Volunteering opportunities jobs

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

At Special Olympics GB, we are committed to driving meaningful impact through our ambitious growth strategy, Inclusion in Action, which guides everything we do as an organisation. To accelerate this impact and expand our reach, we are looking to grow our team with a key role that will drive forward our future organisational growth in alignment with our strategy. We’re looking for someone who enjoys meeting new people, building relationships and bringing energy to community activity. Our partnership with Fuller, Smith & Turner is rooted in community. With more than 330 pubs, inns and hotels across the South of England, Fuller’s provides a powerful platform to connect local communities with Special Olympics GB clubs, athletes and families. We are looking for an energetic and people-focused Community Partnerships & Engagement Officer to lead the day-to-day activation of this partnership. This role will focus on building relationships across the Fuller’s pub estate, connecting pubs with local Special Olympics GB clubs and helping bring the partnership to life through events, volunteering, fundraising and storytelling. This is a highly people-focused role that involves regular travel, building relationships with pub managers and teams, and helping them find simple and meaningful ways to support Special Olympics GB in their communities.

We are currently offering a rewarding opportunity within our Helpline Team who are the ‘front-door’ to CSWS, providing a first point of contact for carers and professionals via our Countywide telephone and email service, online portal, and chat services. 

Carer Wellbeing Workers on the Helpline focus on registration and ‘Tier 1’ conversation model using active listening skills to identify any most pressing need before referring/signposting onwards.

You will have excellent IT skills and experience of working with adults and families, and working knowledge and / or lived experience of social care and health. You will use excellent communication and interpersonal skills to provide a professional, time-limited and informed service for carers who contact the helpline for a variety of reasons and who may be distressed or in need of safeguarding support. 

The role is mainly remote / homeworking with the expectation that you may need to travel on occasions to in-person meetings and training across the country. This role would therefore suit those located in, or close to, West Sussex.

Key Responsibilities

•  Work within a team to provide carer registration and support to carers via a variety of methods (phone, email, online chat) following the ‘Tier 1’ conversation model – addressing only the most pressing need before referring/signposting onwards, including referrals to our Community and Health Teams.

•  Supported by a Shift Manager, respond with a professional, time-limited and informed service for carers who contact the helpline for a variety of reasons and who may be distressed or in need of safeguarding support. 

•  Provide guidance to professionals outside of the organisation, answering queries about carer’s support or related areas.

•  Follow Carers Support West Sussex processes to record activities on in house database systems. Accurately record all interventions on CSWS Client Record Management System to enable timely and informative reports on the services provided.

•  Use a range of outcome-based tools to evidence your work and as a framework to support carers to create a personal plan to identify and achieve positive change. Demonstrate the impact the service has made through feedback surveys, case studies and collating general feedback.

•  Focus on outcomes for the carers, appropriately triaging and signposting them to relevant services making dynamic decisions about the suitable pathway for a carer. Work closely with colleagues to ensure carers receive timely support.

•  Provide mentoring and support to volunteers who work within the team to provide services to carers.

•  Promote the principles of Think Carer across all networks and proactively identify carers and opportunities through partnership working, outreach, community connections and networking, promoting carers as expert partners in care.

For a full list of responsibilities, please refer to the Job Description in the attached Recruitment Pack.

Employee Benefits

•  Training and Development: Opportunities for professional development and training.
•  Flexible Working: Flexible working hours and remote working options.
•  Annual Leave: 33 days increasing to 35 days after completion of two years and 36 days after 5 years of service (Inclusive of Bank Holidays).
•  Healthcare and Employee Assistance Programme with perks and discounts.
•  Enhanced Maternity/ Paternity/ Adoption Pay.
•  Supportive Environment: Work in a supportive and collaborative environment with a focus on making a positive impact on the lives of carers.

Interview Date: 11 May 2026
Please note that we may begin interviews as soon as a strong application is received, so this vacancy could close earlier than advertised if the right candidate is found.

The Fundraising Development Administrator will play a vital role in supporting the Director of Fundraising across corporate partnerships, philanthropy and special events. 

The successful candidate will provide high-quality administrative and project support whilst also developing skills in copy writing, marketing, events, stewardship, prospect development and fundraising strategy. The role offers valuable exposure to senior stakeholders, donors, and wider organisational projects. 
 
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is hard-working, enthusiastic, keen to learn and passionate about pursuing a career in fundraising, working work with a driven team in a small, but impactful and growing charity to improve the lives of young carers and patients.

The Youth Endowment Fund 

Change Lead, Youth Sector 

Reports to: Head of Change for Youth Sector 

Salary: £56,600 

Location:  Central London, Hybrid*  

Contract: 2 years -fixed term contract

Closing date: Thursday 23rd April 2026 at 12pm (noon) 

Interviews: Week commencing 4th May 2026 

About the Youth Endowment Fund 

All of us will experience violence at some point in our lives. For many children, it is a daily reality. Each year, tens of children are killed, hundreds are hospitalised, 1 in 5 teenage children are victims and the majority admit to feeling afraid of violence. It scares them when they travel home from school, prevents them from going out and makes the most vulnerable feel like they don’t matter. It is taking lives, traumatising families and dividing communities. It robs potential, progress and hope.   

But it doesn’t have to be this way.   

The Youth Endowment Fund believes that no child should be affected by violence. We research violence to understand it; we find, fund and test what works to prevent it; and we are building a movement to end it.  

Key Responsibilities 

We are making good progress building the evidence of what works within and around the youth sector to reduce violence. With the launch of the new Practice Guidance we are keen to translate evidence recommendations into practice. The greatest risk is that evidence stays on the shelf and doesn’t help young people – your role is to make sure that doesn’t happen.
 
You’ll focus on helping local authority commissioners use our tools and guidance in their everyday decisions about youth services. This will involve: 

• Creating clear, practical content like guides, toolkits and workshop materials to support the use of Practice Assessment for the Youth Sector (PAYS). 

• Leading our Practice Guidance programme, working closely with commissioners to help them use evidence in their work. 

• Building strong, trusted relationships with senior leaders across the sector. 

• Planning and tracking how we support more commissioners to adopt evidence-based approaches. 

• Spotting what tools or resources are needed and helping develop them. 

• Finding effective ways to share evidence, from events and workshops to online sessions and presentations. 

As a senior member of staff in the organisation, you also: 

• Build a culture where it is natural to perform well and support colleagues brilliantly.

• Contribute to setting the strategy, delivering results and building and modelling the culture that we need to succeed.

About You 

You are this sort of person: 

• You are fascinated about change and are experienced in making it happen. You have outstanding analytical judgment alongside the emotional intelligence and experience needed to identify the right opportunities for change, then make them happen. You understand why people find change difficult. You come alive talking about how people make decisions and why they do the things they do. 

• You understand Local Authority Commissioners working specifically working with the youth sector. You really understand how youth commissioners work, from Directors of Children Services, Heads of Services to senior stakeholders within the youth sector. You have experience of commissioning youth provision, working in youth sector, ideally in a role that worked with young people who are vulnerable to or involved in violence. You can demonstrate ability to reflect on and adopt evidence-based practice in relation to the youth sector.

• You write in a way that people easily understand. You have that rare skill of writing in plain English. You have experience of translating complex information into plain writing that everyone can understand.

• You have excellent project and time management skills and the ability to deliver high-quality work in a fast-paced environment. You can work independently and to a high standard.

• You win people over. People tend to warm to you and respect you. You have built good relationships with very senior people and with very junior people. You are good at chairing meetings, connecting people and having good introductory meetings. You are comfortable talking to a government minister, a youth worker, a company CEO, a teacher and a 15-year-old student. Listening to people from all backgrounds matters to you.

• You are an excellent strategic thinker. People say that you are good at seeing the big picture. You have experience of wrestling into place a strategy for a project or organisation. You are good at thinking logically, but you are also creative. You have ideas but are happy rejecting a lot of them. You like seeing things from different points of view. 

• You learn fast but remain humble. You are very quick at getting your head around things. You like learning. You are very good at synthesising information. You know how much you don't know. You know that you can learn more. You know that it's easy to assume you know when you don't. You care more that good things happen than who gets the credit. You are a great and supportive team player. 

• You don't want your days to pass without making a difference. You want to play a significant part in reducing violence.

• You understand young people. You understand what the lives of vulnerable young people can be like and you understand some of the organisations that work with them, ideally through first-hand experience.

• You are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. 

You must have this sort of experience 

• Changing frontline practice and systems: You have significant experience in leading behaviour, practice or policy changes within the youth work sector. You can show how these have been effective in delivering tangible change.

• Commissioning, or supporting the commissioning of, youth sector services, preferably in a role/setting specifically working with young people who are vulnerable to or involved in violence.  

You might have this sort of experience:  

• Crafting and delivering a strategy to get a new piece of evidence or guidance adopted within the youth sector.

• Behaviour change research experience.

• Working with other funders and commissioners of youth services, such as housing investment leads.

While it’s not a criterion, we’re especially interested to hear from applicants who have lived experience of youth violence.    

It’s also important to us that the people we hire do not discriminate. We believe in being inclusive and giving everyone an equal chance to succeed. Applications are welcome from all regardless of age, sex, gender identity, disability, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, race, sexual orientation, transgender status or social economic background.    

Hybrid Working Details     

The office is based in Central London, but you don’t have to be.

Those living in London and within the 32 London Boroughs are expected to be in the office a minimum of 2 days per week. If you live outside of London and work remotely, you’ll be expected to work from the London office 2 days per month. As part of our commitment to flexible working, we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at the interview stage. 

To Apply 

To apply, please send a CV and cover letter, and complete the monitoring form by click on the "Apply for this" button by Thursday 23rd April at 12pm (noon). 

When applying for this role, please ensure that your cover letter can answer, within a maximum of 1000 words, the following questions:  
 
1. Turning evidence into practice: We are keen to ensure that our Practice Guidance and tools are actively used by commissioners. This role requires building trusted relationships with local authority commissioners and other local funders to encourage evidence-based decision-making. Describe your experience influencing senior stakeholders to change practice or adopt a new approach?
 
2. Influencing commissioners: This role requires building trusted relationships with local authority commissioners and other local funders to encourage evidence-based decision making. Describe your experience influencing senior stakeholders to change practice or adopt a new approach? 
 
3. Excellent project management: Will be critical to delivering the Practice Guidance programme and supporting adoption across the sector. Tell us about a complex project you have led from planning through to delivery and share what management tools aided you. 

Interview process  

This will be a one stage process, with interviews taking place the week commencing 4th May 2026.

 
PLEASE NOTE: We do not sponsor work permits, and you will be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK. 

Benefits Include 

• £1,000 professional development budget annually 

• 28 days holiday plus Bank Holidays  

• Four half days for volunteering activities  

• Employee Assistance Programme – 24hr phone line for free confidential support

• Volunteering days - 4 half days per year  

• Death in service - 4 times annual salary  

• Flexible hours. Core office hours 10am – 4pm  

• Financial support including travel and hardship loans  

• Employer contributed pension of 5% 

Personal Data   

Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.   

At Claire House, our ambition is to be one of the best places to work in the North West. We have an incredible cause to support and an awesome team of colleagues to make coming to work fun. We work hard to create a happy workplace where people thrive and feel they’re making a genuine difference to seriously and terminally ill children and their families in our community.

We are looking for someone to take up the exciting role of a community fundraiser, joining our income generation team. You’ll be part of a dedicated team who work closely together to drive plans to grow the exceptional work of the hospice. Everyone has an important role to play in making Claire House a success and grassroots community fundraising is a role where no two days are the same.

Community fundraising is faced paced and fun and we are looking for a talented relationship builder to develop meaningful relationships across all sections of society. You will need bundles of enthusiasm and be ready to join a bustling team working together to ensure we can be here for children and their families in the future.

The nuts and bolts of the job:

· The essence of this role is making sure the wonderful people who fundraise in our community are so well nurtured they’ll want to carry on supporting us for years to come. Your focus will be community groups, as well as all areas of community fundraising and beyond.

· You’ll be out and about in the local area, meeting, thanking, speaking publicly, telling stories and spreading the word about the vital work Claire House does.

· We absolutely treasure our volunteers and you will to. You’ll be in this job for less than a week before you’ll be thanking your lucky stars for the legends who give up their time to help us be in multiple places at once. Looking after their needs is an important part of the role because their success is yours too.

· We do our best to make decisions that are backed up by good quality information (data and insight) which helps keep us on the right track. It’s important you have a keen interest in this too. Keeping on top of supporter journeys ensures they get the warm glow they deserve.

· Being able to drive is absolutely crucial to this role, as is the freedom to work some evenings and weekends.

Closing date: 12 April 2026

Interviews will take place on Wednesday 22 April 2026

About Us

I Choose Freedom provides safe refuge, advocacy and specialist support to adult and child survivors of domestic abuse across East and West Surrey. Each year, we support around 250 survivors to rebuild their lives and find lasting safety.

The Role

We’re looking for an ambitious, relationship-driven Community Fundraiser to help grow our sustainable income and ensure survivors can access lifesaving refuge.

As part of a small, close-knit fundraising team, you’ll develop and deliver a vibrant programme of community and events fundraising. From challenge events and matched-funding campaigns to seasonal appeals, you’ll play a central role in engaging supporters, generating income and shaping future fundraising activity.

Key Responsibilities

Income Generation & Strategy

• Develop and deliver an annual community fundraising plan
• Generate income from individuals, community groups, schools, faith groups and local businesses
• Identify and pursue new fundraising opportunities
• Manage and report on income targets
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to align with wider fundraising strategy

Campaigns and Events

• Lead community campaigns and appeals (e.g. challenge events, seasonal campaigns)
• Develop new fundraising initiatives to diversify income
• Support the planning and delivery of events
• Coordinate community engagement and corporate volunteering activities

Supporter Engagement

• Build and manage strong relationships with supporters
• Deliver engaging talks and presentations to inspire fundraising
• Create compelling fundraising materials and communications
• Ensure excellent supporter stewardship, including thank-you and impact reporting
• Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with fundraising regulations

About You

You’ll have at least 1–2 years’ experience in fundraising, community engagement or a similar role and be ready to take the next step in your career.

You will bring:

• Strong relationship-building and networking skills
• Confidence in communicating with a wide range of audiences
• Experience working towards and achieving targets
• Excellent organisation and time management
• The ability to work independently and as part of a small team
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach

You’ll also have a genuine passion for our mission and a commitment to supporting survivors of domestic abuse.

Additional Information

• Full driving licence and access to a car is essential (travel across Surrey required)
• Some evening and weekend work will be required (time off in lieu provided)

Please note:

This post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

The locations of the refuges cannot be disclosed at this stage for confidentiality reasons however the role will be hybrid with in-office days based across East Surrey and West Surrey.

We’re looking for an ambitious Partnerships Executive to help drive income by supporting and building profitable, long-term partnerships with individuals and organisations. Working within the Philanthropy and Partnerships team, the role of the Partnerships Executive is to deliver excellent relationship management to maximise income revenues.

To thrive in this position, you’ll need to:

• Manage a portfolio of corporate supporters <£10k ensuring they meet their maximum giving and engagement potential.
• Provide excellent relationship management and customer service support across all key audiences in partnership with the account managers.
• Deliver event support for flagship fundraisers such as our annual Dragon Boat Race, Corporate Sports Day, in-hospital volunteering opportunities and innovative Christmas campaign.
• Create fundraising and marketing materials, in partnership with the marketing and communications team, to drive new supporters and support existing partners. Including leading on a regular external Philanthropy and Partnerships newsletter.
• Provide operational support to the philanthropy and partnerships team, including desk based research and database management and reporting.
• Respond to fundraising queries (email and telephone) promptly and efficiently.
• Manage the philanthropy and partnerships teams’ presence on social media, including creating content which helps to promote impact, the charity and supporters.
• Support the team to deliver remarkable stewardship of all donors, including the management of our banking and thanking process and helping to create bespoke impact reports and materials.
• Ensure accurate and up-to-date records of activities and communications are captured on our CRM database (Salesforce) along with regular reporting.
• Provide general administrative support to the philanthropy and partnerships team as and when required.
• Build and maintain records of recognition milestones for supporters providing monthly reports to wider team for stewardship activity.

What we offer: 

• Flexible and hybrid working to support work-life balance 

• Generous annual leave entitlement with additional leave for long service  

• Enhanced sick pay 

• Enhanced Maternity Pay 

• Employee Assistance Program and Lifestyle Savings

• Free flu jabs 

• Cycle to work scheme 

• Charity events throughout the year 

• Employer enhanced auto-enrolment pension scheme with 8% employer contribution 

• Ongoing commitment to education and professional development 

The Charity is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.  

Successful candidates will have access to vulnerable beneficiaries therefore the role is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance.  

If you think you have the qualities we are looking for and the desire to contribute, please download the Job Vacancy Pack and then send us a CV and covering letter explaining how you meet the criteria for the role and making clear why you would like to be considered for it. 

We will be interviewing for this role on Thursday 16th April at our Charity Office based in Birmingham City Centre.

Hours: 35 per week (full time)

Location: Home-based with regular travel across London.

Contract: Fixed term (until 31 March 2027)

About us

Housing Justice brings together communities and finds solutions to homelessness by building personal connections, a sense of belonging, and creating justice in the housing system. We train and support volunteers to offer various accommodation options while building a network of local support. This includes providing personalised assistance to help individuals access relevant local services and address their other needs. Through compassionate, courageous, and collaborative action, we implement innovative solutions to tackle housing injustice, enhance the quality of housing, and elevate the voices and experiences of groups affected by housing injustice to both local and national governments.

About Citadel

Citadel is a volunteer-powered homelessness prevention project that supports people experiencing, or at risk of homelessness, to find a place to live, settle into a home, and feel part of a welcoming and supportive community. Coordinators recruit and train volunteers before matching them with a person referred for support. Coordinators and volunteers work closely with people who have been referred, to establish what matters to them and how best they can support them.

About you

We are seeking to hire an outgoing, confident leader who is skilled and comfortable in building relationships and influencing people. You will be a dedicated, diligent person with experience of leading teams in the homelessness, housing or voluntary and community sectors and passionate about the role of the community in ending homelessness.

About the role

The successful candidate will provide supportive line management to six Coordinators working in North-East and South-East London. They will be responsible for overseeing and developing our London projects: building our partnerships, supporting the teams to grow the support we offer and supporting the projects’ continuous improvement and sustainability.

My Sisters’ House is expanding its fundraising team — and we’re looking for a dynamic, creative and relationship‑driven fundraiser who can help take our income generation to the next level. If you love building connections, crafting compelling stories and spotting opportunities others miss, this role will give you the space to thrive.

What you’ll do

You’ll lead the growth of our individual giving and high‑value supporter base, nurturing relationships with donors, partners and philanthropists who want to make a tangible difference. You’ll shape engaging fundraising appeals, deliver standout donor experiences and bring fresh ideas that cut through a challenging fundraising landscape.

You’ll also help develop new income streams — from local businesses to female‑led enterprises — and work closely with colleagues to strengthen donor journeys and build a confident, ambitious fundraising culture.

What you’ll bring

You’re a natural communicator with a flair for storytelling and a sharp eye for opportunity. You’re organised, proactive and energised by a busy, varied workload. You enjoy thinking creatively, writing persuasively and turning insight into action. Above all, you’re motivated by the impact your work can have on women facing trauma, abuse and disadvantage.

Why join us?

You’ll be part of a small, passionate and supportive team with big ambitions. You’ll have room to innovate, freedom to shape your approach and the chance to grow your skills across individual giving, corporate partnerships and high‑value fundraising. With strong foundations already in place — and a growing network of committed supporters — you’ll be joining at a genuinely exciting moment.

Flexible working is essential, with occasional evenings and weekends. The role requires a DBS check

The Organisation

The Open SU serves the interests of around 170,000 part-time and distance-learning students spread across the UK, continental Europe and beyond. Our role is to represent and support the interests of this vast and diverse community of students. The Open SU is an independent registered charity, governed by elected student leaders. Our team of vibrant, friendly and dedicated professional staff provide the vital support needed to deliver our ambitious strategy. Though your skills and experience are important, vital to us, are your values. Here at the Open SU we are committed to a positive team culture to enable and empower all members to be their very best.

The Job

This exciting permanent role involves managing multiple projects that further Open SU’s equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) objectives. Your involvement will be key from conception through to evaluation. You will work alongside the other Officers in the EDI and Belonging Team to create events and raise awareness of various EDI campaigns for students. You will also work closely with our volunteers, supporting them through inductions, training and helping them materialise their ideas.

The Person

This role is an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated individual with great communication skills and experience of leading projects. You will have a passion for EDI issues and supporting individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. For a small organisation, we are a very busy team. You must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and able to work to deadlines, manage time and prioritise your workload efficiently. You will also enjoy working collaboratively as you will be supporting other colleagues and volunteers with the planning of campaigns.

Please read the full role description and application pack below.

Team: Centre

Location: Fishcross, covering across Forth Valley, Dundee & Fife

Work pattern: 35 hours per week to include 2 out of 4 weekends and some occasional evening work

Salary: Up to £28,454 per year 

Contract: Permanent

This role requires a Disclosure Scotland Level 1 check.

We are the UK’s largest cat welfare charity. All over the country, our passionate employees, volunteers and supporters are using their kindness and expertise to make life better for millions of cats and the people who care for them.

Will you join us and make life better for cats?

Responsibilities of our Deputy Centre Manager:

• Work with the Centre Manager, ensuring the required level of employee cover at all times and to provide effective cover in the absence of the Manager
• Ensure the welfare of all cats in our care and ensure that all administrative and maintenance procedures are completed to a high standard that is in keeping with our vision.
• To plan and direct the activities of the cat care employees in agreement with the Centre Manager
• To handle the homing and accepting of cats and kittens and ensure completion of the necessary forms and ensure minimum veterinary standards are carried out by a suitably qualified person.

About the centre team:

• Our adoption and homing centres care for thousands of cats each year until they are able to find a loving new home. 
• Our team is made up of a Centre Manager, Deputy Centre Manager, Community Operations Volunteer Team Leader, Senior Rehoming and Welfare Assistant and Rehoming and Welfare Assistants

What we’re looking for in our Deputy Centre Manager:

• Supervisor/team leader experience, ideally within an animal welfare environment or organisation
• A confident communicator with excellent interpersonal and organisational skills.
• Knowledge of the prevention and control of infectious diseases in cats
• A driven, positive and enthusiastic individual with plenty of initiative and the ability to thrive under pressure
• A full UK, manual or automatic driving licence as you may on occasion be required to drive centre vans

What we can offer you:

• range of health benefits
• 26 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service
• Salary Finance, which empowers you to take control of your financial wellbeing
• and much more, which you can learn about 

Interested? Here’s how to apply:

Application closing date: 05 April 2026

Interview date: 14 April 2026

Please note, we do not accept applications or speculative CVs from agencies.

Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment. Please note, applications received after the closing date may not be responded to.

If you’re enthusiastic about this opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway and demonstrate how your experience is transferrable.  You may be just the right candidate. 

If successful, your recruitment journey will include:

1. anonymised application form
2. in-person interview at the centre

Please note, the process may change slightly dependent on application numbers. We will inform you of any relevant changes.

Please email us if you require any adjustments to be made for you to complete your application or to participate in the recruitment journey.

Help tackle loneliness among older people in care homes

Thousands of older people living in care homes receive few or no visitors. Friends for Life Bedfordshire exists to change that.

Through our befriending and group activities, we bring companionship, connection and meaningful relationships to care home residents across Bedford and the surrounding area.

We are now looking for a Manager to lead the charity through a period of growth and transition – expanding our reach, strengthening our team, improving our delivery whilst building a sustainable future.

About Friends for Life Bedfordshire

We are a Bedford-based charity working to address the social isolation of older residents in Bedfordshire’s care homes.

Founded in 2007, we have grown from a small local initiative to a registered charity with c90 volunteers supporting more than 30 care homes across Bedford Borough. In the last year, over 1,100 care home residents received our services.

The Role

This is a leadership role responsible for the overall management, performance and development of the charity.

You will lead a small team which includes specialist leads responsible for fundraising, volunteer management, and marketing & partnerships.

Your role is to set direction for the team to deliver the charity’s strategy and business plan, aligning priorities and creating the conditions for the team to succeed.

You will also act as the public face of Friends for Life, working closely with the Board of Trustees. Whilst we are small charity and this is a hands-on leadership role, success will come from enabling others, not by doing everything yourself.

Key Responsibilities

Management of the Charity

• Lead the day-to-day running of the charity and the delivery of its business plan
• Work with Trustees to shape and implement plans for development, sustainability and impact
• As a member of the Board, contribute to the wider governance of the charity

Management of People

• Lead and develop a team of 5 part-time staff, including functional leads for fundraising, volunteer management, and marketing/partnerships
• Set clear priorities, objectives and accountability across the team
• Support and challenge team members to deliver against ambitious targets

· Rebuild and stabilise the team following a period of transition

Operational Management

• Ensure effective delivery of the befriending and activity programmes
• Drive growth in the number of residents supported by scaling volunteer recruitment and engagement
• Use digital tools and services to improve the quality and efficiency of service delivery
• Ensure services remain high-quality, safe and responsive to need, whilst complying with legislation and safeguarding requirements

Management of Fundraising

• Ensure effective delivery of fundraising strategy
• Support the development of new income streams including community fundraising, individual giving and partnerships
• Ensure income targets are met and funding relationships are effectively managed

Management of Partnerships & Profile

• Build and maintain relationships with care homes, other partners and stakeholders
• Raise the profile of the charity through external engagement, advocacy and partnerships

Financial Management & Governance

• Oversee budgets and ensure effective financial management
• Work with the Treasurer and Board on financial planning, risk and compliance
• Ensure safeguarding, governance and regulatory requirements are met

About You

We are looking for a strong people leader who can bring clarity, structure and momentum to a small but ambitious charity.

You will likely bring:

Experience

• Experience in a management role, ideally in a charity, community or care setting
• Experience leading and developing teams, including through change or growth
• Experience overseeing service delivery, process improvement and organisational performance
• Experience of fundraising, income generation or partnership development (at a strategic level)
• Financial and budget management experience

Skills & Attributes

• Strong people management skills—you know how to get the best out of both staff and volunteers
• Ability to set direction and hold others accountable for delivery
• Ability to work co-operatively with the Board of trustees, playing an active role in the governance of the charity, and ensuring alignment between strategy and operations
• Organised and outcome-focused, able to prioritise in a resource-constrained environment to maximise positive impacts for our beneficiaries
• Confident in the use of digital tools and technologies to improve performance
• Confident communicator, able to represent the charity externally and build strong relationships with partners and funders
• Resilient and comfortable in leading change and managing ambiguity
• Empathy and understanding of the challenges facing older people in care homes
• Commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion

Experience working with trustees, knowledge of charity governance or experience in services for older people would be an advantage.

What We Offer

• £40, 930 per annum (£22,921 pro rata for 21 hours a week)
• Employer Pension
• Flexible and Hybrid working
• A supportive and passionate team of staff, volunteers and trustees
• The chance to transform the lives of care home residents every single week

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a short covering statement outlining how your experience aligns with the position.

Selection will be via an interview.

Please note that applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be able to evidence this prior to interview.

Finally, the role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check.

Closing date is Friday 1 May 2026.

Help tackle loneliness among older people in care homes

Thousands of older people living in care homes receive few or no visitors. Friends for Life Bedfordshire exists to change that.

Through our befriending and group activities, we bring companionship, connection and meaningful relationships to care home residents across Bedford and the surrounding area.

We are now looking for a Fundraising Lead to help secure and grow the income that makes this work possible.

About Friends for Life Bedfordshire

We are a Bedford-based charity working to address the social isolation of older residents in Bedfordshire’s care homes.

Founded in 2007, we have grown from a small local initiative to a registered charity with c90 volunteers supporting more than 30 care homes across Bedford Borough. In the last year, over 1,100 care home residents received our services.

The Role

This is a pivotal role for the charity. It is key to the delivery of our business plan and growth aspirations.

You will take ownership of fundraising and income generation, ensuring we have the resources to sustain and grow our impact.

You will lead on grant fundraising whilst also developing community and individual giving, and delivering engaging fundraising events.

This is a hands-on role in a small organisation, so you will have real ownership and visibility. You will shape our fundraising strategy and directly influence how many residents we can reach.

This role is suited to someone who is both strategic and practical — someone who can develop the fundraising strategy and the plan to deliver this, but is equally comfortable writing applications, building relationships and making things happen.

Key Responsibilities

Grant Fundraising

• Identify and secure funding from trusts, foundations and statutory bodies
• Write high-quality, compelling funding applications
• Build and manage a strong pipeline of funding opportunities
• Maintain relationships with funders, including reporting and stewardship

Community & Individual Fundraising

• Grow income through local partnerships, supporters and community initiatives
• Engage schools, businesses and individuals to generate support
• Work with Marketing, Partnerships & Activities Lead to develop campaigns that drive regular and one-off donations
• Strengthen our local supporter base and visibility

Fundraising Events

• Plan and deliver fundraising events (community and corporate), managing logistics, budgets and stakeholder coordination
• Work with Marketing, Partnerships & Activities Lead to promote events through social media and marketing platforms
• Ensure events are engaging, effective and financially successful
• Evaluate performance and improve future activity

Strategy, Compliance & Reporting

• Develop and deliver a clear fundraising strategy aligned to organisational goals
• Track performance against targets and provide insight
• Ensure all fundraising is compliant with regulations and best practice
• Represent the charity externally with confidence and credibility

About You

We are looking for someone who can take ownership of fundraising and produce results in a small, resource-constrained environment.

You will likely bring:

• Experience developing or contributing to a fundraising strategy
• Proven experience in fundraising, with a track record of generating income
• Strong experience in writing successful grant applications
• Experience of developing and growing income from community fundraising initiatives (e.g. partnerships, volunteer-led activities, individuals and events)
• Ability to build and manage relationships with funders, donors or partners
• Strong written communication skills — able to create compelling cases for support
• Ability to work independently, prioritise effectively and meet deadlines
• A proactive, resourceful approach — you don’t wait to be told what to do
• Comfortable balancing strategy with hands-on delivery

What We Offer

• £16.79 per hour (£18,334 per year for 21 hours per week)
• Employer pension
• Flexible and hybrid working
• A supportive and passionate team of staff, volunteers and trustees
• The chance to transform the lives of care home residents every single week

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a short covering statement outlining how your experience aligns with the position.

Selection will be via an interview.

Please note that applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be able to evidence this prior to interview.

Finally, the role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check.

Closing date is Friday 1 May 2026.