Community Development & Health Programme Manager - to cover Maternity Leave
Full Time - 37 hrs per week (largely office/community based with some limited work at home permitted)
Salary range - £41,363 - £47,513 per annum, dependant on qualification, skills & previous experience
Fixed term for 12-months covering a period of maternity leave
Based Newhaven with some travel to outreach and delivery locations across E. Sussex
You will be an experienced people, project, and services manager with a track record and flair for developing and delivering community-based services to contract, and which meet identified community needs, in a consistently high quality way. With strong financial acumen and the ability to develop and monitor budgets, you will analyse and explain variances, manage complex and time-limited funding streams, and collaborate regularly with the finance team. The role also involves developing and supporting project staff in effective budget management.
With responsibility for the strategic development of the community development & health work area; which incorporates community infrastructure support & development, youth & families, environmental and active travel initiatives; you will lead, direct & support a multi-disciplinary team who manage the contracts, services and day-to-day delivery of this broad work area.
Skilled at managing relationships with existing funders and commissioners, you will broker new partnerships, write bids and collaborate on funding tenders, ensuring sustained funding for services which support people with complex challenges in our communities. With excellent organisation, communication, finance and project management skills, you will demonstrate sensitivity to the ambitions of this work area and to SCDA’s vision.
We are looking for people to join our team who have the qualities and skills we feel would most benefit our service users; professionalism, empathy, kindness and understanding. In return, we recognise people want to work in a supportive environment with friendly colleagues. We offer a flexible approach to delivery where possible, annual leave of 23 days per year pro rata plus bank holidays and sick pay from the start (increasing with service), additional sick pay for necessary operations and recovery, a pension scheme, bereavement leave, and managers who are available to you… plus a day off for your birthday!
Based Newhaven with travel across E. Sussex, car driver and owner preferred as many delivery locations are rural and not served well by public transport. Post subject to DBS check.
Closing date: 5pm Sunday 22nd March 2026
1st stage interviews: 1st April 2026 in Newhaven
For the job description and to apply, please visit our website.
You may think that you’re not a 100% match to what we’re looking for, but we recognise that some skills and experience may be transferable rather than an exact match. If you’re unsure about whether to apply, please do contact the HR team and we would be happy to arrange an informal discussion with the recruiting manager.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Robertson Bell is delighted to be exclusively partnering with Ibstock Place School in the search for a Head of Finance. Ibstock Place is a leading independent co-educational school known for its strong academic performance, inclusive ethos, and commitment to providing an outstanding educational environment.
With significant investment in facilities and a continued focus on operational excellence, the School is seeking a commercially minded finance leader to play a key role in supporting its long-term financial sustainability and strategic ambitions.
The Head of Finance is a senior leadership position, reporting to the Bursar and working closely with Governors and budget holders across the School. You will provide strategic and operational oversight of the finance function, ensuring robust financial management, high-quality reporting, and effective governance.
Key responsibilities include:
- Lead and manage the finance team, including performance management, development, and succession planning.
- Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes, ensuring alignment with the School’s strategic priorities.
- Produce timely, insightful management information with clear narrative to support decision-making.
- Lead the preparation of statutory returns and annual accounts, ensuring compliance with all regulatory and reporting requirements.
- Manage the year-end process and act as the primary contact for external auditors.
- Maintain strong cash flow oversight and prepare accurate cash forecasts.
- Ensure effective financial controls, policies, and procedures are in place and continuously improved.
- Oversee the financial systems environment, ensuring it remains fit for purpose and fully utilised.
- Support and guide budget holders, promoting financial accountability across the School.
- Deputise for the Bursar on financial matters as required.
Candidate Profile
We are seeking a proactive, collaborative, and technically strong finance professional who can operate both strategically and hands-on.
Essential experience and attributes:
- A recognised professional accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
- Proven experience in a senior finance leadership or management role.
- Strong track record of budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
- Experience working with Boards, Governors, or senior stakeholders.
- Excellent understanding of financial controls, compliance, and best practice.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and develop teams effectively.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to present complex financial information clearly.
Desirable:
- Experience within education, charity, or not-for-profit environments.
Why Join Ibstock Place School?
- Opportunity to play a pivotal role in a respected and well-established independent school.
- Broad and varied remit with genuine influence across the organisation.
- Collaborative leadership team and strong organisational values.
- Chance to contribute to the continued development of facilities, services, and financial strategy.
Location & Working Pattern
The role is based on site at the School in Roehampton, South West London, with on-site presence expected to support close collaboration with stakeholders.
Thank you!
Alexandra Palace is partnering exclusively with Robertson Bell in their search for a permanent Financial Controller. Alexandra Palace is one of London’s most iconic destinations. For over 150 years, it has stood as a beacon of creativity, community and culture - home to world-first innovations, unforgettable entertainment and open access to green space across 196 acres of parkland in North London.
The Financial Controller is a key role within the Finance team, supporting the Finance Director to deliver a high-quality, efficient and forward-thinking finance function across a uniquely diverse, highly commercial and operationally complex organisation.
The role:
- Support the Finance Director in delivering a robust and effective finance function, providing technical expertise and operational leadership across the organisation.
- Lead the preparation of statutory financial statements and play a central role in managing the annual audit process, liaising with external auditors and stakeholders.
- Drive the implementation of a new accounting system, improving processes, reporting capability and financial insight across the organisation.
- Oversee balance sheet reconciliations, financial controls and process improvements to ensure accuracy, transparency and strong governance.
- Lead on payroll financial control and reporting, ensuring data integrity and robust processes.
- Prepare and monitor cash flow forecasts across multiple entities, identifying risks and supporting decision-making.
- Provide financial leadership on capital projects, supporting accounting and financial oversight of major developments on site.
- Ensure timely and accurate completion of VAT and other statutory returns.
- Support the development of the finance team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration and strong financial awareness across the organisation.
The organisation:
Today, Alexandra Park and Palace Charitable Trust is the custodian of this extraordinary site. As a charity, they are committed to safeguarding its heritage while continually evolving their offer to meet the needs of today’s audiences and communities. More than 4 million people visit each year to enjoy a dynamic mix of live events, festivals, exhibitions, learning and engagement programmes and community initiatives.
Operating with a blended income model - combining commercial income, public funding and philanthropic support the organisation offers a complex, engaging environment where finance plays a crucial role in enabling sustainable growth and delivering public value.
Essential criteria:
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with significant relevant experience
- Demonstrable experience in a Financial Controller or similar role within a complex organisation
- Experience preparing statutory accounts within the charity / not-for-profit sector
- Experience managing external audits and working closely with auditors
- Strong financial control and balance sheet management experience
- Experience leading or supporting finance system implementation or process improvement
- Proven line management experience and ability to develop teams
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain financial information to non-finance stakeholders
This role will be based at Alexandra Palace with regular on-site presence required to support collaboration across the organisation.
The closing date for applications is 12th March, with first stage interviews scheduled for 19th–20th March and second stage interviews 26th-27th March.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis ahead of the closing date, so please submit your CV to Robertson Bell, the exclusive recruitment partner, to be considered.
Registered Charity
101 - 500
Our mission is: To repair, restore and maintain the park and palace for the recreation and enjoyment of the public forever.