National director jobs

Can you help us?

We’re seeking a proactive and highly organised individual to lead the delivery and quality assurance of our national specialty training programme in Community Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (CSRH). As Training Programme Lead, you’ll play a central role in supporting CSRH trainees, upholding curriculum standards, and ensuring compliance with the regulatory requirements of the General Medical Council (GMC). You’ll also guide doctors pursuing specialist registration through alternative routes, such as the GMC’s Portfolio Pathway, ensuring these processes are fair, transparent, and effective. Acting as the key liaison between trainees, educators, regulators, and other stakeholders across the UK, you’ll help shape the future workforce in this vital area of healthcare. If you’re passionate about education, thrive in a collaborative environment, and are committed to continuous improvement, we’d love to hear from you.

Founded in 1927, the University of Hull has a long and proud history. Through our teaching, research and civic engagement, we are helping to shape and deliver the future prosperity of our region and far beyond. 

Leading the Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement team, the Director will drive the design and implementation of the University’s inaugural comprehensive fundraising campaign, launching it at the culmination of our centenary celebrations in summer 2028. Building on progress made to date, the Director will leverage the centenary to elevate the roles of philanthropy and alumni engagement in support of the University’s future ambitions. 

Person specification: 
- Extensive knowledge of philanthropy, preferably within higher education, including fundraising best practice
- Extensive knowledge of alumni engagement and its role in building connections and supporting wider institutional priorities
- Demonstrable track record of building relationships and working with prospects to secure gifts at the six-figure level and above
- Experience of leading philanthropic campaigns and exceeding fundraising targets
- Experience of leading and managing teams carrying out philanthropic and/or engagement activities 
- Experience of strategic and data-driven operational planning and performance management

Dixon Walter is leading the candidate search on behalf of the University. For more information and details of how to apply by 15 February, please see the candidate brief.

#Director
#DirectorPhilanthropyandAlumniEngagement
#UniversityofHull

Purpose of the role

The Legal Director provides strategic leadership on immigration, economic migration, asylum and nationality for ILPA, with a primary focus on legal policy, legislative analysis, member engagement and public influence.

The role is responsible for shaping ILPA’s legal positions, overseeing the quality and coherence of legal analysis across the organisation, and maintaining ILPA’s standing as the leading professional membership body in immigration and asylum law.

Key responsibilities

1. Legal strategy and leadership

In collaboration with the Trustees and Chief Executive, the Legal Director will:

a. Develop and maintain ILPA’s short-, medium- and long-term legal strategy in line with ILPA’s charitable objectives.

b. Identify emerging legal, policy and practice issues affecting immigration, asylum and nationality law.

c. Engage with ILPA members to understand frontline impacts and systemic concerns.

d. Advise the Trustees and Chief Executive on legal policy priorities, organisational positioning and risk.

e. Translate member insight into clear legal and policy positions.

f. Lead ILPA’s legal responses to legislative proposals, consultations and policy initiatives.

g. Ensure ILPA’s legal work remains focused, authoritative and aligned with ILPA’s strategic plan.

2.       Policy, parliamentary and public influence

a. Lead ILPA’s engagement on legal and policy matters with government departments, Parliament and public bodies.

b. Draft and oversee consultation responses, parliamentary briefings and policy submissions.

c. Represent ILPA at meetings with Ministers, officials, parliamentarians and sector partners.

d. Provide expert evidence to parliamentary inquiries and committees.

e. Support the Chief Executive in high-level advocacy and external relations where appropriate.

f. Maintain ILPA’s reputation as a trusted expert voice on immigration and asylum law.

3.       Member support and legal expertise

a. Maintain expert-level knowledge of UK and international immigration, asylum and nationality law.

b. Monitor and analyse developments in legislation, case law and policy.

c. Oversee the accuracy and quality of legal information provided to members.

d. Support ILPA’s thematic and regional working groups, including attendance and follow-up actions where appropriate.

e. Build and maintain relationships with NGOs, migrant organisations and advice-sector partners.

f. Strengthen member engagement through high-quality legal leadership and insight.

4.       Relationship with litigation and advice functions

a. Work collaboratively with the Director of Strategic Litigation and Advice to ensure consistency between ILPA’s policy positions and litigation strategy.

b. Provide legal policy insight to inform litigation priorities where appropriate.

5. Management and organisational leadership

a. Line manage the Senior Legal Officer and support the Chief Executive’s HR management function for the Senior Legal Officer

b. Provide strategic direction and professional support to the legal function without direct responsibility for operational casework or project delivery.

c. Contribute as a senior member of ILPA’s management team.

d. Support organisational planning, risk management and reporting.

e. Act as a senior ambassador for ILPA internally and externally.

6. Cross-organisational working

a. Work with the Training Manager to identify emerging legal training needs and priority topics for members.

b. Contribute to the development of training programmes, events and conferences by advising on content and legal accuracy.

c. Support identification of suitable speakers and trainers from within ILPA’s membership.

d.  Work with the Content and Digital Services Manager to ensure legal content is accurate, accessible and up to date across ILPA’s digital platforms.

e. Contribute legal expertise to funding bids and project reporting where required.

f. Support organisational strategy development and review.

g. Undertake other reasonable duties consistent with the seniority of the role.

Accountability and relationships

Reports to: Chief Executive

Direct reports: Senior Legal Officer

Key internal relationships:

· Director of Strategic Litigation and Advice

· Training Manager

· Content and Digital Services Manager

· Trustees and Chief Executive

Person specification

Essential

· Substantial expertise in immigration, asylum and nationality law

· Strong understanding of public law and human rights frameworks

· Proven experience of legal policy development and advocacy

· Excellent analytical and drafting skills

· Experience managing senior legal staff

· Authority and credibility with Parliament, government and the profession

Desirable

· Experience within a membership organisation or charity

· Understanding of litigation governance structures

· Experience contributing to digital legal resources

· Familiarity with training design or professional education

Why work at ILPA

• National profile and respected reputation

• High-impact policy and legal work

• Flexible and supportive working culture

• Collaborative, expert-led organisation

The Bikeability Trust is entering a new exciting phase of our strategy to 2035 to ensure more children can cycle with confidence. A year into our strategy we have reviewed Executive Team roles and responsibilities and are now looking for a creative Communications and Fundraising Director to lead our mission driven communications, income generation and impact reporting functions.

You will be an experience senior leader in communications, who has the drive to take our strategy to the next level. A key member of the Executive Team, working across the home based diverse staff team to bring together the impact of our work through corporate communications and influencing. We recommend reading our annual reviews on the Bikeability website to see a flavour of the work you could be leading.

Our income generation work is focussed on small impactful corporate partnerships, we have tested some individual giving and are planning to host a fundraising Ball in 2026. Experience in fundraising is desirable, with communications experience as essential as this role will ensure strong relationships with Government. 

If you would like to have a short discussion with the CEO before applying please contact Emily Cherry CEO. We are looking to interview shortlisted candidates on the 23rd or 25th February. We are looking for a candidate to start from 1st April or sooner. 

Finance Director (Head of Finance & Central Services)

Do you want your financial leadership to make a real difference in your community?

At WE Care Home Improvements (WECHI), we help older and vulnerable people live safely and independently in their own homes. Every decision you make as our Finance Director directly supports this mission, ensuring our organisation is financially resilient, well-governed, and ready to grow.

Reporting to the CEO, you will be the senior leader for finance, governance, and central services, including HR, IT, GDPR, and facilities. You’ll provide strategic financial oversight, shape organisational planning, strengthen risk management, and support the leadership team in delivering our ambitious vision.

This is a role for a strategic, values-driven professional who combines commercial and financial expertise with compassion, collaboration, and a commitment to social impact.

What you’ll do

• Lead financial strategy, budgets, forecasts, and reporting to drive organisational sustainability.
• Ensure robust governance, compliance, and risk management.
• Oversee central services to support operational excellence across the organisation.
• Provide insight and advice to the CEO and Board for effective strategic decision-making.
• Support organisational growth and development, including new business opportunities.

Who we’re looking for

• ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or ICAS qualified with senior leadership experience.
• Proven experience leading diverse teams and translating strategy into practical plans.
• Strong financial literacy, business acumen, and experience in service-focused organisations.
• A values-led leader who inspires, empowers, and role-models progressive ways of working.

 Why join us

• Make a tangible difference in the lives of older and vulnerable people
• Collaborative, supportive, and flexible work environment
• Competitive salary (£60,000), generous benefits, and development opportunities

WECHI offers a rare opportunity to bring your financial expertise to a mission-driven organisation with heart, ensuring older and vulnerable people can continue living independently, safely, and with dignity.

Additional information 

• The full job description is attached below for your reference. 
• ​To apply, please submit your CV and a supportive statement (not more than two pages) telling us why you are the right person for this role. 
• Application deadline: 20/02/2026 at 5pm
• Please note: we reserve the right to close this advert early if we find the right candidates, so early applications are encouraged.

Charity Director

£60,000 per annum (full-time equivalent) actual salary £36,000 per annum

24 hours per week (0.6 FTE)

Fixed-term (6 months), with the intention to extend subject to funding and mutual agreement

Primarily remote with occasional visits to AVPB’s central London premises

Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) is an international movement that started in the 1970s in the American prison system. AVP Britain (AVPB) is one of multiple independent branches which operate around the globe. A registered national charity, AVP Britain is committed to a world where everyone has the courage and capacity to manage conflict non-violently.

We provide experiential workshops in-person and online; and distance learning courses which give people the necessary skills to navigate conflict non-violently and empower them to build better relationships.

AVPB is a small but impactful charity with a long history of working in communities and prisons across the UK.  We are entering an important next phase in our development and are seeking a Charity Director who can provide strategic and operational leadership, strengthen our financial sustainability, increase our visibility and impact across the communities we serve, and steward our mission with clarity and care.

The Charity Director is the leader of our charity and is the most senior paid role within AVPB.  The successful candidate will play a central role in shaping the organisation’s present and future.

We are looking for a Charity Director who provides leadership that encompasses income generation, fundraising, oversight of our programme quality and delivery, leads and supports our support staff, volunteers, and facilitators and will works closely with the Board of Trustees.

This is a part-time role (0.6 FTE, 24 hours per week), offering flexibility and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a values-led organisation. This is initially a fixed-term appointment for six months, with the intention to extend subject to funding and mutual agreement.

How to apply

Application is by way of a CV and a Supporting Statement.

Closing date: Midnight 10th March 2026

Job Purpose

Are you a strategic HR professional passionate about people, culture, and inclusion? Centre 404 is seeking an experienced HR Business Partner to join our Central People and Culture team and support the Director of People in delivering Centre 404’s People Strategy and sector workforce priorities. The role focuses on embedding workforce planning, building management capability, and strengthening cultural development, ensuring the organisation is well placed to meet the challenges of the Adult Social Care Workforce Strategy and the new national pay deal.

About Us

Centre 404 is a vibrant north London based charity committed to empowering people with learning disabilities and their families. We champion inclusion, choice, and wellbeing, and we’re proud to be driving sector-leading change in social care.

Key Priorities

• Deliver a management development programme with measurable impact
• Provide workforce analytics to inform strategic decisions and reduce agency spend
• Coach managers to resolve employee relations issues proactively
• Drive improvements in staff engagement, inclusion, and fair treatment
• Lead on Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) initiatives and quality benchmarking
• Embed co-production principles across HR processes

What We’re Looking For

• CIPD Level 7 (or working towards) or equivalent
• Proven experience in workforce planning, leadership development, and cultural change
• Strong coaching, influencing, and analytical skills
• Commitment to inclusion, safeguarding, and the rights of people with learning disabilities
• Knowledge of CQC/Ofsted frameworks and sector reforms is a plus

 Why Join Us?

At Centre 404, you’ll be part of a values-driven organisation that prioritises people. We offer a collaborative environment, meaningful work, and the opportunity to make a real difference.

Centre 404 is dedicated to staff development and supervision and we will provide a detailed induction and on-going training and support. All offers of employment are subject to a DBS check, proof of eligibility to work in the UK and satisfactory references covering a five year period.

Centre 404 is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Charity ref number 299889

Grade: NJC Point 31 - £41,771 per annum
Hours: 37.5 hrs per week (excluding breaks)
Days: To be worked over 5 days (core hours are worked between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday)
Contract: 12 months Fixed Term contract (with option to extend), subject to funding and the successful completion of a 6-month probationary period
Responsible to: Director of Delivery
Place of work: Salford CVS’ offices in Eccles, Salford, M30 0FN

We are seeking to recruit to a brand-new post and are looking for an experienced and passionate full‑time Programme Manager (Live Well) to lead the delivery of our VCSE‑led Live Well infrastructure in Salford. 

In this role, you will support organisations across Salford to develop high‑quality Live Well Centres and Spaces, ensuring strong partnerships are built and delivery partners are managed in a clear, transparent and collaborative way. A key part of the role will be ensuring that all delivery aligns with the expectations set out in the GM Live Well Hallmarks. You will also be responsible for ensuring the programme’s impact is clearly demonstrated through robust monitoring, high‑quality data collection and meaningful insight.

Greater Manchester Live Well is a broad cross‑system partnership with particularly strong involvement from GMCA, NHS Greater Manchester and the VCSE sector. 

Launched in 2021, it is a core Mayoral commitment and embedded in the Greater Manchester Strategy (2025–2035). The vision is that by 2030, residents will benefit from a connected, preventative and equitable system of support, delivered through:

• A network of integrated Live Well centres and spaces in every locality
• A universal “no wrong door” approach
• Recognition that the VCSE sector has a key role to play (with dedicated VCSE funding)
• Consistent and connected support offers
• A neighbourhood‑based Social Model of Health
• A preventative system built on trust, early help and coordinated support

Salford CVS is the lead VCSE sector partner and accountable body for the Live Well implementation fund in Salford, working with public sector partners to strengthen community wellbeing and ensure accessible, high‑quality support for our city’s residents.

As Programme Manager, you will lead a VCSE‑driven programme that is transforming how residents access help and support in Salford. You will maintain a clear overview of programme developments, partners and activities, acting as a key source of knowledge for Live Well locally. You will share information proactively, strengthen connections across the system and bring partners together to maximise the programme’s impact. 

Your work will also span all of Salford CVS’s full Live Well portfolio, including the Economic Activity Trailblazer delivered via the VCSE Elevate Salford partnership, the WorkWell offer through Wellbeing Matters (VCSE-led social prescribing), and any additional Live Well activity that Salford CVS leads or contributes to in the future. This will include our work with our 10GM partners on a large-scale GM National Lottery funded VCSE-led programme called Live Well – Places of Hope and Connection, which you will programme manage here in Salford.

To apply

Please complete our online application form via the ‘Apply’ button.

If you would like to know more about the role, or would prefer a paper copy of the application form, please email our recruitment team.

Closing Date: 12 noon, Monday 16th February 2026
Interview Date: Monday 2nd March 2026

Help protect the green spaces that matter to every community — forever

Parks, playgrounds, sports fields and green spaces are essential to our physical and mental wellbeing, to thriving communities, and to a healthier planet. Yet too many of these spaces are under threat.

Fields in Trust exists to change that. For over 100 years, we have worked to legally protect the UK’s green spaces so they can never be lost to development. Following our centenary year and the launch of a bold new five-year strategy, we are now focused on growing our impact, strengthening our organisation, and securing our long-term future.

The opportunity

We are seeking a values-driven Director of Finance and Resources to join our Senior Leadership Team at a pivotal moment for the charity.

This part-time role is about far more than numbers. It is an opportunity to use your financial leadership to safeguard green spaces for generations to come — ensuring Fields in Trust has the resilience, systems and governance needed to deliver lasting impact.

You will play a central role in shaping our financial strategy as we diversify income, develop new commercial opportunities, and continue to evolve as an organisation. Alongside finance, you will also provide strategic oversight of our resources, including IT, HR, facilities and risk.

What you’ll do

• Shape and lead a long-term financial strategy that supports our mission and ambitions
• Provide clear, insightful financial analysis and forecasting to inform strategic decisions
• Work closely with trustees and the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee to ensure strong governance, transparency and accountability
• Strengthen and develop the finance function (currently outsourced), embedding robust systems, controls and reporting
• Support the growth of new income streams through financial modelling and commercial insight
• Oversee budgeting, statutory accounts, audit and compliance
• Ensure our IT systems, data and digital infrastructure are secure, effective and fit for the future
• Provide strategic oversight of HR processes, payroll, pensions, facilities, health and safety and business continuity
• Be a key part of the SLT and play a critical role in shaping wider strategy and direction
• Provide clear communication and in-depth support as the key interface between finance and the rest of the organisation

Who we’re looking for

You will be an experienced senior finance leader who combines strong technical expertise with a deep sense of purpose. You might come from the charity, public or private sector, but you will share our commitment to protecting green spaces and public benefit.

You will bring:

• Strategic financial leadership experience at senior level
• A strong understanding of governance, risk and working with boards or trustees
• Experience supporting organisations through change or growth
• A collaborative, inclusive and pragmatic leadership style
• The ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery in a part-time role

Most importantly, you will be motivated by our mission and excited by the opportunity to make a lasting difference.

Recruitment timeline

Application deadline: Sunday 8th February, midnight

Shortlisting:w/c 16th February

First stage interviews: w/c 23rd February

Second stage interviews: w/c 2nd March

How to apply

To apply, please send your CV and a supporting statement (no more than two pages) to via the link.

If you’d like an informal conversation about the role, please contact our exclusive partner, Bryony Thomas via the Allen Lane agency website.
 

ID: 1670Assistant Director of Partnership, Services and Innovation

Service:           Bromley by Bow Centre, Family Action

Salary: £61,000 (inclusive of ILW and market allowance)

Location: Based at the Bromley by Bow Centre in Tower Hamlets.  Given the leadership and collaborative nature of the post, the Assistant Director will be expected to have a strong presence and attend the Centre multiple times a week.  There will be travel within the London area and occasionally outside of this region.

Hours: Full Time – 37 hours a week

We offer flexible working arrangements - please see below for more details.

Contract: Permanent Contract

Family Action & the Role’s Impact:

At Family Action we support people through change, challenge or crisis. It’s what we’ve done for over 150 years. We protect children, support young people and adults and offer direct, practical help to families and communities.

We see first-hand the power of family to shape lives, for better or worse, so we speak up for the importance of family in national and local policymaking, amplify family voices and represent the changing needs of families in the UK today.

At Family Action we transform lives by providing practical, emotional and financial support to those who are experiencing poverty, disadvantage, and social isolation. We have been building stronger families since 1869 and today we work with more than 60,000 families in over 150 community-based services, as well as supporting thousands more through national programmes and grants.

About the Role:

The Assistant Director position offers an exciting opportunity for an ambitious individual who is passionate about working within a strong, vibrant community to drive positive change. 

Are you an innovative, strong team player and leader, who is solution focused and passionate about making a difference in everything you do?  Do you have a proven track record of partnership working, creating growth and retaining services, delivering excellent, inclusive services and cultivating quality and diversity?  Are you looking for a diverse, ambitious and fast paced organisation – if so, you have found it.

The role’s primary function is to provide strategic direction, development and growth.

The Bromley by Bow Centre (BBBC), established in 1984, has grown into a nationally recognised model for community regeneration. Today, it serves as a key hub for the East London Borough of Tower Hamlets, with a mission to help the community thrive through person-centred, holistic, and integrated health and wellbeing support.

BBBC works in close partnership with a range of stakeholders, its services span integrated advice, employability and enterprise programmes, learning opportunities, community and wellbeing support, social prescribing, and activities that foster inclusion. In addition, the Centre collaborates across organisations and communities to deepen understanding, share learning, and develop its principles and model.

BBBC is merging into Family Action early in 2026 and will become a part of Family Action’s vibrant London region, which works in and with diverse London communities and adapts to their evolving needs. Our work is underpinned by service user involvement, robust partner engagement, and a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We strive to create a sense of belonging for both staff and the people we support, and we are dedicated to innovating and co-designing services alongside those with lived experience.

The role requires a strategic thinker who is confident in developing and working with external stakeholders and partners while maintaining a clear oversight of operational delivery.  

You will be creative, promote innovation, and contribute to the ongoing growth and strategic development of BBBC and services within the wider Family Action.

Responsibilities:

· Lead and manage strategic partnerships at a local and national level.

· Provide leadership and drive innovation across BBBC.

· Operational line management of the Heads of Delivery and Impact ensuring the successful integration of BBBC into Family Action.

· Oversee budgets, manage financial risks, generate income, and contribute to sustainable service development.

· Represent BBBC and Family Action externally and build strong partnerships to support integrated service delivery.

· Ensure high-quality, safe, and compliant services through overseeing effective monitoring, auditing, and continuous improvement in line with Family Action’s polices and frameworks.

· Be a key member of Family Action’s London team and the wider Senior Leadership Group.

Main Requirements (for details check the job description and person specification):

· Strong track record in stakeholder engagement and cross-sector partnership working.

· Proven experience leading services for children, young people, adults and families.

· Ability to manage teams, budgets, income generation and service performance to a high standard.

· Knowledge of safeguarding, regulatory frameworks, and quality assurance processes.

· Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, with an understanding of structural disadvantages.

· Appointments are subject to Family Action receiving a satisfactory disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service – Enhanced

Benefits:

- an annual paid leave entitlement that commences at 25 working days, rising each April by one day, subject to a maximum of 30 working days plus bank holidays

- up to 6% matched-pension contributions

- flexible working arrangements and new starters have the right to make flexible working requests from day one of employment

- enhanced paid sick leave and paid family leave provisions

- eye care and winter flu jabs vouchers

- cycle to work scheme

- investing in your professional development with ongoing quality training and career development opportunities

We are forward looking, ambitious and committed to continuous improvement. We are a people focused, can-do organisation, which strives for excellence in all we do and operates with mutual respect.

To Apply:

· complete an application form on the Family Action portal

· Closing Date: Monday 9th February 2026 9am

Interview dates – panel interview and presentation – Wednesday 4th March 2026 with visit to the centre and staff focus group prior to this – date to be confirmed.

For direct queries or if you would like to discuss any aspect of the selection process or flexible working requests, please email: Lee Denton (full email address located on the advert document)

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:

We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process and you will be asked whether you require any adjustments if shortlisted for interview. We also make reasonable adjustments on the job, where required.

We are committed to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion in all that we do and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Intersectionality is important to us and we particularly welcome applications from ethnically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ candidates and disabled candidates because we are committed to increasing the representation of these groups at Family Action. We know that greater diversity will lead to even greater results for families, children and adults and strive for our workforce to be truly representative of the diverse communities we support. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role and will reimburse your travel cost if you attend an interview.

For this vacancy, we are also applying positive action to improve the representation of people of colour in senior operational management roles at Family Action. As such, the guaranteed interview scheme is extended to applicants of colour who meet the minimum criteria.

*Ordinarily Family Action appoints new starters at the starting point of the salary scale (with subsequent annual pay progression), unless you have experience that would justify appointment further up the salary scale or there are any other exceptional reasons.

Purpose

Horatio’s Garden is a nationwide charity creating and nurturing beautifully designed gardens in NHS’s spinal injury centres.

The Patient Experience Manager will be instrumental in supporting patients and families use of the garden. 

Along with the Head Gardener, you will be responsible for the smooth running of a thriving, vibrant garden ensuring the patient and their family are appropriately supported throughout their time in the spinal unit. 

This role requires you to manage a team of volunteers and work closely with the Head Gardener who maintains the horticultural standard of the garden and delivers therapeutic horticulture sessions.  You will be managed by the National Patient Experience Lead.

You will be responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with clinical and non-clinical NHS staff, corporate sponsors, funders, the Fundraising team, the Communications team and the National Patient Experience Manager. 

The gardens have been beautifully designed and maintained, and the role of the garden needs to reflect an appropriate environment for patients and their families at all stages of their stay.  From the initial welcome, to ensuring the contact and relationship is consistent with activities to suit their needs.

You will be responsible for developing and delivering social activities, supported by the charity’s National Patient Experience Manager and in collaboration with the wider Spinal Injuries team in Cardiff. These activities will mainly need to be held at the weekend or in the afternoons which are critical times in the garden when most patients are available and often have friends and family to visit. Currently the Events programme includes seasonal celebrations and social and craft activities. External facilitators also deliver workshops and live music performances.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a confident, proactive individual who is efficient, well organised and has outstanding communication and relationship building skills. You will need to be adaptable and friendly and confident working with a wide range of people including people with spinal injuries and their families, NHS staff, volunteers and many different teams within the charity.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

People with spinal injuries

· Develop relationships with patients and families to ensure the best experience for them in the garden at every stage of their stay

· Maintain a consistent social and arts activity programme appropriate for the current patient group, liaising with the National Patient Experience Manager and managing the volunteers accordingly

· Organise a programme of seasonal events, reflecting the needs of patients

· Work with the Impact Manager to monitor patient experience and the impact of the garden

·       Ensure the garden is managed to allow the correct balance to be in place to benefit both patients and external parties (major donors, trusts, corporate groups and other visitors)

NHS staff

· Develop and maintain productive and collaborative relationships with NHS clinical teams and voluntary services

Volunteers

· Recruitment and training of new volunteers

· Manage the team of volunteers to ensure the smooth running of the garden with patient experience at its core

Fundraising and Communications

· Work with fundraising managers, Head Gardener and volunteers to develop opportunities to generate income in the garden through friends, corporate friends and third-party fundraising

· Support corporate sponsor events and fundraising opportunities

· Represent the garden and charity at key events

· Promote the local social media accounts and provide regular updates for content

· Interviews with press/media as required

Administrative

· Ensure all administrative tasks associated with the role are monitored, completed and maintained

· Manage the garden budget along with the Head Gardener

· Collate and bank donations and manage petty cash

· Assist with ensuring the garden room is kept clean and tidy at all times

· Collate data showing usage in the garden and volunteer hours

Safeguarding

· Comply with all safeguarding policies and report any concerns to the Safeguarding Lead immediately

· This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check

Assist the Patient Experience Lead with any other tasks as required.
It should be noted that the list above is intended to give an overall view of the position and should be taken as guidance only.
 

Please see the full Person Specification in the Job Description attached.
Essential

• Flexible and able to work to suit patient requirements

Closing date: 5th February 23.30 
The first round of interviews will take place on the 18th February

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Head of Communications to come and join our team providing maternity cover until January 2027 during a period of organisational growth.

Location – This role is mainly working from home with one day a week in our London office (usually a Monday). Occasional travel to our other programme sites (currently Stoke-On-Trent, Redcar, Middlesbrough and Scotland) will also be required.

Salary – Circa £60,000

Employment Type – Fixed term until January 2027, 35 hours per week

Team – Communications team

About you

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate the following:

· Strong experience in strategic communications, ideally within a start-up, growing, complex or place-based organisation.

· Experience setting up and embedding communications functions, including establishing foundations and building approaches as priorities evolve.

· Significant experience in people leadership, including developing others and building a strong, collaborative working culture.

· Experience influencing senior stakeholders and working with an SLT, including supporting government policy, media, funding and influence related activity.

· Strong content, storytelling and copywriting expertise and the ability to communicate a clear organisational narrative.

About the role

The responsibilities of this role include:

· Overseeing and ensuring the delivery of national and local communications strategies and plans, including national content activity and priority local campaigns and stakeholder engagement.

· Leading the set-up and embedding of new place-based communications functions.

· Leading and overseeing the planning and delivery of Thrive at Five’s 2026 Impact Report, communications relating to evaluations and learning, and our fifth-year anniversary, working closely with evaluation and fundraising colleagues.

· Maintaining and strengthening relationships with key national and local stakeholders in line with our communications strategy and goals.

· Providing professional and operational leadership and coaching to the wider Communications team to ensure they deliver to a high standard.

About us

Thrive at Five is a national charity focused on giving every child the best possible start in life. We know the foundations for life and learning are built in the earliest years, from pregnancy to five. By working alongside families, communities and local partners, we help build stronger, more connected support for parents, so more children get what they need to thrive and reach a good level of development by age five.

Thrive at Five is a relatively young organisation but with an already strong national and political profile, having been called out in Parliament for our ways of working in Stoke-on-Trent and invited to be interviewed at the 2025 Civil Society Summit by the Secretary of State for Education. We have grown rapidly in our first four years, with a growing team of nearly 40 across the country. 2026 will be a year of further growth and milestones for the charity as we celebrate our fifth-year anniversary and expand into our third and fourth regions. This will involve recruiting for a new teams, establishing our programmes and beginning to co-design and implement our work in partnership with communities.

About our benefits

· Pension contributions – We will contribute 3% and you can contribute 5% towards your pension through NEST.

· Hybrid working with one anchor day a week in our central London office near to Victoria train station, coach station and underground.

· 25 annual leave days per year plus bank holidays.

· In addition to your laptop and phone provided by us, you can also receive a £100 contribution towards your home-working set up.

· £100 contribution towards your professional body membership

Please note that as this role is subject to a successful Basic Level Disclosure check through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). If you have any unspent convictions, but wish to apply for this role, please advise us in your application. The successful candidate will also need to provide satisfactory references and current right to work in the UK.

To apply for this role, please submit your cover letter and CV by following the Apply Now button. Applications will be reviewed and shortlisted as they are received. While the closing date is midnight on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, we may close the vacancy earlier if a suitable candidate is identified.

The Difference is an education charity, founded to change the story on lost learning. Our vision is to see lost learning falling nationally by 2030 and for schools to be better equipped to support all children, particularly those most vulnerable.

Leading national policy strategy

As Head of Policy and Public Affairs, you will work closely with the CEO to develop and execute a four-year influencing plan.  Together we’ll aim to shift local and national incentives on inclusion by 2030, which see the national trend of rising suspension and absence begin to fall. 

You will hold relationships with the Department for Education and Ofsted and advise on policy priorities ahead, such as:

• Widening the definition of inclusion beyond special needs, recognising the needs of those young people historically or currently interacting with social services

• Reducing perverse incentives for schools to alter their school roll through admissions and pupil exits

• Expectations for multi-academy trusts in capturing and analysing data on lost learning, including how it disproportionately affects different groups

• Improving local alternative provision eco-systems, to improve outcomes for young people

• National standards for inclusive school practice, at a universal and targeted level

• Professional development standards for school inclusion

Developing implementation expertise in the middle tier

In your first six months, you will advise on the internal development of a new programme for middle tier policy actors: multi-academy trust and local authority leaders.  You will support the Programme team in its design, to plan strategically for the recruitment of trusts and local authorities, and you will plan the research and influencing work which will seek to share their success nationally.

Building the evidence base

In your second six months, you will work with the CEO to build out our research function. Your influencing plan will include how The Difference can learn from the work across our multi-academy trust, local authority and internal AP pioneer partners over the next four years, to develop influential publications. Research work ahead will include publishing sector-facing publications of The Difference’s own research, carried out by our research lead and associates; alongside managing external contractors and internal colleagues to bid for and deliver aligned research disseminating our ideas.

Raising your voice

This is an exciting opportunity for someone committed to inclusive policy change. The Difference has always punched above our weight in national and sector press reach. In post,  you will publish blogs and comment pieces, disseminating our shared ideas.  You will be a prominent voice on inclusion.

The Difference is still a small and growing charity. This means that our work is fast-paced, our roles are broad, and there is a culture of being highly autonomous, reactive and flexible, as the needs of the organisation evolve. If this sounds exciting rather than daunting, then this could be the role and team for you!

The Role
This is an exciting time to join The Difference as we increase our impact, reach more schools, and develop our influencing strategy. As Head of Policy and Public Affairs you will: 

Design and execute an impactful influencing plan 

• Design an influencing plan - Identify via horizon scanning opportunities to influence national policy using open policy windows, or by nudging/creating new ones. 

• Execute an influencing plan - Utilise own assets and assets across the organisation, including the Director team, to deliver against the influencing plan.

• Relationship building - Build highly credible and impactful relationships with a variety of stakeholders who hold power. This will include policy makers in national governments, local government officials, politicians, other third sector organisations and think tanks. 

• Leadership - Play a significant role internally and externally in communicating the organisation’s policy position, raising organisational and own brand.

Build policy capacity and credibility across the organisation

• Policy positions and solutions- Use the concepts, work and experience of The Difference’s programmes to develop new, and refine existing, national policy positions to shift incentives. 

• Thought leadership - Be the organisation’s education policy and political expert. 

• Generating income - Use own and team’s expertise and credibility to generate income via speaking engagements and consultancy to support the organisation’s financial sustainability. 

Person Specification

Essential – We are looking for someone with the following knowledge, experience and skills, though you may be stronger in some areas than others:

• Deep expertise in education policy, particularly on the topic of lost learning and the various policy and political debates, including areas of controversy, surrounding this policy topic. 

• Strategic thinker with a proven track record in identifying policy windows and designing activities that lead to meaningful national policy change. 

• Excellent relationship builder, who brings with them their own network of influential stakeholders and has a plan for building new relationships. Adept at navigating tricky situations and explaining complex, sometimes difficult, messages.

• Expert convener with a strong knowledge of the education sector, including which schools, trusts and local authorities are influential and experience in bringing a variety of perspectives together to generate consensus. 

• Persuasive and clear writing style for publication, including reports, press, blogs and ghost writing for members of the senior leadership team, often based on consensus positions, and designed to communicate key messages for impact. 

• Confidence and credibility in communicating nuanced messages in a contentious landscape, in writing, verbally and in public (e.g. on panels), to raise the profile of The Difference. 

• Strong project manager who can design systems and processes to keep self, team and other stakeholders on task and on time. Experience of designing programmes of work and monitoring their effectiveness. Flexible project management style that can adapt to a changing environment. Confidence in managing a variety of stakeholders and supporting them to deliver on time. 

Desired – You are more likely to be successful in your application if you have one or more of the following: 

• Familiarity with The Difference’s programmatic work, theory and practice. 

• Lived experience or insight into the school experiences of marginalised young people (e.g. those with experience of the care system, mental ill health, special educational needs, exclusion, and racism).

We know that some people, especially those from marginalised backgrounds, may hesitate to apply unless they meet every listed requirement. If this role excites you and you believe you could make a strong contribution, we warmly encourage you to apply. 
We actively welcome applications from people whose backgrounds are under-represented in the charity sector, including but not limited to: people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people with experience in the case system, non-graduates and first-in-family graduates.

Director of Fundraising & Development
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Starting salary: IRO £52,014 + excellent benefits
Contract type: Permanent
Working hours: Full time
Location: Bickley Hall Farm, Malpas, Cheshire SY14 8EF (with travel across the county). Hybrid and flexible working available

Nature in Cheshire is under pressure but together, we can turn the tide.

Cheshire Wildlife Trust is looking for an inspiring Director of Fundraising & Development to help us grow the support, income, and engagement needed to restore wildlife across the region.

About Us

Cheshire Wildlife Trust is a locally rooted, values-driven charity working to ensure wildlife has a future on land and at sea. As part of the UK-wide federation of Wildlife Trusts, we combine strong local knowledge with national influence.

Supported by more than 17,500 members and thousands of volunteers and partners, we are trusted to speak up for nature, to act boldly, and to deliver lasting change.

About You and The Role

In this senior leadership role, you will lead our fundraising, development and communications teams, shaping strategies that grow our support base so that we can do more for nature. You will build relationships with donors, funders and partners, develop compelling fundraising campaigns and propositions, and inspire a talented team to deliver ambitious goals.

We are looking for someone with a proven track record in fundraising, individual giving, supporter engagement or marketing, who can think strategically, act decisively and creatively, and lead with passion. Most importantly, you will share our belief that everyone has a part to play in creating a wilder future and will help make that possible for Cheshire.

Working with us means making a tangible difference for wildlife, people, and communities. We offer excellent benefits, flexible and hybrid working, a supportive culture, professional development, and the chance to see your work make a real impact across Cheshire’s landscapes.

Closing date: Sunday 15 February 2026

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

We welcome applicants who share our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and who believe that nature’s recovery must involve everyone.

You may be required to carry out a DBS check for this role.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Sorry, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this position.

No agencies please.