Board trustee volunteer jobs

The Philanthropy Lead will build and deliver a high-performing high-value fundraising programme, focused on pipeline development, strategic relationship progression and long-term supporter value. This is a strategic and hands-on role, requiring a confident fundraiser who can identify, qualify, cultivate and close gifts and funding propositions.

Working closely with senior leaders, prospect research, trustees and a dedicated philanthropy subgroup, the role will unlock networks, develop compelling propositions and create meaningful engagement opportunities that inspire transformational support for hospice care.

This post plays a critical role in strengthening the hospice’s financial sustainability and enabling outstanding care for patients and families across the local community.

When applying please ensure the criteria questions below are covered.

• Please briefly describe your direct experience of securing five-six figure philanthropic gifts from major donors, trusts, or high net worth individuals?
• This role requires someone who can independently manage a live pipeline, build senior stakeholder relationships, and confidently make funding asks within the first few months please explain why you feel ready to do this?

About us

Community rail is a unique and growing grassroots movement made up of community rail partnerships, station volunteer groups and other community-led initiatives across Britain.

Together, these organisations and volunteers deliver a wide range of initiatives, from engaging young people and building confidence in rail travel, to improving accessibility, enhancing stations, supporting biodiversity projects and creating community spaces that bring people together.

Community Rail Network is the national membership and umbrella body for the community rail movement across England, Scotland and Wales. We empower, support and champion community-led partnerships and groups, helping them create social, environmental and economic value through their work.

Our team of 22 colleagues is based across Britain, working mainly from home while coming together regularly online and in person. We are a collaborative, values-led organisation, passionate about making a difference through community rail.

We believe in nurturing talent, supporting professional development and creating an environment where everyone can reach their potential while maintaining a healthy work–life balance.

About this role and your main responsibilities

We are looking for a compassionate, collaborative and creative leader to head up our work with members. Everyone on the team is here for our members, but you will lead the way in ensuring everything we do is driven by what members need, now and in the future, to help them develop, grow and thrive. You’ll also help ensure our members have a great experience whenever they are accessing our support and services.

As a member of the senior leadership team, you’ll actively contribute towards its collective work in driving organisational performance and success, including growing investment in our work so we can make an even bigger difference for our members and the communities they serve.

Please see the attached introduction from our Chief Executive and role profile for further information about the position, including its principal responsibilities and the experience, skills and attributes we are looking for.

Other information

The role will involve regular travel across England, Scotland and Wales to raise the organisation’s profile and engage with members, partners and key stakeholders.

There is flexibility on your location given the requirement to travel and that your office will be home-based. You will need to travel to in-person quarterly team meetings (usually in London or the north of England) and to Board meetings which alternate between online and London.

It is expected that travel will be by public transport and easy access to the rail network is therefore required to ensure journeys can be made sustainably. 

This is a full-time position, 37 hours per week. We use a flexi-time system with core hours 10am-3pm, and are committed to being a flexible, supportive and understanding employer. This is a permanent position with a probationary period of three months. 

Successful applicants will need to provide proof that they have the right to work in the UK and provide two references.

Community Rail Network is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from disabled people and Black, Asian and other minoritised groups, who meet with the skills and competencies for this role. We will provide reasonable adjustments for interviews as required.

An opportunity to take ownership of our learning offer, develop innovative resources and work with partners across the justice system.

MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY 

• Identifying training, learning and development opportunities or needs 

• Developing learning resources, including e-learning and guidance documents

• Managing MA learn, the MA's learning management system (LMS) 

• Overseeing the MA's community outreach programme (Magistrates in the Community) 

• Coordinating MA input into wider magistrate training, both nationally and through representation on local training committees. 

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES 

Policy committees 

• Support the MA’s training, learning and development committee by organising regular meetings, sharing minutes and actions. 

• Propose priorities and manage programmes of work for the committee 

• Provide high-quality information to ensure that committee members and other interested parties are up to date with relevant information 

• Ensure agreed actions and decisions of the policy committees are implemented 

• Build and maintain excellent relationships with committee members 

• Provide support to committee members to enable them to effectively contribute to the work of the MA 

• Assist in the training and development of committee members 

• Agree and implement committee working practices. 

• Contribute to supporting the MA's other policy committees 

Volunteer support 

• Support  representatives in post 

• Work with magistrates to develop and coordinate learning materials 

Learning 

• Develop and upload learning resources to our learning platform. 

• Be the first point of contact for member queries about our learning platform and other training related matters 

• With the membership team, liaise with external stakeholders to plan and deliver the MA's webinar series

• Edit webinar footage and create transcripts to upload to MA learn

• Monitor learner behaviour on the MA learn and use this to inform learning development plans. 

Policy and research 

• Provide input to proposed policy and research work 

• Work with policy colleagues to translate research and policy into learning materials. 

Communications 

• Work closely with the communications team to support the delivery of the MA’s learning communications, both for members and externally 

• Ensure the accuracy of training information contained in MA communications outputs 

• Contribute to our Magistrate magazine, newsletters, website content, social media and press releases. 

Membership 

• Support the work of the MA’s membership team to recruit and retain members

• Assist in responding to members’ queries and provide up to date information about training and learning issues. 

Other duties 

• Contribute to team meetings, organisational strategy and priorities 

• Be proactive in keeping up to date with developments affecting the role 

• Contribute to other organisational tasks, such as support for our webinars and events on occasion. 

GENERAL 

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the job and the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this role. It is not exhaustive, and staff may be required to undertake other reasonable duties commensurate with the role.

PERSON SPECIFICATION 

ESSENTIAL 

• Experience of using a learning management system (LMS) 

• Experience of using, or aptitude to learn, e-learning software, such as Articulate 360 

• Ability to design and develop a variety of online learning resources 

• Experience of project management 

• Ability to organise and prioritise your own workload and a strong attention to detail 

• Ability to assimilate and understand complex information and explain complex issues clearly 

• Ability to produce clear, concise proposals, papers and other written communications

• Ability to communicate effectively, diplomatically and persuasively with a wide range of people 

• Ability to establish personal credibility with a range of stakeholders 

• Ability to work effectively under pressure 

• A creative and practical approach to problem solving and the ability to provide sound reasons to support proposed solutions 

• Excellent networking skills. 

DESIRABLE 

• Training qualification (Level 3 or above and/or equivalent professional training experience) 

• Experience of working with/managing a committee 

• Knowledge of the workings of magistrates' courts 

• Experience of working in a membership organisation 

• Experience of supporting volunteers remotely. 

The Volunteer Coordinator (Nag’s Head Farm) will lead the recruitment, administration and support of volunteers for Camp Jojo’s Cumbria camps. As the main point of contact throughout the volunteer journey, they will manage applications, maintain databases, coordinate communications and ensure volunteers are successfully placed at camp.

Working closely with the Operations Manager and supported by the experienced team at Ivy Farm, Essex, the role also includes providing administrative support and attending volunteer-related meetings. This is a varied and rewarding role requiring strong organisational, communication and time-management skills.

Approximately 80% of the role can be carried out remotely; however, the successful candidate will be required to attend each camp at Nag’s Head Farm, Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria. The position is seasonal, with increased hours during spring and summer and attendance required during school holiday camp periods.

The Belay Foundation supports adoptive, kinship and special guardianship families raising children who have experienced early developmental trauma, often alongside neurodiversity. Founded in 2020 from lived experience, Belay offers something many families struggle to find elsewhere: practical, in-home support and expert guidance that’s genuinely trauma-responsive, delivered by people who understand what these families are living through.

Why now? - Belay has just spent a year strengthening its foundations - redesigning services, building organisational capacity and setting an ambitious growth plan. The groundwork is done. What we need now is a permanent CEO with the vision to take a small, high-impact charity and turn real momentum into lasting change - for families and for how the sector understands and responds to developmental trauma.

About the role - You’ll provide strategic and financial leadership across a small team, working closely with an exceptional Board and Belay’s Founder, who remains closely involved as Services Director. You’ll lead fundraising and income diversification, shape Belay’s public voice and ensure the organisation’s trauma-responsive, DDP-informed model continues to deliver real impact as it scales.

This is a rare chance to take the helm of an organisation with an innovative model, a loyal community and genuine room to grow - and to leave your mark on how the UK supports some of its most vulnerable children and families.

This is a home‑based role, but applicants must be permanently based, and have the right to work, in the United Kingdom. For legal, tax, and operational reasons, we cannot consider applications from outside the UK.

Please see the CEO Application Pack for further details, including the full job description and the application/ interview process.

The Charity Governance Secretariat Manager is a full-time hybrid role based in Letchworth, with the flexibility to work from home for part of the week. The role involves managing governance processes for charity clients, including coordinating board and committee meetings, preparing agendas and papers, maintaining accurate records and minutes, and tracking actions to completion. The manager will ensure compliance with charity regulations and best practice, oversee key governance documents and policies, and support trustees and senior leaders with timely information and guidance. Day-to-day responsibilities include liaising with stakeholders, organizing meeting logistics for both digital and physical events, maintaining governance calendars, and supporting the continuous improvement of governance procedures. The role also requires close collaboration with internal teams to align governance activities with overall event delivery and client expectations.

Qualifications

• Experience in charity governance or company secretariat functions, including organizing board and committee meetings, preparing papers, and recording minutes.
• Strong administrative and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines, maintain accurate records, and coordinate complex schedules.
• Knowledge of charity law, governance frameworks, and regulatory requirements (e.g., Charity Commission guidance), or a willingness to develop this expertise.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail and the ability to produce clear, concise, and accurate documentation.
• Proficiency with digital tools and platforms used for meetings and events (e.g., videoconferencing tools, document management systems, office productivity software).
• Ability to build effective relationships with trustees, senior leaders, and external stakeholders, demonstrating discretion and professionalism.
• Experience in or exposure to healthcare, medical meetings, or non-profit sectors is beneficial.
• Relevant professional qualification or degree in a related field (e.g., governance, law, business, public administration) is desirable but not essential.

York Travellers Trust (YTT) is seeking an inspiring, values-led Chief Executive to
lead our organisation through its next stage of development.

We work alongside the vibrant and resourceful Gypsy and Traveller communities of York and the surrounding area. We challenge discrimination and inequality, increase opportunities and life chances, and build bridges that promote understanding and community cohesion.

As Chief Executive, you will provide strategic leadership and hold overall responsibility for YTT’s performance, financial sustainability, governance, safeguarding and organisational development.

Working closely with our Board, staff and community members, you will:

 shape and deliver YTT’s strategic direction;
 strengthen our financial sustainability and develop new income opportunities;
 ensure our services remain effective, safe and responsive;
 build influential relationships with communities, funders, partners and
policymakers;
 champion the rights, needs and aspirations of Gypsy and Traveller
communities; and
 embed sociocratic and democratic ways of working so that community voices
genuinely shape our decisions.

We are looking for an experienced senior leader with a strong commitment to equality, social justice and community empowerment. You will have experience of leading in a charity, community organisation, public service or another values-led environment.

You will understand the strengths, needs and systemic barriers experienced by Gypsy and Traveller communities, gained through direct work with these communities or substantial experience alongside other marginalised groups.
You will combine strategic thinking with a collaborative, authentic and hands-on leadership style. You will also bring experience of managing people, working with a Board, overseeing finances, securing income and representing an organisation externally.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a trusted community organisation at an important point in its development. If you share our ambition for an inclusive, community-led and sustainable future, we would be delighted to hear from you.

The job description sets out the skills and experience we are looking for, but we know
that the right person may not tick every box. If you are passionate about our mission and bring significant relevant experience and the capacity to develop into the role, we would love to hear from you.

We are open to applications from people wishing to job share or looking for less than full-time hours; if this applies then let us know in your application.

The Organisation

Sported is one of the UK's leading sport-for-development charities, supporting more than 5,000 community groups across the UK to use sport and physical activity as a catalyst for positive social change. Through a combination of volunteer expertise, grants, learning and strategic partnerships, Sported helps grassroots organisations become stronger, more sustainable and more impactful.

Having undergone significant growth and transformation in recent years, Sported is entering an exciting new chapter. With a clear strategy, strong foundations and a respected national profile, the organisation is well positioned to increase its reach, influence and impact across communities throughout the UK.

The Role

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Chief Executive Officer will lead Sported through its next phase of growth and development. This is an opportunity to build on a strong platform, strengthening financial sustainability, deepening partnerships and increasing the organisation's influence across the sport and social impact sectors.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the delivery of Sported's strategy and long-term vision. 
• Strengthening income generation and long-term sustainability.
• Developing high-performing teams, culture and organisational capability.
• Acting as Sported's principal ambassador with key stakeholders, funders and partners.
• Increasing the organisation's profile, reach and influence nationally.
• Ensuring strong governance, operational performance and impact delivery.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a highly respected national charity and help shape the future of grassroots sport and community development across the UK.

The Candidate

We are seeking an ambitious, values-led leader with the credibility, strategic capability and

commercial acumen to guide Sported through its next chapter. Outstanding candidates may

come from a variety of sectors and backgrounds.

You will bring:

•  A successful track record of leading a complex organisation, business unit or function with responsibility for strategy, performance and delivery.
• Experience of organisational growth, transformation or performance improvement.
• A demonstrable ability to secure income, develop partnerships and build sustainable funding streams.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, balancing mission, impact and sustainability.
• Experience of working with Boards and building effective senior stakeholder relationships.
• A track record of leading and developing high-performing teams through change and growth.
• Excellent communication and ambassadorial skills, with the ability to represent Sported at the highest levels.
• A genuine commitment to Sported's mission and the role sport can play in creating stronger communities.

Previous Chief Executive experience would be welcomed, though it is not essential. Above all,

candidates will bring a genuine passion for sport for development and a strong belief in the

role sport and physical activity can play in tackling inequality, creating opportunity and

strengthening communities.

For further information and details on how to apply, please click to be apply this will redirect you to the application process.

Closing date for applications (CV and covering letter): 9am Thursday 17th September

We are looking for a Finance Manager to be responsible for the smooth running of all aspects of the financial management of a small but ambitious charity.

The purpose of this post is to:

· Provide sound financial advice to the Chief Executiveof Cir cles South East, Board of Trustees and Managers

· Provide a high quality and effective financial management service to the charity

· Prepare, develop and analyse management accounting information

· Ensure compliance with all relevant financial statutory and regulatory matters

Are you an experienced operational leader looking for the opportunity to help shape the future of a growing, ambitious and values-led charity?

Project 21 is looking for its first Chief Operating Officer to join us at an exciting point in our development, strengthening the organisation behind our services and helping us achieve even more for people with Down’s Syndrome and their families.

Project 21 is a growing charity providing opportunities, support and experiences for people with Down’s Syndrome across Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire. Our work includes community-based learning, performing arts, residential trips, employment opportunities and family support, all underpinned by our belief that people with Down’s Syndrome should have every opportunity to belong, believe and achieve.

As Project 21 continues to grow, we are looking for an exceptional Chief Operating Officer (COO) to work alongside our CEO & Founder and provide strategic and operational leadership across the organisation.

This is a newly created role and a genuine opportunity to help shape the next chapter of Project 21.

The COO will lead our day-to-day organisational operations, providing oversight across people, services, finance, systems, governance, compliance and organisational development. You will lead and support our Senior Leadership Team, strengthen systems and processes, develop leadership capability and ensure our growing organisation remains safe, effective, sustainable and true to its values.

Crucially, the role will create greater capacity for our CEO to focus on Project 21’s long-term future, including strategic partnerships, fundraising and our ambitious Big Build vision.

We are looking for someone who combines strong operational and organisational leadership with excellent people skills. You will be comfortable moving between strategy and delivery, developing senior leaders, making decisions, improving systems and bringing clarity to a busy and evolving organisation.

You do not necessarily need to have been a COO before. We are interested in experienced senior leaders who can demonstrate the skills, judgement and leadership capability required to step into an organisation-wide role. Experience within charities, social care, SEND, education or another people-focused organisation would be particularly valuable.

This is an office-based leadership role at our Clubhouse in Suffolk, reflecting the importance we place on visible, accessible leadership and being connected to our members, families and colleagues. The role will also involve travel across Project 21 locations and to external meetings.

What we’re looking for

We’d particularly love to hear from someone who:

• Is an experienced and confident senior leader
• Is an excellent people manager who enjoys developing others
• Can translate strategy into effective operational delivery
• Has experience of organisational growth and change
• Understands good governance, HR, finance, risk and compliance
• Can develop effective systems and improve organisational efficiency
• Is comfortable making decisions and taking accountability
• Can build strong relationships with colleagues, families, trustees and external partners
• Shares our commitment to inclusion and person-centred practice
• Is excited by the opportunity to help build something, rather than simply maintain what already exists

Above all, we are looking for someone who understands that strong operations are ultimately about people. Someone who can bring structure without unnecessary bureaucracy, accountability without losing warmth, and professional leadership while protecting the culture that makes Project 21 special.

Salary: £55,000–£60,000 per annum
Hours: 40 hours per week Mon-Fri, with occasional Saturday on-call hours
Location: Project 21 Clubhouse, Brightwell Barns, Suffolk

If you are excited by the opportunity to play a significant role in the future of an ambitious charity and help us build the organisational foundations for our next stage of growth, we would love to hear from you.

Marie Curie is the UK’s leading end-of-life charity. We are the largest non-NHS provider of end-of-life care in the UK, the only provider across all 4 nations, delivering community nursing and hospice care across the country, while providing information and support on all aspects of dying, death, and bereavement. Our leading research pushes the boundaries of what we know about good end-of-life, and our campaigns fight for a world where everyone gets to have the best possible quality of life while living with an illness, they’re likely to die from.

We are looking for a highly organised executive support professional who can manage complex administration, coordinate senior stakeholders, handle confidential information and ensure the smooth running of the CEO Office.

The CEO Office sits at the heart of Marie Curie, supporting the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Chairman. Working closely with senior leaders, trustees and key stakeholders, the team plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth running of the organisation's leadership activity and helping the Executive team focus on delivering Marie Curie’s strategic priorities.

As CEO Office Coordinator (Project Coordinator), you'll be a trusted partner within the CEO Office, helping to keep our Executive team organised, connected and operating effectively. From managing complex schedules and coordinating high-profile meetings to supporting leadership programmes and handling sensitive information with discretion, your work will have a direct impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of the organisation's most senior leaders.

Your Impact:

• Provide high-quality administrative and executive support to the Head of CEO Office, CEO, COO and Chairman.
• Manage complex diaries, meeting schedules and executive priorities, proactively resolving conflicts and coordinating commitments.
• Organise meetings, events, travel and accommodation arrangements for senior leaders and leadership teams.
• Prepare and coordinate correspondence, reports, presentations, agendas, minutes and other business documents.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, acting as a professional and confidential point of contact.
• Support Executive Leadership Team and Board activities, including logistics and meeting coordination.
• Maintain effective filing and information management systems, ensuring records are accurate, organised and accessible.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to support leadership initiatives, engagement activities and cross-functional meetings.

Key Requirements:

• Previous experience in an administrative, Executive Assistant, Personal Assistant or similar coordination role within a busy, complex and highly regulated environment.
• Proven experience managing diaries, meetings and priorities for senior stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, competing deadlines and changing priorities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to engage professionally with stakeholders at all levels, including senior leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and sound judgement.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues.
• A collaborative, customer-focused approach and a commitment to providing outstanding support.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Teams.

Please see the full job description (attached).

Application & Interview Process

• As part of your online application, you will be asked for a CV and supplementary details. Please review both the advert and job description and outline your most relevant skills, experience and knowledge for the role.
• Close date for applications: 23 August 2026. We encourage early applications as we may close the job advert sooner after receiving a sufficient number of applications.

Salary: £29,000 (+ £3,500 London Weighting Allowance if applicable)

Contract: Permanent, full-time (35h per week)

Location:Hybrid. You will work from home and from our Embassy Gardens office in London (3 days a week)

Benefits you’ll LOVE:

• Flexible working. We’re happy to discuss flexible working at the interview stage.
• 25 days annual leave (exclusive of Bank Holidays)
• Marie Curie Group Personal Pension Scheme (we will match your contribution up to 7.5%)
• Loan schemes for bikes; computers and season tickets
• Continuous professional development opportunities.
• Industry-leading training programmes
• Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programmes
• Enhanced bereavement, family friendly and sickness benefits
• Access to Blue Light Card membership
• Subsidised Eye Care
• 15% discount in-store at our Marie Curie Shops (Terms & Conditions apply)

At Marie Curie, our values are central to everything we do. They guide how we care for people, how we work together, and how we make decisions every day. We are committed to creating a workplace that is safe for everyone — staff and volunteers alike — supportive, inclusive and rewarding.  We take stringent steps to ensure that anyone who joins our organisation are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. We actively consider our impact on the planet, embedding sustainability into everyday decisions to create a lasting, positive difference for the individuals we care for and the world we share.

We believe everyone should have the opportunity to thrive and fulfil their potential. Marie Curie is deeply committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, recognising both the social justice imperative and the strength a diverse workforce brings.  We actively encourage applications from people of all cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.

We are happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

Every application we receive is personally reviewed by a member of our Talent Acquisition team, and in return, we ask that your application authentically reflects you — your experience, perspective and voice.

An opportunity to play a pivotal leadership role in a highly respected local charity that makes a real difference to people affected by cancer across West Berkshire.

As Director of Operations at Newbury Cancer Care, you will be at the heart of the charity, leading its day-to-day operations and working closely with the Board of Trustees, employees, volunteers, healthcare partners and the wider local community.

This is a broad, hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys making things happen. You will provide direction and support to the team, ensure the charity operates effectively and responsibly, build strong relationships across our network and help ensure our services continue to meet the needs of local cancer patients and their families.

We are looking for a confident, compassionate and highly organised individual who can work independently, motivate others and comfortably move between strategic conversations and the practical realities of running a small charity. Experience within the charity sector would be particularly valuable, as would knowledge of charity governance, the NHS or fundraising, but equally important is an understanding of what it takes to lead a purpose-driven organisation where people and community are at the centre of everything we do.

For the right person, this is an opportunity to take on a genuinely varied and rewarding role with considerable autonomy and the chance to make a visible difference within the local community.

What you'll be doing

• Lead the operational management of Newbury Cancer Care
• Build strong relationships with trustees, volunteers, NHS teams and community partners
• Support the development of new services and future strategy
• Ensure the charity meets governance and Charity Commission requirements
• Manage budgets and financial reporting using Sage
• Lead and support volunteers, including recruitment and development
• Oversee office administration, communications and publicity
• Help identify fundraising opportunities and support community engagement
• Represent the charity at meetings, events and presentations
• Drive continuous improvement to ensure we deliver the very best support for local people affected by cancer.

About you

We're looking for someone who is equally comfortable thinking strategically and rolling up their sleeves to get things done.

You'll be:

• A self-starter who enjoys working independently
• An experienced operational or charity leader
• Comfortable working with a Board of Trustees
• A confident people manager with excellent relationship-building skills
• Organised, pragmatic and able to manage multiple priorities
• Financially confident, with experience using accounting software such as Sage
• A strong communicator with excellent networking skills
• Emotionally resilient and compassionate, with the ability to support people facing difficult circumstances
• Confident using Microsoft Office and digital tools, including social media.

We'd also love to hear from you if you have experience of:

• Working within the charity sector
• NHS or healthcare environments
• Charity governance
• Fundraising and community engagement.

Why join us?

This is more than an operations role.

It's an opportunity to lead a respected local charity that genuinely changes lives every day. You'll work alongside passionate trustees, dedicated volunteers and healthcare professionals, helping ensure people affected by cancer receive the support they need, when they need it most.

About the role

This is a role for an experienced financial leader who can think strategically to ensure financial sustainability and resilience. You will enjoy being part of a mission driven team, be able to translate numbers into insight, and understand the importance of relationships, collaboration and trust.

Who We Are

Merton Connected strengthens the voluntary, community and faith sector and supports organisations across the borough through training, advice, volunteering and partnership building. We pioneered social prescribing in Merton, now embedded in every GP practice for over a decade, and deliver services including Healthwatch Merton, the Home Visits Library and Merton Giving, the borough’s place-based giving scheme. 

Our new 2025–2030 Strategy sets out a bold vision: A borough recognised for resilience, inclusion and community connection. To achieve this, we need strong internal foundations, and that includes a confident, people‑centred Finance Manager who can help us grow sustainably, work collaboratively, and prepare for the challenges facing the sector.

Our strategy commits us to being:

• A Convenor - bringing people together.
• A Capacity Builder - strengthening organisations.
• An Incubator - developing new ideas.
• An Amplifier - making community voices heard.

 To deliver this, we need financial leadership that is:

• Strategic but not disruptive
• Supportive, not siloed.
• Collaborative, not transactional
• Forward looking and resilient

You will help ensure Merton Connected remains financially strong, transparent, and sustainable for the future while maintaining excellent relationships with partners, funders, commissioners and community organisations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

 Strategic Financial Leadership

• Support long term financial planning, scenario modelling, and risk management, including exploring income diversification.
• Ensure financial systems remain proportionate, efficient, and aligned with our strategic pillars.
• Help the organisation prepare for sector wide challenges such as rising demand, funding pressures, and increased complexity.
• Support the Quarterly Finance Sub Committee Meetings and attend Board Meetings

 Annual Accounts and Audit

• Prepare year‑end accounts in line with the Charities SORP.
• Work closely with auditors to ensure a smooth, timely audit process.
• Draft the financial commentary for the Trustees’ Annual Report.
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, including Charity Commission, Companies House, and HMRC.

Oversight of Day to Day Finance Operations

• Produce clear, accurate quarterly management accounts and cash flow forecasts with meaningful commentary.
• Work closely with the Assistant Accountant, providing them with support and direction.
• Maintain oversight of income, expenditure, payroll, reconciliations, and journals.
• Ensure robust tracking of restricted funds, project budgets, and grant reporting.
• Strengthen internal controls and financial procedures.

 Building Strong Relationships Across the Organisation

• Work collaboratively with department leads, supporting them to understand budgets and forecasts.
• Communicate financial information to colleagues and the Board in a clear, supportive, and accessible way.
• Contribute to a positive, team‑centred culture that reflects our values of Empowering, Collaborative and Inclusive.

 Customer relations with partners and funders

• Provide timely, accurate financial information for commissioners, funders, and partners.
• Build confidence with stakeholders through professionalism, clarity, and responsiveness.
• Support collaborative funding bids, shared investment pathways, and partnership‑led projects - aligning with our Convenor and Incubator roles.

 Support innovation and organisational development

• Work with Head of Operations to develop and embed robust and effective financial systems
• Help us test new approaches, pilot ideas, and strengthen our internal resilience.
• Ensure financial systems support accurate and timely information, as well as innovation and collaboration.
• Contribute to business planning, strategic development, and organisational learning.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

 Essential

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Experience producing management accounts and year‑end accounts in the charity sector.
• Strong understanding of restricted funds, project accounting, and the Charities SORP.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills - able to build trust with colleagues, trustees, and partners.
• A collaborative, team‑centred approach.
• Ability to think strategically and anticipate future challenges.
• Commitment to our values: Empowering, Collaborative, Inclusive.
• Ability to present reports to the Finance Sub Committee and Board
• Ability to represent the organisation with funders stakeholders when needed.
• Familiarity with MS Office applications including Word, Excel, Teams and Sharepoint
• Commitment to confidentiality, safeguarding, equality and diversity.

Desirable

• Experience in infrastructure, health, community, or multi funded charities.
• Familiarity with NHS/ICB (Integrated Care Board)  funded programmes or local authority contracts.
• Experience with cloud based accounting systems such as Xero, Sage or QuickBooks
• Understanding of the voluntary sector landscape and its emerging pressures.

Who This Role Is Perfect For

Someone who:

• Brings solid charity financial management and reporting experience.
• Enjoys being part of a friendly, purpose‑driven team.
• Communicates well with non‑finance colleagues.
• Can balance strategic thinking with hands‑on oversight.
• Values relationships as much as spreadsheets.
• Wants to help build a more resilient, connected, and inclusive Merton 

Chief Executive Officer

The Opportunity

Many Tears Animal Rescue is at an exciting stage in its development. We rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome thousands of animals each year, and are now seeking an experienced, practical leader to guide our next chapter. You will build on our legacy, strengthening our foundations and securing our long-term sustainability. This role is for someone who can help us grow our reputation while giving our staff and volunteers the support they need to continue providing the best possible care for our animals. 

What will you be doing?

You will guide the charity's strategy and drive a period of transformation, ensuring our operations are effective, fully compliant, and set up for long-term sustainability. Your leadership is about ensuring that our strategy, finances, and operations all serve to give our animals the best possible chance of recovery and a loving, forever home. 

To achieve this, the role is structured around three key areas of focus:

Strategy, Governance and Compliance

• Work with the Board of Trustees to develop and deliver a strategic vision with animal welfare at its heart.

• Provide the Board of Trustees with accurate, timely, and insightful reports on risk management and performance. These updates will ensure the Board has the clear visibility they need for effective oversight and strategic planning.

• Champion a culture of transparency, accountability, and excellence in governance. Build strong, positive relationships with our regulators and key partners, including contributing to our statutory and regulatory filings to ensure we maintain full compliance with all external obligations.

• Lead the development of our internal policies and processes, ensuring every policy and process is fit-for-purpose, compliant with regulatory expectations and the highest standards of animal welfare, and are regularly reviewed to help the team work safely and effectively.

• Ensure strict adherence to all animal welfare legislation, Charity Commission standards, and sector best practices, maintaining the reliable framework our team needs to focus on the animals in our care.

• Proactively monitor and adapt to evolving Welsh animal rescue licensing regulations, ensuring our practices always reflect the highest welfare standards in Wales.

• Oversee the integrity of our operational and governance records, maintaining full transparency and auditability across the charity.

Financial Strategy and Sustainability

• Work with the Board of Trustees to develop and implement a financial strategy that puts the controls and oversight in place to secure our future and direct resources to where our animals need them most.

• Lead a long-term income generation strategy, focusing on sustainable, diverse streams including legacy giving, grant-making trusts, and community fundraising, to support our rising operational costs.

• Implement and monitor strict internal financial controls to ensure all charity resources are used exclusively for approved charitable purposes.

• Oversee data governance and digital integrity, ensuring robust data protection compliance.

Operational Delivery and Team Development 

• Take responsibility for the charity’s safeguarding culture, ensuring that all policies are embedded, staff and volunteers are trained, and that all incidents are investigated and reported with transparency, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our people.

• Foster an inclusive and supportive culture while providing strategic oversight of the modernisation of our HR practices, digital systems, and infrastructure. Ensure we are positioned to support our team’s wellbeing, growth, and development - including our volunteers and fosterers - through structured engagement and retention strategies.

• Act as the charity’s lead ambassador, building relationships with the press, local authorities, other neighbouring and notable charities, and animal welfare professionals to enhance our external reputation. 

• Oversee our operational planning, including the day-to-day management of staffing rotas and fleet resources. Provide direct line management to the senior leadership team, making sure everyone has the support they need to work effectively.

• Monitor the rescue, and report to the Board of Trustees on core operational performance, including intake-to-rehoming metrics, fostering network capacity, and clinical standards to provide clear visibility on the welfare outcomes we achieve.

• Lead the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across operational activity, ensuring consistent service levels and adherence to regulatory and best practice standards, to ensure our animals receive the highest standards of care.

• Direct all physical site operations, planned maintenance, and infrastructure improvements, ensuring all premises are safe, efficient, and fit for purpose.

• Manage charity risk, including contributing to the risk register, site-wide health and safety audits, staff and volunteer training, and carrying out robust assessment and management of operational risks.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for a dedicated leader who is passionate about our work and ready to use their skills to help Many Tears Animal Rescue grow and develop. You will operate at a strategic level while maintaining a firm grasp of day-to-day operations.

Key Requirements

Values and Personal Alignment

• A genuine commitment to animal welfare. You aren't just looking for a leadership role; you are here for the right reasons, with a clear understanding that every strategic decision you make serves a single purpose: improving the lives of the animals in our care.

Essential Experience

• Significant senior leadership experience, ideally within a regulated charity or an animal welfare organisation.

• A strong track record of leading organisations through periods of transition, using resilience and clarity to guide teams through change.

• Extensive people management experience, with a proven ability to lead, and support teams comprising paid staff, volunteers, and fosterers.

• Significant experience reporting to and working directly with a Board of Trustees, providing strategic advice and managing governance relationships with openness and integrity.

• A practical approach to managing organisational risk, ensuring compliance and safety standards are understood and met across all areas of the charity.

• Proven success in setting up and maintaining clear policies and processes that ensure everyone knows how to work safely, consistently, and compliantly.

• Extensive experience in financial management, including budget oversight and the practical controls needed to ensure charitable funds are used effectively.

• Proven success in developing and delivering income generation strategies, including fundraising, grant applications, or legacy giving to support long-term financial sustainability.

• A clear, demonstrable commitment to safeguarding, with experience in fostering a culture that prioritises the safety and well-being of all staff and volunteers.

• Experience in managing site operations and facilities, including the oversight of health and safety and ensuring premises remain safe and fit for purpose.

Essential Knowledge and Skills

• A deep understanding of charity governance and regulatory requirements, specifically with the Charity Commission and Companies House.

• A comprehensive working knowledge of animal welfare legislation, specifically the Animal Welfare (Wales) Act 2006 and the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (Wales) Regulations 2021.

• Exceptional communication and diplomatic skills, with the ability to build trust among diverse stakeholders, including staff, volunteers, local authorities, and the public.

• A full, clean UK driving licence and the ability to travel as required.

Desirable

• Experience in clinical or animal welfare operations, including familiarity with Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) standards.

• A formal management or leadership qualification.

• Experience of managing a diverse and geographically disparate team

Time Commitment

• Hours: This is a full-time role. It requires flexibility to meet the needs of the charity, including occasional evening and weekend work.

• Location: This is primarily an on-site role, based at the rescue centre in Carmarthenshire, Wales to provide visible leadership. There is some ability to work from home for some tasks, and permanent on-site accommodation may be available if required.

• Nature of the Role: As the lead for both strategic direction and operational stability, the role requires availability to respond to urgent operational matters.

• Salary Range: £50,000

What difference will you make?

Your leadership will be the heart of our next chapter. As we build on our legacy, your focus on operational excellence will help Many Tears Animal Rescue stay a trusted lifeline for the animals who need us most. You’ll bring the stability and strategic vision we need to support our team, strengthen our impact, and keep our essential work going for years to come.

Application Process

To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining how your experience aligns with our mission and the requirements of this role to Dr Emma Sargeant by 15th August 2026.

We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments for the interview process.