Permanent jobs in watford

Salary: £24,570.00 per annum pro-rated, plus £5023.71 London Weighting pro-rated

Location: Holloway Road, Shelter shop

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Part time, 7.5 per week

Closing date: Monday 25th August at 11:30pm

We're looking for an inspirational people person to join us as a Assistant Shop Manager in our Holloway Road shop. This is an exciting opportunity, and we'd like you to join us to help raise vital funds for homeless and badly housed people.

You will work closely with the Shop Manager to ensure the shop looks welcoming, visually appealing and the team of volunteers are motivated and keen to engage with customers and maximise sales.

About the role

You will assist the Shop Manager in the recruitment, support and development of a strong community focused shop team and empower them to maximise Shelter's income. Representing Shelter in your local community, ensuring that you and your team share your knowledge of Shelter's cause with customers, volunteers, donors and potential Shelter clients will also be important aspects of the role. You will always ensure a safe, clean, bright and happy environment for your team to work in and for your customers to shop in, in turn attracting potential donors and volunteers.

About you

You are a naturally energetic person with an enthusiasm for managing and empowering people. You know how to recruit and develop a team of volunteers, and your extraordinary motivational skills will enable you to inspire your team to increase sales and control costs. Above all, you are ready to take on a new challenge and have a keen interest in Shelter's cause.

Apply to be part of our team and be the change you want to see in society.

Benefits 

We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.

Shelter helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through our advice, support and legal services. And we campaign to make sure that, one day, no one will have to turn to us for help. We’re here so no one has to fight bad housing or homelessness on their own.

We are happy to talk about flexible working, personal growth, and to promote a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.

How to Apply

Please click ‘Apply for Job’ below. You are required to submit a CV and a supporting statement. Please provide specific examples of how you meet the criteria in the 'About you' section of this advert, following the STAR format, and ensure you demonstrate how you address the behaviours 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

About Shelter

Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet everyday millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything,

We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.

Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.

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.

About us 

The Refugee Council is the nation’s refugee charity. Together with community groups, partners and volunteers, we help people who have escaped war and persecution to rebuild their lives, integrate into communities, and play their part in Britain. Born in the aftermath of World War II, our frontline services support over 14,000 refugees each year to find safety, get to know their neighbours, and enter education, training or work. We share our evidence and expertise with policymakers to help build integrated communities where everyone can contribute. 

About the role 

This role leads our individual giving fundraising through direct marketing and supporter care, helping grow sustainable income and engagement. It plays a vital part in delivering the Refugee Council’s strategy to expand our supporter base and amplify positive narratives about refugees.

Responsibilities include line management, using insights to inform strategy, ensuring brand alignment, and compliance with data and fundraising regulations. The ideal candidate will have experience in supporter acquisition across digital and offline channels, campaign planning and analysis, agency management, and donor databases. Strong communication, organisational skills, and a collaborative approach are essential. 

Staff benefits 

To reward our staff for the value they bring, we offer a variety of enhanced terms and conditions and a wide range of benefits, including: 

• Training & Development 
• Employee Assistance Programme 
• Pension Scheme 
• Work Life Balance Policies 
• Employer-Sponsored Volunteering 
• And more. 

Let’s work together to improve the lives of refugees in the UK - apply on our website today. 

Closing date: Monday, 1st September 2025.

Interview date: Tuesday, 9th September 2025.

Ensuring that the Refugee Council is an inclusive and accessible place to work is important to us. We want to enable people from different backgrounds to apply and thrive with us. We believe our recruitment process enables that and are also happy to make adjustments on request. 

Project Worker - Mockingbird

Making a Difference in Foster Care!
 

We are seeking a dedicated and passionate Project Worker to support and sustain the Mockingbird programme across the UK. This is an exciting opportunity to work directly with fostering services, making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people in care.

Position: Project Worker – Mockingbird
Salary: £32,480 – £37,555 per annum (plus London weighting if applicable)
Location: Home base in the North of England/Midlands with travel required throughout the UK.
Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week
 

Closing date: Wednesday 27 August 2025, 12 noon
Interview dates: Thursday 4 September 2025 (held in person in Leeds)

About the Role

As a Mockingbird Project Worker, you will play a vital role in expanding and embedding the Mockingbird model—a ground-breaking, evidence-informed approach to foster care. You will provide direct support and quality assurance to fostering services, helping them implement, grow, and sustain Mockingbird constellations.

You will:

• Deliver remote and in-person support, training, and guidance to local fostering teams.
• Build strong, trust-based relationships with delivery partners and stakeholders.
• Ensure quality assurance through coaching, ongoing assessment, and resource development.
• Contribute to the design of training content and programme events.
• Represent the Mockingbird programme internally and externally, championing its benefits and impact.
• Support the operational delivery of the programme across the UK.

About You

We're seeking individuals who are:

• Passionate about improving the lives of children and young people in care.
• Experienced in training, coaching, or project work within fostering or children’s services.
• Skilled in relationship-building and confident working across multidisciplinary teams.
• Organised and self-motivated, able to manage a varied workload and travel regularly.
• Familiar with children’s social care policy and practice (fostering knowledge is a strong advantage).
• Committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Essential:

• Experience delivering training and support both online and in-person.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Confident IT skills, including Microsoft Teams and Office 365.
• Willingness to travel and work flexibly across your region.

Desirable:

• Understanding of the Mockingbird model.
• Experience working with foster carers, local authorities, or independent fostering agencies.
• Lived experience of the care system.

About the Organisation

As the UK’s leading fostering charity, they work with fostering services and foster families to transform children’s lives. The Mockingbird programme is one of the most exciting developments in foster care, improving stability and outcomes by replicating the support of an extended family. They offer a flexible, inclusive and supportive work culture where your contribution truly matters.

What We Offer

• 38 days annual leave (including bank holidays)
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Enhanced maternity, adoption, and sick pay
• Pension scheme and life assurance
• Employee Assistance Programme (24/7)
• Season ticket loan
• Eye care contributions

Other roles you may have experience in could include: Project Officer, Project Manager, Project Lead, Family Support Worker, Children’s Project Worker, Fostering Support Officer, Learning and Development Coordinator, Practice Development Officer, Community Support Worker, Social Care Project Worker, Constellation Support Lead.

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

Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
Free DBS
Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
Fully paid induction programme and further training
ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
Cycle to work scheme
Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
Online wellbeing resources
A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution

Up to NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent or experience in the social care/charity sector

Experience working in the mental health field.

We focus on Excellence and innovation.
We are Caring and Compassionate.
We are Inclusive and Trusted.
We work in Partnership and are One-Team.

Following a sustained period of professionalisation, including the introduction of improved financial and reporting systems, we are seeking an experienced and proactive Operations Lead to manage the day-to-day running of the organisation. This is a key role which requires a confident all-rounder who will ensure efficient operations while working closely with the Director to support strategic growth.

You will bring practical financial expertise and enjoy working with systems and spreadsheets. Comfortable collaborating across all levels—from bookkeeper and accountant to the Board of Trustees—you will lead finance, governance, HR, compliance, and organisational planning. Your work will ensure operations align with and support Outset’s mission and values.

You will oversee the financial management and timely payment of grants awarded to leading international public arts organisations. This includes monitoring grantee progress and ensuring funds are disbursed on milestone completion. The position also offers regular invitations to a wide range of art events across London, providing opportunities to engage with the contemporary arts scene and build relationships with key cultural stakeholders.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in a dynamic organisation during a pivotal development phase, with visibility across all charity activities. We are seeking a hands-on, adaptable individual eager to contribute to the organisation’s growth. The role offers flexible hours and working patterns, with scope to shape and expand responsibilities over time.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial administration, including bookkeeping, grant payments, cash flow, bank accounts (UK & USA), foreign exchange, and gift aid claims.
• Develop and monitor budgets with Director and Treasurer.
• Work with external bookkeeper and accountant on accounts and grant reporting.
• Maintain donor CRM, manage contracts, invoicing, and coordinate donor communications.
• Support donor cultivation, VIP access, and prepare briefings for Director and Trustees.
• Coordinate HR tasks such as recruitment, payroll, and expenses.
• Manage subscriptions for IT systems, business rates, rent, and insurance payments.
• Organise logistics for London-based artist residency award.
• Coordinate Board meetings, Trustee recruitment, and maintain legal and compliance documentation.
• Manage the American Friends of Outset 501(c) organisation, including scheduling and running Board meetings, overseeing finance and compliance processes, and holding relationships with key stakeholders.
• Support communications, organisational announcements, and strategic development with the Director.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Experience in an operations or management role, preferably in a charity context.
• Strong organisational, financial, and project management skills.
• Knowledge of UK charity governance and compliance requirements.
• Confidence with financial systems, budgets, and reporting.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery.
• A collaborative, flexible, and problem-solving mind-set.

Desirable:

• Professional qualifications are desirable but not required.
• Experience liaising with international donors.
• Experience working with a small team or start-up environment.
• Familiarity with or experience of a fundraising context.
• Interest in and passion for the arts.

AllChild is a successful children’s charity committed to ensuring every child can flourish. We are seeking a highly organised and proactive Executive Assistant to support the CEO and Executive Team. You will act as the point of contact for key external and internal stakeholders.

As the Executive Assistant, you will ensure the smooth coordination of Board, Executive and Leadership meetings, projects and activities. The role requires a proven ability to manage multiple priorities and a keen attention to detail, ensuring the smooth functioning of daily meetings, regular activities, and long-term projects. You will be comfortable taking the initiative and offering strategic support to the Executive team to increase the success of key relationships, opportunities and projects.

This is a key role working with a dynamic team in a growing charity requiring discretion, initiative, and strong communication skills. You will share our vision that every child can flourish and be aligned with our values of ambition, connection and trust.

For further information and details on how to apply, please visit our website via the Apply button.

Closing date: 22 August 2025.

The Methodist Church is committed to ensuring its churches are safe spaces for all. We work hard to ensure compliance with legal requirements, develop good practice, provide effective training and give professional advice on individual cases.  We have an exciting opportunity to join our new safeguarding regional team operating in the north east region and take this forward supporting Methodist churches and work. The post holder will join a team of safeguarding officers who will carry specific responsibility for individual cases, undertake risk assessments, lead training and advise churches. The post will be aligned with specific Methodist districts and provide support to colleagues across the regional area requiring regular travel.

Hours of work: 24 hrs per week. (salary will be prorated to the hours worked)

The successful candidate will hold a relevant professional qualification, experience in child and/or adult protection or significant demonstrable relevant work experience.

Our Culture, Values and Benefits

Thank you for considering joining our inclusive and welcoming team that strives for excellence and values employee wellbeing.

We value and support all those who join our team through a positive work-life balance augmented by generous annual leave (plus an extra 3 days over Christmas/New Year), TOIL, flexi-leave and an on-site Wellbeing Adviser service. We offer a generous occupational pension scheme with pensions matched up to 8%.

The Methodist Church is an inclusive and supportive employer. We are actively committed to encouraging applications from people of all backgrounds. We welcome applications from people of Black, Asian and other Minority Ethnic groups.

If you require reasonable adjustments to made at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact HR team.

Closing date:  28 August 2025

Interviews will take place on (in person): 10th September 2025

N.B. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible

Are you a passionate legacy and in memory fundraiser who is inspired by the lasting impact of legacy and in-memory giving? Do you have experience in delivering supporter focused stewardship journeys, building and embedding propositions and testing digital recruitment channels and products in this space? 

Asthma + Lung UK is the only charity in the UK fighting for everyone with a lung condition, aiming for a world where everyone can breathe with healthy lungs. We fund cutting-edge research, provide advice and support for the 12 million people who will get a lung condition during their lifetime. We also campaign for clean air and for better NHS diagnosis and treatment.

We’re entering the first year of a 3-year fundraising growth strategy with a strategic focus on these areas. As our Legacy + In Memory Manager you’ll be stepping into a new role and can shape and grow two of our most important income streams in the Supporter Giving + Legacies portfolio.  

This role is perfect for a creative, data driven fundraiser who can lead the development and delivery of acquisition and retention programmes and collaborate across the organisation to embed legacy and in-memory giving into everything we do, from supporter touchpoints to wider organisational culture.

As well as a competitive salary, you’ll enjoy a range of benefits including 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), membership of a health cash plan, employee assistance programme, cycle-to-work scheme, interest-free annual season Travelcard loan and pension scheme. This is a fantastic opportunity to join an organisation committed to being the driving force behind the transformation of lung health.

Location:  Hybrid working between the Aldgate, London office and home.

Salary:  £43,000-£46,000 per annum

Contract: Permanent and Full-time (part time hours can be discussed)

Closing date: 11.59pm Monday 25 August 2025

Interviews: First interviews to be held via MS Teams, Monday 01 September 2025

Governance Administration Assistant

The Governance Team at KCLSU are looking for an Administration Assistant to be the first point of contact for our student groups booking visiting speakers, as well as carrying out general administration support in our governance function and the wider organisation.

Key responsibilities include; 

• Processing the Visiting Speaker Risk Assessment Procedure for low and medium level risk events ensuring compliance with the Visiting Speaker Procedure 
• Processing Joint Risk Assessments between KCLSU and KCL for Visiting Speakers, including liaising with Kings Venues.
• Being a point of contact for Student Groups regarding Visiting Speakers.
• Organising meetings with Student Groups in support of developing informative spaces for students to understand the Visiting Speakers process
• Maintaining and develop data analysis related to Visiting Speaker events for reporting purposes 
• Supporting the Governance Coordinator (Visiting Speakers) in the identification, administration and escalation of incident reporting
• Assisting in the general organisation of meetings, availability of participants, room bookings, room set up, and catering, if required.
• Supporting the Head of Governance in the administration of the Member Regulatory Framework
• Taking notes/minutes of Member Regulatory Hearings and other formal meetings

 
To apply for this role, please fill in an application form and include a personal statement, detailing how you meet the person specification, which is attached. 

To be eligible to apply for this role you must:

• Be eligible to work in the UK, and provide proof of this (i.e. a passport/visa) when asked by KCLSU. Please note that KCLSU is unable to offer visa sponsorship.
• Have a National Insurance number, or be in the process of applying for one
• Not be a trustee of King’s College London Students’ Union

Salary

£29,835 - £33,627 (Pro Rata). This is a KCLSU Band 3 role.

Hours

21 per week. You will need to be able to work from our central London office 2-3 days per week.

REF-223 234

Senior Philanthropy Manager- Trusts and Foundations

The Talent Set are delighted to partner with a leading charity on a fantastic senior trusts and foundations role

As a Senior Philanthropy Manager- Trusts and Foundations, you will play a key role in securing and stewarding major gifts from trusts and foundations, as well as developing and implementing strategic partnerships to drive fundraising growth. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic team and make a meaningful impact on the charity's mission.
 

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive trusts and foundations strategy to secure and steward major gifts  
• Lead and develop a high preforming team
• Build and maintain relationships with trusts and foundations, identifying and pursuing new opportunities
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop and deliver fundraising campaigns and events
• Analyse and report on fundraising performance, identifying areas for improvement and opportunities for growth
• Develop and maintain a pipeline of potential trusts and foundations, identifying and pursuing new opportunities

Person Specification:

• Proven experience of securing and stewarding major gifts from trusts and foundations and leading a team to success 
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills, with the ability to work with a range of stakeholders
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyse complex data and identify opportunities for growth
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to prioritise and deliver multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong analytical and reporting skills, with the ability to present complex data in a clear and concise manner
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, with a focus on delivering results and meeting targets

What’s on Offer:
Salary: £52,000
2 -3 days a week in their London Office

How to Apply:
To apply, please submit your CV demonstrating your suitability for this role by clicking the 'apply now' button (please do not apply via email). We aim to get back to all successful candidates within 48 working hours.

Commitment to Diversity:
The Talent Set are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of race, sexual orientation, disability, age, or gender. We actively encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds and are always happy to make reasonable adjustments to ensure a fair recruitment process.
 

About Equally Ours: 

We’re the UK charity that brings together people and organisations working across equality, human rights and social justice to make a reality of these in everyone’s lives. Our vision is a just and compassionate society, where we are free from harm and can all contribute and flourish, whoever we are, whatever we believe in, and whatever we do and don’t have. A society that is equally ours.

About the role: 

We are seeking a Membership and Communications Officer to support our Policy and Public Affairs team and lead on engaging our members.  

You will be the main point of contact for our members and support our Policy team in building relationships within and mobilising the collective voice of our membership to influence public policy and drive long-lasting, systemic change.  

The successful candidate will have a passion for human rights, equality and social justice, and strong interpersonal, communication and organisational skills.   

Why Equally Ours? 

• Generous benefits including enhanced pension, 26 days of annual leave, health and wellbeing support, and more.

• Flexible working arrangements to help you balance your professional and personal life.

• A collaborative culture that values lived experience alongside professional expertise.

If you are looking for an opportunity to use your skills to drive meaningful social change, we would love to hear from you.

How to Apply:

Please read through the full job pack and then submit your CV and cover letter (max 2 pages) outlining your interest in the role and how you meet the criteria. Please ensure that you address all the criteria, providing sufficient relevant evidence, including examples, to show how your skills and experience match those required in the person specification. Applications without cover letters will not be accepted. 

Closing date for applications: 7 Sept 2025, midnight 

Job Title:  Head of Policy and Engagement

Location:  London, (The Foundry, Vauxhall) 

Type: Permanent, hybrid

Hours: 4 days/28 hours a week 

Salary: £50k pa (FTE) 

About Equally Ours 

Equally Ours (previously the Equality and Diversity Forum) is a UK charity that brings together people and organisations working across equality, human rights and social justice to make a reality of these in everyone’s lives.

Through our members and networks, Equally Ours joins up research, policy and communications to shift public opinion and policy in positive and powerful ways. This is an exciting and pivotal time for us. At the end of 2022, we launched a 10-year strategy, 'Together for social justice', which sets out our bold agenda to increase equality and strengthen rights at scale.  

We are a voluntary membership organisation dedicated to supporting networks, communities and grassroots groups across the UK to influence public policy and decision-making processes.

This important new role aims to support London-based members and our wider networks in shaping meaningful, structural public policy changes that address climate action, social justice, and economic opportunity. This role will work at the intersection of national and London government agendas, ensuring that the diverse experiences of Londoners shape a more socially just London and the UK that protect and advances people's equality and human rights. 

Role Overview 

We are seeking a Head of Policy and Community Engagement to lead our policy advocacy and community engagement initiatives. This role is crucial in helping our members develop a collective voice, influence policy at both local and national levels, and drive long-lasting, systemic change. The successful candidate will work closely with London-based members and grassroots organisations, convening and facilitating opportunities to develop a unified and impactful voice and advocate for systemic change on key issues such as climate justice and resilience, employment inequality and economic inclusion, particularly in the context of public sector investment and the green economy. They will have a passion for human rights, equality and social justice, and strong policy advocacy and stakeholder engagement experience. 

Key Responsibilities 

Policy Advocacy & Engagement 

• Support Member Voice: Facilitate opportunities for our members (and their networks) to develop a unified and impactful voice on key policy issues.

• Drive structural change: Advocate for systemic, rather than piecemeal, policy reform on issues relating to climate action, law and economic opportunity.

• Policy research & analysis: synthesize research data, commission research, and stay informed on the priorities of national government, Greater London Authority and local borough councils, as well as those of funders, to provide members with strategic analysis and support in developing and influencing policy. 

• Focus on intersectionality: Promote the adoption of an intersectional, pan-equality, and human rights-based framework in policy areas such as the equality and human rights legal framework, climate justice and social investment. 

Community & Network Development 

• Develop and strengthen membership model: Lead efforts to develop and adapt our membership and engagement model, ensuring it remains responsive to the evolving needs of our London network and the wider movement.

• Equip grassroots groups: Work closely with grassroots organisations to build their capacity and influence on key issues, supporting them to engage directly with policymakers and participate meaningfully in policy debates.

• Promote collaboration and capacity building: Promote collaboration among members, encouraging the sharing of best practice, strengthening their collective voice, and enhancing their effectiveness in advocating for their communities. 

Strategic Initiatives & emerging trends 

• Horizon scanning and trend analysis: Monitor emerging trends in the climate, social justice, and community development sectors, ensuring strategies are adapted to address these developments.

• Network expansion: Identify opportunities to grow our network and extend our reach, ensuring more grassroots organisations are empowered to engage with policy agendas and drive systemic change. 

What skills and experiences we’re looking for: 

• Strong policy expertise: demonstrable experience of analysing evidence from a range of sources (lived experience, think tank and academic reports,) and working collaboratively with communities to identify the root causes of inequality and create policy solutions. Ideally in one or more of the areas of climate justice, economic opportunity, and social inclusion. 

• Community Engagement: Experience of working with grassroots organisations and local communities, with a focus on building capacity and amplifying their voices at local borough, London and UK government levels. 

• Advocacy Skills:

• Strong understanding and demonstrable experience of public policy change processes at the intersection of UK and London government agendas

• Proven ability to develop, lead, implement and monitor influencing strategies that drive systemic change 

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to think creatively and strategically about developing engagement models and responding to emerging trends in social and environmental justice movements. 

• Commitment: commitment to and a sound understanding of how to apply equality, intersectionality and human rights principles to public policy development, and the credibility to build trust with communities. 

• Network Building: Demonstrable experience in growing and supporting membership networks or coalitions, ideally in the voluntary or charity sector. 

• Emotional intelligence: High levels of emotional intelligence and resilience, including the understanding and ability to manage how lived experience of our privilege and inequality can impact in the workplace for yourself, colleagues and external stakeholders. 

• Managing staff: Experience managing at least one staff member, providing both task centered and pastoral support. The ability to hold and manage difficult feelings and conversations with tact and sensitivity. 

• Anti-racism: Commitment to embed anti-racism across all aspects of our work.

Desirable: 

• Experience of commissioning different types of research 

• Experience of working with impact monitoring and evaluation frameworks, for example theory of change methodology. 

Role: Full-time* Trust & Foundations Manager

Salary: £37,000 - £40,000 dependent on experience

Location: Remote, with occasional travel to Edinburgh or London

This position is full-time; however, for the right candidate, we would consider a four-day working week (or equivalent reduced hours) at the full salary rate, depending on the demonstration of exceptional relevant experience. 

ABOUT US

School of Hard Knocks (SOHK) is an education charity that exists to empower and support young people living in complex and challenging circumstances. We use rugby to foster an environment of genuine acceptance, where the sport becomes a platform for participants to improve their confidence, communication skills, commitment, self-control, and ability to work effectively within a team. Through group learning and one-to-one mentoring, SOHK helps young people (re)engage with education and safeguard their wellbeing.

Ninety percent of our participants report feeling more confident and more engaged with school after taking part - with long-term effects on attendance, attainment, and life outcomes. Find out more about our Schools Programme here.

SOHK is at a new and exciting stage of development. Having delivered its programmes to thousands of adults and young people over the past 13 years, in 2024 we chose to focus solely on working in schools. This shift responds to a dramatic rise in need among young people in the UK, many of whom are struggling to navigate adolescence amid rising poverty, a mental health crisis, and increasing isolation.

We plan to double the number of young people engaging with our programmes over the next five years. We are also making significant investments in our impact function, to better understand how we can maximise the benefits for participants and attract more attention and investment to social and emotional learning (SEL) interventions.

Our Mission:

To empower young people to fully realise their potential.

Our Vision:

A society in which every young person has an equal opportunity to succeed. 

OVERVIEW

The Trusts & Foundations Manager will play a central role in shaping SOHK’s future growth. They will lead on major grant applications, support targeted bids aligned with regional delivery, and manage relationships with existing charitable funders.

Around one-third of SOHK’s £1.5 million income currently comes from grants, with active partnerships including major funders such as the Garfield Weston Foundation and Impetus. Sustaining and growing this income will require proactive research, strategic outreach, and a highly organised, detail-focused approach to both applications and stewardship.

The role works closely with the CEO, who is committed to leveraging their time and networks to support fundraising success. The post-holder will also collaborate with Regional Directors and other fundraising colleagues, while enjoying a high level of autonomy and contributing to the long-term direction of SOHK’s Trusts & Foundations strategy.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Develop and submit high-quality funding proposals, including applications for six-figure and multi-year grants, by meeting appropriate deadlines and tailoring applications so they appeal to different funder priorities
• Manage and develop a strong pipeline of Trust & Foundations funders for future years, including researching and prospecting new leads through active outreach
• Work with the CEO, Regional Directors and overall fundraising team to identify key funding priorities and strategically deploying the capacity available
• Develop and keep the fundraising CRM updated as a central source of trusts and foundations knowledge, clearly identifying funding gaps and adjusting targets
• Strengthen existing funding partnerships through warm stewardship and efficient grant reporting, maximising the charity’s chances of repeat funding
• Build upon the organisational strategy for scaling trusts & foundations income

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Demonstrable track record in leading on successful medium and major grant applications, including six-figure and multi-year grants
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, able to present a compelling case for support to a variety of funders
• Comfortable in understanding and presenting financial information and in creating budgets for grant applications
• Experience with CRM/fundraising databases for tracking applications, deadlines, and relationship management
• Highly organised and proactive, used to taking the lead on managing a large volume of potential grants in line with the submission dates
• Confident in liaising and engaging with external organisations, including building new relationships with potential funders who are invite-only
• Enjoy working across different teams within an organisation, bringing in new perspectives and utilising the assets and expertise of current staff for fundraising purposes
• Growth mindset, always ready to accept new challenges and opportunities to develop funding strategies.
• Genuinely buy into the SOHK mission, purpose and values

Desirable

• An understanding of how to build and develop a multi-year fundraising strategy for trusts and foundations
• Experience in social impact measurement, with a grasp on how we could use impact data even more persuasively with funders
• Knowledge of the education and/or youth work sector, understanding the impact which this work can make specifically and the context of fundraising for work in schools
• Experience, or willingness to develop knowledge, in how the charity sector can safely and appropriately utilise AI in the creation of strong funding bids and efficient reporting

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

• Salary range: £37,000 - £40,000
• Full-time or 0.8 Full-time Equivalent - dependent on the skills and experience of the candidate, we would be open to discussing a 4-day week on full salary
• 28 days annual leave entitlement plus public holidays.
• Some travel to the different regions may periodically be required.
• Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required for successful candidates and the job is dependent on suitable references.

Alexandra Palace is partnering exclusively with Robertson Bell in their search for a permanent Finance Director. Alexandra Palace is one of London’s most iconic destinations. For over 150 years, it has stood as a beacon of creativity, community and culture—home to world-first innovations, unforgettable entertainment and open access to green space across 196 acres of parkland in North London.

The Finance Director is a pivotal role within Alexandra Palace, one that combines strategic leadership with hands-on financial stewardship across a uniquely diverse and high-profile organisation.

The role:

• Partner with the CEO and Leadership Team to embed financial planning into every layer of organisational strategy, balancing the organisations objectives across conservation, commercial, community and climate resilience.
• Lead the financial strategy behind Alexandra Palace’s 10-year vision, aligning restoration, growth and innovation across both charitable and commercial activities.
• Act as the senior financial advisor to the Trust, Trading Company and Board Committees - providing clear, confident insight to guide performance, accountability and investment.
• Provide strategic, visible financial leadership that positions the Finance team as a proactive partner - driving innovation, sustainability and delivery across our charitable and commercial priorities.
• Build strong, trust-based relationships between Finance and other teams to enhance collaboration and accountability.
• Drive strategic financial planning, annual budgeting, and forecasting to present a clear, data-led view of organisational health. Ensure timely, transparent financial reporting, audit readiness, and compliance that strengthens trust and accountability with the Board, auditors, and stakeholders.
• Deliver cash flow, funding structures, and investment strategy to ensure long-term sustainability. Provide rigorous oversight of grant and fundraising compliance, unlocking the full value of both restricted and unrestricted income.
• Ensure full compliance with charity, company, trust and financial regulations, acting as Company Secretary for the Trading subsidiary and overseeing all statutory filings, governance obligations and legal responsibilities.
• Oversee VAT return processes and key administrative requirements, maintaining timely reporting and keeping the CEO and Board fully informed and assured.

The organisation:

Today, Alexandra Park and Palace Charitable Trust is the custodian of their extraordinary site. As a charity, they are committed to safeguarding its heritage while continually evolving their offer to meet the needs of today’s audiences and communities. More than 3 million people visit each year to enjoy a dynamic mix of live events, festivals, exhibitions, learning and engagement programmes and community initiatives. Their work is supported by a blended income model - combining commercial income, public funding and philanthropic support which allows them to reinvest in their buildings, our park, and their charitable mission.

Essential criteria:

• Qualified Chartered Accountant, with at least 10 years post qualification experience (ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA, ACA) 
• Extensive experience working in a financial leadership role within the Charity and Not for Profit sector
• Experience working with charity trading subsidiaries and dealing with entities singularly and as a group
• Experience of delivering Annual Reports and Accounts process end to end
• Experience implementing new financial systems and processes
• Strong leader with an authentic approach, able to build and empower a team
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present financial reports at Board level, and support non-finance manager with understanding financial information

The position will be based at Alexandra Palace and requires regular office attendance. The closing date for applications is 24^th August with first stage interviews taking place on the week commencing 8^th September.

Applications will be under constant review before the closing date, so please submit your application to our exclusive search agent, Robertson Bell. Apply now to be considered!