Children support jobs

Join our dedicated Reproduction Team and bring your veterinary expertise to a programme built on ethics, compassion and exceptional welfare standards. This is your chance to play a vital role in ensuring every puppy begins life with the very best foundations.

As our Canine Reproduction Specialist, you’ll work hand‑in‑hand with our Veterinary Surgeon to support successful, welfare‑focused breeding outcomes. Your insight and care will help maximise conception rates and litter sizes, while safeguarding the physical and emotional wellbeing of every breeding dog.

You’ll champion best‑practice reproductive care, influence high‑quality decision‑making, and help ensure that long‑term comfort, health and happiness remain at the heart of every breeding choice we make.

Based at our National Breeding Centre near Leamington Spa, you’ll work 35 hours per week between 8am and 6pm, Monday–Friday. You’ll also participate in a 1 in 4 weekend rota, ensuring continuous, outstanding care for our dogs.

If you’re passionate about canine welfare and want your work to have a lasting, positive impact, we’d love to hear from you!

What You’ll Do

• Carry out key reproductive duties, including cytology, progesterone testing and supervising matings, ensuring the highest standards of welfare and outcomes.
• Support clinical care for breeding dogs, applying your knowledge of canine anatomy, physiology and behaviour.
• Maintain accurate records, analyse reproductive data and contribute to continuous improvement across the breeding programme.
• Develop skills in ultrasound and reproductive techniques, including artificial insemination, under veterinary direction (full training provided).
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, volunteers and external partners, representing the breeding programme professionally.

What You’ll Bring

• Registered Veterinary Nurse with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
• Significant experience working in a veterinary practice.
• At least one year’s experience in a scientific or laboratory setting, with the ability and willingness to learn new techniques.
• Advanced knowledge of canine anatomy and reproduction, gained through academic study and/or practical experience.
• Strong understanding of canine behaviour, temperament and reproductive health.
• Good understanding of laboratory processes and equipment.
• Confident dog‑handling skills.
• Physical dexterity to safely supervise matings.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with colleagues at all levels.
• Competent user of Microsoft Office, including Excel and PowerPoint.

What We Offer

No two people with sight loss are the same — and none of our people are either. That’s why we’re proud to offer a range of person‑centred benefits designed to support each member of staff in the ways that matter most.

Our flexible benefits package includes a generous holiday allowance, a matched contributory pension scheme and access to discounts and cashback, giving you the freedom to choose the options that work best for you. It’s our way of showing how much our people mean to us and helping you feel supported both in and outside of work.

About Us

How to apply 

Further details on the full role are attached below. When you are ready to apply, submit an online application form via this page.

If you would like to have an informal conversation about the role before applying, or require any accessibility support to apply, our friendly recruitment team is ready and waiting to help.

As part of your application ensure you provide evidence and examples of how your skills & experience meet the criteria as set out in the attached job description. You will also be asked to complete a few job-specific questions as part of this application process, so please be prepared to write your answers to these questions.

If you want to know more about the teams who work at Guide Dogs, you can find it on our Careers Page

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Guide Dogs welcomes applications from all sections of the community and actively encourages diversity to maximise achievements, creativity and good practice. We positively welcome and seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce and that all job applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability or nationality. 

As a Disability Confident Employer, we are proud, whenever possible, to offer an interview to all candidates that meet our selection criteria, and who indicate they wish their application to be considered under our Disability Confident interview commitment. For more details, visit our careers site.

If you are successful you will need to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK via our digital ID checking supplier; in addition, we cannot offer visa sponsorship at this time.

Safeguarding

Guide Dogs is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk of harm with whom we work. We expect all our employees and volunteers to fully share this commitment.

At Guide Dogs, we believe in fair and equitable hiring practices. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify an applicant from consideration for a position. Each case will be evaluated individually, taking into account the nature of the offense, its relevance to the role, and the time that has passed since the incident. We encourage all candidates to disclose relevant information, and we assure you that it will be handled confidentially and fairly.

Guide Dogs follow Safer Recruitment practices to ensure we are safeguarding the vulnerable people we work with. As part of this, we require a full work history with any gaps accounted for & a minimum of 2 professional referee details fully covering the past 5 years. If you are applying for a disclosure role, please note that you will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and sign up to the DBS update service.

For high volumes of applications, we reserve the right to close adverts earlier than advertised.

About Spear Cheltenham

In Cheltenham Spear is partnered with Trinity Cheltenham!

Their vision is to make committed followers of Jesus who can change communities and nations for Him, and their values seek to express living in response to God, modelling authentic community, and embracing God’s adventure. Spear Cheltenham has been running successfully for over 3 years, and their heart and vision is to see an increase in the number of trainees per cohort and expand their geographic reach.

Key Information:

• You will be employed by Trinity Church Cheltenham
• Salary: from £31,639 to £34,390 pa depending on experience
• Full-time, Permanent
• Closing date: Tuesday 14th April, 09.00am (we interview on a rolling basis and may close the role early if we find the right candidate)

For more information please read through our Job Specification and Work with us pack.

If you require any reasonable adjustments as part of the recruitment process, please let us know.

Person Specification

• An active Christian that is committed to grow and learn spiritually as a Christian leader and represent the values and ethos of the Spear charity and Trinity Cheltenham. 
• Dynamic and engaging coach with an enthusiasm for and direct experience of coaching and training techniques.
• Passion for social justice and for working as part of the church to transform communities, especially supporting young people in employment or education.
• An entrepreneurial and ambitious individual who enjoys starting new projects, works well under pressure and can translate ideas into practice with creativity.
• Self-motivated with strong leadership, management and organisational skills with the ability to exercise initiative and prioritise workload.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a confidence in group facilitation, high emotional intelligence, and a sense of fun!

37.5 hours per week / permanent / working Monday to Friday 9am-5pm.

At YMCA DownsLink Group, our mission is to help children and young people have a fair chance to be who they want to be. We do this by providing a safe home, building life skills and self-confidence, and supporting emotional wellbeing and mental health.

Our Values - we do what’s right, we work with heart, and we build real connections - guide and shape how we show up for children and young people we support and for each other.

Are you an experienced maintenance professional looking to step into a senior role? Do you take pride in creating safe, welcoming homes that make a real difference in young people’s lives?

Our Maintenance team works across multiple properties to ensure our residents have safe, good‑quality homes. We work closely with service staff to identify and complete repairs, carry out ad hoc cleaning and decoration, ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, and prepare empty homes for new residents.

We operate across East Sussex, centred around our Foyers in Eastbourne and Hastings, which provide 24‑hour supported housing for young people aged 16–25. We also manage several larger shared houses (typically 4–8 residents) through our Transitional Housing teams, supporting young people on their journey to independence.
In total, the team helps maintain safe homes for approximately 180 residents across the county.

We are recruiting for a Senior Maintenance Worker to supervise a small team of Maintenance Workers across East Sussex. This is a hands-on role, combining practical maintenance tasks with day‑to‑day staff supervision.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervising maintenance staff, offering constructive feedback, coaching, and support
• Providing a comprehensive maintenance, caretaking, and cleaning service to ensure safe, welcoming, psychologically informed accommodation
• Carrying out day‑to‑day maintenance across our sites in East Sussex, and occasionally supporting other housing schemes
• Completing maintenance, cleaning, repair, and redecoration works within agreed timescales, and delegating tasks where appropriate
• Performing or delegating general caretaking and cleaning duties, including cleaning communal areas, litter‑picking, and waste removal

 If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t match every single requirement, we still encourage you to apply. We know that skills and potential come in many forms, and your background may offer valuable transferable strengths.

We’re looking for a someone with a positive, flexible attitude and a genuine desire to contribute to young people’s wellbeing.

Experience and Knowledge

We are searching for someone with:

• Previous supervisory or team‑leading experience, with the ability to organise and direct a small team effectively
• Strong maintenance experience across a range of trade or repair tasks, including delivering high‑quality maintenance and decorating work
• Experience working in supported housing, residential, or community‑based settings
• Commitment to maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and resident wellbeing
• Good understanding of health & safety requirements and compliance processes
• A proactive, organised approach to workload and prioritisation

Qualifications and Training (Desirable)

It would be beneficial, though not essential, if you have:

• City & Guilds or equivalent qualification in one or more maintenance skill areas
• Manual handling training
• Training in handling bodily fluids
• Boundaries training
• First Aid training

CLOSING DATE: Sunday 5 April 2026 at midnight. If we find the right candidate sooner than expected, we may close the advert early - so early applications are strongly encouraged. 

Please note that we are unable to offer a work permit or visa sponsorship for this role; applicants must already have the right to live and work in the UK independently.

An inclusive workplace We are committed to policies and practices of equity, diversity, and inclusion and to supporting our people to make sure our culture is consistent with this commitment. 

Accessibility If you require assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please do contact us.

YMCA DLG requires all staff and volunteers to be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and to respond proactively to safeguarding concerns. 

Successful applicants will undergo a thorough background screening process, conducted by an accredited third-party provider. This includes an Enhanced DBS check (with Children’s and Adults’ Barred Lists) as well as comprehensive reference and activity checks.

Do you want to work for a dynamic, creative, fast-paced charity?

At Action Together we see the amazing things people achieve when they work together to make the lives of others better. If you share our values: believe it’s possible, strengthen others, and be true, we’d love you to consider joining our team.

Finance Director

The ideal candidate

We seek a finance leader driven by values, with extensive experience directing finance operations and delivering top-tier financial planning, reporting, and governance. This role requires strong technical accounting abilities, exceptional communication skills, and the talent to explain complex concepts to diverse audiences.

You should be a collaborative, inclusive leader who excels at developing team members, managing risks, negotiating effectively, and guiding the organisation through periods of change. Most importantly, you must be committed to Action Together’s mission of social justice, equity, and community empowerment.

The role

The Finance Director will play a pivotal role in ensuring Action Together remains financially robust, sustainable, and compliant as a charity and employer. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will partner closely with the CEO and Board to shape a resilient business model, strengthen financial governance, and provide strategic direction that supports our mission and values.

You will lead and develop a high performing finance function, oversee annual budgeting and long‑term financial planning, and ensure high‑quality financial insight is available to the CEO, SLT and Board. The Finance Director has responsibility for the production of monthly accounts package, annual audit and statutory accounts, risk management, payroll assurance, investment strategy, and organisational compliance with Companies House, the Charity Commission, and all financial governance requirements.

You will play an integral role in supporting strong governance, working closely with the Treasurer and Board to provide clear, timely, and insightful financial performance updates, forecasts, and risk assessments.

You will also work with the Treasurer to shape investment strategy, strengthen financial controls, and uphold governance across all statutory, regulatory, and organisational requirements

Equality , Diversity and Inclusion

At Action Together we value diversity, promote equity and challenge discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We are committed to ensuring that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race.

In order to ensure that our workforce reflects our communities across all levels of seniority, Action Together is offering a guaranteed interview to any candidate who meets the essential criteria listed in the person specification and who is also:

• A disabled person and/or
• A member of a community experiencing racial inequality

Action Together is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and vulnerable adults with whom we work. We expect all of our employees to demonstrate this commitment.

Right to work

We do not hold a Sponsor License and are unable to accept applications which require sponsorship to work in the UK

Please note, the successful candidates will be required to undertake a basic Disclosure and barring Service (DBS) check. A positive Disclosure of Offences will not automatically bar an applicant from being appointed and suitable applicants will not be refused employment because of offences that are not relevant.

Job Title: Employment Specialist – Connect to Work
Salary: £28,383 – £31,683 per annum
Hours: Full Time – 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Location(s): Based in the North East Combined Authority Region – 1 x Newcastle & 1 x North Tyneside

About us

Groundwork NE & Cumbria is a long-established environmental and community charity with over 30 years of experience creating greener, healthier and more resilient places across the region. Our mission centres on Creating Better Places, Improving People’s Prospects, and Promoting Greener Living, helping communities thrive no matter the challenges they face.

We deliver hundreds of locally-led projects each year, including initiatives that support young people into education, training and employment, helping them overcome barriers, build life skills, and reach their full potential.

About the role

We’re looking for an Employment Specialist to support the delivery of our Connect to Work programme. You’ll use the Individual Placement & Support (IPS) model to provide person-centred IAG support to a caseload of around 25 clients, helping them move into and sustain meaningful employment.

You’ll build strong employer relationships to source suitable vacancies and work closely with partners including health providers, mental health services, JCP, and other employment organisations to ensure joined-up support.

About you

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Passionate in supporting young people to overcome barriers and achieve their potential.
• A strong communicator, confident engaging with clients, employers and partners.
• Equipped with strong analytical and problem-solving ability, able to assess needs and identify effective employment solutions.
• Person-centred, empathetic and passionate about helping others succeed.
• Skilled at building positive, trusting relationships.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage a varied caseload and meet deadlines.
• Confident working independently and collaboratively.

A full driving licence and the ability to work flexible hours when required would be beneficial.

Closing date: Midnight on Tuesday 7th April 2026
Please note, should we receive a high volume of applications, we may look to close the role early, therefore we recommend an early application.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

This role is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure endorsed by the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Make yourself at home:

We want you to be yourself at Groundwork and we value everything that makes you unique. We recognise and celebrate your difference and together we make Groundwork a special and great place to work. As a Disability Confident employer we offer a guaranteed interview to applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria for the role.

At Groundwork we ensure that we provide a safe environment for adults, children and young people to take part in any activity or service that we organise. We are committed to creating a culture that promotes safeguarding and the welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk.?Our safer recruitment practices support this by ensuring that there is a consistent and comprehensive process of obtaining, collating, analysing and evaluating information from and about candidates to ensure that all the people we appoint are suitable to work with our children, young people and adults

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship – the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

No agencies please.

Head of Activities (General Manager)

Location: BN8 4EF, North Chailey

Salary:£45,000–£53,000

Vacancy Type: 37 hours per week, Full Time

We’re looking for a strategic, enterprising and values-driven leader to join us as Head of Activities (General Manager) leading The Activity Place and our sector-leading Specialist Services during an ambitious phase of growth. 

The Activity Place is a vibrant community hub where adults with disabilities work out in an inclusive gym, unwind in sensory spaces, create art, explore music and build skills in new ways. Every session is shaped around individual interests — full of creativity, energy and connection. 

This is a senior leadership role with real breadth and accountability. You’ll lead on delivery of specialist therapies, to both Chailey Heritage School and The Activity Place, including hydrotherapy, hippotherapy, rebound therapy and farm therapy, ensuring services are sustainable, inclusive and aligned to our long-term strategy. 

You’ll grow The Activity Place, expand access, strengthen community connections and implement scalable systems that support high-quality delivery — balancing service growth with safeguarding and regulatory excellence. 

What you’ll do

• Provide operational leadership and strategic direction
• Deliver growth and manage financial performance
• Lead and develop great managers and teams
• Drive service excellence, compliance and safety
• Champion strong partnerships and service visibility 

About you

• Senior operational experience in leisure, community or service-driven sectors
• Commercial acumen with budget responsibility
• Confidence in regulated environments
• A leader who’s strategic, grounded and people-first 

Most importantly, you’ll be someone who combines ambition with warmth — who understands that commercial success and social impact can, and should, sit side by side. 

Why join us?

This is more than a leadership role. It’s an opportunity to shape services that lower barriers for children, young people, and adults with complex disabilities, supporting them as they explore, grow and thrive. 

You’ll join a foundation with bold ambitions, strong values and a genuine culture of collaboration. We are passionate, curious and optimistic about what’s possible, we’re looking for someone who shares that outlook.

This role is an opportunity to be part of a supportive, purpose-driven organisation with ambitious plans for the future. 

Alongside a competitive salary, we provide a comprehensive rewards and benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, development and career progression. 

• Enhanced Annual Leave 25–30 days (plus bank holidays), increasing with length of service
• Healthcare Cash Plan & Wellbeing Support
• Enhanced Pension Scheme & Death In Service Benefit
• Enhanced Maternity, Adoption, and Paternity leave
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Retail and Leisure discounts
• Free onsite Parking, Café, and Kitchen Facilities
• Fully Funded level 2 Certificate in Principles of Team Leading. 

If you’re someone who enjoys building as much as leading, and can turn strategy into operational success, we’d love to hear from you.

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Chailey Heritage Foundation, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application.

Safeguarding Statement

Chailey Heritage Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Employment is subject to two satisfactory professional references, an enhanced DBS certificate, and occupational health clearance. It is an offence to apply for a role in regulated activity with children and vulnerable adults if you are barred from doing so. 

Privacy Statement

As part of our recruitment process, Chailey Heritage Foundation (CHF) collects and processes personal data relating to job applicants. We are committed to being transparent about how we collect and use that data in line with GDPR. Please ensure you review our privacy policy before completing an application.

This role covers postcodes KT, GU, SO, PO, BH.

Applicants must live in the region or a short commutable distance to cover the region. 

Mary’s Meals is a global movement supported by people from all walks of life and we are focused on one goal – that every child receives a nutritious daily meal in a place of education. We offer more than just a career, we offer the opportunity to support our global movement in a dynamic and inclusive environment with a real focus on personal development.

We are looking for a Regional Development Officer for South Coast, London. In this role, covering postcodes KT, GU, SO, PO, BH, you will be a warm, visible ambassador for Mary’s Meals – igniting enthusiasm, inspiring action, and helping people across your region join our mission and help feed more children.

By building genuine, values‑driven relationships and using insight to guide your priorities, you’ll nurture local networks, identify high‑potential opportunities, and confidently grow income, participation, and supporter engagement. Through strategic, outward‑facing work, you’ll turn first conversations into committed, long‑term support that strengthens our movement and fuels our mission.

Working closely with the London and South East Lead, you will co-create and deliver a tailored local growth plan that reflects your region's communities and opportunities. You will represent Mary’s Meals across schools, churches, corporates and community partners and play a pivotal role in activating supporters, mobilising volunteers, and sharing compelling local stories.​

Operating with high autonomy, you will use insights and data to focus on high potential and growth areas, and collaborate closely with our Philanthropy & Partnerships, Supporter Experience and Communications teams to deliver seamless supporter journeys and strong storytelling. Everything you do will reflect Mary’s Meals’ warmth and dignity, helping us reach more children through relationship-led growth.

Key responsibilities include

• Work with the London and South East Lead to design and deliver a clear, insight‑driven local growth plan with defined priorities, income drivers, volunteer mobilisation efforts, and visibility activities.​

• Use data, local insight, and regional understanding to focus your time where growth potential is strongest.​​

• Balance relationship‑building with a proactive, opportunity-led approach, identifying new supporters, networks, and partnerships and developing them from prospective supporters into committed donors.

• To create the conditions for a volunteer Deputy and a motivated volunteer network to confidently lead talks, events, introductions and other activities that broaden our reach.​

• Empower volunteers through clear delegation, coaching, and recognition, ensuring they feel confident and aligned with Mary’s Meals’ mission and values.​

• Inspire and back volunteers to own the mission. Spot people with energy and networks, invite their ideas, give light-touch support and tools, and celebrate their impact so they bring others into our movement.

• Represent Mary’s Meals throughout your region with confidence and authenticity, engaging schools, parishes, community groups, businesses, and local networks.​

• Deliver talks, small events, parish visits, school assemblies, partner meetings, local networking engagements, and other targeted activities that grow income, participation, and visibility.​

• Make confident, values-led asks that move supporters from interest to action across giving, volunteering, and awareness raising.​

• Actively network across your region to identify new prospects, initiate first meetings, and follow up quickly and purposefully.​

• Collaborate closely with the Philanthropy & Partnerships team on key opportunities and ensuring the donor is at the heart of each stewardship decision.​

• Build a diverse pipeline of leads, opportunities, and partnerships reflective of your regions communities and faith landscape.

• Work closely across the organisation to ensure your regional activity feels seamless and aligned, collaborating with Supporter Experience so that journeys, thanking and stewardship feel warm and timely; with Creative Communications to deliver compelling local storytelling; with Philanthropy & Partnerships to coordinate opportunities for major donors and corporates; and with the Volunteer Manager to strengthen mobilisation and development across your region.

• Proactively translate and tailor national messages and campaigns for regional audiences using templates, supporter stories, and local successes.​

• Spot and share regional stories, images, results, and moments of advocacy to enhance national storytelling.​

• Strengthen local visibility by cultivating community connectors and being confident in supporting and delivering appropriate local media engagement in coordination with Comms colleagues.

To apply for the role of Regional Development Officer based at Mary’s Meals UK, please follow instructions on the Charity Job website.

Applicants must hold full right to work in the UK and be based in or within short commutable distance of the region covered in the role. ​

We welcome applications from candidates of all different backgrounds and identities to apply. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse charity providing a supportive place for you to do the best and most rewarding work of your career.

Closing date for application is Thursday, 26 March at 5pm.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.​ Interviews will commence week beginning 30 March. 

Please note: If you have any special requirements or adjustments before an interview, please let us know. 

Director of Commercial Services

Salary: £60,727
Location: University of Reading Students’ Union
Contract: Full Time – 37.5 hours per week (worked flexibly)

Are you ready to shape exceptional student experiences through vibrant and innovative commercial services?
Reading Students’ Union is seeking a progressive and values-driven Director of Commercial Services to provide strategic and hands-on leadership across all commercial services, helping to deliver outstanding spaces, services and experiences for the student community.

About Reading SU

Reading Students’ Union is an independent education charity led by, and for, students.

The Students’ Union is central to the University experience and works to support all aspects of student life for the 19,000 plus students studying at the University of Reading. Located in one of Britain’s top green spaces, the Students’ Union is an ambitious and diverse organisation, committed to supporting every student at Reading University in achieving personal success.

Reading SU sits at the heart of a thriving student community, with activities and initiatives inspired by students themselves. The Students’ Union is committed to promoting the interests and welfare of its members, representing their needs, and offering opportunities for personal development through a wide range of social, cultural, sporting and recreational activities.

This commitment to student experience also underpins the Union’s commercial activity. Reading Students’ Union’s venues, services and events are designed to be inclusive, welcoming and vibrant spaces where students can connect, feel a sense of belonging and create lasting memories. Guided by student insight, the commercial services play an important role in supporting the Union’s mission while enhancing student life across campus.

About the Role

Reading SU are thrilled to be searching for a Director of Commercial Services, a dynamic leader experienced in licensed trade, catering, events, and marketing. This role is not just about maintaining the status quo but about reimagining and diversifying the commercial services in line with student community needs.

The ideal candidate will be both strategic and hands-on, with an ability to develop Reading SU’s commercial services while also being involved in delivery of the operations.

The successful candidate will not necessarily come from the Higher Education sector but will be able to demonstrate a strong understanding of the trends, challenges and opportunities that shape student life and the Students’ Union sector. They will bring a sound understanding of charity governance and financial management, alongside the strategic and operational capability required to lead complex commercial services within a democratic, student-led organisation.

Reading Students’ Union offers an inclusive and engaging working environment and is passionate about developing its people. The organisation is committed to ensuring its workforce reflects the diversity of the community it serves, respecting individual identity and celebrating differences. Applications are encouraged from all candidates regardless of background, and Reading Students’ Union particularly welcomes applications from candidates from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and from candidates with disabilities.

The SU offers a range of sector-leading benefits including enhanced leave, onsite nursery, occupational sick pay, access to campus facilities and winter shutdown over the Christmas period- a rare opportunity within the hospitality and commercial sector.

It’s a genuinely exciting time for Reading Students’ Union and we look forward to receiving your application.

Key Dates

Closing Date: Thursday 9th April, 12pm
First Stage Interviews (Remote): 20th April
Final Interviews (In-person): 27th April

Optional Q/A session with the CEO and Interim Commercial Director: 26th March, 12pm. Email to register (see below)

How to Apply

Please click 'Apply' to be redirected to our website, where you can download the Candidate Information Pack and apply.

For an informal conversation about the role and the application process, or to register to the optional Q/A session, please contact our recruitment partners at Atkinson HR Consulting. Their details can be found in the candidate pack.

About Play for Progress 

Play for Progress is a small but mighty London-based charity dedicated to improving the lives of young unaccompanied refugees and asylum seekers. We provide a safe, welcoming environment where young people aged 14-25 can access practical support, education, wellbeing programmes, and a genuine sense of community. Our work is driven by a deep belief that every young person — regardless of where they come from — deserves the chance to thrive. 

We are a close-knit team with a flat structure, a strong values-led culture, and a real commitment to involving the young people we serve in everything we do. 

The Role 

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced finance professional to play a central role in the sustainable growth of our charity. As Finance Manager, you will be the financial heartbeat of the organisation — ensuring robust financial management, supporting our fundraising and grant compliance, and providing the Executive Director and Board with the financial insight they need to make good decisions. 

This is a hands-on role suited to someone who is comfortable working across all aspects of charity finance in a small team, and who brings both technical skill and a genuine commitment to our mission. 

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting 

• Maintain accurate, up-to-date financial records using accounting software (currently Xero ) 

• Prepare clear and insightful monthly management accounts for the ED and Board of Trustees 

• Monitor cash flow, manage banking, and provide regular financial forecasts 

• Lead the annual budgeting process in collaboration with the ED and programme leads 

• Help Budget leads to manage devolved targets through reports and Quarterly Review 

• Prepare year-end statutory accounts and liaise with the external independent examiners or auditors 

• Ensure financial systems, processes and controls are fit for purpose and continuously improved 

Grant & Fund Management 

• Maintain accurate tracking of all restricted and unrestricted funds, ensuring full compliance with funder terms and conditions 

• Prepare timely and accurate financial reports for statutory, trust and individual funders 

• Support the ED and fundraiser with budget development for grant applications 

• Monitor programme spend against budgets and proactively flag underspends, overspends or risks 

• Support due diligence processes for new funders and partnerships 

Payroll & HR Finance 

• Manage monthly payroll for employees, including PAYE, National Insurance and auto-enrolment pension 

• Process staff expense claims and ensure adherence to the expenses policy 

• Maintain accurate staff financial records and support HR administration as needed

Governance & Compliance 

• Ensure the charity operates in compliance with Charity Commission regulations, SORP and relevant financial legislation 

• Prepare and submit annual returns to the Charity Commission and Companies House.

• Complete all required Company secretarial duties

• Review, maintain and implement financial policies and procedures

• Support the Board meetings, including preparing papers, attending meetings and responding to trustee queries 

General & Organisational 

• Process purchase invoices, supplier payments and income receipts in a timely manner 

• Support the wider team with financial queries, guidance and informal training

• Contribute to organisational planning, risk management and strategy as part of the senior team 

• Carry out any other duties reasonably requested by the ED 

Person Specification 

Essential 

• Part-qualified or fully qualified accountant (AAT, ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent), or qualified by significant relevant experience 

• Demonstrable experience in a finance management role, ideally within the charity or not-for-profit sector 

• Strong working knowledge of charity accounting, fund accounting and the Charities SORP 

• Proven experience managing restricted and unrestricted grant funds 

• Proficiency with accounting software (e.g. Xero, QuickBooks or Sage) and Microsoft Excel 

• Experience preparing management accounts, year-end accounts and budgets 

• Experience managing payroll (in-house or via an external provider) 

• Excellent attention to detail and high degree of accuracy 

• Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues and trustees 

• Self-motivated and able to work independently and prioritise effectively in a small team 

• A genuine commitment to the rights, dignity and potential of young refugees and asylum seekers 

Desirable 

• Experience working in a refugee, asylum, migration or broader human rights context 

• Familiarity with funding from Trusts and Foundations and complex funder reporting requirements 

• Experience supporting Board-level governance, including Finance Sub-Committees 

• Experience of working in an organisation going through a period of growth or change 

What We Offer 

• A flexible, supportive and genuinely values-led working environment 

• The opportunity to make a tangible difference to the lives of young people who have overcome extraordinary challenges 

• 20 days annual leave pro rata, plus bank holidays 

• Employer pension contribution of 3% 

• Remote and flexible working arrangements 

• Regular supervision, an open-door culture, and access to professional development 

• A diverse and inclusive team that reflects the communities we serve 

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion 

Play for Progress is an equal opportunities employer. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those from Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic communities, and those with lived experience of the refugee or asylum journey. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and heard. 

If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to contact us. 

Job Title: Policy and Advocacy Manager

Position Type: Maternity Cover

Reports to: Founder/Chief Executive

Based at: School Food Matters, Blackfriars Settlement 9 Rushworth Street SE1 0RB (At least three days per week in the office)

Salary: £40,500

Working Hours: 9am-5pm (flexible)

Pension: School Food Matters pays pension contributions at 7% of pensionable earnings

Holiday: 31 days including bank holidays

School Food Matters is closed between Christmas and New Year

Job Purpose

· To lead and shape School Food Matters’ policy and advocacy strategy, ensuring our voice influences national and local decision-making on school food and food education

· To design and deliver campaigns that support and advance SFM’s mission

· To line manage the Press and Communications Officer and Policy and Communications Assistant

Key Tasks

· Lead and provide strategic input to campaigns, convene groups and partnerships

· Represent SFM at external meetings and coalitions such as the School Food Review

· Monitor, analyse and interpret relevant research, policy developments and news, identifying implications or opportunities for SFM

· Oversee the strategic direction of SFM’s external affairs and communications, ensuring all policy, campaigns, and public messaging align with the charity’s mission and priorities

· Provide policy research and analysis to support the activities of the School Food Review

· Oversee meetings and governance for the School Food Alliance

· Provide policy and communications expertise for the Food Education Network workstreams

· Represent SFM at relevant policy consultations, meetings and conferences to influence and inform policy discussions, and deliver presentations as required

· Lead drafting of responses to government consultations

· Working closely with the Press and Communications Officer, provide insights to inform timely media responses to policy developments

· Ensure colleagues are regularly briefed on policy activities, priorities and messages, and run internal workshops to keep them up to date with the school food sector

· Provide strategic input to meeting content for the School Food Review, and support the Policy and Communications Assistant to organise meetings for workstreams

· Oversee the development web content, articles, blogs and newsletter content by the Press and Communications Officer and the Policy and Communications Assistant

· Keep up to date with safeguarding requirements and reporting procedures

· Maintain the ethos of the charity and positively promote our work at all times

· The Policy and Advocacy Manager will also undertake any other tasks relevant to the affairs of SFM that may arise from time to time.  Therefore, being flexible and approaching the job with an open and positive mindset is essential!

Person Specification

Essential

· At least two years post degree experience

· Experience of research and analysis, ideally in a policy environment

· General knowledge of issues around school food, children’s health and food education

· Comprehensive understanding of the UK’s political system

· Experience of coordinating policy/research-based projects

· Experience designing, coordinating and delivering campaigns

· Experience of working in coalitions

· Strong interpersonal skills and ability to maintain relationships with a range of individuals and organisations

· Confident and competent IT skills across Office suite of programmes

· Exceptional oral and written communication skills in fluent spoken and written English, with strong attention to detail and the ability to translate complex data and policies into accessible language and engaging stories and communication materials

· Strong understanding media landscape and social media platforms to oversee the communications activity of the organisation

· Ability to work independently, with high levels of self-motivation

· Good project management, time management and organisational skills and the ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines

· Energy, enthusiasm, creativity and tenacity

Desirable

· Strong knowledge of the public health, food and education policy landscape

· Experience managing others

· Experience managing projects

· Experience managing meetings

· Experience of working with Drupal CMS

· Experience of working within a network or coalition of campaigning organisations

· Established contacts with media outlets/journalists/bloggers

· Digital campaigning and social networking skills

· Experience writing news articles and blog posts with clear structure, purpose and an engaging narrative

· Experience managing or supervising team members to deliver communications projects effectively

About the role

We are seeking an ambitious, strategic and relationship-driven Head of Corporate and Employer Partnerships to lead and deliver a national, high-impact partnerships strategy. This role is central to our growth plans and will generate sustainable income, deepen corporate and employer engagement and create tangible employment outcomes for young people. You will combine commercial instinct with social purpose - building partnerships that deliver measurable impact for young people and clear strategic value for corporate and employer partners. 

Key information

• Salary: £50,000 - £60,000 dependant on experience
• Contract: Full time, Monday-Friday, 9.30 – 5.30mpm with some out of hours work needed for events such as Spear Celebration
• Annual leave: 28 days annual leave (including Christmas gift days) plus bank holidays
• Closing date: Tuesday 7th April, 09.30am (We are interviewing on a rolling basis and might close the application early if we find the right candidate)

For more information please read through our Job Specification and Work with Us Pack.

If you require any reasonable adjustments as part of the recruitment process, please let us know.

Person Specification

• A practising Christian, passionate about personally representing the values and beliefs of Spear, and our mission to equip and support young people facing barriers to employment
• Significant senior-level experience in corporate fundraising, corporate social responsibility, business development or strategic partnerships
• Significant experience within the corporate sector, with an established network of relationships across national businesses and employers
• Proven experience of delivering growth strategies and achieving income target, with a strong track record of securing and managing high-value (£100k+) partnerships
• Demonstrable experience of leading and developing high-performing teams
• Credible, confident and persuasive communicator with excellent relational skills and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels, including C-suite
• Resourceful and proactive, ability to manage multiple priorities, drive projects forward to completion and establish effective processes and structures

We are an office-based organisation and value the collaboration and opportunities to work creatively and build community that this offers us, with staff spending time in the working week both at home and in the London office.

Reconnect Worker (London)

Apply for this role if you want to make a real, immediate impact by helping young people and families rebuild relationships, reduce conflict and prevent homelessness before it begins.

Location: Sherborne House, London

Salary: £11,896.80  per annum pro rata (FTE £29,742 per annum – ILW)

Closing Date: 22 March, 2026

Employment Type: Permanent

Hours per week: Part time, 15 hours per week

About the Role

Join us as a Reconnect Worker and help prevent youth homelessness by supporting young people and families experiencing conflict or crisis. You’ll deliver focused mediation and personalised family support across London—working with young people aged 11–25 in schools, emergency placements, and Depaul services to strengthen relationships, improve communication and reduce the risk of homelessness. Your work will be grounded in detailed assessments, collaborative support planning and strengths‑based interventions that help families rebuild stability and stay connected.

In this flexible, fast‑paced role, you’ll manage a small caseload, work independently across multiple locations and build strong partnerships with schools, local authorities, Nightstop hosts and colleagues across Depaul. You’ll maintain clear, accurate records, contribute to safeguarding processes and advocate for young people when needed. Your creativity, impartiality and ability to engage families in challenging moments will be key as you help define and strengthen Depaul’s national approach to family mediation and homelessness prevention.

Please note that this role is offered as a part time (15 hours per week) permanent basis.

In this role, you will:

• Provide focused family support and mediation to young people aged 11–25 and their families experiencing conflict or breakdown.

• Manage a small caseload, completing risk assessments, needs assessments and structured support plans that drive measurable outcomes.

• Work across schools, Nightstop placements and Depaul services to stabilise situations and reduce the risk of homelessness.

• Build strong partnerships with local authorities, schools and external agencies to strengthen referral pathways and holistic support.

• Maintain clear, accurate case records and follow all safeguarding, EDI, health and safety and lone‑working procedures.

• Advocate for young people and families when safeguarding concerns arise, ensuring safety and appropriate escalation.

• Work independently across multiple London locations, prioritising tasks and managing time effectively.

• Contribute to Depaul’s national prevention approach through peer learning, reflective practice and continuous service development.

About You (What we are looking for from you – Person Specification)

When completing your application form please address all the points set out below.

Essential

• Significant experience working with young people and families in crisis; reflective, creative and solution focused in your approach and committed to working in an assets based way.

• To hold or complete a Level 4 Interpersonal Mediation Practitioner’s Certificate (IMPC). Training will be provided if candidate doesn’t hold the qualification but training will have to be completed before the end of the probation period.

• Experience of working independently and managing own caseload; self-motivated and able to prioritize tasks and carry out efficient organisation and administration.

• Experience of carrying out risk and needs assessments and support planning for clients.

• Ability to develop strong, collaborative and productive relationships with colleagues and key external agencies, promoting the value of our work and its impact on families.

• High level understanding of professional boundaries and ability to maintain impartiality

• Willingness and ability to travel independently and work from a number of different locations across the London region.

• Commitment to working in a manner, which promotes diversity and equality ensuring that everyone is treated with respect and dignity and no one, suffers from discrimination.

Desirable

In order to attract the higher salary banding you will need:

• Demonstrable experience providing effective mediation services to families experiencing conflict

• Hold an accredited Interpersonal Mediation Certificate

• An in-depth understanding of issues relating to youth homelessness

• Independently manage and maintain a full caseload of families (15-20 families per FTE, or as identified by the service manager).

• Evidence through case recording, support planning and outcome monitoring that families are being supported effectively to make progress against the relevant national outcomes and that mediation is being used confidently and effectively to support this, when appropriate.

What You’ll Receive

• Tailored training and development
• Flexible working options where suitable
• 26 days annual leave, rising with service
• Family‑friendly leave policies
• Pension scheme with employer contributions up to 7%
• Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 GP access
• Discounts across retail, travel, food, fitness and more
• Cash health plan for you and your family
• Death‑in‑service benefit
• Access to legal and practical support

Safer Recruitment

Depaul UK is committed to fair and inclusive recruitment, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. If a role requires it under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, we will carry out the appropriate Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check. We only look at information that is relevant to the role, and a criminal record will never be treated as an automatic barrier to employment. All DBS information is handled sensitively, confidentially and in line with the DBS Code of Practice, and we encourage applicants to discuss any concerns with us openly.

About Depaul UK

In the 1980s, high unemployment and steep inflation was contributing to a shocking rise in youth homelessness across London. Thousands of young people were sleeping rough every night, with many areas notoriously dubbed “cardboard cities” due to the visible rise in street homelessness. Appalled by the scenes playing out across the capital, a group of people came together to tackle the challenge head on. Led by Cardinal Basil Hume and Mark McGreevy OBE, in 1989 Depaul UK was born.

What began as a single housing project in North London soon expanded across London, Greater Manchester and the North East of England. Today, Depaul UK provides accommodation, prevention and support services to thousands of marginalised young people across the UK each year.

As our name suggests, the work of Depaul UK has been inspired by St. Vincent de Paul – a man who devoted his life to helping vast numbers of people throughout the 17th century. St. Vincent de Paul’s belief in the intrinsic worth of all people and his commitment to taking bold action remain central to our values today. Depaul UK now forms part of a family of Depaul charities around the world. We each focus on the specific challenges in our own countries, but we’re united by our shared values and mission to end homelessness.

Our Aims

The Urban Partnership Group (UPG) is a community and regeneration organization situated in West London offering a wide range of activities at its bases at the Masbro Centre, Edward Woods Community Centre, Masbro Brook Green, and Flora Gardens Family Centre  projects managed include those for older people, youth, children center services, volunteering and community champions.  Through these projects UPG hopes to enhance the health, wealth and well-being of the centers’ users.

Role

To be responsible for the day-to-day provision of an efficient, welcoming and professional reception and administrative/business support service to the Masbro Community Centre.

The applicant will be the first person a visitor, client or customer meets or speaks to face to face or on the phone.  The applicant will need to have a good rapport with people and make them feel welcome and at ease.  UPG deliver a range different activities a week with a footfall of over 500 people a week.

Supporting providers and users of the Community Centre.

Duties and Responsibilities  ​

1. As the receptionist and administrator, ensuring all users and visitors are dealt with promptly, professionally and courteously.

2. Provide a warm, supportive and nurturing front-of-house presence, building positive relationships with service users, tenants, volunteers and partners.
3. Develop and maintain effective clerical and administrative systems in line with UPG policies and procedures, reviewing and improving systems where necessary.
4. Carry out general administrative duties including (but not limited to):
   • Managing incoming and outgoing post
   • Responding to written and verbal enquiries
   • Coordinating bookings for workshops and classes
   • Processing invoices and supporting basic financial record-keeping
   • Assisting with room and hall hire bookings and issuing hire agreements
   • Attending and minuting meetings as required
   • Undertaking follow-up actions where necessary
5. Assist with the reporting and monitoring of repair and maintenance issues and liaise with contractors where appropriate, escalating concerns to the Centre Manager / CEO.
6. Support the scheduling of events, activities and services, including providing accurate information and assisting with room set-up and clear-down when required.
7. Maintain clear and accurate records of Centre usage, including visitor logs, attendance registers and staff whereabouts for emergency purposes.
8. Work collaboratively with reception and administrative colleagues across all UPG sites to ensure consistent systems, shared best practice and coordinated cover arrangements where required.
9. Develop and maintain links with borough-wide support services to ensure effective signposting for residents and organisations.
10. Undertake student enrolment, inductions, DBS checks and other relevant compliance procedures for volunteers, staff and external groups, ensuring records are securely maintained.
11. Support the promotion and publicity of the Centre, including updating noticeboards, digital displays, website content and social media platforms in collaboration with the Family Services and Performance Manager and colleagues at other sites.
12. Assist in gathering data and basic monitoring information required for reports to funders and stakeholders.
13. Support room inspections and ensure spaces are prepared to a high standard before and after use.
14. Promote a culture of inclusion, respect and community cohesion, demonstrating empathy and sensitivity when supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds.
15. Work at all times in accordance with UPG policies, particularly regarding equal opportunities, safeguarding, health and safety, risk assessments and confidentiality.
16. Assist with fire drills, emergency procedures, risk assessments and compliance monitoring.
17. Demonstrate commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of work.
18. Provide occasional administrative support to senior management, including diary coordination and document preparation where required.
19. Undertake any other duties as directed by the CEO or Line Manager that contribute to achieving UPG’s aims and objectives.

Please see the attached Person Specification. 

The Vacancy

Are you a committed compliance and risk professional looking to apply your expertise to improve humanitarian action? Join Start Network — a growing, values-driven network transforming the way crises are anticipated and responded to globally.

WHAT IS START NETWORK?

Our purpose is to be a catalyst for system-level change that improves the efficiency, effectiveness

and ethics of humanitarian action. We do this by working as a network to develop, test & spread

new ways of collaborating and resourcing locally-led crisis response and anticipation.

Our current membership is made up of over 130 local, national and international NGOs based all

around the world. We also support 10 national and regional hubs made up of civil society

organisations and NGOs as our vehicle for devolving power, resources and accountability

THE ROLE

The Risk and Compliance Advisor forms a key part of the Assurance Team, which provides confidence to senior leadership and the Board that Start Network’s risk management and control environment is effective.

The postholder will support organisation‑wide risk management, compliance processes and member capacity strengthening. This role requires excellent communication skills, sound judgement, and the ability to navigate complex issues calmly and logically.

Risk Management: Support organisation‑wide risk identification, assessment and monitoring; maintain risk registers; embed risk processes in planning and decision‑making.

Investigations: Coordinate external investigations into fraud, corruption and anti-money laundering, including managing specialists.

Sanctions & Vetting: Support vetting processes and keep vetting data accurate and up to date.

Compliance: Deliver compliance spot checks, ensure donor due‑diligence commitments are met

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

We’re looking for someone with solid experience in risk, assurance and compliance, who can confidently support teams across a fast‑moving, values‑driven humanitarian network. You’ll bring strong analytical skills, excellent communication, and the ability to manage complex cases, including fraud and corruption matters. You’ll be comfortable working with diverse stakeholders, handling sensitive information, and supporting organisation‑wide risk processes.

You should be confident using data and digital tools, able to explain complex issues clearly, and proactive in strengthening risk management and compliance systems.

Experience in the humanitarian or nonprofit sector, professional risk qualifications, or experience in capacity strengthening are a bonus but not essential.

OUR VALUES

WE PUT PEOPLE FIRST: Communities come first in our decision-making and programming.

WE ARE BRAVE: We have great ambition and are willing to explore new things and take risks to achieve it

WE OPERATE COLLECTIVELY: We leverage the value of working as a network, sharing risk and resources, and learning together.

WE ARE INCLUSIVE: We see the value in diverse perspectives and work to remove the barriers that prevent voices from being heard.

WE ARE OPEN: We work transparently and with integrity, building mutual trust in all levels of our work, from governance to programming.

WE ARE ETHICAL: We behave and operate based on key principles of anti-racism, non-discrimination, and anti-colonialism. This is a work in progress.

OUR OFFER TO YOU

• Being a part of a network involved in bringing change to the humanitarian sector.
• Hybrid working with options to work from home and remotely to support your work/life balance
• Employee Assistance Programme through Smart Health (depends on the country based)
• Family friendly policies, e.g., flexible working, maternity policy, parental leave and more!
• 25 days’ holiday (if UK based) plus 2 company days over the End of Year period for all staff (depends on the country based)

INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES

Our roles are open to discussion about flexible working. For part-time working and job-shares, please get in touch with us before putting in an application.

Start Network is committed to protecting people, particularly children, at-risk adults and affected populations from any harm. We are also committed to safeguarding staff from any forms of bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and abuse of power as outlined in the Dignity at Work policy. Start Network embraces diversity, promotes equality of opportunity and eliminates unlawful discrimination. We are an equal opportunities employer and treat every application on merit alone. We particularly encourage applications from disabled, BAME, LGBTQ+ and non-binary candidates. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet our essential selection criteria set out in the Person Profile.

APPLICATION

Please contact the People and Culture Team if you have any questions or need support with your application. Please email P&C team. 

We use Be Applied, our online recruitment platform which uses anonymised applications and predictive, skill-based assessments which are blind- reviewed to reduce bias.

Closing date: 10th April 2026

Date for 1st Interview:  Week commencing 13th April (Subject to change)

Date for 2nd Interview: Week commencing 27th April (Subject to change)

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications and we may review candidates on an ongoing basis, so please apply early where possible to avoid disappointment.

Any offer of employment will be conditional subject to relevant checks. Please refer to our privacy candidate privacy notice regarding treatment of your data. Start Network also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. The core of the scheme is that participating organisations share information about safeguarding-related misconduct (i.e., sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment) that a candidate has been found to have committed during employment, or incidents under investigation when the candidate left employment. For more information regarding this scheme, please visit our website. 

The Company

Start Network is made up of more than 90 non-governmental organisations across five continents, ranging from large international organisations to local and national NGOs. Our programmes allow members to deliver humanitarian action around the world.

Our mission is to create a new era of humanitarian action that will save even more lives. We aren’t driven by media headlines or political will, we’re here for the communities affected by and at risk of crises.

We are an organisation committed to doing things differently. For some roles, we need more technical humanitarian expertise, but for other roles, we are looking for relevant transferable skills, the right attitude, and a passion to bring change.