Development research manager jobs

Yada is a small charity working to prevent and remove the stigma around the sexual exploitation of women and girls. Based in West Sussex our services include specialist 1-1 tailored support to self-identifying women involved in the sex industry, as well as partnership working to deliver preventative workshops to women who may be at risk of sexual exploitation.

Our training offer to professionals who support women who are being sexually exploited has also grown over the last few years. In 2025 over 200 professionals received our training. We are at an exciting time in the development of the charity as we look to expand our services, including reviewing our established training offer and exploring new options. 

The role

The Training and Resourcing Lead will have a key role to play in shaping and strengthening Yada, building on our previous success, and ensuring the charity’s sustainability as a respected specialist in the area of sexual exploitation locally and nationally. The role will have responsibility for leading on the review, design, development and delivery of our training offer to external partners and professionals, including networking and proactive local partnership building, to ensure all professionals who support women who are vulnerable to sexual exploitation receive training support. The role will also have responsibility to research, design and deliver a package of short internal training sessions for the development and upskilling of our outreach staff to ensure they remain trauma informed and current as specialists in supporting women in the sex industry. There is an expectation that the post holder will become Yada’s specialist in the sexual exploitation of women who are at risk, and be able to share this knowledge.

About you

We are seeking a self-motivated and organised female who has experience at collabarative working and relationship building, with previous experience in presenting or training.  She should have the ability to take on a specialist area and share this with others in a professional manner in person or online, promoting positive learning. Ideally this person would have previous experience or knowledge of working with vulnerable people, demonstrate an understanding to responses to trauma and PTSD, or show a commitment and passion for marginalised communities and be willing to learn. Knowledge of violence against women and girls would be an advantage.​

Are you passionate about building meaningful relationships and creating lasting impact through philanthropy? The University of Strathclyde is seeking a dynamic and experienced Donor Experience and Legacies Officer to lead stewardship and engagement for our major donors, scholarship supporters, and legacy pledgers.

This is a unique opportunity to shape donor journeys across multiple giving areas - from transformative scholarships and legacy gifts to major donations supporting research and teaching. You’ll work closely with inspiring students, academics, and colleagues across the University to deliver compelling donor communications, events, and impact reports that celebrate generosity and deepen engagement.

Brief Outline of Job:

To lead and deliver donor stewardship and engagement strategies for major gifts (donor gifts of £100k+), scholarships (UG and PG), and legacy giving. This includes creating compelling donor communications, managing cultivation events, and developing stewardship plans that support repeat giving and long-term relationships.

Major Gifts: Support the cultivation and stewardship of donors giving £100k–£1M+, including designing and delivering bespoke impact reports for major donors, organizing donor meetings, campus visits and events in collaboration with the Major Gifts team.

Scholarships: Support the development of and delivery of our scholarship fundraising strategy, including producing promotional materials and annual donor reports. Liaise with colleagues across the University to ensure effective scholarship delivery and reporting.

Legacy Giving: Lead the development of a new legacy stewardship strategy, including the introduction of a new giving circle for legacy pledgers, conducting face-to-face meetings with potential legacy donors and creating promotional content and opportunities.

Alumni Fund: Contributing to Giving Day and Alumni Fund Board activities. Support mass donor communications and stewardship initiatives.

Team Leadership: Line management of the Development Assistant and deputising for the Individual Giving Manager when required. 

If you’re a creative communicator, strategic thinker, and relationship builder with a flair for storytelling and donor cultivation, we’d love to hear from you.

Join Our Team as a Parish and Appeals Fundraiser

Join a small, friendly team. Shape something new. Make a real impact.

We’re looking for a Parish and Appeals Fundraiser to join our growing and supportive fundraising team at an exciting time of development. This is a brand-new role where you’ll help shape our approach to fundraising from the ground up — growing and supporting individual giving in our parishes, helping to build a new CMS, developing diocesan-wide appeals, and co-creating a simple and effective legacy campaign.

You’ll be working in a collaborative, welcoming environment with people who are passionate about making a difference and open to new ideas. We’re looking for someone who enjoys working with people, is organised and detail-focused, and is comfortable working across different platforms.

About the Role

Appointment Type: Full-time, Permanent

Working Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday - Friday, though reduced hours and flexi-time will be considered.

Location: Diocese of Salford Cathedral Centre - 3 Ford Street, Salford M3 6DP

We’re happy to discuss flexible and hybrid working arrangements and are keen to support a healthy work–life balance.

Salary & Benefits: £ 30,131 - £33,406 per annum, 25 holidays, plus statutory bank holidays and 5 Diocesan closure days.

Main Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with the Senior Fundraiser to refine and roll-out the parish fundraising programme.
• Work collaboratively with the Senior Fundraiser and Deputy Chief Operating Officer to devise and deliver a programme of annual diocesan appeals.
• Develop and deliver clear and engaging content for print, digital, website and social media elements of the appeal.
• Ensure donors and users have an accessible and seamless experience across all channels.
• Ensure projects are delivered within budget, checking and seeking advice where necessary.
• Implement and maintain a diocesan Customer Management System
• Prepare and share donation reports and feedback for each parish programme and diocesan appeal.
• Review and analyse reports to gain insights into donor behaviour and improve future fundraising activity.
• Develop and implement a simple legacy strategy
• Work collaboratively with the Senior Fundraiser and Trust Fundraiser to explore and develop other fundraising income streams.
• Research and keep abreast of industry activity and trends.
• Undertake any other reasonable tasks as required by the department/ diocese.

Safeguarding: The Diocese of Salford is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The post-holder will be expected to contribute to a positive culture of safeguarding within the organisation. All employees of the Diocese are expected to work to promote the safeguarding of vulnerable groups.

They must familiarise themselves with and adhere to the procedures on how to deal with allegations or concerns of abuse and the Church’s Safeguarding Policies and Procedures which can be found at our Diocesan website.

Chief Officer

Citizens Advice Woking (CAW) provides free, independent, and confidential advice and information to the residents of Woking, and anyone who works in the Borough, particularly the most vulnerable, to help with the problems they face.  We are the only organisation locally that can and does address client issues holistically, across areas such as debt, housing and welfare benefits, not just single issues, and this is increasingly important as client problems become more complex.

We are looking for a Senior Manager who will bring both innovation and experience to lead a valued local charity.

Reporting to the Chair of the Trustee Board, the Chief Officer

• Is responsible to the Trustee Board for the management and leadership of Citizens Advice Woking,
• Represents Citizens Advice Woking to funders, partners and stakeholders,
• Ensures the delivery of a high quality, impartial and confidential service, utilising both paid staff and volunteers,
• Is responsible for the continuing funding, planning and financial management of the service,
• Represents the organisation in Woking and contributes to the overall provision of strategic advice services in the borough.

In particular, the priorities for the Chief Officer in 2026/27 will be to:

• Manage CAW’s external relationships with our funders and the Woking community generally, to ensure satisfaction with the delivery of current projects, and their continuation,
• Collaborate closely with the other Surrey LCA Chief Officers to respond to the changing funding landscape. In parallel, continue to identify and deliver local projects for local funders,
• Ensure that suitable alternative premises are secured, and the transition is managed as smoothly as possible,
• Ensure the staff and volunteers are enabled to work effectively, particularly during this period of disruption,

The Chief Officer has an important leadership role, working closely with the Operations Manager, who has line responsibility for the staff and, generally, the internal CAW operation.  The volunteers are managed on a day-to-day basis by the Advice Session Supervisors, who are critical to ensuring the quality of advice to clients, and the smooth running of the office. 

How to apply

To apply for the role of Chief Officer at CAW, please see the Job Pack on our website.

You will need to send us your CV and a maximum 2 page supporting statement. The supporting statement should demonstrate how you meet the criteria outlined in the person specification and outline why you are interested in becoming the CO of Citizens Advice Woking.

Closing date for applications: Friday 6th Febraury

Applications will be reviewed on receipt, and we reserve the right to close earlier if applications from sufficient suitably qualified candidates have been received

Do you know someone passionate about volunteering and community development? We're looking for a Volunteering Brokerage Coordinator to join our small but mighty team.

This role is perfect for someone who wants to make a real difference - connecting volunteers with causes they care about, supporting community groups to build their volunteer programmes, and championing the value of volunteering across Waltham Forest.

Are you an experienced trusts fundraiser who can write compelling applications for a charity with big ambitions?

The Neuro Therapy Centre is a member led charity which provides practical support and therapies to help manage the symptoms of a wide range of long-term degenerative neurological conditions including MS, Parkinson’s, FND and ME. The Centre supports 700 people across North Wales, Cheshire and the Wirral.

The Centre has expanded its facilities over the last two years to be able to support more people who can benefit from its services and we have lots of exciting plans to grow our services and use our facilities. Come and join us to help us make a life-changing difference to people’s lives in the region.

You’ll be a confident writer with the ability to collate and portray the impact of our services and projects whilst still being able to meet the varied criteria of funding applications. You’ll have a keen eye for detail, and be on the pulse looking for opportunities to apply for funding, whilst building and maintaining funding relationships for the Centre.

Our friendly team is based in Saltney, near Chester where our services and support also operates from – so you’ll get to see first-hand how your role makes a difference to people’s lives first-hand. Many of our fundraising and marketing team work in a hybrid model and we are open to applications from people who wish to work in this way or fully remotely with occasional visits to the Centre on an in-frequent basis to learn about the charity and for funder visits.

Key areas of responsibility include:

• Research and identify potential funding sources for applications including charitable foundations, lottery bids, and statutory organisations.
• Liaise with the Centre management team to highlight funding opportunities and collect facts and information to form Cases for Support.
• Write fundraising bids to support projects and service delivery.
• Maintain communication with our network of funders
• Manage and maintain a funding pipeline of prospective funders, applications submitted, and feedback/monitoring requests.

What We Offer

• Supportive, friendly working environment
• Opportunities for training and professional development
• A meaningful role that positively impacts people’s lives
• Free on-site parking
• Flexible working

Veterans Community Occupational Therapist (Maternity Cover)

Location: Remote working covering Northern Ireland
Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week
Contract: 12-months FTC  

About Us

At Help for Heroes, we help the Armed Forces community live well after service.

Life can be tough when a military career comes to an end, especially if it has been cut short by illness or injury. Overnight, people lose not only their job, but also a support network that is like family. There are many ways we help veterans, their relatives, serving personnel, and people who worked alongside the UK military. We help people with their physical and mental health needs, and a range of welfare issues. Our support gives people the skills, confidence and knowledge to make a success of life after service.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Veterans Community Occupational Therapist to join the Services team at Help for Heroes and play a key role in supporting veterans and their families to access the right clinical and functional support, helping them live well after service.

Please see below for more information on what just might be your future role.

About You

Are you a committed, Registered Occupational Therapist, with more than two years’ experience, looking to expand your skills and have the opportunity to work with the Armed Forces Community? If you have an understanding of and empathy with the requirements of veterans and their families, you could contribute your skills and experience to improve the quality of life for our beneficiaries.

About the Role

As a Veterans Community Occupational Therapist, you will:

• Provide community-based occupational therapy input to veterans, supporting their physical health, independence and day-to-day functioning.
• Work with veterans and, where appropriate, their families and support networks to assess needs and identify practical, person-centred solutions.
• Support veterans to navigate healthcare and support pathways, promoting independence and wellbeing.
• Work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team alongside Community Nurses and other professionals.
• Contribute to education, outreach and engagement activity to support the Armed Forces Community.

Please see the job description below for more details about the role.

About the Team

You will be joining the clinical team at Help for Heroes, providing community-based support to the Armed Forces Community across Northern Ireland. The team works collaboratively as a multidisciplinary group of Occupational Therapists and Community Nurses, finding resourceful ways to deliver care that is right, fair and tailored to each individual.

Our aim is to champion the Armed Forces Community as they transition to civilian life, working together as one team to support long-term health, independence and wellbeing.

In return we can offer you: 

• Belonging to a team who make a difference to our community and value equality, diversity and inclusion. 

• 29 days’ annual leave plus 8 bank holidays, regardless of service -plus your birthday off to celebrate! 

• Opportunity to buy and sell up to 5 days annual leave per year. 

• Added to our free health scheme from day one, including discounts on dental, opticians, massages, and more - with the option to upgrade. 

• 3 volunteer days per year to support the Help for Heroes community.

• A generous salary sacrifice pension scheme with an 8% employer contribution and a minimum 3% employee contribution, plus life insurance up to 4× salary as an active member. 

• Discounts on our branded clothing, including a free Help for Heroes hoody when you complete your induction. 

Closing date: 8th Feb 2026

Interview Process: There will be a 2 part interview process. Stage 1 will be online via Microsoft Teams. Stage 2 will be in person in Belfast.

Please note: We may close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of strong applications.

This is a centre-based role with some travel to other animal centres, branches and adopter’s homes. There will be a requirement to work with diverse teams and in potentially dangerous (due to the animals they may encounter) and emotionally demanding situations. 

Role Purpose

Responsible for assessing and monitoring the behaviour and welfare of dogs, cats and small animals (depending on need and competence) in Danaher’s care. This will include devising behavioural plans, and carrying out or overseeing environmental and behavioural and training interventions in agreed circumstances, to maintain high standards of welfare, support successful rehoming and reduce return rates. The post holder will also be required to support and train other staff and volunteers in the care, management and behaviour modification of the animals in their care.  

Behaviour, welfare and training plans for dogs and cats (other species depending on RSPCA need and professional competence). Decisions to escalate animals for RCAB attention (according to agreed criteria). Sign off of staff/volunteer competency to handle dogs with more complex behavioural needs (according to agreed criteria). Record-keeping.

We’re seeking a HR Business Partner to join our fantastic People and Culture team.

Working with the Head of People and Culture you will play a key role in ensuring the smooth, efficient and values-driven delivery of HR operations across the organisation. Supported by a HR Adviser and HR Officer you’ll be responsible for the delivery of our HR operations across pay and reward, recruitment, learning and development, wellbeing, engagement and equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging. You’ll also partner with senior managers, supporting them by providing specialist support and advice that enables them to deliver their business plans.

Key priorities:

Partner with senior managers to support their business plans.

Drive staff engagement and inclusion programmes

Deliver our leadership development programme for senior managers

Support implementation of our new HR system

About You 

• You’ll have experience of working as a HR Business Partner, HR Operations Manager or Senior HR Adviser and /or have a CIPD Level 5 / 7 qualification
• You have experience of supporting and coaching managers across an organisation to resolve a range of people related issues.
• You have experience managing and developing others.
• You’re able to analyse, evaluate and present organisational and people metrics and determine ways to improve results

If this sounds like you – we’d love to hear from you!

About working for us

This is a fast-paced organisation that is committed to making a difference.

Being a part of our team is being part of a thriving, positive, dynamic, successful, and welcoming community that is making an impact. We will support you and develop you should you wish this, and you get the opportunity to be involved in activities outside the scope of your immediate role. We care about your health and well-being and your work-life balance, and you will feel that your contribution is valued and matters.

About us 

We are Pancreatic Cancer UK. We go above and beyond for everyone affected by this disease.

Right now, half of people with pancreatic cancer die within three months of diagnosis. Families are left with only hope to hold onto. They need more. So we do more.

We bring more break throughs through research, more change through campaigning and more support through our expert nurses.

We make more noise because people have gone unheard. We are relentless because the disease is ruthless. We care more because people feel forgotten.

Because people with pancreatic cancer need more than hope.

Underpinning this vision are our three values:

• Courage
• Compassion
• Community

We cannot achieve our vision without employing people who are committed to our vision, strategy, and values.

At Pancreatic Cancer UK (PCUK) our ambition is to create an inclusive working environment that reflects the communities and audiences that we engage with and where everyone can be their true selves, where they feel respected, championed, heard, and supported.  We want our workforce to achieve their potential, understand their contribution and feel proud of their impact by creating a culture and organisation that is genuinely inclusive by advancing equality, diversity, inclusion, and belonging through our policies and practices.

We believe diversity drives great outcomes by encouraging the different points of view that come from a diverse workforce. We want to hear from and engage with people whose experience of dealing with this disease may be very different depending on their individual circumstances and background. We can think of no better way to do this than by making sure this role fully represents our intent; therefore, we are especially keen to consider applications from suitable applicants who consider themselves to be in areas that appear underrepresented within the charity sector.

Safeguarding

PCUK is committed to safe and fair recruitment processes that safeguard and protect those we work with, support and serve. We make sure all our staff are selected, vetted (DBS/Criminal record checks where appropriate), trained, and supervised fairly and to a high standard so that they can provide safe, effective and compassionate care. Where we work with volunteers, we extend the same support in order to ensure that they are working within our ethos and standards.

Hybrid-working:

Our London office is a place to connect, collaborate and celebrate with colleagues, we recognise that flexibility around where you work is just as important. We are currently working hybrid with a minimum of 2-3 days in the office. This is an office-based role where you may be required to be in the office more frequently to attend activities and meetings depending on the needs of the role. 

How to apply 

• You can download the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of the role on our website's advert. If you have any questions about this role that we’ve not answered, please get in touch with Pete O’Callaghan, Head of People and Culture (contact details are on our website's advert). 
• To apply, please complete the online application form, setting out why you are interested in the role and how you meet the person specification criteria. This information will be used to select candidates for interviews. 
• You will need to have the right to work in the UK as we are not able to provide sponsorship for this role.
• Please note that there will be a two-stage process, first interviews will be held in person on 16 and 17 February 2026, with a second stage the following week. An additional initial telephone screening stage will be held if needed.

No agencies/sales call please – as a charity we work hard to keep our costs down and therefore will not be engaging agencies to support this recruitment. 

We’re looking for a Supporter Care Executive to join our team

Salary:  £28,390

Base: Central Edinburgh/hybrid

Hours: Full time and permanent.  35 hours a week (9am-5pm Monday to Friday, with a one-hour lunch break). The office is open 8am - 7pm daily and our hybrid working policy requires all full-time employees to work at least two days a week in the Edinburgh office. 

Benefits: 10% employer pension contribution; private medical insurance; employee assistance programme and counselling service; enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption pay; enhanced sick pay; 31 days’ paid holiday/year plus four paid winter public holidays; 2-weeks’ fully remote working/year; three days’ paid carer leave/year; death in service benefit; cycle to work and travel season ticket schemes.

To support the Team’s work-life balance, we work a nine-day fortnight where the charity is closed every second Friday.  

About the role and why we need you

This is more than a customer service role. As part of our sector-leading Supporter Care Team, you’ll be building meaningful relationships with extraordinary people, our supporters, known as Curestarters. Through warm, honest and respectful communication, whether you’re speaking on the phone, replying to an email or writing a letter, you can take pride in making supporters feel valued and connected to Worldwide Cancer Research.

We are looking for someone who is organised, has great attention to detail while being comfortable juggling a variety of tasks, knowing that strong administration is just as important as meaningful conversations. You’re motivated by doing things well, enjoy supporting fundraising activity, and understand that every interaction is an opportunity to strengthen loyalty and trust.

This role also includes administration of gifts supporters leave in their Wills; these tasks need to be handled with care and sensitivity. Prior experience in this area is not required, and full training will be provided.

As the first point of contact for Worldwide Cancer Research, you’ll be a positive ambassador for our Curestarters and our mission. You share our values and are motivated by the chance to play your part in starting new cancer cures.

About Us

Learning and Work Institute is an independent policy and research organisation focused on lifelong learning and better work. Our vision is for a fair and prosperous society where learning and work enable everyone to realise their potential. We research what works, influence policy, and develop new ideas to improve practice.

About The Role

Permanent : Part-time flexible, 22.5-30 hours per week, to be worked across 4-5 days.

Salary: £25,780-£34,910 per annum (pro rata), dependent on experience and location 

This role within our external affairs team focuses on securing impact for our work by supporting the delivery of our campaigns and events.

This varied role involves providing coordination of and administrative support to our flagship campaign, Get the Nation Learning; regional adult learning awards; and L&W events.

The ideal candidate will need experience of working in a busy administration role; excellent communication skills; the ability to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels; excellent organisation skills; and the ability to work flexibly in a fast-paced environment. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Campaigns

• Coordinate the delivery of the Get the Nation Learning campaign. This means: working with L&W’s head of lifelong learning to produce a comprehensive project plan; monitoring progress across team members to ensure work is delivered to time; undertaking all administrative elements of campaign delivery; managing the nominations and selection process for the Get the Nation Learning Awards; monitoring the budget; and working with the head of lifelong learning to manage relationships with sponsors, stakeholders and suppliers.
• Supporting the delivery of regional adult learning awards, including coordinating nominations and selection processes; undertaking all administrative tasks; and working with L&W’s external affairs manager to manage relationships with clients and award winners.

Events

• Supporting the delivery of L&W’s in-person and online events, including our annual Employment and Skills Convention and Get the Nation Learning Awards ceremony. This involves undertaking administrative tasks such as managing registrations, liaison with speakers and delegates, supporting delivery of events on the day, and working with the external affairs manager to manage relationships with sponsors and suppliers.

Other duties

• Support the external affairs team with communications tasks, for example website updates, drafting and preparing marketing emails and social media posts, distributing press releases etc.
•  Undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade and level of responsibility for this post.

About You

Skills

• Excellent administration, organisation and planning skills - Essential
• Strong project coordination/management skills - Essential
• Excellent communication (oral and written) - Essential
• Proficient in MS Office - Essential
• Proficient in the use of CRM software - Desirable
• Proficient in the use of email marketing and website editing software- Desirable
• Basic design skills and familiarity with design software, such as Canva- Desirable

Knowledge

• Knowledge of, and commitment to, L&W’s charitable aims and purpose - Essential

Experience

• Proven experience in a coordination or administration role - Essential
• Experience of supporting the delivery of successful influencing campaigns- Desirable
• Experience of planning and delivering events - Desirable
• Proven ability to work under pressure, prioritise workloads, negotiate and meet deadlines - Essential

Benefits (FTE equivalent, part time pro-rated)

Salary of £25,780-£34,910 per annum), dependent on experience and location .

- 31 days' holiday increasing to 33 days after 5 years’ service, of which 3 are shutdown days in addition to public holidays.

- Company pension scheme with 8% employer contribution

- Group Life Assurance 3*salary

- Hybrid working (with 40%-60% of your time required in the office)

- Flexible working practices

- Employee Development Scheme

- Retailer Discounts

- Enhanced occupational maternity, adoption, paternity and shared parental pay

- Enhanced occupational sick pay

- Eye care scheme

- Employee Assistance & Wellbeing Programme

- Gold award in Investors in People

Role based in Newcastle & Gateshead

£35,100-£38,390.76 per annum

35 hours per week

Permanent position with a provisional funding end date of September 2026 . All posts will be eligible for consideration under TUPE  if contract awarded to another organisation.  

The successful applicant will work out of our Newcastle office

The Children's Society has vacancy for a Emotional Health & Wellbeing Service Manager within our RISE Service in Newcastle & Gateshead.

The Rise service, offers evidence-based individual and group interventions in educational settings for children and young people experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties, as well as supporting settings to develop their whole school/college approach to mental health. 

Your role will be:

-To lead and manage the Mental Health Support Team on a day to day basis

-To enable a safe, quality evidenced based service, the team will require development and there will be specific work to ensure robust integration across early intervention pathways, working alongside community partners and education settings.

-The post holder will lead the team to deliver evidenced based interventions with children and young people in education settings with mild to moderate emotional and mental health problems

In order to be considered for this post you will have to demonstrate that you already have:

Skills

-Knowledge and skills in delivery of high professional care standards in line with legislation and best practice

-The ability to act creatively and respond to new and challenging situations.

-Ability to process information with a solution focused approach

-A positive approach to working with children and young people with a range of difficulties

-Extensive experience leadership and management of diverse teams

-The ability to act on own initiative, supervise others and co-ordinate work.

Work-based Knowledge

-Demonstrable experience of working in CYP emotional wellbeing and mental health services

- To be trained and competent as a manager and education mental health services

- Skills and experience of working with children, young people and families around a range of emotional/Mental health/behavioural/additional health/developmental needs

- Excellent understanding of common mental and emotional health issues that children & young people face, informed by current research and evidence bases.

- Clinical insight into emotional health and mental health pathways within the NHS CYP Mental Health Services.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE CHILDREN'S SOCIETY

The Children's Society runs over 100 local services that help thousands of young people who desperately need our support, and we campaign to get laws and policies changed to make children's lives happier and safer.  

Every day we're changing the lives of children in this country for the better - and with your help, tomorrow we can be there for even more.  

Benefits

Enhanced Annual leave 28 days length of service extra 2 after 2 5 and 7 goes up to 36 days plus bank holidays.

Free eye test claim back

Pension match contribution up to 8% can op out

Life Assurance death in service 4 x salary gets paid to nominated person.

Cycle to work 39% of bike costs can be spread across the year

770 retailers discounts offered with You Star App.

All people within diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply, and particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities   

For an application pack please visit the web site http://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/about-us/work-us or telephone The Childrens Society Recruitment team on 020 7841 444

The Children's Society is committed to safeguarding and protecting the children and young people that we work with.  As such, all posts are subject to a safer recruitment process, including the disclosure of criminal records and vetting checks.  We ensure that we have a range of policies and procedures in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practices across our services.   

Therefore, candidates applying for work in our Youth Impact Domain will be required to complete an “Employment history_template” document prior to interview. 

The closing date for applications is Midnight on 2nd February 2026.

Interviews dates to be confirmed.

IN1

Grade: 5

Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week (Flexible working considered)

Position type: Permanent

Responsible to: PR & Communications Manager

Direct reports: None

Location: Truro, Cornwall (Hybrid) or Remote (UK based) with travel to Truro up to 4 times per year

ROLE PURPOSE:

As our Communications & PR Officer, you'll work closely with the Communications & PR Manager and lots of other colleagues across the organisation.

You'll create high quality written content including organisational messaging, reports, and press releases. You'll help drive fundraising and awareness by supporting campaigns and securing media coverage.

This role is key to:

• Raising awareness of ShelterBox's work and issues faced by the people we support

• Coordinating communications across fundraising and communications teams

• Ensuring consistency and accuracy in our external messaging

• Protecting and enhancing ShelterBox's reputation

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

We're looking for a creative, motivated communications professional with experience writing for different audiences and working with the media.

You'll be organised, detail-oriented, and confident managing priorities in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.

As part of the Communications & Digital team, you'll help increase awareness among new and existing audiences, support fundraising, and ensure teams across the organisation have the communications materials they need.

DUTIES WILL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO:

Media engagement  

• Work with the PR & Communications Manager to maximise media opportunities across national and regional, print, digital, and broadcast media

• Draft press releases, features, opinion pieces, and letters to editors

• Prepare media pitches, briefings, quotes, and statements

• Proactively pitch stories and spokespeople for campaigns and response work

• Secure media interviews and manage logistics

• Monitor and respond to media requests via the PR inbox

• Track media coverage and analyse trends for KPI reporting

• Support organisation-wide media training

• Build and maintain regional and national media contacts

• Stay across the news agenda and our response work to identify opportunities

Communications

• Write clear, compelling organisational messaging and FAQs to support fundraising, especially during major disasters, appeals, and campaigns

• Draft key reports, including monthly response summaries, reach and impact reports, updates for our Royal patron, and the annual report

• Research and collaborate with colleagues to develop messaging

• Help develop and deliver communications campaigns

• Keep organisational statistics and messaging up to date

• Support with coordinating communications across channels to maximise storytelling

• Contribute creative ideas and support planning for communications activities

• Evaluate communications performance

• Identify messaging gaps and potential stories

Other duties

• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the post

• Follow ShelterBox policies and procedures on Health & Safety and take responsibility for personal safety.

• Work flexibly, including out of hours when needed

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.