Policy and advocacy manager jobs

Development Officer (x2) 

Salary: NJC Spinal Scale Point 20 – £32,597 pro rata (£26,077.60) 
Hours: 28 hours per week (0.8 FTE) 
Contract: Permanent 
Location: North Yorkshire (minimum one day per week in our office at Askham Bryan, with blended working and travel across the county) 

At Community First Yorkshire, our vision is to help people across Yorkshire live happier, healthier lives through thriving, connected, inclusive and sustainable communities. 

We’re looking for two passionate and skilled Development Officers to join our VCSE Support team - recruitment made possible by internal progression and upcoming retirement. 

About the role 

If you’re someone who enjoys supporting people, strengthening community organisations, and helping charities to fulfil their potential, this could be the perfect opportunity. As the Local Infrastructure Organisation for North Yorkshire, our role is to support and advocate for our incredible voluntary, community and social enterprise sector. 

You’ll provide high quality organisational development support to charities, voluntary groups and community organisations. This includes guidance on: 

• Governance and legal structures 

• Volunteer management and best practice 

• Funding enquiries and sustainability 

• General organisational development advice 

• Facilitation and training delivery. 

We are particularly interested in applicants with strong skills and experience in charity law, governance and volunteer management. 

About you 

We’re looking for someone who is: 

• Approachable, supportive and a confident relationship builder 

• Experienced in working with charities and community organisations 

• Skilled in delivering training and facilitating groups 

• Knowledgeable about community development principles 

• Positive, collaborative and solution-focused 

If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you. 

How to apply 

Take a look at the job description for more details; to apply, send your CV with a covering letter explaining why you’re perfect for this role, along with your confidential details form and equal opportunities form (Job descriptions and forms are available on our website - click on Get Involved/Find a new job) 

Closing date: 9am, Wednesday 25 March 2026 
Interviews: In person on Wednesday 1 April 2026 

We may begin interviewing strong candidates before the closing date, so early applications are encouraged. 

If you’d like an informal conversation about the role, please contact: 
Carole Roberts, Head of VCSE Support 

Contract Type: Fixed Term, 12 months

Interviews: 23rd of March in-person at our Leeds Centre

Are you a passionate advocate for 18–30-year-old entrepreneurs? Do you have what it takes to help them bring their business dreams to life? The King's Trust is calling for someone just like you to join our dynamic team and make a real impact.

At The King's Trust, we're on a mission to empower young people and foster the next generation of business leaders. We believe in turning dreams into reality and providing unwavering support to young entrepreneurs.

As a Youth Development Lead – Enterprise, your mission is to be the driving force behind young entrepreneurs' success stories. The Enterprise programme’s aim is to support young people interested in self-employment to explore and test their ideas, write business plans and start their own businesses or achieve alternative outcomes in education, training, volunteering or work.

You'll be the guiding light for a caseload of young people, helping them successfully launch their business ideas and work towards those vital business start targets. We also won’t have you sitting still as travel will be required, exploring your local area to assist in the programme delivery of our Exploring Enterprise course as needed. The delivery can be a mix of online, in-centre or out in the community.

Crafting robust and viable business plans will be your forte. Cash flow forecasts, personal survival budgets, and sector-specific insights are all part of your toolkit. Plus, your knack for providing positive and constructive feedback will help these ideas flourish. Funding applications? You've got it covered!

Attention to detail is your superpower and you’ll be passionate about inspiring change. At The Trust, we're strong advocates for fostering an inclusive workplace, and it would be fantastic if you share that passion too.

This is more than just a job—it's an opportunity to change lives, including your own.

What happens next?  

Please submit a CV, and Cover Letter that includes your experience, transferrable skills and motivation to work for The King's Trust! The Team will be in touch about the next steps shortly after the closing date. 

Why do we need Youth Development Leads? 

Last year, we helped more than 40,000 Young People, with every three in four moving into a positive outcome for either work, education or training. Youth Development Leads play a crucial role in supporting young people, no matter the young person's background or current circumstances, to fulfil their full potential. We want to continue having a positive impact on young people’s lives and we couldn’t do this without the important work of Youth Development Leads! 

Perks for working at The Trust! 

• Great holiday package! 30 days annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays. Office closure on the days between Christmas and New Year 
• Flexible working! Unless the location of the role is remote, the Youth Development Lead role requires a combination of office days and working from home. 
• You can volunteer for and/or attend events – The King's Trust Awards, Pride, active events etc. 
• In-house learning platform! Develop your skills for your career and your role 
• Benefits platform! Everything from health and financial well-being support to discounts on your favourite restaurants, shops and cinemas. 
• Personal development opportunities through our Networks – KT CAN (Cultural Awareness Network), KT GEN (Gender Equality Network), KT DAWN (Disability & Wellbeing Network), and PULSE (LGBTQIA+ Network). 
• Fantastic Family leave! Receive 13 weeks of full pay and 13 weeks of half pay for maternity and adoption leave. Receive 8 weeks of full pay for paternity leave. 
• Interest-free season ticket loans 
• Cycle-to-Work Scheme
• The Trust will contribute 5% of your salary to the Trust Pension Scheme 
• Generous life assurance cover (4 x annual salary) 

Hours: A minimum of three days per week up to full time 

Contract: Permanent 

Location: Home-based with occasional travel to our office in Vauxhall, London (approximately four times per year), occasional travel to visit projects and approximately two overnight stays per year 

Reports to: Head of Marketing, Communications and Fundraising. 

About Housing Justice 

Housing Justice brings together communities and finds solutions to homelessness by building personal connections, a sense of belonging, and creating justice in the housing system. We train and support volunteers to offer various accommodation options while building a network of local support. This includes providing personalised assistance to help individuals access relevant local services and address their other needs. Through compassionate, courageous, and collaborative action, we implement innovative solutions to tackle housing injustice, enhance the quality of housing, and elevate the voices and experiences of groups affected by housing injustice to both local and national governments. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and recognise the value of lived experience of homelessness. 

About your role 

This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled Fundraising Co-ordinator to join the Marketing, Communications and Fundraising team at Housing Justice.As Fundraising Co-ordinator, you will identify both statutory and grant funding opportunities to fund our projects, and craft compelling bids and proposals that clearly articulate our vision, services, and value to commissioners and funders. You will also be responsible for applying for relevant accreditations to support your applications and will have experience of building corporate partnerships. 

Please note that we do not accept CVs or applications that are not submitted using our standard application form..

About the Role

Do you enjoy helping people? Are you a compassionate and people-focused person? Do you want to make a real difference to the lives of people who are in problem debt and help them find a way forward?

The Debt Advice Caseworker will provide an in-person high-quality debt advice and casework service to the organisation’s clients.

The Debt Advice Caseworker will provide mentoring and support to their co-workers, which will help develop their skills and expertise in debt and money management service, ensuring they deliver our clients with the best possible service.

A demanding role, whereby the Debt Advice Caseworker will have the ability to understand and deal with complex information.

They will work collaboratively with their team, management and external organisations.

Flexibility is a key characteristic of all our posts, and the post-holder may be asked to carry out other tasks consistent with the grade from time to time.

Requirements

To be appointed as a Debt Advice Caseworker, you will need to have:

1. Knowledge and experience of complex debt casework, covering priority and non-priority debt advice, options and insolvency solutions.

OR

To be appointed as a Trainee Money Advice Caseworker, you will need to have knowledge of advice areas and money advice issues and have experience of giving advice. We’re not looking for the finished article, if you have the right attitude then we can help to develop your skills.

2. Experience of achieving performance and quality targets/KPIs.

3. Ability and willingness to undertake training and development to comply with Money and Pensions Service and Citizens Advice quality standards.

4. Effective oral/written communication skills and be numerate to the level required by the tasks.

5. Ability to prioritise own work, meet deadlines, manage workload and targets in a pressured environment.

6. An ordered approach to casework and an ability and willingness to follow and develop agreed procedures.

7. IT literacy with an ability to use software packages including Microsoft Office products in the provision of advice and preparation of formal written materials.

8. Ability to give and receive feedback objectively and sensitively and a willingness to challenge constructively.

9. Ability and willingness to work as part of a team.

10. Understanding of and commitment to the aims and principles of the Citizens Advice service and its equalities and diversity policy

11. Ability to work across different sites within Liverpool.

12. Institute of Money Advisers Certificate in Money Advice Practice or MaPS Caseworker accreditation equivalent.

Equality and Diversity:

All staff members are expected to demonstrate a commitment to equality and diversity. We recognize and celebrate the positive value of diversity, promote equality and challenge discrimination.

Responsibilities:

1. Provide a casework service covering the full range of debt and money management advice, including debt relief orders, bankruptcy, and debt management plans.
2. Deliver our service by a range of methods required, including telephone/digital channels, drop-in sessions, appointments, outreach work, and home visits.
3. Act for clients where necessary; this includes drafting letters, budgets, financial statements, and negotiating with third parties.
4. Ensure income maximisation through the take up of appropriate welfare benefits.
5. Prepare and present cases to statutory bodies, tribunals, and courts when required.
6. Assist clients with issues, where they may be an integral part of a case, and refer them to the appropriate agencies and advisers.
7. Maintain standards of service delivery and ensure that casework conforms to the Citizens Advice membership requirements, the Advice Quality Standard, and the Money and Pensions Service Advice Quality Framework.
8. Comply with systems for monitoring and reporting purposes.
9. Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure that the service area meets key performance indicators and targets.
10. Assist in the smooth running of the organisation and provide emergency cover for other parts of the service when necessary.
11. Analyse and interpret complex information, communicating this effectively in writing with particular emphasis on negotiation and representation.

About us

Citizens Advice Liverpool is a charity that provides free, confidential and impartial advice to people who live and work in the city. We depend on a workforce of paid staff and over 120 trained volunteers. We give people the knowledge and the confidence they need to find their way forward – whoever they are, and whatever their problem. We are the leading provider of advice and advocacy services in Liverpool and have helped clients with over 106,000 issues in 2022/2023.

CAL have achieved accreditation with the Workplace Wellbeing Charter, showing we are committed to improving the health and wellbeing of our workforce. We've also gained an award for outstanding contribution by an employer to workplace health and wellbeing 2022 by Merseycare NHS Foundation Trust.

We've gained awards from Citizens Advice National recognising our Advising Margainalised Communities Team for championing equity, diversity and inclusion in both 2021 and 2021. We were also named volunteer team of the year in 2022.

Are you ready to take on a key development role in a charity that is making a real difference? Southampton City Mission (SCM) is offering an exciting opportunity for a knowledgeable and proactive Communications Officer. Working alongside our senior staff team to deliver a dynamic external communications strategy, this is a new role with the opportunity to shape how the charity relates to partners, supporters and the general public across the city.

You will be responsible for delivering an effective communications plan that increases awareness and engages key audiences in the city, to strongly support SCM’s current projects. Developing compelling story telling pieces and creating content for our website and social media to showcase the organisation’s impact; we are looking for an individual who will drive forward change and quickly engage with key stakeholders and churches. Working alongside the CEO, Head of Operations and Project Managers, and playing a pivotal role in helping to equip churches to support and love those in need across our city, we are offering the opportunity for flexible, hybrid working for this role.

If you are a natural, experienced communicator and passionate about working for a faith-based charity that is growing and evolving, this is the perfect role for you. Your input will help drive change in both the charity and the city we serve.

Apply now. An application pack, including full job description and person specification, can be downloaded from our website.

The closing date for applications is 01 April 2026

SCM is committed to keeping children and adults at risk safe and to equal opportunities.

A DBS check will be required for this role and applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have the right to work in the UK.

Job Title: Refuge Worker

Location: This is an onsite role, located within the London Borough of Hounslow, there may be a requirement to occasionally work in the London Borough of Hillingdon.
Salary: £28, 857.12 per annum (Inclusive of London Weighting, which may not be applicable depending on your home location)

Contract type: Full Time, Fixed Term Contract (Until March 2027)

Hours: 37.5 hours

We want kind and empathic people to work at Refuge, who believe in equality, diversity, and inclusion, are experts in their area of knowledge, want to make a positive difference and improve the lives of the women and children we support.

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Refuge Worker to provide high quality practical and emotional support to survivors of domestic violence and their children living in our refuges. This includes safety planning and enabling women to access housing, welfare, benefits, and legal advice. A key requirement is to provide personal welfare support and to ensure that women are provided with a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment in accordance with Refuge’s philosophical principles. 

As part of this role, you will be required to participate in an out-of-hours on call rota

This post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

Closing Date: 09:00am 20 March 2026

Iterview Dates: 6 and 7 April 2026

The BRIT School is seeking an experienced and visionary Director of Communications to lead an evolving communications strategy that ensures the School remains the first choice for young, diverse artists.

This senior role has strategic responsibility for marketing, digital and social media, PR, alumni engagement, and brand management. You will be working directly with Principal Stuart Worden and be his voice in press releases, communications with industry, fundraising and lobbying environments. Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), Development Team, Trustees, and industry partners, the postholder will play a pivotal role in driving student recruitment, strengthening industry relationships, supporting fundraising ambitions, and enhancing the School’s national and international profile.

You are an experienced strategic marketing and communications leader with a passion for arts and education at senior level, you know how to build powerful brands, lead talented teams, and deliver campaigns that inspire, engage and drive real impact. Collaborative, adaptable and values-led, you bring strong digital, PR and storytelling skills, commercial awareness, and a genuine commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion—thriving in a creative, fast-moving environment.

Senior Project Officer (Community Development and Training)
Reference: SPOCDT26
Location: Home-based within or near Devon (with travel across the county)
Contract: Fixed term until December 2026 (10 months)
Hours: 15 hours each week
Salary: £28,000 FTE per annum (£11,200 actual for 15 hours per week)

Groundwork South is seeking a motivated and experienced Senior Project Officer (Community Development and Training) to support delivery of our National Lottery-funded Communities Prepared programme in Devon.

Communities Prepared works with volunteers and communities across England to help them build the skills, confidence and knowledge needed to prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies. This includes supporting communities to plan for climate-related risks such as flooding, storms, heat waves, and severe weather.

This role will play a key part in delivering the final stages of the Devon Resilience Innovation Project (DRIP), a £7.3 million programme funded through the UK Government’s Flood and Coastal Resilience Innovation Programme and administered by the Environment Agency.

Working closely with partners including Devon County Council, you will engage with communities across Devon to increase awareness of flood risk and support them to strengthen their resilience.

About the Project and the Role

The Devon Resilience Innovation Project (DRIP) is testing innovative ways to improve flood resilience in communities across Devon. This role will focus on engaging 28 priority communities to assess uptake of support for community emergency planning and Flood Warden training.

Key Responsibilities

As Senior Project Officer, you will:

• Design and deliver a targeted community engagement plan across Devon.
• Raise awareness of local climate and flood risks.
• Support communities to develop emergency and flood plans.
• Help establish and support Flood Action Groups and Flood Wardens.
• Deliver training and workshops both online and in person.
• Work collaboratively with programme partners and stakeholders.
• Monitor and report on community engagement and participation.
• Track and evidence engagement activity and outcomes.
• Contribute to project meetings and programme reporting.
• Share learning with the national Communities Prepared team.

We are looking for someone with:

• Experience in community engagement or community development.
• Experience delivering training or workshops.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders or partners.
• Confidence working independently in a remote role.
• An interest in climate resilience, emergency planning or environmental issues.
• A willingness to travel across Devon.

Not all communities will take up the offer of support, so an important part of the role is ensuring engagement is clearly tracked and reported.

The role involves regular travel across Devon and occasional travel to Bristol for team meetings.

Knowledge of community emergency planning or flood resilience would be an advantage but is not essential.

Closing date for applications: 22nd March 2026
Interview date: 26th March 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.

Groundwork South is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all members of the community.

No agencies please.

Youth Focus West Midlands (YFWM) is looking for a Regional Development Lead to work as part of the Network of Regional Youth Work Units to build an inclusive and equitable approach to youth voice and youth engagement, ensuring the most marginalised and under-represented young people have their voices heard and acted upon across the UK.

The Development Lead will manage the Amplify funded programme of work across the region. This will include the facilitation of learning networks, peer support groups and peer research approaches, overseeing of project communications and delivering training and support programmes. Along with the collation of best practice around youth voice and contributing to evaluation and impact reporting requirements.

This is a part-time (17.5 hours per week) role on a Fixed Term Contract of 4 years, offering £29,000–£30,000 per annum pro-rata depending on experience (£14,500 – £15,000 before deductions). The role is remote (equipment provided) but with frequent travel required across the West Midlands. Occasional evening and weekend working will also be required. 

To find out more please read the role description and person specification provided. To apply, please complete our official application form (CVs and cover letters will not be considered). The deadline for applications is 5pm on Wednesday 18th March. Interviews are expected to take place on 22nd April. 

Domestic Abuse Practitioner- Accommodation

JOB TITLE: Domestic Abuse Parenting Support and Group Facilitator

SALARY: £ 28-30K  

RESPONSIBLE TO: Accommodation Manager

HOURS: 37.5 flexible working between hours of 8am – 6pm 

Monday to Friday

Annual Leave: 30  days pro-rata + Bank Holidays

Pension: 6% employer’s contribution 

Health Benefits: Health Care Cash Plan  

Employment Mental Wellbeing Scheme 

Flexible working hours according to the needs of the project.  Evening and weekend work as required.  Annual leave and time off in lieu to be taken at times to meet the requirements of the organisation and with the prior agreement of the CEO. 

The post is based within Pennine Domestic Abuse Partnership (Pdap)

N.B. The organisation refers to the Pennine Domestic Abuse Partnership.

Overall Objectives

To support women who have been subjected to domestic abuse, ‘so called’ honor-based abuse and or forced marriage to navigate the barriers faced in their journey to recovery.

To provide holistic and trauma-informed support to women residing across Pdap’s refuge services who have experienced domestic abuse. The post will have a strong emphasis on supporting empowerment through one to one and group-based activities. This role will deliver targeted interventions, facilitate group activities that promote confidence and self-efficacy, and provide flexible, ad hoc support to a small caseload of women.

The successful applicant will embody the Pdap values and keep the client at the heart of everything they do.

Particular Tasks of the Postholder

The postholder will provide client-centred support and advocate for victims of domestic abuse by;

1. Providing bespoke 1 to 1 support sessions:

• Provide one-to-one support tailored to the needs of women affected by domestic abuse.

• Help women rebuild post-abuse.

• Complete support plans with women to ascertain their needs and work with them to achieve their goals

• To support women to access housing and other key services

• To ensure women have the means to live independently including support to access finance and education

2. Facilitating Group Activities

• Alongside the wider DAP team to design and facilitate a regular programme of group activities aimed at building confidence, skills, and emotional wellbeing.

• Promote peer support, personal development, and recovery through workshops on topics such as self-esteem, healthy relationships, assertiveness, and life skills.

• Encourage participation and co-production by involving women in planning and leading group sessions where appropriate.

3. Individual Support

• Hold a small, manageable caseload and provide responsive, ad hoc support as needed.

• Conduct holistic, trauma-informed assessments, support plans and safety planning.

• Empower women to make informed choices and access relevant services (e.g. legal, housing, benefits, health).

• Advocate on behalf of residents where necessary to ensure their rights and needs are met.

4. Partnership and Safeguarding

• Work closely with external agencies (e.g. social services, schools, health professionals) to ensure coordinated support.

• Proactively contribute to multi-agency safeguarding and risk management procedures.

• Maintain accurate records and case notes in line with organisational policies and confidentiality standards

• To adhere to defined service standards and accreditation frameworks and remain up-to-date and compliant with all organisational procedures policies and professional codes of conduct and uphold standards of best practice

Organisational Development

· To ensure the views of clients and stakeholders are embedded into the work of PDAP and to take full account of these in the development of services

· To participate in, and support organisational policy development and implementation

· To embrace Pdap’s approach to continuous improvement

Internal and External Liaison and Engagement

· To promote Pdap ethos and values across the organisation

· To liaise with other agencies on behalf of clients, the organisation and volunteers

and represent the wider complexities of those experiencing domestic abuse

· To represent Pdap operationally where required.

· To develop and maintain good positive working relationships with relevant agencies and professionals

· To attend and participate positively in relevant meetings, training, supervision and annual appraisals.

Other

· To work as part of a team to ensure the health and safety elements of the accommodation are undertaken

· To undertake other related duties required by your manager, the Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees

· To keep up-to-date with national and local government decisions, policy and agendas pertinent to domestic abuse and Pdap, implement this learning to develop services and enhance the work Pdap carry out, also disseminate learning, knowledge and awareness to colleagues

· To undertake all other reasonable tasks requested by the senior leadership team

· To take part in Pdap out of hours on-call rota

 It is essential to the development of Pdap service delivery that the post holder is able to respond flexibly to changes in the requirements of this post. This job description is therefore a guide and not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities the post holder may have over time

Person Specification Knowledge

You will be required to:  

Essential:

• Minimum 2 years experience  of working with vulnerable adults or children.

• To have demonstrable safeguarding experience and be willing to undertake an enhanced DBS.

• Knowledge of the impact of domestic abuse women

• Minimum Level 3 qualification or substantial relevant experience in a related field with additional proof of continuing professional development

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust and rapport quickly.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures.

• Strong organisational, report writing and communication skills, both written and in person

• Knowledge and experience of working with women and children from different backgrounds and a commitment to equitable practice.

• Experience working in partnership with key organisations relating to safeguarding and multi-agency working

Desirable:

• Relevant qualification (e.g. social work, psychology, health and social care, IDVA training).

• Experience delivering group work or educational sessions.

• Can speak one or more of the community languages within Kirklees

• Experience working with children or families in a domestic abuse setting or within the community

• Knowledge of trauma-informed approaches and strength-based models.

• Knowledge of case management systems

Additional Information:

• An enhanced DBS check will be required for this role.

• A full clean driving license is required for this role

• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required.

• Ongoing training and professional development will be provided.

Salary: £55,407 per annum.

Hours: 35 hrs per week

Place of work: Hybrid with a minimum requirement of 24 in-person days per annum and significant travel across the UK including overnight stays (at least once a month) 

Join Our Team!

We are looking for someone to join us who will take the lead on improving the quality and standards of care for people affected by Crohn’s and Colitis across the UK. As a member of the Senior Executive Team you will translate the strategic direction of the charity into tactical plans for healthcare professional support and quality improvement to achieve the charity’s strategic objectives.

About Us

We're the UK's leading charity for Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.  Right now, an estimated 500,000 people in the UK are living with a lifelong disease many people have never heard of and for which there is no known cure. Because of the stigma and misunderstanding surrounding these diseases, thousands of people are suffering in silence. But we’re here to support and champion their cause and our ambitious plans will help to make a real difference.

Role Overview 

You’ll work with the Director of Services, Research and Evidence to develop and implement a healthcare professional services strategy in accordance with the charity’s strategic aims.  You will deliver the charity’s strategic leadership of the IBD UK Alliance and associated programmes of work as well as the implementation of the National Primary Care Diagnostic Pathway for lower gastrointestinal symptoms, and building a support offer for IBD nurses. You’ll be leading the strategic planning and budgeting for the Health Professional Support & Standards team, providing visible and influential leadership to the charity and driving a culture of high-performance, collaboration and continuous improvement.

About You

It is essential that youhave significant experience working in a health charity, leading a team that delivers programmes to support healthcare professionals. This includes developing education, driving engagement, and leading quality improvement initiatives across primary and secondary care.

You will be an experienced leader with a strong track record of managing teams and influencing senior stakeholders to improve standards of care. This is not a clinical role; we are seeking someone with proven experience leading healthcare professional support, education, engagement, and quality improvement programmes within a charity setting, rather than someone whose experience is primarily clinical.

Please see our Recruitment Pack for details of our full Job Description and Person Specification.

Our Location

We are based in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, so we are easily accessible by road and rail.

In this role, there is plenty of scope for a hybrid approach working from home, although there will be times when you will need to be at face-to-face meetings with your team or our partner agencies. There is a requirement for you to attend a minimum of 24 in person days a year, and the charity’s mandatory ‘All Staff Together’ days which take place four times a year at our offices in Hatfield or a location in London.  There will be a requirement for significant travel and overnight stays around the UK (once a month on average). 

Benefits

• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing one day per year up to 30 days
• Salary Sacrifice Pension scheme
• Flexible working options
• Enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity pay
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Wellbeing programme
• Interest free loan for season tickets
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free parking and secure bike locks
• Training and development financial support and/or study leave
• Performance review and development scheme

Severn Arts is an ambitious, evolving arts charity and one of the national Music Hubs for Herefordshire and Worcestershire. We are looking for people who want to ensure the creative sector flourishes, and that the value of the arts is recognised as a contributor to society, and to creating confident, empowered communities. 

In our new Chief Executive, we seek a leader with the experience and ambition to build on the momentum we have, to strengthen organisational resilience, grow audiences and foster relationships with partners and stakeholders. The successful candidate will work with the Senior Leadership Team as we embark on a new 3-year Business Plan cycle to design and implement innovative and creative strategies that align with our strategic aims.

The new Chief Executive will be instrumental in advocating for the work we do, growing the business, and promoting the opportunities Severn Arts brings to children and young people and the wider community of Worcestershire.

Severn Arts has been through significant transformational change since its inception and has accomplished a great deal through diversifying into large-scale project delivery, community engagement and music projects aimed at providing access for all to high-quality experiences that are sustainable and life-affirming. We are in year two of a new three-year business plan period and the potential to grow our offer and increase our impact is great. Joining at this time in our history would enable the right candidate to have significant influence in taking the charity forward.

Main purpose of the role: To provide leadership to the organisation working with the Senior Leadership Team to develop, deliver and evaluate our agreed strategic business plan; promote growth and sustainability, and foster a positive, inspiring work environment that empowers our teams to deliver our vision and goals.

• Lead the charity’s vision, values and strategic direction working closely with Trustees to ensure a resilient, ambitious organisation that connects communities through creative endeavour and engagement.
• Support the Chair of Trustees to ensure that the Board and sub committees are equipped and informed, enabling effective and appropriate governance.
• Drive the successful development of income generation through successful fundraising and partnership development to ensure Severn Arts' sustainability.
• Work with and support the Director of Operations and Resources to develop and implement an informed financial plan and be accountable for the annual budget.
• Build and maintain key relationships with stakeholders locally, regionally, and nationally and be an ambassador and spokesperson for the organisation.
• Work and negotiate with strategic funding partners to ensure that outcomes and KPIs are aligned and delivered for the benefit of our audiences and users and for the long-term sustainability of Severn Arts.
• Provide leadership across the organisation and ensure Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access is embedded into all aspects of our work, team, and offer.
• Ensure a joined up, supportive working environment that sets out clear values, encourages creativity and contributions from everyone and enables the staff team, volunteers and our Board to flourish and thrive.
• Overall responsibility for adherence to all company policies and working practices.

This post is subject to a criminal record check under the arrangements established by the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Martingale Postgraduate Foundation (Martingale) exists to fund and support the next generation of talented researchers. We believe that family income should not be a barrier to the pursuit of excellence, and our mission is to enable and nurture talented individuals from low-socioeconomic backgrounds to thrive within world-leading postgraduate research.

Martingale’s flagship programme is the Martingale Postgraduate Scholarship, which supports students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds to pursue and excel in postgraduate degrees, by providing:

• A fully-funded Living Wage Scholarship to pursue a one-year Masters degree or a four-year PhD.
• All tuition fees and research expenses, including a tax-free stipend for living costs.
• Tailored support to apply for Martingale courses at our partner universities.
• Access to Martingale programmes, including leadership training and connections with top academic and industry professionals.
• Membership of a pioneering community of talented researchers.

In the three years since Martingale launched, we are now supporting over 100 Scholars to undertake postgraduate degrees across our ten partner universities and have committed over £7.7m in Scholarships. We are continuing to expand our offer, bringing on new partners each year.

We are seeking an experienced, strategic and collaborative Head of Programmes to join our Senior Leadership Team and play a pivotal role in shaping our fast-growing Martingale Scholarship Programme.

As Head of Programmes, you will join our senior management team, overseeing the growing programmes team. Working closely with the CEO, you will oversee all aspects of Martingale’s Scholarship Programme from application to alumni, ensuring that the programme maintains a strong reputation for being both supportive and prestigious.

You will set the strategic direction of Martingale’s Scholarship Programme, working closely with the CEO on a day-to-day basis to ensure that as we expand across STEM the programme remains of a high quality and meeting Martingale’s mission. You will ensure that Martingale’s programmes are impactful, data informed and meet the needs of the scholars we are supporting. You will also be responsible for managing relationships with various external stakeholders including universities, funders and evaluation partners.

We are looking for a strong strategic leader with extensive programme experience including line management, partnership management and external relations. You will bring excellent organisational skills, strong attention to detail, a proactive mindset, and a strong alignment with Martingale’s mission. We welcome applicants from a range of career paths who are excited to be part of a growing, fast-paced charity delivering meaningful impact.

Martingale Foundation is incubated by Purposeful Ventures who provide operational and strategic support. The Head of Programmes will be employed by Purposeful Ventures.

About Purposeful Ventures

Our vision is for a fairer society where all young people thrive. We work with social entrepreneurs, organisations and philanthropists that share our vision. Through our work with these partners, young people are given opportunities in education and beyond, helping them reach their true potential.

Purposeful Ventures offers philanthropists and funders bespoke advice, using an evidence-based approach to help them to identify high-impact opportunities to fund. We then partner with visionary individuals and mission-driven organisations with strong theories of change. We help them turn great ideas into sustainable and successful ventures by offering fully individualised and very hands-on support, access to funding and a ‘high-challenge, high-support’ home. We do the minimum necessary and whatever it takes to succeed.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership of the Scholarship Programme

• Provide strategic oversight of the end-to-end Martingale Scholarship lifecycle, from selection and admissions through to scholar progression and alumni outcomes.
• Develop and deliver a multi-year operational strategy for Martingale’s Development Programme (MDP), ensuring scalability, academic excellence, and alignment with organisational growth plans.
• Continuously refine the scholar journey to ensure it is sector-leading, prestigious, and tailored to the needs of students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Build deep expertise in postgraduate education, research culture, and enabling access to inform programme evolution and innovation.

Admissions & Selection Strategy

• Lead the design, governance, and continuous improvement of a rigorous, fair, and high-quality admissions and assessment process across subject areas.
• Oversee shortlisting, interview frameworks, assessment centres, and final scholarship recommendations to the Selection Committee.
• Ensure alignment between Martingale’s selection processes and university partner requirements.
• Maintain oversight of scholar allocation, including place management, deferrals, intermissions, withdrawals, and reallocations.

Scholar Experience & Case Management

• Ensure effective advocacy for Scholars including maximising progression and retention across cohorts.
• Oversee complex scholar casework, including deferrals, intermissions, safeguarding concerns, funding queries, disciplinary action and university liaison.
• Ensure consistent, professional, and high-touch support across the scholar lifecycle.
• Strengthen cohort cohesion and long-term alumni engagement.

Safeguarding & Compliance

• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for Martingale, ensuring safeguarding policy implementation and record keeping in line with best practice in relation to vulnerable adults.
• Oversee data protection compliance relating to scholar and applicant data, in partnership with the organisation’s Data Protection Officer.
• Ensure programme delivery complies with charity, funding, and regulatory requirements.

Budget, Contracting & Financial Oversight

• Hold responsibility for programme budgets, ensuring effective resource allocation, cost control, and value for money.
• Oversee scholarship programme financial management, and work with Head of Strategy and Operations on onwards grants including deferrals, funding adjustments, and invoicing.
• Work with the Head of Strategy and Operations on university contracting, scholarship agreements, and financial reconciliation with partners.
• Ensure timely and accurate invoicing and reporting processes across programme operations.

University & Sector Partnerships (Programme-Focused)

• Lead programme-level relationships with university partners, including Heads of Departments, Graduate Tutors, CDT leads, and admissions teams.
• Ensure universities meet partnership commitments and that Scholars are appropriately supported institutionally.
• Contribute to partnership negotiations where programme design or operational delivery is concerned.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen university research culture and scholar support mechanisms.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Impact

• Lead development and oversight of Martingale’s Theory of Change and evaluation framework, working with our external independent evaluators.
• Develop robust systems to track scholar progression, outcomes, and programme effectiveness.
• Provide high-quality reporting to the CEO, Board, funders, and partners, evidencing impact and continuous improvement.

New Programme Development & Innovation

• Work with the CEO to design new subject expansions, pilots, or initiatives aligned to Martingale’s mission.
• Assess operational, financial, and reputational implications of programme growth.
• Develop business cases, delivery models, and implementation plans for expansion.

Team Leadership & Culture

• Provide senior leadership to the Programmes team, including line management of programme staff.
• Build a high-performing, mission-driven team with clear accountability and ownership.
• Develop succession planning and team capability as Martingale scales.
• Model Martingale’s values of excellence, professionalism, and thoughtful support.

Organisational Leadership

• Serve as a member of the Senior Management Team, contributing to organisational strategy and governance.
• Represent Martingale externally in academic, sector, and policy contexts where appropriate.
• Support Board and Committee reporting related to programme performance and scholar outcomes.

Key Requirements:

Essential Criteria

• Right to work in the UK

Experience and skills

Essential

• Significant experience leading and delivering high-quality programmes, ideally in higher education, research, scholarships, or a mission-driven organisation.
• Strong stakeholder management experience, with evidence of working effectively with universities, academics, funders, or equivalent partners.
• Proven line management experience, with the ability to develop and lead a high-performing team.
• Experience managing complex operational delivery, including planning, timelines, and coordinating multiple moving parts.
• Strong experience handling sensitive casework and providing professional support to individuals.
• Budget management experience, including planning and overseeing programme delivery costs.
• Excellent written communication skills, including producing clear reports and briefings for senior audiences.
• Commitment to safeguarding, wellbeing and compliance, with willingness to act as safeguarding lead.

Desirable

• Experience working directly with postgraduate research, PhD programmes, or doctoral training environments.
• Experience designing or overseeing selection and assessment processes (e.g. interviews, admissions, recruitment pipelines).
• Experience managing programme evaluation frameworks, including Theory of Change and external evaluators.
• Familiarity with contracting, invoicing, and operational finance processes.
• Knowledge of UK higher education systems and research culture.
• Experience working in a start-up, scale-up, or fast-growing charity.

Personal Characteristics

• Highly organised, proactive, and able to prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills: able to build rapport and trusting relationships, able to work co-operatively in a multidisciplinary setting.
• Strong judgement, discretion and professionalism, including ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
• A commitment to Martingale’s mission to support postgraduate students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Comfortable working in a rapidly growing and changing organisation with a degree of ambiguity – confident to create processes and ways forward where they might not yet exist.
• Creative and innovative: willing to think outside the box to maximise reach.
• Resourceful, able to act on initiative, hardworking, detail-oriented, and systematic.

Good relationships shape our health and happiness, yet we are taught so little about them. LMK (Let Me Know) is on a mission to change that. We are a young and thriving charity providing education about healthy and unhealthy behaviours so that young people have the knowledge and skills to avoid abuse and thrive in their relationships. We work in schools, community organisations and workplaces across London. 

LMK’s Head of Programmes leads, develops and delivers LMKs high quality education programmes for young people and the trusted adults around them, ensuring our programmes are responsive to the changing experiences of young people and the feedback from our programme evaluation. Leading a passionate and talented team of employees and freelance youth workers, this role is an important ambassadorial role for LMK, bringing gravitas and insight from your experience of education provision to evidence LMK’s impact to fellow education professionals, youth workers, funders and the media. Working with the CEO, and our Youth Advisory Board, this role helps shape the strategic direction for LMK. 

We’re especially keen to hear from candidates who have:

• Strong understanding of RSHE / relationship education

• Senior leadership experience

• Experience in designing and delivering youth-focused education programmes

• Safeguarding expertise (DSL experience highly desirable)

• The ability to inspire, lead and support a diverse team.

Working from home, but with regular travel around London, so must be based in or near London.

Recruitment Timeline
Vacancy closing date: Sunday, March 22, 2026, 11:30 pm
First round interview date: Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Please see job description for more details.