for extension.
- Join an organisation at the forefront of environmental and social justice.
- Shape a newly created senior people role with genuine influence.
- Partner directly with senior leaders and Trustees.
- Help build lasting capability, culture and organisational impact.
- Flexible hybrid working, with remote working considered.
- Potential for the contract to be extended beyond the initial six-month term.
We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.
We are looking for a person with an understanding of working with a values-driven team of people, in the charity or not-for-profit sector.
The person appointed will have an appreciation of the aims and values of the Sustain alliance and be excited by supporting our organisation in effective ways of working, whilst freeing up senior leaders and spokespeople to undertake influencing, communication, partnership development and fundraising activities.
The Operations and People Manager will help Sustain function effectively as an organisation and be a great place to work. This is a senior, trusted role working closely with the Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team (SLT), Senior Management Team (SMT), line managers and Trustees to strengthen our people, operational and governance systems.
The post-holder will lead practical improvements in HR, people processes, line management standards, staff development, onboarding, offboarding, organisational culture and compliance. They will combine sound judgement, strong systems thinking and a people-centred approach, helping Sustain keep processes clear, proportionate and well-managed, while supporting colleagues to focus on effective delivery.
The mission of the Sustain alliance is to catalyse systemic change in the UK’s food and farming system – securing a healthy, fair, and sustainable future for all people, nature and a stable climate. Working in collaboration with our alliance members and others, we run a range of advocacy work, projects and campaigns to achieve permanent changes in policy and practice; and to engage more people, organisations and communities in being food system change-makers.
As with all senior roles at Sustain, the person appointed to this role will work mainly at the Sustain office in London during their probationary period, and thereafter at least half of working hours at our office, whilst benefiting from the flexibility offered to all colleagues. This is part of senior role-modelling of the creativity, support, engagement and well-being benefits that in-person working cultivates between colleagues. This will be managed in coordination with other senior colleagues to enable good in-person coverage and connectivity across the week and across common holiday periods.
Role and responsibilities
•Strengthen Sustain’s people, HR, operational and governance systems so that the charity works effectively, fairly and well.
•Help Sustain be a great place to work, with clear standards, supportive line management, good staff development and a positive, inclusive culture.
•Lead on high standards and practical improvements in recruitment; induction; probation; appraisals; people and HR processes; line management skills, knowledge and tools; staff consultation; and organisational policies and practices.
•Support senior leaders, line managers and Trustees with clear advice, reliable processes, good records and proportionate and effective risk management.
•Develop and maintain systems that are simple, useful and appropriate for Sustain’s size, values, resources and legal responsibilities
Tasks and responsibilities:
Organisational operations and systems
•Lead on managing and developing the charity’s operational activities.
•Ensure that senior management actions that support operational effectiveness are managed and carried out in a timely way, via an accessible and accountable process.
•Lead and/or participate in a range of internal groups that support operational effectiveness.
•Support the Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and other relevant staff with governance matters, including:
oReporting to the Council of Trustees on operational and people matters;
oPerformance of the ‘Company Secretary’ role on behalf of Trustees;
oTrustee recruitment, induction and management of necessary information and processes;
oAppropriate compliance with the Charity Governance Code.
•Working with the Chief Executive and Chair of the Council of Trustees, help prepare and coordinate the agendas and the running of the quarterly board meeting and occasional (at least annual) staff and Trustees strategy day, as well as the Sustain AGM, Annual Report and Trustee elections (annual), as one of the key links in communication with and between Sustain’s Council of Trustees.
•Lead on development and implementation of one or more relevant chapter of Sustain’s Organisation Development Plan (ODP).
•Support the planning and running of events, working with Sustain team leads, partners, venues and contributors.
•Work with the Head of Finance, Head of Digital and Design and external suppliers to help ensure office, IT and operational arrangements are appropriate and support effective working.
People, HR and employment processes
•Lead development and implementation of HR processes, practical actions and transactions, using external HR and/or legal advisors for authoritative support and advice where needed.
•Lead on full lifecycle support for Sustain staff including:
oEffective and inclusive recruitment, onboarding and offboarding – implementing Sustain’s commitment to recruitment for diversity – working with SMT, finance and admin leads;
oCreating, grading, reviewing and updating job descriptions, working with line managers and the senior leadership team;
oManaging employment contract variances; funding precarity; end-of-contract and risk-of-redundancy processes, working with senior managers, line managers, affected employees and HR/legal advisors;
oCreating or supporting a range of opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds and identities to get involved.
•Act as first point of contact for HR queries, taking ownership of policies and process, culture and employee relations; informed by HR advice, consultation and annual staff survey, including overseeing an action plan to embed areas of good practice, and to pursue improvements in an accountable way.
•Regular review of job descriptions, grades, progression and staff benefits within Sustain to ensure we remain competitive within the sector.
•Provide or commission sector benchmarking data, analysis and recommendations to inform decision-making, using a methodology agreed with Trustee oversight, on matters such financial and non-financial staff benefits.
•Maintain and improve the Staff Handbook, Recruitment Handbook, and related policies, guidance, advice and other support.
Line management standards, learning and staff development
•Lead the development and implementation of clear, practical standards for line management at Sustain, working with SLT, SMT, the Line Managers Forum and external advisers where appropriate.
•Develop and oversee implementation of key processes such as annual appraisals, annual planning and objective-setting, and a suitable performance management process.
•Help ensure objective-setting, personal development and progression conversations are undertaken routinely, and that these and performance management are handled consistently, fairly and in line with Sustain’s values and legal responsibilities.
•Support line managers to run effective 1-to-1s, probation reviews, appraisals, workload conversations, development conversations, and difficult conversations where needed.
•Ensure suitable and sufficient ongoing learning opportunities and training for the staff team and the Line Managers group, driving the charity’s approach to consistent standards, personal development and career progression.
•Maintain and improve the Line Managers Handbook and related tools, templates and guidance.
Culture, EDI, staff voice and union liaison
•Manage and develop Sustain as a great place to work, with a working culture and practices that support effective delivery, as well as health, wellbeing and personal development.
•Serve as an active member of the Diversity Group, to implement and innovate on equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism, and to gather data to measure and report on impact and progress.
•Working with the CEO, provide a route for requests and suggestions from the Health and Wellbeing Group to be properly considered and actioned as appropriate.
•Develop and support ways for staff voices to be heard and influence policies, practices and organisational culture, and for staff to be able to raise ideas and concerns confidently and see actions taken as a result.
•Support structured staff consultation and union liaison processes, helping ensure they are well-organised, transparent, well-documented and conducted in line with Sustain's policies and recognition arrangements.
Governance, compliance and risk management
•Develop and update key resources, contributing to useful reference sets such as the Staff Handbook, Recruitment Handbook and Line Managers Handbook, including overseeing production, maintenance and updating of all policies, procedures and guidance relevant to operations and people.
•Ensure Sustain complies with all employment, health and safety, data protection, charity legislation and statutory guidance including filing at Companies House and maintaining organisational records with the Charity Commission, and managing the risk register and internal policies tracker.
•Ensure adherence to health, safety, diversity and safeguarding procedures in the office, in hybrid working and for events and activities; undertaking comprehensive risk assessments for events and activities; and ensuring appropriate risk mitigation, staff communication and updates to guidance.
Other
•Potential for this role to line-manage one or more member of staff, volunteer, paid intern and/or external consultant, offering 1-to-1 support for objective-setting, work delivery, coaching and pastoral matters.
•Any other reasonable tasks and duties, agreed with the Chief Executive, consistent with the nature and level of the role.
Person specification / What we’re looking for:
Qualifications and requirements
•Significant experience operating at a senior level in a people, HR, operations or an organisation development role, including responsibility for organisational systems and staff management. [E]
•Experience of working in a charity, not-for-profit, campaigning, membership, alliance or other values-led organisation. [D]
•Demonstrable commitment to the operations and people role through a relevant qualification, training or other continuing professional development (CPD). [D]
Experience
•Significant experience leading organisational, people or operational improvement and advising senior decision-makers. [E]
•Developing skills and learning plans, and commissioning and/or delivering learning opportunities including training, workshops, facilitation and/or coaching. [E]
•Managing employment contracts to improve employee information and job security, especially where funding is short-term and project-based, with insights into good practice. [D]
•Delivering training and/or guidance to improve people-related functions to be delivered by line managers. [D]
•Working in a unionised organisation. [D]
Skills, abilities and attitudes
•Confidence and experience to take a leadership role on operational and people matters, working with the Chief Executive, Trustees and senior managers. [E]
•Strong problem-solving skills, and negotiation skills and the ability and confidence to provide insightful and constructive proposals and advice. [E]
•Excellent project management skills. [E]
•Aptitude for managing financial information and budgets. [D]
•Ability to communicate clearly and sensitively in writing and verbally, including on complex, confidential or contentious matters. [E]
•Proficiency with computer software and records management. [E]
Knowledge
•Knowledge and experience of end-to-end management of staff team members and their development: recruitment, induction and probation; learning experiences, skills and training; personal and career development; performance management; support for health and wellbeing; and HR processes. [E]
•Sound knowledge of UK HR and employment rules and statutory guidance, and their implementation in good practice. [E]
•Knowledge of IT, online and practical systems for improving processes and efficiency. [D]
Attitudes and personal qualities
•Highly organised and self-motivated, with the ability to work flexibly, independently and meet deadlines; whilst having the judgment to know when and who to consult before proceeding. [E]
•High integrity, with a professional, diplomatic, values-led, solutions-focused and collaborative approach to working with individuals and a wider team. [E]
•Commitment and ability to work at our office in East London regularly. [E]
•Demonstrable commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and racial justice. [E]
•Commitment to the mission and values of Sustain, and an interest in healthy and sustainable food and farming. [D]
Application closing date: Monday 14 September at 5pm (BST)
First stage interviews will take place (via Zoom) on: Wednesday 23 September 2026
Second stage interviews to take place in-person (London office) on: Wednesday 30 September 2026
Early applications are encouraged.
For any queries, please contact our recruitment team.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Help us make a bigger difference to families
Home-Start Barnet, Brent & Harrow supports families with young children through challenging times. We are looking for an experienced and organised Finance & Business Manager to ensure our charity’s finances and core business functions run smoothly.
This is a varied, hands-on role within a friendly and committed team. You will lead our day-to-day financial management while overseeing governance administration, HR processes, contracts and organisational systems.
What you’ll do
You will:
- Produce management accounts, budgets, forecasts and financial reports.
- Monitor income, expenditure and cash flow.
- Oversee QuickBooks and the work of our Finance Administrator.
- Provide financial information for funders, the CEO and Trustees.
- Coordinate governance, compliance and risk-management processes.
- Oversee routine HR administration and work with our external HR advisers.
- Manage key suppliers, contracts, insurance and IT support.
- Line manage the Finance Administrator and work closely with the Office Administrator.
- Improve systems and help the charity work more efficiently.
About you
You will have:
- Strong charity finance or business-management experience.
- Practical experience of using QuickBooks and producing management reports.
- A relevant finance qualification, such as AAT Level 3 or 4, or equivalent practical experience.
- A good understanding of budgets, financial controls and reconciliations.
- Experience of governance, HR administration, contracts or office systems.
- Experience of supervising or managing staff.
- Excellent organisation, accuracy and attention to detail.
- The confidence to take ownership, work independently and communicate clearly.
You will be practical, approachable and comfortable working across different areas in a small charity. You will enjoy improving systems, solving problems and helping colleagues do their jobs effectively.
The role is office based and requires someone who can stay focussed and productive, working around a busy team
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Director of People & Organisational Development
ActionAid UK
- Salary: £81,000 - £92,000
- Contract: 18-Month Fixed-Term Contract
- Hours: Full Time, 35 hours per week (flexible working, condensed hours considered)
- Location: Hybrid, London (12 times per year)
- Travel: Occasional travel to Chard, Somerset and international travel as required
Help shape the future of a feminist, anti-racist organisation at a pivotal moment of change.
ActionAid UK works alongside women and girls to challenge injustice, shift power and create lasting social change.
We are now seeking an outstanding people leader to join our Executive Leadership Team as our Interim Director of People & Organisational Development.
This is one of the most significant people leadership opportunities in the charity sector today.
Joining during a period of organisational evolution, the postholder will play a central role in shaping the future of ActionAid UK's people, culture and organisational development agenda. Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will provide strategic leadership across people, culture, safeguarding, organisational effectiveness, employee relations and workforce transformation.
This role is offered on an 18-month fixed-term basis and will appeal equally to established HR Directors seeking a high-impact transformation role, experienced interim leaders looking for a substantial change programme, or values-driven executives attracted by the opportunity to shape lasting organisational impact.
The Opportunity
People and culture have never been more important.
As organisations respond to changing workforce expectations, evolving employment landscapes and increasing demands for equity and inclusion, effective people leadership has become a strategic imperative.
This role offers a rare opportunity to influence organisation-wide change at Executive level. Working closely with the Board, Executive Leadership Team, recognised trade union and colleagues across the organisation, you will shape the systems, structures, leadership capability and people practices that will support ActionAid UK's long-term success.
At ActionAid UK, we are building on strong foundations while preparing for the future.
As Director of People & Organisational Development, you will help lead that journey.
You will join at a pivotal moment as ActionAid UK seeks to:
- Strengthen organisational effectiveness and future-readiness.
- Continue embedding anti-racist and feminist leadership principles across the organisation.
- Develop future workforce and succession plans.
- Review aspects of organisational design and team accountabilities to ensure structures continue to support strategic priorities and effective collaboration
- Build constructive and effective employee and union relationships.
- Lead the implementation of a more equitable pay framework and help shape future reward approaches that support fairness, transparency and organisational values.
- Modernise people systems, processes and data capability.
- Ensure safeguarding, wellbeing and inclusion remain central to organisational culture.
- Review how the People function is structured to best support the organisation's future needs.
Why Join ActionAid UK?
Alongside the opportunity to influence a significant people and organisational development agenda, this role offers access to a unique professional network within the charity and international development sectors.
Based in central London, ActionAid UK shares office space with colleagues from Amnesty International UK and operates alongside a community of leading NGOs, creating opportunities for collaboration and professional networking. The successful candidate will also work closely with HR and OD leaders across the wider ActionAid Federation and may have the opportunity to participate in international HR leadership forums and global organisational development initiatives.
Who We Are Looking For
We are seeking an experienced and values-led executive who combines strategic insight with strong delivery capability.
You may currently be:
- A Director of People, HR Director or Chief People Officer.
- An Organisational Development or Transformation Director.
- An experienced interim executive with a track record of leading complex change programmes.
- A senior people leader from the charity, public, international development or purpose-led private sector.
You will bring:
- Significant experience leading people and organisational development functions.
- Experience leading organisational development, workforce planning, service modernisation or organisational design initiatives that improve effectiveness and support long-term strategic objectives.
- Strong employee relations and employment law expertise,
- Strong experience of trade union consultation and negotiation.
- Experience leading reward, workforce planning or pay framework programmes.
- Knowledge of HR systems implementation, integration or transformation.
- A collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
- Deep commitment to feminist principles, anti-racist practice and social justice.
Whether you are an experienced HR Director, Chief People Officer, Organisational Development leader or senior interim executive, this role offers a rare opportunity to leave a lasting organisational legacy while contributing to the mission of a globally recognised women's rights organisation.
To find out more please contact Tatiana at Charity People.
How to Apply
The application process is CV and Supporting Statement. In the first instance, please send your up-to-date CV to via the link below for further details about next steps. The closing date is 12 noon on 14th September. The interviews will take place week commencing 28th September.
We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so we can help make the application process work for you.
Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.
Are you passionate about helping us to build an advice service ready for the future?
We’re looking for an experienced and people-focused Chief Operating Officer to help lead Citizens Advice South West Surrey through its next stage of development.
As our second-in-command, you’ll work closely with our Chief Officer, trustees and leadership team. You’ll lead our day-to-day operations, oversee service delivery, people, transformation and corporate services and help turn our strategy into practical results.
It’s an important time to join us. Demand for advice is increasing, resources are under pressure and the world around us is changing quickly. We’re looking for someone who can help us adapt while keeping people, quality and our purpose at the heart of what we do.
You’ll be an experienced senior leader who can bring people with you, lead change, make sound decisions and build strong relationships. You’ll be collaborative, approachable and committed to creating an inclusive organisation where staff and volunteers can do their best work.
You don’t need to have worked for Citizens Advice before. Experience of transformation or working in the charity, public, advice, health, housing or community sectors would be welcome, but isn’t essential.
If you care about people, enjoy making organisations work better and want your leadership to make a difference in your community, we’d like to hear from you.
Citizens Advice South West Surrey welcomes applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We’re committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in how we work and how we recruit.
Please read the Job Pack to find out more about the role and about CASWS and the benefits of working with us.
To apply, please email a completed application form with a cover letter, setting out your suitability for the role, including how you meet the first three, ‘essential criteria’ under the ‘person specification‘ (in the job pack).
Are you an experienced operational leader who thrives on making organisations run brilliantly behind the scenes?
Southwark Charities is entering an exciting new chapter. With a £100m property portfolio, a growing grant programme and the development of 64 new almshouses, we're looking for an exceptional Head of Resources to lead the systems and processes that keep our charity strong.
Reporting to the CEO, you'll oversee finance, HR, IT, governance, property compliance, contracts and organisational systems, ensuring the charity operates efficiently, remains compliant and is well positioned for future growth. You'll work in a small, dedicated team while working closely with colleagues to deliver outstanding services for older people across Southwark.
This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys improving processes, managing change and finding practical solutions. You'll bring experience in operations, finance or corporate services, excellent organisational skills and the confidence to work across multiple disciplines.
If you're looking for a varied senior role where your expertise will have a direct impact on people's lives and the future of a respected historic charity, we'd love to hear from you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you an experienced operational leader looking for the opportunity to help shape the future of a growing, ambitious and values-led charity?
Project 21 is looking for its first Chief Operating Officer to join us at an exciting point in our development, strengthening the organisation behind our services and helping us achieve even more for people with Down’s Syndrome and their families.
Project 21 is a growing charity providing opportunities, support and experiences for people with Down’s Syndrome across Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire. Our work includes community-based learning, performing arts, residential trips, employment opportunities and family support, all underpinned by our belief that people with Down’s Syndrome should have every opportunity to belong, believe and achieve.
As Project 21 continues to grow, we are looking for an exceptional Chief Operating Officer (COO) to work alongside our CEO & Founder and provide strategic and operational leadership across the organisation.
This is a newly created role and a genuine opportunity to help shape the next chapter of Project 21.
The COO will lead our day-to-day organisational operations, providing oversight across people, services, finance, systems, governance, compliance and organisational development. You will lead and support our Senior Leadership Team, strengthen systems and processes, develop leadership capability and ensure our growing organisation remains safe, effective, sustainable and true to its values.
Crucially, the role will create greater capacity for our CEO to focus on Project 21’s long-term future, including strategic partnerships, fundraising and our ambitious Big Build vision.
We are looking for someone who combines strong operational and organisational leadership with excellent people skills. You will be comfortable moving between strategy and delivery, developing senior leaders, making decisions, improving systems and bringing clarity to a busy and evolving organisation.
You do not necessarily need to have been a COO before. We are interested in experienced senior leaders who can demonstrate the skills, judgement and leadership capability required to step into an organisation-wide role. Experience within charities, social care, SEND, education or another people-focused organisation would be particularly valuable.
This is an office-based leadership role at our Clubhouse in Suffolk, reflecting the importance we place on visible, accessible leadership and being connected to our members, families and colleagues. The role will also involve travel across Project 21 locations and to external meetings.
What we’re looking for
We’d particularly love to hear from someone who:
- Is an experienced and confident senior leader
- Is an excellent people manager who enjoys developing others
- Can translate strategy into effective operational delivery
- Has experience of organisational growth and change
- Understands good governance, HR, finance, risk and compliance
- Can develop effective systems and improve organisational efficiency
- Is comfortable making decisions and taking accountability
- Can build strong relationships with colleagues, families, trustees and external partners
- Shares our commitment to inclusion and person-centred practice
- Is excited by the opportunity to help build something, rather than simply maintain what already exists
Above all, we are looking for someone who understands that strong operations are ultimately about people. Someone who can bring structure without unnecessary bureaucracy, accountability without losing warmth, and professional leadership while protecting the culture that makes Project 21 special.
Salary: £55,000–£60,000 per annum
Hours: 40 hours per week Mon-Fri, with occasional Saturday on-call hours
Location: Project 21 Clubhouse, Brightwell Barns, Suffolk
If you are excited by the opportunity to play a significant role in the future of an ambitious charity and help us build the organisational foundations for our next stage of growth, we would love to hear from you.
Application instructions
Please submit your CV alongside a supporting statement outlining why you are interested in joining Project 21 and how your experience and leadership approach align with the requirements of the Chief Operating Officer role.
We are particularly interested in hearing about your experience of leading people, strengthening operations, supporting organisational growth and managing change.
Your supporting statement should be no more than two pages.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a first stage interview at the Project 21 Clubhouse. Further information about the selection process will be provided to shortlisted applicants.
As the role involves regular travel, applicants must be able to drive.
Project 21 exists to empower people with Down’s Syndrome to live full, meaningful and connected lives.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.


