Development leader jobs

ABOUT THE ORGANISATION
Join one of the UK's largest and most impactful charities - an organisation delivering life-changing services across communities nationwide. With a long history of social mission, they operate at scale across social welfare, community development, education, homelessness and support services.

THE ROLE
You will lead the provision of full management accounting support for a portfolio of key business areas, offering financial insight, analysis and proactive business partnering. Working closely with a Mission Management Accountant, you will help operational leaders understand performance, make informed decisions and plan effectively.

Key responsibilities include:
* Delivering management accounts, forecasts, variance analysis and commentary.
* Supporting budget holders with budgeting, planning and monthly monitoring.
* Providing financial advice, insights and training to non-finance stakeholders.
* Preparing journals, accruals, prepayments and month-end schedules.
* Supporting staffing/establishment analysis and headcount monitoring.
* Assisting income streams through invoice management.
* Producing financial modelling and strategic planning reports.
* Preparing year-end schedules and handling audit queries.

ABOUT YOU
* Significant experience in management accounting, budgeting and financial analysis within a large complex organisation.
* Fully qualified accountant.
* Strong Excel and data analysis skills.
* Ability to run full month-end independently.
* Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
* Organised, proactive and solutions-focused.

Desirable experience: charity accounting, VAT/Gift Aid, KPI development, strong excel ability.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU
* Hybrid working: two days per week in the London office.
* 35-hour working week with a strong work-life balance.
* Pension: Matched pension contribution
* On-site café with discounts.
* Minimum 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and Christmas closure.

Please apply now for the opportunity to work with a large, purpose-led charity making a real difference across communities every day.

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About Us

Our vision is for every child and young person to be safe, loved and happy, to achieve their potential and have a bright future.

St Christopher's is a leading charity for children and young people and we are proud of our history for providing fostering, children's homes and a range of innovative leaving care services across the UK & Isle of Man.  We have a passionate commitment to our young people, placing them at the centre of everything we do.  We provide positive life experiences for young people who are unable to sustain a placement in their parental or foster home.

We are an equal-opportunity employer keen to develop an inclusive workforce where people feel they belong.  We hope to attract applications from under- represented groups, including people from different cultures, nationalities, socioeconomic backgrounds, ages, disabilities, religions, faith, sex, orientation, childcare responsibilities, and gender-diverse identities.

St Christopher’s Academy

At St Christopher's we can offer you a career where you can develop your skills and knowledge while making a difference to young people’s lives.

When you join St Christopher’s, we will set you up in your career with a tailored development plan. Whether you want to move across to a different service, become a Manager or just explore further your current role, we will support you to map out your career trajectory and help you achieve your professional ambitions. If you want to learn more about St Christopher’s Academy, please visit our website.

We are proud that 84% of all our Team Leaders, Deputies and Managers are internal promotions. 

Watch our short video to gain an insight into our working life here at St Christopher’s

About the Role

As Team Leader, you will assist the Manager in the running of a 16+ semi-independent supported accommodation service, supporting the delivery of high quality transition services for young people that promote their independence and increase their life skills.

We have an enthusiastic team including Support Workers, Waking Night Staff and Management who all have different interests which they bring to the service. If you’re ready for a challenge and think you have the skills to drive St Christopher’s forward we would love to hear from you!

Applicants should have

· At least two year’s relevant experience providing housing and/or support services to vulnerable individuals

· A good understanding of the regulatory framework relevant to the provision of housing services for young people

· Knowledge of the welfare benefits system in relation to young people.

· Ability to lead, motivate, supervise and support staff and be a positive role model.

· Ability to prioritise own workload and to work flexibly to meet deadlines or service requirements.

· Ability to use own initiative as well as be an active team member.

· Flexibility to occasionally work evening and weekend shifts and participating in the On-Call system.

In return we offer:

· Salary of £30,784 per annum.

· Competitive pay and reward structure offering salary progression based on performance.

· A friendly working environment, a fun, open and honest culture.

· 25 days holiday rising to 27 days after 3 years’ service, plus Bank Holidays, pro-rata.

· Industry leading training programme including access to level 3 qualifications, children’s right and participation, CSE, empowerment, mental health and social pedagogy.

· Contributory pension scheme, enhanced maternity and company sick scheme.

· UK Life Assurance (Death in service) to the value of 3 times your annual salary.

· BUPA employee assistance programme, offering counselling, financial advice and legal support.

· Cycle to work scheme.

· Bluelight card; discount shopping scheme at hundreds of retailers across the UK.

· Discretionary funded training programs.

· Employee awards based on performance and length of service.

· Fantastic opportunities to develop your career within our range of services.

Recruitment Process

At St Christopher’s we are committed to the safeguarding of all children and young people in our care. During the recruitment process you will be expected to complete an online application form to ensure we capture essential information to meet legislation, best practice and vetting requirements.

Applicants will ideally already be on the DBS Update Service; if this is not the case St Christopher's will carry out a DBS (police) check prior to starting.

Your online application must include a supporting statement addressing the criteria stated in the Person Specification. For the full Job Description and Person Specification visit our website. CV’s will not be accepted.

For more information or assistance during the application process, please contact us via our website.

Closing date:  30th January 2026

We advise to apply as soon as possible as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Please note that it is against the law to apply for work with Children/Young People if you are barred from working in Regulated Activity and if your name is added to a Children Barred List.

All shortlisted candidates invited to interview will be asked to submit a Self-Declaration and Disclosure form which will need to be returned prior to an interview being booked.

Please note this post has a minimum age restriction of 21 for roles working directly with children and young people in our residential and semi-independent Homes in line with the Equality Act ‘occupational requirement’.

Job Title: School Careers Advisers

Location: Across Kent, Medway, West Kent and Mid Kent Regions

Salary: £29,291 - £32,343 (FTE) depending on experience pro-rata term time only/ Term Time Only salary including annual leave is £25,175 - £27,802

Hours: Full-time (37 hours per week) or Part-time (22.2 hours - per week)

Contract: Permanent (Term Time Only)

Reports to: Senior Careers Adviser

About CXK

CXK empowers people to succeed in employment, education and training. The charity strives for a fairer society where everyone can grow and realise their potential. “The CXK Way” embodies the following core values:

Ethical – We work with professionalism, honesty and integrity

Passionate – We reach out enthusiastically to all who need out support

Innovative – We inspire, enhance and improve

Collaborative – We engage, support and share with others

Young Peoples’ Careers Service

CXK is the lead provider of Personal Careers Guidance to young people in schools and specialist centres across Kent & Medway, where we provide independent Personal Careers Guidance, via our CXK Young Peoples’ Careers Service.

The Team

We are a diverse and welcoming team of advisers, who use a wide variety of creative methods to deliver personalised, client centred, personal careers guidance, ranging from one-to-one sessions through to group guidance, parents and options evenings, as well as focused talks and assemblies. We have minimal admin and keep our clients’ experience central to what we do, providing an inclusive service with individualised action plans, including the use of visual career maps, career cards and white boards, alongside more traditional approaches where appropriate.

We follow the CDI code of ethics and best practice for Action Planning (which names and recognises CXKs innovative work in this area):

The team is led by Chris Targett RCDP, who alongside his work at CXK, is the current Chair of the Careers Writers Association and co-author of the recently released Career Development and Inclusive Practice book, published by Trotman Publishing in partnership with the CDI.

The team is small but impactful. Feedback from our young people, that tell us about what our students valued regards our services:

· Helping young people understand their next steps

· Helping young people understand the options and careers choices they have

· Helping young people to know where to access further help, information, or support

The Role

The Careers Adviser will travel across Kent, Medway, West Kent and Mid Kent Regions to a broad range of school and college settings, delivering creative and inclusive Personal Careers Guidance, as well as assemblies and drop-in sessions as required. 

Each student and each learning environment will be unique, so the opportunity lends itself well to candidates who enjoy traveling and working in varied locations, meeting people from diverse backgrounds, and educating people of all abilities.

You will routinely liaise with Careers Leaders and senior school/ college staff to arrange and deliver activities for students during the school day. Whilst most delivery will take place between 8:30am and 4pm, travel before and after these times will be required and occasional attendance at parents’ and options evenings will also be required, but you will be given time off in lieu where this is applicable.

We would require you to work five days-a-week, term time only, with a pro rata holiday entitlement. If you would prefer part-time only employment (minimum of three days a week), this can be negotiated.

Skills and Knowledge

At CXK we are proud to be a disability confident and equal opportunities employer. We actively promote diversity within our workforce and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Minimum Criteria

· Level 6 (or above) Careers Guidance Qualification

· In possession of a full, clean UK Drivers Licence with access to your own vehicle

Core Competencies

· Experience of delivering CEIAG in schools / colleges, face-to-face with young people Enthusiasm

· A willingness to deliver activities during school timetables; occasional evening events rebalanced via “time off in lieu.”

· Knowledge of Post 16 and Post 18 education and training routes for young people with and without additional needs and disabilities

· Adept at juggling activities and travel, emails and routine project admin; balancing school site work with homebased preparation and admin

· Experience of Microsoft products and ability to use them effectively, including Outlook, Excel, Word and PowerPoint

· A commitment to undertake all necessary training for the role

Employee Experience

A career with CXK is rewarding work enabling you to fulfil your potential. This eclectic and exciting role within the CXK Young Peoples’ Careers team, provides the opportunity for you to travel from home to various education settings, networking with teachers and careers educators across the Kent and Medway area. You will hone specialised skills and knowledge relating to Post 16 and 18 career pathways, including 6th Forms, colleges, study programmes, gap-years, entrepreneurship, university and apprenticeship routes whilst being a positive influence on young people’s lives.

CXK employee benefits include:

· CDI and professional register membership (RCDP) paid for by CXK

· Defined contribution pension scheme (matched by CXK up to 10% depending on length of service criteria)

· Flexible working

· Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

· Training and development programmes and opportunities

· Mental and physical healthcare initiatives and more

Recruitment Timeline

Vacancy closing date: Ongoing

Application review date: Ongoing

Interviews dates: Ongoing

Useful Information

Should you wish to have an informal conversation before submitting your application, please contact recruitment @ cxk. org

Please note: Applicants will need to complete an enhanced DBS check and provide references before any offer of employment is made.

All applications must be submitted online via our portal.

Sale, Greater Manchester

Lead. Inspire. Deliver exceptional care.

Salary: £38,000 rising to £40,000 on successful probation & CQC registration

Hours: 37.5 hrs pw (spread over 5 days, includes some evenings/weekends). On‑call rota with additional pay.

Location: Sale

Why join us at Stockdales?

Join an ambitious, forward-thinking team where residents and staff are genuinely valued. For over 70 years Stockdales has been a trusted care provider in Sale, supporting people with learning disabilities with compassion, expertise and reliability. We put people first, celebrate success, invest in development and create a culture of kindness, professional pride and continuous improvement. With deep local roots and a strong reputation for person‑centred care, clinical excellence and collaborative working with families and health partners, Stockdales offers stability, real career development and the chance to make a tangible difference every day.

The role in a nutshell

You’ll be Stockdales’ Registered Manager for CQC‑regulated services - leading Service Managers and Care Practitioners to deliver outstanding, person‑centred care for adults with profound and multiple learning disabilities and complex health needs. You’ll drive quality, compliance and service growth while building a supportive, motivated workforce.

Key responsibilities

• Apply for and hold CQC registration; maintain and exceed regulatory standards. 
• Lead, mentor and develop service teams to deliver excellent, personalised outcomes. 
• Oversee quality assurance audits, risk management and safeguarding. 
• Manage budgets, referrals, staffing levels and service development. 
• Build strong relationships with families, commissioners and health partners. 
• Participate in the on‑call rota and support out‑of‑hours arrangements.

You’ll have

• Level 5 QCF (or equivalent) in Health & Social Care. 
• Minimum 3 years’ experience as a CQC Registered Manager/Care Home Manager. 
• Proven experience supporting adults with physical/learning disabilities and complex care needs. 
• Strong IT skills (Microsoft packages/online platforms) and excellent communication. 
• Full driving licence and access to a car. 
• Willingness to undergo Enhanced DBS and provide satisfactory references.

Perks & benefits

• Up to 33 days holiday (pro rata) 
• Pension, Medicash (24hr GP and health support functions), life insurance (after probation) 
• Excellent internal & external training, career development 
• Monthly staff prize draw, cycle‑to‑work, Wage Stream access

Make a difference

If you’re a compassionate, driven leader who wants to shape exceptional services and support a highly valued team, we’d love to hear from you.

Closing date: 3 February 2026

Interviews will be held week commencing 9 February 2026

Stockdales is an equal opportunities employer. Enhanced DBS required.

People Relations Partner

£35,072 -£36,918

Location , Leeds, West Yorkshire. With Hybrid working opportunities available

The WEA is the UK’s largest voluntary sector provider of adult education, a charity dedicated to bringing high quality, professional education into the heart of communities.   

We are looking for talented individuals to help us deliver our mission – to bring lifelong learning within reach fighting inequality and promoting social justice. 

Job Description 

 As the People Relations Partner, you will lead across the WEA’s people relations. Ensuring all colleagues are heard, supported and treated with dignity and respect. As a trusted partner to leaders, you will provide expert, person-centred advice and guidance on all people relation matters, mitigating risk and fostering a fair, consistent and positive workplace culture.  

Reporting to the Head of People Relations and Policy, the successful candidate will empower leaders and colleagues to resolve issues effectively, safeguarding our people and our organisation.  

We have attached the full role profile, that lists the key deliverables, performance measures and experience/qualifications needed for this role. Please take your time to read through this, and if you’d like to apply, hit that button! 

We are working hard to create a workplace that reflects the communities we seek to serve and in which everyone feels empowered to be themselves and work together to drive positive change. We strongly encourage applicants from a diverse range of candidates and encourage everyone with the appropriate skills, experiences and potential to apply. 

Should you need any support with your application, then please get in touch.   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 

 In our recent OFSTED inspection, we received a GOOD overall grade, with an OUTSTANDING rating for Behaviour and Attitudes and Personal Development. 

You can read more about our benefits and what it’s like to work here, on our website .

#HR #peoplerelations #CIPD #peopleteam

Director of Finance and IT
London (Camden) | Hybrid working
Salary £90,000
Full time (37.5 hours) or 4 days per week considered

Thomson Foundation is an independent, globally respected organisation with over 60 years’ experience supporting free, ethical and trusted journalism around the world. At a time when reliable information has never mattered more, Thomson’s work is both impactful and deeply values-driven.

They are now seeking a Director of Finance and IT to join the senior leadership team at an exciting point in the organisation’s evolution.

This is a rare opportunity for a senior finance leader who enjoys combining strategic leadership while also being able to provide hands on support. You will work closely with the CEO, Board and senior colleagues to shape future strategy, while also getting into the detail to understand how things work today and where they can be improved tomorrow.

You will thrive in this role if you enjoy making your mark: strengthening systems, improving automation, streamlining processes and building robust, proportionate controls that suit a small, international organisation. This is not a role where you sit at arm’s length from the detail – you will be curious, practical and comfortable rolling up your sleeves, whether that’s reviewing processes, posting journals, improving reporting or driving smarter use of technology.

Alongside financial leadership, you will oversee IT, risk, compliance and governance across the Thomson Group, working with outsourced providers and internal colleagues to ensure systems are secure, efficient and fit for purpose. You will play a key role in delivering the Finance and Technology Transformation Plan, helping the organisation operate more effectively and sustainably as it continues to grow and adapt.

Thomson has a small, welcoming team and a collaborative, non-hierarchical culture. You will be joining an organisation where people are trusted, ideas are welcomed and impact really matters. The role is based in Camden, with hybrid working two days per week in the office.

This role will suit someone who is:
• equally comfortable thinking strategically and working hands on
• motivated by improving systems, automation and ways of working
• curious, detail-oriented and happy to implement change
• values-led and excited by working in a mission-driven, international charity

If you are looking for a senior leadership role where you can genuinely influence, improve and help shape the future of a highly respected organisation, this is an outstanding opportunity.

How to Apply

For more information, please contact Rosemary Pini at Allen Lane who is supporting on this role and happy to answer any questions.

Please apply by sending CV and supporting statement before 1st February

Centre Manager

An exciting and rare opportunity has become available for an experienced people Manager to work at a Bedfordshire Centre, based in Aspley Guise near Milton Keynes. We are looking for a new leader to help guide the future growth and potential development of the site, as the charity strives to give every animal the best chance of finding a new home.

Position: Centre Manager 

Location: Bedfordshire, Glebe Farm, Salford Rd, MK17 8HZ 

Salary: From £33,000 per annum depending on experience 

Hours: 40 hours per week, including alternate weekends, Permanent 

Benefits: 33 days annual leave (inclusive of the eight bank holidays), Contributory pension scheme, Group Life Assurance, Employee Assistance Programme and access to Wellbeing Resources. 

Closing date: 11th February 2026 – we reserve the right to close the advert early should a suitable candidate be found.

About the role: 

As Centre Manager you will be responsible for all operational activities related to the running of the site, ensuring the ongoing welfare and safe rehoming journey for the animals in your care. You will also be expected to provide effective leadership to the Centres’ employees and volunteers, ensuring high levels of performance and a culture of excellent customer service at all times. 

About you: 

The successful candidate will have a proven track record of achievement in managing people. You will be able to demonstrate your passion for developing people and will bring with you the following essential skills and experience: 

• Proven examples of successfully managing and developing large teams 
• Excellent communication skills 
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel 
• A full UK driving License 
• An understanding of the animal welfare sector is desirable.

More about the organisation: 

The charity never stops caring for animals and people. Operating five rehoming centres, they are committed to improving the lives of UK’s pets, providing love and care in helping them find a new home. Join the team and help to shine a light for brighter futures for every pet.

Please note we are accepting applications on a rolling basis and may close the recruitment process for this role prior to the deadline, so early applications are encouraged. 

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Operations Manager, General Manager or Veterinary Practice Manager.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

Lead complex, high-impact services that support people to live well and help shape the future of social care in Southend.

Applications close: 9 a.m. Thursday 26th February 2026
Location: Southend-on-Sea and services-based

About Southend Care

Southend Care is a wholly owned local authority company delivering a broad range of adult social care services, including older people’s care homes, domiciliary care, supported living, mental health services and community-based provision.

Operating across multiple locations with a lean, committed leadership team, the organisation is known for its adaptability, responsiveness and ability to manage change in a challenging and fast-moving environment.

With a refreshed board, new non-executive directors and a renewed focus on culture, engagement and commercial resilience, Southend Care is looking ahead with confidence. We are also on a journey towards providing services for children and young people, so there has never been a better time to join us.

About the role

Southend Care is seeking an experienced, hands-on Director of Operations to play a pivotal role in leading and shaping high-quality social care services across the city. This is a rare opportunity to join a values-driven, commercially aware organisation at an exciting point in its evolution, helping to strengthen operational performance, embed a positive culture and support sustainable growth.

As Director of Operations, you will take overall responsibility for the operational leadership, quality, safeguarding and performance of services. Working closely with the Managing Director and Director of Corporate Services, you will provide visible, credible leadership to managers and frontline teams, ensuring services are safe, person-centred and financially sustainable.

You will play a central role in developing managers, strengthening consistency across services, improving engagement with stakeholders and service users and supporting opportunities for service development and growth.

This is a genuinely hands-on role in a small senior team, requiring someone who is comfortable rolling up their sleeves while also contributing strategically to the organisation’s future direction.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for an operationally strong, people-focused leader with senior experience across social care and a deep understanding of regulated services. You will bring credibility in areas such as safeguarding, quality improvement and service delivery, ideally in older people’s services, domiciliary care, mental health or supported living.

You will be comfortable working autonomously in a lean environment, visible and approachable in your leadership style and confident holding managers to account while building trust and rapport.

Commercial awareness, adaptability and a collaborative mindset are essential, as is a genuine commitment to service user and staff experience.

Above all, you will bring the energy, personality and practical leadership needed to thrive in a close-knit team and help Southend Care continue to evolve and succeed.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Thursday 26th February 2026.

Senior Project Lead

We are looking for a Senior Project Lead to help shape the future of responsible sourcing in the global tea sector.

Position: Senior Project Lead - Data and Industry Alignment

Location: London/Hybrid (minimum 3 days/week in office)

Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week)

Contract: 2-year FTC with potential for a permanent role thereafter

Salary: £60,000–£65,000 (depending on experience)

Closing Date: 2nd of March. Early applications are encouraged as we may close the role before the deadline if a suitable candidate is found.

About the Project

The Global Tea Coalition (GTC) is an industry forum that brings together CEOs and senior leaders from tea-buying/ producing companies to collaborate on the most pressing social and environmental challenges facing the global tea sector. The GTC seeks to improve sustainability, resilience, and responsible practices across the value chain.

The project will lead a sector-wide initiative addressing one of the industry’s most persistent challenges: the complexity, duplication, and inconsistency of social and environmental standards and data collection. The project aims to reduce duplication, improve alignment, and enable more practical and reliable data across the tea sector.

About the Role

To deliver this project, we are recruiting for a Senior Project Lead. You will have the opportunity to influence industry-wide change through an ambitious project to harmonise standards and data in the global tea supply chain.

You will deliver the project which will involve leading a technical working group of representatives from tea companies to co-design the project output and developing a harmonised approach that reduces producer burden and strengthens buyers’ access to standardised, comparable data for HREDD.

Key responsibilities include:

• Project design and delivery
• Stakeholder engagement and project governance
• Shared learning and communications

About You

You will have an undergraduate degree; postgraduate degree in sustainability, human rights, international development or related fields preferred. You will have proven project management skills, with a track record of delivering complex, multi-stakeholder projects to agreed brief, budget, and timeline.

You will also have:

• Deep understanding of Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence (HREDD).
• Familiarity with producer challenges related to certification, audits, and buyer reporting requirements.
• Proven track record leading industry coalitions, multi-stakeholder platforms, or pre-competitive collaboration initiatives.
• Expertise in private-sector engagement and understanding of commercial drivers and constraints within supply chains
• Strong existing networks across the global tea industry with a deep understanding of human rights and environmental risks in agricultural supply chains.
• Understanding of sustainability standards and certifications.

Experience in social and/or environmental sustainability within agricultural supply chains; experience in the tea sector is highly desirable but not essential.

We recognise that no candidate will meet every requirement listed. If you are excited by this role and feel you have relevant experience we encourage you to apply!

When you click to apply, you will be able to see the full Job Description.

About the Organisation

Join a membership organisation that collaborates with members and third-party grantors to implement impactful, long-term programs in tea-producing countries, improving the lives of farmers, workers, and communities. ETP is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Benefits include: 8% employer pension contribution, life insurance and an employee assistance programme with health insurance after six months’ service.

You may also have experience in roles such as Project Manager, Project Lead, Senior Project Manager, Senior Project Lead, Data and Industry Alignment Project Lead, Data and Industry Alignment Project Manager. #INDNFP

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

The Difference is an education charity, founded to change the story on lost learning. Our vision is to see lost learning falling nationally by 2030 and for schools to be better equipped to support all children, particularly those most vulnerable.

Leading national policy strategy

As Head of Policy you will work closely with the CEO to develop and execute a four-year influencing plan.  Together we’ll aim to shift local and national incentives on inclusion by 2030, which see the national trend of rising suspension and absence begin to fall. 

You will hold relationships with the Department for Education and Ofsted and advise on policy priorities ahead, such as:

• Widening the definition of inclusion beyond special needs, recognising the needs of those young people historically or currently interacting with social services

• Reducing perverse incentives for schools to alter their school roll through admissions and pupil exits

• Expectations for multi-academy trusts in capturing and analysing data on lost learning, including how it disproportionately affects different groups

• Improving local alternative provision eco-systems, to improve outcomes for young people

• National standards for inclusive school practice, at a universal and targeted level

• Professional development standards for school inclusion

Developing implementation expertise in the middle tier

In your first six months, you will advise on the internal development of a new programme for middle tier policy actors: multi-academy trust and local authority leaders.  You will support the Programme team in its design, to plan strategically for the recruitment of trusts and local authorities, and you will plan the research and influencing work which will seek to share their success nationally.

Building the evidence base

In your second six months, you will work with the CEO to build out our research function. Your influencing plan will include how The Difference can learn from the work across our multi-academy trust, local authority and internal AP pioneer partners over the next four years, to develop influential publications. Research work ahead will include publishing sector-facing publications of The Difference’s own research, carried out by our research lead and associates; alongside managing external contractors and internal colleagues to bid for and deliver aligned research disseminating our ideas.

Raising your voice

This is an exciting opportunity for someone committed to inclusive policy change. The Difference has always punched above our weight in national and sector press reach. In post,  you will publish blogs and comment pieces, disseminating our shared ideas.  You will be a prominent voice on inclusion.

The Difference is still a small and growing charity. This means that our work is fast-paced, our roles are broad, and there is a culture of being highly autonomous, reactive and flexible, as the needs of the organisation evolve. If this sounds exciting rather than daunting, then this could be the role and team for you!

The Role
This is an exciting time to join The Difference as we increase our impact, reach more schools, and develop our influencing strategy. As Head of Policy and Public Affairs you will: 
 

Design and execute an impactful influencing plan 

• Design an influencing plan - Identify via horizon scanning opportunities to influence national policy using open policy windows, or by nudging/creating new ones. 

• Execute an influencing plan - Utilise own assets and assets across the organisation, including the Director team, to deliver against the influencing plan.

• Relationship building - Build highly credible and impactful relationships with a variety of stakeholders who hold power. This will include policy makers in national governments, local government officials, politicians, other third sector organisations and think tanks. 

• Leadership - Play a significant role internally and externally in communicating the organisation’s policy position, raising organisational and own brand.

Build policy capacity and credibility across the organisation

• Policy positions and solutions- Use the concepts, work and experience of The Difference’s programmes to develop new, and refine existing, national policy positions to shift incentives. 

• Thought leadership - Be the organisation’s education policy and political expert. 

• Generating income - Use own and team’s expertise and credibility to generate income via speaking engagements and consultancy to support the organisation’s financial sustainability. 

Person Specification

Essential – We are looking for someone with the following knowledge, experience and skills, though you may be stronger in some areas than others:
 

• Deep expertise in education policy, particularly on the topic of lost learning and the various policy and political debates, including areas of controversy, surrounding this policy topic. 

• Strategic thinker with a proven track record in identifying policy windows and designing activities that lead to meaningful national policy change. 

• Excellent relationship builder, who brings with them their own network of influential stakeholders and has a plan for building new relationships. Adept at navigating tricky situations and explaining complex, sometimes difficult, messages.

• Expert convener with a strong knowledge of the education sector, including which schools, trusts and local authorities are influential and experience in bringing a variety of perspectives together to generate consensus. 

• Persuasive and clear writing style for publication, including reports, press, blogs and ghost writing for members of the senior leadership team, often based on consensus positions, and designed to communicate key messages for impact. 

• Confidence and credibility in communicating nuanced messages in a contentious landscape, in writing, verbally and in public (e.g. on panels), to raise the profile of The Difference. 

• Strong project manager who can design systems and processes to keep self, team and other stakeholders on task and on time. Experience of designing programmes of work and monitoring their effectiveness. Flexible project management style that can adapt to a changing environment. Confidence in managing a variety of stakeholders and supporting them to deliver on time. 

Desired – You are more likely to be successful in your application if you have one or more of the following: 

• Familiarity with The Difference’s programmatic work, theory and practice. 

• Lived experience or insight into the school experiences of marginalised young people (e.g. those with experience of the care system, mental ill health, special educational needs, exclusion, and racism).

We know that some people, especially those from marginalised backgrounds, may hesitate to apply unless they meet every listed requirement. If this role excites you and you believe you could make a strong contribution, we warmly encourage you to apply. 

We actively welcome applications from people whose backgrounds are under-represented in the charity sector, including but not limited to: people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people with experience in the case system, non-graduates and first-in-family graduates.

This is an exciting opportunity to get experience with a large and growing charity with an engaged and fun team. You will be a key part of our mission to ​find a cure for all types of brain tumours.​

​Our Systems Manager is being seconded to an internal project for the next 6-9 months and so we are seeking an experienced IT professional to join our team for an interim basis for six months with the possibility of a three month extension.​​​​

In this role you will you lead a team of three people in supporting our staff team of 70 by providing reliable, effective and efficient IT systems and equipment. This include ​the monitoring and maintenance of our IT software and, with external support, our IT hardware. ​​

You will line manage the Database Assistant ​and Data Processing Assistant.

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​If you are excited to learn more about this position, please take a read through our recruitment pack provided in the advert.

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If you have the skills and ambition that we are looking for we welcome your application. ​ We are really looking forward to welcoming a new member to our team!​​​

We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process. ​

Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.​

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We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.​

We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.

Sightsavers is looking for a an experience Project Manager to deliver a Systems Strengthening work package for the Reaching the Last Mile Fund (RLMF), working to eliminate OV and LF onchocerciasis (OV) and lymphatic filariasis (LF) in Africa.

Salary:        £34,529 - £40,622.00 pro rata 
Location:  UK remote and/or Haywards Heath based, with occasional travel to Africa
Contract:12-month Fixed-term Contract (renewable subject to funding)
Hours: Full time (35 hours) or part time (25 hours plus) with some flexibility around hours worked

About the role

The Reaching the Last Mile Fund (RLMF) expansion project is a six-year, $500m programme that will progress the elimination of onchocerciasis (OV) and lymphatic filariasis (LF) in Africa. In 2026, Sightsavers is working with Ministries of Health to implement RLMF funding in ten countries, with RLMF supporting work in 34 in total. Sightsavers chairs the Systems Strengthening Committee, and under this committee a new package of activities focusing on increasing laboratory capacity for OV detection has been approved for 2026. We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to oversee and coordinate this work package.

As Project Manager for RLMF laboratory capacity building, you will provide all aspects of project management support and coordination for the 2026 laboratory capacity strengthening workplan; including working closely with and providing support to the Laboratory Technical Advisor for RLMF, ensuring all tasks and activities progress and providing reports of this progress to colleagues, the donors and the RLMF Systems Strengthening Committee.

This role will suit an experienced and proactive Project Manager with exceptional coordination and management skills, who has previously supported delivery of a large-scale workplan within a multi-organisational programme and has experience of International Development, public health or Neglected Tropical Diseases.

About you 

Essential

• Extensive demonstrable experience managing multi-organisational projects within International Development, Public Health or similar.
• Educated to degree level or equivalent in a relevant discipline.
• Experience of communicating with and reporting to internal and external stakeholders
• Excellent analytical and IT skills.
• Strong analytical, writing, editing and verbal skills for communicating with broad and diverse stakeholders.
• Effective as a collaborator in complex internal and external organizations.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills 
• Good inter-personal and relationship management skills
• Knowledge and behaviours that support equality, diversity and inclusive practice
• Able to prioritise and manage competing tasks and deadlines across workstreams and countries
• Able to work largely without supervision (but within a team)
• Willingness to undertake periodic travel for meeting attendance.
• Fluency in English

Desirable

• Project management qualification(s).
• Experience with onchocerciasis, NTDs, or work with African Health Systems
• Experience of working as part of a multi-organisational team
• French language skills
• Understanding of research governance and ethical principles particularly in relation to research with vulnerable people 

 This is a varied role, please read the full job description for further details.

To apply for this exciting new opportunity, please complete an application via our recruitment portal. 

We anticipate that remote interviews will take place in the week commencing 9 February 2026. The evaluation process will include a verbal interview and potentially a written task.

Closing date: Sunday 1 February 2026

As an equal opportunity employer, we actively encourage applications from all sections of the community. Sightsavers is a Disability Confident Leader and qualified people living with a disability are particularly encouraged to apply.

This is an exciting chance to gain a full year of hands-on experience working with a place-based funder. You will be learning how funding decisions are made and how grants are administered to create real impact in local communities. You’ll not only develop practical skills in project delivery and grant management, but also build a strong understanding of the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector.

In addition to supporting grant administration, you will lead your own project from start to finish. This will involve conducting research, engaging with local organisations and sector leaders, and producing a clear, actionable plan that addresses a real need in the sector and how the Foundation can look to ease that need. You’ll have the autonomy to shape your project while receiving guidance and support from the Chief Executive and Grants and Programmes manager, giving you the perfect balance of independence and mentorship.

As part of this role, you will join the Rank Foundation’s Time to Shine Leadership Programme, a nationally recognised initiative designed to nurture future leaders in the charity sector. You’ll be part of a cohort of 55 emerging leaders across the UK, benefiting from tailored training, mentoring, and peer support. This programme will help you develop your leadership potential, grow your confidence, and prepare you for future roles within the VCSE sector.

If you are currently unemployed or under-employed, this opportunity offers a supportive and structured pathway to gain valuable experience, expand your professional network, and make a meaningful difference in communities

We all work flexibly between home, at our Redcar office or in the community. So you will need to be self-sufficient and able to manage your own workload. We encourage applications from people near the start of their career who want to develop with a new organisation, people who are currently underemployed looking for a change of career, or those returning or joining the workforce and are looking for a new challenge. We look for employees who have the ability to engage with a wide range of people, a supportive manner and a genuine passion for the work we do. This is a great opportunity for someone who is as excited as we are about making positive change across our area of benefit.

Please read the Time to Shine Programme guide on our website aswell as the Job Description before starting your application and ensure you meet the criteria listed.

The closing date for applications is 10am on Monday 2nd February 2026

Interviews will be held at our Redcar office in the Palace Hub TS10 3AE on 16 February.

DBS: Basic DBS check required 

Location: Camberwell or hybrid with travel up to 2 – 4 times per month 

Ref RGM-261

Application Deadline: 9:00am on 2 February 2026 

We are seeking strategic leader to join us as Risk and Governance Manager. This is a pivotal role in supporting effective decision-making, regulatory compliance, and maintaining assurance frameworks.

About St Giles Trust

St Giles Trust is a national charity and a global leader in using lived experience to drive meaningful social change. For over 60 years, we have worked with people held back by poverty, exploitation, abuse, or the criminal justice system, supporting them to transform their lives and build a positive future. We are now a national organisation, working across England and Wales with offices in London, Norwich, Cardiff, Leeds, Coventry and Wolverhampton, and with a turnover of around £17 million. As we deliver our ambitious five-year strategy, we are determined to continue growing our reach, our impact, and our ability to change lives through empathy, trust and opportunity.

About the Role

St Giles is seeking a highly skilled and committed Risk and Governance Manager to lead our governance, risk, and compliance functions. You’ll join a passionate team within the People, Risk and Safeguarding Directorate, providing expert guidance to senior leaders and the Board, and ensuring we maintain the highest standards of regulatory compliance and strategic assurance.

To be successful in this role:

You will have significant experience in governance, risk management, or compliance leadership roles with a strong understanding of charity governance, regulatory reporting, and risk frameworks. Being adept at managing multiple priorities under pressure, with high levels of accuracy and discretion is essential, as is excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential including being able to influence, inform, and partner with stakeholders at all levels.

In return, you can expect a competitive salary, generous leave allowance, staff pension, flexible working, a mentoring programme, an advice and counselling service, clinical therapist sessions, life insurance (4 x annual salary), duvet days, season ticket loan, employee perks programme, eye care voucher and much more.

We are an equity and inclusion-confident employer. We welcome all applications, and we particularly encourage applications from people of the global majority (black, brown, multi- heritage) and those who identify as disabled, neuroexpansive, neurodiverse, with any protected characteristics and/or social barriers or challenges. We value the empowering and informative impact that all lived experiences and diversity of thought can offer the organisation.

St Giles will guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria set out in the Job Description for the vacancy.

To apply, visit our website via the apply button.

Application Deadline: 9:00am on 2 February 2026 

Interview Date: 18 February 2026