Job title: Head of Finance & Business Services
Reports to: Director of Operations
Salary: In the region of £39,000. Flexible based on experience and qualifications
Location: Hybrid
Hours: Full time – 37.5 hours over 5 days
Objective:
2wish exists to provide support to anyone affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a child or young person aged 25 and under.
Aims:
- Ensure every Emergency Department and Critical Care unit has a suitable bereavement suite
- Ensure that bereavement boxes are available at each of these hospitals
- Ensure that immediate bereavement support is available for all affected by the sudden death of a child or young person
- Provide a professional counselling service and other therapies for those affected by the sudden death of a child or young person
- Provide support to individuals who witness the sudden death of a child or young person
- Provide support and training to professionals from any sector who may be affected by the sudden death of a child or young person
- To advocate and campaign on behalf of suddenly bereaved families
2wish Cymru and 2wish:
2wish has been established since 2012 and has since grown from strength to strength. During this time, we have worked tirelessly to embed our service and ensure that the offer of support is made at the point of death.
We offer an immediate, consistent, high-quality and compassionate service to all individuals affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a child or young person aged 25 and under. We work in partnership with professionals who refer into the charity on behalf of families, so they don’t have to trawl through the internet for an organisation who may, or may not, be able to support. We provide immediate, and ongoing, support and are here for as long as our families need us.
We were founded as a Welsh organisation providing immediate casework support, as well as ongoing aftercare services including counselling, alternative therapies, play therapy, support groups, support events and a respite cottage.
In January 2024, we expanded into ‘phase one’ England, namely Cheshire, Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Somerset. And in July 2025 we expanded into ‘phase two’ England, namely Merseyside, Devon and Cornwall, Wiltshire, Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Context of role:
The Headof Finance & Business Services will be a key member of the senior leadership team, responsible for ensuring the charity is financially sustainable, legally compliant and operationally efficient.
This role provides strategic oversight of finance, governance, HR, IT, facilities, risk management, and business administration, enabling the charity to deliver its mission effectively and responsibly.
Line management responsibilities, including Business Services Officer and Finance and Administration Officer.
Key responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership
- Act as a senior advisor to the CEO and Board of Trustees on financial strategy, organisational performance, risk, and governance.
- Lead on the development and implementation of long-term financial plans, budgets, and business services strategies.
- Contribute to organisational planning, change management, and culture-building across the charity.
Financial Management
- Oversee all aspects of financial management, including grants and foundations, forecasting, management accounts, statutory accounts, and cashflow.
- Ensure accurate financial reporting in compliance within the Charity SORP, and relevant regulatory frameworks.
- Lead on financial risk management, reserve’s policy, investment planning, and financial controls.
- Oversee payroll, pension administration, procurement, and contract management.
- Support fundraising colleagues with financial modelling, grant budgets, and reporting to funders.
Business Services Oversight
- Lead and develop the business services function, which include IT, facilities, data protection and health & safety.
- Oversee HR policies, employee relations, recruitment processes, and wellbeing initiatives with the support of our HR consultants.
- Ensure reliable IT systems, digital security, and effective use of Microsoft 365 and organisational software with the support of our IT consultants ITCS.
- Manage the Business Services Officer who oversees office facilities, leases, equipment, and supplier relationships.
- Hold line management responsibilities for our Business Services Officer and Finance and Administration Officer.
Leadership and People Management
- Provide inspirational leadership to finance and business services staff.
- Support a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, compassion, and teamwork.
- Champion organisational values, equity, diversity, and inclusion in all areas of operations
General:
- To be responsible for organising own work agenda, time management and administration.
- To adhere to all company policies and procedures including Safeguarding, Confidentiality, Health and Safety and Lone Working; and to be proactive in implementing new safe working practices as appropriate.
- To attend weekend and evening community events in support of the charity as necessary.
- Participate as and when required in team meetings and one-to-one meetings, and undertake, as appropriate, courses/training/other developmental activities, which is relevant to the role.
It is the nature of the work that tasks and responsibilities are in may circumstances unpredictable and varied. All employees are therefore expected to work in a flexible way and tasks, which are not specifically covered in their job description may have to be undertaken.
You will be subject to performance review, which will incorporate a review of the above duties and performance over the period.
This role is subject to a DBS check.
Person specification:
Essential
- Fully or part qualified in accountancy or qualified by experience (QBE).
- Proven financial leadership experience within the third sector or a, challenging values-driven organisation.
- Strong understanding of charity finance, including SORP, restricted/unrestricted, designated funds, grant applications and reporting.
- Experience of managing governance, risk, compliance, and business administrative functions.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship building skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively whilst providing strong challenge and professional insight.
- Demonstrable commitment to the mission and values of 2wish.
- Assist with compliance of the Equality Act, Employment Rights Act / Bill & General Data Protection Regulations.
Desirable
- Experience supporting or working alongside a Board of Trustees.
- Experience leading digital transformation or implementing new systems.
- Understanding bereavement-support environments
What we do for you:
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: Normal office hours are 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday, although alternative hours may be worked with line manager agreement. Work outside office hours may sometimes be necessary and will be compensated for by time off in lieu.
Annual leave: 28 days plus bank holidays. Annual leave steadily increases after five years of service. Annual leave and statutory holidays are calculated on a pro rata basis where applicable.
Pension: 2wish operate a contributory pension scheme. 2wish will auto-enrol you into the scheme in accordance with it’s auto-enrolment obligations. Full details of the scheme will be provided to you once you are enrolled, including the minimum level of contributions that you will be required to make during your membership (current contributions – employer 3% and employee 5%).
Mileage: A fixed rate allowance is payable for agreed mileage undertaken on 2wish business in a private vehicle, over and above your usual journey to your workplace/s.
Additional benefits for our employees:
- An ‘Employee Assistance Programme, ‘ including wellbeing support
- Free parking on 2wish premises
- Free branded 2wish clothing
- An extra annual leave day on your birthday
- Incremental increase in holiday entitlement based on length of service
- Paid sick leave
- Discounts for personal purchases on 2wish Merchandise
- Discounted tickets to UK 2wish events for staff and family
- Extra holiday entitlement when taking part in 2wish overseas events
- Company mobile phone for performance of duties
- Tools/equipment required for the performance of duties
- Reimbursement of work expenses
- Bright Exchange employee discounts
- Auto-enrolment into company contributory pension scheme after 3 months service
How to apply:
Please return a CV and covering letter, or a CV and two-minute video,.
Closing date: Friday 3rd April 2026
Thank you very much for your interest in the role. Please note, if you do not hear from us within ten working days of the closing date, you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Job Title: Independent Gender Violence Advocate (IGVA)
Location: The Gaia Centre, Lambeth
Salary: £14,428.56 per annum, inlcuding London weighting if applicable
Contract type: Part Time, Permanent
Hours: 18.75 hours per week (working days to be discussed)
We want kind and empathic people to work at Refuge, who believe in equality, diversity, and inclusion, are experts in their area of knowledge, want to make a positive difference and improve the lives of the women and children we support.
The independent gender violence advocate will work closely with victims of gender-based violence from the point of crisis, to provide high quality independent advocacy and support to survivors of gender-based violence at the highest risk and their children.
The role will be part of increasing the ability of partner agencies to recognise, reject and respond appropriately and safely to all forms of gender-based violence (including domestic violence, sexual, financial and emotional abuse, female genital mutilation, forced marriage and honour-based violence). The post holder will empower survivors by providing them with emotional, practical and personal welfare support. The job involves ensuring that women are provided with a safe, supportive and welcoming environment, enabling them to access their rights, make decisions and increase their life options.
The job involves working within a multi-agency framework consisting of the MARAC and local partnership protocols and procedures that prioritise the safety of survivors. The job involves informing survivors of the full range of civil, criminal, and practical options that might increase their safety.
This post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.
Closing Date: 09:00am 1 April 2026
Interview Date: 9 and 10 April 2026
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
