811 Policy development jobs

We are looking for more than an accountant!

Place Matters is a small, entrepreneurial charity punching above its weight.Yes you need be a qualified accountant who will “do” as well as “oversee” but we want you to also be part of our mission to enable community-led, place-based change to thrive. You will provide strategic and practical leadership across finance, organisational operations, risk, governance and compliance. We want you to contribute beyond your functional portfolio - support organisational strategy, planning, culture, partnerships and fundraising and translate Place Matters’ ambitions into deliverable and financially sustainable plans.

Please apply if you are someone colleagues and Trustees can trust to make sound decisions and if you are a team player - confident and with strong opinions, but low ego and collegiate. You need to have the ability to work at speed through ambiguity and uncertainty, remain calm under pressure, and stay solutions focused.

We'll conduct interviews on 22 and 23 October 2026.

An exciting opportunity!

This is a rare and genuinely exciting opportunity to lead the UK's only dedicated charity supporting children, adults and families affected by MPS, Fabry disease and related lysosomal storage disorders. Following the current Chief Executive's planned move to become Managing Director of Rare Disease Research Partners (RDRP) in January 2027, the incoming CEO will take the helm of an organisation with over forty years of history, a trusted national reputation and a growing role on the international rare disease stage. The successful candidate will shape the strategic vision for more than 1,800 families, oversee the close partnership between the Society and its research subsidiary RDRP, and champion the patient and family ethos that sits at the heart of the organisation's work. It is an opportunity to combine ambitious strategic leadership with deeply meaningful, human impact, working alongside a committed Board, Senior Leadership Team and wider community of clinicians, researchers and pharmaceutical partners.

As our next Chief Executive, you will

• Define and deliver the MPS Society’s strategic vision.
• Provide confident oversight of governance, finance, compliance and reporting.
• Effectively manage the operational alignment between the MPS Society and RDRP.
• Always keep the members and family voice at the heart of strategy, service design and decision-making.
• Build and maintain senior-level relationships with statutory bodies, government agencies, pharmaceutical partners, clinical expert centres and other key stakeholders to support the Society’s objectives, influence policy and practice, and protect its professional reputation.
• Act as a visible and credible public voice to raise awareness, improve visibility, support, treatment access and outcomes for people affected by MPS, Fabry disease and related conditions.
• Collaborate with other rare disease bodies, patient organisations and other key audiences.
• Lead and empower the senior leadership team through effective delegation, early involvement in strategic discussions, clear accountability and support for individuals to flourish.
• Encourage an open, supportive work environment allowing creativity and building staff confidence.
• Help shape the future of the MPS Society.

About you

•  Self-motivated, with the drive to lead the organisation through a period of change and transition.
• Unquestionable probity and personal integrity, given the trust placed in the CEO by families, trustees and partners.
• Exemplary written and verbal communication skills, able to convey complex scientific and clinical information to audiences ranging from clinicians to families with no prior knowledge of MPS disorders.
• Strong self-awareness, with insight into their own leadership style and impact on others.
• Emotional resilience, able to sustain performance while supporting a community facing life limiting conditions.
• A collaborative and empowering leadership style, able to build trust, delegate effectively and help individuals across the organisation flourish.
• Genuine passion for the Society's mission, with a family and member-first ethos.
• Confidence to build relationships across a wide range of stakeholders, from beneficiaries and Trustees to politicians, media and pharmaceutical partners.
• A proactive, positive approach, comfortable reacting to change and organising their own work to meet deadlines.
• Confidence speaking publicly on behalf of the organisation and the people it represents.

Why join us?

A close-knit, values-led culture. With just over thirty staff across the Society and RDRP combined, this is a place where the CEO can know the team personally, work closely with families day-to-day, and see the direct results of decisions rather than managing at a distance through layers of bureaucracy.

• Genuine autonomy to shape direction. The Board is explicitly looking to the new CEO to bring fresh thinking on technology, AI, and digital tools, and to give real freedom to modernise fundraising, services, and engagement rather than simply maintaining what already exists.
• A stable foundation to build from over forty years of track record, trusted relationships and a strong national reputation mean the incoming CEO can focus energy on vision and growth rather than firefighting or rebuilding credibility from scratch.
• Proximity to cutting-edge science: the Society's close relationship with RDRP gives the CEO regular exposure to advances in rare disease research and treatment access, while day-to-day research leadership sits with the RDRP Managing Director, allowing the CEO to focus on strategy, people and sustainability.
• A high-visibility, high-influence platform. Regular contact with government, pharmaceutical companies, clinicians and international rare disease bodies offers strong opportunities to build a public profile and personal network well beyond the charity sector.
• A team that already shares the mission. Staff are described as passionate about the Society's aims, and as having a family-first ethos, so the new CEO inherits a culture to lead and empower rather than one that needs to be built from the ground up.
• Work with a different kind of return. Beyond salary and career progression, this role offers the less tangible reward of knowing that strategic and financial decisions translate, into better support for families facing some of the rarest conditions in the country.

Benefits

Join us and you will be working for a caring charity offering:

• A competitive salary
• Generous annual leave
• Extra leave between Christmas and the New Year
• Contributory pension
• Life assurance (subject to the conditions of the scheme)
• Employee assistance programme offering support 24/7

Further information

The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the UK.

The main duties, responsibilities and requirements of this role can be viewed in the job description on our website.

Salary to be agreed depending on experience and will be pro-rata for part time hours.

This is an essential car user post. The applicant must hold a current UK driver’s licence, with no more than 6 points, have access to a car and be able and willing to drive UK wide as required.

This senior role requires flexibility in working hours and location.  It is primarily offered on a hybrid basis with a minimum of 2 days in our Amersham, Buckinghamshire, office each week. As part of the role, UK and overseas travel is necessary, which may on occasion include early morning and/or evening working and sometimes overnight stays. We have policies in place to ensure that any unsociable hours worked over the weekend are fairly compensated through TOIL.

This role will require an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring check (DBS) details of which can be found in the job description.

For an informal discussion about the role or the work of the MPS Society, please contact Dr Fiona Stewart.  Contact details can be found on the full job description. Kindly note, meetings with other relevant people will be available to shortlisted candidates at interview stage.  

About the RoleAn exciting opportunity has arisen for an Organisational Development Advisor to support the delivery of strategic people and culture initiatives within a leading Higher Education institution. Working closely with academic and professional services leaders, you will help drive organisational effectiveness, leadership development, employee engagement, and workforce capability projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with schools, faculties, and professional services teams to deliver OD initiatives and people-focused projects.
• Support manager and leadership development, team effectiveness interventions, and career development support during change.
• Design and facilitate workshops, briefings, and learning interventions and provide 1:1 coaching.
• Provide advice and support to managers on organisational development and workforce capability activities.
• Monitor and evaluate OD programmes, using data and feedback to measure impact and inform improvements.

About You

• CIPD qualified (or equivalent) with experience in Organisational Development, Learning & Development, or HR.
• Experience delivering people, culture, leadership, or organisational change initiatives within a complex organisation.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence and build relationships across diverse teams.
• Higher Education or public sector experience is highly desirable.

Why Apply?This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a people strategy that supports organisational excellence, staff development, and a positive workplace culture within a dynamic Higher Education environment.

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Youth Outreach and Community Worker (London - Waterloo)

Railway Children (UK Programme)

£32,000 per year plus 10% London weighting

Full-time – Permanent

WE STAND FOR CHILDREN, THEIR CHILDHOODS AND THEIR FUTURES - WILL YOU? 

Looking for a rewarding role where you can make a difference? Do you have the drive to create positive change in children’s lives and inspire others to do the same?

If the answer is yes, then read on to hear about this exciting opportunity.

We’re Railway Children, an international charity working to create long-lasting change for street-connected children and young people in the UK, India and Tanzania. Founded in 1996, we’ve dedicated over a quarter of a century to developing outstanding practice and services for vulnerable children and their families. As part of our current strategy to 2027, we have ambitious plans to ensure no child is left behind, wherever we work.

The role
We are looking to recruit a Youth Outreach and Community Worker in London as part of our UK Programme.

This role requires close working with partners, engaging and safeguarding young people in and around Waterloo Station, helping to identify and safeguard young people at risk of criminal and sexual exploitation, county lines, missing from home, homelessness or family breakdown. This role involves working regular unsociable hours including evenings and weekends.

You will be working closely alongside key partners such as British Transport Police, security staff, Train Operators, Youth Services and other local stakeholders.

You’ll play a key role in the development of our UK Safeguarding on Transport Programme and part of a dynamic team delivering Railway Children’s safeguarding programme in the UK.

About you
We are looking for someone who brings experience of successfully engaging and supporting young people as well as experience of working in an outreach or similar community setting, in a creative and engaging way with young people with a range of needs and vulnerabilities.

Alongside this you will be able to work effectively with community and statutory partners to safeguard young people.

You will have completed relevant training, have experience in safeguarding and in the issues relevant to vulnerable young and families. Therefore, you will be an experienced practitioner with an excellent understanding of safeguarding processes and procedures, who is able to work creatively, independently and within professional boundaries.

Your base would be at Waterloo station with regular travel to other stations and some home working. This role involves working regular unsociable hours including evenings and weekends.

A full job specification can be found in the job pack.

For further information about this post and working for Railway Children, including how to apply, please visit our website.

We welcome and encourage applications from candidates with a diverse range of backgrounds and lived experience.

Railway Children is committed to safeguarding anyone who comes into contact with us and implements a range of policies to ensure only those suitable to work with vulnerable groups are employed.

Closing Date: Wednesday 23rd September

Online Interviews: Wednesday 30th September/Thursday 1st October

In person interviews: Wednesday 7th October/Thursday 8th October

As the Director of People and Culture, you will provide strategic leadership across all aspects of People & Culture within the organisation. You will work closely with the CEO, Leadership Team, Governance Team and Board of Trustees to develop a positive, inclusive and people-focused culture, while ensuring effective recruitment, employee relations, learning and development, performance management and people policies across the organisation.

What you'll do 

• Lead the organisation’s People & Culture strategy, ensuring it supports our charitable purpose, organisational priorities and values.
• Provide strategic leadership and advice on workforce planning, recruitment, reward, employee relations, organisational development and change.
• Lead the development of a positive, inclusive and values-led culture, supporting employee engagement, wellbeing, learning, performance and retention.
• Oversee People & Culture governance, policies, systems, compliance and workforce reporting, providing assurance and recommendations to senior leaders and the Board.

As an Organisational Change & Development Consultant, you'll play a key role in delivering people, culture, talent, organisational design and development projects that support the British Heart Foundation's People Power. Working within the Talent & Organisational Development team, you'll partner with change specialists, learning technologists and learning and development professionals to drive meaningful organisational change.

Reporting to the Senior Lead Organisational Design & Operating Model, you'll provide project and consultancy support across the organisation. You'll work collaboratively with stakeholders to identify challenges, develop evidence-based solutions and deliver initiatives that support organisational priorities.

You'll lead projects and workstreams, develop change, communication and training plans, support organisational design activity and use research, insight and stakeholder feedback to drive successful outcomes. You'll also contribute to business reporting and provide project and consultancy support across the organisation.

About You

As our ideal candidate, you'll have:

• Knowledge of consulting skills, project management and organisational change principles.
• Experience managing multiple projects and supporting organisational change, development or design initiatives.
• Experience working within a Learning, Talent or Organisational Development environment.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, facilitation and influencing skills, with the ability to build effective relationships at all levels.
• Excellent written communication, presentation and organisational skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Strong analytical, research and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use insight and data to inform decision-making.
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach, with the confidence to take initiative and embrace new ways of working.
• The ability to apply behavioural insight to support people development and organisational change.
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

A qualification in HR, Learning, Organisational Development or Organisational Change would be advantageous, as would knowledge of organisational design principles and processes.

If you're passionate about helping organisations navigate change and delivering initiatives that create positive people and organisational outcomes, we'd love to hear from you.

Working arrangements

This is an 8-month, project-specific fixed-term contract supporting a large-scale organisational design and operating model project to transform BHF and enable the delivery of our strategy.

This is a hybrid role, where your work will be split between your home and at least one day per week, on average, in our London Office. This may vary from time to time, so you will need to work in a flexible way to unlock your best work for our cause. 

Belonging at BHF

By embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive environment, we strengthen our ability to achieve our mission of saving and improving lives, ensuring our work reflects and serves the needs of every community across the UK.

To hear from our people, check out Belonging at BHF. 

Our people are at the heart of everything we do. By funding research across six decades, we’ve helped keep millions of hearts beating and millions of families together. We’re investing in ground-breaking research that will get us closer than ever to a world where everyone has a healthier heart for longer.

Benefits and development

At BHF, we offer a comprehensive range of benefits designed to support our colleagues’ wellbeing and professional growth.

To find out more about our benefits you can download the Benefits document at the bottom of this page or check out our Benefits and Developmentpages. 

Need more help balancing your work and home life? Talk to us about what flexibility is available at the application or interview stage. 

Interview process

The interview process may take place in-person or virtually via MS Teams.

How to apply

It’s quick and easy to apply for a role at the BHF. Just click on the apply button below. All you’ll need is an up-to-date CV and a supporting statement, outlining your interest in the role and how you meet the role’s criteria.

Our recruitment processes are fair, accessible, and inclusive. BHF use anonymous CV software as part of the application journey. 
 
We support responsible use of AI to help shape your application. By applying for a role at BHF, you confirm that your application is authentic and reflects your own skills and experience, to ensure everyone is assessed fairly.

Should you need any adjustments to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact a member of the Recruitment team. 

We are looking for a senior partnerships officer who will ensure our vital work to address the
environmental crisis is well funded, working to secure new partnerships and stewarding existing
funder relationships.

This multifaceted role works across teams to coordinate and deliver Green Alliance’s fundraising
activities and grant management. Collaborating with the organisation’s policy and political
experts, you support the creation of creative and impactful new project proposals that address
environmental problems and support the organisation’s strategy. You will identify funders for this
through prospecting and relationship building and will guide proposals through processes to
secure funds. You will monitor the organisation’s progress against fundraising targets and lead on
management of our funding pipeline.

Stewardship of existing funding relationships is a significant part of this role which means
ensuring we have excellent communication with our funders, making sure they receive high
quality reports on Green Alliance’s impact and supporting the team to see our funders as partners.
You will manage our Business Circle and maintain relationships with its members and support
efforts to recruit new business members into Green Alliance Task Forces.

Excellent communication skills are at the heart of this role, both written and verbal. You will be
confident, efficient, and resourceful; calm under pressure and enjoy building strong relationships
with a variety of senior stakeholders, as well as working independently. Strong skills in relation to
organisation, administration and prioritisation are essential.

You will need to understand, or be willing to learn about, the political and environmental policy
contexts we work in.

Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early and interview suitable candidates as applications are received. You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

About us
The Microbiology Society is a membership charity for scientists interested in microbes, their effects, and their practical uses. It has a worldwide membership based in universities, industry, hospitals, research institutes, schools, and other organisations.

Our members have a unique depth and breadth of knowledge about the discipline. The Society’s role is to help unlock and harness the potential of that knowledge.

Our commitment to anyone who studies microbes is “whoever you are, wherever you are, we will amplify your voice”.

Read more about our mission and values at the Microbiology Society Website.

About you
We are looking for a Scientific Events Manager, on a part-time basis, who will be responsible for the development of the Society’s Annual Conference and other events, in line with the Society’s strategic objectives, bringing together members and delegates from across the breadth of microbiology. This role involves working with the Events Operations Manager and Head of Scientific Programmes to ensure an impactful and sustainable annual events programme that enables members and delegates to strengthen their existing relationships and gain access to new communities, maximising networking opportunities.

The Scientific Events Manager will work across multiple departments to plan and deliver the Society’s Annual Conference and other events by develop branding, promotions and other opportunities to raise event awareness and build engagement with key stakeholders, industry and other partners and fostering the Society’s relationships with them.

The postholder will have experience in organising and managing scientific conferences or large scale events, and setting and managing budgets, with excellent communication skills, written and oral, to build effective relationships with key individuals at all levels using effective negotiation techniques.

Please note that the organisation operates a hybrid working policy.

For more information about the Society, please visit our website.

Our generous benefits package includes;
• Flexible working hours
• Highly competitive salaries with an annual cost of living increase
• 23 days holiday + eight bank holidays and three additional days over the Christmas break
• 10% employer pension contribution
• Life insurance including free (health and wellbeing) employee support services
• Enhanced maternity pay to include 26 weeks of fully paid maternity leave and 13 weeks of statutory maternity pay
• Enhanced Adoption pay to include 26 weeks of fully paid adoption leave and 13 weeks of statutory adoption pay
• Season Ticket Loan Scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• £50 contribution towards eye care

To Apply

Please attach your CV and Cover Letter.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Interviews will be held in-person at the Microbiology Society Office.

Closing date: 25th September 2026

“We are interested in every candidate who is eligible to work in the United Kingdom. However, we are not able to sponsor visas.”

It is important that you DO NOT include your Personal Information i.e. name and contact details in your CV or Cover Letter. This is because the Microbiology Society is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. We value, promote, and seek diversity.

The Society also takes the security of your data seriously. It has internal policies and controls in place to ensure that your data is not lost, accidentally destroyed, misused, or disclosed, and is not accessed except by our employees in the proper performance of their duties.

Please note that due to limited resources, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted therefore, if you do not hear from us within two weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

This peer support project is delivered in partnership with South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust to support Carers of people with mental health conditions.  This project will work to support Carers through one-to-one support, outreach, training and peer support groups.

About The Role: 

Using your lived experience of caring for someone with a mental health condition, and a strengths-based approach, you will support mental health Carers in their caring role.  You will provide person centred one-to-one- support, information, signposting, and advocacy, develop, and facilitate peer support groups and deliver training and outreach sessions at different locations across the borough. 

Key Requirements of the role Include: 

• Lived experience of Caring for someone with a mental health condition 

• Knowledge and understanding of mental health and the associated challenges and support needs. 

• The ability to work within the principles and values of peer support. 

• Confidence supporting people on a one-to-one basis. 

• Experience of / ability to facilitate peer support groups and training. 

• Clear communication and good interpersonal skills 

• Efficient organisation and time management skills 

• Developed IT skills, with experience using databases and communication platforms. 

Please see the job description and person specification for the full list of requirements and specifications.

Our Charity: 

We are a busy, ambitious charity operating at the heart of the Wandsworth community since 1995, helping thousands of people across the borough in unpaid Caring roles. We give information and advice, organise respite, offer complementary therapies, deliver training, provide peer support, arrange fun events and much more.In short, we are the Carer's friend and advocate, often helping Carers through difficult times.

Benefits of working for Wandsworth Carers’ Centre: 

• Hybrid on completion of the induction period with a minimum 60% office based. 

• Friendly team and working environment 

• Annual leave starts at 31 days increasing to 36 days plus bank holidays

• Contributory company pension, 

• Ongoing training and development opportunities

• Employee assistance program. 

If you're committed to working in the voluntary sector and want to be part of a diverse team that makes a real difference to people’s lives, this role is for you! 

Wandsworth Carers’ Centre is an inclusive employer, committed to the continued development of a diverse workforce. 

Citizens Advice Bury & Bolton (CABB) is a leading provider of legal advice and information, supporting thousands of clients every year. We are a busy, client focused and dynamic service with a track record of delivering high-quality advice face to face, over the phone and digitally. 

There’s no ‘average’ case – our advice is tailored, but our standard of excellence is identical for every client. You will play a key role in ensuring that our services are community focused, impactful and sustainable. 

As a newly created position, this role offers a unique opportunity to shape its direction, innovate, and directly define its success. You will operate with high levels of autonomy, while being fully backed and championed by Trustees and the wider Senior Leadership Team (SLT), consisting of:
 

• Chief Executive Officer 
• Head of People, Culture & Resources
• Head of Advice Standards & Delivery
• Head of Partnerships, Data & Impact.
   

The Head of Partnerships, Data & Impact will provide strategic leadership for CABB’s generalist and community-based advice services, while driving organisational growth through strategic partnerships, data analytics and social impact storytelling. This role bridges operational delivery with external system integration, using hyper-local data to ensure our services directly meet the evolving needs of residents in the specific communities where help is needed most. By leveraging client insights to drive Research & Campaigns activity and inform strategic funding bids, you will articulate our organisational impact using partner-aligned terminology – translating advice outcomes into language that directly resonates with health, statutory and VCSE stakeholders (such as health inequalities, demand management, Marmot principles, and prevention) – to build strong, collaborative pathways.
 

Key elements and tasks within this role include:

• Data insight & impact strategy development with organisational data analysis, trend forecasting, research & campaigns and evidencing social return on investment. Leverage client data to produce high-impact insight reports, drive local, regional and national campaign work.
• Shape the future of service delivery by embedding sustainable ways of working, processes and performance frameworks, leading evidence-based recommendations that support CABB’s long-term operating model and growth ambitions, to meet client demand. 
• Collaborate and build relationships across VCSE/statutory, health and wider systems, including colleagues across CABB and wider stakeholders, build positive and professional relationships with partners and contract/ funder relationships within the scope of this role. Foster positive relationships with Head of Advice Standards & Delivery, and wider SLT, deputising as required.
• Support community & generalist services through senior oversight of generalist advice teams and managers, but frame responsibilities around high-level service performance, governance and client outcomes, aligned to advice standards. 
• Drive service improvement & innovation using data and technology to support continuous improvement, contribution to organisational strategic pillars and values. 

Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (EDI&B):

We believe inclusion is a social justice issue - a principle that underpins our EDI&B work. To that end, we particularly welcome applications from local individuals who are representative of the local communities we serve - this is not just a matter of diversity but of strategic importance to ensure our services are grounded in the realities of our communities. 

Benefits

We value the people who work here. The following are included within the employee remuneration packages as standard;
A flexible 35 hour working week (for full time employees)
Generous holiday entitlement – starting at 25 days per year, increasing to 30 (in addition to bank holidays), pro-rata for part time
Additional day off for your birthday
5% employer contribution pension scheme
Access to 24/7 confidential telephone counselling and structured counselling support
Access to online GP and telephone counselling services
Enhanced family friendly leave and occupational sick leave
Access to ‘Blue Light Card’ and other charity discount schemes

The Suicide Bereavement Specialist Manager leads and manages a team of approximately 10–12 Suicide Bereavement Specialists, providing strong and supportive management alongside clear professional accountability and oversight of practice.

The postholder will also maintain a small caseload of approximately 5–10 beneficiaries, enabling them to remain connected to frontline practice and the experiences of people accessing the service.

The postholder has operational responsibility for the beneficiary journey from the point a referral enters the service through assessment, triage and allocation to a Suicide Bereavement Specialist, and for ensuring that subsequent support is safe, timely, appropriate, person-centred and delivered to Pete’s Dragons’ expected standards.

Relationship with the Beneficiary Services Manager

The Beneficiary Services Manager holds overall strategic responsibility for Beneficiary Services, including the direction, development and performance of beneficiary-facing services across Pete’s Dragons.

The SBS Manager holds operational responsibility for the day-to-day delivery, management and quality of the Suicide Bereavement Specialist service.

The SBS Manager is expected to exercise appropriate professional and managerial autonomy in the daily operation of the SBS service, escalating significant safeguarding, workforce, performance, capacity, service-quality or organisational concerns to the Beneficiary Services Manager.

The two roles will work closely together to ensure that strategic decisions are translated into consistent, safe and effective practice.

Key Responsibilities

Referral, Triage and Allocation

The SBS Manager will:

• Take overall responsibility for all incoming referrals to the SBS service from the point of entry through to allocation.
• Review referrals to establish need, urgency, risk, suitability and any additional considerations affecting the provision of support.
• Ensure referrals are processed promptly and in accordance with Pete’s Dragons’ referral pathways, eligibility criteria and service standards.
• Identify and appropriately escalate safeguarding, suicide risk or other significant concerns arising during the referral process.
• Allocate beneficiaries to the most appropriate SBS, considering individual need, practitioner skills and experience, existing caseload, capacity, location and other relevant factors.
• Maintain oversight of referrals awaiting allocation and ensure that beneficiaries do not become lost or unnecessarily delayed within the system.
• Monitor demand, waiting times, caseloads and team capacity and raise emerging pressures with the Beneficiary Services Manager.
• Ensure referral and allocation decisions are clearly and appropriately recorded.

Management and Leadership of the SBS Team

The SBS Manager will:

• Provide day-to-day leadership and management to approximately 10–12 Suicide Bereavement Specialists.
• Lead regular individual management 1:1s with each SBS.
• Lead group supervision and reflective practice opportunities as required.
• Lead daily SBS team meetings and scheduled practice meetings.
• Create a team culture which combines compassion and psychological safety with professional accountability and consistently high standards.
• Maintain regular contact with staff working across different Pete’s Dragons locations.
• Ensure staff have appropriate opportunities to raise concerns, discuss difficult work and seek management guidance.
• Monitor individual workload, caseload and capacity and intervene where concerns arise.
• Support staff wellbeing while maintaining clear expectations regarding professional responsibilities and service delivery.
• Provide appropriate telephone management support for SBS staff working outside normal office hours as required.

Quality Assurance and Practice Standards

The SBS Manager will hold responsibility for the quality of SBS practice and will:

• Undertake formal case audits for each SBS on a quarterly basis.
• Regularly review the quality, accuracy and completeness of beneficiary records and case documentation.
• Monitor SBS practice against Pete’s Dragons’ policies, procedures, practice standards and expected professional boundaries.
• Arrange and review recorded beneficiary sessions at appropriate intervals as part of ongoing practice quality assurance and practitioner development.
• Provide constructive feedback following practice reviews and agree actions or development plans where required.
• Identify excellent practice and ensure learning is shared across the team.
• Identify practice which falls below the expected standard and take timely action to support improvement.
• Monitor beneficiary engagement, missed appointments, case progression, case duration and closure practices.
• Ensure concerns regarding practice, conduct, competence or beneficiary safety are appropriately documented, addressed and escalated.
• Promote reflective professional practice and continuous improvement throughout the SBS team.

Safeguarding and Risk

The SBS Manager will:

• Act as a Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) for Pete’s Dragons. Appropriate DSO training can be provided where required.
• Share responsibility for the management and oversight of safeguarding cases within the organisation.
• Provide advice and support to SBSs where safeguarding concerns arise.
• Ensure safeguarding concerns are identified, recorded, escalated and acted upon in accordance with Pete’s Dragons’ Safeguarding Policy and relevant statutory guidance.
• Work collaboratively with other safeguarding leads and senior managers where complex or significant concerns arise.
• Promote confident and consistent safeguarding practice throughout the SBS team.
• Ensure staff understand the distinction between safeguarding, suicide risk, clinical concern and other forms of beneficiary risk and follow the appropriate organisational pathway.

Beneficiary Casework

To remain connected to frontline practice, the SBS Manager will:

• Maintain a small caseload of approximately 5–10 beneficiaries.
• Provide high-quality suicide bereavement support in accordance with Pete’s Dragons’ practice model, policies and standards.
• Maintain timely, accurate and appropriate case records.
• Model excellent professional boundaries, beneficiary communication and case management.
• Participate in appropriate clinical supervision for their own beneficiary work.
• Ensure management responsibilities remain the priority of the role and that their personal caseload does not compromise their availability to manage the service or support the SBS team.

People Management and HR

The SBS Manager will be responsible for all routine HR management relating to their direct reports, including:

• Recruitment and selection of Suicide Bereavement Specialists.
• Induction and probation.
• Regular management supervision.
• Annual appraisal and performance review.
• Identifying individual and team development needs.
• Supporting professional development and CPD.
• Attendance and absence management.
• Managing annual leave and ensuring adequate service capacity.
• Addressing performance, capability, conduct or behavioural concerns promptly and appropriately.
• Supporting staff wellbeing and identifying when additional support may be required.
• Working with the Beneficiary Services Manager and other appropriate colleagues on formal HR matters where necessary.
• Maintaining appropriate and confidential management records.

Training and Development

The SBS Manager will:

• Identify individual and collective training and development needs across the SBS team.
• Ensure mandatory training remains current.
• Support SBSs to develop their knowledge, confidence and professional practice.
• Use case audits, recorded-session reviews, supervision, beneficiary feedback and other quality measures to identify areas for development.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of internal practice training and workshops.
• Support newly appointed SBSs through induction and their transition into independent practice.

Policy, Procedure and Service Development

The SBS Manager will:

• Ensure organisational policies, procedures and agreed ways of working are consistently implemented within the SBS team.
• Communicate changes in policy or practice clearly and ensure staff understand what is expected of them.
• Monitor compliance and address inconsistent practice.
• Contribute frontline operational knowledge to the review and development of policies, procedures, pathways and practice standards.
• Support the Beneficiary Services Manager in implementing service developments and organisational change.
• Identify opportunities to improve beneficiary experience, efficiency, quality and consistency.

Monitoring and Reporting

The SBS Manager will maintain an accurate operational picture of the SBS service, including:

• Referral volumes.
• Referral processing and allocation.
• Waiting times.
• Individual and team caseloads.
• Team capacity.
• Beneficiary engagement.
• Case progression and closures.
• Safeguarding and risk themes.
• Quality assurance findings.
• Staff performance and development.
• Emerging operational risks or pressures.

The postholder will provide appropriate information and reporting to the Beneficiary Services Manager and ensure significant concerns are escalated promptly rather than waiting for routine reporting arrangements.

General Responsibilities

The postholder will:

• Work across Pete’s Dragons Devon locations as required.
• Represent Pete’s Dragons professionally with beneficiaries, colleagues, partners and external agencies.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality and comply with data protection requirements.
• Work within Pete’s Dragons’ policies, procedures, values and professional standards.
• Attend relevant internal and external meetings.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times.
• Undertake relevant training and continuing professional development.
• Work flexibly where reasonably required by the needs of the service.
• Participate in a limited out-of-hours telephone support arrangement for SBS staff undertaking authorised out-of-hours work.
• Undertake other reasonable duties consistent with the seniority and purpose of the role.

Person Specification

Essential

Experience

The successful candidate will have:

• Significant experience of managing and leading staff.
• Experience of managing a team delivering services to people with complex emotional or mental health needs.
• Relevant experience within mental health, bereavement, psychological support, social care or a closely related field.
• Experience of managing staff performance, development, wellbeing and HR matters.
• Experience of quality assuring professional or support-based practice.
• Experience of managing risk and making sound professional decisions in complex situations.
• Experience of working with confidential and sensitive information.
• Experience of balancing competing demands and managing a busy operational service.

Knowledge and Skills

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong leadership and people-management skills.
• A sound understanding of mental health, emotional distress, grief and vulnerability.
• The ability to assess information and make proportionate decisions regarding risk, urgency and service response.
• Strong safeguarding awareness and a willingness to undertake DSO training where not already qualified.
• The ability to challenge poor or unsafe practice appropriately and constructively.
• The ability to provide clear feedback and support staff development.
• Excellent organisational and workload-management skills.
• The ability to monitor service capacity and allocate work fairly and effectively.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Confidence in managing difficult conversations.
• Good professional judgement and the ability to know when matters should be escalated.
• Strong IT skills and the ability to use electronic case-management systems effectively.
• The ability to analyse service information and identify trends, risks and areas requiring improvement.

Personal Approach

The successful candidate will:

• Combine compassion with professional accountability.
• Be calm and confident when managing complex or emotionally demanding situations.
• Be approachable without losing appropriate managerial boundaries.
• Be willing to make and stand behind difficult decisions.
• Be curious about practice and committed to continual learning and improvement.
• Understand the importance of reflective practice when working with suicide bereavement.
• Be comfortable working within a service where risk, grief, trauma and emotional distress are part of everyday practice.
• Demonstrate integrity, discretion and sound judgement.
• Share Pete’s Dragons’ commitment to providing timely, appropriate and professional support following suicide bereavement.

Practical Requirements

• Full UK driving licence.
• Access to a vehicle for work purposes.
• Ability and willingness to travel regularly between Pete’s Dragons locations and elsewhere across Devon.
• Ability to work flexibly according to service requirements.
• Ability to participate in limited out-of-hours telephone support for SBS staff.

Desirable

• Previous experience of suicide bereavement or postvention services.
• Previous experience of managing a geographically dispersed team.
• Safeguarding/DSO training.
• Experience of conducting case or practice audits.
• Experience of reviewing recorded professional practice sessions.
• Experience of delivering supervision, reflective practice or professional development sessions.
• Experience of recruitment within health, mental health, social care, bereavement or similar services.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed and person-centred approaches.

Scope and Accountability

This is a significant operational management role with responsibility for both people and practice.

The SBS Manager is accountable for ensuring that the SBS team is appropriately managed, beneficiaries are allocated safely and promptly, the quality of support is actively monitored, concerns are addressed rather than allowed to drift, and the Beneficiary Services Manager has an accurate understanding of the performance, capacity and risks within the service.

The postholder is expected to exercise professional judgement and autonomy within their delegated responsibilities while recognising when an issue requires escalation or strategic decision-making by the Beneficiary Services Manager.

You will have autonomy and will need to help guide the team, shape priorities, and will be working closely with Foundation colleagues delivery partners, funders and communities, the postholder will lead on the collection, analysis and communication of evidence to demonstrate impact, improve delivery and inform future investment decisions. This role will work closely with the Impact Manager and Sport for Development Officer. 

The role will support a range of programmes including: 

• Sport and Life Skills 

• Young People's Mental Health and Wellbeing 

• Youth Crime Prevention

• Community Development and Strengthening Communities 

• Other Foundation-funded programmes and initiatives 

The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring that learning and evidence are translated into action, helping Active Essex Foundation maximise its impact and continuously improve its programmes. You will be a self starter with strong motivation to drive the work.

Active Essex Foundation is a successful and growing charity dedicated to creating the conditions for young people and communities across Essex to thrive. Our work focuses on three core areas: improving young people’s mental health, reducing vulnerabilities to youth crime and exploitation, and strengthening communities through trusted relationships and positive engagement. We collaborate with a network of over 100 community organisations and local partners to design and deliver programmes that use physical activity, mentoring and community support as tools to build resilience, improve wellbeing and reduce inequalities. Everything we do is shaped by the real experiences of the people we serve, ensuring our interventions are meaningful, accessible and rooted in what communities tell us they need.

The AEF Impact Leadwill operate within a matrix management structure.Professional line management, technical supervision and quality assurance will be provided by the Impact Manager and Intelligence Manager within the Insight & Evaluation Team.

Operational direction and programme priorities will be provided by the AEF Operations & Development Manager and the 3 AEF Project Managers ensuring the role is fully embedded within Foundation activity. The post holder will require relationship building and negotiation skills to work with AEF team to scope the priorities and the work required whilst maintaining consistent research and evaluation standards across Active Essex.

The postholder will be responsible for identifying, writing, and submitting compelling, well-researched and tailored funding applications to relevant grant-giving bodies.

The post holder will work closely with the LDHAS management team to gather information, write bids, and track progress of submissions, ensuring LDHAS meets income targets as agreed by the Trustees.

The postholder will:

•  Proactively research, navigate the system and identify suitable grant and funding opportunities from charitable trusts, foundations, and statutory bodies.
•  Write and submit high-quality funding applications and proposals in line with LDHAS's strategic priorities working closely with the Manager and in their collaboration with key partners.
•  Work collaboratively with the LDHAS Manager and colleagues to gather accurate, up-to-date data and service information for applications.
• Tailor applications to funder requirements and priorities, ensuring persuasive storytelling and alignment with LDHAS 's mission.
•  Research and identify opportunities to raise money via businesses including payroll giving and sponsoring fundraising events.
•  Research and identify opportunities to encourage supporters to consider leaving a gift to LDHAS in their wills.
•  Manage a pipeline of applications and submissions, ensuring deadlines are met and income targets are tracked.

Communication and Relationships

•  Have communication skills and a communication style which ensures that written bids are compelling, clear, and rooted in evidence.
• Ability to turn service data and case studies into powerful narratives that align with funder priorities.
• Act as an ambassador for vulnerable people.
• Maintain effective communication with the Board

Analytical and judgement skills

• Research and identify suitable grant and funding opportunities from charitable trusts, foundations, and statutory bodies.
• Work collaboratively with LDHAS Manager and colleagues to gather accurate, up-to-date data and service information for applications.

Planning and organisation skills

•  Contributes to LDHAS's long-term income generation plans.
• Manage a pipeline of applications and submissions, ensuring deadlines are met and income targets are tracked.
• Manage LDHAS’s bid writing schedule ensuring effective systems and accountability.
• Support development of strong internal bid and grant management systems, including templates, case studies, and project reporting tools.
• Monitor success rates and provide monthly performance reporting.

Client care

• Assist clients during incidental contacts.
• Provide general, non-clinical advice to clients.
• Provide general advice tomembers of public contacting LDHAS.

Responsibilities for policy and service development

•  Lead on Bid writing policy and procedure development.
• Proposes changes to improve LDHAS practice, policies and action plans.

 Responsibilities for Finance / physical resources

• Ensure equipment required for the role is appropriate and used safely.
• Manage finances associated with the role.

Responsibility for human resources

• Demonstrate own duties to other staff
• Promote a positive and supportive culture.

Responsibility for information resources

• Production of monthly and quarterly management reports to senior management.
• Preparation of year-end status report.

Research and development

• Assist with audits as required and ensure regulatory compliance

Personal development

• To actively participate in continued professional development to develop new skills, maintain and update existing skills and embrace the concept of Lifelong Learning.
• To identify appropriate training opportunities in line with identified needs.
• To be responsible for own continuing professional development and maintaining own professional registration maintaining a professional portfolio and demonstrating evidence of reflective practice. 
• To undertake mandatory training and attend updates and study days as appropriate to the post.

Freedom to act

•  The post holder will have the freedom to take action based on own interpretation of broad professional policies, new developments, emerging evidence. The postholder will advise the Board seeking advice as necessary. 

Other:

• Promote the work of LDHAS where appropriate
• Carry out any other work or duties that are reasonably requested

Role/Job Title: Development and Opportunities Lead
Location:
Office Base to be either 19 High Street, Battle, TN33 0AE or Cornford Lane, Pembury, TN2 4QU
Hybrid role but regular travel required (Battle, Hastings and Pembury)
Mileage expenses will be paid for travel to locations away from your main workplace, in accordance with the organisation's mileage policy. 

Hours:  37 hours per week (Monday – Friday)
Salary: £40,000 to £45,000 per annum

Closing date for applications: Wednesday 30th September 2026
We encourage early applications, as we reserve the right to close this vacancy before the advertised closing date should we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Equal Opportunity/Accessibility and Accommodations Statement:
As a Disability Confident employer, Aspens Charities is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with disabilities. We actively promote the recruitment, retention, and career development of people with disabilities, recognising the invaluable contributions they make to our organisation. We are dedicated to ensuring an accessible recruitment process for all candidates. If you require any accommodations during the application or interview process, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Aspens is entering an exciting new chapter. Following a recent organisational restructure, we've strengthened the way we deliver care, creating an even more effective, responsive and sustainable model of support for the people we support.

As part of this transformation, we've created new opportunities to join our leadership team - roles that didn't previously exist. We're looking for passionate, values-driven leaders who are committed to delivering outstanding, person-centred support, driving continuous improvement, and embedding high-quality, consistent standards across our services.

This is an opportunity to make a real impact: empowering teams, sharing best practice, strengthening governance, and ensuring every person we support receives exceptional care, regardless of where they live or who is supporting them.

If you're ready to shape the future of social care, inspire others, and be part of an ambitious organisation dedicated to improving lives, we'd love to hear from you. Join us and help lead the next stage of the Aspens journey.

Lead Innovation. Drive Growth. Create Opportunities.
Aspens is seeking an exceptional Development & Opportunities Lead to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our services and creating meaningful opportunities for the people we support.

This is a high-impact leadership role for an ambitious, strategic thinker who is passionate about innovation, service development, and delivering outstanding outcomes for autistic people and people with learning disabilities. Working closely with the Head of Service Development and PBS and the wider leadership team, you will identify opportunities for growth, develop new services, lead transformational projects, and ensure our services continue to evolve and thrive.

About the Role:
As Development & Opportunities Lead, you will lead service innovation and growth across our day and community-based services. You will oversee the strategic development of our day opportunities provision while identifying new ways to diversify services, generate income, and respond to emerging community needs.

This role combines strategic leadership, operational oversight, project management and quality improvement, making it an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys turning ideas into reality and influencing positive change at organisational level.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development, expansion and scaling of high-quality services across the organisation.
• Embed co-production throughout the organisation so the voices of the people we support are heard at all levels
• Identify opportunities for innovation, growth and service diversification. 
• Develop business cases and support funding applications for new initiatives.
• Drive continuous improvement and embed best practice across services.
• Lead the strategic development and operational oversight of day services.
• Build strong relationships with commissioners, funders, families, regulators and key partners.
• Use data, evidence and insight to shape decision-making and measure impact.
• Lead, coach and support managers while developing talent across the organisation.
• Horizon-scan for emerging opportunities, research and sector developments.
• Support organisational strategy and contribute to long-term sustainable growth.
   

About You:
We're looking for a forward-thinking leader who combines commercial awareness with a genuine passion for inclusion and person-centred support.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Significant senior leadership experience within health and social care.
• Proven experience leading service development, growth and transformation initiatives.
• Experience overseeing day services or community-based support models.
• Experience managing multi-site services.
• Strong strategic thinking and programme management skills.
• Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to turn evidence into action.
• Financial, commercial and operational awareness.
• Values-driven leadership with high emotional intelligence.
  
  

Qualifications

• Degree-level qualification in Health & Social Care, Education, Psychology or a related field. 
• Commitment to ongoing professional development.

What We Offer:

· Comprehensive paid training and excellent career progression opportunities, including recognised qualifications in health and social care

· Paid DBS check

· Flexible work arrangements, with the option to take on additional bank shifts

· Nest Pension and Death in Service benefit

· Access to a dedicated Employee Assistance Programme and Mental Health First Aiders

· Blue Light Card discounts

· 20% discount at Aspens High Street Stores for all staff

· Discounted staff menu available at the Bluebell Café (Pembury)

· Refer a Friend scheme - earn up to £250 for every successful referral

· Employee recognition programmes, including ‘Employee of the Month’

Apply now and one of our team members will reach out to discuss the role further.

If shortlisted, we will contact you directly to schedule an interview. We strive to respond to all applicants; however, if you have not received a response within a reasonable timeframe, please feel free to contact us for a status update or feedback (where available). After the interview, you will be notified of the outcome. If successful, you’ll receive a formal offer in writing. Upon acceptance, we’ll guide you through the onboarding process, providing you with all the details you need

Please note, any offer of employment will be subject to Disclosure and Barring checks (which we will arrange on your behalf if you don’t already have one) and satisfactory employment references.