Head of community services jobs

Make a real impact on the people who support families across the UK. As our new Deputy Head of HR (Operations & Systems), you’ll shape high‑quality HR services and drive improvements that help our teams thrive.
This is a rare opportunity to lead a newly created function, modernise systems and processes, and strengthen our organisation for the future.

ID 1763 — Deputy Head of HR (Operations and Systems)
Human Resources | Family Action Head Office, London (N1) with hybrid or home-working
29.6 hours per week (part time)
£42,562 – £46,703 FTE (£34,050 – £37,362 based on 29.6 hours per week) per annum 
Plus £3,062 Inner London Weighting (if office-based) or £384 (if home-working)
Permanent contract

We are flexible about hours and where this role is based. You can work from our London office (N1) with hybrid working or from home. Home-based staff ideally travel to London once a month, but this is desirable rather than essential.

About Family Action & the Role’s Impact

Family Action has supported people through challenge, change and crisis for over 150 years. We protect children, support young people and adults, and offer direct, practical help to families and communities nationwide.

We see first-hand the power of family to shape lives, for better or worse, so we speak up for the importance of family in national and local policymaking, amplify family voices and represent the changing needs of families in the UK today.

As our Deputy Head of HR, you will lead our HR Operations & Systems function, ensuring the delivery of efficient, high‑quality HR services. You’ll oversee and continuously improve core HR processes, systems (including iTrent) and our Payroll relationship. This role blends hands‑on operational leadership with the strategic insight needed to strengthen governance, streamline processes and build overall effectiveness.

If you have significant experience leading HR Operations, Shared Services or HR Systems teams, we would love to hear from you. Your ability to optimise systems and processes, deliver through others and translate operational insight into strategic improvement will make you a strong candidate.

We Want You to Apply — Even If You Don’t Meet Every Requirement

Family Action is a supportive, inclusive employer. If you’re unsure about applying because you don’t meet every point on the Person Specification, please do apply — we value your skills, experience and values, not just checkboxes.

People‑focused, can‑do, excellence and mutual respect aren’t just words for us – they guide every decision we make. If these values inspire you too, you’ll thrive here.

Benefits:

• 30 days’ annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays
• Up to 6% matched pension contributions
• Flexible working options from day one
• Enhanced paid sick leave and paid family leave
• Eye care and flu-jab vouchers
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Ongoing professional development and high-quality training

Closing Date: Wednesday 29 April 2026 at 23:59
(We may close early if we find a strong candidate, so early applications are encouraged.)

All appointments are subject to satisfactory Safer Recruitment checks.

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We welcome applications from all sections of the community and will make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process and in the workplace. We particularly welcome applications from ethnically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ candidates and candidates with disabilities as part of our commitment to increasing representation.

Candidates with a disability may apply under the Disability Confident Scheme for priority consideration if they meet the essential criteria.

We will reimburse reasonable travel costs for in‑person interviews.

Family Action typically appoints new starters at the starting point of the salary scale unless experience or exceptional circumstances justify a higher starting point.

We are ideally looking for someone who can join as soon as possible, but this is not essential — please apply regardless of your notice period.

Description 

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Head of Fundraising to lead and further develop our fundraising activity at a pivotal time for the Cathedral. This is a strategic and hands on role, working closely with the Chief Operating Officer and Senior Management Team to secure the resources needed to sustain and grow the Cathedral’s mission, ministry and buildings. 

You will take the lead on generating fundraising income, primarily through trusts and foundations, while also developing appeals, legacy giving, regular giving and new fundraising income streams. You will build on the strong foundations already in place, bringing creativity, rigour and collaboration to everything you do. 

The role 

As Head of Fundraising, you will: 

• Lead relationships with trusts and foundations, identifying opportunities, writing compelling applications and managing reporting and compliance 

• Drive major fundraising bids to support the Cathedral’s Estates Masterplan and strategic priorities 

• Develop and deliver fundraising appeals and pilot new initiatives to diversify income 

• Grow legacy and regular giving, building a sustainable pipeline of long-term supporters 

• Lead supporter care, engagement and fundraising events 

• Oversee fundraising communications and profile raising activity 

• Work collaboratively across the Cathedral to develop fundable projects and shared ownership of fundraising 

• Manage the fundraising budget and report progress to the Senior Management Team and Finance Committee 

• Act as Line Manager for the Development Officer 

This role combines strategic thinking with practical delivery and will suit someone who enjoys working in a small, committed team where no two days are the same. 

What we're looking for 

• Proven experience in fundraising, particularly trusts and foundations 

• A strong track record of writing successful funding applications generating over £250,000pa 

• Excellent relationship building and communication skills 

• The ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, volunteers and external partners 

• Empathy with the values, mission and worshipping life of a Christian cathedral 

• A calm, organised and proactive approach, with strong attention to detail 

• A clear commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and best practice 

Experience in cathedral, church, heritage or charity settings is welcome but not essential — we are keen to hear from candidates with transferable skills from other sectors. 

Why join us? 

You will be part of a warm, committed community, working in a unique historic setting and helping ensure Portsmouth Cathedral continues to thrive for generations to come. 

 
Benefits 

• Generous annual leave allowance of 25 days per annum (FTE) plus public holidays and 2 'given' days over Christmas. Pro rata for this part-time role. 

• Employer pension contributions of 7% plus 1% employee contribution. 

• Commitment to professional development and training 

• Cash health plan 

Portsmouth Cathedral is an Equal Opportunities Employer and a member of Inclusive Church.   

Interviews in person Tuesday 5 May 2026

Head of Safeguarding 

Circa £55,000 pa 

Location: UK – flexible 

Flexible working arrangements considered 

WE STAND FOR CHILDREN, THEIR CHILDHOODS AND THEIR FUTURES - WILL YOU? 

Around the world hundreds of thousands of children struggle to survive on the streets. In many countries, they have become an accepted issue in society, deprived of access to the most basic services and they experience extreme harm before and during their time on the streets. Wherever they may be in the world, they face violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation. 

With projects currently in the UK, India and Tanzania we work to ensure every child can thrive away from a life on the streets.

Safeguarding is pivotal to all that we do.We are proud of our safeguarding culture and the highest standards of practice that we have developed across the Railway Children Group.We are looking for a leader who is as passionate about the safety and well-being of children as we are to help us to sustain, but also to grow and develop our safeguarding culture and practice to even higher standards.

The role 
In this role you will provide strategic leadership and governance of a transparent safeguarding culture across all the Railway Children Group’s operations and support services. Overseeing all areas of safeguarding across our work, you will support colleagues to fully embed effective and robust safeguarding practice and compliance into our work.

About you 
With your extensive experience of leading on and working with safeguarding and child protection systems and a proven track-record of implementing safeguarding strategy, policy and practice you will recognise that your values-led management style will lead to the embedding of a safeguarding culture across all our work. 

For further information about this post and working for Railway Children, including how to apply, please visit our website.

We welcome and encourage applications from candidates with a diverse range of backgrounds and lived experience. 

Railway Children is committed to safeguarding anyone who comes into contact with us and implements a range of policies to ensure only those suitable to work with vulnerable groups are employed. 

Closing date: 27 April 2026. 

First interviews will take place on Thursday 7th May 2026, with second interviews scheduled for Thursday 14th May 2026. 

Location: Rotherham

Mentored by: Chief Operations Officer

Type of Employment:  Full-time

Hours of Work: 40 hours per week

Days of work: Monday-Friday

Pay Level: £58,000-£65,000

The Really NEET Project is seeking an exceptional, driven Regional Head to lead and inspire our work across Barnsley, Rotherham and the North.

This is a unique opportunity for a passionate leader to help develop our future of alternative education, champion young people, and empower dedicated teams to deliver life-changing outcomes.

As Regional Head, you will provide strategic leadership, operational excellence, and inspirational direction, ensuring our centres consistently deliver outstanding support to young people who need it most.

Some of the key areas include:

• Provide strong and supportive line management to the Teaching, Learning and Assessment Coordinator, SENDCo and Change Leader.
• Lead the ongoing development and delivery of high standards across SEND, education, youth work and risk management, including safeguarding and health and safety.
• Advocate confidently for yourself, staff, young people, and their families within an inclusive practice.
• Foster a culture of psychological safety, vulnerability-based trust, and shared purpose within teams.
• Fulfil the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) role and make effective safeguarding decisions at local, regional and national levels.

Our Benefits:

• 10 weeks paid holiday per year (during school holidays)
• Vitality Health package (with no employee excess to pay on claims)
• Royal London Pension Scheme
• Job valuations to ensure competitive salaries
• 45p per mile for any work related journeys
• Annual 2 night staff Getaway
• Christmas spending voucher
• Regular social activities
• Annual Employee Wellbeing budget
• Occupational Health Offer
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave policies
• Foster & Kinship Policy – time off for training
• Time of for fertility/IVF treatments & appointments
• Bespoke CDP Opportunities

What to expect from the recruitment process:

1. Application form submitted and reviewed by the panel
2. Shortlisted candidates invited to a first stage interview
3. Candidates who are successful at the first stage interview will be invited for a second stage assessment which may consist of an in tray task, scenario presentation or microteach along with time with the learners and a tour of the workplace.
4. Candidate selection – the panel will review any applications and a selection decision made
5. Recruitment Manager will make contact with applicants to let them know the outcome of their interviews

All applications must be submitted by 20th April 2026 with interviews being held the following 2 weeks. All candidates should be notified of the outcome of interviews within 3 working days. (subject to change)

For more information on this role and our organization please visit our website

Please note that we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our learners and expect all those who work with us to share this commitment. Successful applicants will need to undertake a DBS Enhanced Clearance check (Disclosure and Barring Service) and complete a Self Disclosure.

The Really NEET Project is seeking an exceptional, driven Regional Head to lead and inspire our work across Telford and the Midlands.

This is a unique opportunity for a passionate leader to help develop our future of alternative education, champion young people, and empower dedicated teams to deliver life-changing outcomes.

As Regional Head, you will provide strategic leadership, operational excellence, and inspirational direction, ensuring our centres consistently deliver outstanding support to young people who need it most.

Some of the key areas include:

• Provide strong and supportive line management to the Teaching, Learning and Assessment Coordinator, SENDCo and Change Leader.
• Lead the ongoing development and delivery of high standards across SEND, education, youth work and risk management, including safeguarding and health and safety.
• Advocate confidently for yourself, staff, young people, and their families within an inclusive practice.
• Foster a culture of psychological safety, vulnerability-based trust, and shared purpose within teams.
• Fulfil the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) role and make effective safeguarding decisions at local, regional and national levels.

Our Benefits:

• 10 weeks paid holiday per year (during school holidays)
• Vitality Health package (with no employee excess to pay on claims)
• Royal London Pension Scheme
• Job valuations to ensure competitive salaries
• 45p per mile for any work related journeys
• Annual 2 night staff Getaway
• Christmas spending voucher
• Regular social activities
• Annual Employee Wellbeing budget
• Occupational Health Offer
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave policies
• Foster & Kinship Policy – time off for training
• Time of for fertility/IVF treatments & appointments
• Bespoke CDP Opportunities

What to expect from the recruitment process:

1. Application form submitted and reviewed by the panel
2. Shortlisted candidates invited to a first stage interview
3. Candidates who are successful at the first stage interview will be invited for a second stage assessment which may consist of an in tray task, scenario presentation or microteach along with time with the learners and a tour of the workplace.
4. Candidate selection – the panel will review any applications and a selection decision made
5. Recruitment Manager will make contact with applicants to let them know the outcome of their interviews

All applications must be submitted by 20th April 2026 with interviews being held the following 2 weeks. All candidates should be notified of the outcome of interviews within 3 working days. (subject to change)

For more information on this role and our organization please visit our website

Please note that we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our learners and expect all those who work with us to share this commitment. Successful applicants will need to undertake a DBS Enhanced Clearance check (Disclosure and Barring Service) and complete a Self Disclosure.

The Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) is a family of 23 independent schools and two academies, united by a shared mission to help girls learn without limits, so they go on to lead lives without limits. As pioneers in girls’ education, we are proud of our heritage and ambitious for our future. To fulfil our public purpose of reaching as many girls as possible, we have an ambitious fundraising strategy, focused on transformational bursaries and innovative learning, enabling girls from a wide range of financial backgrounds to access a GDST education.

We are seeking an exceptional Head of Philanthropy Operations to lead the systems, processes and insight that underpin philanthropic income generation and supporter engagement across the GDST and its family of schools.

This is a key leadership role within the Philanthropy and Partnerships team. Working closely with the Deputy Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships, you will provide strategic leadership for the operational infrastructure that enables fundraising and alumnae engagement to grow in a coordinated, compliant and sustainable way. You will play a central role in strengthening how data, systems and operational support are used to help colleagues across the Trust Office and schools deliver excellent fundraising and stewardship activity.

What you’ll be doing

In this role, you will lead the operational strategy that supports philanthropy and alumnae engagement across the GDST, ensuring the systems, processes and reporting that underpin fundraising are effective, compliant and built for sustainable growth. You will lead CRM, data and performance insight to strengthen decision-making, pipeline development, donor stewardship and long-term relationship management across the GDST network.

You will also oversee core fundraising operations, provide high-quality reporting to senior leaders and Trustees, and lead a small team to deliver strong operational support across the GDST. Alongside this, you will help equip colleagues across schools and the Trust Office with the tools, guidance and insight they need to strengthen fundraising and supporter engagement.

What skills and experience you’ll bring to the role

• Significant experience in philanthropy or fundraising operations leadership, with a strong track record of leading systems, processes and operational improvement in a complex organisation
• Substantial experience of CRM management, data analysis and fundraising reporting, with the ability to translate insight into clear strategic recommendations and practical action
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively while maintaining close attention to detail
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to work closely with senior stakeholders, including executive leaders and Trustees, and to build trusted relationships across a network of schools and central teams
• Experience of leading and developing teams, alongside a good understanding of fundraising regulation, compliance and data protection
• A combination of strategic thinking and operational rigour, with a clear motivation to help create greater access, opportunity and impact through philanthropy at the GDST.

Why join us?

As part of the GDST, the UK's leading network of independent girls' schools, we can offer a variety of benefits, such as:

• Competitive salaries and pay progression
• Access to extensive professional development opportunities
• Training grants for qualifications
• A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
• Generous pension schemes
• Free life assurance benefit
• Interest free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season ticket loans
• A Cycle to Work scheme
• Competitive terms and conditions of employment

There are many other good reasons to work with us. Each of our schools and our Trust Office has its own sense of community, and you’ll be part of it. You’ll be in the company of some of the best and brightest people in independent education. Most importantly, no matter what your role, you’ll be playing a major part in the highly regarded education we give our girls.

For further details and to apply please click the apply button.

Closing date: 30th April 2026 at 10:00 AM.

The Girls’ Day School Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection checks appropriate to the post, including online searches and checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

The Head of Community Services Development will lead the growth and evolution of Day One’s national offer for people affected by serious and life-changing injury, while designing and implementing a new service to support individuals transitioning from Hospital to Home. The post holder should combine strategic leadership with hands on service design and development expertise, ensuring the national offer becomes the charity’s returning home service in line with the new strategy for 2026-2029. Newly designed services will deliver high-quality, compassionate support and that are well designed, evidence-based and responsive to the real world needs of people with serious and life-changing injury. Working closely with the Head of Lived Experience, to ensure lived experience insight is central to all design and implementation, and that new pathways complement Day One’s existing Peer Support model.

What You Will Bring 

To be a highly organised, outcome focussed self-starter, with excellent communication and leadership skills who is able to work in a fast-paced environment and build productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders. You will be highly skilled and experienced in scoping and designing a service and seeing it through to implementation, adapting it in accordance with ongoing analysis and feedback.

How to apply 

Please upload your CV and supporting cover letter to Charity Jobs outlining why you’re interested in the role. Please take your time to explain how your experience is relevant to this post.

Closing date: 9am Monday 13th April 2026 

Interviews:  

First stage virtual: Monday 20th April 2026 

Second stage in-person (Leeds): Thursday 30th April 2026 

For further information, please refer to the attached recruitment pack.

Details

Position:Head of Community Support and Operations

Location:Barnsley, South Yorkshire

Hours:30 hours to be taken flexibly over Monday – Friday; 1 day wfh allowance

Salary:                                £50,562 FTE (£40,996 pro rata)

Contract type:Permanent

Reportable to: CEO

Direct reports: Volunteer Development Co-ordinator, Charity Advisor and Partnership Coordinator and any relevant roles that develop

Job Purpose

The Head of Community Support and Operations is a pivotal new role being introduced to the executive team at Barnsley CVS.  This person will be a key role in the growth and development of the executive team.  You will play an exciting part in the delivery and development of the recently developed 4-year strategy and theory of change. Your role will drive intention and focus on developing our support to the sector in a meaningful way to high standards, whilst ensuring our own internal operations reflect best practice.  You will need a strong knowledge of charity set up, management and governance along with a passion for what the VCSE sector does.  You will be confident in people management and development; have the ability to work inclusively with a wide range of people and backgrounds and the skill to see gaps and opportunities for service development.

You will work closely with the Head of Strategic Partnerships to identify gaps and opportunities to develop our offer of support to the sector whether through direct services, training, brokerage agreements or membership offers.  As you identify these opportunities, you will work collaboratively with the Head of Business Development to explore commercial income options that are also in line with our mission and vision.

Using your excellent people skills, you will act as the first point of contact for HR matters within the charity, overseeing the general management of our online HR system, policies and procedures.  You will work in collaboration with the CEO in any areas that need significant development or management.

You will keep up to date with new initiatives and ideas in the wider infrastructure sector, relevant legislation and modern thinking in relation to charity management best practice.

Benefits:

- 33 days annual leave increasing with years of service + annual leave given between Christmas and New Year that doesn't count against your annual leave

- Sick leave entitlement increases with years of service

- 5% pension contribution

- Paid leave to complete voluntary activity for up to 5 days pro rata

- Discount on local gym membership

- Flexible working with TOIL given for any additional hours worked

An exciting oppourtunity to lead compassionate, community-driven perinatal services that make a real difference to families every day. Shape how frontline support is delivered across our Baby Bank, Community Doula service, infant feeding support, and volunteer programmes in Birmingham. Ensuring safe, trauma-informed care reaches those who need it most.

As Head of Service at Elayos, you’ll turn strategy into meaningful action. You will lead staff and volunteers, strengthen safeguarding practice, embed reflective learning, and champion lived experience at the heart of everything we do. This is a rare opportunity to combine operational leadership with purpose, impact, and values-led service development in a growing organisation supporting mothers and birthing people, who find themselves disadvantaged, during pregnancy, birth and early parenthood.

A fairer and greener economy for Wales means a real Living Wage for everyone and support for the local businesses that help meet our everyday needs. We have already helped over 600 Welsh organisations guarantee 170,000 employees’ access to a real Living Wage, and we have supported local businesses pioneering food, energy, housing, transport, nature and health services. We want to do more – can you help us as our new Head of Fair Economy?

You will need to be passionate about building an economy that works for everyone, with the skills and experience to lead and build programmes and teams, work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders in our areas of work, and to be proactive in identifying new opportunities for funding and impact.

You will be leading the Fair Economy team to deliver against impact targets in our annual business plan. This involves:

• Leading the Fair Economy team (30%) 
• Supporting the real Living Wage (rLW) Programme (30%) 
• Supporting the Foundational Economy (FE) Programme (40%) 

You'll play a key role in helping individuals and organisations benefit from our expertise, while growing our reach, income, and impact as a forward-thinking charity. This includes lifting individuals out of in-work poverty and supporting local businesses that provide our everyday needs.

We are a lively and progressive charity at an important stage in our development. If our mission resonates with you and you share our aims, we would love to hear from you.

Pennaeth Economi Deg

Mae Economi decach a gwyrddach i Gymru yn golygu Cyflog Byw Gwirioneddol i bawb a chefnogaeth i’r busnesau lleol sy’n ein helpu i fodloni ein hanghenion bob dydd. Rydym ni eisoes wedi helpu 600 a mwy o sefydliadau yng Nghymru i sicrhau bod 170,000 o weithwyr yn cael Cyflog Byw Gwirioneddol, ac rydym ni wedi cefnogi busnesau lleol sy’n arloesi ym maes bwyd, ynni, tai, trafnidiaeth, natur a gwasanaethau iechyd. Ond rydym ni eisiau gwneud mwy - allwch chi ein helpu ni fel Pennaeth newydd yr Economi Deg?

Bydd angen i chi fod yn frwd dros greu economi sy’n gweithio i bawb, a meddu ar y sgiliau a’r profiad i arwain ac adeiladu rhaglenni a thimau, gweithio mewn partneriaeth ag amrywiaeth eang o randdeiliaid yn ein meysydd gwaith, a bod yn rhagweithiol wrth fynd ati i ganfod cyfleoedd cyllido ac effaith newydd.

Byddwch yn arwain tîm yr Economi Deg wrth iddynt gyflawni targedau effaith ein cynllun busnes blynyddol. Bydd hyn yn golygu: 

• Arwain Tîm yr Economi Deg (30%) 
• Cefnogi’r Rhaglen Cyflog Byw Gwirioneddol (30%) 
• Cefnogi Rhaglen yr Economi Sylfaenol (40%) 

Byddwch yn chwarae rhan allweddol yn y gwaith o helpu unigolion a sefydliadau i elwa o'n harbenigedd — ar yr un pryd â chynyddu ein cyrhaeddiad, ein hincwm a'n heffaith fel elusen flaengar. Mae hyn yn cynnwys helpu unigolion allan o dlodi mewn gwaith, a chefnogi’r busnesau lleol sy’n bodloni ein hanghenion bob dydd.

Rydym ni’n elusen fywiog a blaengar ac rydym ni mewn cyfnod pwysig yn ein datblygiad ar hyn o bryd. Os yw ein cenhadaeth yn taro tant a’ch bod chi’n rhannu’r un nodau â ni, byddem wrth ein bodd yn clywed gennych chi. 

Steel Warriors was established in 2017 to rethink how knife crime is tackled by turning a symbol of violence into one of strength and resilience. We transform the lives of marginalised young people by recycling knives seized by the police into outdoor calisthenics gyms and create positive change in communities. We provide classes at our five outdoor gyms across – Lambeth, Tower Hamlets, Newham, Haringey and Enfield – and deliver programmes in schools (including pupil referral units), youth and sport clubs, and in Brixton Prison. Our coach mentors deliver high quality, inclusive calisthenics sessions alongside mentoring and employability sessions

The Head of Programmes and Safeguarding role combines strategic leadership with strong operational oversight. The postholder is responsible for leading the design, development and scaling of high-quality services, supporting their team to perform effectively, and ensuring that programmes deliver meaningful outcomes for participants. They will work closely with colleagues, delivery partners, funders, young people and board members to drive programme development aligned with the organisation’s strategy, theory of change and ultimate goal of young people being safer, healthier and feeling more connected and positive about the future. The role requires an exceptional organiser and team leader able to manage a range of priorities, coordinate people and systems effectively, and maintain high standards across delivery areas.

This is an exciting opportunity to take a leading role in shaping Sift's future at a pivotal moment in our journey. 

We support people affected by self-harm with compassionate, non-judgemental services, and demand for our work is growing. As we look ahead to the next phase of development, we are investing in fundraising to help us reach more people who need support. 

We are looking for an experienced, values-led fundraiser who is excited by the opportunity to build, influence, and make a tangible difference. 

Working closely with the CEO, you will lead our fundraising efforts and help us move from a reactive to a more proactive, strategic approach to income generation. 

What you’ll do 

You will play a key role in developing our fundraising including: 

• Leading on fundraising for trusts and foundations fundraising

• Building and managing a strong pipeline of funding opportunities

• Supporting the development of a major donor pipeline

• Overseeing delivery of targeted appeals and up to two campaigns per year

• Strengthening funder relationships and long-term stewardship

Why this role matters 

This role is central to our future. 
Your work will directly increase access to safe, compassionate support for people affected by self-harm and enable us to widen our influence across systems and communities. 

Why join us? 

• Real impact: Work that makes a tangible impact

• Flexibility: A part-time role with flexibility 

• Autonomy: Scope to shape and develop our fundraising approach 

• Purpose-driven culture: A small, collaborative team that puts people first

• A pivotal moment: Be part of an organisation evolving and growing its reach

What we’re looking for 

We’re looking for someone who brings both experience and a strong alignment with our values: 

• Proven fundraising experience (particularly trusts and foundations)

• Ability to work independently and prioritise effectively

• Strong writing skills and the ability to tell compelling stories

• Confidence in building and managing relationships

• A thoughtful, proactive approach with a high level of self-direction

If you’re looking for a role where you can shape strategy, work with purpose, and see the real-world impact of your work, we’d love to hear from you. Download the full recruitment pack for more details. We look forward to your application. 

The Difference is seeking a Head of the Inclusive Leadership Course to lead our year-long programme for senior school leaders, training 200+ headteachers, deputies and assistant heads annually to reduce lost learning and transform inclusion practice across England's schools.

This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for designing and delivering a sector-leading professional development programme, building strong relationships with school leaders and strategic partners, and capturing evidence of impact. The role will lead facilitation of regional cohorts, oversee quality assurance across all programme delivery, and work closely with MAT and LA leaders to scale understanding and reach.

The role requires regular national travel for programme delivery, regular office attendance and representing The Difference at conferences and sector events. You will work directly with the Deputy CEO to develop course content, identify opportunities for programme expansion, and ensure the course remains at the forefront of inclusion leadership practice.

We are looking for a confident leader with a strong track record in senior school leadership, programme design and delivery, and stakeholder management, alongside the ability to translate inclusion strategy into measurable outcomes for young people.

About The Difference

Every day, the equivalent of 5,500 children are suspended from England's schools, doubling their likelihood of being NEET by 24. The Difference is a young education charity founded to change this story through whole school inclusion. Since 2019, over 1,000 school leaders have completed the Inclusive Leadership Course. 94% report shifted knowledge of inclusion, and 64% of schools subsequently saw suspensions data buck national trends. The course has been the test bed for our Whole-School Approach to Inclusion, with principles now evident in the Schools White Paper.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead design of the Inclusive Leadership Course to ensure full engagement across the year and measurable improvement in Whole School Inclusion practice
• Lead facilitation on regional cohorts, building cohort buy-in and belonging while maintaining high engagement and satisfaction
• Design and execute evidence capture to provide timely, valuable data for The Difference Impact Strategy
• Stay informed of promising practice to ensure the course remains sector-leading, piloting new content before wider roll-out
• Represent The Difference through speaking engagements and writing

About You

Essential:

• Senior leadership experience in schools with a track record of leading inclusive work that gives credibility to stakeholder relationships
• Experience designing and delivering professional development that has led to improved student outcomes
• Proven ability to build teams with strong identities to deliver against ambitious targets
• Experience quality assuring autonomous staff in ways that empower while delivering consistent outcomes
• Strategic ability to juggle competing priorities, spot and mitigate risks, and identify opportunities
• Credibility to hold significant relationships with MAT CEOs, Directors of Children's Services and DfE
• Commitment to personal growth, including diagnosing your own development areas and using others' expertise
• Shared values with The Difference and personal commitment to improving life outcomes for young people

Desired:

• Insight through life or work into school experiences of over-excluded young people
• Product design experience building business cases for new services in the school sector
• Early-stage social enterprise or charity experience

Please see the attached Job Description for full role details and person specification.

We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage applications from under-represented groups in the charity sector. As part of our commitment to fairer recruitment, all applications will be assessed with names and protected characteristics redacted where possible.

Prostate Cancer Research exists to honour the men and families who have been through things no family should have to go through, and to work for a future where no one needs to fear a prostate cancer diagnosis. 

We are always working to provide resources to help, support and empower patients. Giving them the information they need to make better choices about their treatment, while working to identify and target specific unmet needs in the prostate cancer ecosystem, such as racial inequality and bone metastasis. 

Our dedicated staff team is the key to our success, expanding the amount of research that we fund five times over in four years. PCR won the Change Project of the year award in 2023 and has been shortlisted for the following awards for our Real Talk campaign in 2025: 

• Charity Times Award- PR Team of the Year  
• Third Sector Award- Best Large Charity Film 
• Third Sector Award- Communications Campaign of The Year 
• Third Sector Awards- Large Corporate Partnership of the Year 

At Prostate Cancer Research, we don’t just fund research. We help shape it. From launching cross-disease collaborative grant calls to developing first-of-their-kind initiatives that address gaps in the system, we work closely with researchers to drive meaningful progress.

This role offers the opportunity to combine scientific expertise with creativity and strategic thinking. As our research portfolio grows, you will play a key role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the department, while helping to shape its future direction.

Our remit includes delivering our own independent research projects and piloting community-led initiatives, alongside managing approximately £2 million in annual grant funding. You will also help strengthen links between discovery and translational research, support the development of new EDI initiatives, and build connections between academic research and our Prostate Progress data platform.

If you love science but think it could be done differently, if you would love a job where you can be both creative and analytical, we are the organisation for you.

You will work closely with a member of the Executive Team, allowing you to gain insight into organisational strategy and decision-making. You will also practise your own leadership and represent the department as part of our internal Heads of Group.

We have a strong commitment to flexible working and will work with you to agree a pattern that suits both you and the organisation.

Responsibility

• Oversee the monitoring and evaluation of our research portfolio of both grant-funded and in-house projects, including supporting and mentoring other team members
• Strengthen links between discovery and translational research through creating effective processes and partnerships
• Lead the day-to-day management of complex research projects
• Support the uptake of the Prostate Progress data platform within academic research
• Develop a Trust and Accountability Index to boost public trust in research, building on our recently launched Empowering Communities report
• Lead on the implementation of the charity’s next EDI strategy for researchers
• Deputise for the Director of Research where appropriate
• Act as an internal and external champion for discovery research

Skills and Competencies

Our ideal candidate would have the following:

• A strong belief in the value and potential of science (essential)
• A PhD in cancer or a relevant biomedical science discipline (essential)
• Experience working in an academic research laboratory within the past five years
• Experience managing research grants from application to closure, including financial and operational decision-making
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• An understanding of social science research methodologies
• Experience of EDI-focused initiatives or community engagement
• A collaborative approach, with the ability to build relationships, work flexibly, and manage expectations
• Confidence in leading new initiatives and driving innovation
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage researchers, patients and internal stakeholders

How To Apply

Please apply by submitting your CV and a short supporting statement (maximum 500 words). In the statement, focus on why you would like the role, and give a 2 – 3 examples of your achievements or things you have learned which directly map on to the requirements of this role. Your insights and previous experience may be drawn from both professional and voluntary contexts depending on which you feel better represents your authentic self and your suitability for the role.

There will be a two-stage interview process. The first interview will be online, and the second will be an in-person interview at our offices in London. We will provide interview questions in advance. Interviews will commence on the 11th of May. 

For more information about our organisation and what we do, visit the Prostate Cancer Research website, The Prostate Progress webpage, and the PCR online patient resource, The Infopool 

PCR is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of their race, gender, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.