Senior policy research officer jobs

Date posted: 15 June 2026

Salary: £41,641 with excellent benefits

Contract type: Permanent, full time

Hours per week: 37.5 hours per week. All staff are required to work in person for a minimum of two days per week, in line with our hybrid working policy. The post-holder may be required to undertake some work outside normal working hours.

About the Health Foundation
Health is our most precious asset. Good health enables us to live happy, fulfilling lives, fuels our prosperity and helps build a stronger society. Yet good health remains out of reach for too many people in the UK, and health and care services are struggling to provide access to timely, high-quality care.

The Health Foundation is an independent charitable organisation with a mission to build a healthier UK. We work to achieve this by generating high quality research and analysis; developing practical solutions to the biggest problems in health and health services; engaging, convening and building coalitions to build understanding, inform debate and drive action; and developing the long-term capability needed to transform health and care.

Our values
We expect everyone who works with us to be committed to our values and to share our commitment to becoming a more diverse and inclusive organisation. Our values are impact, evidence, integrity, and collaboration. You can read more about them in our five-year strategy. We also expect everyone to share our commitment to becoming a more diverse and inclusive organisation and to help deliver our EDI Strategy.

About the role
The Governance Officer will work closely with the Head of Governance to support the effective and efficient functioning of the board of governors, its committees, the Foundation’s subsidiary company, Medtrust, and other aspects of corporate governance. The role sits within the Company Secretary’s team, which is responsible for the Foundation’s governance, compliance, risk and assurance processes.

The post-holder will provide high-quality secretariat and governance support, helping to ensure that agendas, papers, minutes, forward plans, governance records and key meetings are accurate, timely and delivered to agreed standards. They will also support governance meetings and events, maintain governance systems and registers, assist with policy and regulatory compliance processes, contribute to governance learning and effectiveness work, and provide administrative support to the People Forum.

Deliver high-quality governance and secretariat support for the board and its committees, including agendas, papers, meeting support, minutes and forward planning. This will include providing the secretariat for at least one committee and supporting the Head of Governance with the effective administration of the overall governance structure.
Plan and coordinate in-person, hybrid and virtual governance meetings and events, including board meetings, committee meetings, governor information sessions, awaydays and board dinners.
Maintain accurate governance systems, records, trackers and registers, supporting transparency, compliance and effective governance assurance.

Support the operation of governance frameworks, including policy reviews, delegated authority processes, declarations of interest, hospitality and gifts, governors’ grants, and regulatory filing requirements.
The successful candidate will have experience of supporting senior managers, governors, trustees or committee members; excellent organisational skills; strong written and verbal communication skills, including accurate minute-taking; and confidence using tools such as Microsoft Office, Acrobat and Teams to support governance or administrative work to a high standard.

How to apply
Our priority is to find the right individual for each opportunity. We are dedicated to building an inclusive workplace that values diversity and invite you to find out more.

If you would like to apply, please submit your CV and answer the application questions below. Please try to limit your response to each question to no more than 300 words.

1. Please tell us why you are interested in working for the Health Foundation and in this Governance Officer role.
    
2. Please briefly describe the experience, skills or knowledge you would bring to supporting effective governance, committee or senior-level meetings, and how would you build positive working relationships with senior stakeholders?
    
3. Please give a brief example of how you have organised information, records, meetings or processes accurately and efficiently in a previous role.

 
Our commitment to equality, inclusion and diversity
We are committed to an inclusive hiring process, where every candidate has the chance to showcase their unique skills and experience in an accessible and supported environment, to ensure that we can make the best appointment for each opportunity on merit. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage those from underrepresented groups in this field to apply to us. We have identified three key areas to improving diversity. Our aim is to achieve a more balanced representation across our organisation, with a particular focus on increasing the number of women in leadership, enhancing the representation of people from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds and welcoming more people with disabilities. As part of this commitment, we strongly encourage applications from these groups.

Apply to join our team and let's work towards building a more diverse and inclusive workplace together. If you require any support through this process, please contact us. Help us work together to make the recruitment process and potential future employment more accessible and enjoyable for you.

Closing date: Sunday 28 June 2026 23:59

Interview / Contact date: TBC

Cerebra is the national charity dedicated to improving the lives of children with neurological conditions and their families. We provide vital research, support, and practical solutions that empower families facing complex challenges.

With an annual income of £3 million and a headcount of 68 employees, we have ambitious plans to double our income between 2025 and 2027, ensuring we can extend our impact, reach more families, and drive real change. To achieve this, we are investing in fundraising innovation, income generating ventures, and strategic partnerships, alongside enhancing our brand to increase our national recognition.

Our work is underpinned by our values ensuring that everything we do aligns with our mission to create a better world for children with neurological conditions.

This is an incredibly exciting time to join Cerebra, as we are preparing to launch our new strategy and brand. The COO is a vital leadership role that will support the drive towards even greater impact for children and families across the UK.

Our Services

Sleep Advice Service

Cerebra understands that if you have a child that doesn’t sleep, the whole family suffers. Many children with neurological conditions suffer from disrupted sleep. Our sleep advice service provides bespoke advice and support so that everyone can get a good night’s sleep.

Legal Rights Service

Our Legal Rights Service provides help and support to families of children with neurological conditions when they are faced with barriers and difficulties in accessing statutory support services they are entitled to. The service provides information on their legal entitlements.

Book and Toy Library Service

Our specialist postal lending library contains a wide range of books for both adults and children, plus a selection of sensory toys specifically chosen for children with a neurological condition.

Innovation and Product Design Service

Our Innovation Service designs and builds bespoke products that cater to the specific needs of children with neurological conditions. The aim of the service is to make products that are desirable and exciting, therefore promoting social inclusion, peer acceptance and enabling children to participate in everyday activities that are so often close to them.

Information Products

Cerebra publishes different information products to help families with a child with a neurological condition. Our information products offer comprehensive, up-to-date support and research-driven strategies to assist families with a wide range of issues.

Buzgi and Toy Adaptation Service

Cerebra designs and builds bespoke assistive equipment for disabled children, this includes creating custom mobility aids, switch‑adapted toys, and other innovative solutions to help children access play, learning, and independence.

The Bugzi - a mini powered wheelchair for children offers many children their first experience of independent mobility. It uses either a joystick or switches and adaptable seating for complex needs, and helps develop spatial awareness, confidence, and early mobility skills. The Bugzi is available through a national loan scheme.

Additionally, we operate commercial services (including a web shop) to supplement our income to support children and their families.

Our services are provided to families free of charge.

Job Title:

Chief Operating Officer

Reports To:

Chief Executive Officer

Direct reports:

3 senior managers (Finance (headcount of 3), HR (headcount of 1), IT (headcount of 5))

Purpose of the Role:

The Chief Operating Officer will play a vital role in supporting the Chief Executive Officer, Board and Leadership Team to deliver Cerebra’s vision and ambitious strategic aims. The Chief Operating Officer will provide strategic leadership and operational management across key areas within Cerebra including:

• Operational Systems
• Governance
• Compliance
• Finance and Growth

This is a pivotal executive leadership role, responsible for driving organisational performance, sustainability and growth. The COO will translate Cerebra’s strategic ambitions into effective operational delivery, ensuring robust governance, financial stewardship and a high-performing, values-led culture.

As a trusted advisor to the CEO and Board, the COO will lead core operational services and commercial activity, enabling the charity to maximise impact and generate sustainable income in support of its charitable objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Executive Leadership

• Partner with the CEO and Board to deliver strategic priorities, growth and long-term sustainability
• Collaboration with the Director’s Group to ensure strategic alignment across the charity. The Director’s Group consists of:

            Chief Executive Officer

            Chief Operating Officer

            Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications

            Director of Research and Support Services

• Provide expert advice on finance, operations, commercial performance and organisational risk
• Lead organisational planning, business continuity, and operational resilience
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability and inclusion

Finance, Commercial & Sustainability

• Lead financial strategy, planning and performance, ensuring long-term sustainability
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, cashflow and financial controls
• Lead and develop Cerebra’s strategy for commercial income , ensuring alignment with charitable objectives
• Support funding growth through strong financial insight and business case development
• Ensure robust financial governance, audit and compliance

Operations & Infrastructure

• Lead and strengthen operational functions including HR, IT, governance and administration
• Ensure effective systems, processes and infrastructure that enable growth, efficiency and impact
• Oversee procurement, contracts, facilities, and organisational compliance
• Drive innovation and value for money across operations

People & Culture

• Champion a positive, inclusive and high-performing organisational culture
• Oversee HR strategy, workforce planning and leadership development
• Ensure compliance with employment law and best practice
• Promote wellbeing, engagement and organisational effectiveness

Digital & Technology

• Provide strategic oversight of IT, data and digital development
• Ensure systems are secure, resilient and aligned to organisational needs
• Leverage data and technology to improve insight, decision-making and organisational impact

Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Ensure effective governance frameworks, risk management and regulatory compliance
• Support the CEO and Board with high-quality reporting and strategic insight
• Lead safeguarding, data protection and organisational risk strategy
• Drive a strong culture of accountability and ethical practice

Leadership & Management

• Lead and develop a small senior team across finance, HR and IT
• Build capability, strengthen performance, and embed a collaborative culture
• Model Cerebra’s values and leadership behaviours

Key Attributes

• Strategic and commercially minded leader with strong operational delivery experience
• Strong financial leadership and business acumen
• Proven track record of driving income growth, sustainability and organisational performance
• Skilled in governance, risk and stakeholder engagement

Please see attached job description for the Person Specification.

About the role

You’ll be responsible for the day-to-day contact with healthcare professionals and NHS Trusts so that breast cancer patients get the right support at the right time. Here for You provides people diagnosed with breast cancer personalised and timely access to all of Breast Cancer Now’s trusted information and specialist support via a single healthcare professional referral.

You’ll build and enhance the relationships we have with NHS Trusts and healthcare professionals so that the referral route to Breast Cancer Now is integrated into their processes and procedures. You’ll also work with colleagues across the support and influencing directorate, as well as contributing to our monthly reporting.

About you

We’re looking for someone with excellent communication and presentation skills, who is comfortable with multi-tasking and being proactive. You’ll be highly organised, with the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

You’ll be experienced in building positive relationships with colleagues and external partners alike.

Job description and benefits

The job description and our attractive benefits are available for you to download.

Primary location of role and hybrid working

This role can be primarily based in our London or Sheffield office. Our hybrid working model allows you to work up to 3 days per week at home.

The salary range is:

£28,000 to £29,000 per annum if Sheffield based

£30,00 to £31,000 per annum if London based

When applying

We hope you choose to apply for this role. Please refer to the essential criteria on the person specification and clearly provide as much information as you can with examples, to demonstrate how and where you meet the criteria. 

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

We’re committed to promoting equity, valuing diversity and creating an inclusive environment – for everyone who works for us, works with us, supports us and who
we support.

Closing date: Friday 3 July 2026, 09.00am

We reserve the right to close this advert early. Therefore, to avoid disappointment please submit your application as soon as possible, if you’re interested in this opportunity.

Interview date: Tuesday 21 July 2026

Harris Hill is delighted to be partnering with a leading national charity to recruit a Senior Content and Development Officer, for a 12 month maternity cover contract.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a respected national charity dedicated to improving the lives of carers across the UK. You will play a key role in supporting research and project delivery, developing engaging digital content, and managing the accreditation process for a successful employer benchmarking scheme that helps organisations better support carers in the workplace.

As Senior Content and Development Officer;

• support the development and delivery of content on the charity’s digital platforms
• ensure a high-quality experience for organisations participating in the accreditation programme
• lead the newsletter development and delivery
• maintain and update content on the website
• collaborate across teams to support a range of internally and externally funded projects.

We are looking for an organised and proactive individual with strong research, communication and project coordination skills. You will be confident managing multiple priorities, maintaining accurate records and databases, developing written content, and building positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. Experience of working with CRM systems, content management systems and digital platforms is essential.

In return, you'll join a welcoming, supportive and inclusive organisation that is committed to employee wellbeing and flexible working. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your skills while contributing to meaningful work that creates positive change for carers and their families.

Benefits include:

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Generous annual leave entitlement, rising with service
• Additional paid leave between Christmas and New Year
• Paid carers leave
• Two paid volunteer days per year
• Comprehensive wellbeing support, including counselling and health benefits
• Family-friendly policies and inclusive employee networks
• Annual staff conference, social events and regular team engagement activities
• Enhanced pension contribution

If you're a strong communicator with excellent organisational skills and a passion for delivering high-quality services, we'd love to hear from you.

• Salary £37,955
• 12 month maternity cover FTC, full-time hours.
• This is a hybrid role, with an expectation to attend the London office at least one day a week.

Closing date- For the full job pack, and more information, please apply today. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

Senior Programme Officer (Temporary)
Location: Hybrid working, 2 days per week in London
Contract: 4-month temporary position
Rate: £22.74 per hour

Deliver programmes that shape the future of research careers

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced programme professional to contribute to high-impact mentoring and leadership initiatives that support researchers to thrive.
Joining a purpose-driven organisation, you will take a lead role in delivering structured programmes designed to widen participation, support career progression, and promote inclusive leadership across the research community.
If you bring strong programme delivery experience, confidence working with senior stakeholders, and a passion for supporting professional development, this role offers the chance to make a meaningful and visible impact.

About the role

You will be responsible for delivering mentoring and leadership programmes, ensuring a high-quality experience for participants and stakeholders.
This will include:

• Leading the coordination and delivery of mentoring and leadership programmes
• Organising and delivering workshops, training sessions and events, both online and in person
• Managing relationships with external consultants and facilitators
• Supporting participants through mentoring processes, including onboarding and engagement
• Using CRM systems to manage data, monitor programme uptake and produce reports
• Building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders across academic, research and professional communities
• Developing and producing programme materials, guidance and communications
• Supporting newsletters and website content updates
• Monitoring programme performance and contributing to evaluation and reporting
• Contributing to wider team priorities and organisational initiatives

About you

You will bring a strong track record of delivering programmes or initiatives within a structured, stakeholder-focused environment, alongside a genuine interest in research, higher education, or professional development.

This role is particularly suited to candidates with backgrounds in:

• Higher education, research organisations, charities, policy or not-for-profit sectors
• Programme or project delivery roles, particularly those involving training, events or career development initiatives
• Stakeholder engagement roles, working with academic, clinical or professional audiences

You are likely to succeed in this role if you:

• Have end-to-end experience delivering programmes, events or structured initiatives
• Are confident engaging with senior stakeholders, including academics, researchers or external partners
• Have experience using CRM systems (such as Salesforce) to manage data, track engagement and report on outcomes
• Are highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail
• Have produced communications, reports or guidance materials for professional audiences
• Take a proactive approach to improving processes and participant experience
• Enjoy working collaboratively and are motivated by supporting the development of others

You will stand out if you:

• Have supported mentoring, leadership or EDI-focused programmes
• Have worked with external facilitators or consultants to deliver learning or development activity
• Have insight into the research or academic career landscape, including challenges faced by underrepresented groups

Why join?

This role offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful, sector-leading work that supports researchers at critical stages of their careers.
You will be part of a collaborative and mission-led environment, where your work directly contributes to improving opportunity, representation, and progression across the research community.
Apply today!

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

Job Title: Senior International Safety and Compliance Officer

Location: Hybrid home and office based (London)

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Contract type: Fixed term – 11 months

Salary: £54,500 Gross Annual + 9% Employer Pension Contribution

Deadline: 17:00 (UK time) Tuesday, 6th July 2026

Conciliation Resources

Conciliation Resources (CR) is an independent international organisation working with people in conflict to prevent violence, resolve conflicts and promote peaceful societies. We believe that building sustainable peace takes time. We provide practical support to help people affected by violent conflict achieve lasting peace. We draw on our shared experiences to improve peacebuilding policies and practice worldwide. We currently have over 80 full and part-time staff members, working mainly out of offices in the UK, Belgium, Australia, Philippines, Kenya, Ethiopia and Central African Republic. We work with over 100 locally-based and international partners worldwide.

Purpose and Job Context

The Senior International Safety and Compliance Officer is based in Conciliation Resources’ (CR’s) Core and Operations Department, and reports to the Chief Operating Officer. This Department provides support to CR’s three programmatic departments – the Europe/Asia Department, the Africa Department and the South-East Asia and Pacific Department, as well as to the Research, Advisory and Policy Department.

The purpose of the role is to ensure that standards are met across safety, security, compliance, governance, legal and assurance functions. This is an international role that works closely with those who have safety and compliance responsibilities in each department.

The role is expected to keep abreast of changes in operating norms within the sector, and to then consider how these apply to CR, ensuring updates to policies and procedures as needed. The role provides operational guidance and direct assistance to staff, as well as refining and maintaining support processes as needed.

Person Specification

Knowledge

• A good understanding of how international organisations in the not-for-profit sector operate across medium and higher risk countries, including specific areas of safeguarding, safety and security.

• A conceptual understanding of risk management, governance and contract management.

• Appreciation of issues of confidentiality, and cross-cultural and political sensitivity. 

Experience

Experience in the following areas is beneficial, though it is recognised that candidates are unlikely to have experience in all aspects:

• Operational administration, project management or similar

• Developing or adapting organisational policies and processes, collating input from a wide range of people and perspectives

• Planning, leading and managing investigations

• Working in a multicultural environment and developing relationships remotely

• Planning, running, and facilitating effective meetings and workshops

• Supporting teams with safety, risk or compliance implementation

• Working in the Not-for-Profit sector.

Skills/Attributes

• Strong organisational skills including planning, developing, implementing and maintaining administrative systems

• Proven ability to administer online databases

• Able to explain, advocate and express facts and ideas in a convincing manner, and negotiate with individuals and groups internally and externally.

• Initiative, enthusiasm and a problem-solving approach to new challenges

• Ability to work under pressure, prioritise competing demands and meet deadlines.

We're the UK's specialist blood cancer charity and our vision is clear: we’re here to beat blood cancer. We fund world-class research; provide information and support to patients and their loved ones; and raise awareness of blood cancer.

We’re looking for an experienced and influential Policy and Public Affairs Lead to drive Blood Cancer UK’s UK-wide policy and influencing work. In this pivotal role, you will lead and oversee a pipeline of policy and influencing content, and ambitious influencing strategies that put the experiences of people affected by blood cancer at the heart of decision-making. Working across Westminster and the devolved nations, you will build and maintain strong relationships with parliamentarians, government officials and key stakeholders, ensuring our voice is heard where it matters most and translating evidence and insight into meaningful policy change.

You will lead, support and develop a small team (two Policy and Public Affairs Officers: one focused on Scotland and Northern Ireland; the other focused on England and Wales). You will work closely with colleagues across the organisation to deliver integrated, insight-led influencing campaigns that shape national policy and improve outcomes for people with blood cancer. This is a highly collaborative and externally facing role, requiring confident engagement with senior stakeholders, clear and persuasive communication, and a strong commitment to involving people with lived experience in all aspects of our work. You will play a central role in ensuring Blood Cancer UK is a trusted and influential voice in health policy across the UK.

We are committed to actively promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity. In line with our strategy we welcome approaches from individuals from underrepresented groups, including minority communities, and applicants with a disability, to better reflect the community we serve and help broaden our perspectives.

Expected travel for this role includes attendance at the London office approximately 2–4 days per month plus regular attendance at external meetings 

Expected interview dates: 

First round (online): w/c 6th July

Second round (in person): w/c 13th July

Opportunity to contribute to a specialist think tank's leading-edge approach to integrating lived experience into reseach and policy influencing and support a growing migrant community of practice in Scotland.Migration Policy Scotland (MPS) is an independent charity. Our mission is to build a better migration future for everyone. We offer principled, effective solutions to confront the challenges and harness the benefits and opportunities migration brings. Our work combines learned and lived experience grounded in the realities of migration in Scotland.

MPS pioneers an approach that integrates migrant lived experience into research-driven policy influencing. With funding from The National Lottery Community Action Fund we are working to further develop and embed this area of activity and to grow our migrant community of practice. We are committed to support the work of our Migrant Lived Experience Panel. We will shortly be launching the first year of our new Capacity Building and Leadership Development Programme for migrants and migrant community organisations, alongside continuing to develop of our migrant community of practice.

We are seeking a part-time participation officer (0.3 FTE) to support our senior staff in the delivery of this important and ambitious work.

Potential candidates for this role are likely to have a background in community engagement and/or volunteer support and familiarity with social research methods. Preferably some of this experience will be in the migration sector. You may be seeking to combine this role with other third sector activities or be enrolled on an ongoing postgraduate degree programme. We are open to considering all applications that meet the ‘Essential criteria’ listed below. We welcome applications from people with lived experience of migration.

Job Description:

The participation officer will:

• · Support the development of a training offer to build capacity and leadership among migrants and migrant community organisations in Scotland.
• · Assist in the development and delivery of a bespoke curriculum and the organisation and running of training sessions.
• · Take a leading role in ensuring that the training offer is widely advertised to an appropriate audience and in the recruitment and selection of participants.
• · Design and assist in recording and analysing feedback and evaluation from training programme participants.
• · Provide ongoing engagement with and support to our Migrant Lived Experience Panel members.
• · Support a recruitment, application and selection process for a new group of Migrant Lived Experience Panel members.
• · Facilitate the co-development of projects through supporting inclusive communication and proactive engagement with prospective partners and participants, including through co-development workshops.
• · Contribute to the drafting of project proposals and funding applications.
• · Support the work of the Director and Associate Director in all aspects of the project, working as part of a small, busy team.

Further details are in the downloadable application pack.

Please submit your application via the CharityJob website.

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

Manchester Central Foodbank is a busy Trussell Trust-affiliated food bank, with centres in Central, North, and East Manchester. We were established in Ardwick in 2013 by students at the Manchester Universities’ Catholic Chaplaincy, making us the first student-led food bank in the country. Since then we have grown significantly, expanding our weekly sessions into Harpurhey and Openshaw.

Our core aims are to deliver the best quality support that we can to the largest number of our neighbours in need, while working with partners and influencing and organising at a neighbourhood and citywide level to reduce and end the need for food banks in Manchester.

We currently support 16,000 people per year with nutritionally balanced 3-day food parcels. This is double the number of people we supported in the first year following the Covid-19 pandemic, and four times the number supported in 2019. We also provide financial inclusion support with advice workers in public sessions, access to energy vouchers, SIM cards, and other voucher or material support. We coordinate across a network of 200 active front-line referral agencies with the aim of ensuring everyone who accesses our service has appropriate, specialised, and ongoing support alongside the material provision that we provide.

We are active leaders in anti-poverty organising and community development, as convenors of the citywide Building an Anti-Poverty Community collective and aim to be key shapers and influencers of new strategies and policies, working closely to support and influence local government, NHS, education and research agendas in Manchester and more widely building upon our track record of successful anti-poverty partnership work, social value impact and Parliamentary influencing. Our core values are: care, partnership, dignity, partnership, anti-stigma and rights-based.

Key responsibilities
As Chief Executive Officer you will be the key senior staff leader for the charity. You will lead the team to ensure they have the resources, frameworks, and support to effect smooth day-to-day running of our frontline support service. You will provide a strong business management focus, through supporting the financial process, overall metrics and reporting, day to day HR and input for the external Payroll Team, Health and Safety, appropriate working conditions, and strategic planning and communications. 

As the senior lead you will also facilitate and support the Board of Trustees to develop and lead strategic development objectives and plans for transformation, and ensure the delivery and implementation of the charity’s overall strategy and specific focused strategies. You will develop and manage strategic relationships with stakeholders including Council, NHS, and other statutory partners and funders, corporate and social value funders and partners, and high-value and donors. You will also plan and lead fundraising strategies. 

You will be a key external interface for our community and partners.  You will do this by:

Staff/Board Leadership and Governance:

• Line managing a current team of operations staff, including those supporting the recruitment, training, and management of a large team of volunteers. 

• Building team spirit and employee engagement and offer.

• Leading and delivering regular staff performance and development reviews.

• Developing and delivering robust metrics and reporting to the board and staff team, through consistent monthly and quarterly reporting packs to the board of trustees.

• Ensuring all staff and volunteers are familiar and engaged with the charity’s long-term goals and objectives, and know how their work helps to implement these on the ground. Leading the development of induction packages and ongoing offers for staff and volunteers. You will be responsible for writing, implementation, and update of institutional policies as needed to staff and volunteers.

• Leading targeted volunteer recruitment strategies to maximise core delivery capacity through volunteer roles and prioritise staffing capacity to core charity operations.

• Ensure policies are kept current.

• Ensure recording and management of absence/leave.

• Ensure Health and Safety aspects of all organisational operations are compliant, in collaboration with the Board sponsor.

• Manage day to day financial input, through the Xero app, and ensure accurate and up-to-date financial reporting for the Board/Treasurer. This includes administering monthly payroll requests.

• Oversee training and personal development plans for staff and volunteers, as appropriate.

• Working with the Chair of Trustees to implement the charity’s strategic plan and structural development objectives.

• Develop and implement ongoing plans and actions to ensure operationally-appropriate and safe office, warehouse, and working spaces.

• Lead on development, modelling, and maintenance of service delivery standards, quality control, and ensuring frontline teams have the appropriate resources, support, and frameworks to deliver high quality and consistent support offers.

Foodbank Management:

• Support the Operations and Project Lead to deliver the smooth running of food bank sessions across multiple centres, ensuring an excellent standard of service across all centres, and seeking to continually develop our service in line with our goals to support the largest number of people with the best support we can while working to reduce and end the need for food banks in Manchester.

• Develop and build a new Delivery Strategy with the Chair of Trustees and Operations and Project Lead.

• Support the Operations and Project Lead and Warehouse and Logistics Coordinator to safely store and maintain optimal stock levels, maximise food donation levels and reduce food spend, develop and maintain relationships with community donors, and record incoming and outgoing stock, with the aim of ensuring that all centres are well stocked to provide as many varied, balanced, and nutritious and culturally-appropriate food parcels as necessary.

• Ensure compliance with the procedures set out in Manchester Central Foodbank’s policies, the Trussell Trust’s Operating Manual, and relevant statutory requirements at all times.

• Ensure our food bank centres provide a safe and dignified environment for clients, free from discrimination, judgement, and stigma.

Strategy and External Relationships:

• Working with the Chair of Trustees on development, monitoring, and implementation of the core charity strategy and sub-strategies. Ensuring the involvement and participation of the food bank’s staff, volunteers, external partners, and service users in all strategic planning and decision making, where appropriate.

• Support the Operations and Project Lead to work build strong relationships with referral partners and wider community and statutory networks of collaborators and support to ensure that our service users are able to access the maximum amount of support before, during, and after accessing our service to minimise the length and severity of financial crisis, maximise their incomes, and provide pathways to ongoing and longer-term support.

• Play an active role in strategic and convening spaces around our city and neighbourhoods to present the foodbank’s approach, bring more partners into our network, and influence policy and funding frameworks.

• Develop and manage a Corporate Relationships and Social Value strategy, including communications, networking, and relationship management.

• Lead on directing the charity’s external communications, including social media, in person, newsletters, company visits, and other content.

• Manage internal communications, including developing and delivering two-way team briefings with the board and staff/volunteers, biannual town halls or away days with board members and staff/volunteers, newsletters, and an open and collaborative, person-focused, and developmental culture within the organisation.

About you

Essential Experience and Knowledge:

• 5 years’ experience of leading a similar profiled charity or organisation and successful Board interaction.

• Experience of leading successful transformation and change for a charity and a strong developmental mindset and focus.

• Have led a team of 5 or more staff members to successful performance, demonstrating experience of coaching and individual development skills.

• Experience in developing and leading successful and engaged volunteering programmes and support.

• Full valid driving licence. 

• Proven experience of leading the development and delivery of strategy and sub-strategies to successful conclusion and fashioning evidenced business cases for current and new development projects.

• Leading multiple complex projects or services, balancing the needs and interests of a range of stakeholders.

• Experience of implementing rigorous reporting and evaluation practices on operations.

• Experience of managing day-to-day financial administration and reporting.

• Evidence of delivering clear metric dashboards and reports.

• Experience of high-quality implementation of Health and Safety and Safeguarding policies and a leadership practice that centres care for staff, volunteers, and service users. Safeguarding lead qualification is desirable but will provide training if not.

• Demonstrable knowledge and experience in HR processes and management.

• Experience in building and delivering strategic plans.

• Proven experience of effective problem solving and responding to crisis situations.

• A good working knowledge of the social welfare and political landscape in Manchester – or demonstrable experience in similar expertise and networking and an openness to learn and develop sector-specific knowledge.

• A nuanced and sensitive understanding of the complex reasons people attend food banks.

Desirable Experience and Knowledge:

• Partnering with and building relationships with Council, NHS, and other statutory partners and funders, corporate and social value partners and funders, high net worth donors, and fundraising through grant applications and individual/community donors.

• Experience of working collaboratively with stakeholders from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, faiths, and views. 

• Experience of handling safeguarding incidents, follow-ups, and debriefs with staff, volunteers, and service users.

• Demonstrated success in delivering communications strategies for internal and external stakeholders, including social media and press content and campaigns.

Personal Skills and Attributes:

• An individual who embodies the values of Manchester Central Foodbank in their core professional practice and personal approach to their work.

• An empathetic and care-centred approach and the ability to centre the experience and outcomes of people from marginalised or socially-excluded backgrounds in core decision-making and prioritisation.

• A leader who takes ownership, accountability, and responsibility to drive an organisation and team forward with a developmental mindset.

• A highly self-motivated and proactive person who centres collaboration and consensus with the staff team, volunteers and Board of Trustees in their approach.

• Able to develop strategy and plans and translate strategy to actionable delivery and developmental projects.

• A high level of literacy and communication.

• A high level of numeracy and ability to analyse data.

• Strong leadership attributes to build engagement and performance with the team.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to motivate, persuade, and coach staff and volunteers.

• Excellent personal organisation skills and the ability to manage multiple conflicting priorities and deadlines.

We are recruiting for a Temporary Public Affairs Officer for a professional member body, you will need sound knowledge of the workings of government and parliamentary procedure, you will support the public affairs team in providing a timely, high-quality and professional public affairs service to deliver the organisations aim & objectives.

Hybrid working min 1 day in their London office

The Role
Support the public affairs team to develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in Westminster and Whitehall, particularly MPs and peers with an interest in health, and other national, regional, local and EU stakeholders
Research and develop briefings for stakeholder meetings at request of head of public affairs and senior public affairs officers
Produce parliamentary briefings and submissions
Supervise the public affairs monitoring service, providing daily monitoring support and research material, including monitoring Westminster, European institutions, and other relevant external stakeholders
Cascade monitoring information throughout the organisation
Collate information from a range of public affairs sources for circulation to senior members, relevant colleagues in the Engagement & Communications directorate, policy directorate and the wider teams - including summaries of relevant bills, reports, debates etc.
Provide analytical support to the public affairs team, including collating data on parliamentary/public affairs activity/performance

The Candidate
Previous experience in a parliamentary, political or public policy environment
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
Excellent political awareness and keen interest in politics
Strong research and analytical skills
Ability to prioritise and manage own workload effectively but also to be flexible and adapt/respond to emerging issues, short deadlines and other demands or challenges
Knowledge of legislative procedures and policy making processes - across national, regional, local and devolved government and European institutions
An understanding of health policy issues and the challenges and opportunities facing the health and other public sectors

IMPORTANT NOTE

Our aim is to respond to all successful applications within 5 days. If you havent been contacted within 5 days your application has been unsuccessful and your details will not be held further but we positively encourage you to apply for any other positions that you may see in the future.

We apologise that we cannot contact everybody in person but thank you in advance for your interest.

Third Solutions encourages applications from individuals of all ages & backgrounds. Appointment will be made on merit alone but candidates must be able to demonstrate their ability to work in the UK. Third Solutions acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment & an employment business for temporary recruitment as defined by the Conduct of Employment Agencies & Employment Business Regulations 2003.

We are looking for a Temporary Policy Advice and Support Officer to provide support to the committees, line managers and senior policy advisers for high profile member body. You will need extensive experience working with and supporting committees with drafting agendas, briefings, and minute taking.

Hybrid role , min 1 day in the London Office

The Role
Support line managers and senior policy advisers within the team, by undertaking research, analysis and draft written reports on policy issues specific to committee, as required
Contribute to the development of guidance and other materials to support members to comply with policy, regulations, legislation etc, as required
Produce drafts of committee updates
Contribute to the development of committee newsletters or other communications with members
Provide support to smooth running of committees within area of responsibility (including arranging meetings, collating/despatching agenda and papers, attending meetings, developing draft minutes for review, recording and following up completion to report back to committee) as required
Contribute to the development and delivery of the directorates business plan, performance indicators and risk management plan

The Candidate
Ability to grasp new policy concepts quickly to undertake research and analysis of policy issues
Ability to draft minutes, policy reports and briefings for review by line manager and/or relevant committee lead
Ability to provide support to ensure smooth running of committees
Ability to work flexibly, picking up new areas of work and responding to areas of need in a positive manner
Quick thinker ability to respond decisively to issues on the day of committee meetings (eg. IT failure, catering issues etc)
Experience of providing project support
Understanding of the associations dual roles as trade union and professional body
Personal resilience occasionally comes into contact with challenging member

IMPORTANT NOTE

Our aim is to respond to all successful applications within 5 days. If you havent been contacted within 5 days your application has been unsuccessful and your details will not be held further but we positively encourage you to apply for any other positions that you may see in the future.

We apologise that we cannot contact everybody in person but thank you in advance for your interest.

Third Solutions encourages applications from individuals of all ages & backgrounds. Appointment will be made on merit alone but candidates must be able to demonstrate their ability to work in the UK. Third Solutions acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment & an employment business for temporary recruitment as defined by the Conduct of Employment Agencies & Employment Business Regulations 2003.

Prospectus are working with a purpose led organisation operating at the intersection of financial services, public policy, and social impact. With a strong focus on data, transparency, and financial inclusion, the organisation plays an important role in informing policy, supporting responsible decision making, and contributing to wider societal outcomes. This is an exciting opportunity to join a high impact environment and help shape conversations that influence both policy and practice.

Reporting directly to the CEO, with close engagement with the Chair and wider Executive Team, the Public Affairs Officer will lead the organisation’s public affairs and policy activity. You will monitor and analyse legislative and political developments, helping to shape timely and informed responses, while designing and delivering advocacy and campaign strategies aligned to organisational priorities.

The role involves building and maintaining senior relationships across government, regulators, industry, and advocacy groups, as well as producing high quality briefings, consultation responses, and policy papers. You will also play a key role in translating complex data and research into compelling insights, supporting external communications, stakeholder engagement, and the organisation’s overall policy positioning.

The successful candidate will bring proven experience in public affairs, policy, or government relations, alongside a strong understanding of the UK political and legislative landscape. You will be an excellent communicator, with the ability to influence and build credibility with senior stakeholders, and demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills. A proactive, resilient, and adaptable approach is essential, as is the ability to manage multiple priorities and work both independently and collaboratively.

Experience in financial services, credit, or related policy areas, and confidence in campaigns, media engagement, or public speaking would be advantageous but is not essential.

If you are looking for a role with visibility, autonomy, and the opportunity to directly influence policy and stakeholder engagement at a senior level, we would be delighted to hear from you.  Please apply in the first instance and we will contact suitable candidates for further conversations. 

At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy/maternity. If you have any disability and require reasonable adjustment/s to any part of the process, then please contact Catherine Bunting at Prospectus.

£35,560 + Benefits

12 months’ fixed term maternity cover

London, UK (Hybrid – 50% office attendance)

We are looking for a Personal Assistant (PA) to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), to provide high-quality, confidential, and proactive executive support. You will be responsible for comprehensive diary and inbox management, coordination of meetings and travel, management of expenses, gatekeeping the CEO’s time, and ensuring the CEO is well-prepared through briefing and action tracking.

As PA to the CEO, you will work closely with the Chief of Staff, Briefing Hub Officer, and other relevant colleagues, to ensure the CEO’s meetings are appropriately supported with papers and briefings. You will also liaise with colleagues supporting the Academy of Medical Sciences’ President, to coordinate diaries where CEO and President activity intersects, and will manage sensitive communications with discretion and professionalism.

About the role

Executive, diary & inbox management:

• Provide proactive and complex diary management for the CEO, ensuring effective prioritisation and forward planning.
• Manage the CEO’s inbox, including monitoring correspondence, prioritising and responding where appropriate, and ensuring timely follow-up.
• Screen, triage, and manage incoming enquiries on behalf of the CEO, exercising sound judgement and discretion.
• Draft, prepare, and manage correspondence and documentation as required.
• Maintain accurate and well-organised electronic filing systems for the CEO’s office.

Gatekeeping, briefings & action tracking:

• Act as a gatekeeper to the CEO, balancing access, prioritising meetings, and advising on scheduling trade-offs.
• Work closely with the Chief of Staff, Briefing Hub Officer and colleagues to ensure meetings are appropriately briefed and supported.
• Track key actions arising from meetings attended by the CEO, ensuring follow-up occurs and deadlines are met, without owning delivery.
• Maintain awareness of protocol, managing sensitive communications and stakeholder interactions with discretion.

Meetings, travel & expenses:

• Arrange all travel and accommodation for the CEO, including itineraries and briefing packs.
• Coordinate virtual, hybrid, and in-person meetings, including booking rooms, managing technology (Microsoft Teams), and arranging catering.
• Prepare, submit, and track the CEO’s expenses in line with Academy policies, liaising with the Finance team as required.

Governance & corporate support:

• Provide administrative support to the CEO in relation to governance activity, including meetings involving the Academy’s Council Members, President, and Honorary Officers, as required.
• Liaise with PAs and administrative colleagues supporting the President to coordinate diaries, particularly where joint meetings or shared commitments arise.
• Support the coordination of CEO-related papers, briefings, and follow-up actions arising from senior meetings.

Corporate events & internal coordination:

• Support the planning and delivery of corporate events attended or hosted by the CEO. This could include the Annual General Meeting (AGM), New Fellows’ Admissions Day, named lectures, and other ad hoc events.
• Assist with coordination of all-staff meetings, senior leadership meetings, and cross-Academy activity involving the CEO.
• Provide diary and administrative support for ad hoc cross-Academy projects requiring CEO involvement.

Systems & information management:

• Maintain and update records within the Academy’s Customer Relationship Management (CRM) database (Salesforce), finance software (Iplicit) and other digital systems, as required.
• Support updates to internal systems and website content related to CEO or corporate activity, where appropriate.

Requirements

Skills, experience & abilities:

• Proven experience providing high-level PA or Executive Assistant support to a senior leader.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Confidence working with senior stakeholders and external organisations.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with discretion and sound judgement.
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office and CRM databases.
• Experience managing senior-level diaries, inboxes, travel, expenses, and briefing coordination.
• Experience in gatekeeping, action tracking, and protocol management.

Personal attributes:

• Highly organised, proactive, and calm under pressure.
• Discreet, trustworthy, and professional.
• Collaborative and confident working with senior colleagues.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities.
• Strong commitment to the Academy’s mission, values, and public benefit.

Benefits

We provide our staff with a comprehensive benefits package outlined as follows:

• Generous pension scheme with flexible contributions – we contribute between 8% - 13% of your gross salary (with employee contributions of 3% - 8%)
• Life assurance at three times your salary

• Hybrid and agile working.  50% office attendance.
• 26 days annual leave, plus Christmas closure days and bank holidays
• Buying and selling leave
• Family-friendly policies including enhanced maternity and paternity leave (subject to a qualifying period)

• Complimentary subscriptions to Headspace and Classpass to support your physical and mental wellbeing
• Support through tailored learning and development

• A range of enhanced benefits become available once you’ve completed your probation period

If you have any questions about this role, please contact the Chief of Staff, Lizzy Benedikz, by email.

For more information and to apply online, please visit our vacancies page. 

Closing date: 5.00pm on Monday, 22 June 2026.

Interview date: week commencing 6 July 2026.