Cerebra is the national charity dedicated to improving the lives of children with neurological conditions and their families. We provide vital research, support, and practical solutions that empower families facing complex challenges.
With an annual income of £3 million and a headcount of 68 employees, we have ambitious plans to double our income between 2025 and 2027, ensuring we can extend our impact, reach more families, and drive real change. To achieve this, we are investing in fundraising innovation, income generating ventures, and strategic partnerships, alongside enhancing our brand to increase our national recognition.
Our work is underpinned by our values ensuring that everything we do aligns with our mission to create a better world for children with neurological conditions.
This is an incredibly exciting time to join Cerebra, as we are preparing to launch our new strategy and brand. The COO is a vital leadership role that will support the drive towards even greater impact for children and families across the UK.
Our Services
Sleep Advice Service
Cerebra understands that if you have a child that doesn’t sleep, the whole family suffers. Many children with neurological conditions suffer from disrupted sleep. Our sleep advice service provides bespoke advice and support so that everyone can get a good night’s sleep.
Legal Rights Service
Our Legal Rights Service provides help and support to families of children with neurological conditions when they are faced with barriers and difficulties in accessing statutory support services they are entitled to. The service provides information on their legal entitlements.
Book and Toy Library Service
Our specialist postal lending library contains a wide range of books for both adults and children, plus a selection of sensory toys specifically chosen for children with a neurological condition.
Innovation and Product Design Service
Our Innovation Service designs and builds bespoke products that cater to the specific needs of children with neurological conditions. The aim of the service is to make products that are desirable and exciting, therefore promoting social inclusion, peer acceptance and enabling children to participate in everyday activities that are so often close to them.
Information Products
Cerebra publishes different information products to help families with a child with a neurological condition. Our information products offer comprehensive, up-to-date support and research-driven strategies to assist families with a wide range of issues.
Buzgi and Toy Adaptation Service
Cerebra designs and builds bespoke assistive equipment for disabled children, this includes creating custom mobility aids, switch‑adapted toys, and other innovative solutions to help children access play, learning, and independence.
The Bugzi - a mini powered wheelchair for children offers many children their first experience of independent mobility. It uses either a joystick or switches and adaptable seating for complex needs, and helps develop spatial awareness, confidence, and early mobility skills. The Bugzi is available through a national loan scheme.
Additionally, we operate commercial services (including a web shop) to supplement our income to support children and their families.
Our services are provided to families free of charge.
Job Title:
Chief Operating Officer
Reports To:
Chief Executive Officer
Direct reports:
3 senior managers (Finance (headcount of 3), HR (headcount of 1), IT (headcount of 5))
Purpose of the Role:
The Chief Operating Officer will play a vital role in supporting the Chief Executive Officer, Board and Leadership Team to deliver Cerebra’s vision and ambitious strategic aims. The Chief Operating Officer will provide strategic leadership and operational management across key areas within Cerebra including:
- Operational Systems
- Governance
- Compliance
- Finance and Growth
This is a pivotal executive leadership role, responsible for driving organisational performance, sustainability and growth. The COO will translate Cerebra’s strategic ambitions into effective operational delivery, ensuring robust governance, financial stewardship and a high-performing, values-led culture.
As a trusted advisor to the CEO and Board, the COO will lead core operational services and commercial activity, enabling the charity to maximise impact and generate sustainable income in support of its charitable objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic & Executive Leadership
- Partner with the CEO and Board to deliver strategic priorities, growth and long-term sustainability
- Collaboration with the Director’s Group to ensure strategic alignment across the charity. The Director’s Group consists of:
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Operating Officer
Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications
Director of Research and Support Services
- Provide expert advice on finance, operations, commercial performance and organisational risk
- Lead organisational planning, business continuity, and operational resilience
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability and inclusion
Finance, Commercial & Sustainability
- Lead financial strategy, planning and performance, ensuring long-term sustainability
- Oversee budgeting, forecasting, cashflow and financial controls
- Lead and develop Cerebra’s strategy for commercial income , ensuring alignment with charitable objectives
- Support funding growth through strong financial insight and business case development
- Ensure robust financial governance, audit and compliance
Operations & Infrastructure
- Lead and strengthen operational functions including HR, IT, governance and administration
- Ensure effective systems, processes and infrastructure that enable growth, efficiency and impact
- Oversee procurement, contracts, facilities, and organisational compliance
- Drive innovation and value for money across operations
People & Culture
- Champion a positive, inclusive and high-performing organisational culture
- Oversee HR strategy, workforce planning and leadership development
- Ensure compliance with employment law and best practice
- Promote wellbeing, engagement and organisational effectiveness
Digital & Technology
- Provide strategic oversight of IT, data and digital development
- Ensure systems are secure, resilient and aligned to organisational needs
- Leverage data and technology to improve insight, decision-making and organisational impact
Governance, Risk & Compliance
- Ensure effective governance frameworks, risk management and regulatory compliance
- Support the CEO and Board with high-quality reporting and strategic insight
- Lead safeguarding, data protection and organisational risk strategy
- Drive a strong culture of accountability and ethical practice
Leadership & Management
- Lead and develop a small senior team across finance, HR and IT
- Build capability, strengthen performance, and embed a collaborative culture
- Model Cerebra’s values and leadership behaviours
Key Attributes
- Strategic and commercially minded leader with strong operational delivery experience
- Strong financial leadership and business acumen
- Proven track record of driving income growth, sustainability and organisational performance
- Skilled in governance, risk and stakeholder engagement
Please see attached job description for the Person Specification.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Job Title: Engagement Manager
Location: Aberdeenshire
Contract Type:Fixed Term Contract – 31/03/2027
Hours: Part-Time 14 hours per week
Salary:£25625 Pro Rata
PVG Enhanced
Volunteering Matters
Who we are
At Volunteering Matters, we believe people have the power to create change. Whether through volunteering by helping others and giving time, or through social action such as speaking up, campaigning, or leading change, everyone can make a difference. We bring people together to build stronger communities across England, Scotland and Wales, making sure everyone has the chance to get involved and create real change.
What we do
We help people of all ages and backgrounds get involved in volunteering and social action. We focus on making sure that everyone, no matter their situation, has the chance to take part. We work with local people.
How we do this
We support people to share their time and skills to help others and tackle big challenges in their communities.
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We remove barriers to volunteering and social action, making it easier for people who don’t always get the chance to take part.
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We listen to and amplify voices that aren’t always heard, helping volunteers and communities influence change.
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We help volunteers beyond their first experience, offering training, support, and pathways to new opportunities.
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We connect businesses with communities, creating meaningful employee volunteering projects.
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We show the impact of volunteering and social action, proving how it changes lives for the better.
Our promise to volunteers
We are always looking for new ways for volunteers to make a difference. We bring people together across generations and backgrounds to learn from each other and create change. At the same time, we make sure that all our volunteers are trained, supported, and valued, so they feel confident in what they do.
It’s a brilliant time to join us. We’re evolving, growing our impact, and shaping a future where everyone can take part and feel they belong.
We are looking for a talented, dynamic, and professional Engagement Manager to join our team in Aberdeenshire. The right candidate would be someone who can work flexibly and demonstrate an understanding and total commitment to our organisational values.
As our Engagement Manager, you will directly support people aged 16+ who may have complex and challenging barriers preventing them from securing a positive pathway.The role will include identifying barriers and helping to build the tools needed to remove them. Supporting with pre volunteering activity as well as volunteering placements in their local area.
You will identify, develop, and manage partnerships with charitable and not-for-profit organisations across Aberdeenshire, building an effective presence within the third sector locally.You will create diverse, high-quality, structured volunteering opportunities with charity partner organisations, ensuring that volunteering roles reflect the needs and interests of those we support.You will also support the creation of strong referral pathways into our service, and beyond it, building on a knowledge of existing provision. As part of the All-in-Aberdeenshire consortium you will be a positive bridge to support people into positive destinations such as employment, training or further education.
Key Duties Responsibilities
To engage directly with people 16+ to understand their wants, needs and aspirations and determine the best opportunity for each person and provide the support they need in advance of volunteering.
To support on a 1:1 basis, in person or digitally with the volunteer to create an action plan.
To work in partnership with All-in-Aberdeenshire consortium to achieve outcomes.
To develop and maintain good relationships with referral partners such as The Council, DWP, SDS etc to ensure a steady stream of referrals are received.
To Liaise with referral sources, regarding new and existing referrals.
To identify, create and develop relationships with new charity partners or agencies to provide bespoke and tailored volunteering opportunities.These opportunities will help the individuals supported to gain experience, confidence and support them on route to a positive destination.
To manage the risk assessment, quality assurance, and audit processes as appropriate.
Ensure monitoring, impact and evaluation of information and data is collected and that the project meets its agreed targets, reporting format and schedule.Assist the Delivery Leader by preparing reports to funders.
To ensure all the above is done with excellent record keeping, in accordance with compliance requirements.
Promoting and representing Volunteering Matters across Aberdeenshire.
Contribute to the wider Volunteering Matters staff teams, upholding our values at all times.
Skills
A sound and comprehensive understanding of the particular challenges and barriers that people in Aberdeenshire face with moving into a positive destination of volunteering, employment, training and further education.
Understanding of how to assess the needs of an individual using a person-centered approach.
Excellent organisational and IT skills.
Excellent people skills with the ability to build professional, long-term relationships with others.
Beneficiary-focused, and adaptable – able to go from strategic conversations with key partners to chatting with a nervous potential individual.
Ability to manage a busy workload and prioritise accordingly.
Strong attention to detail and a willingness to accurately record all interactions.
Creating, coordinating and supporting proper reporting channels around contract compliance
Experience of project management and working to deadlines.
Experience Required
Example - Significant experience working directly with people, particularly those who face challenges and barriers.
Demonstratable relationship management experience with a wide range of stakeholders.
Experience in using a CRM (customer relationship management) system
Experience of project management, achieving high targets and working to strict deadlines.
Experience of working in a remote setting as well as working within a team
Proven ability to communicate effectively and work as part of a team.
Our Values & Way of Working
In all that we are guided by our values: Empowering, Inclusive, Compassionate, Positive & Straightforward.
Diversity & Inclusion
Volunteering Matters welcomes all applicants and are keen to ensure our team reflects the diversity of the UK and the communities we serve. We encourage applications from disabled, LGBT and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, along with candidates with any protected characteristics and from disadvantaged groups.
Disability Confident & Reasonable Adjustments
We guarantee to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the role. Please provide evidence in your application, which demonstrates that you meet the level of competence required in the Job Description under skill and experience. To be considered for a guaranteed interview or to discuss any reasonable adjustments during the process, please state this in your cover letter.
Benefits
Our employee benefits reflect our culture which is built on an approach of full flexibility with accountability, and designed to let you make your most positive contribution; we offer:
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Flexible Working by Default (re hours & place of work)
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Unlimited Annual Leave
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Employee Pension scheme
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Life Assurance
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Cycle to Work Scheme
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Season Ticket Loan
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Employee Assistance Programme
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Enhanced sick and family leave.
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Lifestyle Discount Scheme
We are also open to discussing job share applications.
GDPR Statement
If you apply for a role with us, we will retain your contact details including your name, address, email address and phone number to help us manage your application for up to six months. We will not use your personal data for any other purpose or share it with any third party. You can contact us at any point to update your personal information or ask us to delete it from our records.
Policy on AI-Generated Applications
Applications are accepted on trust, and we expect all submissions to reflect the applicant’s own words, experiences, and motivations. While tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) may support the application process, applications should not be generated wholly by AI.
To Apply
Please send an updated, complete CV and cover letter via the Charity Job Apply button above. In your application clearly state which role you are applying for. In the cover letter please demonstrate how you would fulfil the role requirements, what previous relevant achievements you have (both in life and at work), what skills & experience you can offer, and what you believe you can contribute to Volunteering Matters.
We welcome applications from everyone, but please note that if we receive an extremely large number of responses, we may close this advert early to fully consider applications. We encourage you to apply promptly so you don’t miss the opportunity to join our community.
Right to Work in the UK
Please note that while we hold a license to sponsor employees on a skilled worker visa, the number of applications we can make each year is very limited. Unfortunately, this role does not meet the criteria for sponsorship, therefore, you must already have the right to work in the UK to be considered for this position.
If you have any questions about current vacancies, the recruitment process, or need support, our team is here to help. You can contact us directly by emailing and a member of the team will get back to you as soon as possible.
Registered Charity
101 - 500
We turn local knowledge into action by working with volunteers and partners across the UK to build stronger communities for all.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Ely Foodbank is seeking a Foodbank Operations Manager to play a key role in the day to day leadership and development of our services across East Cambridgeshire and Fenland. This is a varied and rewarding role where no two days are the same. You will work closely with volunteers, referral partners, community organisations, and the wider team to ensure people facing hardship receive a welcoming, professional, and effective service.
As a growing organisation, we are looking for someone who combines excellent organisational skills with a practical and solutions focused approach. You will be comfortable managing multiple priorities, building productive partnerships, supporting volunteers, and using systems and technology to improve the way we work. Whether your experience comes from the charity sector, public services, community organisations, or another operational environment, we are looking for someone who can bring energy, initiative, and strong operational leadership to the role.
This is an opportunity to make a genuine difference in your local community while helping shape and strengthen an organisation that supports thousands of people each year.
In your cover letter (maximum 2 pages), please tell us:
• Why you would like to work for Ely Foodbank and why this role interests you.
• Why you believe you are a strong candidate for the role, including examples of your experience in:
Service delivery or operational management
Building partnerships and stakeholder relationships
Using systems and platforms such as Monday . com, CRM systems, Microsoft 365, or similar tools
Working with volunteers, community organisations, or support services
We are particularly interested in practical examples and achievements rather than a summary of your CV.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.