Media and communications assistant volunteer jobs

Overview

We’re looking for a strong bid writer to join our successful national Business Development Team as a Business Development Officer. This is an excellent opportunity to grow your career in business development within a successful team that prioritises social impact, development and progression. We’d particularly like to hear from people that have experience of writing high-scoring drug and alcohol service bids.

Location: London, Brighton, Manchester or Leeds.

Salary: £37,184.91 – £39,891.91 per year. If you’re based in London, you’ll receive an additional £4,133.14 per year - Inner London Weighting.

Contract: Permanent.

Responsibilities

About the role

Change Grow Live is a health and social care charity. Across the country, we support people to make positive changes in their lives, including around drug and alcohol use, smoking, homelessness and criminal justice.

As a Business Development Officer, you’ll play a key part in helping us secure new contracts and deliver high‑quality services for adults, children and young people. You’ll work with colleagues across the organisation to develop excellent written material for bids and proposals. This role offers a great opportunity to learn and develop while using your established skills, and you’ll be encouraged to take on more responsibility as you progress.

Your day-to-day will include:

• Writing and editing multiple complex bid responses within live tenders
• Working with colleagues across the organisation to gather information and evidence
• Project managing smaller bids and proposals with support from a Senior Business Development Officer or Business Development Manager
• Completing online research, analysing data and collating evidence
• Creating presentations, diagrams and reports
• Helping improve how we do things.

About you

We’re looking for candidates with proven experience of writing tenders, proposals or grant applications, or writing in other professional or academic environments, for instance journalism, research or marketing.

You are:

• A highly competent communicator with excellent writing skills
• Able to analyse data and interpret evidence, with good IT and research skills
• Solution-focused, creative and proactive
• Happy to give and receive challenging feedback
• Collaborative and contribute to a positive culture team
• Ready to work hard to deliver on CGL’s values and mission.

What we offer

You’ll be able to access structured training, development and mentoring as part of a supportive team. There’s a clear progression pathway within the team, from Officer to Senior Officer, Manager, Senior Manager, Deputy Director, and Director. Several of our current Seniors and Managers were previously in the Business Development Officer role.

We also offer:

• The option to work from home for some of the week
• Wellbeing support, including an employee assistance programme and an hour each week for wellbeing activities of your choice (find out more here).

We want our workforce to represent the diversity of the people and communities we work with. We pride ourselves on an inclusive and supportive workplace, evidenced through our Investors in People silver status.

We’re happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that you need to be successful. Please let us know in your application or at any stage of the process if you would like to discuss this.

Before you apply

In the application portal, there’s a section called ‘how you meet the criteria for the role’. This is your chance to tell us about why you’re a good fit for this job – we won’t be able to consider your application unless it’s filled in. Please explain how you meet each of the person specification criteria (listed at the end of the job description). Use clear examples of your experience (this link contains some useful guidance). As guidance, written statements should not exceed 1,000 words. You can address multiple criteria together where you think it makes sense.

Interviews will be held 16th – 23rd February 2026 via MS Teams. We’ll also ask shortlisted candidates to complete a written task online during this timeframe, at a time of your choice. We may hold a pre-qualification stage task (e.g. presentation) depending on the number of applicants.

We encourage applications from individuals who may not meet every requirement but are excited about the role. We value lived experience of substance use, homelessness, and/or multiple disadvantages.

We’re a Disability Confident Committed employer. Under our Disability Confident interview scheme, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates where they meet our selection criteria in their application. Some of our roles attract a high volume of applications and in some circumstances where it is not practicable or appropriate, we may limit the number of interviews offered to disabled and non-disabled candidates. Please confirm in the ‘how you meet the criteria for the role’ part of the application if you are applying under this scheme. We will provide reasonable adjustments as needed.

Check the job description and team explainer for more information. You can contact Yasmin Gilders to discuss this role further.

What our people say

Kitty, Business Development Officer:

“What was your route into your current job? I graduated with an English Literature degree in 2019 and started out as an Editorial Assistant in publishing. Furloughed during the pandemic, I took the opportunity to complete a master’s in English Literature before moving into medical communications, where I also worked as an Editorial Assistant. While I enjoyed the work, I wanted a role that allowed me to get more involved in the research and writing, which led me to join CGL as an Assistant Business Development Officer in 2023. After gaining bid writing experience, I started as Business Development Officer in 2024.

What are your favourite parts of the job? I love how varied the job is. One day I might be deep in research, whether that’s desk-based or visiting a service in person, while the next I’m writing and editing responses for a live bid or even creating visuals. No two days are the same, and variety keeps the job exciting.

How would you describe the team? The team is incredibly lovely and supportive. There’s always someone ready to offer help, share advice, or even just have a quick chat, which makes it a really positive and collaborative environment to work in.

What were your highlights from last year? Being part of the team that won the Blackpool contract. We all invested a lot of time and effort into it, and the whole organisation was excited by the outcome.

Is there anything you would say to someone considering applying? Go for it! It’s a fantastic role within a supportive, friendly team, and there’s so much variety and opportunity to learn. If you’re considering applying, you won’t regret it.”

Holly, who progressed from Business Development Officer to Senior Business Development Officer last year:

“What are your favourite parts of this work? The amount we learn from bid to bid. No two services are the same and I’m constantly coming across amazing individuals, teams and interventions. Being part of a team that helps share and celebrate great work, and support other services to implement new and exciting initiatives is really rewarding.

How would you describe the team? Helpful, real and full of knowledge. Everyone comes from different backgrounds and is happy to share their skills, knowledge and learning. I’ve never felt like I’ve asked a silly question, and I don’t feel like I must put a on ‘work mask’.

What were your highlights from last year? Becoming a Senior and working across 7 different bids or direct awards last year. It was busy but I learnt so much, made some great connections with people across the organisation and feel excited for 2026.”

Salary Range (pro rata if part time)

CGL points 33 to 36 (£37,184.90 - £39,891.91)

Interview Date

16/2/2026

Closing Date

8/2/2026

We’re looking for a flexible, adaptable and creative Funding expert to join our talented team of Development Managers, supporting local organisations and residents and helping the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector to grow and thrive.

You will be engaging directly with frontline voluntary and community groups, providing fundraising advice, bid-writing support, bid reviews, funding searches and signposting, and training. You will also develop partnerships with other local agencies to better support the local voluntary sector and influence funders, and identify local funding development needs to help inform our training programme for voluntary groups.

You’ll bring experience in developing fundraising strategies within the VCFSE sector, an understanding of the governance issues that could be barriers to successful funding applications and how to overcome them, and knowledge of funder priorities that groups should be aware of.

In return, we offer flexible, hybrid working options, a free Employee Assistance Programme, and up to 7.5 hours of volunteering leave per year.

For more information about the role, or to apply, please visit our website by clicking the button on this listing.

STRATEGIC COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT LEADER (Community Support, Empowerment, Youth and Children’s work, Academies)

Based in North East Lincolnshire

Salary:   £42,752 per annum

Full Time, Permanent Contract

Oasis exists to build stronger communities where no one is left out. We achieve this by working in an integrated way through community empowerment, youth and children’s work and academies, and we’re excited to have a new opportunity for a Strategic Community Development Leader in North East Lincolnshire.  This newly created role follows on from our successful work in the Grimsby community.

Oasis in North East Lincolnshire is at an exciting stage of development. We are looking to appoint a dynamic strategic lead to develop and grow our children’s, youth and community work across the two separate Oasis neighbourhoods that work together to form the Hub charity.  The two neighbourhoods are South ward in Grimsby and Immingham. This role will oversee a team of staff and volunteers in community, bringing strategic oversight to ensure the work is tied together across North East Lincolnshire under the one hub charity to achieve the shared vision.

We are looking for a relational based leader for this key project management role.  As such, the successful applicant will need to demonstrate entrepreneurial flair and excellent leadership skills as well as:

· Building positive and supportive working partnerships with the community.

· Leading the local community teams as the expand the vision of developing integrated community provision involving the community and academy(ies) towards developing an Oasis movement, where those affiliated with Oasis are in the planning, delivery evaluation and sustainability of activities and services.

· Developing wide ranging advice and community support provision that are led by the community including: Resilience building provision (financial planning, healthy eating etc.), Youthwork/children’s work, Family support services Community relationship building provision (community events, befriending schemes etc.)

· Working in close partnership with key stakeholders including local community, Academy Principals and staff teams, and local community leaders to lead the Community strategic development, particularly around communication, income generation strategy and monitoring and evaluation and reporting.

· Responsibility for systems development and management across the Community Charity including all policy and procedures such as financial management, health and safety, safeguarding etc.

· Growing a team of staff and volunteers to deliver the objectives in the Community Plan that directly support students and their families in the Academy(ies) and members of the local community.

· To ensure the Oasis ethos permeates all work across the community team.

This is a unique opportunity for a self-reliant and results-focused individual, who is looking to make a difference in this complex and high-profile field of work.  In return we offer:

· Flexible working practices which encourages innovation and fresh ideas.

· A supportive network and friendly team in a motivating working environment.

· A non-contributory defined benefit pension scheme with 7% employer contributions.

· 25 days holiday per year (plus Bank Holidays), rising to 30 days after 2 years of service.

For full details, please go the Oasis UK charity website.

We invite you to send your CV and Covering Letter.  CVs will not be accepted after Midday, Friday 30th January 2026. Stage 1 phone interviews will take place week commencing 2nd February 2026, and final interviews will be held week beginning 9th February 2026, in Grimsby.

We actively encourage applications from people of all ethnic backgrounds and minority and underrepresented groups.  If you require any assistance to overcome potential barriers, please let us know.

Oasis is committed to making a difference to the lives of the communities it works in, and as such you must show a willingness to demonstrate commitment to the values and behaviours which flow from the Oasis ethos. 

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to undergo appropriate checks, including enhanced DBS checks.  The successful candidate will need to show proof of right to work in the UK.  Oasis supports Equal Opportunities. 

Oasis supports Equal Opportunities.  Registered Charity No. 1163889

Business Manager

Are you a skilled and compassionate leader with a passion for making a difference in the lives of others? You will have a key role in helping to serve older Christians and in leading a motivated and committed staff team catering to the residents in Bridgemead, Bath.

As a Business Manager, you will play a pivotal role in managing our day-to-day operations, supporting our dedicated staff, and driving our mission to enhance the well-being of those we serve. Find out more about how we care for our residents: https://youtu.be/Po6md7pq7nI

If you are a dynamic professional with a strong background in business management and a heart for caring, we invite you to apply now.

Have a watch here of "What it means for us, to work in a Christian Care Home like ours:" https://youtu.be/uCa1_BtS34w

For more information, please read the job pack

Responsibilities:

• Lead the business performance of the home alongside the Registered Manager, delivering agreed income, occupancy, cost and surplus targets
• Ensure high standards of service, cleanliness and hospitality through effective leadership of housekeeping, catering and maintenance teams
• Work in partnership with the Registered Manager to maintain quality standards, prepare for inspections, and meet regulatory requirements
• Oversee the administration of the home, including staffing, rotas, payroll information, recruitment, training records and compliance
• Contribute to a well-led, positive and values-driven culture, promoting Pilgrims’ Friend Society’s ethos and “The Way We Care”
• Support staff development, wellbeing and morale through effective supervision, appraisal, performance management and engagement
• Manage resident applications, fees, contracts and family communications, ensuring excellent customer care and responsive complaint handling
• Take responsibility for health, safety and compliance matters when on duty, including fire safety and liaison with external bodies
• Oversee property, maintenance and supplier relationships, working with Property Services to ensure the home is safe and well maintained
• Provide visible leadership in the pastoral and spiritual life of the home, supporting devotions, community engagement and relationships with local churches.

Skills/Experience:

• Willing and able to take a lead in maintaining the Christian ethos of the home;
• Management experience in a business setting;
• Comfortable with writing business communications to staff and residents as well as authorities etc;
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels whilst maintaining confidentiality;
• Ability to lead, motivate and encourage staff to give of their best, and have people-leadership and management experience;
• Able to work under pressure and provide calmness in all situations;
• IT literate ( including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and the Internet);
• Willing to be flexible in the working pattern and are prepared to participate in training and attend relevant staff meetings.

*Applicants must be evangelical Christians (This role has an Occupational Requirement to be filled by a Christian under the provisions of the Equality Act (2010).)

Hours:

40 hours a week, usually worked over 5 days.

“On-call” cover is required on a rotating basis to meet demands. Please get in touch for more information about working patterns. 

Benefits:

• £44,500 to £50,000 per annum
• Relocation support (to be discussed)
• 5 Weeks' paid holiday per year as well as bank and public holidays
• On-going training and support
• Team events
• Pension scheme
• Care Friends referral 
• Medicash
• Perkbox – including an Employee assistance programme.
• Long-standing service rewards
• Birthday rewards

— What our staff say about us: …“It is a friendly and welcoming place to work” … —

We are committed to having a diverse senior management team and we encourage applications from disabled and Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic candidates, as these groups are underrepresented on our senior management team at present.

 Please note: this vacancy may close sooner if sufficient applications have been received so please apply as soon as possible if interested

Are you a skilled and compassionate leader with a passion for making a difference in the lives of others? You will have a key role in helping to serve older Christians and in leading a motivated and committed staff team catering to the residents in Worthing, West Sussex. View our lovely home here.

Our amazing team at Koinonia Christian Care Home provide a loving and caring environment for our residents, whilst maintaining the Christian ethos that is so important to them. The health, well-being and happiness of our residents are of primary importance to us. We are looking for a Business Manager to oversee the operations and ensure the highest standards of care for the people we care for.

As a Business Manager, you will play a pivotal role in managing our day-to-day operations, supporting our dedicated staff, and driving our mission to enhance the well-being of those we serve. Find out more about how we care for our residents: https://youtu.be/Po6md7pq7nI

If you are a dynamic professional with a strong background in business management and a heart for caring, we invite you to apply now.

Have a watch here of "What it means for us, to work in a Christian Care Home like ours:" https://youtu.be/uCa1_BtS34w

For more information, please read the job pack

Responsibilities:

• Lead the business performance of the home alongside the Registered Manager, delivering agreed income, occupancy, cost and surplus targets
• Ensure high standards of service, cleanliness and hospitality through effective leadership of housekeeping, catering and maintenance teams
• Work in partnership with the Registered Manager to maintain quality standards, prepare for inspections, and meet regulatory requirements
• Oversee the administration of the home, including staffing, rotas, payroll information, recruitment, training records and compliance
• Contribute to a well-led, positive and values-driven culture, promoting Pilgrims’ Friend Society’s ethos and “The Way We Care”
• Support staff development, wellbeing and morale through effective supervision, appraisal, performance management and engagement
• Manage resident applications, fees, contracts and family communications, ensuring excellent customer care and responsive complaint handling
• Take responsibility for health, safety and compliance matters when on duty, including fire safety and liaison with external bodies
• Oversee property, maintenance and supplier relationships, working with Property Services to ensure the home is safe and well maintained
• Provide visible leadership in the pastoral and spiritual life of the home, supporting devotions, community engagement and relationships with local churches.

Skills/Experience:

• Willing and able to take a lead in maintaining the Christian ethos of the home;
• Management experience in a business setting;
• Comfortable with writing business communications to staff and residents as well as authorities etc;
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels whilst maintaining confidentiality;
• Ability to lead, motivate and encourage staff to give of their best, and have people-leadership and management experience;
• Able to work under pressure and provide calmness in all situations;
• IT literate ( including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and the Internet);
• Willing to be flexible in the working pattern and are prepared to participate in training and attend relevant staff meetings.

*Applicants must be evangelical Christians (This role has an Occupational Requirement to be filled by a Christian under the provisions of the Equality Act (2010).)

Hours:

40 hours a week, usually worked over 5 days.

“On-call” cover is required on a rotating basis to meet demands. Please get in touch for more information about working patterns. 

Benefits:

• £44,500 to £50,000 per annum
• Relocation support (to be discussed)
• 5 Weeks' paid holiday per year as well as bank and public holidays
• On-going training and support
• Team events
• Pension scheme
• Care Friends referral 
• Medicash
• Perkbox – including an Employee assistance programme.
• Long-standing service rewards
• Birthday rewards

— What our staff say about us: …“It is a friendly and welcoming place to work” … —

We are committed to having a diverse senior management team and we encourage applications from disabled and Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic candidates, as these groups are underrepresented on our senior management team at present.

 Please note: this vacancy may close sooner if sufficient applications have been received so please apply as soon as possible if interested

Harris Hill is delighted to be working with Liverpool Zoe’s Place (LZP) to recruit its first Chief Executive Officer.

Zoe's Place was founded in Liverpool in 1995 as the first hospice in the UK specifically providing for the needs of babies and younger children. Liverpool Zoe’s Place (LZP) was established in December 2024 and took over full responsibility for the management of the hospice on May 1st 2025. In late 2024 the people of Liverpool, the North West, and even further afield helped us to raise more than £7,000,000 to secure the future of our hospice, and to build a state-of-the-art new facility in West Derby.

Our team of specialist nurses and healthcare assistants are supported by a wide range of other healthcare professionals to provide respite care, therapies and bereavement care to babies and children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, and their families.

As Chief Executive, you will:

· Bring inspirational leadership to the LZP.

· Manage, plan and implement LZP’s strategy.

· Ensure the Hospice provides and promotes excellent clinical care.

If you are inspired and excited by what Liverpool Zoe’s Place does, we’d love to hear from you.

Job title: Chief Executive Officer

Salary: £75,000 - £80,000 p.a.

Contract: Permanent / Full-time

Location: Zoe's Place, Yew Tree Lane, West Derby, Liverpool, L12 9HH

How to apply:

Please review the Recruitment Pack for further information about Liverpool Zoe’s Place, the CEO position and for details on how to apply.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Friday 13th February 2026

Both Liverpool Zoe’s Place and Harris Hill operate an equal opportunity policy and commit to treating all of our candidates and jobseekers fairly. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Principal Programme Manager – National Cycle Network

When registering to this job board you will be redirected to the online application form. Please ensure that this is completed in full in order that your application can be reviewed.

Principal Programme Manager – National Cycle Network

England

£42,323 per annum (pro rata for part time)

Ref: 127REC

37.5 hours per week – we are happy to talk flexible working

Base: Hybrid with the opportunity to work in any of our Walk Wheel Cycle Hubs in England

Contract: Permanent

INTRODUCTION

As set out in the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust’s 2025-30 Strategy, the NCN Directorate leads on the building of a walking, wheeling and cycling network that brings everyone closer to the places and people they love. The Directorate is organised into four distinct teams: Planning; Engagement; Delivery (England); Delivery (Scotland, Cymru and Northern Ireland). This role sits within the Delivery team in England. Regular travel will be required. 

ABOUT THE ROLE

Team: Delivery/ England

In this role, you are a senior leader responsible for driving major portfolios and programmes that support the National Cycle Network. You work closely with the Head of Delivery for England to make sure projects are well‑managed, stay within budget, and are completed on time. Your work must align with the organisation’s strategy and business plan.

You provide strategic direction, oversee programmes and projects, plan effectively, and build strong relationships with partners. You also lead and support your team to ensure that the work is high‑quality and sustainable.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys programme, project and budget management, motivating teams and building relationships with stakeholders. 

ABOUT YOU

We’re looking for someone who has experience and understanding in the areas listed below. You don’t need to meet every requirement — if you feel you’d be a good fit, we encourage you to apply.

• Expertise in the principles and standard practices within active travel infrastructure.
• Thorough knowledge of transport policy and planning and detailed knowledge of local and regional transport planning processes, policies, priorities and nuances.
• Thorough working knowledge of health and safety legislation and practice, including construction regulations and risk assessments.
• Proven experience of using design packages and mapping software.
• Competence in the use of MS Office

WHAT WE OFFER

We want you to feel supported, valued, and empowered in your role. That’s why we offer flexible working, a positive team environment, and benefits designed to support your wellbeing, finances, and family life.

Wellbeing Support

• 28 days’ leave per annum plus bank holidays for full-time employees
• Option to buy an extra week of annual leave (pro-rata for part-time employees)
• Paid volunteer days to support causes you care about
• Free, confidential support service available 24/7
• Access to cycle-to-work schemes through Green Commute Initiative and Cycle Scheme

Financial Benefits

• Group Personal Pension scheme with a 6% or 7% of basic salary contribution being matched by Walk Wheel Cycle Trust
• Bike, computer and season ticket loans
• Discount benefits
• London Weighting Allowance of £4,530 per annum for all those living within a London Borough (32 local authority districts plus the City of London).
• Death in Service benefit – 3 x annual Salary 

Family Friendly Policies

• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Flexible Working practices (full time hours are 37.5 per week, Monday - Friday) 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Application deadline: 23:59, 01 February 2026
• Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams during the week of 16 February 2026. To apply, please provide a C.V. and a Cover Letter.
• We are committed to being a truly inclusive employer. We welcome applications from everyone from all parts of the community.
• Adjustments are available throughout the application process.
• Please use the job description as the basis for writing your cover letter, with a focus on the Key Responsibilities section. 

Want to explore more roles?

We are committed to being a truly inclusive employer. We welcome applications from everyone from all parts of the community.

Adjustments are available throughout the application process.

Our Values

• We are always learning
• Championing equity
• Taking ownership
• Delivering Together

Human Resources Manager, L'Arche Ipswich

ABOUT THE ROLE

Hours of work: 22.5 hours per week, flexibly
Salary: £34,224.59 FTE (£20534.75 for 22.5 hours)
Reports to: Community Leader
Place of work: L'Arche Ipswich
Contract type: Permanent, Part-time
Closing date: Sunday, 1st February 2026 at midnight

Notes: This position does not offer visa sponsorship.

Main purpose of the role

The Human Resources Manager provides effective HR support to all employees at L'Arche Ipswich, in line with L’Arche’s identity, mission and values.

The HR Manager will:

• Lead, facilitate and organise recruitment in the community together with the Registered Manager and the Community Leader;
• Actively seek opportunities to link up and maintain good relationships with organisations such as other recruitment and voluntary agencies, career offices, churches and communities, educational establishments with a particular emphasis on promotion among young people;
• Manage the full employee lifecycle, in line with employment law, regulatory requirements, and L'Arche policies;
• Support leaders with employee relations casework;
• Submit accurate payroll data;

Key essential criteria

• Understanding and identification with the aims, mission and values of L'Arche;
• Experience of working in HR, especially employee relations casework;
• Experience of the full employee life cycle including recruitment, training, performance management;
• Experience of a similar role with lead responsibility for employment matters;
• CIPD level 5 (Associate) or equivalent;
• Highly developed IT skills including familiarity with using HR databases;

This role is subject to an enhanced DBS criminal record check.

You can find more details about L'Arche Ipswich and L'Arche on our website

Discover what makes L’Arche a rewarding place to work—explore our employee benefits on our website.

A full job description and person specification can be found in the Recruitment Pack.

To apply, please submit your CV and answer the questions from our online application form.
The closing date is: Sunday 1 February 2026 at midnight

We encourage you not to wait until the closing date to submit your application, as we may begin interviewing strong candidates before then.

We also reserve the right to close the advert early if we receive enough suitable applications.

Please also read our privacy notice for job applicants.

REF-225 890

Job Title: People Development Manager (Job Share)

Location: Homeworking with a requirement to occasionally work at Head Office (Vauxhall, London)
Salary: £23,036 per annum, pro rata based on an FTE salary of £57,590 per annum. (Inclusive of London Weighting, which may not be applicable depending on your home location and any agreed permanent homeworking arrangement)

Contract type: Part Time, Fixed Term (1 year)

Hours: 15 hours per week (Wednesday's and Friday's as part of a job share)

We are now seeking a People Development Manager (Job Share) to join our People & Culture team and help us strengthen learning, development, and organisational capability across Refuge.

As People Development Manager, you will play a key role in delivering effective, compliant, and customer-focused People services that help colleagues perform at their best and support Refuge’s strategic objectives.

Working collaboratively with managers and your job-share partner, you will shape and deliver an organisation-wide training and learning offer that meets diverse needs, supports professional growth, and enhances our inclusive culture.

You will lead on the development of our newly implemented learning system, our evaluation framework and monitoring and developing our apprenticeship scheme. Alongside your job share partner and the Deputy Director of People & Culture, you will help develop our new learning strategy.

You will be part of a supportive People & Culture team committed to positive change and continuous improvement. In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to shape meaningful development initiatives that help colleagues grow and ensure Refuge remains a great place to work.

Closing Date: 09:00 am 12 February 2026

Interview Date: 19 February 2026 

Overview

We’re looking for a Senior Business Development Officer to join our national Business Development Team. This is an ideal next step for you if you’re an experienced bid writer looking to grow your career in business development, make social impact, and develop your leadership skills. We’d particularly like to hear from people that have experience of writing high-scoring drug and alcohol service bids.

Location: London, Brighton, Manchester or Leeds.

Salary: £43,384.62 − £47,792.23 per year. If you’re based in London, you’ll receive an additional £4,133.14 per year for Inner London Weighting.

Contract: Permanent.

Responsibilities

About the role

Change Grow Live is a health and social care charity. Across the country, we support people to make positive changes in their lives, including around drug and alcohol use, smoking, homelessness and criminal justice.

As a Senior Business Development Officer, you’ll play a lead role in the development and writing of tenders and proposals for a variety of health and social care services. This role offers a great opportunity to learn and develop while using your established skills, and you’ll be encouraged to take on more responsibility as you progress.

This role offers a great opportunity to learn and develop while using your established skills, and you’ll be encouraged to take on more responsibility as you progress, including line management opportunities.

Your day-to-day will include:

• Writing and editing complex and highly weighted bid responses, working to short timeframes
• Project managing the writing of key tenders with support from a Business Development Manager
• Supporting the development of Assistant Business Development Officers and Business Development Officers, with the potential of providing line management
• Working with staff across the organisation and our partners to develop bids that reflect best practice respond to local needs
• Producing and coordinating detailed research for upcoming opportunities, including meeting with subject matter experts, analysing data and collating evidence
• Creating presentations, diagrams and reports
• Participating in and leading reviews of our bid and proposal processes.

About you         

We’re looking for candidates with proven experience of writing tenders, proposals or grant applications in health and social care.

You are:

• A highly competent communicator with a successful track record in bid writing, ideally for drug and alcohol treatment or related services
• Experienced in leading smaller bids and proposals
• Able to analyse data and interpret evidence, with good IT and research skills
• Solution-focused, creative and proactive
• Happy to give and receive constructive, challenging feedback
• Collaborative and contribute to a positive culture team
• Ready to work hard to deliver on CGL’s values and mission.

What we offer

You’ll be able to access structured training, development and mentoring as part of a supportive team. There’s a clear progression pathway within the team, from Senior Business Development Officer to Manager, Senior Manager, Deputy Director, and Director. Several of our current Business Development Managers were previously in the Senior Business Development Officer role.

We also offer:

• The option to work from home for some of the week
• Wellbeing support, including an employee assistance programme and an hour each week for wellbeing activities of your choice (find out more here).

We want our workforce to represent the diversity of the people and communities we work with. We pride ourselves on an inclusive and supportive workplace, evidenced through our Investors in People silver status.

We’re happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that you need to be successful. Please let us know in your application or at any stage of the process if you would like to discuss this.

 Before you apply

In the application portal, there’s a section called ‘how you meet the criteria for the role’. This is your chance to tell us about why you’re a good fit for this job – we won’t be able to consider your application unless it’s filled in. Please explain how you meet each of the person specification criteria (listed at the end of the job description). Use clear examples of your experience (this link contains some useful guidance). As guidance, written statements should not exceed 1,000 words. You can address multiple criteria together where you think it makes sense.

Interviews will be held 16th – 23rd February 2026 via MS Teams. We’ll also ask shortlisted candidates to complete a written task online during this timeframe, at a time of your choice. We may hold a pre-qualification stage task (e.g. presentation) depending on the number of applicants.

We encourage applications from individuals who may not meet every requirement but are excited about the role. We value lived experience of substance use, homelessness, and/or multiple disadvantages.

We’re a Disability Confident Committed employer. Under our Disability Confident interview scheme, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates where they meet our selection criteria in their application. Some of our roles attract a high volume of applications and in some circumstances where it is not practicable or appropriate, we may limit the number of interviews offered to disabled and non-disabled candidates. Please confirm in the ‘how you meet the criteria for the role’ part of the application if you are applying under this scheme. We will provide reasonable adjustments as needed.

Check the job description and team explainer for more information. Contact Yasmin Gilders to discuss this role further.

What our people say

Holly, Senior Business Development Officer said:

“What are your favourite parts of the job? The amount we learn from bid to bid. No two services are the same and I’m constantly coming across amazing individuals, teams and interventions. Being part of a team that helps share and celebrate great work, and support other services to implement new and exciting initiatives is really rewarding.

How would you describe the team? Helpful, real and full of knowledge. Everyone comes from different backgrounds and is happy to share their skills, knowledge and learning. I’ve never felt like I’ve asked a silly question, and I don’t feel like I must put a on ‘work mask’ every day.

What were your highlights from last year? Becoming a Senior and working across 7 different bids or direct awards last year. It was busy but I learnt so much, made some great connections with people across the organisation and feel excited for 2026.”

Fran, who progressed from this role to Business Development Manager last year:

“How did the role help you progress? The Senior Business Development Officer role sets you up to well to progress into a Business Development Manager role, as you begin to get involved in managing writing teams, reviewing written responses, engaging with Service Managers and Directors in model development and hold line management responsibilities. I was in the Senior Business Development Officer role for just over a year and a half before successfully applying to the Manager role.

How would you describe the team? The Business Development team are incredibly supportive and will give you the opportunity to develop in areas that you’re interested in. My manager supported to me build skills and experience that pushed me out of my comfort zone but enabled me to progress into the Business Development Manager role.

What would you say to someone thinking of applying? Alongside developing your writing skills, this role is a great place to shape your leadership and management skills. If you don’t have line management experience, don’t let this put you off.”

Salary Range (pro rata if part time)

CGL points 39 to 43 (£43,384.61 - £47,792.23)

Interview Date

16/2/2026

Closing Date

8/2/2026