Finance Manager Jobs
Job Title: Divisional Director
Division: North
Salary: £72,961
Agreement Type: Permanent
Schedule Type: Full Time, Hybrid role working from home with occasional travel throughout our North division.
Doing Amazing Things Together:
Together we make it possible!
Affinity Trust is a national charity that supports people with learning disabilities, autism, mental ill-health, physical disabilities, and other complex needs to live great lives their way.
Our new Divisional Director for the North of England will be a dynamic and driven leader who will inspire managers and teams to deliver excellent outcomes for people that we support, in line with our organisational purpose and values.
Working as part of our Senior Leadership Team they will have the gravitas to influence internal and external stakeholders at all levels and grow the division, whilst also ensuring the highest possible quality standards. If this sounds like you and you want to be part of a growing national charity, then we’d love to hear from you…
There will be travel to visit locations and engage with commissioners, Integrated Care Boards, staff and head office colleagues, and most importantly, the people we support and their families
Why Join Us?:
Are you ready to join us?
• 33 days annual leave pro-rata (including bank holidays), which we increase the longer
you are with us
• Cycle2Work Scheme
• We offer Wagestream - a money management app that gives you access to a
percentage of your pay as you earn it
• Blue Light Card - All work and no play is not fun, so enjoy discounts in your favourite
shops, restaurants, travel and great days out, provided at no cost to you
• A 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme for you and your family members
• Life Assurance and Pension scheme
• Company-funded health cash plan
• Ability to buy additional holiday
Apply today:
We’re transforming health and social care. Are you in? We want to hear from you.
We’re committed to being Disability Confident and we guarantee to interview all applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.
Selection process
• Applications will close 12th April
• Shortlisting will occur by 19th April
• Interviews, presentation, and stakeholder
Session week of 22nd April
Expiration Date: 12/04/2024
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Who are Fair Ways and what do we stand for?
Fair Ways is a leading children’s services charity based in the Solent, delivering Fostering, Education, Residential, Mental Health and Family services and cares for over 400 children, families, young people and vulnerable adults each year. Fair Ways is a great place to work. We are a team. We care about each other and are all committed to making a change to the lives of the children, young people, families and vulnerable adults in our care. We will not apologise for calling our staff great, the best, or world-class. Our staff are at the core of our organisation and we celebrate them by shouting it from the rooftops!
Where and when do we need you?
We are currently recruiting for a Finance Manager to work within our established finance function. In this role you will be reporting directly into the Finance Director and will play a key part in driving the service improvements and compliance at an operational level. You will operate as a critical member of the organisation through the management of the finance function, effectively leading the management of day-to-day financial operations and ensuring the needs of internal and external stakeholders are met. This will be done through working as a true strategic partner within the charity, advising and consulting with managers on a wide range of issues ensuring the delivery of key financial objectives supporting the charity in meeting its goals for growth and financial stability.
In this role you will be involved in exciting and rewarding things like:
- Leading and developing a fantastic team - Undertaking line management responsibilities for allocated members of the finance team undertaking dedicated coaching, development, 121's and any day to day support that is required to ensure that finance colleagues are supported and developed appropriately and that we deliver an outstanding service both internally and externally.
- Advising and Consulting - Producing high quality monthly financial reporting which is accurate, timely and meets the needs of managers and directors using financial information extracted from the appropriate finance systems to assist them to manage their departments' budgets and understand budget variances.
- Data analysis and Reporting - Leading on the year-end audit and accounts closedown process through the collation and analysis of appropriate financial information and liaising with auditors to ensure agreed deadlines are met. This work will contribute to the production of best practice statutory reporting and provide internal and external stakeholders with assurances that the charity's finances are well managed.
- Managing Compliance and Risk - Ensuring compliance with internal policies and external regulations and legislation by monitoring controls and procedures and making recommendations to adapt to changing circumstances. This is to ensure that any risk associated with non-compliance is assessed, rectified and managed appropriately moving forward in order to ensure that any impact to the charity is managed effectively.
- Delivering Excellence - Supporting the delivery of the Finance strategic agenda including taking the lead on the development and monitoring of the annual department Continuous Improvement Plan. This will involve undertaking a SWOT analysis of the Finance function in collaboration with colleagues in order to assess the current environment and produce a development plan to address shortcomings and aim for excellence.
- Being a subject specialist - Leading on VAT issues on behalf of the organisation in conjunction with external VAT advisors. Prepare and submit quarterly VAT returns, review existing processes and consider the implications of changes in VAT regulations in order to ensure the charity is complying with legislation and maximising charitable reliefs available.
Successful candidates will be working a 37.5 per week, Monday to Friday, you will hybrid work between home and a minimum of 1 day per week at our office at Lakeside in Portsmouth.
All candidates must have a full driving license and have access to the use of a car. Successful candidates will be required to provide an enhanced Disclosure (DBS). This disclosure cost will be met by Fair Ways.
You and your specialisms
Management roles within the charity are pivotal in achieving our mission of making a difference through passionate care, support, and education. To support this, you will be required to have, or be working towards a minimum of the following qualification levels:
Essential
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACMA, ACCA, CIPFA)
- Advanced Excel spreadsheet skills
- Significant experience of preparing monthly management accounts
- Clear understanding of risks relevant to the finance environment and controls required to mitigate risks.
- You will have experience as a Finance Manager, leading and developing a team of professionals, and a good knowledge of accounting and tax issues in a high performing organisation.
- Excellent communication skills to drive engagement with Finance issues and manage change effectively.
- Prioritise and deliver effectively in a fast-paced environment with your values at the core of your decision making.
Desirable
- Experience of working in the Not For Profit sector and knowledge of the Charities SORP.
- Good working knowledge of HMRC and particularly VAT tax regulations
Let us look after you!
At Fair Ways, we care about your well-being, here is what we currently offer to our dedicated team:
- Exciting Opportunities: Participate in free staff lotteries with amazing prizes, such as £1000 holiday vouchers, weekends away, luxury hampers, £1000 fostering referral scheme and vouchers. Experience a workplace that celebrates your contributions.
- Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a Holiday Accrual Scheme and the option to purchase additional holidays (up to 5 days). We value your time and offer flexibility to accommodate your existing commitments.
- Health and Support: Benefit from Health Shield, our health cash plan, and access to our Employee Assistance Scheme, providing emergency financial assistance and 24/7 counselling services. Access your salary when you need it with Early Pay – The ability to withdraw an amount of your salary early each month to assist with any unforeseen circumstances.
- Growth and Development: Unlock your potential with our Education Grant, offering funding for accreditation up to master's level. Engage in leadership courses to enhance your skills and progress in your career.
- Wellbeing Matters: Experience team-building days, summer festivals, and well-being initiatives, promoting a positive work environment. Take advantage of discounted gym memberships and a cycle-to-work scheme to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Recognition and Rewards: Be appreciated for your dedication through annual Staff Awards and Long Service Awards. Build a secure future with our pension scheme and gain eligibility for a Blue Light Card.
- Supportive Community: Be part of our diverse workforce that embraces all communities. We value your unique perspective and encourage you to contribute to our inclusive and vibrant culture.
Become a part of our community – We can’t wait to meet you!
If you're passionate about making a difference and are ready to embark on an incredible journey, apply today and be a part of something amazing at Fair Ways. Join our team and help shape brighter futures!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Dimensions is proud to be one of very few social care organisations that are accredited by the Great Places To Work programme in 2023 – now 5 years in a row!
Working in a business partnering role with colleagues across the Dimensions group, the Business Development Manager (BDM) will lead on growth within the region(s) / subsidiaries they are affiliated with, and in support of other regions where required, in service of the Group growth plan. This roles focus would be in supporting our London and East Region.
The BDM is responsible for promoting Dimensions as a provider of choice for commissioners, individuals and families; and for fostering a culture of development, creating strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
This role is home based, requiring you to live within the London & East Region, with some travel expected within the region. 1-2 days mainly Greater London and surrounding counties, as well as to group wide meetings in locations such as Birmingham or London.
Interviews will take place across the 22nd,23rd & 24th April via Microsoft teams.
About the role
Your main duties will include:
- Evaluate and prioritise Business Development (BD) opportunities within the framework of area, regional and Group growth plans, in line with Group strategy, in partnership with Operations Directors, Managing Directors, Head of BD, and wider BD team members.
- Have oversight of bids and tenders, taking responsibility for critical appraisal, including go/no go decisions; working in partnership with the Tender & Bids Team, BD Co-ordinators, Operations and Finance to deliver winning submissions that promote the Dimensions brand and differentiate us from our competitors.
- Ensure a focus on account management, with an overview of all regional partnerships, working with colleagues to deliver a coherent approach to partnership development and external relationship management.
- Carry out market intelligence, competitor analysis and horizon scanning to identify opportunities for growth, product development, pricing strategies, guide prioritisation and decision-making processes.
About you
The successful applicant will have:
- Experience of negotiating and developing effective partnership working relationships
- Able to network and build positive relations with customers and stakeholders
- Knowledge of social care commissioning and procurement systems and practices
- Understanding of how to stimulate the market and pre-engage commissioners
The rewards
- Up to 35 days’ annual leave entitlement (including bank holidays)
- Staff discount shopping scheme ‘Rewarding Dimensions’
- We offer a salary advance scheme where you can access up to 50% of the money you've earned before payday.
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Pension scheme
- Long Service Awards
- Qualification scheme
- Employee recognition scheme 'Inspiring People'
- Discounted health and dental cover
- Life Assurance
- Bike to Work Scheme
- Season Ticket Loan
Apply now
- We welcome applications from everyone who has the right to work in the UK, and value diversity in our workforce
- As Disability Confident Leaders, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy - Dimensions has been awarded this symbol by Jobcentre Plus to recognise our commitment towards the employment, retention, training and career development of disabled employees
- As part of our commitment to making reasonable adjustments we can offer support to complete your application. Please contact the Resourcing Consultant Team on 030 030 391 50
- We now have British Sign Language (BSL) translated videos for all of our recruitment communications.
Director of Corporate Services and Finance
C£70,000
Full time
Bath with some homeworking
Developing Health & Independence (DHI) is a charity that helps disadvantaged and vulnerable people turn lives around, stand on their own feet and reduce dependency. We do this because we believe everyone should have the chance to achieve their potential to make a valuable contribution to society.
We help young people and adults overcome structural barriers and self-limiting behaviours that are holding them back. Our clients are often disadvantaged or living at the margins, meaning they are disproportionately affected by substance misuse, homelessness, offending, mental health issues and other factors that contribute to social exclusion.
Reporting to the CEO you will be responsible for driving and managing the central administrative and core infrastructure functions across the charity. As well as being closely involved in the day-to-day activities you will provide high level proactive advice, and quality services for the other Directors across all central and client service areas, including, finance and procurement, human resources, information technology development, health and safety, premises, office services, in addition to working closely with our retained legal advisor.
The successful candidate will be comfortable working in partnership with operational colleagues to supply clear, quality assured and compliant best practice processes from the centre, which are developed and implemented collaboratively with those delivering core services to DHI’s client base.
The ideal person will combine practical, hands-on delivery with strong leadership and relationship building skills and be able to operate successfully in a dynamic, regularly changing environment.
How to apply
Application is by way of a CV and a Supporting Statement.
Domestic abuse has blighted women’s lives throughout history. We’ve been helping women in London recover from its effects since 1996. Our specialist counselling transforms the mental health and wellbeing of women who have suffered physical, emotional or sexual abuse, financial exploitation or coercive control, and we have assisted well over 15,000 people to date. Add your skills to our closely knit all-female team, and you can help thousands more on the road to recovery.
We are looking for a dynamic Head of Therapeutic Services to join the charity at an exciting time, following a period of growth. Our counselling service grew by over 20% in the last year, and the organisation’s infrastructure has grown to support it, and the clinical team has evolved and grown to better meet the demands upon it. We are looking for someone who would relish the challenge of helping take the charity to the next level. If you think you have the drive, the motivation, and the passion to help us succeed in our mission, we want to hear from you.
In return, you can expect exceptional career satisfaction, plus an excellent package of benefits, including hybrid and flexible working, 25 days’ holiday rising to 30 days after five years, a 3% pension contribution, a comprehensive employee assistance programme, and a cycle-to-work scheme.
To find out more about this exciting opportunity, please download our information pack.
To apply, please send us your CV and a personal statement outlining your experience via the Apply button.
Closing date: 8th April 2024
Interview date: w/c 15th April 2024
Please note, this post is open to female applicants only – Section 7.2(E) of the Sex Discrimination Act applies.
An enhanced DBS check will be requested prior to taking up the position. Any concerns or questions regarding past criminal convictions can be discussed confidentially with the Clinical Director.
To apply, please send us your CV and a personal statement outlining your experience.
Are you passionate about leading a creative and high achieving team supporting vulnerable adults and local VCS organisations? If so, we want to hear from you!
Age UK Lewisham and Southwark is looking for a Director of Services to oversee the delivery of our Lewisham-focused services: Community Connections (social prescribing), Community Development, Befriending and Community Transport.
Although the post holder will be working for Age UK Lewisham and Southwark, the teams they manage will support adults of all ages from 18+
The successful candidate will oversee an amazing team and work closely with partners across the health, social care, and voluntary sectors to ensure that isolated Lewisham residents get high quality services that enable them to find local groups that meet their needs, break down barriers to access and provide support from well trained and caring volunteers.
If you are a confident manager, who shares our vision of person-centred services that build on people’s strengths, and are keen to empower staff, volunteers and service users to contribute to the strategic vision of the organisation and to find creative new ways to work with partners and make a difference in the local community, this job is for you!
Age UK Lewisham and Southwark aims to provide a safe, inclusive workplace for people of all backgrounds. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and we strongly encourage you to apply if you are from a marginalized or underrepresented group.
Employee Benefits:
- 26 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Additional 1 day leave for Birthdays
- Access to an Employee Assistance Programme including access to a helpline for partners and dependents
- Flexi time scheme allowing the claiming back of additional hours worked
- Other flexible working options, including some hybrid working (ie some home working by agreement)
- Generous contractual sick pay scheme, allowing staff to recover without the worry of loss of income
- CycleScheme members – enabling employees to save 25-39% of the cost of a new bike & accessories whilst also spreading the cost
- TechScheme members – enabling employees to purchase tech through AUKLS and spread the cost from their salary
For full details please download the Job Pack which includes a Job Description, Person Specification and application form.
Closing date for applications – 9am on 15th April 2024
Interviews will take place week commencing 22nd April in Catford
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Organisation
The Wimbledon Foundation, established in 2013, is the charity of The All England Lawn Tennis Club and The Championships. Our aim is to use the collective strength of Wimbledon to make a positive difference to people's lives in the local community and beyond.
The Foundation champions opportunity for all and has three key goals:
- Locally we strengthen and support our diverse communities
- Nationally we use the power of sport to inspire young people
- Internationally we build healthy communities and respond in times of need
The Role
The Foundation are looking for an excellent Head of Foundation to provide strategic leadership over a period of 15-18 months.
This role assumes overall responsibility for the Wimbledon Foundation, its strategic direction and all activities. This position is a key appointment, and the role holder will lead the Foundation team, work closely with the Trustees, and build and maintain relationships with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders. Following a significant period of change the Foundation is celebrating it’s 10-year anniversary and implementing a new strategy.
The Person
We are looking for an individual with a real passion for making a difference to those living in disadvantaged communities and the drive to build on Foundation achievements to date, in the local area and further afield. A flair for communication in a variety of settings would go a long way, together with the ability to maintain a strong team.
Key attributes include:
- A proven track record of strategic thinking and ability to see the whole picture, as well as close attention to detail.
- You will have significant, relevant experience in a charity, community or grant making organisation at senior management level, including administration of the allocation of charitable funds.
- A solid understanding, and knowledge of, Charity law and governance.
- Experience in effectively leading a team, establishing and leading community related programmes, working with local authorities, schools and charities.
- Professional and diplomatic with excellent interpersonal, networking and influencing skills.
- Experience of, or comfortable with, public speaking including media and press.
- Experienced at building and maintaining effective working relationships and working collaboratively with a diverse range of stakeholders, including working with non-executive or charitable boards.
- Strong general management skills, including team leadership, experience in financial management and charity board reporting.
- Excellent planning and organisational skills, including the ability to meet deadlines, work flexibly and deliver under pressure.
- Highly numerate, with an excellent knowledge of budgeting/financial reporting and the ability to analyse complex information and figures.
- Integrity and empathy with an ability to relate to people from all social sectors.
- Imagination, drive and determination to ensure successful conclusion of tasks, experienced at leading cross-functional work streams and projects.
- Excellent IT and communication skills both written and verbal, including the ability to write succinct and accurate reports and make high level presentations to the wider business and key stakeholders.
- You’ll have experience of working in a corporate foundation or charitable activities linked to a parent company, with an enthusiasm for the Foundation’s work.
Further Information
For comprehensive information about The Wimbledon Foundation, the role responsibilities and the person they are looking for, please download the Candidate Information Document.
How to Apply
If you are interested in this excellent opportunity, please provide the following:
- An up to date CV with the details of two referees (they will not be contacted without your permission)
- A supporting statement that addresses the criteria in the person specification and outlines your motivations for applying
Closing date: Tuesday 2nd April 2024
Preliminary Interviews with Russam: Tuesday 9th & Wednesday 10th April 2024
Interviews with The Wimbledon Foundation: Selected times over 25th April 2024 / 1st & 2nd May 2024
About Serve
We are an award-winning charity in Northamptonshire committed to supporting older people, people with disabilities and their carers.
We operate out of our HQ’s in Rushden, Northamptonshire with a Day Centre in Higham Ferrers and a small office in Kettering.
Our vision is a society that fully respects the rights of older people and people with disabilities and where age and disability are not barriers to opportunity, fulfilment and dignity.
Our mission is to help adults who require support services to maintain their independence.
About the Role
As the CEO of Serve, your role will be to provide the strategic leadership, vision and direction to help the organisation to deliver its mission to support independent living for older adults and people living with disabilities and their carers.
You will collaborate with the Trustees to provide strategic direction, operational management and impactful leadership to ensure the effective delivery of our services and the fulfilment of our organisational goals.
You will play a vital role in the continued growth and financial sustainability of Serve and will work alongside sector partners to improve the lives of service users across Northamptonshire and North Bedfordshire.
The CEO plays a vital role in the governance of the Charity and must work closely with the Chairperson and the Board of Directors (Trustees). The relationship between the CEO and the Board is centred on an open, honest and mutually respectful professional relationship. The Trustees have delegated responsibility to the CEO to run the Charity in a professional, inclusive respectful and caring way. It is, therefore, critical that the post holder maintains a positive working relationship with the Board facilitating open and transparent communication. The role of the CEO is to be responsible for the day to day running of the Charity.
About You
Our ideal candidate will be someone with a background in leadership in an adult social care setting or related sector with an understanding of the voluntary sector.
We are looking for a confident, professional and caring leader with the skills and expertise to drive Serve forward in its charitable mission.
Serve is an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply. This role is subject to enhanced DBS checking.
How to Apply
If you would like an informal conversation about the role with Jess Slater, CEO, please message for an appointment.
Please apply by completing the Serve application form and equal opportunities form on the website or request the application documents by sending a message.
Closing Date for applications: Tuesday 2nd April 2024 at 4.00pm.
Interviews Dates: 11th and 12th April 2024.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Objective:
2wish exists to provide support to anyone affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a child or young person aged 25 and under.
Aims:
- Ensure every Emergency Department and Critical Care unit has a suitable bereavement suite
- Ensure that bereavement boxes are available at each of these hospitals
- Ensure that immediate bereavement support is available for all affected by the sudden death of a child or young person
- To provide a professional counselling service and other therapies for those affected by the sudden death of a child or young person
- To provide support to individuals who witness the sudden death of a child or young person
- To provide support and training to professionals from any sector who may be affected by the sudden death of a child or young person
- To advocate and campaign on behalf of suddenly bereaved families
Context of role:
The Director of Operations is a Senior Leadership role supporting the CEO in the strategic leadership and management of 2wish. We are in an exciting transition period where the organisation is expanding and this is a new role in our staff team that has been created to support our ambitious CEO to deliver our new strategic plan whilst ensuring we maintain operational excellence and high performance.
One of our greatest assets is our kind and caring staff team who consistently adhere to the high standards required by our CEO, our Board of Trustees, our funders and our families. We are searching for an experienced, positive and thoughtful individual with a strong background in operations, office management and people management. The successful candidate will play a central role within our dynamic team with a focus on developing and overseeing the smooth running of our internal systems and processes, ensuring legal and regulatory compliance, developing and managing our team, monitoring performance and helping to develop our services and support families and individuals.
The successful post-holder will join a supportive Senior Leadership Team, reporting to the CEO, working collaboratively with the Director of Transformation and closely with the Heads of Support, Finance, Fundraising, and Marketing and Communications, to effectively deliver services in your remit, namely; Organisational Development, Compliance, Governance, IT, Systems and Facilities.
Hours:
Normal office hours are 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday, although alternative hours may be worked with line manager agreement. Work outside office hours may sometimes be necessary and will be compensated for by time off in lieu
Annual leave:
28 days plus bank holidays. Annual leave steadily increases after five years of service. Annual leave and statutory holidays are calculated on a pro rata basis where applicable.
Pension:
2wish operate a contributory pension scheme. 2wish will auto-enrol you into the scheme in accordance with it's auto-enrolment obligations. Full details of the scheme will be provided to you once you are enrolled, including the minimum level of contributions that you will be required to make during your membership (current contributions - employer 3% and employee 5%).
Mileage:
A fixed rate allowance is payable for agreed mileage undertaken on 2wish business in a private vehicle, over and above your usual journey to your workplace/s.
Location:
2wish currently offers a form of hybrid working and this will continue for the foreseeable future. This post will continue to include home working, with the expectation on the successful candidate to travel to 2wish Head Office regularly. Applicants living in border counties to Wales will be considered, but the applicant must be willing to commit to regular travel to Head Office.
Additional benefits for our employees:
- An 'Employee Assistance Programme,' including wellbeing support
- Free parking on 2wish premises
- Free branded 2wish clothing
- An extra annual leave day on your birthday
- Incremental increase in holiday entitlement based on length of service
- Paid sick leave
- Discounts for personal purchases on 2wish Merchandise
- Discounted tickets to UK 2wish events for staff and family
- Extra holiday entitlement when taking part in 2wish overseas events
- Company mobile phone for performance of duties
- Tools/equipment required for the performance of duties
- Reimbursement of work expenses
- Bright Exchange employee discounts
This role will require the successful candidate to provide a high quality, evidence-based Psychology service, which promotes the safety, emotional well-being and mental health of children and young people accessing neurorehabilitation and those on a step-down pathway.
Staff benefits include, shuttle bus, and more… Read more below
Role Requirements
You will provide high quality, evidence based Psychological assessments and interventions to children and young people with acquired brain injuries and neurodisabilities.
Our service delivery aims to promote outcome focussed interventions, safe care for children and young people and psychological adjustment in the context of highly emotional circumstances. You will provide clinical leadership to Psychology trainees, ensuring accountability and effective communication with other teams, creating a cohesive and collaborative multidisciplinary therapy team.
With experience of working in a complex environment, across a large and diverse workforce, you will be exceptionally organised with a high-level of attention to detail. You will naturally possess excellent inter-personal skills, and an ability to consult and positively engage with key stakeholders across the organisation.
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Terms and Conditions
PLEASE NOTE: The Children's Trust Application Form MUST be completed and submitted, for your application to be considered. As part of the shortlisting process, gaps in employment will be examined and further explored during the interview process.
Strictly no agencies, please.
About Us
The Children’s Trust is the UK’s leading charity for children with acquired brain injury, providing expert rehabilitation, education, therapy, and care at our national specialist centre in Tadworth, and to children and their families across the UK, via our Brain Injury Community Service.
Boasting a beautiful 24-acre site in Surrey, we are located just outside of London, close to the M25 (accessible via Junction 8, A217 to Tadworth) and easily accessible via National Rail, by way of: Clapham Junction, Sutton, and Epsom.
Staff Benefits
The work we do is highly rewarding, and in addition to an attractive salary, we offer a valuable range of benefits, including, Zest; our staff flexible benefits platform, on-site nursery, free eye tests, enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay, time out days for those experiencing menopause symptoms and time off for gender reassignment.
We also offer additional annual leave days for those with long service, with entitlements ranging from 35 to 41 days (including bank holidays) depending on your length of service.
Other benefits include free on-site parking; a staff shuttle service from Epsom and Sutton train stations to Tadworth Court, subsidised cafeteria, on-site staff accommodation (subject to availability), the ability to retain your NHS pension (where applicable), Teacher’s pension (where applicable) or the opportunity to join an alternative scheme, and the opportunity to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Rehabilitation of Offenders
Many roles at The Children’s Trust are exempt from the provisions of Section 4 (2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, by virtue of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 and 2020) and as such, are subject to an Enhanced DBS check. Successful applicants will be required to complete an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check, which will disclose all unspent convictions and adult cautions and any spent convictions or adult cautions that would not be protected. The exceptions to this are our retail roles within The Children’s Trust shops, which are subject to Basic DBS checks which will disclose unspent convictions or adult cautions.
Equal Opportunity Employer
To help us achieve our ambition to give children and young people with brain injury and neurodisability the opportunity to live the best life possible, we want to accurately reflect the UK’s diverse population. We want equity, diversity, and inclusion to be at the heart of everything we do, and our people, services, and culture to reflect the diverse needs of all. Through our diversity and inclusion strategy, we have made a commitment to increase the diversity of our charity and create an inclusive culture. We have networks across the organisation working to ensure that these aims are met - including an LGBTQIA2S+ group, Ethnic Diversity Group, and Spark – our broad EDI group. Read more about our EDI work here. We welcome applications from all who share our ambition regardless of background. We will strive to ensure that any reasonable adjustments are made in respect of interview and working arrangements.
Online Searches
In accordance with statutory safeguarding and child protection guidance, online searches will be conducted for shortlisted candidates before interview. The online searches will be conducted by a person who is independent of the interview and selection process and will focus on relevant information returned via searches of the candidate’s name (and variations thereof). Social media searches will be limited to professional platforms such as LinkedIn. Any concerns relating to suitability for work with children and young people will be forwarded to the interview panel, for discussion during the interview.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Job Description
The Head of Advocacy and Policy will be responsible for developing an excellent Advice Service and Retention Team to support and advise students effectively to enable excellent student experience and satisfaction.
This role will lead on the development of effective insights, representation and support initiatives/campaigns for students, across our three campuses at Greenwich, Avery Hill and Medway.
This role will enhance work with the diverse student population of the University of Greenwich and lead a dynamic team to ensure students have consistent and accessible services that contribute to positive student experience.
This role sits within the wider Membership Services department, together with other key areas consisting of; Activities, Sport, Academic Communities, Representation and Democracy, we provide a high-quality service for students, that they can shape, steer and be at the heart of.
This postholder will be part of the GSU Senior Leadership Team and will be expected to contribute to department and organisation wide strategic development.
The post holder will:
- Have expert knowledge in areas of in relation to Advice and Retention and policies and legislation relating to such activity
- Support and develop strong student-led communities and campaigns in areas of: Advice, wellbeing and retention so that members can thrive
- Provide line management support to staff so that the team have up to date, specialist advice skills, knowledge and understanding of University regulations, policies and procedures that may affect the work of the Advice service and oversee engagement across Greenwich’s 3 campuses
- Undertake casework and provide expert advice for the team on all aspects of Advice
- Lead on the project management of wellbeing/health promotion campaigns and initiatives throughout the year, as well as any external bids through bodies such as OfS
- Oversee the Retention and Wellbeing Project work, and other relevant projects with external partners
- Lead on insights work relating to retention, wellbeing and support
- Lead on responses to external consultation and enquiry responses, including but not limited to OfS, Department for Education, OIA and Universities UK
- Support elected officers to deliver on campaigning priorities
- Ensure the Advice service has the skills and is equipped to support the diverse needs of students at Greenwich and Kent at Medway.
- Provide regular insights and reports on the GSU Membership to inform our strategy and service provision
- Work with other Heads to develop relevant and modern Front of House services for each GSU campus ensuring ease of access and consistency for all members.
Key Areas
- Be an engaged and active member of the Senior Leadership team, contributing regularly and working collaboratively with peers
- Provide leadership, strategic direction and day to day operational management to the Advocacy and Policy: recruiting and inducting members of staff, motivating, supporting and developing team members to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge for their roles as well as manage performance
- Develop a proactive results driven culture within the team, ensuring agreed objectives and targets are delivered, whilst promoting a collaborative approach to working with internal departments
- Develop succession plans and identify training and development opportunities within the team
- Be accountable for the quality of outputs of the team
- Provide support to the Officer team helping and equipping them, particularly in their roles as representatives and providing pastoral support and guidance.
- Ensure the whole organisation is aware of and understands the work of the Advocacy and Policy Team and its contribution to our strategic objectives
- To maintain expert and up-to-date knowledge on sector policies and regulations relating to advice, retention and student success, providing relevant guidance to officers and staff as required.
- Develop and promote a culture of continuous improvement across the team to ensure we can adapt to changing students’ needs and priorities, as well as building on successes and preparing for the future.
Strategic Development
- Contribute to the strategic objectives of GSU, with a particular focus on advice, support and wellbeing in relation to the student experience
- Develop and oversee a new and innovative approach to proactive health and wellbeing campaigns that empower students to look after themselves and each other, as well as seeking support
- Lead on Access and Participation Plan Engagement, acting as the key contact on this area with the University.
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with relevant senior UoG staff and departments including Student Academic Services, Faculties and our partners at Kent Unio
- Develop and oversee the Advice service to support advocacy initiatives at multiple levels within the University, ensuring both students and University stakeholders view GSU as a credible and reliable source of information on the needs of students.
Monitoring and Evaluation
- Develop and oversee a structured approach to gathering, analysing and reporting on data relating to engagement of students with our services and to student views on key issues relating to retention and success
- Develop and oversee processes of collecting quantitative and qualitative data from casework to analyse trends and inform feedback for the SU and university
- Ensure evaluation mechanism are embedded in the teams working practises and that findings are shared and used to implement learnings with the goal of improving services
- Support Officers by preparing information, statistics and trends about key services to be shared within the University committee cycle
- Be responsible for the implementation of service standards for the Advocacy and Policy Team and to monitor and report on adherence to these standards
- Prepare materials to apply for any relevant quality mark accreditations for the service.
Budget and Financial Management
- Manage a budget relating to Advocacy and Policy including any restricted funds.
- Be responsible for the teams resources, ensuring these are effectively allocated, managed and controlled
- Review and establish processes, systems, polices and where appropriate standard procedures to maximise efficiency ensure deadlines are met and a positive return on investment
- Review and provide narrative for scrutiny at monthly management meetings with the Finance Team
Stakeholder management
- Collaborate with GSU colleagues, particularly the Student Voice and Engagement Teams to ensure we have a consistent approach to how we work with and support students
- Work with students through our representative structures and forums to ensure we shape services students want and need, taking into consideration the varying campus priorities
- Maintain strong relationships with key university staff to develop, deliver and evaluate collaborative projects and interventions supporting advice and retention
- Attend meetings relating to Advocacy and Policy as well as associated areas at both GSU, the University and externally, included, but not limited to regional networks
- Identify opportunities to share best practice and represent the work of GSU and your team to the wider HE community, through conferences and publication.
Personal Specification
Essential Experience
- Line management experience
- Relevant experience working in the youth, education, students’ union or other membership or advisory organisation
- Experience of leading a multi-functional team
- Experience of mentoring coaching staff/elected officers
- Experience of developing operational policies and procedures
- Experience of budget management, project management, and operational management
- Experience of working with a range of stakeholders and partnership working or strategic networking
Essential Skills and Abilities
- Ability to work with and lead a high performing team
- Ability to troubleshoot difficult situations, and deal with them calmly, efficiently and effectively
- Ability to produce confident, clear written reports and be able to write succinct documents on complex areas
- IT skills at a level that supports membership CRM systems, Advice Pro and other platforms
- Excellent time management and organisational skills with the ability to manage others to reach deadlines, within agreed budgets and to a consistently high standard
- Ability to write strategies and be able to effectively communicate vision and mission
- Ability to stay focused and efficient in the face on changing priorities
- Track record of successfully developing and implementing projects and operational change
- Able to draft policies and procures with an eye for detail and accuracy
Essential Knowledge
- Awareness of current issues within the higher education sector
- Knowledge of relevant external bodies and organisations including Advice UK, NUS, Citizens Advice, OIA, Ofs, Student Minds
- Knowledge of relevant health and safety legislation
- Knowledge of Safeguarding, advice legislation, risk assessments and GDPR
- Knowledge of providing 121 support
Education/Training
- No one specific qualification is required, but evidence of recent continuing professional development in a professional area relevant to the post is required. For example: ILM, City &Guilds etc.
Personal Attributes and other requirements
- Able to travel within the Borough and Region.
- Able to work some evenings and weekends and stay overnight where necessary.
- Works well in a team with a flexible approach to work
- Be eligible for a DBS check if needed
- A commitment to the principles and practices of equality and diversity
- An ability to apply awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work.
- Commitment to the values and ethos of GSU.
Desirable other requirements
- Visionary, creative, and innovative strategist
- A positive, solution focused leader – able to make ‘tough’ decisions; determined and resilient in order to cope with the demands of the role
- Empowering, authentic leader with high levels of emotional intelligence
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.