Employment and training manager jobs

Smart Works is a dynamic, high profile and fast-growing UK charity that dresses and coaches unemployed women for success at their job interview. We empower each woman by giving her the clothes and the confidence she needs to succeed.

After visiting Smart Works, 68% of clients secure a job, gaining financial independence and transforming their lives.

The Smart Works service is delivered in London, Greater Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Newcastle, Reading, Bristol and Leeds. Over the past ten years, Smart Works has helped over 50,000 women, and last year alone we reached 10,600 women. It is our mission that any woman who needs our service should be able to find her way to a Smart Works centre.

In 2025 we launched our new 5 year strategy- we are aiming to build a future where every woman, at any stage of her career, can access trusted, personalised support to secure employment. We aspire to be local in feel, national in reach, shaped by the voices of women, valuing every story and every success.

More information about who we are can be found on our Smart Works website.

About the Role

The Partnerships & Philanthropy Manager will lead all fundraising activity, including stakeholder partnerships and grant/trust income, overseeing a six figure annual income portfolio. They will work with the Head of Smart Works Greater Manchester, the Events & Comms Lead, and the Board of Trustees to deliver the fundraising strategy, activity plan, manage the budget, and support the organisation’s long term sustainability.

Therefore, we are looking for an energetic, creative and forward thinking individual to join our dynamic team and help secure the long term future of Smart Works Greater Manchester (SWGM). The role requires a self starting and proactive approach, excellent communication and networking skills, strong organisational abilities, experience in generating income, and a strong commitment to stewarding relationships with donors, partners and supporters.

The role will be based at our Smart Works centre in Manchester city. As part of the wider SWGM team, working as one team alongside our Stockport centre, where occasional flexibility to work from will be required, the successful candidate will take part in key Smart Works Greater Manchester events and networking activity, which will include some evening and weekend work.

Smart Works Greater Manchester is part of Smart Works Charity, with centres across the UK. As part of this network, the role will work alongside peers from across the charity through established peer working groups.

We are a community that shares a passion to empower women to thrive in work and life, determined to meet our aim of helping as many women as we can back into work. If you’re passionate about supporting women, then this is an ideal opportunity for you.

How to Apply

Please head to our website to view the full job description and to apply via our recruitment system. Applications close at Midnight on Sunday 8th February. 

Smart Works is committed to best practice employment practices, including reducing the burden for those seeking work. Smart Works will therefore reimburse reasonable costs of travel to interviews if required.

We are seeking an experienced Fundraising Manager to work with management and trustees to lead delivery of a set of practical fundraising priorities while helping to build stronger systems and confidence for the future.

This is a hands-on role suited to an experienced charity fundraiser who is comfortable working in a maturing fundraising function, where tools and ways of working are being developed and income needs stabilising rather than rapidly expanded.

This interesting and varied role will focus primarily on trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, and alumni support, with a strong emphasis on retention, stewardship and proposition clarity.

We’re looking for an experienced and motivated Operations Manager to play a vital role at the heart of our organisation. This is a hands-on post that combines oversight with day-to-day delivery across all core operational functions - including HR, governance, IT and data, finance administration, and internal systems.. Reporting to the Chief Executive  and working closely with the senior leadership team, you’ll ensure the smooth delivery of the systems and processes that enable our frontline work and support our future growth. The role involves both direct delivery and coordination - particularly through co-ordinating relationships with key external service providers in IT and HR. You’ll help ensure these partnerships are effective, responsive, and aligned with the organisation’s needs. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives on problem-solving, values good systems, and wants to help build a resilient and well-run organisation from the inside out.

We are taking rolling applications so please apply as soon as possible. To apply, please complete our application form.  The completed form is the only information we will use in consideration of your application, so please ensure that you complete it fully, with particular attention to your personal statement detailing how you meet the required specifications for the role.

Company Overview 

You would be joining Palladium, a global impact organisation, with 3,000 employees in over 90 countries . We are a mission-driven business, for whom the impact of our work is as important as the commercial return; the common feature of all our work, regardless of contract size, is the requirement that it contributes to positive social and economic impact. We simply call this ‘Positive Impact’. For the past 50 years, we have been helping our clients to see the world as interconnected in over 90 countries- by formulating strategies, building partnerships, and implementing programs that deliver lasting positive impact.

Programme Overview 

Connect to Work is a UK government-funded initiative aimed at supporting individuals with disabilities, health conditions, or other complex challenges in finding and maintaining employment. The program offers tailored assistance, including one-to-one coaching, employer engagement and help with CV writing. Participants can receive up to 12 months of guidance if they are seeking employment, or up to 4 months if they are currently employed but at risk of losing their job. Support is delivered through local partnerships, and individuals can either self-refer or be referred by professionals and community partners. 

We are recruiting for 2 seperate Employment Specialist roles, one for Berkshire and the other  for Oxfordshire.The Employment Specialist will play a vital role in the success of the programme these areas. They will manage a caseload of up to 25 service users, delivering person centred support to create and follow an individualised workplan, engaging with employers directly to support people into good and sustainable work. They will be enthusiastic and passionate about helping people to find that role that works for them.

Location and Salary  

The contracts covers Berkshire and Oxfordshire. Delivery is expected throughout a network of community venues and with specialist partners. Salary will be £27,976 - £29,000 depending on experience. Travel expenses over and above those to the agreed base location will be reimbursed.

Primary Duties and responsibilities:

• Champion our customers as valuable candidates by actively promoting them to employers and raising awareness and support available through the programme 

• Creating and following through with individualised action plans ensuring appropriate and effective activity is undertaken by and with each customer. 

• Have regular check-ins with customers to track their progress before starting employment and once in employment 

• Advocate for the values of our programmes by working in partnership with employers to view our clients positively and inclusively during recruitment.

• Build potential employment opportunities through proactive engagement with potential employers.

• Facilitate work experiences, such as placements, trials, and shadowing opportunities with suitable employers where appropriate.

• Provide ongoing In Work Support to customers who have successfully gained employment, helping them sustain and thrive in their roles, including working in partnership with employers. 

• Address customer’s personal constraints to employment, providing challenge, advice, and guidance where appropriate to develop customers capability in the recruitment process ensuring they have the necessary skills and confidence to secure employment. 

• Identify, structure, and recommend vacancy and training solutions, working in close consultation with the team to meet the specific needs of customers and employers. 

• Maintain customer records to a required quality standard to ensure the customer journey is documented in accordance with our quality standards and contractual requirements.

• Develop an understanding of specialist signposting services in the local area/region, building knowledge in areas such as specific disabilities, housing, benefits etc

• Meet personal performance targets, Key Performance Indicators and all Quality and Compliance measures by delivering high quality employability provision to customers 

• Work in partnership and alongside our key delivery partners across Berkshire to offer a joined-up approach for stakeholders, employers and residents.

Skills and experience: 

Required 

• A passion for working with people and have a solution focused approach

• Experience working with people facing barriers to employment including health conditions and disabilities 

• Experience of providing one to one support and coaching to individuals with the ability to constructively challenge where needed.

• Proven experience in developing networks and building strong partnerships to support customers goals 

• A flexible approach to working hours is essential, including the ability to support occasional evening and weekend activities. 

• Strong organisational skills including managing caseloads 

• Knowledge of safeguarding, data protection and confidentiality requirements 

Desirable 

• Driving licence and access to a car given the community delivery of the contract

• Track record of helping individuals progress into work 

• Understanding of supported employment programmes, such as IPS 

• Educated at university degree or alternatively have a demonstrated track record of performance and success in target driven sales, customer service or case-management roles 

• Knowledge of the employment market in their area.

• Experience providing support and guidance on welfare and benefits, with a strong understanding of mental health and physical health challenges

Key Competencies: 

• Creative intelligence;  

• Ability to motivate, challenge and inspire;  

• Proactive and solution focused; 

• Excellent communication skills;  

• Kind, personable and approachable

• Performance and target focused;  

• Excellent organisation and prioritisation skills;  

• The determination and drive to want to make a positive difference. 

Guiding Principles

Across our offices, our Guiding Principles define who we are and what we stand for. We are looking for candidates that resonate with them: 

• We are One Palladium: We are all accountable, we take responsibility for our actions and celebrate the positive impact we create. 

• Our business grows when our people grow. We seek out opportunities to develop ourselves, each other, and Palladium. 

• Our strength lies in our differences: We harness our unique strengths by listening to and respecting each other. 

• Making mistakes is part of learning: We admit our mistakes early, help to make things right, and learn from the experience together. 

• We don’t exist without results: We’re driven by the outcomes we achieve and stay focused on what matters. 

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion - Palladium is committed to embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion into everything we do. We welcome applications from all sections of society and actively encourage diversity to drive innovation, creativity, success and good practice. We positively welcome and seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce; and that all job applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment regardless of their background or personal characteristics. These include: (but are not limited to) socio-economic background, age, race, gender identity and expression, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, nationality, veteran, marital or Indigenous status.

As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria for this position will be offered an interview. Should you require any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to be made due to a disability or any other circumstance, please let us know.

Safeguarding - We define Safeguarding as “the preventative action taken by Palladium to protect our people, clients and the communities we work with from harm”. We are committed to ensuring that all children and adults who come into contact with Palladium are treated with respect and are free from abuse.  All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced selection process including safeguarding-focused interviews and a rigorous due diligence process.

Palladium International is a Real Living Wage Employer.

 Friends of Moorfields

The Friends of Moorfields is a registered charity supporting the patients and staff at Moorfields Eye Hospital, a world centre of excellence for the specialist treatment of eye diseases.

The Friends provide a range of services to support the work of the hospital – including the purchase of clinical equipment – and managing the trust’s volunteer programme.

The Position

The Volunteer Administration Officer is an exciting and challenging role, responsible for assisting the Volunteer Services Manager in the recruitment, administration and support of a network 350+ volunteers throughout the hospital at City Road, and the 31 Moorfields Network Sites.

The post-holder will be an all-rounder; someone who is comfortable working on their own initiative, is well organised, numerate, and who enjoys the challenges of supporting a small and friendly team. They will be supported to grow and develop in this role, through an active approach to training and development, and through a positive and empowering working environment.

Key Accountabilities 

1. To assist with the recruitment, administration and support of a team of 350+ Volunteers at Moorfields City Road.

2. To support the delivery of the ‘Telephone Support Service’.

3. To promote and support volunteer services in Moorfields Network Sites

4. Other General Duties

Interviews planned for 8th / 9th February

 No recruitment agencies please.

We strongly advise that applicants DO NOT use Chatbot AI to generate their covering letter.

Our Time Charity is seeking an experienced Development Manager to help grow and embed our early help and family mental health services across the UK.

This is a senior, outward-facing role focused on securing statutory income, developing high-quality tenders, and building strong relationships with local authorities, Family Hubs and strategic partners. A key priority will be positioning KidsTime Workshops as a recognised, commissioned early help offer within local authority family support systems.

Working closely with the CEO, you will identify high-impact opportunities, navigate commissioning processes, and help ensure more children affected by parental mental illness receive timely, preventative support.

This role is ideal for someone with experience in local authority commissioning, business development or statutory income generation, who understands early intervention and wants to use their skills to create lasting social impact.

To learn more about the role, responsibilities and how to apply, please download the full recruitment pack.

Harris Hill are delighted to be partnering with Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance to recruit for the Events Manager in order to lead, develop, and deliver a new portfolio of mass participation fundraising events.

This is a fantastic role within Income Generation team, where you will be shaping events strategy, inspiring supporters, and maximising income to help save lives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the planning, delivery, and evaluation of a diverse portfolio of mass participation events, including runs, treks, virtual challenges, and community campaigns.
• Develop and implement marketing and stewardship plans to attract, retain, and inspire participants, working closely with Communications and Fundraising colleagues.
• Identify, develop, and launch new event concepts aligned with our brand and fundraising objectives, including virtual and hybrid formats.
• Manage event budgets, logistics, and risk assessments to ensure safe, high quality, and cost-effective delivery.
• Build and nurture relationships with supporters, volunteers, sponsors, and partners to maximise participation and income.
• Oversee volunteer recruitment, training, and management, ensuring a positive and rewarding experience.
• Monitor, analyse, and report on event performance, using insight and feedback to drive continuous improvement.
• Champion innovation and best practice in mass participation fundraising, staying up to date with sector trends.

To be successful, you must have experience:

• Proven experience delivering successful mass participation or challenge events, ideally within the charity sector.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent communication and relationship building skills, including supporter stewardship and partnership working.
• Experience managing budgets, logistics, and risk assessments for large scale events.
• Confident using digital tools and CRM systems to support event delivery and supporter journeys.
• Creative, proactive, and results driven, with a passion for fundraising and community engagement.
• A collaborative team player with strong attention to detail and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Salary: £38,000 - £43,000

Location:  Wellington, Somerset (hybrid working available)

Contract: Permanent, full time

Closing date: Monday 16th February at 9am

Interview: w/c 23rd February

Recruitment process: Cv and Supporting Statement to

If this sounds like you, then please do get in touch ASAP!

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

The Finance & Operations Manager is a senior leadership role responsible for the financial sustainability, compliance and operational effectiveness of the charity. The postholder will lead all aspects of financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, rent and service charge accounting, housing benefit income and statutory reporting.

Alongside this, the role has strategic responsibility for office and refuge operations, including facilities management, health and safety, and central administrative systems.

The Finance & Operations Manager will work closely with the Director, Senior Management Team and Board of Trustees, manage key external relationships, and line manage finance and operations staff.

Due to the nature of work and focus of LBWP, the organisation considers the candidate’s race and gender, to be an occupational requirement in accordance with Parag. 1, Schedule 9, of the Equality Act 2010. Therefore, this post is open only to Black and minoritised i.e. Global Majority, women.

Do you love supporting others to grow, succeed and deliver exceptional patient‑centred practice? If so, we’d love to hear from you.

Halton Haven Hospice is seeking a Clinical Nurse Educator, an inspiring clinician‑educator who will champion high‑quality learning, empower our staff and volunteers, and help us continue delivering exceptional hospice and end‑of‑life care.

About the Role

As our Clinical Nurse Educator, you will be at the heart of how we develop our people. You will play a key role in enhancing the clinical learning environment and promoting quality patient care through education, support and continuous professional development.

You’ll ensure our staff are confident, competent and compassionate — and you’ll help extend our reach by supporting external partners in the wider community.

• Develop and deliver innovative training programmes, competency study days and group/individual education sessions.
• Provide expert teaching on communication skills and other hospice training courses.

• Embed high standards of learning, development and assessment into daily clinical practice.
• Work alongside clinical teams to understand real world needs and support clinical practice.
• Support induction, preceptorship, and newly qualified colleagues.

• Help shape our annual training calendar for staff and volunteers.
• Generate reports and insights to guide future development plans.

• Support local nursing and care homes with palliative and end of life education

• Contribute to the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective training service within the Education & Training budget.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about education and lifelong training
• Motivated to improve standards of care across hospice and community settings
• Confident at teaching diverse groups and using digital learning tools
• A collaborative clinician who enjoys working as part of a supportive multidisciplinary team

You’ll be part of a warm, compassionate organisation where your ideas, leadership and expertise will have a real and lasting impact on patient care, staff development and the wider community.

If you’re ready to inspire, educate, and elevate the future of hospice care then please welcome this rare and exciting opportunity!

Please apply by submitting a completed application form to our HR Department 

Halton Haven Hospice is an Equal Opportunities Employer

All appointments are subject to Disclosure Barring Service checks

We reserve the right to close a job advert early where sufficient applications have been received.

Ambitious College is an independent specialist day college dedicated to supporting autistic young people aged 16–25. We believe that every young person who attends Ambitious College deserves a fulfilling, happy, and rewarding life. Our educational approach focuses on the individual at all times.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Curriculum Manager to join us at our West Thames Campus.  As Curriculum Manager, you will support quality monitoring and assurance and work with the curriculum team to continuously drive up the quality of teaching, learning and assessment.

The key responsibilities for this role include:

• To effectively line manage 5 teachers and an Employment Specialist including manging sickness, holiday, and check-ins.
• To provide mentoring and support to trainee teachers to ensure that they can pass their accreditations and become outstanding teachers.
• To undertake quality monitoring and quality improvement. This will include observations of teaching and learning, moderation etc.
• To support the Assistant Principal for Curriculum with gathering of required information to inform the college self-assessment report (SAR) and quality improvement plan (QIP)
• As a member of the college leadership team, you will support the Head of College in developing and implementing Ambitious College's strategic and business plan. This will require monthly attendance at, and contribution to, leadership team meetings.

Why join Ambitious About Autism?

• Working with Autism/learning disability industry experts across our school and our charity
• Autonomy in your role – You have the freedom to be creativity and get to see first hand our learners progress and achieve their goals and aspirations (as well as your ideas coming to life in the classroom).
• Continued professional development and training including a wide range of in house and external training courses.
• Annual staff recognition awards.
• Eye test vouchers, season ticket loans and a cycle to work scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme: to help you balance your work, family, and personal life.
• Access to physiotherapy.
• We are proud to be a ‘Good' Ofsted rated provision, awarded the Natspec 2020 award for ‘Wellbeing and mental health' and 'Home learning' award in 2021.You will be joining a passionate, dedicated and supportive team.

Please bear in mind, QTLS is mandatory for this role.

Start date: April 2026 or sooner

Closing Date: Monday 2 February 2026

Interview date: week beginning 9th February 2026

Ambitious about Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age.

Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations. We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search maybe carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

The Safeguarding responsibilities of the post as per the job description and personal specification.
Whether the post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendment to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.

Job Title: Youth Support Adviser

Location: Hastings and covering the east of the county

Salary: £24,505 - £25,497 per annum depending on experience

Hours: Full-time (37 hours per week)

Contract: Permanent

Reports to: Team Leader – Youth Employability Service

About CXK

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

· Ethical – We work with professionalism, honesty and integrity

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

· Innovative – We inspire, enhance and improve

· Collaborative – We engage, support and share with others

The Youth Employability Service

CXK delivers the Youth Employability Service (YES) across East Sussex, commissioned by East Sussex County Council. We offer information, advice, support and guidance to young people in academic years 12 and 13 who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), helping them to explore their options, plan and then take their next steps. We also work with schools supporting young people in year 11 who are at risk of becoming NEET. Liaising with a range of other services, YES is focussed on supporting young people to achieve their potential.

The Team

The YES team support young people from across the county, seeing them at CXK bases, partner venues or in community settings. The team assess and action plan with young people referred to the service, supporting them to understand their options and take steps toward achieving their goals around education, training and/ or employment. Working with a wide range of young people, the team approach is focused, creative and persistent, building on young peoples’ confidence and motivation alongside their skills and personal growth.

The Role

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Youth Support Adviser.

The Youth Support Adviser (YSA) is a key role in the Youth Employability Service, acting as the first point of contact for 16-18-year-olds who are NEET or at risk of NEET.  You will support with first appointments and initial assessments of need, when young people are referred to YES, alongside supporting your caseload.  Guiding them through re-engagement with suitable post-16 provisions and provide targeted intervention to those who have withdrawn from or not started their Post 16 provisions.

Working across the East of the county with schools and FE Colleges you will play a key role in ensuring that young people — receive the tailored guidance and support they need to progress confidently into further education, training, or employment. So strong customer service and communication skills are essential.

You will maintain regular contact with the young people you support, plus be a pivotal part of the YES Tracking Team, where you will use various communication methods (phone, text, WhatsApp, email, face-to-face) to engage and support young people and offer our support.

About You

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with experience of working with young people and looking to progress.

Ideally you understand the post-16 education and training landscape in East Sussex and the importance of person-centred support. You will be a confident communicator and collaborator, able to manage a varied caseload and make a genuine impact on the lives of the young people you support.

Skills and Knowledge

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

Minimum Criteria

· An understanding of the needs, and challenges faced by young people who are not in education, employment or training

· Experience of working with young people on a one-to-one basis, developing personalised plans and goal setting

· Experience of managing a range of tasks at any one time, and holding positive relationships with different stakeholders

· A commitment to undertaking all necessary training for the role

· Willingness to work evenings when required

· Full, valid UK drivers’ licence with access to your own vehicle

Core Competencies

· Experience working with young people

· Proven ability to engage and support young people (ideally those who are NEET or at risk of NEET)

· Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with experience liaising effectively with schools, parents/carers, and multi-agency professionals

· Ability to assess individual needs, develop action plans, and monitor progress

· Skilled in managing a varied caseload and maintaining accurate and confidential records

· Understanding of the post-16 education, training, and employment landscape

· Ability to build trust and maintain regular, consistent contact with young people

· Self-motivated and able to work independently as well as part of a team.

· Competent in using IT systems, databases, and digital communication tools

Employee Experience

A career with CXK is deeply rewarding and offers the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of young people. As part of the Youth Employability Service (YES) team, this role gives you the chance to empower and motivate young people to take positive steps into education, employment, or training.

You’ll work independently and proactively, with the flexibility to manage your own diary and plan your week around the needs of your caseload. No two days are the same—you’ll balance 1:1 support, multi-agency collaboration, school visits, and provider engagement. It’s a role that requires initiative, empathy, and a passion for creating opportunities for young people who need it most.

At CXK, we are committed to supporting our staff to grow, thrive, and develop their potential. You’ll be part of a supportive and collaborative team that values inclusion, wellbeing, and continuous learning.

Benefits of working with us

Our employee benefits include:

· 30-33 days holiday, plus bank holidays

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

· Benenden private healthcare cover

· Flexible working

· Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

· Training and development programmes and opportunities

· Mental and physical healthcare initiatives and more

Recruitment Timeline

Vacancy closing date: Sunday 1st February 2026

Application review date: Monday 2nd February 2026

Interviews date: Tuesday 10th February 2026

Useful Information

If you have any questions or wish to have an informal conversation before submitting your application, please contact the Recruitment Team at recruitment @ cxk. org

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

L&W is growing our research team and looking for a Head of Research to lead innovative, impactful research and evaluation projects across our focus areas of employment and skills.

This role will expand our capacity to win and deliver evaluation and qualitative research, while strengthening our methodological capability. We’re open-minded about what that means—but we want people who can go beyond standard process evaluations and basic qualitative approaches. You might have experience mapping and evaluating complex system-level change, applying realist evaluation methods, or developing co-design and participatory research projects. You will have have applied these while working alongside the practitioners and policymakers who need these insights to make decisions.

You will join a team that is enthusiastic about learning and improving, and a peer group of experienced qualitative and quantitative research leaders who you will work alongside.

If you have research consultancy experience and want to join a purpose-driven organisation that delivers real impact locally and nationally, we’d love to hear from you. But you might come from a different professional background and still meet our criteria. 

Location: Hybrid working: 40-60% in an L&W office. Our offices for this role are currently in Leicester and London, but if you are based elsewhere, please contact us to talk about how the role could work for you.

Team:Research and Development

Salary:£45,650-£59,080 per annum (pro rata), dependent on experience and location

Duration:Permanent

Working hours:0.6 to 1 FTE, with flexible working supported (eg, condensed hours, flexible start and finish times

Main Purpose

The Head of Research: Evaluation and Qualitative Methods is a new post for L&W – as we seek to deepen our capability and expand our capacity.

The post-holder will direct research projects across all of our areas of work, providing specific leadership and expertise in programme and system-level evaluations, and projects mobilising innovative or advanced qualitative methods (such as system mapping, co-design methods, ethnographic methods, creative methods and/or theory-based/realist evaluation).

They will work with the Head of Research: Employment and Better Work to develop the wider qualitative and evaluative skills of the wider research team.

They will also play a key role in leading and writing responding to tenders and working with colleagues to develop pro-active research proposals that fill key evidence gaps and respond to the interests of our funders. They will be a good relationship manager – who can understand what commissioners are interested in, and shape projects to deliver meaningful insights that solve the problems practitioners and policymakers face across employment and skills.

Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and management

• Line manage members of the R&D team
• Co-lead the qualitative methods group at L&W: supporting the wider research team to develop their skills. 

Income

• Write and contribute to reactive and proactive funding proposals across L&W’s areas of work, with a specific focus on process and theory-based evaluations, and proposals using advanced/innovative qualitative methods
• Build relationships with current and potential funders
• Identify and build relationships with research partners

Impact

• Ensure that all projects under their direction generate meaningful insights and recommendations that respond to the real-world concerns and challenges faced by practitioners and policymakers
• Communicate insights clearly and effectively to funders and other stakeholders

Delivery

• Act as Project Director for research and evaluation projects: liaising with funders; shaping research proposals and plans; supporting project managers; leading project meetings; ensuring project margins are delivered effectively; carrying out research directly where appropriate
• Work with External Affairs team to develop appropriate comms and influencing plans for projects under your direction
• Use your research skills and experience to support the wider development of the Learning and Work team

Person Specification 

Expericence 

Experience of delivering and directing high-quality programmes evaluation and policy-relevant research: shaping research plans, working with funders and delivering meaningful insights -Essential 

Experience of responding to research and evaluation tenders and writing proposals. -Essential 

Experience of managing, supporting and developing researchers and research managers -Essential 

Experience of carrying out research and evaluation in the areas of employment and skills -Desirable

Skills

Advanced qualitative evaluation and research skills, eg. One or more of theory-based evaluation, ethnographic methods, creative/art-based methods, co-design methods, system-level evaluation -Essential 

Effective and efficient relationship management -Essential 

Clear and direct written communication style -Essential 

Knowledge

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

Demonstrable knowledge in the areas of employment and skills policy and practice -Desirable

Learning and Work Institute works across the UK. Our work in Wales is led by a Cardiff based team, but all staff are required to follow the guidance set out in our Welsh language scheme when working in Wales.

The Role

If you are passionate about the outdoors, have a "roll up your sleeves" attitude and are looking for a role where your event management skills will make a lasting impact on young lives, then this is the job for you. We’re seeking a dynamic individual who can lead our exciting portfolio of outdoor challenge events and help us take our fundraising to the next level.

The Youth Adventure Trust's outdoor challenge events are a vital source of funding for the charity, and the relationships we build with our participants and corporate partners are more important than ever. This is where you come in.

As our Challenge Events Manager, you'll be the driving force behind our exciting challenge events portfolio.You'll work on bespoke corporate team-building challenges, high-energy industry networking events like the Hike Bike Paddle for the sports and outdoor sector and the Housebuilders Challenge, and our popular open events like the Wiltshire 3 Peaks Challenge and the Somerset Cycle. 

Challenge events not only enable people to raise amazing sums for the charity, but are also a fantastic way to engage supporters with our work, giving them the opportunity to step outside their comfort zones, embrace the outdoors and achieve things they never thought possible - similar to our work with the young people on our programmes.

The Challenge Events Manager role is a varied position which would be perfect for somebody who has event management experience. You will be responsible for the full event cycle, from the initial planning, participant recruitment and stewardship to on the day event delivery and post event follow ups. You will be somebody who can spot opportunities, take on a project and run with it. You’ll be an excellent communicator, happy to pick up the phone to chat to event participants, deliver pre-event webinars or create engaging participant emails. You’re self-motivated, well organised, able to multi-task, a strong administrator, a fantastic team player, have excellent interpersonal skills and enjoy being outdoors. You should also have some fundraising experience, ideally in a paid capacity but in a voluntary capacity would also be considered.

You'll work closely with the Corporate Partnership Manager, who is highly experienced in delivering our challenge events, but needs time to develop new corporate partnerships which is why we have created this new role. You'll also line-manage our Events Fundraising Officer who plays a key support role on the events. You must live in or near the South West as there will be a semi-regular requirement to attend in person staff meetings, visit programmes and join event planning sessions.

About You

You’re a people-person, self-motivated and highly organised. You are as comfortable managing a budget and a CRM database as you are standing on a mountain side in your waterproofs! You’ll have:

• Event Expertise: A proven track record in delivering successful fundraising or challenge events.

• Fundraising Experience: You might be an existing fundraiser or somebody who has taken on fundraising activities in a voluntary capacity. You will need to be able to relate to the challenge participants and guide them on how to reach their fundraising targets.

• Agility: The ability to think on your feet and adapt plans dynamically when situations change on the ground.

• Leadership Skills: Experience managing staff or volunteers and the ability to motivate a team.

• A Passion for Adventure: A genuine love for the outdoors, comfortable in wellies and waterproofs with an understanding of 'the power of the outdoors'.

The Charity

At the Youth Adventure Trust, we use outdoor adventure to empower vulnerable young people from Swindon, Wiltshire and Somerset to fulfil their potential and lead positive lives in the future. We work with them to build resilience, develop confidence and learn skills that will last a lifetime, helping them to face the challenges in their lives. Dedicated support, guidance and mentoring from our staff and volunteers ensures young people receive the maximum benefit from our long-term intervention. Our aim is to make a lasting improvement to the lives of vulnerable young people. All our services are provided completely free of charge to the young people who are nominated by schools and other youth organisations to take part.

We’re proud to offer our programmes completely free of charge to participants, and with ambitious plans to help more young people over the coming years, our fundraising challenge events are more important than ever.

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to make a direct and lasting impact on young lives through your passion for the outdoors. You’ll be part of a small fundraising team with a big heart, with plenty of opportunities to visit our camps and see the tangible impact of your work. 

If this sounds like the perfect fit for you, please download the full Job Pack for more details, including the job description and person specification. All applicants must complete an application form and refer to the job description and person specification in their application.

The Youth Adventure Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all employees to share this commitment. The suitability of all prospective employees will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment. Full details can be found in the Job Pack.

Grade: NJC Point 31 - £41,771 per annum
Hours: 37.5 hrs per week (excluding breaks)
Days: To be worked over 5 days (core hours are worked between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday)
Contract: 12 months Fixed Term contract (with option to extend), subject to funding and the successful completion of a 6-month probationary period
Responsible to: Director of Delivery
Place of work: Salford CVS’ offices in Eccles, Salford, M30 0FN

We are seeking to recruit to a brand-new post and are looking for an experienced and passionate full‑time Programme Manager (Live Well) to lead the delivery of our VCSE‑led Live Well infrastructure in Salford. 

In this role, you will support organisations across Salford to develop high‑quality Live Well Centres and Spaces, ensuring strong partnerships are built and delivery partners are managed in a clear, transparent and collaborative way. A key part of the role will be ensuring that all delivery aligns with the expectations set out in the GM Live Well Hallmarks. You will also be responsible for ensuring the programme’s impact is clearly demonstrated through robust monitoring, high‑quality data collection and meaningful insight.

Greater Manchester Live Well is a broad cross‑system partnership with particularly strong involvement from GMCA, NHS Greater Manchester and the VCSE sector. 

Launched in 2021, it is a core Mayoral commitment and embedded in the Greater Manchester Strategy (2025–2035). The vision is that by 2030, residents will benefit from a connected, preventative and equitable system of support, delivered through:

• A network of integrated Live Well centres and spaces in every locality
• A universal “no wrong door” approach
• Recognition that the VCSE sector has a key role to play (with dedicated VCSE funding)
• Consistent and connected support offers
• A neighbourhood‑based Social Model of Health
• A preventative system built on trust, early help and coordinated support

Salford CVS is the lead VCSE sector partner and accountable body for the Live Well implementation fund in Salford, working with public sector partners to strengthen community wellbeing and ensure accessible, high‑quality support for our city’s residents.

As Programme Manager, you will lead a VCSE‑driven programme that is transforming how residents access help and support in Salford. You will maintain a clear overview of programme developments, partners and activities, acting as a key source of knowledge for Live Well locally. You will share information proactively, strengthen connections across the system and bring partners together to maximise the programme’s impact. 

Your work will also span all of Salford CVS’s full Live Well portfolio, including the Economic Activity Trailblazer delivered via the VCSE Elevate Salford partnership, the WorkWell offer through Wellbeing Matters (VCSE-led social prescribing), and any additional Live Well activity that Salford CVS leads or contributes to in the future. This will include our work with our 10GM partners on a large-scale GM National Lottery funded VCSE-led programme called Live Well – Places of Hope and Connection, which you will programme manage here in Salford.

To apply

Please complete our online application form via the ‘Apply’ button.

If you would like to know more about the role, or would prefer a paper copy of the application form, please email our recruitment team.

Closing Date: 12 noon, Monday 16th February 2026
Interview Date: Monday 2nd March 2026