Research programme officer jobs

Our Senior Trusts & Foundations Manager is primarily responsible for managing and generating income from our Trusts & Foundations portfolio (including Corporate Foundations). They identify new prospects, write compelling and persuasive proposals to secure significant gifts, actively develop relationships with key internal and external stakeholders and provide brilliant stewardship.

We are looking for someone who has a sound understanding of T&F fundraising. You’ll have a strong track record of nurturing relationships, securing multi-year and five-figure+ gifts, and a genuine passion for youth development. You are a creative problem solver with the ability to work independently and take ownership of projects – ensuring they run smoothly and effectively.

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People – High Value Events Manager
Location:Hybrid working with some travel to Hearing Dogs offices in either Buckinghamshire or East Yorkshire.
Salary: £40,000 per annum.
Contract: Permanent, full-time hours. 

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, whose mission is build confidence, companionship and connection for people with hearing loss, is seeking a High Value Events Manager to help create inclusive, inspiring and impactful high-value event experiences that deepen relationships and generate transformational philanthropic support for the charity.

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People has been creating life-changing partnerships between hearing dogs and deaf recipients since 1982. As well as acting as an ear to their partners and alerting them to sounds, the charity’s clever and expertly trained dogs help deaf people to live life with confidence and independence, whilst providing love and emotional support.

Following on from a strategic review, the charity is now building a new Income Generation Directorate, to enable them to transform many more lives across the UK. This role will be critical to help Hearing Dogs reach their goals to significantly grow and diversify income.

This role will be part of a newly built High Value Events function and will develop, manage and deliver a portfolio of high‑value engagement and fundraising events that advance the charity’s strategic priorities and long‑term sustainability. Working closely with the High Value Event Team Manager and collaborating across Income Generation and wider teams, the postholder will create values‑led, relationship‑driven events that celebrate impact, inspire generosity and deepen connections with major donors, trusts, foundations, corporate partners and senior volunteers. They will ensure each event is thoughtfully planned, mission‑focused, inclusive and delivers strong return on investment, while strengthening long‑term philanthropic commitment to Hearing Dogs for Deaf People’s life‑changing work.

This role requires a proven track record in planning and delivering high‑value fundraising or engagement events generating £100k+, alongside experience working with major donors, high‑net‑worth individuals, committees and senior stakeholders. The ideal candidate will bring strong stewardship‑led fundraising expertise, excellent relationship management skills and a history of meeting income targets while maximising return on investment. Outstanding organisation, project management and communication abilities are essential, as is the confidence to engage and influence high‑profile supporters. Personally, the postholder will be a collaborative, inclusive and proactive team player with strong interpersonal skills, a creative and solutions‑focused mindset, and a genuine passion for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People’s mission, able to communicate impact in a compelling and inspiring way.

This is an exciting opportunity to help an organisation which is changing people’s lives every day, and where you have the flexibility of working remotely or spending time at Hearing Dogs’ stunning bases in Buckinghamshire or Yorkshire, with friendly and passionate staff and their four-legged friends.

If you want to lead the pack and help deaf people live well with hearing loss Please download our Candidate Pack for further information [PDF], which includes details on how to apply.

Closing date: Monday 9th March, 9.00 am. 

JOIN OUR WORK TO SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITIES TO THRIVE

We are looking for an ambitious and Wellbeing and Learning Development Manager to lead two of our flagship wellbeing and employment projects, aimed at supporting purposeful activity, health and wellbeing. You will provide expert leadership and support to a small team, creating a culture that best supports our friendly community-based services. You’ll have an excellent eye for systems and structure, understand the importance of person-centred services and be able to spot and capitalise on development opportunities, from partnerships to funding. You’ll be passionate about reducing health inequalities and community work. You’ll believe in the power of partnership working to deliver the best outcomes for our community. 

ABOUT US

Southmead Development Trust is a Bristol-based charity made up of staff, volunteers, and residents working together to keep power in our community. We work alongside local people and partners to improve health, wellbeing, employment, and local pride — while tackling social isolation and bringing investment into the area.

Guided by residents, our vision is a thriving and healthy community. We provide the support, spaces, and services our community needs through our two well-loved sites: the Greenway Centre and Southmead Adventure Playground (The Ranch). These venues host a wide range of activities including wellbeing services, youth and play sessions, fitness classes, community groups, and local celebrations.

We’re proud to be a Disability Confident employer and welcome applications from everyone. We’re committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of our community. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process or in the workplace, just let us know — we’ll do our best to support you.

ABOUT YOU

· 3+ years experience in a role supporting holistic wellbeing, employability or health

· Experience leading a team

· Experience developing cross sector partnerships for joint aims including facilitating meetings and information sharing

· Experience contributing to fundraising applications or business cases

· Understanding of the importance of employability and the connection with health and wellbeing

· Interested in health system change to support prevention and community-based models of working

· Project management experience, including programming, reporting, budgeting, evaluation

· Excellent working knowledge and understanding of managing safeguarding issues and ensuring best practice for service delivery

· Proactive and creative, with an aptitude for building relationships and problem solving

· Understanding of equalities and health inequalities

· An understanding of the complexity that may affect the participants of our services

· Good inter-personal skills with the ability to relate to others and build strong relationships

· Most importantly, you embody our values of:

· Positivity – Integrity – Excellence – Welcoming – Entrepreneurial

ABOUT THE ROLE

You will be key part of our Wellbeing and Communities directorate, offering vital support and strategic direction to our Learning and Wellbeing team to achieve our vision and meet funder requirements and coordinating the development of a new partnership aimed at improving health and wellbeing for people across North and West Bristol. You will lead a team that combines wellbeing and health and employment support, as well as offering support and synergy to other teams in the directorate. This role will ensure support for wider social issues, such as debt, housing, family and health barriers faced to engage with employment and learning opportunities.

You will work closely with our Senior Wellbeing and Learning Coach to develop interventions to improve confidence, physical and mental health and employment prospects.

You will work closely with our Wellbeing and Communities Development Manager to ensure synergy between our wellbeing teams and develop our service offer.

DETAILS:

Location: Greenway Centre, Bristol, BS10

Contract: Permanent

Salary: £35, 455 - £36, 887 (with pending cost of living rise in April 2026)

Hours: fulltime, 37 hours per week

Reports to: Wellbeing and Communities Development Manager

Holiday: 33 days annual leave pro rata (inclusive of Bank Holidays), occupational pension, free membership to Greenway Gym and classes.

Sick Pay: 4 weeks over rolling year, pro rata

Training & Development Opportunities: All mandatory training and job specific training offered, e.g. First Aid, Safeguarding, Motivational Interviewing, Management and Leadership, Trauma Informed Practice and Reflective Practice.

Pension Contribution: Nest Pension Scheme, combined 7% (employer 3%, employee 4% as standard)

Benefits: free membership to Greenway Gym and classes, cycle to work scheme, cafe discount.

Sick Pay: 4 weeks at full pay over rolling year, pro rata

Pension Contribution: Nest Pension Scheme, combined 7% (employer 3%, employee 4% as standard)

Interview process: if you are successful in the shortlisting stage, you will be invited to an in person interview. This will consist of a series of questions, short presentation on your vision for the role and an admin task.

Deadline: 9am, Wednesday 4th March

RESPONSIBILITIES

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Partnerships

· To develop and contribute to forums and partnerships that support the growth of our work in North Bristol, including working closely with health partners (community health, Primary Care and acute services) and the learning and employment sectors to develop collaborative services.

· To oversee the Learning and Wellbeing Service and activities, ensuring they meet funder requirements, targets, and quality standards, and are safe, effective and well-managed, including oversight of reporting and budgets and providing leadership and guidance to the Senior Coach.

· To support the development and delivery of the Healthy Ageing Research Project and Community Consortium, working closely with the CEO and Wellbeing and Communities Development Manager.

· To deputise for the Wellbeing and Communities Development Manager at relevant meetings and support the ongoing development of the Communities and Wellbeing team to meet Southmead Development Trust’s strategic objectives.

· To embed community development principles across all work, including strength-based approaches, participant involvement, engagement, and the nurturing of volunteers to help build a resilient community.

· To ensure the safe and effective delivery of activities, interventions and services, including oversight of risk assessments, safeguarding processes, data recording and quality assurance, in collaboration with the Wellbeing and Communities Development Manager.

· To work alongside research partners to develop effective methods for evidencing the impact and effectiveness of interventions, activities and services.

Team Leadership and Line Management

· To lead and inspire the team to create a positive and collaborative culture.

· Coordinate, manage and supervise our Learning and Wellbeing team, and other practitioners as appropriate.

· To provide proactive performance management of staff via the Trusts’ processes, to include but not limited to, holding monthly one-to-one meetings, establishing development opportunities and training.

· To lead team meetings and ensure all practitioners have access to reflective practice and appropriate training

Systems and Marketing

· To work with SDT colleagues and others to improve systems and processes to best support services and other contractual obligations

· To be a key advocate for Beacon database

· To work alongside SDTs Communications Manager to ensure that our services and activities are known and understood by residents of Southmead and North Bristol

Relationship Development, Fundraising New Opportunities 

· Build relationships with external agencies, organisations and stakeholders to best support staff and participants and develop new opportunities for delivery and collaborative working. 

· Coordinate the Learning and Wellbeing steering group meeting, gathering feedback, advice and ideas to continually improve the service

· Work with teams across Southmead Development Trust to develop engagement and volunteering opportunities for participants.

· Produce content, with the support of the communications team, for social media, mail shots and other channels, to promote and celebrate our wellbeing and learning work

· To develop external funding bids and proposals to sustain and expand our programmes, working with colleagues from the Senior Leadership Team and across the Trust; supporting other income generating activities including supporting the development of tender responses to sustain health and wellbeing initiatives

General Responsibilities

All staff at Southmead Development Trust are expected to:

· Follow all Trust policies, procedures, and safeguarding requirements.

· Model our values: Positivity, Integrity, Excellence, Welcoming, Entrepreneurial.

· Work proactively, use initiative, and collaborate well with colleagues and the community.

· Maintain confidentiality, data protection standards, and a safe, inclusive environment.

· Take part in training, development, staff meetings and occasional evening/weekend work when required.

· Carry out any other reasonable duties to support the organisation.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL

· Passion, empathy and desire to support residents to lead healthier and happier lives through holistic, person‑centred, community‑based models.

· Experience of successfully developing and delivering community‑based wellbeing, health or employment services/interventions.

· Track record of developing proposals and securing funding for new wellbeing or health interventions.

· Experience implementing project plans, managing budgets, producing reports and meeting deadlines, and performance managing contracts or projects

· Experience of implementing systems and processes to improve service delivery and evidence.

· Experience of outreach, engagement and working directly with residents to shape and inform services.

· Excellent people management skills with proven experience of supporting, motivating and managing staff and volunteers.

· Experience implementing monitoring and evaluation systems and reporting to funders/stakeholders.

· Experience working holistically with people in 1‑2‑1 or group settings and achieving change.

· Excellent interpersonal, relationship‑building and communication skills with a range of stakeholders and diverse communities.

· Excellent IT skills including Word, Excel, email, web research and presentations.

· Understanding of health inequalities, complexity and barriers to employment/learning, and knowledge of community‑based interventions.

· Highly motivated with the ability to creatively problem‑solve.

· Capacity to work under pressure and adapt to changing workloads.

· Commitment to continual professional development and a personal drive for excellence.

· A flexible team player able to work collaboratively and adapt to changing needs.

· Ability to act as a positive role model and remain calm under pressure.

· Commitment to the charitable objectives and values of Southmead Development Trust.

· Willingness and ability to work outside normal office hours and across multiple sites when required.

· Flexibility to travel locally and work outside core hours as part of service delivery.

DESIRABLE

· Relevant employment, health or wellbeing qualification.

· Management and/or leadership qualification.

· Proven track record of working successfully with partner agencies (health, employment, GPs, NHS, VCSE partners) to deliver measurable outcomes.

· Up‑to‑date knowledge of public health, NHS service developments and funding sources.

· Knowledge of Southmead, North Bristol or similar communities and the issues facing residents.

Our Senior Coordinator is primarily responsible for all Member and supporter engagement and stewardship across the year. They build and develop relationships with individuals, support event delivery and manage all communications from content creation to delivery. This includes e-newsletters, fundraising appeals and ad-hoc communications that increase engagement, retain loyalty and raise funds.

We are looking for someone who is creative, has strong communication skills, the ability to work independently, and take ownership of projects – ensuring they run smoothly and effectively. You’ll have a sound understanding of thoughtful stakeholder engagement, marketing communications and tools, and enjoy sharing with people the impact of their support.

About the role

We are looking for a Head of Communications, someone with ambition and commitment to shape our approach to communications, internally and externally, and to help us understand how we talk about and demonstrate our impact as a funder. You will be part of a small team that helps to communicate the work of the Foundation externally, drives internal communication, and promotes the work of those we support.

The Head of Communications is a critical post, drawing together our shared story across the different areas of our work and communicating this to key audiences in support of our mission and vision. The communications team plays a crucial role in advancing our commitment to being an anti-racist funder and working towards greater diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, and you will lead on how this is embedded into all of our internal and external communications activity. You will act as a crucial bridge between the Foundation and our various audiences, in particular those people and organisations we are seeking to support through our funding.

Main areas of responsibility 

• Strategic oversight of internal and external corporate communications, ensuring alignment with the Foundation’s mission, values and impact
• Leadership of diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racist communications across all platforms and activities
• Reputation, risk and issues management, including navigating complex or sensitive public positions
• Development and delivery of proactive communications campaigns, stakeholder engagement and influencing activity
• Team leadership and cross organisational collaboration, contributing to management culture and organisational priorities

Our ideal candidate will have senior-level communications experience, including developing and delivering external communications strategies, providing sound communications and media advice to senior leadership, and proactively engaging with journalists and key external stakeholders.

About us

Paul Hamlyn Foundation was established by Paul Hamlyn in 1987. Upon his death in 2001, he left most of his estate to the Foundation, creating one of the largest grant-making foundations in the UK.

We use our resources to support social change, working towards a just and equitable society in which everyone, especially young people, can realise their full potential and enjoy fulfilling and creative lives.

Our vision is for a just society in which everyone, especially young people, can realise their full potential and enjoy fulfilling and creative lives.

Our mission is to be an effective and independent funder, using all our resources to create opportunities and support social change. We partner with inspiring organisations and individuals to put them at the heart of leading change and designing solutions to overcome inequality.

We are committed to being an anti-racist organisation. This commitment drives how we work, who we work with and how we make decisions.

We have five funding priorities where we wish to see change for our work in the UK:

• Investing in young people
• Migration
• Arts
• Arts Education
• Nurturing ideas and people

Our values are important to us and we work to and carry them through all our activity.

Benefits

The Foundation is based in light and recently refurbished offices near Kings Cross in London and we currently work to a hybrid working model with 40% of time worked in the office and the rest a combination of external grantee visits and homeworking. We offer fantastic benefits including

• 25 days annual leave,
• 10% non-contributory pension contributions with optional additional 2.5% matched employer contributions
• Enhanced maternity and paternity policies
• Complimentary lunch when in the office.

For further information about the role, including the full responsibilities and person specification, please see the full Job Description via the link provided.

First stage interviews are expected to take place remotely on Tuesday 17th and Wednesday 18th March. Second stage interviews are expected to take place in-person on Tuesday 24th March.

Are you passionate about using data to drive meaningful change? Do you thrive on accuracy, insight, and collaboration? Do you have Generalist HR experience?

Join our People Experience team and help our organisation make informed decisions using high quality, impactful data.

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As the People Data & Insights Analyst, you will champion data accuracy, reliability, and insight across the People Experience (HR) team and wider organisation. You’ll lead the production, distribution, and analysis of high-quality People Management Information (MI), ensuring compliance with data protection laws and enabling data-driven decision-making. You’ll also provide generalist HR support when needed.

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Contract terms:

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• £34,000 - £37,000 per annum with Benefits

• Permanent

• Full time hours are 35 hours per week, but we are passionate about flexible working, talk to us about your preferences.

• Linked to our Ewell (Surrey) office

• In-person working: Meeting in person and working collaboratively are things we value. We work in person around 2 days or more per month

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​What you'll do:

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Data & Insights

• Produce and analyse people data reports

• Maintain and improve reporting tools and MI

• Use people data to support forecasting and strategic planning

• Enable data self-service for managers

• Work collaboratively to optimise systems with providers and stakeholders

• Lead system procurement and implementation

• Ensure data accuracy, integrity, and compliance

• Drive system improvements and efficiencies

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Generalist HR (People Experience) Support

• Provide generalist HR support (e.g. covering annual leave, supporting Employee Relations casework)

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What you’ll bring:

• Knowledge and experience of People Information systems
• Experience of working with people/HRIS data
• Proven experience in manipulating people data to inform decision making
• Ability to identify trends and patterns in people data
• Strong stakeholder communication skills
• Advanced Excel and Powerpoint skills
• Experience with SQL, Power BI, People HR (desirable)
• Knowledge of current employment legislation

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For full Job Description and Person Specification click here

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Why Samaritans?

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At Samaritans, you’ll be part of a people-first organisation deeply committed to inclusion, compassion and learning. You’ll contribute to a team where your voice matters, your expertise makes a difference, and your work helps save lives.

We welcome applications from individuals with lived experience and encourage those from underrepresented communities to apply. We are committed to creating an environment where all our people feel seen, heard and supported.

You’ll join a values-led organisation with a powerful mission and a collaborative culture. We offer flexible hybrid working, excellent benefits, and the chance to make a tangible difference in suicide prevention across the UK and Ireland.

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For further information about Samaritans, including our charity structure, values, employee benefits, and application process, please read our recruitment brochure available here. You can also visit our careers website to access this.

We recognise the enormous benefits and the social justice imperatives of ensuring diversity at every level of our organisation. Samaritans is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. To ensure Samaritans is representative of those we support and who support us, we particularly welcome applications from disabled, racialised minority and LGBTQ+ candidates, as these people are under-represented at Samaritans.

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Apply now

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If this sounds like the opportunity for you, please apply. You will be asked to answer two application questions and to upload your CV and a short cover letter. 

We kindly ask that you don’t rely on AI tools for your application answers, or to generate interview answers. We want to see your own unique ideas and writing skills. We want your application to stand out from the rest and showcase your own strengths.

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Applications close: ​5pm on Friday 27th February 2026

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Interviews: Weeks commencing 9th and 16th March 2026. Please note the interviews will be in person at our office in Ewell (Surrey). The interview will consist of a data presentation exercise and competency based questions.

About Us 

The Good Ancestor Movement is a UK-based advisory and consultancy firm supporting individuals and organisations to redistribute wealth in ways that are reparative, regenerative and aligned with their deepest values. We work with wealth holders to challenge traditional models of accumulation and tax avoidance, and instead imagine futures where wealth actively contributes to social equity, economic justice, and ecological resilience.

We support clients to shift from extractive to regenerative practices, helping them translate their values into meaningful action through redistribution, reparations, and investment aligned with justice. 

Our programmes, like Reimagining Wealth, invite individuals to understand the wider impacts of their capital and take intentional steps toward responsible stewardship.

Good Ancestor Movement’s consultancy work includes strategy design, values-aligned redistribution planning, and building tools and systems that support collective accountability and transformative impact. We are committed to building a regenerative economy where wealth is mobilised in service of repair and liberation. 

Resource Mobilisation Team 

The Resource Mobilisation team at the Good Ancestor Movement helps liberate and steward financial flows in service of justice, reparation, and systemic change. The team works with wealth holders, funders, and movement partners to design values-aligned redistribution strategies, manage pooled funding vehicles, and co-create tools and practices that shift the culture of wealth. Our work includes grant and investment operations, grantee relationship support, community learning, and strategic resourcing design rooted in equity and care.

About Your Role

As a Resource Mobilisation Lead you will join our Resource Mobilisation team at Good Ancestor Movement in an exciting time for our organisation’s growth. You will be working closely with Kiki Mager, Director of Resource Mobilisation, although you will be working alongside our entire team and contribute to the organisation’s bold aims and ambitions within your role. 

After having run 5 cohorts of our political education journey Reimagining Wealth, we launched a trial community of practice for wealth holders collectivising them around a pledge to redistribute. This community of practice is called Catalytic Collective and includes a pooled resourcing vehicle, the Roots Fund, to which members commit funds which are then being redistributed through a participatory governance model, the Accountability Circle, led by movement leaders. We have just completed our first pilot year of this resourcing vehicle including the release of our first round of 3-year funding commitments. To ensure the ongoing feasibility of this vehicle we are looking for a passionate new team member to tend to the ongoing development and scaling of this work.

The Catalytic Collective, Accountability Circle and Roots Fund formed in response to findings of a research and report that we commissioned with Decolonising Economics into Resourcing the Solidarity Economy. This report is the bedrock for our emergent resourcing vehicle and wider organising of wealth holders around wealth redistribution and stewardship practices centred in collective liberation. It also informs our educational programmes, our consultancy offerings and Transformative Investment Practice development.

As our Resource Mobilisation Lead, you will primarily support the management and ongoing development of our resourcing vehicle with Catalytic Collective (CC), the Accountability Circle (AC), the Solidarity Partners (SP) receiving funds and our wider wealthholder community. Your roles here will include: 

• Liaison with our fiscal host Social Change Nest and ensuring processes and grantees (‘Solidarity Partners’) experiences are in alignment with our mission and intentions. 

• Relationship management and primary contact for Solidarity Partners 

• Leading the development and/or fine tuning of a grant management system (GMS) to improve oversight and streamline processes together with one of our movement partners and manage the GMS once implemented, particularly as the number of grants mobilised will increase.

• Supporting the AC with admin related tasks like the scheduling of meetings, direction on discussion points and the refinement of their own governance. 

• Administering CC agreements and resourcing commitments including confirming & signing funding agreements with CC members, sending out reminders about funding cycle renewal and exploring approaches to open up the resourcing pool for wider funders to contribute as a one-off without being a CC member.

• Notice, reflect on and feed into ongoing learning and development around the processes and systems in place and what might we need to consider to further improve these in alignment with our vision and mission. 

• Manage the process of mobilising resources from our wider wealth holder community and others to commit boldly.

• Support with story telling proposition and narrative pieces to support building momentum around the resourcing vehicle 

Alongside this workstream, you will also: 

• Steward our Capital Campaigns process to support ad hoc relational and strategic resource mobilisation opportunities meeting needs of aligned organisations in the new and regenerative economy space. 

• Contribute to ideation and creation of tools and practices that further activate and guide wealth holders and wealth advisors in their journeys towards just transition aligned redistribution and stewardship practices. 

About You

• You will care deeply about justice and the transition to a fairer economic system.

• Through your lived, academic and/or work experience you will deeply connect with the problems of the current system;

• You feel excited about contributing towards building life-affirming infrastructure for a young but growing social purpose organisation;

• You have the capacity to engage in self-reflection and a commitment to doing the work of embodying anti-oppressive practice;

• You can see yourself being comfortable communicating in a thoughtful and empathetic manner with a range of stakeholders across our community including: Movements, community groups and grassroots organisations; New Economy movement partners, wealth holders and wealth advisors; 

• You will not be tied to how things have always been done and will be excited to explore new and emerging concepts with a curious and open growth mindset.

• You have experience of (or are excited about) collaborating with or working in small emerging teams with ambitious goals and much experimentation;

• You are able to work independently to tight deadlines while working closely with colleagues, proactively communicating your needs and any changes to agreed timelines;

• You have experience of (developing and) administering funding or resourcing processes, are committed to critically reflecting on existing practices and you bring creativity and courage to implement change;

• You ideally have experience of managing CRM tools, digital community platforms such as Notion, Basecamp or Teachable, and developing and executing communications strategies;

We understand that the issues we work on disproportionately impact on low-income, marginalised and minoritised communities. We are an organisation led by a Black female founder and CEO and as an inclusive employer that values both lived experience and professional experience, we hope to be able to attract applicants from a range of backgrounds for this important role. You do not need to have a university degree for this role, nor is it essential for you to have experience in the new economy ecosystem: we care about your character, your experience and your ability to demonstrate leadership and practice personal growth. 

Citizens UK

Citizens UK is the UK’s biggest, most diverse and most effective people-powered alliance. We bring communities and local organisations together to work on issues that matter; from campaigning for zebra crossings on dangerous roads, to reforming the immigration system, to the Living Wage campaign. We have a track record of winning change through hundreds of local and national campaigns. We know everyday people have the ability to shape the world around them. We believe that through developing local leaders, we can drive nationwide change and create community-led solutions to big and small problems.

Purpose

The Head of People & Culture ensures that Citizens UK has the people, organisational capacity and enabling culture required to deliver its mission of building people power and strengthening civil society. The role plays a central part in securing a workforce that is capable, motivated and aligned with Citizens UK’s values, enabling the organisation to build strong alliances, support local leadership and achieve lasting social change.

Working as part of the senior leadership team, and under the direction of the Executive Director, Finance & Operations, the role strengthens organisational effectiveness by embedding fair, inclusive and well-governed people practices. Through sound employment frameworks, statutory compliance and a culture that supports engagement, performance and wellbeing, the Head of People & Culture safeguards Citizens UK’s resilience, reputation and ability to deliver impact at scale.

Main Responsibilities

Working as the Head of People & Culture for Citizens UK, reporting to the Executive Director, Finance & Operations, your main responsibilities will include:

People & Culture Strategy

Ensure Citizens UK has the people, capability and organisational shape required to deliver its mission and sustain impact over time.

· Analyse organisational strategy, change priorities and external context to identify their implications for people, capability, structure and ways of working.

· Carry out workforce planning to assess current and future capacity and capability, identifying gaps, risks and realistic options to address them.

· Develop, maintain and refresh the People & Culture strategy so it responds directly to organisational needs and provides clear priorities for action.

· Provide expert people and culture advice to the Executive Leadership Team and Board, informing strategic discussions, trade-offs and decisions.

Talent Management

Develop and implement talent management processes that ensure Citizens UK attracts, retains and sustains the people needed to deliver its work.

· Lead recruitment, selection and onboarding to bring in people who can perform effectively in their roles and are aligned with Citizens UK’s values.

· Develop and maintain retention approaches focused on the key drivers of retention, including meaningful work, effective management, development opportunities, wellbeing, inclusion and fair treatment.

· Identify critical roles and critical talent and put in place practical succession and risk-mitigation plans, including knowledge transfer, handover planning and interim cover where needed.

· Monitor employee experience across the employment lifecycle, using insight from feedback and people data to improve people practices and ways of working.

Performance, Leadership & Capability

Strengthen organisational effectiveness by enabling teams to perform well, grow in capability and contribute consistently to shared goals.

· Maintain and operate performance management processes, including objective setting, regular feedback and reviews, ensuring that staff are clear on expectations and accountable for results.

· Support managers to address performance issues constructively by clarifying expectations, strengthening feedback, building capability and resolving barriers to effective performance.

· Coordinate and deliver learning and development activity that supports managers and staff to build skills, leadership capability and confidence in their roles.

Organisational Culture, Engagement & Wellbeing

Foster a working environment where people feel engaged, supported and able to do their best work together.

· Promote Citizens UK’s values in everyday people practices, supporting managers to translate values into consistent behaviours, decision-making and ways of working.

· Design and operate staff engagement and feedback mechanisms, ensuring staff voice is heard, themes are analysed, and practical actions are taken in response.

· Develop and maintain wellbeing approaches that support psychological safety, healthy workload management, early resolution of concerns and sustainable working practices.

· Support constructive relationships with the Trade Union and enable effective consultation and dialogue on people-related matters. 

EDI & Safeguarding

Ensure Citizens UK is equitable, inclusive and safe for all by embedding fairness, care and accountability into how the organisation operates.

· Develop and implement Equity, Diversity and Inclusion priorities, using clear measures to monitor progress, identify gaps and support accountability across the organisation.

· Embed EDI considerations into recruitment, progression, policy development and everyday people decisions, working closely with relevant colleagues to ensure consistency in practice.

· Act as the People & Culture lead for safeguarding, ensuring responsibilities are clear, processes are understood, and concerns are handled appropriately, sensitively and in line with agreed procedures.

· Support managers and leaders to recognise and address inclusion or safeguarding issues early, escalating concerns where required and ensuring appropriate follow-up.

Governance, Risk & Compliance

Ensure Citizens UK has a clear, effective and trusted people governance framework that supports lawful decision-making, fair treatment and organisational confidence.

· Develop, review and maintain People & Culture policies and procedures, ensuring they are legally compliant, values-aligned and understood by managers and staff.

· Provide day-to-day advice and guidance on people-related risk and compliance, identifying emerging issues early and supporting proportionate, lawful responses.

· Manage disciplinary, grievance and other formal employment processes, ensuring fairness, consistency, appropriate documentation and timely resolution.

Systems & HR Operations

Ensure the efficient, reliable and compliant administration of people processes and systems.

· Operate and maintain HR systems, payroll processes and core people administration, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality and compliance with organisational and legal requirements.

· Review and improve people processes to reduce duplication, minimise manual work and improve efficiency, making best use of available technology and automation.

· Maintain accurate and up-to-date people records and data, ensuring information is accessible, secure and fit for reporting, audit and operational needs.

Functional Leadership & Resource Management

Build and manage CUK’s People & Culture function, ensuring that staff and resources contribute effectively to achievement of CUK’s mission.

· Plan, prioritise and sequence People & Culture work to ensure available capacity is focused on the organisation’s most important people risks and priorities.

· Manage the People & Culture budget, including payroll, monitoring spend and applying value-for-money principles in line with organisational policies.

· Manage People & Culture staff and outsourced service providers utilising an engaging leadership style to support effective delivery of expectations.

Personal Specification

(D) Desirable, (E) Essential

Qualifications

· (E) CIPD qualification (Level 7) or equivalent senior-level professional experience in People / HR leadership

· (D) Degree or equivalent qualification in human resources, organisational development, management or a related field

Experience

· (E) Significant experience in a senior People / HR role, ideally within a charity, not-for-profit or values-driven organisation

· (E) Experience of leading and delivering people and culture priorities in complex, mission-led organisations

· (E) Experience of advising Executive and Board-level stakeholders on people, culture, governance and risk matters

· (E) Experience of operating as a senior, hands-on HR generalist, covering strategy, policy, employee relations and operational delivery

· (E) Experience of workforce planning, recruitment, performance management and organisational change

· (D) Experience of working with trade unions or staff representative bodies

Key skills and knowledge

· (E) Strong generalist HR expertise across employment law, compliance, safeguarding, performance management and people governance

· (E) Proven ability to design and implement practical people processes that support performance, inclusion and wellbeing

· (E) Strong coaching capability, with the ability to support managers to address performance, capability and behavioural issues constructively

· (E) Ability to manage complex employee relations matters with judgement, fairness and confidence

· (E) Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present clear advice and recommendations to senior leaders and boards

· (D) Knowledge of HR systems, people data and process improvement to support efficient delivery

Personal qualities & values

· (E) Strong commitment to social justice, inclusion and the values and mission of Citizens UK

· (E) Values-led and relational leadership style, combining empathy, integrity and pragmatism

· (E) Resilient and adaptable, able to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced and evolving environment

· (E) Comfortable working within an accountable team culture, open to feedback, reflective practice and continuous improvement

· (D) Willingness to work occasional evenings or weekends, and to travel when required to support organisational priorities

First round interviews to be held on W/C 16 March 2026

Second round interviews to be held on W/C 23 March 2026