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Programmes Manager

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Job Title: Safe Ground Programmes Manager

Location: Based within HMP Forest Bank, Manchester. Step Free access is not available at this service. You may be expected to travel to other services as required, including to Central London Central Office and for in-person meetings held off site. Hybrid working is permitted with an option of up to 2 days working from home when appropriate. 

Salary: £36,000

Shift Pattern: 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday 07:30 - 17:30. You may be required to work outside these hours as per service and organisational requirements, including evenings, weekends, and bank holidays and forming part of the out of hours on call rota for managers. 

About the Role

We are seeking a Safe Ground Programmes Manager to lead our newest family service based in HMP Forest Bank. This is an ideal opportunity if you are seeking a hands on role within a prison setting, are confident working in complex environments, and want to create meaningful change within punitive systems. You will lead a multidisciplinary team delivering high quality, therapeutically informed, arts-based work with men in prison and their families. You will work directly with participants to deliver structured group programmes and provide relational, anti-shame, anti-punitive support in a custodial environment.

In this role, you will support the leadership of the service, providing line management and oversight to ensure high quality delivery for our participants. The team delivers our NFI‑approved national programmes, Fathers Inside and Man Up, designs bespoke visits and family interventions, and develops a new, dynamic counselling provision. The role requires leadership experience managing a diverse team, with line management responsibilities to support, enable, and empower staff to deliver high‑quality support to participants and their families. You will work closely with prison and Sodexo colleagues, as well as internal SIG teams, to ensure innovative, safe, anti‑punitive service delivery.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Line management and leadership of a small team, offering guidance and support throughout the employee lifecycle, and fostering a supportive leadership culture focused on staff wellbeing, learning and development

• Encourage productivity, engagement, and wellbeing through regular check-ins, training, meetings and supervisions

• Support day-to-day running of the service and programme delivery

• Ensure high-quality facilitation and counselling, and consistent participant engagement

• Monitor performance, reporting and KPI delivery
• Ensure risk management and compliance processes are followed
• Maintain quality standards in line with Safe Ground and NFI requirements
• Coordinate programme schedules, logistics, and delivery cycles

• Build effective working relationships with prison staff and partners that promote anti-shame, anti-punitive practice

Why work with Safe Ground Prisons?

At SIG Safe Ground, we do things differently. Safe Ground is an Arts-based therapeutically informed charity with over 30 years' experience working across the criminal justice system. We support people in custody and their families to build stronger and more fulfilled relationships, reflect on behaviours, and navigate change without shame. 

Working with Safe Ground means working differently. It’s about meeting people without judgement, holding space for accountability, and using creativity to disrupt cycles of harm. We believe real change happens when people are seen, challenged and supported, even (and especially) inside prison walls. Want to find out more? Follow this link! 

Please be informed that as this role is based within a Prison environment, therefore further vetting from SIG's enhanced DBS will be required such as MOJ clearance. 

About You

This is a role for you if you truly believe change happens through relationships, not control; you will lead with warmth and clarity, and hold care and accountability together. You will be part of a values-led organisation that takes people, reflection, and creativity seriously. You will be comfortable working within a prison setting, with regular interactions with people from all backgrounds and circumstances that have led to them being imprisoned.

We’re seeking someone who has a genuine passion for making a difference to lives and helping to create safer communities for all. You will be a proactive leader, with the ability to motivate and empower a team to drive excellence, both as individuals and as a team, whilst providing practical solutions to challenges that arise. You will be knowledgeable about the criminal justice system and have experience of delivering programmes within custodial or complex environments. We’re looking for someone who can build rapport, trust, and create an environment that allows individuals to grow their skills and experience, and develop as individuals.

• Previous experience of programme delivery within the criminal justice or custodial settings essential 
• Facilitation experience with groups of participants with complex needs

• Ability to provide high-quality leadership support and line management to staff

• Ability to motivate and empower a team to achieve KPIs

• Ability to challenge harmful practice and create culture shifts within the Criminal Justice System

• Confident in managing day-to-day service operations and supporting staff with daily tasks, caseloads and the overall running of the service

• Ability to work flexibly to meet the demands and needs of the service, for example providing an emergency on-call service as and when required

• IT proficiency - we use various systems so look for someone who can learn and navigate new systems including case management, Microsoft, ATS, HR systems, and other types of organisational software.

• Alignment with values such as anti-shame, anti-punitive practice, and relational working, alongside Ambition, Empowerment, Inclusivity, and Transparency

We are interviewing on an ongoing basis so this job role may close early. We advise applying as soon as possible for your application to be taken into consideration at the early stages. As a note, Interviews are scheduled for commencing on the 21st of July and 2nd Stage interviews for the 9th of August.

Please refer to the JDPS attached for more details on the vacancy and our requirements/key criteria.

What we Offer

• 25 days (Full time equivalent) annual leave, increasing with the length of service
• Employer Pension Contribution
• Eligibility to register with Blue Light Discount Card
• Access to discounted tickets for music events, shows, sports and more
• Reflective Practice regular sessions with a therapist provided by an external provider to support Mental Health and Wellbeing at work
• Training and Development, including access to courses, upskilling, and progression plans
• Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Annual Staff Awards
• EDI Ambassador programme

About Social Interest Group (SIG)

SIG is a not-for-profit organisation providing thousands of people with good-quality support and care in residential, drop-in centres, community floating support settings, probation settings, and hospitals. We do so across London, Brighton, Bedfordshire, Luton, Kent and Liverpool. Our goal is to transform lives through empowering change. 

We believe good care and support improves lives with the vision to create healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities. Join us on our mission to empower independence through trauma-informed solutions and dynamic partnerships that keep people out of prison, out of hospital, and off the streets.
Want to know how we work? Watch our short Theory of Change video to see how we support people towards a brighter future: Theory of Change Further details can be found on our website here: Theory of Change - Social Interest Group - Social Interest Group. 

Additional Information

Please note that this job advert may close early due to screening applications on an ongoing basis. We advise applying as soon as possible for your application to be taken into consideration at the early stages.

Please note that as part of our process, we complete an enhanced DBS check, some roles may require further vetting. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds.

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship, please ensure you have full right to work in the UK prior to applying to our positions. 

We are looking for an Operations Assistant, to support the Executive and Operations team in administrative and travel support delivering campaigns to accelerate a fair phase-out of oil and gas in the UK. We have grown rapidly as an organisation over the last five years and are looking for a new member of the team to provide cross-organisational support as we head into the next phase of our development. We’re looking for someone with energy and enthusiasm to provide comprehensive executive support to the Executive Director, and support to underpin the smooth running and efficiency of our operations. It is a varied role that will suit a versatile and strong “generalist” who can handle complexity and is proactive and resourceful. You will work closely with the Executive Director and Operations Team across a wide variety of tasks and responsibilities.

Operations Manager

Type: Full-Time (40 hours per week)

Reports to: Director of Operations

Location: Westminster, London (expectation of working from our office 2-3 days a week)

Salary: c£68,000, depending on experience

Start date: We expect to complete interviews  in July, with the successful candidate joining the team as soon as possible thereafter, subject to reference checks and notice period.

How to apply: Please submit your application via our website. 

About CLTR

The Centre for Long-Term Resilience (CLTR) is a UK-based, non-profit and independent think tank with a mission to transform global resilience to extreme AI and biological risks. We achieve this by working with governments and institutions, offering targeted, evidence-based advice designed to enhance understanding, decision-making and governance.

The Role

The Operations Manager is a key hire within our small but highly effective Operations Unit, sitting alongside a People Operations Manager and reporting directly to the Director of Operations. The Operations Manager will play a pivotal role in supporting CLTR’s overall operations, working across units and delivering projects spanning cybersecurity, finance, administration, data protection, office management and others.

This is a hands-on, generalist role suited to a skilled and self-motivated operator who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is comfortable switching between strategic project management and day-to-day delivery. You will have the confidence to take on new challenges and the ability to communicate clearly with internal teams, contractors and external service providers to drive impact.

You will take ownership of key operational systems and processes, lead on our internal cybersecurity and IT operations (in partnership with our external managed service provider), and support a range of compliance, administrative, and organisational improvement projects. As the organisation grows, this role will be central to building the infrastructure that supports a scaling team.

What you’ll do:

Project & Operations Management

• Project manage key operational initiatives from initiation through to delivery, maintaining clear plans, timelines, and stakeholder communication.

• Support the Director of Operations in developing and implementing operational strategies aligned with the organisation's growth plans.

• Identify inefficiencies in existing systems and processes and drive improvements, ensuring the organisation is well-positioned to scale.

• Maintain operational documentation, process guides, and internal knowledge management systems.

Cybersecurity and IT:

• Serve as the primary internal point of contact for our external IT and managed security service provider, ensuring service levels are maintained and issues are resolved promptly.

• Oversee day-to-day IT operations including device management, software licensing, onboarding/offboarding technology needs, and user support escalations.

• Lead the implementation and ongoing management of the organisation's cybersecurity policies and controls, in line with relevant frameworks (e.g. Cyber Essentials).

• Maintain and develop an asset register, acceptable use policies, access controls, and incident response procedures.

• Proactively identify and mitigate IT and security risks as the organisation grows, including preparing for future infrastructure needs.

• Coordinate internal roll out and learning around AI tools.

Compliance & Governance Support

• Maintain and update internal policies in coordination with the Director of Operations, People Operations Manager and relevant leads.

• Support the People Operations Manager with HR-adjacent compliance requirements where appropriate (e.g. right to work checks, DBS, data handling).

• Support organisational compliance activities, including data protection (UK GDPR) and any sector-or donor-specific regulatory requirements.

• Assist in preparing for and managing external audits, accreditations, and due diligence processes.

Office & Administrative Operations

• Oversee the smooth day-to-day running of office operations, including facilities management, supplier relationships, and procurement.

• Manage relationships with key operational suppliers and service providers, reviewing contracts and ensuring value for money.

• Provide flexible administrative support to the Director of Operations and wider Operations Unit as needed, with a can-do approach to varied tasks.

• Support the planning and logistics of internal events, offsites, and all-staff meetings.

• Provide flexible operational support to the Risk Management Unit (0.5 days per week)

Organisational Development

• Contribute to scaling the organisation's operational capabilities as headcount grows, including helping to onboard new staff, implement new tools, and embed operational best practice.

• Play an active role in fostering a well-organised, collaborative, and mission-aligned working culture.

• Any other tasks as reasonably requested by your line manager.

Person Specification

Essential

• Proven track record in an operations, project management, or business management role.

• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously and deliver to deadlines.

• Proven ability to manage IT and/or cybersecurity operations, ideally including experience working with external managed service providers.

• Experience supporting compliance or governance functions, including working knowledge of UK GDPR and data protection practice.

• Exceptional attention to detail and organisational skills, with a systematic approach to documentation and process management.

• A self-starter mentality — comfortable with ambiguity, able to take initiative, and happy to roll up their sleeves on both strategic and administrative tasks.

• High agency and a proactive, ownership-driven approach — you follow through on commitments, adapt quickly, and don't wait to be told what needs doing.

• Excellent interpersonal skills, able to communicate clearly, kindly and directly — giving and receiving feedback openly, and building strong relationships across teams and with external partners.

• A genuine commitment to CLTR's mission and an understanding that getting the operations right is what enables high-impact work to land.

• Eligible to work in the UK. Unfortunately we are unable to sponsor visas for this role. 

Desirable

• Experience working in a not-for-profit, think tank, research organisation, or similarly mission-driven environment.

• Project management qualification such as PRINCE2 or Agile.

• Familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks such as Cyber Essentials, NIST, or ISO 27001.

• Experience supporting organisational scaling or managing change in a growing team.

• Strong digital literacy and experience working with tools such as Claude, Gemini, Asana and WordPress, and the ability to learn new software rapidly.

• Experience managing procurement and supplier contracts.

Location and Travel Requirements

Flexible location within the UK, with the expectation of attending our central London office at least twice-to-three times a week, including Mondays. We are open to discussing remote and flexible working arrangements with candidates.

Salary and Benefits

£68,000, depending on experience. If you are interested in this position, but the salary is a barrier to applying, please get in touch with our team to discuss.

In addition to your salary, CLTR offers a generous benefits package which includes:

• 30 days annual leave, plus public holidays;

• £5,000 (before tax) annual wellbeing budget, for you to spend at your discretion on items such as gym membership, therapy, meditation, etc.;

• £3,000 annual learning and development budget, plus up to five days paid work time;

• £2,000 onboarding grant for equipment and supplies;

• A pension contribution scheme (up to 7% employer-matched contribution);

• Private health insurance;

• Group life insurance;

• Generous parental leave benefits; and

• Paid office lunches twice a week including on Mondays.

Working with CLTR also comes with a commitment to caring deeply about your wellbeing, career development and overall experience working with our team, and to respect your preferred working patterns, including flexible working hours as agreed with line managers, wherever possible.

How to apply

To apply for this role, please submit your CV and a cover letter (no more than two sides of A4) via our website by 9am UK time on Monday  22 June 2026. Please use your cover letter to demonstrate how you meet the person specification, and how you would approach the responsibilities of this role in practice.

We plan to conduct first round interviews online with selected candidates during the week commencing 29 June 2026.

Final interviews will be held in person during the week commencing 13 July 2026 at CLTR’s office in London.

If you have any questions regarding the process or dates above, please get in touch.

Equal opportunities

As an employer we encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply and do not discriminate based on age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also warmly welcome applicants returning to work after career breaks.

We know that our organisation is strengthened by the rich variety of perspectives that a truly diverse workforce brings. We want to make sure that our selection processes are as fair as they can possibly be, providing a level playing field for anyone who wants to come and work at CLTR.

Therefore, if you have any special access requirements or other support needs throughout the application process, including interview, please get in touch so we can talk through any adjustments you need in complete confidence, and make arrangements on your behalf.

Adjustments can be whatever you need them to be, whether that’s around accessibility, preparation time and space, or just travel expenses to get you to an interview. Let us know what you need, and we’ll do everything we can to make sure you’re getting a fair opportunity to succeed.

FWAG SouthWest is looking for a Head of Operations to help lead our organisation through its next phase. This is a senior leadership role with real influence over how we deliver our work, support our team and respond to the changing environment for farming and wildlife.

About us

FWAG SouthWest is an environmental charity working with farmers and land managers to deliver practical change on the ground. We combine an understanding of farming businesses with environmental expertise to support better outcomes for nature, climate and food production. Our work brings people together: farmers, communities and partners to deliver change at a local and landscape scale. As farming responds to new policy, markets and environmental pressures, our role is to help shape and deliver solutions that work, supporting resilient farm businesses alongside climate-resilient landscapes and nature recovery.

The role

As Head of Operations, you will lead delivery across the South West, working through a network of county teams and specialists. Your focus will be on strengthening our ability to deliver. Supporting team leaders to grow capacity, manage workload and deliver high quality work in increasingly complex projects. You will work alongside teams to remove barriers, improve systems and step into delivery where needed helping to ensure work progresses and opportunities are achieved. Working closely with the CEO and senior team, you will help translate strategy into delivery and ensure we remain effective, responsive and financially sustainable. You will also play a key role in how we respond to change across the sector, supporting teams to navigate new policy, funding and partnership opportunities.

About you

We are looking for an experienced leader who is motivated by enabling others to deliver. You don’t need to have experience in the environmental sector. We are open to candidates from a wide range of backgrounds who can bring strong leadership, a collaborative approach, professional skills and share our values.

What matters is your ability to:

• Support and develop people to increase their capacity and confidence

• Work alongside teams to solve problems and keep delivery moving

• Manage complex programmes and competing priorities

• Put in place practical systems and structures that support delivery

• Build strong relationships across a regional organisation

An interest in farming, land management or the natural environment is important, detailed sector knowledge is desirable.

For further details and a full job description and person specification, please see attachments below.

Why join us

This is an opportunity to play a key role in a charity with a strong reputation and clear purpose.

You will:

• Help shape how we deliver across the South West

• Lead and support a skilled and committed team

• Work on issues that matter for the future of farming, climate and nature

• Be part of an organisation rooted in practical action and trusted relationships

Further information

o Salary £56,650 – £61,800, dependent on experience

o Permanent contract

o 37.5 hours per week, but applications from those looking for 4 days (30 hours) per week will also be considered

o 25 days per annum, rising by a day a year with service to 30 days per annum, plus public holidays and an opportunity to buy or sell annual leave 

o Flexible working hours

o Pension scheme - employer contribution 4%, employee contribution 4% with salary sacrifice applicable 

o Employee wellbeing scheme and Employee assistance programme

o Support to undertake relevant external training and qualifications

o Group life insurance scheme 

o Professional subscriptions relevant to the post supported 

o Regular travel across the South West will be required and therefore access to a vehicle is essential

Location-UK, London or London whereabouts

Department- Business Support

Reports to (Line Manager): Director of Finance and Business Support

Responsible for( Line managing): IT Officer and Operations Officer

Grade: E

Contract Type: Open-ended contract

About HelpAge

HelpAge International works with a diverse global network of around 200 organisations across 99 countries to promote the rights of older people to lead dignified, healthy and secure lives.

Through partnership and collaborations, we work to ensure the inclusion of older people across society and strive to deliver a just and fair world for everyone as they get older. Our work is driven by our desire to achieve real impact for older people, to be inclusive, to work in partnership and to learn from our shared experience.

About the Job

The IT & Operations Manager plays a senior leadership role within the Business Support Department, providing strategic oversight of global operations and IT services to enable HelpAge International to deliver its 2030 Strategy, Ageing in a Just World.

The role is responsible for leading the development and delivery of operational and IT services that support evolving ways of working, partner-led programming, and the localisation agenda. The post holder ensures robust systems, processes, risk management, and compliance across operations, IT, and cybersecurity, and works collaboratively across the organisation to support effective service delivery, decision-making, and organisational resilience.

Key areas for impact/influence and responsibilities

To make an impact and influence, the role holder will:

Strategic Operations & IT Leadership

· Lead the development and delivery of the annual Operations & IT plan, budget, and reporting.

· Provide oversight of operational performance through Business Intelligence (BI), KPIs, and regular analysis.

· Manage the Operations & IT risk register, including operational, IT, and cybersecurity risks and incidents.

Operational Systems, Policies, and Services

· Lead and support the delivery of policies, processes, and tools across key operational areas, including contract and partnership management, data protection, environment, systems, and cybersecurity.

· Provide operational advice and support to Global Teams and clusters in London and overseas.

· Support localisation processes, including country office operations and office closures as required.

· Maintain the organisation’s IT resources and infrastructure ensuring they are adequate to our needs and fit for purpose.

· Ensure maintenance of the digital assets and equipment register.

IT Strategy and Digital Enablement

· Lead the organisation’s IT roadmap and delivery of key IT projects and digital tools.

· Ensure appropriate cybersecurity measures are in place and lead the management of cyber incidents.

· Ensure staff are equipped for safe and effective remote working, in collaboration with HR and Operations.

People Management and Collaboration

· Line manage Operations & IT staff and coordinate communities of practice across operational areas.

· Work closely with Business Partners, Global Impact, and Business Development teams to manage operational risks and strengthen partnership and contract management.

· Manage the Operations & IT budget and ensure efficient use of resources.

Skills and experience required 

The successful candidate will bring:

· Experience managing projects and task groups to improve operational practice and processes.

· Strong analytical skills, including data analysis, reporting, and identification of trends.

· Knowledge of best practice across multiple operational areas such as partnership and contract management, data protection, security, environment, and IT.

· Experience delivering training and providing operational and IT support in an international organisation, both remotely and in person.

· Ability to provide efficient, responsive operational and administrative support within a changing organisational context.

· Strong collaboration skills and ability to work across teams, functions, and with external partners.

· Alignment with HelpAge values: impact, learning, partnership, and inclusion.

How to apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their application, including a detailed CV and a cover letter only demonstrating how their skills and experience align with the requirements of the role not later than the deadline 17 June 2026.

Please submit your application through the specified channel, clearly indicating the job title in the email subject. Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Do you want to be part of making a difference to, and supporting, the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector across Hampshire? 

Action Hampshire works with communities across Hampshire and beyond on innovative, impactful, asset-based projects. We support communities to have their voices heard and to take action together. We support and partner with a range of voluntary community and social enterprise organisations to help make great things happen. We celebrate diversity and challenge inequalities.

We are seeking a values-led finance and operations professional to lead on our finance and operations systems at Action Hampshire. In this senior leadership role, you will guide the finance team, support strategic objectives, and influence decision-making processes at our organisation. Your expertise in charity finance operations will be crucial to informing the Senior Leadership team and guiding the finance team to ensure our compliance and adherence to financial planning, budgeting and reporting.

Who You Are: 

• Proven experience in charity finance and operations management

• Strong leadership, coaching, and team management skills 

• Excellent understanding of financial compliance and operational best practices for VCSE organisations 

• Ability to convey complex information effectively to internal and external stakeholders 

• A commitment to fostering a positive team culture and supporting the professional growth of others 

• Be committed to Action Hampshire’s values and have an understanding of and an empathy with the culture and values of the VCSE sector.

About the team

Please note, this is a 12 month fixed term contract (materity leave cover). The salary for this post is £47,043 (for London, including London weighting) or £45,373 (for Cardiff, including regional weighting).

This role can be based in our Stratford Office (2 Redman Place, Stratford Cross, London E20 1JQ) or our Cardiff Office (Suite 1, 9th Floor, Brunel House, 2 Fitzalan Road, Cardiff, CF24 0EB)

This role requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

We have big goals over the next few years.

We're going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before.

Together we'll be working to make sure everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.

Team information

Will you join us?

This is a rare opportunity to step into a high-impact role at the heart of Mind's Social Impact Directorate.

We bring together teams across policy, campaigns, research and evaluation, systems insight, equity partnerships, national services, network relations, and communications, including our work in Mind Cymru. Together, we work to drive meaningful change in mental health through insight, influence and delivery. Our work is ambitious and complex, and we're continually evolving how we plan, connect and deliver that work.

As our Impact Directorate Operations Manager (maternity cover), you'll sit at the centre of this, working closely with senior leaders and teams across the directorate to ensure our priorities are clear, coordinated and delivered with momentum, while connecting into the wider organisation where needed.

We're looking for someone who can do more than just keep things running smoothly. Yes, this role is about excellent operational grip, planning and delivery but it's also about connecting people, energising teams, and helping to create a bold, collaborative culture where great work can thrive.

You'll play a pivotal role in:

-Turning strategy into action, supporting teams to plan and deliver effectively

-Joining the dots across programmes and teams, bringing clarity and alignment

-Shaping how we work, strengthening systems, processes and ways of collaborating

-Creating the conditions for great work, where people feel connected, supported and able to do their best

This is an influential role with visibility across the directorate and beyond. It's ideal for someone who thrives in complexity and enjoys making things work better.

Key duties and responsibilities

The post holder will:

Support delivery and performance across the directorate

-Bring clarity and structure to directorate priorities, ensuring alignment with Mind's strategy

-Monitor progress across programmes, tracking milestones, outputs, outcomes and budgets

-Identify risks, challenges and dependencies early, and support teams to address them

-Produce clear, insightful reporting to support senior leadership and governance decision-making

Support effective planning and programme management

-Work with teams to scope, plan and manage their work, including timelines, resources and dependencies

-Embed practical tools and approaches (e.g. Smartsheet) to improve visibility and coordination

-Help make complex work feel manageable by improving planning, prioritisation and flow

Act as a connector and trusted partner

-Build strong, trusted relationships across teams, directorates and the wider federation

-Bring people together to align priorities, solve problems and support decision-making

-Act as a trusted partner and sounding board to the Executive Director and directorate senior leadership team, helping maintain focus, momentum and connection

Strengthen governance and continuous improvement

-Support effective governance processes, including board and committee reporting

-Ensure performance, risks and impact are clearly understood and communicated

-Use data, insight and learning to improve how the directorate plans and delivers its work

-Identify opportunities to strengthen systems, processes and ways of working

Shape ways of working and culture

-Promote collaborative, inclusive and connected ways of working

-Help create a dynamic, open and supportive environment where people can do their best work

-Support teams through change with clarity, empathy and momentum

-Champion continuous improvement and a solutions-focused mindset

About you

You're someone who thrives in complex environments and enjoys bringing order, energy and connection to them.

You'll likely bring:

-Strong experience supporting delivery of complex programmes or portfolios

-Excellent project or programme management capability

-Proven ability to build relationships and influence at all levels, including senior leaders

-Confidence working across boundaries, connecting people, teams and ideas

-Strong judgement, balancing strategic thinking with hands-on delivery

-A commitment to collaboration, continuous improvement and inclusive ways of working

Most importantly, you'll care about how work gets done, not just what gets done.

Mind's equity statement

Mind is committed to equality of opportunity for all staff, and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Please refer to the Job Description while completing your application as candidates will be shortlisted based on how closely they match the criteria in the personal specification.

Contract
Full-time, permanent
(We welcome proposals for flexible working arrangements)

Salary
£50,000 per annum

The Director of Operations for Edinburgh International Book Festival [EIBF] sits at the intersection of programme delivery, organisational management and operational leadership. The role combines events delivery with charity-wide management. This ensures that EIBF runs smoothly, festivals and events happen effectively, and all activity aligns with our charitable objectives and purpose.

The Director of Operations will lead all operational and logistical aspects of the annual Book Festival and year-round programmes. They will ensure effective governance, efficient systems, safe and compliant event delivery, and ensure resources are allocated appropriately to support the charity’s mission to promote engagement with, and enjoyment of, books, writing and ideas. They will manage relationships and contracts with site and production teams, and a range of other key stakeholders and partners. They will own and actively manage policy and systems management in the organisation, including oversight of digital infrastructure, as well as lead the HR function in a busy organisation.

Success in the role will balance the following elements:

• Leading the operational delivery of the Festival and programmes including effective stewarding of key relationships and contractors
• Optimising the culture of EIBF through effective management of HR and internal processes
• Effective management of EIBF planning, systems and processes, including digital transformation.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Strategic operations
• Strategic contribution
• Festival delivery
• People and resource management
• Governance and compliance 
• Systems and process improvement
• Leadership and team management 

Essential Person specification:

• Significant senior operational leadership experience within a complex, fast paced organisation
• Proven experience translating organisational strategy into effective operational delivery, systems and processes
• Experience leading organisational change, growth or transformation while maintaining operational resilience • Strong experience delivering complex live events or public programmes, including logistics, production, venues, and supplier management
• Experience managing contracts, procurement processes, and strategic operational partnerships
• Strong understanding of governance, compliance, risk management, and health and safety
• Experience leading HR processes, people management, and organisational culture development
• Experience delivering systems development, digital transformation, or process improvement projects
• Strong understanding of organisational infrastructure including IT, CRM, ticketing. and data governance
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to work strategically while remaining practical and hands-on in a small, agile organisation

For more information on key responsibilities and person specifications please see full Job Description on EIBF website. 

Key Dates:

Closing date for applications: Monday 29th June 2026.

Interviews will be held in central Edinburgh during the week of 6th July. Remote interview requests will be considered but in person is preferred.

About the Service

For over twenty years, Barnardo's LINK has delivered high-quality post adoption support to children and families. Our work supports prospective adopters, adoptive families, children and young people, birth family relatives, and families funded via the Adoption Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF).

We also have well established contracts with Health and Local Authority Commissioners offering short term therapeutic intervention to support families affected by mental health. To deliver the service we work with a network of independent therapists across England, offering both virtual and face-to-face therapeutic and parenting support.

A core component of our work is our Attachment Focused Therapy, which strengthens relationships between parents and children and supports the development of secure attachments. Our approach is grounded in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) and the principles of PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy).

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Operations Manager to drive excellence across Barnardo's LINK. This is a senior role with strategic, operational and practice leadership responsibilities, supporting the continued growth and development of our post-adoption support work.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and embed high quality therapeutic practice across LINK and wider Barnardo's Family Placement provision, ensuring learning is shared and applied effectively.
• Oversee and manage relationships with commissioners, including Local Authorities, Health partners, and ASGSF-funded contracts.
• Represent Barnardo's at internal and external forums within the adoption sector.
• Drive continuous service improvement, building on our 2026 Ofsted Outstanding judgement.
• Lead on recruitment, training, and development of therapists, ensuring a strong and responsive national network.
• Identify opportunities for service growth, development, and promotion.

About You

You will bring:

• Significant experience in post-adoption support, including therapeutic work with children and families.
• Strong knowledge of attachment theory, therapeutic parenting models, and trauma-informed practice.
• Experience of working with commissioning frameworks such as the Adoption & Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF).
• Proven ability to lead services and manage partnerships with commissioners and stakeholders.
• A passion for improving outcomes for children, young people and families through innovative, evidence-based practice.
• Excellent communication, leadership and influencing skills.

Why Barnardo's?

At Barnardo's, we are committed to transforming the lives of the most vulnerable children.

Joining LINK means:

• Being part of a nationally recognised, Ofsted Outstanding Service
• Working within a values-driven, child-centred organisation
• Access to ongoing professional development and leadership opportunities
• Making a real difference to adoptive families and mental health wellbeing

Apply now to help shape the future with Barnardo's LINK Adoption & Family Support Service.

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date.  We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible

The Operations Manager plays a key leadership role in ensuring the effective day-to-day running of the charity. Working closely with the Business Development Manager and Board of Trustees, the postholder will oversee operations, finance, governance, and organisational systems to ensure the charity delivers high-quality services in line with its mission and strategic objectives.

The role will strengthen organisational sustainability through robust financial management, effective systems and processes, strong team leadership, and support for income generation activities.

The Operations Manager in conjunction with the Business Development Manager together form the CVS’s senior management team. They will ensure the charity operates in compliance with all regulatory requirements while maximising impact for beneficiaries and communities.

This is a pivotal moment for MYTIME. We are growing fast, our ambitions are national, and we need a Head of Operations who is genuinely ready to grow with us - not just manage what we have today but help build what we need for tomorrow.

As a true second-in-command to the CEO, you will be the operational backbone of the organisation: the person who ensures our governance is airtight, our systems are fit for purpose, our commissioner relationships are strong, and our data tells the story of our impact. You will think and act strategically, while remaining close enough to the day-to-day to spot what needs fixing before it becomes a problem.

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of a purpose-driven organisation at a critical stage of its growth. If you are the kind of person who thrives on complexity, takes initiative, challenges thinking, and brings rigour without bureaucracy, we want to hear from you.

About NEON 

NEON is a not-for-profit organisation committed to accelerating social movements. We build capacity and infrastructure to accelerate the transition to a new economy. We work across a wide range of progressive issues including climate, housing, healthcare, and migration and we support over 1,000 organisers across the UK working towards political, environmental, and social justice. Our theory of change is rooted in understanding both the strategies, stories, and structures required to sustain a movement. Short term, this results in improved movement infrastructure, skills, and connections; long term, it leads to robust relationships and movement alliances capable of systemic change. 

Context

NEON’s People & Operations Hub makes sure all our internal systems run smoothly and that our team is happy, high-performing and cared for. The People & Operations Hub brings together people, culture, operations, fundraising and finance, and plays a key role in making sure NEON is both high impact and a joyful place to work, at the heart of this is ensuring our values of respect, generosity and solidarity and anti-oppression principles are embedded into all internal practices.

As part of this, we’re currently looking for someone to support us for a defined period of time to review and refresh some of our core operational and compliance areas, and support us with discrete ops tasks as they arise. This includes reviewing, updating and embedding key systems and processes so that they are clear, usable and consistently followed across NEON. Alongside this, we want to create a NEON-wide handbook, so that we have a simple accessible place where people can find everything they need to know about how we do things at NEON. We also want to strengthen our guidance around event safety, both online and in-person, so staff feel comfortable and supported when planning and delivering work. It’s crucial for us that this work is developed in collaboration with the People & Operations Hub as well as the wider team. 

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who is comfortable moving across operational and compliance work. Someone who has a solid understanding and experience in delivering high-level health and safety, data protection, IT and systems work, and other operational aspects of running an organisation, and can turn that into something practical, usable and genuinely helpful for our team. Someone who is self-motivated, comfortable working independently, and able to take ownership of pieces of work from start to finish

We’d love someone who has experience working closely in or within people and operations teams in small- medium sized not-for profits or charities, and who knows how to take complex or messy systems and make them simpler, clearer and easier to embed in day-to-day practice. We’re looking for someone aligned with our values of respect, generosity and solidarity and is well-versed in including anti-oppression principles into operational work. Someone who is motivated by working in a values-led organisation where decisions factor in culture, trust and care as well as the technical elements.

This person should be confident reviewing and improving systems and understands and is experienced in working closely with other people to do this, whether that’s with the Director of People and Operations to receive direction or troubleshoot, working alongside our Ops Assistant to put things into practice and draw on their organisational expertise, or engaging the wider team to elicit their ideas and challenges, and incorporate them into improvements. Similarly someone who is able to work with external support we have in place around IT, HR and data protection and translate their recommendations into practical action.

They’ll need to be able to hit the ground running and pick up discrete pieces of work, working thoughtfully and collaboratively with a team that’s juggling lots of different priorities. Aside from improving key pieces of work, the other core part of the role is bringing people with them, which will involve coaching and mentoring skills, a learning and development approach, and helping others feel confident taking on and owning this work.

Above all, we’re looking for someone who understands how to make organisations compliant and well-run in a way that feels proportionate, caring, and realistic for a team of our size. Someone who can embed these pieces of work, without overcomplicating things, and who can foster a sense of shared ownership. We’re also looking for someone who really cares about how operational work is truly embedded and put into practice across organisations, who thinks carefully about what happens after their involvement or support ends and knows how to build internal capability so work doesn’t stay dependent on them.

 

Key deliverables

By the end of the service period, the following outputs will have been delivered and fully embedded into NEON’s ways of working:

IT and systems

The freelancer will complete a high-level review of NEON’s current IT systems, identify key risks and gaps, and produce a set of recommendations. 

Outputs will include working with the People & Operations Hub to lead implementation and embedding of agreed improvements across tools and ways of working, including an improved GDrive structure, Google Workspace and IT security improvements and an IT and phones policy.

Data protection

The freelancer will complete a high-level review and strengthening of NEON’s GDPR and data protection approach.

Outputs will include updated core policies (GDPR policy, privacy notice, retention policy) and practical guidance to support consistent implementation across the organisation. It also includes delivery of staff training and further strengthening of our “Data Champions”.

Event processes

The freelancer will assess our current event-related practices (online and in-person).

Outputs will include clear, practical recommendations, strengthened guidance for managing event safety and risk in practice and staff training and support.

Health and safety

A review and update of NEON’s health and safety approach will be completed to ensure policies and processes are clear, practical and consistently applied.

Outputs will include an updated H&S policy, incident reporting process, risk assessment templates, and a simple event safety framework with guidance and checklists. It also includes delivering staff training and embedding of H&S practice across the organisation, including clarification of roles and responsibilities.

AI policy and guidance

The freelancer will research and develop NEON’s approach to AI use across the organisation, considering best practice, risks, opportunities, and the impact of AI on staff and NEON’s work. It should also include thoughtful consideration of the harms and ethical concerns associated with AI.

Outputs will include engagement with staff to understand current use and concerns, alongside the creation of clear and practical AI guidance and an organisational AI policy to support safe, thoughtful and consistent use of AI tools across NEON.

NEON Handbook

A NEON-wide handbook will be created, bringing together key processes, guidance and signposting to essential organisational information in one accessible place.

The handbook will be co-developed with staff and People & Operations Hub members to ensure it reflects day-to-day practice and is maintainable internally after completion.

Day-to-day operations support

The freelancer will provide additional operational capacity to support the Hub with emerging priorities, and time-sensitive pieces of work that arise during the contract period.

Outputs may include support with operational problem-solving and decision making, maintaining processes and procedures, providing subject knowledge expertise, maintaining documentation and other discrete operational tasks agreed with the Director of People and Operations.

A key part of this work will be ensuring that all outputs and improvements are properly embedded within the People & Ops Hub and the wider organisation. This includes creating clear documentation, guidance, training and handover processes so that NEON staff can confidently hold and maintain this work after the consultancy ends.

 

Timescales and fee schedule

The freelancer will be appointed and ready to engage from the end of July/ start of August 2026. We expect this work to be completed across two-three days per week for up to six months, ideally finished by the end of January or February 2027 (depending on start date). There may be a possibility of extension if other relevant and discrete projects arise and in agreement with the Director of People and Operations.

 

Call out information required

Interested freelancers are asked to provide the following information in response to this call out:

1. Brief career history and details of relevant assignments undertaken (this could be in the form of a CV)

2. A statement not exceeding 800 words on your proposed approach to the deliverables, including:

   1. Your technical and subject matter expertise

   2. Your personal style and approach to working with others

   3. How you will embed our values of respect, generosity and solidarity and anti-oppression principles into the deliverables

3. Your day rate, indicating whether VAT is payable (please note our indicative day rate that is aligned with our internal budget is £375)

4. A clear commitment to undertake the work within the timeframe set out above

5. Two testimonials from suitable clients or professional partners

The deadline for submissions is Sunday 28th June 11.59pm

Please find email address for submission of applications on our website.

We may wish to discuss submissions with you on Monday 6th July or Wednesday 8th July 2026. We will inform you if this is the case.

For any further information or clarification prior to submission, contact us at our website.

1. Background

Osman Consulting Ltd supports the design, coordination, and implementation of humanitarian and development programmes across multiple regions, with a primary focus on Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Latin America

The organisation delivers a diverse portfolio of interventions spanning emergency response, seasonal, education (including back-to-school initiatives), food security and livelihoods (including zero hunger programming), and other humanitarian priorities. Osman Consulting works through a partnership-based approach, collaborating closely with local implementing partners to ensure contextually appropriate, responsive, and sustainable programme delivery.

2. Purpose of the Role

The Senior Operations Officer supports operational planning, procurement follow-up, documentation control, and implementation support systems so that project delivery requirements are translated into timely and well-organised operational action.

3.Terms of Reference

• Duty Station: Solihull, B90 4BG, United Kingdom (Hybrid)
• Reporting to: Project Manager
• Line Management: Provides technical guidance and oversight to field partners and may support the supervision of interns
• Contract Type: Fixed-term maternity cover contract (12 months), subject to organisational requirements
• Full time/Part time: Full Time

4. Scope of Work and Key Responsibilities

    Operational planning and tracking

• Support the Project Manager in maintaining operational plans, procurement trackers, action logs, and implementation support schedules.
• Monitor progress of operational actions and follow up with responsible staff to minimise avoidable delays.

     Procurement and Supply chain support

• Support review of procurement requests, specifications, delivery schedules, and procurement documentation for completeness before onward processing.
• Track status of procurement packages, purchase actions, vendor communications, and delivery milestones and flag bottlenecks for management attention.
• Coordinate with the Sudan Operations and Logistics Officer on shipment status, local sourcing issues, warehousing constraints, and asset receipt confirmation

Documentation and Asset control support

• Maintain orderly operational records covering procurement files, delivery notes, inventory information, service agreements, and other control documents.
• Support tracking of assets, equipment, and key operational commitments linked to project implementation.

   Operational Risk Management

• Identify operational bottlenecks relating to procurement timing, delivery sequencing, documentation gaps, or service support readiness.
• Provide timely updates to the Project Manager on issues requiring escalation or re-prioritisation.

5. Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in operations management, logistics, supply chain, Business Administration, or related field 
• At least 5 years of relevant experience; preferably in humanitarian or project environment.
• Good understanding of procurement workflows, record keeping, and implementation support systems.
• Strong organizational, attention to details and communication skills.
• Full professional proficiency in English.
• Strong organizational and coordination skills; attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to liaise with diverse stakeholders.

6. Core Competencies

• Operational organization
• Confidential handling of information
• Analytical thinking.
• Service orientation and teamwork

7. Compliance, Safeguarding and Ethics

The post holder is expected to uphold Osman Consulting Ltd policies, donor requirements, humanitarian principles, and all applicable national and international regulations.

The role requires full compliance with safeguarding standards, including Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH), child safeguarding, confidentiality, and data protection requirements.

The post holder must promote accountability, inclusion, and non-discrimination in all aspects of their work, ensuring respectful engagement with all stakeholders.

Any concerns relating to fraud, corruption, conflicts of interest, safeguarding incidents, or security risks must be reported promptly through the appropriate channels.

At the National Garden Scheme a central office with a team of 13 is the hub for a wide range of activity involving hundreds of volunteers, thousands of garden owners and a large audience of beneficiary charities, suppliers, supporters and partners, as well as members of the public who want to visit gardens and engage with the charity.

The Head of Operations leads and manages County Support, a team of four who deliver the resources, information and support needed by our volunteer county organising teams who support the garden owners. The Head of Operations is key in ensuring that the volunteers feel valued and supported. 

The right candidate will have experience of database management, ideally Microsoft Dynamics, so that they can update, interrogate and maintain our database and online portal through which garden owners register and manage their garden data. We are currently updating our IT system and there will be a need for change management to ensure that staff and volunteers are comfortable using the new system.

The successful applicant will thrive in a busy, hands-on and varied role and the key requirements are efficiency and excellent communication skills.  This is a role for a meticulous, problem-solving people person.

The ethos of the organisation is rooted in generosity and kindness and the office is a warm and welcoming place to work.

Key responsibilities

Manage the county support team

• Lead and manage the county support team
• Manage smooth working relations between the county support team and other staff
• Lead the county support team in their day to day activities and relationships with county organising teams, garden owners, visitors and other stakeholders

To work closely with and manage liaison with county team volunteers

• To work with county organisers to maximise levels of service from head office
• To work with county organisers for smooth recruitment and succession for volunteer roles

To manage and deliver the annual data gathering and fulfilment operations

• To work with county support and county teams in annual gathering of garden data
• To ensure timely delivery of material to publisher
• To organise and deliver with county support the annual delivery of bulk orders to county teams

To manage key operational elements for the organisation

• To oversee the insurance of garden openings, including claims

To support the Chief Executive in the provision of HR to employees and volunteers

• To recruit, induct and train new members of staff as required
• To carry out performance reviews for some members of staff
• To manage welcome days at head office for new volunteers.

Other duties include:

• Attend national garden shows (e.g. Chelsea) and other events as required.
• Protect and enhance the organisation’s public reputation when speaking on its behalf.

Benefits:

• 28 days holiday (inclusive of public holidays), subsequent increases up to 33 days.
• Permanent, full time role, 35 hours a week – 9am to 5pm with one hour lunch break.

Person Specification

Skills

Essential/Desirable

Confident knowledge of Microsoft Office suite

E

Knowledge and experience of databases, preferably Microsoft Dynamics

D

Experience as an office administrator

D

Personal Skills

Efficiency and reliability

E

Excellent interpersonal skills

E

Excellent oral communication skills

E

Accuracy and attention to detail

E

Ability to prioritise and work to strict deadlines

E

Car owner and driver

E