Independent committee member jobs in bristol
We’re looking for a permanent full-time support officer to contribute their skills, experience, and personality to add value to our Blesma Support team within the Independence and Wellbeing department at Blesma, The Limbless Veterans. The role is a varied one, focusing on all aspects of welfare and support to our members.
This home-based role is to support Blesma members in the South West of England by providing a lifeline to members by delivering effective wellbeing support and advice to help reduce the negative impacts of disability and to assist them in leading independent and fulfilling lives. The role also involves representing Blesma and enhancing the charity’s profile within the local community of your area of responsibility.
The Independence and Wellbeing team works collaboratively across the Association to ensure Blesma’s programmes and services can help our service personnel, veterans and their families.
Blesma is unique as a membership Association as well as a charity. Our members are the heart of all our work – therefore, the impact of Support Officers is clearly visible in the experiences of our inspirational limbless veterans.
If you are interested, and live within the following post code areas, TR, PL,TQ, EX, TA, DT, BH, BA, BS, SN, GY, JE) please read the attached Job Description and apply with your CV and a Covering Letter detailing why you would be an ideal candidate for the role and how your experience and skills match those detailed in the Person Specification.
How to Apply
If you would like to apply for this exciting role, please read the attached Job Description and apply with your C.V. and a Covering Letter which must address the screening questions within the JD. The cover letter should demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria and competencies of the role.
If you are uncertain about your suitability for this role, we encourage you to apply and allow us to assess your fit.
Please note that we may close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of applications.
We look forward to hearing from you.
JOB TITLE: Membership Executive (Wales and Ireland)
CONTRACT: Permanent, Part Time (21 hours per week)
ORGANISATION: Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK)
DEPARTMENT: Membership & Education
LOCATION: Home/Field based *with regular travel throughout Wales and Ireland, and to RLSS UK HQ, where required
REPORTS TO: Membership Manager
SALARY: Grade E £27,308 (pro rata)
ROLE OVERVIEW
We are seeking a self-motivated, personable, and enthusiastic individual to work as part of a team to support and grow our lifesaving clubs as well as developing and grow recognition of and participation in Lifesaving Sport.
Pivotal to the role will be the collaboration with external agencies and clubs in Wales and Ireland, to strengthen and publicise our water safety education throughout the region together with supporting the needs of clubs in the region.
KEY TASKS, ROLES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- To build and maintain productive relationships with organisations involved in the field of water safety, particularly with Water Safety Wales, Water Safety Ireland and associated partners including attendance at relevant meetings
- To actively recruit and increase the number of clubs affiliated to RLSS UK
- Understand the water safety and drowning prevention geographical landscape across Wales and Ireland and actively seek to enhance lifesaving provision in areas of low activity
- In partnership with the Volunteering and Events Team and Sports Committee, continue to develop and grow participation in Lifesaving Sport
- Support clubs to achieve and maintain the appropriate accreditation in line with RLSS UK requirements and policies
- Support clubs to ensure they have the appropriate status, governance, and structure to enable them to be sustainable and effective
- Support clubs, branches and working groups to offer effective pathways for the development of talent, growth, and retention of members
- Support clubs to ensure they are compliant with the safeguarding requirements set out by RLSS UK
- To support clubs to have an affective and appropriate workforce in place, including supporting them to recruit, train and retain
- Contribute to RLSS UK’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion work to ensure affiliated clubs grow their capability to ensure every community enjoys water safely
- Ability to attend occasional evening events
OTHER DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead on and support ad hoc projects as required
- Contribute to the successful operation of the charity by undertaking such other tasks as may from time to time be required including all other duties reasonably associated with your role, as directed by the Line Manager.
- To demonstrate and uphold the Society’s values and behavioural standards
- Proactively participate in the Society’s equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives and training, and to promote a culture of respect and inclusion for all staff and customers
- Ensure compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 by complying with internal information governance policies and maintaining up to date as part of RLSS UK’s compliance programme.
This job description is not to be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. It is intended as an outline indication of areas of activity and responsibility and will be amended in light of the changing needs of the organisation.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential Relevant Experience, Skills and/or Aptitudes
- Experience of working with volunteers and sporting clubs
- Experience of planning, prioritising, and managing a varied work programme and number of projects
- Experience of effective liaison with external stakeholders to deliver outcomes and impact
- Able to communicate effectively with people at all ages and all levels
- High level of computer literacy
- Excellent accuracy in numeracy and literacy
- Ability to act on own initiative and to work as part of team with excellent interpersonal skills
- A positive ‘can do’ attitude
Desirable Relevant Experience, Skills and/or Aptitudes
- An understanding of lifesaving and water safety sector/community
- An understanding of the aquatic sector and the structure of lifesaving clubs across the UK and Ireland
- Demonstrable experience of increasing participation in underrepresented groups
- Experience of working with governing bodies
- Sport or Community Development qualification
- Demonstrable experience of running or being involved in a sport club
- Ability to adopt a flexible approach to work to meet the needs of the role
YOUR STRENGTHS
- Personable – You can communicate effectively with people at all ages and levels.
- Relationship Building – You can develop positive and long last relations with clubs, organisations, and partners.
- Flexibility – You remain adaptable and flexible in the face of unfamiliar or changing situations.
- Empathy – You readily identify with other people’s situations and can see things clearly from their perspective.
- Initiative – You take independent action to make things happen and to achieve goals.
- Resilience – You deal effectively with setbacks and enjoy overcoming difficult challenges.
- Optimism – You remain positive and upbeat about the future and your ability to influence it to your advantage.
- Developing Others – You promote other people’s learning and development to help them achieve their goals and fulfil their potential
YOUR APPLICATION
Please send your CV and a Cover Letter outlining why you should be our next Membership Executive (Wales and Ireland)
Closing Date – 5pm, Wednesday 15 October 2025
Interview Date – w/c Monday 20 October 2025 our Worcester Head Office (subject to change)
WHAT RLSS UK CAN OFFER YOU
RLSS UK is a national Charity based in Worcester, and we offer great staff benefits including -
- Annual Leave based on 27 days + Bank Holidays + a discretionary day off for your birthday
- Private Medical Scheme*
- Enhanced Society Sick Pay*
- Eye Care*
- Employee Assistance Programme via Health Assured
- Life Assurance Scheme
- Howdens Sports Benefits/Perks at Work
- Free RLSS UK Membership
- Free tea and coffee at HQ, including access to our wonderful Coffee Machine
- Free on-site parking when working from HQ
- Company Events and more!
*Subject to eligibility criteria
Should you wish to discuss the role, any reasonable adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment process, or have any questions, please get in touch where a member of the RLSS UK HR Department will be happy to help.
RLSS UK are a Disability Confident Committed Employer and an INclusive Worcestershire Leader.
It is our vision to have nations without drowning where everyone can safely enjoy being in, on or near water.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
JOB TITLE: Director of Fundraising, Marketing & Communications
LOCATION: Flexible, with regular travel to London
RESPONSIBLE TO: Chief Executive
DIRECT REPORTS: Senior Trusts & Grants Manager, Marketing Manager, Fundraising Manager
HOURS OF WORK: Full time, 35 hours per week
DURATION: SALARY / GRADE: £65,000 to £75,000 (dependent on experience) plus benefits
TEAM SIZE: 6 FTE (with growth plans of up to 12 fte by 2030)
JOB PROFILE
ABOUT ADOPTION UK
Adoption UK is the leading national voice for adoptive families. We exist to ensure that every child and young person who cannot grow up with their birth parents gets the right support at the right time – from childhood into adulthood.
Every year, thousands of children in the UK are adopted – most having experienced trauma, loss, or neglect. Adoption transforms their futures, but it is rarely the end of the story. Adoptive families face unique challenges: children struggling to trust, thrive in school, or feel safe; parents battling to secure the right support; young people navigating identity and belonging. Without the right help, too many families reach breaking point. Adoption UK is there to change this. We are a lifeline for families – offering community, advice, advocacy, and practical support. We champion their voices with government and professionals, driving changes in policy and practice so that no adoptive family feels they are facing the journey alone.
With over 6,000 members, strong credibility with policymakers, and a powerful lived experience community, we are uniquely placed to influence change. Our mission is urgent and nationally significant: to ensure that every adoptive family can thrive, and every adopted child has the chance to fulfil their potential.
DIRECTORATE PURPOSE
The Fundraising, Marketing and Communications directorate is responsible for:
• Income generation across trusts and foundations, corporates, major donors, community fundraising, public donations, and legacies, alongside relationships with commissioners and public sector funders.
• Partnership development, engaging businesses, philanthropists, trusts, and volunteers.
• Marketing of services and membership to families, adoptees, commissioners, and professionals in health, education, and social care.
• Awareness raising and thought leadership, ensuring adoption and permanence issues have a strong voice nationally.
Currently a team of six, the directorate has strong ambitions to grow in size and scope, with scope to re-imagine its structure to meet future needs.
THE ROLE
This is a career-defining opportunity to shape the future of fundraising, marketing and communications at a charity of national importance.
As Director of Fundraising, Marketing & Communications you will:
• Build unrestricted income in a competitive funding environment
• Lead the transformation of Adoption UK’s income model, scaling from £500k to £2m+ contribution (by 2030) to organisational income growth from a £4.2m baseline.
• Develop and deliver a bold, integrated fundraising, marketing, and communications strategy.
• Build Adoption UK’s brand and profile with families, adoptees, commissioners, policymakers, funders, and the wider public.
• Inspire, coach, and grow a talented team, embedding a culture of confidence, creativity, and innovation.
• Personally cultivate and steward high-value donor, corporate, and foundation relationships, working with the CEO, Board of Trustees, and ambassadors.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership
• Lead the design and delivery of a multi-year fundraising, marketing, and communications strategy aligned to organisational priorities.
• Act as a cultural change leader, shifting from risk-averse to confident, outward-facing engagement.
• Contribute fully to the Senior Leadership Team, influencing strategy, governance, and financial planning.
Income Growth & Diversification
• Oversee all voluntary income streams – trusts, major donors, corporates, community/public fundraising, legacies – while also strengthening public sector and commissioning relationships.
• Oversee marketing and growth of membership as a core element of income and impact.
• Deliver long-term growth targets.
• Use and promote data-driven decision-making, supporter journeys, and digital fundraising/marketing effectively.
• Design and deliver a signature annual Showcase event, alongside new products such as a Giving Circle and Corporate Club, ensuring clear ROI and upgrade potential.
• Personally lead cultivation of transformational donor and partner relationships, supported by trustees, ambassadors, and patrons.
• Identify and test new funding streams and partnerships to diversify income and reduce risk.
Marketing & Communications
• Oversee a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy covering fundraising, membership, services, training, campaigns, and advocacy.
• Ensure a compelling and consistent case for support and brand identity across all channels.
• Raise Adoption UK’s national profile with media, commissioners, professionals, and the public.
• Lead digital transformation: CRM upgrade, supporter journeys, analytics, social media, and digital marketing.
• Manage media relations and reputation, including crisis communications alongside the CEO.
Team Leadership & Culture
• Lead, inspire, and grow a team of talented and motivated individuals.
• Model authentic, adaptive, and inclusive leadership – balancing ambition with staff wellbeing.
• Act as a coach and mentor, supporting professional growth and building the next generation of leaders.
• Champion Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and embed values-led behaviours across the team and all external engagement.
• Foster cross-organisational collaboration so fundraising and marketing are understood and supported across Adoption UK.
Financial & Governance
• Lead financial planning, budgeting, and ROI analysis for the directorate.
• Report regularly to CEO and Board of Trustees on progress, opportunities, and risks.
• Lead fundraising due-diligence and reputational risk processes, with regular reporting to Trustee-led committees (e.g. Finance & Risk).
• Ensure compliance with the Fundraising Code, GDPR, charity law, and safeguarding standards.
• Embed robust CRM, data, and analytics to support continuous improvement.
External Engagement
• Act as a visible ambassador for Adoption UK with donors, corporates, trusts and foundations, policymakers, and media.
• In collaboration with the CEO and Chair, direct ambassadors and patrons to open doors, advocate, and steward transformational relationships.
• Represent Adoption UK externally at events, forums, and national platforms.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential
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Significant experience leading multi-stream fundraising, with success in at least two of: trusts, corporates, major donors, public fundraising.
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Experience developing marketing and communications strategies beyond fundraising – including brand, service promotion, membership, campaigns, and digital engagement.
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Track record of delivering growth, innovation, or transformation in income and/or organisational profile.
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Strong people leadership skills: ability to coach, inspire, and develop staff, including senior managers.
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Exceptional relationship-builder – credible with philanthropists, corporates, trustees, commissioners, and media.
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Strategic thinker with financial acumen (budgets, ROI, investment planning).
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Authentic communicator with excellent storytelling ability.
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Commitment to Adoption UK’s mission and values, with an inclusive and collaborative leadership style.
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Demonstrates commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of role at all times.
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Contributes to an open and honest culture
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Supports, encourages, and motivates colleagues.
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Encourages challenge, creativity and innovation.
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Leads by example.
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Values transparency and consistency.
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Understands the role of individual and collective accountability.
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Actively contributes to Adoption UK’s mission.
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Has a clear understanding of other colleagues’ roles and responsibilities
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Shares skills and knowledge.
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Promotes Cross Functional team working.
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Offers outstanding service to members.
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Takes pride in Adoption UK and promotes its values in all interactions with external stakeholders.
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Identifies and uses the most appropriate form of communication.
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Communicates clearly, seeking clarity when unclear and valuing the opinion of others.
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Treats colleagues and other stakeholders with respect, honesty, fairness and courtesy
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Is responsive to colleagues, third party professionals and service users.
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Takes pride in own development.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
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Enthusiastic and committed to achieving high standards and meeting agreed objectives.
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Takes an active interest in recognising professional and personal development needs and priorities within Adoption UK.
Desirable
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Experience in child welfare, family support, education, or adoption.
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Evidence of leading digital transformation in fundraising, marketing, or CRM.
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Existing networks in philanthropy, corporate CSR/ESG, or foundations relevant to Adoption UK’s mission.
This role profile is a guide to the nature of the work required and may involve other such duties as deemed necessary by the Organisation. It is not wholly comprehensive or restrictive. The role profile will be reviewed with the post-holder at significant points for the Organisation.
Postholder is expected to abide by all organisational policies, codes of conduct and practice, and to work within a framework of equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice.
The Opportunity
This is more than a fundraising role — it is an opportunity to lead transformational change for a cause of national importance. You will:
• Shape and lead a directorate spanning fundraising, marketing, and communications.
• Deliver transformational income growth and secure Adoption UK’s sustainability.
• Build Adoption UK’s brand and reputation as the national champion for adoptive families.
• Market services, membership, and campaigns so more families and professionals engage with our work.
• Lead cultural change, inspiring a confident, outward-facing, and innovative fundraising and marketing function.
Few roles offer such scope to combine fundraising growth, brand leadership, and culture change in a mission of such national importance. This is your chance to make a lasting impact – on Adoption UK, on your career, and on thousands of children and families across the UK.
Timetable:
The closing date for this role is 20th October 2025. However, Adoption UK reserves the right to end the application period sooner so we would recommend you complete the application form as soon as possible.
Shortlisting will be carried out on 22 to 24 October 2025 and you should be notified of an outcome within fifteen working days of the closing date.
The panel will shortlist based on those applicants who best meet the criteria for the role.
The date(s) scheduled for first interviews will be 3rd November 2025. These dates may be subject to change and applications will be advised in advance should this happen.
Adoption UK is the leading charity for adopted and care experienced people and adoptive families.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.