Head of development programmes jobs

The Organisation

ImpactEd Group supports education and purpose-driven organisations to maximise and realise their potential.

We do this by helping our partners to be consistently impactful and operationally sustainable. Drawing on our domain expertise and technical skills in these areas, ImpactEd Group aims to be the first port of call for leaders across the education ecosystem.

This role exists as a senior leader in our Group, and leads the commercial growth of our Evaluation Practice. ImpactEd Evaluation (IEE) works with schools and organisations, analysing the impact of programmes and interventions to help them do more of what works and less of what doesn’t. The practice works with over 1,400 schools and 80 education and youth organisations, serving more than a quarter of million pupils. This includes helping our partners to design high-quality research projects, delivering them, and providing systems and tools for data collection, reporting and impact benchmarking.

The Opportunity

We are excited to be recruiting for a Principal Director to lead commercial growth within our Evaluation practice. This is a new role within the practice.  Reporting to our Group Directors and / or a Managing Director of IEE (subject to future appointment), the Director will work as part of a practice leadership team that will oversee all aspects of the evaluation team’s work, with a focus on leading business development. Our partnerships encompass education organisations such as charities, edtech organisations and government, and schools and multi-academy Trusts. Across all our partnerships, we aim to design and deliver high-quality research and evaluation projects that help our partners make better decisions for children using good evidence.

You will provide strategic leadership, represent the organisation both internally and externally, and be responsible for driving the commercial performance of the practice. This role will sit alongside a Principal Director focused on the delivery of our partnerships, and our Director of Research.

The role will focus on partnerships and business development, ensuring that ImpactEd Evaluation is positioned well as first port of call for schools and social purpose organisations. You will lead a number of sales and marketing campaigns, develop key propositions for our partners, scan and respond to relevant tenders and work closely with a team of evaluation experts to ensure we are able to continue to bring accessible expertise to our work and partners.

The role would be ideal for a candidate with deep understanding of the education sector, a track record in business development, and the ambition to shape the direction of a growing social enterprise.

About you

As a team focused on research and evaluation, we would also expect roles at this level to demonstrate:

• Values and people: Alignment with our values and ability to demonstrate them in your work. You will facilitate conversations about professional development for your direct reports and act as a coach and role model for other members of the team. 

• Partnership management: Modelling of excellence in partnership management, particularly on proactive driving of partnerships forward, scope management and stakeholder engagement.

• Scoping, sales and evaluation design: Leadership of business development for consultancy engagements and facilitation of evaluation design processes, including designing Theories of Change and evaluation plans, particularly for high-value and high-complexity partnerships, in collaboration with our in-house evaluation experts.

• Proposition development: Understanding of our sector and ability to combine that with our offers as a practice to create propositions that can drive partnership and business development opportunities.

• Reporting and improvement: Ability to listen to and synthesise partner needs to tailor evaluation reporting, quality assure others’ outputs, and help partners take action from research findings.

Why Us?

As well as a commitment to the organisations we work with, we have a commitment to our people and developing the next generation of leaders within the social enterprise, education and evaluation sectors.

Our employee experience is organised around four themes:

• Trust: we support hybrid working, provide flexible hours, and provide responsive management.

• Shared ownership: we are an employee owned organisation and look to increasingly share ownership with our employees, including in terms of governance and culture, and realise this in a number of ways such as ownership awards, and transparent governance including an Employee Voice board.

• Connection: we pay for your travel, provide termly company offsites, support informal clubs and societies, and provide opportunities for in-person and digital connection between colleagues.  

• Health and fulfilment: we have an extensive professional development programme, provide an annual books and development budget allowance and offer 3 days of CPD leave per year in addition to annual leave. We offer all employees access to a MediCash plan and wellbeing advice, including free therapist support.

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.

About Us

We are Kinship, the leading kinship care charity in England and Wales. We’re here for kinship carers - friends or family who step up to raise a child when their parents aren’t able to. Our mission is to ensure kinship families are recognised, valued, and supported. We provide advice, training, and community connections to help carers navigate the challenges of raising children in kinship care. Together, we campaign for change so that every kinship family gets the support they need.

About the role

Kinship Connected is an evidence-informed 6-month intervention for kinship carers. It is delivered in the home and in the community. As a Kinship Family Worker for Kinship Connected, you will deliver our flagship programme to families in Surrey. You will provide intensive one-to-one support to kinship carers to empower them to become resilient, well informed and equipped with a strong support network to help them care for the children in their care. You will help them to navigate their local ecosystems and support them to unlock community assets and support.

Alongside this, you will play a key role in the delivery of Kinship’s Ready Programme in Surrey, ensuring kinship carers are supported to access and engage with workshops and wider kinship services that meet their needs. The Kinship Ready programme is designed to support prospective and new kinship carers understand their journey to becoming Special Guardians.

You will be committed to the work of Kinship, passionate about making a difference to the lives of vulnerable families, and you will have proven experience of working with families, particularly those in more disadvantaged circumstances.

You’ll bring excellent relationship building, communication and organisational skills, as well as the ability to work on your own initiative and collaboratively with partners, both externally and internally.

Key responsibilities:

One-to-one support

You will provide intensive one-to-one support, directly to kinship carers for up to six-months working within the Kinship Connected delivery model. This may include, but is not limited to:

• 1:1 emotional support
• Advocacy support in meetings
• Supporting kinship carers to attend a peer support group
• Liaising with local organisations that can offer specialised support and training
• Liaising with schools or other organisations
• Supporting kinship carers with the behaviour of the child/ children in their care
• Signposting to other support services
• Grants – support with grant application for essential items and holiday breaks
• Setting up and facilitating a monthly support group within your commissioned area
• Signposting carers to Kinship training opportunities or organising targeted training workshops within your LA

Ready Programme delivery and coordination

As part of your role, you will support the effective delivery of Kinship’s Ready Workshops, working closely with the internal colleagues and the local authority. Responsibilities include:

• Booking kinship carers onto Ready workshops and supporting their engagement throughout the programme
• Registering carers via scheduled phone calls, ensuring they understand the programme and feel supported to attend
• Identifying and responding to any additional needs carers may have, including reasonable adjustments, access needs or emotional support, and signposting appropriately
• Referring carers to other Kinship services such as Kinship’s Advice service, Peer to Peer and Training and Support
• Occasionally assisting with the delivery of Ready Programme workshops online
• Completing administrative tasks related to the programme, including registering attendance, maintaining accurate participant records and updating internal systems
• Collating feedback, monitoring outcomes and gathering other relevant data to support evaluation, reporting and continuous improvement of the Ready Programme

Knowledge, abilities, skills and experience:

 

Essential:

Experience

· Experience of family work and undertaking needs assessments both in person and remotely

· Experience of setting up and facilitating support groups on an in-person and remote basis.

· Experience of working with statutory, voluntary and community networks and the ability to represent the organisation to external stakeholders.

· Experience of dealing with safeguarding

· Experience of using a Customer Relations Management system (CRM)

Knowledge, skills and understanding

• Knowledge and understanding of kinship care and the ability to learn quickly about the regulations and guidance relating to special guardians.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Proven track record of high-level administrative work and experience of working with a case management system to record interventions.
• Excellent organisational skills
• The ability to maintain confidentiality, in line with Kinship policies and GDPR
• IT skills and experience, particularly in Work, Excel, and CRM’s such as Salesforce
• Ability to work on your own initiative and manage your diary
• The ability to manage a complex and varied workload to successfully meet project deadlines and KPI’s.
• Right to work in the UK and a Full, clean driver’s licence.

Desirable:

• Personal experience of kinship care
• Experience in writing copy, case studies and newsletter articles as well as shorter reports
• Experience of using Salesforce database or similar
• Knowledge and awareness of the National Kinship Care strategy for England 2024

Kinship offers 30 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time). We have an excellent wellbeing offer including the Employee Assistance Programme and clinical supervision. We will invest in your professional development with training and career development opportunities.

Kinship is committed to championing equality, diversity and inclusion.  We believe our work is greatly enhanced by the varied backgrounds, experiences and views represented within our teams.  We aim to create inclusive teams, celebrate differences and encourage everyone to join us and be their true self at work.   We therefore encourage applications from anyone who fits our values, whatever their religion or belief, sex, gender identity, race, age, sexuality or disability and are actively seeking candidates that can bring real innovation and commitment to us. 

Application questions:

1. Motivation and role understanding

Why do you want to work for Kinship as a Kinship Family Worker delivering the Kinship Connected programme, and how does this role align with your values and experience?
Please refer to your understanding of intensive one-to-one family support and the additional responsibility of supporting carers to engage with programmes.

2. One-to-one family work and assessment

Kinship Connected provides intensive one-to-one support to kinship carers over a period of up to six months.
Describe how you would build trust and effective working relationships with kinship carers, both in person and remotely. Please include:

• Your approach to completing a carer needs assessment and setting SMART goals
• An example of how you have adapted your approach to meet the needs of a family facing challenges or disadvantage

3. Group work, programme coordination and administration

This role includes supporting the delivery of group-based support (running peer-support groups), including coordinating carers’ participation in the Ready Programme and occasional involvement in workshops.
Please describe your experience of:

• Booking or registering individuals onto groups, workshops or programmes
• Supporting engagement before, during and after sessions for peer-support groups and workshops/training referrals
• Managing associated administration (e.g. attendance records, data entry, feedback collection)

If you do not have direct experience, please refer to similar work you have undertaken.

4. Safeguarding, boundaries and managing complexity

Kinship carers supported through this role may experience high levels of stress, trauma and complex family situations.
How do you:

• Identify, respond to and escalate safeguarding concerns in both one-to-one and group settings
• Maintain professional boundaries while offering empathetic support
• Manage a varied caseload, prioritise tasks and maintain accurate records when working with families experiencing complex or crisis situation

Principal Programme Manager – National Cycle Network

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Principal Programme Manager – National Cycle Network

England

£42,323 per annum (pro rata for part time)

Ref: 127REC

37.5 hours per week – we are happy to talk flexible working

Base: Hybrid with the opportunity to work in any of our Walk Wheel Cycle Hubs in England

Contract: Permanent

INTRODUCTION

As set out in the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust’s 2025-30 Strategy, the NCN Directorate leads on the building of a walking, wheeling and cycling network that brings everyone closer to the places and people they love. The Directorate is organised into four distinct teams: Planning; Engagement; Delivery (England); Delivery (Scotland, Cymru and Northern Ireland). This role sits within the Delivery team in England. Regular travel will be required. 

ABOUT THE ROLE

Team: Delivery/ England

In this role, you are a senior leader responsible for driving major portfolios and programmes that support the National Cycle Network. You work closely with the Head of Delivery for England to make sure projects are well‑managed, stay within budget, and are completed on time. Your work must align with the organisation’s strategy and business plan.

You provide strategic direction, oversee programmes and projects, plan effectively, and build strong relationships with partners. You also lead and support your team to ensure that the work is high‑quality and sustainable.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys programme, project and budget management, motivating teams and building relationships with stakeholders. 

ABOUT YOU

We’re looking for someone who has experience and understanding in the areas listed below. You don’t need to meet every requirement — if you feel you’d be a good fit, we encourage you to apply.

• Expertise in the principles and standard practices within active travel infrastructure.
• Thorough knowledge of transport policy and planning and detailed knowledge of local and regional transport planning processes, policies, priorities and nuances.
• Thorough working knowledge of health and safety legislation and practice, including construction regulations and risk assessments.
• Proven experience of using design packages and mapping software.
• Competence in the use of MS Office

WHAT WE OFFER

We want you to feel supported, valued, and empowered in your role. That’s why we offer flexible working, a positive team environment, and benefits designed to support your wellbeing, finances, and family life.

Wellbeing Support

• 28 days’ leave per annum plus bank holidays for full-time employees
• Option to buy an extra week of annual leave (pro-rata for part-time employees)
• Paid volunteer days to support causes you care about
• Free, confidential support service available 24/7
• Access to cycle-to-work schemes through Green Commute Initiative and Cycle Scheme

Financial Benefits

• Group Personal Pension scheme with a 6% or 7% of basic salary contribution being matched by Walk Wheel Cycle Trust
• Bike, computer and season ticket loans
• Discount benefits
• London Weighting Allowance of £4,530 per annum for all those living within a London Borough (32 local authority districts plus the City of London).
• Death in Service benefit – 3 x annual Salary 

Family Friendly Policies

• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Flexible Working practices (full time hours are 37.5 per week, Monday - Friday) 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Application deadline: 23:59, 01 February 2026
• Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams during the week of 16 February 2026. To apply, please provide a C.V. and a Cover Letter.
• We are committed to being a truly inclusive employer. We welcome applications from everyone from all parts of the community.
• Adjustments are available throughout the application process.
• Please use the job description as the basis for writing your cover letter, with a focus on the Key Responsibilities section. 

Want to explore more roles?

We are committed to being a truly inclusive employer. We welcome applications from everyone from all parts of the community.

Adjustments are available throughout the application process.

Our Values

• We are always learning
• Championing equity
• Taking ownership
• Delivering Together

Have you led transformational change in the third sector – and are now looking for your next big opportunity to make a lasting impact?

If so, you may be the dynamic, strategic and values-driven leader we’re looking for as our Head of Volunteering Development.

This is a senior leadership role with real influence and autonomy. Working with key stakeholders and partners, you’ll lead the development and delivery of a forward-thinking, inclusive Vision for Volunteering for Somerset. With a remit that spans strategy development, community engagement, active citizenship and workforce wellbeing, this role will be key in exploring new and exciting approaches that makes volunteering accessible to all.

You’ll bring proven leadership experience in the third sector, and a track record of strategic planning and delivering change in complex environments. You’ll also have a passion for volunteering, a deep understanding of the volunteer experience, and excellent knowledge and understanding of the national and local volunteering landscape – including the opportunities and challenges.

In return, we offer flexible, hybrid working options, a free Employee Assistance Programme, and up to 7.5 hours of volunteering leave per year.

To find out more about this role, including how you can apply, please visit our website by clicking the button on this advert.

Macmillan Cancer Support – Head of Philanthropy

Location: Hybrid – London SE1

Salary: £80-88,000 per annum.

Contract: Full-time, 12 month fixed term contract.

Macmillan Cancer Supporter are seeking a Head of Philanthropy to lead a transformational change in building deeper, strategic relationships with high-net-worth individuals, trusts and foundations, and in the way Macmillan delivers impact through philanthropy.

Macmillan has spent more than 100 years helping people living with cancer. From the moment someone is diagnosed with cancer, they are there with all the information, support and guidance needed, to help everyone with cancer live life as fully as they can.

The Head of Philanthropy will lead a fundraising team to deliver a current annual target of £5m, whilst also developing an ambitious strategy to sustainably grow income; the charity’s goal is to build a £20m annual philanthropy programme by 2030. To that aim, the post-holder will be responsible for inspiring and supporting team members through a period of rapid growth and change and to maximise existing networks and build relationships with new supporters. They will also work with the Propositions team to develop compelling fundraising asks that galvanise support and work across the organisation to place philanthropy at the heart of everything the charity does.
 
The ideal candidate will be an inspiring, authentic leader who knows how to build high‑performing teams through collaboration, empowerment and excellent people management. You will bring significant experience securing and growing £1m+ relationships with high‑net‑worth individuals and trusts and foundations, alongside proven commercial acumen and a proven ability to manage multi‑million-pound budgets.

Candidates will have personally led major philanthropic gifts and multi‑million‑pound appeals, underpinned by a sophisticated approach to cultivation, stewardship and data‑driven insight. Comfortable influencing high‑profile stakeholders with gravitas and sensitivity, you will also be an innovator - someone who constructively challenges the status quo, developing new propositions and identifying opportunities to accelerate income growth.

Finally, you will be passionate about Macmillan’s mission and motivated by the opportunity to share the charity’s story and secure the resources it needs to expand reach and impact.

Please download our Candidate Pack for further information [PDF], which includes details on how to apply.

PLEASE NOTE: We will be longlisting applications as soon as we receive them, so please apply early to register your interest. 
 

Contract length: Permanent

Location: North West London

Hours per week: 35, working Sunday - Thursday, 9am-5pm

Salary:  £28k-£34k pa depending on experience and knowledge

Closing date for applications: Saturday 31st January 2026. First round interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams; interested candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible

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Every dog and cat in need deserves expert, personalised care and support, and to be loved. When you work for Mayhew, you understand that better than ever.

We’re a passionate, committed and diverse team of c80 staff and c150 volunteers, here for dogs, cats and communities in the UK, in Afghanistan and in Georgia. We offer expert veterinary care, rescue and rehoming services, programmes in the community and guidance and support to improve the lives of dogs and cats in need.

We do our best for dogs and cats in need every day, working with colleague across the sector to improve their lives and to give them the care, support and love they deserve. But it’s our warmth, creativity and care that touch lives. Here, we take the time to really get to know the dogs and cats we care for and those who love them.

At our North West London Home, we are recruiting a Head of Kennels who will share our compassion and commitment for animal welfare to provide front line leadership to our team of Kennel and Animal Care staff and volunteers. We care for up to fifteen dogs on site, in addition to dogs placed into foster homes. Our Head of Kennels is responsible for managing the day-to-day smooth running of our kennels and maintaining the wellbeing of all dogs in our care, so that their individual physical and psychological needs are catered for adequately, and in line with our standards and ethics.

This is a high profile and hugely important role for Mayhew as our Head of Kennels oversees each dog's journey through Mayhew from in-take to assessment and then to rehoming. Working with staff and volunteers across the Home, foster carers, adopters, other charities and rescues and members of the public, our Head of Kennels is instrumental in ensuring that our dogs have all they need - from feeding, exercising, cleaning, and socialising to finding their perfect forever home. This role can be physically and emotionally demanding but is also hugely rewarding; you can view some of our amazing rescue stories here.

Leading a small team, our Head of Kennels is responsible for managing all aspects of our dog in-takes, adoptions, fostering and Pet Refuge (read more here), managing our capacity to ensure we help as many dogs as we can and ensuring our dogs are rehomed to a home suited to their individual needs as soon as possible.

We offer a caring and supportive team and the chance to make a lasting difference to the lives of dogs who rely on us.

Generally, you will:

• Lead and manage our kennels and ensure the very best care and support is given to each of our dogs
• Proactively, collaboratively and resourcefully maintain relationships with volunteers, foster carers, adopters, other rescue managers and other colleagues in the wider Mayhew community
• Manage your team in an inclusive and collaborative way, enabling and empowering them
• Engage and collaborate with senior staff to ensure effective delivery of our strategic and operational goals

To be successful in this role, you need relevant experience in:

• Experience working with dogs, preferably in a shelter environment
• Knowledge of dog behaviour, training and welfare
• Experience of successfully motivating, managing, and developing a high performing team and managing performance
• Experience of effectively managing competing and changeable priorities, a high workload and multiple complex issues and tasks

Please note that successful candidate(s) will be asked to evidence of their Right to Work in the UK post-job offer – we do not hold a sponsor licence therefore we are unable to provide Visa sponsorship.

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.

Job Title:  Head of Transformation

Department:  Fundraising and Development

Reports to:  Director of Fundraising and Development

Direct reports: None

Location: Lingfield, Surrey

Salary: £65,000 per annum

Hours:  37 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date:  13th February 2026

Young Epilepsy is committed to safeguarding and protecting all children and young people who access sour services.

As part of our safer recruitment process, online searches will form part of this process. 

An Enhanced Disclosure with relevant Barring Service checks and full referencing will be required before employment can commence.

Your Role

Young Epilepsy is on a bold journey to become a truly technology-enabled charity, harnessing digital innovation to transform the way we work, the services we offer, and the way we engage with supporters, partners, and young people. This role will be at the heart of shaping that future.

As Head of Transformation, you will lead and deliver our five-year transformation strategy, turning ambitious plans into tangible results. You’ll be a senior change leader who can bridge strategy and execution, ensuring that digital adoption, innovation, and cultural change are embedded across the organisation.

You’ll work closely with our Strategy Steering Group and collaborate across Fundraising, Voice & Support, Research, Marketing, and Operations to ensure every part of Young Epilepsy benefits from a more connected, data-driven, and future-ready approach.

This is a rare chance to make a measurable difference to the lives of young people, while building the digital capabilities of a growing UK charity.

We’re looking for someone with a proven track record of delivering strategic programmes, demonstrating expertise in transformation management and cultural change. The ideal candidate will be a visionary, with exceptional collaboration and communication skills.

 What we need from you

You are an inspiring, strategic leader who combines vision with delivery. You have a track record of leading transformation programmes that deliver real, measurable change, ideally within a charity, public sector, or mission-driven organisation. In the role you will:

• Lead and deliver the overall 5-year transformation strategy ensuring programmes are on time, on budget, and deliver measurable impact.

• Turn vision into action — translating strategic goals into practical, deliverable projects that improve reach, efficiency, and outcomes.

• Champion a digital-first culture — embedding technology, data, and AI into service delivery, supporter engagement, and operational processes.
• Analyse current business processes to identify opportunities for automation, simplification and improved impact
• Develop plans to implement and drive organisational change, including adoption of digital and the use of AI
• Collaborate with programme managers and cross-functional teams to ensure projects align with strategic objectives, resources are used efficiently, and capacity is maximised

• Develop a monitoring and evaluation framework, to track progress, measure success and inform continuous improvement.

• Lead change management, supporting teams through transformation and building internal capability for innovation.
• Identify and mitigate risks and obstacles that may impede the success of the strategy

 Your benefits

• Comprehensive training and professional development opportunities
• Generous annual leave
• Occupational pension scheme
• Subsidised dining room
• Your Rewards, giving you access to nationwide discounts and benefits
• Free parking on site
• We are accessible by bus, by train via the East Grinstead branch of the Oxted Line and by car

About us

Epilepsy can be one of the most frightening and isolating conditions a child can experience. The loss of any sense of safety, trapped in an unpredictable world, not knowing when their next seizure will happen, where it will happen, who will be there and if they will be hurt.

Living in this unpredictable world takes its toll on a child’s physical and mental health, as well as impacting their education and social life. It can limit opportunities for the rest of their life.

Children with epilepsy have a right to be heard. We are here for them.

Together we can create a society where children and young people with epilepsy have a voice and can live happy, fulfilled lives. Through research that improves diagnosis and treatments, campaigning for children’s rights, and providing innovative tools, information, and practical support for living day-to-day life.

 

 No agencies please 

Young Epilepsy strives to employ people that reflect the community it serves; therefore, applications from minority groups and people with disabilities are particularly welcomed.
Young Epilepsy is the operating name of the National Centre for Young People with Epilepsy. Registered Charity No: 311877 (England and Wales).

If you do not hear anything within two weeks of the closing date, please assume you have been unsuccessful.  We reserve the right to close the job advert earlier than publicised should we receive a high volume of interest. 

Young Epilepsy is the operating name of the National Centre for Young People with Epilepsy. Registered Charity No: 311877 (England and Wales).

By providing finance and support, at SIB we enable charities and social enterprises to exist, grow and thrive. We have disbursed £0.8bn to thousands of organisations since 2002. Our team believes in the power of the social economy, champions the charities and social enterprises we support - and we are all working together to build stronger communities and a fairer society. 

It is a hugely exciting time to join the organisation. We are growing, investing in our expert team, and building on the successes of the last few years. 

Find out more about our values and what we do by visiting our website.

Our values are: People First, Curious, Bold, Collaborative, Accountable

About this role:

Reporting to the Head of Policy and Communications, the Policy and Communications Coordinator will support SIB’s track record of sector, government and media engagement, notably the high standard of publication set through its media partnerships with Tortoise and the Financial Times, its contributions to the policy landscape in the social sector, and its in-house data analysis and insight generation. This new post will contribute to SIB’s ongoing communications and public policy work and its reach and influence, building on a growing base of expertise across SIB’s three strategic priority areas: Green Transition, Infrastructure and Services.

Key responsibilities

1. Support the Head of Policy and Communications to deliver the Policy and Communications strategy for SIB.

2. Making use of media and parliamentary tracking software keep abreast of SIB’s strategic policy areas, sharing accessible updates and digests of relevant legislation and central and local government programming and media coverage.

3. Attend / watch online relevant parliamentary committees, All Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs) and Commons and Lords sessions, capturing relevant outcomes and identifying MPs and Lords that SIB should seek to work with / influence.

4. Support the Head of Policy and Communications to identify a key parliamentary contacts list. Create tailored communications for these key contacts which share relevant statistics and case studies from SIB’s portfolio, alongside policy influencing lines. This will include drafting questions and briefings where relevant, and ensuring that regular contact is maintained. 

5. Support the drafting of consultation responses and press releases using SIB’s core messaging, reporting, research and data.

6. Support SIB’s annual party conference attendance with coordination and administration in advance and in person.

7. Support the Head of Policy and Communications with attendance at influencing meetings and webinars with, for example, the Association of Decentralised Energy, Community Energy England, Locality, Better Society Capital, the Access Foundation and others.

8. Draft internal and external copy for newsletters and the SIB intranet and website.

9. Monitor the press email address and support correspondence with journalists on reactive and proactive stories.

10. Attend and provide oversight to the Social Investment Forum, as part of SIB’s secretariat and hosting.

11. Write, edit and produce engaging and relevant content at pace for web, social media and e-newsletters, as well as earned and paid channels.

12. Management of external suppliers of communications and policy activities, including agencies, designers, consultants and think tanks.

13. Work with the Marketing Manager, Marketing and Events Coordinator, Business Development Manager and wider team to deliver successful external events with customers, stakeholders and partners including attendance at Party Conferences.

14. Work in line with the organisation's values, principles and processes to achieve operational excellence.

15. Adopt our continuous improvement and learning ethos

16. Support and embed equality, diversity and inclusion into day-to-day behaviours and activities within your role as well as contributing more widely across SIB’s commitment to E, D & I

17. Support and contribute to the implementation and delivery of SIB’s strategy

18. In agreement with manager to undertake other tasks and work on cross team projects that support the objectives of SIB as required

Core competencies

• Previous experience of working in a public policy, PR, marketing, external affairs or communications role
• Excellent writing skills
• Good research skills, with an ability to absorb large amounts of information at pace, including in unfamiliar policy areas and produce cogent syntheses
• Strong collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively teams across functions in an integrated way
• Good established networks through experience in a similar role, and a commitment to expanding those networks to support SIB’s strategic aims
• Experience of building effective media partnerships
• Good working knowledge of data-driven storytelling in a variety of outlets from organisation websites to mainstream media and confidence in interpreting data and understanding the key points to be drawn from it to gain traction in media and campaigning environments
• Experience of developing and delivering effective communications campaigns, including through a range of digital channels
• Strong planning skills and an ability to multi-task, work well under pressure and meet deadlines
• Strong understanding of UK political context, especially as it concerns the social economy, and parliamentary process
• An understanding of how to promote research, policy papers, data analysis and other activities of a think tank and consultancy
• Excellent IT skills and the ability to learn new programmes quickly

Desirable competencies

• Data visualisation skills
• Data storytelling
• A good aesthetic eye and ability to shape images, visuals and formatting, and to liaise confidently with designers
• Understanding of the UK charity and social enterprise sectors

Education / Professional experience

• Experience in policy, research and media
• Experience of collaborative working across teams
• In-depth digital communications expertise

Head of Finance (Temporary Maternity Cover)

Salary: £66,351 FTE (pending April 2026 pay award)
Hours: 37 hours per week (part time hours maybe considered for the right candidate, if applying for part-time working, please add this to your supporting statement)
Contract: Fixed–term maternity cover (anticipated 9 months, with possible extension)
Location: Hybrid – Based anywhere in the South West, with travel to local hospice sites as required. This is a hybrid role, with the flexibility to work from home and attend your nearest hospice—Charlton Farm (Bristol), Little Bridge House (Barnstaple), or Little Harbour (St Austell)—as needed.

Make a real difference every day

At Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW), we provide vital, compassionate care for babies and children with life limiting conditions and their families. Our work is only possible thanks to our dedicated teams who share our passion, values and commitment to excellence.

We are looking for an experienced and inspirational Head of Finance to lead our finance function during a period of maternity leave. This is a key leadership position within CHSW, ensuring that our financial reporting, control environment and strategic planning continue to support outstanding care delivery.

If you are a senior finance professional who enjoys leading people, improving systems and delivering high quality financial information that informs organisational decision making, this is an exceptional opportunity to join a charity that truly changes lives.

About the Role

As Head of Finance, you will:

• Lead, motivate and develop the Finance team to deliver a professional, supportive and efficient service
• Oversee monthly and quarterly management accounts, KPIs and performance reporting
• Lead on budgeting, reforecasting, cashflow and short– to medium term cash management
• Produce annual statutory accounts for CHSW and its subsidiary, and work closely with external auditors
• Oversee payroll processing and statutory compliance (pensions, HMRC, P11Ds etc.)
• Ensure accurate VAT and tax accounting, working closely with specialist advisers
• Maintain effective financial controls, policies and system governance
• Act as the finance lead on cross functional projects and internal committees
• Work closely with senior leaders and operational colleagues, promoting strong financial stewardship across the organisation
• Support the Director of Finance & Retail, providing cover for SMT, committee and Board work where required

About You

To be successful, you will need the following:

• ACA qualified (or equivalent) and a member of a recognised accounting professional body (e.g., ICAEW)
• Significant finance leadership experience in a similar sized organisation
• Strong experience in:
o annual financial reporting and charity accounts
o budget preparation and financial modelling
o management accounts and KPI reporting
o financial processing functions
o internal controls and finance procedures
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex financial matters to non finance colleagues
• Experience leading and developing teams
• A proactive, solutions focused approach and the ability to manage multiple priorities
• A full UK driving licence

Ideally you will also have:

• Charity taxation experience, including VAT and partial exemption
• Experience with Xledger
• Experience working within a hospice, charity or large retail linked organisation
• Knowledge of statutory grant or charitable trust reporting

What we offer:

We value our staff and offer an excellent working environment with an enthusiastic and committed team, you will also benefit from:

• 33 days (plus bank holidays) holiday entitlement, which increases with service
• enhanced sick pay scheme rising up to 6 months full and 6 months half pay*
• personal pension scheme with 7% employer contribution
• family friendly policies, with enhanced maternity/adoption pay
• occupational health, wellbeing and counselling services and employee assistance programme
• group life insurance scheme
• training and development opportunities
• environmental and green agenda
• a supportive and inclusive environment
• a chance to make a real difference

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your CV and a supporting statement outlining how your experience meets the role requirements. If you are looking to relocate prior to taking on this post or are interested in part time hours, please specify this in your supporting statement.

Closing date: 15/02/2026
Interview date: Anticipated initial telephone screening 19/02/2026 and face to face meetings at our Charlton Farm Hospice near Bristol on 26/02/2026

If you have any questions, please visit our website to find our more, or use our email to contact us and speak to one of our HR team today 

Please note: We may close this vacancy early if sufficient suitable applications are received; therefore we recommend you apply early

CHSW Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

CHSW is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and all employees must apply for an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Charity Registration Number 1003314

You may have experience of the following: Finance Manager, Senior Finance Manager, Finance Lead, Head of Financial Operations, Financial Controller, Group Financial Controller, Financial Reporting Manager, Director of Finance (Deputy/Associate), Finance Business Partner (Senior/Lead).

REF-226 436

A place to create moments that matter

Location: Peterborough, Hybrid with regular travel to sites and other offices as required.
Salary: £72,061 per annum (including essential car user allowance)
Permanent, 35 hours per week, Monday – Friday 9am-5pm. 

Thousands of families across the country rely on us for a safe, affordable home. And as the housing crisis deepens, the work we do has never been more important.  

It’s this belief - that everyone deserves a place to call home - that drives everything we do. Together, we find new ways to understand and champion our customers, support them and drive positive change.   

For a career that means more and makes a meaningful impact on society, this is the place to be.  

About the role  

Whether you're an established Senior Development Manager seeking a new challenge, or a talented Development Manager ready to take the next step, this is an exciting opportunity to lead, shape, and grow a regional affordable housing programme that truly makes an impact.

We’re looking for someone who’s confident, driven, and passionate about development – someone who can guide a team and also roll up their sleeves when needed.

You’ll be at the forefront of our development ambitions, leading and supporting a team of Development Managers across the region while also playing an active role in securing and delivering high-quality affordable housing.

You will:

• Lead and mentor Development Managers, ensuring successful delivery across land, planning, contracting, and construction.
• Drive new business: sourcing opportunities, building pipeline, shaping pre-contract activity and securing sites.
• Take the lead on land acquisitions, negotiating development agreements, JCTs, and other key contracts.
• Oversee construction delivery through your team, ensuring schemes run to budget, programme, and quality.
• Build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships with land agents, developers, local authorities, Homes England, contractors, and solicitors.
• Maintain strong control over risk, value for money and strategic alignment to our growth objectives.

You’ll be making a measurable difference across our affordable housing programme, working with Homes England and government-funded initiatives to secure and deliver the homes our communities need.

This is a role with reach, responsibility, and room to grow – ideal for someone who wants to lead from the front.

Salary

The salary for the Senior Development Manager post is £70,811 per annum for applicants who fully meet the requirements of the post. If you’re still developing some of the skills or experience, you can start at a salary 5% or 10% below the spot rate, with clear support and progression opportunities to reach the full amount.

You’ll also receive an Essential Car User Allowance starting at £1,250, supporting the travel required across our regional development sites.

About you  

• Experience in sourcing land-led development opportunities and managing residential projects from inception to completion 
• Strong financial management skills, and experience with Homes England audit requirements. Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with external partners, stakeholders, and local authorities
• Effective negotiation and project management skills.
• Ability to foster engagement with wider community stakeholders such as parish councils. Represent Development by engaging with internal teams at all stages of the development process.
• CIH Level 4 Certificate in Housing (or equivalent qualification) or willingness to work towards or qualified through experience
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle

A place to build a future

And because we believe great work deserves great rewards, here’s what you can look forward to:

• Generous time off – 28 days holiday plus bank holidays, an extra day for your birthday, and the option to buy more.
• Health & wellbeing support – Cash health plan, Health MOTs, online GP access, gym discounts, and a dedicated volunteering day for a cause you care about.
• Financial perks – Car leasing options, salary sacrifice schemes, and exclusive discounts through our benefits platform to help your money go further.
• Future-focused benefits – Access to both Defined Contribution and Defined Benefit pension schemes through salary sacrifice, plus life assurance at three times your salary for peace of mind.
• Family-friendly policies – Enhanced parental leave, flexible working options, and support for work-life balance.
• Career development – From Stepping into Management and Management Essentials training to our Leadership Academy, apprenticeships, and more – we’ll help you grow and succeed.

We’re Committed to Inclusion

We believe diversity makes us stronger and we’re committed to creating a place where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to thrive.

Our recruitment process is designed to be accessible and inclusive, and if you need any reasonable adjustments at any stage, just let us know – we’ll make it happen.

Because this isn’t just a workplace – it’s a place to belong.

Please don’t delay in submitting your application. Where roles are urgent or we receive a high volume of applications, we may interview and conclude the process prior to any closing date indicated.

Recruitment Agencies: We work exclusively with partners on our preferred supplier list (PSL) and do not accept unsolicited CVs or speculative approaches from agencies for this role.

You may also have experience in the following: Head of Development, Development Lead, Housing Development Manager, Regional Development Manager, Land & Planning Manager, Affordable Housing Programme Manager, Development Project Manager, Senior Land Manager, Regeneration Manager, Housing Delivery Manager.

REF-226 377

About Muscular Dystrophy Support Centre (MDSC)

Muscular Dystrophy Support Centre (MDSC) is a regional charity supporting people affected by muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular conditions. We deliver a growing portfolio of health, wellbeing and community-based services, underpinned by strong values, lived experience and a commitment to quality.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Head of Delivery to provide inspirational operational leadership across our services. This is a senior leadership role responsible for ensuring high-quality, compliant and sustainable delivery, while supporting growth, innovation and continuous improvement.

Working closely with the CEO and Senior Team, the postholder will embed a strong performance culture, champion service-user involvement, and ensure services meet regulatory, contractual and organisational requirements.

Head of Delivery JD

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for MDSC’s service delivery portfolio
• Lead and manage delivery teams, ensuring consistent, high-quality performance
• Oversee safeguarding, risk management, health & safety and regulatory compliance
• Develop and maintain quality systems, audits and performance frameworks
• Champion meaningful service-user involvement and co-production
• Lead service development, mobilisation and change management initiatives
• Build productive relationships with commissioners, funders and partners
• Oversee service budgets, financial planning and sustainability
• Support staff development, supervision and performance management

About You

You will be a confident operational leader with significant experience in health, care or disability services. You will bring strong people management skills, financial acumen and a clear understanding of quality, compliance and performance management in regulated environments.

You will be credible with commissioners and partners, comfortable leading change, and committed to ensuring services are shaped by the people who use them.

What We Offer

• A senior leadership role with real influence and responsibility
• The opportunity to shape and grow impactful services
• Supportive, values-driven organisational culture
• Pension contribution
• Annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays
• Ongoing professional development

Safeguarding

This role is subject to a probationary period and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements 
• 40 days paid leave per year: 25 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, 3 days between Christmas and New Year and 4 wellbeing days
• Strong commitment to professional development with a dedicated training budget
• Annual performance and pay progression reviews
• Up to 5% pension contribution
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme offering access to free therapy
• Work phone and laptop
• A supportive and inclusive culture with regular team social events
• Scope to take real ownership in a fast-growing charity   

Personal development programme: 

• You will have a line manager dedicated to growing your strengths and supporting your professional skills development 
• You can work with your manager to set your own objectives within the scope of the job description 
• You will have a dedicated buddy within the team 
• You will take part in external and internal training to help grow your knowledge and skills

Please note that care-experienced applicants who meet the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview. We are actively trying to increase the diversity of our team and we encourage applications from people from minoritised ethnic backgrounds. We are dedicated to being a workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging and where diversity is celebrated. In our last staff survey, 95% said they feel a sense of belonging at Settle. Please see our website for more information on our approach to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. 

We are looking for a Partnerships Engagement Officer to join us at this exciting stage in Settle’s development. Over the next few years, we aim to significantly grow the number of young people we are working with while maintaining the quality and impact of our programme. The Partnerships Engagement Officer will join the Business Development Team, reporting to the Senior Partnerships Manager. You will be integral to helping us to grow our reach so that we can work with more care-experienced young people across London. 

The successful candidate will nurture and strengthen our existing partnerships to maximise referral numbers. The core of the role will be to build strong formal and informal relationships with partners and increase awareness and a deeper understanding of Settle’s work. You will make regular in-person visits to Local Authority, Housing Association and charity referral partners across London to promote the Settle programme and ensure our offer is well understood and uptake is maximised.  Ideally, you will spend some of your time working from partner offices. 

With some experience of working for or with local authorities, housing associations or charities, you enjoy working collaboratively to improve processes and widen access to opportunities in order to create better outcomes for young people. This role will suit someone who can work independently and appreciates variety in their work: one day you might enjoy a lively conversation with a group of social workers and another you will delve into the data to produce informative reports for partners.