Head of services and grants jobs

Independent Age is the national charity focused on improving the lives of people facing financial hardship in later life. We believe no one should face financial hardship in later life.

Our Helpline and expert advisers offer free, practical support to older people without enough money to live on. Through our grants programme, we support hundreds of local organisations working with older people across the UK. 

We use the knowledge and insight gained from our support services and partnerships to highlight the issues experienced by older people in poverty and campaign for change. We would love to find individuals from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds to join us on this journey.

Responsibilities and Person Specification:

This role is strategic, creative and fast paced. The successful applicant will lead the Westminster public affairs team at Independent Age to develop influencing strategies targeting decision makers across national and local government, Parliament and Whitehall to ensure we secure policy change for older people facing financial hardship. You’ll need to be a strategic thinker, with an in-depth understanding and experience of different parliamentary levers, the ability to build strong external relationships, and have exceptional organisation skills. 

This is a fantastic opportunity to raise the issues faced by people in later life experiencing financial hardship up the political agenda and further establish Independent Age’s profile as a key stakeholder in this space. 

For full details on the role and requirements, please review the job description and person specification.  If your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all of the criteria in the person specification but you do meet most of them and are excited about the role, we encourage you to apply anyway. 

This is a full-time role, 35 hours per week, which you can choose to work over five days or a 9-day fortnight. 

What it’s like to work at Independent Age:

We celebrate diversity at Independent Age and champion the differences that make each of us unique. We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. We aim to attract and retain a wide range of talent and create an environment where everyone can feel safe, protected, welcome and included.

We offer great benefits including 28 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme with life assurance, and fantastic learning and development opportunities. We also offer a number of enhanced leave provisions and benefits.

We know that a good work life balance helps us perform at our best and supports wellbeing. Flexible working hours and hybrid working is standard for all (those contracted to work in the office usually attend 1 day per week). But if you need a different form of flexibility, we are always happy to talk flexible working. 

You can find out more about what it’s like to work at Independent Age here.

Application Process:

To apply, please visit our website to submit a CV and a Supporting Statement, detailing how your skills and experience meet the criteria within the Job Description and Person Specification (please do not hesitate to contact us if you have specific requirements and need support to apply in an alternative format).

To support our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion our hiring managers use anonymous shortlisting. Therefore, please do not include your name, photo, or information to indicate your gender or age in your CV and supporting statement. Please do not omit dates of employment. Please ensure the title of any uploads does not contain your name. 

Independent Age is committed to safeguarding and follows Safer Recruitment practices to ensure we are safeguarding those we work with. We therefore ask that you supply your full work history with explanations for any gaps in the application documents you submit and, if offered the post, we will require two employment references including your current or most recent employer. A Basic DBS check will be required for this role.

Closing Date: Sunday 1st March 2026 at 11:59pm

Interview Dates: Wednesday 11th and Friday 13th March

Sevenoaks School is currently seeking to appoint a Database & Insights Officer (Advancement Services) (Full-time, all year round).

We are looking for an enthusiastic and collaborative individual to join the Foundation team at Sevenoaks School. This successful candidate will have experience of handling large data sets containing sensitive personal information and do so while working under pressure. Familiarity with financial reconciliation and liaising with Finance teams is desirable.

Please see Job Description above for full details about the role.

Please Note

For applicants applying from other job boards, please ensure you get diverted to the website that contains our application form.

For applicants applying directly on the support staff vacancy page of the Sevenoaks School website, please click on ‘Read more’ alongside the role you are applying for and then click on ‘Apply Now’ (Blue button) on the next page that appears and follow the instructions.

To be considered, you will need to complete the full application form and also attach an updated CV.

The closing date for applications is 24/02/2026 at 23:59. The School retains the right to interview suitable applicants and appoint before the deadline.

At Sevenoaks School our mission is to ensure that students secure their full potential. We prepare young people for life in a modern, global society and seek to provide every student with excellent role models. Having a diverse staff enhances our school community and we warmly welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Sevenoaks School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and therefore, the offer of employment is subject to the satisfactory completion of a number of background checks including but not limited to an enhanced DBS check with Children’s Barred list check, the taking up and verification of references and the verification of career history and fitness to undertake the role, as well as an online check. Registered Charity No. 1101358.

Location: Bristol (with flexible / hybrid working arrangements)

Salary: £25,469.60 pro rata (£31,837 FTE)

Are you passionate about social justice? Do you want to help women heal and thrive?

One25 is a Bristol charity supporting women to move from crisis and trauma towards independence in the community. We’re looking for a skilled and compassionate Philanthropy Officer to help secure the vital income that makes this life-changing work possible.

In this role you will work closely with the Philanthropy Manager to deepen existing relationships with supporters as well as implement approaches to attract new major donors.

In this role you will:

• Coordinate One25’s major donor programme.
• Be part of a passionate and supportive team committed to making a tangible difference to women’s lives.
• Get to know our fabulous supporters and help them feel the impact of their support.

Please see the job description and person specification for more information.

“When I first came through the doors, I remember being made to feel welcome, and I felt safe. At last, I knew I wasn’t alone. I wouldn’t have my flat without being supported when I was homeless. One25 has helped me throughout my addiction and what goes with it.“ – One25 Service User

At One25 we seek to imbed our values into the daily work and activities of One25 employees and volunteers. We are looking for candidates who understand, demonstrate and apply our workplace values:

• Compassion – we care
• Justice – we fight for change
• Learning – we grow together

These values reflect the way that we work with and for the women, each other, partners and within society and its systems.

One25 is committed to being an inclusive workplace that represents the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We particularly encourage applications from across the global majority, LGBTQ and disability groups, and those who have lived experience of multiple disadvantages as these groups are underrepresented within our workforce.

As part of our efforts to increase ethnic diversity in particular, we are taking positive action under the Equality Act 2010 (Section 159). We will guarantee an interview to applicants from global majority backgrounds who meet the essential criteria for the role.  Applicants are therefore asked to ensure they complete the Equalities Form when submitting their details in order that their application can be considered appropriately. Please refer to One25’s Recruitment Data Privacy Policy for more information.

We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments individuals may require once in post, but also during the application and interview process to make it as inclusive as possible. This could include (but is not limited to) different ways of applying, sharing interview questions in advance, or allowing more time for tasks during the interview.

Benefits:     Generous leave allowances: 33 days holiday inc. bank holidays; additional holiday linked with length of service, 2 days wellness leave; up to 13 additional days’ time off in lieu; plus, additional time off on any working days that fall during the Christmas and New Year closure.

Enhanced company sick pay

Enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity/partner pay

Access to Employee Assistance Programme

Access to HSF Health Plan

Mental Health Champions

Reflective practice sessions

Cycle Scheme

Opt-out pension scheme.

One25 are currently trialing a 4 Day Week. This means that staff work 20% less for the same salary following a successful probation period. It is a pilot and a decision about its continuation will be taken in May. With this in mind, we are highlighting it as a potential benefit, but not guaranteed.

Hours: 30 hours a week. Available working days are Monday to Friday and work pattern will be agreed with the successful candidate. There is a requirement to be available for occasional evening and weekend commitments, which can be taken back as time off in lieu.

Salary: £25,469.60 per annum pro-rata (£31,837 FTE)

Contract: Permanent

Location: This role will be a mixture of office-based (St Paul’s, Bristol) and homeworking. We are open to options around this.

Applications by: 12th March at 09:00

Ask us anything session: 3rd March 2026 at 12:30

Interviews: 18th / 19th March 2026

Start Date: As soon as possible

We know sometimes the ‘perfect candidate’ doesn’t exist, and that people can be put off applying for job if they don’t tick every box. If you’re excited about working for us, and have most of the skills or experience we’re looking for, please go ahead and apply. You could just be what we’re looking for!

BVSC is looking for a Grassroots Development Officer to work with small, often informal voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations across Bexley. This role offers hands-on support to grassroots groups delivering vital services designed and led by the communities they serve, particularly those facing health and social inequalities.

The post-holder will provide practical guidance on governance, funding, safeguarding, sustainability, and other organisational development needs. You will help groups strengthen networks, increase visibility, and overcome barriers to growth, supporting them to deliver even greater impact.

This role focuses on organisations working with young people, older residents, minority ethnic (global majority) and migrant communities, people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and communities in the north of the borough where grassroots activity is most needed.

Key areas of work include:

• Identifying: Engaging with grassroots groups to understand their services, users, and development needs.
• Connecting: Building relationships and establishing a network of micro VCSEs to encourage peer support and knowledge sharing.
•  Developing: Offering tailored capacity-building support, including advice on governance, funding, communications, coordination, and premises, and coordinating grant rounds.
•  Promoting: Supporting recognition of grassroots groups by health partners and the wider community, boosting their visibility and impact.

We are looking for someone approachable, organised, and committed to equality and inclusion, with experience of supporting VCSE organisations and working with diverse communities.

Don’t meet every single requirement?  At BVSC we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every criteria in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate!

This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference to small community organisations and the people they serve.

Job title: Corporate Community and Events Manager

Location: Hemel Hempstead & Watford. Hybrid where agreed.

Responsible to: Head of Fundraising & Marketing

Key relationships: Head of Fundraising, Fundraising Officer, MarComms Lead, Marketing & Events Officer

Hours: 37 hours per week

Salary: £35,000 FTE

Contract Type: Permanent

Disclosure Level:  Enhanced DSB clearance required

About Us: 

Playskill is a Hertfordshire-based charity supporting pre-school children with physical disabilities and their families. The charity relies entirely on voluntary donations to fund its vital services.

Using therapeutic play as a tool for development of key milestones, Playskill steps in during the crucial early intervention window when the brain is developing faster than at any other time. Through expert therapies, vital in-home support, specialist training and all important social and respite events for the whole family.

We stand alongside families throughout the challenges of living with disability, offering guidance, care, and community, helping them to build skills, resilience and networks to face the journey ahead. 

About the role: 

We have an exciting opportunity for a Corporate Community and Events Manager who will play a key role in growing Playskill's income through community, coporate and event fundraising. 

Working closely with the Head of Fundraising & Marketing, you will develop new fundraising opportunities, steward existing supporters, and create initiatives that introduce new people to the Playskill community.

You will lead on community and corporate partnerships, manage flagship and fundraising events (including Playskill’s Annual Golf Day), and line-manage the Fundraising Officer.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Grow income from community, corporate, and events fundraising

• Build and manage relationships with supporters, community groups, and corporate partners

• Plan and deliver fundraising events and campaigns

• Identify new income streams and opportunities

• Line manage the Fundraising Officer

• Manage budgets and record activity accurately using a CRM system

• Ability to manage budgets effectively and maintain financial discipline

Required Experience:

• Minimum 2 years' in community, corporate, or events fundraising

• Experience planning and delivering fundraising events

• Strong relationship-building and organisational skills

• Line management experience

• Experience using a CRM system (Donorfy or similar)

Diversity statement:

Playskill is an equal opportunities employer and has a high number of team members with caring responsibilities and is keen to encourage applicants from a diverse number of backgrounds.

Safeguarding statement: 

Playskill is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of all children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment. Playskill has a full safeguarding policy and expects all staff to undergo safeguarding training.
 

Interview date: TBC

Interview location: Hemel Hempstead

We are looking for an enthusiastic Finance Manager, who will be responsible for all aspects of financial management and HR administration. You will be well organised, able to work on you own initiative and be experieced in writing clear and engaging reports tailored to a non-financial audience. 

The main responsibilities of the role are:

• Provide strategic financial leadership, including long range planning, budgeting and forecasts.
• Support Board and Committees (Investment, Finance and Grants), preparing and presenting papers and managing grant-giving process. 
• Lead the annual audit.
• Undertake day-to-day book-keeping.
• Oversee HR operations including payroll and pension administration.
• Ensure compliance with employment law and maintain HR policies.
• Review and manage insurance policies. 

You will be a qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA, CIMA, CPFA) with at least three years’ experience, ideally with charity experience.  You will also have experience of HR policies and management.

We are a small organisation, so a supportive 'hands-on' approval is essential, as are diplomacy and confidentiality.

CLC is a membership organisation for Lutheran Churches in the UK, and our office is close to Waterloo station. We undertake a range of activities including student chaplaincy, grant giving and outreach and we have recently acquired a church building for services and events. CLC is a Christian organisation, so whilst we would prefer you to be a Christian, it is not essential as long as you are willing to work in accordance with our ethos and values.

Working as part of the Casework Team, the Triage caseworker will be the first point of contact for
beneficiaries seeking support: following the triage process to establish the initial needs; moving
forward the requests; and following up once the casework process has been completed.

This role will involve assessing the needs of the children and family to provide recommendations for
appropriate assistance, including financial assistance for welfare needs, advice, and support to
families in the management of finances, and assessment of child specific needs

Key Tasks and Responsibilities
Caseworkers provide support and advice to eligible individuals in line with the policies of the
Naval Children’s Charity. They work closely with other organisations to ensure that children and
families receive appropriate and prompt support.

The role of caseworker is to assess the needs of the children and family and provide
recommendations for appropriate assistance to the Senior Caseworkers and Senior Leadership
Team. This includes financial assistance for welfare needs, advice and support to families in the
management of personal affairs and finances, and assessment of child specific needs.

Caseworkers should be empathetic and non-judgmental.

Caseworkers will receive induction training both in house and externally to include use of the
bespoke CMS (Casework Management System) used by the Armed Forces Charity Sector. The
role is subject to DBS checking. It may require some home visits and travel around the UK.
Triage:

• To act as the first point of contact to the Casework team for beneficiaries, providing a calm, supportive and professional welcome
• To complete an initial assessment of need by triaging telephone calls, emails and applications received through Mosaic, Lightning Reach and other referral routes.
• Contact families who submit an enquiry through the Charity website or via email
• To use active listening and empathetic communication to build trust and ensure beneficiaries feel heard
• Accurately record beneficiary information in the CRM system, ensuring timely, detailed, and confidential case notes
• Identify urgent or emergency requests for support and escalate to a Senior Caseworker for prioritising
• Provide clear information about available support, signposting, or referrals
• Follow up with beneficiaries once casework has been completed to ascertain impact and any unmet need
• Process day to day invoices and pass to the Senior Leadership Team for payment
• Maintain up-to-date understanding and awareness of the Royal Navy
• Uphold organisational values at all times, conducting work with integrity, professionalism, and compassion.
• Deal with enquiries and correspondence from beneficiaries
• Investigate applications for grants and, following assessment, produce recommendations for the Senior Caseworkers, Senior Leadership Team and Grants Committee
• Liaise with external caseworkers from SSAFA, RN FPS and other organisations to ensure comprehensive casework is carried out on all beneficiaries
• Establish a relationship of trust with beneficiaries.
• Offer advice and guidance including relationship, bereavement, family counselling and sign posting where appropriate both by telephone and in person when appropriate to statutory/external organisations and Armed Forces charities
• Investigate beneficiary entitlement to statutory funds, advise of other possible sources of charitable funding and, with the beneficiaries’ consent, refer to other charities to almonise with them to provide a package of care for the beneficiary
• Seek opportunities to encourage other organisations to work proactively with beneficiaries
• Ensure confidential handling of all information concerning beneficiaries in accordance with the Naval Children’s Charity’s confidentiality and data protection policies
• Keep thorough, confidential and systematic records of all matters concerning enquiries, applications, and grant awards in accordance with the Naval Children’s Charity’s data protection policies
• Keep abreast of developments in your allocated lead area on legislation, childcare issues and the benefits system and have an awareness of the MoD allowance system
• Regularly update personal training and skills
• Such other relevant duties as may be assigned from time to time

Person specification

Essential

• Understanding of military life and the impact on serving personnel, veterans and their families
• Be able to demonstrate empathy, emotional intelligence, and non judgmental communication
• Evidenced knowledge and experience of charitable and financial support to beneficiary groups
• Strong communication, organisational and record keeping skills

Desirable 

• Confident using IT including Microsoft Office; knowledge of grants or other CRM
• Experience of recording information into a CRM (training will be provided)
• Familiarity with the Royal Navy and the Service charity sector
• Evidence of working effectively in co-operation with other charities and organisations.

Personal qualities 

• Adherence to NCC’s values
• Integrity, honesty and professionalism at all times
• Able to treat all people with respect and dignity
• Willing to take responsibility for actions and remain accountable
• A team player

The tasks listed in this job description are not designed to be exhaustive and may vary from time
to time according to the needs of the Charity. This document will be reviewed in consultation
with the post holder as the role and services provided by the organisation develop.

The Naval Children’s Charity is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of
children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and associated professionals
to share this commitment.

 

Are you looking for a dynamic and rewarding role working for an organisation with the feminist agenda at the core of its ethos? Do you believe in our values; to listen and support, to empower and respect, collaborate, innovate, and take accountability? 

Then working at Advance Charity could be the career choice for you!

We are looking for a Bid Officer (Bid Writer)

Salary: £34,000 - £39,000 per annum

Location: Hammersmith Head Office

Hours: 35 hours (full time)

Contract: Permanent

We recognise that many working women have commitments outside of work, so we’re open to discuss flexible working options and solutions that suit you, and still suit the needs of the business. Please indicate in your supporting statement if you’d like to discuss flexible working options with the Hiring Manager, should they contact you regarding your application.

About us:

Advance Charity is a well-respected, award-winning, and innovative women-only organisation, established in 1998, providing emotional and practical support to women experiencing domestic abuse, and supporting women with short-term sentences to reduce offending.

About the role:
As the Bid Officer, you will support statutory and non-statutory funding across Advance’s services, with oversight by the Development Manager and support from the Development and Fundraising Co-ordinator. They will also provide assistance to the Head of Fundraising. The role will ensure a high standard of professional bids are created, showing strong attention to detail, an ability to work under pressure and to demanding deadlines.

You will plan and produce compliant proposal documents, bringing together expertise, best practice, research and data to develop compelling tender responses. Your role will be responsible for shaping service delivery models in collaboration with internal subject matter experts, bid writing and editing, coordinating the final document review and document governance. 

Please note: In this role we are always exploring new technology and tools to support better ways of working, however the sector we work in means that we are often required to submit bids that are written without AI involvement. We need someone with great writing skills in this role and will be testing this with an in-person assessment as part of our recruitment process.

Key responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• Plan and write compliant, professionally produced proposals within defined timeframes and coordinate supplementary documents required

• Foster collaboration and coordinate proposal input from a variety of stakeholders including Services, Evidence and Insights, People team, Finance and Governance team, Safeguarding

• Undertake editing of proposals, including spelling and grammar checks, and share with internal stakeholders for final approval in advance

• Project manage the writing of smaller tenders/grant applications including responsible for agreeing budget with Finance team

• Ensure all supplementary documents, including approval documents, are produced in a timely fashion and accompanying governance processes are completed

• Follow team processes for filing and version control

• Work alongside external partners to inform competitive bid submissions

• Support preparation for tender handover following contract award with Implementation Manager

• Monitor statutory and non-statutory funding opportunities (local authority, central government, trusts) via portals and support existing services to prepare for retender

• Brief leadership on go/no go decisions

• Conduct post-proposal reviews and support continuous improvement of the department

About You:

To be successful as the Bid Officer you’ll need the below experience and skills:

• Experience of writing successful tenders, proposals or grant submissions, with excellent written and verbal skills that support coordination of clear, compelling and concise bid responses

• Excellent attention-to-detail and accuracy with strong editing and proof-reading skills

• A pro-active approach to developing strong working relationships with staff at all levels of the organisation and with external stakeholders

• Be highly organised and solutions-focused, able to plan, prioritise and meet deadlines under pressure

• Be committed to Advance’s values and ethos, with a clear understanding of safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion in the delivery of statutory services.

This post is open to female applicants only as being female is deemed to be a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.  

Please note: Any offer of employment will be made subject to references and confirmation of the right to work in the UK, and satisfactory enhanced DBS check.

How to apply:

Please submit your up-to-date CV with a supporting statement. Please note that only applications made via the job advert will be considered. 

Please see the end of the advert for the downloadable Job Specification

Closing Date for Applications: 26th February 2026 *Advance reserves the right to extend the advert and/or close the advertisement early, or on the appointment of a candidate

Interviews are taking place: Between 3rd to 9th March 2026 (this may be subject to change),

We recognise that women often only apply to roles if they meet 100% of the criteria (whereas men apply if they meet only 60% of the requirements). We encourage you to demonstrate how your skills and experience would make you an asset to the role, and if you don’t have the exact skills/experience, tell us in your cover letter how you think you might grow and develop in the role.

Under the Equality Act 2010, we are required to make any reasonable adjustments. If you have a disability as defined under this act and/or have additional needs, please email the Talent Acquisition Team will aim to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs.

What we can offer you - Employee Benefits: 

• An exceptional 30 days of paid holiday per year (pro rata for part time), PLUS public holidays on top (that's nearly 40 days paid holiday per year!) 

• Additional days off to celebrate International Women’s Day, and for religious observance and moving home

• Perkbox - an employee discount platform where you can receive free rewards as well as take advantage of savings on clothes, groceries, travel, leisure and more

• Pension scheme

• Enhanced maternity/adoption provision

• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme

• Access to Yoga/Meditation and many more activities on our wellbeing online platform

• Employee eye-care scheme

• Clinical supervision for front line staff and first line management roles

• Refer a Friend Scheme - £250 for each referral who passes probation

• Organisation wide away days-

• Thorough induction and training

• Career development pathways 

Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunities

We value diversity and believe the variety of ideas, perspectives and experiences it brings creates an effective environment in which talents can be fully utilised to achieve our goals.

We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and actively seek to recruit people from groups underrepresented in our current team. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay and benefits.

The Haberdashers’ Company is one of the ancient Livery Companies of the City of London, with a history dating back to 1371. While custodians of a remarkable heritage, we are firmly focused on the present and future. Our enduring purpose is to empower young people from every background to fulfil their potential through our schools and by supporting their communities.

Today, the Company is a thriving membership organisation of more than 1,000 members from a wide range of professions, united by a shared commitment to service and social impact. We are a modern, values-led funder, committed to flexible, relational and transparent grant-making, working in partnership with our schools, churches, communities and charity partners to create lasting change.

Central to our approach is the Haberdashers’ Advantage, a distinctive funder-plus model that combines grant funding with member-led governance support, volunteering, mentoring and capacity building. Each year, the Company distributes over £5.6 million to support schools, young people, churches and charities across North London, Southeast London, South Wales and the West Midlands, with a primary focus on education and community resilience.

The Role

We are seeking a Director for Charities to lead and further develop the Company’s grant-making, philanthropy and fundraising. This senior leadership role is responsible for shaping and delivering charitable strategy and ensuring the Company’s resources create meaningful, long-term impact for young people and communities.

The Director for Charities will oversee our grant-making, steward key funding relationships and play a central role in developing fundraising with members, including growing individual giving, legacies and events-based income. The role is inherently relational, working closely with charity partners, schools, dioceses, Company members and colleagues. You will support and advise grant-making committees, convene learning and engagement events, and represent the Company within external funder networks to remain connected to best practice in modern philanthropy.

Who We Are Looking For

We are looking for a values-driven leader with strong experience of flexible and responsive grant-making and fundraising in the charitable sector, and a clear commitment to improving outcomes for young people and communities. You will have excellent communication skills, a warm, engaging and reflective leadership style, and will thrive in a small but highly collaborative organisation. You will be comfortable engaging with grassroots charities, senior stakeholders, Company members and robust governance structures, combining an appreciation for heritage and service with a commitment to modern, progressive philanthropy.

To read more about the opportunity and our work, please download the full appointment brief.

Closing Date: 3 March 2026

People Beyond Profit Screening Conversations: 9-18 March 2026

The Haberdashers’ Company Panel Interviews:

• First Stage: 27 March 2026
• Second Stage: 13 April 2026

We are currently seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Housing to lead our supported housing services nationally and help shape the next stage of our growth.

As Director of Housing, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across all of Life’s supported housing services. This is a key role within the Senior Leadership Team, responsible for ensuring our housing provision is high‑quality, compliant, safe and truly centred around the needs of our clients.

You will lead our national Housing Strategy, drive service improvement, ensure regulatory compliance, support organisational growth, and champion a culture of compassion, accountability and high performance.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Growth

• Develop and deliver a national Housing Strategy aligned to Life’s vision and mission.
• Identify housing development and expansion opportunities, including partnerships with local authorities and commissioners.
• Support organisational business planning and future growth.

Regulatory Compliance & Governance

• Ensure full compliance with housing legislation and regulatory requirements including the Social Housing (Regulation) Act, HHSRS, safeguarding and Health & Safety.
• Lead regulatory audits, inspections and risk management.
• Provide assurance on compliance and viability to the CEO and Trustees.

Service Quality & Client Experience

• Embed a client-centred, compassionate approach aligned with Housing Ombudsman principles.
• Oversee effective complaints management, learning reviews and client feedback systems.
• Ensure properties and services meet high standards of safety, warmth and comfort.

Operational Leadership

• Lead housing management, income recovery, voids, repairs and maintenance, compliance and tenancy sustainment.
• Ensure effective escalation of tenancy breaches and safeguarding practices.
• Work closely with Life’s Helpline services around referral and allocations.

Financial & Asset Management

• Oversee rental income, arrears, void control and financial performance.
• Manage contracts, grants and local authority funding.
• Ensure major works, planned maintenance and statutory compliance are delivered effectively.

Leadership & People Management

• Lead and support Housing Managers, support teams and frontline workers.
• Foster a positive culture of accountability, inclusion and high standards.
• Support staff development and performance.

Partnership Management

• Build strong relationships with local authorities, property professionals, contractors, funders and other key partners.
• Represent Life at external forums and sector networks.

About you:

Essential

• CIH Level 5 (or equivalent) qualification
• Senior leadership experience in supported housing, social housing, or homelessness services
• Strong knowledge of housing law, tenancy management and regulatory compliance
• Understanding of Housing Ombudsman standards and consumer regulations
• Experience in strategic planning, service development and organisational growth
• Budget management and financial performance experience
• Experience with property maintenance, asset management and compliance
• Strong safeguarding knowledge
• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills
• UK driving licence and access to a car

Desirable

• Experience supporting vulnerable women or family services
• Charity/third sector leadership experience
• Experience securing funding or development partnerships

About Life: 

Life is a national pregnancy support charity that helps over 60,000 people a year. Through our services, we help people – whoever they are – to meet pregnancy or pregnancy loss with courage and dignity so they can flourish. 

Our services include:  

• Supported housing and community support   
• Counselling and skilled listening   
• Free pregnancy tests and baby supplies  

Our values :

All our work is underpinned by the following universal human values: 

• Humanity – All people are special and equal 
• Solidarity – We’re with you and for you 
• Community – We’re better together 
• Charity – Doing good for one another 
• Common good – Building a better world 

Information about the role: 

For further information, please see the attached job description. 

Salary: £45,750 per annum

Hours: 32 hours per week

Location: Home based with extensive travel across the South of England

Benefits:  

At Life we are passionate about providing our employees with a supportive and engaging environment. As well as ongoing development and training, we offer our:  

• Generous holiday allowance, starting at 25 days per year, plus 8 Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time hours) 
• Birthday Leave  (applicable after 1 years service)
• Additional annual leave for long term service  
• Company Pension Scheme  
• Signed member of the Menopause Workplace Pledge 

Safeguarding and Equality: 

Life is committed to protecting all staff, volunteers and service users from harm of any kind. Life expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct.   

We are committed to ensuring diversity and equality within our organisation by encouraging applications from all backgrounds.  

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks. Life takes its obligation to protect the rights of children and vulnerable people very seriously; therefore, the successful candidate for this post will be also subject to extensive background checking, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) which is paid for by the Charity.  

Job Title: Finance Manager/Senior Finance Controller

Contract length: Permanent

Location: Hybrid

Hours per week: 35

Salary:  £55-60K pa depending on experience and knowledge

Closing date for applications: Sunday 22nd February 2026 , we reserve the right to end the vacancy before the closing date; interested candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible

First interview: First interviews will be held over Microsoft Teams

Second interview: Candidates successful at first interview will be invited to visit Mayhew and to have a second interview in person.

We are looking for our next Finance Manager / Senior Financial Controller, someone who shares our compassion for animal welfare and wants to play a central role in stewarding Mayhew’s financial resources for the greatest impact.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you will work closely with senior colleagues across Mayhew—including members of the Senior Management Team—to support strong financial direction, responsible stewardship, and effective, mission‑driven decision‑making across the charity.

This is a highly visible and hands‑on leadership role. You will lead Mayhew’s day‑to‑day finance function, ensuring strong financial controls, good practice financial management, and timely, accessible financial reporting for colleagues, trustees and partners. You will be responsible for all aspects of financial planning, management accounting, statutory reporting and SORP compliance, as well as supporting operational teams with practical financial insight and advice.

You will also help develop and strengthen financial systems and processes, recognising that—as a mid‑sized charity with evolving needs—Mayhew continues to refine its structures to best support our work. You will lead and support a small finance team, modelling an open, collaborative and hands‑on working style.

Our London site—our historic rescue and rehoming centre—is at the heart of our UK operations. You will collaborate with colleagues across operations, veterinary services, fundraising, people and engagement to ensure financial clarity underpins good decision‑making as we continue to care for dogs and cats in need.

In this role, you will:

• Lead, direct and deliver all aspects of Mayhew’s finance function, ensuring strong, proportionate controls and high‑quality financial information.
• Engage, influence and collaborate with senior colleagues and trustees to support the effective delivery of our strategic and operational goals.
• Provide clear financial guidance to non‑finance colleagues and act as a supportive, trusted partner across the organisation.
• Lead and support a small finance team, encouraging a positive, collaborative and hands‑on culture.
• Strengthen and improve finance systems and processes to increase efficiency, consistency and compliance.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Strong charity finance experience, including Charity SORP (FRS 102), fund accounting, statutory reporting, financial planning, budgeting, and knowledge of VAT and Gift Aid.
• Hands‑on experience of month‑end accounting, financial controls, cashflow management, and management accounts preparation.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate financial information clearly for non‑finance colleagues and trustees.
• A collaborative, supportive and pragmatic working style, with confidence to improve processes and work flexibly within a smaller organisation.
• Experience leading and developing a small team through open, positive and supportive management.

Please note that successful candidates will be asked to evidence 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.

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’re on the hunt for a Programme Manager to join us at this exciting stage of Settle’s development. Over the next few years, we hope to grow the number of young people we are working with and develop new services to support young people with a range of support needs.

The Programme Manager will report to our COO. You’ll be managing a team of Settle Coaches working on the frontline, delivering one-to-one sessions with care-experienced young people across London. You’ll use your skills to ensure that the Settle Programme is the best it can be, coach our frontline teams and ensure high quality delivery is maintained for the young people we work with.

You will work with our COO and wider Programme Management team to deliver and develop our safeguarding practice and ensure that the frontline perspective and young people’s experiences are embedded across the organisation. You’ll manage existing referral partnerships and help develop new partnerships as and when needed, as well as share best practice with the partners you manage. You will also have the opportunity to be involved in strategic projects across the organisation.

The role is 20 hours per week, negotiable, working remotely but with frequent visits to the NCC
Head Office in Portsmouth for training and assimilation into the Caseworking team.

Working as part of the NCC Casework Team, the Triage Caseworker (Education) will be the first
point of contact for beneficiaries seeking educational support through the Greenwich Hospital Go
Learn - Free online tutoring for Naval families and the NCC University Bursary Programme. This role
involves following the triage processes to assess the needs of the children to provide
recommendations for tutoring/bursary support. Assessments may lead to referrals being made to
the NCC for financial assistance for other child/family needs, advice, and support in the
management of finances, and child specific needs

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

Caseworkers provide support and advice to eligible individuals in line with the policies of the Naval
Children’s Charity. They work closely with other organisations to ensure that children and families
receive appropriate and prompt support.

The role of Triage Caseworker (Education) is to assess the eligibility for support through the
Greenwich Hospital Go Learn and The NCC University Bursary Programmes. Where additional child
and family needs are identified, recommendations for appropriate assistance to the NCC
Casework Team will be required. Caseworkers should be empathetic and non-judgmental.
Caseworkers will receive induction training in the NCC’s Beacon database, Microsoft forms and
other tools necessary to the role. The role is subject to DBS checking.
 

• To act as the first point of contact for enquiries and applications from beneficiaries, providing a calm, supportive and professional welcome
• To complete an initial assessment of eligibility and, where necessary, further assessment through telephone calls and emails
• To use active listening and empathetic communication to build trust and ensure beneficiaries feel heard
• Provide appropriate information to the Go Learn providers to enable the family to receive appropriate support.
• Accurately record beneficiary information into Beacon, ensuring timely, detailed, and confidential case notes
• Log and track applications and progress of tutoring delivery
• Assess and evaluate outcomes from tutoring
• If necessary, refer the family to the NCC Triage team for additional support.
• Provide clear information about available support, signposting, or referrals
• Follow up with beneficiaries once support has been completed to ascertain impact
• To act as the first point of contact for enquiries and applications from beneficiaries, providing a calm, supportive and professional welcome
• To complete an initial assessment of eligibility and, where necessary, further assessment through telephone calls and emails
• To use active listening and empathetic communication to build trust and ensure beneficiaries feel heard
• Provide appropriate information to the Aspire platform to enable the young person to receive the support
• Accurately record beneficiary information into Beacon, ensuring timely, detailed, and confidential case notes
• Log and track applications and progress of bursary delivery.
• Assess and evaluate outcomes from bursary.
• If necessary, refer the young person to the NCC Triage team for additional support.
• Provide clear information about available support, signposting, or referrals
• Follow up with beneficiaries once support has been completed to ascertain impact

General duties:

• Ensure confidential handling of all information concerning beneficiaries in accordance with The Naval Children’s Charity’s confidentiality and data protection policies
• Keep thorough, confidential and systematic records of all matters concerning enquiries, applications, and grant awards in accordance with The Naval Children’s Charity’s data protection policies
• Regularly update personal training and skills
• Such other relevant duties as may be assigned from time to time

Essential 

• Professional background in education with an understanding of additional needs
• Be able to demonstrate empathy, emotional intelligence, and non-judgmental communication
• Evidenced knowledge and experience of charitable and financial support to beneficiary groups
• Strong communication, organisational and record keeping skills
• Ability to work unsupervised

Desirable

• Confident using IT including Microsoft Office; knowledge of grants or other CRM
• Experience of recording information into a CRM (training will be provided)
• Evidence of working effectively in co-operation with other charities and organisations
• Understanding of military life and the impact on serving personnel, veterans and their families
• Familiarity with the Royal Navy and the Service charity sector

Personal qualities 

• Adherence to NCC’s values
• Integrity, honesty and professionalism at all times
• Able to treat all people with respect and dignity
• Willing to take responsibility for actions and remain accountable
• A team player

The tasks listed in this job description are not designed to be exhaustive and may vary from time to time according to the needs of the Charity. This document will be reviewed in consultation with the post holder as the role and services provided by the organisation develop.

The Naval Children’s Charity is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and associated professionals to share this commitment
 

The vacancy

The Housing Officer role is 37.5 hours a week, working shifts between 8am and 8pm Monday-Friday which you will share with two other staff members on an 8-4, 10-6 or 12-8 rota pattern.

The role is based in Colchester.

Your time will be spent working with residents towards independent living by assisting them to claim and maintain benefits, move into work, education or volunteering, learn about successful budgeting, to eat healthily and keep themselves safe and healthy both physically and mentally. You will also interview prospective residents, carry out room checks, fire checks, assist with our food distribution scheme, collect payments and arrears, attend appointments with the young people as and when necessary, take an active role in resident engagement and support the management team.

Who we are and what we do

YMCA Essex has a 44 room, supported housing unit on Magdalen Street in Colchester. We house young people aged 16-25, supporting them towards independent living and a well rounded life. We encourage and support them into work, education or training and to be able to maintain a tenancy and look after themselves when they leave YMCA. Residents can live at the YMCA for a two-year period after which time we assist them in moving onto independent living.

You

Have an active care and concern for the community, work in an inclusive way, welcoming the diverse needs of our young residents. You are tolerant, understanding and non-judgemental. You have an interest in the needs of young people and a thirst to support them towards being the best they can possibly be.

You have experience of working in supported or general needs housing, wellbeing planning, risk assessments, working with young people and a great knowledge of welfare benefits, grants and other sources of income available. You have housing management, rent accounting and tenancy sustainment expertise as well as experience of dealing with anti-social behaviour and resident engagement.

Your IT skills are current with a good understanding of Microsoft packages and Sharepoint and you have an excellent level of education. You are experienced in working in and handling stressful situations. You are flexible and adaptable in regard to working hours and are able to take part in an on-call rota evening and weekend rota. You have a driving licence or can get to Magdalen Street at any time of day or night (if on call) within 30 minutes.

As a great communicator you are able to demonstrate an empathetic and person centred approach, problem solve on a daily basis, work with minimal supervision and with discretion and integrity whilst respecting confidentiality.

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS NOT A CARER ROLE. THERE IS NO PERSONAL CARE INVOLVED AND RESIDENTS ARE PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY ABLE. CARE WORK EXPERIENCE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED AS HOUSING EXPERIENCE.

YOU MUST HAVE RELEVANT EXPERIENCE TO BE CONSIDERED AND LIVE WITHIN 30 MINUTES TRAVEL OF COLCHESTER.