Senior assistant jobs

Job title: Team and Office Administrator
Reports to: Senior Manager, Team and Office
Location: Bloomsbury, London
Contract term: One-year Fixed Term Contract
Salary: £23,300 - £25,000 dependent on experience
Hours: Full time

The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (RSTMH) is a charity and membership society that has been dedicated to improving tropical medicine and global health since 1907. As a learned society we have a long legacy of work in global health and work to balance traditional values with a modern approach.

Our ambition is to save lives and improve health around the world through increased access to greater equity in global health care. Through our activities we help further our members’ and Fellows’ careers. We also bring together their collective knowledge and use our own expertise to achieve change within the sector.

We are looking for a motivated individual to join us as Team and Office Administrator, effectively supporting the small but busy RSTMH Team by providing proactive and comprehensive support across our key areas of work.

The role will require someone who preferably has some experience of providing support and administration to a busy team and office, preferably within the charity/not-for-profit sector, who is flexible, has excellent time management and prioritisation skills, and is able work on their own initiative. The successful candidate will be working across various RSTMH activities, including membership, journals, events, grants, and communications; therefore, they will need to be efficient and organised, with strong computer skills and a professional outlook.

Please note: This is a London based role and will be office-based. This is not available as a remote job.

The Role:

As Administrative Assistant RSTMH, your duties will include:

• Developing and maintaining effective working relationships across RSTMH
• Ensuring that all general, email, telephone and written enquiries are dealt with efficiently and promptly
• Supporting with the management of the RSTMH office and office processes, ensuring the space is kept clean and presentable, monitoring stock levels and assisting the team with office maintenance tasks
• Undertaking electronic and paper filing, and maintain filing systems appropriately
• Assisting with the management and promotion of the RSTMH meeting room
• Supporting with general administration across all RSTMH areas of work
• Supporting on the website by uploading and editing content through the CMS
• Helping create and send the fortnightly member newsletter and the monthly non-member newsletter
• Responsibility for the general administration and upkeep of RSTMH’s online opportunities platform, grow
• Assisting with enquiries from current and prospective members in a professional, timely manner, and to agreed service targets.
• Working proficiently across RSTMH platforms, including Editorial Manager, CiviCRM and Benefactor
• Assisting in international travel planning, including identifying travel options, creating visa support letters and sourcing accommodation for the team and/or RSTMH contacts
• Carrying out desk research as and when required
• Ensuring that all assigned tasks are completed to a high standard
• Participating in team meetings, planning and initiatives
• Assisting in any administrative tasks to support the team and wider RSTMH community
• To undertake any other reasonable tasks as could be expected of a Administrative Assistant

Essential Technical Skills:

• Ability to manage a diverse set of priorities and meet deadlines to a consistently high standard
• Capacity to set up and maintain administrative processes and office systems
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and a strong understanding of delivering great customer service
• Experience of being responsible for initiating, planning, and developing own areas of work
• High computer literacy and confidence with Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel, and the ability to adapt to new platforms
• Exceptional use of written and spoken English
• Experience providing administration support, preferably in an office environment
• Good analytical skills with the ability to identify key points from complex material or information

Personal Skills:

• Ability to work with a wide range of people whilst presenting a professional image on behalf of RSTMH
• Ability to be calm under pressure and help build a collaborative team culture
• Flexibility and willingness to work under own initiative
• Discretion when dealing with confidential information
• Willingness to undertake other responsibilities and an eagerness to learn
• A demonstrated commitment to and interest in the aims and objectives of RSTMH

Desirable Skills:

• Filing experience
• Experience of working with databases
• Professional, polite and confident telephone manner
• Experience of working in events
• Experience of communicating with diverse audiences across multiple platforms, including email, phone, and in-person engagement at events.

This is an exciting opportunity for a confident team player looking to enhance their administration and communication skills, and a great introduction to the global health community.

Please submit your application by 12 July 2026.
N.B. We encourage you to apply as early as possible as we will be reviewing and interviewing candidates as they submit, and so may close recruitment before the deadline.

To apply for the role of Team and Office Administrator, please click the apply button.
You will need to fill in where it asks for your cover message/covering letter, with a cover letter showing how your previous experience and skills meet the requirements of the role, and attach your CV.
N.B. Applications without a CV and cover letter will not be considered.

No agencies please

Help us achieve our vision that fewer people die by suicide.

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We’re looking for an experienced Project Officer to play a key role in delivering and reporting on a major multi-year funding programme supporting Samaritans’ work across our London region.

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You will lead the coordination, administration, and reporting of activity funded through a significant seven-year partnership with City Bridge Foundation. Working closely with senior staff, volunteers, London branches, and external partners and our funder, you’ll ensure projects are effectively delivered, tracked, and evidenced.

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This is a highly collaborative role where you’ll bring together data, insights, and updates into clear, compelling reports, while helping shape how Samaritans’ work is delivered and improved collaboratively across London.

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Contract Terms

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• £34,000-£37,000 per annum plus benefits
• Full time (35 hours per week)
• Permanent
• We are passionate about flexible working—talk to us about your preferences
• Hybrid working with travel to Ewell office and occasional travel to branches and other locations related to the role
• In-person working: Meeting in person and working collaboratively are things we value. We ask you to work in person around 2 days or more per month.
• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays

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What You’ll Be doing

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• Set up and manage project management processes, tools, and templates to support delivery of funded activities
• Coordinate quarterly reporting cycles, gathering accurate and timely data from branches and partners
• Produce high-quality quarterly reports, combining insights from across Samaritans into clear updates for City Bridge Foundation
• Monitor progress, identify risks or issues, and escalate where necessary to senior stakeholders
• Maintain accurate financial records, documentation, and audit trails for grant funding
• Act as a key point of contact for London branches and third-party partners, ensuring engagement and alignment
• Organise and facilitate meetings, including agendas, minutes, and follow-up actions
• Support evidence gathering and sharing of learning to inform future service delivery and outreach development
• Collaborate with internal teams (research, communications, policy, and people teams) to support wider organisational goals
• Contribute to developing London-focused plans, activities, and future funding bids

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What You’ll Bring

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• Proven experience supporting complex, multi-stream projects, including planning, tracking, and reporting
• Strong report writing skills, with attention to detail and the ability to clearly communicate activities, outcomes, and impact
• Experience coordinating meetings and working with a wide range of stakeholders, including volunteers and external partners
• Proactive approach in identifying challenges and solutions, and passion for making a meaningful impact
• Strong organisation skills, with excellent attention to detail and strong IT skills (Microsoft Office, Teams/Zoom)
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to build relationships and influence across different groups
• Discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive information
• A bonus if you have experience in the charity sector, working with grant funding, or community-based initiatives

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Full Job Description and Person Specification below.

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Why Samaritans?

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At Samaritans, you’ll join a values-led organisation with a powerful mission. You’ll be part of a collaborative and supportive team where your voice matters, your expertise makes a difference, and your work helps save lives.

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We offer flexible hybrid working, great benefits, and the chance to make a tangible difference in suicide prevention across the UK and Ireland. To find out more about Samaritans, please read our recruitment brochure.

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We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the people we support and who support us. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and walks of life. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels seen, heard and supported, at all levels of the organisation.

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Apply now

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If this sounds like the opportunity for you, we’d love for you to apply. You will be asked to answer some short application questions and to upload your CV and cover letter. If you require adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know.

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At Samaritans, human connection is at the heart of everything we do. 

We do not use AI at any stage during the selection process. Your application will always be carefully reviewed by the recruiting manager or a member of the Talent Attraction Team. 

We kindly ask that you avoid using AI tools to generate your application or interview answers. We want to hear your own ideas, insights, and writing style so your unique strengths can shine through. We recognise that some candidates may use assistive technology or tools to help with accessibility, structure or grammar. 

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​ Applications close: midnight on Friday 3rd July

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1st stage interviews (online): Thursday 16th July

2nd stage interviews (in person KT17 2AF): Wednesday 22nd July

Head of Community Services

£54,961 PA
37.5 hours per week
Working days: Predominately Monday-Friday with On Call requirements

Benefits

5 weeks’ holiday plus Bank Holidays Pension Scheme, Staff referral scheme (earn extra each time you successfully refer someone), Employee Assistance Programme, including private GP access, Blue Light Card discount scheme, Free DBS check, Free parking and uniform

Closing date: 3rd July
Interview date: 13th July

Make a genuine difference, every day

At Nottinghamshire Hospice, we’re proud to lead the way in delivering compassionate, community-based palliative care for people living with a terminal or life limiting illness across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. Our values—Compassion, Trust and Ambition—guide everything we do, for the people we support and for each other.

About the Role

The Head of Community Services is a senior leadership role responsible for the operational, and clinical delivery of Nottinghamshire Hospice’s community-based services. You will ensure the provision of high-quality, safe, and compassionate palliative and end-of-life care, supporting people to live as well as possible in the place they call home.

As a key member of the Hospice Leadership Team, you will provide visible and inspiring leadership, driving excellence in care delivery, service performance, and workforce development. This role combines strong operational management with professional clinical leadership, requiring an experienced registered healthcare professional with a sound understanding of palliative and end-of-life care.

You will lead and develop our Hospice in Your Home (24-hour service) and Wellbeing Day Services, ensuring they are responsive, sustainable, and patient-centred. The role involves regular travel across Nottinghamshire and participation in the clinical on-call rota (approximately one week in every five weeks).

What we’re looking for

We are seeking a compassionate and experienced leader to drive excellence in our community palliative care services.

You will champion equity, inclusion, diversity and belonging, while fostering a positive, high-performing culture where staff feel supported and empowered. With strong experience in service delivery, you will manage performance, resources, and workforce planning to meet the needs of our patients and families.

You will build effective partnerships with healthcare and community stakeholders, helping to improve access and patient pathways. A commitment to quality, governance, and continuous improvement is essential, alongside the ability to lead confidently in complex situations.

Above all, you will embody our values of Compassion, Trust, and Ambition, helping us deliver outstanding care and shape the future of hospice services.

You don’t need to meet every desirable criteria — we recruit based on values.

If you’re compassionate, reliable and eager to learn, we’d love to hear from you.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging

We want Nottinghamshire Hospice to be a place where everyone feels they belong. We warmly welcome applicants from all backgrounds and value the different perspectives and experiences that help us provide better care. We particularly encourage applications from people who are currently under‑represented in our workforce, including individuals from minoritised ethnic communities, people with disabilities, and men.

The successful applicant will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check with Barred List and must be eligible to work in the UK. Nottinghamshire Hospice is a non‑smoking organisation.

Due to the number of applications we receive, if you haven’t heard from us within three weeks of the closing date, please assume your application has not been successful.

Your privacy

We are committed to protecting your personal information and being transparent about the data we hold. We collect and process information such as your CV, cover letter and application in line with data protection laws. You can read our full Privacy Policy on our webiste.

Registered Charity No: 509759

Deputy Diocesan Safeguarding Officer

The Diocese is seeking an experienced and committed safeguarding professional to join the Diocesan Safeguarding Team as Deputy Diocesan Safeguarding Officer.

Position: Deputy Diocesan Safeguarding Officer

Location: Hove/Hybrid

Salary: £49,536 per annum

Hours: Full-time (flexi time available)

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: 5th July 2026

Interview Date: Hove on 30th July 2026.

About the Role

This is a pivotal leadership role, offering an opportunity to shape and strengthen safeguarding practice across a large and diverse diocese. You will play a key part in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and adults, while supporting parishes, clergy and diocesan colleagues to uphold the highest safeguarding standards.

Key duties include:

• Lead and manage safeguarding casework across the Diocese, ensuring compliance with national Church of England safeguarding standards and statutory guidance
• Provide line management and supervision to the team of Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Advisers
• Oversee triage, risk assessment and allocation of safeguarding referrals
• Manage complex and high-risk cases, working collaboratively with statutory agencies such as police, social care and probation services
• Ensure high-quality case recording, quality assurance and continuous improvement of safeguarding practices
• Act as the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer in the absence of the Director of Safeguarding
• Contribute to training, policy development and the promotion of a strong safeguarding culture

This role involves regular collaboration with clergy, parish safeguarding officers, senior church leaders and external partners across the Diocese.

If you are passionate about safeguarding and want to play a key role in protecting and supporting communities across Sussex, we would love to hear from you.

About You

We are seeking a highly skilled safeguarding professional who can demonstrate:

• Significant safeguarding casework experience and strong knowledge of legislation and best practice
• Experience working with victims, survivors and those who pose risk, and partnering with statutory agencies
• Proven ability to embed good safeguarding practice
• Strong leadership, risk assessment and communication skills
• Ability to manage complex cases, quality assure work and maintain confidentiality
• High integrity, resilience and sound judgement
• Reflective, collaborative and committed to equality and inclusion
• Alignment with the values of the Church of England

You can view full details of the in the job description and person specification when you apply.

About the Organisation

The vision of the Diocese is to help people to know, love and follow Jesus. Based in Hove and serving the people of Sussex across more than 360 parishes and 154 church schools and the wider community, this is a great role for someone who supports the ethos, aims and objectives of the Diocese and the Church of England.

As an employer, and as a team, the mutual values at work are to be Respectful, Professional, Flexible and Supportive.

What is on offer:

• 28 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays and two privilege days per year.
• Flexi-time and the opportunity to apply to use the DBF’s remote working policy to work from home for part of the week.
• Membership of the Church Worker’s Pension Scheme with a 15.1% employer contribution and an employee contribution between 0-6%.
• Employee Assistance Programme with access to GP appointments, counselling and financial and legal support.
• Free parking, and the ride to work scheme and development opportunities.

Our client is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.  All post holders are expected to share this commitment and to comply with the relevant safeguarding policy. This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client, Not For Profit People. #INDNFP

Location: Hybrid working. Our flexible working policy requires everyone to be in our east London office for 25% of the time as a minimum because building in-person relationships is important to us (for this role we ask that you come to the office every week for the minimum of one day), but you’re welcome to be there more as many staff are.

Salary: £48,524 p.a.

Hours: Permanent, full-time, contract. At NEON, we work a 28 hour week - the equivalent of a 4 day standard work week. This can be done over 4 or 5 days.
Benefits:  a 28-hour week, 7.5% employer matched pension, genuinely flexible working, 20 days holiday per year (25 days pro rated for a 4 day week), plus bank holidays and Christmas break, a progressive Parenting Policy, Sabbatical Policy, and a generous staff development budget

Reporting to: Director of Operations

Application deadline: Sunday 19th July, 11.59pm

Interview dates: First round of interviews (online): Mon 3rd - Weds 5th August 2026, second round of interviews (in person): Thursday 13th August 2026

This role requires that you are resident and have the right to work in the UK

About NEON  

NEON is a capacity and infrastructure building organisation that seeks to accelerate the transition to a new economy by building the power of social movements - because without strong social movements we lack the power we need to win. We deliver trainings, develop resources, facilitate collaboration and work in partnership with key movement allies, especially in the climate, housing and migration movements. Our focus is on strengthening the organising, communications and strategy skills of social movement organisations, as well as deepening movement alignment, as we believe these are key to building collective power. As part of our work, we are looking to change the starting point in social movements from “what do we agree on” to “what can we win together?” 
 

Purpose of this role

This role is the main point of contact for staff for all people & operations support. It is crucial in providing the systems and support that NEON staff rely on to do their best work by:

• owning NEON people and operations  policies and ensuring they are understood and applied consistently and equitably across the organisation;

• guiding staff through people processes;

• overseeing the smooth running of operations  systems across the organisation.

What you’ll be doing: 

1. Lead the full lifecycle of NEON staff, including recruitment, contracts, onboarding, ongoing management, and offboarding, while overseeing and supporting the Ops Assistant to run these processes. Lead on reviewing and improving people processes and ensure anti-oppression is embedded within them.

2. Manage HR systems and records, including contracts, payroll inputs, leave, training, appraisals, probations and policy implementation, ensuring processes are accurate, well maintained and completed on time by line managers.

3. Act as first point of contact for HR queries, taking ownership of NEON’s policies, processes, culture and employee relations. Advise staff and line managers on policies, accommodations, and support needs, conduct relevant HR meetings and escalate to the Director of Ops and People when appropriate.

4. Manage monthly payroll, submitting updates to the outsourced provider, checking accuracy of pension and other deductions, implementing pay increases and paperwork, and addressing staff payroll queries or signposting them to financial guidance.

5. Line manage the Operations Assistant to a high standard using the full spectrum of management tools and approaches e.g. mentoring, coaching, challenge and feedback using the feedback guidelines, more formal performance processes. Empowering them to thrive at NEON and perform their role excellently.

6. Oversee day-to-day operational support functions delivered through the Ops Assistant, including IT and systems, GDPR processes, office and facilities coordination, health and safety, staff event logistics and board logistics, ensuring tasks are completed on time and to a high standard, following NEON’s values.

7. Support the Director of Ops and People in developing and updating people policies, procedures, and practices, staying across emerging trends, and embedding a caring, anti-oppressive culture through organisational development projects such as internal comms, team guides, manuals, and frameworks.

8. Maintain core organisational administration, including Companies House filings, insurance renewals, subscriptions, and shared organisational inboxes.

9. Participate or lead on Operations projects as agreed, (e.g. HR systems, data protection, health and safety), with clear scope and prioritisation.

10.  Actively lead on the enhancement of the Ops Peer Support Network’s community of practice as part of implementing the network strategy.

11. Play an active part in the whole NEON team, contributing to organisation-wide plans

Who you are: 

• HR & people ops experience: You’ve worked in HR or people operations before and are confident managing the full employee lifecycle — recruitment, contracts, onboarding, performance, leave, payroll coordination and offboarding. You can hold these processes end-to-end and keep them accurate, consistent and compliant, whilst ensuring they align with the values and ways of working.

• Operational systems & improvements: You’ve held responsibility for systems like HR platforms, shared drives, IT tools or project management software. You’re confident in improving how things work and embedding changes so they actually stick and work for people.

• Strong organisation & reliability: You’re highly organised, detail-focused and someone who gets things done. You can manage multiple recurring processes (like payroll cycles, HR records and compliance tasks) and keep everything on track without things slipping.

• Line management experience: You’re a skilled and confident line manager, and able to support with feedback, development and performance. You know how to balance care with clarity and accountability.

• First point of contact for HR & ops support: You’re comfortable being a go-to person for staff questions on HR, people and operations. Supporting staff and managers with clear, practical guidance and handling sensitive issues with care, confidence and professionalism.

• Working knowledge of compliance areas: Good understanding of core compliance areas such as UK employment practice, data protection and health and safety. You know how to apply these in a proportionate, practical way that fits a small organisation.

• Self-directed and collaborative: You’re able to manage your own workload and priorities, whilst working naturally across teams, actively building relationships, sharing responsibility, and making sure work is joined up rather than siloed. You’re comfortable holding your own while staying deeply connected to the wider organisation and what others need from you.

• Proven understanding of anti-oppression work and commitment to tackling all institutional forms of oppression, bigotry and exclusion

• An affinity with NEON’s aims, objectives and organisational values of solidarity, generosity and respect.

We know that people from certain backgrounds and identities are often excluded in progressive movements and we’re committed to doing what we can to correct this. 

So:

1. We particularly welcome applications from marginalised groups, especially people of colour and other ethnic minorities, people who identify as LGBTQIA, Disabled people and those who identify as working class or have done so in the past.

2. We know the work goes way beyond "diversity", it's about making the space inclusive too. So we are continuously working on that at NEON. So far this includes tangible things like a flexible work policy so people have genuine flexibility around where and when they work and a 28 hour week as standard; a gender-neutral parenting/leave policy, an anti-oppression strategy which is held at senior level given how important it is to the organisation. It also includes the day-to-day work of creating psychological safety for everyone at NEON and celebrating the wisdom of black, indigenous, queer, Disabled and other cultures in the way we work and behave

There are no formal education requirements for this role. As long as you can show us you have the skills we don’t mind where you got them from! Also important to us is your potential to learn and grow in the role so even if you don’t have 100% of the skills listed we want to hear from you. 

Make a real difference. Help people live their best life 

Our goal is simple: to support people with enduring mental health needs to live fulfilling, independent lives in their community. Whether it’s learning new skills, building confidence, accessing education, or gaining employment, we work alongside individuals to maximise their choice, independence, and involvement. 

About the Role

We are looking for compassionate and motivated Mental Health Support Workers to join our services across Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

In this role, you will provide high-quality, person-centred and trauma-informed support to people with mental health needs, helping them to build independence, develop coping strategies and achieve their personal recovery goals.

You will work both independently and as part of a team to deliver safe, effective, and recovery-focused care that promotes wellbeing, inclusion, and choice. 

What We Offer

• Flexible shift patterns tailored around the needs of the people we support
• Opportunities for both part-time and full-time hours
• A supportive team environment
• Ongoing training and development 

Note: The role includes some evenings, weekends, and lone working, so confidence, initiative, and self-motivation are essential. 

Additionally, while being a driver is not an essential requirement, it could be an advantage in some roles/services. 

Key Responsibilities

• Support individuals to manage their mental health and work towards personal goals
• Deliver person-centred, trauma-informed support tailored to individual needs
• Empower individuals to make everyday choices and key life decisions
• Promote independence, wellbeing, confidence, and personal growth
• Assist with daily living skills including self-care, budgeting, and maintaining a home
• Encourage and support meaningful relationships and social inclusion within the community
• Monitor wellbeing and respond appropriately to changes, risks, or challenging situations
• Develop, follow, and contribute to person-centred support plans and risk assessments
• Maintain accurate records and documentation
• Work collaboratively with families, colleagues, and other professionals
• Safely support and administer medication in line with training and policy
• Complete required training and adhere to organisational standards

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Communicates with empathy, clarity, and emotional intelligence
• Demonstrates compassion, kindness, and understanding
• Is resilient, calm under pressure, and able to respond to challenging situations
• Builds positive relationships and works effectively both independently and as part of a team
• Is organised, reliable, and able to manage workload effectively
• Is self-motivated and proactive in their approach to work
• Is committed to safeguarding, equality, diversity, and inclusion
• Is confident using IT systems and recording information accurately
• Is eager to learn, grow, and adapt within the role
• Holds GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent), or is willing to achieve them
• Work or voluntary experience supporting people in care and/or with mental health needs 

Our Services

We are recruiting across several mental health services: 

The Recovery Hub
A 24-hour residential service supporting adults within a 10-bed unit. We provide a safe, structured, and person-centred environment, helping individuals build skills, manage their mental health, and move towards independent living. 

Chestnut Road
Supporting individuals in shared accommodation or their own flats, this service focuses on recovery, independence, and preparing people to move on, using a highly person-centred and creative approach. 

Charnhill Crescent & Kingsway
Two small services supporting five adults, delivering tailored support to empower people to live independently and achieve their goals. 

In return we offer excellent, high quality learning opportunities, including the opportunity to undertake a level 3 or 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care. Alongside this, other benefits include:

• 30 days’ annual leave, including recognised public holidays
• Learning and development to support your career growth
• Nationally recognised qualifications, from entry‑level care to management
• Flexible working, with rotas provided in advance
• Occupational Sick Pay after two years, increasing with service
• Health Cash Plan after probation, offering at least £695 cashback for health treatments (dental, optical, therapies, maternity/paternity, prescriptions)
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Free enhanced DBS check
• Dayforce Wallet, giving you access to your earnings before payday
• Employee referral scheme with financial rewards
• Employee Assistance Programme from day one, offering confidential 24/7 support
• Company pension scheme to help grow your retirement savings

We pride ourselves with being able to offer staff opportunities to develop and progress their careers within the Trust. 

Apply Today

If you're passionate about supporting people and want to be part of a service that truly makes a difference, we’d love to hear from you. 

Please note that this advert links to a generic job profile for support workers. We are currently reviewing the Mental Health Support Worker job profile, and this will be shared with applicants once finalised.

This is a hands-on role that moves between two registers: structured qualitative research with proper analytical underpinning, and fast-turnaround reactive policy work. You will need to be genuinely comfortable in both able to run a multi-month thematic publication and turn around a tight briefing or consultation response within 48-72 hours when a policy window opens.

The role will lead The Difference's qualitative research and insight function, including research workstreams tied to the Difference Schools Partnership's annual thematic priorities, and our Harmful and Abusive Behaviours (HaB) workstream convening a sector council to build a shared framework for how schools understand and respond to peer-on-peer harm. You will produce briefings, evidence submissions and publications, manage external research partners, and work with the CEO, Head of Policy and Communications team to launch research with real impact. The role reports to the Head of Policy and works closely with colleagues across Strategy, Research and Programmes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead The Difference's qualitative research and insight function, running research workstreams tied to annual DSP thematic priorities and emerging strands on MAT inclusion and LA working
• Design and deliver qualitative research with schools, MATs and local authorities interviews, focus groups, school visits and thematic analysis  translating findings into evidence and policy recommendations
• Lead the Harmful and Abusive Behaviours research workstream, convening a sector council, producing briefing material and managing the route from convening to publication
• Produce timely, citable evidence for policy influence  including drafting briefings, consultation responses and evidence submissions on fast turnaround
• Project manage publication cycles from scoping through to launch, working with coalition and media partners to maximise reach and tracking policy traction post-launch
• Brief, manage and integrate the outputs of external research partners where commissioned (e.g. FFT Datalab, Pro Bono Economics)
• Capture and develop case studies from DSP schools and the wider Difference network

About The Difference

• Every day, the equivalent of 5,500 children are suspended from England's schools, doubling their likelihood of being NEET by 24. The Difference is a young education charity founded to change this story through whole school inclusion. We train school leaders, carry out our own research, and turn frontline insights into policy recommendations lobbying Ofsted and the Department for Education to improve funding and support for inclusion. Our vision is to see lost learning falling nationally by 2030.

About You

Essential

• Dual capability across reactive and structured research : comfortable producing tight briefings on a 48–72 hour turnaround and running multi-month qualitative publications
• Experience in education research, policy research or applied social research, with examples of published, commissioned or internally-influential work
• Strong qualitative research skills : interview and focus group design, thematic coding, framework development, synthesis across multiple sources
• Persuasive writing for mixed audiences : able to write clearly and concisely for policymakers, school leaders, the press and the sector, and comfortable ghost-writing for senior colleagues
• Project management discipline : able to run multiple workstreams in parallel, manage your own deadlines, and keep colleagues and external partners on track
• Comfortable working at pace in a fast-moving environment where priorities shift as policy windows open and close : self-directed, flexible and able to make good judgement calls under pressure
• Shared values with The Difference and personal commitment to improving life outcomes for young people

Desired

• Strong working understanding of UK education policy, particularly around inclusion, exclusion, SEND, accountability and school improvement
• Confident data literacy and basic quantitative analysis : comfortable interrogating population-level datasets and translating findings into accessible policy language
• Understanding of why language matters when writing about behaviour, exclusion and vulnerability, and the ability to frame behaviour as a signal of unmet need consistently across all work
• Lived experience or insight into the school experiences of marginalised young people
• Experience of working in or with schools, multi-academy trusts or local authorities
• Existing relationships in education research, policy or sector organisations

Please see the attached Job Description for full role details and person specification.

We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage applications from under-represented groups in the charity sector. As part of our commitment to fairer recruitment, all applications will be assessed with names and protected characteristics redacted.

0.5 FTE – 18.75 hours per week (flexible working)
Salary: £30,000-£32,000 FTE depending on experience
Location: Hybrid working with one regular day or half-day per week in Abingdon/Oxfordshire, alongside home working and occasional external meetings

About Quest for Learning

Quest for Learning is an education charity working to close the gap for primary school children in Oxfordshire who are falling behind due to disadvantage.

We work closely with schools to deliver targeted, evidence-led literacy and numeracy programmes that help children build the skills, confidence and foundations they need to thrive. Many of the children we support are growing up in poverty, facing barriers linked to low family literacy, unmet additional needs, unstable home circumstances, or limited access to wider opportunities.

Our programmes are delivered by experienced professional tutors and are built around structured interventions, strong school partnerships and measurable outcomes. On average, pupils supported through our small-group tutoring make around 13 months of progress in just 10 hours of support.

Quest for Learning is entering an important new stage of development. Following a period of organisational growth and strategic transition, we are investing in building a more sustainable and ambitious fundraising function that can deepen our impact and reach more children across Oxfordshire.

This is an opportunity to play a central role in shaping that journey.

Why join us?

This is a rare opportunity to join a small but ambitious charity at a genuinely exciting stage of development.

You’ll have:

• Real ownership and autonomy within your role
• The opportunity to help shape and build a growing fundraising function
• Close working relationships with the CEO and leadership team
• Flexibility and hybrid working arrangements
• The chance to make a direct and measurable difference to children facing disadvantage
• Opportunities for progression as the organisation grows

We are intentionally investing in fundraising and organisational growth, and this role offers the opportunity to help shape a developing fundraising function within an ambitious, evidence-led charity with strong foundations and significant future potential.

We are a collaborative, supportive and purpose-driven team that values initiative, professionalism, creativity and compassion.

Role purpose

We are seeking a proactive, highly organised and motivated fundraiser to lead and grow our trusts and grants fundraising activity.

This role will focus primarily on identifying funding opportunities, developing compelling applications, managing funder relationships and building a strong pipeline of income to support Quest for Learning’s future growth.

The successful candidate will play a key role in helping us develop a more strategic and sustainable fundraising approach. We are looking for someone who can combine strong written communication and attention to detail with initiative, pace and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

This role would suit someone with existing trusts fundraising experience, or someone with highly transferable skills who can learn quickly and thrive in a fast-moving environment.

You will work closely with the CEO, programme staff and trustees, with access to strong impact data, established programmes and a compelling case for support.

Alongside this role, Quest for Learning is also exploring the development of an additional partnerships-focused fundraising role. We are open-minded about how responsibilities are ultimately structured and welcome applications from candidates with a range of backgrounds, experiences and strengths.

Key responsibilities

Trusts and foundations fundraising

• Research and identify prospective trusts, foundations and grant opportunities
• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of funding prospects
• Develop and submit high-quality, tailored funding applications
• Manage multiple applications and deadlines simultaneously
• Produce timely and well-written monitoring reports and evaluations
• Work closely with programme staff to gather impact data, case studies and delivery information
• Maintain accurate records of applications, deadlines and funder communications within Beacon CRM
• Monitor fundraising performance and contribute to pipeline tracking and forecasting
• Support the development of longer-term funding strategies and priorities

Relationship management and stewardship

• Build positive and professional relationships with funders and supporters
• Arrange and attend occasional meetings with funders and partners where appropriate
• Ensure strong stewardship and communication throughout the funding lifecycle
• Support the CEO in managing strategic funding relationships

Organisational Contribution

• Contribute to the ongoing development of Quest for Learning’s fundraising function and systems
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation
• Represent Quest for Learning professionally and passionately to external audiences
• Contribute ideas and insight to support organisational growth and sustainability

Person specification

We recognise that strong fundraisers do not always come from traditional charity fundraising backgrounds. If you have transferable skills and experience in areas such as bid writing, partnerships, relationship management, education, sales, communications, account management or business development - and are excited by our mission - we would strongly encourage you to apply.

Essential

• Excellent written communication skills with strong attention to detail
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Ability to work independently and proactively
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Confidence using databases, spreadsheets and digital systems
• Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively
• Commitment to the mission and values of Quest for Learning
• Experience of writing successful funding applications, bids, proposals or other persuasive written content

Desirable

• Experience in trusts and foundations fundraising within the charity sector
• Experience using Beacon CRM or similar fundraising databases
• Understanding of monitoring, evaluation and impact reporting
• Experience within education, children’s services or related sectors
• Knowledge of the Oxfordshire funding landscape
• Experience working within a small charity or growing organisation

What success looks like in this role

Successful performance in this role is likely to include:

• Building and maintaining a strong and active funding pipeline
• Producing a consistent volume of high-quality applications and reports
• Securing significant grant income for the charity
• Developing strong funder relationships and stewardship practices
• Contributing to the growth and professionalisation of Quest for Learning’s fundraising function
• Helping position Quest for Learning for sustainable long-term growth

As Quest for Learning grows, we expect this role to develop too, with opportunities to shape strategy and take on increasing responsibility over time.

Who thrives at Quest for Learning?

People who tend to thrive at Quest for Learning are:

• proactive and solutions-focused
• motivated by meaningful impact
• comfortable working independently while collaborating closely with others
• excited by helping build and improve systems and processes
• adaptable, thoughtful and motivated to grow professionally alongside the organisation

Working arrangements

• 0.5 FTE with flexible working arrangements
• Hybrid role combining home working with one regular day or half-day per week in Abingdon/Oxfordshire
• Occasional travel across Oxfordshire for meetings and events
• Flexible working patterns can be discussed

Benefits

• Flexible and hybrid working
• Pension contribution
• TOIL policy
• Supportive and collaborative working culture
• Professional development opportunities
• Opportunity to help shape a growing fundraising function within an ambitious charity

Application process

To apply, please submit:

• A CV
• A short statement explaining your interest in the role and how your experience meets the person specification

We encourage applications from candidates with both traditional and non-traditional fundraising backgrounds.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Chris Higgins, CEO

Closing date: midday, Tuesday 30 June
Interviews: week commencing 6 or 13 July 

0.5 FTE – 18.75 hours per week (flexible working)
Salary: £30,000-£32,000 FTE depending on experience
Location: Hybrid working with one regular day or half-day per week in Abingdon/Oxfordshire, alongside home working and regular external meetings

About Quest for Learning

Quest for Learning is an education charity working to close the gap for primary school children in Oxfordshire who are falling behind due to disadvantage.

We work closely with schools to deliver targeted, evidence-led literacy and numeracy programmes that help children build the skills, confidence and foundations they need to thrive. Many of the children we support are growing up in poverty, facing barriers linked to low family literacy, unmet additional needs, unstable home circumstances, or limited access to wider opportunities.

Our programmes are delivered by experienced professional tutors and are built around structured interventions, strong school partnerships and measurable outcomes. On average, pupils supported through our small-group tutoring make around 13 months of progress in just 10 hours of support.

Quest for Learning is entering an important new stage of development. Following a period of organisational growth and strategic transition, we are investing in building a stronger and more sustainable fundraising function that can deepen our impact and reach more children across Oxfordshire.

This is an opportunity to help shape that next stage.

Why join us?

This is a rare opportunity to join a small but ambitious charity at an exciting stage of development.

You’ll have:

• Real ownership and autonomy within your role
• The opportunity to help shape and grow a developing fundraising function
• Close working relationships with the CEO and leadership team
• Flexibility and hybrid working arrangements
• The chance to build meaningful partnerships across Oxfordshire
• Opportunities for progression as the organisation grows

We are intentionally investing in fundraising, partnerships and long-term sustainability, and this role offers the opportunity to help build strong relationships and community support around an ambitious, evidence-led charity with significant future potential.

We are a collaborative, supportive and purpose-driven team that values initiative, professionalism, creativity and compassion.

Role purpose

We are seeking an energetic, proactive and relationship-focused fundraiser to help grow Quest for Learning’s community, corporate and partnership fundraising activity.

This role will focus primarily on building relationships and developing opportunities with local businesses, community organisations, schools, supporters and wider networks across Oxfordshire.

We are looking for someone who enjoys meeting people, building partnerships and creating opportunities through strong communication and relationship management. The successful candidate will help raise the profile of Quest for Learning, strengthen supporter engagement and contribute to a more diverse and sustainable income base.

This is a role for someone who is motivated by people, partnerships and meaningful social impact.

Alongside this role, Quest for Learning is also recruiting for a trusts and grants fundraising role. We are open-minded about how responsibilities are ultimately structured and welcome applications from candidates with a range of backgrounds, experiences and strengths.

You will work closely with the CEO, programme staff and trustees, with access to strong impact data, established programmes and a compelling case for support.

Key responsibilities

Community and partnership fundraising

• Build and develop relationships with local businesses, community groups and supporters
• Identify and develop opportunities for corporate partnerships, sponsorship and community fundraising
• Represent Quest for Learning at meetings, networking events and community activities
• Develop and maintain relationships with local organisations including schools, Rotary clubs, WIs, businesses and civic groups
• Support the development of fundraising campaigns, partnership opportunities and supporter initiatives
• Help grow Quest for Learning’s visibility and supporter network across Oxfordshire
• Work with the CEO and trustees to identify and cultivate new opportunities and introductions

Supporter engagement and stewardship

• Build positive and professional relationships with supporters and partners
• Ensure strong communication and stewardship with supporters
• Help supporters and organisations engage meaningfully with Quest for Learning’s mission and impact
• Support the development of compelling fundraising messaging and supporter communications
• Gather and share stories, outcomes and examples of impact with supporters and partners

Organisational contribution

• Contribute to the ongoing development of Quest for Learning’s fundraising function and systems
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation
• Represent Quest for Learning professionally and passionately to external audiences
• Contribute ideas and insight to support organisational growth and sustainability
• Maintain accurate records of partnerships, communications and activity within Beacon CRM

Person specification

We recognise that strong fundraisers and partnership-builders do not always come from traditional charity fundraising backgrounds. If you have transferable skills and experience in areas such as partnerships, account management, business development, communications, education, customer relationships, sales, marketing or community engagement - and are excited by our mission - we would strongly encourage you to apply.

Essential

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Confidence building relationships with a wide range of people and organisations
• Ability to work independently and proactively
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Strong written communication skills
• Confidence representing an organisation externally
• Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively
• Commitment to the mission and values of Quest for Learning
• Experience in relationship-building, partnerships, stakeholder engagement or supporter-facing work

Desirable

• Experience in fundraising, partnerships or business development
• Experience within education, children’s services or related sectors
• Knowledge of the Oxfordshire community or business landscape
• Experience working within a small charity or growing organisation
• Experience supporting events, campaigns or community engagement activity
• Experience using Beacon CRM or similar systems

What success in this role looks like

Successful performance in this role is likely to include:

• Building strong and sustainable community and corporate relationships
• Increasing Quest for Learning’s visibility and supporter engagement
• Developing new partnership and fundraising opportunities
• Growing unrestricted and partnership-based income
• Strengthening supporter stewardship and community presence
• Contributing to the growth and professionalisation of Quest for Learning’s fundraising function

As Quest for Learning grows, we expect this role to develop too, with opportunities to shape strategy and take on increasing responsibility over time.

Who thrives at Quest for Learning

People who tend to thrive at Quest for Learning are:

• proactive and solutions-focused
• motivated by meaningful impact
• comfortable working independently while collaborating closely with others
• excited by helping build and improve systems and processes
• confident building relationships and engaging with people
• adaptable, thoughtful and motivated to grow professionally alongside the organisation

Working arrangements

• 0.5 FTE with flexible working arrangements
• Hybrid role combining home working with one regular day or half-day per week in Abingdon/Oxfordshire
• Regular travel across Oxfordshire for meetings and events
• Flexible working patterns can be discussed

Benefits

• Flexible and hybrid working
• Pension contribution
• TOIL policy
• Supportive and collaborative working culture
• Professional development opportunities
• Opportunity to help shape a growing fundraising function within an ambitious charity

Application process

To apply, please submit:

• your CV
• and a short statement (maximum one page) explaining:
  • why you are interested in the role
  • and how your skills and experience relate to the role

We encourage applications from candidates with both traditional and non-traditional fundraising backgrounds.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Chris Higgins, CEO

Closing date: midday, Tuesday 30 June
Interviews: week commencing 6 or 13 July