Volunteer researcher volunteer jobs

From front pages of national newspapers to regular TV and radio appearances, our highly successful press team plays a vital role in raising the profile of Diabetes UK. We secure coverage that talks frankly about the diabetes crisis and the seriousness of diabetes. We tell the story of Diabetes UK’s pioneering research, campaign for improvements in diabetes care, and share the stories of those with lived experience of all types of diabetes.

As Media Officer, you’ll be part of a busy, high-performing media team. You’ll collaborate with teams across the organisation, with a key focus on our fundraising and events activities. You’ll also play a key role in our busy press office, working with regional, national, trade and consumer media to provide expert comment and information.

CEO

• Salary for FTE: £62,000 - £75,000 dependant on experience
• 38 hours a week over 5 days (flexibility for right candidate)
• Home-based with travel for events and meetings

Reporting into the Board of Trustees, we are seeking an inspirational CEO for the PDA Society, who can lead with humility and curiosity, empowering and supporting our staff along the journey. They will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the charity and its staff and volunteers, and will oversee the development of our training products, research and support services, whilst ensuring sustainable growth in impact and income.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a trusted enterprise within the PDA community with a strong mission and a committed, values driven team. The successful candidate will be passionate about improving the lives of PDAers and their families. You will be energetic, creative and bring new ideas for enhancing the charity’s reputation, through nurturing existing relationships and developing new ones to achieve the charities goals. Our ideal candidate will have lived experience of autism, PDA or other neurodivergence although this is not essential.

Closing date for applications: Midnight on 22nd April 2026

Interviews with Trustees:  April / May 2026

As Senior Corporate Partnerships Executive, you will play a key role in our high-value partnership activity, working with Managers in the team to support delivery of core activity, while helping to ensure they are well managed, thoughtfully stewarded and positioned for long-term growth.

You will also support the delivery of mid-value partners, both fundraising and in-kind partnerships, identifying opportunities to deepen engagement and strengthen relationships wherever possible. Alongside this, you will contribute to team-wide projects across Corporate Partnerships and Philanthropy & Partnerships, helping us to plan, collaborate and progress towards our wider organisational goals.

By building strong internal and external relationships, you will support seamless partnership delivery and help us create meaningful collaborations that benefit both partners and the Charity.

This is a rewarding and varied role for someone who is organised, relationship-focused and passionate about working with others to create meaningful partnerships.

About You

You will be a relationship‑driven team player with experience in corporate partnerships. Collaborative and proactive, you will enjoy building strong relationships, managing multiple priorities and working with others to deliver successful and meaningful partnerships.

You will bring:

• Proven success in corporate fundraising or relationship management, ideally within the charity sector.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills, with the ability to engage confidently with senior stakeholders.
• Strong organisational, analytical and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• A collaborative, solution‑focused approach and the confidence to work both independently and as part of a high‑performing team.

Why join us?

We’re a values-driven charity committed to saving lives by funding world-leading research, treatment, and care at The Royal Marsden. You’ll be part of a collaborative, ambitious and kind team, with plenty of opportunities for learning and development.

What we offer:

• Competitive salary of £33,000-£35,000
• Hybrid working between home and Chelsea with occasional travel to Sutton
• Flexible working around our core hours of 10am to 4pm
• 27 days annual leave rising with length of service
• Training, support and development opportunities
• Access to the Blue Light discount scheme and other discounts opportunities
• Range of wellbeing initiatives including access to an employee assistance programme designed to save money and improve your physical, financial and mental health and wellbeing, access to free online GP appointments and free eye tests and contribution towards any glasses required for work purposes
• Opportunities for training and career development.

Inclusion matters

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and walks of life.

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, we’d love to hear from you.

​Please note: To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately, once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.

Engagement Officer

We’re looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join the Engagement Team.

This is an exciting opportunity to work with stroke survivors and their families to support them following a stroke.

Position: 000007 Engagement Officer

Location: Home-based South West, Hampshire and Isle of Wight. However, extensive travel will be required as part of this role across Hampshire, isle of Wight, BaNES, Swindon and Wiltshire and frequent travel across the wider South west locality (may include team meetings or other work-related meetings)

Hours: Part-time, 21 hours per week

Salary: Circa £17,800 per annum (FTE circa £29,813.07)

Contract: This is a fixed-term until 30 April 2027

Benefits: 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (this will increase with service up to 30 days, full time equivalent) cashback and discount scheme, employee assistance programme, learning and development, pension scheme, Life Assurance, Eye Care vouchers, Long Service Award, Tax-free childcare, Health Cash Plan, Working Pattern Agreement, flexible working opportunities available.

Closing Date: Sunday 26 April 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.

Interview Date: Thursday 7 and Friday 8 May

The Role

Reporting to the Engagement Lead, the Engagement Officer helps strengthen local stroke communities by bringing people together, championing lived experience voices, and building warm, trusted relationships with volunteers, partners, and healthcare professionals. By supporting local groups, gathering insight, and sparking meaningful conversations, the role ensures stroke survivors and carers feel heard, connected, and supported to reduce the devastation of stroke.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Working with people affected by stroke to ensure the voice of lived experience is central to this work
• Building and maintaining strong relationships across the charity and with external stakeholders
• Confident with public speaking
• Supporting stroke support groups and volunteers

About You

You will be:

• Warm
• Friendly
• Approachable
• Enthusiastic

With experience of

• Being adaptive to best meet the needs of the people we support
• Working with and supporting a wide range of stakeholders
• Excellent communication skills, including confident public speaking skills
• Working in partnerships with other organisations including those in the voluntary sector, health and social care

This role requires extensive travel across a large geographical locality to attend a variety of meetings and events in health and community settings. Candidates must be able to demonstrate how they can meet this requirement of the role

Please state any preferences for flexible options in your covering letter.

When you click to apply, you will be able to see the full responsibilities and person specification for further information on the role. Please submit your CV, (including details of your current address), and a supporting statement of no more than two pages, demonstrating how you meet the person specification and what you bring to the role in terms of your skills and experience.

Finding strength through support

The organisation is the only charity in the UK providing lifelong support for all stroke survivors and their families. Providing tailored support to tens of thousands of stroke survivors each year. This support includes one-to-one and group support, funding vital scientific research into stroke prevention, acute treatment, recovery and long-term care, and campaigning to secure the best care for everyone affected by stroke. 

They are here for stroke survivors and their loved ones, from the moment they enter the new and frightening post-stroke world, supporting them every step of the way as they find their strength and their way back to life.

It’s only thanks to the generosity of supporters and donors that they can provide vital support. 

The Association is driven by an ambition to improve the lives of everyone affected by stroke. This means they’re determined to create an equitable and inclusive workplace that benefits from the difference, and thrives on the diversity, of our people. Guided by an approach to solving inequity in stroke, the team are prioritising listening to, and learning from, lived experience across the charity.

The charity are working to improve the representation of this lived experience at all levels within the Association and are eager to recruit applicants from a variety of communities and backgrounds. We are keen to receive applications from people affected by stroke, people of colour, members of LGBT+ communities, and disabled people because these identities and experiences are underrepresented and would add enormous value to how the organisation work.

A Disability Confident employer, the organisation is making great progress focusing on flexible working, reasonable adjustments and access to work.

You may also have experience in areas such as Engagement, Community Engagement, Volunteer Engagement, Advocate, Advocacy, Health, Social Care, Engagement Officer, Community Engagement Officer, Volunteer Engagement Officer.

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

About Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis

Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis (APF) is the UK’s leading patient charity dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by pulmonary fibrosis. Our mission is underpinned by values of compassionate, bold, expert and collaborative. We believe in creating a supportive environment in which both our employees and beneficiaries can thrive.

Founded in 2013 by people affected by PF and clinicians, APF has grown into a respected national charity rooted in community and evidence. We provide trusted information and support, help a growing network of support groups, campaign to improve access to care and invest in research to bring hope of new treatments. APF strives to be an organisation of equity and inclusion, welcoming people from all backgrounds – our team and volunteers aim to reflect the diverse communities we serve.

We have just launched an ambitious five-year strategy (2025–2030), co-created with the PF community, which focuses on expanding support, transforming care, and accelerating research. This strategy marks a step change with a clearer focus, stronger delivery model and greater ambition to ensure no one faces pulmonary fibrosis alone.

Role purpose

The Senior Challenge Fundraising Officer will lead the delivery and growth of APF’s third-party and mass participation challenge events portfolio.

This role exists to significantly grow income and participation by managing end-to-end third-party challenge events, developing community-facing charity-owned fundraising products and delivering excellent supporter stewardship

Working closely with the Head of Fundraising and colleagues across Communications, Services and the Operations Team, you will increase recruitment, empower supporters to raise ambitious funds, and create journeys that encourage long-term engagement with APF.

Success in this role means more people fundraising for APF, raising more income and feeling valued, supported and inspired to stay connected to our mission.

Key Responsibilities

1. Grow participation in third party

• Manage the full lifecycle of third-party and mass participation challenge events, from planning and recruitment through to stewardship and re engagement.
• Develop and execute creative marketing strategies to boost participation and attract new event participants.
• Draft engaging promotional content that inspires and engages our supporters in collaboration with the Communications team.
• Promote third-party events proactively across relevant channels and networks.
• Work with the wider Fundraising team to improve and refine the stewardship journey for challenge participants to maximise the participant experience.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to grow participation in new and existing events.
• Attend key events as required, managing on-the day logistics and volunteer coordination.

2.  Community Product Development

• Work with Head of Fundraising to shape and improve APF’s fundraising offer and remote products.
• Test and refine new fundraising concepts that increase accessibility and broaden participation.
• Work collaboratively across teams to ensure our community fundraising products align with wider campaigns and strategic priorities.

3.  Income growth and fundraiser mpowerment

• Inspire participants to achieve ambitious fundraising targets through engaging, creative communications.
• Develop and enhance fundraising materials, including participant packs and digital resources to support our fundraisers.
• Use insight and sector trends to identify opportunities to boost event visibility and maximise fundraising efforts.
• Monitor fundraising performance to ensure we’re meeting targets and delivering strong ROI on our challenge activities.

4. Stewardship and re-engagement

• Foster personal connections with supporters through thoughtful, tailored stewardship that keeps them engaged and feeling valued.
• Create clear re-engagement plans to encourage repeat participation and long-term loyalty.
• Collaborate with wider Fundraising and Services teams to support acquisition and ensure our supporters have a smooth, high-quality supporter journey.
• Represent APF publicly when required, acting as a confident ambassador for the charity at events and in public settings.

5. Data, insight and compliance

• Support on the management of CRM data to enable accurate segmentation, performance tracking and reporting.
• Monitor recruitment, participation, income and ROI to help inform future planning and improvements.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge with GDPR regulations and compliance and ensure personal data is handled responsibly and securely.
• Work closely with the Governance and Operations Manager to ensure our fundraising activities are fully compliant with GDPR and the Code of Fundraising Practice.

How to apply

Please submit a CV and a covering letter (maximum of two pages) highlighting your skills and suitability to the role, reflecting the key responsibilities in the job description.

First stage interviews to be held virtually on 1st May 2026, second stage interviews to be held at the Peterborough office on 8th May 2026.

Are you passionate about supporting and improving the lives of marginalised young people and their families? Think of yourself as super-organised? Want a role where no day will look the same? Then read on as this could be the job for you!

Ignite Life is a small, grassroots charity based in Bristol that aims to support young people and families overcome adversity by providing holistic care tailored to individual needs.

Ignite Life believes that every young person, regardless of their background, deserves equal access to support services to thrive.

We work with our community, with other organisations and with schools to reach those deemed 'hard to reach' and help close the gap disadvantaged young people face when accessing support. Ignite focuses on relieving the needs of disadvantaged and/or marginalised young people through supporting with wellbeing and mental health, educational support, food poverty, family support, access to sport and other life changing opportunities.

Ignite Life offers a range of services including mentoring, talking therapy, 1:1 Counselling for young people and families, food support, cooking workshops and community events

About the role

As the Operations Manager, accountable to the Board of Trustees, you will be responsible for the day to day running of all activities in relation to the operation of Ignite Life. You will ensure the provision of high-quality services and compliance with contractual and organisational standards, as well as working in partnership with the Fundraising Manager to ensure income generation for the charity.

This is a full-time, permanent position based at our office in Staple Hill, Bristol BS15. Whilst the post is mainly office based; there is some flexibility for hybrid working.

If you're committed to making a positive difference to the lives of people in our local community and want to bring your excellent organisational skills to a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, we'd love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities:

As the Operations Manager you will:

● Have operational leadership of the charity, ensuring day to day systems and practices are in good order and operating efficiently and effectively

● Support the Board of Trustees to set annual goals for Ignite Life

● Being the Designated Safeguard Lead for all of Ignite Life’s services.

● In partnership with the Fundraising Manager, ensure a consistent fundraising strategy for the charity is in place, including developing new partnerships and funding streams.

● Taking overall responsibility for the charity’s Health and Safety, and GDPR.

● Have oversight of charity’s financial position, including budgeting and updating managed accounts.

● Provide leadership for the core team of staff and volunteers (around 39 – 5 contracted counsellors and 1 clinical supervisor, 1 full-time employed staff member, 13 volunteers, 14-20 contracted youth mentors).

● Undertake regular and effective reporting to the Trustees.

● Manage annual reporting with the Charity Commission.

About You:
We're looking for someone who is extremely organised, can confidently manage a busy workload while building strong relationships with staff, volunteers and other agencies. You'll bring proven operational experience, alongside a real desire to work in an environment that focuses on supporting and improving the lives of marginalised young people and their families.

You’ll be able to demonstrate the following:

• An ability to build relationships with various stakeholders
• An understanding of mentoring and counselling practice and procedures.
• Strong safeguarding knowledge and practice.
• Excellent and various organisational skills in multiple areas.
• Ability to analyse data and produce clear, evidence-based reports.
• Experience working directly with children and young people.

How to apply:

To apply for this role please send in your cv and a cover letter demonstrating how you meet the criteria.

As a Brand Manager, you’ll bring creative direction, and proven brand expertise to a cause that relies on powerful, consistent storytelling. You’ll shape how people understand our work and ensure our brand makes a meaningful difference. This is an opportunity for a Brand Manager who wants to lead guide teams and create work that truly matters.

We launched our new brand in January 2026, in this role you will drive the next phase of our brand development with focus, care and ambition. As our Brand Manager, your work will help raise understanding and awareness of motor neurone disease (MND) and strengthen our influence with the audiences we need to reach.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead brand governance, roll-out and implementation following our upcoming brand relaunch
• Embed our brand positioning across platforms, teams and volunteers, managing the Brand Co-ordinator and interim Project Manager
• Manage, launch and assess our first major brand campaign
• Develop brand strategy and a three-year activation programme to increase reach and relevance
• Build strong relationships with creative and media agencies
• Lead the brand guardianship programme, including panels, toolkits and brand training
• Oversee satellite projects linked to the brand launch, including Employer Brand development
• Monitor and interpret brand metrics and develop a Leading Indicators dashboard
• Create a charity-wide Audience Framework
• Work with Marketing, Digital Engagement and Income Generation teams to guide campaign activity
• Lead brand insight and consultation, including support for fundraising pitches
• Identify and drive opportunities to strengthen brand awareness

About You

• Experience developing brand identities and delivering brand change
• Proven ability to shape brand strategy and implement supporting plans
• Confident people leadership and experience uniting teams around shared goals
• Experience managing creative agencies and significant budgets
• Able to engage, influence and motivate stakeholders
• Excellent project management and attention to detail
• Skilled in interpreting and utilising brand tracking metrics
• Creative and proactive approach to problem solving
• Commitment to engaging our community and using insight to guide decisions

Hybrid working expectations: office attendance one day per week

Further information about MND Association and full job description is available in the attached Candidate Pack.

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We work to remove barriers for everyone affected by MND, employees, volunteers, and stakeholders.

As part of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee interviews for disabled applicants who meet the role's requirements.

What We Offer

• 28 days holiday, increasing to 33 days after 5 years, plus Bank Holidays
• Access to UK Healthcare, including dental, eyecare, health screenings, and therapies
• 24/7 GP access via phone and video
• Life assurance and confidential counselling helplines
• Salary sacrifice schemes (Cycle to Work, Buy/Sell Annual Leave)
• Access to Benefit Hub for discounts on everyday shopping
• Enhanced pension scheme
• Opportunities for training and personal development
• Hybrid working

About Us

Motor Neurone Disease moves fast. It takes away time, it takes away independence and it has no cure. Every day we support people affected by MND. We fund ground-breaking research. We campaign for better care. We’re here for everyone who needs us. Because with MND, every day matters.

About the role

At some point in our lives, we or someone we love will need hospital care. At UHCW Charity, we’re here to make those moments better - funding the extras that go beyond NHS provision, from life-saving equipment and pioneering research to more comfortable, welcoming spaces and support for patients, families and staff when they need it most.

We’re looking for a Fundraising Assistant to support the delivery of our fundraising activity and help ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. This is a varied, hands-on role where no two days are the same, from supporting events and coordinating fundraising materials to managing data and providing excellent supporter care.

You’ll work closely with the Fundraising & Events Lead and wider team, playing a key role in delivering a positive experience for our supporters and helping us grow income across the charity.

What you’ll be doing

• Supporting the delivery of fundraising activity across events, community, corporate and individual giving

• Assisting with event preparation, logistics, registrations and supporter communications

• Preparing fundraising packs, materials and resources for supporters

• Responding to enquiries and ensuring a friendly, professional supporter experience

• Maintaining accurate records on our CRM (Beacon) and supporting income processing

• Coordinating thank you communications, certificates and stewardship activity

• Supporting volunteer coordination and engagement

• Assisting with basic prospect research and identifying fundraising opportunities

• Supporting social media content and fundraising communications where needed

About you

This role would suit someone who is organised, proactive and keen to build a career in fundraising. You might already have experience in an administrative, customer service or charity role, or be looking for your first step into the sector.

You’ll bring:

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail

• Excellent communication skills and a friendly, approachable manner

• The ability to manage multiple tasks and work to deadlines

• Confidence using IT systems and databases (or willingness to learn)

• A genuine interest in fundraising and making a difference

Most importantly, you’ll be someone who takes pride in their work and enjoys being part of a supportive, collaborative team.

Why join us?

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain experience across a wide range of fundraising activity within a busy and supportive NHS charity. You’ll develop valuable skills, build relationships and play a part in work that has a real and lasting impact on patients, families and staff.

We offer:

• 27 days annual leave plus public holidays

• Pension scheme with matched contributions up to 7%

• Blue Light Card discounts

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Opportunities for training and development

Join us and help make a real difference for patients, families and staff across Coventry and Warwickshire.

Join The MindKind Projects in a key leadership role at the heart of a trusted, community-led organisation. Over the past 6 years, we’ve grown into one of the region’s most recognised wellbeing organisations, with 5,000+ people engaging in our programmes and a strong track record of reaching communities often excluded from traditional services.

We’re looking for an organised, people-centred Operations and Project Lead who can turn vision into delivery. This is a hands-on role for someone who can build calm structure in a fast-moving environment, support staff and volunteers well, strengthen partnerships, oversee budgets and reporting, and help secure future funding to sustain and grow our work.

You’ll be joining an organisation that blends lived experience with professional expertise, and builds culturally competent, evidence-based work side by side with local communities. If you’re practical, values-led, and motivated by helping good people deliver meaningful impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Please see recruitment pack for full details. 

Contract type

Permanent

Location

Whittington with some flexibility for remote working

Hours

Part time (22.5 hours per week) with flexibility to work evenings and weekends when required

Annual salary

E1 £39,224.42 to E3 £46,068.16 - Pro rata for part time hours.

Last day to apply

29/03/2026 

Reporting to the Fundraising Development Manager, the Legacy Manager is responsible for leading and delivering the long term growth strategy for legacy income at St Giles Hospice.

The post holder will develop and implement a sustainable and scalable legacy programme that increases the number of legacy pledgers, strengthens the future pipeline of legacy gifts and delivers consistent income growth aligned to organisational objectives.

The role will own the legacy value proposition, marketing strategy and support journey from initial engagement through to pledge stewardship. The post holder will champion a culture of legacy giving across the organisation and position leaving a gift in a Will as a meaningful and natural way to support St Giles Hospice.

In partnership with the Fundraising Administration team, the Legacy Manager will ensure legacy gifts are managed professionally and compliantly, with strong forecasting, reporting and internal oversight.

Knowledge and experience

Essential

·Experience of working within the third sector or a values led organisation

·Demonstrable experience of legacy fundraising or transferable experience within a strategic income stream with clear growth accountability

·Proven experience of delivering income growth against agreed targets and KPIs

·Experience of developing and implementing strategic plans

·Experience of managing budgets, financial planning and reporting with commentary on variances

·Experience of working collaboratively with marketing and data teams to develop insight led campaigns

·Track record of successfully managing and developing relationships with individual supporters, customers or professional partners

·Experience of analysing and interpreting data to inform decision making and maximise return on investment

·Knowledge of the regulatory environment for fundraising from individuals including data protection, Gift Aid and Fundraising Codes of Practice and regulation

·Experience of project management including budget setting and performance monitoring

Desirable

·Specific experience in legacy fundraising within a charity setting

·Experience of developing and delivering a legacy marketing strategy

·Experience of working with professional advisers such as solicitors or will writers

·Experience of contributing to senior leadership or board level reporting

·Experience using Donorflex or a similar CRM database

Values

·Exhibits our hospice values and behaviours

Skills

·Ability to think strategically and translate long term vision into operational delivery

·Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial and performance data and forecast future income

·Excellent written communication skills with the ability to create compelling and sensitive legacy messaging

·Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills

·Ability to build and maintain strong internal and external partnerships

·Confident presenting to a range of audiences including professional partners and senior stakeholders

·Ability to prioritise and manage competing deadlines

·Strong organisational and diary management skills

·Computer literate with experience of CRM systems

·Ability to understand when issues need escalation

·Ability to maintain confidentiality

·Ability to work effectively as part of a team

·Resilience when working towards ambitious targets

Personal Attributes

·Empathetic and emotionally intelligent

·Proactive and growth focused

·Commercially aware and results driven

·Collaborative and supportive

·Ambassador for St Giles Hospice

·Able to work under pressure

Other requirements

·Valid driving licence

·Eligibility to work in the UK

·Please note that St Giles Hospice does not hold a sponsorship licence and is therefore unable to accept sponsorship requests

Just so you know:

This post is subject to a Disclose and Barring Service (DBS) check.

We may review applications before the application review date, however, if you apply after the application review date, your application may not be considered. We will accept applications until we have successfully filled the role; this may be earlier than the closing date.

If you have not heard within 14 days of the application close date, then please consider that your application has been unsuccessful at this time.

As part of your application your data will be managed in line with St Giles Hospice Privacy Policy and kept for 6 months. If you would like to see this in full, please visit our website for our Privacy Policy. This is in extension to Charity Job Privacy Policy.

If you seek a fresh and rewarding challenge, look no further than Open Country! Seeking to help disabled people to access and enjoy the countryside, we embrace a wide range of fundraising methods, so this role could be adapted to suit either full-time or part-time work. We are also able to cater for your particular skill set, though core duties would likely include: 

• Researching and writing grant applications to charitable trusts, grant-making bodies and other funders.
• Developing and delivering new and imaginative community fundraising activities.
• Encouraging appropriate corporate sponsorship and fundraising.
• Developing and delivering Open Country fundraising events and third-party events.

This is a hands-on, dynamic role requiring creativity, insight and panache, coupled with great communication and relationship-building skills.

You will work collaboratively with our Finance and Fundraising Manager at our Head Office in Harrogate, though an element of home working can be considered.

Appointment to this post is subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check. 

SMART CJS – Trust and Foundations Bid Writer

Role Overview

Are you committed to supporting people who are homeless or rough sleeping?

Are you proactive with a positive attitude?

Job Title: Trust and Foundations Bid Writer (with some responsibility for corporate fundraising)

Hours: 37 hours per week

Location: Working from our office in central Bedford, with some provision for remote working.

About SMART CJS

Founded in 1997, we are a charity that provides safe spaces for people who are facing or experiencing homelessness, are rough sleeping or have fallen on tough times. As times have changed, our services have adapted and grown, but we’ve always kept the people we support at the centre of all that we do. We believe that everyone needs a little help sometimes and, with trust, respect and honesty, people can make incredible changes. Our vision is to transform communities so that everyone has the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential, participate in and contribute to all aspects of life. Our mission is to provide safe spaces to work with vulnerable people within our communities, empowering them to make positive changes and take control of their lives.

Why Join Us?

We believe in diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Benefits include:

• 27 days Annual Leave (rising to 30 after 3 years) + Bank Holidays (pro rata)
• Generous Pension scheme (after successfully completing a probation period)
• Excellent Development and Growth Opportunities
• Access to a Charity Worker Discount scheme
• Access to the company health and wellbeing service including support with mental health, legal advice and more
• Access to an online GP service

We require all staff and volunteers to be committed to safeguarding and to respond proactively to safeguarding concerns. Successful applicants are required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). This job description will be supplemented by annual objectives which will be developed in conjunction with the post holder.

The Role

SMART CJS is looking to recruit a Trusts and Foundations Bid Writer. The successful candidate will also have some responsibility for corporate fundraising with businesses based in Bedford and beyond; this responsibility will be shared with our Community and Corporate Fundraiser.

The main responsibility, though, will be to generate income by writing bids to charitable trusts and foundations, and to statutory funders.

The role will include researching and identifying charity trusts and similar bodies which are able to make an award to SMART. It will also include keeping abreast of developments in fundraising in the charity sector as a whole, especially in the field of grant awarding and, to a lesser extent, of corporate giving.

There will be a probationary period for the role. As it generally takes six months for a grant to be awarded (though some arrive more quickly), the probationary period will need to be for a minimum of seven months, though its precise duration can be negotiated with the successful candidate.

Training will be given; the scope of the training will depend on the candidate’s previous experience.

This is an exciting opportunity to join SMART’s friendly and dedicated team. You’ll need to be able to manage your time effectively; the role is primarily self-directed. We envisage that you’ll be working primarily from our offices in Prebend Street, Bedford, though you'll be able to work from home for some of the time as well. Given the nature of our work, personal resilience is important; some of the stories we use when applying for funding can be emotionally challenging.

Our fundraising comes from regular gifts, donations from the community (individuals and groups), and corporate bodies (businesses). The majority of our fundraising income comes from grants. There will be a realistic target for the amount you need to raise; this will reflect the performance for grant applications in the charity sector as a whole and it will not be unrealistic. Fundraising is not an exact science; the assessment of performance against the targets will be fair and reasonable. The final responsibility for SMART’s fundraising rests with the trustees; they appreciate and understand the complexity of the issues involved.

Main Purpose of the Role

You will work closely with the CEO, the Chair of Trustees, the Head of Business and the fundraising team. The post involves gathering information, writing the bids, tracking the progress of submissions, and reporting back to grant awarders on how their money has been spent, if they require this.

There will also be a responsibility for corporate fundraising. This will involve building relationships with businesses in and beyond the Bedford area. The responsibility for this will be shared with our Community and Corporate Fundraiser.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising and Bid Writing

• Research and identify suitable grant and funding opportunities from charitable trusts, foundations, and statutory bodies.
• Write and submit high-quality funding applications and proposals in line with SMART’s strategic priorities.
• Work collaboratively with service leads and front line teams to gather accurate, up-to-date data and service information for applications.
• Tailor the applications to the funder’s criteria, using storytelling effectively.
• Manage a pipeline of applications and submissions, ensuring deadlines are met and income targets are tracked.
• Maintain and build relationships with key funders, providing timely reports and updates on grant-funded work.
• Work to realistic targets and be able to provide feedback on these.
• Organisational Development and Support
• Contribute to the strategic development of SMART’s income generation plans.
• Support development of strong internal bid and grant management systems.
• Monitor success rates and provide monthly reporting on funding performance to the Head of Business and to the Chair of Trustees.
• Represent SMART CJS at funding briefings, webinars, and networking opportunities where appropriate.

Other Responsibilities

• Participate in SMART’s performance management and appraisal process.
• Attend the monthly meetings of the Fundraising Committee (a sub‑committee of the Board of Trustees).
• Comply with health and safety policies and procedures.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role, as required by the CEO, the Head of Business or the Chair of Trustees.

Person Specification

Whether you’re already an experienced bid-writer, or whether you think this is something that you could learn to do effectively, we’d like to hear from you. You need to have excellent skills in written English and be able to write in prose that’s clear and readily understandable to the general reader. The criteria for each grant awarder are different; you need to be able to match your bid to what they would like to fund (homelessness, mental health, relief of poverty, women’s issues and so on). You need, then, to tell SMART’s story in a way which appeals to each funder.

You need to have excellent inter-personal skills and be able to work as part of a team. While there is a strong element of self-direction in the role, you need to be able to work closely with senior management and also with the trustees; the trustees have the final responsibility for fundraising in the charity.

You will need, too, to have a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and to have a genuine interest in homelessness and the work of the charity, and a commitment to improving our clients’ lives and wellbeing.

Are you an experienced Campaigner looking for a new opportunity? In this exciting new role, we are looking for a thoughtful and dynamic Campaigns Manager to join our Campaigns, Policy & Research team, with excellent experience of mobilising supporters, lobbying decision-makers and influencing policy change.

This is a newly created role with real scope to shape how we campaign, how we mobilise supporters, and how we deliver tangible change to improve the lives of the Armed Forces community. You’ll lead national campaigns that amplify lived experience, challenge and tackle disadvantage and inspire better provision — changing policies, influencing legislation and challenging decision-makers to ensure the voices of those who serve, and have served, their families, and the bereaved are heard where it matters most.

Come and be part of the leading Armed Forces charity, making a difference to the lives of those who have served to keep us safe and protect our way of life.

Key Responsibilities –

You’ll shape and lead RBL’s campaigning activity, working closely with colleagues across Policy, Public Affairs, Membership, Marketing & Communications and Services to deliver impactful, evidence-based campaigns.

· Leading compelling national and reactive campaigns that deliver real-world change.

· Developing creative, modern campaigning approaches across digital and in-person channels.

· Growing and energising RBL’s campaign supporter network.

· Using insight, evidence and lived experience to set clear campaigning priorities.

· Measuring, evaluating and communicating campaign impact.

· Building strong relationships with key stakeholders, coalitions and partners.

· Acting as a national spokesperson on campaigns when required.

· Line managing and supporting the Campaigns Engagement and Mobilisation Officer.

You’ll also work closely with local and devolved colleagues to ensure national campaigns resonate at every level and support the Head of Public Affairs & Campaigns with planning, budgeting and leadership.

You will either be contracted to our Haig House hub with a minimum expectation of two days per week working in person at the hub and flexibility for working remotely/at home when not on site. However, for the right candidate with the appropriate skills and experience, we are open to considering a remote working arrangement.

Employee benefits include –

· 28 day’s paid holiday (plus bank holidays) increasing with service, with optional annual leave purchase scheme of up to 5 working days

· Generous pension contributions, with Employer contributions ranging from 6% to 10%

· Range of flexible working options may be available, depending on your role

· Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential counselling, financial and legal advice

· Range of courses delivered by learning specialists to support your development goals and objectives

· Opportunities to volunteer

· Travel loans, Cycle to Work, and more!

For more detailed information about the role, please see our Vacancy Information Pack attached to our direct advert. Our shortlisting is performed on the evidence provided in your application against the Essential and Desirable criteria in the Person Specification.

RBL is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organisation, reflecting the diversity of the armed forces community and of wider society. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and personal characteristics.

Supporter Care Officer

Salary: £28,360 

Hybrid – two days per week in our Letchworth Office

Full time (35 hours a week)

Permanent

Flexible working considered

Are you a people person with a can-do attitude? Do you have some experience of fundraising, or are you looking to start your fundraising career? We have the perfect role for you!
 

Join our friendly team
We are looking for someone with strong communication and relationship building skills, who will enjoy enthusing others to support our cause. Ideally you will have experience in a similar role either within the charity sector or health environment, but for the right person, relevant transferable skills and an enthusiastic approach are just as important. We encourage you to apply, even if you feel you may not meet all the criteria listed.
 

Our charity
MS Trust is a UK charity which brings together expertise from every angle to help everyone feel more in control of their MS, today and every day. Through trusted information and compassionate support, the training of new MS healthcare professionals, and research rooted in real experience – we're here for every MS. Every day.

The role

The Supporter Care Officer plays a vital role in ensuring our supporters and volunteers feel valued, inspired and motivated to continue their involvement with MS Trust, by delivering exceptional supporter care and stewardship. As a key member of the Events and Community Fundraising Team, you will provide essential support for third-party events and individuals fundraising within their communities, ensuring every supporter receives the guidance and encouragement they need to succeed.
 

What we can offer

· 25 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays, which increases with length of service to 30 days.

· Company pension with enhanced employer contribution. Salary Sacrifice scheme available.

· Death in Service benefit.

· Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay.

· Sick pay.

· Hybrid working.

· Employee assistance Programme

· Fantastic office location with free parking, local to town centre and train station. Good transport links to London and Cambridge.

· Learning and development policy to develop all staff.

· Cycle to work scheme, Volunteering day and Season ticket loans.

To find out more and apply

Please visit our website to download a job pack and application form (CVs will not be considered).

As part of our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), we appreciate your time completing the form, as this allows us to keep our recruitment process fair and neutral.

Closing date: 6 April 2026 (5pm)

First Interviews: 14 & 15 April 2026

Second Interviews: 21 April 2026