Operations Manager Jobs

Wild in the City was established in 2013 and was incorporated as an asset locked non- profit Community Interest Company in April 2016 to address the growing problem of disconnection from nature and generational loss of knowledge and skills, and to help make nature a meaningful part of everyday life. 

We are a national organisation supporting well-being through relationship with nature. We offer programmes in hiking, woodland living skills, natural history and ecotherapy, using the skills of our ancestors to develop a deeper relationship with the natural world and nurture a sense of belonging to communities past and present. 

We are a black led organisation with a focus on health and supporting Black and minority ethnic communities in accessing nature and the countryside, addressing the widely acknowledged lack of representation and lower levels of involvement of people of colour in nature-based activity. We are a leading organisation in research and the facilitation of forums about race and nature. 

We have an exciting vision for increasing the participation of people of colour in nature- based activity and highlighting black perspectives about the natural world through our core programmes. 

• Nature Guides 

• Nature Connectors 

• Wild in the City Festival 

• Black Nature Narratives 

• Research and Consultancy

We’re looking for an exceptional individual to become our new Director of Operations. The right person will balance strong interpersonal and leadership skills and robust operational ability in the areas of finance, administration and fundraising. The role of Director of Operations is central to helping us achieve our ambition of further growing as a Black led institution for learning and caring about nature. We are looking for someone with the experience to help shape our growth and guide implementation of our 5 year plan, and who will grow with us to become our Chief Operating Officer.

• The role is offered for 21 hours per week.

  Closing date: 3rd May 2024 

  Interview: w/c 13th May 2024 

  Start date: as soon as possible 

  Full job description with responsibilties and person specification is attached

Growing Hope seeks a highly-motivated and experienced Director of Operations who is passionate about our mission. The ideal candidate will play a vital role in ensuring the smooth and efficient running of the charity’s essential operations.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to lead and develop our finance, HR, IT, and governance functions. This will provide the backbone for Growing Hope to continue making a tangible difference in the world and ensure the charity’s long-term sustainability and growth.

This role will report to the CEO of the charity and will work closely as part of the Senior Leadership team. The Operations Director will have oversight of HR, IT, Operations, Finance and Governance within the charity. This will involve line management of the Finance Officer and Operations Officer in the team. As the charity grows we want to ensure that we have strong governance, processes and financial reporting across Growing Hope and the local charities. As a small charity, the role will require balancing practical tasks with strategic planning and management. The role will be based in King’s Cross (2 days office based) with occasional events outside of the office. 

Further information about the role is found in the job description and person specification. All applications must be submitted along with a CV via our website.

About the Foundation:

The Avicenna Foundation was set up in 2023 to to support outstanding young British Muslims by providing them with scholarships for their undergraduate degree. The scholarships are mainly focused on awarding scholarships in the Social Sciences and Humanities for those interested in politics, policy-making and becoming agents of positive change.

Alongside the scholarship, the Avicenna Foundation runs a development programme for the scholars to expand their skills and abilities in various areas like leadership, communication and collaboration.

The Foundation has developed immensely in the first year with the launch of the charity; onboarding of it’s first cohort of 30 scholars and the development of a leadership programme.  It now needs propelling into the next stage as the charity develops to ensure a robust charity structure and programme in place.

Key Responsibilities:

Operations:

- Manage the day-to-day operations of the charity, and manage changes required within programmes and activities as a result of changing external landscapes or contexts.

- Implement strategies for advertising the scholarships, receiving and reviewing applications, shortlisting candidates, conducting interviews, and making final selection decisions. Some of these things are already in place and may need reviewing and enhancing.

- Work with the Scholar Development Coordinator to oversee the leadership development programme, provide guidance and help the programme to grow.

- Maintain regular communication with the scholars, their progress, and address any issues or concerns that may arise.

- Ensure programme objectives and outcomes align with the overall strategy and aims of the Foundation, and are realistic and achievable within timeframes and budgets.

- Organise any events, programmes necessary to the scholars.

- Use data to track progress and drive improvement; proactively manage risks; and ensure effective use of the Foundation’s resources and budgets allocated to you.

Governance:

- Provide leadership and guidance to achieve consistency of governance across all of the Foundation’s activities, from development, delivery, measurement and evaluation and reporting perspectives.

- Regular communication and updates to the board, prepare board papers and contribute to Trustee meetings as required.

- Create, maintain and ensure continued adoption of governance frameworks, policies and templates.

- Ensure implementation and maintenance of risk registers for the charity and across all programmes.

- Manage finances, budgeting, reporting, and record-keeping

- Prepare the Foundation’s annual report.

External Engagement

- Lead on strategic communications by developing and implementing an integrated public affairs and communication plan that are consistent with the goals and values of the Foundation.

- Building and cultivating exceptional diverse reciprocal partnerships across a wide range of stakeholder groups, grounded in delivering impact through collaboration.

- Work with educational partners to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the scholarship programme

-  Leverage messaging and networks to positively impact the growth and reputation of the Foundation.

- Strengthen our brand reputation to maximise our impact and reach.

- Help identify, create and develop meaningful opportunities for the young people the Foundation works with.

- Establish an alumni network and support continuous professional development for alumni.

- Produce briefings and critical information for internal and external stakeholders, and review reports, submissions, and letters where appropriate.

Experience and Skills

This is not a prescriptive list, and we do not expect applicants to meet every item outlined below. We recognise that it can be hard to find the ideal balance of knowledge and skills for this role. We are open to what this balance is, so if you are stronger in one or the other area but think you could do the job please still apply, and tell us why the role is right for you.

Required

- An appreciation and understanding of the Foundation’s values and vision.

- Outstanding communication skills, both verbal and written, combined with the ability to liaise with senior stakeholders.

- Experience in successful partnership working.

- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships, lead, influence and motivate others.

- Good financial acumen and experience of managing and working within set budgets.

- A proactive, flexible approach, and ability to progress work independently in a fast-paced environment.

- Diplomatic approach and highly self-motivated with a positive and energetic attitude.

- Focuses on what matters most, setting priorities and adapting them where required, with the right level of communication.

- Excellent attention to detail, accuracy and organisational skills.

- Takes satisfaction in delivering work to a consistently high standard, and programmes on time and on budget.

- Communicates clearly and confidently to senior team members, and presents information effectively, at the right time, with the right level of information.

- Plans ahead, anticipates and reacts to change and project needs, and remains flexible and adaptive in the face of change.

- Experience of working to tight deadlines without close supervision.

- The ability to identify personal strengths and weaknesses, and a willingness to develop, adapt and learn

- A passion and interest in developing work streams to support the development of young people.

-  A high level of digital literacy to include MS Office, G Suite, social media and other online platforms.

Advantageous

- Knowledge and experience in effective charity governance, with experience working within the charity/non-profit space.

- Understanding of the policy and campaign landscape in the UK as it relates to issues impacting students, young people and Muslim communities.

- Expertise in project/programme management with proven ability to manage complex projects, including the ability to develop and manage budgets, timelines, and resources.

- Structured thinking when working through problems, overcoming hurdles, mitigating risks and dealing with issues.

- Confidence in, and experience in, liaising with a wide range of stakeholders and project participants

- Previous work within areas of young people, local communities, or further education is a plus.

- An understanding of effective safeguarding (training can be provided, but experience an advantage)

- An undergraduate or postgraduate degree in a relevant field.

Please note that this job description is a guide to the work you will initially be required to undertake, but does not cover all of the duties the post holder may have to perform. Responsibilities will evolve over time, in discussion with the post holder.

About the post of CEO

You will report directly to the Board of Trustees, ensuring excellent governance of the Charity, regulatory compliance with the Charity Commission and Companies House, and will collaborate with Trustees on designing and executing the 2024-2027 strategy. You will lead and support a team of seven staff, supporting 500+ older and disabled Neighbours annually with a large team of volunteers. You will ensure excellent management of charity’s finances and that adequate funding is in place to maintain all charitable activity, monitoring and evaluation. You will ensure that the charity maintains its reputation and develops its exposure and standing. 

About you

You will have strategic leadership experience and have previously led teams. You will have a strong understanding of charity governance and will have demonstrable fundraising knowledge and/or experience. You will be passionate about supporting older and disabled people and will have a strong understanding of their needs. You will be equipped to represent the Charity both internally and externally.  

JOB DESCRIPTION

Strategy and Operations

1. Develop, implement, and lead execution of the charity's annual operational plan and 3-year strategic plan.

2. Identify appropriate level of staffing, volunteering, ensuring that all staff and volunteers are appropriately interviewed, vetted, inducted, trained, developed, and supported to deliver against their objectives.

3. Ensure appropriate upkeep, security, and management of the charity’s premises, including all relevant contracts and payments.

4. Ensure that the charity’s IT systems are fit for purpose and compliant with relevant law.

People

5. Line management of seven staff members, and responsibility for staff and team development, cohesion and appraisals.

6. Recruit and support social club facilitators and appropriate consultants to provide additional resource to the charity as required.

7. Lead staff member for safeguarding, liaising directly with Hammersmith and Fulham Adult Social Care.

8. Ensure appropriate mechanisms and safeguards are in place to support up to 100 regular volunteers, and up to 100 additional corporate/student volunteers.

9. Ensure appropriate mechanisms and safeguards are in place to support up to 500 beneficiaries and additional attendees at FGN events.

Finance and Fundraising

10. Develop, implement, and lead charity’s financial and fundraising planning and management, ensuring that the charity operates at least at break-even, ideally with a small surplus.

11. Ensure that the charity has a diverse range of income across various streams, inclusive of (but not limited to) public sector, trusts and foundations, corporate income, events, and online giving.

12. Ensure that the charity is receiving value for money with all expenditure, ensuring contract review on a timely basis as appropriate.

13. Ensure appropriate cashflow projections so that expenditure does not exceed income in any one year unless pre-agreed with trustees.

14. Ensure that appropriate financial controls are in place so to protect charity and anyone handling money on behalf of the charity.

15. In conjunction with the finance administrator and hon. treasurer monitor all income, expenditure, accounts, funding investments and budgets.

Governance

16 Ensure compliance with charity and company law, inclusive of writing, presentation and filing of annual report and accounts and other Company Secretary duties.

17 Organise, attend, record and report at board meetings every two months, inclusive of finance and operations reporting and the regular cycle of governance reviews.

18 Plan, organise and attend AGM and annual strategy session.

19 Ensure appropriate level of risk management and insurance are in place for the charity.

20 Ensure all relevant policies, procedures and financial controls are in place, inclusive of annual review.

Communications and Impact

21. Represent and promote the charity in public, sourcing media opportunities as appropriate so to increase visibility.

22. Represent the charity on appropriate networks and forums so to develop stakeholder relationships and source opportunities for cross-partner collaboration.

23. Ensure positive, fit-for-purpose, internal and external communications, inclusive of monthly newsletters, social media presence and other marketing materials.

24. Ensure appropriate monitoring and evaluation of projects and develop relationships with academic institutions and/or research consultancies where possible so to elicit external perspectives and scrutiny of the charity’s work.

25. Build relationships with local stakeholders and businesses.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential requirements

1. Senior management experience within the charity sector or similar

2. Experience of working at a senior level with and under the direction of a board of trustees

3. Experience of successfully applying for grant funding, and/or other income generation  

4. Financial acumen including financial reporting

5. Experience of successfully delivering strategic plans

6. Experience in publicity and marketing

7. Experience in management of staff and volunteers

The post is subject to:

· right to work in the UK check

· satisfactory disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service

· two satisfactory references

Salary will be c. £54,000 and is set in line with NJC pay scales 2024/25.

Working hours are 35 hours over 5 days per week. The postholder will be based primarily on site but with the possibility of up to one day per week remote working by agreement.

Pension: there is a 5% employer’s pension contribution

You will receive 28 days of annual leave, and option to buy/sell three days annually. We have additional benefits, which include eye vouchers and cycle to work scheme.

Interviews will be held at Rosaline Hall, Fulham, London SW6 on 13 and 14 May. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. No recruitment agencies to apply.

We are seeking our next Centre Manager, to lead our rape crisis centre, supporting survivors and campaigning for change.  Help us develop our vision, lead the organisation, resource the work and manage our friendly team.

The post is for 37 hours per week, to be worked as needed, through mutual arrangement, throughout the week. Reduced hours may be negotiable.

The salary range is £35,520 – £39,522.  It is based at our city centre office in Chester, with regular travel within West Cheshire region.  Flexible and home-working desirable, by agreement.

Main Purpose

● To develop a vision and an approach for the future direction of CSASS in line with the policy and strategy agreed with Trustees

● To lead and manage the organisation and staff to deliver high quality sustainable provision within available resources

● To lead on organisational development

Key Responsibilities

● To manage CSASS’s team, resources, finances, and facilities as agreed with the Board of Trustees

● To lead on, and manage CSASS’s fundraising work, including identifying and developing opportunities and managing relationships with key funders.

● To service the Board of Trustees by preparing reports, governance advice and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements

Other Responsibilities

● To support the Board of Trustees in developing CSASS’s future strategy

● To deliver objectives agreed with the board, in line with CSASS values and strategic goals – including service delivery, outreach, communications, campaigns and finance.

● To identify and develop opportunities and activities, in line with strategic goals

● To maintain external strategic partnerships and key relationships

● To develop CSASS profile, and ensure promotion and reputation management

● To be the responsible officer for Safeguarding, Data and Complaints

● To have overall responsibility for the recruitment and management of CSASS staff

● To ensure performance and impact is monitored and reported

● Financial management of CSASS, including preparation of budgets, accounts, reports, systems development, ensuring payroll and compliance with financial controls

● Policy development and organisational risk management

● To work flexibly to meet the needs of the service

● With other CSASS workers, maintain a clean, safe working environment, provide regular office cover and act as a key holder

● To work within CSASS policy and practice

● To work flexibly and carry out other work up to a level commensurate with the responsibilities of the post, as required

Personal & Professional Development

● Participate in regular reviews, and agree short, medium, and long-term goals

● Identify learning and development needs with line manager

● Share best practice and achievements.  Contribute to the development of CSASS

● Contribute to others learning by sharing knowledge and skills, informally and formally

Person Specification

Experience - essential:             

Performance management and supporting a staff team

A leadership role

Working with other organisations, in partnerships or networks

At least 3 years working in a related field (eg health/mental health, VAWG)

Developing organisational strategy and outcomes/impact frameworks

Responsibility for risk management and Safeguarding

Successful track record of bid-writing (eg trusts, foundations and/or Lottery Community fund)

Budget development and financial management

Experience - desirable:

Managing HR processes, including recruitment. Supporting staff with reasonable adjustments.

Working for a Board of Trustees

Working in the voluntary sector, paid or unpaid

Working with survivors of sexual violence

Safeguarding lead, or management level decisions. Organisational Risk.

Statutory fundraising (commissions, NHS, local and/or national gvmt)

Overseeing or producing annual charity accounts

Knowledge and Skills - essential:                           

Competence in IT, using remote systems and databases, accurate record keeping

Report writing, extracting and using data

Knowledge of compliance and governance in the voluntary sector

Listening, communication and motivational skills

Confident public speaking and maintaining strategic relationships

Ability to work in an empathic, open, and creative way, managing team relationships well

Ability to travel and work flexibly across the West Cheshire region

Organisational, administrative and time management skills

A proactive problem-solving attitude and the ability to prioritise and work on own initiative

Understanding of and commitment to equality and diversity

Knowledge of the aims and focus of the Rape Crisis movement

Knowledge and skills - desirable:

Influencing, challenging, and negotiating skills

Ability to work well with hybrid / remote working colleagues

Management Qualification

Confident handling EDI practice in relation to neurodiversity, anti-racism, gender and sex.

We recognise the value of lived experience as well as experience gained in a professional context.

CSASS is a women-led organisation.  Premises operate as a women-only space for part of each week, and we are committed to providing women-only spaces as part of our core offer, in addition to inclusive spaces and services.  The Centre Manager is the main leadership role and requires regular work within women-only spaces. As such, this role is open only to women as a genuine occupational requirement. Please see the equality policy on our website for more information about women-only spaces at CSASS.

Application closing date is 9.00 am Wednesday 24th April 2024

We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. To make good decisions and deliver impactful services,  we need a diverse range of viewpoints and lived experience within our team. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented at CSASS. These include people from Black, and global heritage and ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQI+ people.

The successful applicant for the post will be subject to a DBS Check.

Resurgo’s mission is to inspire and equip organisations to bring about ambitious and sustainable social change through our expertise in coaching, impact management and programme delivery. We’re a bold and innovative organisation with the ambition to transform society.

We are looking for a capable and creative individual to join the leadership of Resurgo, with oversight of strategy development and implementation, finance and governance. As a strong leader and people manager with experience across strategy and finance, you will have an ability to lead projects with multiple complex priorities through to completion, be a confident decision maker and communicator, and be passionate about social transformation.

The important stuff 

Salary: from £65,000, flexible dependent on experience

Contract: Minimum 6-12 month fixed-term contract

Hours: 5 days per week (4 considered), 9.30am – 5.30pm, with occasional evening work for events such as our Spear Celebrations.

Location: Hammersmith, London – we are an office-based organisation with some work at home possible in agreement with the line manager

Closing date: Friday 3rd May, 09.00am (We are interviewing on a rolling basis and might close the application early if we find the right candidate).

Interviews: We anticipate interviews to commence from w/c 6th May. 

Application Pack: Have a look at our application pack for more information.

Person Specification 

• An active Christian, passionate about personally representing the values and beliefs of Resurgo, and a demonstrated commitment to social impact and our mission to play a meaningful part in the repair of our social fabric
• Strong strategic thinking and business and financial acumen – experience in a management consulting or financial management role is essential
• Self-motivated forward planner with the ability to navigate complex fast-moving environments, adapt to changing circumstances, and exercise initiative, with a track record of driving growth and achieving results
• Financially literate, with experience overseeing strategic financial processes, e.g., budgeting, financial management and resource allocation
• Good IT skills with a working knowledge of Salesforce and Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint. An awareness of charity regulatory and compliance requirements is beneficial
• Strong proven leadership skills and the ability to relate confidently to a range of audiences
• Relational team player with high emotional intelligence, a sense of humour and fun, and the ability to inspire and motivate diverse teams

Key Responsibilities
 

Strategy Development and Implementation

• Leading the organisation through the iterative development and implementation of strategic projects to serve the ambition of Resurgo, to “inspire and equip organisations to deliver ambitious and sustainable social change”
• Provide direction and support to Heads of Department, setting them up to succeed in the implementation of ambitious plans
• Line management of the Strategy Managaer, who project manages and drives the delivery of annual departmental targets and strategic projects across the organisation.

Finance

• Line management of Head of Finance, providing strategic leadership in the development of the finance function and oversight of organisational financial management
• Lead the annual planning process, working with the Head of Finance and Director of People, Culture & Operations to shape and deliver annual financial planning

Oversight of Governance, Risk and Opportunity

• Executive Chair of the Strategy, Finance and Risk steering group, owning the most significant risks and opportunities facing Resurgo at an organisational level, ensuring actions are taken to mitigate risks and that we are set up to maximise opportunity
• Responsible for overseeing governance structures and ensuring they are fit for purpose as the organisation develops and grows
• Supporting the Executive Assistant to the CEO in the facilitation of the effective running of the Boards of Resurgo Trust and Resurgo Consulting, including planning and overseeing Board and key Steering Group meetings.

Active Participation in and Support for Resurgo’s team and mission

• Help build and develop Resurgo’s ethos and Christian life as a team member, including leading and contributing to daily team prayer meetings as an integral part of Resurgo’s operation and for the success of its mission

Please feel free to let us know if you may require any reasonable adjustments to participate fully in our recruitment process.

As the Chief Operating Officer at Quo Vadis Trust, you will play a pivotal role in leading the organisation through a transformative phase of growth and change.

Reporting directly to the CEO and spearheading the Senior Leadership Team, you will be responsible for enhancing QVT's operating model across key functions, including Finance, People and Culture, Operations, Supported Accommodation and Care services.

Main purpose of job: To lead and develop CARA, taking overall responsibility for the operational and financial management, generating income, working closely with the board of trustees to achieve CARA’s strategic and budgetary aims, whilst ensuring compliance with statutory, contractual, and regulatory requirements.

Start date: To be agreed with the appointed candidate (subject to Enhanced DBS Check and satisfactory references).

Salary: £55,000 - £60,000

Hours: Your hours of work are as required to perform the duties of your role, for a full-time employee this is normally 35 hours per week. 

Contract: Permanent

Place of work: At least two days a week in the Colchester office, with some home working, regular travel across Essex and occasional travel in the East Region.

Holiday: 25 days per year pro-rata, plus additional closure days between Christmas and New Year.

To apply: Please complete the application form, which can be downloaded from our website, explaining how your skills and experience relate to the person specification.

Application deadline:  10am, Thursday 16th May 2024.

Interviews:  Tuesday 4th June, in Colchester.

This post is restricted to women applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1.

Job Description

The post of Chief Executive Officer offers an exciting opportunity to steer CARA through the next stage of its development, providing leadership to the talented and committed CARA team. The role will involve building on the considerable growth and development that CARA has achieved over the last 10 years, securing funding to ensure it can continue to provide excellent specialist services to survivors of sexual violence and take steps towards CARA's vision of a world without sexual violence and child sexual abuse.

CARA’s CEO is responsible for leading and developing CARA, taking overall responsibility for the operational and financial management, generating income, working closely with the board of trustees to achieve CARA’s strategic and budgetary aims, whilst ensuring compliance with statutory, contractual, and regulatory requirements.

The main responsibilities of the CEO are:

Strategic leadership

·Work with the Board of Trustees and the Head of Operations, and consult with staff, survivors, and others, to develop and define a clear, strong vision and direction for the future of the organisation.

·Lead on and be responsible for the creation, ongoing development and implementation of the organisation’s strategic, business and annual plans.

·Foster, model and promote an inclusive, feminist, anti-racist organisational culture that reflects CARA’s ethos and values.

·Be accountable to the Board of Trustees for the overall financial health of the organisation.

Good governance

·Report and present to the Board of Trustees on the organisation’s progress against its budgets, plans, any risks, challenges and changes, and all information relevant and necessary to the effective discharge of the Board’s duties, including strategic decision-making.

·Develop and share proposals with the Board for the implementation of its objectives and the ongoing development of the organisation.

·Support the Board of Trustees in its ongoing process of self-assessment, development and improving its diversity and representation.

·Ensure the charity meets its constitutional, regulatory and legal obligations.

Business development

·Develop and implement an income generation strategy that ensures the organisation’s sustainability and enables its sustainable growth.

·Work in partnership with the Head of Operations to develop and implement the organisational structures needed for effective delivery of CARA’s objectives and sustainable growth.

·Generate new and various funding and income opportunities through networking, developing partnerships.

• To research and identify new funding and commissioning opportunities and complete bids and applications on an ongoing basis.

·Increase the unrestricted income of the charity, including developing, proposing and implementing new and innovative approaches to its income generation activities, including working closely with the CEO of Icena.

·Be responsible for maintaining and developing strong, long-term relationships with a diverse range funders and donors, both existing and new.

Representation

• To act as lead representative for CARA in the Synergy Essex Rape Crisis Partnership, developing strong working relationships with the other partners and negotiating CARA’s role, responsibilities and the financial allocations it receives from the partnership. 
• To keep up-to-date with current developments affecting victims and survivors of sexual violence and ensure that CARA responds appropriately to these developments.
• To be the chief spokeswoman for CARA, responding to media and other enquiries as appropriate and playing a pro-active role in bringing relevant issues to the attention of the public, issuing press releases and initiating debate, as appropriate.
• Build, support and oversee strong relationships with individuals and organisations across the voluntary, public and private sectors, and in local and national government.
• To contribute to Rape Crisis England and Wales campaigns and other campaigns, as appropriate.
• To remain informed of national and regional Rape Crisis perspectives, drawing on Rape Crisis England and Wales expertise and resources as appropriate.

Organisational management

·Ensure policies and processes that support good communication, staff health and well-being, and safe and effective delivery of work are in place and adhered to throughout the organisation.

·Take overall responsibility for the staff team, its management and performance.

·Capture the organisation’s work through robust monitoring and evaluation, and ensure CARA’s impact and any learning is shared throughout the team and with the Board, survivors, funders and other partners as appropriate.

·Oversee and ensure robust financial management processes for the charity.

Other

·To oversee safeguarding at CARA, working with the Designated Safeguarding Leads to ensure effective policies and procedures are in place and communicated to staff, trustees, sessional counsellors and volunteers, and that CARA follows best safeguarding practice.

·To adhere to all CARA’s organisational policies and procedures.

·To be administratively self-servicing, and to share responsibility for a range of day-to-day tasks with the Head of Operations and other team members.

·To undertake other related activities as required by Board of Trustees.

This list is indicative only, not exhaustive. It is intended to reflect a range of duties the post-holder will be expected to perform but additional duties commensurate with the role may be required. The job description will be reviewed from time to time and may change in light of experience and changing circumstances, in consultation with the post-holder.

About CARA

CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse) works with victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse, providing independent, specialist support and promoting and representing their rights and needs. 

CARA's vision is of a world without sexual violence and child sexual abuse.  As a step towards this vision, we do all we can to create a culture where victims and survivors are believed, supported and treated with fairness and respect.

CARA is a registered charity working with adults, young people and children from across mid and north Essex.  We have a head office in Colchester and outreach premises in Braintree, Chelmsford, Clacton-on-Sea, Great Dunmow and Harwich. We also provide remote services.

CARA currently employs 39 full and part-time staff and has an annual income of approximately £1.6 million.

CARA's Aims

1. To provide high quality, specialist support to victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse.

2. To increase awareness and understanding of sexual violence and child sexual abuse and the impact they have on victims and survivors, challenging myths and misconceptions.

3. To promote and represent the rights and needs of victims and survivors, including advocating for a fairer criminal justice system.

CARA's Values

Feminism.  Respect.  Empowerment.  Equality

CARA is a women-led organisation and we work from an intersectional feminist perspective.  We actively seek to ensure equality of women as a service provider and as an employer.

The core values of respect, empowerment and equality underpin everything we do.

CARA's commitment to diversity and inclusion

CARA seeks to be an inclusive organisation that actively encourages, supports and values diversity amongst both our service-users and our workers.  We wish to create a culture in which discrimination, in all its forms, is recognised and addressed. CARA is committed to anti-racism and are currently developing an Anti-racism Policy. Through this work, we will be aiming to dismantle barriers within CARA to ensure we do not continue to perpetuate institutional racism and can create a truly inclusive environment for our service-users and our workers.

You can read more about CARA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion here.

We encourage and welcome applications from candidates from Black, Asian, and ethnically diverse backgrounds.

About Synergy Essex

CARA is part of Synergy Essex – the Essex Rape and Sexual Abuse Partnership. We work with SERICC Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service and Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis (SOS Rape Crisis) to deliver the contract for the Office for the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC) for Essex for services for victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse across Essex, Southend and Thurrock. Synergy Essex also shares a number of other projects, funded by the Ministry of Justice, Essex County Council and the National Lottery Community Fund.

Our current PFCC contract ends in March 2025.  Synergy Essex intends to submit a bid for the new contract, which is expected to be put out to tender in the summer of 2024.

About Icena

CARA is a founding stakeholder of Icena - a social enterprise offering training and consultancy to eradicate sexual discrimination and violence.  The creation of Icena forms part of CARA’s sustainability strategy:  Once Icena is generating sufficient profit, a share of this profit will be used to support CARA’s work.

CASS+ is now seeking to appoint a new CEO who will lead on the development and delivery of the CASS+ strategy.

Our vision is for advice and support to be available in every court across the UK. As a result, the successful candidate will take us into a new period of growth.

People often arrive at court alone, feeling powerless, trapped and terrified. We are free and independent of the system. We sit down and listen. We build trust and use our knowledge and connections to find solutions to complicated situations. We guide people towards positive change and stay by their side for as long as they want us by their side.

Reducing the risk of re-offending

This is how we can reduce the risk of re-offending and improve the lives of people experiencing the Justice System.

You will be leading a dedicated, passionate and knowledgeable team of staff, placements, interns and volunteers focussed on tailored solutions for people facing many disadvantages.

Tim Auburn, Chair of the Trustees, commented:

I am pleased to announce the start of our search for the next CEO at CASS+. This is an extremely rewarding role, leading a team of people who are passionate about giving anyone going through the Justice System another chance.

I am proud to be Chair of this charity which has so much to offer the justice sector.

If you share our values and have the passion, talent and experience, we would love to hear from you.

Do you embody these values?

Humanity first

People are not numbers. We combine empathy, compassion and knowledge to guide each person towards a positive future.

Supportive

We actively listen so that each person gets tailored support at court and into life beyond.

Creative problem-solving

We use our extensive networks and experience of the Justice System to work with others to find solutions.

Helpful

We’re ready and willing to help anyone. We can stay by their side for as long as they want us.

Determined

We never give up. We advocate for people and encourage them to find their own voice.

Growing charity

CASS+ has over 18 years’ experience focussing on social inequalities. We have 11 staff at five sites in five courts, around 21 volunteers, and, each year, we serve over 800 people through the Justice System and into life beyond.

If you share our vision and values and believe in giving people a future, we would love to hear from you.

Application Instructions

To be considered for this position, it is essential that all applicants submit both a CV and a comprehensive two-page letter of application. This letter is a vital component of your application and should reflect your passion, qualifications, and suitability for the role, for more information please refer to the supporting documents.

Centre for London is London’s independent think tank, and a registered charity. As Research Director, you will lead Centre for London’s research team, developing new solutions to London’s critical challenges, securing funding for our work, preparing, publishing and promoting reports, supporting public events, and communicating our work to stakeholders and policymakers. 

As a member of the senior leadership team, you will help develop and implement the organisational strategy; contribute to the development, fundraising and delivery of events and other projects; and promote the ideas of the organisation to build its influence in existing and new public and private arenas. 

The recommendations of your team will make a difference to policy and practice – tackling issues such as housing, poverty and inequality, employment and skills, transport and the public realm, the climate and nature crises, community resilience, and London’s place in the UK and the world. You will be line– managed by the CEO and work closely with the External Affairs and Development teams.

This role would best suit someone with significant experience leading policy research programmes – in a think tank, consultancy, central or local government, academia or similar. You will have a strong understanding of policy in London and the UK, project management skills, and be able to credibly communicate complex ideas to different audiences – in meetings, in writing, through blogs and articles, and in speeches. You will have strong analytical skills, including a track record of qualitative and quantitative research. You will have experience in fundraising, will have managed budgets, and will be confident working with researchers at different stages in their careers. However, we are less interested in what you have done, and more in what you can do.

This is ideally a full-time role; however, flexible working is embedded within our culture. We would be open to applications from people who would like to work compressed hours, part time (0.8 minimum) or to people applying as a job share. We view London’s rich and diverse culture as a strength, and we want our team and trustee board to reflect the city we serve. We are keen to encourage applications from women, people from minority ethnic and/or less advantaged backgrounds, or from communities often underrepresented in urban policy.

Full details of the role can be found in the job description. If you meet the criteria in the person specification and are excited about this opportunity, we’d love to hear from you. The successful candidate must have permission to work in the UK by the start of their employment. 

We are committed to reducing unconscious bias in our selection processes. Staff who shortlist applications will not see applicants’ personal information (including your name and responses to our diversity monitoring questions). For this reason, please create an application ID code (your initials, followed by two random numbers) and use that on your CV and cover letter instead of your name.

If you would like to speak with someone about this opportunity, please check our website for contact details to email Johnathan Tuck (Operations Manager). 

For full details on how to apply, please check our application guidelines in our job description attached. 

We will ask you to complete an online form with your CV attached. 

• The form will ask you to upload a pdf of your CV.
  • Your CV should be maximum 2 pages.
  • The filename should be your initials and two numbers e.g. AA14. Please include this code as a header within the file too.
  • Please remove any reference to your name, including your email address.
• The form will ask you to respond to the question: How do your experiences and interests make you a good candidate for this role? (400 words max)

Introducing Harington

Harington is an Ofsted registered specialist college based in North London rated good, working with around 52 young people with learning differences aged 16-25. Our mission is to create an inclusive environment, that delivers outstanding personalised education, learning, and support, which leads to further education, employment opportunities, and a fulfilling life for each of our students. 

We specialise in horticulture, retail and general employability. Our students undertake individualised learning programmes and supported internships that lead to vocational qualifications and achieving other aims. We support the wellbeing of our young people through providing mentoring, counselling, enrichment and other one-to-one support.

Our charity has two learning centres in Highgate and Hornsey. We also operate a gardening business and two charity shops, providing income for our charity, work experience placements for our students and employment for 14 young people. We work with local employers and partners to provide work experience and other opportunities for our students.

The Role

This is an exciting time to join the Harington, as we have recently appointed a new Principal/CEO. We want to ensure that the Harington is able to fulfil and secure its mission to benefit our young people, both now and into the future.

In the next year we will consolidate what we do well and seek to strengthen the areas where we could do better. The Interim COO will work with all stakeholders and closely with the Principal/CEO to review, plan and implement the necessary changes. The role is initially for 9 months, but it is anticipated that it will continue after the initial review and planning period.  

This Interim Chief Operating Officer role will:-

1)Support the development and implementation of the strategic plan and through the annual Operations Plan and Budget, and be responsible for measuring and evaluating progress against goals and targets

2)Drive excellence and efficiency across Finance, HR, Governance, Operations, and IT, strengthening and embedding the right policies, systems, processes, technology and infrastructure ensuring seamless execution and robust management of risk.

3)Manage our three commercial businesses (two charity shops and Harington Gardeners) so they meet our social, learning and business aims

4)Oversee Harington’s fundraising so we secure the income we need from trusts and foundations, individual donors and community fundraising

5)Ensure effective management of the buildings and estate of a multi-site organisation, and the support services required to provide a suitable and safe environment for learning and working, that meets the required health and safety standards

6) Ensure that all staff feel valued and supported, with effective management of staff, operations and administration

The person

 You are an exceptional senior leader that is passionate about achieving the best outcomes for young people with learning differences.

Working as part of the senior leadership and management team you will ensure that Harington is a safe environment where students can learn, work, thrive and grow. You will ensure our staff team is valued and supported, and our management team and trustees are kept up to date and fully informed.

You are an energetic, organised, and positive team player, similarly comfortable working independently. It is a very varied role and one that needs calm focus as well as spontaneity and initiative.

You are adept at getting to the root of an issue, finding the solution and making things run smoothly and efficiently.

We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements and would consider 4 days a week or compressed hours.

Essential skills

• Successful senior leader within a medium sized organisation for a minimum of three years, with a results-proven track record
• Worked in charity and/or education setting
• Sound understanding of financial management, reporting and accounting systems
• Experience of successfully managing and implementing changes to improve the way things run
• Highly motivated and driven self-starter, able to adapt quickly when priorities change
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office products and database management systems
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience in creating high-level reports and presentations

Our benefits 

In addition to excellent staff training, our employees are also rewarded with various other benefits offered as part of your employment: 

• Confidential employee assistance programme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Fully paid for DBS
• Contributory pension scheme

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion 

We value diversity and positively welcome applications from all backgrounds. This will help ensure our workforce better reflects the diverse wider community we support. Applicants who declare a disability and meet the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview.

Safeguarding 

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing and safety of our students and our staff.  We expect everybody working for the Harington to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced disclosure through the Disclosure and Barring Service for applications of employment as part of our safeguarding procedures.

Some of our positions involve regulated activity relevant to vulnerable children, adults and young people. It is a criminal offence for people who are barred from working in regulated activity to apply for roles that require them to work unsupervised with that particular group. Our vacancies are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

All offers are conditional and subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks and references including an enhanced DBS check. The salary range advertised is based on the full-time equivalent and appointment on the scale is dependent on the role, qualifications and experience.

Award winning, registered charity Future Living Hertford is seeking an Operational Chief Executive Officer.  This vacancy has arisen as a result of the planned retirement of the current post-holder who founded the charity and has overseen the evolution, continued growth and huge success of the Charity for the last 10 years.

We are a well-established, forward-thinking organisation propelled by innovation, passion and flexibility. Our success stems from our ability to adapt to the evolving needs of our vulnerable clients and local communities. The charity is strongly supported by a committed and fully engaged Board of Trustees.

Working to a three-year plan that is always ambitious and stretching and supporting a highly skilled and committed staff team across Hertfordshire,  this is a rare opportunity to lead a very exciting organisation into its next phase of development.

We are seeking to appoint an individual that puts community and delivering quality services at the heart of everything they do in line with our values of, Respect, Integrity, Safety  and Community and possesses vision to take the charity to its full potential.

We are a Charity with a difference, we don’t have one mission, we support our clients and community in varied and innovative ways with programmes they participate in developing and delivering.  We support them in leading self directed and flourishing lives.  We are seeking an inspirational leader who is entrepreneurial and creative.

The qualities that we are seeking in applicants for this role are:

●Client/Volunteer focus

●Hands-on

●Involved

●Inspirational

●Flexible

●Motivational

●Appetite for growth

●Leadership

●Integrity

Chief Executive Officer

●Hours of work: 37 Hours per week plus occasional evening events

●Salary: £50,000 - £60,000 per annum (plus 5% employer pension contribution) dependent upon qualifications and experience.

●Holiday: 25 days plus 8 public and bank holidays.

●Location:Vale House, 43 Cowbridge Hertford, SG14 1PN with the ability to travel throughout Hertfordshire when required,

●Responsible to: Future Living Hertford Chair of Board of Trustees

The qualities that we are seeking in applicants for this role are:

Community focus – the successful candidate could be someone from within the locality, someone who had a proven track record of delivering for a community in a meaningful way or indeed someone from another sector with transferable skills and a demonstrable desire to support communities in need. They could be connected to the community with an established network or alternatively may have proven skills in networking and building effective working relationships quickly.

Hands-on – we are a medium-sized charity and the candidate must be willing and able to be involved at all levels from operational to executive.

Involved – the candidate will be closely engaged with the Charity’s entire operation, and with local stakeholders and community leaders.

Flexible – the candidate must be able to thrive and lead within an environment of changing focus and priorities and a level of unpredictability.

Motivation – we are looking for a candidate who wants to commit to a medium to long-term career in a Chief Executive Officer role and continue to grow and evolve the organisation.

Innovation and an appetite for growth – the candidate must have an appetite to continually seek development and growth opportunities, whether through securing funding locally or nationally, social enterprise or through partnership working.

Leadership – the candidate will have highly developed leadership skills to be able to connect with our staff team and support them to deliver through their teams utilising training, development, support and if needed robust performance management measures to ensure service aims and objectives are met to the required standard and quality.

If you are looking for your next opportunity working with an award winning and highly respected organisation that is seeking continued success, growth and development then please submit your CV. 

At Refugee Action Kingston (RAK) we're dedicated to helping the successful integration of refugees and asylum seekers into the local community. With over three decades of experience, we provide a comprehensive range of services including welfare support, immigration and legal advice, education, counselling, and career guidance.

Our values

• Empathy: we put ourselves in the shoes of those we work with.
• Enterprise: we're innovative and resourceful in our approach to supporting refugees and asylum seekers.
• Empower: we strive to empower our clients, helping them achieve their aspirations.

Role overview: as the Director of RAK, you'll lead our organisation in supporting refugees and asylum seekers in South West London to lead fulfilled and independent lives. Proposals for hybrid working will be considered. Your responsibilities will include:

Strategic Leadership

• Developing and implementing annual plans aligned with our strategy, in collaboration with the Board of Trustees, to achieve desired outcomes.
• Maintaining efficient systems for the charity's operations, ensuring good governance and financial sustainability.
• Overseeing all aspects of organisational management including finances, resources, services, and communications, in cooperation with trustees.

Governance and Organisational Management

• Working closely with trustees to direct and deliver RAK's objectives according to the charity's strategy.
• Leading and supporting the RAK team to fulfil objectives, emphasising client needs, monitoring outcomes, and integrating learning into operations.
• Ensuring compliance with governance requirements, supporting board responsibilities, and contributing to trustee meetings and reporting.

Financial Management and Human Resources

• Ensuring effective financial management, leading finance and project management teams to maintain controls, preparing reports, and managing spending within budget.
• Developing organisational structure and processes for positive people and service management, adhering to legislation and quality standards.
• Fostering a healthy working culture that encourages staff and volunteers to excel, contribute ideas, and embrace diversity.

Fundraising

• Developing and executing RAK's fundraising strategy, exploring new avenues to diversify funding sources.
• Collaborating with the fundraising manager to cultivate relationships with funders, submitting funding bids, and providing reporting.
• Focus on growing unrestricted funds to reduce reliance on grants.

Advocacy and Influencing

• Cultivating strong relationships with stakeholders to amplify the impact of RAK's work.
• Advocating for the needs of our clients to local authorities, healthcare providers, and other relevant agencies.
• Maintaining an effective advice and advocacy service, meeting quality standards (AQS & OISC) and regulatory requirements.

General Duties

• Undertaking any other related duties as required and appropriate to the role.

Person Specification
Essential Criteria

1. Leadership and Change Management: proven track record of leading client-focused services, driving strategic development, and managing change effectively.
2. Project and Programme Management: experience in creating and delivering complex projects aligned with strategic objectives.
3. Fundraising Expertise: understanding of fundraising importance in the charitable sector, with a history of successful and innovative fundraising initiatives.
4. Digital Proficiency: ability to harness digital tools so that roles are carried out efficiently and competently.
5. Financial Management: track record of managing budgets and contracts effectively.
6. Analytical Skills: experience in complex report writing and data analysis.
7. Empathy and Inclusivity: ability to empathise with clients from diverse backgrounds and a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.
8. Team Leadership: excellent people skills, with the ability to empower and motivate staff and volunteers to operate effectively.
9. Partnership Building: strong ability to build partnerships, manage coalitions, and maintain positive relationships with stakeholders.
10. Communication Skills: excellent communication and persuasion skills, including experience in public speaking.
11. Governance Knowledge: understanding of governance principles in the voluntary or public sector.
12. Safeguarding: experience in leading on safeguarding and health and safety.

Desirable Criteria

1. Asylum System Knowledge: understanding or lived experience of the asylum system.
2. Policy and Advocacy: experience in asylum-related policy or advocacy work.
3. Commercial Awareness: experience in negotiating with statutory, local, or voluntary organisations/authorities.

For more than 30 years, War Child has been driven by a single goal – ensuring a safe future for every child affected by war. We aim to reach children as quickly as possible when conflict breaks out and stay long after the cameras have gone to support them through their recovery. We work with local communities and governments to help protect and educate children, and support them to heal and learn, for a safer, brighter future.

Last year, War Child UK agreed to come together with War Child Holland, War Child Germany, War Child Sweden and Children in Conflict in the USA, each of whom previously operated as independent NGOs, to form the War Child Alliance, which went live in January 2024. The new Alliance now runs our overseas projects, our research, scaling and advocacy programmes on behalf of us all, utilising our collective power and influence to have the greatest possible impact for children affected by war. As a member of the new Alliance, War Child UK is now a highly effective and innovative fundraising entity, raising crucial funds and awareness of our work globally.

Join us as our Director of Finance and IT at War Child UK, a pivotal role within our Leadership Group reporting directly to Helen Pattinson, CEO. Your role is to lead our finance and IT, but as a member of our leadership group to take joint responsibility with other Directors for leading the organisation.

As Finance and IT Director, you'll lead the optimisation of our finance and IT systems to streamline recording and reporting of financial transactions. Your analytical skills will be essential as you explore cost and income centres, supplying vital data necessary to significantly enhance our fundraising efforts.

Beyond day-to-day operations, you'll play a strategic role in long-term financial planning, fostering collaboration across the War Child Alliance. Together with fellow leaders, you'll steward the wider organisation, ensuring War Child UK is ready for success and equipped with ambitious financial investment frameworks.

Success in this role also entails ensuring our IT systems maintain the highest standards of excellence, delivering accurate and timely financial performance insights. You'll contribute to a vision where War Child UK achieves extraordinary results within a financially sound Alliance, empowering members to maximise their impact while being accountable for every penny raised.

You will be a qualified accountant with exceptional strategic and operational experience. You do not necessarily need to have prior international development experience, although you will need to demonstrate that you can build effective working relationships with overseas counterparts. Experience of working within a complex fundraising environment would be highly advantageous though.  For this role, we are also as keen to hear from experienced directors who are excited by what we do as we are from those for whom this would be their first senior leadership role.

Tall Roots is acting as an employment agency partner to War Child UK. If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please email Mark Crowley at Tall Roots.