Grants programmes officer jobs

Are you passionate about improving river health and supporting nature-based solutions? We’re looking for an Eden Catchment and Cluster Officer to lead a focused programme of work within the Eden Catchment in Kent. This largely rural area includes towns such as Oxted, Edenbridge, Godstone, and Lingfield, with agricultural land use playing a key role in catchment pressures.

In this role, you’ll take the lead in understanding environmental challenges, engaging stakeholders, and driving initiatives that improve water quality and slow the flow. You’ll also play a vital part in supporting the Eden Valley Farm Cluster, working alongside partners Bore Place and SES Water to deliver nature recovery projects.

What you’ll do

• Catchment Review
  • Lead a comprehensive review of the Eden Catchment, combining desk-based research and fieldwork.
  • Identify, map, and prioritise environmental pressures.
  • Explore opportunities for nature-based solutions and partnership funding.
• Reporting
  • Produce clear reports with findings, recommendations, and progress updates.
  • Deliver regulatory reporting outputs and present evidence to SES Water’s Environmental Scrutiny Panel.
• Stakeholder Engagement
  • Facilitate the Eden Valley Farm Cluster, organising meetings and events.
  • Identify funding opportunities for the Cluster’s Nature Recovery Scheme.
  • Build strong relationships with landowners, partners, and stakeholders to support collaborative approaches.

About you

• Strong understanding of catchment management and environmental pressures.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to manage projects, analyse data, and produce clear reports.
• Experience in partnership working and funding identification is desirable.

Why join us?

You’ll be part of a team working to restore and protect rivers and their catchments. Your work will make a real difference to the health of the Eden Catchment and the communities it supports.

Interested? Apply now and help us create a healthier, more resilient catchment, see the full job description for more information.

Application process

• Closing date for applications: Sunday 11th January 2026 at 11:59pm.
• Interview:  w/c 19th January 2026

World Veterinary Service – Major Donor Manager
Location: Remote or hybrid, with monthly meetings at Dorset office and regular travel for meetings with donors.
Salary: £40,000-£45,000 per annum.
Contract: Permanent, full-time hours. 

Worldwide Veterinary Service – which helps animals in places where no one else can - is seeking a passionate, proactive and relationships-driven Major Donor Manager to support the growth of their major giving programme.

Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS) champions animal welfare around the world, sending vets where they are needed most, providing expert veterinary training in hard-to-reach places, and shipping urgent aid supplies worldwide. Last year they treated over 103,000 animals, trained over 2,800 vets and vaccinated over 1.2 m dogs against rabies.

Reporting to the Head of Philanthropy, this role offers an exciting and unique opportunity to shape a vital income stream from the ground up - identifying, cultivating, and stewarding high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) who are motivated by global animal welfare. You will be responsible for developing and delivering a major donor strategy to grow the pipeline of prospective HNWIs and building compelling cultivation and stewardship journeys, including bespoke proposals, events and communications. You will also manage a portfolio of warm and cold prospects with the aim of generating five- and six-figure gifts over time.

The ideal candidate will be a skilled communicator - someone who thrives on building authentic partnerships and translating complex global work into powerful donor propositions.  You’ll be excited by the task of growing something new and ready to work collaboratively as part of a small but ambitious philanthropy team. While the primary focus is on major donors, the post-holder will also provide support across other philanthropic income streams - particularly corporate partnerships and trusts and foundations - contributing to ambitious fundraising goals. Finally, candidates for this role must be adaptable and comfortable working with ambiguity and the dynamic, fast-moving environment of this growing charity.

This is an ideal role for an experienced fundraising professional who is ready for their next challenge and wants to make lasting improvements to the lives of animals around the world.

Please download our Candidate Pack for further information [PDF], which includes details on how to apply.

Closing date: Monday 26 January.

Introduction:

Norfolk Rivers Trust’s ambition is to deliver catchment-scale change to our water environments. We are dedicated to protecting our watercourses from pollution, improving habitat and ecological functioning of chalk streams and rivers whilst enhancing resilience to climate change.

Since its founding in 2011, the charity has grown to a team of over 30 passionate and enthusiastic employees. Together, we are delivering major projects such as river re-meandering and floodplain connections, farming and land management advice, new constructed wetlands, native species work and community engagement.

We’re now looking for a Finance Officer to help support our finance department and wider team with the daily finance needs of a small but ambitious environmental charity. Joining our diverse and passionate team means you’ll have the chance to make a real impact, not only on our people, but also on the environment we work so hard to protect.

Job description:

We are looking for a motivated Finance Officer to join our team and support the day-to-day accounting functions across Norfolk Rivers Trust and its trading arm Rivers Ecology Limited. In this role, you will work closely with the Head of Finance, helping to maintain accurate financial records, provide timely reporting, and support project teams with budget monitoring. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone keen to learn, develop, and implement new systems and technology to improve efficiency, while playing a key role in helping the Trust achieve its mission to protect and enhance our water environments.

Key duties and responsibilities

1. Financial Processes

• Ensure all financial activities are correctly entered into the company’s accounting system, including both purchase and sales ledgers, and the general ledgers for Norfolk Rivers Trust and its trading arm, Rivers Ecology Limited.
• Oversee supplier payments and prepare regular payment runs, managing new supplier details and bank amendments securely.
• Manage the sales invoicing process to ensure income is invoiced, recorded, and followed up promptly.
• Oversee monthly entry of staff timesheets and expenses into the accounting system.
• Complete and maintain timely bank reconciliations.
• Assist with preparation and submission of quarterly VAT returns.
• Manage intercompany transactions, ensuring accurate and consistent recording across the Group.
• Support the Head of Finance with the annual audit process through preparation of required schedules and documentation.
• Assist with monthly payroll tasks as required.

2. Financial Reporting

• Assist in the preparation of monthly financial reporting to ensure timely and accurate submission of management accounts with variance analysis and supporting schedules for internal review.
• Provide regular financial data and insights to the Senior Leadership Team as may be required.
• Provide financial reporting support for clients and funders, ensuring grant-related reports are accurate, compliant, and submitted on time and in accordance with grant conditions.

3. Compliance, Controls and Data Management

• Ensure all financial processing complies with internal policies, financial regulations, and relevant legislation.
• Maintain accurate, secure, and up-to-date financial records, ensuring appropriate document retention and audit trails.
• Ensure GDPR compliance when handling financial data.

4. Budgeting and Forecasting

• Support the Head of Finance in preparing annual budgets and forecasting tasks.
• Collaborate with Project Leads to track and report project finances, ensuring a clear understanding of income and expenditure to support budget management, facilitate decision-making, and handle project claims and variance requests effectively.
• Assist in preparing and managing cash flows as needed, ensuring effective monitoring and timely provision.

5. Systems

• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of financial systems, controls, and procedures.
• Support the implementation and adoption of new accounting software and related financial systems, including assisting with data migration and process training where required.

6. Stakeholder and Funder Engagement

• Engage with external clients, grant funders, and partners on financial matters including income, expenditure, and reporting, ensuring clear and effective communication.
• Address finance related queries from both internal and external stakeholders promptly and professionally.
• Collaborate with external consultants, such as accountants and other service providers, to support financial processes as needed.
• Share and exchange best practices and innovative ideas within the Rivers Trust network to foster continuous improvement.

7. Communication and Development‍

• Ensure consistent and proactive communication with the Head of Finance, providing regular updates and ensuring alignment on financial matters.
• Support the Head of Finance in delivering internal financial training to teams, including training on budgeting and financial management.
• Provide updates and engage in team meetings as required.
• Contribute to a collaborative and positive working environment within the Finance Team.
• Ensure clear communication, collaboration, and consistency across teams, promoting shared learning and continual improvement in financial processes.

8. Other Responsibilities

• Undertake additional tasks or projects as reasonably requested by the Head of Finance or Senior Management Team.

Person specification:

Education and experience

Essential:

• Bookkeeping qualification equivalent to AAT Level 3.
• Experience of working within a finance or accounting role.

Skills and knowledge

Essential:

• Clear commitment to the vision, mission, and values of Norfolk Rivers Trust.
• Strong financial process management, including understanding of the general ledger, purchase and sales ledgers , and ensuring accurate account reconciliations.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and reporting skills, capable of presenting financial data clearly.
• Ability to build and maintain positive and productive relationships with partners and stakeholders while maintaining confidentiality and managing sensitive information professionally.
• Skilled in using accounting and financial software, with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft 365.
• High level of numeracy, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management and planning abilities, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team depending on the requirements of the task at hand.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle insured for business use.
• Right to work in the UK.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of charity accounting and reporting standards, including restricted and unrestricted funds, grants, and donations.
• Experience in intercompany accounting, ability to develop, implement, and maintain effective systems and processes.
• An interest in wildlife conservation.

Employee benefits:

• Employee assistance programme.
• Free eye test and support with cost of glasses.
• Enhanced leave policies including maternity, paternity and sickness.
• Excellent pension scheme.
• Flexible working opportunities.

Applications:

You will need to send a completed Job Application Form, Equal Opportunities Monitoring Information Form and a covering letter/email by 09:00am on Monday 19th January 2026.

Interviews will be held week commencing 2nd February 2026.

Citizens Advice Canterbury District is looking for a Finance Manager to join the newly formed Citizens Advice North East Kent. As such you may be required to work from any of these Citizens Advice locations: Swale, Canterbury District and Thanet and remotely, as required.

We are looking for someone who will provide a full financial management service to ensure Citizens Advice North East Kent operates effectively and is compliant with all legal and sector requirements, ensuring that accurate and timely financial information is produced for the Chief Executive Officer, the Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees.

This is a newly created post within our organisations, established as we undergo significant structural changes and merge our three districts into a single entity. The transition requires dedicated financial expertise; therefore, we are looking to appoint a Finance Manager who will play a key role in supporting and influencing this organisational change. The post holder will be responsible for overseeing the financial monitoring and reporting of our newly formed organisation and ensuring robust financial management throughout the transition and beyond. You will need to ensure the sharing of financial knowledge and reports amongst senior colleagues so that they can understand financial implications of decisions. The post is open to some remote working as well as those able to work in our geographic locations.

BIND UK is a specialist team offering expert advice and guidance to organisations that are determined to deliver practical, positive and permanent impact to the UK’s Food Waste Challenge. We believe change is created not by a handful of people doing sustainability perfectly, but by everyone doing a little something. Find out more about our values and purpose here. 

About Eat Smart 

Eat Smart is a successful primary school educational programme born in the NE of England designed to inspire children and schools to reduce food waste and build sustainable food systems. We deliver engaging resources and learning experiences that empower schools and pupils to have more ownership of their kitchens/dinner halls, improve student wellbeing, and have increased environmental awareness.

Since 2018 Eat Smart has enabled 70 schools in North East England to rescue their food waste by over 25%, equivalent to saving 6,000 meals worth £13,000 per school, per year, and our expansion to other areas of the UK has already begun. With an ever-growing data set and credibility for school food waste prevention, we have increasing potential to affect school food policy and deliver food waste prevention interventions on a national level. 

As we expand our delivery across the UK, we are seeking a dynamic and strategic Development Manager to lead the expansion via a franchise model, build partnerships, and oversee the operational excellence of our growing network.

This is a pivotal leadership role focused on scaling the Eat Smart model nationally. The postholder will drive growth by developing regional and national partnerships, securing funding streams, recruiting and onboarding delivery partners, and ensuring quality and impact across all Eat Smart schools and organisations. 

You will combine strong operational management with strategic business development — ensuring Eat Smart continues to grow sustainably, aligning with Bind’s aims and values. 

Key Responsibilities 

Strategic Growth & Project Development 

• Co-develop and deliver a UK-wide expansion strategy for Eat Smart
• Develop and manage the franchise/licensing model for national delivery partners
• Lead on the recruitment, onboarding, and support of partner organisations to deliver the Eat Smart programme effectively 

Funding & Partnership Development 

• Identify, establish and nurture partnerships with national and local government agencies, policy makers, school bodies and funders
• Build strategic relationships with relevant education, environment and community organisations 
• Research relevant funding opportunities for delivery partners and Bind
• Support delivery partners with the submission of funding applications 

UK Network Management & Evaluation 

• Co-design/develop the Eat Smart monitoring and evaluation system to monitor KPIs and the environmental and social impact of Eat Smart across the UK
• Lead on the management of the monitoring and evaluation system, supporting delivery partners where necessary 
• Create local and national impact reports for Eat Smart and use insights to inform improvement and growth 
• Manage the support network of UK delivery partners, ensuring they are able to deliver the programme effectively 
• Assist delivery partners with meetings with Local Authorities and catering organisations 

Marketing & Communications 

• Co-design and lead on delivery of annual Eat Smart conferences
• Represent Eat Smart at events, conferences, and networking opportunities across the UK 
• Manage Eat Smart UK social media channels 
• Develop digital and print materials to support programme promotion and recruitment

Person Specification

Essential: 

• Align with Bind’s values. If you are this, we can teach you the rest!
• Understanding of third sector grant funding landscape and experience in successful bid writing 
• Strong project management and organisational skills 
• Experience in partnership and stakeholder recruitment and management
• Ability to lead, inspire, and develop teams of partners remotely
• Experience with monitoring, evaluation, and reporting frameworks
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for improving environmental and education outcomes. 
• Excellent written and verbal communicator and proficient in IT systems (shared documents, spreadsheets, Zoom/Teams/Meet, social media, website editing and emails) 

Desirable: 

• Interest in, and awareness of, food waste on a local and global level
• Experience in business development, franchise management, or operational leadership
• Experience working in education, environment or social impact sectors
• Knowledge of primary school systems 
• Experience of community engagement in the UK 
• Full driving license and access to own vehicle 

** A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure Check will be required for the post, but a clean DBS certificate is not essential for the role - we will review employees with a criminal record on a case-by-case basis. **

What We Offer 

• Opportunity to shape and lead the national growth of an amazing educational programme 
• A collaborative, mission-driven environment with real social and environmental impact 
• Flexible working arrangements and supportive leadership. Many of our Eat Smart staff choose to work term-time only 
• Remote working, with an office in Newcastle's Ouseburn Valley 
• Being part of a small and passionate team, who believe in a positive disruptive mission to change the food waste landscape across the UK. 

Key Information

• Deadline for all applications is Mon 12th January 2026 at 9am – applications received after this date will not be considered.
• In-person interviews will take place on 21st January 2026 in Newcastle.
• Based in Newcastle’s Ouseburn Valley but this role can be worked remotely/hybrid (some UK-wide travel required incl. a trip to Newcastle minimum monthly)
• Contract: 30-32 hours per week (with the option of increased hours during term-time and reduced hours in school holidays). 
• The start date will be end of February 2026, but start dates will be discussed at interview.
• We will contact all applicants as soon as possible to inform them of the status of their application.

We are seeking an experienced, community-minded Office Manager / Mentor to join us three days per week. This role is ideal for someone who combines strong organisational and systems-building skills with a genuine passion for helping young people grow.

You’ll ensure our office runs efficiently by maintaining and improving admin systems, supporting project delivery and strengthening our communication with partners, parents and governance structures. Alongside these operational duties, you’ll also play a supportive mentoring role guiding young people joining Voyage for placements and work experience, modelling professionalism and helping them develop workplace confidence whilst imparting your knowledge.

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.

Location: Flexible

Join our small but mighty team and help transform the future for people affected by primary bone cancer.

We’re looking for a motivated and detail-driven Trusts & Foundations Fundraising Officer to support a growing and strategic income stream. You’ll work closely with the Trusts & Foundations Fundraising Manager to research prospects, write compelling applications, manage reporting, and build warm, meaningful relationships with funders who want to make a real impact.

In this role, you’ll contribute to raising around £500,000 a year to fund life-saving research and vital support services for patients and families. You’ll collaborate with colleagues across the charity, turning insight, data, and stories into persuasive cases for support that inspire funders to give.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with strong writing skills, excellent relationship-building abilities, and a proactive approach. Whether you already have experience in trust fundraising or are looking to develop in this area, we’ll support you every step of the way.

What we offer:

• 30 days holiday + bank holidays

• Flexible working and home-working support

• 6% employer pension

• Private Health Insurance (after probation)

• Generous training and development opportunities

• Supportive, collaborative culture where you can genuinely make an impact

If you’d love to use your skills to support a passionate community and help drive positive change, we’d be delighted to hear from you.

Senior Data & Insights Officer​ 

Salary £33,000 - £35,865 - subject to skills and experience 

Hours of work 37.5 hours a week over five days

Base Hybrid working for the foreseeable future, with regular attendance to the office at least 2 days a week (one of which is to be Thursday) at one of our locations in north London:

· Pears Building, Pond Street, London, NW3 2PP

· Barnet Hospital, Wellhouse Lane, Barnet, EN5 3DJ

· Chase Farm Hospital, 127 The Ridgeway, Enfield, EN2 8JL

The role

The senior data & insights officer will report to the database manager.

Excellent use of and understanding of our data is crucial to the success of our fundraising activity. This role will support all elements of direct marketing and campaign work for the fundraising team. Using Raiser’s Edge (RE7/RENXT), the post holder will lead on complex data selections for integrated, multi-channel supporter communications, and present meaningful data analysis of fundraising activity. In addition, this role will make a significant contribution to the smooth running of our data processing, database operations, ensuring high quality data through accurate imports and data cleaning.

The team

Our dynamic fundraising department is preparing for an ambitious multimillion-pound campaign in support of a ground-breaking cancer centre on the site of the Royal Free Hospital. We pride ourselves on being a supporter focused and agile function, working at the heart of the charity to deliver impact for patients and staff across our hospitals.

Responsible for attracting and retaining donors, and delivering an outstanding supporter experience, the fundraising department comprises three teams which work closely together to achieve our shared objectives:

• Our Public Fundraising team harnesses the support and energy of individuals and groups, helping them to give back in the way that works for them. This includes committed giving, in memory support, gifts in wills, and fundraising events and challenges. Our database team and supporter care sit within Public Fundraising, with their work underpinning and supporting the entire department.

• Our Philanthropy and Campaigns team builds relationships with individual philanthropists, trusts, foundations, and corporate organisations which give, or have the potential to give, £10,000 to the charity each year. They lead major appeal activity for the charity, currently focused on our exciting cancer campaign, which is due to launch in late 2026.

Organisation

The Royal Free Charity stands at the threshold of its most important period of development.

Our vision is for everyone served by the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust (RFL) to have access to world-leading healthcare, delivered by a thriving workforce, and driven by medical research that has a global impact. We support the 17,000 staff of the RFL and their two million patients across Barnet, Chase Farm, North Mid and Royal Free hospitals and more than 30 NHS services.

Through the services we provide, and the programmes and equipment we fund, we make a profound and immediate difference to patients’ experiences of care.

The recruitment process

To apply for this post, send your:

• CV (please include your last employer and dates of employment)
• Cover letter addressing how you meet the criteria set out in the job description and person specification,

Please note, that applications submitted without a cover letter may not be considered for this role.

Closing date for application: 23 January 2026, 12 noon.

Interview date: Wednesday Thursday 5 February 2026

Please kindly note that we may close the job advert before the closing date if we receive a large volume of applications.

•  You must be eligible to work in the UK

We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may require during the recruitment process. 

As an equal opportunities’ employer, the Royal Free Charity is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join the Royal Free Charity and act in line with our values of dedication, innovation, partnership, energy and respect.

We are looking for a new business focussed part time Global Trust Fundraiser to join a small team and play a critical role in securing funding from diverse sources to support the charity with their innovative development initiatives.

The ideal candidate would bring senior-level fundraising experience from a similar role at an NGO, organisation, or charity with an established network of executive relationships in major foundations.

This is a remote working role offering £60k pro rata

The charity
A passionate international development charity, dedicated to to collaborating world wide to make a lasting social impact.

The Role
Relationship Management
Oversee the complete grant lifecycle, from initial lead to application to reporting and closeout.
Build and maintain relationships with current and prospective donors, program officers, and other key stakeholders.

Applications & Fundraising Development
Lead the development of high-quality grant proposals, ensuring proposals are compelling, well-written, and tailored to meet the requirements and priorities of each donor.

Events and Networking and Representation
Effectively convey the charity mission, vision, and programs to potential donors, organising fundraising events while overseeing teams of volunteers and probono partners.

The Candidate
Senior-level fundraising experience from a similar role at an NGO, organisation, or charity.

Extensive existing network of senior executives with major global foundations and organisations.

Proven track record of identifying and closing deals for 6 - 7 figure gifts.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Our aim is to respond to all successful applications within 5 days. If you havent been contacted within 5 days your application has been unsuccessful, but we positively encourage you to apply for any other positions that you may see in the future.

We apologise that we cannot contact everybody in person but thank you in advance for your interest.

Third Solutions encourages applications from individuals of all ages & backgrounds. Appointment will be made on merit alone but candidates must be able to demonstrate their ability to work in the UK. Third Solutions acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment & an employment business for temporary recruitment as defined by the Conduct of Employment Agencies & Employment Business Regulations 2003.

What you’ll be doing 

• Leading a high performing team, providing organisational leadership and working with colleagues across the organisation to ensure we achieve our shared aims. 

• Leading the Marketing team’s programme of brand building in our hospitals, local areas, across London, and beyond, ensuring our targeting strategy and measurement is rooted in insight, effective and good value for money; and together with our Creative team provide creative leadership and direction.   

• Driving our programme of marketing intelligence and measuring marketing effectiveness. 

• Working with teams across the organisation on the implementation of our messaging framework and updates to our visual identity. 

Who we’re looking for 

• A marketing expert who has developed, led and measured marketing strategies.  

• An outstanding creative with a deep understanding of brand management, messaging and copy development. 

• A team leader and team player with excellent communication skills who thrives on working with teams across the organisation to achieve shared goals. 

What we offer  

• Hybrid working between home and Chelsea with occasional travel to Sutton. 

• Flexible working around our core hours of 10am to 4pm 

• 27 days annual leave rising with length of service 

• Up to 6% employer contributions subject to matched contribution from you (increasing with length of service) 

• Training, support and development opportunities 

• Access to the blue light discount scheme and other discounts opportunities 

• Access to subsidised staff restaurants, on-site yoga and wellbeing classes, staff choir and much more 

• Range of wellbeing initiatives including access to an employee assistance programme designed to save money and improve your physical, financial and mental health and wellbeing, access to free online GP appointments and free eye tests and contribution towards any glasses required for work purposes 

Inclusion matters  

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

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

Please apply with a CV and cover letter of no more than 2 pages, setting out how you meet the criteria in the person specification. 

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

This is an exciting opportunity to steer Asylum Aid at an important time in its 30-year existence. As Executive Director you will be responsible for delivering on our strategy for impact. You will oversee our work to increase access to expert, trauma-informed legal representation to those in the asylum, trafficking and statelessness systems and lead our policy and strategic legal work to achieve systemic change that contributes towards our vision.

You will line manage the Director of Legal Casework to oversee the provision of supportive and enabling leadership to Asylum Aid caseworkers so that they can continue to deliver high quality expert advice in complex cases, while being supported in their professional development and wellbeing. You will also manage and develop the work of our welfare advice team within the Westminster Advice Services Partnership and beyond, and work collaboratively with colleagues in the sector to build capacity and increase our impact. 

The ideal candidate, who may be legally qualified, will have experience of leadership in the charity/NGO sector and a sound understanding of the asylum, human rights and trafficking processes in the UK and the legal frameworks which govern the protection of refugees, survivors of trafficking and stateless people, and of the role of law in achieving system change.

We are looking for someone who is strategically minded and passionate about providing supportive and inclusive leadership to our expert team. You will be committed to our objectives and to the role which expert legal representation plays in enabling people in need of protection in the UK to obtain it.

As is the nature of this sector, the role may be exposed to a high volume of traumatic and distressing material and, whilst they will be supported by the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO and surrounding team, the candidate should also be able to demonstrate knowledge of good self-care principles in an intense work environment and dissemination of those principles to junior members of the team.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and strategy

·Be responsible, with the support of the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO, for the development, implementation and monitoring of Asylum Aid’s organisational strategy

·Provide leadership and strategic direction at Asylum Aid in accordance with its aims and objectives, with the support of the Director of Legal Casework

·Act as external spokesperson for Asylum Aid, maintaining and strengthening Asylum Aid’s position as a leader in the refugee rights, statelessness and legal aid sectors;

·Work collaboratively with others in the sector to promote and strengthen Asylum Aid’s work, identify and establish potential partnerships, with the support of the Director of Legal Casework;

·Work collaboratively with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO and Executive Leadership team to drive the implementation of the Group strategic framework;

·Ensure that all reporting and monitoring requirements are met to support fundraising, contract compliance and monitoring strategic impact;

·Support the cross collaboration of the Asylum Aid team with the Helen Bamber Foundation team and play an active part in the management of the Helen Bamber Foundation Group.

Governance  

·Act as the Data Protection Supervisor with responsibility for data protection and cyber security within Asylum Aid

·Together with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO and designated safeguarding leads, be responsible for child and adult safeguarding within Asylum Aid

·In collaboration with the Director of Legal Casework, ensure compliance by Asylum Aid with all legal and regulatory obligations, including the Legal Aid Agency contract, the Immigration Advice Authority and Solicitors Regulation Authority;

·Lead on the preparation and presentation of quarterly reports on Asylum Aid’s activities, strategy and risks to the Asylum Aid Board, the Finance and Fundraising Committee and the People and Governance Committee;

·Lead on the preparation of the Trustees’ annual report and ensure that monitoring and evaluation systems are adequate to enable reporting on Asylum Aid’s activities and impact.

Management and Supervision 

·Responsible for line management of the Director of Legal Casework and Welfare Advice service coordinator, and other team supervisors as required;

·Together with the Group Director of People, responsible for Human Resources and implementation of the People Strategy within Asylum Aid, including development and implementation of HR policies and procedures;

·Together with the Director of Legal Casework and team supervisors, drive the effective management and supervision of the Asylum Aid team and ensure that they comply with relevant professional standards and accreditation;

·Foster a supportive and inclusive team culture at Asylum Aid in which each member feels valued and supported to develop professionally and to perform to the best of their ability;

·Ensure the team’s well-being and that self-care practices are established and work in tandem with the Director of Legal Casework and supervisors to ensure trauma-informed ways of working.

Policy & Strategic Legal Work

·Together with the Group Director of Policy, identify policy priorities and coordinate the preparation of evidence and briefings drawing on Asylum Aid’s experience and expertise to influence system change;

·Build and maintain relationships and partnerships with sector colleagues to support joint strategic engagement including policy advocacy and strategic legal work;

·Work closely with the Director of Legal Casework and team supervisors to drive changes in the UK asylum, trafficking and statelessness systems through strategic legal work.

Finance & Fundraising

·Work closely with the CEO and the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Finance Team to set and manage budget(s) and general financial matters for Asylum Aid

·Together with the Director of Legal Casework and the Group Finance Team, establish systems for monitoring legal aid Work In Progress and billing, and securing casework income including legal aid, and inter partes income from judicial review cases;

·Work closely with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Fundraising and Communications Team to secure funding for Asylum Aid from a range of sources including trusts and foundations, corporate philanthropy and major donors;

·Ensure that Legal Aid and other income is maximised, and targets are achieved.                                   

Other duties

·Manage the recruitment and supervision of volunteers where necessary in collaboration with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Volunteers Coordinator;

·Support the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Facilities team to ensure the smooth running of the office and that the facilities meet the needs of Asylum Aid;

·Work outside normal office hours as required and travel in order to carry out the responsibilities of the post.

·To undertake any task that may be requested from time to time that may be consistent with the nature and scope of this post.

Essential Experience, Skills and Knowledge

•Experience of running a small to medium sized charity/legal NGO and/or legal department within the NGO sector (or other equivalent senior management role);

•Demonstrable experience of managing and leading a successful team and the ability to manage a growing team with mixed roles from team supervisors to administrative support staff, working co-operatively with colleagues to maintain transparency and effective working relationships within the team;

•Strong communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with people from a wide range of backgrounds

•Strong understanding of good governance including legal, regulatory and financial responsibilities;

•Ability to work with a range of stakeholders from trustees to external partners;

•Experience of leading and/or participating in organisational strategic planning;

·Experience of legal policy work within the human rights field and /or of strategic litigation, whether as an NGO claimant or legal representative;

•Experience of managing diverse funding sources and setting and implementing budgets;

•Experience of working in a service delivery partnership with other organisations;

•Experience of fundraising, especially grants from trusts and foundations;

•Sound working knowledge of the law and policy as it relates to immigration,  asylum, human rights and modern slavery/trafficking;

•Demonstrable understanding of the asylum and human rights sector in the UK;

•An understanding of the barriers migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers face regarding access to legal advice, reasons why they may become destitute and why this makes it more difficult to access advice and support; and

•The passion for working empathetically and supportively with migrants, refugees, stateless people and asylum seekers.

Desirable Experience

·Experience of managing the delivery of frontline casework with people in the asylum or trafficking systems

·Experience of tendering for and delivering publicly funded contracts e.g. LAA or local authority funding;

·Working knowledge of Legal Aid Agency contracts, including the delivery of casework and billing under a legal aid contract in the immigration and asylum category and/or the public law category;

How to apply 

The first stage is to complete on our online application form on our website by 10am on Monday 26th January 2026.

The website form will ask you to:

1.Upload a short covering letter. Please tell us why the position appeals to you, and how your relevant skills and experience, including any voluntary experience and lived experience, matches the listed responsibilities and person specification. Please also state in your covering letter when you would be available to start the role.

2.Upload your current CV

3.Complete an online Equal Opportunities monitoring form – completion of this form will help us ensure that our recruitment procedures operate in such a way as to provide genuine equality of opportunity. The questions are entirely optional, and this information will not be available to members of the selection panel.

For an informal conversation about the post before applying, please contact Alison Pickup, the current Executive Director.

Selection Process

We will invite candidates to an initial online interview on Tuesday 10th or Wednesday 11th February, followed by shortlisted candidates attending in-person interviews at our office in Old Street on Tuesday 24th or Wednesday 25th February.

We offer a guaranteed initial interview for refugees, stateless people and others with lived experience of forced migration, provided that they provide some evidence of relevant experience or skills in relation to the essential criteria.

We regret that we can only respond to applicants who make it to the interview stage.

Eligibility

Please note that the successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK (as a small charity we do not have the capacity to sponsor work visas).

Successful candidates will also be subject to a basic DBS check. If appointed, you will also be required to give your consent to the charity to receive regular updates on your criminal records status throughout your employment and to disclose any relevant convictions incurred during your time with us.

Adjustments

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. If you require a different format of the application form, such as large print or Word format, or if you would like to discuss any specific requirements, please get in touch with us.

EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Our commitment to principles of equity, diversity and inclusion is an integral part of our approach to our clients, our volunteers and our staff, and we are an equal opportunities and Living Wage employer.

We are committed to attracting and recruiting diverse candidates because we are keen to make sure that our staff, trustees, volunteers and ambassadors reflect the communities we serve and the wider community we work in.

We genuinely welcome and encourage applications from candidates from a range of backgrounds, especially people of colour, people with disabilities, people from low socio-economic backgrounds, refugees, stateless people and others with lived experience of forced migration or trauma and of the housing and welfare system, who are under-represented in our organisation.

We recognise and value the role of lived experience in meeting the needs of our clients and acknowledge the under-representation of people with lived experience of forced migration and statelessness in the advice sector. We value experience gained overseas as well as in the UK.

We are also proud to be a member of the Experts by Experience Employment Network which aims to increase representation of people with lived experience in the charitable sector.

If you are an expert by experience (a refugee or a migrant with direct, first-hand experience of issues and challenges of the UK asylum or immigration system), you can ask for an independent and confidential support for your job application from the Experts by Experience Employment Network and access other information and resources which may help in preparing your job application.

Please complete the form on their website to request support and they will confirm if they can match you with a mentor to support your application.

Action in rural Sussex is seeking a customer-focused, friendly Project Support & Communications Officer to join our expanding community buildings team. 

Action in rural Sussex (AirS) supports rural communities across Sussex to be vibrant and diverse places in which to live and work. Community spaces play an important role in these local communities. They build community cohesion and resilience, support the health and wellbeing of residents, help overcome social isolation. contribute to the creation of vibrant local economies, and reduce carbon emissions by providing services and activities locally, and reducing their own carbon footprint.

Most community buildings are charitable, run mainly by volunteers who need a wide range of skills and knowledge to run a successful and sustainable community space. Our Community Buildings Service supports volunteers and hall managers by providing networking opportunities, training, newsletters, an online forum, and bespoke individual advice and support.

This is an exciting time for the service as we look to expand its reach and further develop our offer. The Project Support and Communications Officer will work closely with our Senior Community Buildings Adviser to support the delivery and development of the service across Sussex. You will be the first point of contact for enquirers, helping subscribers to the service to access our platforms. You will help to plan our training and events programme and provide administrative and logistical support. You will also manage communications and marketing for the service, including monthly newsletters, website updates, email communications and social media, and take the lead on updating and developing our CRM.

We welcome applications from individuals with strong organisational and IT skills, the ability to write lively, readable newsletters, web and social media content, experience of using CRMs to manage contacts and report to funders, and a strong focus on ensuring we provide an excellent service to community buildings.

If you share our vision of active, thriving rural communities, full of choice and opportunities for everyone, regardless of their circumstances., then we would love to hear from you. 

How to apply  

Applications must be via our application form which can be found on our website using the links provided. CVs will not be accepted. 

About the role

We are looking for a proactive and organised individual to join our Activities Team and deliver exceptional support to our student-led groups, helping create fun and inclusive communities across Imperial College Union.

You will coordinate the creation of new student groups, manage funding opportunities, and lead the onboarding programme for new committee members. You will also oversee administration for the Union’s minibus fleet and support governance processes, including annual elections and committee changes.

A key part of the role will involve delivering operational support for clubs and societies, including training opportunities, equipment services, and communication to ensure groups can thrive. You will also play a vital role in administering funding streams such as the Harlington Grant and Activity Development Fund, and contribute to projects that enhance inclusivity and the student experience.

The role sits within the Directorate of Membership Services and works closely with elected Officer Trustees and the wider Activities Team to ensure our processes, training, and support are effective and equitable for all student groups.

What you would be doing

The Activities Coordinator is a critical role in delivering the Students’ Union’s strategic objective of fun and inclusive communities through support, development and empowerment of student-led groups. The role is responsible for:

• Coordinating the creation of new student groups and onboarding programmes
• Managing funding opportunities and administering grants
• Overseeing administration for the Union’s minibus fleet and approved drivers
• Supporting governance processes, including annual elections and committee changes
• Delivering training and communications to help student groups access services effectively
• Contributing to projects that promote inclusivity and improve the student experience

Alongside elected Officer Trustees and the wider Activities Team, you will help deliver a high-quality support service for student-led groups at Imperial College Union.

Please see Job Description for full list of duties and responsibilities.

What we are looking for

The successful candidate will bring strong organisational skills and a methodical approach to managing processes and information. You will have experience delivering excellent customer service and supporting administrative systems, ideally within a student, volunteer, or community setting.

The role requires refined interpersonal skills to build positive relationships with student leaders and colleagues, as well as confidence in coordinating multiple priorities effectively. Experience in managing operational processes, governance procedures, or funding administration would be an advantage. You should be able to work independently while contributing to team projects and have a proactive attitude towards improving services and enhancing the student experience.

Please see Person Specification in the Job Description for full list.

What we can offer you

Please note this role is with the Students’ Union. We’re a registered charity in our right, with our own governance, systems, processes and objectives. However, we work extremely closely with Imperial College London, so you’ll also be joining a wider community of staff working within higher education. If you’ve never worked in a students’ union, or are unsure why it’s different, we urge you to get in contact. It’s a brilliant place to work.

As an employee of Imperial College, you will be part of lively community and work in a friendly and relaxed environment. Our aim is to provide to all our employees an encouraging and relaxed working environment with an emphasis on personal development and work-life balance. Based on that we offer:

• flexible working hours
• generous pension scheme
• 25 days holiday (plus 6/7 extra days per year for College Christmas and Easter closures)
• bicycle loan scheme
• season ticket loan
• health benefits
• excellent professional development opportunities and many more.

More information can be found on the Imperial College Benefits page.

Further information

To apply for the role please complete the online application form.

We are running a characteristic anonymised application process for this recruitment as part of the College’s commitment to equal opportunities and eliminating discrimination. Applicants will be assigned an application reference number and applicants’ names will not be visible to recruiting managers until the interview stage. You will not be required to attach a CV. Please also refrain from including your name in your supporting statement.

Closing date: 11 January 2026

Should you require any further details on the role please contact the People team listed on the website.

Interviews (In-Person) will be expected to take place on 22 and 23 January 2026.

We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith, or disability. We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and other racial minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce. If there are any reasonable adjustments needed through the process, we will accommodate as much as possible.

As part of our commitment to sustainability, every role within Imperial College Union contributes to our environmental and social goals. This includes actively participating in initiatives to reduce waste, conserve energy, and promote eco-friendly practices within every department.