341 Head of development services jobs

Job Summary 
The Service Manager - Z House will provide operational leadership for Z House, Caring in Bristol’s emergency accommodation service for young people aged 18–25 experiencing housing crisis. 

The Service Manager will be responsible for ensuring that Z House is a safe, welcoming, well-managed and psychologically informed service, where young people are treated with dignity and supported to move towards greater stability and appropriate longer-term accommodation. 

You will lead the day-to-day operation of Z House, overseeing referrals and placements, safeguarding with support from our Safeguarding team and risk management, staff and volunteer practice, accommodation standards, partnership working and service development. 

The Service Manager role will combine operational management with a strong focus on relationships and practice. You will work closely with the young people using Z House, the wider Caring in Bristol team and partners across Bristol to ensure that the service responds effectively to individual needs while contributing to our wider ambition to prevent and reduce homelessness. 
 
The role will also have capacity to lead or contribute to the development and delivery of additional accommodation or youth-focused projects that sit within the scope of Z House and Caring in Bristol’s Support Services. This may include developing new provision, responding to emerging needs and opportunities, and working with partners to extend or adapt our accommodation offer. 

Reporting to the Head of Support Services, you will be part of the wider Support Services team and will contribute to the development of Caring in Bristol’s approach to accommodation, youth homelessness and early intervention. 

Key responsibilities 

• Lead the day-to-day operation of Z House, ensuring the service is safe, effective, welcoming and responsive to the needs of young people experiencing housing crisis.

• Manage the referral, assessment and placement process, making appropriate decisions about suitability and ensuring risks and support needs are identified and managed effectively.

• Oversee safeguarding practice within Z House, ensuring concerns are identified, responded to and escalated appropriately and in line with organisational procedures.

• Lead the development and implementation of effective operational systems, policies and procedures that support high-quality and consistent service delivery.

• Manage and support staff and volunteers involved in Z House, creating a positive, inclusive and reflective culture and ensuring people have the information, training and support they need to work safely and effectively.

• Build strong relationships with referral partners and organisations across Bristol, ensuring young people can access appropriate specialist support and move towards suitable longer-term accommodation.

• Develop effective pathways with the wider Caring in Bristol support offer, ensuring Z House guests can access appropriate support around housing, independent living and other areas of need. 

• Budget responsibility Manage the Z House budget effectively, ensuring expenditure is appropriately monitored, controlled and managed within agreed financial parameters. 

• Lead or contribute to the development and delivery of new projects and service developments within the scope of Z House and Support Services, responding flexibly to emerging opportunities, funding and identified needs 

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, 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.

About the Role

The South London Centre Manager will have overall responsibility for the day-to-day management, smooth running and development of the South London centre and Smart Works service in Croydon.

They will oversee the delivery of a high-quality Smart Works service, to include managing centre operations, leading and supporting the volunteer community, and building strong relationships with local partners and stakeholders, to ensure that Smart Works is well-embedded in the South London community.

The Centre Manager will be a highly organised and proactive individual who enjoys making things happen. They will be equally comfortable managing the practical running of a busy public-facing centre, supporting clients and volunteers, representing Smart Works externally and identifying opportunities to grow the service.

They will be a natural relationship builder who is able to create a vibrant, friendly and inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome.

The role would be based in the South London centre, and there will be occasional evening and weekend work for which staff are awarded TOIL. There will also be an expectation that this role may need to visit other Smart Works London centres or travel for outreach events and activities throughout the city.

How to Apply

Please submit a CV and a cover letter which answers the following questions by 29th September at 5pm. Your application should be addressed to Fiona Hollow, Head of London Service Delivery

• Why do you want to work for Smart Works? (Max 250 words)
• How will you create a positive atmosphere and environment for clients, volunteers and staff members in our South London centre? (Max 250 words)
• Tell us about a time you have worked effectively in a team to solve a problem. (Max 250 words)

1st round interviews will take place on Monday 5th October and will be virtual. If you are unable to attend a virtual interview for any reason, please let us know to discuss another arrangement.2nd round interviews will take place on Friday 9th October and will be in person in Croydon.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or alterations for the application and recruitmentprocesses, please reach out to us.

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.

Providence Row is recruiting for a Health Inclusion Manager. Founded in 1860, we are an established charity that delivers support for individuals who are homeless and rough sleepers.

This is a permanent full-time role (35 hours per week) with a salary of £41,175.

Job located at The Dellow Centre, London E1 7SA.

Auto enrolment from day one into the People’s Pension.

The role will lead, coordinate and develop Providence Row’s Health Inclusion Service so that people experiencing homelessness and multiple disadvantage can access high-quality, inclusive health and wellbeing support. Also to oversee the Health Hub, Health & Wellness Fairs and associated partnerships, ensuring delivery is safe, effective, well-coordinated and aligned with organisational priorities and funding requirements.

Closing date is Monday 05 October 2026.

To apply, please upload your CV with a covering letter detailing how you meet the person specification.

Location: Somerset Heritage Centre, Brunel Way, Norton Fitzwarren, Taunton, TA2 6SF
Salary: £39,909
Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday (occasional evening and weekend work)
Contract: Permanent

To apply please complete the South West Heritage Trust application form which can be found together with the recruitment pack in the links at the bottom of this advert. Please note that CVs are not accepted as applications

About the role

South West Heritage Trust is seeking an experienced and motivated Fundraising Manager to help strengthen our long-term financial sustainability and grow our charity fundraising activity. This is an exciting opportunity to join the Trust at a key point in its development and to shape our approach to fundraising as our first dedicated fundraising professional.

Working closely with colleagues across the organisation, the Fundraising Manager will identify and secure funding from trusts and foundations, develop opportunities for individual giving and legacy support, and establish effective systems and processes to support successful charity fundraising. The role will build a strong pipeline of funding opportunities to support exhibitions, learning programmes, collections work and the Trust’s wider strategic priorities.

This post sits within the Central Services team and reports to the Head of Development and Partnerships.
The South West Heritage Trust is a charity which delivers a broad range of heritage services across Somerset and Devon. We are a growing organisation, founded on services that were previously delivered by Somerset and Devon County Councils. With a turnover exceeding £5 million, we manage and run three museums (including the Museum of Somerset), two Archives and Local Studies services and look after the historic environment in Somerset.

We are committed to building an organisation as diverse as the communities we serve. Your application for this role will be welcomed whatever your background and regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage or civil partnership.

If you would like to have an informal discussion or experience any difficulties with the recruitment process, please contact Ann Bradford (HR and Governance Manager)

The Head of Operations will provide strategic leadership and oversight of HEY Smile Foundation’s governance arrangements, organisational systems and infrastructure, human resources and culture, and buildings and facilities. The role will ensure Smile has the people, processes, controls and resources to deliver its purpose reliably and respond confidently to future opportunities. Working closely with the CEO and senior leadership team, the postholder will translate organisational strategy into a clear operational plan, strengthen accountability and lead improvements across the charity. They will provide the CEO and trustees with timely information, assurance and practical recommendations on operational performance, capacity and risk.

This is a senior leadership role combining strategic oversight with the ability to secure delivery through colleagues, managers and specialist providers. The postholder will establish clear responsibilities, standards and reporting, intervening directly where necessary and building capacity so that routine delivery does not depend on the CEO.

Active Communities Development Worker

Grade: NJC Point t23 - £34,434 FTE

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Days: Monday to Friday (core hours are worked between 8am – 6pm)

Contract: Fixed-term contract, initially 12 months (continuation subject to further funding)

Responsible to: Senior Strategic Lead

Place of work: Salford CVS’ offices in Eccles, Salford, M30 0FN and out in Salford’s communities

Salford CVS delivers a range of projects and services that build resilient communities and encourage local people to be active citizens.

You’ll work primarily across our volunteering and emergency response activity, including helping to develop and deliver Salford CVS’s own active communities volunteering programmes. This will vary throughout the year, but you can expect to spend roughly half your time on emergency response and half on volunteering - and in practice, the two often overlap.

Main purposes of the post

To engage with a wide range of partners and volunteers to build active, more connected and resilient communities within the city of Salford. To deliver multiple areas of work around civil contingencies, humanitarian response and emergency response in Salford – from coordinating clear plans and processes and training and supporting volunteers, to enabling VCSE organisations to engage with the work. To support the development of our volunteering and active communities work across multiple services, including the rewarding, people-facing work of coordinating volunteers for local events and celebrations.

The Benefits of Working for Salford CVS

• 28 days’ holiday - rising to 30 days (after five years), plus Bank Holidays (pro rata for part-time)

• Enhanced company sick and maternity pay, subject to terms and conditions of service

• Pension scheme - with 7% employer contribution (and 1% mandatory employee contribution)

• Cycle to Work scheme

• Membership of the Hospital Saturday Fund via an employer subsidised scheme (optional and non-contractual)

• RHS family membership (optional and non-contractual)

• Development opportunities - we support and encourage our staff to progress in their careers (including formal training)

• A supportive working culture - we respect and support one another to do the best we can

We are an accredited Living Wage Employer, Living Hours Employer and Living Wage Funder, ensuring not just our staff are paid the ‘real’ Living Wage but also that any projects we fund can do the same.

Closing Date: 12 noon, Friday 2nd October 2026

Interviews: Tuesday 13th October 2026, in person at Salford CVS’ offices

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Social Prescribing Team Lead to oversee the delivery and ongoing development of Bexley's Social Prescribing Service. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a dedicated team supporting residents to improve their health, wellbeing and independence through access to community-based support. 

As Team Lead, you will provide operational leadership to a team of Community Wellbeing Coordinators, ensuring high-quality, person-centred support for residents. You will work closely with GP practices, NHS partners, commissioners, local authority teams and voluntary sector organisations to strengthen partnerships, identify emerging community needs and support service improvement across the borough. 

This role combines leadership, partnership working, quality assurance and performance management responsibilities with a small resident-facing caseload. 

We are looking for someone with: 

• Experience of leading, supervising or supporting staff or volunteers. 

• Strong relationship-building skills and experience working across organisations and sectors. 

• Experience using data, performance information and reporting to improve services. 

• Knowledge of safeguarding responsibilities for adults, children and young people. 

• An understanding of social prescribing and person-centred approaches. 

• A passion for reducing health inequalities and supporting stronger communities.

If you are a motivated leader who wants to make a real difference to residents and communities across Bexley, we would love to hear from you. 

Why Work for Us
• Hybrid working 
• Additional Birthday Day off 
• Flexitime and TOIL 
• Pension employer contribution 6%
• Two volunteering days (pro rata)
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata)
• Access to the Blue Light Card 
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
• A positive, inclusive team culture where your ideas are valued
• Enhanced maternity/paternity pay
• Employee Assistance Programme

Salary:£50,000–£55,000 per annum (full-time equivalent) with a part-time salary of £30,000–£33,000 per annum, depending on experience.
Contract: Permanent  
Hours: Part-time, 22.5 hours per week  
Location: Hybrid working with a combination of working from our office based in Putney, London (SW15) and working from home 

About Us 

Our vision is for every child and young person to be safe,lovedand happy, achieve their potential and have a bright future. 

St Christopher's is a leading children's charity with a long history of providing high-quality fostering services, children'shomesand innovative leaving care support across the UK. 

Everything we do is centred around helping children and young people build brighter futures. We are particularly committed to supporting those who cannot remain with their families or foster carers, ensuring they have the opportunities, stability and support they deserve. 

Weare proud to be an inclusive employer and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, abilities, genders, sexual orientations,agesand faiths. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. 

About the Role 

The key objective of this role is to support Trustees and the Senior Leadership Team with strategic development and income growth, by identifying opportunities, presenting business cases, leading on tendering activity, and project mobilisation. Building strong relationships with external commissioners and funders is also key to this post. 

This is a critical role for the organisation, at a time when we are actively seeking to grow existing and new services. You will have the opportunity to inform the charity’s future development, and to build relationships with key external stakeholders including local authority commissioners.

Applicants should have

• Education to A level standard, or equivalent. 

• Experience of leading business development activity within the non-profit sector. 

• Strong track record of making recommendations about income growth opportunities to senior management and/or at a Board level 

• Experience of the commissioning landscape in children’s / 16+ residential/ fostering services

• Experience of leading external stakeholder engagement at a senior level 

• People Management experience and working collaboratively with key stakeholders. 

• Strong business plan, tenders and bids writing skills. 

• Ability to build effective working relationships with commissioners and deliver effective presentations. 

• Analytical skills - the ability to analyse financial & statistical data to inform decision-making. 

What we offer

• Competitive salary: £30,000- £33,000 per annum for part time role.

• Annual salary review based on performance. 

• A friendly working environment at a values-led charitable organisation.

• 25 days holiday rising to 27 days after 3 years’ service, plus Bank Holidays, pro-rata for part time working.

• Contributory pension scheme, enhanced maternity and company sick scheme.

• UK Life Assurance (Death in service) to the value of 3 times your annual salary.

• BUPA employee assistance programme, offering counselling, financial advice and legal support.

• Cycle to work scheme.

• Bluelight card; discount shopping scheme at hundreds of retailers across the UK both in store and online.

• Discretionary funded training programs for you to explore and attain new and relevant skills.

• Employee awards based on performance and length of service.

• Fantastic opportunities to develop your career within our range of services. 

Recruitment Process 

To apply, please complete our application form along with a supporting statement outlining how you meet the criteria listed in the Person Specification. Please note that applications without a supporting statement will not be considered. 

Please note we review applications as they are received, so early application is encouraged. 

Interviews: 1/10/2026 and 2/10/2026

Safer Recruitmentnote: 

St Christopher’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to thorough screening, including DBS checks. 

Please note that it is against the law to apply for work with Children/Young People if you are barred from working in Regulated Activity and if your name is added to a Children Barred List. 

All shortlisted candidates invited to interview will be asked tosubmita Self-Declaration and Disclosure form which will need to be returned prior to an interview being booked. 

High Trees Community Development Trust is seeking an ambitious Head of Community Research & Impact to join our senior management team and lead one of our core service areas.

Community-led research sits at the heart of how High Trees works. Our approach aims to rebalance the role and power that communities have in deciding how research is informed, delivered and used to improve lives for Lambeth residents. Over recent years we have built a strong foundation for this work and developed two flagship community research partnerships — the Lambeth Peer Action Collective and the Lambeth Community Research Network. We are now looking for someone to significantly expand this work: building local evidence of community need, working with communities to identify solutions and appropriate responses to local challenges, and advocating for change to policy and practice where needed.

This is a broad and varied leadership role. Alongside our direct research programmes, you will lead the development of infrastructure around community-led research in Lambeth, so that voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations can access the training, resources and networks they need to design and deliver their own research. You will also lead our Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning and Communications functions, ensuring the impact of everything we do is understood, evidenced and communicated well.

As part of High Trees’ senior management team, the Head of Community Research & Impact will not only oversee delivery in their service area, but also help shape organisational strategy, grow partnerships and income, and ensure we work as one High Trees — keeping our practice responsive, collaborative and always led by community need.

About High Trees

Based in Tulse Hill, High Trees has been rooted in the local community for nearly 30 years. We deliver community action, employment, education, youth services and community research, working in partnership with local people and local organisations to build stronger communities and create meaningful change. We are recognised for our collaborative, long-term approach and our ability to adapt and respond to the issues that matter most to local people.

About the role

As Head of Community Research & Impact, you will:

• Lead and inspire our Research & Impact team to deliver high-quality, community-led research that drives change.
• Shape and deliver High Trees’ strategic vision for community-led research, championing collaborative research practice across Lambeth.
• Take the lead on designing new research programmes, support with sourcing the funding to run them, and ensuring projects are completed to a high standard with high-quality outputs.
• Grow the infrastructure for community-led research locally, including through the Lambeth Community Research Network and the Lambeth Peer Action Collective.
• Support VCS organisations with community research training, resources and capacity building support.
• Lead and embed Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) and Communications across High Trees and our partnership work.
• Contribute as a member of High Trees’ senior management team, ensuring a joined-up approach across all our services.

About you

We are looking for someone who brings:

• Significant professional experience in research and/or community settings, with a track record of leading research projects.
• Experience of qualitative and mixed methods research and a working knowledge of participatory research approaches.
• A proven track record of leading teams and managing multiple projects and programmes at once.
• The ability to build trust and long-lasting relationships across community, academic, public sector and voluntary sector organisations.
• A strategic mindset, balancing day-to-day delivery with long-term vision.
• A solid understanding of the context in which High Trees delivers its work

Why join us?

This is a rare opportunity to take a senior leadership role in a values-led organisation at a time of growth and ambition. You will help set the standard for community-led research and system change, creating tools, resources and practices that benefit the wider sector — and be part of a collaborative team dedicated to creating lasting change.

About Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis

Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis is a UK charity. We bring people together to drive change so that everyone affected by pulmonary fibrosis can live well for longer.

We provide support, information and education, raise awareness, campaign for better diagnosis and care, and invest in research. Our strategy, For Every Breath, Every Journey, Every Future, is shaped by lived experience and supported by stronger organisational foundations and sustainable income.

The role

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you will lead APF's communications, marketing and engagement function. You will turn organisational priorities into an integrated plan, set clear standards and measures, advise senior leaders and ensure that marketing, media, content, digital and internal communications work together.

You will lead three managers: the Senior Marketing and Communications Manager, the Press, PR and Stories Manager, and the Communications Operations and Engagement Manager. The Digital Marketing Coordinator will report to the Senior Marketing and Communications Manager. This structure gives you the scope to shape the whole function while delegating specialist delivery clearly.

Your early work will include establishing the team operating model and annual plan, moving PF Together to quarterly publication, strengthening email marketing, leading a complete website content rewrite, creating clearer supporter journeys and building a proactive media and story pipeline. You will also work closely with fundraising so that strong propositions and campaigns reach the right audiences and contribute to acquisition, retention and income growth.

The role will lead APF's approach to communications data, performance reporting and responsible use of AI and connected systems. Human judgement, data protection and information security will remain central to how these tools are used.

Harris Hill are delighted to be partnering with Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis (APF), the UK’s leading charity for people affected by pulmonary fibrosis, to recruit a Head of Support Services.

Salary: £50,000 – £59,000 per annum
Location: Hybrid role, with attendance at the charity’s Peterborough office for team meetings, collaboration and other key activities, typically on a quarterly basis, alongside travel to meetings, events and partner sites as required.

With an ambitious five-year strategy, APF is entering an exciting period of growth. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing and expanding its support services, ensuring they are accessible, inclusive, evidence-led and sustainable.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the strategic direction, planning and continuous improvement of APF’s patient-facing support services.
• Lead the redesign of APF’s Support Group Network, using insight, evaluation and lived experience to develop a sustainable and inclusive new model.
• Work with the Support Line team to develop a new delivery model that expands access to specialist support.
• Drive innovation, including the appropriate use of technology and digital solutions to improve access, quality and experience.
• Lead and develop teams across the Support Line and Support Networks, creating a supportive, inclusive and accountable culture.
• Oversee the delivery and development of APF’s Support Line, Support Networks and volunteering approach.
• Ensure people affected by pulmonary fibrosis are meaningfully involved in shaping services.
• Build strong partnerships with healthcare professionals, clinical colleagues, community organisations and other external stakeholders.
• Develop and oversee partnership arrangements, KPIs, reporting and evaluation.
• Ensure services operate safely and effectively, with strong safeguarding, governance, risk management and quality processes.
• Manage budgets and resources effectively, contributing to financial planning and forecasting.
• Work with Fundraising colleagues to provide service insight, outcomes and evidence to support funding proposals and reports.
• Represent APF externally and promote its support offer and approach.

We are looking for:

• Significant experience of leading service change and developing new models of delivery using insight, evaluation and user feedback.
• Strong experience of partnership working, including formal agreements, KPIs, reporting and evaluation.
• Experience managing teams, budgets and resources, with the ability to develop and motivate others.
• Experience working with volunteers, peer support groups, communities or people with lived experience.
• An understanding of safeguarding, confidentiality, data protection and risk management within service delivery.
• Experience of using data, insight and feedback to improve services and demonstrate impact.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to build trust across a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong planning, prioritisation and problem-solving skills.
• A collaborative and values-led approach, with sound judgement and confidence making decisions.
• A commitment to inclusive, accessible and person-centred support.

Experience within a health charity, patient organisation, helpline, peer support or voluntary sector setting would be desirable, as would experience working with healthcare professionals or NHS stakeholders.

This is a unique opportunity to shape and grow APF’s support offer and make a meaningful difference to people affected by pulmonary fibrosis.

If you are an experienced support services leader looking for a role where you can combine strategic leadership with real-world impact, we would love to hear from you.

For more information, please submit your CV.

Please note, CVs are being reviewed on a rolling basis, and only successful applicants will be contacted with more information.

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.

12-month fixed-term contract | Full-time 

Salary: £58,560 – £71,480 per annum

Hours: 35 per week

Location: Home-based with regular national travel 

Job reference number: 1766

Help shape the future of Cranstoun’s services 

Cranstoun is a social justice and harm reduction charity supporting and empowering people to live healthier and safer lives. Each year, we support more than 45,000 people through services including substance use, criminal justice, domestic abuse, housing and services for children and young people. 

Following a successful five-year strategy and significant growth, we remain ambitious about the difference we can make. As we enter our next phase, we are investing in the leadership and operational capability needed to support our continued development. We are now recruiting an Assistant Directors of Services to join our senior management team. 

This is a significant senior leadership role offering the opportunity to lead substantial service portfolios while helping shape how Cranstoun’s services are led and delivered across the organisation. 

The role 

Reporting to the Director of Operations, you will lead a substantial portfolio of complex commissioned services and senior operational managers. 

You will lead nine services with nine direct reports, spanning criminal justice and housing/homelessness provision. You will have clear accountability for ensuring services are safe, effective and well-led, with strong contractual performance, financial sustainability and positive outcomes for the people and communities we support. 

You will provide operational grip and evidence-based assurance, strengthen safeguarding and management accountability, build effective relationships with commissioners and partners, and ensure risks and underperformance are identified, escalated and addressed early. 

You will also work collectively with fellow senior operational leaders to embed a One Cranstoun approach, strengthening common standards, sharing learning, developing leadership capability and improving quality and resilience across our services. 

What you will be accountable for 

As an Assistant Director, you will take senior operational accountability for: 

• Safe, effective and well-led services – ensuring strong safeguarding, quality, operational risk management and service user outcomes.  
• Contractual performance – ensuring services deliver against contractual requirements and KPIs, with strong commissioner relationships and timely action to address underperformance.  
• Financial sustainability – maintaining strong financial oversight, effective workforce management and oversight of the sustainability of individual contracts.  
• Evidence-based assurance – using reliable performance, quality, workforce and financial information to identify risks and drive improvement.  
• Collective organisational leadership – working beyond individual portfolio boundaries to build consistent standards, stronger leadership and shared ways of working across Cranstoun.  

You will lead and develop senior operational managers, set clear expectations and create a culture in which support and accountability operate together. 

You will also lead and contribute to service mobilisation, transformation, workforce planning and continuous improvement. 

Who we are looking for 

We are looking for established senior operational leaders with substantial experience leading complex commissioned services and geographically dispersed teams. 

You will bring a strong track record of: 

• leading safe, high-quality services for people with complex needs;  
• safeguarding, quality and operational risk management;  
• contract and performance management;  
• managing significant service budgets and improving financial performance;  
• building effective relationships with commissioners, regulators and strategic partners;  
• leading service improvement, mobilisation and organisational change;  
• developing senior operational managers and addressing underperformance; and  
• using performance, quality, workforce and financial information to provide assurance and drive improvement.  

You will need to combine strategic leadership with operational pragmatism, understanding the detail when necessary while maintaining oversight of performance, risk, quality and sustainability across a complex portfolio. 

Above all, we are looking for collaborative, credible and values-led leaders who can support and challenge in equal measure, build leadership capability and bring people together around common standards and organisational priorities. 

Specialist experience 

For this role, you will need significant leadership experience across both Criminal Justice and Housing/Homelessness services, including housing or accommodation-based provision. 

You will understand the complexity of working across criminal justice, housing, local government and other statutory systems and be experienced in building effective relationships with commissioners and partners while maintaining strong operational and contractual oversight. 

This is a 12-month fixed-term appointment at an important stage in Cranstoun’s transformation, offering the opportunity to lead a significant portfolio, strengthen operational performance and help shape the future development of our operating model. 

Be part of Cranstoun’s next chapter 

Our successful five-year strategy has seen Cranstoun grow considerably, extending our reach and the range of services we provide. We remain ambitious and innovative, committed to developing services that respond to the changing needs of people and communities. 

As we look to the future, we are investing in the leadership, operational capability and organisational infrastructure needed to support our continued development, strengthening operational governance, consistency and assurance across our services. 

This role offers the opportunity to do more than manage established portfolios. You will help shape the future of our services and build an Operations Directorate characterised by high standards, clear accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement. 

Find out more 

Please refer to the accompanying recruitment pack for the full Job Description, Person Specification and details of the application process.

Please note: All posts are subject to an Enhanced DBS check.

How to Apply:

For more details and to apply, please visit our website via the apply button. Please quote the appropriate Job Ref in all correspondence.

Applicants must be able to provide satisfactory evidence of their right to work in the UK at the application stage.

Sponsorship is not available for this post. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK that does not require employer sponsorship for the duration of the appointment.

Closing date: Sunday 20 September 2026.

We are an inclusive employer, committed to promoting equality and diversity in all areas of our work. 

Registered Charity No: 1061582

Rural Refugee Network (RRN) is a small local charity in East Hampshire, Havant and Portsmouth, working alongside refugees and people seeking asylum through the work of six board members, thirty operational volunteers, one part-time permanent employee and a small bank of project staff and contractors. The charity is widely recognised by stakeholders and the local community for sensitively and effectively addressing the many challenges people arriving in the UK face as they strive to resettle and thrive in our community.

RRN is seeking an experienced Head of Operations to lead its support for refugees and people seeking asylum. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a small charity through a period of significant change, with overall operational responsibility for the charity, including partnerships, funding, coordination of delivery, safeguarding and compliance. 

Working directly with a range of stakeholders and beneficiaries, the ideal candidate for this complex and high trust role will be self-reliant, adaptable, and able to engage and influence through excellent face-to-face and online communication skills. This is a genuinely flexible role, with significant autonomy over when and where work is undertaken. There will be regular opportunities for in-person team management and relationship-building, alongside substantial flexibility in how the wider working week is structured and where work is carried out. We are looking for someone who is confident working independently, manages their own time effectively and values the trust and responsibility that come with this level of autonomy.

A candidate who is energised by working flexibly and sensitively with a small team will thrive in this role, which offers the opportunity to make a direct and meaningful impact on people’s lives.

Experience in the refugee sector is desirable.

Deadline: 5pm Monday 21 September

To apply, please send your CV and a supporting statement of not more than 2 sides, explaining your motivation, reflecting on how you would approach being RRN’s only core employed leader, and demonstrating your fit against the specification below. Please use the email subject heading “Head of Operations Application”. Unfortunately, we are unable to respond to all applications.

Job Description

Title: Rural Refugee Network Head of Operations

Reports to:  Board of Trustees

Hours:  Part-time (0.5 FTE, negotiable). Permanent contract.

Salary range: £40,000 - £45,000 FTE depending on experience.

Benefits: 25 days plus bank holidays (pro rata to hours agreed). 3% employer pension contribution.

Location and expectations: Flexible hybrid working with frequent travel to projects, events and stakeholder meetings in Portsmouth, Havant, Petersfield and the wider Hampshire area. Occasional evening and weekend in-person working required.

Purpose: To lead the day-to-day operation, development and sustainability of Rural Refugee Network, working with trustees, volunteers, funders and partner organisations to ensure refugees and asylum seekers receive practical support and RRN maintains compliance and operational sustainability.

About the role:. 

In this small charity, the Head of Operations combines operational coordination, programme oversight, partnership development and income generation, with delivery shared across volunteers, trustees and contracted staff.The role offers a high degree of autonomy and flexibility, alongside the opportunity to shape how the organisation works and develops. It requires strong judgement in balancing opportunities, risks and priorities within limited capacity, and the confidence to work independently while bringing others with you.

RRN is volunteer-led, and the Head of Operations is the organisation’s only permanent employee, holding overall coordination and accountability for day-to-day operations. This is therefore a broad, high-trust role: rather than delivering everything directly, you will enable and coordinate others, working closely with trustees, volunteers and contractors who deliver significant elements of the activity you lead.

The role will suit someone who enjoys variety, autonomy and a flexible working pattern, and who is comfortable taking ownership while knowing when to collaborate, delegate or seek support.

Key responsibilities:

Leadership, coordination and partnerships

• Deliver agreed strategic objectives and support trustees in developing future priorities.

• Prepare quarterly Board reports.

• Coordinate relationships with statutory, voluntary and community partners.

• With the support of trustees, represent the charity in local forums, develop opportunities for collaboration and promote RRN in the local community.

Programme and volunteer coordination

• Provide oversight of funded and core programmes.

• Recruit, train and manage project staff (currently two youth workers) and contracted/sessional staff.

• Recruit, train, support and retain volunteers.

• Oversee referral pathways and access.

• Support volunteer-led communications activity including website, newsletters, social media, impact reports and case studies.

Income development and funding

• Write grant applications and manage reporting requirements (with volunteer/trustee input).

• Maintain and develop funding pipeline and actively develop new funding streams.

• Support relationship-building with donors and community supporters.

Finance and compliance 

• Monitor programme budgets, working with the Treasurer.

• Support trustees in governance, reporting and compliance responsibilities.

• Maintain organisational policies and procedures.

• Lead safeguarding practice and reporting, acting as Designated Safeguarding Lead and ensuring policies are implemented by staff, volunteers, and contractors.

• Maintain oversight of organisational risk, compliance with Charity Commission, data protection, employment requirements and insurance arrangements.

• Ensure appropriate administrative systems are in place and followed, including maintaining up-to-date records in the CRM, Lamplight.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

• Substantial experience managing programmes or services in the charity/social impact sector, including line management, budgeting and financial oversight, and grant compliance/reporting.

• Strong partnership-building and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Experience leading and recruiting volunteer teams. 

• Deep understanding of safeguarding and compliance and recent experience leading safeguarding practice and decision-making. Up to date on requirements and best practice.

• Ability to work independently, exercising sound judgement about what trustees need to know and when, and to prioritise effectively within limited capacity and competing demands.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, IT proficiency.

Desirable

• Experience working with refugees, asylum seekers or other vulnerable groups.

• Understanding of immigration, integration or resettlement issues.

• Successful fundraising and bid-writing experience. 

• Experience of local authority commissioning or grant funding.

• Comfort and experience in IT, data and/or CRMs.

RRN is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. Appointment is subject to an enhanced DBS check, including a check of the relevant barred list, two satisfactory references, including your most recent employer, and safer recruitment practice including verification of employment history and a right to work check. RRN is unable to sponsor work visas, so applicants must already have the right to work in the UK.

📝 Contract: Permanent, 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday | Centre operating hours 8:00am–4:00pm
🚗 Travel to regional sites required (travel reimbursed and free parking available)

Are you an experienced Registered Nurse or Midwife leader looking for an opportunity to influence clinical excellence, develop high-performing teams and make a meaningful impact on patient care? At MSI UK, we're looking for a passionate and inspiring Clinical Services Matron to lead our established clinical team in Oxford and support service delivery across Reading and Chesham.

This is a unique opportunity to join a well-supported, values-driven organisation where you'll play a pivotal role in shaping clinical standards, enhancing client experience, and driving a culture of continuous improvement. If you're looking for a leadership role that combines strategic influence, operational collaboration and hands-on clinical leadership, we'd love to hear from you.

Why This Role Stands Out

As Clinical Services Matron, you'll be joining a mature and established service with a strong clinical infrastructure already in place. You'll be supported by experienced clinical leaders, including Clinical Team Leaders, Professional Development and Safeguarding Leads, enabling you to focus on what you do best: developing people, improving services and delivering exceptional care.

What We're Looking For

Essential

• Registered Nurse or Midwife with current NMC Adult registration
• Previous people management and clinical leadership experience
• Strong understanding of clinical governance, quality and patient safety
• Experience leading and developing healthcare teams
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills
• Ability to travel regularly between Oxford, Reading and Chesham

Develop Your Leadership Career

Whether you're already working in a Matron role or looking to step into a broader leadership position, you'll have access to ongoing development opportunities, leadership support and the chance to contribute to strategic service improvements across the region.

How can MSI UK benefit you?

We offer a supportive, values-driven environment where your contribution is recognised and rewarded:

💰 Financial & Rewards: Aviva pension (up to 5% employer contribution), Blue Light Card discounts (4,000+ perks), Cycle to Work scheme, season ticket loan, and long-service recognition rewards.

🧘 Wellbeing & Work–Life Balance: Opportunity to buy and sell annual leave, 24/7 GP access and EAP via Westfield Health, an extra day off for your birthday, accredited Mental Health First Aiders, family-friendly policies and a national employee recognition programme.

📈 Learning & Career Development: Clear career pathways, paid training and development, accredited apprenticeships, and learning agreements to support your professional growth.