Innovation project manager jobs in Birmingham

Are you a highly organised project leader with a track record of developing rigorous and impactful processes? Do you want to lead the delivery of the nationally-recognised accreditation transforming mental health in higher education? This could be the role for you.

We’re looking for a methodical and strategic Programme Manager (Award) to manage the end-to-end delivery of University Mental Health Charter (UMHC) Award and act as key spokesperson for the programme. 

You’ll play a vital role in ensuring that the Award upholds its standards and values, and continues to develop and scale, supporting positive change for staff and students at universities across the UK.

About the role

• Lead the delivery of the nationally-recognised accreditation for mental health in higher education: the University Mental Health Charter Award.
• The UMHC Award recognises universities that promote the mental health and wellbeing of their university communities and supports them to continually improve. 
• You will own the end-to-end management of a complex, high-profile and impactful programme, balancing administrative excellence and strategic development.

Key responsibilities

• Drive the Award lifecycle, from onboarding universities, coordinating our network of assessors and managing the Award panel.
• Scale and continually improve the Award process, ensuring it remains rigorous, impactful and values-led.
• Act as key spokesperson and point of contact for universities and other stakeholders.
• Responsible for budget, risk and line management. 

What we’re looking for

• Proven track record of managing complex projects.
• Experience developing, maintaining and improving robust systems and processes.
• A rigorous approach to accuracy and quality control.
• Comfortable holding difficult conversations with stakeholders at all levels.
• A commitment to co-production, equality, anti-racism and an interest in mental health.

Find out more about the essential criteria for this role by downloading our Recruitment Pack from the documents section.

What you will gain

• The chance to contribute to a high-impact national programme supporting better mental health for university communities across the UK.
• Experience in a varied role with opportunities to learn and develop.
• A supportive and collaborative workplace culture that values wellbeing.
• Flexibility in how and where you work. 

How to apply
If this sounds like a good fit, we’d love to hear from you!

1. Click “Redirect to recruiter”, then scroll to the 'Vacancies and volunteering' section of our 'Join our team' page to access the job listing.
2. Download the recruitment pack in the document section at the bottom of this page, where you’ll find more information about the role including responsibilities and person specifications. 
3. Download and complete our application form - instead of collecting CVs, we use an application form to ensure fairness and equal opportunity for all. 
   1. Please refrain from including any identifying details in your application answers.
4. Upload your completed application form as a word document. 
   1. Please note that once you start your application on our portal, you will have 24 hours to upload your completed form. Before clicking 'Apply' and beginning the application process, make sure your form is fully completed and ready to upload.
5. Complete the Equality Monitoring Form.

Student Minds is committed to building an inclusive team and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and walks of life.

Are you a volunteering or alumni relations professional looking for your next challenge? Do you have a passion for engaging volunteers and for bringing people together? Are you looking to develop your career at a prestigious organisation?

We are looking for an International Engagement Manager to join our team to refine and expand a bold and innovative alumni volunteering programme to support both the priorities of the University and the Development and Alumni Relations Office (DARO). The post holder will deliver volunteer and engagement opportunities in key markets including China, India, Hong Kong, USA, Dubai, and many others, and will join nine other volunteering professionals as part of the wider team. The role will be responsible for developing a range of volunteering opportunities for international alumni, which support Birmingham 2030 targets around graduate employability, student recruitment, student experience, research and influence. You will be responsible for growing the number of international alumni volunteers and reporting on the impact of your work internally. 

A key component of this role will be developing relationships with colleagues across the University to include alumni engagement and volunteering across the University’s international strategic themes. The International Engagement Manager role will be a point of contact for international matters into the Development and Alumni Relations Department amongst other University departments, including International Student Recruitment, Birmingham Global and Careers Network. As the lead on international engagement activity for the department, you will be expected to travel overseas for events and alumni activity in key strategic regions.

You will be provided with a robust induction and an ongoing training program that will include support from the University as well as expert external providers.

The University has global reach, including several partnerships with other leading universities around the world, and is grounded in our local community, having opened the first fully comprehensive University secondary school in the country in 2015. We are an ambitious and successful research-intensive University (one of the top 100 research-led universities globally) and have produced 10 Nobel Prize winners, including three who received their awards in 2016. Academics here are exploring the impact of climate change, helping to address global health epidemics, and changing our understanding of Shakespeare. Our students come from nearly 150 countries and our flagship outreach programmes mean that almost 25% of our student population come from underrepresented backgrounds: one of the highest proportions in the UK. 

DARO exists to support this academic and student community by engaging, inspiring, and celebrating alumni, individuals, and charitable funders who give their money, time, and networks to support the University’s strategic priorities. The Office, which is comprised of five teams, is focused on fundraising and volunteering from alumni, organisations and individuals who are passionate about changing lives, through funding various research projects, supporting student bursaries, mentoring students, and providing internships, as well as providing a versatile programme of engagement opportunities for our global alumni community.

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone

Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist care and support for babies, children and young people who are life limited or life threatened. Supporting over 750 children and nearly 1,000 families annually, Acorns is a vital lifeline for families across the West Midlands and Gloucestershire during unimaginably difficult times.

Over the past three years, Acorns’ leadership has enhanced collaboration and innovation across the charity and embedded an organisation-wide fundraising culture. With an integrated fundraising structure and an upcoming £5m appeal, Acorns is looking for a senior leader to review, refine and scale its end-to-end donor experience across all income streams.

Forming part of the Fundraising Leadership Team and reporting to the Associate Director of Fundraising, the Head of Donor Experience will lead a central support function covering donor journeys, supporter care, data and insight, digital fundraising and compliance. They will be responsible for shaping and delivering a comprehensive donor-centred strategy that drives engagement, loyalty and long-term value, while championing a digital-first, data-driven approach to stewardship.

As Head of Donor Experience, you will:

• Lead a high-performing Donor Experience team of nine, with four direct reports across Donor Experience, Data & Insight, and Digital Fundraising
• Develop and embed a cohesive donor experience strategy aligned to the wider Fundraising Strategy
• Design and implement a structured supporter journey framework, ensuring appropriate automation and personalisation across channels and income streams
• Drive innovation in stewardship, including digital engagement, journey design, automation, and personalisation
• Review and refine thanking, banking, fulfilment and supporter care processes to improve efficiency and supporter satisfaction
• Oversee CRM development and optimisation, ensuring robust data governance and a clear single supporter view
• Lead insight generation and segmentation strategy to inform fundraising performance and income growth
• Establish and maintain a centralised compliance framework across fundraising activity
• Strengthen collaboration between Fundraising and Marketing to enable more coordinated, funnel-led campaigns

Essential skills and experience:

• Strong background in fundraising operations, supporter care, compliance or customer experience within a charity setting
• Proven track record of developing and delivering stewardship strategies that improve retention and long-term supporter value
• Experience managing and motivating teams to deliver operational excellence and performance improvement
• Experience designing and implementing strategy, annual plans and process improvements
• Strong working knowledge of CRM systems, data governance and supporter database management
• Confidence influencing senior internal stakeholders and driving cross-team collaboration
• Experience of reporting, performance analysis and using insight to inform decision-making
• Strong understanding of fundraising compliance, including GDPR and sector regulation

Employee benefits include: 

• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• 5 days holiday buyback scheme starting from April 2026
• 7.5% employer pension contribution
• Life assurance scheme (2 x annual salary)
• Retail discounts (including the Blue Light card)
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted gym membership
• Access to expert financial health and wellbeing support

Major Giving Administrator

Reporting to: Major Giving Manager – Trusts & Foundations

Location of work: Home-based. There will be an in-person team meeting or away day at least once every other month. Expenses will be paid in line with our Travel and Expenses policy.

Contract type: Ideally full-time, 35 hours per week. 28 hours or compressed hours may be considered. The role may require occasional evening and weekend work

Contract Length: Permanent

Salary: Starting Salary £25,500 

JOB PURPOSE

This new role offers an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge of fundraising within a dynamic, purpose-driven organisation.

You will play a key role in helping to futureproof and sustainably grow Magic Breakfast’s income from trusts, foundations, and high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs). This is a varied and rewarding role, with the opportunity for creativity with your own pool of funders.

You will be part of the Major Giving team, which secures income from trusts, foundations, and HNWIs. While your primary focus will be on trusts and foundations fundraising, you will also support the team’s work with HNWIs, adapting to the team’s needs as required.

 With support from a friendly and experienced team, you will take ownership of a portfolio of trusts and foundations, managing relationships and securing donations typically ranging from £500 to £10,000. In supporting the team’s work with HNWIs, you will help to deliver outstanding donor care, nurture long-term relationships, and contribute to securing transformational gifts. Strong writing, communication, and research skills will be key to your success in this role.

You will join a creative and collaborative team that is passionate about tackling food insecurity and child poverty. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• With support, submit reports, deliver effective communications and maintain engaging relationships with your pool of existing funders.

• Collaborate with colleagues to provide your donors with key communications (e.g. organisational updates, invitations to events).

• Support with team-wide stewardship such as donor events, thank you videos and newsletters.

• Contribute to the achievement of our team income target of £3.46m in 2025/26, as well as securing funding for future years.

• Support the team to prepare, compile and submit high quality funding proposals and budgets to new funders in accordance with timetables and application criteria.

• Maximise existing tools and processes to identify, research and write applications and deliver relationship management with new, small funders, to expand the small trusts programme.

WHAT WE OFFER

At Magic Breakfast we value our employees and work hard to develop offer a supportive, respectful culture which enables everyone to bring their whole self to work.

Please see our website for more infromation 

APPLICATION PROCCESS

Should you wish to discuss the role before applying please email our People and Culture Team.

Shortlisting - 16th - 18th March

Interview 1 - 23rd or 26th March

Interview 2 - 30th or 31st March

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications are received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately, once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.

The Opportunity 

The Finance and Operations Manager will provide financial expertise and support the Head of Finance & Operations (HFO) to deliver high quality financial management in budgeting, forecasting, and monthly reporting.

The role will also support the HFO in the organisation's operations functions, ensuring that legal and operational governance is delivered on time and to a high standard, that SMF is is compliant in Health & Safety (H&S), General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), insurance and other operational matters. The role holder will provide support leadership on the organisation's IT function and deliver training to all teams in matters concerning finance and operations. 

Location: We operate a hybrid model of work i.e. a combination of in-person and remote, with flexible days in the office depending on business need and your preferences. We would typically expect in-office attendance an average of one day per week.

When in the office you will be based in one of our regional offices (either Birmingham, Glasgow, Liverpool, London, Manchester or Newcastle – depending on preference and accessibility). This is where you will usually attend in-person events, training sessions etc. though some travel, to other offices and other locations, will occasionally be expected.

Contract: Full-time, Permanent

Hours: We are looking for the right candidate and while we envisage this being a full-time role (37.5 hours per week) we are open to flexible working arrangements such as part-time, compressed hours, flexitime and job-shares. 

Occasional/frequent evening or weekend work may be required, for which time off in lieu (TOIL) will be given. 

Key Responsibilities:

1. Finance:

• Oversee the day-to-day financial management and cash flow of the Social Mobility Foundation (SMF) working closely with the HFO, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Operations team. 
• Ensure that our accounting software is consistently up to date with the correct information.
• Work with the HFO on management information to enable the SMT and trustees to monitor progress and performance, make effective decisions and plan for the future.
• Financial information to support income development including budgets, income tracking and analysis and funder reports.
• Support the development of the annual organisational budget with the HFO, in liaison with the CEO and management team and provide support in developing departmental / project budgets as relevant.
• Manage how the organisation applies and reports on VAT. 
• Alongside our appointed accountants prepare Year End accounts, end of project accounts, and work with the appointed accountants to ensure the Accounts are completed, approved, and filed on time.
• Manage and improve our financial systems and procedures, streamlining internal processes to ensure they are effective and safeguard the finances of the organisation.
• Devise and implement effective and efficient procedures, including the introduction of a purchase order system and a new ethical procurement policy.
• Maintain the payroll function of the organisation and be the lead point of contact with our external payroll provider. 
• Conduct reviews and evaluations for cost-reduction opportunities.

2. Operations:

• Support the Data Protection Officer (the HFO) for the organisation, in liaising with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) appropriately, ensure that all staff and volunteers are aware of and trained in the relevant Data Protection policy and procedures, and ensure that the organisation meets its Data Protection requirements.
• Support the HFO in overseeing operational matters such as insurance, H&S, buildings maintenance and asset register; work closely with the management team to ensure awareness, compliance, and procedures that are effective and efficient for staff and volunteers. Where appropriate, escalate concerns and issues to HFO.

3. Strategic Responsibilities:

• Work closely with management and trustees to provide and develop financial and operational expertise; contribute appropriately to the development and management of organisational strategies, service proposals and development of the organisation.
• Lead on the appropriate understanding and training at each level of the organisation on how operational and financial systems work and support their role.
• Ensure that financial and operational policies and procedures meet the highest standards, reflect the charity’s ethos effectively and support the organisation’s strategic development; champion inclusivity (including Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)) and sustainability (in the widest sense).

4. Line Management

• Day-to-day people management
• Outline outcomes to be achieved, considering individual skills, capabilities, and workload to ensure a balanced distribution of work
• Review work outputs, monitor and quality assure work
• Manage and report on performance; deliver performance reviews
• Identify training and development needs; employ a coaching approach, and clarify opportunities for skill enhancement and career growth
• Recruit and induct new team members  
• Reasonably support well-being: provide a supportive work environment, and address any issues that may impact the well-being and morale of your reports

See attached job description for more detail on the key responsibilities in the role

Person Specification:

We need someone who will demonstrate our organisational skills-based competencies - as listed below: 

1.  Leadership
2.  Communication
3.  Adaptability
4.  Professionalism 
5.  Decision-making

Technical knowledge, understanding and experience required:

Essential:

• Part/fully qualified as an Accountant, or equivalent relevant experience
• Significant experience of working in a finance role in an organisation with a turnover of £1m or more  
• Hands on experience of maintaining a financial software package 
• Experience of working with financial systems to prepare financial reports and management accounts
• Experience in managing the operational aspects of an organisation, including risk assessments, GDPR etc.  
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of bookkeeping and general financial and accounting principles  
• Numerate and able to use an accounting software package  
• IT Literate, including experience of Microsoft Office software and excellent skills in using Excel and Word  

Desirable:

• Experience of working in a finance role for a charity
• Experience of Accounts IQ accounting package
• Experience of preparing finance reports relating to project grants/restricted funding from a range of donors 
• Knowledge of charity accounting and the Charities SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice) 
• Knowledge of Salesforce CRM

See attached job description for more detail on the person specification

Ways of working:

• Most of our work is office based, but you will spend a lot of time collaborating with other teams and clients via email, telephone and other communications channels such as Teams or Zoom. 
• Some travel will be required as part of this role to other offices and locations, as needed for events, work placements and meetings. 

Benefits

• 36/37 days' annual leave (England & Wales and Scotland respectively - includes bank and public holidays), with 3 of these days reserved for the annual end of year office closure.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• 5% Salary sacrifice pension scheme with enhanced matching employer contributions
• Employee Assistance Programme available to staff and their family
• Flexible work options such as hybrid working, flexitime, part-time
• Regular staff team building and business planning “away days”

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying for this role, please head over to our website by 23:59, Sunday 22nd February and answer the following questions:

1) Why would you like to work at the Social Mobility Foundation? (250 words max.)

2) What makes you a suitable candidate for this role, including specific examples from your experience and skills? (500 words max.)

3) Tell us about a time when you managed an important relationship with a corporate partner, client or external stakeholder. What was your role in maintaining the relationship, and what did you learn about effective account management from the experience? (500 words max.)

Business Process Transformation Lead (Fundraising / Nonprofit)

Contract: 9 months (with potential extension)
Location: Remote (within 3 hours of GMT)
Organisation: Animals Asia Foundation

Animals Asia is delivering a major Business Process Transformation Project at an important moment in our global growth. We are seeking an experienced consultant or freelancer to lead the technical delivery and management of this work, helping us redesign core fundraising processes and build long-term capability across our global Supporter Engagement function.

About Animals Asia

Our Supporter Engagement Department is progressive and ambitious. Last year, our income grew by over 30%, and we have now launched our new 3–5 year strategic plan. We are moving towards a data-led Customer Experience model, combining relationship fundraising with innovation in technology, data and supporter journeys to create strong, meaningful engagement with supporters around the world.

You will join a talented and dedicated international team at a time of investment and organisational transformation. This is a unique opportunity to shape how global fundraising operations work and to leave a long-lasting, positive impact for animals through improved supporter experience and stronger internal systems.

This role will support operational transformation across all areas of Supporter Engagement, including Gift Processing, Data and Insight, Communications, Individual Giving, Supporter Care, Technology and Philanthropy.

The Role

We are looking for a consultant who can turn ambition into action by reducing operational debt, tackling manual processes, and creating scalable, efficient ways of working. This is a hands-on role, working directly with teams across the organisation to design, test and implement new business processes.

Key Responsibilities

1. Transform core fundraising business processes

• Map current (“as is”) processes, supporter journeys and touchpoints
• Identify inefficiencies and design future-state (“to be”) workflows aligned with transformation goals
• Apply process improvement methodologies to streamline operations
• Create clear documentation for all redesigned processes and workflows
• Work closely with the Head of Technology to translate business needs into technical requirements
• Test, refine and support implementation of new processes with stakeholders

2. Project manage and champion a process-led approach

• Act as project lead, following our internal project governance approach
• Plan and facilitate workshops to gather requirements, assess options and develop process models
• Support organisational change with communication planning and stakeholder engagement
• Present clear, compelling recommendations to influence cross-functional teams
• Encourage collaboration to ensure new processes are embedded and sustainable

3. Build long-term process management capability

• Recommend tools and technology to support ongoing process management
• Work with key stakeholders to improve their process management skills
• Implement best practice standards for process mapping and documentation

Essential Requirements

• Significant experience in fundraising process mapping, redesign and implementation
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to facilitate detailed, productive workshops
• Proven experience as a project manager
• Change management expertise, including supporting teams through new ways of working
• Flexibility to attend meetings and workshops with our global team outside standard office hours (particularly mornings)

Location

Remote, ideally within 3 hours of GMT.

How to Apply

Please submit your expression of interest, including:
• Your CV
• A short personal statement (maximum one page) outlining how you would approach the project and how your experience meets the requirements
• Your day rate
• The number of days per week you can commit
• Your earliest available start date
• Confirmation that you are open to a nine-month contract (with potential extension)

If you anticipate any issues meeting the deadline, please let us know so an alternative can be agreed.

Make a Difference

Advocacy is a powerful force for change. It allows individuals to have their voices heard and respected when decisions are being made about their health and social care. It raises awareness of people’s rights and entitlements and empowers people to advocate for themselves.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a values-led, inclusive charity making a real difference to the people we work with.
• Flexible, home-based working with occasional travel and supportive colleagues.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.
• A culture that values staff wellbeing, innovation, and amplifying voices.

About the Role

We are looking to recruit a permanent Finance Manager to join our busy finance team, working 30-37 hours per week, minimum 30 hours, ideally over a minimum of 4 days, starting salary £31,634 per annum (pro rata).

As Finance Manager, you will:-

· Provide day-to-day operational leadership of the finance team, including supervision, workload coordination, ongoing  staff development and continuous improvement of processes and procedures.

· Act as the main link between the Finance Director and the Finance Team, translating strategic direction into clear, effective delivery.

· Lead month-end processes including the preparation of accurate management accounts, maintaining strong balance sheet control and exercising sound judgement on complex financial issues.

· Oversee income, credit control, cashflow, short-term forecasting and the administration of the finance system, ensuring data integrity, high-quality management information and appropriate escalation of risks or pressures.

· Support audit preparation and liaise with external auditors as required.

· Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to support financial understanding, compliance and the effective resolution of issues.

· Act as the first point of escalation for operational finance issues, escalating to the Finance Director as appropriate.

About You

We need you to bring:

·AAT Level 4 Qualification or significant equivalent finance experience, with responsibility for management accounts, reconciliations and income monitoring.

· Experience coordinating month-end processes and working across multiple income streams, contracts or funding arrangements.

· Strong analytical skills and sound professional judgement, with the ability to explain financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues and identify financial and organisational risk and escalate issues appropriately.

· Experience supervising or supporting others within a finance setting, with a collaborative leadership style and a commitment to continuous improvement.

· Confidence using financial systems and Microsoft Excel at an intermediate to advanced level, alongside a methodical, organised approach to prioritising work.

· A clear commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and to the values of The Advocacy People.

The following attributes are also desirable:-

· Experience working in the voluntary or charitable sector, including knowledge of SORP accounting, year-end accounts and liaison with auditors.

· Experience working with local authority contracts or complex funding environments.

· Part-qualified or fully qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ACA) or equivalent experience.

As this role is home based with occasional travel you will need to have access to use of public transport or own car. Flexibility with working hours, a good mobile signal and broadband service are essential.

We're keen to interview great candidates as soon as possible. Interviews may be held as applications come in, and we reserve the right to close the advert early, so don't wait - apply now! 

We look forward to hearing from you!

Context:
Kinship provides direct support to, raises awareness of and campaigns for the rights of kinship carers across the UK. Kinship carers are navigating complex family relationships, trauma, poverty, discrimination. The children that they care for have frequently experienced abuse or are at risk of harm. Safeguarding concerns can be disclosed by kinship carers at all contact points with Kinship. 

Safeguarding children and adults at risk of abuse or neglect is a collective responsibility and requires a safeguarding approach that is aligned to statutory frameworks, is professional, consistent, trauma-informed and proportionate to level of risk.

The designated safeguarding officer holds organisational responsibility for Kinship’s safeguarding framework and actions. The role works collaboratively with a team including a Safeguarding Trustee and a group of Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads drawn from key service areas across the charity.

The role provides expertise, professional guidance and clear direction across the organisation, supporting staff and volunteers to make sound safeguarding decisions within a framework.

Purpose of the role:
The Designated Safeguarding Manager works closely with all teams across Kinship to embed proactive, person-centred, and partnership-driven safeguarding practice to protect children and adults at risk of harm.

The role provides professional oversight to Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads through individual and group reflective practice and supports high-quality and defensible safeguarding decision-making. The role drives contextual safeguarding approaches, promote professional curiosity, continual professional development and ensures safeguarding responses are informed by lived experience and the realities of kinship care.

At Kinship safeguarding concerns come from risks of harm to adults and children often with risks of harm to multiple people in the same family context.

This requires careful, trauma-informed decision-making and support for staff responding to complex safeguarding situations.

How the role works:
Reporting to the Head of Programmes, the Designated Safeguarding Manager holds responsibility for safeguarding practice across the organisation and provides expert oversight and organisational assurance ensuring safeguarding is embedded consistently, proportionately and in line with best practice.

This role will require flexibility for occasional travel in England and Wales.

Key responsibilities:

Organisational safeguarding accountability and assurance

• Act as Kinship’s Designated Safeguarding Officer, holding organisational authority for safeguarding decision-making and escalation.
• Hold organisational accountability for safeguarding practice, ensuring responsibilities are well defined, understood and embedded across the organisation.
• Maintain and assure a robust safeguarding framework, including defined roles, escalation routes, decision-making thresholds and accountability arrangements and balance safeguarding rigour with compassion and proportionality.
• Provide safeguarding oversight and assurance during service development, mobilisation and organisational change to ensure risks are identified, assessed and mitigated.

Trauma-informed safeguarding practice and oversight

• Embed trauma-informed safeguarding practice, ensuring all decisions, interventions, and organisational processes:
  • Recognise the impact of past and ongoing trauma on children, kinship carers, and families.
  • Prioritise emotional and psychological safety while balancing protection, autonomy, and empowerment.
  • Integrate trauma-awareness into risk assessments, safety planning, case management, policies, and service design.
• Support staff through reflective supervision, guidance, and training to respond effectively.
• Provide professional oversight and reflective practice support to Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads.
• Provide expert safeguarding advice and consultation to staff and managers, supporting the assessment of concerns, threshold decisions, appropriate escalation, and proportionate, trauma-informed decision-making.
• Quality-assure safeguarding practice and decision-making to ensure actions are proportionate, person-centred, trauma-informed, and defensible.
• Maintain appropriate oversight of safeguarding records, risk assessments, and safety planning.

 Policy, compliance and organisational assurance

• Develop, review and maintain safeguarding policies, procedures and guidance in line with legislation, statutory guidance and Charity Commission expectations.
• Ensure safeguarding systems, processes and recording arrangements are robust, accessible and consistently applied.
• Provide regular safeguarding assurance, analysis and learning reports to senior leadership and the Board of Trustees.

Culture, capability and continuous improvement

• Embed trauma-informed, contextual and culturally responsive safeguarding practice across the organisation.
• Promote professional curiosity and reflective practice, supporting staff to exercise sound professional judgement and avoid overly procedural responses.
• Design and deliver safeguarding training and guidance for staff and volunteers, building organisational capability and confidence.
• Lead learning reviews following safeguarding incidents or near misses, ensuring learning informs service and practice improvement.

Equity, inclusion and anti-racist safeguarding

• Ensure safeguarding practice actively considers how race, ethnicity, racism and intersecting inequalities shape risk, vulnerability and access to support.
• Support teams to identify and challenge bias and assumptions through reflective practice, supervision and learning.
• Embed equity, inclusion and anti-racist principles within safeguarding frameworks, policies, training and quality assurance processes.

Partnership working and external accountability

• Work collaboratively with statutory partners and external agencies to support effective safeguarding responses.
• Represent Kinship in multi-agency safeguarding forums, reviews or regulatory engagement as required.

Experience (Essential)

• Significant experience in adult and child safeguarding practice, including oversight of complex, high-risk, and multi-agency safeguarding situations.
• Experience providing professional oversight, reflective supervision, and structured learning support to safeguarding practitioners or leads, without direct line management responsibility.
• Experience embedding contextual safeguarding approaches and promoting professional curiosity in decision-making.
• Experience of working confidently with complexity, challenging constructively and supporting teams to do the right thing in difficult situations.
• Experience developing, reviewing, and embedding safeguarding policies, procedures, training, and learning frameworks.
• Substantial experience working with dispersed or multi-disciplinary teams, supporting wellbeing, professional development, and reflective practice.
• Experience working in voluntary sector, community-based, or service delivery organisations, particularly where safeguarding concerns arise through multiple routes.

Knowledge (Essential)

• Strong working knowledge of adult and child safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance, and recognised safeguarding frameworks, with the ability to apply them proportionately in practice.
• Up-to-date knowledge of children’s and adult social care systems.
• Understanding of trauma-informed, strengths-based practice in work with adults, children, and families.
• Awareness of how racism, inequality, and structural disadvantage can increase risk and shape safeguarding experiences, particularly for Black and minoritised communities.
• Understanding of organisational safeguarding governance, including accountability, assurance, escalation, and risk management.
• Knowledge of safeguarding responsibilities within the voluntary and community sector, including Charity Commission expectations, trustee duties, and regulatory requirements

Skills and abilities (Essential)

• Strong professional judgement, with confidence in making and defending complex safeguarding decisions.
• Calm, credible, and reflective approach in ambiguous or high-pressure situations.
• Ability to support and challenge colleagues constructively through reflective discussion, learning, and coaching rather than directive management.
• Clear, compassionate, and adaptable communicator, able to translate safeguarding complexity for diverse audiences, including operational and service delivery teams.
• Highly organised, able to manage multiple safeguarding priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively across wide-ranging professional teams and external partners.
• Values-led, with a demonstrable commitment to equity, inclusion, anti-racist practice, and culturally responsive safeguarding.

Qualifications (Essential)

• Relevant professional qualification (e.g. social work, health, or related field), or equivalent professional experience.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development in safeguarding children and adults.
• Permission to work in the UK.

Attributes and general characteristics (Essential)

• Commitment to the values, aims, and objectives of Kinship.
• Respectful, empathetic approach to working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Flexible and willing to travel across England as required.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Desirable

• Lived experience of kinship care.
• Experience using Salesforce, Asana, Notion, and/or general AI tools for case management, project management, or documentation.
• Experience in innovation and continuous improvement within safeguarding practice or organisational culture.

How to apply:
Please apply for the role of Designated Safeguarding Manager by sending a tailored CV and responding to these 5 questions below in the online application process. Please read the guidance notes in the job pack. 

Closing date is 9am on Mon 2 March, with a first interview (30 mins online) that week and a second interview in person on Tues 10 March 2026. 

For all questions, please provide a maximum of 250 words per answer.

1.Alignment with Kinship: Why do you want to work for Kinship, and why does this Safeguarding Manager (Designated Safeguarding Lead) role matter to you at this point in your career?  Please refer to Kinship’s work and services in your answer, and explain what specifically about this role you are drawn to. 

2.Trauma informed practice: Describe a specific example where you have led or overseen a safeguarding concern using a trauma-informed approach.

3. Contextual safeguarding and professional curiosity: Tell us about a time you applied contextual safeguarding or professional curiosity to a situation where the initial concern did not tell the full story. What did you notice, what questions did you ask, and how did this change the safeguarding response? 

4. Reflective practice and supporting others: Give an example of how you have supported others to improve safeguarding decision-making through reflective practice (for example group reflection or one-to-one discussion). What was the issue and what changed? 

5. Equity, racism and safeguarding: Describe a situation where race, ethnicity or structural inequality affected safeguarding risk or decision-making. How did you recognise this and what did you do to ensure a fair and proportionate response? 

What we offer you:

• Flexible working - we understand how important it is to balance family and work life.
• ​30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays (1 April to 31 March) pro rata (3 to be taken at Christmas shutdown)
• Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 confidential advice line and counselling)
• Charity Worker Discounts. 

About Us

We’re the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity. We’re determined to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer. We support and fund targeted research, provide expert information and support to patients and their families, educate the public and professionals about the disease and campaign for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care.  

We currently have around 95 staff based in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we’re in a privileged position to be able to grow our staff team to deliver our ambitious strategy, On a mission. There are huge challenges facing bowel cancer patients across the UK and our community needs us now more than ever. We’re building a strong and united team to bring us closer to a future where nobody dies of bowel cancer. 

Senior Early Diagnosis Programme Manager

The Senior Early Diagnosis Programme Manager is a key role as we develop and evolve our early diagnosis programmes at Bowel Cancer UK. The role will provide strategic and operational leadership across the charity’s awareness and engagement programmes and the new Bowel Towns programme. This role will manage a multi-disciplinary team delivering programmes that improve cancer awareness, empower communities, and drive earlier diagnosis.

In addition, as the charity’s services lead for Northern Ireland (NI), the post holder will build high-impact partnerships and develop a regional plan to enhance awareness, early detection, and support for people affected by cancer. You’ll work closely with the Head of Services and Support to ensure our early diagnosis services are impactful, inclusive, and evidence-based.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and at Bowel Cancer UK we are committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Successful candidates may be subject to either a satisfactory basic, standard or enhanced DBS check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) dependent upon the role.

Help shape a future where people with motor neurone disease (MND) receive joined-up, person-centred support. As a Programme Lead - Integrated Support, you will guide the development of a new integrated support model, coordinating activity across seven connected work-packages and ensuring progress that is timely, focused, and grounded in real need.

As the Programme Lead, you will work across teams to plan, align, and drive programme delivery. You will ensure each area of work is clearly structured, purposeful, and supported, while maintaining strong relationships across the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead planning and delivery of projects within the Integrated Support Programme
• Maintain a clear programme framework that supports governance, prioritisation, rick-management and quality assurance
• Collaborate with senior leaders to inform strategic direction and future development
• Engage colleagues, volunteers, and community stakeholders to support innovation and inclusive co-production
• Track progress, evaluate effectiveness, and embed continuous improvement
• Oversee budgets, resources, timelines, and project standards
• Identify and manage risks and interdependencies
• Promote integrated, person-centred approaches rooted in lived experience and best practice

About You

• Experience leading complex project portfolios within service-focused settings
• Knowledge of service improvement and the ability to apply recognised Quality Improvement methods
• A formal project management qualification (e.g., PRINCE2, APM, Agile)
• Skilled in programme framework development, resource planning, and financial oversight
• Strong analytical skills and confidence using metrics to inform decisions
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills and clear, inclusive communication
• Ability to lead collaboratively, supporting both staff and volunteers
• Strength in risk management and constructive problem-solving

Further information about MND Association and full job description is available in the attached Candidate Pack.

This is a home-based role with a requirement to travel to Northampton, London and regionally in-line with role and organisation requirements.

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We work to remove barriers for everyone affected by MND, employees, volunteers, and stakeholders.

As part of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee interviews for disabled applicants who meet the role's requirements.

What We Offer

• 28 days holiday, increasing to 33 days after 5 years, plus Bank Holidays
• Access to UK Healthcare, including dental, eyecare, health screenings, and therapies
• 24/7 GP access via phone and video
• Life assurance and confidential counselling helplines
• Salary sacrifice schemes (Cycle to Work, Buy/Sell Annual Leave)
• Access to Benefit Hub for discounts on everyday shopping
• Enhanced pension scheme
• Opportunities for training and personal development
• Hybrid working

About Us

Motor Neurone Disease moves fast. It takes away time, it takes away independence and it has no cure. Every day we support people affected by MND. We fund ground-breaking research. We campaign for better care. We’re here for everyone who needs us. Because with MND, every day matters.

Working Pattern: 0.6 FTE (happy to discuss flexible working arrangements)

Dates: May 2026 - June 2027 (14 months)

Location: Home-based from anywhere in the UK with frequent (around once per month) travel across the UK

Working requirements: Applicants must have the right to work within the UK

Deadline for applications: Friday 6th March

Interviews: 19th and 20th March via Zoom

Salary: £42-44k pro rata dependent on experience

Job Purpose

We are looking for a Research Programme Manager with a strong grounding in scientific research and expertise in grant management to take on a maternity cover within our small and tight-knit research team.

The role’s core responsibility will be to lead on the delivery of the Foundation’s translational grant funding schemes - our Catalyst Awards and Advancing Treatments Awards. The post holder will have a visible presence within the research community acting as an important point of contact between researchers, committee members (including people living with MND), peer reviewers and the charity.

They will be responsible for the successful delivery of a large portfolio of active projects by working closely with others in the team to ensure all awards are expertly administered, monitored, evaluated and reported against, ensuring the outputs are of the highest quality and supporting the charities activities. The post-holder will identify opportunities to communicate the progress or impact of the work we fund and work with the communications team to develop compelling communications for our supporters.

Key responsibilities

Grant Funding Programme

● Lead on the management of several grant funding schemes, as well as ad-hoc applications that come to the Foundation;

● Oversee the smooth running of application rounds, peer review and ensure that funding committees function in line with AMRC guidance;

● Be the main point of contact for the AMRC with regards to research management;

● Support the ongoing implementation and development of the Foundation’s Grant Management Software, Flexi-Grant, ensuring the research team are using the platform effectively;

● Manage project set-up including contracting, the development of detailed project plans, including go/no-go milestones and budgets;

● Work with the others in the team to oversee the research programme budget including planning, monitoring and forecasting; work with the Directors of Research and Finance to ensure that accurate research finance information is available for organisational budgeting and planning;

● Seek opportunities to improve the Foundation’s grant funding schemes to increase the number and quality of applications received year on year, ensuring funded projects support the delivery of the Foundation’s research strategy;

● Monitor any developments or innovations across the sector and implement changes to maintain a high-quality impactful research funding programme.

Project Portfolio

● Manage and oversee project delivery of the Foundation’s active project portfolio by:

○ Building and managing relationships with award holders and attending site visits;

○ Approving grant payments and managing the change process for any project amendments;

○ Ensuring project progress is effectively monitored and reported against;

○ Identifying opportunities for and approving any project communications.

● Work closely with others in the research team to implement an Impact Evaluation Framework, to evaluate the impact of the research we fund.

General Responsibilities

● Support the Director of Research to deliver the Foundation’s research strategy;

● Support more junior members of the team through training and mentoring;

● Contribute to the team being proactive and supportive, and working effectively and efficiently to achieve agreed objectives;

● Contribute to the development and maintenance of strong internal relationships across the charity, working specifically with the Fundraising Team to support income generation;

● Support the Director of Research in the development of updates for the Board of Trustees and other groups such as our Scientific Advisors;

● Keep updated with the latest scientific developments in the field, attend conferences and build strong relationships with MND experts and other relevant stakeholders;

● Represent the Foundation at external scientific meetings and conferences;

● Undertake other work as required by the Director of Research.

Skills and experience required:

● Educated to PhD level or with equivalent experience in a science subject relevant to MND;

● Experience of research management, including the management of grant schemes, preferably with experience of using Flexi-Grant;

● Experience of research communications, including the ability to disseminate complex scientific information and present it to non-technical audiences;

● Experience of liaising with senior individuals in a variety of organisations with an ability to create favourable working relationships;

● Proven project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects at the same time;

● A great communicator, with excellent written and oral skills and the ability to maintain relationships with a wide variety of individuals, including those within the Foundation, researchers and clinicians, relevant organisations and industry bodies, MND patients, and other MND charities;

● Self-motivated, proactive and able to work using own initiative;

● Organised, with a proven ability to successfully manage a broad spectrum of tasks, deadlines and individuals;

● Motivated to make a real difference for those living with MND.

Our vision

At Rees Foundation, we believe that everyone with care experience should have the same life chances as anyone else.

We work alongside care experienced people to provide practical support, build community, and create opportunities so that individuals can move forward with confidence, connection, and hope.

Our communications and marketing are rooted in authenticity, respect, and lived experience. We aim to amplify real voices, build understanding, and inspire support for the work we do together.

Overall purpose of the role

The Marketing and Communications Manager leads the charity’s strategic communications and marketing activity, ensuring that our voice, values, and impact are clearly and consistently communicated.

The post holder will be responsible for shaping and delivering an integrated marketing and communications strategy that supports service engagement, fundraising, partnerships, and organisational growth. The role involves balancing and prioritising communications across a range of projects, services, partnerships, and campaigns, ensuring the charity’s overall message remains clear, consistent, and impactful.

They will play a key role in helping the charity extend its reach and connect with more care experienced people across the UK. The role requires a proactive, creative, and visionary approach, identifying new opportunities, audiences, and platforms, and ensuring that the charity’s projects and services are visible, accessible, and relevant to those who need them most.

Working closely with colleagues across the organisation, the role will oversee the planning and delivery of campaigns, digital engagement, content, and brand development, while line managing the Marketing Executive and supporting a positive, collaborative culture. As part of a small, collaborative team, the post holder will combine strategic leadership with hands on involvement in the development of key marketing materials and campaigns where appropriate.

Key responsibilities

Strategic leadership

• Lead the development and delivery of an integrated marketing and communications strategy aligned with the charity’s vision, values, and strategic priorities.
• Provide strategic advice to senior leadership on marketing, communications, and brand positioning.
• Ensure all communications reflect the charity’s tone of voice, values, and lived experience approach.
• Contribute to organisational planning and support the delivery of strategic programmes and campaigns.
• Prioritise and coordinate marketing activity across multiple programmes, campaigns, and audiences, ensuring resources are used effectively and key organisational priorities are reflected.

Team leadership and management

• Line manage and support the Marketing Executive, providing regular supervision, guidance, and development.
• Allocate and prioritise work across the marketing function.
• Foster a positive, supportive, and collaborative team culture.
• Encourage creativity, initiative, and continuous improvement.
• Work alongside the Marketing Executive as part of a small, practical team, contributing directly to marketing outputs as required.

Reach, engagement, and innovation

• Proactively identify opportunities to extend the charity’s reach to more care experienced people across different regions and communities.
• Work closely with service teams to ensure projects and services are clearly communicated, accessible, and visible to those who may benefit.
• Develop innovative and creative approaches to engagement, particularly for harder to reach audiences.
• Test new channels, formats, and campaigns to increase awareness, participation, and community connection.
• Support the growth of the charity’s community of care experienced people, volunteers, ambassadors, and partners.
• Ensure communications are inclusive, trauma informed, and grounded in lived experience.

Campaigns and content

• Plan and deliver integrated marketing campaigns across digital, print, and events, taking a hands on role in content and material development where appropriate.
• Lead and contribute directly to the creation of engaging, accessible, and trauma informed content.
• Ensure consistent messaging across all channels, including website, social media, email, and printed materials.
• Support programme teams to promote services, events, and impact.
• Take a proactive approach to promoting each of the charity’s core projects and services, ensuring they reach the right audiences at the right time.
• Work with teams and care experienced contributors to develop compelling stories that demonstrate impact and encourage engagement.

Digital and audience engagement

• Oversee the charity’s digital presence, including website, social media, and email platforms.
• Ensure content is accessible, inclusive, and aligned with the needs of different audiences.
• Monitor engagement and audience growth, using insight to inform future activity.

Fundraising and partnerships

• Work closely with the fundraising team to support donor, corporate, and grant related communications.
• Develop materials that demonstrate impact and inspire support.
• Support the promotion of partnerships, campaigns, and corporate engagement.
• Identify and maximise PR and media opportunities.

Impact, data, and reporting

• Develop and monitor key performance indicators for marketing and communications activity.
• Use data and insight to shape campaigns, messaging, and audience engagement.
• Provide regular reports to senior leadership on performance, impact, and learning.

Brand and external profile

• Act as a guardian of the Rees Foundation brand, ensuring consistency and quality across all communications.
• Build and maintain relationships with media, partners, and sector networks.
• Support ambassador, volunteer, and lived experience storytelling initiatives.

Financial and operational responsibilities

• Manage the marketing budget effectively, ensuring value for money.
• Work with external suppliers, designers, and agencies where required.
• Ensure all communications comply with relevant policies, including safeguarding, data protection, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

General responsibilities

• Work in a flexible and collaborative way to support the team.
• Uphold the charity’s values in all aspects of work.
• Participate in training, supervision, and organisational development activities.
• Undertake other reasonable duties as required.

Person specification

Essential

Experience

• Experience in a marketing or communications role, with strategic planning responsibilities.
• Experience managing or supervising staff, volunteers, or contractors.
• Experience delivering integrated digital and offline campaigns.
• Experience working across multiple stakeholders or projects.
• Experience working in a complex or multi service organisation, balancing communications across different projects, audiences, or funding streams.

Knowledge and skills

• Strong understanding of digital marketing, social media, and audience engagement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to translate complex or sensitive information into accessible, engaging content.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.

Personal qualities

• Values led and committed to the charity’s mission.
• Collaborative and supportive leadership style.
• Creative, proactive, and solutions focused.
• Visionary, with the ability to spot opportunities and turn ideas into practical campaigns.
• Passionate about extending the charity’s reach and ensuring more care experienced people can access support.
• Able to manage competing demands across a range of programmes, campaigns, and stakeholders, maintaining clarity, focus, and impact.

Desirable

• Experience in the charity, social care, or youth sector.
• Experience supporting fundraising or corporate partnerships.
• Experience working with lived experience voices or co production.
• Knowledge of accessibility and trauma informed communications.

The National League Trust is a registered charity and is one of a group of community focused organisations that are linked to professional football.  As a critical partner of the National League, the Trust supports the development of community projects at football clubs who are members of the competition.  

We are looking for someone who can lead the Trust, with a vision to use knowledge, influence and funding to improve the lives of those who benefit from the work of the organisations the Trust supports. This will involve change and shaping the Trust so that it is guaranteed a successful future.

As our new Head of Trust, you will lead a resilient, dedicated small team with a clear strategic focus on impact, innovation, strengthening standards and improving visibility. You will be guided by our values which include working with trust and accountability, learning, sharing what works and collaboration.  You will shape our direction, embed our strategic framework, strengthen relationships and ensure robust governance. 

We are looking for a strategic, relational and operational leader to take the Trust forward in its development over the next five years.  This includes:

• developing and delivering our strategy
• overseeing grant funding operations
• working to increase our unrestricted income
• raising the Trust’s profile
• growth of activity and impact.  

Critical to the role is building and sustaining strong relationships with key stakeholders in all sectors: including potential funders and other third sector bodies.

You do not need to have a background in football for this role. Your skills and experience can be obtained in any sector.