Human resources director jobs in primrose hill, greater london
Location: Diocesan House, Causton Street, London (Hybrid)
Contract: 12-month Fixed-term Contract, Part-time/ 4 days per week (28 hours)
Salary: £36,440 (£45,550 FTE)
DBS requirement: No DBS Required
The Diocese of London is looking for an experienced and flexible HR Partner to join our People Directorate for a 12-month maternity cover.
The Diocese of London is the group of Church of England organisations located in London, north of the River Thames. It is overseen by the Bishop of London and is made up of parishes, schools, chaplaincies, missional communities, and other organisations across 18 Boroughs.
About the London Diocese Fund (LDF) and the Diocese of London
The London Diocesan Fund (LDF) is the main charity that supports the work of the Diocese as a whole by generating income, providing a wide range of services and paying and housing its clergy. This is a great opportunity to join an organisation that truly supports and engages with the communities that it serves.
Working as part of a wider HR team, you will be supporting dedicated business units across the full employee lifecycle. Working as a strategic partner, you will act as a trusted advisor, working closely with senior stakeholders such as Bishops and Archdeacons, to embed the people strategy within your business unit. Alongside this, you will also provide operational HR support in areas such as ER management, recruitment, organisational development and wellbeing.
Candidates should be experienced practitioners who can learn quickly, communicate well and inspire supportive best practice. You should share our values and be passionate about creating an environment that supports the work of the Diocese of London.
What You’ll Be Doing:
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Establish and develop a responsive Business Partner type relationship with stakeholders and Senior Leadership Teams
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Provide professional advice, support and coaching to Archdeacons and Senior Managers on the interpretation and application of all Ecclesiastical measures, HR policies, processes and procedures, ensuring these are applied fairly and consistently
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Advise the Senior Leadership on the people management implications of church policy and people strategy
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Effectively and efficiently manage a portfolio of HR casework and staff recruitment
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Advise and recommend appropriate courses of action in line with relevant best practice, policies, employment legislation and statutory frameworks
Who We’re Looking For:
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At least 3 years’ experience of working at HR Partner or Adviser level in a generalist role covering HR practice
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Experience of working in an HR role carrying out a range of HR duties, ideally in the church or charity sector
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Experience of supporting managers in all areas of people matters, including recruitment, disciplinary, grievance, absence and sickness casework
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Experience of working within a customer focused environment with the ability to establish good working relationships with a variety of people e.g., senior leaders, job applicants, employees
Please refer to the attached Job Description for the full details on Person Specification.
This is a hybrid role with 3 days at our office in Causton Street, Pimlico. Although this role is 4 days a week, we would be willing to consider 5 days a week for applicants who have specific experience within clergy HR. Interviews are happening as soon as suitable applicants are identified, please do apply now if you are keen to be considered.
Safeguarding Statement
The Diocese of London is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. Therefore, all our recruitment campaigns are run using safer recruitment procedure
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
The Diocese of London is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workforce which represents our context and wider community.
We are aware that those of Global Majority Heritage/United Kingdom Minority Ethnic (GMH/UKME), women, and disabled people are currently under-represented among our clergy and workforce, and we particularly encourage applications from those with the relevant skills and experience that will increase this representation.
To apply:
Submit your application and CV online via Pathways. Please refer to the person specification and JD when you’re answering the application questions.
Interviews
Interviews will be held in person on Wednesday 4th June.
For more details, please see the full Job Description and Person Specification.
For every Londoner to encounter the love of God in Christ




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!
We're Morden College: An almshouse charity with a proud 330 year history and a big vision for the future. We're entering in to a exciting new phase, with a fresh strategy focused on excellent housing, high quality services, and thriving communities.
What you’ll do
As our Director of Resident Services, you’ll be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, leading on everything from resident experience and care quality to community life and strategic direction. You’ll:
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Oversee services that help residents feel safe, supported, and truly at home.
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Lead teams, manage budgets, and make sure everything runs smoothly.
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Champion inclusion, wellbeing, and independence for older people.
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Collaborate across teams and with external partners to keep improving what we do.
What you’ll bring
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A strong background in leadership in a charity or customer services setting, perhaps in health, social care, or housing.
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A strategic mindset and a warm, people-first approach to leadership.
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Excellent communication, financial oversight, and problem-solving skills.
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A deep commitment to dignity, equity, and resident voice in everything we do.
Why join us?
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A real chance to be part of shaping a vibrant, values-led organisation.
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An ambitious, kind, and forward-thinking team.
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Great benefit and wellbeing initiatives flexible working, and the opportunity to genuinely improve lives.
Please send a covering letter (no more than two pages) setting out why you are the right person for this role and how you’d approach it to the email address provided in the candidate recruitment pack.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Difference is an education charity, founded to change the story on lost learning. Our vision is to see lost learning falling nationally by 2030 and for schools to be better equipped to support all children, particularly those most vulnerable.
We are a small, growing charity delivering many school leadership programmes, with a growing research and policy arm. We have had excellent early impact but there is work ahead to capture this, share learning with schools and policy-makers, and campaign to lower exclusions across England.
The Role
This is an exciting time to join The Difference as we increase our impact, reach more schools, and develop our influencing strategy. As People and Operations Manager you will:
- lead our professional development offer
- support and oversee all performance management
- refine, implement and oversee our recruitment strategy
- support the delivery of smaller events including publication launches and symposiums
- support the operational needs of the organisation, ensuring compliance with HR policies
Our work is fast-paced, our roles are broad, and there is a culture of being highly autonomous, reactive and flexible. If this sounds exciting rather than daunting, then this could be the role for you!
The Candidate
We are seeking a combination of the following skills, aptitude and experience:
- Experience designing and delivering staff training / professional development
- Track record building productive work cultures with colleagues with a range of experiences
- Experience coaching and line managing
- Evidenced interest in thoughtful hiring practices to acknowledge and reduce impact bias, including matching competitive processes with headhunting leads to improve diversity of insight and experience in candidates
- Experience in managing a diverse portfolio of work in a standalone role, with the ability to work to deadlines, remain calm under pressure, and reprioritise work in accordance with organisational needs
- A career/volunteering which evidences commitment to The Difference's mission of improving the lives of vulnerable children
You are more likely to be successful in your application if you have either/both:
- CIPD trained or willing to begin training & accreditation process
- Experience working in fast-paced start up culture; can-do in contexts of ambiguity
- Demonstrated experience in dealing with employee relations cases
- Experience in relational practices including restorative work
The Difference exists to improve the life-outcomes of the most vulnerable children by raising the status and expertise of those who educate them.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
WORKING WITH US
The founder and sponsor of the Harris Federation, Lord Harris of Peckham, opened our first school in 1990. We have, over the past thirty years, implemented ideas and initiatives that have transformed the opportunities of pupils from working class and disadvantaged backgrounds. Harris academies are widely recognised as a force for social mobility. We are immensely proud of the role that our alumni are now beginning to play in the world and of what we believe our current generation of pupils will go on to achieve.
We now have over 50 schools educating more than 40,000 young people across London and Essex, and employ over 5,000 staff across our academies and head office. With the majority of our academies located in areas of high socioeconomic disadvantage, a high-quality education is key to the futures of the pupils we serve.
As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.
Our work will impact many generations to come, and our staff come from all backgrounds and walks of life, coming together to inspire young minds. We promote an inclusive culture that embraces the valuable and enriching contribution that all of our community make. We continue to be proactive in uplifting and supporting all voices at Harris.
To discover more about our culture, ethos and what it is like to work here, visit the page.
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ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY
Take on a pivotal leadership role as Director of People, where you'll be at the forefront of shaping strategic priorities and cultivating a culture defined by innovation, collaboration and excellence. In this influential position, you'll be part of the executive team to craft and execute transformative people strategies that span the entire employee lifecycle; from talent acquisition and development to recognition, performance and employee engagement.
Our mission is simple: to close the educational gap between young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers. We see Harris Federation as a system disrupter – whose purpose is to make life fairer for children in and around London. Our focus is to take on the most challenging schools and turn them into exceptional places of learning where everyone – staff and students – thrives.
This is a rare opportunity to leave a lasting imprint on a high-performing, purpose-driven organisation. Join a passionate, forward thinking people team committed to positioning Harris Federation as an employer of choice within the education sector. We're seeking a visionary leader to champion this exciting transformation and help drive our collective success.
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MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
The Director of People is part of the executive team at Harris Federation, leading the organisation to deliver the strategic priorities and foster an environment of innovation, collaboration and excellence.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Developing and leading the implementation of the people strategies and supporting policies, frameworks, and processes, consistent with the firm’s strategic priorities and values.
- Lead organisational design and change initiatives, ensuring people are at the centre, and act as custodian of the organisation’s cultural evolution
- Create and maintain a strong employee value proposition, including reward strategies, recognition and holistic wellbeing initiatives, ensuring Harris Federation becomes an employer of choice
- Engender a continuous improvement ethos within the HR team, encouraging innovative thinking and a future-focused mentality
A full list of responsibilities can be found in the Job Pack.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We would like to hear from you if you have:
- Demonstrable experience in senior HR leadership roles, overseeing people strategy and leading a team of HR professionals
- Proven ability to think strategically to create strategies combined with a strong understanding of how to align strategy to operational excellence and commercial reality
- Extensive experience in shaping and leading organisational change initiatives, including experience in managing TUPE and union engagement
- Demonstrable success in designing and implementing leadership development and talent programmes
- Strong understanding of UK employment law, with experience of navigating complex employee relations situations
For a full person specification please download the Job Pack.
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APPLYING FOR THIS POSITION
If you would like to discuss the opportunity further, or if you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Elliott, Talent Acquisition Partner, via email to arrange a conversation.
Before applying please ensure you download the job pack from our careers website, this will help with completing your application. Please note that we only accept applications submitted online before the closing date.
When applying, you will have the option to import your CV or use a LinkedIn profile which will auto populate the online application.
A reminder to check your junk mail for our email communications and add us to your safe senders list to ensure all future email communication is received.
OUR VISION & VALUES
Our vision, from the start, has been to provide the structure and services needed for our schools to amount to more than the sum of their parts, and to free-up our teachers and leaders to focus on one thing and one thing only: the outstanding education of all their pupils. Our young people and communities are at the heart of everything we do. Our core mission has always been to close the educational gap between young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers. Our ambition is one where every child in London, no matter their background, has equal access to high quality education, giving them the same opportunities and potential to succeed.
We know there are many challenges facing our young people and the communities we serve, and that’s why we need determined people like you to help us tackle those inequalities. Whilst each of our academies has their own unique cultures and values; as a whole Federation, we have four core values which are central to successfully achieving our vision: Excellence, Collaboration, Support, and Innovation. We are proud of our values because they guide us in how we work allowing us to achieve the best possible outcomes for our young people, communities, and colleagues.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Safeguarding Notice
The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.
Equal Opportunities
The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.
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WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
Harris has a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level.
You will also have access to a variety of benefits, support programmes and initiatives including:
- Excellent opportunities for continuous professional development and career progression
- Annual performance and loyalty bonus
- Pension scheme (Teachers' Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme) with generous employer contribution
- 26 days' annual leave (inclusive of our Christmas Eve closure day) plus bank holidays, rising to 27 days after 2 years' service, or equivalent for staff on term time contracts
- Harris Wellbeing Cash Plan including cover for routine and specialist healthcare
- Employee Assistance Programme for free and confidential advice
- Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme
- Wide range of shopping, leisure, and travel discounts
- 20% off at Tapi Carpets, exclusive to Harris employees
- Interest-free ICT and season ticket loans
For most non-teaching staff based at our Head Office in East Croydon, we also offer lifestyle friendly working arrangements including flexible start and end times, and hybrid working with two days from home and three days on site.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
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!
Our vision is of a world in which our human population lives fairly and sustainably with nature and each other.
Our mission is to address the negative consequences of ever more people using ever more of the planet’s resources and to inspire and engage with others to find, share and promote ways to make our vision a reality as quickly as possible.
You
Are you an experienced Chartered Financial Accountant, with extensive experience working in Financial Operations (FinOps) within international charities? Are you looking for a role that gives you the autonomy to shape and develop the FinOps function, as well as a role within the Senior Leadership Team?
We have just entered a new five-year strategy period and are looking for someone to take a strategic, long-term approach to developing our FinOps capabilities, further developing an increasingly professionalised function. We are a growing organisation and will be further expanding internationally over the strategy period.
If your application is successful, you will form part of the organisation’s Senior Leadership Team, helping Population Matters to continue to build on recent successes and increase its focus on impact.
How we’ll do things
Population Matters is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age and all other categories protected by law.
If you require any adjustments to make the process more accessible, or to arrange an informal conversation about the role, please contact our switchboard.
Please apply by sending a CV (no more than two A4 pages) and covering letter (no more than two A4 pages), addressing the Job Description and, in particular, the Person Specification.
We will use blind recruitment practices to minimise unconscious bias.
The deadline for applications is midday on 6th June. We will hold first interviews on the 12th June remotely, with Joshua Hill, Chief Research & Operations Officer, and Sho Nair, Director of Fundraising & Engagement. We will hold second interviews on the afternoon of the 17th June, in person, with Joshua Hill and Amy Jankiewicz, Chief Executive.
Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Salary: Starting at £55-62,000, negotiable within this range
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: We promote and encourage flexible working all types, in line with our flexible working policy
Location: Home-based in the UK, with occasional travel and access to our London office space. We are afraid that we can not accept international applicants for this role.
Benefits: 25 days’ annual leave pa; additional three days’ closure over Christmas; employer pension contribution 6-8%, employee matching contribution min 2%; Employee Assistance Programme; we fund and encourage CPD.
Thank you for your interest in Population Matters.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
BACKGROUND
Over the past 80 years, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has developed unparalleled expertise in responding to emergencies and helping uprooted communities to rebuild. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC’s mission is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. The IRC is on the ground in more than 40 countries, providing emergency relief and rebuilding lives in the wake of disaster. The IRC is committed to a culture of bold leadership, innovation in all aspects of our work, creative partnerships and, most crucially, accountability to those we serve.
IRC UK
IRC UK is part of the IRC global network, which has its global headquarters in New York. Our team in the UK 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 in the UK a programme that is rapidly growing.
In Europe, the IRC currently operates in the UK, Sweden, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, Poland, Serbia and Ukraine.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
The P&C Director manages the HR teams across the IRC UK, Switzerland, Belgium and Sweden, and is accountable for effective HR service delivery, HR compliance and continuous improvement within the scope of the People & Culture department to cultivate the desired culture, talent practices, and investments to deliver on our people strategy. This position plays pivotal role in fostering a positive, inclusive and high-performing workplace culture that aligns with IRC’s values through exceptional communication skills. They are deeply committed to achieving operational excellence and modelling the values of an engaging and respectful workplace where everyone can be at their best.
Reporting into the Regional Director, P&C Europe and collaborating closely with colleagues across Global People & Culture, the role provides insights supporting the implementation of People & Culture priorities across the 300+ IRC colleagues in the UK, Switzerland, Belgium and Sweden as determined by the respective country Executive Directors and the Regional Director P&C Europe.
As a member of the UK Senior Management Team (SMT) the role also supports the delivery of these priorities, and serves as an advisor and coach with a keen focus on building leadership competencies and organizational effectiveness. The role is also part of the global P&C community to participate and stay informed of global change initiatives and to shape or adapt them to IRC UK’s culture and regulatory environment.
This role supports the UK Executive Director in managing the relationship with the UK Trade Union, Unite, including quarterly meetings with Union Representatives and ensuring smooth consultation and negotiation on matters where relevant including the annual salary review, restructures and complex employee relations matters. The post holder has an excellent understanding of Union relations and rights, working collaborative to ensure compliance and the bets outcomes for IRC UK and employees within the bounds of what is possible in the organisation.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. P&C Strategic Leadership and Management (~25%)
· Serve as a strategic advisor to the local HR Managers, Executive Directors, and UK Senior Management Team (SMT) on succession planning, providing key insights to facilitate future leadership transitions.
· Act as a thought partner to the SMT, offering strategic guidance on People & Culture (P&C), and organizational culture/values to align with the mission and goals.
· Supervise and be a supportive leader to approximately 5-7 P&C staff within the UK, Belgium, Swizterland, and Sweden HR Team, ensuring the leadership and management of direct reports are handled with excellence. Accountable for the overall quality and effectiveness of the P&C team, actively monitoring progress against established goals.
· Take the lead on conducting talent dialogues, recommending development opportunities, and coaching on conducting high-quality conversations during performance reviews.
· Serve as an advocate for Employee Wellbeing, Employee Engagement, and Safeguarding priorities and role model safe, inclusive, and caring leadership standards.
· Provide constructive feedback and guidance on career paths and professional development for the P&C team and IRC staff; establish a culture of continuous learning opportunities.
· Partner with peers to facilitate the workforce planning, including, managing workforce adjustments, such as staff reductions, or scale up, including organizational design work, in partnership with senior management teams, the Regional Director, People & Culture Europe and Global People & Culture Partners, ensuring these actions comply with local legal requirements and IRC's country and Global policies while minimizing risks and supporting affected staff.
· Support management through coaching, development, tools and guidance to build a team of skilled, committed, and motivated staff, ready to advance in their career.
· Manage the UK HR budget with support from colleagues in FP&A for planning, budgeting and reforecasting of expenditure.
· Prepare reporting to the UK Board of Trustees, including presentation to the full Board and People and Culture Committee.
2. Manage HR Service Delivery and Core Operations (~40%)
· Oversee the creation and tracking of P&C objectives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals including but not limited to providing support and contributions to the design and implementation of global shared solutions models that deliver meaningful outcomes and service improvements.
· Actively engage in proposal design and grant review meetings, providing expert advice on organizational structure, position scoping, demographic and staffing analysis to build a robust P&C foundation that supports high program quality.
· Drive informed decision making by using data to support people and culture functions, ensuring all data reporting requirements, including to the UK Board and reporting as required for UK programmes donors are delivered accurately and in a timely manner.
· Oversee end-to-end P&C activities across the employee lifecycle, including onboarding and exits, payroll, benefits, contract management, performance management, workforce reporting, and year-round staff communications to ensure high-quality outcomes aligned with organizational standards and strategic objectives.
· Ensure the development and implementation of high-quality, context-specific improvement plans and practices in areas such as recruitment, compensation and benefits, employee relations, onboarding, offboarding, contract management, learning and development, performance management, leave management, code of conduct compliance, legal compliance, HR Information Systems, coordination of policy development and implementation, etc.
· Advise supervisors on appropriate disciplinary actions, serve as an impartial mediator in disciplinary proceedings, and oversee follow-up measures to ensure fairness, compliance with employment laws, and adherence to labor regulations.
3. Workplace Culture (~15%)
· Promote initiatives that enhance the employee experience, team engagement, inclusion, and cohesion fostering an environment conducive to continuous learning and honest dialogue.
· Foster a healthy organizational culture. Oversee the integration of IRC’s Values, People Manager Standards, and Employee Success Factors throughout the employee lifecycle.
· Safeguarding: promote best practice through the integration of safeguarding considerations in hiring, recruitment and onboarding practices, ensuring that all IRC employees receive orientation to IRC's Safeguarding Policy and expectations.
· Ensure that the IRC Way and information on reporting channels are sign-posted in all IRC office locations.
· Partner with IRC’s global Ethics, Compliance and Global Employee Relations investigations to promote safe, healthy and respectful workplaces.
· With the support of the Duty of Care colleagues and Regional Director People & Culture Europe, provide guidance and support for all staff-related duty of care initiatives, and critical incident response is delivered according to organizational standards.
· Ensure strong connectivity and communication among P&C staff to foster a cohesive team environment.
· Actively participate in and support staff meetings to foster a collaborative work environment.
4. Collaborate with the Union (~15%)
· Working with the UK Executive Director, maintain a positive working relationship with the UK Trade Union representatives, Unite.
· Negotiate and consult with the Trade Union, facilitating the quarterly Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) meetings and ensuring a good relationship is maintained and progress is made with key priorities including introduction of new policies, policy updates and salary review negotiations.
· Develop and manage union engagement and communication plans aimed at maintaining a healthy and empowering office environment that promotes open, honest, and productive communication.
KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
- Indirect reporting to Europe Regional P&C Director
- Partners with UK Executive Director and the UK SMT
- Manages the UK HR Operations Manager, UK HR staff, and the heads of HR in Switzerland, Belgium and Sweden
- Collaborates with Trade Union Representatives
- Oversees contracts with Employees and External consultants and vendors
- Collaborates with Global P&C team members at all levels
- Collaborates with senior managers across the organisation
PERSON SPECIFICATIONS
· CIPD qualified with experience of complex HR processes in the UK including restructures, TUPE and employee relations.**
· Significant experience in an HR leadership role, with broad knowledge and experience across the spectrum of People & Culture responsibilities.**
· Strong teamwork approach with quality interpersonal and analytical skills who can work seamlessly in a global matrix organization.
· Experience working in a complex international matrix organsiation a plus.
· Strong knowledge of UK employment law, with experience of advising and influencing senior leaders.**
· Experience of working with Trade Unions on a range of matters.**
· People management experience.**
· High level of confidentiality and tact.
· High level of service orientation and excellent intercultural communication skills.
· Ability to work under pressure, manage and prioritize competing priorities from different stakeholders.
· Ability to drive manage projects with a high degree of subject matter complexity and a high number of stakeholders independently
· Willingness to take on a high level of responsibility and independence in day-to-day work.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Us
Population Matters is an environmental and human rights charity, working to ensure that our population can co-exist in harmony with nature and prosper on a healthy planet.
Our vision is of a world in which our human population lives fairly and sustainably with nature and each other.
Our mission is to address the negative consequences of ever more people using ever more of the planet’s resources and to inspire and engage with others to find, share and promote ways to make our vision a reality as quickly as possible.
You
Have you recently completed a Masters with a substantial research component? Do you have experience originating, facilitating and conducting original research? Do you have a good understanding of statistical methods and want to help put your skills to use to help address some of humanity’s biggest challenges?
We have just entered a new five-year strategy period and are looking for someone to join our expanding Research Team, which both commissions and conducts research. We are a growing organisation and will be further expanding internationally over the strategy period.
If your application is successful, you will join a unique, research focused and data driven organisation.
How we’ll do things
Population Matters is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age and all other categories protected by law.
If you require any adjustments to make the process more accessible, or to arrange an informal conversation about the role, please email the recruiting manager, Joshua Hill, via our switchboard.
Please apply by sending a CV (no more than two A4 pages) and covering letter (no more than two A4 pages), addressing the Job Description and, in particular, the Person Specification.
We will use blind recruitment practices to minimise unconscious bias.
The deadline for applications is midday on 31st May. We will hold first interviews on the 4th May, remotely, with Joshua Hill, Chief Research & Operations Officer, and David Samways, Editor of the Journal of Population and Sustainability. We will hold second interviews on the morning of the 5th June, remotely, with Josh Hill and Jameen Kaur, Director of Influence and Advocacy.
Thank you for your interest in Population Matters.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a vital role in shaping the future of one of the UK’s leading touring theatre companies. The Development Director will lead our fundraising strategy, building the relationships and resources that power our bold, nationally-reaching work.
As Development Director, you will work closely with the joint CEOs (Holly and Lisa) to deliver Headlong’s fundraising strategy. You will have the opportunity to develop the role and will be responsible for raising the funds to support Headlong’s mission and vision over the long-term.
You will lead on prospect research, donor cultivation, bid writing and delivering fundraising events. You will set a fundraising culture with the Board and wider staff, advocating for the power of fundraising to push Headlong into its next chapter.
You will be part of the Senior Management Team and will take an active role in the organisation and as an ambassador for Headlong in different contexts.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Director - Workforce Policy and Services
Location: AoC London Office
Department: Workforce
Salary: £68,400 - £85,500 (depending on experience)
Hours: Full Time, 37.5 Hours per week
Job Type: Full time
Contract Type: Permanent
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Association of Colleges (AoC) in a new position of Director – Workforce Policy and Services. As the national voice for further education (FE) colleges in England, AoC represents and supports member colleges with professional services, advocacy, and sector leadership. We are a not-for-profit organisation established by colleges, for colleges – supporting over 95% of the sector, transforming 2.2 million lives each year.
This senior leadership role will oversee the strategic direction and delivery of AoC’s workforce function – including directing FE workforce policy, industrial relations and pay, employment advice, recruitment, and consultancy. Reporting to the Deputy Chief Executive, the successful candidate will work collaboratively across the organisation and with key external stakeholders to promote and represent the employer interests of colleges across England.
We are seeking an experienced leader with a strong background in at least one area of the workforce remit, strategic insight, advocacy skills and a commitment to supporting colleges and their people. A deep understanding of the challenges facing the FE workforce and a collaborative, inclusive approach to leadership is essential. You will bring excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, strong strategic thinking, and the ability to drive service quality and innovation.
As Director, you will lead and manage a multi-functional team delivering high-quality workforce services and advice to colleges, ensuring these are responsive to sector needs. You will represent college employers in national pay negotiations and workforce policy development, oversee recruitment and consultancy services, and with your team drive policy influencing and evidence-based decision-making through strong stakeholder engagement and data insight. This is a varied and strategic role that combines leadership, sector advocacy, and operational oversight across FE employment and workforce priorities.
This role is offered on a permanent, full-time basis. There will be regular travel to AoC’s national office in London and across the country to attend meetings and represent the organisation. Flexible working requests will be considered. If you’re a senior workforce leader with a passion for improving outcomes in education and want to be at the forefront of shaping FE workforce policy and services, we’d love to hear from you!
At AoC, we value trust, flexibility and professional growth. You’ll join a high-performing, mission-led organisation that offers generous benefits, flexible working, and opportunities to develop your career while making a positive impact on the FE community.
Please review the full job description and person specification, which outlines the role in more detail.
How to Apply
If you think you have the skills, experience, and attributes to hit the ground running in this position, we would welcome your application. Click 'apply now' below.
To be considered for this role, your application must be submitted and received by 9am on 26 May 2025.
Interviews:
Date: W/C 2 June 2025
Venue: In person, AoC London Office
AoC is committed to providing equal opportunities and embracing diversity. We encourage applications from everyone and will not discriminate against any applicants on the basis of age, disability, sex, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.
Thank you for your interest in this opportunity to join the AoC team.
REF-221501
This is an exciting opportunity to steer Asylum Aid at an important time in its 30-year existence. As Executive Director you will be responsible for delivering on our strategy for impact. You will oversee our work to increase access to expert, trauma-informed legal representation to those in the asylum, trafficking and statelessness systems and lead our policy and strategic legal work to achieve systemic change that contributes towards our vision.
You will line manage the Director of Legal Casework to oversee the provision of supportive and enabling leadership to Asylum Aid caseworkers so that they can continue to deliver high quality expert advice in complex cases, while being supported in their professional development and wellbeing. You will also manage and develop the work of our welfare advice team within the Westminster Advice Services Partnership and beyond, and work collaboratively with colleagues in the sector to build capacity and increase our impact.
The ideal candidate, who may be legally qualified, will have experience of leadership in the charity/NGO sector and a sound understanding of the asylum, human rights and trafficking processes in the UK and the legal frameworks which govern the protection of refugees, survivors of trafficking and stateless people, and of the role of law in achieving system change.
We are looking for someone who is strategically minded and passionate about providing supportive and inclusive leadership to our expert team. You will be committed to our objectives and to the role which expert legal representation plays in enabling people in need of protection in the UK to obtain it.
As is the nature of this sector, the role may be exposed to a high volume of traumatic and distressing material and, whilst they will be supported by the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO and surrounding team, the candidate should also be able to demonstrate knowledge of good self-care principles in an intense work environment and dissemination of those principles to junior members of the team.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership and strategy
·Be responsible, with the support of the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO, for the development, implementation and monitoring of Asylum Aid’s organisational strategy
·Provide leadership and strategic direction at Asylum Aid in accordance with its aims and objectives, with the support of the Director of Legal Casework
·Act as external spokesperson for Asylum Aid, maintaining and strengthening Asylum Aid’s position as a leader in the refugee rights, statelessness and legal aid sectors;
·Work collaboratively with others in the sector to promote and strengthen Asylum Aid’s work, identify and establish potential partnerships, with the support of the Director of Legal Casework;
·Work collaboratively with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO and Executive Leadership team to drive the implementation of the Group strategic framework;
·Ensure that all reporting and monitoring requirements are met to support fundraising, contract compliance and monitoring strategic impact;
·Support the cross collaboration of the Asylum Aid team with the Helen Bamber Foundation team and play an active part in the management of the Helen Bamber Foundation Group.
Governance
·Act as the Data Protection Supervisor with responsibility for data protection and cyber security within Asylum Aid
·Together with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO and designated safeguarding leads, be responsible for child and adult safeguarding within Asylum Aid
·In collaboration with the Director of Legal Casework, ensure compliance by Asylum Aid with all legal and regulatory obligations, including the Legal Aid Agency contract, the Immigration Advice Authority and Solicitors Regulation Authority;
·Lead on the preparation and presentation of quarterly reports on Asylum Aid’s activities, strategy and risks to the Asylum Aid Board, the Finance and Fundraising Committee and the People and Governance Committee;
·Lead on the preparation of the Trustees’ annual report and ensure that monitoring and evaluation systems are adequate to enable reporting on Asylum Aid’s activities and impact.
Management and Supervision
·Responsible for line management of the Director of Legal Casework and Welfare Advice service coordinator, and other team supervisors as required;
·Together with the Group Director of People, responsible for Human Resources and implementation of the People Strategy within Asylum Aid, including development and implementation of HR policies and procedures;
·Together with the Director of Legal Casework and team supervisors, drive the effective management and supervision of the Asylum Aid team and ensure that they comply with relevant professional standards and accreditation;
·Foster a supportive and inclusive team culture at Asylum Aid in which each member feels valued and supported to develop professionally and to perform to the best of their ability;
·Ensure the team’s well-being and that self-care practices are established and work in tandem with the Director of Legal Casework and supervisors to ensure trauma-informed ways of working.
Policy & Strategic Legal Work
·Together with the Group Director of Policy, identify policy priorities and coordinate the preparation of evidence and briefings drawing on Asylum Aid’s experience and expertise to influence system change;
·Build and maintain relationships and partnerships with sector colleagues to support joint strategic engagement including policy advocacy and strategic legal work;
·Work closely with the Director of Legal Casework and team supervisors to drive changes in the UK asylum, trafficking and statelessness systems through strategic legal work.
Finance & Fundraising
·Work closely with the CEO and the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Finance Team to set and manage budget(s) and general financial matters for Asylum Aid
·Together with the Director of Legal Casework and the Group Finance Team, establish systems for monitoring legal aid Work In Progress and billing, and securing casework income including legal aid, and inter partes income from judicial review cases;
·Work closely with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Fundraising and Communications Team to secure funding for Asylum Aid from a range of sources including trusts and foundations, corporate philanthropy and major donors;
·Ensure that Legal Aid and other income is maximised, and targets are achieved.
Other duties
·Manage the recruitment and supervision of volunteers where necessary in collaboration with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Volunteers Coordinator;
·Support the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Facilities team to ensure the smooth running of the office and that the facilities meet the needs of Asylum Aid;
·Work outside normal office hours as required and travel in order to carry out the responsibilities of the post.
·To undertake any task that may be requested from time to time that may be consistent with the nature and scope of this post.
Essential Experience, Skills and Knowledge
•Experience of running a small to medium sized charity/legal NGO and/or legal department within the NGO sector (or other equivalent senior management role);
•Demonstrable experience of managing and leading a successful team and the ability to manage a growing team with mixed roles from team supervisors to administrative support staff, working co-operatively with colleagues to maintain transparency and effective working relationships within the team;
•Strong communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with people from a wide range of backgrounds
•Strong understanding of good governance including legal, regulatory and financial responsibilities;
•Ability to work with a range of stakeholders from trustees to external partners;
•Experience of leading and/or participating in organisational strategic planning;
·Experience of legal policy work within the human rights field and /or of strategic litigation, whether as an NGO claimant or legal representative;
•Experience of managing diverse funding sources and setting and implementing budgets;
•Experience of working in a service delivery partnership with other organisations;
•Experience of fundraising, especially grants from trusts and foundations;
•Sound working knowledge of the law and policy as it relates to immigration, asylum, human rights and modern slavery/trafficking;
•Demonstrable understanding of the asylum and human rights sector in the UK;
•An understanding of the barriers migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers face regarding access to legal advice, reasons why they may become destitute and why this makes it more difficult to access advice and support; and
•The passion for working empathetically and supportively with migrants, refugees, stateless people and asylum seekers.
Desirable Experience
·Experience of managing the delivery of frontline casework with people in the asylum or trafficking systems
·Experience of tendering for and delivering publicly funded contracts e.g. LAA or local authority funding;
·Working knowledge of Legal Aid Agency contracts, including the delivery of casework and billing under a legal aid contract in the immigration and asylum category and/or the public law category;
How to apply
The first stage is to complete on our online application form on our website by 9am on 23 June 2025.
The website form will ask you to:
1.Upload a short covering letter. Please tell us why the position appeals to you, and how your relevant skills and experience, including any voluntary experience and lived experience, matches the listed responsibilities and person specification. Please also state in your covering letter when you would be available to start the role.
2.Upload your current CV
3.Complete an online Equal Opportunities monitoring form – completion of this form will help us ensure that our recruitment procedures operate in such a way as to provide genuine equality of opportunity. The questions are entirely optional, and this information will not be available to members of the selection panel.
For an informal conversation about the post before applying, please contact Alison Pickup, the current Executive Director.
Selection Process
We anticipate that we will invite candidates to an initial online interview on Wednesday 3rd July 2025, followed by shortlisted candidates attending in-person interviews at our office in Old Street on Wednesday 9 July 2025.
We regret that we can only respond to applicants who make it to the interview stage.
We offer a guaranteed initial interview for refugees, stateless people and others with lived experience of forced migration, provided that they meet at least 50% of the essential criteria.
Eligibility
Please note that the successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK (as a small charity we do not have the capacity to sponsor work visas).
Successful candidates will also be subject to a basic DBS check. If appointed, you will also be required to give your consent to the charity to receive regular updates on your criminal records status throughout your employment and to disclose any relevant convictions incurred during your time with us.
Adjustments
We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. If you require a different format of the application form, such as large print or Word format, or if you would like to discuss any specific requirements, please get in touch with us.
EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Our commitment to principles of equity, diversity and inclusion is an integral part of our approach to our clients, our volunteers and our staff, and we are an equal opportunities and Living Wage employer.
We are committed to attracting and recruiting diverse candidates because we are keen to make sure that our staff, trustees, volunteers and ambassadors reflect the communities we serve and the wider community we work in.
We genuinely welcome and encourage applications from candidates from a range of backgrounds, especially people of colour, people with disabilities, people from low socio-economic backgrounds, refugees, stateless people and others with lived experience of forced migration or trauma and of the housing and welfare system, who are under-represented in our organisation.
We recognise and value the role of lived experience in meeting the needs of our clients and acknowledge the under-representation of people with lived experience of forced migration and statelessness in the advice sector. We value experience gained overseas as well as in the UK.
We are also proud to be a member of the Experts by Experience Employment Network which aims to increase representation of people with lived experience in the charitable sector.
If you are an expert by experience (a refugee or a migrant with direct, first-hand experience of issues and challenges of the UK asylum or immigration system), you can ask for an independent and confidential support for your job application from the Experts by Experience Employment Network and access other information and resources which may help in preparing your job application.
Please complete the form on their website to request support and they will confirm if they can match you with a mentor to support your application.
As the first Head of Operations, you will provide strategic oversight, work with staff to translate our strategy into actionable, measurable plans for efficient and effective work, which will enhance the impact for people in immigration detention. Your management of the team’s operations will support our growth, resilience, and sustainability.
For futher information see the Application Pack
What they say about Medical Justice;
“What Medical Justice did was absolutely remarkable. They sent two specialists to see me in Harmondsworth and they did the most amazingly thorough job documenting all my scars. Then I got my medico-legal report which was over 40 pages long. They did thorough, professional work – there is nothing more that they could have done and ultimately this work got me out of detention.” – former detained person and Medical Justice client
“[Medical Justice] has strong characteristics and a highly respected reputation. It is regarded as principled, expert and evidence-based, tenacious in its casework and policy work, fierce and ferocious when needed and brave in the way it speaks truth to power.” – fellow non-governmental organisation
“Medical Justice has an outsized impact for its size – it is highly effective and the team is absolutely terrific, which is all the more impressive in the difficult political context.” – Medical Justice funder
Informal online information sessions
An opportunity to ask questions about Medical Justice and its work as well as about the Head of Operations role ;
12.30-1.30pm Thursday 22nd May
12.30-1.30 Thursday 5th June
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Background
People and communities around the world have the solutions to social injustice, authoritarianism, and the climate crisis. But repressive governments, corrupt corporations, and armed groups use violence and oppression to try and silence them.
By building resistance and resilience among those challenging unaccountable power, Open Voices supports a shared vision for a world where communities and ecosystems can thrive.
As a mission-driven nonprofit, we join forces with grassroots activists, community groups, and social movements at risk. Working together, we strengthen their physical safety, digital resilience, and collective wellbeing. As a social impact consultancy, we help high-profile nonprofits and foundations manage risk and care for their teams and partners.
This dual approach allows us to work at every level of civil society, from the grassroots to the global.
We have scaled to meet a 66% surge in demand for our support over the past two years, with our international team now responding to 11 new cases every week. Last year alone, we:
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Answered 575 calls for assistance across 100 countries.
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Delivered over 6,000 hours of mentoring and accompaniment.
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Trained over 1,000 activists in 112 holistic security workshops.
Whoever we partner with, we start with questions, not answers. Listening before speaking, understanding before acting. Together, we defend those who speak out.
We are expanding our diverse, inspired, and purpose-driven team. Will you join us as our new philanthropy coordinator?
Role description
As our philanthropy coordinator, you will play a key role in building new partnerships with philanthropists and high-net-worth individuals, with an immediate focus on the UK, US, and Europe. You will design and implement a comprehensive strategy to build a robust portfolio of individual donors, Family Foundations, Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) and other personal giving vehicles.
A proactive and thoughtful relationship builder, you will maintain long-term relationships and lead bold strategies to engage new audiences, including millennial and next-generation philanthropists. You will steward Open Briefing’s first global development board, working closely with our CEO and director of development to engage members around a dynamic programme of activities designed to make Open Briefing more fundable and findable.
Together with our director of development, you will drive forward a multi-year fundraising strategy to resource our work with activists and organisations on the frontlines of human rights, social justice, and environmental action.
Your primary responsibilities will include:
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Designing and executing our philanthropy fundraising strategy. Lead a strategy to identify, cultivate, and solicit high-net-worth individuals (HNWI) —including through Donor Advised Funds, Family Offices, Family Foundations, and other giving vehicles—with an immediate focus on the US, UK and Europe.
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Prospecting and donor acquisition. Manage HNWI prospecting, generate new leads, develop solicitation plans, brief senior leadership in advance of meetings, and coordinate cultivation and networking opportunities.
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Stewardship and relationship management. Build strong relationships with existing and potential donors through tailored stewardship plans designed to grow income over time. Manage donor tracking and communication systems.
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Nurture and grow our development board - Work alongside our director of development and CEO to identify and engage members and steward the Board through a 12-month action-orientated development campaign.
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Budget Management. Manage a programme budget for cultivation and stewardship events and activities.
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Collaboration and Communication. Work closely with our communications coordinator, director of development and programme teams in the production and dissemination of donor-relevant reports, updates and other content; and contribute to the conception and organisation of donor-facing online and in-person events.
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Team support. As a key member of our development and communications team, undertaken other duties as reasonably requested relevant to team and organisational goals.
Person specification
Essential
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You will have extensive experience managing a HNWI or major gift portfolio.
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You will have a proven track-record of personally securing four, five, or six-figure donations from HNWI and/or major gift donors in the UK, US and/or Europe.
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You will have experience working within a nonprofit focused on human rights, social justice, and/or environmental action.
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You will have excellent verbal communication skills, including English language skills, both spoken and written.
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You will have experience working with senior stakeholders and board members to support fundraising activities.
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You will have an ability to work both strategically and operationally.
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You will have creative thinking and problem-solving aptitude.
Desirable
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You may have experience working within a global nonprofit.
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You may have knowledge of the human rights, social justice, environmental justice, and/or international development funding landscape.
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You may understand grant-making and grant-management processes, especially with respect to private philanthropic funding, including family foundations, DAFs, and Family Offices.
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You may understand tax-efficient donation mechanisms in the UK, US, and across Europe.
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You may understand the trends in dynastic giving as well as emerging and next-generation philanthropists.
If you feel you meet some but not all of the criteria, we would encourage you to get in touch.
Terms and remuneration
This is a remote, home-working role. You will be contracted for 40 hours a week on a full-time, fixed-term contract. Flexible working is available and encouraged.
We are looking for someone who wants to embrace this pivotal role within our close-knit team and develop a long-term working relationship with us. You will be properly onboarded and continually supported by experienced and compassionate managers and colleagues. Your line manager will be our director of development, Vicky Nida.
In return for your time and dedication, we will offer you a remuneration package made up of fair pay, sector-leading benefits, and progressive leave policies, including:
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Salary of £46,900 per annum.
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7% employer pension contribution.
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Family private medical insurance.
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Employee Assistance Programme, including welfare counselling.
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Unlimited professional coaching.
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Enhanced annual leave of 25 days plus local public holidays.
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Additional leave days for annual closedown.
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Enhanced sick pay.
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Flexible working, including flexitime and remote and home working.
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Access to local coworking spaces.
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Support for climate action:
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Personal carbon emissions offsetting.
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Up to two additional leave days for sustainable travel.
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Up to two additional leave days for climate activism.
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Apple MacBook and peripherals.
If you are based outside the United Kingdom, you will be offered comparable compensation through our local employer of record, Remote. For parity, we contribute 4% above the local statutory requirements into the personal pension plans of staff members employed outside the UK. We will contribute 7% into the personal pension plans of staff members employed in counties where there is no local statutory provision.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion
Open Briefing values diversity. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all can be their authentic selves. We therefore encourage applications from all who meet the person specification and particularly from candidates who are from racialised communities and those under-recognised in our development team. This currently includes people of colour and people from countries in the global majority.
Please read our diversity, equity, and inclusion policy for more information. Our ethical and environmental policies are also available. And you may find our Vision, Mission, and Values statements of interest.
Open Briefing is a Disability Confident Employer and a signatory of the Charter for Employers Who Are Positive About Mental Health. We will make reasonable adjustments for disabled and neurodivergent people during the recruitment process and any subsequent employment. Please let us know in your cover letter how we can be the recruiter and employer you need us to be.
We have checked the text of this advert using the Gender Decoder tool.
Safeguarding
Open Briefing is dedicated to upholding the highest safeguarding standards, ensuring a culture of respect and protection for both our internal and external stakeholders. Our approach encompasses preventative measures and a strong response mechanism to any safeguarding concerns, guided by a survivor/victim-centred ethos. We enforce a strict no-tolerance policy towards any violations of safeguarding policies, ensuring that all concerns are addressed promptly and appropriately. Our safeguarding policy is available here.
How to apply
Please submit your application using our online form and note the following dates:
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Closing date: 30 May 2025
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Interviews: w/c 9 June 2025
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Desired start date: As soon as possible
Please let us know on the form if any of these dates are problematic and we will try to accommodate. The successful candidate will need to complete a reasonable vetting process before engagement.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Population Matters is a growing UK charity with a global remit. We are a dedicated small organisation of individuals who has big ambitions. We adopt a can-do approach and belief to implementing our vision - a world in which our human population lives fairly and sustainably with nature and each other.
Through collaboration, creativity and commitment our work addresses the negative consequences of ever more people using ever more of the planet’s resources. We do this by inspiring and engaging with others to find, share and promote ways to make our vision a reality as quickly as possible.
We have recently launched our 5-year strategy, and we have now entered an exciting new phase of growth and influence.
About You: The Role
- You are someone who can adeptly apply your hands-on experience gained from designing and implementing impactful communication strategies.
- You bring tenacity, curiosity and passion in designing and delivering digital campaigns that influence and shift public and media narratives to enable our human population to live fairly and sustainably with nature and each other.
- With always this end in sight, your management experience of digital mass communications, platforms and presences will ensure digital communications, campaigning and fundraising is fully leveraged through applying continuous monitoring, evaluation, learning, accountability and innovation.
- You will be responsible for our content strategy across all digital channels and play a lead role in the design and delivery of communication strategies and assets.
- You bring significant knowledge and experience of digital communications, marketing, infrastructure and project management, and ensure that our digital communications inspire and engage audiences to support our mission.
For further information, please refer to the attachement below. We look forward to hearing from you!
Benefits: 25 days’ annual leave per annum; additional three days’ closure over Christmas; employer pension contribution 6-8%, employee matching contribution min. 2%; Employee Assistance Programme; we fund and encourage continuing professional development (CPD).We promote and encourage flexible working all types, in line with our flexible working policy.
Location: Remote working in the UK, with occasional travel and access to our London office space. Must have right to work in the UK.
Interviews: There will be two rounds of interviews. The first interview will take place on Wednesday 11 June 2025 (virtual) and the second on Tuesday 17 June 2025 (in-person at our office in London).
Deadline for Applications: 08-Jun-2025 23:30
Please apply by sending a CV (no more than two A4 pages) and covering letter (no more than two A4 pages), addressing the Job Description and, in particular, the Person Specification.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you a wizard with numbers? A maestro of budgets? The kind of person who hears the word “reconciliation” and feels excited? Well then, you might just be the magical human we need.
We’re seeking a strategic, and financially-savvy senior finance manager or director to lead and oversee all aspects of charity financial management. This role works closely with the CEO, is a Senior Leadership Team member, and focuses on securing the resources we need to realise our bold vision for children and families.
About us
Welcome to the Institute of Imagination (iOi), where we believe imagination is the superpower of the 21st Century. We collaborate with children, parents, teachers, academics, and community leaders on research and designing and delivering creative learning experiences across STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics).
Our mission focuses on supporting children from underserved communities by breaking down barriers, empowering their voices, and giving them access to transformative opportunities and essential skills for whatever their future holds. We believe every child can imagine and achieve their fullest potential.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, reporting, and cash flow.
- Develop and implement financial policies, controls, and compliance frameworks aligned with UK charity and tax legislation.
- Prepare annual budgets, forecasts, management reports, and statutory accounts.
- Work closely with the CEO on commercial deal-making and closing partnerships.
- Lead business modelling and strategic financial planning.
- Support internal reporting to the Board and Finance Committee.
- Oversee risk management including insurance, data protection, IT systems, and the risk register.
- Collaborate with bookkeeper and oversee financial record-keeping.
- Liaise on client and partnership contracts and ensure strong governance in financial matters.
- Annual Audit and Annual Report (submission to Companies House and The Charity Commission)
Key Internal Relationships
- Chief Executive
- Bookkeeper
- Senior Leadership Team
- Chair and Vice-Chair
- Chair of Finance Committee
Key External Relationships
- Auditors, lawyers, accountants, and Coutts (bank)
- HMRC, Charities Commission, Fundraising Regulator
- Donors and commercial partners
- Professional membership bodies
Person Specification
We’re looking for someone who aligns with the values and mission of iOi and brings a blend of strategic thinking and hands-on operational experience. This role may suit someone with a portfolio career, working across charity, consultancy, or social enterprise sectors.
- Proven experience managing the finances of an SME (charity or commercial), including reporting and advising senior leadership.
- Track record in income generation and developing enterprise strategies.
- Strong background in business planning, modelling and commercial viability assessment.
- Experience of managing organisational risk, contracts and supplier relationships.
- Skilled at working with Boards, Trustees, or Non-Executive Directors.
- Able to operate comfortably at both strategic and operational levels.
- Knowledge of charity financial management and regulatory reporting.
- Understanding of commercial trading within a charitable context.
- Experience in scaling or supporting start-up or early-stage organisations.
Job purpose
This is an exciting time to join Action for ME. With developments in research and policy alongside delivering services which are in high demand, you will enjoy working in a fast-paced and continually changing environment. You will be responsible for overseeing operational programme design and delivery, reporting of progress, and measuring the impact of all Action for ME work to improve the lives of people affected by ME. Better meeting their needs today while taking action to secure change for tomorrow. You will also assist the Chief Executive in implementing the organisational strategy, and by adapting and evolving delivery models on the ground. As you will have operational management and oversight for our Healthcare Services and hold the Designated Safeguarding Lead role for the organisation, you will bring considerable services-related experience at a management and leadership level. The Chief Executive will focus predominately on external matters and therefore you must have experience of managing an organisation to achieve high quality programmes with evidenced impact and motivated teams. You will act for the Chief Executive on topics, as agreed, and deputise during their absence.
Key duties
1. Leadership
- Ensure that children and adults with ME are at the heart of everything we do through meaningful engagement and participation to influence all aspects of our work.
- Deputise for the CEO and represent and promote the Charity at national meetings and events.
- Deputise for the CEO during periods of absence, and in relation to specific matters, issues or elements of operation as delegated from time to time by the CEO, ensuring a consistency of approach and decisions aligned with the organisation’s objectives.
- With the CEO and HR Business Partner, lead on implementing the People and Culture Strategy and ensuring our Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging plan is achieved.
- To provide support, leadership and coaching to the Management Team to ensure the smooth running of the organisation and development of the Charity.
- Contribute to the development of the overall strategy for Action for ME, ensuring that the best use is made of available resources within agreed priorities. Ensure that agreed strategy is delivered to target and in line with agreed budgets.
- Work closely with the Chief Executive and Trustees to ensure effective reporting to the Board and sub-committees.
2. Operations & management
- Manage the day-to-day operations of the Charity ensuring high quality service provision that meets all best practice, legal and regulatory frameworks and internal policies and procedures.
- Hold overall management responsibility for our Healthcare Services including the role of the CQC Nominated Individual, ensuring all regulatory requirements and compliance are met.
- Manage the staff and volunteer team, including holding regular meetings and ensure the efficient running of the office ensuring a culture that supports, inspires and motivates the team while ensuring required standards and quality are met at all times through effective performance management.
- Act as the organisational Designated Safeguarding Lead (children and vulnerable adults), working closely with the Designated Safeguarding Officers, colleagues and the Safeguarding Lead Trustee; facilitate the annual safeguarding audit (led by the Lead Trustee) and ensuring safeguarding standards across the organisation are maintained.
- Contribute to the learning and development of key personnel including coaching support (either directly or through the identification of external coaches) to enhance performance.
- Establish (where not already in place) and maintain a clear performance outcome-focused management system driving positive change and improvement across all teams.
- Ensure that policies and procedures are effectively implemented and kept up-to-date to enable the effective management of operations and support growth.
- Take the lead role for data protection, health and safety, compliance and risk management across the organisation and act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
3. Finance & income generation
- Hold financial leadership responsibility, working closely with the Finance Manager and the Fundraising Director to ensure sustainability for our work.
- Ensure effective financial management with procedures in place which are kept up-to-date and implemented accordingly.
- Provide support and engagement, where appropriate, to actively grow our income.
4. Working with others
- Lead, nurture and develop relationships with key stakeholder groups and partner organisations, both locally and nationally, supporting Action for M.’s place as the ‘go to’ organisation for people affected by ME
- Lead on new business ideas and pilot projects in line with the strategic objectives; with colleagues, develop the business case, identify and manage risks, lead implementation across teams, evaluate success and learning and make recommendations for future development.
5. Other key accountabilities
- Be proactive in keeping up to date with developments affecting operations and maintain and improve personal competence through continuous professional development.
- Take direction on projects and priorities from the CEO, which may vary from time to time.
- To ensure best value in all service delivery.
Person specification
Experience and Knowledge
- Proven experience in an operations, leadership, or senior management role, ideally within the charity service delivery or healthcare sector, with the ability to develop and implement strategic plans that drive organisational growth and reporting that demonstrates impact delivered. If you come from outside a support services background, you must demonstrate sound understanding of the regulatory and best practice requirements related to delivering support and/or healthcare services.
- An understanding of ME and associated/overlapping illnesses, the impact on people affected by it or a commitment and ability to understand the illness and lead services to meet the needs of children and adults with ME
- Experience managing multi-disciplinary teams, including remote workers, and fostering a supportive workplace culture where change is a constant.
- Safeguarding understanding at a management/decision-making level.
- Proven experience of building and nurturing strong relationships internally and externally at all levels.
- A sound understanding of outcome-focused, effective performance management, quality assurance and risk management.
- Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, financial planning, and resource management in the voluntary sector.
Skills and Behaviours
- Experience of governance, risk management, and compliance, including within regulated services, ideally within a charity and/or service delivery setting.
- Proven ability to think strategically, balance competing demands, use initiative to solve problems and actively seek innovative approaches to problem solving and delivering results.
- Strong interpersonal skills including motivational, negotiating influencing and networking skills which build strong internal and external relationships.
- An ability to understand, analyse and make effective use of data across all of our work.
- A proven ability to coach and motivate staff and to build and lead teams reflecting organisational culture and values, a respectful, constructive and energetic style.
- Proven, strong MS Office skills that supports writing, email, internet and database use.
- Demonstrable ability to work within our organisational values
Our mission is to improve the lives of people affected by ME. Better meeting their needs today while taking action to secure change for tomorrow.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.