Head of people and organisation development jobs

Who we are

IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) is a national charity working to ensure that children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the educational support they are legally entitled to. Since we were formed in 1983, we have helped to improve the education experience of thousands of children and young people across England. We do this by providing free and independent legal advice and casework support for families, undertaking policy work and delivering training on the SEND legal framework.

What you’ll do

Reports to: Chief Executive

Location: Home-based or Hybrid (with frequent travel for events and meeting with parliamentarians and other stakeholders) 

We are seeking a Policy Manager to lead IPSEA's policy and influencing work to achieve positive change for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families. Working closely with the Chief Executive, Head of Legal and Training, trustees and colleagues across the organisation, you will set strategic policy priorities and develop evidence-based influencing plans that support IPSEA's mission and long-term objectives.

Drawing on insights from our advice and tribunal services, legal expertise and the experiences of families, you will identify systemic issues within the SEND system and develop policy solutions that improve children and young people's access to the support and education to which they are entitled. You will ensure that IPSEA's policy positions are credible, legally robust and informed by the lived experiences of those we support.

You will lead IPSEA's engagement with government, Parliament and other key decision-makers, identifying opportunities to influence legislation, policy and practice at both national and local level. This includes overseeing responses to consultations, parliamentary inquiries and calls for evidence, as well as preparing briefings and strategic advice to support senior-level engagement and advocacy.

Working collaboratively with colleagues across legal, communications, fundraising and training teams, you will ensure IPSEA's policy, campaigning and public affairs activities are aligned and maximise the organisation's impact. You will also monitor developments across the political, legal and policy landscape, helping IPSEA respond proactively to emerging opportunities and challenges affecting the rights of children and young people with SEND.

This role offers the opportunity to make a real difference as part of a small, friendly, and dedicated team. If you are passionate about helping children and young people with SEND and have the skills and experience needed, we would love to hear from you.

Who are we looking for?

You will have significant experience in a senior policy and campaigning/public affairs role and have good knowledge of local and national government structure including the legislative process.

You the ability to build and maintain relationships with a range of stakeholders including MPs, civil servants, campaigners and parents. You exhibit tact and diplomacy and can be impactful with people of varying levels and experience.

Your research and critical thinking skills enable you to analyse policy and data to produce relevant reports and position papers. You have experience of drafting organisation responses to government consultations and parliamentary calls for evidence.

IPSEA should also reflect the communities we support. We would particularly like to hear from candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people, under-served communities and disabled people, as well as those with lived experience of the SEND system, either as a child or as a parent/carer.

What we can offer you

• 5% employer pension contributions
• Healthcare cash plan
• Flexible working arrangements
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays plus an additional day off for your birthday (pro-rata if part-time).

To apply

Visit our website to download a recruitment pack and application form.

Deadline for applications: 9am on 7 September 2026.

First-round interviews: on 15 September 2026 in our offices in Takeley, Essex, with second-round interviews (online) on 18 September 2026.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE.

Location: Leeds (Hybrid working - an expectation of 3-4 days each week in the office or out at external events/meetings)

1st stage interviews: 1st of September (over MS Teams)

2nd stage interviews: 7th of September (face-to-face in our Leeds Centre)

Join The King’s Trust as a Delivery Partnership Development Manager and play a pivotal role in expanding the partnerships that power life-changing opportunities for young people. Sitting at the heart of our Delivery Partnerships team, you will lead the development of high-quality, commercially viable partnerships across priority locations, ensuring we can reach more young people with impactful employability programmes. This is a highly visible role where strategy meets delivery: shaping local partnership plans, unlocking employer and training opportunities, and driving measurable impact at scale.

You will translate strategy into clear, deliverable plans and performance outcomes. Working closely with internal teams and external partners, you will identify growth sectors, build strong employer networks, and develop compelling partnership proposals and agreements. Your work will directly influence how effectively we connect young people to jobs, training and work experience, while maintaining strong standards in safeguarding, compliance, and inclusion.

We’re looking for a commercially minded, purpose-led leader who brings strong stakeholder management, analytical thinking, and the ability to turn insight into action. You will combine partnership development expertise with a genuine passion for supporting young people, alongside the confidence to influence others, deliver on key performance metrics, and produce results in complex environments. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on building relationships, creating opportunities, and driving tangible social impact.

This role will suit someone who:

• Has experience developing partnerships across employers, training providers or sector networks
• Brings strong commercial acumen, with the ability to build proposals, budgets and agreements
• Understands the barriers facing young people and is motivated to create meaningful change
• Is confident working with data, insight and labour market trends to inform decisions

If you want to combine leadership, partnership development and social impact in a role where your work directly improves young people’s futures, this is a powerful opportunity to do exactly that.

What happens next?  

Please submit a CV, and Cover Letter that includes your experience, transferrable skills and motivation to work for The King's Trust! The Team will be in touch about the next steps shortly after the closing date. 

Why do we need Delivery Partnership Manager - Leedss? 

Last year, we helped more than 40,000 Young People, with three in four young people on our programmes moving into a positive outcome in work, education or training.The young people we help face a range of challenges, such as unemployment, mental health issues or some who have been in trouble with the law. We believe all young people should have the chance to succeed, and that young people are the key to a positive and prosperous future for all of us. We want to continue having a positive impact on young people’s lives and we couldn’t do this without the important work of Delivery Partnership Manager - Leedss! 

Perks for working at The Trust! 

• Great holiday package! 30 days annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays. Office closure on the days between Christmas and New Year 
• Flexible working! Where operationally possible, our roles require a combination of office days and working from home (please speak to the hiring manager about this particular role)
• You can volunteer for and/or attend events – The King's Trust Awards, Pride, active events etc. 
• In-house learning platform! Develop your skills for your career and your role 
• Benefits platform! Everything from health and financial well-being support to discounts on your favourite restaurants, shops and cinemas. 
• Personal development opportunities through our Networks – KT CAN (Cultural Awareness Network), KT GEN (Gender Equality Network), KT DAWN (Disability & Wellbeing Network), and PULSE (LGBTQIA+ Network). 
• Fantastic Family leave! Receive 13 weeks of full pay and 13 weeks of half pay for maternity and adoption leave. Receive 8 weeks of full pay for paternity leave. 
• Interest-free season ticket loans 
• The Trust will contribute 5% of your salary to the Trust Pension Scheme 
• Generous life assurance cover (4 x annual salary) 

The Philanthropy Manager is responsible for the effective delivery of high value philanthropy activity, with a particular focus on major donors and high net worth individuals, including individuals engaged through the World Fellowship and other senior donor networks. The role delivers to agreed income targets across a defined donor portfolio, including securing multi-year commitments and progressing donors to higher giving levels.

Working closely with the Head of Philanthropy, the role manages a defined portfolio of donors and prospects, delivering high‑quality cultivation, stewardship and solicitation activity, predominantly focused on 5‑ and 6‑figure gifts. The Philanthropy Manager ensures that donor relationships are well managed, compliant, and supported by strong data, communications and engagement planning, contributing to sustainable income growth and world-class donor experience. The Manager also plays a key role in leading and supporting the major fundraising events – including concept development and design through to execution and follow-up.

About Picker

Picker is an Oxford-based charity with an international reputation for measuring and improving patient, service user and staff experience. Our mission is to make person-centred health and social care a reality for everyone. We work with NHS organisations, government bodies, charities and healthcare providers in the UK and internationally.

About the role

The Research Manager is responsible for the programme management of the NHS Staff Survey Programme, providing leadership across all aspects of programme development, delivery and continuous improvement. The post holder is accountable for maintaining high standards of quality and customer service, ensuring the needs of NHS England and programme stakeholders are met.

This is an exciting opportunity to work at the centre of a high-profile national programme and help shape the future direction of staff experience measurement across the NHS.

Skills and experience

We are looking for someone with:

• Significant experience of applied quantitative research, including survey design, research methods, data analysis and reporting.
• Experience of managing complex research or survey programmes involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities and tight deadlines.
• Strong leadership and project management skills, including planning resources, monitoring progress and driving successful delivery.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with experience of working effectively with clients, partners and external stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills, with the ability to interpret and communicate findings clearly to a range of audiences.
• A degree (or equivalent professional experience) in a relevant discipline.

Experience of healthcare, social care or charity-sector research, alongside knowledge of software such as SPSS, Qualtrics or ClickUp, would be advantageous.

If you're passionate about using research to improve health and care services and are looking for an opportunity to lead high-profile national survey programmes, we'd love to hear from you.

Hours per week: 37.5 hours per week

Shift Pattern: Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm

Work base: Work base to be in Stratford, Leamington Spa or Warwick, with national travel

P3 Housing has an exciting opportunity for someone to join our team as a Property Manager covering our property portfolio in Gloucestershire, London and South Warwickshire. 

As the Property Manager you’ll play a key role in establishing and maintaining relationships with landlords and letting agents, as well as proactively managing a portfolio of housing stock. You will be responsible for working collaboratively with our colleagues in Operations, Asset Management and Health and Safety, leading on all aspects of tenancy enforcement in respect of tenancy breaches and complaints of anti-social behaviour. You will need to be based locally in one of these areas to maximise impact. 

The successful candidate must hold a full UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle. Please note, this post is subject to an enhanced check made by the Disclosure & Barring Services, paid for by P3. 

P3 reserve the right to close this advert earlier than the stated closing date.

P3 is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to combating all forms of discrimination.

P3 have committed to achieving ‘Net Zero’ Carbon emissions by 2050. Our Carbon Reduction Plan is available via the P3 website.

In partnership with Treeapp, for every new employee, we plant a tree at one of their planting sites worldwide.

Our Charity

Established in 1972, P3 Charity is a modern, forward-thinking organisation providing support services to people facing social exclusion across the UK.

We offer a wide range of services, including homelessness prevention, supported housing, mental health support, community advice, hoarding support and services for young people.

We’re a person-centred organisation who works alongside people to improve lives. We do this by strengthening communities, unlocking potential and creating new possibilities. We tackle challenges others won’t and we go the extra mile. We believe in collaboration – both within our teams and with the local community – to achieve the best outcomes. Our values-driven approach means we recruit for values and train for skills.

What We Offer

Enhanced Annual Leave Entitlement – 27 days annual leave per year, plus bank holidays.

Commitment to Mental Health and Wellbeing – people are at the heart of what we do; you’ll also have access to our National Wellbeing Lead and Regional Wellbeing Champions.

EDI Focus - an opportunity to join other colleagues to raise awareness and steer initiatives, contributing to our inclusive culture. 

Paycare Health Cash Plan – you can claim back costs for a wide range of everyday health expenses, including optical, dental, physiotherapy, and more, within an annual limit.

Employee Assistance Program – access to 24/7 GP appointments, 1-1 counselling and health assessments.

Bike2WorkScheme - the Bike2Work Scheme is part of the Government’s Green Transport Plan, designed to encourage healthier, more sustainable travel.

Discounts – access to Paycare Perks and Tickets for Good.

Reward and Recognition – such as team away days, P3's Annual conference and Colleague Awards Ceremony.

Personal Development Opportunities – including mentoring, training, secondments, job shadowing, and more.

Colleague Volunteering Programme –one day paid leave per year to volunteer in the community

Earning Potential – optional overtime and refer a friend bonus scheme. 

Additional Equipment Provision – some employees may be provided with additional equipment including workwear, tools and use of a company van or car.

The Communications Manager provides operational leadership for CLAPA's communications delivery, ensuring communications and marketing activity is effectively planned, prioritised and delivered in support of the charity's strategic objectives. 

Reporting to the Head of Communications and Marketing, the postholder is responsible for translating the communications strategy into coordinated day-to-day delivery. They will oversee the planning, scheduling and operational management of communications activity across the organisation, ensuring work is appropriately prioritised, resources are allocated effectively and projects are delivered to a consistently high standard. 

The role directly manages CLAPA's Communications Officers, embedding effective planning, briefing and workflow processes that enable the team to deliver proactive, creative and high-quality communications.

Acting as the primary operational lead for communications delivery, the postholder will ensure colleagues across CLAPA receive responsive, well-planned communications support while maintaining clear priorities and protecting the team's capacity to deliver its best work. 

If you think you have the talent, passion and experience to help us ensure we can always meet the needs of the community we serve, we want to hear from you.

Events Coordinator 

Do you have experience planning and executing high-stake events? 

We are looking for a highly organised and efficient events coordinator to join the team. 

We are open to candidates qualified by experience, so if you have the skill’s we are looking for them apply today! 

Position: Events Coordinator 

Salary: Circa £38,000 to £44,000 per year, depending on experience 

Location: Remote/London 

Hours: Full-time 

Contract: Permanent

Closing date: 21st August 2026 

About the role 

The Events Coordinator sits within the Development team and reports into the Head of Philanthropy but works closely with senior leadership and colleagues across the organisation, notably, the Communications Team, the Creative Team, the Commercial Team and the Finance and Operations Teams as well as in-country teams.

This is a very hands-on role from the beginning. You will be leading all planning and execution for events, including fundraising events, exhibitions, though leadership, creative and commercial events, and community outreach events.  

Key responsibilities include: 

• Event Planning and Execution 

• Stakeholder Coordination and Communications 

• Budget and Financial Management 

• Promotion and Communications 

Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting 

About you 

We are open to candidates qualified by experience, willingness to learn and ability to learn quickly are considered more important than formal qualifications.

Personal attributes we are looking for: 

• A highly structured, organised, and hands-on self-starter. 

• Great communicator. 

• A team worker.

• Somone who thrives in a high-paced environment. 

• Highly detail-oriented 

• Someone who is punctual and meets deadlines. 

You will need: 

• Proven experience planning and executing high-stake events 

• Proven experience in high-level stakeholder communications and coordination. 

• Comfortable working from home for most of the time. 

• Fluent spoken and written English. 

• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends as required. 

• Willingness and ability to be in London frequently 

To apply, please submit a current CV alongside a covering letter outlining how you fit the person profile, including your relevant experience in donor communications. 

Please apply with a CV and covering letter combined into one PDF document. Applications may close early if a high volume is received. 

About the organisation 

The organisation is an international charity that works with artisan communities to protect and revitalise cultural heritage. Its programmes support traditional crafts, restore historic buildings and improve access to healthcare and education for artisans and their families. 

Other roles you may have experience of could include Events, Events Coordinator, Events Officer, Events Planner, Marketing and Events, Challenge Events, Mass Participation.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client, NFP People. 

Join the award-winning Independent Society of Musicians
Central London – Senior Communications Officer Full time – £35k to £40k DOE

The ISM is now looking for an experienced and talented Senior Communications Officer to join our team, reporting to the Head of Sales & Marketing. This is an exciting opportunity for an outstanding writer and communications professional to help raise the profile of the ISM, promote the value of membership and engage professional musicians through high-quality content and campaigns.
You will lead on the planning, writing, editing and publication of content across a wide range of channels, including the ISM website, newsletters, publications, marketing materials and external media. You will be responsible for developing compelling and persuasive content that supports membership growth, strengthens the ISM brand and communicates the organisation's work effectively to members and the wider music sector.
You will also play a key role in managing the ISM's content strategy and SEO activity, working closely with the Website and Marketing Manager to improve content performance, increase visibility and attract new audiences through search. This will include content planning, keyword research, link-building activity and reporting on performance and engagement.
Working collaboratively across the organisation, you will identify opportunities to showcase the work of the ISM Group, including its campaigns, events, resources, legal services and thought leadership. You will also work closely with the Chief Executive on the production of Music Journal, secure profile-raising opportunities for senior representatives and support the development of speeches, presentations and briefing materials.
You will have significant experience in a communications, content, copywriting or marketing role and be able to demonstrate exceptional writing, editing and proofreading skills. You will have experience of producing engaging content for a variety of audiences and channels, alongside a strong understanding of content marketing, brand management and SEO best practice. If possible, you should have a music background. 
You will be joining a professional and committed staff team based in Bayswater, London. This is an excellent opportunity for a creative and proactive communications professional who wants to make a real impact in a leading organisation supporting musicians across the UK.

For a full job description for this role please visit our website. 

To apply please send a CV and covering letter saying why you are right the person for the job 

Closing date is Tuesday 1st September at 8.30am. First interviews will take place face-to-face on Tuesday 8th September. Applications generated by AI will not be considered.

Julian Support has been supporting the people of Norfolk and Suffolk for over 36 years with their mental health and wellbeing. We are pleased to be working in partnerhip with Norwich City Council, supporting people to create safer homes and better places to live.

Join us and enjoy a professional, supportive workplace, working alongside people motivated and passionate about the services they provide. 

Safe & Habitable Homes supports people in Norwich who have been identified as being at risk from self-neglect & hoarding.

The aim of the Safe & Habitable Coordinator role is to practically and emotionally support people to reduce risks, build trust and support people to create safer, more habitable homes.

Referrals are made through Norwich City Council and their Support NOW project. 

Core working hours are Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm.

This role will be based at City Hall in Norwich, and will be expected to work across the Norwich locality.

Applicants must hold a full, valid UK driving licence as we are supporting people in the community.

Please see the attached Job Description for more details.

If your application is successful, we will contact you with an interview time, interviews will be held on 10th September 2026 at our Head Office in Norwich.

About us

The British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) is the lead organisation for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in the UK and Ireland.

Our organisation aims to improve the mental health of people across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, by advancing research and promoting excellence in CBT and related professions.

We have more than 27,000 members across the UK, Ireland and overseas, and a staff team, who work remotely. 

We deliver a wide range of events via online and in-person CPD sessions and two conferences which support the professional development of members and non-members, whilst sharing best practice showcasing research and creating valuable networking opportunities.

About the role

Your role will be the lead for governance and assurance across BABCP, supporting the Board, Committees and staff teams to ensure robust governance arrangements, effective risk management and compliance with regulatory requirements.

This role will focus on;

• ensuring the continued development, implementation and embedding of BABCP's Governance and Assurance Framework, including the identification, management and monitoring of organisational risk.
• supporting the Board and Committees through the provision of expert governance advice, effective administration, performance monitoring and the delivery of key governance activities including the AGM, elections and Annual Report.

Please refer to the full job description for more itemised duties and responsibilities.

What we’re looking for

The successful candidate will have significant experience of leading and managing governance and assurance functions within an organisation of similar scale, and be confident working with senior stakeholders, Boards and Committees.

You will need to be highly organised, able to build strong and effective working relationships, and capable of providing expert advice on governance, assurance, risk and regulatory matters.

Experience of working within a regulated environment, with knowledge of governance best practice and relevant legislation, would be an advantage.

We are looking for a candidate who can think strategically, solve complex problems, and work collaboratively with colleagues to strengthen governance practices and support organisational objectives.

Please refer to the person specification as part of the job description for more information on the criteria to be successful in the role.

BABCP supports and promotes Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

How to apply

Please provide a CV and cover letter by midnight on 23rd August 2026.

Please note

We expect a high volume of applications for the role so early application is encouraged as the advertisement may be withdrawn ahead of the application deadline.

If you have not heard from us by 9th September 2026, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion. We encourage you to keep an eye on our future vacancies and apply again, as we are always looking for talented individuals to join us.

Feedback will be provided to those who are invited to interview.

As a Service Manager, you will lead the day-to-day delivery and ongoing development of the Newham Together Cafe, ensuring the service provides safe, high-quality, recovery-focused support to people experiencing or approaching a mental health crisis.

What you'll do 

• Lead the operational delivery and development of the service, ensuring it meets contractual requirements, quality standards and the needs of the local community
• Provide effective leadership, line management, supervision and support to staff and volunteers, promoting a positive, inclusive and high-performing team culture
• Monitor service performance, outcomes, capacity, safeguarding and risk, using data and feedback to drive continuous improvement and ensure effective service delivery
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with NHS services, commissioners, local authorities and community organisations, representing the service at partnership meetings and multi-agency forums.

Please see the job pack for more information. 

The Woodland Trust is looking for a Service Delivery Manager to help us deliver strategic and operational support service plans.

The Role:
•    Manage and deliver a successful call centre/back office operational process.
•    Lead a successful team, supporting and training where required.
•    Interpret the support services strategy and vision and apply to operational planning to achieve departmental and campaign KPI’s.
•    Monitor and embed best practice across the team.
•    Review real time service performance and assign personnel to ensure financial goals, SLA’s and quality metrics are achieved.
•    Recommend and implement system and procedure developments and improvements.
•    This role will require attendance at our head office in Grantham, Lincolnshire. 

The Candidate:
•    Experience managing a successful call centre working at a senior leadership level. 
•    Strong communication skills with the ability to build successful stakeholder relationships.
•    Experience shaping and implementing organisation strategy.
•    Knowledge of Microsoft suite, telephony, reporting and fulfilment solutions.
•    Experience in project management with the ability to coordinate multiple workstreams. 
•    Strong problem solving skills with the ability to prioritise tasks as needed. 
•    Knowledge of PCI:DSS, Gift Aid, Direct Debit, FRSB and data privacy.

Benefits and Wellbeing:
Joining our team means you’ll be a big part of tackling environmental and climate issues. We take good care of our staff, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer:
•    Enhanced Employer Pension
•    Life Assurance
•    Flexible & Hybrid Working Options
•    Generous Annual Leave - 25 Days Plus Bank Holidays (pro rata’d for part-time)
•    Buy and Sell Holiday Scheme
•    Enhanced Parental Pay
•    Employee Assistance Programme

About Us:
The Woodland Trust is the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity.  We want to see a world where trees and woods thrive for people and nature. The Trust engages and inspires people to make their difference tackling the nature and climate crisis helping protect, restore and create our vital woods and trees.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:
To achieve our vision of a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature, we need to better reflect society and the communities we work in. All people, no matter their background, identity, ability, or circumstance, should benefit from trees.  
People of colour and disabled people are currently under-represented across the environment and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we particularly encourage you to apply. 
Please contact us to discuss any additional support or adjustments you may need to complete your application.

Application Advice:
For fairness we keep our candidates’ personal details hidden from the hiring managers, and we do not ask for your CV at application. 
 Make sure that you answer the Application Questions to show your relevant skills and passion for the role. Even if you don't meet every requirement of the role, we would encourage you to apply.

Acceptable Use - Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We understand that candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their job applications-for example, to help structure or edit written responses. We welcome the use of AI in this way, particularly where it helps improve accessibility, such as for neurodivergent applicants. However, we ask that any information submitted reflects your own experience, skills and understanding. During interviews, candidates are expected to respond independently without the use of AI tools.

Apply Now:
If you're ready to make a difference and grow with us, send in your application today. We might close the job opening early if we get a lot of applications, so it's a good idea to apply soon. If we do close the advert early, and you have an application in process, we will email you prior to closing to give you time to complete.

Interviews will take place via Microsoft Teams on  30th September 2026.

Help build a community where everyone belongs.

Join the Renewal Programme as our Community Hub Connector and help create a welcoming, inclusive space where local people can connect, access support and thrive. You'll build trusted relationships with residents, community organisations and faith groups, helping people overcome barriers and become active participants in their community.

You will have a strong understanding of the challenges affecting refugees, asylum seekers and people experiencing homelessness, together with the ability to coordinate day-to-day activities, work collaboratively with volunteers and partners, and contribute positively to the charity's ongoing development.

One morning you might be meeting with a local mosque to develop a new partnership. That afternoon you could be welcoming someone who has recently arrived in the UK, introducing them to activities at the Hub and connecting them with the support they need. No two days are the same—but every day is about helping people feel they belong.

Based at our RenewALL Hub in East Ham, you'll coordinate activities, lead community outreach, support volunteers and work alongside statutory, voluntary and community organisations to create opportunities that improve people's wellbeing and strengthen local communities.

This is a varied and rewarding role for someone who enjoys working directly with people, building partnerships and making a tangible difference. You'll support residents facing a range of challenges, including migration, loneliness, disability, digital exclusion and social isolation, ensuring everyone can access opportunities and services in a way that works for them.

This role is funded by the Mercers' Company, and you will contribute towards delivering the agreed outcomes and objectives of the grant.

You'll join a friendly, supportive team within the Renewal Programme, a respected Newham charity that has been serving local communities for more than 50 years. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to thrive. In return, we offer ongoing training and development, an Employee Assistance Programme, generous annual leave and the opportunity to be part of an organisation making a genuine difference every day.

If you're passionate about community development and creating opportunities for people facing disadvantage, we'd love to hear from you.

About Us

For over 21 years, The Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre has offered free, holistic support to anyone in our community affected by cancer through complementary therapies, talking therapies, art, and our supportive community.

In 2025 alone, we had 1,911 individual visits and 1,021 therapy sessions - entirely through the dedication of our volunteer team. We are currently renovating our new centre, and we want to use it to reach further into our community than ever before. This is the first paid role in our history.

About the Role

As our first Executive Director, you will be the single point of accountability between our Board of Trustees and the day-to-day operation of the Centre - working alongside our (voluntary) Centre Manager and (voluntary) Volunteer Manager to support their roles, not duplicate them. You'll lead our strategy delivery, guide the charity's move into its new home, and oversee a service redesign informed by a fresh programme of visitor, volunteer and community research.

About You

You already know how to do this job - you've held a senior, accountable position in a charity or comparable organisation and can bring that experience from day one. You're confident reporting to a board of trustees, comfortable getting things done, and able to win the trust of a highly experienced, long-standing volunteer team through competence and credibility, not authority alone.

Key Activity Areas

• Financial management – budgeting, financial controls, and reporting to the Board and Treasurer

• Governance & best practice – supporting trustees to discharge their statutory duties; maintaining the policy suite and risk register

• HR & people leadership – supporting our entire volunteer and therapist team; communication is key to our volunteers

• Fundraising – write and lead on a fundraising strategy, implement new funding streams and be the ‘face of Pickering’ – local networking will be essential

• Change management – leading the transition to our new centre and evolving service model with care and consultation

• Compliance – safeguarding, health and safety, GDPR, and other regulatory requirements

Qualifications - Desirable

All the below are not necessary qualifications but would assist with this role:

• CIPD qualification, or equivalent hands-on HR experience

• A recognised governance qualification (e.g. Chartered Governance Institute) or completion of a charity leadership programme or similar

• Financial management experience – a qualification would be useful but not essential

• Safeguarding lead training

Experience and Competencies — Essential

• Senior leadership experience with genuine authority and accountability in a charity or comparable mission-led organisation

• A track record of reporting to and working with a board of trustees or non-executive directors

• A track record of leading organisational change, with evidence it was genuinely adopted

• Sound financial literacy - budgets, management accounts, financial controls, dealing with auditors

• Working knowledge of safeguarding, risk management and regulatory compliance

• Excellent written and verbal communication, including board-level reporting as well as the ability to speak in public

• Experience making a leadership role pay for itself, through income generation, cost savings, or both

• A genuine, demonstrable commitment to Pickering's mission

Experience and Competencies — Desirable

• Fundraising experience across grants, trusts, community fundraising and corporate partnerships

• Experience within the cancer support, wider healthcare, or hospice sector

• Lived experience of cancer, personally or through supporting someone close to you

• Experience leading a refresh of a brand or a rebrand, service redesign, or physical relocation of services

• Familiarity with Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding local community

Safeguarding

This role involves working with adults who may be vulnerable by virtue of serious illness. The successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory reference checks before appointment, and will act as, or oversee, the charity's designated safeguarding lead.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Pickering is committed to equal opportunity for all and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. A copy of our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policy is available on request.

How to Apply

Please apply by Sunday 6 September 2026. Interviews are expected to take place w/c 14 September 2026.