Skills advisor jobs

“Providing free, independent, confidential and impartial advice”

Citizens Advice Southwark has a track record of delivering high-quality services from its offices in Peckham and Walworth and outreach locations across Southwark and South East London. We sort out problems together, for good, by providing free, independent, confidential and impartial advice across all areas of social welfare law, and through using the experience of our clients to bring about positive change through research and campaigns.

Generalist Advice Worker/Advice Session Supervisor or Trainee position

Salary scale: SO1 - £38,585 to £40,514 per annum

Full-time: 35 hours per week

Term: Permanent

Post funded by Southwark Council

This post is advertised as an exciting opportunity for an experienced Advice Session Supervisor (A.S.S) to consolidate their skills and experience or as a development opportunity for an advisor to train to become an A.S.S within six months of starting in post. If applying as a trainee the starting salary will be on NJC Scale 6 - £35,689 for the first six months whilst undertaking the training.

The post holder will be required to work across all of our offices and outreaches in Southwark according to operational needs.

The role includes:

• Providing advice to the public and undertaking casework on social welfare law issues
• Supervising advice and gateway assessment sessions
• Supporting and supervising staff and volunteers

To be successful you will need:

• Recent experience of giving advice to the public. This should include having undertaken advice casework.
• Experience of undertaking the role of Advice Session Supervisor or to demonstrate the ability to undertake this role with training provided within 6 months of starting
• To understand, empathise with and be committed to the Service’s aims, principles and equal opportunities policies

Closing date: 9.00 am Monday 7 September 2026

Interviews: Wednesday 9 September 2026

We offer a range of employee benefits, including generous annual leave, an employer matched pension contribution up to 10% salary, and training and development opportunities to continue your professional development.

Citizens Advice Southwark is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from all applicants who meet the person specification irrespective of sex, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief, age, or disability.

Independent Age is the national charity focused on ending financial hardship in later life. We want every older person to be able to afford to live well. 

We stand with older people in financial hardship, offering urgent help today and shaping a fairer, more secure tomorrow. Our Helpline and expert advisers offer free, practical support to older people without enough money to live on. Through our grants programme, we support hundreds of local organisations working with older people across the UK. And we use the knowledge and insight gained from our services and partnerships to highlight the issues experienced by older people in poverty and campaign for change.

We would love to find individuals from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds to join us on this journey.

Responsibilities and Person Specification:

The Finance Officer (Expenditure) is a key role responsible for managing all payments made by the charity. It is a great opportunity to join a small but busy team on a temporary basis.

The role requires managing invoice approvals and processing invoices for payment in line with authority limits, maintaining supplier accounts, generating BACS payment runs to suppliers and making sure all payments are made in a timely fashion.

In addition, you will be managing payments to grantees (individuals and organisational grants), dealing with expenses and credit card queries, as well as managing the finance mailbox. The Finance Officer will also support the month end close process.

This role is a 5-month fixed term contract, starting on Tuesday 8 September 2026. It is part-time, 28 hours per week Monday-Thursday.

For full details on the role and requirements, please review the job description and person specification.  If your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all of the criteria in the person specification but you do meet most of them and are excited about the role, we encourage you to apply anyway.

What it’s like to work at Independent Age:

We celebrate diversity at Independent Age and champion the differences that make each of us unique. We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. We aim to attract and retain a wide range of talent and create an environment where everyone can feel safe, protected, welcome and included.

We offer great benefits including 28 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme with life assurance, and fantastic learning and development opportunities. We also offer a number of enhanced leave provisions and benefits.

We know that a good work life balance helps us perform at our best and supports wellbeing. Flexible working hours and hybrid working is standard for all (those contracted to work in the office are required to attend the office a minimum of 4 days per month). But if you need a different form of flexibility, we are always happy to talk flexible working.

With an employee engagement score of 98%, colleagues say Independent Age is a great place to work. You can find out more about what it’s like to work for us on the careers page of our website. 

Application Process:

To apply, please submit a CV and a Supporting Statement, detailing how your skills and experience meet the criteria within the Job Description and Person Specification, by visiting our jobs website.

We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all. If you require any specific arrangements or adjustments to enable you to fully participate in the recruitment process, such as having the job description in a larger text format or to apply in an alternative format, please get in touch with us via the email address on the ‘Contact Us’ page on our jobs site.

To support our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion our hiring managers use anonymous shortlisting. Please don’t include your name, photo, or any information that could indicate your gender or age in your CV and supporting statement, and don’t include your name in the title of any documents that you upload. However, please do include all dates of employment.

Independent Age is committed to safeguarding and follows Safer Recruitment practices to ensure we are safeguarding those we work with. We therefore ask that you supply your full work history with explanations for any gaps in the application documents you submit and, if offered the post, we will require two employment references including your current or most recent employer.

A Basic DBS check will be carried out for the successful candidate.

Closing Date: Sunday 23 August at 11:59pm

Interview Date: Tuesday 1 September

Start Date: Tuesday 8 September

We’re looking for a highly skilled individual who will help build on our relationships and networks across Westminster, to deliver ambitious political leadership on a range of issues. The post holder will be responsible for leading advocacy interventions and providing political support to our policy experts, with a focus on Transport and Resources policy.

As a senior political adviser within the politics team, you will also be involved with, and lead on, major projects or themes of work across the political leadership theme (including the All Party Parliamentary Group on the Environment (APPG), which Green Alliance holds the secretariat for), managing and developing key external relationships and supporting the Director of politics as they lead the politics team.

You will need to be an exceptional communicator, adept at bringing people together around a shared vision and have the interpersonal skills to inspire and work across Green Alliance and liaise with our extensive network of partners.

You will be a highly organised, capable multi-tasker with experience managing projects and able to think on your feet, while managing multiple relationships and advocating plans concurrently.

The role entails identifying and leading on opportunities for the UK government to achieve environmental progress and implementing advocacy strategies to secure it. You will have direct access to senior policy makers and environmental leaders, so will need to articulate recommendations succinctly and persuasively.

The role requires excellent understanding of UK political processes (especially in Westminster, parliament and Whitehall) and experience of using it to influence policy effectively. Experience of operating within the system or of working directly with politicians and the media to achieve policy change would be a distinct advantage.

The Bishop of Sheffield is seeking to appoint a new Senior Personal Assistant. This is a high-profile and pivotal appointment, providing an exciting opportunity to work closely with the Bishop at the heart of the Diocese of Sheffield. We are looking for a dynamic, highly organised and proactive individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment, can manage competing priorities and work confidently with initiative and discretion. The role is predominantly office-based, with flexibility to work remotely at times, and is based in a friendly and busy office in a pleasant and beautiful environment. It requires someone who can work effectively and independently while being a collaborative and valued member of the wider Bishop's team.

Are you an experienced operational leader who thrives on making organisations run brilliantly behind the scenes?

Southwark Charities is entering an exciting new chapter. With a £100m property portfolio, a growing grant programme and the development of 64 new almshouses, we're looking for an exceptional Head of Resources to lead the systems and processes that keep our charity strong.

Reporting to the CEO, you'll oversee finance, HR, IT, governance, property compliance, contracts and organisational systems, ensuring the charity operates efficiently, remains compliant and is well positioned for future growth. You'll work in a small, dedicated team while working closely with colleagues to deliver outstanding services for older people across Southwark.

This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys improving processes, managing change and finding practical solutions. You'll bring experience in operations, finance or corporate services, excellent organisational skills and the confidence to work across multiple disciplines.

If you're looking for a varied senior role where your expertise will have a direct impact on people's lives and the future of a respected historic charity, we'd love to hear from you.

Head of Finance

Salary£80,000.00 per annum

LocationLondon/Hybrid (with 1 to 2 days a week in the office)

Weekly Hours35

The Vacancy

Job Title: Head of Finance

Location: London/Hybrid (with 1 to 2 days a week in the office)

Salary: £80,000.00 per annum

Weekly Hours: 35

Reference: YMC1228366

About Us

Founded in 1844, YMCA is a global movement and the world's largest youth-focused charity.  In England and Wales, YMCAs are based in over 700 communities across 168 local authorities supporting young people and communities to reach their potential. The turnover of YMCA in 2025-26 was £386m. YMCA England & Wales is a £23 million organisation of more than 400 colleagues, supporting a Federation of 80 local YMCAs to deliver vital services which positively impact young lives across the country. As we grow our income and impact, we are seeking an established and inspirational Head of Finance to take on one of the most pivotal roles in our organisation.

The Opportunity

This is a senior leadership appointment, reporting to the Director of Resources and leading a Finance team of around nine, including the payroll function. You will act as our lead on all matters of finance, liaising with our Federation members where necessary, providing expert support to our Income Generation Directorate (Fundraising and Retail) and other internal Directorates, embedding financial insight into revenue-generation strategy and working in close collaborative partnership with senior colleagues both within those teams but also across the Federation. Beyond this, you will oversee statutory reporting, investments, VAT and taxation compliance, and provide expert counsel to our Board of Trustees and Finance and Audit Committee.

Why You

Perhaps you have already established an excellent track record within a charity with significant fundraising and retail operations and are ready for the scale and influence this role commands. Or perhaps this is your first move into a charity; you are a seasoned accountant whose clients have included charitable organisations, and you now plan to apply that expertise where it matters most. Either way, this is a genuine opportunity to shape the financial future of a movement with over 180 years of heritage as we continue to embed strong financial practices whilst delivering our strategic ambition

What We're Looking For

You will be a fully qualified accountant (ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA) with senior management experience leading finance in an organisation of comparable scale, ideally with charity reporting and SORP knowledge. Strong business partnering skills, gravitas with trustees and committees, and genuine collaborative leadership are essential to succeed in this crucial role.

Our recruitment process is anonymised and candidates' names are hidden. We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds. Safer recruitment is important to us and the successful applicant will be asked to provide two references. They will also be required to complete a safeguarding self-declaration, safeguarding training and undertake a DBS check

About Toynbee Hall

Based in the East End of London since 1884, Toynbee Hall is a charity working alongside people facing poverty, injustice, and inequality to build a fairer East London. We provide vital advice and support, working in partnership to tackle unfairness and ensure everyone has an equal chance to thrive.

Team Background

The Debt Advice Team at Toynbee Hall provides crucial support to individuals and families struggling with financial burdens. Funded by the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS), this team delivers expert guidance and practical solutions to help clients manage and reduce their debt. 

Key Responsibilities 

Management of local sites to ensure all services are available.

• Ensure local services are available daily by effectively managing staffing, sickness, annual leave, emergencies and operational challenges.
• Work closely with internal teams, external contractors and local stakeholders to ensure all sites operate safely, efficiently and in line with organisational standards.

Line management of a team to ensure objectives are set and met.

• Lead, motivate and support the team to achieve agreed service, quality, compliance and performance objectives.
• Conduct regular one-to-one supervision, team meetings and performance reviews, providing constructive feedback and clear expectations.

Ensure compliance and the quality of advice required are achieved.

• Ensure the team consistently delivers high-quality, client-focused debt advice in line with FCA requirements, funder expectations and Toynbee Hall policies.
• Monitor case quality through audits, supervision, management information and performance data, implementing improvement plans where required.

Contribute to the team

• Be an active member of the Advice Services management team, contributing to service planning, operational improvements and organisational change.
• Work collaboratively with funders, partner organisations and colleagues across Toynbee Hall to support strategic priorities, projects and service development.

Other

• Provide visible leadership across multiple Toynbee Hall locations, ensuring consistency of culture, service delivery and operational standards.
• Travel across London as required, and occasionally elsewhere in the UK.

Person Specification

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

Essential Criteria

Experience and Skills

• Significant experience of managing frontline advice services and leading high-performing teams.
• Proven ability to provide technical supervision and support on complex debt advice cases.
• Up-to-date knowledge of debt advice legislation, FCA requirements, funding compliance and sector best practice.
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office and case management systems.
• Hold a recognised debt advice qualification (e.g. CertMAP or equivalent) with demonstrable experience of delivering and supervising FCA-regulated debt advice services.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Excellent leadership, communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate others.
• Ability to build positive relationships with colleagues, partners, funders and external stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Personal Attributes

• Inclusive, collaborative and approachable leadership style.
• Highly organised, proactive and solutions focused.
• Calm and resilient under pressure, with the ability to make informed decisions.

Commitment

• Demonstrates a strong commitment to Toynbee Hall’s mission, values and strategic objectives.
• Willingness to work across multiple Toynbee Hall and community locations.
• Willingness to undertake relevant training, including safeguarding and regulatory requirements.

Please note the right to work in the UK is a requirement of this role.

Please refer to the attached job description for more details.

The Work Rights Centre is looking for an experienced and values-driven Immigration Adviser or Solicitor to join our frontline team. In this role, you will deliver life-changing legal advice to vulnerable migrants, while using your frontline insights to contribute directly to strategic campaigns, research, and policy work that challenge the systemic causes of injustice.

This is an ideal opportunity for an empathetic immigration expert who thrives in an agile and collaborative environment, and wants to plug the vital gap in support available through legal aid.

• Pay: £36,000 - £42,000 (depending on qualifications and experience)

• Contract length: Permanent (6-month probation)

• Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week, with flexibility for an exceptional candidate)

• Location: London hybrid (with possibility of remote-only for an exceptional candidate)

We offer a high-trust, learning-focused culture, flexible/remote options for exceptional candidates, generous SQE study/funding policies, and enhanced leave, pension, and sick pay benefits

The role

You will provide high-quality legal advice and representation at IAA Level 2/3 or Solicitor standard. Your diverse casework will range from assisting sponsored workers on high-risk visas, to managing complex human rights cases and supporting victims of modern slavery and trafficking. Crucially, your work will not happen in isolation. You will work closely with our employment advice team on overlapping cases, collaborate with policy and comms colleagues to evidence systemic issues, and help deliver public legal information and training.

About you

We seek an enthusiastic professional with at least 3 years of experience delivering high-quality immigration advice, who demonstrates a deep empathy for the experiences of vulnerable migrants.

You will also have:

• Level 2 or 3 IAA accreditation OR status as a qualified Solicitor eligible to practice in England and Wales.

• A 2:1 degree (or equivalent) in law or a related subject.

• At least 3 years’ experience providing immigration legal advice in compliance with IAA/SRA standards.

• Excellent legal research, analytical, and case management skills, with the ability to manage complex caseloads and tight deadlines.

• Outstanding client management and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal concepts to lay persons clearly and compassionately.

• A collaborative, team-first mindset and a commitment to the mission and values of the Work Rights Centre.

• Desirable: Knowledge of Modern Slavery and the National Referral Mechanism (NRM), familiarity with social welfare law, or proficiency in a language other than English.

How to apply

Send your CV and a cover letter outlining how your experience, skills, and how you meet the person specification to by Sunday, 30th August.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete a short technical task. 

Even if you aren't sure you check every single box, if you hold the required qualifications, share our commitment to high-quality legal advice, and have a passion for social justice, we strongly encourage you to apply.

Please download the full job description below for detailed responsibilities and organisation FAQs.

Money Adviser

We're looking for highly motivated and committed individuals to join the new telephone and digital Money Advice team, providing essential support to people experiencing debt problems across England and Wales.

This role is also open to people looking for a trainee role as full training and support will be provided, including completion of the accredited Money Advice Learning Plan.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds as the organisation is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and holds the Derbyshire LGBT+ Rainbow Accreditation

Position: Money Adviser (Trainee positions also available)

Location: Buxton, Chesterfield, Ilkeston or Matlock (hybrid mix of home and office working, fully remote working will also be considered)

Salary: £27,263 to £29,806 per annum pro rata (depending on experience)

Hours: Full-time (37 hours per week - some flexible working)

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: 21st August 2026

About the Role

As a Money Adviser, you will deliver high-quality, FCA-regulated money advice to individuals in financial difficulty. You’ll work as part of a new team committed to helping people take control of their finances and build a more secure future through tailored advice and casework.

You will deliver advice and casework across a range of money advice issues, support income maximisation, and contribute to the development and quality of the service.

Main areas of responsibility include:

• Advice and Casework
• Social Policy
• Professional Development
• Administration

About You

The ideal candidates will have:

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• A non-judgemental, empathetic approach to people
• Strong IT and digital skills, with the ability to learn new systems quickly
• A commitment to working to performance targets and KPIs
• Good administration skills

Experience in providing FCA-regulated money advice and a solid understanding of the current welfare benefits system would be an advantage but if you feel you have all of the main skills then please still apply, as the role can be carried out as a trainee with support and training.

About the Organisation

Join a local charity that provides free, confidential, independent and impartial advice to everyone across Amber Valley, Chesterfield, Derbyshire Dales, Erewash and High Peak.

This advice can help people find a way forward with their problems, whoever they are, whatever the problem.

What is on offer:

The charity offers a comprehensive benefits package that supports your wellbeing, work-life balance, and professional growth:

• Generous annual leave: 35 days per year (pro rata), including all bank holidays and Christmas
• Buy/sell leave scheme: Flexibility to buy or sell up to one week of leave each year (pro rata)
• Employee Assistance Programme: Includes wellbeing support, free counselling, and lifestyle perks
• Contractual sick pay: depended on length of service
• Long service rewards: Extra leave and gift cards after five years of service and beyond
• Workplace pension: Auto-enrolment into our pension scheme
• Hybrid working: the option to work from home, if it works for you and for the team

Successful candidates will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and provide proof of Right to Work. Please note that the organisation does not hold a sponsor licence.

Other roles you may have experience of include Money, Benefits, Housing, Welfare, Money Advisor, Benefits Advisor, Housing Advisor, Welfare Advisor, Money Advice, Benefits Advice, Housing Advice, Welfare Advice, Advice, Advisor, Helpdesk, Helpdesk Advisor, Customer Service, Customer Service Advisor.

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

As a Domestic Abuse (DA) Team Leader, you will lead the team of DA Practitioner’s and our Armed Forces Independent Domestic Violence Adviser’s (IDVAs). You will be responsible for overseeing risk assessments, safety planning and case management, working within Trevi’s Domestic Abuse Team.

About the role

This role focuses on empowering women and families to improve their safety, wellbeing, and independence. The successful candidate will lead the team to provide support through emotional support, practical guidance, advocacy, and access to specialist services which will include legal resources, employment, education, finances, benefit support and group work.

 What you will do 

·   Supervise DA Practitioners, & Armed Forces IDVAs, providing daily guidance, case management oversight, and supervision

· Providing constructive feedback, conducting appraisals, and managing employee performance

· Lead on high-risk cases, ensuring comprehensive risk assessment (e.g., DASH) and safety planning for victims

What you will bring 

· Experience of working in domestic abuse delivery service

· IDVA Qualified

·       Ability to prioritise, work independently, and reflect on practice

· Strong communication and organisational skills

About Toynbee Hall

Based in the East End of London since 1884, Toynbee Hall is a charity working alongside people facing poverty, injustice, and inequality to build a fairer East London. We provide vital advice and support, working in partnership to tackle unfairness and ensure everyone has an equal chance to thrive.

Team background

The Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space (MHCBS) team at Toynbee Hall is part of a national initiative launched in partnership with We Are Group and The Kaleidoscope Plus Group, funded by the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS). This service provides individuals undergoing mental health crisis treatment with temporary protection from debt collection activities, allowing them a “breathing space” to focus on their recovery without the immediate pressures of financial obligations. Toynbee Hall contributes to this initiative by offering regulated debt advice, conducting renewal checks, and providing comprehensive signposting support, ensuring that clients receive holistic assistance during their crisis period.

Scope of the Role

The Administration Coordinator provides crucial support to the Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space (MHCBS) team by managing administrative processes efficiently. The role focuses on handling key back-office tasks that enable the team to deliver timely and accurate support to clients and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate team inboxes and triage emails to appropriate team members or stakeholders, ensuring timely and accurate responses within SLAs – handling routine enquiries as standard and more complex enquiries as directed.
• Coordinate team tasks in AdvicePro, resolving issues, issuing or preparing correspondence, and highlighting urgent or non-standard cases for direction and resolution.
• Ensure CRM is maintained with accurate client and case information, running reports for management to review cases, prepare MI returns and support invoicing routines.
• Resolve or triage enquiries via the Insolvency Service portal, ensuring compliance with guidelines.
• Process incoming MHCBS applications and handle scheme closures using standard operating procedures, escalating non-standard issues or cases for direction and resolving issues.
• Support accurate reporting by ensuring high data integrity and flagging inconsistencies.
• Coordinate administrative needs for team meetings, external engagements, and cross-agency communication.

Person Specification

• Strong administrative and organisational skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to follow procedures.
• Experience working in a team environment.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable using Microsoft Office and CRM systems.
• Able to work independently and manage time effectively.
• Alignment with Toynbee Hall’s mission and strategy
• Alignment and willingness to work in line to our values:
• Inclusive - open-minded, transparent, convening and collaborative; seeking fresh and alternative perspectives.
• Courageous – principled, ambitious and acting with integrity.
• Empowering – shifting power, sharing our knowledge, enabling people to take action for themselves
• An understanding of safeguarding and willingness to develop understanding further

Our Benefits Package

We believe in supporting our employees with a well-rounded benefits package designed to enhance work-life balance, financial security, and overall well-being.

Annual Leave

• 25 days of annual leave, plus 3 additional days for our Christmas shutdown (on top of bank holidays).
• After 2 years: +3 extra days of leave.
• After 3 years: +1 additional day.
• After 5 years: A total of 30 days annual leave, plus the 3-day Christmas shutdown.

Pension

• Standard Life Pension Scheme – Employer contribution: 4%, Employee contribution: 5%

Additional Perks & Support

• Enhanced Sick Pay for peace of mind during illness
• Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Leave to support growing families
• Employee Eyecare Vouchers to support your vision health
• Employee Assistance Programme for free, confidential advice and support
• Mental Health First Aid to ensure workplace well-being
• Tenancy Deposit Scheme to help secure your home
• Interest-Free Season Ticket Loan for cost-effective commuting
• Cycle to Work Scheme to promote a healthier, greener way to travel
• Charity Mentoring Network to support professional development and networking
• Westfield Healthcare Cash Plan
• Perk Box

Please note the right to work in the UK is a requirement of this role.

Please refer to the attached job description for more details.

Use of AI in your application

We recognise that AI is becoming part of everyday working life, and we're happy for candidates to use AI to improve the presentation of their application (for example, to improve clarity), but we want to hear your own ideas, experience and motivation.

Throughout our recruitment process, we're assessing your judgement, values and skills

During interviews and assessment activities, unless we tell you otherwise, you should not use AI to generate or assist with your responses.

Cloudesley is recruiting a new permanent, part-time Finance Manager (2.5 days per week). This varied role includes regular financial management tasks, reporting, budget setting, liasion with property and investment managers and lawyers, as well as policy development and advising Trustees on strategic issues.

About Cloudesley

Cloudesley is an independent charitable trust that makes grants to people, organisations and churches in Islington of c. £ 2million per year. Our grants budget is split equally between our Health and Church Grants programmes.

In June 2025, Cloudesley’s total assets were £57 million and the annual gross income was £1.5 million. Currently, around half of Cloudesley's endowment is held in financial market investments managed by Cazenove, and the other half is in c. 90 residential properties on the Cloudesley Estate in Islington. To fund its work, the charity uses income and a prudent element of capital gains generated from both the investments and properties.

This is an interesting time to be joining Cloudesley as it continues to manage its finances to ensure it can support both current and future needs in Islington, implements its property strategy, and helps to respond to the multiple challenges facing people, organisations and churches in Islington.

Finance Manager role

This wide-ranging role includes:

• Administration of regular financial transactions, including relating to grants and the charity's property assets
• Preparation and monitoring of annual budget
• Production of management accounts and a variety of financial, investment and property reports
• Preparation of draft annual accounts and work with the auditor
• Working with the charity's investment and property managers
• Working with a range of external advisers and lawyers on property matters
• Developing and advising on financial and endowment strategies

Staffing, governance and history

Cloudesley has a small team of four permanent staff. Staff work on a hybrid basis, with part of each week spent at the charity's office in King's Cross.

The charity has up to 15 Trustees at any one time, and a single corporate Trustee, Richard Cloudesley Trustee Limited. The Board of Trustees meets three times a year, and the Finance and Endowment Committee and Grants Committee meet quarterly. 

The charity dates back to 1517, when Tudor yeoman and Islington resident Richard Cloudesley wrote his will and left two 'Stony Fields' to Trustees. 

Job Title: Strategic Legal Projects Manager

Organisation: Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association (ILPA)

Duration: fixed term contract of 2 years, with possibility of extension depending on funding.

Location: Remote/Hybrid/London depending on working days (our anchor day is in London on a Tuesday, with occasional other travel within the UK)

Reports to: Director of Strategic Litigation and Advice

Annual leave: 25 days per annum, plus bank holidays, pro rata, and the week between Christmas and New Year off.

Salary: £33,000 to £38,000 per annum salary (actual salary for 2 days a week, £13,200 - £14,800), depending on skills and experience. NB: pension is 5% of salary

Working Hours: 14 hours per week, plus 1 hour lunch break (NB. evening working is required to attend 5 scheduled evening meetings per year, which ordinarily finish no later than 6.30pm).

Application deadline: 9:00 am Tuesday 25th August 2026

Interviews are anticipated to be held on 10 and 11 September 2026 online. Shortlisted candidates will be notified Thursday 3rd September 2026.

Applications from individuals only – no agencies. Please do not use artificial intelligence in completing your application form.

Application:

Please submit a completed application form highlighting why you are applying for this position and how you meet the personal specification, providing examples where applicable. Please return this by 9:00 am, Tuesday 25 August 2026, along with a completed equalities monitoring form. Full details on how to apply can be found on our website (linked). 

Applications should be submitted as a Word document or in another editable format. If an application is not submitted in this format, it will not be considered.

Successful candidates must be eligible to work in the UK.

About the Role

This is a new role which will be pivotal to the work of the Strategic Legal Projects Team. The post-holder will work with the Director of Strategic Litigation and Advice to coordinate the delivery of the Strategic Legal Fund (SLF). This is an innovative programme of grant funding, supporting strategic legal work that benefits people who are disadvantaged or discriminated against because of their immigration status. We define strategic litigation as work where the impact goes beyond an individual case and results in changes to law, policy and practice that will benefit a wider group of people. The fund supports pre-litigation research, and third-party interventions in cases before the courts, as well as advocacy related to the legal activities undertaken. Grants can be awarded to non-governmental organisations and law firms.

The post provides an opportunity to contribute strategically to supporting the legal sector working on migrants’ rights in the UK. You will gain experience of all aspects of the grant-making process in the intersection of legal and policy work on issues facing people seeking asylum, migrants and refugees in the UK today. 

The ideal candidate may be someone wishing to develop a career in philanthropic work in this area or build relationships with esteemed human rights lawyers and social justice organisations. Whatever their interest, they will bring to the work a flair for organising, project management to include building relationships and supporting joint working and the vision to see the separate grants as part of a coherent whole.

For further information about the Fund and the type of work we support see the website on the job advertisement linked.

Main Tasks:

· liaise with applicants including legal practitioners and organisations working with migrants across the UK;

·  co-ordinate the meetings of an expert panel and decision-making panel;

· carry out financial due diligence checks in relation to potential grants;

· manage monitoring and evaluation, collecting reports from grantees and available data evidencing outcomes, and contributing to reports and updates for ILPA and for the funders;

· communicate updates and successes by grantees on the SLF website and on social media;

· build capacity of groups and individuals working in support of migrants’ rights, including working with the Legal Project Officer to ensure the work of the Strategic Legal Advice Committee (SLAC) and the SLF align and complement each other.

Person Specification

Essential

1. A proven record of project management or grant management;

2. Good working knowledge of the refugee and migrant sector in the UK;

3. Experience of coordinating networks of organisations or individuals, including running meetings;

4. Experience of working and communicating with a range of external stakeholders;

5. Excellent written and oral communication skills;

6. Excellent attention to detail;

7. Excellent planning, coordination, organisational, time management, strategic problem-solving and independent working skills, including:

a. an ability to take a proactive approach to independent working,

b. managing workstreams effectively,

c. confidently taking responsibility for tasks and decisions,

d. meeting tight deadlines, and

e. taking a calm and diligent approach to problem solving;

8. Good IT skills and competency in the use of office IT programmes and equipment and managing and updating a website.

9. Commitment to the principles of a non-racist, non-sexist, just and equitable system of immigration, asylum and nationality law 

10.  Commitment to the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion, and taking a proactive approach to espousing these principles

11.  Commitment to be a champion of ILPA by positively encouraging and collaborating with your team, identifying and encouraging opportunities for growth and celebrating success

Desirable

1. Experience of grant-making;

2. An understanding of strategic litigation and good legal analysis skills;

3. A project management qualification such as PRINCE2 or equivalent;

4. Experience of using accounting packages and CRMs and experience of Quickbooks and Salesforce

About the Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association

The Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association (ILPA) is a professional association and registered charity, the majority of whose members are barristers, solicitors, advocates and IAA regulated advisers practising in all aspects of immigration, asylum and nationality law. ILPA currently has approximately 4500 individual member contacts.

Founded in 1984 by leading practitioners in the field, and 42 years on, stronger than ever, ILPA exists to promote and improve advice and representation in immigration, asylum and nationality law, through an extensive programme of training and disseminating information and by providing research and opinion that draw on the experiences of members.

Our vision is a fair and effective immigration system that respects human rights and the rule of law. We realise this by empowering members to provide the best possible advice and support for migrants and collaboratively working to improve law, policy and practice.

ILPA is represented on numerous Government, official and non-Governmental advisory groups and regularly provides high-level evidence to Parliamentary and official enquiries. ILPA is at the forefront of engagement with the Home Office, NGOs and other Government departments.

To our members, ILPA is a community where they come to share knowledge, keep up to date with changes and receive high-quality training to enable them to practise effectively. Members also rely on ILPA to be their voice in seeking change for the better to immigration, asylum and nationality law and practice. This we do through the work of our expert legal team, engaging with policymakers and stakeholders, and drawing on the experiences and expertise of our members. 

ILPA is an equal opportunities employer. We acknowledge that the legal and charitable sector can be less accessible to people from minoritised or racialised communities and lower socio-economic backgrounds, and we are committed to unsettling the status quo. In this role you will wear many hats and we recognise that the successful candidate may not have all the skills and experience listed in the personal specification. We welcome applications from you if you can see yourself in this role and have an appetite to gain new skills, knowledge and experience. We particularly welcome applications from individuals who have lived experience of the UK immigration system

We also encourage applications from people who have previously unsuccessfully applied for roles at ILPA. We will consider each application afresh. We appreciate that individuals are always learning, growing, and adding to their knowledge and experience.

About the ILPA Team 

You would be joining a small team, of around 12 team members. Under our current hybrid work policy, we have one anchor day (currently a Tuesday), in London, together with team members living in England and Scotland. On average, once every two months, there will be an online meeting in the evening that you will need to attend. As this is a two day a week role there is flexibility on what days are worked.

We are looking for a person with an understanding of working with a values-driven team of people, in the charity or not-for-profit sector.

The person appointed will have an appreciation of the aims and values of the Sustain alliance and be excited by supporting our organisation in effective ways of working, whilst freeing up senior leaders and spokespeople to undertake influencing, communication, partnership development and fundraising activities.

The Operations and People Manager will help Sustain function effectively as an organisation and be a great place to work. This is a senior, trusted role working closely with the Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team (SLT), Senior Management Team (SMT), line managers and Trustees to strengthen our people, operational and governance systems.

The post-holder will lead practical improvements in HR, people processes, line management standards, staff development, onboarding, offboarding, organisational culture and compliance. They will combine sound judgement, strong systems thinking and a people-centred approach, helping Sustain keep processes clear, proportionate and well-managed, while supporting colleagues to focus on effective delivery.

The mission of the Sustain alliance is to catalyse systemic change in the UK’s food and farming system – securing a healthy, fair, and sustainable future for all people, nature and a stable climate. Working in collaboration with our alliance members and others, we run a range of advocacy work, projects and campaigns to achieve permanent changes in policy and practice; and to engage more people, organisations and communities in being food system change-makers.

As with all senior roles at Sustain, the person appointed to this role will work mainly at the Sustain office in London during their probationary period, and thereafter at least half of working hours at our office, whilst benefiting from the flexibility offered to all colleagues. This is part of senior role-modelling of the creativity, support, engagement and well-being benefits that in-person working cultivates between colleagues. This will be managed in coordination with other senior colleagues to enable good in-person coverage and connectivity across the week and across common holiday periods.

Role and responsibilities
•Strengthen Sustain’s people, HR, operational and governance systems so that the charity works effectively, fairly and well.
•Help Sustain be a great place to work, with clear standards, supportive line management, good staff development and a positive, inclusive culture.
•Lead on high standards and practical improvements in recruitment; induction; probation; appraisals; people and HR processes; line management skills, knowledge and tools; staff consultation; and organisational policies and practices.
•Support senior leaders, line managers and Trustees with clear advice, reliable processes, good records and proportionate and effective risk management.
•Develop and maintain systems that are simple, useful and appropriate for Sustain’s size, values, resources and legal responsibilities
 

Tasks and responsibilities:

Organisational operations and systems
•Lead on managing and developing the charity’s operational activities.
•Ensure that senior management actions that support operational effectiveness are managed and carried out in a timely way, via an accessible and accountable process.
•Lead and/or participate in a range of internal groups that support operational effectiveness.
•Support the Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and other relevant staff with governance matters, including:
oReporting to the Council of Trustees on operational and people matters;
oPerformance of the ‘Company Secretary’ role on behalf of Trustees;
oTrustee recruitment, induction and management of necessary information and processes;
oAppropriate compliance with the Charity Governance Code.
•Working with the Chief Executive and Chair of the Council of Trustees, help prepare and coordinate the agendas and the running of the quarterly board meeting and occasional (at least annual) staff and Trustees strategy day, as well as the Sustain AGM, Annual Report and Trustee elections (annual), as one of the key links in communication with and between Sustain’s Council of Trustees.
•Lead on development and implementation of one or more relevant chapter of Sustain’s Organisation Development Plan (ODP).

•Support the planning and running of events, working with Sustain team leads, partners, venues and contributors.
•Work with the Head of Finance, Head of Digital and Design and external suppliers to help ensure office, IT and operational arrangements are appropriate and support effective working.
 

People, HR and employment processes
•Lead development and implementation of HR processes, practical actions and transactions, using external HR and/or legal advisors for authoritative support and advice where needed.
•Lead on full lifecycle support for Sustain staff including:
oEffective and inclusive recruitment, onboarding and offboarding – implementing Sustain’s commitment to recruitment for diversity – working with SMT, finance and admin leads;
oCreating, grading, reviewing and updating job descriptions, working with line managers and the senior leadership team;
oManaging employment contract variances; funding precarity; end-of-contract and risk-of-redundancy processes, working with senior managers, line managers, affected employees and HR/legal advisors;
oCreating or supporting a range of opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds and identities to get involved.
•Act as first point of contact for HR queries, taking ownership of policies and process, culture and employee relations; informed by HR advice, consultation and annual staff survey, including overseeing an action plan to embed areas of good practice, and to pursue improvements in an accountable way.
•Regular review of job descriptions, grades, progression and staff benefits within Sustain to ensure we remain competitive within the sector.
•Provide or commission sector benchmarking data, analysis and recommendations to inform decision-making, using a methodology agreed with Trustee oversight, on matters such financial and non-financial staff benefits.
•Maintain and improve the Staff Handbook, Recruitment Handbook, and related policies, guidance, advice and other support.

Line management standards, learning and staff development
•Lead the development and implementation of clear, practical standards for line management at Sustain, working with SLT, SMT, the Line Managers Forum and external advisers where appropriate.

•Develop and oversee implementation of key processes such as annual appraisals, annual planning and objective-setting, and a suitable performance management process.
•Help ensure objective-setting, personal development and progression conversations are undertaken routinely, and that these and performance management are handled consistently, fairly and in line with Sustain’s values and legal responsibilities.
•Support line managers to run effective 1-to-1s, probation reviews, appraisals, workload conversations, development conversations, and difficult conversations where needed.
•Ensure suitable and sufficient ongoing learning opportunities and training for the staff team and the Line Managers group, driving the charity’s approach to consistent standards, personal development and career progression.
•Maintain and improve the Line Managers Handbook and related tools, templates and guidance.
Culture, EDI, staff voice and union liaison
•Manage and develop Sustain as a great place to work, with a working culture and practices that support effective delivery, as well as health, wellbeing and personal development.
•Serve as an active member of the Diversity Group, to implement and innovate on equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism, and to gather data to measure and report on impact and progress.
•Working with the CEO, provide a route for requests and suggestions from the Health and Wellbeing Group to be properly considered and actioned as appropriate.
•Develop and support ways for staff voices to be heard and influence policies, practices and organisational culture, and for staff to be able to raise ideas and concerns confidently and see actions taken as a result.
•Support structured staff consultation and union liaison processes, helping ensure they are well-organised, transparent, well-documented and conducted in line with Sustain's policies and recognition arrangements.

Governance, compliance and risk management
•Develop and update key resources, contributing to useful reference sets such as the Staff Handbook, Recruitment Handbook and Line Managers Handbook, including overseeing production, maintenance and updating of all policies, procedures and guidance relevant to operations and people.
•Ensure Sustain complies with all employment, health and safety, data protection, charity legislation and statutory guidance including filing at Companies House and maintaining organisational records with the Charity Commission, and managing the risk register and internal policies tracker.

•Ensure adherence to health, safety, diversity and safeguarding procedures in the office, in hybrid working and for events and activities; undertaking comprehensive risk assessments for events and activities; and ensuring appropriate risk mitigation, staff communication and updates to guidance.
Other
•Potential for this role to line-manage one or more member of staff, volunteer, paid intern and/or external consultant, offering 1-to-1 support for objective-setting, work delivery, coaching and pastoral matters.
•Any other reasonable tasks and duties, agreed with the Chief Executive, consistent with the nature and level of the role.

Person specification / What we’re looking for:

Qualifications and requirements
•Significant experience operating at a senior level in a people, HR, operations or an organisation development role, including responsibility for organisational systems and staff management. [E]
•Experience of working in a charity, not-for-profit, campaigning, membership, alliance or other values-led organisation. [D]
•Demonstrable commitment to the operations and people role through a relevant qualification, training or other continuing professional development (CPD). [D]
 

Experience
•Significant experience leading organisational, people or operational improvement and advising senior decision-makers. [E]
•Developing skills and learning plans, and commissioning and/or delivering learning opportunities including training, workshops, facilitation and/or coaching. [E]
•Managing employment contracts to improve employee information and job security, especially where funding is short-term and project-based, with insights into good practice. [D]
•Delivering training and/or guidance to improve people-related functions to be delivered by line managers. [D]
•Working in a unionised organisation. [D]
Skills, abilities and attitudes
•Confidence and experience to take a leadership role on operational and people matters, working with the Chief Executive, Trustees and senior managers. [E]
•Strong problem-solving skills, and negotiation skills and the ability and confidence to provide insightful and constructive proposals and advice. [E]
•Excellent project management skills. [E]
•Aptitude for managing financial information and budgets. [D]
•Ability to communicate clearly and sensitively in writing and verbally, including on complex, confidential or contentious matters. [E]
•Proficiency with computer software and records management. [E]

Knowledge
•Knowledge and experience of end-to-end management of staff team members and their development: recruitment, induction and probation; learning experiences, skills and training; personal and career development; performance management; support for health and wellbeing; and HR processes. [E]
•Sound knowledge of UK HR and employment rules and statutory guidance, and their implementation in good practice. [E]
•Knowledge of IT, online and practical systems for improving processes and efficiency. [D]
 

Attitudes and personal qualities
•Highly organised and self-motivated, with the ability to work flexibly, independently and meet deadlines; whilst having the judgment to know when and who to consult before proceeding. [E]
•High integrity, with a professional, diplomatic, values-led, solutions-focused and collaborative approach to working with individuals and a wider team. [E]
•Commitment and ability to work at our office in East London regularly. [E]
•Demonstrable commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and racial justice. [E]
•Commitment to the mission and values of Sustain, and an interest in healthy and sustainable food and farming. [D]

Application closing date: Monday 14 September at 5pm (BST)

First stage interviews will take place (via Zoom) on: Wednesday 23 September 2026

Second stage interviews to take place in-person (London office) on: Wednesday 30 September 2026

Early applications are encouraged.

For any queries, please contact our recruitment team.