Board trustees volunteer jobs in Bristol

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.

Scottish Mountain Rescue represents 26 volunteer Mountain Rescue Teams across Scotland, alongside Police Scotland and RAF Mountain Rescue services. Its highly trained volunteers respond around the clock, in all conditions, to emergencies across Scotland’s mountains and remote communities.

Scottish Mountain Rescue is now appointing its first Chief Executive Officer.

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Chief Executive will lead the charity’s operational functions, manage and support its staff team and help shape its future strategic direction. They will build strong relationships with member teams, volunteers, funders, government, emergency services and other national partners.

This is a significant leadership appointment during a period of organisational development and change. The successful candidate will combine strategic judgement with a practical, hands-on approach and will be confident working within a small national organisation.

Candidates should bring:

• Significant senior leadership and management experience
• Experience of strategy, operations, finance and organisational change
• Strong people management and Board reporting skills
• Outstanding stakeholder engagement and relationship-building experience
• Knowledge of Scotland’s policy, public sector and voluntary sector landscape
• A genuine commitment to Scottish Mountain Rescue’s purpose and volunteers

Applicants must be based in Scotland and have the legal right to work in the UK.

Application is by CV and covering letter, each no longer than two pages.

Closing date: Midday, Friday 21 August 2026
Interviews: Wednesday 9 September 2026, in central Edinburgh

All enquiries are being managed by Abeer Macintyre Consultancy. Please do not contact Scottish Mountain Rescue staff or Board members directly.

Join Mersey Rivers Trust and Help Make a Real Impact for Rivers, Wildlife and Communities! 

Are you a skilled finance and governance professional looking to use your expertise for good? Mersey Rivers Trust is seeking a Finance and Governance Manager to join our Senior Leadership Team and help shape the future of our environmental charity. 

We’re a passionate team working to protect and restore rivers across Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire — and we need someone like you to ensure our finances and governance are as strong as our mission. 

APPLICANTS MUST LIVE WITHIN OR CLOSE TO THE MERSEY CATCHMENT – APPLICATIONS FROM OUTSIDE THIS AREA CANNOT BE CONSIDERED.

The Mersey Rivers Trust (MRT) is an environmental charity focussing on the protection and enhancement of rivers and waterbodies in the Mersey Catchment. It operates in an area covering Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire. We have an annual turnover of c£1m and employ 19 staff delivering up to 30 projects per year. The Trust works with partners, local communities, and volunteers to deliver a wide range of projects including river restoration, reduction of flood risk by Natural Flood Management techniques, river monitoring, volunteer events (eg river clean-ups/invasive species control and citizen science), community engagement and education events, farm advice/plans and biodiversity net gain. The Trust continues to evolve to meet the increasing challenges of protecting and enhancing rivers and waterbodies in the catchment.

We are seeking a Finance and Governance Manager to join our Senior Leadership Team and lead the Trust’s finance, governance, and back-office functions. This is a pivotal role focused on ensuring financial integrity, regulatory compliance, and effective charity governance. While not involved in field-based project delivery, the Finance Manager plays a strategic role in supporting the organisation’s mission by enabling robust financial planning, reporting, and operational support. You will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Trustees, and project teams to ensure the Trust remains financially resilient and well-governed.

As the Finance and Governance Manager, you should possess expertise in financial control and reporting, allowing you to effectively handle delegated responsibilities. Your numerical skills and critical thinking abilities will enable you to proactively address challenges and streamline processes. 

The role holder will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer and will be a member of the Senior Leadership Team. The role will also include direct line management responsibilities of the Administration Officer. 

If you are a motivated financial professional with a passion for driving organisational success, we invite you to apply and contribute to our team’s growth. 

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the management of the back-office function and Charity governance of MRT. 

• Act as the Company Secretary to ensure compliance with financial and legal requirements, as well as maintaining high standards of Charity governance. 

• Work with the Chief Executive Officer to prepare and manage budgets, provide input to the Trust’s business plan and strategic initiatives. 

• Contribute to the strategic direction of the Trust as a member of the Senior Leadership Team. 

• Provide financial insight and analysis to support strategic decision-making and long-term planning. 

• Support the development and implementation of organisational policies and procedures to ensure good governance. 

• Act as a key liaison with the Board of Trustees, preparing and presenting financial and governance reports to inform oversight and decision-making. 

• Lead on the development of internal controls and risk management strategies to safeguard the Trust’s assets and reputation. 

• Oversee all payments, manage cash flow, income and claims. 

• Support financial planning for grant funding applications to support delivery of our objectives. 

• Line management of the Administration Officer. 

• Renew the annual insurance policy ensuring adequate cover and value for money. 

• Maintain, oversee, and update all project management reporting systems on time and to budget (including timesheets, expenses and monthly reports). 

• Complete all necessary reports and keep suitable records in line with the funding requirements and document retention policy. 

• Highlight any new risks and issues identified whilst carrying out duties, and work with the team to manage and resolve them. 

• Fulfil duties as assigned by the Chief Executive Officer. 

• Any other reasonable duties as required by MRT. 

The post holder will be home based with travel throughout the Mersey catchment. The applicant will need to live within or close to the Mersey catchment to facilitate regular travel to meetings. Remote working from other parts of the country cannot be considered for this role due to the need for regular face-to-face interactions.

Candidate Profile

Essential 

• A financial control and reporting background with an accounting qualification (e.g. AAT, CIMA) or qualified by experience. 

• Experience of organisational governance, ideally with knowledge of UK General Accounting Practice and Charities regulations. 

• Experience of financial and management reporting within a small to medium-sized charitable or not for profit organisation. 

• Experience of liaising with accountants to prepare annual accounts and reports required by the Charity Commission. 

• Experience of cash flow forecasting. 

• Familiarity with Xero financial and project management software (or similar). 

• A confident and clear communicator with the ability to communicate financial information in an appropriate manner for non-financial trustees and staff. 

• Aptitude in problem-solving. 

• Self-motivated and able to work effectively from home with strong communication skills and with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. 

• Ability to work flexibly across the working week when necessary. 

• Ability to prioritise and plan activities to meet strict deadlines. 

• Excellent literacy, numeracy and report-writing skills. 

• Excellent presentation and communication skills. 

• Strong negotiation and influencing skills. 

• Good computer literacy skills (e.g. with Excel, Word, PowerPoint and project reporting systems). 

• A reliable team player with good attendance and work performance. 

• Ability to set performance objectives and ensure these are achieved. 

Desirable 

• Experience in financial planning for funding applications. 

• Understanding of small-scale charitable trading. 

• Experience of commercial contract management. 

• Experience of managing an IT service provider.

• Knowledge of the Mersey Catchment.

• Experience in Human Resources

General Notes

• Some travel around the Mersey Catchment will be necessary therefore a current driving licence and access to a vehicle (insured for business use) is desirable or otherwise access to public transport networks. 
• This positive will from time to time requires work during some evenings, weekends and public holidays to meet the needs of the post. A time off in lieu system is operated by the Trust.

• We will also require the successful applicant to undergo a basic DBS check and provide satisfactory references from previous employers. 

Term and Conditions

The following terms and conditions are typically offered to Mersey Rivers Trust staff and are set out as a guide only. Terms and conditions may vary according to circumstances, and this summary does not form part of any subsequent employment

Annual leave: 25 days annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays that fall on working days and a 3 day shutdown between Christmas and New Year.

Location: Home Based

About Overcoming MS:

Every five minutes, someone, somewhere in the world is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). For many, those words are followed by fear, uncertainty and unanswered questions. Too often, people leave appointments without knowing how nutrition, exercise, stress management and other evidence-based lifestyle changes can play an important role alongside medical treatment.

Overcoming MS is the leading global charity dedicated to helping everyone with MS live well. We turn the best available evidence into practical support people can use every day. Together with our global community and healthcare professionals, we're working to make healthy lifestyle support part of everyday MS care.

We're entering an exciting new chapter. Over the next three years, we're investing in growing philanthropy to diversify income, build long-term sustainability and reach more people living with MS than ever before. This newly created role will play a pivotal part in making that ambition a reality.

Job summary:
As our Philanthropy Manager, you'll lead our trusts and foundations fundraising while building meaningful relationships with major donors who share our vision. Working closely with the Director of Fundraising & Communications, CEO and Trustees, you'll help build and grow our philanthropy programme, securing significant gifts and developing long-term partnerships that enable more people living with MS to access trusted information, evidence-based lifestyle guidance and a supportive community.

This is a rare opportunity for an ambitious fundraiser who enjoys building something new. You'll have the freedom to shape a growing philanthropy programme, develop new opportunities and play a central role in delivering our fundraising strategy.

About you

You're an experienced relationship fundraiser with a successful track record in trusts and foundations and/or major donor fundraising.

You'll bring:

• A proven track record of securing significant five-figure gifts and grants, with experience developing or securing six-figure funding opportunities.
• Excellent proposal and bid writing skills.
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management experience.
• Confidence working with philanthropists, senior decision-makers and trustees.
• The ability to balance strategic thinking with delivering ambitious income targets.
• Excellent communication, organisation and influencing skills.

Most importantly, you'll share our belief that everyone living with MS deserves access to trusted information, practical support and hope for the future.

Key responsibilities and duties:
The role comprises of the following key areas of responsibility:

Trusts and Foundations

• Lead and develop our trusts and foundations fundraising programme.
• Build and manage a strong pipeline of prospective charitable trusts and foundations.
• Research and identify new funding opportunities aligned to Overcoming MS' strategic priorities.
• Develop compelling funding applications, reports and proposals.
• Deliver excellent stewardship and timely reporting to existing funders.

Major Donors

• Develop and manage relationships with existing and prospective major donors.
• Work with the Director of Fundraising & Communications, CEO and Trustees to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward prospective philanthropists.
• Develop tailored cultivation and stewardship plans aligned to supporters' interests and motivations.
• Prepare personalised proposals, presentations and impact reports.
• Secure significant five-figure gifts while developing and progressing opportunities capable of generating transformational six-figure support.

Philanthropy development

• Research and identify opportunities to grow both restricted and unrestricted income.
• Develop compelling cases for support that communicate the impact and ambition of Overcoming MS.
• Collaborate with colleagues across fundraising, communications and services to translate our evidence, insight and organisational priorities into inspiring funding propositions.
• Contribute to philanthropy strategy, pipeline development, income forecasting and long-term fundraising growth.
• Maintain accurate fundraising records, prospect pipelines and reporting through our CRM system.
• Support donor cultivation events and opportunities to deepen supporter engagement.

Compliance and representation

• Act as an ambassador for Overcoming MS, building relationships that increase awareness and support for our work.
• Ensure fundraising activity complies with the Fundraising Regulator's Code of Fundraising Practice, GDPR and organisational policies.
• Keep up to date with fundraising best practice and sector developments.

Person Specification

We're looking for someone who is excited by the opportunity to build, grow and shape a philanthropy programme that will help more people live well with MS.

Essential

• Proven experience securing significant five-figure gifts and grants from trusts and foundations and/or major donors, with experience developing or securing six-figure funding opportunities.
• An excellent track record of developing successful funding applications, compelling proposals and persuasive cases for support.
• Experience identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding high-value supporters.
• Outstanding written communication skills, with the ability to translate evidence and impact into compelling fundraising propositions.
• Strong relationship-building and influencing skills, with confidence engaging philanthropists, trustees and senior stakeholders.
• Experience managing fundraising pipelines and using CRM systems.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• A proactive, collaborative and solutions-focused approach.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• A commitment to the mission and values of Overcoming MS.

Desirable

• Experience working within a health, disability or medical charity.
• Experience working with volunteer leaders, ambassadors or Boards.
• Experience using Dynamics 365 or a similar CRM system.
• An understanding of multiple sclerosis or an interest in evidence-based lifestyle approaches to long-term health.

This job description outlines the main responsibilities of the role but is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Duties may evolve over time, and the post-holder may be required to undertake other reasonable tasks consistent with the level of the role. 

Why join us?

You'll join an ambitious, evidence-led charity with a global reach, where you'll have the opportunity to shape a growing philanthropy programme from the ground up.

We offer:

• Fully remote working within the UK.
• 28 days annual leave (FTE - pro rata for part-time) plus a day off for your birthday and bank holidays. 
• 5% pension scheme. 
• Genuine flexibility around how your 22.5 hours are worked across the week.
• Employee Assistance Programme. 
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.
• The opportunity to work closely with the CEO, Trustees and senior colleagues to build a sustainable philanthropy programme.
• The chance to make a lasting difference for people living with MS.

How to apply 

Please click on the ‘apply now’ button and send your CV and a covering letter.

In your covering letter, please let us know: 

• Your motivation for applying for the role.
• Your notice period. 
• Your current location.

Application timeline:

• Closing date: 9am on Thursday 13th August. 
• First round interviews: Tuesday 18th August online via Microsoft Teams.
• Second round interviews: TBC.

Please respond ASAP, as we will start screening candidates as soon as we receive applications. 

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion:

We want Overcoming MS to be a welcoming, inclusive and supportive place to work, where people feel valued and able to thrive. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and communities, particularly those currently underrepresented in the charity sector.

We know that people sometimes hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement listed. If this role feels like a good fit for you, we’d still encourage you to apply.

If you need reasonable adjustments or information in a different format during the recruitment process, please contact us.

About Thrombosis UK

Thrombosis UK is the UK’s leading thrombosis charity, working to improve awareness, prevention and support for people affected by blood clots.

As part of our new organisational strategy, we are launching a major programme focused on raising awareness of blood clot (VTE) risk during pregnancy and the postpartum period. This programme will combine public awareness, healthcare professional engagement, patient advocacy and policy influence to improve understanding, encourage earlier action and contribute to longer-term system change.

We are seeking an experienced freelance communications professional to work alongside our team to help shape and deliver this programme.

The opportunity

This is not a traditional PR brief. We are looking for someone who can think strategically while also delivering practical communications activity across multiple channels.

The consultant will work alongside Thrombosis UK staff who already deliver digital communications, social media, volunteer engagement and patient support. The role is to provide strategic communications expertise, lead specialist campaign activity and build the team's capacity, rather than replace existing internal functions.

The successful consultant will help us develop and implement an integrated campaign that includes:

· Public awareness campaigns

· Media relations and press activity

· Digital communications and content planning

· Website content and user journeys

· Stakeholder communications

· Support for public affairs and parliamentary engagement

· Campaign evaluation and learning

The consultant will work closely with our Chief Executive and wider team, bringing specialist campaign expertise that complements our existing clinical knowledge and patient support work.

Marketing & Communications Manager

Bath Preservation Trust, Bath, 35 hours per week • £40,000 per annum

Bath Preservation Trust (BPT) is looking for an experienced Marketing & Communications Manager to lead marketing, digital engagement and communications across our four museums and wider charitable work in the World Heritage City of Bath.

This is a key role for a creative storyteller and strategic marketer who can grow audiences, strengthen brand recognition and deliver high‑quality, multi‑channel campaigns.

About the Role

You will shape and deliver BPT’s marketing and communications activity, including:

• Strategic leadership – creating a new MarComms Strategy and commissioning external specialists
• Campaign development – producing compelling multi‑channel campaigns to increase reach and visitor numbers
• Digital management – updating websites, delivering PPC advertising and leading organic social media
• Press & PR – preparing press releases and building media relationships
• Publications & collateral – overseeing leaflets, e‑newsletters and key annual publications
• Audience insight – using data, KPIs and segmentation to inform decisions
• Line management of the Digital Content Executive

About You

We’re looking for a confident communicator with:

• Minimum three years’ experience in marketing/communications within arts, heritage or tourism
• Proven success in growing audiences, driving KPIs and delivering commercial impact
• Strong digital skills across social media, PPC, SEO and content creation
• Excellent copywriting and storytelling ability
• Experience managing budgets, contracts and external suppliers
• Strong analytical skills and understanding of ROI
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, trustees, partners and media

Our values: Authentic, Engaged, Inclusive, Informed, Responsible.

Benefits

• Positive, collaborative working culture
• Flexible working arrangements
• 34 days annual leave (including public holidays)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work scheme
• 0% season ticket loans
• Death in Service benefit

How to apply

If you would like to apply for the above role, please complete the short application form and email it along with your CV and a covering letter outlining the skills, knowledge and experience you could bring to the role. See our website for further details..

We realise that text-based applications do not suit everyone, so if you would like to apply in a different way, require information in a different format, or need any other support with your application, please get in touch 

Bath Preservation Trust is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

We will particularly welcome applications from people from those sections of the community who are under-represented in Bath Preservation Trust and in the wider heritage sector including Global Majority and / or disabled applicants.

For further information about the roles including the job description, person specification and application form, please see the links below.

We would also be grateful if you could complete the anonymous equal opportunities data monitoring form below (this is voluntary).

Closing date: Monday 7th September 2026

Interviews: Tuesday 22nd or Friday 25th September

Hours: 4 days per week (30 hours) between 9.00am and 5.00pm

Clolsing date:  Tuesday 30th June at 11pm

Interview date: Friday 10th July

Salary: £48,000 p/a pro rata 

Contract: 1 year fixed term (covering a maternity leave position)

The Southmead Project is an equal opportunities employer providing free specialist counselling and support for survivors of abuse across Bristol and surrounding areas. Our recruitment is done in line with safer recruitment practices. We welcome people of any race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, class, ability, language, religion and cultural background. We value the differences between people and affirm each person as an individual.

We value our team very highly and pride ourselves on being a supportive employer. We provide the following benefits to encourage a supported, well-rounded and enriched practice:

• Paid supervision for 1.5 hours per month, with an external supervisor of that person’s choice

• Line management for 1 hour per month

• Training budget of £500 per year to spend on relevant training of that person’s choice

• Employer pension contribution of 5%

• Generous annual leave allowance and paid sick leave

• Cycle to work scheme

• Optional private counselling for up to 12 sessions per year with an external counsellor of that person’s choice

Therapeutic Management

• To manage and support a staff team, including the Head of Active Recovery, a Counselling Lead, Nexus Counselling Manager, a Family Support Group Facilitator, and administrators.

• To oversee all of the charity’s therapeutic services and ensure that efficient and high-quality services are delivered.

• To be the charity’s Designated Safeguarding Lead to respond effectively and efficiently to safeguarding concerns.

• To ensure staff are sufficiently trained in adult and child safeguarding and that training records are kept up-to-date.

• To oversee the charity’s pre-trial therapy processes and be a point of contact for the police.

• To develop and improve the charity’s therapeutic services, including any expansion of the services.

• To manage therapeutic recruitment, inductions and training.

• To hold monthly staff meetings and service team meetings when needed.

• To oversee the individual and group supervision arrangements and reporting for all staff. 

• To manage and have overall responsibility for the ongoing use of an online Case Management System, ensuring that data is inputted accurately for reporting purposes.

• To support the charity’s quality assurance and development of its services through monitoring  and responding to client feedback and outcomes data.

• To develop the charity’s survivor voice work and ensure that the charity’s services are informed by survivors and their lived experience. 

• To manage any complaints raised by clients. 

Leadership

• To work collaboratively as part of a Leadership Team to make decisions and resolve issues affecting the day-to-day running of the charity and management of its staff team.

• To strategically plan and develop the therapeutic services of the charity.

• To develop relationships with partner agencies and professionals to raise awareness of our therapeutic services and strengthen our work.

• To build and maintain a positive working relationship with the Board of Trustees.

• To attend and contribute to trustee meetings and trustee working group meetings, reporting on the therapeutic services and any clinical matters arising. 

• To assist in promoting the charity by attending all relevant meetings directly connected with your work.

• To undertake any other duties appropriate to the needs of the charity.

Client Work

• To provide one-to-one counselling for survivors of abuse of all genders, both online / by phone and face-to-face, with a caseload of approximately 4 clients. 

• To maintain confidential and accurate counselling notes of all sessions.

• To attend monthly one-to-one clinical supervision with a supervisor approved by the Southmead Project. (Supervision is a requirement of this charity as members of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy).

• To attend monthly one-to-one line management meetings.

• To work to the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy ethical guidelines.

• To work within the framework, spirit and ethos of the Southmead Project’s Equal Opportunities Policy, and actively engage in promoting the policy within the charity and in all dealings with clients and other agencies.

• All members of staff, paid and unpaid, are required to undergo the enhanced level of Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Please see attached job description for full details. 

The Southmead Project is seeking an experienced and motivated Fundraiser to support the charity’s long-term financial sustainability.

The postholder will identify, research and secure funding from trusts, foundations, charitable bodies, statutory funders and other appropriate sources. They will lead on developing high-quality, persuasive funding applications and reports that clearly communicate the impact of the Southmead Project’s work and the needs of the people it supports.

Working closely with the CEO, Head of Finance and trustees, the Fundraiser will develop and deliver an annual fundraising plan, maintain a strong funding pipeline, and support the organisation to diversify its income. The role will require excellent writing, research, relationship-building and organisational skills, alongside a strong commitment to the charity’s values and mission.

• Develop an annual fundraising plan, alongside the Head of Finance and CEO.

• Carry out ongoing prospect research to identify new sources of funding from trusts, foundations, charitable bodies, statutory funders and other appropriate sources.

• Maintain a fundraising pipeline, ensuring that opportunities, deadlines, applications and reporting requirements are monitored effectively.

• Build and maintain a database of prospective and current funders, including key contacts, deadlines, funding priorities and application requirements.

• Monitor relevant local, regional and national funding opportunities, including being a sponsored charity at community events.

• Produce funding applications for trusts, charities, foundations and statutory bodies as an ongoing part of the charity’s income generation.

• Analyse data and feedback collected through outcomes processes for report writing.

• Build and maintain positive relationships with funders, partners and relevant stakeholders, including the corporate sector as part of the charity’s income diversification strategy.

• Attend monthly meetings with the Senior Leadership Team and trustee meetings as required.

• To work within the framework, spirit and ethos of the Southmead Project’s Equal Opportunities Policy, and actively engage in promoting the policy within the charity and in all dealings with clients and other agencies.

• To follow the Southmead Project policies, procedures and professional code of conduct as outlined in the Team Handbook.

• All members of staff, paid and unpaid, are required to undergo the   enhanced level of Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Please see job description for full details.

Job Title: Administrator & Bookkeeper

Location: Home-based with travel and occasional overnight stays

Hours: 35 Hours per week (Typically Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)

About Us:
Established in 1985, the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes (ADCH) is the leading representative charity for dog and cat rescue and rehoming organisations across the UK, Ireland, Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands. ADCH promotes the safeguarding of welfare standards for dogs and cats needing new homes and supports those working and volunteering in the sector

At the heart of ADCH is a strong collaborative ethos. With over 160 member organisations, all of which are registered charities, we unite organisations of all sizes – large and small; embracing over 50,000 staff and volunteers, all dedicated to working together for Dogs and Cats. A key part of this ethos is the peer network ADCH nurtures, where members connect, exchange ideas, share knowledge and resources, and offer mutual support. Through this network, organisations are able to address common challenges, collaborate on solutions, and strengthen their collective impact on animal welfare.

Who We Are Looking For:

We are looking for an organised and proactive Administrator & Bookkeeper to join our small, collaborative team. This is a varied role at the heart of the organisation, providing pragmatic administrative support across membership services, communications, finance, governance and events.

You'll be confident managing multiple priorities, maintaining accurate records and using a range of digital systems. From supporting our members and maintaining our CRM to producing communications, updating website content and assisting with day-to-day bookkeeping, you'll play an important role in helping ADCH deliver an efficient and professional service.

As part of a small team, you'll need to be adaptable, self-motivated and happy to take ownership of your work while supporting colleagues across a wide range of activities. You'll be equally comfortable working independently from home and collaborating with the team, with travel across the UK and occasional overnight stays required.

Person Specification

• Essential
• Experience providing administrative support within a busy team.
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, Canva and database systems.
• Experience of bookkeeping and using accounting software (e.g. QuickBooks, Xero, Sage or similar).
•  Experience of creating social media content for an organisation.
• Experience of updating website content using systems such as WordPress or Similar.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to prioritise workload, work independently and use initiative.
• Excellent communication, customer service and interpersonal skills.

Desirable

It would also be great (but not essential) if you had:

• Experience of working in the charity sector and/or a membership organisation.
• Experience supporting or coordinating events
• Experience of supporting committees or governance meetings.
• Experience of working remotely.

How to apply

If you're an organised administrator with excellent attention to detail, strong IT skills and a positive, flexible approach, we'd love to hear from you.  This is a 12-month fixed-term position, with the potential for extension subject to funding.

Closing Date: Sunday, 16th August 2026

Interviews: Monday,  24th August 2026 Online

As a small charity with limited resources, we regret that we are unable to respond to every application or provide individual feedback to unsuccessful candidates. If you do not hear from us within five working days of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.

Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications.

Further details about the role, including key responsibilities and criteria, can be found in the job description. Please ensure you review this carefully before beginning your application.

Who we are

IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) is a national charity working to ensure that children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the educational support they are legally entitled to. Since we were formed in 1983, we have helped to improve the education experience of thousands of children and young people across England. We do this by providing free and independent legal advice and casework support for families, undertaking policy work and delivering training on the SEND legal framework.

What you’ll do

Reports to: Chief Executive

Location: Home-based or Hybrid (with frequent travel for events and meeting with parliamentarians and other stakeholders) 

We are seeking a Policy Manager to lead IPSEA's policy and influencing work to achieve positive change for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families. Working closely with the Chief Executive, Head of Legal and Training, trustees and colleagues across the organisation, you will set strategic policy priorities and develop evidence-based influencing plans that support IPSEA's mission and long-term objectives.

Drawing on insights from our advice and tribunal services, legal expertise and the experiences of families, you will identify systemic issues within the SEND system and develop policy solutions that improve children and young people's access to the support and education to which they are entitled. You will ensure that IPSEA's policy positions are credible, legally robust and informed by the lived experiences of those we support.

You will lead IPSEA's engagement with government, Parliament and other key decision-makers, identifying opportunities to influence legislation, policy and practice at both national and local level. This includes overseeing responses to consultations, parliamentary inquiries and calls for evidence, as well as preparing briefings and strategic advice to support senior-level engagement and advocacy.

Working collaboratively with colleagues across legal, communications, fundraising and training teams, you will ensure IPSEA's policy, campaigning and public affairs activities are aligned and maximise the organisation's impact. You will also monitor developments across the political, legal and policy landscape, helping IPSEA respond proactively to emerging opportunities and challenges affecting the rights of children and young people with SEND.

This role offers the opportunity to make a real difference as part of a small, friendly, and dedicated team. If you are passionate about helping children and young people with SEND and have the skills and experience needed, we would love to hear from you.

Who are we looking for?

You will have significant experience in a senior policy and campaigning/public affairs role and have good knowledge of local and national government structure including the legislative process.

You the ability to build and maintain relationships with a range of stakeholders including MPs, civil servants, campaigners and parents. You exhibit tact and diplomacy and can be impactful with people of varying levels and experience.

Your research and critical thinking skills enable you to analyse policy and data to produce relevant reports and position papers. You have experience of drafting organisation responses to government consultations and parliamentary calls for evidence.

IPSEA should also reflect the communities we support. We would particularly like to hear from candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people, under-served communities and disabled people, as well as those with lived experience of the SEND system, either as a child or as a parent/carer.

What we can offer you

• 5% employer pension contributions
• Healthcare cash plan
• Flexible working arrangements
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays plus an additional day off for your birthday (pro-rata if part-time).

To apply

Visit our website to download a recruitment pack and application form.

Deadline for applications: 9am on 7 September 2026.

First-round interviews: on 15 September 2026 in our offices in Takeley, Essex, with second-round interviews (online) on 18 September 2026.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE.

Job Purpose

Sequence ME & Long Covid is one of the most ambitious whole-genome sequencing studies ever undertaken into ME and Long Covid, co-led by Action for ME. Building on the success of DecodeME, this proposed £20 million study will use large-scale, long-read whole-genome sequencing to analyse the entire genetic code of 9,000 people with ME and 9,000 people with Long Covid - making it the world's largest 'long-read' whole-genome sequencing study of any disease.

Current funding supports project mobilisation, partnership development, and the development of the Long Covid arm of the study, including agreeing case definitions and gathering expressions of interest from people with Long Covid. Phase 2 has recently been confirmed, backed by £4.75m from the UK government and a further £174,414 from the WE&ME Foundation, and will focus on sequencing 6,000 ME/CFS samples previously collected through DecodeME using Oxford Nanopore's long-read sequencing technology, running alongside Phase 1.

You will play a pivotal role supporting the Sequence ME & Long Covid project in several different ways. Working closely with the project's management team and other team members, you will help ensure the smooth day-to-day running of this landmark study, providing administrative support to the various people and partners involved in delivering it.

As a self-starter, you will manage a range of tasks including meeting scheduling, taking meeting minutes, preparing governance documents, event administration, and broader project support - no two days will be the same.

You will need to maintain a high level of confidentiality at all times, particularly when supporting governance meetings and handling sensitive project documentation.

As a team player, you will provide comprehensive, confidential and organised administrative support, developing a deep understanding of the project and building strong, effective working relationships with colleagues, researchers and external partners.

Remote working at home can be challenging for some and works incredibly well for others. You will need to be able to work independently, use your own initiative, and remain proactive in maintaining good levels of communication with colleagues.

Key Duties

• Help monitor inboxes and respond to routine project enquiries in a timely and sensitive manner, escalating more complex matters as appropriate
• Assist the project's management team and other team members with meeting scheduling and diary coordination
• Take accurate minutes at project, management and other project-related meetings, and follow up and track resulting actions to completion
• Prepare, format and proof-read governance documents and papers
• Maintain and update project databases including the Teams channel, ensuring documents are saved correctly, other management information/recording systems to ensure accurate and timely record-keeping. Help with the tracking of expressions of interest from potential study participants.
• Provide administrative support for project events - from planning and logistics through to on-the-day support
• Help prepare presentations, slide decks and briefing materials for internal meetings, funders, partners and participant-facing communications
• Support the drafting, formatting and coordination of project communications, such as updates for partners, funders or the wider ME and Long Covid community
• Support coordination between internal teams and external partners, including research and funding partners
• Maintain project files and documentation in line with agreed communication operating procedures with internal and external partners ensuring information is well organised, up to date and easy for the team to access
• Maintain confidentiality at all times and in line with relevant policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with GDPR and that all data consent processes have been followed in relation to data protection
• Positively promote the work of the Sequence ME & Long Covid project and Action for ME at all times
• Undertake any other reasonable activity in line with the responsibilities of the post, as requested by the CEO, Business Development & Partnerships Manager, Senior Research Manager or the project's Management Team

Person Specification

Essential skills and experience

• Organisational skills - Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple tasks across a fast-moving research project, with attention to detail and accuracy maintained under pressure
• Communication - Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with diverse audiences including researchers, funders and people affected by ME and Long Covid
• IT literacy - Proficient with common office software, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint), and able to quickly learn relevant project management, database or communications systems as needed
• Problem-solving - A creative and solution-focused mindset to address challenges and find innovative ways to improve processes
• Adaptability - Capable of managing changing priorities, working flexibly, and adapting to the needs of a fast-paced, ambitious research programme
• Initiative - A proactive approach, with the ability to work independently and take initiative, while also following clear instructions when given
• Teamwork - A collaborative team player with a proven ability to work effectively as part of a team, including a remote-working team spanning multiple partners and stakeholders
• Interest in the sector - A genuine interest in health research, the Third Sector, and a desire to take action to improve the lives of people with ME and Long Covid
• Experience - Demonstrable ability to be an effective administrator, ideally within a charity, research, or project environment. Experience supporting governance processes, events, or communications would be an advantage but is not essential

Desirable skills and experience

• Experience providing administrative support for scientific or research-related projects
• Experience writing and communicating with non-specialist or general audiences

The Communications Manager provides operational leadership for CLAPA's communications delivery, ensuring communications and marketing activity is effectively planned, prioritised and delivered in support of the charity's strategic objectives. 

Reporting to the Head of Communications and Marketing, the postholder is responsible for translating the communications strategy into coordinated day-to-day delivery. They will oversee the planning, scheduling and operational management of communications activity across the organisation, ensuring work is appropriately prioritised, resources are allocated effectively and projects are delivered to a consistently high standard. 

The role directly manages CLAPA's Communications Officers, embedding effective planning, briefing and workflow processes that enable the team to deliver proactive, creative and high-quality communications.

Acting as the primary operational lead for communications delivery, the postholder will ensure colleagues across CLAPA receive responsive, well-planned communications support while maintaining clear priorities and protecting the team's capacity to deliver its best work. 

If you think you have the talent, passion and experience to help us ensure we can always meet the needs of the community we serve, we want to hear from you.