With a 110-year history, we are proud to be able to say that the WI continues to be the largest and most influential UK women’s organisation, with over 170,000 members. Our campaigns push for change on the issues that matter to women and their communities, from equal pay to climate change, mental health and violence against women. The WI has brought about real change, and this record of action shows that we are as relevant today as we were in 1915.
The National Federation of Women’s Institutes (the NFWI) is responsible for running the organisation and provides support and advice to members at both regional and local levels.
About the role
Leading innovation across the organisation, you will be responsible for developing and delivering a strategy to grow our movement, to increase our membership and reach whilst ensuring we continue to reflect the needs and aspirations of women. You will oversee research into women’s evolving needs and preferences, whilst testing approaches with new external audiences to maximise our relevance, diversity and inclusivity. At the same time, you will actively embed innovation into strategy and decision-making in all areas, constantly find new ways to reach underrepresented women and build a wealth of data to support your recommendations. You will lead transformation across the organisation by championing change, creativity and a forward-thinking strategy that ensures the continued growth for the WI.
Location: Hybrid, with one day per week at our London, Oxfordshire or Wales office.
About you
Highly experienced in innovation, organisational development or programme management, you will bring an impressive track record of instigating and managing successful organisational change that leads to sustainable income generation. You will be adept at designing and delivering pilot programmes, as well as commissioning research and deploying data to support action. The role requires excellent communication skills and the confidence to advise and lead at both senior leadership and Board level, as the organisation looks to you to lead fundamental organisational change. Experience within the charity or not-for-profit sector would be beneficial, as would an understanding of trends and issues affecting women across different demographics in the UK.
How to apply
For further information about this Head of Innovation role, please download the recruitment pack which includes the job description and person specification.
To apply, please submit your current CV with a covering letter clearly explaining why you would be suitable for the role to the HR department.
Closing date: 3 September 2026.
First round interview (virtual): 11 September 2026.
Second round interview (in-person): 15 September 2026.
No other media or agencies, please.
The WI is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and values diversity. Reg. Charity No. 803793.
Thank you!
JOB OPPORTUNITY
Job title: Farm Skills and Wellbeing Lead. Based at Oasis City Farm – Southampton, Green Lane, Southampton SO16 9FQ
Hours: 32 hours per week Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £22,470 per annum, 0.8FTE (£28,088 for 1FTE)
Oasis City Farm - Southampton is a community focused registered charity. We provide a range of supportive, wellbeing boosting, and nature-based activities for our communities, which include young people and adult learners with disabilities.
We have an exciting opportunity to become a member of our farm leadership team as a Skills and Wellbeing Lead. You will lead the Skills and Wellbeing Programme at Oasis City Farm – Southampton, delivering high-quality sessions, therapeutic activities and workshops for adults and young people. With the aim of building knowledge, practical skills, confidence and wellbeing through animal care, gardening and nature-based learning. This will include leading our Adult day service; developing opportunities for farm users to gain qualifications; facilitating wellbeing workshops and provision that build mental health wellbeing; working with the community lead to develop our volunteer and work placement programme; work alongside our garden assistant to lead on our garden project development, ensuring it is sustainable. This role includes line managing a team to enable the above strands of work to be sustainable and impactful for the wider community.
The role will contribute to the day-to-day operation of the farm, supporting animal care and site maintenance through these programmes and community activities in line with the Oasis ethos.
The successful applicant will need to demonstrate:
· Relevant qualifications or experience in animal management or outdoor learning.
· Relevant qualifications or experience in youth work, community-based projects or working with adults.
· The flexibility to work the days as advertised including school holidays. There may be occasional evenings but time of lieu would be given.
· Excellent verbal communication skills.
· IT literate
· Proven ability to work alongside others in projects that work with the public.
· Punctuality, reliability, and honesty.
· Ability to always evidence the Oasis ethos and values.
This is a unique opportunity for a friendly, hardworking and driven individual, who is looking to make a difference in a growing and community focused field of work. In return we offer:
· Flexible working practices which encourage innovation and fresh ideas.
· A supportive network and friendly team in a motivating working environment.
If you are interested, please send your CV and Supporting Statement. In your supporting statement please address these questions:
1. Expand on your CV to explain how your skills and experience meets the Job Description. Give specific examples.
2. What personal attributes does a person need to do well in this role?
3. How do you see the Oasis ethos and 9 Habits being displayed in this role?
Applications will be looked at on a rolling basis with an invite to interview and a trial session in September. We reserve the right to close the advert if we identify suitable candidates. To avoid disappointment, please submit your application as soon as possible.
We actively encourage applications from people of all ethnic backgrounds and minority and underrepresented groups. If you require any assistance to overcome potential barriers, please let us know.
Applicants must be able to prove their right to work in the UK. Oasis is committed to making a difference to the lives of the communities it works in, and as such you must show a willingness to demonstrate commitment to the values and behaviours which flow from the Oasis ethos. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to undergo appropriate checks, including enhanced DBS checks.
Oasis supports Equal Opportunities. Registered Charity No. 1163889
If you are interested, please send your CV and Supporting Statement . In your supporting statement please address these questions:
1. Expand on your CV to explain how your skills and experience meets the Job Description. Give specific examples.
2. What personal attributes does a person need to do well in this role?
3. How do you see the Oasis ethos and 9 Habits being displayed in this role?
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
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.
Registered Charity
21 - 50
We help children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) get the education they are entitled to by law
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.