Jobs in Biggleswade

Do you share our dream of a UK where poverty is a thing of the past?  

Founded in 2019, the Poverty Truth Network believes this can only happen when those most impacted by poverty are at the heart of the movement to end it. Our specific contribution brings together people experiencing poverty with those with responsibilities for alleviating it.

We are now recruiting for an Administrative Coordinator to join our team. 

This is a key enabling role within a small, relational and values-led organisation. The Administrative Coordinator will provide coordinating and administrative support across the Network, helping ensure smooth systems, high-quality financial administrative and shared working practices across a dispersed team. 

You will be a highly organised and dependable administrator, with experience supporting finance and digital systems, and a clear commitment to social justice and relational ways of working. 

Key tasks include:

• Coordinating meetings, events and trustee processes 

• Providing hands-on finance administration, including bookkeeping using Xero 

• Supporting digital systems, CRM and data stewardship 

• Maintaining accurate records and shared documentation 

• Contributing to consistent, relational and accountable ways of working across the Network 

This role involves working from home with some travel. 

We welcome applications from people with the necessary skills and experience from all walks of life, particularly those from communities underrepresented in the charity sector. 

How to apply 

To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter (maximum 2 sides of A4) explaining how your skills and experience match this role. Please include the names and contact details of two referees (at least one of whom knows you in a professional capacity). 

The application deadline is 23:30 on Wednesday 25th March.

Interviews will be held online on 1st and 2nd April.

Applications will only be considered from applicants who already have the right to work within the United Kingdom. 

Mind BLMK works across our communities to support positive mental health and wellbeing. Working closely with a range of partners, we offer a number of activities from our wellbeing centres and local venues to make a difference to the mental health and wellbeing of people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, and our aim is to make sure that no-one has to face a mental health problem alone.

Community Wellbeing Navigator
Post no: 657
Salary: £23,492.04 FTE (actual salary £15,873.00 per annum)
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Part-Time, 25 hours per week. Monday to Friday (10:00 - 15:00)
Covering: Central Bedfordshire – Ampthill/Flitwick, Biggleswade, Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard.
Working base(s): HQ The Rufus Centre, Steppingley Road, Flitwick MK45 1AH (Wednesday – admin base) and 2 days per week onsite in: Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard

This role offers an exciting opportunity to join our Central Bedfordshire Mental Health Recovery and Prevention Service which covers Ampthill/Flitwick, Biggleswade, Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard.

Key Duties and Service Delivery

• As a Community Wellbeing Navigator you will be at the heart of the Recovery Service, delivering all aspects of the service, building positive relationships with those using the service and strong links into the wider community services within Central Bedfordshire.
• You will offer focussed 1-2-1 support where needed, to assist people to navigate through the range of other services within the community. You will offer guidance and information that reduces the chance that people will fall through gaps or continue to be isolated and disconnected from their communities, ensuring the right support and the right time that manages a range of needs.
• You will also deliver group wellbeing sessions and facilitate drop-in sessions that provide a safe environment for service users to talk openly and develop practical tools, techniques and coping strategies in order to manage their own wellbeing.
• In addition, you will assess individuals’ suitability for the service and signpost where necessary. There will also be opportunity to support events in the community to raise awareness of our services and build links with local organisations.

You will need to be empathetic and deliver a person-centred approach in a non-judgemental way, collaborating with people to empower and engage them.

Entitlements/benefits:

• 25 days (pro rata) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays (pro rata)
• Auto-enrolment NEST pension scheme (employer contributes 3%, employee contributes 5%)
• Optional Health Plan
• Discounts available through Blue Light Card & Tickets for Good
• In-house and external Learning and Development as appropriate for the role.
• Flexible Working On request (in line with Mind BLMK policy on Right to Request Flexible Working)

If you have a passion for working in mental health and possess the required skills, we would love to hear from you.

Closedown: 5pm on Wednesday 11th March 2026
Please note: We reserve the right to close this advert early if enough suitable applicants apply.
Start date: ASAP

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

Mind BLMK has been committed to the Mindful Employer charter and the Disability Confident Employer Scheme since 2008.

Please note: Mind BLMK follows Safer Recruitment practices and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Therefore all our roles are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

No agencies please.

Project Officer (FTC)

Remote, UK

£18,000 per year (based on working 24 hours per week)

Part-time (3 days/24 hours per week)

1-year fixed term contract

 

Young Ladies Club is a dynamic charity organisation which exists to raise the aspirations in disadvantaged young women and girls to achieve their career potential by providing mentoring, confidence building activities and career workshops from positive role models. Young Ladies Club envisions a world where young women and girls socio-economic background does not impact educational and career outcomes.

We now have an exciting opportunity for a proactive and highly organised Project Officer to join our team on a 1-year fixed term contract.  As the Project Officer, you will support the delivery of our projects and events that form part of the learning experience for young women and girls. You will be the main contact, communicating with multiple internal and external stakeholders face to face, by phone in writing and virtually

 

As a Project Officer, your key responsibilities will be:

· Develop and manage effective working relationships with senior managers, the project team, key stakeholders and delivery partners.

· Project manage webinars and E-Learning projects.

· Monitor and maintain the overall project progress.

· Ensure proper filing and management of evaluation and measurement documents including monitoring reports.

· Coordinate activity with project leaders, facilitators and volunteers related to delivery.

· Engage with other youth organisations programmes and events.

· Support the development of marketing and communications materials.

· Build relationships with aligned organisations, identifying opportunities to work in partnership where appropriate.

· Carry out administrative duties including minute taking, arranging travel and booking venues.

· Maintain a strong social media presence for Young Ladies Club and its projects.

· Update and develop project and organisation website and social media content.

· Provide some support to other Young Ladies Club projects

 

Required Skills and Experience:

· Strong experience of project management and coordinating the related activities

· Experience of planning, delivering and hosting events

· Knowledge of conducting desk-based research

· Experience of external communications (social media)

· Strong organisational and administrative skills with the ability to manage and take responsibility for own workload, handle multiple priorities and to work independently

· Excellent time management and ability to meet deadlines

· Good IT skills, including Microsoft365, Teams and Zoom

· Ability to use initiative and work with minimum supervision

· Knowledge of youth work and youth development

· The ability to write accurate and well-constructed reports

· Understanding and empathy of the current issues facing young women and girls.

· Proven ability to organise and minute meetings and follow up on action.

 

You will be instrumental in the quality and impactful implementation, delivery and retention of our sites. You will oversee the delivery of exceptional outcomes in support of the charity's mission. You will work as part of a Regional team to deliver outstanding programmes across your geography, establishing and leading partnerships throughout the life of a programme.    

Regular travel throughout your geographical location will be required, with occasional travel to other areas of the UK.  Please stipulate where you are based when applying.

In addition, occasional international travel may be required, such as the opportunity to attend the annual conference in the United States.  

You will report to the Regional within the Delivery & Partnerships team or the Associate Director of Business Development.

• We will conduct selection throughout Thursday March 26th and Friday March 27th – with a multi-stage process taking place across the 2 days.

Key Responsibilities  

· You will be accountable for the retention and outcomes of your portfolio of programmes.  

· You will work closely with colleagues in both the Delivery & Partnership team and the Quality & Impact team to pursue quality delivery of programmes that adheres to model fidelity.  

· You will hold partners and stakeholders to account for their key responsibilities in the delivery of quality programmes.  

Application Instructions

• We will conduct selection throughout Thursday March 26th and Friday March 27th – with a multi-stage process taking place across the 2 days.

We will review applications as they come in and close when we have sufficient numbers

Salary: Grade 4 - £34,596 per annum

Full time: 35 hours per week

Location: Flexible with travel as required to deliver training – frequency will vary

Contract: Permanent

Closing date: Tuesday 10th March 2026 at 11.30pm

Do you have an in-depth understanding of housing law and proven experience of preparing, planning and delivering training courses to individuals and groups, online and face to face? We are looking for a Trainer - you could soon be helping us to help better support professionals and their clients with housing problems and exercise their housing rights.

About the Role

You will deliver training to a variety of external customers, focussing on housing and homelessness. The overall aim will be to support capacity and capability of the housing and homelessness sector to achieve better outcomes for clients. You will need to keep your knowledge up to date and contribute the insights you gain from training delivery and observing our front-line services to develop existing and new courses, ensuring excellent quality and positive feedback. Also, you will participate in consultancy and mystery shopping as needed.

About you

To succeed, you will need experience of delivering and developing training courses which are engaging and interactive, along with an excellent understanding of housing and homelessness law. You will also have a sound knowledge of IT tools such as webinar and e-learning platform and Microsoft applications.  The role will involve travel to deliver training as needed.

About the team

You will be joining a multi-disciplinary team that delivers a range of second tier services to support those on the frontline to achieve positive outcomes for people with housing problems. These include training in housing and homeless prevention, housing law consultancy advice, housing debt casework, information and online resources and various targeted projects. We are a national team and work in conjunction with the wider organisation including Legal Services, Learning and Development, Business Support, Telephone and Online services and Operations teams.

How to apply

Please click ‘Apply for Job’ below. You are required to submit a CV and responses to the About You points in the job description of no more than 350 words per point. Please provide specific examples following the STAR format and ensure you address the behaviour below throughout your responses

• We prioritise diversity and have an inclusive and open mindset

Any applications submitted without a supporting statement will not be considered.

Safeguarding Statement

Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.

Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

 
 

Mind BLMK works across our communities to support positive mental health and wellbeing. Working closely with a range of partners, we offer a number of activities from our wellbeing centres and local venues to make a difference to the mental health and wellbeing of people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, and our aim is to make sure that no-one has to face a mental health problem alone.

Community Connector (Mental Health Resilience Worker)
Post no: 658
Reports to: Service Manager (Blended Teams)
Working base: Bedford CMHT (Community Mental Health Team) MK40
Contract type: Permanent
Salary: £24,720 per annum
Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday

About the Role

Community Connectors work as part of an integrated, blended mental health offer to support people with emotional, social and practical needs to access a range of local, non-medical and non-clinical services, to improve confidence, social inclusion and independence.

This role will involve working as part of a multi-disciplinary team with statutory, third sector and NHS colleagues to support clients who are suffering from moderate to severe mental health difficulties. You will need to have experience working with those suffering with mental health illness as well as being able to demonstrate in depth knowledge of the services, support networks and local resources that may assist in improved outcomes for those dealing with complex and enduring mental health issues. The ability to be adaptable, work independently and the resilience to work in some challenging environments are key attributes for this role.

Service Delivery

• Assess suitability for community connection support as part of a blended team approach and support individuals to access the service by utilising in depth knowledge of local voluntary and community services and networks in your respective area
• To work with individuals to coproduce a plan to address their mental health and wellbeing goals. Am enable people to achieve these goals through facilitating access and connecting with appropriate resources
• Enable people to access community resources which may include accompanying them.
• Offer support, guidance and help where possible to people to gain confidence, overcome initial fears and seek solutions to any barriers inhibiting attendance.
• Take a holistic approach, based on the individuals’ priorities and wider determinants of health that impact on their health and wellbeing, such as debt, poor housing, being unemployed, loneliness and caring responsibilities.
• To work as part of an integrated team to ensure the best outcomes for each person accessing the service.
• Identify and build good working relationships with the community groups, relevant services and activities for partnership work and signposting as well as keep updated information about them.
• Competently work as part of a blended team, under direction from Mind BLMK and ELFT (East London NHS Foundation Trust), working with independence and in an agile way to support people with complex mental health challenges.

Entitlements/benefits:

• 25 days (pro rata) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays (pro rata)
• Auto-enrolment NEST pension scheme (employer contributes 3%, employee contributes 5%)
• Health Plan with a wide variety of benefits
• Discounts available through Blue Light Card & Tickets for Good
• In-house and external Learning and Development as appropriate for the role.
• Flexible Working On request (in line with Mind BLMK policy on Right to Request Flexible Working)

If you have a passion for working in mental health and possess the required skills, we would love to hear from you.

Closedown: 5:00pm on Wednesday 11th March 2026
Please note: We reserve the right to close this advert early if enough suitable applicants apply
Start date: ASAP

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

Mind BLMK has been committed to the Mindful Employer charter and the Disability Confident Employer Scheme since 2008.

Please note: Mind BLMK follows Safer Recruitment practices and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Therefore all our roles are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

No agencies please.

Mind BLMK works across our communities to support positive mental health and wellbeing. Working closely with a range of partners, we offer a number of activities from our wellbeing centres and local venues to make a difference to the mental health and wellbeing of people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, and our aim is to make sure that no-one has to face a mental health problem alone.

Title: Blended Team Service Manager
Post no: 659
Working base: Biggleswade CMHT (Community Mental Health Teams) SG18
Area covered: Bedfordshire, Luton
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday – Friday
Salary: £28,500.00 per annum

About the Service and the Role

This role is an exciting opportunity to work with the Operational Services Manager (Blended Teams) to manage the daily operations of our Blended Teams functions.

This includes managing a core team of workers in a diverse range of projects and services often in partnership with the NHS and other VCSE and community groups. The role will involve multi-agency working and ensuring the continuous development of our services to ensure that they meet the needs of the community and blended team outcomes.

Ideally, you will be required to have knowledge of managing remote teams who may be imbedded in NHS services and the ideal candidate would have the skills to support staff with the complex challenges that come with blended working as well as maintaining and building relationships with key stakeholders. You will also be required to hold your own caseload, supporting the teams with more complex service users and cover gaps in services.

Key Responsibilities and Service Delivery

• Operate a service and ensure outcomes which support individuals with mental health and wellbeing needs in line with Mind BLMK’s and blended team model and contract requirements.
• Work with the Operational Services Manager (Blended Teams) and senior managers to ensure the management of an effective workforce including recruitment and performance management challenges
• Ensure that services with complex partnerships and remote teams are effectively managed and maintained, through effective relationship building and multi-agency working.
• Ensure regular involvement of service users, volunteer and staff on local service delivery, organisational matters and wider mental health strategies.
• Assess suitability for community connection support as part of a blended team approach and support individuals to access the service by utilising in depth knowledge of local voluntary and community services and networks.
• To work with individuals to coproduce a plan to address their mental health and wellbeing goals. Enable people to achieve these goals through facilitating access and connecting with appropriate resources.
• Enable people to access community resources which may include accompanying them.
• Offer support, guidance and help where possible to people to gain confidence, overcome initial fears and seek solutions to any barriers inhibiting attendance.
• Take a holistic approach, based on the individuals’ priorities and wider determinants of health that impact on their health and wellbeing, such as debt, poor housing, being unemployed, loneliness and caring responsibilities.
• To work as part of an integrated team to ensure the best outcomes for each person accessing the service.
• Maintain an effective workforce for the service in line with Mind BLMK’s HR policies, procedures and guidance (recruitment, line management, workload planning, support and development of crisis workers, peer support workers and volunteers).
• Hold responsibility for health and safety, data collection and cash handling in line with Mind BLMK’s policies, procedures and guidance.

Entitlements/benefits:

• 25 days (pro rata) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays (pro rata)
• Auto-enrolment NEST pension scheme (employer contributes 3%, employee contributes 5%)
• Health Plan with a wide variety of benefits
• Discounts available through Blue Light Card & Tickets for Good
• In-house and external Learning and Development as appropriate for the role.
• Flexible Working On request (in line with Mind BLMK policy on Right to Request Flexible Working)
• If you have a passion for working in mental health and possess the required skills, we would love to hear from you.

Closedown: 5pm on Wednesday 18th March 2026
Please note: We reserve the right to close this advert early if enough suitable applicants apply
Start date: ASAP

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

Mind BLMK has been committed to the Mindful Employer charter and the Disability Confident Employer Scheme since 2008.

Please note: Mind BLMK follows Safer Recruitment practices and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Therefore all our roles are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

No agencies please.

Are you passionate about supporting victims of domestic abuse and making a real difference in their lives? Join our dedicated and compassionate team as an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA).

In this role, you will provide high-quality, survivor-centred support to standard and medium-risk victims of domestic abuse, helping them to increase their safety, navigate their options, and make informed choices about their future.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality, trauma-informed, survivor-centred support to high-risk victims of domestic abuse
• Carry out comprehensive risk assessments and safety planning, using tools such as DASH
• Advocate on behalf of survivors with statutory and voluntary agencies, including police, social care, housing, health, and legal services
• Represent and support clients through the MARAC process, ensuring risks and actions are clearly communicated and followed up
• Support survivors to understand their options around criminal justice, civil remedies, housing, and welfare
• Maintain accurate, confidential case records in line with GDPR, safeguarding, and organisational policies
• Identify and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns involving adults and children
• Build strong multi-agency relationships to improve outcomes and reduce risk for survivors
• Empower survivors to make informed choices and increase their safety and independence

You will need to be a compassionate and resilient professional with:

• A minimum of an A level, NVQ3 or equivalent, a degree or SafeLives (Desirable not essential)
• IDVA qualification (Desirable not essential)
• Comprehensive knowledge of domestic abuse, it's impact and relevant legislation
• Excellent communication, advocacy and problem solving skills
• Experience of working with victims of domestic abuse
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable individuals
• Able to travel across Bedfordshire

We welcome applications from candidates who are either qualified IDVAs or those who do not yet hold the formal qualification but have relevant experience supporting survivors of domestic abuse. If you have demonstrable experience working with high-risk victims, strong safeguarding knowledge, and the skills to provide trauma-informed, survivor-centred support, we would be keen to hear from you. We recognise the value of lived and professional experience and are open to supporting the right candidate to achieve the IDVA qualification as part of the role

Please note that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship accept applications from individuals who already have the right to work in the UK for the position applied for

As some of our roles involve working with vulnerable members of society, this position may require a Basic or Enhanced Criminal Disclosure, which will be conducted once a conditional offer is made

Previous Applications: We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. However, if you have applied for a similar role within the last 6 months and were not successful, please consider whether your experience has developed further before reapplying

Accessibility & Adjustments: We are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and will strive to be as accommodating as possible. Please inform us in advance of any arrangements you may need to fully participate in the process.

At One YMCA, we are an inclusive organisation that actively promotes equality of opportunity for all, welcoming the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We are committed to creating a working environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds, communities, and industries, and are committed to building a diverse workforce made up of a wide range of skills, experiences, and abilities.

This is a  Full Time role.
Hours per week: 37.5
Working Pattern: Monday-Friday

We're looking for a motivated and proactive Training Account Manager to join the Business Development and Fundraising team working from home, 37.5 hours a week.

Can you build strong client relationships? Are you confident generating new business while delivering excellent customer service? Do you want a role where your commercial skills directly support a charity's mission?

If yes, then we'd love to hear from you…

What we offer

At Victim Support, we are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent. Our competitive rewards and benefits package includes:

• Flexible Working Options: Including hybrid working.
• Generous Annual Leave: 28 days plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 33 days plus Bank Holidays, with options to buy or sell annual leave.
• Birthday Leave: An extra day off for your birthday.
• Pension Plan: 5% employer contribution.
• Enhanced Allowances: Enhanced sick pay, maternity, and paternity payments.
• Exclusive Discounts: High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment, and leisure discounts.
• Financial Wellbeing: Access to our financial wellbeing hub and salary-deducted finance.
• Wellbeing Support: Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
• Inclusive Networks: Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes.
• Sustainable Travel: Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loans.
• Career Development: Ongoing training and support with opportunities for career progression.

About the role:

As our Training Account Manager, you'll play a key role in driving income and expanding our commercial training portfolio. You will:

• Develop and manage relationships with new and existing clients across England and Wales
• Proactively identify and secure new business opportunities
• Promote our specialist training that enhances outcomes for victims and improves professional practice
• Deliver high-quality customer service from initial enquiry through to post-delivery follow-up
• Manage a busy pipeline, prioritising leads and meeting income targets
• Work collaboratively with internal teams to ensure smooth delivery and exceptional client experiences.

This role requires confidence, adaptability and a strong balance of sales focus and client care. You'll be comfortable working independently, managing competing deadlines and keeping a clear focus on results that directly benefit victims and the wider organisation.

The role is home-based with some national travel.

Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

About Us:

Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We put them at the heart of our organisation and our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences.

Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.

At Victim Support, we're proud to celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We're committed to being an antiracist organisation, and we actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black and Asian and other minoritised communities.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet all essential criteria for a job where it is practicable to do so. We are also happy to make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment and selection process.

How to apply:

To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date. If you have already registered & started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible.

Join Kaleidoscope Trust as our Communications and Events Officer and help bring global LGBTI+ advocacy to life.

Kaleidoscope Trust (KT) is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to advancing the rights of LGBTI+ people internationally. Founded in 2011, we aim to create a world where all LGBTI+ individuals are free, safe and equal.

We are looking for a Communications and Events Officer to help support powerful storytelling and strategic communications that amplify the voices and priorities of our partners around the world.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is organised, creative, and motivated by social justice to play a hands-on role across communications, events, and stakeholder engagement. You will work across a range of high-impact projects, including supporting the delivery of the Global LGBTI+ Rights Commission and key advocacy and partnership events.

If you’re keen to grow your skills while contributing to a collaborative and mission-driven team, we would love to hear from you. Download the full job description for full details and information on how to apply.

Salary: £35,150 per annum plus pension

Location: Remote (UK-based), with occasional travel

Closing date: Monday 16 March 2026, 23:59 (London time)

Interviews: Week commencing 16 March 2026

Are you a finance manager wanting to make a difference?

Are you passionate about migrant and climate justice?

Do you want to support the largest student network in the country?

If so, come and work wth us!

The Role

At Cruse, we have recently launched our new strategy, setting out our charity’s plans to grow our income and build on our expertise and unique position in the sector. We provide expert bereavement and grief information and support, and our charity has been supporting people for over 65 years. We support adults, children and young people across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, through our national services, over 80 local branches and online information about grief and bereavement. You will lead and develop Cruse’s digital individual giving activity, creating engaging campaigns and supporter journeys that drive sustainable income and strengthen donor relationships.

How to apply

Your application must consist of a CV and covering letter, which outlines your suitability for the role with reference to the Job Description and Person Specification and should be no longer than two pages.

The closing date for applications is Friday 13 March 2026, with interviews taking place on the week commencing 23 March 2026.

Please be advised that if you do not hear from us by Monday 23 March, unfortunately on this occasion you have not been shortlisted.

Cruse welcomes and encourages applications from all protected groups as defined by the Equality Act 2010. Appointment will be made on merit.

Criminal Record Checks

All staff are required to complete a Criminal Record check. Staff working directly with clients will be required to complete an enhanced check. We comply with the relevant codes of practice and they can be viewed online:

• Applicants in England and Wales: DBS Code of Practice
• Applicants in Northern Ireland: AccessNI Code of Practice

Previous convictions will not prevent full consideration of your application to work with Cruse. Our Recruitment of Ex-offenders’ Policy & Handling Criminal Record Check Data Policy are available on request by email.

We comply with all relevant data protection legislation and process your data fairly.

This is a home-based role, working Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Applications are welcome from candidates based outside Belfast, provided they are resident in Northern Ireland and able to commute to the Belfast office if required.

The External Affairs Manager plays a pivotal role in empowering people with sight loss to live the life they choose. This position leads the development of policy and campaigns within the country, aligning with Guide Dogs’ strategic objectives. Working collaboratively with the central policy, public affairs, and campaigns team, as well as the country leadership team, the role builds strategic partnerships with government bodies, local authorities, societies, and other key organisations. This ensures Guide Dogs remains informed and influential on all policy initiatives affecting the organisation and its stakeholders.

The post holder will be responsible for the day‑to‑day leadership, management and oversight of a team.

The post-holder is responsible for shaping policy positions, drafting responses to consultations from councils, combined authorities, and devolved governments, and driving impactful campaigns at a regional level. A key focus is increasing the involvement of blind and partially sighted people in advocacy and campaigning.

Additionally, the role leads the implementation of Guide Dogs’ regional marketing and communications strategy across the Devolved Nations. This includes raising brand awareness, engaging diverse audiences—service users, families, volunteers, donors, and the public—and delivering integrated communications plans that strengthen Guide Dogs’ presence and impact.

Key Responsibilities

Policy Development

• Lead the creation of country-specific policy and position papers, ensuring alignment with organisational strategy.
• Prepare responses to consultation papers from devolved administrations, local government, and regional bodies.
• Represent Guide Dogs on committees, working groups, and forums, staying informed on policy issues impacting the organisation and its service users.

Public Affairs

• Build and influence relationships with key stakeholders, including elected representatives and senior officials.
• Represent Guide Dogs at Government Scrutiny Committees and cross-party groups.
• Act as the primary liaison with local government and statutory agencies.

Campaigns & Influence

• Strategically lead and coordinate campaigns at a country level, ensuring alignment with devolved policy priorities.
• Develop and deliver campaigns addressing local needs of the visually impaired community.
• Foster partnerships within the Third Sector to build consensus and amplify Guide Dogs’ strategic aims. 

Leadership & People Management

• Provide strong leadership to local staff and volunteers, promoting best practice and knowledge-sharing.
• Oversee recruitment, performance management, and compliance with safeguarding policies.
• Ensure high levels of engagement through effective communication and leadership.

Financial Accountability

• Support fundraising initiatives and monitor operational budgets to ensure efficiency and compliance.

Diversity & Inclusion

• Champion Guide Dogs’ diversity agenda, ensuring services are inclusive and accessible.
• Work with external partners to create a more inclusive environment for people with sight loss.

How to apply 

Further details on the full role are attached below. When you are ready to apply, submit an online application form via this page.

If you would like to have an informal conversation about the role before applying, or require any accessibility support to apply, our friendly recruitment team is ready and waiting to help.

As part of your application ensure you provide evidence and examples of how your skills & experience meet the criteria as set out in the attached job description. You will also be asked to complete a few job-specific questions as part of this application process, so please be prepared to write your answers to these questions.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Guide Dogs welcomes applications from all sections of the community and actively encourages diversity to maximise achievements, creativity and good practice. We positively welcome and seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce and that all job applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability or nationality. 

As a Disability Confident Employer, we are proud, whenever possible, to offer an interview to all candidates that meet our selection criteria, and who indicate they wish their application to be considered under our Disability Confident interview commitment. For more details, visit our careers site.

If you are successful you will need to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK via our digital ID checking supplier; in addition, we cannot offer visa sponsorship at this time.

Safeguarding

Guide Dogs is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk of harm with whom we work. We expect all our employees and volunteers to fully share this commitment.

At Guide Dogs, we believe in fair and equitable hiring practices. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify an applicant from consideration for a position. Each case will be evaluated individually, taking into account the nature of the offense, its relevance to the role, and the time that has passed since the incident. We encourage all candidates to disclose relevant information, and we assure you that it will be handled confidentially and fairly.

Guide Dogs follow Safer Recruitment practices to ensure we are safeguarding the vulnerable people we work with. As part of this, we require a full work history with any gaps accounted for & a minimum of 2 professional referee details fully covering the past 5 years. If you are applying for a disclosure role, please note that you will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and sign up to the DBS update service.

For high volumes of applications, we reserve the right to close adverts earlier than advertised.

Location: Home-based with regular meetings in London and travel across the UK as required
Salary: £41,063 to £45,626 per annum
Job Type: Full time
Contract Type: Permanent
 
Benefits: 27 days holiday bank holidays (pro rata for part time roles), perk scheme access, life assurance, paid compassionate leave, enhanced sick pay, Cycling UK membership plus many more staff benefits.
 
We are almost two years into our ambitious organisational strategy, and this is an exciting moment to join Cycling UK as our Philanthropy Manager. Cycling UK’s public fundraising programme is at a pivotal stage of development. The Philanthropy Manager will play a central role in shaping and accelerating this next phase, leading the growth of major gift and legacy income through strong donor relationships, compelling propositions and high-quality stewardship.
 
You don’t need to be a cyclist to work at Cycling UK, but you do need to have a strong commitment to our work. This is a senior role with real opportunity to influence direction, build capability and embed philanthropy at the heart of the organisation. Working closely with the Head of Fundraising and colleagues across Cycling UK, the postholder will help transform a developing philanthropy programme into a mature, relationship-led income stream that delivers sustainable growth over the long term.
 
We are an inclusive organisation and would particularly welcome applications from candidates from a broad range of backgrounds. We strongly believe that diversity strengthens our work. If you are already passionate about cycling, that’s great, many of us are too! But if you are simply really excellent at what you do, no matter what your background, that is what matters most to us.
 
Explore the attached job description for full details on this exciting opportunity. Complete the application form expressing why you are the right candidate for this opening. Focus on gearing your supporting statement to exemplify how your skills and experience match the requirements of the role, directly referring to the person specification. This enables the selection panel to assess your relative strengths against the specified criteria.
 
The role is home based in the UK, with regular meetings in London and travel across the UK as required.

Applications close at 9:00am on the closing date shown
 
Closing date: 23-03-2026
 
You may have experience in the following: Philanthropy Manager, Major Gifts Manager, Major Donor Manager, High Value Giving Manager, Fundraising Manager, Senior Fundraiser, Development Manager, Partnerships Manager, Corporate Partnerships Manager, Individual Giving Manager, Legacy Fundraising Manager, Legacy Giving Manager, Trusts and Foundations Manager, Grants Manager, Donor Relations Manager, Stewardship Manager, Relationship Fundraiser, Income Generation Manager, Strategic Fundraising Lead, etc.
 
REF-226 943