Senior officer (strategic communications jobs

We are looking for a new CEO to lead Surrey Community Action into a bright and exciting future, where the voluntary sector and communities of Surrey are helped to survice and thrive.

Surrey Community Action

Chief Executive Officer

35 hours per week, mostly office based but with some scope for working remotely.

Based in Burpham, Guildford, Surrey

The role is subject to a satisfactory DBS check.

£62,000 for a 35-hour week

5% employers pension contribution

25 days annual leave plus three days over Christmas

Employee Assistance Programme

About Surrey Community Action

Surrey Community Action supports Surrey’s voluntary sector, the diverse communities of Surrey, and other organisations who seek to work with either. We ensure that non-voluntary sector stakeholders understand the value of our sector and how to work together to achieve shared objectives. We provide services to Surrey’s voluntary sector that increase their effectiveness or fill gaps in their capability, capacity, and resilience. Services to the Surrey’s Communities and we provide services directly to Surrey’s communities that support community action and address unsupported needs.

About The Role

We are seeking a new Chief Executive to join us at an ideal time to complete and implement our emerging new strategy and direct Surrey Community Action into a bright future.

As Chief Executive Officer, you will have the scope and authority to shape strategy, influence policy, empower Surrey’s voluntary sector, and champion rural communities, working closely with a committed Board, and experienced staff team.

You will be the organisation’s lead ambassador, building trusted relationships with partners, funders and decision‑makers, and ensuring the organisation’s voice is heard at local, regional and national level.

You will also play a critical role in leading change and transformation within the charity - strengthening systems, diversifying income and evolving how the organisation works so it remains resilient, relevant and impactful in a fast‑changing environment.

This is a role for someone who enjoys balancing big‑picture thinking with practical delivery, and who can bring people with them through periods of transition.

If you are motivated to improve the capability, capacity and resilience of the Surrey’s voluntary sector, communities and residents; if you thrive in complex and changing stakeholder environments; and if you are excited by the challenge of leading an organisation through its next phase of growth and influence, this role is for you.

No two days will be the same, but there are some core parts of this role.

• Strategic Leadership & Organisational Direction
• You will lead the delivery of a clear, compelling organisational strategy, adapting it in response to an evolving operating environment and ensuring the organisation remains agile, future‑focused and well positioned within the voluntary and community sectors.
• Board Partnership & Governance
• You will work collaboratively with the Board of Trustees, providing high‑quality insight, advice and assurance on strategy, finance, risk, governance and compliance, and then supporting effective Board decision‑making through clear reporting, analysis and professional guidance.
• Leadership of People & Culture
• You will lead, inspire and support the staff team through a transparent, inclusive and empowering management style, creating a high‑performance culture rooted in trust, accountability, equality, diversity and wellbeing.
• Change Management & Organisational Development
• You will be a skilled change manager, leading transformation in response to evolving funding landscapes, policy shifts, technology and community needs, designing and implementing systems, structures and processes that strengthen organisational effectiveness and resilience.
• Ambassadorial Role, Advocacy & External Relations
• You will be the public face of the organisation, representing it with credibility, passion and authority, and building strong, influential relationships with funders, partners, policymakers, communities and stakeholders.

About You

The purpose of the Chief Executive Officer’s role is to guide and plan the strategic development and overall direction of the organisation, providing strong leadership and co-ordination to ensure the aims, strategic objectives and priorities of the organisation are achieved.

To do this, we need someone who embodies the following attributes, skills and experience.

You will have:

• Senior leadership experience within a voluntary, community, public or values‑led organisation, with accountability for strategy, performance and resources.
• Proven experience of working effectively with a Board or trustees
• Demonstrable success in leading and managing organisational change, including restructuring, service development or cultural transformation.
• Experience in fundraising, income generation and business development
• Experience of financial leadership, including budgeting, financial planning, income generation and managing funding agreements or contracts.
• A strong track record of external engagement, partnership working and representation at senior level.
• People management experience, supporting a compact team delivering diverse projects.
• Excellent communication skills (including social media) and governance literacy.
• It will be a distinct advantage to have familiarity with Local Government Reorganisation and devolution, ideally in a county like Surrey.

You will be:

• Motivated, motivating and dynamic
• An effective communicator (including social media) with good network contacts, especially in the VCSE sector and across local government
• A strong team builder, able to develop, encourage and support colleagues in making the most of their experience and skillsets and to feel confident in their abilities
• A visionary leader who is able to embrace and manage change through strategic creativity and innovation, while also able to pay attention to detail when necessary.
• Ideally, you will also be able to demonstrate understanding of charity governance, compliance and safeguarding.
• Calm and confident under pressure with an evidence-based approach to prioritising finite resources.

These attributes, skills and experience will make you stand out, but even if you do not match all the criteria below, we still want to hear about you and what you can offer.

The Nuts and Bolts

The role is a permanent contract for 35 hours per week, mostly office based but with some scope for working remotely.

Our offices are in Guildford, Surrey

We are committed to continued professional development and will support you to develop your skills even further.

The role is subject to a satisfactory DBS check.

The salary for this post is £62,000 for a 35-hour week.

We also offer:

• 5% employers pension contribution
• Employee Assistance Programme
• 25 days holiday with an additional three days between Christmas and New Year, as well as all English Bank Holidays

We can only accept applications from candidates with the right to work in the UK.

Context and Purpose of the Role

After five years of dedicated leadership, GROW’s Managing Director is moving on. We are now seeking an exceptional, values-led leader to guide GROW through the next phase of our 2030 strategy and help realise our ambition to become a movement-shaping force within agroecology.

GROW is entering a pivotal stage of growth. Our focus now is on strengthening team capacity, centring community voice, developing pathways to leadership and employment, deepening hyper-local networks, and contributing more visibly to the agroecology sector.

With strong financial foundations, a committed team, and a long-standing partnership with a progressive secondary school, this is a rare opportunity to lead an organisation uniquely positioned at the intersection of farming, education, and community action.

The Managing Director will provide clear strategic direction and overall leadership, ensuring GROW remains responsibly-governed, financially resilient, and grounded in its agroecological values. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, they will nurture and inspire a multidisciplinary team of 16 employees and freelancers, strengthen key partnerships, and guide the organisation’s continued development and impact.

Job Title: Managing Director
Reports to: Board of Trustees
Salary: £48,000-£53,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full Time, 40 hours per week (9am-5pm with 1-hour paid lunch break)
Location: Hybrid. Minimum 3 days a week on site at The Totteridge Academy, Barnet Lane, N20 8AZ (more days on site expected for the first 3-6 months)
Pension: GROW participates in the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) pension scheme and contributes 3%.
Benefits: 30% off all GROW Farm produce, annual training budget, subsidised lunches, and a generous holiday allowance of 28 days plus bank holidays.
Probation period: 6 months

GROW is a site-based organisation, and our farm sits at the heart of everything we do. We are looking for a Managing Director who is as comfortable talking with students, volunteers and visitors as they are shaping strategy and leading the organisation’s future. This is a role for a thoughtful, adaptable and hands-on leader who can hold the big picture while staying closely connected to our farm, outdoor programmes and the communities we work alongside.

Leadership at GROW is practical, relational and rooted in place. One day you might be gathering feedback from our Student Board of Advisors, listening to how our programmes are working for the young people who shape them. The next, you might be at the farm stall chatting with local community members selling jars of GROW’s homemade pickles. The Managing Director helps ensure that these everyday moments remain central to the organisation.

The successful candidate will lead a small, committed team of 16 staff, nurturing a culture that is collaborative, knowledgeable and grounded in our values. They will guide GROW’s strategic direction while staying attentive to the daily rhythms of farm and school life that make it a vibrant place for learning, growing and connection. 

Trustees recognise the breadth of this role and are committed to strengthening the organisation’s operational capacity. An early priority for the new Managing Director will be to shape and secure support for an additional capacity-building role that complements their leadership and enables GROW to thrive in the years ahead.

1. Strategy, Governance & Risk

• Provide overall leadership and strategic development of the charity.
• Oversee and report on organisational performance to the Board of Trustees quarterly.
• Ensure charity policies and legal guidelines are up to date, clearly communicated, and embedded in everyday culture.
• Ensure statutory filings (e.g. Charity Commission, Companies House) are accurate and timely.
• Maintain and regularly review the organisational Risk Register and report key risks and mitigations to the Board.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, including charity law, employment law, data protection, health & safety, safeguarding, and environmental regulations.
• Lead on crisis management and serious incident reporting.
• Prepare high-quality written reports for Board and sub-committee meetings.
• Advise Trustees on strategic opportunities, risks, and sector trends. Support Trustee recruitment, induction, and development.
• Enable Trustees to fulfil their governance responsibilities effectively.
• Engage relevant professional expertise where appropriate to support decision making. 

2. Operations, Education & Farm

• Ensure operational resilience, deputising and covering critical functions during staff absence.
• Work closely with Education Leads to develop the quality of our educational
• programmes, ensuring they align with agroecological principles.
• Ensure thorough Risk Assessments are completed, communicated, and
• implemented for all activities and programmes.
• Support the income generation strategy for the Farm.
• Support the Farm Manager with infrastructure development, including planning permission applications.

3. Finance & Fundraising

• Act as the main point of contact for the charity’s accountants.
• Develop and oversee organisational budgets, leading annual budget-setting and ongoing monthly, quarterly, and forecast reviews.
• Develop and deliver the annual income generation and fundraising strategy with the Head of Fundraising.
• Oversee effective impact reporting with the Head of Fundraising.
• Develop and implement plans to improve cost-efficiency.
• Support the completion of large and complex fundraising bids.

4. Partnerships

• Act as the main point of contact for GROW’s key partner, The Totteridge Academy (TTA), and the Academy Trust, United Learning, to ensure the partnership is effective and positive.
• Build and develop partnerships with schools, youth services, local authority, community growing networks and organisations to support the long-term development of educational programmes and participant recruitment and local environmental impact.

5. Marketing & Profile

• Oversee the charity’s overall marketing and communications strategy.
• Retain strategic oversight of all core marketing and communications, including the press opportunities, charity’s website, printed materials, and promotional content, ensuring that GROW’s voice, values, and impact are communicated clearly and consistently.
• Build and enhance the charity’s public profile through events, speaking engagements, and external representation.

6. People, HR & Safeguarding

• Manage and support the team to effectively perform their roles and develop within GROW, ensuring staff are fully trained and confident with organisational policies.
• Lead the recruitment and onboarding of all staff in line with Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and Safeguarding policies, and Safer Recruitment best practice.
• Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead and ensure compliance with any safeguarding requirements set by partner school, The Totteridge Academy.
• Be rigorously mindful of child safeguarding at all times, embedding safeguarding policies in everyday culture and remain up to date with relevant legislation and training.
• Oversee HR processes including appraisals, performance management, and professional development.
• Develop progressive internal systems, policies, and training that promote a fair, inclusive, and supportive workplace, grounded in our agroecological principles.
• Ensuring the organisation is GDPR compliant and acts as the Data Protection Lead.

7. Values & Culture

• Act as a role model for GROW’s guiding agroecological principles and organisational values in all internal and external relationships.
• Create a supportive, nurturing, high-trust culture in which staff and freelancers can thrive.
• Champion a culture of reflection, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
• Centre community voice in decision making, governance, and organisational strategy

Direct reports:
Farm Manager
TTA Education Lead
Senior Facilitator
Head of Fundraising
Freelance Programme Leads

This job description is not exhaustive; as a small and evolving charity, flexibility is essential and all staff are expected to take a hands-on approach and support wider organisational needs where required.
 

Person Specification

Essential Personal Qualities

• Strong alignment with GROW’s mission, agroecological principles, and organisational values.
• Ability to lead and nurture a strong, cohesive, and collaborative team intuitively
• and with empathy.
• Resilient and adaptable.
• Calm under pressure.
• Collaborative by nature and solution-focussed in approach.
• Strong commitment to inclusive working practices and social justice.

Essential Experience

• Significant experience working in a Senior Leadership role within a not-for-profit,
• education, and/or environmental sectors.
• Experience of building and maintaining successful partnership work, for example
• with farms, schools, local authorities, funders, and/or community organisations.
• Significant experience of managing and developing staff and freelancers in a
• small team.
• Proven ability to lead organisational strategy and translate it into operational plans.
• Experience working with, and reporting to, a Board or governing body.
• Experience of financial management, including budgets, forecasting, and working with accountants.
• Track record in contributing to fundraising, including securing major bids.
• Strong understanding of governance, compliance, and risk in a regulated environment.
• Experience of safeguarding within an education, youth, or community context.
• Understanding of legal, progressive and inclusive HR systems and policies.
• Ability to develop and oversee marketing and communications that clearly articulate organisational mission, build community engagement and support financial sustainability.
• Demonstrable experience handling and reviewing legal documentation, including contracts, leases, and formal agreements.

Essential Skills & Abilities

• Strategic thinker, able to see and drive forward the “big picture” while managing operational detail.
• Skilled and inclusive people manager, able to motivate, develop, and challenge others.
• Excellent, adaptable and confident communication skills.
• Ability to prioritise and manage a broad and competing workload.
• Effective decision-making and ability to work independently with accountability.
• Strong relationship-builder with credibility across diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to lead teams through change and uncertainty.
• Strong organisational and administrative capability.
• Sound judgement and a high level of discretion when handling confidential or sensitive matters.

Desirable

• Experience or knowledge of agroecological farming.
• Experience working with local councils, schools, academy trusts, and authorities.
• Knowledge of charity and regulatory frameworks.
• Knowledge of the local Barnet area.

EVERYONE IS WELCOME

At GROW we’re committed to creating an inclusive workplace. All qualified and eligible applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, gender identity or expression, race, national origin, religion or belief,
disability, age, sexual orientation or pregnancy and maternity. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and identities, especially those who are under-represented in the charity and food growing sectors. This includes, but is not limited to, people from the global majority, neurodivergent individuals, and those with a range of lived experiences. 

We’re committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of our community and brings a rich mix of perspectives, skills, cultures, and ways of thinking.

The role

We are seeking an experienced and values-driven Chief Operating Officer to support our non-clinical operations.

Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will:

• Lead governance, compliance and risk management
• Ensure adherence to all regulatory and statutory requirements
• Drive operational performance, efficiency and continuous improvement
• Support delivery of strategic objectives and organisational growth
• Lead business continuity and organisational resilience planning
• Act as Data Protection Officer
• Work closely with Trustees, NHS partners and external stakeholders

This is a key senior leadership role, critical to ensuring safe, effective and sustainable service delivery.

About you

You will bring:

• Significant senior leadership experience in an operational role
• Strong expertise in governance, compliance and risk management
• Experience within a regulated environment (e.g. charity, healthcare, public sector)
• Strong strategic thinking with the ability to deliver operationally
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills

Why join us?

• A supportive, values-led organisation
• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference every day
• Generous annual leave (plus birthday off)
• Pension, EAP and life assurance
• Free on-site parking

Safeguarding & inclusion

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All roles are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS where appropriate.

We welcome applications from underrepresented groups and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.

First Step Trust is a charity and social enterprise with over 30 years’ experience supporting people who are furthest from the labour market to gain skills, confidence and move into employment.

We combine social impact with commercial enterprise, delivering training programmes, social enterprises and innovative virtual reality learning tools that create real opportunities for disadvantaged learners.

We are now looking for a Head of Commercial to lead the next stage of our growth.

This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for driving commercial income across our social enterprises and developing new revenue streams, including the commercial licensing of our virtual reality training products.

You will oversee a portfolio of social enterprise businesses, supporting project managers to increase sales, improve performance and ensure the businesses are operating effectively. Alongside this, you will identify and develop new commercial opportunities, partnerships and routes to market.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will play a key role in shaping the organisation’s strategy and helping us achieve our ambition that 60% of our income will come from commercial activity by 2030.

We are looking for someone who brings strong commercial acumen and a proven track record of generating income, alongside the ability to lead and develop teams. You will be comfortable working at both a strategic and operational level, with the confidence to drive growth while maintaining a clear focus on social impact.

This is an exciting opportunity to take on a leadership role where you can shape commercial strategy, grow innovative services and make a real difference to people’s lives.

For full details of the role and how to apply, please see the recruitment pack.

Help shape the future of income generation at Alopecia UK. This newly created role offers a rare opportunity to build and lead fundraising at a small but ambitious national charity.

We are looking for a strategic and hands-on Senior Fundraising Manager to lead our next phase of income growth. As our first dedicated fundraising leadership role, you will develop and deliver a multi-year income strategy, strengthen existing income streams, and identify new opportunities to diversify and grow our fundraising.

Working closely with the CEO and colleagues across the organisation, you will play a central role in helping Alopecia UK reach more people affected by alopecia and ensure the charity’s long-term sustainability. This role offers the chance to combine strategy with delivery, innovation with implementation, and to see the direct impact of your work.

If you enjoy building, testing and growing income in a collaborative and mission-driven environment, we would love to hear from you.

Why this role matters

This is more than a fundraising leadership role. It is about shaping the financial sustainability of Alopecia UK, embedding a confident and ambitious income culture, and ensuring our impact is communicated with clarity, integrity and inspiration.

The successful candidate will help ensure that more people can access support, that our voice grows stronger, and that our mission is sustained for the long term.

Role description: Senior Fundraising Manager  (Full recruitment pack and application process is attached below.)

• Salary: £45,000 per annum, pro rata.
• Hours: Part-time (22.5 hours per week, flexible, during normal UK working hours we would consider a contract with fewer hours for the right candidate.  All of our team work Monday mornings to ensure connectivity.)
• Contract type: Permanent
• Report to: Chief Executive
• Home-based: This role will include occasional national travel for team meetings.

Strategic leadership

• Lead the development and implementation of a multi-year income generation strategy aligned to Alopecia UK priorities.
• Work across the organisation to ensure fundraising activity is fully integrated with operational delivery, partnering closely with the finance, communications and delivery managers to align plans, resources and messaging, and to ensure shared initiatives are realistic, coordinated and achievable.
• Translate insight from your experience and our recent fundraising strategy review into clear, achievable plans.
• Set and monitor ambitious yet realistic income targets across income streams.
• Responsibility for achieving the fundraising targets and other fundraising-related performance indicators.
• Embed a positive fundraising culture across the organisation.
• Manage and review all fundraising income and expenditure budgets.

Income growth & diversification

As a part-time role within a small charity, the postholder will need to carefully prioritise income-generating opportunities alongside stewardship and relationship management. In year one, a key focus will be establishing effective donor pathways through the rollout of our new CRM, ensuring supporters experience clear and meaningful journeys with the charity. Alongside this, the Senior Fundraising Manager will assess and determine which early opportunities for growth should be prioritised. While areas such as community fundraising, digital campaigns and regular giving are likely to offer early potential, the postholder will lead decisions on where to focus effort and investment to generate the strongest returns.

• Leverage and optimise existing community and public fundraising activity to increase income and supporter numbers.
• Develop and grow new revenue streams, to potentially include digital fundraising campaigns, regular giving, trusts and grants, and legacy giving.
• Lead creatively and intellectually on compelling campaigning initiatives that drive engagement and income.
• Provide excellent stewardship to ensure funders and partners feel valued, engaged and motivated to continue their support.
•  Widen our existing corporate partnerships programme by building mutually beneficial partnerships to deliver income, awareness, and engagement opportunities.

CRM

• Support the design and rollout of our first CRM system, working closely with the Finance & Operations Manager to design fit-for-purpose donor journeys and pathways, establish meaningful reporting frameworks and ensure data supports excellent stewardship and strategic decision-making.
• Use CRM data and financial information to track performance, analyse trends and adjust strategy as required.

Data & impact

• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, including ICO guidance, GDPR and the Code of Fundraising Practice.
• Work closely with the Finance & Operations Manager to ensure our data meaningfully represents organisational outcomes.
• Translate impact data into powerful, succinct and persuasive communications or compelling cases for support.

African Revival is a small, passionate charity based in Surrey. For more than 20 years we have been dedicated to building schools and improving access to education for children in some of the most disadvantaged communities in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Our vision is an Africa where every child has equal access to quality education, as we believe education is the key to overcoming poverty. Since 2005, we have worked with over 300 primary and nursery schools in Uganda, South Sudan and (until recently) Zambia, to allow over 120,000 children to fulfil their potential. We don’t just provide infrastructure; we empower whole communities — pupils, teachers, and parents — to transform schools into thriving learning environments that build brighter, better futures.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Executive Director to lead and grow African Revival. This is an opportunity for a hands-on charity leader to strengthen our operations and governance, build sustainable income through fundraising and partnerships, and help expand our impact for children and communities.

Key responsibilities

• Governance & operations: ensure statutory and other reporting requirements are met in the UK and overseas; establish and maintain appropriate policies and procedures; manage day-to-day organisational administration; coordinate and attend Board and committee meetings and prepare papers.
• Leadership & stakeholder management: build and maintain close working relationships with UK and in-country staff, volunteers, trustees, donors and partners; champion a positive, inclusive culture. Help shape the charity’s strategic growth and long-term sustainability
• Finance oversight: uphold rigorous financial controls in partnership with the Finance Manager; support budgeting and forecasting (e.g., cashflow, movement in funds, in-country budgets); approve expenditure and monitor budget versus actuals, keeping the Treasurer and trustees appropriately informed.
• Fundraising & external relations: lead the coordination and delivery of key fundraising activity (including major events such as our annual Ball and Golf Day); research and submit applications to trusts and foundations; act as a public representative and ambassador for African Revival.
• Programme support & impact: work with UK and in-country teams to identify priorities, design and cost activities, and monitor progress and impact; strengthen monitoring, evaluation and learning so we can evidence outcomes and continuously improve.
• Communications: oversee communications and reporting to donors and stakeholders, and support an engaging online presence across our website and social channels.

About you

Essential

• Senior leadership experience (in a charity, social enterprise, or non-profit organisation preferred but not essential).
• Proven ability to build and deliver fundraising activity (events, trusts & foundations, major donors and/or corporate partnerships).
• Strong operational and governance capability, including working effectively with a Board of Trustees.
• Sound financial oversight skills, with the ability to understand budgets, forecasts and financial controls.
• Excellent communication skills—able to represent African Revival credibly with donors, partners and stakeholders.
• Highly organised, hands-on and comfortable working in a small team with competing priorities.
• Commitment to safeguarding and to creating an inclusive, respectful working environment.

Desirable

• Experience in international development and/or working with partners in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Experience strengthening monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL/MEAL) and using impact evidence to improve programmes.
• Confidence using digital tools (including CRM, Microsoft 365 and social media) and interest in using AI responsibly to improve productivity.
• Willingness to undertake occasional overseas travel for monitoring and donor engagement.

This role offers the chance to play a leading part in creating educational opportunities for children who need them most—working with a committed Board, a dedicated UK team and experienced in-country colleagues.

African Revival is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. Appointment will be subject to appropriate pre-employment checks. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to equal opportunities. Applicants must be resident and have Right to Work in the UK.

Location: Camden (Head Office)/Hybrid

Salary: £44,052 - £46,770 per annum 

(Please note that applicants are usually appointed at the bottom of the relevant band based on fairness and our pay scales)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week 

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: Tuesday 21st April 2026

Closing Time: 00:00am

Are you looking for a rewarding role working for an intersectional feminist organisation? If so, we have an incredible opportunity for you to join our team as a Philanthropy Lead at Solace Women's Aid.  

You will be joining a team of committed and inspiring individuals whose dedication has saved the lives of thousands of women, men and children in the capital. We are looking for friendly and diligent individuals to join our services and help us make a difference.

Our core values reflect our history and were developed in consultation with staff and service users. Feminism and intersectionality are key to our work and we are committed to the principles of being survivor-led, trauma-informed, empowering, diverse, anti-racist and anti-discriminatory.

About the Service

Solace is embarking on a new five-year fundraising strategy, with ambitious plans to double fundraised income to £3m by 2031. This voluntary income plays a pivotal role in the financial wellbeing of the charity, enabling us to do more to support the thousands of women and children who come to us each year as a result of violence against women and girls.

Fundraising at Solace works closely with colleagues responsible for winning and managing statutory funding contracts, and is situated within the Business Development Directorate, alongside our award-winning Communications, Partnerships & Public Affairs teams. You will collaborate with colleagues within Fundraising – including Corporate, Individual Giving and Community – as well as across the organisation including senior leadership and Solace’s wider support and volunteer networks such as trustees and its lived-experience-led Shadow Board.

About the Role

Philanthropy has been identified as a key opportunity and will play a central part in future income growth. In this newly created role, you will lead the establishment and growth of philanthropy fundraising for Solace. Responsible for building and managing relationships with high-net-worth individuals, advisors, senior volunteers and trusts and foundations, you will use your entrepreneurship and excellent communication and influencing skills to secure and steward committed, high-value, mutually rewarding funding partnerships for Solace.

About You

You will be someone who is committed to the Solace values and is an experienced philanthropy fundraising expert who will embed best practice, and grow and nurture the relationships that drive sustainable income growth. As well as managing a portfolio of donors and prospects with major gift potential, you will work closely with colleagues and allies to build a culture of philanthropy.

We understand that you may not have all the knowledge, experience, and skills mentioned in the Job Profile Document. However, your interpersonal skills, passion to have a positive impact, commitment to our purpose, and ability to learn quickly and collaborate effectively will be equally important.

What we can offer you

We provide a comprehensive benefits package to all our employees, including:

• Flexible working
• Focus on learning and development (internal career progression and training)
• Generous holiday entitlement
• Employer pension contribution
• Family-friendly leave and enhanced maternity pay
• Access to Inclusion Networks
• Daily clinical debriefing
• Employee Assistance Programme providing free 24/7 support and advice
• Employee Benefits Platform offering staff discounts, benefits and savings
• Flow & Restore yoga classes
• Meditation sessions
• Cycle to Work Scheme

How to apply

When applying for this role, kindly highlight in your Supporting Statement how your values, knowledge, transferrable skills, and experience align with each point within the following sections of the Job Profile Document:

• Values, Behaviours & Competencies
• Knowledge, Experience and Skills

Solace Women's Aid values diversity, promotes equity, and challenges discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, abilities, perspectives, and lived experiences. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay, and benefits. Our Inclusion Networks support staff with protected characteristics and offer inclusive spaces to connect.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We anticipate and provide reasonable adjustments as needed and support employees who acquire a disability or long-term health condition, enabling them to stay in work.

This service is run by women for women and is therefore restricted to female applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, and Part 1. Section 7(2) e of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 apply. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

As part of safer recruitment practices, we carry out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and right to work in the UK checks.

No agencies.

Research Funding Officer (Operations)

18-month Fixed-Term Contract

Salary: £28,000 - £30,000 per annum, plus benefits

London N1

Full time – 37.5 hours a week 

We're a hybrid working employer, meaning you're required to come into the office at least 2 days per week currently Tuesday, and Wednesday or Thursday.

Closing date: 17:00, 15th April 2026

Interviews (in-person): w/c 27th April 2026

Second interviews: w/c 4th May 2026

Preventing cancer, saving lives

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to contribute to international research funding programmes and gain insight into how cancer prevention research is supported and delivered?

We are seeking a Research Funding Officer (Operations) to support the delivery of our research funding programmes, with a particular focus on the integration of the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) grant programme into the WCRF International portfolio. This is a fixed-term role for 18 months.

In this role, you will support the operational delivery of WCRF International’s grant programmes across both pre-award and post-award activities. You will contribute to the administration of grant calls, respond to applicant queries, process applications, support peer review and Panel meetings, and help maintain and develop our grant management system. You will also track research outputs, maintain grant records and contribute to internal reporting and analysis. 

You will have a relevant scientific background (e.g. nutrition, public health, cancer biology or a related discipline), with experience working in a research or administrative environment (ideally within academia or research management).You will have a strong analytical mindset and be comfortable working with data, systems and tracking processes, and be highly organised, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Strong communication skills and confidence interacting with a range of stakeholders is key as is being proactive, adaptable and able to work as part of a small, collaborative team.

This role offers an excellent opportunity for someone with strong organisational and analytical skills who enjoys working with data and complex processes. The postholder will gain a unique insight into the full research funding lifecycle, supporting both the pre-award and post-award stages of international grant programmes. Working closely with experienced colleagues across the Research Funding team, the successful candidate will develop a strong understanding of how research funding programmes are designed, delivered and monitored, while applying their scientific knowledge to real-world research projects. The role provides valuable experience in grant management, research administration and data analysis, offering a strong foundation for a future career in research funding and management, the charity or policy sector, or academic research.

Application Details:
If you are interested in this role and feel you possess the necessary requirements, please submit a current CV and covering letter (maximum 2 pages) by the closing date. You must have current right to work in the UK.

Please note: Your cover letter should highlight how your skills and experience will benefit WCRF International and equip you for the role.Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are only able to provide feedback to shortlisted candidates. If you do not hear from us within 14 days of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. 

"I can honestly say my three years at Settle have been the best years of my fundraising career." (outgoing Head of Fundraising and Senior Leadership Team member Penny Day).

100% of staff would recommend Settle as a great place to work.
95% of staff would agree that Settle is a welcoming and inclusive organisation. 

When young people in care turn 18, all the support they’ve relied on can fall away, literally overnight.  Suddenly, they have to navigate adulthood on their own. This would be tough for any teenager, even if they could fall back on their family for help. So it’s not surprising that two out of three care-experienced young people feel unprepared to leave care. Too many still don’t get the support they need to make it safely past this cliff edge.

Care leavers aged 18-21 are nine times more likely to experience homelessness than their peers.

Settle exists to change this. We’re an award-winning charity, supporting care-experienced young people as they move into their first home, so they can confidently transition into independent living, avoid eviction and homelessness, and establish the foundations they need to thrive in adulthood. We are on a mission to end homelessness among care-experienced young people.

With our current Head of Fundraising leaving us to go travelling, we’re seeking someone new to help us achieve this ambition. You’ll have a lot to build on. Over the last three years, we’ve grown our income dramatically, and diversified our funder portfolio. We have strong relationships with our committed and supportive funders, underpinned by an organisation-wide commitment to fundraising.

This is a crucial role for Settle, and you’ll have the support you need to excel. In 2025, we grew our fundraising team from one (this post) to three. You’ll take on the leadership of an engaged and enthusiastic team, increasingly responsible for day-to-day management of trust and foundation fundraising. As well as inspiring the team to great things, you’ll have the opportunity to develop and deepen our relationships with philanthropists and high net worth individuals. You’ll have active support and engagement from me and the Board, with regular opportunities to involve trustees in your work.

As we head into future years, you’ll lead the development and delivery of our next fundraising strategy. We’re proud of our welcoming, inclusive and collaborative culture. We’re committed to staff wellbeing, with regular socials and time away as a team, and four wellbeing days every year on top of generous annual leave. You’ll play a key leadership role in fostering this culture and shaping Settle as we grow.

If this opportunity sounds as exciting to you as it does to us, we’d love to hear from you. We are also happy to share more about our fundraising so do request this when you get in touch. 

We’d love to hear from you if:

✷  You are passionate about making a significant contribution to our mission to end homelessness among care-experienced young people, and want to use your skills to help Settle reach more young people

✷  You are an outstanding communicator, with excellent storytelling skills in person and in writing, and the ability to craft and share a compelling vision and case for support

✷  You’re a strategic thinker with excellent analytical skills and the ability to translate strategy into clear decisions and action

✷  You are a values-driven leader, committed to bringing out the best in your team and supporting them to stretch and develop

✷  You are self-motivated and organised, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines, and maintain progress while responding to emerging opportunities

✷  You are financially literate and able to work effectively with numbers and financial information

✷  You are willing and able to support managers in other teams, cover for other members of Settle’s Senior Leadership Team when necessary, and play a wider leadership role in the organisation

✷  You are dedicated to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion into all areas of your work

EXPERIENCE NEEDED FOR THIS ROLE

ESSENTIAL

✷  Significant track record of raising funds from trusts and foundations

✷  Experience of securing major gifts, donations or grants from high net worth individuals or family foundations

✷  Experience of building and maintaining strong relationships with funders or other senior external stakeholders

✷  Substantial experience of preparing funding applications and reports

✷  Experience of line managing and leading high performing teams, with the ability to coach, motivate and develop others

✷  Experience of developing and effectively delivering strategy

DESIRABLE

✷  Knowledge of youth homelessness, the care system or other relevant issues facing young people

✷  Experience of leading a growing team or contributing to organisational growth

BENEFITS

✷  Scope to take real ownership of a key strategic priority in a fast-growing charity

✷  Flexible working arrangements

✷  40 days paid leave per year: 25 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, 3 days between Christmas and New Year and 4 personal wellbeing days

✷  Regular 1:1s with the Chief Executive and active support of the Senior Leadership Team and Board for Settle’s fundraising strategy

✷  Strong commitment to professional development with a dedicated individual training budget and a line manager dedicated to supporting your growth

✷  Annual performance and pay progression reviews

✷  Up to 6% pension contribution

✷  Cycle to work scheme

✷  Employee Assistance Programme offering free therapy

✷  Work phone and laptop

✷  A supportive and inclusive culture with regular team social events and annual all staff away day

MORE KEY INFO

Hours: The hours are full-time (35 hours per week) preferred, with attendance at funder events outside core hours as needed from time to time – part-time will be considered for the right candidate but we envisage at least 0.8FTE / 28 hours per week

Location: Hybrid working between our office in London Bridge and working from home – our standard expectation is at least 2 days a week of contact time (in the office, funder meetings or events). We have a monthly in person team meeting on a Wednesday, and hold our monthly SLT meetings in person on a Tuesday. 

Flexibility: Settle is committed to flexible working and will work with the successful candidate to agree mutually positive working arrangements

HOW TO APPLY

Charlotte Wilmot at Eardley Wilmot is managing this appointment on our behalf and will be delighted to support you with your application. Please send your CV together with any questions to her directly in the first instance.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and a member of the Care Leaver Covenant. We are actively trying to increase the diversity of our workforce and we encourage applications from people from minoritised ethnic backgrounds. Please see our website for more information on our approach to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

We also guarantee an interview for care-experienced applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role because we want to increase the representation of lived experience in the team.

We aim to make the interview process as accessible as possible so please do not hesitate to let Charlotte know if you require any reasonable adjustments.

The closing date for the role is Friday 17 April with interviews taking place in the week commencing 27 April.

We really look forward to hearing from you!

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced events professional to join the Living Wage Foundation team as an Events Manager. You will be responsible for developing, delivering, and supporting the team with innovative events to promote the Living Wage movement, support the existing employer network, increase public support for fair pay and encourage Living Wage accreditation.

You will be responsible for our annual Champion Awards ceremony and organising parliamentary events, roundtables and webinars for our network of employers and beyond, as well as providing strategic oversight of events at our annual Living Wage Week in November where we celebrate Living Wage Employers nationwide with multiple events.

The ideal candidate would be an energetic and organised events manager, with strong project management skills, the ability to communicate with senior stakeholders internally and externally and the skills to establish strong relationships. They would have experience running online and in-person events with clear objectives and connecting them to organisational strategy.

This post will be joining a Communications team that spans events, media, digital communications and research, with colleagues based across the UK with monthly in-person team meetings. They will be responsible for the line management of the Events Officer. They will report to the Senior Media & Communications Manager.

Person Specification

(D) Desirable, (E) Essential

Experience

· Experience managing in-person and online events (E)

· Experience communicating effectively with senior stakeholders (E)

· Experience using project management tools. (D)

· Experience using Microsoft 365 apps including Loop and Planner (D)

· Experience of line management (D)

Key skills and knowledge

· Knowledge of risk management protocols (E)

· Project management skills (E)

· Monitoring and evaluation skills, including analytical skills and ability to evaluate the impact of an event (E)

· Excellent attention to detail  (E)

· Ability to build strong relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders (E)

· Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders  (E)

· Excellent planning, organisation, and prioritisation skills, including the ability to manage competing demands and deal with unforeseen issues  (E)

· Good IT skills, including experience using Microsoft 365 apps (D)

· Knowledge of marketing and communication best practice (D)

· Creative thinker and problem solver (E)

Personal qualities & values

· An interest and enthusiasm for planning strategically aligned events, and the mission of the Living Wage Foundation (E)

· Highly self-motivated with ability to work well independently as well as part of a team (E)

· A commitment for Diversity and Inclusion (E)

In this exciting and challenging new role, you will be working with colleagues, local partners, communities and businesses to develop and implement the Fundraising strategy for Age UK Milton Keynes.  You will source and manage income from a variety of funding streams, including trusts and foundations, corporates and community fundraising, including legacies.  We are looking for an experienced, creative and ambitious fundraiser.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Research, develop and implement multiyear fundraising strategy and annual plans in order to meet income targets.

• Attendance at events, speaking on panels and pitching to organisations.

• To provide appropriate support to partners and donors by building strong relationships with an exceptional level of customer care so they feel valued and continue to support the charity for many years.

• To ensure efficient use of resources, at all times, to enable further growth in activity and income to achieve targets.

• Develop and create, with support from colleagues and volunteers, PR content for social media and website.

• Ensure accurate data is collected and analysed, and that this is kept accurate, confidential and secure in line with legal requirements and AUKMK’s policies.

• Ensure all the legal requirements for events and community fundraising are in place and adhere to the Fundraising Regulators Code of Fundraising Practice and charity law requirements.

• Always Work within the values and policies of AUKMK.

Shape public policy. Safeguard professional standards. Lead a profession towards the statutory recognition it deserves.

Not every Chief Executive role involves influencing government, protecting professional standards and occasionally resolving a registrant query before the end of the day.

After seven years, Mike Orlov is retiring as Chief Executive and Registrar of the National Register of Public Service Interpreters. The Board is now seeking a successor who can continue strengthening the organisation and raising the profile and importance of professional interpreters working across public services.

NRPSI is the independent voluntary regulator and national register for public service interpreters in the United Kingdom. It sets professional standards, upholds accountability and provides assurance to public sector organisations, including the Ministry of Justice, the Metropolitan Police and NHS bodies, in settings where interpreters are relied upon in critical situations.

In these environments, clear communication is essential. When it fails, the consequences can affect legal outcomes, safeguarding decisions and, in some situations, lives.

The organisation is entering an important moment in its development. The House of Lords Public Services Committee’s 2025 report on interpreting services in the courts has brought renewed national attention to the role that professional interpreters play across justice, policing and healthcare. At the same time, NRPSI continues to advance the longer-term ambition of statutory regulation and protection of title for Registered Public Service Interpreters.

As Victor Olowe, Chair of NRPSI, puts it: “This is an important moment for NRPSI and for the wider profession, particularly following the House of Lords 2025 report and the government’s commitment to address some of its key recommendations.”

As Chief Executive and Registrar, you’ll engage with senior stakeholders across government and public services while leading a specialist, long-standing team responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Register and the standards that underpin it.

Drawing on your experience, you’ll help shape the organisation’s next stage of development and strengthen the role NRPSI plays in safeguarding the public through professional interpreting standards.

The Role

Stepping into this role, you’ll be accountable to the Board for the governance, strategic direction and operational leadership of the organisation.

This is a hands-on leadership role, working closely with the Chair and Board to shape the organisation’s strategy and priorities, while ensuring the Register continues to operate with credibility, integrity and independence.

You’ll have direct responsibility for the integrity of the Register itself. This includes oversight of registration, renewals, complaints and disciplinary processes, as well as responsibility for ensuring the organisation’s Code of Professional Conduct and regulatory framework remain robust and fit for purpose.

With your experience, moving between strategic and operational ground will come naturally to you. One week you may be engaging with senior civil servants or government departments about the importance of professional interpreting standards. The next you may be reviewing operational processes, supporting your team in the delivery of the Register’s core functions or ensuring the organisation’s financial position remains sustainable.

Your team works mainly remotely and are all long-standing, dedicated and experienced, responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Register. Working in a remote-first environment, continuing a culture of collaboration, accountability and professional development while ensuring the organisation continues to deliver high standards of service is high on the list of priorities.

Externally, you’ll act as the senior voice of NRPSI. What does this mean in reality? Engaging with stakeholders across justice, policing, healthcare and central government, representing the organisation’s perspective clearly and authoritatively. This could include contributing to sector discussions, building relationships with policymakers and making the case for why professional interpreting standards matter to public safety and effective public services, or posting on LinkedIn and social channels, giving updates or hosting town halls for registrants.

The role also sees you supporting the organisation’s longer-term ambition of achieving statutory regulation and protection of title for Registered Public Service Interpreters, a goal that will genuinely benefit from the right leader’s credibility and persistence.

Financial sustainability also sits within your remit. NRPSI is funded through registration fees paid by interpreters, and you’ll oversee the organisation’s finances while ensuring resources are used effectively to deliver its strategic priorities. Alongside this, you’ll maintain oversight of operational systems and processes, identifying opportunities to improve resilience, efficiency and the effective use of digital tools.

The Person

This is a role that calls for someone who has operated at senior or director level within a charity, not-for-profit organisation, professional body, regulatory organisation, membership association or comparable public service environment.

Someone who understands the responsibilities that come with leading an organisation whose work centres on professional standards, governance and public protection, and who brings the credibility, judgement and experience required to engage effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders including government departments, public sector organisations, registrants and sector partners.

A collaborative, trust-based leadership style will be just as important: someone equally comfortable exercising independent judgement as they are balancing strategic thinking with practical delivery in a specialist organisation where both are needed in equal measure.

You’ll bring most of the following:

• Senior leadership experience at director level or above within a charity, professional body, membership organisation, regulatory body or public service environment
• Experience influencing government policy or engaging with commissioners of public spending
• Experience developing or improving regulatory, registration or accreditation processes
• The ability to represent an organisation clearly and confidently in public, including engaging with senior civil servants, sector stakeholders and the media
• Financial literacy and experience overseeing organisational budgets and sustainability
• Experience developing and delivering strategy and operational plans
• Confidence using digital systems, data and communication platforms to support organisational priorities
• Understanding of, or experience in, a registrar or equivalent function within a professional, regulatory or standards body, including accountability for the integrity of registration processes and criteria

Desirable

• Familiarity with public affairs, policy engagement or advocacy work would be advantageous, as would exposure to justice, policing, healthcare or public service environments.
• Experience navigating politically sensitive or contested professional environments, including managing public criticism, would also be beneficial.
• A second language would be welcomed.
• Above all, you’ll share a commitment to the public interest and the role professional interpreting plays in ensuring fair access to justice and public services.

A full candidate pack providing further information about the organisation accompanies this ad.

Key Information

NRPSI is working with Michelle Paoloni, Director at House Recruitment, on this appointment.

To apply, please submit a current CV and a supporting statement of no more than two pages outlining your relevant experience, where you saw the role advertised and what has prompted you to apply.

• Applications close at 5pm on Friday 10 April 2026.
• Discovery conversations with House Recruitment will take place on a rolling basis.
• Final interviews will be held in person in London on Wednesday 29 April 2026.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

NRPSI is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds and are committed to ensuring a fair and inclusive recruitment process.

Healthwatch Brent, Westminster and RBKC

Healthwatch was set up in 2013 to champion the rights of health and social care users, and hold the health and social care system to account for how well it engages with the public. During 2026/27 these services are preparing for transition while continuing to build on their legacy.

Healthwatch’s remit covers all publicly funded health and social care services for adults and children.

Healthwatch Brent, Healthwatch Westminster and Healthwatch Kensington & Chelsea are three of 152 local Healthwatch organisations. The Advocacy Project Hosts three services. We’re building on the important work that’s been done to date,  planning for the future while bringing new insights from the voices of seldom heard and hard to hear groups.

About the role

Are you an accomplished Health and Social care manager looking for a new exciting challenge?  Are you adept at managing teams and services through change? Passionate about the role of independent voice and the value of lived experience in the NHS?  The Healthwatch senior manager role is for you.

As Healthwatch senior manager for The Advocacy Project you will play a central role in shaping the strategic and operational management of our Healthwatch services. This includes direct support to Healthwatch managers in Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea, and Brent, ensuring that the services are inclusive, effective, and of high quality.

Key responsibilities

• To Provide strategic management for effective, inclusive and high quality local Healthwatch.
• Supporting the 3 advisory boards to be at their most effective during this period.
• Working with the CEO to engage with the ICB and other stakeholders to plan for next steps
• Make sure the work of HW Westminster (HWW), HW Kensington & Chelsea (HWRBKC) and HW Brent (HWB) conforms to all required principles, objectives and statutory obligations, and meets all contractual requirements between The Advocacy Project (as host organisation) and the local authorities.
• Line management of HW managers in each borough.
• Provide leadership to make sure the patient and public voice is heard across health, social care, in a continuously changing external environment.
• Working with managers in each borough, make sure HWB, HWW and HWRBKC involve the local community, particularly seldom heard groups, in influencing local and national policy and are responsive and sensitive to the needs of community groups with protected characteristics.
• Be available to represent The Advocacy project, HWB, HWW and HWRBKC at all strategic governance and external meetings with key stakeholders, liaising with nominated Board leads regularly.
• Support local managers to develop the services to respond to emerging trends and needs, while keeping abreast of Healthwatch England best practice to continually enhance the quality of the service.
• Develop effective partnerships with key staff in health and social care services.
• Work with local managers in each borough to ensure all projects are informed and influenced by local communities and strategic partners.
• Support the effective planning and resourcing of project work, working to Healthwatch England best practice guidance.
• Ensure that project plans and intended outcomes are clearly communicated to key stakeholders.
• Work with the shared Insight and Outcomes Analyst to make sure quality systems are effective and used to demonstrate the Healthwatch service is achieving outcomes and impact,and meeting key performance indicators.
• Ensure that lived experience and service user involvement is embedded in all evaluation.
• Provide reports to key stakeholders, including The Advocacy Project Trustees,  Commissioners, Advisory Boards, Health and Wellbeing Boards and Healthwatch England demonstrating our impact.
• dentify funding opportunities and work with The Head of Business Development to support funding bids.
• Work with the borough Communications leads to make sure all relevant internal and external stakeholders receive relevant, timely and up-to-date communication about all Healthwatch projects.
• Keep up to date with current trends in health policy, service provision, current practice and matters concerning people as citizens, by reading, attending courses and networking.

General responsibilities

• Participate in team meetings, training and organisational development.
• Contribute to monitoring reports.
• Keep to our policies, including health & safety, safeguarding and risk regulations.
• Work to our mission, vision, and values.
• Work flexibly to meet the needs of the service, in line with the changing local and national landscape and carry out other projects and tasks as needed.

Person specification

Essential

• Excellent knowledge of and experience of working at a high strategic level with the health and social care system and the voluntary and community sector, in particular Healthwatch.
• Thorough understanding of user engagement, community development, user involvement, and co-production principles and practice.
• Comfortable and capable of engaging with senior leaders in Health and Social Care both on a one-to-one basis and at strategic meetings such as scrutiny boards.
• Experience of managing through periods of change and uncertainty
• Experience working with diverse communities and tackling discrimination and inequality.
• Relevant experience in project delivery and evaluation, including data gathering and analysis, or training in research methods, statistics, or data analysis.
• Significant leadership or line Management experience including managing, developing and motivating a staff team.
• Experience in contract management and compliance.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills. Effective in working with a wide variety of stakeholders ranging from trustees, commissioners, partners, colleagues, and local residents.  
• Excellent organizational skills; ability to work on own initiative and plan and prioritize own workload.
• Experience managing a budget.
• Commitment to working within The Advocacy Project and Healthwatch code of conduct, equality and safeguarding policies.
• Willingness to attend further training as appropriate and to adopt new procedures.
• Willingness to promote Healthwatch and The Advocacy Project in line with our mission, vision and values.

Desirable

• Experience working with volunteer boards and high caliber volunteers.
• Evidence of ongoing personal development and training related to the role.
• Detailed knowledge of NHS systems
• Understanding the public health challenges in Westminster, RBKC, and Brent.
• Experience working with senior managers in public sector bodies.

Benefits of working for us

We’re committed to providing an empowering, flexible and supportive working environment for all our staff.

Our employee benefits include 30 days annual leave (including up to 3 days between Christmas and New Year), participation in a pension scheme with 6% employer contribution, access to a free confidential counselling service, and an interest-free travel/bike loan.

All our staff are supported to learn and develop in a variety of ways, including a monthly lecture series where we invite sector experts to talk to our staff on topical issues.

Our client, The Centre for Transforming Access and Student Outcomes in Higher Education (TASO) is an affiliate What Works Centre, and part of the UK Government’s What Works Movement. Their vision is to eliminate equality gaps in higher education (HE). Their mission is to improve lives through evidence-informed practice.

​TASO was set up in 2019 and became an independent charity in April 2021. Their work focuses on the generation, synthesis and dissemination of high-quality evidence about effective practice in widening participation and student outcomes. They primarily focus on developing and disseminating causal evidence.

​Role:

​The Chief Research Officer will ensure the smooth and successful delivery of TASO’s Research & Evaluation programme, with overall responsibility for TASO’s Research and Evaluation budget. This will involve managing the staff involved in these functions to deliver TASO’s research, evaluation, synthesis and evidence mobilisation activities to time and within budget.
 
Working closely with the Chief Executive, the postholder will help shape TASO’s overall strategic direction and translate this into a clear programme of research and evaluation activity. They will lead and manage the teams responsible for research and evaluation to ensure that TASO’s strategies are delivered effectively on time and within budget.
 
The role includes overseeing the delivery of TASO’s research programmes, ensuring compliance, managing research funding rounds, and maintaining strong oversight of subcontracted work. The Chief Research Officer will also oversee the development and implementation of TASO’s evaluation strategy, including the commissioning and monitoring of evaluations and the effective functioning of governance mechanisms such as the Research Sub-committee and Evaluation Advisory Panel.
 
Working with the Chief Executive and Head of Communications, they will ensure a strategic approach to communications, dissemination and stakeholder engagement, strengthening awareness and uptake of TASO’s work across the sector. The postholder will champion the quality, accuracy and transparency of TASO publications and act as a credible and respected voice for robust service research and evaluation.

Key objectives:

• Act as overall in-house lead on all TASO research and evaluation activities, upholding methodological standards to ensure the production of high-quality casual evidence
• Plan and oversee TASO’s research and evaluation programmes, including ensuring adherence to all relevant procurement, legal and ethical requirements, delivery of research funding rounds and effective management of research and evaluation partners
• Take overall responsibility for the TASO research and evaluation budget, including budget allocation, forecasting, monitoring and reporting
• Lead resourcing and budgetary planning and reporting for the research and evaluation team
• Oversee the quality, accuracy and transparency of TASO research and evaluation publications
• Oversee the running of the Research and Evaluation subcommittee of the TASO Board to ensure effective scrutiny of the Research and Evaluation programme and a clear line of support for the Board to understand our work
• Act as ambassador and leader of TASO, speaking at external events about the TASO Research and Evaluation programme
• Provide line management for team members, with overall leadership for a team of seven
• Work with the Chief Executive to develop and monitor TASO’s overall strategic direction, and to translate this strategic direction into the effective operations and activities of the organisation
• Lead on work to mobilise Research and Evaluation outputs (e.g. through events, publications and stakeholder engagement) via effective liaison with the Communications team.

​Candidate:​

Education/qualification and training
Essential

• Undergraduate degree in relevant discipline PhD or Masters level qualification with evidence of applied research

Knowledge/skills
Essential

• Overseeing and managing research projects, including scoping, planning, delivering and reporting, and quality-assurance
• Confident and clear written and verbal communication, and the ability to review and edit others’ work in line with organisational style
• Considering and synthesising complex information into formats that are useful to a wide range of stakeholders, including senior managers, practitioners and the lay public.

Desirable

• Budget planning and monitoring
• Coordinating and influencing diverse stakeholders to deliver strategic. priorities, including building positive relationships and convening forums where stakeholders can be briefed and issues surfaced.
• Understanding of widening participation and/or student success agendas.

Experience
Essential

• Designing and implementing rigorous quantitative impact evaluations, including randomised controlled trials, difference in differences, regression discontinuity, and propensity score matching, particularly applied to policymaking
• Applying academic research to real-world problems
• Line and project management of staff with a range of development needs, including developmental coaching and performance management
• Managing multiple projects and competing demands.

Desirable

• Commissioning and overseeing external research providers
• Developing and delivering capability-building presentations and workshops for professional audiences.

Personal characteristics/other requirements
Essential

• Committed to evidence-led decision-making
• Determined, resilient and optimistic approach to work
• Able to advocate for robust evaluation and build enthusiasm and capacity in non-expert collaborators. ​​

Apply:
​
Please review the Job Pack for full details.

​To apply, please send of a copy of your CV together with a separate personal statement (maximum 2 sides of A4) outlining why you’re interested in the role and how you meet the person specification, to Tim Hamilton-West at Whiton Maynard, via the link below. 

Please note that you must already have the right to work in UK to apply for this role.
 
Closing date: Monday 13 April (1pm)

​As specialist recruiters we are committed to building inclusive and diverse organisations, and welcome applications from all sections of the community.​