Director of development jobs

Product Manager – HOSTHub Lead  

Reports to: Operations Director (Head of Delivery)  
Contract: 0.6  
Location: Remote (UK or International (GMT +3/-3)  

Interview Process: Will commence in the New Year 

Role Purpose  

As Product Manager  HOSTHub Lead, you will drive the vision, design, and delivery of HOSTHub, HOST’s secure digital platform for global civil society operations.  

HOSTHub is the central nervous system of HOST - connecting partners, funders, and internal teams across finance, legal, and operations. You will lead the platform’s development and optimisation, ensuring every user journey is clear, intuitive, and aligned with HOST’s empowering, expert, and empathetic values.  

Working closely with the Partnerships and Engagement teams, along with our development contractors, you’ll translate user needs into product strategy, coordinate with the external development team, and deliver tools that make life easier for changemakers, funders, and the HOST team.  

This is a strategic, high-impact role for someone who can think systemically, act decisively, and balance big-picture design with hands-on delivery.  

Core Responsibilities  

1. Product Vision and Strategy  

Lead on the design, roadmap, and vision of HOSTHub as HOST’s flagship digital platform.  

Translate HOST’s organisational goals into a clear, scalable, and user-focused product strategy.  

Define and own product milestones, prioritising features that improve efficiency, visibility, and impact.  

Ensure HOSTHub reflects HOST’s values secure, transparent, intuitive, and empowering.  

Reporting cadence: Monthly progress and roadmap update to Operations Director and Leadership Team.  

2. User Journey and Experience Design  

Lead on designing the end-to-end user experience for hosted partners, funders, and staff.  

Map user journeys across onboarding, finance, compliance, and reporting workflows, identifying pain points and opportunities for improvement.  

Collaborate with the Partnerships and Community Support teams to align HOSTHub with the Hosted Partner and Funder Journeys.  

Work with the Communications Team to ensure all user-facing content is accessible, clear, and on-brand.  

Reporting cadence: Quarterly user feedback and UX improvement report.  

3. Development Oversight  

Oversee product design and development process, in coordination with the development team.  

Attend demo and planning sessions each sprint, provide clear prioritisation of activities and ensure that development is rolled out as required.   

Ensure that all Hosted Partner and HOST team voices are included and prioritised into the platform development, acting as central focal point for all HOSThub needs.  

Reporting cadence: Bi-weekly sprint updates; monthly development report.  

4. Data, Systems, and Integration  

Work with the Data Analyst to ensure HOSTHub captures accurate, useful data for reporting and impact measurement.  

Integrate Data and Impact measurement needs into the Product Roadmap prioritisation  

Support automation of key workflows across the Delivery and Partnerships Circles, improving speed and reducing manual processes.  

Maintain robust documentation of system architecture and data flows.  

Reporting cadence: Monthly systems performance and data accuracy review.  

5. Security, Compliance, and Risk  

Lead on platform security and data protection in collaboration with the Legal Lead.  

Ensure HOSTHub adheres to global data privacy and security standards (GDPR, AML/CTF, etc.). Prioritise required actions within roadmap.  

Conduct regular digital risk assessments and prioritise required actions within roadmap mitigation strategies.  

Lead the incident response process for digital issues or breaches, maintaining transparent communication with leadership.  

Reporting cadence: Quarterly security and compliance review.  

6. Cross-Team Collaboration and Capacity Building  

Work across HOST’s teams to ensure HOSTHub serves all service areas - Project Hosting, Hosted Grantmaking, and Capacity Building.  

Develop and deliver internal training sessions to build staff confidence and skills in using HOSTHub.  

Create and maintain onboarding resources, FAQs, and user guides.  

Partner with the Training Lead to embed digital literacy across the organisation and hosted partner community.  

Reporting cadence: Quarterly internal training and adoption report.  

7. Continuous Improvement and Innovation  

Monitor emerging technologies and sector best practices to inform HOSTHub’s evolution.  

Evaluate and test new features, integrations, and user needs to maintain product relevance.  

Lead user feedback sessions and platform reviews to ensure HOSTHub grows with HOST’s global operations.  

Drive HOSTHub’s role in enabling a distributed, digital-first delivery model.  

Reporting cadence: Annual product review and roadmap refresh.  

Key Relationships  

Internal: Operations Director, Finance Team, Legal Lead, Partnerships Director, Community Support Team, Data Analyst, and Training Lead.  
External: Developers, technical service providers, hosted partners, funders, and contractors.  

Performance Indicators  

HOSTHub roadmap milestones delivered on time and within scope.  

90%+ user satisfaction in feedback surveys.  

All major integrations operational and maintained.  

Demonstrated improvements in efficiency and automation across service areas.  

100% compliance with digital security and privacy standards.  

Required Experience  

5–8 years’ experience in product management, digital platform delivery, or systems development - ideally within SaaS, fintech, social enterprise, or digital infrastructure contexts.  

Proven track record of delivering complex, multi-stakeholder digital products from concept to launch and iteration.  

Strong understanding of user experience (UX) and user journey design, with practical experience mapping and optimising workflows for multiple user groups.  

Experience managing or coordinating external developers, digital agencies, or tech contractors in remote environments.  

Demonstrated ability to translate user needs into technical requirements, prioritising effectively across competing demands.  

Familiarity with API integrations, database systems, and workflow automation tools (e.g. Zapier, Airtable, or custom integrations).  

Proven success integrating digital tools with finance, CRM, or data systems (e.g. Sage, Salesforce, ClickUp, Zendesk).  

Strong data skills, including experience designing or using dashboards and analytics for performance and reporting.  

Knowledge of security, privacy, and compliance frameworks (e.g. GDPR, ISO, AML/CTF) as they apply to digital systems.  

Excellent project management, prioritisation, and communication skills - able to bridge technical and non-technical audiences.  

As Neighbourhood - Senior Organiser at Pembroke House you will be someone who is highly skilled and experienced at bringing together diverse groups of people to take collective action on local issues.

You’ll have the ability to blend organising and community-building strategies, knowing that we can’t build power without building community and that community is often built through a common cause.

You’ll be excited to bring your organising and facilitation skills to our existing community programmes, including the Walworth Living Room - a new ‘third space’ for the community, as well as playing a crucial role in developing new partnerships and future areas of our work. 

If this job is done well, residents will be growing their skills and capacity to collaborate, groups will be building momentum, and beginning to take action to effect change in the neighbourhood. Pembroke House’s role and approach to supporting neighbourhood change will be further clarified, codified and evidenced. 

Person Specification

You’ll be an energetic person who thrives on making new connections and can inspire others to take action. As an experienced facilitator you will be confident facilitating groups and at ease with designing and adapting formal and informal training sessions appropriate to the context.

Your experience MUST include facilitating groups who don’t already hold a common and agreed set of values. So while academic or activist settings may form a significant part of your experience, it is essential to have worked in a mixed community or neighbourhood setting, where you regularly encountered and brought together a range of contrasting viewpoints, which included views substantially different to your own.

A knowledge of community organising methodology (see for example Act Build Change or Citizen’s UK) is useful, but there may also be other approaches or experiences that you could draw on for this role. You will be curious and keen to learn about the history of community organising and community development at Pembroke House, and keen to build on and contribute to the development of that work. 

Pembroke House

Pembroke House is a centre for social action and residential community in Walworth, South-East London.

We were founded in 1885, by students from Pembroke College, Cambridge, as one of the first settlement houses. Concerned about growing poverty and inequality, the pioneers of the settlement movement sought a new approach: taking up residence to live, work and solve problems alongside local communities. 

For 140 years, we’ve been working to bridge traditional divides and unite people – whatever their background or walk of life – in building a better Walworth.

Responsible to: Director of Partnerships

Location: Pembroke House, 80 Tatum Street, SE171QR, the Walworth Living Room, All Saints Hall, Surrey Square, SE172JU, and surrounding areas in Walworth.

As we are a neighbourhood based organisation we believe it is essential to our work that staff are present in one of our sites in Walworth as much as possible. This role is in person and not suitable for remote or hybrid working.

Job Information Event -Friday 12th December 2025 11.00 - 12.00. Signup required (see website)

Application Deadline: 9am Monday 5th January 2026

Short interview calls: Week of 5th January 2026: A brief online call to clarify your relevant experience.

In person interview: Tuesday 13th/Wed 14th January 2026: Full interview with two members of our team

Final round: Trial session at Walworth Living Room, Friday 16th January 2026

Hours of Work: Full time 35 hrs per week, with some evening and weekends (taken off as TOIL). 

Salary: £38,353 - £40,381

Annual Holiday Leave: 28 days paid annual leave per annum (pro rata), plus the standard Bank and Public Holidays and three discretionary days between Christmas and New Year.

As the leading specialist mental health charity for women who have experienced domestic abuse, Woman’s Trust’s mission is to help survivors to overcome the devastating mental health impact of domestic abuse.

We are seeking a Counselling Support Group Administrator to join our service delivery team. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced professional who is looking to make a real impact on women and children’s lives.

About Woman's Trust

The charity, established almost thirty years ago to meet the gap in specialist mental health services, is led by and for women and aims to ensure that women affected by domestic abuse can live a life free from further harm and abuse. Our approach is trauma-informed and person-centred, empowering survivors on their journey to recovery from the trauma. We are committed to a positive, inclusive and equitable environment for our staff, service users and volunteers.

Alongside delivering our existing 1-1 counselling, self-development workshops and therapeutic support groups for women who have experienced domestic abuse, we are focused on developing our innovative mental health services for young women and girls, delivering new peer-led support groups and providing therapeutic groups to children and their mothers. We are also committed to developing further awareness-raising workshops and training for professionals, building on our research and policy to improve systems nationally.

About you and how to apply

As a skilled and compassionate Counselling Support Group Administrator, aligned with our feminist ethos and the needs of our service users, you will provide high-quality administrative support to the delivery of counselling and support group services for women affected by domestic abuse. You will bring experience in service administration within a sensitive or trauma-informed setting, with the ability to manage referrals, coordinate sessions, maintain accurate records, and support counsellors and volunteers through effective scheduling and communication.

You will play a key role in supporting the smooth running of services, including monitoring attendance and outcomes, maintaining safeguarding and confidentiality standards, and ensuring compliance with organisational and funder requirements. You will also contribute to service improvement by supporting reporting, data collection, and administrative processes that enable the ongoing development and effectiveness of counselling and support group provision.

If you are looking for a new job opportunity whilst making a real impact on women and children’s lives, we want to hear from you!

To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter of no more than 2 pages outlining your experience, skills, and knowledge, relevant to this post.

Closing date for applications: To be considered on a rolling basis.

Interviews: To be held on a rolling basis.

This post is open to female applicants only, in line with the Equality Act 100 pursuant to Schedule, 9 Part 1 applies. We particularly welcome applications from women from black and minoritised, and disability communities.

Job Purpose:

1. To lead the development and delivery of WIP’s housing programme in South London and Manchester, ensuring high quality, trauma responsive services.
2. Develop effective pathways with local housing teams and providers, including through co-design with women with lived experience, developing training and resources to improve the knowledge and understanding on women impacted by the CJS. 
3. Provide effective leadership to direct reports, fostering a positive, supportive and collaborative team culture.
4. Work collaboratively with the external affairs team to provide programme insights to influence policy and systems change to prevent criminalisation of women due to homelessness and housing insecurity.

This is an exciting role leading our committed policy team leading the fight to end child poverty in the UK. The development and implementation of a UK-wide cross-government child poverty strategy means this is a great time to join CPAG as we look to influence policy makers to adopt our evidence-based policy solutions to child poverty.

We are looking for someone to take a lead role in developing evidence-based policy positions to support CPAG’s influencing and campaigns work. You will have knowledge of political processes and how external organisations can effect change. You will have a track record of producing high quality research and analysis, including policy briefings, on social policy issues. You will have experience of managing a small team and working collaboratively to identify policy issues and develop solutions with colleagues across the organisation, as well as externally.

The postholder will be working in a fast moving, high profile and complex policy environment and will need to balance short term priorities with long term objectives. Current priorities include influencing the implementation of the forthcoming child poverty strategy, gathering and sharing analysis and expertise with the DWP as part of their review of universal credit, and monitoring the development of forthcoming changes to disability benefits.

We welcome applications from individuals with the skills and experience outlined and we can be flexible about working arrangements. We operate a hybrid working system and would be happy to discuss any flexibilities required. CPAG is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion which you can read more about in the job pack.

We welcome applications on a secondment basis.

For more information about this post and to apply download the Head of Policy job pack.

If you have questions or need specific arrangements or reasonable adjustments to take part in the selection process, please contact us.

Closing date for applications: Sunday 4th January 2026 (midnight)

Interviews will take place: Tuesday 13th January 2026

Nacro is looking for a committed and politically astute Policy & Public Affairs Officer – Criminal Justice to play a key role in delivering our influencing strategy. You will help shape Nacro’s policy positions on criminal justice issues and deliver proactive and reactive public affairs activity that drives meaningful change for the people we support.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about social justice, who understands the political landscape and is confident producing high-quality policy materials, engaging with parliamentarians, and representing Nacro externally.

 

Key Responsibilities

Policy Development

• Monitor and analyse political and policy developments in criminal justice to identify trends, opportunities, and risks.
• Work with service users, staff, and research colleagues to develop evidence-based policy positions.
• Produce high-quality policy briefings, reports, and consultation responses.
• Serve as Nacro’s internal expert on criminal justice policy.
   

Public Affairs & Influencing

• Develop and deliver a public affairs plan that advances Nacro’s influencing objectives.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with parliamentarians, policymakers, and regional decision-makers.
• Attend and represent Nacro at APPGs, parliamentary meetings, and external events.
• Produce parliamentary briefings and contribute to legislative engagement.
• Organise and coordinate parliamentary and stakeholder events that support influencing goals.
• Work collaboratively with partners across the sector to strengthen joint advocacy.
   

Communications & Support

• Provide content for media statements, blogs, and external communications.
• Prepare briefings for senior leaders including the Head of Policy & Public Affairs, Director of Engagement & Impact, and CEO.
• Support wider Nacro campaigns and influencing work as required.
   

Professional & Technical Expertise

• Strong knowledge of criminal justice policy.
• In-depth understanding of Westminster, Whitehall, and political processes.
• Experience designing and delivering effective public affairs activity.
• Demonstrated ability to influence decision-makers.
• Experience working with parliamentarians and developing strong relationships.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience producing policy and campaign materials.
• Strong political awareness and the ability to anticipate developments.
   

Organisational Performance & Compliance

• Commit to personal learning and development through supervision and appraisal.
• Positively promote Nacro and contribute to an integrated, collaborative team culture focused on supporting service users and students.
• Adhere to safeguarding, data protection, and statutory responsibilities.
• Uphold and promote Nacro’s Equality and Diversity Policy.
• Report any health and safety concerns within your area.
• Demonstrate professional behaviour aligned with Nacro’s values.
  
   

Why Join Nacro?

We believe that everyone deserves a good education, a safe and secure place to live, the right to be heard, and the chance to start again, with support from someone on their side.

That’s why our housing, education, justice, and health and wellbeing services work alongside people to give them the support and skills they need to succeed. And it’s why we fight for their voices to be heard and campaign together to create lasting change.

We see your future, whatever the past.

If you’re passionate about driving change, skilled at navigating political environments, and eager to develop your policy and influencing expertise - we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now and help shape a fairer future.

The role of the People Partner is to work in partnership with directors and their managers, supporting and influencing the delivery of People Team services (including employees and volunteers), particularly in relation to people management. You will provide HR coaching and consulting that delivers People and Culture best practice and commercially focused HR/People advice.

You will proactively support leaders and managers to develop forward planning and good management practice with a focus on increased staff engagement and good performance from all staff. The People Partners will be expected to drive initiatives that not only attract top talent but also foster a culture where employees feel valued, engaged, and inspired by our unique Employee Value Proposition (EVP).

You will also help raise knowledge, capabilities and confidence of managers and support and drive initiatives and projects that add value to the area and are in line with the overall values of The Children’s Trust.

This role is not open to sponsorship.

Staff benefits include shuttle bus, and more… Read more below.

Role Requirements

• Work closely with the Senior Organisational Change Manager and the other People Partners to ensure that all employees, volunteers and trustees are supported and treated fairly
• Support the Senior Organisational Change Manager in ensuring that the People Team achieves its wider organisational goals
• Promote a positive, inclusive workplace that values diversity and supports the wellbeing of employees, volunteer and trustees
• Assist in the streamlining and automation of processes to improve operational efficiency
• Undertake other or additional duties that are within your skills and abilities, as the organisation may reasonably require from time to time.
• Provide expert advice and support on employee relations matters, including performance management, conduct and conflict resolution
• Manage disciplinary, grievance and attendance issues
• Support managers in navigating sickness management procedures, ensuring fair and consistent application of policies while prioritising employee well-being and a smooth return-to-work process, including conducting return-to-work interviews
• Work with the People Team Reward & People Insights Manager to analyse and support with the preparation of the annual Gender Pay Reporting and action planning.
• You will support with the development of the HR System / implementation and assist with any changes to HR processes linked to the system changes.
• You will be responsible for managing SelectHR (including OH) and all People Partnering responsibilities linked to the systems.

Interview Date: To be confirmed.

Terms and Conditions

Strictly no agencies, please.

As we often receive high levels of applicants for our roles, we regret that we will only be able to contact those applicants who are shortlisted for interviews. Therefore, if you have not heard from us within 2 weeks of the closing date, please assume you have not been shortlisted for an interview on this occasion.

About Us

The Children’s Trust is the UK’s leading charity for children with acquired brain injury, providing expert rehabilitation, education, therapy, and care at our national specialist centre in Tadworth, and to children and their families across the UK, via our Brain Injury Community Service.

Boasting a beautiful 24-acre site in Surrey, we are located just outside of London, close to the M25 (accessible via Junction 8, A217 to Tadworth) and easily accessible via National Rail, by way of: Clapham Junction, Sutton, and Epsom.

Staff Benefits

The work we do is highly rewarding, and in addition to an attractive salary, we offer a valuable range of benefits, including our staff flexible benefits platform, on-site nursery, free eye tests, enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay, time out days for those experiencing menopause symptoms and time off for gender reassignment.

We also offer additional annual leave days for those with long service, with entitlements ranging from 35 to 41 days (including bank holidays) depending on your length of service.

Other benefits include free on-site parking; a staff shuttle service from Epsom and Sutton train stations to Tadworth Court, subsidised cafeteria, on-site staff accommodation (subject to availability), the ability to retain your NHS pension (where applicable), Teacher’s pension (where applicable) or the opportunity to join an alternative scheme, and the opportunity to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Rehabilitation of Offenders

Many roles at The Children’s Trust are exempt from the provisions of Section 4 (2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, by virtue of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 and 2020) and as such, are subject to an Enhanced DBS check.  Successful applicants will be required to complete an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check, which will disclose all unspent convictions and adult cautions and any spent convictions or adult cautions that would not be protected.  The exceptions to this are our retail roles within The Children’s Trust shops, which are subject to Basic DBS checks which will disclose unspent convictions or adult cautions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

To help us achieve our ambition to give children and young people with brain injury and neurodisability the opportunity to live the best life possible, we want to accurately reflect the UK’s diverse population. We want equity, diversity, and inclusion to be at the heart of everything we do, and our people, services, and culture to reflect the diverse needs of all. Through our diversity and inclusion strategy, we have made a commitment to increase the diversity of our charity and create an inclusive culture. We have networks across the organisation working to ensure that these aims are met - including an LGBTQIA2S+ group, Ethnic Diversity Group, and Spark – our broad EDI group. Read more about our EDI work here. We welcome applications from all who share our ambition regardless of background. We will strive to ensure that any reasonable adjustments are made in respect of interview and working arrangements.

Online Searches

In accordance with statutory safeguarding and child protection guidance, online searches will be conducted for shortlisted candidates before interview. The online searches will be conducted by a person who is independent of the interview and selection process and will focus on relevant information returned via searches of the candidate’s name (and variations thereof). Social media searches will be limited to professional platforms such as LinkedIn. Any concerns relating to suitability for work with children and young people will be forwarded to the interview panel, for discussion during the interview.

We’re looking for a talented and purpose-driven Finance Manager to join Wiltshire & Swindon Community Foundation and help us make an even bigger difference in local communities across our county.

This is a pivotal role at the heart of our organisation. You’ll bring financial expertise, clarity and confidence to our work—helping us operate efficiently, meet our charitable obligations, and maximise the impact we create for the people and places we serve.

In this role, you will:

· Lead on budgeting, quarterly management accounts and financial reporting

· Prepare our Annual Report & Financial Statements and manage the audit process

· Oversee our finance systems (Xero, ApprovalMax, Salesforce, Power BI)

· Manage cashflow, banking arrangements and fund reconciliations

· Support donor reporting and investment oversight

· Ensure we meet requirements for Companies House, the Charity Commission and HMRC

· Line-manage and support our Finance Assistant(s)

About you: You’re aligned with our mission and values, passionate about strengthening communities, and keen to contribute your skills in a meaningful way. You’ll be:

· Fully qualified ACMA/ACCA/ACA or qualified by experience

· Experienced in a similar level finance role

· An excellent communicator with strong attention to detail and confidence managing a varied workload

· Experienced with accounting software (Xero desirable) and Microsoft 365

· Charity finance knowledge is helpful but not essential—we’ll support your development.

Why join us? You’ll be part of a small, supportive team who care deeply about what we do. We offer flexible working (30–37.5 hours) and a hybrid approach, with our office based in Devizes.

Closing date: 12 noon, Wednesday 14 January 2026

Please note, the full job description and person specification can be found in the recruitment pack.

For more information on the role, and for details on how to apply for this position, please read the recruitment pack in full available on our website. 

If you want to use your financial expertise to help communities across Wiltshire and Swindon thrive, we’d love to hear from you.

Macular disease is the biggest cause of sight loss in the UK, with around 300 people diagnosed every day. The Macular Society is the only charity determined to beat the fear and isolation of macular disease with world class research, and the best advice and support.

To support people affected by macular disease now, the Macular Society provides a range of support, information and services. Our research programme is focused on finding new treatments and a cure to beat macular disease forever.

We’re looking for an experienced and strategic individual to lead our community engagement work in Northern Ireland and manage our UK-wide team of Community Engagement Managers. You’ll oversee peer support development, build strong partnerships, and ensure consistent delivery across regions. This role requires excellent leadership skills, the ability to manage complex relationships, and a strong understanding of how to engage and empower communities. If you feel you have the attributes above, we would love to hear from you.

In return, we provide a great working culture and offer flexible working options, 26 days annual leave, the ability to buy or sell annual leave, supportive family policies, and a 6% pension contribution.

We are an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.

This role is predominantly home-based; however, travel will be required across NI and occasionally to Andover in Hampshire.

We are looking for an experienced, motivated fundraising professional to oversee corporate partnerships and individual giving, embedding the corporate and individual giving journey into all aspects of ERIC’s communications, and broadening the charity’s approach to donor stewardship to treat all service users and website visitors as future donors. You will also oversee all ERIC’s external and internal communications including our website, social media and PR.

As part of ERIC’s Senior Leadership Team, you will contribute to strategic planning, policy and decision-making across the whole organisation. This role provides strategic and operational leadership for ERIC’s fundraising and communications team. You will play a pivotal role in maximising supporter-led fundraising income, ensuring every supporter has a positive experience and feels inspired to continue supporting ERIC.

As Head of Fundraising and Communications, and a Senior leadership team member you will be responsible for implementing ERIC’s overall strategy. Our primary strategic objective in this area is to build our corporate and individual donor base, and you will use user data, stewardship strategy, website user experience, social media, segmented email and online service design to deliver this.

You will work closely with the CEO and provide effective line-management for two staff, and you will work with contractors and freelancers who provide social media support, videography and web development services etc.

ERIC’s reputation is built on providing families and professionals with health information that is accurate, up-to-date, clearly written and accessible. You will work with our team of qualified and experienced staff to ensure that robust systems are in place for checking and approving all the health information that ERIC publishes.

What we can offer you:

In return for your commitment to our cause and to recognise the value of our employees, ERIC offers a range of benefits to support the wellbeing of our employees. These include:

• 25 days of annual leave (plus 8 days paid public holidays per year), rising one day per year as a long service reward up to a max of 5 days.
• Employee Assistance Programme and access to wellbeing resources
• 3% Employer Pension contribution
• Living Wage Accredited Employer

We are also committed to providing learning and development to our employees. During your time with us, we provide support for your professional and career development, including access to digital training programmes and other training as required by the role.

Our enduring focus is to strengthen the voluntary sector and transform the funding system, so that charities can do their best work.

About IVAR

At IVAR, we’re more than researchers – we’re sense-makers and bridge-builders. We turn real-world challenges in the voluntary sector into clear, practical insights that inspire change and action.

For 25 years, we’ve worked shoulder-to-shoulder with charities, funders and community organisations: listening, learning and tackling tough problems together. Our work is curious, grounded, human and hopeful.

Our 2025–2030 strategy includes a clear commitment to transforming the funding system and the Open and Trusting programme will be the key to achieving that commitment.

Born in 2021, Open and Trusting is directly inspired by what matters most to charities. Today, 170 funders have signed up to the eight commitments – actively working to be clear, flexible, proportionate, and purposeful in their grant-making. We know this makes a huge difference to charities and the communities they support.

About the role and person

Open and Trusting has come a long way, but there’s a lot more it can achieve – which is why we are looking for a dedicated leader for the programme. The success of the role will depend on an understanding and belief in the work of charities and funders, and the power of transforming funding practices. 

As Head of Programme and Engagement, you’ll bring energy, structure and connective thinking to the work. You will strengthen the community, support learning and ensure that the programme runs with momentum and purpose.

This role is collaborative and outward-facing and combines project management, engagement, community-building and fundraising. The person will need first-rate listening, diplomacy, influencing and relationship-building skills and will be a proven manager, with a track record of developing management infrastructures that underpin the success of initiatives involving multiple strands and big ideas.

If you feel you fit the role and are motivated by our work then we’d love to hear from you. Please find out more by looking at the Candidate Information Pack.

Closing date for applications is Friday 23 January; please download the pack before 18 January.

Nacro is seeking an experienced and dynamic Head of Policy & Public Affairs to lead our strategic policy development and influencing work with Government, officials, and other key decision-makers. This pivotal role will shape and deliver a high-impact policy and public affairs strategy that improves the lives of the people we support—those affected by the criminal justice system, housing insecurity, and barriers to education.

You will be Nacro’s senior voice in government spaces, the media, and across the public affairs landscape. You will ensure our policy positions are evidence-based, rooted in lived experience, and influential at the highest levels.

 

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Policy & Public Affairs

• Lead Nacro’s strategic policy and public affairs activity with Government, parliamentarians, officials, and other stakeholders.
• Develop and implement a compelling public affairs strategy that drives meaningful change.
• Build and maintain strong, productive relationships with senior policymakers.
• Represent Nacro externally, including with senior stakeholders and in the media.
• Oversee the development of evidence-based policy positions and research projects that support Nacro’s strategic objectives.
• Ensure service user experience informs all policy and influencing work.
• Produce and oversee high-quality policy outputs including consultation responses, briefings, reports, blogs, and media commentary.
• Safeguard Nacro’s reputation as a trusted and authoritative source of insight and expertise.
• Provide strategic political intelligence and advice to the Director of Engagement & Impact and the Chief Executive.

People Leadership

• Lead, motivate, and support a high-performing team, setting clear direction and expectations.
• Model Nacro’s values and behaviours, enabling a positive, inclusive, and accountable culture.
• Manage communication channels effectively, ensuring key organisational messages are understood and cascaded.
• Set objectives, monitor performance, and hold regular one-to-one meetings.
• Support professional development and wellbeing across the team while driving innovation and high standards.
• Take responsibility for all aspects of people management, including recruitment, conduct, performance, and attendance.
• Recognise, reward, and encourage excellent performance.
   

Leadership Across the Organisation

• Play an active role in the Senior Leadership Team, helping to drive organisational strategy.
• Operate both strategically and operationally, identifying opportunities and risks for Nacro.
   

Professional Expertise

• Significant senior-level experience in policy and public affairs.
• Strong track record of leading policy campaigns that delivered real impact.
• Excellent political awareness, judgement, and communication skills—both written and verbal.
• Knowledge of criminal justice, education, young people’s policy, or housing policy (desirable).

Performance & Compliance

• Set and deliver directorate performance targets, ensuring effective management of budgets and resources.
• Oversee health & safety responsibilities in your area.
• Contribute to business development and bid work in partnership with relevant teams.
• Ensure accurate and timely record-keeping and reporting.
• Promote and uphold Nacro’s values, safeguarding, data protection, and equality and diversity policies.
• Represent Nacro positively, building strong internal and external relationships.

Why Join Nacro?

We believe that everyone deserves a good education, a safe and secure place to live, the right to be heard, and the chance to start again, with support from someone on their side.

That’s why our housing, education, justice, and health and wellbeing services work alongside people to give them the support and skills they need to succeed. And it’s why we fight for their voices to be heard and campaign together to create lasting change.

We see your future, whatever the past.

If you are a strategic thinker, an influential communicator, and passionate about social justice—we want to hear from you.

 Apply now to lead change where it matters most

Barnet Mencap is a very well-established local charity which provides services and support for people with learning disabilities, autistic people, and their family carers, while also campaigning alongside them to improve their lives. The organisation aims to create a world where people with learning disabilities are valued equally, have their voices heard and are included in the community. 

We are looking to appoint a new CEO to lead the organisation and ensure it continues to provide its much-valued services.

The successful candidate will have: 

• Experience in a senior role in a relevant service i.e. Learning Disabilities, Children or Adult Services

• Experience of developing a strategy and monitoring framework in a similar environment 

• Experience of effective partnership working at a strategic and practical level 

• Proven track record of income generation and financial management 

• Knowledge of charity governance, regulation for a medium size charity, and working effectively with a board of trustees.

• Knowledge of the Health and Social Care environment, including key policies and legislation 

• Understanding of Health and Safety and Safeguarding in a service delivery environment 

• Understanding of the Social Model of Disability and how to apply it to deliver empowering person-centred projects and services 

Please read the full Job Description, Person Specification and Recruitment Pack for further information on the role. 

To apply, please send your CV alongside a covering letter explaining how you meet the criteria in the person specification. 

The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service application in line with Section 115 of The Police Act 1997.   

 Closing Date: 16th of January 2026 

Interview dates are planned for the 10th and 11th of February 2026.  

Join us in the ambitious ‘Birmingham In Action’ campaign, which commits to raising over £600 million of charitable funding and 1.25 million volunteer hours positioning the University as one of the world leaders in University development. To fulfil our exciting campaign ambitions, we are recruiting a Philanthropy Manager to help grow our philanthropic funding and to take our campaign to the next level. 

Our world has many challenges that will deeply affect our generation and the next. As a Philanthropy Manager, you will cultivate significant gifts for amazing education and charitable research projects, you will provide funding for scholarships to support students from underrepresented backgrounds and will raise philanthropic funds for priority research areas including cancer, other global health issues and climate change. You will encourage and inspire donors to make long-term, sustainable gifts.

You will be joining an established team of fundraisers made up of Senior Philanthropy Managers, Philanthropy Managers and Philanthropy Officers. You will have experience of delivering against financial targets, along with the ability to translate complex information into a compelling ask in both verbal and written form. As a Philanthropy Manager in DARO, you will be innovative, self-motivated, and take ownership of fundraising opportunities in this area and generate significant gifts for amazing philanthropic projects. You will have an enthusiasm for building relationships, the skill to interact with high-level donors and supporters, and the ability to showcase the sector-leading academic research to a range of audiences. 

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy.