Hr support officer jobs

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%)

• As a member of the UK Senior Management Team, assume collective accountability for the effective delivery of IRC UK’s Strategic Plan.

• 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.

• Support talent dialogues, performance conversations, and career development planning for IRC UK staff, embedding a culture of continuous learning.

• 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.

• Translate data and metrics into actionable items in line with IRC UK’s strategy.

• 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%)

• 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.

• 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.

• Provide high quality HR partnership to the Refugee, Asylum and Integration (RAI) UK Director and team to support programme needs and donor requirements.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Lead the delivery of regular staff engagement surveys, analysing data and proposing leadership actions in response.

3. Workplace Culture (~15%)

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Operate and promote collaboration in a highly matrixed environment where several units intersect and work together to reach joint decisions.

• 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%)

• 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.

• Develop and manage union engagement and communication plans that support open, honest, and productive dialogue across the office.

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

• Direct reporting line to UK Executive Director; indirect reporting to Regional Director, P&C Europe

• UK Board and P&C Committee

• UK SMT, with particularly close collaboration with Director, Strategy and Delivery, Financial Controller, and RAI UK Director

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• CIPD qualified with significant HR leadership experience across the full P&C spectrum, including complex UK processes such as restructures, TUPE, and employee relations.**

• Strong interpersonal and analytical skills, with proven ability to operate effectively in a complex, global matrix organisation. Solution-oriented, positive, ‘can do’ attitude.

• Strong knowledge of UK employment law, with experience of advising and influencing senior leaders.**

• Experience of working with Trade Unions, including leading on consultations and negotiations.**

• People management experience.**

• 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.

Head of People, Culture & Learning Women's EnvironmentalCharity

£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.

About You We are keen to hear from experienced:

• Heads of People
• Senior HR Business Partners
• HR Consultants

You will bring:

• 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.

Why Join?

• 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.

Please reply to this advert for further details.

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.

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

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.

The British Academy is the UK’s national academy for the humanities and social sciences. We support outstanding research and researchers, bring new ideas into public debate and help ensure that evidence and expertise inform some of the biggest questions facing society.

We are looking for a new Director of Finance & Resources to help us build on that work and plan confidently for the future.

This is an important appointment at an exciting point in the Academy’s development. We will celebrate our 125th anniversary in 2027, following a period in which we have grown our policy work, transformed our building to create more opportunities for public engagement and developed a national network for early career researchers.

As Director of Finance & Resources, you will make sure we have the resources, systems and organisational capacity to deliver our ambitions. You will lead our finance function and have overall responsibility for HR, IT & AV, Estates & Facilities, and Venue Sales & Marketing, working with experienced Heads of Department across each area.

Finance will be central to the role. You will lead our financial strategy and planning, oversee our financial controls and reporting, and provide clear advice to the Chief Executive, Senior Management Team, Council and its committees. You will also help us think longer term about our financial sustainability, including our plans to diversify income through philanthropy and commercial activity.

But we are looking for more than a strong Finance Director. You will be part of a close-knit Senior Management Team which works collectively to lead the Academy. We want someone who is interested in the organisation as a whole, who enjoys working across boundaries and who can help colleagues make good decisions about where we put our people, money and attention.

You will also have responsibility for some important assets. These include our historic home at 10–11 Carlton House Terrace, our technology and infrastructure, and our trading subsidiary. Ultimately, your job will be to make sure these resources are working as hard as possible in support of the Academy’s purpose.

About you

You will be a CCAB-qualified accountant with substantial and senior finance experience, gained in a complex organisation. You will have led finance teams and significant budgets and be comfortable advising senior leaders, Boards or Trustees.

You will also bring broader leadership experience. You may already have responsibility beyond finance, or have worked closely with areas such as people, operations, estates or technology.

We are looking for someone who can combine sound financial judgement with a practical, collaborative approach. You will be able to deal with complexity without making things unnecessarily complicated, communicate clearly with people who are not finance specialists, and provide constructive challenge when it is needed.

You should also be someone who enjoys leading through others. There are strong Heads of Department across the Resources portfolio, so this isn't about being the expert in every area. It is about setting direction, asking good questions, supporting people to succeed and bringing the different parts of the portfolio together.

Why join us?

The British Academy has a distinctive role in national life. In 2025/26 we awarded around £63 million in research funding. Alongside funding research, we convene academics, policymakers, businesses and civil society, engage the public with new ideas and use research to inform policy.

The Director of Finance & Resources helps make all of that possible.

For someone who wants to use their financial and leadership experience in an organisation with a clear public purpose, this is an opportunity to make a real contribution to the Academy’s next chapter.

Recruitment Timetable

Application deadline: Sunday 27th September, midnight

Shortlisting:Thursday 8th October

Fireside chats with CEO: week of 12th October

Panel Interviews:20th / 23rd October

To apply, please send your CV, along with a supporting statement (no more than 2 pages) via the link by Sunday 27th September.

For an informal conversation about the role please contact our exclusive partner, Bryony Thomas via the Allen Lane agency website.

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 role

The People Operations Manager will be responsible for developing and embedding effective people, operational and organisational practices across The Carers’ Centre. The role will combine strong HR practice with a practical understanding of how the organisation operates, ensuring that managers have the tools, processes, guidance and confidence they need to lead effectively.

A key focus of the role will be developing clear and consistent ways of working, including policies, procedures, standard operating procedures and management guidance, and supporting managers to embed these in day-to-day practice.

About you

You are an experienced people and operations professional who enjoys making organisations work better. You have or are working towards completing your CIPD level 5 qualification. You combine strong HR knowledge with practical operational judgement and are confident turning policies, requirements and ideas into clear processes that people can use. You are organised, proactive and confident building positive relationships with managers, staff and external partners.

About us

The Carers’ Centre is a local independent charity with a big vision! We want to live in a community where unpaid carers are fully recognised, valued, and supported. By joining The Carers’ Centre, you are joining a team dedicated to helping families across Bath and North East Somerset when they need us most.

We provide trusted information, advice, and support to unpaid carers, from as young as 5 years old. We enable our community to maintain and improve their health and wellbeing, stay in control of their caring role and connect with others in a similar position. In addition, we work with the wider community to improve recognition and support for unpaid carers.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants are subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check and at least two independent references. We are committed to providing services that embrace diversity and promote equality of opportunity.

Why join us?

· We want our employees to have more control over their work/life balance, that’s why we offer flexible start and finish times, as well as the ability to enjoy our beautiful riverside office which come with free parking, and to work from the comfort of your home.

· With work/life balance in mind and the many caring roles we know people can experience, we make sure our policies work for families.

· By joining The Carers’ Centre, you’ll be part of strong and dedicated team, where collaboration and support is at the heart. We’re all in this to make the world a little better.

· As a small but powerful local charity, we rely on digital innovation. You’ll have access to a large suite of digital tools to support you to make the biggest impact in your role.

· As well as all this, you will receive a 5% pension contribution, generous sickness pay and 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and an additional wellbeing day as well as discounts through an employee discount scheme. In addition, you will also get an additional day of annual leave each year, for 5 years.

Key responsibilities

Human Resources

· Work with the Senior Management Team and People Sub Group in the development and implementation of a People Strategy.

· Ensure staff and volunteers receive relevant and timely training in line with organisational plans and commissioned contracts.

· Lead on supporting day-to-day performance management throughout the whole employment lifecycle.

· Be the first point of contact for HR queries from staff and managers.

· Monitor, report and respond to changing wellbeing needs of staff and volunteers.

· Serve as a point of contact between the charity and Stone King (or similar HR legal advice), Occupational Health, Access to Work and SafeHR.

Line Management

· Manages the administration and volunteer officers to help them maximise their potential and effectiveness.

· Provide guidance and clarity around priorities and goals, ensuring work plans are achieved.

Compliance

· Work with the Deputy CEO to ensure the charity is legally compliant in relation to all aspects of employment, equality and health and safety legislation.

· Ensure that policies and procedures are developed, maintained, and applied across the organisation.

· Provide guidance and support to staff to maintain compliance.

· Help the Health and safety lead to ensure risk assessments are up to date and ensure relevant actions are taken to mitigate risks for our premises and services.

· Work with the Data Protection Lead to ensure the charity’s day-to-day compliance with Data Protection policies and procedures.

Operational Practice

· Develop, document and embed effective organisational processes and ways of working, working with managers to ensure they are practical and consistently applied.

· Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), guidance and templates for key organisational processes.

· Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, consistency and quality, making practical recommendations to the Deputy CEO.

· Support the implementation of organisational changes and new ways of working, ensuring that managers and staff understand their responsibilities.

· Build managers’ confidence and capability through practical advice, coaching and training on people management and organisational processes.

· Develop and deliver guidance or training for managers where common issues, new processes or changes in practice are identified.

Administration

· Oversight of the charity admin function.

· Maintain HR records using Safe HR.

· Process DBS checks.

· Provide HR KPI’s to the Deputy CEO on a monthly basis.

· Working with the CEO and Deputy CEO to undertake quality assurance assessments as agreed in the organisational plan.

· Provide admin support to the People Sub-Group.

Finance

· Work within agreed budgets.

· Contribute towards funding applications as appropriate for the role and provide relevant feedback for funders.

General

· Stay informed and regularly raise staff awareness of changes in employment legislation and Health and Safety 

· Adhere to the Carers’ Charter.

· Encourage carers to provide feedback on The Carers’ Centre services and to become actively involved in shaping future delivery.

· Ensure that you adopt good practice within the Carers Trust network.

· Ensure that you work within The Carers’ Centre policy framework.

Role Purpose 

The Chief Executive Officer will provide strategic, operational and values-led leadership for Home-Start Norfolk, ensuring the charity delivers its mission, supports its families effectively and remains financially sustainable. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, the CEO will lead the organisation’s strategy, people, services, partnerships, governance, income generation and volunteer strategy, while acting as an ambassador for the charity and its work. 

Key Responsibilities 

Strategic Leadership 

• Lead the development and delivery of the charity’s strategic plan in partnership with the Board of Trustees. 

• Translate the charity’s vision, mission and values into clear priorities, measurable objectives and effective operational plans. 

• Identify opportunities for growth, innovation, collaboration and improved impact. 

• Ensure services and activities remain responsive to beneficiary needs and changing external circumstances. 

Governance, Compliance and Risk 

• Support the Board of Trustees to fulfil its governance responsibilities through clear reporting, sound advice and timely information. 

• Ensure the charity complies with charity law, company law where applicable, employment law, fundraising regulation, data protection requirements, safeguarding duties and all relevant regulatory obligations. 

• Maintain a robust approach to risk management, internal controls, policies and procedures. 

• Promote transparency, accountability and ethical decision-making across the organisation. 

Financial Leadership and Income Generation 

• Provide overall leadership for financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and long-term sustainability. 

• Work with trustees and senior colleagues to ensure resources are used effectively and in line with charitable objectives. 

• Lead the development of a diverse and resilient income strategy, including grants, trusts and foundations, individual giving, corporate partnerships, contracts and other appropriate income streams. 

• Maintain strong relationships with funders, commissioners, donors and supporters, ensuring excellent stewardship and reporting. 

Service Delivery, Quality and Impact 

• Ensure the charity delivers high-quality, safe and effective services that achieve positive outcomes for families. 

• Embed continuous improvement, evidence-based practice and meaningful beneficiary involvement. 

• Oversee monitoring, evaluation and impact reporting to demonstrate the value and effectiveness of the charity’s work. 

• Champion safeguarding, inclusion, accessibility and dignity in all areas of service delivery. 

• Comply with Home-Start UK’s Quality Audit Policies and Process, to ensure the charity maintains a high standard of quality assurance. 

People, Culture and Organisational Development 

• Lead, support and develop the senior leadership team and staff, creating a positive, inclusive and high-performing culture. 

• Ensure the charity has the right structures, systems, skills and capacity to deliver its strategy. 

• Promote wellbeing, learning, accountability and collaboration across the organisation. 

• Ensure effective HR, performance management and recruitment practices are in place. 

Volunteer Leadership 

• Provide strategic leadership for the development and delivery of the charity’s volunteer strategy, ensuring it supports organisational priorities and beneficiary needs. 

• Oversee effective volunteer recruitment, induction, training, supervision, support, retention and recognition. 

• Ensure volunteers are valued, well-supported, appropriately deployed and able to contribute safely and confidently to the charity’s work. 

• Develop a sustainable volunteer workforce plan, identifying current and future volunteer capacity, skills and support requirements. 

• Promote a positive volunteering culture that reflects the charity’s values and strengthens engagement, inclusion and community connection. 

External Relations, Partnerships and Advocacy 

• Act as the public face and senior ambassador for the charity, representing it with credibility and confidence. 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with beneficiaries, partners, funders, commissioners, local communities, statutory bodies and sector networks. 

• Raise the charity’s profile and influence through effective communications, thought leadership and advocacy. 

• Promote collaboration and partnership working to extend reach, improve outcomes and strengthen sustainability. 

Since 2018, the LRU has grown its membership to over 7,000 renters across London.  Through our six branches, we support renters to take action to transform the housing system.  Organising in communities, the LRU runs training, facilitates peer support, takes collective action and campaigns on local issues, to grow our power.

The Operations Lead plays a key role in facilitating the union’s work, every day. By overseeing the systems, processes and resources that keep the union running effectively, this role creates the conditions for every part of the union to thrive. Working across teams, the Operations Lead helps ensure the organisation is resilient, efficient and well-equipped to achieve its goals.

You will be part of the LRU staff team alongside 15 other staff, who work with members to build the power of the union by organising, campaigning, training and facilitating peer support and member solidarity actions.  We expect staff to uphold the union’s values, and work together to implement collectively agreed strategies.  Each staff member has a line manager, and the staff team are accountable to the elected member Coordinating Group, and to each other.

Key decisions are held by the elected member Coordinating Group and subcommittees, with staff inputting into and facilitating these decisions.

Job description 

This role is varied, and can look different month-to-month.  This job description outlines some activities that you will be doing every month, and some activities that you will only do from time-to-time.

Building collective capacity

• Convening the line management team, organising monthly meetings and ensuring actions are being completed
• HR administration, including holding new starter induction processes; ensuring annual reviews are completed; supporting line managers when conflict or performance issues arise; and ensuring policies are reviewed and kept legally compliant
• Overseeing financial management, including processing invoices and expenses, annual budget development, and holding the relationship with our external accountant.
• Overseeing fundraising including prospecting, bid writing, reporting and fundraising strategy development with the fundraising team
• Overseeing office and resource management
• Overseeing formal compliance and risk management, including insurance, GDPR, and engagement with Companies House
• Inputting into staff decisions and LRU strategy discussions
• Taking part in team meetings
• Joining staff working groups when capacity allows

Building leadership

• Providing support to the elected member Staffing and Finance, and Information and Knowledge subcommittees

Building the power of the union

• Overseeing digital infrastructure, working with the Database Support Officer, and engaging external support when needed.
• Supporting member onboarding process, working with the Union Coordinator – Membership and Democracy.
• Participating in cross-staff calls sessions at least once a month.
• Attending and taking on roles at cross-union meetings, events, trainings and gatherings or other project meetings, across the year as capacity allows.
• Monitoring and responding to messages in main inboxes and carrying out other administrative tasks related to our membership system.

Person specification

• Experience coordinating the day-to-day operations of an organisation, ensuring systems, processes and priorities are effectively managed.
• Strong planning and problem-solving skills, with the ability to improve processes and identify practical solutions.
• Experience supporting people management processes, which can include recruitment, induction, performance management or employee relations, with the ability to work sensitively and maintain confidentiality.
• Experience overseeing organisational finances, including budgets, invoices and expenses, and working confidently with external finance professionals.
• Experience managing organisational compliance and governance, including risk management, data protection and maintaining accurate organisational records.
• Strong ability to build positive and effective relationships with a range of people, who have different experiences and positionalities
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly with a range of people to confidently explain processes and decisions
• Confidence using and overseeing digital systems, with the ability to support others in using them
• An ability to work independently, exercising sound judgement – and work collaboratively as part of a small team.
• A commitment to LRU values

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.

DIRECTOR OF PEOPLE AND CULTURE

Join the Executive Team of a growing archaeology charity and develop a modern people function, shaping the culture and capability behind some of the UK's most significant archaeological discoveries.

• Location: Oxford Archaeology has three main bases - Oxford, Cambridge and Lancaster. The organisation offers hybrid working, with a minimum of 2 days per week within one of OA’s offices.

This is a newly created role at a genuinely pivotal moment for OA. As the organisation has grown in scale, reach and impact, its people, culture and organisational systems now need to be strengthened to match. You'll join the Executive Team, with a mandate to build the people function OA needs for its next decade of growth.

As Director of People and Culture, you will:

• Provide strategic leadership on people, culture and organisational development, working closely with the Executive Team, Board of Trustees and HR team
• Develop and deliver a People and Culture Strategy that supports OA's charitable mission, commercial ambitions and long-term strategy
• Lead organisational change and transformation, strengthening structures, systems and governance across a complex, growing organisation
• Build a distinctive employer value proposition and an inclusive, high-performing culture that attracts, engages and retains talented people
• Act as OA's Designated Safeguarding Lead
• Lead and develop the HR and Learning & Development teams

We're seeking an experienced, values-led senior HR leader with a track record of leading organisational change and building people strategies within complex, growing organisations. CIPD Level 7 (or equivalent) and Designated Safeguarding Lead experience are essential, alongside the credibility to influence at executive and board level and the pragmatism to build strong foundations from the ground up. Please note: the majority of the HR and L&D team work from the Oxford office. Regular travel, as well as some out of hours attendance at events will be required, through the UK.

Oxford Archaeology (OA) is one of the UK's leading archaeological practices, and a charity which has been connecting people with their shared past for more than 50 years. From single house extensions to national infrastructure projects such as HS2, the team of almost 500 archaeologists, scientists and specialists work across sites throughout the UK from their offices in Oxford, Cambridge and Lancaster, uncovering, preserving and sharing what lies beneath the ground for the benefit of everyone.

Key dates:

• Closing date: 7 September
• 1st stage interviews with Oxford Archaeology: 18 September 
• 2nd stage interviews with Oxford Archaeology: 28 September
• Charisma vetting interviews must be completed by EOD on the 14 September ahead of the longlist submission on 15 September.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.

About Hope for the Young

Hope for the Young removes the obstacles to young refugees and sanctuary-seekers’ education and wellbeing through mentoring, advocacy, and financial support.

The Mentoring Programme supports young refugees and sanctuary-seekers aged 16-25 by matching them with trained volunteer mentors who provide weekly one-to-one support tailored to the young people's needs. Mentors help with teaching English, enrolment advice, study skills, confidence and trust building, and provide emotional and practical support that helps young people access new services, adapt and settle into their communities.

The Grants and Advocacy Programme supports young people who, due to their immigration status, have no access to student finance or other financial support to enable them to go to college or university. We provide small grants to pay for tuition fees, living allowances and travel expenses, alongside tailored advocacy support to enable young refugees and sanctuary-seekers to access education in the UK.

About this role

Hope for the Young is looking for an experienced and proactive Head of Finance and Operations to lead the smooth running of our finance, systems, HR and office functions. This is a hands-on role at the heart of a small, ambitious charity, giving you the opportunity to shape how we operate as we grow our support for young refugees and sanctuary-seekers across London.

You will oversee financial management and reporting, ensuring accurate records, robust controls and clear budgeting and forecasting to support the charity's long-term sustainability. You will also lead on our Salesforce system and wider data practices, manage day-to-day office and operational matters, and take responsibility for HR across the organisation. You will also line-manage our Finance and Administration Officer.

This is a varied and rewarding role for someone who enjoys working across multiple areas of responsibility and thrives in a small team environment. Working closely with the CEO and Head of Programmes, you will play a central role in ensuring Hope for the Young has the systems, processes and people in place to deliver our mission effectively, efficiently and sustainably, helping us support more young people seeking safety to build safe, hopeful futures.

We offer a flexible and hybrid working environment, however you will be expected to come to our office in Brixton for a minimum of 1 day per week (on a Wednesday, which is our office team day).

Key responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

· Lead and oversee the charity's financial management, ensuring robust controls, effective processes and compliance with financial policies and procedures.

· Lead budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management and financial planning in collaboration with the CEO and Head of Programmes to support organisational sustainability.

· Oversee the delivery of day-to-day finance operations, including bookkeeping, payroll, accounts payable and receivable, and financial record-keeping, delivered by the Finance and Administration Officer, providing guidance, training, and support as necessary.

· Monitor income, expenditure, reserves and restricted and unrestricted funds, ensuring accurate financial reporting and effective resource management.

· Prepare and present monthly management accounts, financial reports and analysis to support decision-making by the CEO and Board.

· Maintain and strengthen financial controls, delegated authority arrangements and audit processes to ensure strong financial governance.

Leadership, Governance and Organisational Management

· Lead organisational operational planning and risk management, ensuring systems, processes and resources align with and support delivery of the strategic plan

· Sit as a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), contributing to organisational strategy, cross-team planning and key decision-making alongside the CEO and Head of Programmes.

· Maintain the organisational risk register, working with the CEO and Board to identify and mitigate strategic and operational risks.

· Own the organisation’s policy framework, maintaining the policy register and ensuring the timely revision, review and compliance of all policies.

IT and Office Management

· Lead the development, administration and optimisation of Salesforce, other fundraising platforms and related system integrations to support fundraising, donor engagement and programme delivery, liaising closely with the Salesforce consultant to implement system enhancements and resolve issues.

· Drive the continuous improvement of Salesforce systems, processes and data management practices, ensuring high standards of data quality, security and operational efficiency.

· Oversee the IT infrastructure, managing the procurement and ongoing maintenance of IT hardware, systems and software with support from the external IT provider.

· Provide training, guidance and user support on Salesforce, Sharepoint, and all related platforms to maximise staff capability and system adoption.

· Ensure a fully functioning office base which enables Hope for the Young to deliver its operational activities in the most efficient and effective manner.

Human Resource Management

· Lead and oversee HR operations, including the recruitment, onboarding and retention of staff and volunteers

· Oversee employee lifecycle processes, including inductions, appraisals, performance reviews and professional development planning

· Ensure compliance with employment legislation and organisational policies through effective management and administration of contracts, HR records, employee benefits and people processes

· Lead on team wellbeing, fostering a supportive, inclusive, and resilient working culture across the team

The job description as described will be reviewed on a regular basis to respond to any changing needs of the post.

Benefits

• 25 days' annual leave (pro rata), excluding bank holidays, plus additional time off over the Christmas period

• Flexible/hybrid working arrangements

• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – a confidential counselling/support helpline

• Regular development opportunities to support professional development

• Quarterly wellbeing afternoons – group outings or activities to relax and unwind

Further Information

• You must have the right to work in the UK to apply for this job.

• You must adhere to Hope for the Young’s Equal Opportunities Policy at all times.

• Your employment at Hope for the Young is subject to two satisfactory references and an Enhanced DBS check.

• There is a 3-month probation period for this role.

To Apply

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those with lived experience of forced migration. If you think you have the skills and experience to be our new Head of Finance and Operations, we would love to hear from you.

We understand that AI can be a helpful tool when writing job applications. However, our advice is to not over-rely on AI and ensure your application is a true reflection of you and your voice. We can often tell when AI has been over-relied on and, in many cases, this is not giving applicants the best chance of success.

To submit your application you will need to send your CV and supporting letter, outlining how you meet the person specification for this post and explaining why you would like to work for Hope for the Young.The deadline to apply is 9am Thursday 3rd September. Interviews will take place on 10th and 11th September. If successful, you will be invited to a second interview the following week.  

About Us

For over 21 years, The Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre has offered free, holistic support to anyone in our community affected by cancer through complementary therapies, talking therapies, art, and our supportive community.

In 2025 alone, we had 1,911 individual visits and 1,021 therapy sessions - entirely through the dedication of our volunteer team. We are currently renovating our new centre, and we want to use it to reach further into our community than ever before. This is the first paid role in our history.

About the Role

As our first Executive Director, you will be the single point of accountability between our Board of Trustees and the day-to-day operation of the Centre - working alongside our (voluntary) Centre Manager and (voluntary) Volunteer Manager to support their roles, not duplicate them. You'll lead our strategy delivery, guide the charity's move into its new home, and oversee a service redesign informed by a fresh programme of visitor, volunteer and community research.

About You

You already know how to do this job - you've held a senior, accountable position in a charity or comparable organisation and can bring that experience from day one. You're confident reporting to a board of trustees, comfortable getting things done, and able to win the trust of a highly experienced, long-standing volunteer team through competence and credibility, not authority alone.

Key Activity Areas

• Financial management – budgeting, financial controls, and reporting to the Board and Treasurer

• Governance & best practice – supporting trustees to discharge their statutory duties; maintaining the policy suite and risk register

• HR & people leadership – supporting our entire volunteer and therapist team; communication is key to our volunteers

• Fundraising – write and lead on a fundraising strategy, implement new funding streams and be the ‘face of Pickering’ – local networking will be essential

• Change management – leading the transition to our new centre and evolving service model with care and consultation

• Compliance – safeguarding, health and safety, GDPR, and other regulatory requirements

Qualifications - Desirable

All the below are not necessary qualifications but would assist with this role:

• CIPD qualification, or equivalent hands-on HR experience

• A recognised governance qualification (e.g. Chartered Governance Institute) or completion of a charity leadership programme or similar

• Financial management experience – a qualification would be useful but not essential

• Safeguarding lead training

Experience and Competencies — Essential

• Senior leadership experience with genuine authority and accountability in a charity or comparable mission-led organisation

• A track record of reporting to and working with a board of trustees or non-executive directors

• A track record of leading organisational change, with evidence it was genuinely adopted

• Sound financial literacy - budgets, management accounts, financial controls, dealing with auditors

• Working knowledge of safeguarding, risk management and regulatory compliance

• Excellent written and verbal communication, including board-level reporting as well as the ability to speak in public

• Experience making a leadership role pay for itself, through income generation, cost savings, or both

• A genuine, demonstrable commitment to Pickering's mission

Experience and Competencies — Desirable

• Fundraising experience across grants, trusts, community fundraising and corporate partnerships

• Experience within the cancer support, wider healthcare, or hospice sector

• Lived experience of cancer, personally or through supporting someone close to you

• Experience leading a refresh of a brand or a rebrand, service redesign, or physical relocation of services

• Familiarity with Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding local community

Safeguarding

This role involves working with adults who may be vulnerable by virtue of serious illness. The successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory reference checks before appointment, and will act as, or oversee, the charity's designated safeguarding lead.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Pickering is committed to equal opportunity for all and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. A copy of our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policy is available on request.

How to Apply

Please apply by Sunday 6 September 2026. Interviews are expected to take place w/c 14 September 2026.