Area chair jobs

Pdap has been delivering services to victims of domestic abuse for 50 years through our emergency accommodation and community outreach services. We are a values-led organisation, and we believe that everyone has a right to live a life free from fear and abuse. We offer safe, effective and high-quality support to all those experiencing domestic abuse. Our flexible, inclusive and responsive services are shaped by our clients, with a focus on ensuring safety and supporting their path to recovery. The Accommodation Manager post will play a key role in the delivery of our mission and offers an exciting opportunity for the right candidate to be part of the continuing growth and development of our safe accommodation services.

Head of Operations Role Profile Role: Accommodation Manager Term: Permanent Salary: 38 - 40k Responsible to: Chief Executive Officer Responsible for: Accommodation Team Leader/Housekeeper & Maintenance officer Pension: 6% employer contribution Health: Cash Plan Health Scheme and Health & Wellbeing Assistance Programme Hours: 37.5 hours per week Annual Leave: 30 days (inclusive of birthday) plus 8 bank holidays
Pdap has been delivering services to victims of domestic abuse for 50 years through our emergency accommodation and community outreach services. We are a values-led organisation, and we believe that everyone has a right to live a life free from fear and abuse. We offer safe, effective and high-quality support to all those experiencing domestic abuse. Our flexible, inclusive and responsive services are shaped by our clients, with a focus on ensuring safety and supporting their path to recovery. The Accommodation Manager post will play a key role in the delivery of our mission and offers an exciting opportunity for the right candidate to be part of the continuing growth and development of our safe accommodation services.
Key aspects of the role
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To ensure the effective management of Pdap safe accommodation services. We currently have 3 refuge sites across Kirklees and a combined bed space of 23, with plans for further expansion in 2027.
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To provide regular line management and development opportunities to your team and ensure they are adequately supported on a day-to-day basis.
2
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To be responsible for accommodation contract compliance and maintain effective relationships with our partners and commissioners in Kirklees.
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Develop and maintain excellent links with our accommodation landlords ensuring they are kept up to date with any concerns, areas for development and opportunities for growth at each site.
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To ensure our buildings and support services meet all legal regulations (e.g. Health & Safety/ HMO licencing conditions & Safeguarding).
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Lead on the implementation and compliance of our Leading Lights accreditation within our accommodation team.
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To work with the CEO to contribute to Pdap Strategic Planning, including opportunities for further development and expansion of our safe accommodation services.
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To educate and inform the public and other professionals; raising awareness, increasing understanding of domestic abuse and improving the multi-agency response in Kirklees.
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To ensure Pdap values are central to delivery of all services including that our homes are fit for purpose as welcoming places for our families to live.
• To ensure that the views of those with lived experience of domestic abuse are at the core of the work Pdap carries out and that they inform and shape the development of new services
Oversight of high quality service delivery
• To develop and implement policies and procedures relating to the accommodation service ensuring they are kept up to date and in line with current legislation.
• Embed accreditation requirements throughout service management and delivery.
• Monitor and evaluate the service, producing accurate data reports as and when required for commissioners, CEO and the Board of Trustees.
• Support the accommodation team in providing a safe, secure and welcoming environment for victims of domestic abuse.
• To ensure that our commitment to inclusion, equity and diversity is embedded across all aspects of employment and service delivery.
• To ensure our accommodation services are delivered and adequately resourced in line with the DA Act and the LA Statutory Duty requirements, identifying any gaps in delivery and working with the CEO and commissioners to address these.
• Take part in the out of hours (back up) on call management rota.
Supporting our Staff • To lead on the recruitment, induction and deployment of accommodation staff, volunteers and student placements ensuring effective cover across all sites.
• To provide regular supervision, support and development opportunities to the accommodation team leader, maintenance officer and housekeeper.
• Oversee training and development opportunities for accommodation staff, empowering them to develop their skills and knowledge whilst being managed with a fair and consistent approach.
• Act as Safeguarding Lead for Accommodation services.
• Promote and foster good working relationships between all Pdap staffing teams.
Working with our Partners
• To represent the values of Pdap in all our external partnership working.
• To represent Pdap at a strategic level including attendance at and chairing meetings, attending advisory groups and influencing how stakeholders respond to domestic abuse.
• To develop and maintain good positive working relationships and referral pathways with relevant agencies and professionals.
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• To liaise with universities and external tutors in relation to student placements.
• Foster positive relationships with our commissioners, landlords and funders.
Finance & Administration
• To oversee and deliver agreed budgets relating to the accommodation service.
• To assist the Finance Director with setting annual budgets.
• To be responsible for the effective operation of accommodation services, ensuring that all resources, assets and monies are always properly accounted for. Promoting equity, diversity & inclusion
• Regularly review service level accessibility data and update the EDI action plan with actions to address these.
• Actively and appropriately challenge all forms of discrimination.
• Proactively promote equity, diversity and inclusion in all work with clients, ensuring fair access to services for all.
Other
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Flexible working hours according to the needs of the project.
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Evening and weekend work may sometimes be required.
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Annual leave and time off in lieu to be taken at times to meet the requirements of the organisation, and with the prior agreement of the COO.
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The role will predominantly be based across our accommodation sites or at our main office.
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As our sites are across Kirklees, use of a car is desirable
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Please note this post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.
Person Specification
Skills & Experience Essential/Desirable
Experience of managing a HMO or similar supported housing service
Essential
Significant experience in a line management role
Essential
Ability to identify areas of development for staff and support them to improve their practice
Essential
Experience working in Domestic abuse or aligned sector such as substance misuse, housing, mental health, social care etc
Essential
Experience of working in the third sector
Desirable
Ability to work independently and within a team, to plan and manage a complex workload, meet deadlines, problem-solve and respond to unplanned demands
Essential
Ability to analyse data to identify gaps, and actions and write high quality reports and action plans
Essential
4
Proven track record translating strategy into operational delivery
Essential
Be able to demonstrate excellent literacy and IT skills, including case management systems, Word, Outlook and Excel.
Essential
Experience & confidence delivering presentations/ training and talks to a wide range of audiences
Essential
Ability to build and maintain strong partnership relationships with landlords, contract managers and commissioners
Essential
Able to demonstrate strong professional boundaries and maintain confidentiality
Essential Knowledge Essential/Desirable
Sound understanding of domestic abuse and VAWG
Essential
Knowledge of charity governance and financial management
Desirable
Understanding of the full range of housing management responsibilities including preventing rent arrears, supporting safe and planned transitions to permanent housing, health and safety, and the housing, legal and welfare rights of those experiencing domestic violence
Essential
Understanding of commissioning requirements and contract compliance
Essential
Understanding of housing legislation in relation to the delivery of supported housing and HMOs
Essential
Excellent understanding of quality assurance including Leading Lights or equivalent accreditation
Desirable
Commitment to working in partnership and building strong relationships with stakeholders
Essential
Excellent understanding of and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
Essential

Main Purpose of Role:

· Devise and implement a mixed programme of community fundraising activities, to generate a sustainable source of unrestricted income to meet agreed targets.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Launch, implement and run innovative income generating projects to maximise donations to SWA, to look after relationships with existing donors and build on relationships created to ensure fundraising potential is optimised.
• Set up and manage a volunteer community fundraising team
• Organise and manage community fundraising activities (including digital) and events to maximise all fundraising opportunities and work to raise the profile of the SWA.
• Keep abreast of developments in the third sector relating to fundraising and have an awareness of the local competition for donations.

General Responsibilities:

Responsible for the Health, Safety and welfare of yourself and your colleagues, ensuring the duties and responsibilities are clearly understood and that legislative requirements are adhered to.

• Respect the confidentiality of all information obtained in the course of duties, perform and refrain from disclosing such information without written consent from management, except where disclosure is required by order of a Court of law.

• Maintain professional competence by complying, at all times, with the training and competence procedures set down by the Organisation. Generally, keep abreast of developments affecting your duties and responsibilities.
• Be aware of the Organisation’s Equal Opportunities Policy regarding both employees and service users to assist in eliminating all areas of inequality and discrimination.
• Become familiar with the aims, ethics and aspirations of the Organisation and to sustain and promote them. Participate enthusiastically in the growth and prosperity of the Organisation.
• Undertake any other business development/funding duties, as directed that can reasonably be accommodated within the salary range for the job and your expertise.

Job Description and Review

The job description reflects the present requirements of the post.  The description will be reviewed in consultation of the job holder as and when the duties and responsibilities change.  Such review will normally also take place at the Annual Appraisal Meeting.

Desirable

• Charity fundraising qualification
• Membership of Institute of Fundraising or other relevant professional body.
• Ability to speak Welsh

Essential

Experience 

• Minimum of two years’ experience in community fundraising with a proven track record of achieving funding target
• Experience in planning, organising and delivering fundraising campaigns, events and activities
• Developing and evaluating new opportunities for partnerships and community fundraising
• Raising funds via social media activities/digital marketing
• Experience of managing or working with volunteers to support fundraising activities

Knowledge

• Charity community fundraising
• Donations
• Proven knowledge of online fundraising tools, digital marketing and social media
• Regulatory knowledge to include Gift Aid, general data protection regulations and fundraising best practices.

Skills/Personal Qualities

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, and experience with Customer Relationship Management software systems.
• Numerate and attentive to detail, with the ability to maintain accurate records
• Good networking skills
• A proactive self -starter who is able to work on their own initiative, managing and prioritising their work to meet agreed deadlines and targets
• An excellent communicator, with persuasive, engaging and creative writing skills
• Understanding of, and enthusiasm for, SWA’s work, mission and values
• A passion to raise funds for SWA

Other

• Full UK driving licence and access to a suitable vehicle
• Able to lift and transport equipment
• Willingness to travel locally and to work occasional evenings and weekends

Rural Housing Enabler

Hours: up to 34 hours per week available for the role.

Working days and hours to be agreed with the successful candidate

Location: Office base Brightspace, Ipswich or Kirkley Centre, Lowestoft with blended/hybrid working

Term: Fixed Term to 31 March 2027 (potential to extend subject to funding)

Salary: £31,295 Fulltime (pro rata £28,374.13)

Start date: As soon as possible

About us

Community Action Suffolk (CAS) is the county’s infrastructure organisation for the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector. We exist to ensure our sector, and its volunteers are supported, safe and sustainable and that our communities are active and resilient.

Our values of collaborative, enabling, person centred, responsive and trusted are the golden thread which runs through who we are and how we operate, and we aim to make them real every day.

About the role

We are seeking a Rural Housing Enabler to join our friendly team and help tackle the rural housing challenges in Suffolk.

In this role, you will:

• Play a crucial part in increasing the supply of affordable housing in Suffolk
• Engage with communities and provide a range of support including:
  • Raising awareness of the need for affordable housing
  • Facilitating initial discussions to assess need
  • Gather evidence of need around rural housing
  • Liaise and engage with stakeholders
  • Assist parishes throughout the journey of developing their own local housing schemes

In this role, clear communication is essential. You’ll be presenting to a range of audiences, and working in partnership with communities / community leaders, parish councils, district and county authorities, landowners, developers, housing organisations, and other partners to bring forward affordable rural housing projects in Suffolk. Good IT skills, and the ability to build strong relationships are crucial.

Although this role is predominately desk space there will be some travel around the county and within rural areas of Suffolk. Access to a car is advantageous.

The ideal candidate will have the following experience/skills:

• Excellent working knowledge of the issues affecting housing in Suffolk, and other issues affecting rural communities
• Experience/ understanding of working in supporting rural communities thorough consultation for affordable and/or community led housing
• A good understanding of the principles of quality community consultation
• Working with local authorities, parish councils, housing associations and similar organisations
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

If you are interested in a role which is community led and focused on rural issues within Suffolk we would like to hear from you. 

For more information please visit our website for more information on who to contact. 

We are a friendly organisation, committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive culture in all that we do, and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We aim to create a workplace which is welcoming, fair, and inclusive, where people can be themselves and contribute to our vision and values.

We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments individuals may require in the recruitment process, or on commencement of post. 

What we offer

You will work within a reputable charity which offers its employees benefits which include:

• Blended working where role allows
• Flexible working options to support work/life balance
• 33 days (FTE) increasing to a maximum 36 (FTE) annual holiday which includes an allowance for bank holidays
• Up to 4% matched pension contribution
• 2 days pro rata volunteering days to support volunteering in Suffolk
• Staff Discounts Scheme for a range of retailers including; shopping, holidays, insurance, eating out and health and leisure activities
• Company Sick Pay Scheme
• Continued Professional Development for job related development
• Family Friendly policies and practices
• Tailored induction

For more information and an application pack please visit our website.

Applications for this role will be reviewed and considered on an ongoing basis until the role is filled. Interviews will be arranged according to availability.

We therefore encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment, as we reserve the right to close this job listing once a successful candidate is appointed.

Job title: Counselling Support and Outreach Coordinator - Wiltshire, Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight

Reports to: Therapies Assessor and Service Manager

Salary: Salary of £26,227 per annum

Location: Remote with regular travel across Wiltshire, Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight

Hours: Full-Time, 37.5 hours per week

Post No: 2WCSOCFT1

Objective:

2wish exists to provide support to anyone affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a child or young person aged 25 and under.

Aims:

• Ensure every Emergency Department and Critical Care unit has a suitable bereavement suite
• Ensure that bereavement boxes are available at each of these hospitals
• Ensure that immediate bereavement support is available for all affected by the sudden death of a child or young person
• Provide a professional counselling service and complementary therapies for those affected by the sudden death of a child or young person
• Provide support to individuals who witness the sudden death of a child or young person
• Provide support and training to professionals from any sector who may be affected by the sudden death of a child or young person
• To advocate and campaign on behalf of suddenly bereaved families

2wish Cymru & 2wish:

2wish has been established since 2012 and has grown from strength to strength. During tis time, we have worked tirelessly to embed our service and ensure that the offer of support is made at the point of death. We offer an immediate, consistent, high-quality and compassionate service to all individuals affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a child or young person aged 25 and under in Wales and the bordering counties in England, including; Cheshire, Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Avon and Somerset, with the plan to continue to roll out support to the whole of England. We work in partnership with professionals who refer int the charity on behalf of families, so they don’t have to trawl through the internet for an organisation who may, or may not, be able to support. We provide immediate, and ongoing, support and are here for as long as our families need us.

Context of role:

2wish supports anyone affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a child or young person aged 25 and under. We are a largely self-funded charity providing support across Wales and in the bordering counties with England, providing immediate casework support, as well as ongoing aftercare services including counselling, alternative therapies, play therapy, support groups, support events and a respite cottage.

Main duties:

Service:

• To coordinate support services including counselling, complementary therapy and play therapy for bereaved individuals
• To receive and contact historic referrals directly from professional agencies, bereaved individuals, or the immediate support team
• To contact all individuals within 48 hours of receiving a support service referral
• To liaise with counsellors, complementary therapists and play therapists to arrange and coordinate support
• To recruit new counsellors and therapists within your geographical boundaries and surrounding areas and build a community of therapists to engage with 2wish
• To deliver awareness training to secondary referral partners in healthcare settings, schools and workplaces on the use of the bereavement boxes, referring into the charity and bereavement awareness
• To set up, coordinate and support in the delivery of the focus support groups
• To plan, organise and attend bi-monthly family and sibling events
• To set-up, coordinate, and chair quarterly 2wish Practitioner Forums for those working to support bereaved individuals
• Attend any other relevant forums
• To co-manage, maintain, and monitor the 2Wish Families Facebook page and ensure appropriate and upto-date content
• To co-manage, maintain, and monitor the Counsellors and Therapists Facebook page and ensure appropriate and on-going training and guest speakers as required
• To send one-year anniversary thinking of you cards to bereaved families
• To work consistently to raise awareness of 2wish in the community and with key partners
• Contribute on the social media platforms maintained by 2wish
• Support in the planning of and attend the annual 2wish Conference
• To submit monthly/quarterly/annual reports to management as required
• To signpost and/or refer to other agencies as required that can provide support as needed

General:

• To be responsible for organising own work agenda, time management and administration
• To keep clear and up to date records on database of activities with families and any ensuingaction
• To promote the on-going work and continued support that 2wish can offer
• To work as part of a team providing support to suddenly bereaved families
• To work alongside support team and maintain a seamless approach to service delivery
• To maintain a high degree of confidentiality in accordance with the charity’s policies
• To show respect and sensitivity for the cultural and religious beliefs of families
• To undertake learning opportunities and seek them out for the team
• To adhere to all company policies and procedures including Safeguarding, Confidentiality, Health and Safety and Lone Working; and to be proactive in implementing new safe working practices as appropriate
• To attend weekend and evening community events in support of the charity as necessary
• Participate as and when required in team meetings and one-to-one meetings, and undertake, as appropriate, courses/training/other developmental activities, which is relevant to the role
• To contribute to the evaluation and monitoring processes to ensure effectiveness of services and activities provided
• Contribute on the social media platforms maintained by 2wish

It is the nature of the work that tasks and responsibilities are in many circumstances unpredictable and varied. All employees are therefore expected to work in a flexible way and tasks, which are not specifically covered in their job description may have to be undertaken.

This role is subject to a DBS check.

What we do for you:

Contract type: Permanent

Annual leave: 28 days plus bank holidays. Annual leave steadily increases after five years of service. Annual leave and statutory holidays are calculated on a pro rata basis where applicable.

Pension: 2wish operate a contributory pension scheme. 2wish will auto-enrol you into the scheme in accordance with it's auto-enrolment obligations. Full details of the scheme will be provided to you once you are enrolled, including the minimum level of contributions that you will be required to make during your membership (current contributions - employer 3% and employee 5%).

Mileage: A fixed rate allowance is payable for agreed mileage in accordance with our expense policy, undertaken on 2wish business in a private vehicle, over and above your usual journey to your workplace/s.

Additional benefits for our employees:

• An 'Employee Assistance Programme, ' including wellbeing support
• Free parking on 2wish premises
• Free branded 2wish clothing
• An extra annual leave day on your birthday
• Incremental increase in holiday entitlement based on length of service
• Paid sick leave
• Discounts for personal purchases on 2wish Merchandise
• Discounted tickets to UK 2wish events for staff and family
• Extra holiday entitlement when taking part in 2wish overseas events
• Tools/equipment required for the performance of duties
• Reimbursement of work expenses
• Bright Exchange employee discounts
• Auto-enrolment into company contributory pension scheme after 3 months service

How to apply:

Please return a CV and covering letter, or a CV and two-minute video, by email.

Closing date: Friday 26th June 2026

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. Only those applicants that have been shortlisted will be contacted for an interview.

The National Lottery Community Fund – Climate Action Fund Decision Panel Appointments

Climate Action Fund- Food Systems - Expert Panel Member Role Specification

Term of Appointment: Three Years

Time Commitment - 9 Days per year

The National Lottery Community Fund (The Fund) wishes to recruit an external member for the Climate Action Fund Decision Panel. The Chair of the UK Funding Committee (UKFC) accordingly invites applications for the position of external member of The National Lottery Community Fund’s Climate Action Fund Decision Panel.

Background

The Fund is the largest funder of community activity in the UK. It launched the Climate Action Fund in 2019 as a long-term commitment to support communities across the UK to act on climate change and involve more people in positive environmental action. Since its launch the Climate Action Fund has awarded over £182m to communities across the UK. This includes over 175 larger projects, predominantly delivered through partnership approaches and over 440 small grants that were delivered through Together for Our Planet, a funding programme in support of COP26. The programme has always had a test and learn ethos and each strand of funding has built on learning to date.

In January 2026 the Climate Action Fund launched a new strand of funding - Food Systems, focusing on strengthening food systems across the UK, while reducing food insecurity for people and communities, without harming the planet. It will achieve this through supporting partnerships that can deliver long term solutions and transformational systems change. Funding will enable large and long term interventions with the capacity and time to deliver progress against their intended aims and ambitions. We will support agroecological approaches which work with nature to create resilient, sustainable and equitable food systems. Projects can apply for a minimum of £2.5 million over three years, and we expect to fund up to ten projects in the first year. More information about funding aims and criteria can be found in Annex A (attached).

Through the Climate Action Fund we support projects based in all four countries of the UK and a combination of place based, cross country, regional, national and UK wide.

Role Specification

The Climate Action Fund is seeking a subject matter expert in food systems, who will complement our existing panel and support our work across the UK. They will have an understanding of the holistic aims we seek to address in supporting long term solutions that will have benefits for both climate, environment and nature, and to people and communities.

The Climate Action Fund Decision Panel has delegated authority from the UK Funding Committee (UKFC) to make funding decisions on Climate Action Fund Programmes.

The purpose of the Climate Action Fund Decision Panel is to make funding decisions, review the performance of the Climate Action Fund portfolio, and make recommendations where appropriate to UKFC. Funding decisions shall be taken in the context of the UKFC Delegation and shall undertake its duties within the framework of overall National Lottery Community Fund policy and procedures.

 Person Specification

Knowledge, skills and experience

• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the food system across the UK, with a particular focus on agroecology and long term, systemic ways to strengthen our food system and reduce food insecurity for people and communities.
• The ability and skill to contribute effectively to the development of this strand of funding and wider work of The Fund in relation to food systems, with a strong track record of achievement in this area. 
• Ability to work on a Panel with excellent interpersonal, team working, communication and representational skills.
• The ability to engage and influence in relationships with stakeholders to ensure the Fund is well represented and externally impactful.
• Personal and operational integrity, the ability to work with people from different backgrounds, and a commitment to improving equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Clear understanding and commitment to building strong and connected communities, that reflect the whole of the UK.
• Ability to deliver operational transformation and culture improvement in a large organisation.
• A strong commitment to engaging communities across the UK, and factoring UK-wide perspectives into all decision making. 

Interview details:

• Date: Interviews will take place in early July with appointments confirmed by the end of July.
• Format: Online

How to apply:

Upload your CV in word format and write a supporting statement with a maximum of 1000 words. Your supporting statement should explain how your skills and experience meet the essential and desirable criteria below.

Essential Criteria 

• An advocate and ambassador for The Fund and a demonstrable commitment to its mission and purpose. 
• Understanding and experience at a senior level of community organisations and track record in creating an environment where communities are connected and supported. 
• Experience of systems change work and how that translates to community centred funding.
• Experience and understanding of food systems, particularly in alignment with our funding aims and the conditions required to influence and shape long term solutions that start with communities.
• Experience of influencing or shaping food systems policy from a community perspective. 
• A demonstrable commitment to and experience in equity and equitable practices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 

Desirable Criteria  

• An understanding of funding, philanthropy or public sector systems. 

If you are excited about the opportunity to help communities drive lasting change, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion  

Communities in the UK come in all shapes and sizes. National Lottery funding is for everyone – therefore, we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and we work hard to ensure our funding reaches where it is needed.  

We also believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. That’s why The National Lottery Community Fund is committed to being an inclusive employer and a great place to work. We recognise and celebrate the fact that our people come from diverse backgrounds. We positively welcome applications from people from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities or longstanding health conditions, people who are LGBTQ+, and people from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds, as well as people of all ages. 

As a Disability Confident Employer, we take a proactive approach in making reasonable adjustments, if needed, throughout the recruitment process and during employment. (This can be related to a physical and mental health condition.) 

We are looking for someone who is angry at injustice, who really believes in the ability of ordinary people to make change, who cares deeply about the institutions that are dotted across our neighbourhoods – the churches, mosques, schools, charities, youth groups, etc. - and who is motivated to share the craft of Broad-Based Organising with others. If that is you, we’d love you to join our growing team of organisers across the South-East of England and, more broadly, across the UK! We hope to work with you to build on already existing work in Colchester, Chelmsford, and Southend and support the building of new work across Essex. 

Citizens UK

Citizens UK is the UK’s biggest, most diverse and most effective people-powered alliance. We bring communities and local organisations together to work on issues that matter; from campaigning for zebra crossings on dangerous roads, to reforming the immigration system, to the Living Wage campaign. We have a track record of winning change through hundreds of local and national campaigns. We know everyday people have the ability to shape the world around them. We believe that through developing local leaders, we can drive nationwide change and create community-led solutions to big and small problems. 

Citizens Essex is a relatively-young Chapter of Citizens UK, covering 3 main geographical areas: Colchester, Chelmsford, and Southend. Our ideal candidate for the position of Senior Organiser has high emotional intelligence, is curious about other people, politically astute, and is fundamentally relational. They will have a track record of making things happen, be able to work with a high degree of independence, are comfortable with uncertainty, and able to think strategically as well as operationally.  They will be interested in understanding and working with different sectors and types of organisations, as well as engaging with people from a wide range of faiths and cultures which are different to their own. They are an excellent communicator. They will learn and teach the craft of broad-based organising and be interested in receiving feedback to support their own development and growth. They will build and maintain relationships with a large number of leaders across the County and coach them to take action together on a common agenda.

Our ideal candidate will have a strong track record in enabling leaders from schools/colleges/universities and faith institutions to deliver on issues of social justice. 

Community Organising 

Through our theory of social change, called community organising, we train thousands of everyday people to lead change in their communities, equipping them with the skills to hold politicians and other powerholders to account. We are made up of 500+ member organisations in powerful alliances throughout the UK. Our members include schools, universities, faith groups, parents’ groups, health practices, charities, trade unions and other civil society organisations.

Purpose

At Citizens UK, our organisers and project staff work within communities to develop leaders, strengthen organisations, campaign for change and organise across difference. There are various project roles and operational, communication, finance and HR roles that support the organisation and project staff and organisers to deliver on this mission and work. This work is rewarding and can be challenging; it requires a personal commitment to inclusion, a willingness to listen and disagree respectfully, and an interest in working in an organisation where our staff, member institutions and leaders will come from a diversity of backgrounds and often hold views that may be very different from our own. More information about how we operate within this context and build trusted relationships across difference can be found on our website and is covered in induction. Onboarding and navigating this relational culture, and type of work, is supported by line managers and further training.

Main Responsibilities

A Senior Organiser is mastering the craft of community organising and taking increasing responsibility for developing major campaigns, managing budgets and managing staff. They operate with a high degree of independence and are significant contributors to CUK-wide functions such as training.  Senior Organisers model the broad-based community organising methodology in their work including the building of relational power, the recruitment and retention of dues-paying institutions, the development of leaders, the strengthening of member institutions, leader-led public actions, and the winning of systemic change.

You will bring communities together to drive change both locally, regionally, and nationally. This role will work closely with local civic institutions, such as churches, mosques, schools, universities, unions and other community groups to:

• develop the leadership of people within those organisations - our 'leaders' who lead the campaigns we work on

• help them identify the changes they want to see and create strategies to win those changes

• strengthen institutions’ own abilities to achieve their missions.

This includes listening to members of the community to find common issues, engaging local decision-makers through meetings, and planning in-person ‘actions’, where you might hold those in power to account. All of this work is underpinned by the knowledge that everyday people have the ability to shape the world around them. This work will be rooted locally, but you will be a part of a bigger national drive to make change alongside diverse local alliances across the UK. In Essex, the work is currently focusing on the first Mayoral Election for the County but you will also work on other campaign priorities that are developed through the institutions you work with.

Working as a Senior Organiser for Citizens UK, reporting to Sebastien Chapleau, Regional Supervisor for the South of England and Wales, your main responsibilities will include:

Build relational power to further the goals of CUK

• Develop a comprehensive power analysis for Essex, particularly as the County will elect its first Mayor in May 2028 

• Develop and grow strong working relationships with power players at a county-wide level or sector, including journalists; taking the initiative to establish new relationships as required

• Conduct one-to-one relational meetings in order to develop relationships with leaders; demonstrating timely and effective agitation to stimulate action

• Work effectively with local journalists and media outlets to further CUK’s goals

• Develop a strategic plan to enhance people’s participation in public life as well as enhance non-partisan political and democratic practices across Essex.

• Develop a strategy built on an acute sense of how communities and institutions behave within, and across, the cultures and contexts of Essex. 

• Develop a plan that enables clear and impactful cross-institutional collaboration across Essex.

• Develop a clear strategy to address the shared interests between TELCO and Citizens Essex Leaders (eg around the Lower Thames Valley, overlaps between RC and CoE Dioceses in East London and Essex, etc.). 

Identify and develop relational leaders prepared to act with others for the common good

• Work with and learn from the best veteran leaders on key actions 

• Play a central role in the development of primary leaders; creating plans with them that are carried out

• Nominate leaders for training on the core taster curriculum and for National Training

Strengthen institutions and develop BBOs

• Organise diverse alliances to work together locally but, most importantly, at chapter level

• Create/develop a leadership team of positional leaders and representatives from all institutions at chapter and local levels that are successful in combining action with growth. Work closely with the co-chairs to develop leader-led strategies. 

• Design organising strategies that combine internal & external action

• Ensure that core teams are developed across all institutions across the broad-based alliance to ensure that organising - rather than servicing - remains the top priority. 

Support leaders through the Cycle of Action to create change

• Take the staff lead on chapter-wide actions and campaigns; aiming to achieve significant wins at chapter/campaign level

• Facilitate Issues Workshops and Delegates Assemblies and, in the run up to May 2028, a Mayoral Accountability Assembly

• Develop strategies for significant impact; with comprehensive plans & tactics 

• Support actions, ensuring publicity, and facilitating high level negotiations 

• Evaluate the effectiveness of actions; demonstrating ability to incorporate lessons learned into future actions

Contribute to CUK’s financial viability through effective fundraising & financial management 

• Recruit new dues paying institutions; negotiating annual membership dues and letters of understanding as required

• Recruit and work with large organisations; ensuring that they invest into the alliance and not solely internal delivery 

• Contribute to fundraising by securing £75k-£90k per annum overall, at least half of which should be ‘hard money’ from retention and recruitment of member institutions and strategic partners.

Contribute to effective teamwork

• Line manage other Organisers in Essex

• Attract and help recruit new Organisers

• Lead other Organisers or Associates in a manner that supports high performance by providing clear expectations and providing proactive coaching, support and accountability. 

• Teach entire training curriculum on National Training successfully; acting as a ‘Track Captain’ by providing meaningful feedback and support to other trainers

• Deliver sessions at Guild Days

• Produce all required reports and follow CUK’s procedures on time and to the required standards

Contribute to the Craft of Community Organising

• Schedule an average of at least 4 to 5 1-2-1 relational meetings into your daily schedule as a core part of your professional practice

• Commit 10 working days pa (pro rata for part-time staff) to the preparation, delivery and evaluation of Citizens UK National Community Leadership Training;

• Contribute to the leadership of a Guild Team and help it develop as a Community of Practice that enables Organisers across the UK to develop their skills and experience.

Inclusion 

• Displays self-awareness of DEI issues and good practice. 

• Is alert to the impact on chapters and team members.

• Lead, support collaboration and acts within their area of responsibility and influence. 

• Support in the resourcing, evaluation, and reporting of DEI work, as relevant

Build relational power to further the goals of CUK

• Develop a comprehensive power analysis for Essex, particularly as the County will elect its first Mayor in May 2026 

• Develop and grow strong working relationships with power players at a county-wide level or sector, including journalists; taking the initiative to establish new relationships as required

• Conduct one-to-one relational meetings in order to develop relationships with leaders; demonstrating timely and effective agitation to stimulate action

• Work effectively with local journalists and media outlets to further CUK’s goals

• Develop a strategic plan to enhance people’s participation in public life as well as enhance non-partisan political and democratic practices across Essex.

• Develop a strategy built on an acute sense of how communities and institutions behave within, and across, the cultures and contexts of Essex. 

• Develop a plan that enables clear and impactful cross-institutional collaboration across Essex.

Personal Specification

(D) Desirable, (E) Essential

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in any subject or equivalent (D)

• Evidence of further and continuing study including a possible professional qualification (D)

Experience

• At least three-years employment track record of successful Organising (D)

• Demonstrated ability to lead a team; including motivating and developing more junior staff (E)

• Experience of risk taking to create a project/situation/event that illustrates your values (E)

• Experience of successful fundraising (E)

• Experience of successfully supporting young people in schools/colleges/universities to develop successful campaigns (E)

• Experience of successfully developing faith leaders across a range of denominations (E)

• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects on time and to standard (E)

• Clear evidence of campaigns won and people developed (E)

Key skills and knowledge

• Ability to build and maintain relationships (E)

• Ability to inspire, motivate and lead (particularly people who are different than you) (E)

• Ability to organise yourself and others and to work responsibly in an unstructured environment (E)

• Financial management skills including ability to set and manage a budget (E) 

• Ability to use imaginative strategies to help improve disadvantaged communities (E)

• Ability to plan and organise under pressure (E)

• Ability to work with and relate to all types of people (E)

• Ability to teach and run workshops (E)

• Ability to develop the potential of others (E)

• Ability to communicate well verbally and in writing (E)

Personal qualities & values

• A passion for justice (E)

• A good sense of humour (E)

• A positive enthusiasm for working with faith congregations, trade unions, schools and other community organisations (E)

• Good judge of character (E)

• High levels of emotional intelligence (E)

• An interest in and experience of politics and public life (E)

• Able to work in a team (E)

• Willingness to work within accountable relationships (E)

• Self-motivated and adaptable (E)

Our Organisers and some project teams work closely with our member institutions and will be expected to attend member events that take place in the evenings and occasional weekends. We operate a Time Off in Lieu approach and have very flexible working arrangements to ensure a good work-life balance.

Please note that the role is Essex-wide and, as such, there is a practical expectation that the successful candidate will be able to drive between key locations across the county (with associated mileage costs being covered by Citizens UK). 

The successful applicant will be required to undertake a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check. DBS checks are renewed on a 3-year cycle.

About the application process

We work within diverse communities bringing people together. In line with our Inclusion value, we would love to see applications from LGBTQIA+ people, people from racialised communities, people living with disabilities and people of faith, all to better represent the communities we work in. We want our employees to have the working conditions that allows them to fully participate, be able to be their best authentic selves and thrive doing so, and we have employee networks to support staff. Even if you don’t quite meet all the required criteria still consider applying, as we invest in our employees and support them to develop the skills and knowledge required to deliver their role. 

For questions and reasonable adjustments regarding your application including information in a different format, or our recruitment process, please email us.

About the Investment team

The Investment team is responsible for selecting portfolio partners, managing our charity investments and supporting our portfolio partners to improve and scale their impact. 

The Investment team also leads the Impetus Leadership Academy, a leadership development programme to support talent from ethnic minority backgrounds in the UK youth sector to progress into senior leadership roles. 

The team is made up of 18 people, including former teachers, charity chief executives, charity impact leads, management consultants, social investment portfolio managers and impact consultants.   

The team is led by a Portfolio Director who sits on the Senior Management Team. The Portfolio Director has 5 direct reports: a Deputy Portfolio Director, three Sector Leads (who lead our work in school engagement, school attainment and employment sectors) and an Impact Lead. Sector Leads line manage 6 Investment Directors between them. Investment Directors line manage Investment Managers (currently 7). Investment Directors and Investment Managers tend to primarily focus on a sector but might have mixed portfolios, depending on need, experience and interest. 

The Investment team has a good track record of role progression. All four Leads and a number of our Investment Directors were promoted from within the team. 

About this role

We believe that all young people deserve to succeed in school and in work, whatever their background. As we enter a challenging time with rising inflation and a likely recession, our work feels more vital than ever before. The role of Investment Director presents an exciting opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the charities portfolio partners we serve, the team itself and the whole of Impetus.   

We support a portfolio of 23 high potential charity and non-profit partners in the youth sector, helping them deliver benchmark-beating employment and education outcomes for young people, and to grow. 

We believe the strength of our approach resides in three things: 

​

• ​Building deep, trust-based, sustainable relationships with charity leaders by, investing time, kindness, integrity and honesty.
• ​Providing our charities multi-year, unrestricted funding to help them become sector-leading organisations and scale their impact.
• ​Offering tailored advice to charity leaders’ most pressing and strategic questions, including their mission, programme design, performance management, growth planning, and financial resilience.

Working with our portfolio partners is a privilege. The leaders we support are incredibly talented, passionate and keen for external advice, and the issues we work through with them are stimulating and stretching. Our senior management relationships are some of the most fulfilling relationships many of us have had in our careers, while the growth and impact performance of our partners are testament to charities’ commitment to disadvantaged young people and the influence we have on their development. 

Charities and funders often comment on the quality of our people. Our team is analytical and data driven; we are deeply relational, low-ego and collaborative. We actively invest in our colleagues holding regular training and community of practice sessions, and use skills-based assessments to tailor development. 

As an organisation we seek to embed diversity of thought, background and experience in every aspect of our work and actively challenge our assumptions to better deliver change. Over the past two years we have taken action to help reduce racial inequality in the youth sector. In 2021 we launched our Connect Fund to support diverse leaders and their robust solutions to the entrenched employment gap faced by young people from ethnic minority backgrounds compared with their white peers. We have also built a highly regarded Leadership Academy for emerging youth sector leaders from ethnic minority backgrounds, with generous funding from State Street Foundation. 

If you are looking for a role combining strategic thinking, analytical insight and influencing emerging leaders, as well as the opportunity to work with a supportive team to transform young lives, I hope you will apply to work with us. 

I look forward to hearing from you. 

Sebastien Ergas 
Portfolio Director 

​Key responsibilities
Finding high potential charities and non-profit partners for our portfolio 

• Identifying potential charitable organisations for investment.
• Leading and delivering in-depth due diligence process within the scope of a grant round, to assess and build partnership foundations with potential partners – covering leadership and governance, and their impact, scale, and partnership potential.
• Modelling from first contact of origination, our approach to engaged and trust-based investment management support.
• Developing and presenting high quality investment propositions to our Investment Committee.

Managing partnerships with portfolio partners​

• ​Managing relationships with partner Chairs and CEOs. 
• Agreeing Service Funding Agreements, including appropriate annual investment milestones to allow for a clear assessment of re-investment potential at end of phase. 
• Regularly monitoring and assessing partner progress / risks against milestones and making evidence-based recommendations on progression or exit to Leads, Portfolio Director and the Investment Committee.
• Escalating key risks on performance, leadership and safeguarding.   
• Conducting annual partnership reviews with Sector Leads and partner CEOs.
• Working with Impetus finance colleagues to ensure timely distribution of grant payments, in line with Service Funding Agreements.  

Supporting portfolio partners  ​

• ​Providing high quality advisory support to CEOs and senior colleagues on key strategic topics, using a mix of at least monthly one-to-one meetings and group facilitation to: 

• clarify theory of change
• ​define long term ambition
• ​develop growth strategy 
• ​achieve a step change in the delivery and performance management of outcomes 
• ​strengthen leadership (individual and collective) and governance capabilities
• ​develop path to scale
• ​build financial resilience

• ​Scoping and project managing pro bono capacity-building projects (in addition to providing direct management support). Ensure projects are delivered to a high standard and contribute to charity progression.
• Identifying engagement opportunities for our donors and supporters with portfolio partners that are aligned with the partner’s activities and do not distract or undermine their core work.
• Collaborating with the Impetus Philanthropy team to support the development of additional funding opportunities for portfolio partners, enhancing their ability to deliver impact at scale.
• Effectively leveraging the support of investment managers to advance the objectives developed for each portfolio partner that is managed by an Investment Director.

Support to Impetus

• Developing expertise about “what works” in the sector through cultivation and use of expert input and engagement as well as investigation into key research and evaluative literature.
• Contributing insights and learning from portfolio work to inform Impetus’ strategy, model and delivery, providing evidence based recommendations to senior colleagues
• Contributing to internal priorities and working groups, bringing expertise and insight from portfolio work (e.g. team strategy discussions, digital improvement initiatives, or equity, diversity, and inclusion).
• Contribute towards Impetus’ public affairs and philanthropy objectives through input into case studies, research and policy campaigns, donor reports and fundraising events.
• Sharing the learning from our work across the team, across the organisation and externally working within Impetus strategy and agreed forums.
• Engaging in Impetus pro bono, communications, and advocacy events, and engage portfolio partners appropriately in these events. 
• Line-manage and support one or more Investment Managers, setting clear objectives and providing coaching, feedback and development opportunities to enable them to deliver high quality work and achieve their individual, project and team goals
• Embedding inclusive and equitable practices in portfolio work, ensuring diverse perspectives are considered and barriers to participation are identified and addressed

​Person specification

Essential​

• A commitment to Impetus’ mission. 
• ​Senior level responsibility and a strong track record of building trust-based relationships with senior stakeholders, advising them on key strategic decisions, and challenging them in a respectful and collaborative manner. 
• ​A talent for strategic thinking around complex issues. 
• ​Strong financial acumen and analytical skills. 
• Understanding of impact measurement and evaluation fundamentals. 
• ​Resilience, tenacity and initiative. 
• ​Ability to adapt personal style to different leadership contexts, working inclusively and effectively with diverse leaders and organisations.
• ​Growth mind-set to seek out and act on feedback and a commitment to continuous learning and development. 
• ​Proven ability to work independently, and to exercise good judgment. 
• ​Strong planning and time management skills. 
• ​Experience contributing expertise to team or organisational priorities, including sharing learning and supporting others’ development. 
• ​Interest in partnering closely with charities that are doing what it takes to get better. 
• ​A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

Desirable​

• Experience in the non-profit (charity or social enterprise) sector, through work, as a pro-bono volunteer or Trustee capacity.
• ​Experience in consulting, investment management, senior charity management, or other in-depth grant making and advisory work. 
• ​Knowledge and expertise in UK education or youth employability sectors. 
• ​Board experience in private, public or third sector. 
• ​Understanding of or experience with commissioning impact evaluations. 

About Impetus

At Impetus, our focus is on helping young people achieve positive education and employment outcomes to increase their chance of leading fulfilling and successful lives, irrespective of their background.​

We tackle the three most difficult challenges that affect a young person’s ability to succeed in life in Britain today:  ​

• Lost learning through absence, suspensions, exclusions from school  

• Stagnation in education attainment outcomes, which means many are missing out on key qualifications like GCSE English and maths 

• The large numbers of young people out of education, training and employment  ​

We use our deep expertise and high calibre networks to give the best non-profits working in these sectors the essential ingredients to have a real and lasting impact on the young people they serve.​

Through a powerful combination of long-term funding, direct capacity building support from our experienced team and our pro bono partners, alongside research and policy influencing to drive lasting systems change, we work towards a society where all young people can thrive in school, pass their exams and unlock the doors to sustained employment, for a fulfilling life. ​

We are resolutely focused on outcomes and impact, driven by quality evidence.​

You would be joining a team that is passionate, rigorous, determined, creative and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our portfolio partners and the young people we serve.​

Impetus is a registered charity and our charity number is 1152262.

​

Our Values​

In 2022 the Impetus staff agreed the following set of Values to act as our guiding principles as an organisation and help us to remain focused on achieving our mission to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

We are brave and curious

We are bold and brave in our pursuit of better outcomes for young people. We lead with curiosity and stay open to new perspectives. We support one another to take considered risks and learn together.

We bring high trust, high challenge

We build strong, long-term relationships through honesty, kindness, integrity, and respect. We create the space for open, constructive challenge, where colleagues, partners and supporters feel safe to speak up, hold each other to account, and bring their best in pursuit of our mission.

We are evidence led and results driven for young people

We pursue excellence for the young people we work with, are wholly committed to better outcomes, unapologetically results driven, and accountable for our actions.

We thrive through diversity

We seek to embed diversity of thought, background and experience in every aspect of our work. We are open, thoughtful and proactive in better understanding and challenging our assumptions to better deliver the change we seek.

We always seek collaboration

We will not succeed alone. We seek meaningful, productive partnerships with others to achieve our mission and drive systems change for young people.

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

We believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more open, creative and gets better results.​

We want our team at Impetus to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our team to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.

We want to reach a diverse pool of candidates. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need to in order to be successful.​

We recognise the importance of a good work/life balance. We do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, working part-time job shares and other arrangements.​

Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.​

Impetus is an equal opportunity employer and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We value diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.​

​Our employee benefits ​

Impetus appreciates the invaluable contribution made by all employees and wishes to encourage and reward loyalty, motivation and experience. We therefore offer a range of benefits and policies which aim to assist employees during various stages of their lives and careers. For more information on these, please download the job information pack from our website.​

How to apply

Please click on the "Apply for this job" button at the top of the page. ​

You will need to:​

• Complete the online form (including the equal opportunities monitoring form)
• Upload a comprehensive CV and supporting statement.​

The supporting statement should be no more than two sides of A4 and should address the criteria in the person specification.​

You should also include the contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be approached with your express permission.​

As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at interview stage.​

The deadline for applications is 2026, Sunday 21st June 2026, 11:59pm.​

Interviews:​

1st Interviews will take place on w/c 29th June 2026.​

2nd Interviews will take place on w/c 6th July 2026.​

You will also be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK.​

Personal Data

Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.

We are looking for an additional team member to join our existing Universal Credit Support - Help to Claim team. The team provides an effective and efficient support service for first time Universal Credit claimants including those subject to managed migration. The service includes the provision of advice, information and digital support via telephone and digital channels, aimed at helping claimants through to the first payment of Universal Credit.

Experience and knowledge of the welfare benefits system and Universal Credit is desirable but not essential, as training can be provided for the right candidate. 

You must be proficient in IT with effective communication skills.