Initial response officer jobs

Harris Hill is delighted to be working with Safer Places to recruit its new Chief Executive Officer.

Safer Places is a specialist support service for individuals at risk of, fleeing from, or recovering from domestic abuse, sexual violence, and stalking. We provide a wide range of trauma-informed services to adults, children, and young people across Hertfordshire and Essex, with safe accommodation available to those in need from across the UK.

As Chief Executive, you will:

• Lead Safer Places into its next chapter. This includes enhancing the charity’s service delivery, forging new partnerships, and expanding its role as a Registered Social Landlord to better meet the evolving needs of our communities.
• Embed Safer Places’s vision across the organisation – ensuring it is understood, embraced, and translated into action at every level.
• Have an entrepreneurial mindset to leverage opportunities for the charity to grow. 
• Continue to ensure that Safer Places is recognised for the quality of its services, its commitment to inclusivity, and its highly trained, compassionate staff.

If you are inspired and excited by what Safer Places does, we’d love to hear from you.

Job title: Chief Executive Officer

Salary: £85,000 - £90,000 p.a.

Location: Hertfordshire/Essex – most working hours will be spent collaborating with colleagues and partners at our offices and service sites, with flexibility for some remote work.

Employment term: Permanent / full time.

How to apply:

Please review the recruitment pack for further information about Safer Places, the CEO position and for details on how to apply.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Friday 5th December 2025

Both Safer Places and Harris Hill operate an equal opportunity policy and commit to treating all of our candidates and jobseekers fairly. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Overview

FearFree delivers services across the Southwest for victims, children and perpetrators of domestic abuse, sexual violence and stalking, with the aim to break the cycle of abuse and support all to live free from fear. We provide trauma responsive support, and this post will be fundamental to ensuring service users, stakeholders and partners experience this in our daily delivery.

The aim of the Interpersonal Trauma Service is to improve the health, wellbeing and safety of people who have been exposed to trauma arising from sexual violence and abuse and/or domestic abuse.

You will work across a specified number of GP practices, to offer support to health professionals working in practices, people who have experience of interpersonal trauma arising from sexual violence and abuse and/or domestic abuse, as well as a service for people at risk of perpetrating abuse.

You and the team will provide training to GP surgeries to improve identification, enquiry, and response for patients. You and your team will also support adults and children who have been impacted by interpersonal trauma with emotional and practical support, focusing on trauma stabilisation. The team will be responsible for facilitating timely access to further appropriate support services where needed.

FearFree is committed to flexible and hybrid working and this role will be a mix of home based and office based, alongside requiring travel to GP practices and for multi-agency meetings and other deliverables.

This role may include evening and weekend work when required.

Key Responsibilities

• To provide specialist, individual and needs-led domestic abuse and sexual violence advocacy and support to patients who are or have experienced, who are referred from participating practices or self-refer, and to provide onward referrals where appropriate. 
• Provide direct assessment, casework support, advice, information, and advocacy through telephone contact, and/or meetings at the relevant practice. 
• Provide support to increase people’s personal safety, and that of any children, and inform them of their rights and options in terms of housing, legal and welfare rights.
• To provide signposting and onward referrals to patients.
• To provide ongoing specialist advice and support around Domestic Abuse (DA) and Sexual Violence (SV) to practice teams. 
• To encourage general practice health professionals to ask patients about their experience of abuse and respond, record, safety check and refer. 
• To provide feedback on case outcomes to referring clinicians. 
• To collect and collate performance and monitoring data for reporting purposes. 
• Provide in-house training and refresher training for general practice teams on understanding, recognising, and responding to DA and SV. 
• Develop good working relationships and liaise with outside agencies where needed.
• Keep accurate records of all referrals received and of work done with or on behalf of service users. 
• Deliver DA and SV training to clinicians and non-clinical staff in participating general practices.
• Develop a good relationship with all general practice staff and work effectively as part of the practice team. 
• Contribute to monitoring and evaluation of the programme collecting required data and producing written reports as requested.

The Policy and Campaigns Officer will develop policy positions and campaigns that will help ensure that the needs, rights and priorities of those living with DMD are understood and acted on by decision makers, policy makers, parliament and government. The Officer will work closely with colleagues in the Policy and Communications team to support a cohesive and impactful approach to policy, engagement and communications.

Job Description

• To ensure that the charity’s policy and campaigning work is firmly grounded in the views and experiences of the DMD community and to ensure that they are consulted and involved in the development (and delivery where appropriate) of Duchenne UK’s policy positions and campaigns.
• To maximise the benefits of our existing relationships with civil servants, parliamentarians, policy makers, relevant organisations (such as NICE) and charity sector professionals and to create new relationships which help us to achieve our aims.
• To organise events and parliamentary activity working with parliamentary supporters and the DMD community.
• To devise low-budget campaigns aimed at creating positive change in policy, practice or attitudes that will improve the lives and outcomes of those living with DMD. 
• To create campaign assets such as digital and social media content in collaboration with the communications team.
• To draft consultation responses, policy positions and occasional short reports summarising the findings of research we have conducted or commissioned.
• To monitor relevant government proposals and initiatives, identifying those likely to have a major impact on the lives of those living with DMD, and to seek to influence their development.
• To stay abreast of relevant academic research, build relationships with key academics and identify opportunities for collaboration.

Person Specification

Essential experience:

• Experience of working in a policy and/or campaigning role.
• Experience of writing for a range of audiences and using different channels to produce convincing, clear and succinct content across a range of platforms such as blogs, web and print.
• Experience of working with civil servants and parliamentarians.
• Experience of using digital and social media for influencing and campaigning purposes.

Desirable experience:

• Project management experience including initiating, planning, implementing and evaluating campaigns and organising events.
• Experience working in health and social care space, with pharmaceutical industry and/or a highly regulated industry and engaging with regulators.

Essential knowledge:

• Working knowledge of the healthcare system, regulatory framework and the social model of disability. 
• Knowledge of how policy and legislation are developed in Westminster and Whitehall.
• Knowledge of campaigning techniques.

Essential skills and attributes:

• Highly motivated with a passion for improving the life outcomes of people living with DMD.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with people of all ages and backgrounds. 
• Ability to draw out the most salient features of complex issues and debates.
• Ability to analyse large amounts of information and produce easy to digest summaries and position statements.
• Ability to work on own initiative.
• Ability to build excellent working relationships both internally and externally.
• Good organisational and workload management skills.
• Proficient with all main Microsoft Office packages.

Benefits

• 25 days of annual leave + 8 days of public holidays (both pro rata)
• 3 days of office closure between Christmas and New Year
• Summer Fridays – half days on Fridays in July and August (pro rata)
• Flexible working policy
• Hybrid working
• Standard Employer Pensions contributions after 3 months
• Team wellness day and team away day
• Training and development opportunities

Terms and conditions

The appointment is subject to satisfactory references and an initial six-month period of probation, during which performance will be regularly reviewed.

The applicant must have the right to work in the UK and provide relevant ‘right to work’ documentation.

Relevant training will be provided during induction as well as opportunities to develop your career through experience of different aspects of the charity’s work and working with colleagues on new initiatives.

The organisation’s hybrid working policy is at the discretion of the line-manager during the first three months of employment, to support the induction process.

We're looking for someone who knows that £500 isn't just money – it's six speech therapy sessions that will transform a child's life. That £1,500 in event sponsorship? That's an adapted bike returning the joy of cycling to a child who thought they'd lost it forever.

If you're the kind of person who gets excited about quiz nights, corporate partnerships, and big events in equal measure – and you can turn that excitement into results – we want to hear from you.

THE ROLE

As our new Fundraising Officer, you'll be joining OSCAR's Charity at a pivotal time in our growth. This isn't a rigid, box-ticking role – it's an opportunity to shape your own fundraising legacy. You'll have the freedom to be creative, take ownership, and implement bold ideas whilst working within our established charitable framework. You’ll have financial targets to meet, and the backing of the whole team to help you achieve them.

Your time will be split across three closely-linked key areas:

Corporate Partnerships (35%)

• Researching and identifying potential partners
• Making initial approaches and developing warm contacts
• Supporting our Charity Manager to get partnerships over the line
• Preparing compelling materials and presentations
• Maintaining and stewarding relationships

Flagship Events (35%)

• Boosting sign-ups and participation
• Securing sponsors
• Providing event day support
• Finding creative ways to maximise income

Community Fundraising (30%)

• Building school partnerships
• Coordinating local events (such as quiz nights, bake sales, virtual events)
• Engaging with community groups
• Motivating and inspiring volunteer fundraisers

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Must-haves

• Proven fundraising experience
• Proven experience in achieving/exceeding targets in the not-for-profit or commercial sectors.

You'll be perfect for this role if you:

• Are comfortable with ambiguity and excited by the opportunity to shape your own role
• Can take ownership and work independently within the team
• Excel at building relationships and inspiring others
• Can balance multiple priorities and create your own systems
• See every pound raised for the life-changing impact it creates
• Are tech-savvy and comfortable with digital tools such as Slack, Notion, Beacon CRM, CapCut, Canva, Excel, Powerpoint and SharePoint
• Are strong at admin processes and have attention to detail

Essential Requirements:

• Based within Yorkshire
• Available to work in York 9-5 on Wednesdays (our team day)
• Valid UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
• Willing to undergo DBS check
• Happy to travel across the region for events and meetings
• Available for occasional evening and weekend work

IMPORTANT DETAILS

• Holidays: 25 days plus bank holidays
• Start Date: 1st January 2026
• Working hours: Ideally 5 days per week 9-5pm but we are open to 4 days per week pro rata
• Location: York-based (with regional travel)
• Working Pattern: Wednesday in office, home-based the rest of the time

TIMES AND DATES TO BE AWARE OF

Thursday 23rd October: Applications open

Wednesday 12th November: Application deadline (5pm)

Friday 14th November: Shortlisted candidates notified

Tuesday 18th November: First round interviews (in person, York)

Wednesday 19th November: Successful second round candidates notified

Thursday 27th November: Second round interviews (in person, York)

Friday 28th November: Successful candidate notified

THE INTERVIEW PROCESS

We want to see you at your best, so we've designed our interviews to give you the chance to showcase your skills in realistic scenarios.

First-Round Interview (60 minutes):

• A conversation about your experience and motivation (20 minutes)
• Case study analysis (we will send you this the day before): review event data and suggest improvements (20 minutes)
• Written exercise: draft a compelling fundraising email or social campaign (20 minutes)

Second-Round Interview (60 minutes):

• Presentation: share a creative fundraising idea with implementation plan (prepared in advance)
• Response test: corporate partnership meeting
• Problem-solving: respond to a fundraising scenario with limited resources

WHY JOIN US?

This isn't just another fundraising job. You'll have the freedom to be creative, the support to succeed, and the satisfaction of knowing that every pound you raise changes lives. You'll work with a team who care deeply about our cause, and you'll have the autonomy to shape this role according to your strengths.

If you're ready to make a real difference and create your own fundraising legacy, we'd love to hear from you.

If you have recently been affected by a brain tumour, please consider carefully if this role would be right for you, as your welfare is the utmost priority and our work may be triggering.

OPTIONAL VIDEO APPLICATION

We want to see your personality shine through so, in addition to your CV and cover letter, we'd love you to record a short video as well (maximum 3 minutes) addressing the following and add the link to your CV:

• Who you are: Brief introduction to yourself and your fundraising background (30 seconds)
• Why OSCAR's Charity: What draws you to our organisation and this role specifically? (1 minute)
• Your fundraising approach: Share an example of a successful fundraising initiative you've led or been part of, and what made it work (1 minute)
• Your creative spark: Give us one bold fundraising idea you'd love to explore at OSCAR's Charity (30 seconds)

Tips for your video:

• Keep it natural and conversational – we want to get to know the real you
• Film somewhere quiet with good lighting
• Use your phone or laptop – no fancy equipment needed
• Upload to YouTube, Vimeo, or Google Drive and share the link with your CV
• Make sure your video is set to 'unlisted' or 'anyone with the link can view'

Job Title: Safeguarding Officer

Reporting to: Chief Operating Officer

Professional Supervision: The Regional Safeguarding Lead

Contract: Permanent

Salary: £22,500 per annum (FTE £39,375)

Hours per week: 20 hours

Annual Leave: 25 days plus bank holidays (Pro Rota)

Role Description

The Safeguarding Officer will lead and oversee all aspects of safeguarding within St Edmundsbury Cathedral, ensuring that the Cathedral remains a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

You will be responsible for ensuring that the Cathedral meets all statutory safeguarding obligations and complies fully with the Church of England’s national safeguarding policies, diocesan frameworks, and relevant legislation. This includes proactively identifying potential risks, responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns, and ensuring effective reporting and case management in partnership with the Diocesan Safeguarding Team and statutory agencies.

Beyond compliance, this role is about embedding a culture of care, accountability, and transparency across the Cathedral community. You will support clergy, staff, and volunteers to understand their safeguarding responsibilities, ensure safer recruitment and training practices, and provide guidance and reassurance when safeguarding issues arise.

By acting as a source of expert advice, leadership, and advocacy, the Safeguarding Officer will help the Cathedral community uphold the highest standards of safety, dignity, and pastoral care, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age, background, or circumstance, can participate fully and confidently in Cathedral life.

The Cathedral Safeguarding Officer has operational authority within the Cathedral (subject to agreement with the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer with respect to responding to concerns and allegations against Church officers) for the following responsibilities, arranged according to the Church of England’s National Safeguarding Standards.

These four National Safeguarding Standards provide the framework for effective safeguarding practice across all Church settings:

1. Culture, Leadership, and Capacity – Promoting a culture where safeguarding is embedded in every aspect of Cathedral life, ensuring that leaders, clergy, staff, and volunteers model and champion best practice.
2. Prevention – Implementing robust safer recruitment, induction, and training processes, and proactively identifying and mitigating potential safeguarding risks.
3. Responding to Concerns – Ensuring that all concerns, disclosures, and allegations are taken seriously, responded to promptly, and managed in partnership with statutory agencies and the Diocesan Safeguarding Team.
4. Learning, Supervision, and Quality Assurance – Fostering continual improvement through regular review, reflection, and evaluation of safeguarding practice, ensuring accountability and transparency at all levels.

Together, these standards guide the Cathedral’s commitment to providing a safe, nurturing, and trustworthy environment for all who engage with its worship, ministry, and community life.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic leadership

• Act as the Cathedral’s primary safeguarding lead, providing authoritative advice and operational oversight to the Chapter, leadership team, clergy, staff and volunteers.
• Ensure compliance with national Church of England safeguarding guidance, diocesan requirements and all relevant statutory legislation.
• Develop, maintain and drive a measurable safeguarding action plan and improvement programme, ensuring policies and practice are implemented consistently across Cathedral activities.
• Produce clear, timely safeguarding reports and briefings for Chapter and committees translating case and compliance information into strategic recommendations.
• Actively promote a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, supporting leaders to embed safeguarding into planning, events, recruitment and everyday practice.
• Engaging in professional supervision and quality assurance provided by the relevant Regional Safeguarding Lead, and in continual professional development, including ensuring that the requirements of the National Safeguarding Learning and Development Framework for Safeguarding Officers are met.

Safer recruitment

• Lead and oversee safer recruitment processes for all paid roles and volunteer positions, ensuring job descriptions, interviews and selection processes assess safeguarding suitability.
• Support managers to make informed recruitment decisions and ensure all new starters receive safeguarding induction and appropriate supervision.

Case management

• Receive, triage and respond to safeguarding concerns and disclosures quickly and sensitively, ensuring the safety and welfare of those involved.
• Undertake initial risk and needs assessments and make appropriate referrals to statutory agencies and the Diocesan Safeguarding Team.
• Support and co-ordinate multi-agency responses where required, and follow agreed safeguarding pathways.
• Provide pastoral support and signposting to victims/survivors while ensuring appropriate boundaries, confidentiality and access to specialist support services.
• Manage allegations involving staff or volunteers in line with diocesan procedures, ensuring safe working arrangements are put in place while enquiries proceed.
• Maintain accurate, secure and auditable case records, ensuring all documentation complies with data protection (GDPR) and Cathedral record-keeping protocols

Meetings & governance

• Attend safeguarding-related meetings, including the Safeguarding Committee, Guild Committee and Forum, providing briefings, presenting reports and highlighting risks and compliance matters.
• Prepare agendas, papers and minutes as required; maintain an action log and follow up to ensure agreed actions are completed.
• Escalate unresolved risks or urgent safeguarding matters to Chapter and senior leadership in a timely and constructive manner.
• Attend Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel (DSAP) Meetings.

Training & awareness

• Lead on Cathedral safeguarding training, coordinate and deliver induction and refresher training for staff, volunteers, and clergy.
• Maintain up-to-date records of safeguarding training for all staff and volunteers (showing completion and renewal dates).
• Create accessible safeguarding information and communications for the Cathedral community (e.g., weekly bulletin items, posters, webpages and event briefings) to raise awareness and reinforce good practice.
• Provide tailored briefings for high-risk roles and ongoing advice to managers and supervisors on safeguarding responsibilities.
• To evaluate training to ensure that learnings have been embedded.

Policy & risk management

• Review, update and implement the Cathedral’s safeguarding policies and procedures on a regular schedule (and sooner where guidance or case learning requires change).
• Lead safeguarding risk assessments for services, events, volunteer activities and external bookings; provide straightforward, action-focused mitigation plans for event organisers and hirers.
• Conduct audits and spot-checks to ensure practice aligns with policy and report findings with recommended improvements.
• Ensure contractors, partner organisations and hirers meet required safeguarding standards and that any safeguarding responsibilities are set out contractually where appropriate.

Additional duties and professional development

• Provide clear, timely advice within agreed working hours and support any out-of-hours arrangements for urgent safeguarding concerns as agreed with Chapter.
• Maintain your own professional development through training, supervision and membership of relevant safeguarding networks; ensure learning is shared across the Cathedral.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties that support the effective delivery of safeguarding across the Cathedral.
• Attend the East Anglia Regional Safeguarding Network meeting three times a year, with other DSOs and CSO in the region

Key Relationships

• In the Cathedral, the Dean provides leadership concerning safeguarding, supported by Chapter and senior leadership team requiring good working relationships with both clergy and lay colleagues.
• It is essential that the CSO forms excellent working relationships with key people in the Diocese, including: the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer (DSO), the safeguarding team and other relevant staff; the chair and membership of diocesan safeguarding governance structures e.g., the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel (DSAP) and relevant sub-groups; and the National Safeguarding Team.
• It is essential to have good connections with colleagues in relevant local third sector agencies, including those working in the fields of homelessness, poverty, domestic abuse, mental health, substance misuse, refugee support, language and learning support, etc. Adults and children who are using, have used or may use the services of the cathedral, particularly in relation to safeguarding.

Person Spesification 

Essential Qualities

Qualifications

• Relevant safeguarding qualification/training, or willingness to undertake

Experience

• Substantial experience working with safeguarding in roles involving children and/or adults at risk.
• Handling safeguarding referrals, disclosures, and case management.
• Liaising with statutory services such as police, social care, and health agencies.
• Delivering safeguarding training or workshops to diverse audiences.
• Producing reports, maintaining accurate records, and managing confidential data.

Knowledge

• Excellent understanding of current safeguarding legislation, guidance, and best practice for children and adults.
• Knowledge of safer recruitment principles and DBS requirements.
• Understanding of GDPR and secure data management in relation to safeguarding.
• Awareness of the Church of England’s safeguarding frameworks and National Safeguarding Standards (or willingness to learn).

Skills and Abilities

• Strong ability to assess risk and make clear, evidence-based decisions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate sensitively and appropriately at all levels.
• Effective relationship-building skills, including working collaboratively with clergy, volunteers, statutory agencies, and community stakeholders.
• High levels of organisation and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities calmly and effectively.
• Confident in designing and delivering safeguarding training and briefings.

Personal Qualities

• Integrity, resilience, and discretion when managing sensitive information.
• Empathy and pastoral sensitivity towards those impacted by abuse or allegations.
• A collaborative, approachable, and supportive leadership style.
• Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions in challenging situations.
• Commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Respect for the Cathedral’s Christian values and willingness to work within its ethos.

Desired Qualities

Qualifications

• Relevant professional qualification (e.g. social work, education, counselling, youth work, nursing, or safeguarding).
• Membership of a relevant safeguarding or professional network.

Experience

• Experience working in a Church of England context or other faith-based safeguarding setting.
• Experience of developing and implementing safeguarding policies and risk assessments.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of trauma-informed approaches when supporting victims/survivors.
• Familiarity with Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) roles and procedures.

Skills and Abilities

• Experience in facilitating safeguarding learning using innovative or digital approaches.
• Competence in using safeguarding case management systems or CRMs.

Other Requirements

• Willingness to undergo enhanced DBS checks, including barred lists.
• Flexibility to attend occasional evening or weekend meetings and events.
• Commitment to completing all mandatory safeguarding and leadership training as required by the Cathedral and Diocese.

Closing Date: Wednesday 12 November 

Active Communities Development Worker

Contract: 37.5 hours per week, 12 months fixed-term contract with possibility of renewal

Salary: £34,434 + Benefits

Reference: ACDW/25

Whatever life throws at Salford, you’ll ensure we stand strong.

Salford CVS (Community and Voluntary Services) is the city-wide infrastructure service for the VCSE (Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise) sector. We support almost 1,000 VCSE groups and organisations in Salford, with 7,000 paid staff and 62,000 volunteers between them. With a 40-strong team of our own, we’ve been making a difference for local residents since 1919, and we have some exciting plans for the future. We’d like you to be part of them.

Dividing your time between our volunteering and emergency response activities, you will assist us in building active, connected and resilient communities within Salford. In particular, you will go the extra mile to develop local capacity to address civil contingencies ranging from major incidents to extreme weather as you:

• Reach out to, engage and train community response volunteers.
• Proactively identify opportunities for new projects and initiatives.
• Connect with local authority, health, police and housing partners.
• Embed learning trends and best practice across our volunteering work.
• Lead a Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise group within the Salford Local Resilience Forum.

To be equal to this high-profile challenge, you will require:

• Experience of working with volunteers, ideally embracing recruitment, training and management.
• Familiarity with building relationships within the VCSE sector.
• A proven record of developing productive partnerships with key stakeholders.
• Expertise in organising and facilitating high-level meetings and forums.
• Strong presentation and interpersonal abilities.
• Broad knowledge of civil contingencies and community resilience.
• A flexible approach to hours and responsibilities.

In return, you can expect a comprehensive package of benefits including 28 days’ holiday (rising to 30 days after five years), a pension scheme with 7% employer contribution, subsidised membership of the Hospital Saturday Fund and much more. Help us release the potential of the people of Salford, and we will do the same for you, giving you the training and development to take your career to the next level.

For more information about this role, please download the job pack. 

Closing date: 9 am on Thursday, 13th November 2025.

Interviews: Monday, 24th November 2025.   

Your completed application form and equal opportunities form should be returned by email or by post. 

Email applications will be acknowledged when we receive them. Should you wish to receive an acknowledgement for a postal application, please include a stamped, self-addressed envelope with your completed application form, and we will return this to you.

Welcome to Ada! 

We are excited to be recruiting, for the first time, a Head of Governance and Performance. This important new role is part of the College’s wider leadership team and is of vital performance in ensuring the effective, efficient performance of the organisation. 

The right candidate will thrive in supporting the Board of Governors and College leadership team to work effectively by supporting them to ensure the accurate and efficient production and usage of all accountability reporting and communication throughout the organisation. 

Working closely with the Chair of Governors, as the College’s Clerk (training to be provided if necessary) and reporting into the Director of Finance and Compliance, you will thrive on providing detailed organisation to teams and bringing energy to the important discipline and accountability required to ensure a high performing Board and leadership team. You do not need to be a qualified Clerk but must possess a high level of attention to detail, be willing to take initiative where needed and be comfortable working with, and when necessary providing challenge to, senior executives and Board Members. 

You will have the opportunity to learn from a wide range of experienced professionals and understand what is really required to support an organisation to achieve consistently high performance. Ada is growing steadily and consistently and the opportunities for this role to grow and expand with the organisation are significant. If this excites you then please read on and apply as soon as possible. 

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

As Clerk to the Board of Governors

Provide procedural, regulatory, and governance advice to the Board of Governors. Responsibilities include:

• provide administrative support to the governing body, for example: co-ordinating calendar of dates for governing body meetings and preparing agendas, taking notes at meetings for the preparation of minutes and ensuring that all decisions are recorded accurately and objectively, including timescales for actions

• Support the implementation and effective use of New Governance Software and lead the shift to using Generative AI for note taking at meetings. Update and maintain a database of Governance information, ensuring secure handling of confidential data and information in compliance with College Policy and the General Data Protection Regulations.

• support the development and performance of governors in their role, for example: updating them on changes in legislation and policy, informing them of appropriate training and helping them understand their duties

• offer advice to governors and the college on the correct governance procedures and how to improve governance

• Work with the CEO and Executive Leadership Team (ELT) to ensure a high level of governor engagement by ensuring an up-to-date calendar of opportunities, appropriate communications and effective tracking and gathering of feedback

As Governance and Performance Manager

• Support the College’s internal governance function, providing administrative support in scheduling meetings, preparing agendas and taking notes/minutes. Lead the shift to using Generative AI for note taking at meetings and in systems and Processes to improve efficiency.

• Work with the Executive Leadership Team and wider leadership team to co-ordinate regular strategy updates and report on progress against strategic goals and agreed KPIs.

• Input into, and support with the co-ordination of the College’s Wider Leadership Forum and All-Staff sessions.

• Update and Maintain the College’s Risk Register and Master Policy Schedule.

• Assist with co-ordinating internal audit reviews in accordance with approved internal audit plan.

• Receive and co-ordinate timely responses to Freedom of Information (FOI) requests.

• Be a collaborative, enthusiastic member of the College’s wider leadership team, working closely with Staff and Governors to help deliver our ambitious strategy.

• Undertaking other duties commensurate with the role as directed by the Chair or Director of Finance and Compliance.

Safeguarding

The successful candidate will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check when appointed to the post. References for shortlisted candidates will be requested prior to the interview day. 

 Equal Opportunities

Ada, the National College for Digital Skills recognises that equality of opportunity and the recognition and promotion of diversity are integral to its strengths. The following principles apply in respect of the College’s commitment to equality and diversity:

•  To provide and promote equality of opportunity in all areas of its work and activity;

• To recognise and develop the diversity of skills and talent within its current and potential community;

•  To ensure that all employees and prospective employees of the College are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential without receiving any unjustified discrimination or unfavourable treatment on grounds such as age, disability, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender reassignment, trans status, socio-economic status or any other irrelevant distinction;

•  To provide and promote a positive working, learning, and social environment which is free from prejudice, discrimination and any forms of harassment, bullying or victimisation.

Applicants with a Disability

Ada, the National College for Digital Skills is keen to increase the number of disabled people it employs. We therefore encourage applications from individuals with a disability who are able to carry out the duties of the post. If there is anything in this regard that you would like to discuss in relation to your application please contact the HR team.

Sponsorship

Sadly, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role, so can only accept applications from candidates who have the legal right to work and remain in the United Kingdom.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a brief supporting cover letter outlining your suitability and interest in the role.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, should we find a suitable candidate, we reserve the right to close the advert earlier than advertised.

Closing date: Friday 14th November 2025

Good luck with your application!

The Vacancies

We are seeking to appoint two business registrants and one dispensing optician to our Advisory Panel Companies Committee.

About the GOC

We are the regulator for the optical professions in the UK. Our purpose is to protect the public by promoting high standards of education, performance, and conduct.

About the Advisory Panel
The Advisory Panel is a meeting of the four Council’s committees (Companies, Education, Registration, and Standards) in plenary session. They are established by statute for the purpose of giving advice and assistance to Council (whether or not in response to a request from them) on:

• matters relating to business registrants other than matters required by the Opticians Act to be referred to the Investigation Committee, the Registration Appeals, Committee or the Fitness to Practise Committee; 

• matters relating to optical training, education, and assessment; 

• matters relating to registration, other than matters required by the Opticians Act to be considered by the Registration Appeals Committee; and 

• matters relating to the standards of conduct and performance expected of registrants or those seeking admission to the register. 

Time Commitment and Remuneration 

This role is part time with a commitment of approximately 2-3 days per year, including time spent preparing for meetings.  Meetings will usually take place via MS Teams but may on occasion be held at the GOC Offices in London or other suitable venues.

A daily fee of £319 will be paid. This is in line with our member fees policy and member fee schedule.  This is taxable and subject to Class 1 National Insurance (NI) contributions. It is not pensionable.

Members can claim expenses for travel and subsistence costs incurred on Council business as set out in our expenses policy.

How to apply 

Please apply with the following: 

• your CV outlining your employment history, any relevant voluntary work, public service, or other experience; together with any relevant professional, academic, or vocational qualifications (please keep this to two sides of A4); 

• the application form (attcahed below), stating how your experience matches the essential criteria for the vacancy you are applying for; and 

• an EDI monitoring form (link can be found in the candidate pack below). 

Please email your completed application quoting reference GOC05/25 to appointment@optical .org.

We would welcome applications from individuals who are disabled and from diverse ethnic backgrounds, as these are currently under-represented on our Council and committees. 

For more information please see the attached candidate information pack.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: midnight Sunday 09 November 2025.

Online interviews will be held the week commencing 12 January 2026.

We strive to be as diverse as the public we protect and welcome applications from everyone, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity, and geographical locations outside of London.

About Women in Prison

Women in Prison is a national, women-led, feminist organisation.  We deliver front line support to women harmed by the criminal justice system, through our work in prisons, in the community and ‘through the prison gate’ as they resettle back into their communities. We also campaign for systems change that addresses the root causes of offending, reduces the harmful impact of prison, and creates workable, community-based alternatives to imprisonment.  
 

Job Purpose:

Women in Prison’s Advocates deliver high-quality, trauma-informed, independent advocacy for women in communities and in prisons, which focuses on early intervention, and holistic provision as part of a ‘whole system’ multi-agency response that looks to address the root causes of women’s offending.

Key Responsibility Areas

1. Provide high-quality, trauma-responsive advocacy and support to a caseload of women in contact with, or at risk of being in contact with the criminal justice system.
2. Undertake risk and needs assessments and co-producing bespoke support plans with women across the nine pathways to reoffending.
3. Monitor case management systems to ensure accurate and timely data recording, aligning with contract KPIs and WIP policies.
4. Champion the core values of Women in Prison, including social justice and feminism in all internal and external communications, articulating their importance to the work we do.

For the full list of responsibilities, please download the recruitment pack.

Salary: Circa £80,000 + wellbeing cash plan + pension scheme (LGPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Location: EdCity, 1 EdCity Walk, EdCity, London, W12 7TF (hybrid working - office-based three days per week)

Lead the next chapter of commercial innovation at Lift Schools

Lift Schools is embarking on a major new chapter, expanding our commercial activity to generate sustainable income that fuels our mission. We’re searching for an entrepreneurial and strategic Head of Commercial Ventures to build and lead our first commercial strategy, growing innovative ventures that balance financial sustainability with social impact.

Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering Lift Schools’ commercial enterprise strategy. This is a unique opportunity to design, launch and scale commercial initiatives that will directly support our ambition: an excellent education for every child, in every classroom, every day.

About the role

As Head of Commercial Ventures, you will:

• Develop and deliver Lift’s first commercial enterprise strategy, aligned to our educational mission
• Grow and optimise existing ventures such as estate lettings and apprenticeship provision
• Identify and build new market opportunities — products, services and partnerships across the education and wider sector
• Lead development of business models, pricing strategies, go-to-market plans and commercial governance frameworks
• Establish systems, processes and performance metrics to ensure all commercial ventures are sustainable, ethical, and aligned with our educational purpose

You’ll work closely with senior leaders, schools and operational teams to turn ideas into scalable revenue streams, balancing innovation with integrity.

You’ll be someone who:

• Brings a strong track record in commercial business development, product design or venture growth
• Has taken a commercial idea from concept to delivery and scaled it successfully
• Combines strategic acumen with hands-on delivery and entrepreneurial drive
• Understands commercial governance, risk, and compliance in charitable or educational settings
• Understands how to generate revenue in purpose-led contexts such as education, consultancy or social enterprise, ensuring all ventures reflect Lift Schools’ values
• Builds credibility quickly and collaborates confidently with senior stakeholders
• Be a confident and collaborative leader, comfortable influencing senior stakeholders, including Trustees, school leaders and partners, and inspiring cross-functional teams to deliver new initiatives

You are commercially astute, creative, resilient and motivated by impact, someone who sees opportunity where others see limitation.

Who is Lift Schools?

Lift Schools is made up of 57 primary, secondary and special schools, educating more than 33,000 pupils across the country. We believe education can transform lives – and we want every child in our schools to achieve their full potential.

Our mission:

• We will provide an excellent education to every child, in every classroom, every day.
• With excellent leadership and teaching in every school, we will help children go on to lead successful and happy lives.
• We will work with others beyond our network to benefit more children and communities.

How we support you

At Lift Schools, we believe talent drives performance. We offer you:

• Comprehensive training: We offer bespoke training to help you hone your skills and progress your career.
• Generous benefits: From your pension plan to healthcare and financial support, we've got you covered.
• Lifestyle savings: Enjoy discounted gym memberships, travel deals, and even electric vehicle incentives.

Ready to apply? Get in touch here. We can’t wait to hear from you.

The role is due to commence as soon as possible. 

Closing date: 19th November 2025, 5pm
Interview date: 3rd December 2025

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response. All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application.

Lift Schools are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our people and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair and consistent recruitment process which is inline with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.

Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and there is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Asylum Aid is seeking a solicitor and IAAS-accredited senior caseworker to join its Public Law team, with experience in immigration legal aid, judicial review, and asylum and human rights law. The role involves managing a complex caseload of asylum, trafficking, human rights, and public law claims, providing high-quality legal advice and representation, and conducting judicial review challenges in the Administrative Court and Upper Tribunal. The successful candidate will work closely with the Public Law Supervisor and the Director of Legal Casework to ensure that individual cases are handled effectively while also identifying systemic issues suitable for strategic litigation to achieve broader impact.

In addition to casework, the postholder will contribute to the strategic development of Asylum Aid’s public law work by supervising junior staff, providing training on judicial review procedures, and collaborating with colleagues on internal strategy discussions. They will also engage with external stakeholders and other sector organisations to represent Asylum Aid, contribute to policy discussions, and develop initiatives aimed at increasing the effectiveness of public law challenges. The role requires experience of managing legal aid cases, using case management systems, and complying with regulatory requirements, including applying for and extending legal aid certificates and submitting claims for payment.

The position requires resilience, empathy, and strong organisational skills, as it involves working with vulnerable clients and exposure to distressing material. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of self-care principles and the ability to support colleagues in maintaining wellbeing in an intense working environment. Excellent communication skills, the ability to work autonomously, and a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion are essential. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to both individual client outcomes and wider systemic change, influencing the growth of the Public Law team and advancing Asylum Aid’s mission to protect and support refugees, asylum seekers, and survivors of trafficking and human rights violations.

The Jobs, Education and Training (JET) team works with young people facing homelessness to support them into meaningful and appropriate employment, training opportunities, apprenticeships, volunteering, and education. As part of our delivery, we have developed a weekly ESOL group for young people looking to improve their spoken English, many of whom are young refugees and asylum seekers. Your role would involve the planning, preparation and delivery of these non-formal education sessions as well as delivering wider 1:1 JET casework. While you will work with all young people in the service, this role will focus on developing our JET delivery for young refugees, asylum seekers and those with English as a second language. You will also spend approximately 1 day per week helping us to deliver our core day-centre service.

• Permanent, full-time role in the Youth Work Team
• Salary: £31,200-£34,736
• Deadline to apply: 9am Monday 24 November

Governance Manager (12-months maternity cover)

About the role

This is an exciting time to join Emmaus UK and provide maternity cover for our Governance Manager.

This standalone role is responsible for managing the operations of the board and committees of Emmaus UK, as well as for providing support to local boards at Emmaus communities across Great Britain as they look to develop their governance arrangements.

The postholder will manage the board of trustees, leading on recruitment, induction and compliance, ensuring meetings run smoothly and are minuted effectively. They will also work as company secretary, managing the smooth-running of the AGM, and ensuring returns are made to Companies House and the Charity Commission within appropriate timeframes.

The Governance Manager is responsible for monitoring the development of policies, tracking completion and working with managers to continuously improve policies in line with changing regulation.

The role will also involve extensive work with members of the Emmaus movement, through the performance of reviews of local governance of members, reporting back to local boards on areas to celebrate and actions to develop. They will also be responsible for developing Emmaus UK’s best practice toolkit for trustees to refer to in developing their local governance arrangements, and for liaising with the wider Emmaus movement through facilitation of the membership processes with Emmaus Europe and Emmaus International.

About Emmaus UK

We understand that a home is more than just a roof over your head; it’s somewhere to belong, where you feel part of a community, and that’s what Emmaus offers. 

Emmaus is a unique, secular organisation supporting homeless and socially excluded people by providing a home, meaningful work opportunities and a sense of belonging. 

There are currently over 30 Emmaus communities across the UK, stretching from Glasgow to Dover and Norfolk to South Wales, including three Emmaus groups working towards the development of services in their areas. Collectively the Emmaus federation supports more than 1,000 people with experience of homelessness. 

Emmaus UK Governance

• Manage the board of trustees, leading on recruitment, delivering a comprehensive and appropriate induction, dealing with enquiries, maintaining declarations of interest, skills audit and eligibility forms and ensuring all details are up to date and accurate.
• Act as company secretary for Emmaus UK, leading on the preparation for and delivery of the Annual General Meeting, filing required returns, developing documents associated with membership, and ensuring the charity is compliant with relevant charity and company law.

​Board and Committee Meetings

• Coordinate board meetings including organising venues, liaison with the relevant secretary and chairs in creating agendas, preparing and distributing papers and taking and circulating accurate minutes
• Oversee the smooth-running of committee meetings in conjunction with the admin team, including creation of the annual calendar.
• Ensure all follow up actions are coordinated, and ongoing rolling actions logs are maintained and appropriately shared with the Emmaus UK staff team.

Emmaus UK Governance Development

• Lead on governance projects within Emmaus UK, including but not limited to risk, policy management and internal governance reviews, reporting to the Board and subcommittees as appropriate.
• Provide governance advice and support to staff members on an ad hoc basis.
• Monitor all internal policies and procedures ensuring they are fit for purpose and kept under review by the relevant staff members.

​Federation Governance

• Lead on reviews of members’ local governance arrangements, scheduling, undertaking analysis, reviewing documentation, collating responses from members and observations from Emmaus UK Senior Leadership Team members, and reporting to local boards on findings and Emmaus UK’s Audit & Risk Committee on emerging themes.
• Provide guidance for federation members on governance development through ad hoc advice, the production of governance toolkits and supporting resources.
• Facilitate the membership processes and requirements for Emmaus Europe and Emmaus International, supporting transitioning members and contributing to movement-wide events such as the World and Regional Assemblies, international visits and exchange programmes.

To apply 

· To apply for the role, please complete our application form and equal opportunities monitoring form and email us, our Email address is in the application Pack by COP Wednesday 19th November 2025. 

· Please ensure you download the job pack and refer to the job description and person specification when completing your application form.

· Those shortlisted will be invited to an interview conducted via Microsoft Teams on Wednesday 26th November or Friday 5th December 2025.

· If you would like to arrange an informal discussion about the role, please email us, the email address is in the Application Pack.

About us

We’re Breast Cancer Now, the research and support charity. We’re the place to turn to for anything and everything to do with breast cancer. However, you’re experiencing breast cancer, we’re here. 

The brightest minds in breast cancer research are here. Making life-saving research happen in labs across the UK and Ireland. Support services, trustworthy breast cancer information and specialist nurses are here. Ready to support you whenever you need it. Dedicated campaigners are here. Fighting for the best possible treatment, services and care for anyone affected by breast cancer.

About the role

Do you live in the Kent, Sussex or Surrey area, have excellent local knowledge and the enthusiasm to build a fundraising patch?  

We’re launching a brand-new role focused on developing and nurturing meaningful relationships with new supporters. If you love connecting with people and want to make a difference for people affected by breast cancer, we’d love to hear from you.

Initially offered as an 18-month contract (with the potential to become permanent), this position will play a key part in an exciting pilot programme designed to grow long-term income through a new, locally based relationship fundraising team.

The successful candidate will have the chance to work on a large-scale project supporting and growing Asda Tickled Pink, our award-winning partnership with Asda and CoppaFeel! which has already raised over £100 million. You’ll work directly with passionate colleagues across Asda stores in your region – driving new fundraising initiatives, inspiring communities and celebrating the incredible generosity of supporters.

This is your chance to build powerful local connections with new supporters – individuals, clubs and societies, and local businesses – and help develop a thriving network of people that share our mission.

About you

With good community fundraising experience, you bring enthusiasm, strong communication skills and a genuine interest in people and relationship building.

You’re proactive, organised and adaptable with a positive approach to trying new things. A natural collaborator, you have a flexible approach to your work and thrive in a busy environment.

You’re confident in approaching new contacts and are experienced in developing new relationships from scratch which have delivered income in both the short and long term. Your approach to supporter stewardship is best in class and you've proven that you can take the initiative to make ideas happen.

Alongside these skills and your previous experience, you have the passion that will help grow engagement and income in your region.

Job description and benefits

Please download the job description and our attractive benefits package.

Primary location of role

This is a remote role, and the candidate will need to be based in the Kent, Sussex, or Surrey area. Regular travel will be required to meet supporters and visit Asda stores in your region, as well as occasional travel to our London office.

When applying

We hope you choose to apply for this role. To support your application, you’ll be asked to submit your anonymised CV. Please refer to the essential criteria on the person specification and clearly provide as much information as you can with examples, to demonstrate how and where you meet the criteria. If you’ve any immediate questions please contact the Breast Cancer Now recruitment team.

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

We’re committed to promoting equity, valuing diversity and creating an inclusive environment – for everyone who works for us, works with us, supports us and who we support.

Closing date Tuesday 11 November 9am

Interview date 19, 20 November 2025

We reserve the right to close this advert early. Therefore, to avoid disappointment please submit your application as soon as possible, if you’re interested in this opportunity.