Jobs in Cumbria or North west

Prospectus is delighted to be partnering with our client in their recruitment of a new Policy and Comms Officer, on a full-time, permanent basis. This is an exciting new role for the organisation which offers flexibility, with the option to either be office-based, hybrid, or remote (condensed working will also be considered).

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease which is uncommon, complex and poorly understood. It affects the immune system and can cause lasting damage to the kidneys, skin, heart, lungs and/or brain. Our client is the only national charity supporting people living with lupus and those that care for them. They hold an ambition for a world where people with lupus can live full and active lives and work hard to empower people by providing information about lupus and offering support so their voices are heard and their condition diagnosed and managed effectively. With 35 years of service, the charity is now embarking on an ambitious new strategy, aiming to broaden and deepen its reach across the lupus community.  

Reporting up to the Health Information, Policy and Research Manager, your role will involve the scoping and mapping of the charity's current policy work, the policy landscape and potential opportunities, working collaboratively internally to develop a prioritised policy plan. You will ensure that the charity's policy work, and key updates in the policy landscape are effectively communicated with the lupus community, including producing and disseminating articles, press releases, social media posts, and other material as appropriate. You will provide regular organisation-wide briefings to ensure that colleagues are aware of key policy positions, arguments and evidence, and will develop and maintain relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including people with lived experience of lupus, other patient and advocacy organisations, clinicians and researchers, and government bodies.

To apply for this role, you will be an attentive, proactive individual, experienced in communicating complex information in an easy to understand, accessible, and engaging manner, in a range of different formats. You will have demonstrable experience of undertaking policy research, having written reports and briefs and evaluated evidence of their impact, and will have a strong understanding of local, regional, and national government, and the healthcare system in the UK. You will have excellent interpersonal skills, and an ability to influence and persuade a wide range of stakeholders.

Please apply by submitting your CV in Word format (cover letters are not required at this stage). Successful candidates will be contacted and invited to provide a supporting statement.

Interviews to take place week commencing Monday 23rd Feb.

As a specialist recruitment practice, we are committed to building inclusive and diverse organisations and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are invested in supporting you through your application journey.

Please note, occasional evening and weekend working and travel may be required, including travel to the four nations of the UK.

This is an exciting time for Parkinson’s UK, we want to reach as many people as possible so we can improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson’s. We are looking for people to join our network, make genuine connections, and be part of a larger team that works together to support the Parkinson’s community. 

Please note, this is a fixed term role, starting in April 2026 and expected to end in February 2027.

About the role 

You’ll lead and coordinate our local campaigning work across the East of England. Your work will help the charity improve the lives of people in local communities affected by Parkinson’s. You'll listen to the needs of our local communities and work with colleagues in our wider directorate to do focused political campaigning work and advocacy. 

Your work will help raise awareness and increase knowledge about Parkinson’s. Through your campaigns you’ll ensure that the voices of people with Parkinson’s, their families and carers are heard.

What you’ll do:

• Be a first point of contact for supporters and campaigners in the local area,who want to improve services in their local area.

• Provide expert advice and support to colleagues and campaigners on how best to challenge and influence decision makers.

• Build close working relationships with our field staff and our local networks.

• Recruit and manage a sustainable network of local campaign volunteers.

• Lead campaigns to ensure everyone with Parkinson’s has access to the multidisciplinary team so they can live well with Parkinson’s.

What you’ll bring:

• Experience of campaigning and an understanding of the basic tools and techniques used in campaigning. 

• Experience of working with volunteers and services users including how best to support them to achieve their campaigning goals.

• Experience in organising events.

• Experience of delivering training to volunteers and staff. 

• Ability to work flexibly, sometimes evenings or weekends.

• Experience of using digital tools to work collaboratively and productively. 

This is an exciting time for Parkinson’s UK and we would love you to join us!

Please apply by sending us your CV, together with a detailed supporting statement which will fully demonstrate how you meet all the criteria of the role, as stated in the "What you'll bring" section of the job description.

First round interviews for this role will be on 18 and 23 February 2026, online via googlemeet.

Successful applicants will be invited to an informal second round interview, in person, at a date and location to be determined. This will be in person.

The successful candidate will be required to: 

• provide their own broadband service with a minimum download speed of 2Mb 

• have a confidential space in which to work

Anyone can get Parkinson’s. It’s vital that the people who work for Parkinson’s UK are representative of our diverse community. We actively encourage people from all sections of the community to apply, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation, or religion.

Marketing and Brand Manager

Hours: Full-time 34.5 hours per week over 5 days

Location: Hybrid working (40% in the office in Leeds)

Salary: £39,373.92 - £46,187.61

Contract: Permanent

DBS: A basic check will be required

About us

​At Epilepsy Action we are inclusive, ambitious, supportive, and committed to creating a world without limits for people with epilepsy. 

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​As we achieve the goals in our 2024 - 2030 strategy we are excited to welcome you to our passionate, supportive and committed team.

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We understand the importance of a work life balance, and that's why we have a number of ways to support our people to achieve this. By operating a flexible and supportive approach, we empower people to work in a way that suits them that also meets the need of the charity.

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If you are interested in building a career you can be proud of in an inclusive and ambitious organisation we might have the role for you!

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​The Challenge​

We are looking for a fabulous new marketing person to join our award winning team.

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It’s been an incredible few years for Epilepsy Action with a re-brand and national campaigns reaching millions of people. ​We are now an established YouGov Top 200 UK Charity and have grown our financial turnover and scale dramatically.

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• Despite this there is still so much to do to realise our vision of ‘a world without limits for everyone with epilepsy’ by 2030.
• 1 in 100 people in the UK have epilepsy. Despite this public awareness is incredibly poor and healthcare provision the second worse in Europe.
• Over 1,000 people die from epilepsy every year and most of their families didn’tknow it could be a fatal condition. Over 80% of people with epilepsy face depression and just 27% of working age people find employment.
• People with epilepsy are twice as likely to commit suicide than the general population.

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There is a long way to go but we are making progress. By acting as the UK’s community for epilepsy we bring people together to end isolation and improve wellbeing. Last year 73 new people signed up to our community every day. They did so because they are inspired by our work and the impact we are having.

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At Epilepsy Action we recognise the power of collaboration and teamwork, so our team members with hybrid contracts can expect to work a minimum of 40% at our office in Leeds. On average this is 2 days a week, normally on Mondays and Thursdays, for full-time employees. The expectation to collaborate face-to-face is driven in part by your role and the activities you need to do which may vary from time to time, so you will need to work in a flexible way to help us create a world without limits for people with epilepsy

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The Role

The challenge now is to double down on the momentum of the past few years. To continue to challenge stigma and raise awareness of the UK’s largest hidden disability.

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To do that we need another creative person. Someone who can help to tell great stories that build empathy and resonance. Someone who can think about how we turn that positive feeling into action.

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Specifically this person will be responsible for turning creative ideas into a stream of activity that makes sense to our audiences. You will be supported by a fantastic and diverse team bigger than the sum of their parts. They are open to new ideas and are bristling with confidence from recent shared successes.

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There is also a brand consistency element to this role. This is not the conventional brand steward who tells people off for using the wrong fonts and logos (it is a bit!). It is more about ensuring that everything we do re-enforces our positioning. A charity of action that will do whatever it takes to help people with epilepsy.

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To be successful you will be someone who can balance strategic discipline with softer relationship building skills. Someone who can be ambitious but empower others along the way by giving them the space to bring their own ideas and creativity.

If this sounds like you we would love to hear from you.

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Interested?

If you are interested, click apply and you will be redirected our careers site to complete your application.

Closing Date: 9am Monday 16th February 2026 

​Informal Chat: Week commencing 23rd February

Interviews: Week commencing 2nd March 2026

Recruitment Process: We believe that having an informal chat before the formal interview process allows us and you to have an open and honest conversation about the role, our organisation culture and what attracted you to apply. This is why as part of this process we will be inviting people to a 30-minute online chat with a member of our team before inviting shortlisted candidates to a formal interview.

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We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications therefore early applications are advised.

Are you passionate about human rights and committed to ending ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA) and harmful practices? We are seeking a Direct Intervention Service Manager to lead our frontline service, supporting those at risk and driving change across communities.

The Role

This is a rewarding leadership role where you will:

• Lead and support the Direct Intervention team to deliver safeguarding and advocacy services;
• Manage referrals, complex cases, and ensure person-centred support;
• Build and maintain partnerships with agencies and professionals;
• Contribute to organisational development, fundraising, and strategy;
• Ensure safeguarding, risk management, and service standards are upheld.

About You

We’re looking for someone with:

• Experience managing frontline safeguarding or domestic abuse services;
• Knowledge of working across diverse communities, particularly those where HBA and harmful practices are more prevalent;
• Experience in leading, mentoring and supporting staff and volunteers;
• Experience in service development, project management, and budgeting;
• Commitment to Savera UK’s values of respect, inclusion, compassion, innovation, and ambition.

What We Offer

• 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays).
• Wellbeing support and external supervision.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.
• Employer pension contribution (3%).

Equality & Occupational Requirement

This post is open to female applicants only, in line with Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010, due to the nature of the role and the needs of our service users. We welcome and encourage applications from women of all backgrounds.

The Commercial & Events Manager will line manage front of house and hospitality staff, foster a positive and values-led team culture, and lead relationships with café and bar partners to ensure a joined-up, high-quality experience for everyone who comes through Joy’s doors.

As a key presence within the building, you will oversee the end-to-end planning and delivery of events, taking responsibility for visitor experience and acting as the lead point of contact on event days. You will play a central role in shaping and delivering Joy’s commercial events programme, helping to build a vibrant, inclusive and financially sustainable offer across the building. Working at the intersection of culture, community and commerce, you will develop a compelling programme of events and hospitality activity that supports Joy’s ethos while contributing to its long-term sustainability.

You will lead on commercial events strategy, sales and income generation, managing the full events pipeline from initial enquiry through to delivery. Working closely with Directors and cross-site colleagues, you will identify new audiences, formats and opportunities, and support the growth and evolution of Joy’s commercial offer over time.

Check out the candidate pack for full details.

Creative Director and Joint CEO

We are seeking a visionary Creative Director who will also act as joint CEO to lead the artistic and strategic direction of the charity.

For over 40 years, the organisation has used creative practice as a catalyst for social change, promoting inclusion and empowering diverse communities across the North West. The mission and vision is to co-create inclusive, artistic opportunities with diverse communities that enhance wellbeing and celebrate culture and heritage. 

If this is something you are passionate about, then we would love to hear from you!

Position: Creative Director/Joint CEO 

Location: Rochdale /Hybrid (in person 2-3 days per week, one of which must be a Wednesday)

Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week

Salary: £45,000 plus a 7.5% employer pension contribution

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: Tuesday 24 February at 5pm

Interview Date: Thursday 12 March in person in Heywood

The Role

The Creative Director (Joint CEO) is responsible for the artistic vision, creative, entrepreneurial and strategic leadership of the charity. You will work as an equal partner with the Managing Director (MD/ Joint CEO), both reporting directly to the Board of Trustees to ensure that the organisation achieves its project objectives and strategic targets, while providing quality assurance of the work of the company.

Principal tasks and responsibilities include:

• Strategic Development
• Artistic Leadership
• Advocacy and Relationships
• Finance & Fundraising
• Company & Governance
• Management and leadership

About You

We are looking for an entrepreneurial leader with a proven track record in securing funding, overseeing complex budgets, and fostering productive relationships with a Board of Trustees, other partners and stakeholders. You will have a creative and cultural leadership style and with experience of programming that reaches diverse communities.

About the Organisation

Join a dynamic participatory arts charity based in Rochdale, dedicated to using creative practice as a catalyst for social change. For over 40 years the organisation has co-created inclusive, artistic opportunities with diverse communities that enhance wellbeing and celebrate culture and heritage.  We call this Art for a Reason. Through a range of initiatives from Art for Wellbeing to community-led festivals, the team provide opportunities for people to explore their heritage, find their voice, and experience the transformative power of the arts. The vision is for a world where everyone has access and opportunities to create, participate and belong.

We particularly encourage applications from individuals who live in Rochdale and/or identify as being of the global majority, disabled, neurodiverse and/or LGBTQ+/and or non-binary communities. The successful candidate will be offered the post subject to an enhanced DBS check and references.

You may also have experience in areas such as Programme Coordinator/manager, Learning and Engagement, Director, Creative Director, Operations Director, CEO, Director of Creative, Joint CEO, Deputy CEO, Assistant CEO, Chief Exec, Assistant Chief Exec, Deputy Chief Exec. #INDNFP

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

The Operations Manager will play a central role in ensuring the Joy building operates smoothly, safely and in line with Open Door’s values and ambition. Taking overall responsibility for day-to-day site operations, you will help create a welcoming, inclusive and well-managed environment that supports staff, tenants, partners and everyone who uses the building.

Working collaboratively across the organisation, you will oversee facilities, maintenance, compliance and operational systems, ensuring Joy is consistently clean, secure and fit for purpose. You will act as the main point of contact for contractors and suppliers, manage utilities and building systems, and take a proactive approach to health & safety, risk management and statutory compliance.

As a key operational lead within the building, the role will support events and programmed activity, working closely with the Commercial & Events Manager, Programming Manager and Access teams to ensure activities run safely and smoothly. You will also build positive day-to-day relationships with tenants and partners, and contribute to cross-site support as Open Door continues to grow.

Check out the candidate pack for full details.

Content Creator

Salary: £29,447 per annum + 9% pension contributions

Contract: Fixed term for 2 years, with the possibility of permancey

Location: Kendal (with some travel to our other sites in and around Cumbria)

Combine your passion for nature with your digital skills! We’re looking for a talented communicator who can tease out stories from across the Trust and turn them into compelling social media content. You might be out and about across Cumbria, gathering content at our sites and with project teams, or in the office putting together videos and infographics.

You’ll need a strong understanding of the social media landscape and an ability to select and tailor content for different channels, finding ways to increase supporter engagement and reach diverse audiences. You’ll also be great at explaining your ideas – from the serious to the silly – and getting people involved.

Our ideal candidate is a first-rate copywriter with confident photography and videography skills. You’ll need to have experience with video editing and graphic design tools, and plenty of creative energy to keep our content fresh.

You’ll work closely with our Digital Engagement Manager and will have access to a training budget to help improve your skills.

Key responsibilities:

• Planning and creating content for our social media channels, to support the Trust’s objectives and communication strategies.
• Liaising with staff from across the Trust to understand the scope of our work and ensure that project communication requirements are fulfilled.
• Communicating effectively and consistently with staff and other key stakeholders to ensure engagement remains high and the impact of social media is clearly understood.
• Identifying opportunities to widen our reach and impact, from working with influencers to developing a Cumbria Wildlife Trust presence on new channels.

The closing date for applications is 9 am on 23 February 2026 (please note that late applications will not be considered).

Interviews will be held on Thursday 5 March 2026 at our Headquarters in Kendal.

To apply, please click on the link below 

Cumbria Wildlife Trust is devoted to the conservation of the wildlife and wild places of Cumbria.

Salary: £28,000 - £31,000
Contract: 1 year FTC
Location: Remote
Closing date: 6^th February
Benefits: Incredibly flexible working hours, pension scheme, wellbeing platform, fully remote,

We are delighted to be recruiting a Supporter Services Executive for a respected international organisation.

As part of this role, you will be the main point of contact for UK supporters—handling enquiries, ensuring timely gift processing, maintaining accurate donor data, supporting key fundraising activities and play a crucial role in delivering exceptional supporter experiences. This is an exciting opportunity to join a passionate global Supporter Care team working across multiple markets, ensuring every interaction helps supporters feel valued and connected to the organisation’s mission
To be successful as the Supporter Care Executive, you will need:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience handling high volumes of enquiries by phone and email.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and maintain accuracy and attention to detail.
• Experience working with customer or supporter databases and understanding of data protection requirements (GDPR).

Deadline for applications: 6^th February
Interviews: W/C 9^th February
If you would like to discuss this role with us please contact us and quote the reference 2846AJ.
Ashby Jenkins Recruitment are a specialist charity recruitment agency, we use our extensive sector knowledge and experience to match candidates to the most suitable charity jobs. We are passionate about improving equality across the sector, you can read more about our commitment to diversity here.
We take a relationship-led approach to recruitment in the charity sector and partner with you as the leading charity recruitment agency.
If enough applications are received the charity reserve the right to end the application period sooner.
If you would like to discuss this role with us please quote the reference

 

We are seeking a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the charity; sustaining and growing our work to enhance and protect the river environment so that people and wildlife can thrive.

About you

The successful candidate will have proven senior leadership skills and strong experience in the environmental conservation sector. They will be able to demonstrate experience and achievement across the core elements of a CEO role: strategic organisational planning, business development, operational delivery, people management and development, communication and management of resources. 

If this sounds like a good fit for you, please consider joining us to lead our work in Rethinking Eden’s Rivers for Good.

About us

Eden Rivers Trust (ERT)  is the Cumbrian conservation charity standing up for Eden’s rivers, enhancing and protecting the river environment so that people and wildlife can thrive. Since 1996, we have created and protected havens for wildlife, ensured that our precious fresh water is clean and safe for everyone, and spread the word about healthy, natural rivers far and wide.

Through the combination of our team’s expertise in working with nature and natural processes, the passion of our volunteers,  and our partnership work, together we are finding better ways to help Eden’s rivers thrive – for wildlife, for people, and for generations to come.

About the role

This role represents an exciting opportunity to build on Eden Rivers Trust’s success and take the Trust forward at a time when rivers and water are high in the public consciousness and firmly on the Government’s agenda. Change is expected across the water sector, and Eden Rivers Trust wants to be part of delivering that change – working positively and practically from the ground up.  

We have opportunities to make a significant impact in tackling many environmental issues around water in the Eden and Cumbria;  promoting the concept of integrated catchment management through delivering our strategic plan and the Eden Catchment Plan, both of which contribute to the Cumbria Local Nature Recovery Strategy,  the Government’s Environment Improvement Plan and Plan for Water. 

We will do this working with a multitude of partners, including our sister Rivers Trusts in Cumbria and across the North West. 

For more information and details of how to apply, please read the Recruitment pack  

Deadline for applications: Midnight, Sunday, 15 March 2026
First interviews for this post will take place either week beginning Monday, 23 March or 30 March 2026 and will be a mixture of online and in-person interviews. 

Job Title: Regional Fundraising Area Manager

Location: Home Based covering the North of England, with frequent travel around the region and the UK including our London office and Teenage Cancer Trust units. 

You will be required to attend fundraising events which may take place in the evenings and/or weekends and may occasionally be in areas with limited public transport options therefore we ask that applicants have access to a vehicle and a valid UK driving licence.

Hours: 35 hours per week                             

Contract type: Permanent

Salary: £46,979 per annum 

What we do: We help young people through cancer

How we work: We’re Determined, United, Spirited and Kind

What we’re looking for:

• Someone with strong knowledge of Community Fundraising. 

• A strategic leader with a proven ability to grow income and inspire teams. 

• Someone with experience of leading, inspiring and managing a regional dispersed fundraising team to deliver and grow income.

• Someone with experience of leading projects that drives efficiency and continuous improvement of fundraising activities. 

How to apply:

You’ll need to register on our portal, complete a short application form and answer questions about your skills and experience in relation to the role. 

Key dates:

Applications by 07 February 2026, 1st stage interviews on 17 February 2026 online and 2nd Stage interviews on 25 February 2026 (location to be decided).

We have an exciting opportunity for a Independent Domestic & Sexual Violence Adviser (IDSVA) to join the team in Cumbria, working 37.5 hours a week.

Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change & improvement for those who need it?

Do you have resilience & adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on customer service and care?

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:

We are looking for an Independent Domestic & Sexual Violence Advisor (IDSVA) to be based in our Cumbria team.

This is a 37.5 hour post. The aim of this role is to provide initial contact to victims of Domestic and/or Sexual abuse & provide ongoing support to victims and survivors referred to our Independent Sexual Violence service (ISVA).

As an IDSVA you will be:

• Providing a high quality support and advocacy service to victims of domestic and/or sexual abuse.
• Managing a caseload; identifying and assessing risks and needs, providing a tailored crisis intervention service through individual safety planning, advocacy, emotional and practical support.
• Working with other agencies and advocating on behalf of service users in order to help them access services to keep them safe.
• Working within a multi-agency framework consisting of partners as well as MARAC and other local partnerships to offer a coordinated response to domestic abuse.
• Promoting the service and raise awareness of domestic abuse across the support sector.

You will need:

• Experience of working in support and advocacy with victims of domestic and/or sexual abuse is advantageous
• To be able to prioritise work and deal with competing or conflicting demands/needs and interests and promote organisation interests and values.
• To ideally hold a SafeLives IDVA accreditation, relevant degree, vocational qualification or relevant experience of delivering a service and working with domestic and/or sexual abuse victim's/service users in a statutory, voluntary or community work setting.

Please see 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.

Exciting Opportunity: Carer Locality Workers covering Keighley

Carers' Resource is excited to announce a new opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of carers. We are currently seeking:

2 x Carer Locality Workers

Hours: 37 hours or 22 hours per week (hours to be confirmed at interview)

Location: Keighley

Salary: £24,437 - £26,802 (FTE)

Role Overview:

You will play a pivotal role in supporting unpaid carers through listening, advising, and advocating for them. You'll conduct wellbeing reviews, needs assessments, identify and carry out required actions, and collaborate with local services. Your work aligns with local safeguarding procedures, promoting wellbeing and positive change for carers.

Own transport, clean driving license, and business class insurance is a requirement of the role.

For an informal discussion about this role, please reach out to Julie Peacock at Carers' Resource.

Join Our Team:

This is an opportunity to join a dedicated team that is committed to making a meaningful impact on the lives of carers. If you are passionate about supporting others and making a difference, we encourage you to apply. Carers' Resource values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Closing date for applications Sunday 8th February 2026
Proposed interview date: Monday 16th February 2026 (in Skipton)

About the Trust 

We're one of the UK’s biggest charities and we care for 2,000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs because we believe life is better by water. We're looking for people who support our cause and want to make a difference for future generations. Could this be you? 

Along with our waterways we also manage museums, archives and the country's third largest collection of historic buildings, as well as the nature and wildlife that calls our canals home. All of this enables us to provide wellbeing opportunities for millions of people each year. 

Join Our Team: Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships 

We’re excited to welcome a new strategic leader to shape and deliver transformational income growth and strategic partnerships for the Trust.

Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.

Working Hours & Location 

This role follows a 37 hours, Monday to Friday working pattern. This is a home-based role, requiring regular travel to meetings with donors, events and to our main hubs for collaborative meetings and team activities.

Role Overview 

In this pivotal role, you will lead the refinement and delivery of the Trust’s high value giving strategy, building and sustaining relationships with philanthropists, statutory funders, trusts and foundations, and corporates. You’ll inspire, lead, and manage a diverse team to achieve ambitious income targets and strengthen strategic partnerships that support the Trust’s vision. You will actively demonstrate desired behaviours - enthusiastically engaging with external partners, taking initiative to strengthen the team, and fostering a culture within the Trust that supports high level giving. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Implement and refine the Fundraising Strategy to deliver significant and sustainable income growth and impact.
• Lead, inspire and develop a diverse team, fostering a culture of delivery, collaboration, accountability, and innovation. 
• Personally lead on cultivating and stewarding transformational relationships with corporates, trusts, foundations, high-net-worth donors and some statutory sources while empowering your team to build profitable, multi-year relationships, a robust pipeline and secured income.
• Prepare, monitor, and deliver the annual business plan and income budget (currently £5m with significant growth planned).
• Represent the Trust externally at a senior level and maintain awareness of sector trends.
• Maintain best practice in fundraising compliance, risk management, and reporting, maintaining the highest standards of integrity.
• Embed diversity, inclusion, and safety responsibilities in all activities.

About You 

As an accomplished fundraising leader with a proven track record of delivering high-value income and building strategic partnerships, you thrive in complex stakeholder environments and bring a blend of vision, resilience, and hands-on expertise. You’ll be confident influencing at Board level, adept at navigating ambiguity, and passionate about making a lasting impact.

Skills & Qualifications 

• Proven experience in leading a team – skilled at building, inspiring, and motivating teams to achieve fundraising goals.
• Comprehensive expertise in major donor fundraising, corporate partnerships, and trust and foundation giving, alongside a working knowledge of statutory giving. 
• Demonstrated expertise in high-value fundraising and partnership development, with a proven ability to create, cultivate and steward long-term relationships while influencing internal stakeholders to secure and sustain transformational support.
• Proven success in securing transformational gifts and multi-year partnerships.
• Demonstrable problem-solving skills, able to influence inside and outside the organisation.
• A proven ability to develop and write persuasive and successful funding applications and partnership proposals for major donors, trusts and foundations, and corporates.
• Exceptional communication and networking skills, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse audiences.
• Experience managing significant budgets and delivering income growth.
• Knowledge of fundraising compliance and sector trends.  
• A collaborative and innovative approach, able to lead and motivate a diverse team while working cross-functionally.
• Personal resilience and adaptability, with the ability to deliver results in a fast-paced and evolving environment.

What We Offer 

We offer an annual salary of £78,000, plus £520 cash car allowance per month. Enjoy a competitive pension scheme, increasing holiday entitlement, and a range of employee benefits. For a full breakdown of our benefits, check out our brochure here: 

Our values

We care passionately for our waterways, and as importantly, for those who look after and use them. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone can thrive. We are striving to represent the diverse communities that we are a part of and welcome applicants from across all sectors of the community.

We want everyone to have the opportunity to perform at their best during our recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments - whether for a disability, neurodiversity, or health condition - please let us know what you need and how we can support you. We’ll work with you to make any necessary changes.

All of our jobs can be considered on a part time flexible or job share basis.

We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. You are considered disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. We recognise not everyone who is classified as disabled under the Equality Act personally identifies this way, or with this definition of disability. Please do not let this discourage you from applying under the scheme.

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