Overview
We’re looking for an Assistant Business Development Officer (Bid Writer) to join our national Business Development Team. This is a great opportunity for an excellent writer to start or grow your bid writing career in a successful team with progression opportunities.
Location: London, Brighton, Manchester or Leeds.
Salary: £27,861.26 − £32,002.35 per year. If you’re based in London, you’ll receive an additional £4,133.14 per year as Inner London Weighing.
Contract: 12 months fixed term.
Responsibilities
About the role
Change Grow Live is a health and social care charity. Across the country, we support people to make positive changes in their lives, including around drug and alcohol use, smoking, homelessness and criminal justice.
As an Assistant Business Development Officer, you’ll play a key part in helping us secure new contracts and deliver high quality services for adults, children and young people. You’ll support the development of bids and proposals by writing, researching and collaborating with colleagues across the organisation.
Your day-to-day will include:
- Writing and editing bid responses
- Working with colleagues across the organisation and our partner agencies
- Completing online research, analysing data and collating evidence
- Creating presentations, diagrams and reports
- Helping improve how we do things.
This is a developmental role, and you’ll receive ongoing support, guidance and training to help you progress.
About you
We’re looking for excellent writers who share our passion for supporting people to make positive changes in their lives. You don’t need previous experience in business development, but experience in health and social care, writing, sales, research, or data is beneficial.
You are:
- A clear, concise and engaging writer
- Motivated to learn and develop, welcoming feedback
- Collaborative and contribute to a positive culture team
- Curious and analytical
- Solution-focused, creative and proactive
- Ready to work hard to deliver on CGL’s values and mission.
What we offer
You’ll be able to access structured training, development and mentoring as part of a supportive team. There’s a clear progression pathway within the team. We have a great record of people quickly progressing to Business Development Officer and Senior Business Development Officer roles as they take on increased volume, complexity, and leadership across proposals.
We also offer:
- The option to work from home for some of the week
- Wellbeing support, including an employee assistance programme and an hour each week for wellbeing activities of your choice (find out more here).
We want our workforce to represent the diversity of the people and communities we work with. We pride ourselves on an inclusive and supportive workplace, evidenced through our Investors in People silver status.
We’re happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that you need to be successful. Please let us know in your application or at any stage of the process if you would like to discuss this.
Before you apply
In the application portal, there’s a section called ‘how you meet the criteria for the role’. This is your chance to tell us about why you’re a good fit for this job – we won’t be able to consider your application unless it’s filled in. Please explain how you meet each of the person specification criteria (listed at the end of the job description). Use clear examples of your experience (this link contains some useful guidance). As guidance, written statements should not exceed 1,000 words. You can address multiple criteria together where you think it makes sense.
Interviews will be held 16th – 23rd February 2026 via MS Teams. We’ll also ask shortlisted candidates to complete a written task online during this timeframe, at a time of your choice. We may hold a pre-qualification stage task (e.g. presentation) depending on the number of applicants.
We encourage applications from individuals who may not meet every requirement but are excited about the role. We value lived experience of substance use, homelessness, and/or multiple disadvantages.
We’re a Disability Confident Committed employer. Under our Disability Confident interview scheme, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates where they meet our selection criteria in their application. Some of our roles attract a high volume of applications and in some circumstances where it is not practicable or appropriate, we may limit the number of interviews offered to disabled and non-disabled candidates. Please confirm in the ‘how you meet the criteria for the role’ part of the application if you are applying under this scheme. We will provide reasonable adjustments as needed.
Check the job description and team explainer for more information. You can contact Yasmin Gilders to discuss this role further.
What our people say
George, who progressed from Assistant Business Development Officer to Business Development Officer last year:
“What was your route into the team? I came into Business Development after starting out in frontline roles in local authorities and then a housing charity, where I realised I wanted to continue having an impact on people’s lives, but on a bigger scale. The Assistant Business Development Officer role was a perfect progression, and after about a year I successfully applied for a Business Development Officer role. This felt really manageable given the space for development as an Assistant Business Development Officer.
What are your favourite parts of the job? Winning contracts is a really great feeling, especially when I know they’ve been shaped with service users and colleague to make sure we’re designing services that offer the best support to the most people. I also value the constant opportunities to learn, feeling supported in my development, and seeing the decisions I’m involved in having a real impact on people’s lives.
What were your highlights from last year? Our team away day in Liverpool, which was great fun as well as chance to hear from the managers of our new Liverpool service. It was one of the first bids I worked on as an Assistant Business Development Officer, and it was amazing to see our bid come to life, being delivered by a passionate group of people.
What would you say to someone thinking of applying? I’d definitely say go for it, and once you start, embrace how much there is to learn! Make the most of a really knowledgeable and supportive team, of managers who genuinely want you to succeed, and of all the opportunities to try new things and develop new skills.”
Holly, who has progressed from Assistant Business Development Officer to Senior Business Development Officer:
“What was your route into the team? I was a psychology graduate and teacher training drop out! With my experience of working in schools and academic research into young people’s substance use, I started working as an Education Lead for one of CGL’s young person’s services. After a year I applied to join the Business Development Team, wanting to utilise my experience of working frontline and my love of research and writing. I’ve progressed from Assistant to Officer and then Senior Officer since joining the team in 2022.
How would you describe the team? Helpful, real and full of knowledge. Everyone comes from different backgrounds and is happy to share their skills, knowledge and learning. I’ve never felt like I’ve asked a silly question, and I don’t feel like I must put a on ‘work mask’.
What would you say to someone thinking of applying? Not to think they can’t do it just because they don’t have experience in bid writing or business development. It’s more important to be able to demonstrate that they’re a confident professional writer and are really passionate about working in the drug and alcohol support sector.”
Salary Range (pro rata if part time)
CGL points 23 to 28 (£27,861.26 - £32,002.35)
Interview Date
16/2/2026
Closing Date
8/2/2026
Registered Charity
501 - 1000
Our mission is to help people change the direction of their lives, grow as individuals, and live life to its full potential.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Would you like to make an impact by leading one of our fashion store teams that are community based, offer amazing choice and genuine sustainability? We are looking for a Store Manager to join our fashion store in Lincoln - LN5 7DQ.
What does this role involve?
As a Store Manager you will be accountable for your stores performance, maximising sales through physical and digital channels, and achieving store targets by leading an inclusive and diverse team that consistently demonstrate the BHF values.
Each day is different in this varied, fast paced and hands on role. Due to the volume of donations, it can be physically demanding at times, yet most rewarding as you play a part in helping to fund life saving research.
What are we looking for?
- Experience working in a customer facing role in retail, hospitality or service industry
- Experience of leading, motivating and developing teams
- Commercial awareness
- Ability to achieve sales targets
- Committed to achieving the highest retail standards at all times
- Able to work under own initiative and take a proactive approach to changing business needs and objectives
- Thrives working in a hands on, fast-paced environment
- An understanding of budgets and P&L
This is full time role for 35hrs a week. Our stores are fast-paced and trade 7 days a week which means we require flexibility from our store teams to work weekends and bank holidays on a rota basis. Please note that you will need to be fully flexible for this role.
What’s important to us?
At the British Heart Foundation (BHF) we offer a huge range of new and used quality furniture, clothing, jewellery and more, available in store and online.
Our vision is a world where everyone has a healthier heart for longer. We'll get there by funding cutting-edge research and innovation, which hold the keys to saving and improving more lives.
In addition to raising funds for the BHF, we connect with our local communities and help reduce clothing and furniture waste across the UK. With over 700 stores we make a huge environmental impact by preventing around 70,000 tonnes of unwanted items going to landfill every year. We receive 1.6 million items donated to our home stores and 9.8 million bags of donated items and we will continue to build upon our reuse agenda in the years to come.
Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy, Igniting Change, along with our internal EDI group, Kaleidoscope, and a growing number of employee network groups (our Affinity Groups), help us create an environment where all our colleagues and volunteers can succeed.
Why join the BHF?
We have a strong culture of internal progression and will actively support you to develop your career.
Our generous staff benefits include:
- 38 days annual leave (plus the option to buy and sell leave)
- Holistic support leave of up to 10 additional days off each year
- Enhanced family policies (maternity, paternity and adoption leave)
- Wagestream - early access to your wages
- 25% staff discount
- Health cash plan (Dental, Optical, Therapies, etc)
- Access to a 24/7 Virtual GP and Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Pension with employer contribution of up to 10%
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discounts on gym memberships
- Discounts with a wide range of retailers
Ready to apply?
To apply, please follow these simple steps:
- Click the “Apply” button below.
- You’ll be seamlessly redirected to the BHF Careers page.
- Complete the application form, submit your CV and upload your employment history.
What do I need to know?
DBS Check: Any offer of employment is subject to a satisfactory DBS check
Inclusivity Matters: We’re committed to fairness and consistency. As part of this commitment, we use anonymous CV software during the application process
Act Swiftly: Early applications are encouraged. We’ll be reviewing submissions throughout the advertising period and may close the advert early
Sponsorship: Please note that we are unlikely to be able to sponsor applicants in respect of this role due to the role not meeting the minimum salary criteria to be eligible for sponsorship.
Should you need any adjustments to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact a member of the Recruitment team.
Registered Charity
More than 1000
Our vision is a world free from the fear of heart and circulatory diseases.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
The Cathedral has a particular responsibility to safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults in the Cathedral community. It shares this responsibility with the Diocese of St Albans. This work is wide‑ranging, and the Cathedral Safeguarding Officer (CSO) plays a central role in maintaining good safeguarding practice.
This part‑time role (15 hours per week) becomes vacant as the current postholder retires after four years, with time planned for handover with the person appointed to the role now. The CSO works with senior staff and the governing body to help lead policy development, training, reporting, and compliance with Church of England guidance. They report to the Canon for Mission and Pastoral Care and receive regular professional supervision from the National Safeguarding Team, with occasional networking with other CSOs.
Safeguarding is recognised as a shared leadership responsibility. The CSO meets weekly with senior clergy to review cases and will also work with the newly appointed non‑executive Safeguarding Lead on Chapter, the Cathedral’s governing body.
A core part of the role is promoting safeguarding awareness across the Cathedral community and understanding all activities involving children, young people, and vulnerable adults. The CSO provides professional advice on concerns raised, ensuring responses follow law and national policy, and works closely with diocesan and national safeguarding teams on complex cases. They also ensure appropriate support for survivors and proper management of those who pose risk.
About You
The Cathedral is seeking candidates with strong knowledge and professional experience in relation to safeguarding issues and proven experience working collaboratively in teams.
The post will require some flexibility in working patterns and will therefore require occasional weekend working and the ability to respond to urgent cases.
The successful candidate will hold a relevant professional qualification and relevant experience and expertise in child and/or adult protection.
How to apply
If you have questions about the post, please contact the Head of HR, Michelle Ovenden. For further details including an application form and job pack please visit the Cathedral website vacancies page.
Applicants should submit a covering letter and application form (which can be downloaded from the cathedral website) to the Head of HR, Michelle Ovenden
Closing date: 20 February 2026
Interviews (in person): 11 March 2026
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.