Jobs in Reading

Seeking a person with a strong understanding of the UK Parliament and  how parliamentary processes can be used to support campaigning.

Job description

• Lead parliamentary engagement for the organisation, ensuring MPs and peers are briefed effectively and engaged at the right moments.
• Identify and engage the most relevant MPs, peers and parliamentary staff on key issues, reports, parliamentary moments and campaign activity
• Draft and circulate high-quality parliamentary briefings, email updates and other materials for MPs, peers and parliamentary staff
• Organise meetings with MPs, peers, advisers and parliamentary staff, including preparing agendas, briefings and follow-up actions
• Monitor parliamentary developments, including debates, questions, statements, select committee activity and relevant legislation, and advise colleagues on opportunities for engagement
• Support the planning and delivery of parliamentary events, roundtables, receptions and campaign actions
• Maintain accurate records of parliamentary contacts, engagement and follow-up
• Investigate the possibility of forming an APPG on the implementation of Covid Inquiry Recommendations with a suitable Member of Parliament as the chair.
• Support the development and delivery of campaign activity that advances the organisation’s objectives.
• Contribute to campaign planning around major reports, anniversaries, parliamentary moments and external developments
• Assist with drafting campaign materials, including action briefings, supporter emails, event materials and other public-facing content as needed
• Assist with press and media work where required, including drafting press releases, statements, media briefings and ops notes
• Assist with drafting clear and sensitive communications for members and supporters where needed
• Attend campaign activities where required, including meetings and events
• Work flexibly across a small team and support colleagues in different areas of work where needed

Person specification

Essential

• Strong understanding of the UK Parliament and how parliamentary processes can be used to support campaigning
• Experience of engaging effectively with MPs, peers and parliamentary staff
• Experience of drafting clear, persuasive briefings and other written materials for political or policy audiences
• Understanding of how to monitor parliamentary activity and translate it into practical next steps
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to prioritise a heavy workload and work to tight deadlines
• Ability to handle external engagement quickly, professionally and sensitively
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a small team
• Willingness to work some evenings and weekends as required
• Knowledge of, and interest in, current affairs and public policy
• Flexible and willing to contribute across different areas of work in a small team
• Personal belief in and support for the aims of Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice UK

Desirable

• Experience of working in a parliamentary, political, campaigning or policy environment
• Experience of supporting parliamentary events, briefings or stakeholder engagement activity
• Experience of working across campaigning, communications and policy in a small team

Covid-19 has affected us all, but some communities were disproportionately impacted, including Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic communities and disabled people, so we particularly welcome and encourage applications from candidates from those backgrounds. 

Please submit your CV and a covering letter explaining how you meet the essential criteria for this role.

We are looking for an experience Financial Controller for DASH, an inspiring charity. Working closely with the CEO to implement improved project tracking and reporting tools.

This role will play a central part in embedding robust financial controls and scalable reporting processes. This role is a hands-on role, you will need strong financial management experience, strong balance sheet ownership, control discipline, and clear audit trail management.

This is a home-based role with going to their HQ in Berkshire a few times a month.

The Role
To lead and manage the operational finance function, ensuring
Strong internal financial controls
Accurate tracking of restricted and unrestricted funds and projects
Timely, clear management reporting to support decision-making
Compliance with charity and regulatory requirements
Reduced reliance on manual spreadsheets through improved systems and documentation

The Candidate
Senior finance experience at Finance Manager or Financial Controller level.
Strong balance sheet management and reconciliation experience.
Demonstrable experience strengthening internal controls and financial processes.
Experience in project accounting, revenue allocation, or managing multiple cost centres and funding streams.
Experience working in regulated or high-accountability environments.
Experience producing management accounts, budgets and cashflow forecasts.
Strong analytical and documentation skills.
Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues

There are two parts to the Primary Science Mentor role. The majority of the role will focus on strengthening primary science teaching and leadership by leading our third Priority Areas initiative in North-West England. Through their knowledge of and passion for primary science education, the successful candidate will inspire transformational change in schools taking part in this project. They will build close working relationships with participating schools and create a vibrant and exciting learning community based on mutual support and the sharing of expertise.

The remaining hours in the role will be as a Primary Science Mentor: joining PSTT’s growing team of primary science experts who provide bespoke support directly to individual schools, multi-academy trusts and other school groupings and organisations. This includes developing and delivering training in a variety of contexts, including online; working individually with Science Leaders; being a leading voice, expert and advocate for primary science (both regionally and nationally); and creating partnerships with other organisations that support science within the region.

A crucial part of the role is to ensure collection of appropriate data for both Priority Areas and Primary Science Mentor activities, so that we can evaluate our work against intended outcomes.

About us

We're a not-for-profit firm of accountants and technical advisors with a shared vision: to see finance and accountancy used as a force for good. Our mission is to resource and empower people and good causes – by providing them with the very best financial and technical support, at a price they can afford.

We believe accountancy is more than numbers and profit. It’s about providing crucial infrastructure and enabling growth. Our services range from bookkeeping and management accounting to strategic planning, data analysis, systems audits, tax advice and process automation. If you’re technically skilled, purpose-driven, and passionate about making finance meaningful, we’d love to hear from you.

About the Role
We’re looking for a proactive and passionate Finance Manager to join our growing team. You’ll work closely with a portfolio of inspiring clients, providing high-quality financial information and insights to help them thrive. You’ll be part of a supportive team of technical practitioners and bookkeepers, contributing to a mission that matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, review and deliver high quality financial information to a diverse portfolio of clients

• Explain and interpret financial reports clearly and accessibly to people from a variety of backgrounds

• Review and maintain good accounting systems, policies & practices

• Manage monthly financial cycles, including management accounts, payroll, and VAT returns

• Support clients with budgeting, planning and forecasting  - for day-to-day operations and special projects

• Contribute to the development of our internal finance processes and practices

• Collaborate closely with other team members to deliver excellent client outcomes

What We’re Looking For

• Experience with Xero and/or QuickBooks Online (QBO)

• Strong understanding of financial reporting for charities including Charity SORP

• Excellent communication skills, especially in translating financial concepts for non-financial audiences

• Confidence with Excel and other Microsoft Office tools

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines

•  A self-starter who enjoys working in a collaborative environment

• Relevant financial qualification

• Experience in a fast paced or multi-client environment is a bonus

What We Offer

• 25 days annual leave (pro-rated), plus bank holidays and Christmas leave

• Commitment to CPD and on the job training

• Flexible working arrangements

• Meaningful work with purpose-led clients

• A supportive and values driven team environment