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London, Greater London (On-site)
£54,082 per year
Full-time
Permanent
Job description
We are looking for a person with an understanding of working with a values-driven team of people, in the charity or not-for-profit sector.
The person appointed will have an appreciation of the aims and values of the Sustain alliance and be excited by supporting our organisation in effective ways of working, whilst freeing up senior leaders and spokespeople to undertake influencing, communication, partnership development and fundraising activities.
The Operations and People Manager will help Sustain function effectively as an organisation and be a great place to work. This is a senior, trusted role working closely with the Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team (SLT), Senior Management Team (SMT), line managers and Trustees to strengthen our people, operational and governance systems.
The post-holder will lead practical improvements in HR, people processes, line management standards, staff development, onboarding, offboarding, organisational culture and compliance. They will combine sound judgement, strong systems thinking and a people-centred approach, helping Sustain keep processes clear, proportionate and well-managed, while supporting colleagues to focus on effective delivery.
The mission of the Sustain alliance is to catalyse systemic change in the UK’s food and farming system – securing a healthy, fair, and sustainable future for all people, nature and a stable climate. Working in collaboration with our alliance members and others, we run a range of advocacy work, projects and campaigns to achieve permanent changes in policy and practice; and to engage more people, organisations and communities in being food system change-makers.
As with all senior roles at Sustain, the person appointed to this role will work mainly at the Sustain office in London during their probationary period, and thereafter at least half of working hours at our office, whilst benefiting from the flexibility offered to all colleagues. This is part of senior role-modelling of the creativity, support, engagement and well-being benefits that in-person working cultivates between colleagues. This will be managed in coordination with other senior colleagues to enable good in-person coverage and connectivity across the week and across common holiday periods.
Role and responsibilities
•Strengthen Sustain’s people, HR, operational and governance systems so that the charity works effectively, fairly and well.
•Help Sustain be a great place to work, with clear standards, supportive line management, good staff development and a positive, inclusive culture.
•Lead on high standards and practical improvements in recruitment; induction; probation; appraisals; people and HR processes; line management skills, knowledge and tools; staff consultation; and organisational policies and practices.
•Support senior leaders, line managers and Trustees with clear advice, reliable processes, good records and proportionate and effective risk management.
•Develop and maintain systems that are simple, useful and appropriate for Sustain’s size, values, resources and legal responsibilities
Tasks and responsibilities:
Organisational operations and systems
•Lead on managing and developing the charity’s operational activities.
•Ensure that senior management actions that support operational effectiveness are managed and carried out in a timely way, via an accessible and accountable process.
•Lead and/or participate in a range of internal groups that support operational effectiveness.
•Support the Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and other relevant staff with governance matters, including:
oReporting to the Council of Trustees on operational and people matters;
oPerformance of the ‘Company Secretary’ role on behalf of Trustees;
oTrustee recruitment, induction and management of necessary information and processes;
oAppropriate compliance with the Charity Governance Code.
•Working with the Chief Executive and Chair of the Council of Trustees, help prepare and coordinate the agendas and the running of the quarterly board meeting and occasional (at least annual) staff and Trustees strategy day, as well as the Sustain AGM, Annual Report and Trustee elections (annual), as one of the key links in communication with and between Sustain’s Council of Trustees.
•Lead on development and implementation of one or more relevant chapter of Sustain’s Organisation Development Plan (ODP).
•Support the planning and running of events, working with Sustain team leads, partners, venues and contributors.
•Work with the Head of Finance, Head of Digital and Design and external suppliers to help ensure office, IT and operational arrangements are appropriate and support effective working.
People, HR and employment processes
•Lead development and implementation of HR processes, practical actions and transactions, using external HR and/or legal advisors for authoritative support and advice where needed.
•Lead on full lifecycle support for Sustain staff including:
oEffective and inclusive recruitment, onboarding and offboarding – implementing Sustain’s commitment to recruitment for diversity – working with SMT, finance and admin leads;
oCreating, grading, reviewing and updating job descriptions, working with line managers and the senior leadership team;
oManaging employment contract variances; funding precarity; end-of-contract and risk-of-redundancy processes, working with senior managers, line managers, affected employees and HR/legal advisors;
oCreating or supporting a range of opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds and identities to get involved.
•Act as first point of contact for HR queries, taking ownership of policies and process, culture and employee relations; informed by HR advice, consultation and annual staff survey, including overseeing an action plan to embed areas of good practice, and to pursue improvements in an accountable way.
•Regular review of job descriptions, grades, progression and staff benefits within Sustain to ensure we remain competitive within the sector.
•Provide or commission sector benchmarking data, analysis and recommendations to inform decision-making, using a methodology agreed with Trustee oversight, on matters such financial and non-financial staff benefits.
•Maintain and improve the Staff Handbook, Recruitment Handbook, and related policies, guidance, advice and other support.
Line management standards, learning and staff development
•Lead the development and implementation of clear, practical standards for line management at Sustain, working with SLT, SMT, the Line Managers Forum and external advisers where appropriate.
•Develop and oversee implementation of key processes such as annual appraisals, annual planning and objective-setting, and a suitable performance management process.
•Help ensure objective-setting, personal development and progression conversations are undertaken routinely, and that these and performance management are handled consistently, fairly and in line with Sustain’s values and legal responsibilities.
•Support line managers to run effective 1-to-1s, probation reviews, appraisals, workload conversations, development conversations, and difficult conversations where needed.
•Ensure suitable and sufficient ongoing learning opportunities and training for the staff team and the Line Managers group, driving the charity’s approach to consistent standards, personal development and career progression.
•Maintain and improve the Line Managers Handbook and related tools, templates and guidance.
Culture, EDI, staff voice and union liaison
•Manage and develop Sustain as a great place to work, with a working culture and practices that support effective delivery, as well as health, wellbeing and personal development.
•Serve as an active member of the Diversity Group, to implement and innovate on equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism, and to gather data to measure and report on impact and progress.
•Working with the CEO, provide a route for requests and suggestions from the Health and Wellbeing Group to be properly considered and actioned as appropriate.
•Develop and support ways for staff voices to be heard and influence policies, practices and organisational culture, and for staff to be able to raise ideas and concerns confidently and see actions taken as a result.
•Support structured staff consultation and union liaison processes, helping ensure they are well-organised, transparent, well-documented and conducted in line with Sustain's policies and recognition arrangements.
Governance, compliance and risk management
•Develop and update key resources, contributing to useful reference sets such as the Staff Handbook, Recruitment Handbook and Line Managers Handbook, including overseeing production, maintenance and updating of all policies, procedures and guidance relevant to operations and people.
•Ensure Sustain complies with all employment, health and safety, data protection, charity legislation and statutory guidance including filing at Companies House and maintaining organisational records with the Charity Commission, and managing the risk register and internal policies tracker.
•Ensure adherence to health, safety, diversity and safeguarding procedures in the office, in hybrid working and for events and activities; undertaking comprehensive risk assessments for events and activities; and ensuring appropriate risk mitigation, staff communication and updates to guidance.
Other
•Potential for this role to line-manage one or more member of staff, volunteer, paid intern and/or external consultant, offering 1-to-1 support for objective-setting, work delivery, coaching and pastoral matters.
•Any other reasonable tasks and duties, agreed with the Chief Executive, consistent with the nature and level of the role.
Person specification / What we’re looking for:
Qualifications and requirements
•Significant experience operating at a senior level in a people, HR, operations or an organisation development role, including responsibility for organisational systems and staff management. [E]
•Experience of working in a charity, not-for-profit, campaigning, membership, alliance or other values-led organisation. [D]
•Demonstrable commitment to the operations and people role through a relevant qualification, training or other continuing professional development (CPD). [D]
Experience
•Significant experience leading organisational, people or operational improvement and advising senior decision-makers. [E]
•Developing skills and learning plans, and commissioning and/or delivering learning opportunities including training, workshops, facilitation and/or coaching. [E]
•Managing employment contracts to improve employee information and job security, especially where funding is short-term and project-based, with insights into good practice. [D]
•Delivering training and/or guidance to improve people-related functions to be delivered by line managers. [D]
•Working in a unionised organisation. [D]
Skills, abilities and attitudes
•Confidence and experience to take a leadership role on operational and people matters, working with the Chief Executive, Trustees and senior managers. [E]
•Strong problem-solving skills, and negotiation skills and the ability and confidence to provide insightful and constructive proposals and advice. [E]
•Excellent project management skills. [E]
•Aptitude for managing financial information and budgets. [D]
•Ability to communicate clearly and sensitively in writing and verbally, including on complex, confidential or contentious matters. [E]
•Proficiency with computer software and records management. [E]
Knowledge
•Knowledge and experience of end-to-end management of staff team members and their development: recruitment, induction and probation; learning experiences, skills and training; personal and career development; performance management; support for health and wellbeing; and HR processes. [E]
•Sound knowledge of UK HR and employment rules and statutory guidance, and their implementation in good practice. [E]
•Knowledge of IT, online and practical systems for improving processes and efficiency. [D]
Attitudes and personal qualities
•Highly organised and self-motivated, with the ability to work flexibly, independently and meet deadlines; whilst having the judgment to know when and who to consult before proceeding. [E]
•High integrity, with a professional, diplomatic, values-led, solutions-focused and collaborative approach to working with individuals and a wider team. [E]
•Commitment and ability to work at our office in East London regularly. [E]
•Demonstrable commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and racial justice. [E]
•Commitment to the mission and values of Sustain, and an interest in healthy and sustainable food and farming. [D]
Application closing date: Monday 14 September at 5pm (BST)
First stage interviews will take place (via Zoom) on: Wednesday 23 September 2026
Second stage interviews to take place in-person (London office) on: Wednesday 30 September 2026
Early applications are encouraged.
For any queries, please contact our recruitment team.
Organisation
Sustain: the alliance for better food and farming
View profile
Registered Charity
21 - 50
Registered Charity
21 - 50
Refreshed on: 06 August 2026
Closing date: 14 September 2026 at 17:00
Tags: Human Resources, Climate Change, Compliance / Quality
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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London, Greater London (Hybrid)
£40,000 - £45,000 per year (depending on experience and inclusive of London weighting)
Full-time
Permanent
Job description
ABOUT CFAB
CFAB is the UK's only charity with a dedicated international children's social work team and the UK's sole member of the International Social Service (ISS) network. We identify, protect and support children and families separated by international borders as a result of conflict, trafficking, migration, family breakdown and asylum-related issues.
Working with partners in more than 130 countries, we are experts in international social work, cross-border child protection, international care proceedings and overseas family placements, helping children remain connected to their families, identities and cultures wherever possible.
ABOUT THE ROLE
We are seeking an ambitious and experienced fundraiser to join CFAB at an exciting stage of our development. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of a small charity with a global reach, securing sustainable income that enables children and families across borders to remain connected, protected and supported.
Fundraising is central to CFAB's long-term sustainability, generating almost 60% of the charity's £1million annual income. As we deliver our new organisational strategy and strengthen our External Affairs function, you will play a key role in growing and diversifying income to support our future ambitions.
Trusts and foundations will be at the heart of your role, building on our strong portfolio of funders while developing opportunities across corporate partnerships, supporter stewardship, challenge events and other emerging income streams. Working closely with the Deputy CEO, you will lead the day-to-day delivery of our fundraising strategy, develop new opportunities and help strengthen CFAB's fundraising capability.
As our senior operational fundraising lead, you'll have significant autonomy and the opportunity to influence organisational strategy while working as part of a collaborative team spanning fundraising, policy, communications and digital engagement. This role offers the chance to make a meaningful contribution to a growing organisation with an international impact.
You will also have the opportunity to recruit and line manage a Fundraising Coordinator from January 2027, helping to shape the next phase of CFAB's fundraising function.
If this sounds like the opportunity for you, and you have the
skills, experience and passion to succeed in this role,
we'd love to hear from you.
JOB SPECIFICATION
Key responsibilities:
1. Strategy Delivery and Management
Working closely with the Deputy CEO, you will lead the delivery of CFAB's fundraising strategy, translating strategic priorities into operational plans that support sustainable income growth.
You will contribute to fundraising strategy, budgeting and income forecasting, monitor performance against agreed targets and ensure fundraising activity is effectively managed through Salesforce. You will identify opportunities to improve fundraising processes, strengthen fundraising performance and support the development and implementation of new income streams and fundraising initiatives.
2. Trusts, Foundations and Corporate Partnerships
You will lead CFAB's trust and foundation fundraising programme, developing and managing a portfolio of funders, partners and supporters to maximise long-term income. You will prepare and oversee high-quality funding applications, reports and pitches, ensuring all funder requirements and deadlines are met.
You will also develop and manage corporate fundraising opportunities, identifying prospective partners, preparing partnership proposals and supporting the growth of corporate income as a strategic priority. Working alongside the Deputy CEO, you will help shape the organisation’s corporate offer and operate a shared account management model for strategic funders and high-value funding opportunities.
3. Relationship Management and Income Growth
Working with the Deputy CEO, you will lead the development and delivery of CFAB's stewardship strategy, strengthening relationships with existing supporters and creating meaningful supporter journeys for new donors. You will oversee donor communications, the supporter newsletter, and recognition processes, ensuring supporters understand the impact of their giving and remain engaged with CFAB.
You will also grow CFAB's challenge events programme, increasing participation, enhancing the supporter experience and developing challenge events as a sustainable source of unrestricted income.
Working collaboratively with the Deputy CEO, Digital Engagement and Outreach Lead, and Policy and Communications Officer, you will develop and deliver digital fundraising campaigns, including Big Give match funding campaigns, and a programme of fundraising events to grow and engage CFAB's supporter base.
4. Team Leadership and Fundraising Operations
You will line manage the Fundraising Coordinator, providing day-to-day leadership, coaching and support to ensure the effective delivery of fundraising operations.
You will oversee prospect research, fundraising administration, supporter stewardship, challenge events, Salesforce management and fundraising reporting, ensuring high standards of performance, accurate data management and effective collaboration across the fundraising function.
5. Governance and Representation
You will help prepare fundraising reports, pipeline updates, income forecasts and performance information for the Senior Management Team and Board of Trustees.
You will ensure fundraising activity complies with relevant legislation, the Code of Fundraising Practice, GDPR, Gift Aid requirements and organisational policies, maintaining the highest standards of fundraising governance and supporter care.
You will represent CFAB externally with funders, corporate partners, supporters and sector networks, acting as an ambassador for the organisation and helping to strengthen its profile, reputation and long-term strategic relationships.
6. Additional Responsibilities
As a member of the wider management team, you will contribute to organisational planning, continuous improvement and cross-organisational projects. You will identify opportunities to strengthen fundraising systems, develop new ways of working and support the long-term sustainability of the organisation. You will also be expected to attend occasional evening and weekend events, meetings and networking opportunities, and to carry out your responsibilities in line with CFAB's policies and relevant legislation.
Essential Skills, Knowledge and Experience
These criteria describe the core skills, knowledge and experience required to succeed in the role. Please ensure your cover letter demonstrates how you meet each of the essential criteria, providing examples where possible.
1. A successful track record of securing income through trusts and foundations within the charity sector, with experience of developing high-quality funding applications, reports and funding proposals.
2. A genuine passion for building long-term relationships with supporters, funders and partners, together with experience of identifying and developing new fundraising opportunities.
3. Experience of developing fundraising pipelines, supporter journeys and stewardship plans that strengthen relationships and maximise long-term income.
4. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce compelling fundraising materials and build effective relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
5. Experience of using CRM systems (preferably Salesforce) and fundraising data to manage relationships, monitor performance and inform fundraising decision-making.
6. Excellent organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, work independently and contribute strategically to the continued growth and diversification of fundraising income.
Desirable Skills, Knowledge and Experience
The criteria below are not essential but will help us identify candidates with additional relevant experience. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every desirable criterion.
1. Experience of fundraising within a children's, family support, social care or international charity.
2. Experience of corporate fundraising, challenge events, supporter stewardship or digital fundraising campaigns.
3. Experience of line management or supporting the skills and development of colleagues, volunteers or interns.
Organisation
Children and Families Across Borders
View profile
Registered Charity
11 - 20
Registered Charity
11 - 20
CFAB exists to ensure that every child in the UK has the right to care, protection and family life, no matter where they come from.
Refreshed on: 04 August 2026
Closing date: 04 September 2026 at 17:00
Tags: Campaigns, Communications, Fundraising, Child Protection, Engagement / Outreach, Human Rights, Partnerships, Refugee / Immigration, Youth / Children, Community Fundraising, Corporate Fundraising, Events / Activities, Regional Fundraising, Trusts / Foundations, Digital Fundraising, Grants
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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Bath, Bath and North East Somerset (Hybrid)
£40,000 per year
Full-time
Permanent
Job description
Marketing & Communications Manager
Bath Preservation Trust, Bath, 35 hours per week • £40,000 per annum
Bath Preservation Trust (BPT) is looking for an experienced Marketing & Communications Manager to lead marketing, digital engagement and communications across our four museums and wider charitable work in the World Heritage City of Bath.
This is a key role for a creative storyteller and strategic marketer who can grow audiences, strengthen brand recognition and deliver high‑quality, multi‑channel campaigns.
About the Role
You will shape and deliver BPT’s marketing and communications activity, including:
- Strategic leadership – creating a new MarComms Strategy and commissioning external specialists
- Campaign development – producing compelling multi‑channel campaigns to increase reach and visitor numbers
- Digital management – updating websites, delivering PPC advertising and leading organic social media
- Press & PR – preparing press releases and building media relationships
- Publications & collateral – overseeing leaflets, e‑newsletters and key annual publications
- Audience insight – using data, KPIs and segmentation to inform decisions
- Line management of the Digital Content Executive
About You
We’re looking for a confident communicator with:
- Minimum three years’ experience in marketing/communications within arts, heritage or tourism
- Proven success in growing audiences, driving KPIs and delivering commercial impact
- Strong digital skills across social media, PPC, SEO and content creation
- Excellent copywriting and storytelling ability
- Experience managing budgets, contracts and external suppliers
- Strong analytical skills and understanding of ROI
- Ability to work collaboratively with staff, trustees, partners and media
Our values: Authentic, Engaged, Inclusive, Informed, Responsible.
Benefits
- Positive, collaborative working culture
- Flexible working arrangements
- 34 days annual leave (including public holidays)
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Cycle to Work scheme
- 0% season ticket loans
- Death in Service benefit
How to apply
If you would like to apply for the above role, please complete the short application form and email it along with your CV and a covering letter outlining the skills, knowledge and experience you could bring to the role. See our website for further details..
We realise that text-based applications do not suit everyone, so if you would like to apply in a different way, require information in a different format, or need any other support with your application, please get in touch
Bath Preservation Trust is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
We will particularly welcome applications from people from those sections of the community who are under-represented in Bath Preservation Trust and in the wider heritage sector including Global Majority and / or disabled applicants.
For further information about the roles including the job description, person specification and application form, please see the links below.
We would also be grateful if you could complete the anonymous equal opportunities data monitoring form below (this is voluntary).
Closing date: Monday 7th September 2026
Interviews: Tuesday 22nd or Friday 25th September
Application Instructions
Please complete a short application, provide a CV along with a covering letter
Organisation
Posted on: 11 August 2026
Closing date: 07 September 2026 at 12:27
Tags: Communications, Marketing
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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London, Greater London (Hybrid)
£40,612 - £45,079 per year
Full-time
Permanent
Job description
Join the Commonwealth Foundation at an exciting moment as we launch our new 2026–2031 Strategy with a renewed focus on the value of both our Advocacy and Creative approaches.
Location: Central London (Hybrid)
Annual Salary Range: £40,612 to £45,079 per annum
Closing date: 19 August, 1pm BST
Contract: Permanent / Full-time (35 hours per week)
We are seeking an experienced and collaborative professional to support the delivery of the Foundation’s Advocacy and Creative Programme. They will contribute to flagship initiatives, including the Commonwealth Short Story Prize and adda, our online literary magazine. The postholder will also deliver creative outputs linked to advocacy priorities, and other high-profile activities that engage civil society, creative practitioners and partners from across the Commonwealth.
This is an opportunity to work at the intersection of creativity and advocacy, supporting programmes that amplify diverse voices, foster dialogue and contribute to the Foundation’s wider strategic objectives.
As Senior Programme Officer, you will play a key role in delivering creative projects and initiatives, managing relationships with writers, artists and partners, and ensuring the effective coordination of programme activities. Working closely with colleagues across the Foundation, you will contribute creative perspectives to advocacy platforms and help strengthen engagement with creative communities across the Commonwealth.
This is a great opportunity for someone who thrives in a collaborative and international environment, enjoys working across a range of creative projects, and is passionate about using creativity to support civic participation across the Commonwealth.
We are looking for someone who:
- Has experience delivering creative, cultural, advocacy or engagement programmes in an international, civil society or not-for-profit context
- Combines strong project management and organisational skills with a creative and collaborative approach
- Builds effective relationships with writers, artists, partners and stakeholders across diverse cultural contexts
- Is confident in handling multiple priorities, coordinating complex activities and delivering high-quality outputs to deadlines
- Brings creativity, initiative and sound judgement, with a strong interest in storytelling, civic participation and amplifying diverse voices
Working with us
We aim to create an environment where everyone can contribute at their best. Our hybrid working model combines the benefits of both office-based and remote working inclusively and flexibly.
Staff work from the office for at least five days per fortnight, including Wednesdays as an all-staff day. This role is offered on a permanent full-time basis; however, flexible working arrangements can be discussed as part of the recruitment process.
Our offer to you
We offer a competitive benefits package designed to support staff wellbeing, work–life balance and longer-term financial security. This includes:
- 30 days of annual leave, alongside public holidays and privilege days
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
- Private medical and dental insurance
- Life Assurance
- Enhanced sick pay
- Enhanced family leave and pay
- Learning and development opportunities
- A supportive and inclusive working environment
How to apply
To apply, please submit your CV and a supporting statement demonstrating, with relevant examples, how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the requirements set out in the person specification. Please follow the link below to submit your application.
Please note that we cannot consider incomplete applications.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within two weeks of the closing date and invited to a first-stage online interview.
Full details of the Job Description, Applicant Information Pack, and Behavioural Competencies Framework can be downloaded using the links below.
For queries, please contact our Recruitment Team. Contact details are availble on our website and in the Applicant Information Pack.
Eligibility
To be considered for this role, candidates must have the right to work in the UK. You will be asked to confirm your right to work as part of the application process.
Selection process
First Interview dates: w/c 7 September
Candidates successful at the first interview will be invited to attend a second-stage interview in person.
Second interview dates: TBC
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
The Commonwealth Foundation values diversity of thought, background, identity and experience, recognising that inclusive teams strengthen organisational effectiveness and impact.
We are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where differences are respected, contributions are valued, and everyone is supported to thrive. We particularly encourage applications from individuals from historically marginalised and underrepresented groups.
If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact our Recrutiment Team (contact information available on the website and in the application pack). We will work with you to provide appropriate support.
Organisation
Posted on: 31 July 2026
Closing date: 19 August 2026 at 13:00
Tags: International Development, Project Management, Advocacy, Climate Change, Partnerships, Programme Management
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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Edinburgh, Edinburgh (On-site)
£30,412 - £38,015 per year
Full-time
Contract (24 months)
Job description
About The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) is an independent membership organisation dedicated to the education, training and advancement of surgeons, dental surgeons, doctors, and various individuals throughout healthcare who are involved in the surgical care of patients. The College has a current membership approaching 33,000 and growing, with members spanning over 100 countries around the world. From our founding in 1505, the College has been committed to the advancement of surgery and driving patient safety standards worldwide. In our 520 year history, there has never been a better time to join the College than now.
Working with us
At the College we aim to embrace views from across the organisation, sharing common goals and values for the betterment of healthcare through the advancement of surgical and dental professionals. We aim to develop teams that are reflective of the needs of our members and maximise the potential of every employee. To reflect the varying needs across the organisation, we offer a range of policies and benefits for our workforce including 42 day annual leave, flexible working practices, enhanced employer pensions contribution and various discounts throughout the College including the Ten Hill Place Hotel, 1505 Café and free entry to Surgeons' Hall Museums.
About the Role
Surgeons' Hall Museum holds a complex medical human remains collection, one of the largest and most significant of its kind in the world. Much of the collection was acquired before modern standards of consent and documentation, and the records that survive were shaped around pathology, diagnosis and the interests of those who assembled the collection rather than the individuals represented within it.
This two year project will improve what the Museum knows about this collection, including the people in it. Working through historic catalogues, medical case notes, College and Museum minutes and archival records, you will investigate origins, acquisition contexts and life histories of these people, and integrate your findings into the Museum's Collections Management System. Your research will inform catalogue records, future interpretation and displays, published listings, and the Museum's preparedness for any future return of collections.
In March 2026, the College’s Trustees approved a new Human Remains in Collections Policy, developed with an expert panel drawn from across the UK and Ireland, committing the Museum to provenance research, transparency, community engagement and readiness for return. This post directly supports the work to put this policy into practice.
You will report to the Curator and be supported by the Museum's Provenance Research Working Group, which brings together colleagues from collections, conservation, archives, learning and senior leadership, including a specialist Human Remains Conservator. This work involves sustained engagement with sensitive and sometimes distressing material, and supervision, peer support and training are built into the post.
In the final six months you will work on site with three Scottish university medical collections in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen, reviewing and enhancing their documentation, and will offer short consultancy visits to smaller Scottish museums holding human remains. The project concludes with a publication and a national conference at Surgeons' Hall, sharing the methods and findings across the sector.
The role is based in Edinburgh, with travel to partner institutions in the final phase. Reasonable travel and accommodation costs are met by the project.
Experience, Qualifications and Key Skills
You will be educated to degree level in a relevant discipline, such as history, anthropology, archaeology, medicine, pathology or museum studies, or hold equivalent professional experience, and have proven experience conducting research using historical records, archives or museum collections. You will understand the ethical issues surrounding human remains in museum or academic contexts and be comfortable working with confidential or ethically complex material. You will have experience working with collections databases and digital cataloguing systems such as Axiell or equivalent and be familiar with documentation standards and terminology audits.
You will have excellent analytical and organisational skills, with the ability to manage large volumes of complex data, and the ability to produce high quality written outputs including reports, summaries and catalogue entries. You will be self-motivated, able to plan and carry out independent research, and a clear and confident communicator in both verbal and written formats. Experience of provenance research, knowledge of UK museum policies relating to human remains and repatriation, or experience working with medical, anatomical, ethnographical, or archaeological human remains collections would be advantageous.
This role may particularly appeal to those who want to work on collections of real ethical complexity and see their findings shape policy, practice and public understanding.
Our thanks
This project, Recovering Histories: The McNab Human Remains Provenance Research Project, is made possible by Museums Galleries Scotland and by a generous legacy from John Winton McNab. We are grateful to both for backing work that is complex, long-term and genuinely needed.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit:
• A current CV (maximum two A4 pages); and
• A supporting statement (maximum two A4 pages) outlining your interest in the role and demonstrating how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the requirements of the person specification.
Organisation
Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh
View profile
Registered Charity
101 - 500
Registered Charity
101 - 500
To be a strong voice for our family of members, developing their careers, upholding standards, and promoting patient safety globally.
Posted on: 07 August 2026
Closing date: 06 September 2026 at 23:30
Tags: Digital, Data Analysis, Data Entry, Data Science, Research, Science
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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