Education and professional development lead jobs

Responsible to: Youth Services Manager

Hours: Full time 37 hours (Job share considered)

Salary: £27,500

Based: Hybrid (Bedford + one day per week in Q:alliance Head Office, Milton Keynes)

Contract: Fixed term for 2 years, with possibility of extension (subject to funding)

Closing Date: 18th February 2026 at 23:59

Interview Date: Tuesday 3rd March

Context

Q:alliance provides support, information, and representation for LGBTQ+ young people in Bedford, drawing on our wider experience delivering established services across Milton Keynes for the last 50 years.

We have detailed knowledge of the issues and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and organisations locally, and it is our goal to create more safe spaces and resources to ensure the LGBTQ+ community in Bedford is visible, well represented, and supported.

Scope

This is a newly created role within our Bedford services, delivering Q:alliance’s established youth support model developed in Milton Keynes and shaping pathways and support that respond to local need in Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire.

You will manage a one-to-one caseload of support for LGBTQ+ young people, while building relationships with schools and developing a collaborative schools’ network informed by young people’s insights. You will also develop and deliver LGBTQ+ inclusion training for teachers, education staff, and youth workers. This work will contribute to safe, affirming environments that strengthen resilience, wellbeing, and mental health.

You will work closely with the Youth Services Manager and youth teams across our service areas, building on existing Q:alliance provision in Bedford, where a dedicated youth team already leads on LGBTQ+ youth group delivery.

The role includes outreach across Bedfordshire’s urban and rural communities, supporting young people who may experience increased isolation due to limited access to LGBTQ+-affirming spaces.

You will work collaboratively with the Youth Services Manager to agree outreach and engagement targets, contributing to effective monitoring and reporting systems to ensure robust evidence of impact.

What you’ll bring to the team

This role is a key opportunity for Q:alliance to grow our work in Bedford, build local relationships, and better understand and respond to the needs of LGBTQ+ young people across the area. You will play a central role in shaping a new service, reaching young people who may not yet be connected to support, and helping both staff and the board of trustees develop a strong, place-based understanding of LGBTQ+ youth experiences in Bedford.

You will act as a first point of contact for schools, colleges, and youth settings in Bedford, building trusted relationships and establishing a collaborative network of school and college leads. You will share insights gathered through this work with the wider Q:alliance team, helping to strengthen our responses to local need and inform the development and sustainability of services, including future funding.

You will help ensure continuity of support between schools, our support spaces and Q:alliance’s wider youth service provision.

Main Responsibilities

· Networking – Support teachers, education staff and youth workers to access resources, implement inclusive learning environments and provide support for LGBTQ+ young people in their settings. Develop a network of school representatives to provide peer-support on shifting needs, priorities, and situations in a local and national context.

· Data capture and intelligence - Support Q;alliance’s commitment to sustaining a contemporary data and monitoring mechanism, guaranteeing we can deliver thorough evaluations of our services and competent feedback to our funders and stakeholders on the efficacy of our work. Analyse local intelligence directly from LGBTQ+ youth communities and use this to co-produce plans with young people to ensure our youth services are engaging and meeting needs.

· Support, information and empowerment – develop and implement resources for 1:1 education and resilience work with LGBTQ+ young people, provide support and advocacy for young people, ensuring effective signposting to relevant services and collaboration with parents, guardians, teachers and education staff where appropriate.

· Innovation – work with the Youth Services Manager, school representatives and young people to innovate a schools accreditation system that will acknowledge and cultivate schools’ competence to provide safe spaces and support for LGBTQ+ young people.

· Stakeholder and community engagement – Forge and support enduring relationships with key partners, strengthening our commitment to building an alliance of cross-sector compassionate advocates for the LGBTQ+ community in its diverse forms.

· Education – Plan, develop and deliver positive and engaging classroom workshops and school assemblies to a wide range of young people, ensuring key messages are inclusive of diverse perspectives, including those from black and minoritized communities.

· Training - Develop and deliver training for teachers, education staff and youth workers with the aim of improving the wellbeing of LGBTQ+ youth communities and the capacity of those with the power to assist in this endeavour.

Skills and Experience

Expertise

· Experience working with and supporting young people

· Experience of developing and sustaining a network

· Ability to deliver innovative education and training packages, delivery, and evaluation

· Knowledge of the challenges affecting young LGBTQ+ people

· Knowledge of issues affecting young people’s mental health and the skills required to build resilience

· Excellent planning, organisation and administrative skills

· Expertise in safeguarding young people, ensuring welfare of all by following policy and procedures in relation to recognising, recording, and responding to safeguarding concerns and liaising with the Designated Safeguarding Lead

· Ability to observe strict confidentiality at all times with respect to matters concerning young people and the schools, colleges and youth settings in which you support through your role in the developing network

· Capable to respond to a young person in crisis, signposting to appropriate resources and support.

Communication

· A high standard of written English, including an ability to write thorough reports, make referrals to partner agencies, maintain outreach files, and record minutes of forum meetings

· An engaging and charismatic public speaking style with the ability to adapt delivery style dependent on context and audience

· Ability to adopt a positive constructive language style when talking to young people 1:1

· Confidence to communicate with relatives, guardians, social workers and related professionals or advocates of young people

· Knowledge of social media and a recognition of the role it plays in young people’s lives

Behaviours

· Skills in forming constructive working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels

· Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of professional boundaries when working with young people and the importance of consistency

· Passionate about equality, the rights of LGBTQ+ people and neurodiversity.

· Evident desire to improve service delivery using co-production initiatives with young people

· An ability to listen with empathy and act compassionately

· Competence to work on own initiative and demonstrate innovation and creative problem solving

· Model conduct essential for successful teams, such as reliability, honesty and courage

Desirable

· Qualifications in youth work, teaching or mental health support

· LGBTQ+ lived experience

Other

· Full driving license and use of own vehicle

· Ability to work flexibly, with occasional evening and weekend working

· Commitment to further personal development and training

· Please note: Enhanced DBS is required for this role

The LGBTQ+ Youth Outreach Practitioner will have responsibility for the following documents.

· Contact Evaluation forms/data capture

· Monthly Outreach Report

· Resource library pertaining to our work with young people

· Network minutes (schools forum)

Apply via our website and complete an application form

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 and Public Affairs, 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.

Job Title: Operations Manager – Osborne Partnership

Hours: 37.5 hrs per week (full time equivalent).

Salary: £53,508 dependent on qualifications

Responsible to: Chief Executive - Senior Management Team (SMT)

Responsible for: 4 x Senior Service Managers

3 x Service Managers

Responsible for the safe delivery and environment of the Osborne Centre (both Partners and staff) delivering a range of quality services for our Partners (service users) and ensuring that the management systems are in place and operational.

Qualification(s) Level: Applicants with Level(s) 5 Leadership & Management  Social Care/ Education/ Health (particularly with adults with learning disabilities) or similar qualifications (including degree equivalents or better), are especially welcome however we will consider applicants with alternative qualifications and experience subject to expressly agreeing to upskill on the job and provided there is an evidentiary trail that can show evidence of a caring mentality and empathy with our service user group and or in a home care environment or other learning type institution.

Overall purpose:

To manage all aspects of the ‘Operations’ of Osborne Partnership and supporting the strategic development of the organisation alongside the Chief Executive to ensure a  fully functional and operational service for the overall benefit of our Partners (service users) day learning and support development as per the Charities aims and objectives of Education, Skills Attainment, and Employability Skills for adults with learning disabilities.  

To actively train and support Partners to gain independence skills, life skills, and other skills through a ‘mixed ability’ support service that includes supporting the training of Partners through formal qualifications (Entry level NVQ teaching & support), on the job training, and internal qualifications and benchmarks.

To ensure that the service is:

- Properly monitored and utilising an internal database for the recording of information (Storii);

- Delivered on the basis of an agreed organisational and service Scheme of Works/ Service Plan as well as Partner Individual Learning Plans (ILPs);

- Reviewing Partner progress on a quarterly basis showing ‘distance travelled’ by individual Partners;

- Serviced by managed, trained and motivated staff;

- Delivered under the highest standards of health & safety and safeguarding welfare for our Partners.

Role:

To develop, support and deliver the day to day operations of the Osborne Partnership, in partnership with other senior Managers, and Service Managers, with a particular focus on the quality agenda as it relates to Partner services, service development, benchmarking, and external accreditations. The role will ensure that Partner services are engaged in a cycle of continuous review and improvements and providing Service Managers with the tools and support to deliver the highest standards of service through building confidence and expertise, and identifying service and personal development training where appropriate.

Main Duties:

1. To support the development and best practice of all Osborne Partnership service areas to ensure relevant, meaningful, and objective focused delivery for Partners.

2. To work with the relevant Service Managers and Project Supoort Officers (PSOs) to review current service delivery and to provide an objective, supportive, but challenging voice in the development of services.

3. To benchmark Osborne Partnership services and delivery against similar services in the borough and wider afield.

4. Working with other senior managers, identify and action new service areas of delivery commensurate with the Osborne Partnership Memorandum and Articles of Association and subject to Partners consultation and approval.

5. To identify, research, and action plan frontline external accreditations that will provide a objectifiable list of outcomes that will support and benefit Partners; staff development; and the professional standing of the Osborne Partnership.

6. To support senior managers in the development and implementation of new policies and procedures as they may relate to updated legislation; new service provision; Partners welfare, safety and development; staff development and benefits; or any other relevant area of service.

7. To line manage (including appraisals) relevant Service Managers as leaders of services ensuring that they understand the concept of continuous improvement and are supporting Project Support Officers (PSOs) to do likewise.

8. To ensure that Service Managers have identified and developed service schemes of work, annual development training plans for Service Managers and their PSOs in line with continuous improvement principles and to ensure best practice activities for Partners.

9. To work with senior managers to identify and action activities/ services/ initiatives/ documents/ plans that will support the on-going professionalisation and modernisation agenda of the Osborne Partnership

10. To actively support other senior managers in the day to day delivery of the Osborne Centre service provision ensuring health and safety at work principles are adhered to; safeguarding of Partners is paramount; that staff are adequately prepped and prepared for delivery of their services; and that a professional service approach is adhered to at all times.

11. To be the primary development Officer of the Storri database as it relates to Osborne Partnership, information gathering (and mindful of GDPR), and Partmner journeys travelled in the service.

12. To identify personal development opportunities and requirements as dictated by the role.

13. Any other reasonable task as defined as a management role and directed from time to time by the Chief Executive. 

14. To undergo training necessary in relation to the requirements of the post.

15. To undertake any other duties consistent with the overall purpose of the post within the competence of the post holder.

N.B.   As the Osborne Partnership works with and supports vulnerable adults, all posts require post holders to be in possession of a current DBS clearance (formerly Criminal Records Bureau – (CRB).

Job Title:  Operations Manager

The following skills, experience and qualities are required for the position of Operations Manager:

ESSENTIAL

1. Demonstrable evidence of having caring qualities and empathy for our service users group either through direct employment experience or on a personal carers basis.

2. Experience of working with people with learning difficulties or in a wider social care setting or in a home environment (carer), or in a learning institution

3. Demonstrable experience of leading operational team(s), motivating colleagues, and communicating a service vision and an ability to facilitate the development of individuals and groups in a work context.

4. A flexible approach to the work situation sufficient to cope with a variety of tasks and situations.

5. A good general education, sufficient to communicate verbally in a clear manner, and to complete monitoring forms and write reports in a clear and concise manner.

DESIRABLE

1. Qualification in Leadership & Management at Level 5 (or above) and willingness to train in other areas relevant to working with vulnerable adults (see below).

2. Ability to break down tasks into achievable steps for an individual with learning difficulties.

3. Training/ qualification in areas relevant to working with vulnerable adults, e.g. Safeguarding, Lifting & Handling, more general Health & Safety, etc.

4. Knowledge of relevant legislation, e.g. Mental Capacity Act, Deprivation of Liberty Act, etc.

5. IT skills.

6. Full driving license.

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

Partnerships Coordinator

This role is available in partnership with The Rank Foundation’s Time to Shine Leaders Programme.
Please read the programme details before making your application.

Salary:  £24,479 for 35 hours week plus £312 p.a working from home allowance. 

                 £26,936 for 35 hours per week, plus £213 p.a working from home allowance (London weighting)

Your opportunity

Tackle a vital challenge, with great people. Voice 21 exists to transform children' s learning and life chances through talk and we are working with 1,200 schools across the country this year alone. To reach this goal we recruit great people and give them real responsibility, training and support.

Output focused culture, with flexible working opportunities. We have an agile and flexible approach – our team can work when and wherever works best to deliver the requirements of their role. For staff working at home, we support them to create a workspace and provide technology that enables them to work effectively.

Real development opportunities. We believe in supporting people to develop the skills they need to be excellent – whether this means funding external training, finding a mentor to support them or giving them the time to learn from others in the organisations through our regular CPD sessions. We also offer paid study leave for team members taking part in formal studies outside of work.

Great benefits. 33 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays) and additional Christmas closure period. Holiday entitlement increases linked to length of service, 5% employer contribution to pension, interest-free season ticket, cycle and technology loans, employee assistance scheme.

About Voice 21

Voice 21 is the national oracy education charity. We exist to empower every child to use their voice for success in school and life. Our work transforms learning and life chances through talk by increasing access to a high-quality oracy education for those that need it most. Follow the links to find out more about why oracy is so vital and the impact Voice 21 has.

Your purpose

To support our CEO, Director of Strategic Development and other members of the Senior Leadership Team to engage partners in our strategic planning, including to influence the implementation of the new national curriculum and guidance on oracy and establish a new advisory board to inform our strategy. You will be responsible for supporting the delivery of our partnerships strategy using email communications, providing administration and leading on planning for a series of meetings, round table discussions and partnership events. This will include working closely with the events team organising the flagship Voice 21 events, the Speaking Summit in March 2026 and Great Oracy Exhibition in October 2026. 

This is a newly created role in the team and the post holder will play a significant part in shaping it in order to deliver its core purpose. The role may evolve based on the needs of our growing organisation.

Your responsibilities

Partner relationships & communications 

• Ensure that communications to partners are sent in a clear and timely manner, using either automation or other systems e.g. mail merge. 

• Coordinate processes for partnership meetings and roundtables, e.g. the booking process for participants and arrangements relating to special adjustments etc.

• Use our Customer Relationship Management (CRM), SalesForce, to create records and collect and update partner data. 

Meeting coordination & delivery 

• Arrange all key activities for events you are responsible for. This could include Advisory Board meetings (online and in person), visits to schools or roundtable and briefing meetings. Manage invites and book venues, reminder/follow up communications, and ensure feedback is captured and collated. 

• Find solutions to problems e.g. technical issues in an online course; booking an additional venue due to increased demand. 

• Attend events, either in person or online, to provide support to members of the team leading them. 

Partnership Strategy Planning

• Track key progress with our partnership strategy and analyse this to support decision-making. 

• Take ownership of partnership engagement and experience, finding opportunities for improvement and implementing these.

• Work closely with the members of the Whole Leadership Team to establish a ‘Relationship Manager’ lead system to maximise the benefits of partnerships. 

This job is for you if you are...

• Highly organised, you enjoy making a plan and seeing it through! You might have previous experience organising events or programmes.

• Quick at picking up new skills e.g. using a Customer Relationship Management system, and generous in sharing your skills with others. 

• A collaborator with great communication skills (written and verbal).

• Proactive when faced with problems, which you view as an opportunity to learn 

• Have strong IT skills and are competent using MS Office (essential) 

• Have previously used a marketing automation platform (MAP) or worked with a contact database (desirable, not essential) 

• Comfortable managing ambiguity - even when things are not certain or the way forward is not clear you make a start on figuring it out. 

• You are passionate about Voice 21’s mission and helping us meet our ambitions. 

Who you’ll work with: 

• Our Senior Leadership team: made up of our CEO and 4 directors; your work will support objectives across the wider leadership team. You will work directly with the Director of Strategic Development. 

• Our broader team across Voice 21: Collaboration and partnerships are a key part of Voice 21’s new five year strategy so your work will be across the Voice 21 team. 

• Our partners, including Voice 21 Oracy Schools and Centres of Excellence we work with to support delivery of our 2030 Strategy. 

Where you’ll work: Remote, with regular national travel to attend programmes and meetings, including regular overnight stays. 

You will also be required to attend Time to Shine key events which are detailed in the Guide for Potential Programme Candidates

Contract: One year fixed term contract linked to specific grant funding and subject to successful probation review at 3 months.

Terms: We would welcome applications on a full-time basis. Candidates need to be available to start within 4 weeks of any offer. 

Application details 

The Rank Foundation is looking for Time to Shine (T2S) Leaders who can meet the aims of the T2S programme, please refer to the Time to Shine application pack as applicants who do not demonstrate this through their application will not be considered. 

The 12-month programme is experiential and focuses on building leadership skills and encouraging personal and professional development. The T2S Leader is employed by the charity and spends the majority of their time gaining valuable work experience and developing professional competency within the workplace.

To apply: 

Please follow the link to send your CV and a short cover letter with the subject line: "Partnerships Coordinator.” and answer the following questions:

1. What do you know about the Rank Foundation? 

2. What excites you about taking part in the Rank Foundation’s Time to Shine programme? 

3. What made you want to apply for this role? 

4. What skills will you bring to the project? 

5. What will be your biggest challenge in this role? 

6. What do you hope to achieve during your T2S year? 

Closing date:   1st February 2026

We reserve the right to close the advert early should we exceed the number of applicants we can review within our recruitment process deadlines prior to interview commencement dates.

Interviews date:  First Interviews 5th and 6th February

                               Second interviews, 10th February 2026

Start date:             Must be before 13th April 2026.

Questions: If you have any questions about the role, or would like to discuss it before submitting an application, please contact Amy Gaunt, Director of Strategic Development

Maternity Leave Cover (1 Year Fixed Term)

The Day Service Lead is crucial in supporting the daily operations of our day services programmes, providing essential assistance to individuals in our care.

This position involves working closely with the people we support and their parent/carers to enhance their well-being, promote independence, and facilitate engaging activities and new opportunities by being creative and inspiring and motivating people.

As a Day Service Lead, you will support, encourage and guide a team of Day Service Assistants, lead by example, and share good practice through your own service delivery.

Hours: 19.5 hours per week, Monday to Wednesday, from 9.30am to 4.00pm.

For more information about the role and to apply, please visit our jobs page.

Closing date: 2 February 2026. 

Interview date: from 9 February 2026. 

We're looking for an enthusiastic Head of Fundraising with a strong track record in fundraising and grant management, who is particularly motivated to join Khulisa because of a deep commitment to our mission – supporting the wellbeing and mental health of young people.

About Khulisa

Khulisa, meaning 'nurture' in the Zulu language of South Africa, is an award-winning charity dedicated to providing therapeutic support to young people. We focus on reaching those who are most at risk – young people from deprived communities who are often marginalized, vulnerable to exclusion, and at heightened risk of becoming involved in crime

Our approach centres on safe, exploratory methods that aim to understand behaviour and experiences often rooted in trauma, abuse, and neglect. We deliver intensive therapeutic programs within educational and community settings, empowering young people to confront the underlying causes of their emotional distress and work toward healing. To create lasting, sustainable change, we work to establish trauma-informed environments around young people by equipping parents, caregivers, educators, and other professionals with the tools they need to offer effective, supportive care. Currently, our services are active in London and Manchester.

About the role

Over the last two consecutive financial years, we have raised approximately £1 million each year – primarily through trusts and foundations, corporate donors, and individual supporters. As the successful candidate, you and the team you lead will play a pivotal role in maintaining this level of fundraising success, ensuring our vital work with young people continues to flourish. This role will involve:

• Reviewing and evaluating our funder qualification processes to ensure donors align with our values and meet our ethical standards.
• Ensuring that detailed research on prospective funding opportunities, including trusts, foundations, corporate partners, HNWIs, are carried out and that plans for making approaches are developed and carefully implemented.
• Initiating, nurturing and maintaining strong relationships with prospective funders and donors.
• Working together with the Senior Leadership to develop and periodically review Khulisa's 3-year fundraising strategy, taking ownership of key elements and processes, and periodically developing and testing new fundraising approaches.

For a full list of duties and responsibilities, please see the attached job description below. 

The post holder will be required to work from home permanently but be willing and able to easily travel to various locations across the London and the North West as necessary to fulfill the requirements of the role and to engage with stakeholders and colleagues.

What we're looking for

Abilities/Experiences

• Extensive fundraising and grant management experience working on large bids (£100K plus).
• Excellent writing skills with ability to produce clear, concise and engaging reports.
• Demonstrable ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders and build relationships easily.
• Demonstrable experience of successfully raising funds from Trusts & Foundations, Corporates and Major Donors.
• Experience of leading or significantly contributing to development and/or delivery of a fundraising strategy.
• Experience of budget management and financial processes in income generation activities.
• Experience of mobilising and managing implementation of grant agreements from initiation to reporting and possibly reapplication.
• Ability to confidently negotiate or renegotiate with senior stakeholders on programme budgets, deliverables and objectives. 

Knowledge/Skills

• Good knowledge of Khulisa's work and ability to use this to creatively engage with new donors and secure their interest.
• Strong knowledge of CRM database, preferably Salesforce, in managing funder/donor relationships and fundraising activities.
• Strong account management and negotiation skills.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: We are actively looking to recruit a diversity of talent. We embrace, respect and value the difference in our employees and believe that we and our work is better for it. We are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive environment that consists of fairness, dignity, and caring for everyone, and one that enables every employee to flourish and realise their potential.

We're looking for a Communications and Social Media Manager to lead social media, creative and digital communications at Leeds Beckett University.

This is a pivotal management role in the communications and campaigns team. You will work with colleagues across our service and the wider university to develop and deliver the social media, brand and digital strategy. Your skills will support campaign development and delivery, built around creative content designed to connect with our audiences and strengthen the university brand.

In this role you will plan, manage and deliver a broad programme of creative, digital and social content supporting the university’s strategic priorities. Working with colleagues across communications, marketing, academic schools, alumni and events, you will ensure that our integrated campaigns and stories are aligned with audience needs, with a focus on students, colleagues, alumni and partners. You will use insight and feedback to evaluate impact, improve delivery and demonstrate the value of our content in enhancing brand reputation, strengthening relationships and supporting recruitment.

It’s a hands-on position in a busy, creative and supportive team where your skills will support high-profile campaigns, celebrate student successes, promote research and drive engagement. Strong project management skills are essential, as you will manage multiple projects simultaneously, often to tight deadlines, in a fast-paced environment.

At Leeds Beckett, we value diverse perspectives and offer generous holidays and strong support for professional development. Join a collaborative team committed to meaningful communications that make a difference.

We have been retained by our client, Sale Sharks Foundation, for the recruitment of a new Part-Time, Head of Finance. Sale Sharks Foundation use the power of sport to change lives throughout the North West.  They work with over 21,000 people annually in three areas: Community Inclusion, Education & Rugby Development. 

As Part-Time Head of Finance, you will be a trusted strategic advisor to the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Trustees, central to ensuring the charity’s financial sustainability, resilience and growth and helping the organisation maximise its impact through clear insight, strong governance and smart financial planning. We are looking for a qualified finance professional to join the senior leadership team and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the charity. 

The Role:

•  Acting as a key financial advisor to the CEO, SLT and Trustees
•  Leading budgeting, forecasting and quarterly re-forecasting processes
•  Preparing and presenting monthly management accounts with clear insight and commentary
•  Monitoring cashflow and reserves, advising on risk, investment and long-term sustainability
• Overseeing bookkeeping, reconciliations and debtor management
• Preparing quarterly VAT returns and monthly Gift Aid claims
• Managing restricted, unrestricted and designated funds in line with charity accounting standards
• Ensuring timely month-end close and reporting
• Supporting grant reporting and funder compliance
• Managing invoicing, supplier payments and relationships
• Owning and optimising QuickBooks, with a focus on automation and efficiency
• Ensuring compliance with Charity Commission and Companies House requirements
• Leading audit preparation and working closely with external auditors
• Preparing statutory accounts and corporation tax returns
• Maintaining and improving financial controls, policies and procedures
• Keeping abreast of regulatory changes e.g new SORP framework and advising accordingly

The Person

•  Qualified ACA/CIMA/ACCA finance professional
•  Proven ability to influence at board level
•  Strong technical skills in budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting
•  Excellent verbal and written  communication skills
•  Strategic thinker with a hands on approach
•  Passionate about community impact aligned with Sale Sharks Foundation values
•  Good analytical & problem solving skills
•  Experience working in a charity advantageous

Joining Sale Sharks Foundation offers the opportunity to be part of a passionate team committed to making a difference in the community. This is a hybrid, part-time role (2–3 days per week), offering genuine flexibility and a strong focus on work–life balance. The salary is pro-rated from a full-time equivalent of £50,000–£55,000:
• 2 days (15 hours): £20,000–£22,000
• 3 days (22.5 hours): £30,000–£33,000

A comprehensive benefits package is also on offer, supporting both your professional development and personal wellbeing.

Working for a community-focused charity provides a meaningful career move, where your expertise will directly contribute to impactful work. Please note, all third-party CVs will be forwarded to Bayman Atkinson Smythe Ltd as the exclusively retained consultants for SSF for this role.

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants. 

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission, and the direct supervision of the Resource Management Officer, the incumbent will support the development, configuration, and deployment of databases, applications and websites based on IOM ICT standards and platforms, such as .NET for application development, SQL Server for databases, and Drupal for content management systems and websites. 

The incumbent will also provide user and technical support and services to users of IOM’s corporate and the UK country office applications, promoting a user-oriented approach.

For more details about the role and how to apply, please visit our website: https://unitedkingdom.iom.int/careers

Overview

We’re looking for a strong bid writer to join our successful national Business Development Team as a Business Development Officer. This is an excellent opportunity to grow your career in business development within a successful team that prioritises social impact, development and progression. We’d particularly like to hear from people that have experience of writing high-scoring drug and alcohol service bids.

Location: London, Brighton, Manchester or Leeds.

Salary: £37,184.91 – £39,891.91 per year. If you’re based in London, you’ll receive an additional £4,133.14 per year - Inner London Weighting.

Contract: Permanent.

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 a 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 work with colleagues across the organisation to develop excellent written material for bids and proposals. This role offers a great opportunity to learn and develop while using your established skills, and you’ll be encouraged to take on more responsibility as you progress.

Your day-to-day will include:

• Writing and editing multiple complex bid responses within live tenders
• Working with colleagues across the organisation to gather information and evidence
• Project managing smaller bids and proposals with support from a Senior Business Development Officer or Business Development Manager
• Completing online research, analysing data and collating evidence
• Creating presentations, diagrams and reports
• Helping improve how we do things.

About you

We’re looking for candidates with proven experience of writing tenders, proposals or grant applications, or writing in other professional or academic environments, for instance journalism, research or marketing.

You are:

• A highly competent communicator with excellent writing skills
• Able to analyse data and interpret evidence, with good IT and research skills
• Solution-focused, creative and proactive
• Happy to give and receive challenging feedback
• Collaborative and contribute to a positive culture team
• 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, from Officer to Senior Officer, Manager, Senior Manager, Deputy Director, and Director. Several of our current Seniors and Managers were previously in the Business Development Officer role.

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

Kitty, Business Development Officer:

“What was your route into your current job? I graduated with an English Literature degree in 2019 and started out as an Editorial Assistant in publishing. Furloughed during the pandemic, I took the opportunity to complete a master’s in English Literature before moving into medical communications, where I also worked as an Editorial Assistant. While I enjoyed the work, I wanted a role that allowed me to get more involved in the research and writing, which led me to join CGL as an Assistant Business Development Officer in 2023. After gaining bid writing experience, I started as Business Development Officer in 2024.

What are your favourite parts of the job? I love how varied the job is. One day I might be deep in research, whether that’s desk-based or visiting a service in person, while the next I’m writing and editing responses for a live bid or even creating visuals. No two days are the same, and variety keeps the job exciting.

How would you describe the team? The team is incredibly lovely and supportive. There’s always someone ready to offer help, share advice, or even just have a quick chat, which makes it a really positive and collaborative environment to work in.

What were your highlights from last year? Being part of the team that won the Blackpool contract. We all invested a lot of time and effort into it, and the whole organisation was excited by the outcome.

Is there anything you would say to someone considering applying? Go for it! It’s a fantastic role within a supportive, friendly team, and there’s so much variety and opportunity to learn. If you’re considering applying, you won’t regret it.”

Holly, who progressed from Business Development Officer to Senior Business Development Officer last year:

“What are your favourite parts of this work? The amount we learn from bid to bid. No two services are the same and I’m constantly coming across amazing individuals, teams and interventions. Being part of a team that helps share and celebrate great work, and support other services to implement new and exciting initiatives is really rewarding.

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 were your highlights from last year? Becoming a Senior and working across 7 different bids or direct awards last year. It was busy but I learnt so much, made some great connections with people across the organisation and feel excited for 2026.”

Salary Range (pro rata if part time)

CGL points 33 to 36 (£37,184.90 - £39,891.91)

Interview Date

16/2/2026

Closing Date

8/2/2026

Learning and Development Officer (Aligned to Wales Synod Cymru and West Midlands)

Welsh speaking

Salary: £43,287.00 per annum

Location: Home based but within commutable distance to Wales Synod Cymru District and West Midlands District.

Hours: 35 hours per week 

This role is part of the Connexional Team Learning Network, supporting, encouraging, and equipping the Church to live out ‘Our Calling’ through worship, mission, evangelism and discipleship. The Learning Network primarily works with lay and ordained leaders, helping them equip others.

This post contributes to Connexional-wide learning and development initiatives, and is specifically aligned with the Wales Synod Cymru District as the Welsh speaking Learning and Development Officer (LDO) and the new West Midlands District following the merger of the current Birmingham District and the Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury District on 1st September 2025. Wales Synod Cymru is a bilingual District of 16 circuits, including the Welsh language Cymru Circuit which covers the whole of Wales, and the West Midlands District has 20 circuits across Birmingham, Wolverhampton and the Black Country, Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Herefordshire, Shropshire and Staffordshire. Both districts are diverse in terms of population groupings and serve communities in rural, market towns, suburbs and city centre settings.

The Ideal Candidate for This Role

The person best suited for this Learning & Development Officer role will be:

A Passionate and Committed Christian:

• Deeply engaged in their faith and motivated to help churches grow in discipleship, worship, mission and evangelism.
• A member of a church in good standing with Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (or an equivalent organisation).
• Committed to the values of inclusivity, justice, evangelism, and church growth.

A Skilled Educator and Facilitator

• Experienced in learning and development, with transferable skills to a church setting.
• Confident in designing, delivering and evaluating training, both and online and onsite.
• Able to engage adult learners effectively, making theological concepts accessible, and equipping people for vocations within the life of the church.
• A strong theological thinker, able to guide and develop conversations to enable A Methodist Way of Life.

A Strong Communicator and Relationship-Builder

• Able to connect with and inspire people across the church to enable them to serve in their varied communities.
• Skilled in facilitating discussions on vision, mission and growth planning.
• Comfortable using digital tools and online platforms for training and communication.
• Adept at working across cultural and theological contexts, bringing sensitivity and adaptability.
• Proactive in identifying learning and development needs and responding with creative, tailored solutions.
• A fluent Welsh speaker with strong oral and written communication skills in both Welsh and English

A Collaborative Leader

• Capable of working with diverse teams, including ordained and lay church leaders.
• Skilled in planning, organising, and evaluating learning and development initiatives.
• Proactive in identifying training needs and responding with creative, tailored solutions.
• Open to collaborating across Methodist districts and the wider church network.

A Flexible and Self-Motivated Professional

• Comfortable with travel and occasional evening/weekend work.
• Based in the either Wales or the West Midlands, with the ability to travel across both districts as required.
• Organised and self-driven, able to manage multiple projects and responsibilities.
• Creative and adaptable in responding to the changing needs of churches and communities

Our Culture, Values and Benefits

Thank you for considering joining our inclusive and welcoming team that strives for excellence and values employee wellbeing.

We value and support all those who join our team through a positive work-life balance augmented by generous annual leave (plus an extra 3 days over Christmas/New Year), annualised hours and a Wellbeing Adviser service. We offer a generous occupational pension scheme, where the Methodist Church will pay double the employee contribution up to a maximum of 16% employer contribution.

The Methodist Church is an inclusive and supportive employer. We are actively committed to encouraging applications from people of all backgrounds. We welcome applications from people of Black, Asian and other Minority Ethnic groups. We also welcome applications from people living with disabilities.  Please note that this is a post which includes Welsh language work for which the ability to speak and write in Welsh to a high standard is essential.

The successful applicant will be required to live either within or close to either District and will be expected to travel extensively across both Districts and beyond for work purposes.

Please note previous applicants need not apply.

Closing date: 2 February 2026 @ 9am

Interviews to take place on:

Tuesday 10th February 2026:   First stage telephone interviews, conducted in Welsh, between 1 and 4pm.

Thursday 19th February 2026: Second stage interviews conducted in English and Welsh in Shrewsbury.

The rest of the recruitment process will be conducted in English.

N.B. 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.

Trusts & Foundations Manager – David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF)

 Hybrid | Full-time | 35 hours per week

We’re looking for an experienced Trusts & Foundations fundraiser to lead and grow our major grant income at the David Shepherd Wildlife FoundationDSWF).

In this senior role, you’ll develop and deliver a sustainable Trusts & Foundations strategy, securing significant multi-year funding to support our conservation, education and art programmes. Working closely with our Senior Management Team, you’ll build strong relationships with UK and international grant-makers and position DSWF as a strategic funding partner.

About you:
You’ll bring a strong track record of securing five-figure (or above) grants, excellent writing skills, and a genuine passion for conservation and the protection of endangered species.

Why join us?
• Make a direct impact on wildlife conservation
• Collaborative, mission-driven culture
• Hybrid working and generous annual leave

Apply now to help protect wildlife and build long-term funding for conservation.

Visit the careers page of our website for full details, job description and application pack. Deadline for applications Monday 16th February.

The Role

As Wilder Learning Manager, you’ll lead a small, passionate team delivering inspiring outdoor learning and engagement programmes that connect schools, educators and young people with nature across Sussex. You’ll oversee the delivery and ongoing development of high‑quality accredited training, INSETs, school sessions and advice that supports schools to improve their grounds for nature and outdoor learning.

You’ll be an enthusiastic and confident leader, able to step into delivery when needed, and excited by innovation, collaboration and partnership working. Bringing experience of managing people, you’ll foster a positive, supportive and inclusive culture, encouraging creativity, continuous improvement and professional development.

This varied role combines leadership, project management and hands‑on involvement, playing a key part in ensuring our learning offer inspires and empowers educators and young people to connect with, care for and benefit from nature across Sussex’s land and marine environments.

A valid drivers licence is required for this role.

This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS with Barred List check

The Person

You will be a professional, values-led leader who enjoys supporting others to do their best work. You’ll bring a positive, practical and reflective approach; enabling you to navigate complexity, manage competing demands and support decision-making. You’ll be comfortable building trust, having honest conversations, and creating space for others to grow; balancing encouragement with clear expectations.

You’ll be organised and reflective, able to manage your time and priorities while remaining approachable and supportive. You’ll share Sussex Wildlife Trust’s commitment to inclusion and safeguarding, and reflect our values in your practice.  You’ll demonstrate a personal passion for wildlife, outdoor learning and the benefits nature connection for young people in Sussex, which will underpin everything you do.