Jobs for the Education sector

Specialist Teaching Assistant (STA) – Autism / SEND

Ambitious About Autism is recruiting for a Specialist Teaching Assistant (STA) to support autistic young people aged 16–25 at Ambitious College, our specialist further education college.

• Full time, permanent (term time only)
• Hours: 9am - 4.30pm
• Salary: £25,837 - £27,165 per annum
• Location: Tottenham, North London (N15 4FY)
• Start date: After Easter half term 2026 (flexible depending on notice periods)

Please note, this role may not meet Skilled Worker visa sponsorship criteria

You will work 1:1 with autistic learners, supporting them to access learning, build independence, confidence, and life skills — both on campus and in the community. This role involves personal care.

This role is ideal for candidates with experience or interest in:

• SEN / SEND
• Autism
• Learning Support Assistant or Teaching Assistant roles
• Care, youth work, education, or psychology backgrounds

What we offer:

• Term time only working (paid across 52 weeks)
• Extensive autism specific training and CPD
• Support from leading autism specialists
• Free daily breakfast
• Employee benefits including EAP, cycle-to-work, and season ticket loans
• Full benefits package is on our website

(Due to a high number of applications, we reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the advertised end date).

Ambitious About Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age.

Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations. We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people.

Ambitious About Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search may be carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

The safeguarding responsibilities of the post are as per the job description and person specification.
Whether the post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities, certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.

Role: National Programme Coordinator

Directorate:           Operations

Team: National Competitions

Manager:               Senior National Competitions Manager

Direct reports: N/A

Role purpose

The purpose of this role is to support the National Programme Team with the implementation of operational plans that deliver successful national skills competitions. This will include supporting the activities and actions relating to the national programme cycle, projects across diversity and inclusion and transfer of global standards to maximise local and national activity in the UK.

Key tasks and responsibilities

· To contribute to the successful delivery of WorldSkills UK’s strategic priorities and annual business objectives.

· To support skills competitions that raise standards of teaching and learning and serve as a key vehicle for practitioner development across the vocational education and training sector and the workplace, including Apprenticeship/Traineeships.

· To co-ordinate activities relating to requesting, tracking and quality assuring key documents required from our Competition Organising Partners (COPs), ensuring documents are received within set deadlines.

· To co-ordinate and support the planning and event delivery of national skills competition activity across the UK, including booking travel, venues, accommodation and catering.

· To administer and co-ordinate the local and national projects i.e. Competitor Support Fund, and Evaluations.

· To administer and co-ordinate project plans, reporting, finance, systems, processes (i.e. Quality Assurance) and document management.

· To support improved engagement in skills competitions by all Stakeholder groups and audiences.

· To support the organisation by producing reports and data requests using the organisational database and systems.

· To support the National Competitions Delivery Managers in the organisation of skills competitions, to include administration and research of new skills competitions.

· To co-ordinate and provide support on the implementation of the quality assurance process and ensure that accurate information is recorded at the bi-annual reviews with the COPs.

· To support the recruitment and briefing of volunteers as required for the national competition cycle.

· To organise and support communication with competitors, their organisations and COPs through monitoring the Competitions email inbox, allocating queries to team members and responding to requests for information and providing support to the team in answering queries from staff, external stakeholders and suppliers.

· To maintain and update competition management systems, records and files, handling confidential information in compliance with the organisations procedures.

· To effectively co-ordinate resources (including agencies, suppliers, contractors) so that all project elements are delivered to acceptable standards on time, to budget and meet the required specification(s)/objective(s) and assisting the team with financial processes such as raising purchase orders.

· To support activities/tasks in accordance with the agreed project plan to ensure delivery on time and to budget.

General:

In addition to the key tasks and responsibilities set out above, all employees at this level are expected to:

· Contribute to the successful delivery of WorldSkills UK’s strategic priorities and annual business objectives.

· Promote and comply with WorldSkills UK’s Employee Handbook and the policies contained therein with particular reference to those related to Health and Safety and on equity, diversity and inclusion.

· Carry out any other duty as may be reasonably assigned that is consistent with the nature of the job and its level of responsibility. Any significant changes will be made in consultation with the post holder acknowledging experience, education and ability.

Person specification

Key: [E] Essential / [D] Desirable.

Qualifications and experience:

· Demonstrable experience or qualifications relevant to project coordination or administrative support [E].

· Apprenticeship or other relevant project experience [D].

· Experience of providing support to programmes in the public sector [D].

· Experience of organising events [D].

· An understanding of basic project management principles [D].

Knowledge and skills:

· Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Office suite skills as well as using bespoke software programmes for data reporting [D].

· Highly developed administration skills [E].

· Good verbal, written and presentation skills [E].

· Knowledge of further education, apprenticeships and skills [D].

Personal qualities and attributes:

· Consistently dependable and acts with integrity in all professional matters [E].

· Able to work on own initiative with broad direction [E].

· Able to contribute to solving problems by offering practical or innovative approaches [E].

· Possess a strong work ethic and desire to achieve results [E].

· Flexible in working methods and ideas [E].

· Able to work collaboratively with others and contribute positively to team outcomes [E].

· Demonstrates commitment to the organisation’s mission and can support and encourage others [E].

· Respect for diversity and inclusion with practical ideas for their implementation within the scope of the post [E].

Special circumstances:

· Prepared occasionally to work outside normal hours [E].

· Prepared to travel within the United Kingdom [E].

· Able to spend time away from home [E].

Summary of terms and conditions

· Permanent.

· The salary for this role is £28,000.

· WorldSkills UK offers a maximum employer’s contribution to your pension of 6% of your basic salary, on the condition that you make an employee contribution to your pension of at least 3%. You may choose to contribute a higher percentage of your salary to your pension, subject to statutory limits.

· Group Death in Service (Life insurance) 3 x annual salary.

· Health Care Cash plan.

· Normal place of work is Third Floor, 52-54 St John Street, London EC1M 4HF. This role is office based (as above) but with flexible hybrid working. It is expected the postholder will attend the office at least once or twice a week.

· Full time working hours are a minimum of 35 hours per week, normal working hours are 09:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday although we pride ourselves on having a flexible approach to our working practices and service delivery and are happy to discuss flexible working options, with suitable candidates.

· 25 days’ annual leave [which will increase by one additional day for each completed year of service up to a maximum of 30 days] plus public and bank holidays.

· The post is subject to six months’ probationary period with two weeks’ notice during the probationary period and one month thereafter.

· The offer of appointment will be subject to satisfactory references.

· Salaries are paid monthly by direct transfer on or about 21st of the month.

How to apply

WorldSkills UK is committed to making appointments on merit by fair and open processes and use a blind recruitment approach. Please ensure that you submit your application in Word (curriculum vitae and cover letter) to help us in this process.

Applications should be submitted by email and must include:

· Curriculum vitae outlining your full career history. Please remove any identifying information to support our anonymised recruitment process. This includes your name, email address, date of birth, nationality, languages spoken other than English, photographs, and links to personal profiles (e.g. LinkedIn). Applications that contain identifying information in the CV may not be considered.

· Supporting statement outlining your suitability for the role, addressing the points listed in the role description and person specification. Throughout the recruitment process we will be looking for clear examples and evidence of your experience, knowledge and skills.

· Separate document containing your name, contact details (email and phone number) and confirmation of your right to work in the UK.

Interview process and timeline

It is intended that the interview process will have two stages:

· Stage 1 – online via MS Teams. The interviews will be held on Wednesday 15 April 2026.

 · Stage 2 – in person. Candidates progressing to the second stage will be invited to attend an in-person interview at our office: Third Floor, 52–54 St John Street, London EC1M 4HF. This stage of the interview process will take place on Wednesday 22 April 2026.

Candidates will be asked to complete a 30-minute interview task, the details of which will be provided to those invited to the interview.

Reasonable adjustments will be offered to all candidates during the recruitment process. For further information please contact our Senior HR Manager.

Application deadline

The deadline for applications is Monday 6 April 2026 at 17:00. Please note that late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Key Information:

LOCATION: Bristol, Newcastle, Nottingham, London and Manchester (hybrid working pattern). We are prioritising applications for the Nottingham and Newcastle locations in line with our regional development strategy.

HOURS: 37.5 hours per week (flexible working around core hours of 10am-4pm)

START DATE: 10th August 2026

DURATION: 18-month graduate programme with optional apprenticeship opportunity upon completion. Permanent contract from August 2026. 

SALARY: £27,375 per annum (Bristol, Manchester, Nottingham and Newcastle), £30,025 (London).

DEADLINE: Thursday 2nd April at 12pm (noon).

The application process: written application > video interview > assessment centre.

Assessment Centres will take place between 20th April and 8th May 2026. They will be conducted on Zoom and consist of 3 tasks: An interview, a written exercise and a group task (with up to 3 other candidates)

In keeping with upReach's mission and values we would particularly encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented groups and those with lived experience of barriers to social mobility.

We encourage all applicants to review our Application Pack before submitting your application.

About upReach

Do you think that your socio-economic background should determine your career prospects?

upReach’s vision is of a society in which everybody has an equal opportunity to realise their full career potential. Our work is important because right now a student from a disadvantaged background who gains a first-class degree from a top university is less likely to secure an elite job than a more privileged student with a 2.2.

We are an award-winning charity employer working to address this issue in partnership with employers and universities. We help undergraduates from lower socio-economic backgrounds achieve their career potential by providing an intensive programme of support that addresses socio-economic barriers to graduate employment. 

To find out more about how we support our students, visit our website and read our Annual Report, and Impact Report. 

About the FCLP

upReach is recruiting for our unique Future Charity  Leaders Programme (FCLP). This is a great opportunity for anyone who is passionate about social mobility, and looking to gain exposure to various aspects of charity management whilst working with university students who are exploring their career options. We welcome applications from those in the corporate world who are looking for a career change as well as recent graduates wanting to kick-start their career in the third sector.

upReach’s Future Charity Leaders Programme (FCLP) combines delivery work (supporting our Associates) with exposure to a range of aspects of charity management.

As a Programme Coordinator on the FCLP, you will deliver personalised, employment-focused support to a cohort of approximately 80 Associates, helping to transform their lives by equipping them with the necessary skills to secure a top graduate job. During a typical week, you should expect to be working across a range of projects including:

• 1:1 undergraduate coaching

• Events organisation

• Application support

• Partnership management (with university partners or employer partners) 

• and more!

In addition to this, the programme offers the opportunity to develop skills in key areas of charity management by participating in 3 rounds of six-month 'rotations' across different functions. After your initial 18 months and the completion of 3, six-month rotations, you will have the opportunity to undertake an apprenticeship in Leadership and Management to further develop your skills and gain a level 3 qualification.

Throughout the programme, you will receive dedicated internal training developing your leadership skills and building your confidence in the role.Through our partnership with The Circle Line, you will be part of a supportive peer group, offered regular personal development training workshops online and in-person on their '12 Tools for Life'. You will also be able to choose your own practitioner to support you in 1:1 sessions throughout the programme to help you unlock more of your unique potential.

What will I be doing?

The FCLP is a fast-paced but rewarding role. Programme Coordinators spend 80% of their time (4 days per week) working directly with Associates to enhance their career knowledge and skills and 20% (1 day per week) on a charity management rotation (or an apprenticeship after 18 months). No two days are the same, but your responsibilities may include:

• Building and maintaining strong relationships with Associates, helping them to achieve their career goals 

• Developing and delivering professional development-focused support

• Individual and small group work with Associates 

• Assisting Associates with their applications to undergraduate positions and graduate jobs 

• Developing sector and/or employability skill knowledge while building resources to aid all Associates 

• Developing and maintaining strong relationships with university and/or employer partners 

• Delivering informative workshops to enhance sector knowledge and employability skills

• Planning, delivering and reporting on events and workshops with partners

When applying for this role we ask that applicants are able to commit to the full 18-month training programme, and we encourage participation in the apprenticeship scheme beyond this. As you will be working directly with our beneficiaries throughout their degree, this consistency will allow you to build bonds with your Associates and ensure continuity, thus allowing us to have the most impact for the young people we work with.

What Skills and Experience do I need?

This programme would be suited to individuals who are committed to upReach’s mission, motivated to work with undergraduates and interested in learning about, and gaining experience in, charity management. We are looking for people who are passionate about social mobility and believe that background should not be a barrier to graduate employment. 

Essential Skills/Experiences:

• Working in a fast-paced environment and working independently to find solutions to problems

• Strong organisational and time management skills with a keen eye for detail and the ability to manage a varied workload

• A University degree in any discipline, or equivalent experience

• Self-motivation and an ability to work in a small team as well as solo

• Excellent communication skills and strong written English

• The ability to engage and communicate confidently with undergraduates, corporate volunteers (mentors) and employers via phone, email, and in person

• Confidence with public speaking or facilitating workshops

Desirable Skills/Experiences:

• Knowledge of the graduate labour market in the UK and experience supporting individuals through an application process 

• Working in one or more of the career sectors that upReach support Associates in applying to.

Team Culture & Benefits: 

By joining the upReach team, you will be joining a team who are dedicated to encouraging you in your career journey and fostering an inclusive culture. 

We offer: 

• Flexible working, hybrid working and reduced Summer Hours (June-August)

• Statutory Holiday Entitlement of 25 days, plus bank holidays. (This increases to 27 days entitlement after 2.5 years and then to 30 days after 5 years of working with us)

• Enhanced Parental Leave beyond statutory requirements for all team members

• 1 day of Birthday leave, 1 day of Volunteering leave and discretionary annual wellbeing days

• Optional extended unpaid leave

• 3% Pension Contribution, this increases to 5% after 5 years of working with us 

• Cycle-to-work scheme, Tech scheme

• Monthly socials, Annual in-person Team Day

• Dedication to Staff Wellbeing through our Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aid Training 

• A range of discounts through the Charity Workers Discount and Tickets for Good websites

• The opportunity to participate in our fantastic staff networks: 

  • Disability and Inclusion Network

  • Diverse Roots Network 

  • Green Network 

  • LGBTQ+ Network

  • Mindfulness Network

  • Parents and Carers Network

  • Socio-Economic Background Network

  • (Im)Migrants Network

Ready to apply?

We are dedicated to making our recruitment process inclusive. All applications will be blind screened, and our job packs are available in Braille, large text or another format upon request. We can provide reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment application process and on the job, and we'll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. 

Unfortunately, upReach is unable to offer Visa Sponsorship.

Applications close at 12pm on Thursday 2nd April

Equal Opportunities

At upReach, we are committed to being an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate in employment matters on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, disability, social background or any other protected class. We celebrate and value the diverse perspectives that people from all backgrounds bring to our team. We are passionate about creating a workplace that is inclusive and reflects the diversity of communities across the UK. Thus, we encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented groups, including Black, Asian and other ethnic minority backgrounds, those with disabilities, those who are care-experienced, those from low socio-economic backgrounds, and those who are LGBTQIA+.

About Us

Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement (P&A) provides a fundraising and alumni engagement function in support of King’s College London. We are proud to work with colleagues across the university and its health partners to help them serve society through world-leading education, research and healthcare.  Our work also includes a partnership with the Maudsley Charity in support of children’s mental health initiatives between the university’s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience and the South London & Maudsley NHS Trust. 

​We are a committed team that brings together fundraisers working across different channels, alongside colleagues who promote King’s College London’s engagement with its worldwide alumni community. Our work is underpinned and enhanced by a range of dedicated professionals in supporting areas covering proposition development, supporter engagement, supporter operations and business operations.  

​We have an impressive, well-established track record of success in securing support that allows the university and partners to deliver on their missions. This includes our global, award-winning World Questions: King’s Answers campaign, which set the standard in the sector and enabled us to raise substantial funds to help tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges. Ambitious and innovative, the team has won awards such as a CASE Platinum Award for Fundraising and a CASE Gold Award for Donor Relations and Stewardship. We are strongly values-driven with a focus on sustaining an excellent and supportive culture, which we see as key to creating a successful team that can support the university and its partners in making a real and positive difference to the world we live in.  

More on King’s College London

​King’s College London is an internationally renowned university delivering exceptional education and world-leading research. The university is dedicated to driving positive and sustainable change in society and realising our vision of making the world a better place.  Through its commitment to exceptional education, impactful research and genuine service to society, King’s College London is creating positive change in its communities, both in London and on the world stage. The Strategic Vision 2029 looks forward to King’s College London’s 200th anniversary in 2029 and sets out ambitious plans in five key areas:   

• ​Educating the next generation of change-makers
• ​Challenging ideas and driving change through research
• ​Giving back to society through meaningful service
• ​Working with our local communities in London
• ​Fostering global citizens with an international perspective​

About the role

The Senior Business & Resource Planning Manager is a role within Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement, acting as a strategic partner to colleagues and driving key processes and activity in areas such as planning, reporting, project management and operational improvements.  

The postholder will support on operationalising plans and lead on the in-year tracking and management of budgets across P&A, and play a key role in supporting the P&A Leadership Team (LT) in making informed decisions relating to the resourcing of staffing and activity.

This role will also lead and coordinate on key aspects of reporting including internal quarterly reviews and also key accountability sessions for P&A with University leadership. Alongside this, they will lead on strategic projects that align and have been identified as being important to progress P&A and wider institutional goals. 

The role is based within the Advancement Operations section of P&A and will be part of the section leadership team. The postholder will be closely involved in taking forward projects to review and enhance processes to drive improvements and streamlining across Advancement Operations. This area of activity will also link to the postholder’s focus on supporting the Director of Advancement Operations in delivering their agenda. 

This is a full time (35 hours per week), and you will be offered an indefinite contract. 

P&A has a hybrid working approach, with a minimum of 40% of time in the office. Typically, this equates to two days per week, but we’re very happy for colleagues to be in more frequently if they so wish.

About You

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria 

1. Proven Experience in Strategic and Business Planning: Including annual planning, integrated budgeting, and resource allocation aligned to strategic goals
2. Forecasting & Financial Analysis: Ability to conduct philanthropic scenario planning and analysis to  provide data-driven recommendations
3. Analytical and Reporting Excellence: Skilled in producing clear, concise executive-level reports and presentations for senior leadership
4. Process Improvement and Operational Efficiency Experience: Demonstrated ability to streamline processes and implement best practices across operations
5. Leadership and Strategic Partnership: Experience supporting directors and leadership team in achieving strategic objectives while advising P&A leadership team on resource allocation and financial position
6. Strong Data Interpretation Skills: Adept at analysing data sets, identifying patterns, and translating findings into clear insights
7. Cross-Functional Collaboration Skills: Proactive and adaptable with strong interpersonal skills to work effectively across teams
8. Project Management Experience: Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects, coordinate stakeholders, and deliver on time

Desirable criteria

1. Higher Education experience
2. Accounting and/or finance experience
3. Experience with Power BI and/or other reporting and analysis tools

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

Further Information

At King’s, we believe that the diversity of our community and a culture that is welcoming, open, inclusive and collaborative, are great strengths of the university.

The Equality Act of 2010 protects the rights of our students and staff and provides a framework to fulfil our duties to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and in addition, to advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between those who share a protected characteristic and those who do not. At times, this will include balancing rights and beliefs that can feel in tension.

We are committed to free speech and to academic freedom, believing that our foundational purpose as a university, is to create spaces where a wide range of ideas, including ideas that are controversial, can be discussed and debated, and where members of our community can express lawful views without fear of intimidation, harassment or discrimination.

When engaging in the robust exchange of ideas, we ask that our community is mindful of our Dignity at King’s guidance.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the person specification section of the job description. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

We reserve the right to close adverts early due to the volume of applications we receive. While the closing date may change, all adverts will close at 23:59 to allow sufficient time for applications to be submitted on that day.

We encourage you to apply at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment as once we have closed a vacancy you will be unable to submit your application.

To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ‘ How we Recruit’ pages.

We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements, including part-time, compressed hours and/or job shares, as appropriate and in the context of the business needs associated with the role.

We offer the opportunity of an “Ask Us Anything” Teams call on 17th March at 11:00 a.m. During this call you will be able to ask any questions you might have about the role, the selection process, our department, our core values and work culture, our current hybrid work policy, or simply listen to others’ questions. 

This roles with have two interview stages, a standard skills-based interview followed (for up to two appointable candidates) by a Core Values interview.

First stage interviews are likely to be held on w/c March 30th.

Core Values interviews are likely to be held w/c April 7th.

WORKING WITH US

The founder and sponsor of the Harris Federation, Lord Harris of Peckham, opened our first school in 1990. We have, over the past thirty years, implemented ideas and initiatives that have transformed the opportunities of pupils from working class and disadvantaged backgrounds. Harris academies are widely recognised as a force for social mobility. We are immensely proud of the role that our alumni are now beginning to play in the world and of what we believe our current generation of pupils will go on to achieve.

We now have over 50 schools educating more than 40,000 young people across London and Essex, and employ over 5,000 staff across our academies and head office. With the majority of our academies located in areas of high socioeconomic disadvantage, a high-quality education is key to the futures of the pupils we serve.

As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.

Our work will impact many generations to come, and our staff come from all backgrounds and walks of life, coming together to inspire young minds. We promote an inclusive culture that embraces the valuable and enriching contribution that all of our community make. We continue to be proactive in uplifting and supporting all voices at Harris.

To discover more about our culture, ethos and what it is like to work here, visit the page.

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

We are looking for a Finance Business Partner to support some of our academies with clear financial insight, smart budgeting, and data-driven decision-making. You’ll work closely with Principals and senior leaders, acting as a trusted advisor and helping drive efficiencies across our schools.

If you’re an analytical, confident finance professional with strong stakeholder skills, we’d love to hear from you.

MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Your responsibilities will include:

Financial Analysis & Reporting

• In-depth Financial Analysis
  • Produce monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports to assess business performance against targets and trends.
  • Perform analysis to guide strategic decisions.
  • Analyse margin performance, cost drivers, and overheads, recommending opportunities for efficiency and savings.
  • Produce and review monthly balance sheet reconciliations to ensure accuracy and reliability of reports submitted to stakeholders
• Reporting & Commentary
  • Prepare accurate and insightful financial reports including dashboards, variance reports, and commentary for business reviews.
  • Translate raw financial data into actionable insights tailored to specific audiences (e.g. operations managers, Principals, department budget holders).
  • Identify data anomalies and validate results by reconciling figures with source systems.

Business Partnering

• Stakeholder Collaboration
  • Act as a financial advisor to various departments/Schools, supporting them in managing budgets, understanding performance, and planning.
  • Build trusting relationships with stakeholders by being approachable, knowledgeable, and supportive.
• Decision Support
  • Provide financial modelling to support business cases, changes in trends, and contract negotiations.
  • Assist managers in interpreting financial outcomes and guide them on how to improve profitability and efficiency.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Regulatory & Policy Compliance
  • Ensure adherence to relevant UK financial regulations, such as HMRC requirements, Companies Act, and internal financial controls.
  • Monitor adherence to internal financial procedures, policies, and delegated authorities.

For a full list of responsibilities, please download the Job Pack.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We would like to hear from you if you have:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Part-qualified or fully qualified accountant (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, ACA)
• Commitment to ongoing professional development to remain current with UK financial regulations and best practices.
• A minimum of 3–5 years’ experience in a finance role, ideally with exposure to financial analysis, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Experience in a commercial or multi-site operational environment is advantageous.
• Demonstrable experience working with financial systems such as Oracle, SAP, or equivalent ERP solutions for financial reporting and analysis.

For a full job specification, please download the Job Pack.

APPLYING FOR THIS POSITION

If you would like to discuss the opportunity further, or if you have any questions, please contact us via email to arrange a conversation.

Before applying please ensure you download the job pack from our careers website, this will help with completing your application. Please note that we only accept applications submitted online before the closing date.

When applying, you will have the option to import your CV or use a LinkedIn profile which will auto populate the online application. 

A reminder to check your junk mail for our email communications and add us to your safe senders list to ensure all future email communication is received.

OUR VISION & VALUES

Our vision, from the start, has been to provide the structure and services needed for our schools to amount to more than the sum of their parts, and to free-up our teachers and leaders to focus on one thing and one thing only: the outstanding education of all their pupils. Our young people and communities are at the heart of everything we do. Our core mission has always been to close the educational gap between young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers. Our ambition is one where every child in London, no matter their background, has equal access to high quality education, giving them the same opportunities and potential to succeed.

We know there are many challenges facing our young people and the communities we serve, and that’s why we need determined people like you to help us tackle those inequalities. Whilst each of our academies has their own unique cultures and values; as a whole Federation, we have four core values which are central to successfully achieving our vision: Excellence, Collaboration, Support, and Innovation. We are proud of our values because they guide us in how we work allowing us to achieve the best possible outcomes for our young people, communities, and colleagues.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Safeguarding Notice

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.

Equal Opportunities

The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

Harris has a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level.

You will also have access to a variety of benefits, support programmes and initiatives including:

• Excellent opportunities for continuous professional development and career progression
• Annual performance and loyalty bonus
• Pension scheme (Teachers' Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme) with generous employer contribution
• 26 days' annual leave (inclusive of our Christmas Eve closure day) plus bank holidays, rising to 27 days after 2 years' service, or equivalent for staff on term time contracts
• Harris Wellbeing Cash Plan including cover for routine and specialist healthcare
• Employee Assistance Programme for free and confidential advice
• Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme
• Wide range of shopping, leisure, and travel discounts
• 20% off at Tapi Carpets, exclusive to Harris employees
• Interest-free ICT and season ticket loans

For most non-teaching staff based at our Head Office in East Croydon, we also offer lifestyle friendly working arrangements including flexible start and end times, and hybrid working with two days from home and three days on site.

Job Title: Policy and Advocacy Manager

Position Type: Maternity Cover

Reports to: Founder/Chief Executive

Based at: School Food Matters, Blackfriars Settlement 9 Rushworth Street SE1 0RB (At least three days per week in the office)

Salary: £40,500

Working Hours: 9am-5pm (flexible)

Pension: School Food Matters pays pension contributions at 7% of pensionable earnings

Holiday: 31 days including bank holidays

School Food Matters is closed between Christmas and New Year

Job Purpose

· To lead and shape School Food Matters’ policy and advocacy strategy, ensuring our voice influences national and local decision-making on school food and food education

· To design and deliver campaigns that support and advance SFM’s mission

· To line manage the Press and Communications Officer and Policy and Communications Assistant

Key Tasks

· Lead and provide strategic input to campaigns, convene groups and partnerships

· Represent SFM at external meetings and coalitions such as the School Food Review

· Monitor, analyse and interpret relevant research, policy developments and news, identifying implications or opportunities for SFM

· Oversee the strategic direction of SFM’s external affairs and communications, ensuring all policy, campaigns, and public messaging align with the charity’s mission and priorities

· Provide policy research and analysis to support the activities of the School Food Review

· Oversee meetings and governance for the School Food Alliance

· Provide policy and communications expertise for the Food Education Network workstreams

· Represent SFM at relevant policy consultations, meetings and conferences to influence and inform policy discussions, and deliver presentations as required

· Lead drafting of responses to government consultations

· Working closely with the Press and Communications Officer, provide insights to inform timely media responses to policy developments

· Ensure colleagues are regularly briefed on policy activities, priorities and messages, and run internal workshops to keep them up to date with the school food sector

· Provide strategic input to meeting content for the School Food Review, and support the Policy and Communications Assistant to organise meetings for workstreams

· Oversee the development web content, articles, blogs and newsletter content by the Press and Communications Officer and the Policy and Communications Assistant

· Keep up to date with safeguarding requirements and reporting procedures

· Maintain the ethos of the charity and positively promote our work at all times

· The Policy and Advocacy Manager will also undertake any other tasks relevant to the affairs of SFM that may arise from time to time.  Therefore, being flexible and approaching the job with an open and positive mindset is essential!

Person Specification

Essential

· At least two years post degree experience

· Experience of research and analysis, ideally in a policy environment

· General knowledge of issues around school food, children’s health and food education

· Comprehensive understanding of the UK’s political system

· Experience of coordinating policy/research-based projects

· Experience designing, coordinating and delivering campaigns

· Experience of working in coalitions

· Strong interpersonal skills and ability to maintain relationships with a range of individuals and organisations

· Confident and competent IT skills across Office suite of programmes

· Exceptional oral and written communication skills in fluent spoken and written English, with strong attention to detail and the ability to translate complex data and policies into accessible language and engaging stories and communication materials

· Strong understanding media landscape and social media platforms to oversee the communications activity of the organisation

· Ability to work independently, with high levels of self-motivation

· Good project management, time management and organisational skills and the ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines

· Energy, enthusiasm, creativity and tenacity

Desirable

· Strong knowledge of the public health, food and education policy landscape

· Experience managing others

· Experience managing projects

· Experience managing meetings

· Experience of working with Drupal CMS

· Experience of working within a network or coalition of campaigning organisations

· Established contacts with media outlets/journalists/bloggers

· Digital campaigning and social networking skills

· Experience writing news articles and blog posts with clear structure, purpose and an engaging narrative

· Experience managing or supervising team members to deliver communications projects effectively

ABOUT LIGHTEN

LightEn is an expanding global educational foundation, dedicated to the evolution of

individual and collective consciousness. LightEn supports many forms of spiritual

education. It is non-denominational and serves to help humanity embody its highest

potential. LightEn’s intention is that, through gifting various forms of spiritual education around the world, we begin to usher in new paradigms. LightEn currently does this through three core pathways:

(1) Content: curating and creating spiritual educational content, freely available to all;

(2) Grantmaking: supporting individuals and organisations whose work and wisdom aligns with LightEn’s vision; and

(3) Centres: offering experiential programmes for spiritual and personal growth, fostering soul-infused action.

ROLE OVERVIEW

As we continue to grow, LightEn is seeking a Project Manager, Publishing, to lead and coordinate the delivery of our publishing projects from concept to completion. In this role, you will manage book projects end to end - working closely with authors to understand and support their creative vision, guiding manuscripts through the writing and editorial process, and shepherding each title through production and release.

You will act as a central point of coordination across authors, editors, designers, production partners, and internal teams, ensuring timelines, quality, and shared intent are upheld across multiple formats and derivatives, including print, eBook, audiobook, and translations. You will also provide regular progress updates to the Editorial Director and key stakeholders, helping to maintain clarity, momentum, and alignment throughout the publishing lifecycle.

This is an opportunity to be part of a truly mission-driven team, where everyone knows they can show up as their whole, authentic self, and where Service underpins every effort, idea, and interaction.

The successful candidate will combine strong project management expertise with outstanding interpersonal skills and a deep appreciation for the publishing process. Building trusted, respectful relationships with authors will be at the heart of the role; they will be adaptable, encouraging, and supportive—able to guide projects forward without being pushy, and to create an environment in which authors feel understood, motivated, and confident. They will be passionate about delivering high-quality books that serve LightEn’s mission and excited to play a hands-on role in bringing meaningful ideas to life for readers around the world.

Job responsibilities include:

• Meet directly with authors to understand their creative vision, support their ideas, and help bring their books to life from concept through publication.
• Act as a supportive, trusted point of contact for authors, offering encouragement, guidance, and problem-solving throughout the writing, editorial, and production process.
• Manage publishing projects end to end, tracking manuscripts, key milestones, schedules, and deliverables to ensure books progress smoothly and on time.
• Coordinate and liaise with editors, designers, production partners, translators, narrators, and internal teams to ensure alignment across all stages of the publishing lifecycle.
• Oversee the delivery of multiple formats and derivatives, including print, eBook, audiobook, and translated editions, ensuring quality and consistency across each.
• Collaborate closely with other project managers to share knowledge, tools, and best practices, supporting a consistent and effective approach to project delivery across the organisation.
• Provide regular progress updates to the Editorial Director and share insights, risks, and opportunities with relevant stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to improve publishing workflows, processes, and tools to enhance efficiency, clarity, and the author experience.
• Provide support on additional projects as needed and handle ad hoc administrative or coordination tasks as they arise.

Skills & Qualities

• Authentic resonance with LightEn’s mission and vision.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience in book publishing.
• Strong ability to build and sustain trusted relationships, particularly with authors, navigating creative and practical dynamics with empathy, encouragement, and care.
• Genuine interest in supporting authors and helping their books reach their full potential.
• Strong project management expertise, with the ability to manage multiple book projects, timelines, and stakeholders simultaneously.
• Solid understanding of the publishing lifecycle, including manuscript development, editorial, production, and release.
• Experience managing or coordinating multiple formats and derivatives, such as print, eBook, audiobook, and/or translations, is desirable.
• Highly collaborative approach to work, sharing knowledge, tools, and best practices effectively across teams.
• Experience using Microsoft Office and project management tools (e.g. Microsoft Planner, Miro, AirTable) or equivalent systems.
• Experience using Salesforce or other information management systems is a plus.
• Creative, open-minded, and solution-oriented, with a calm and adaptable approach to change.
• Reliable, proactive, and comfortable working independently while staying closely connected to the wider team.
• Ability to thrive in a fluid, growing, start-up-style environment.

BENEFITS OF THE ROLE

• A competitive salary (commensurate with skills and experience)
• Generous company pension (10% non-contributory)
• Hybrid working
• Medical insurance, life insurance, 25 days holiday
• Cycle to work, season ticket loan and eyecare schemes

LOCATION

LightEn is currently hybrid, with onsite working as required. Currently this is likely to be around 2 days per week (where the specific days are not set and will change/may increase according to LightEn’s needs).

HOW TO APPLY

At LightEn, how we do our work is as important as what we do. We are asking all candidates to submit a resume and respond to the questions in this application form: https://shorturl.at/hHj8g

We will be accepting applications over the next 2-weeks and reviewing on a rolling basis.

Our client is a charity that believes education is the most powerful tool to help a child fulfil their potential. Fundraising is instrumental in delivering that belief and the growth of fundraising income will be down to the new Director of Fundraising and their team to reach ambitious strategic objectives.

The organisation trains teachers to work in the schools that need the most, equipping school leaders with evidence-led training as well as plugging education leaders into supportive professional networks.

Offered on an initial 18 month contract, the Director of Fundraising will be responsible for the leadership of the Fundraising Department, its twelve strong team of fundraisers, and setting strategy to grow the supporter relationship portfolio across corporate partners, philanthropy, and trusts and foundations. The team specifically see growth in corporate partnerships and the Director of Fundraising will represent the organisation to inspiring stakeholders and build support for the charity.

To ideally start no later than May 2026, the selected candidate will have experience of leading fundraising departments at a strategic senior level and will be an expert in managing high-value fundraising cycles; from prospecting, developing proposals and securing funding at the six and seven figure level. You will be an inspiring leader comfortable with change and will enjoy hands-on fundraising yourself too.

The organisation have office locations across the UK, so this position can be based flexibly in the UK. There will be regular travel to London required for executive team meetings and donor meetings.

At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy/maternity. If you have any disability and require reasonable adjustment/s to any part of the process then please contact Rhiannon Mehta or Ryan Burdock at Prospectus.

If you feel you meet some of the criteria but not all, we really hope you'll enquire and learn more. Prospectus can advise and support on each part of the role and hopefully your application, so we look forward to hearing from you. For a confidential discussion about the position, please contact Rhiannon or Ryan at your earliest convenience.
 
In order to apply please submit your CV in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will arrange for a meeting to brief you on the role. You'll then have all the information you need to formally apply. We are looking forward to connecting with you soon. 

Salary: £45,215 plus benefits (Our pay philosophy ensures consistency across locations and salaries. The starting salary for this opportunity plus benefits depends on location of the candidate).

The role:

We are recruiting for a values-driven and experienced finance leader to join Mary’s Meals International (MMI) as Senior Finance Manager. Reporting to the Head of Finance, you will provide leadership to the MMI Finance team, ensuring the effective delivery of high-quality financial management, reporting and control across our global movement.

This is a key role within the Finance & Procurement Directorate, supporting an ambitious growth strategy. You will play a central role in strengthening financial stewardship, ensuring robust controls are in place, and promoting value for money across our global network.

In this role, you will combine strategic oversight with hands-on leadership - driving excellence in financial reporting, treasury management, compliance, and continuous improvement of financial systems and processes.

You will:

• Lead and develop the MMI Finance team, fostering a high-performing, collaborative and accountable culture.
• Oversee the production of monthly management accounts, forecasts and trend analysis, providing meaningful financial insight to support decision-making.
• Lead on donor financial reporting and proposal support, ensuring accuracy, consistency and timely delivery.
• Support delivery of the annual budgeting process, including provision of key analytics and oversight of review processes.
• Ensure robust financial control across the organisation, safeguarding the proper and effective use of funds.
• Oversee statutory reporting, audit, treasury, payroll and pension activities, ensuring compliance with UK financial, charity and tax regulations.
• Work closely with National Affiliates and Programme teams to strengthen financial processes, systems and controls across the global network.
• Drive continuous improvement of financial policies, reporting and systems, promoting a consistent and high-quality control environment.

About you

You will be a qualified finance professional (CCAB or equivalent) with substantial post-qualification experience and a strong track record of leading finance teams. Strategic yet pragmatic, you will be comfortable operating at both operational and senior levels - providing clear financial insight, strengthening controls, and supporting organisational growth across a global network.

You will bring significant experience in UK financial reporting (FRS 102), alongside proven experience developing high-performing teams and implementing effective policies, systems, and change initiatives. With strong analytical and conceptual capability, you will translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insight. You will also have experience managing auditors, financial institutions, and external service providers, and be able to prioritise effectively, work autonomously, and deliver to deadlines.

Strong communication skills, sound judgement, and cultural sensitivity are essential in building effective relationships across diverse international contexts. Experience within a UK charity or multinational charitable context, including understanding of UK charity reporting (Charities SORP) would be highly desirable.

About us:

Mary’s Meals is a global movement supported by people from all walks of life, united by one goal, that every child receives a nutritious daily meal in a place of education. Today, more than 3 million children will receive Mary’s Meals, changing lives through access to food and education. 

We believe in the innate goodness of people, respect the dignity of every human being and family life, and are committed to good stewardship of the resources entrusted to us. In line with our values, Mary’s Meals is fully committed to a culture of safeguarding. We expect all members of the Mary’s Meals family to share this commitment and to work in the best interests of the communities we serve. Our safe recruitment practices ensure that only those aligned with our high standards join our movement.

Salary advertised is for UK-based candidates. Our salary philosophy ensures consistency across locations where Mary’s Meals operates.

Our Benefits:

• 34 days annual leave (pro-rated for part time working patterns) including bank holidays, increasing by 1 day each completed calendar year, to a maximum of 39 days (+ option to buy another week)
• Flexible working
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Life assurance
• Pension

To apply:

If you are inspired to join our movement and our vision, mission and values resonate with you, we would love to hear from you. To apply, please submit your CV along with a short covering note (no more than one page) outlining why you are a strong fit for this role and why you would like to work for Mary’s Meals International.

Senior Finance Manager - JD

 Closing date for applications is Sunday 22nd March 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Applicant Privacy Statement

Senior Policy Adviser (Public Policy) | Full-time, Permanent
Location: St James’s Park, London SW1 | Hybrid
Salary: £40,926 per annum

The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences - is seeking a Senior Policy Adviser to join our Public Policy Team. The role is crucial for the development and delivery of evidence-driven British Academy policy programmes on communities and social policy, using SHAPE research to impact policy outcomes that support the Academy’s and the Policy Directorate’s strategy.

The role

The British Academy’s public policy programmes explore domestic policy challenges that SHAPE research (Social sciences, Humanities and the Arts for People and the Economy/Environment), which can help policymakers to understand, reframe and find solutions. We work closely with our Fellows, alongside a diverse community of academics, experts, practitioners and importantly, policymakers. Our approach is focused on drawing together insights from SHAPE research and convening key figures to understand how these can be applied to policymaking. This gives us opportunities to bring fresh thinking to the most challenging issues, reframe debates, and develop new evidence-based solutions.

The Senior Policy Adviser will lead the delivery of evidence-driven policy programmes focused on communities and social infrastructure, with an opportunity at the outset to define the scope and strategy of these programmes. You will need understanding and knowledge of social policy, particularly areas of social policy relating to communities and civil society. You also need to be comfortable with bringing insights and analysis together and making new connections across policy themes to approach problems from a fresh perspective.

This is a varied role that requires ambition and confidence to engage with a wide variety of contributors to bring together the insights from our evidence base. You will have the ability to plan and deliver different types of activities: convening stakeholders, managing researchers, and collaborating with counterparts in academia and government.

You will be proactive and always looking for opportunities, using effective communication and developing or strengthening crucial relationships to extend the reach of our programme. You will often work independently, but won’t be on your own – we are a collaborative, supportive and friendly team of 12, working on the basis of mutual trust and responsibility, all working on different but connected areas, striving together to achieve our goals.

 About the Academy

The British Academy is the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences, established by Royal Charter in 1902. We mobilise these disciplines to understand the world and shape a brighter future. Today’s complex challenges require deep insight into people, culture and societies. With a Fellowship of around 1,700 leading national and international academics, the Academy invests in researchers and projects across the UK and overseas; engages the public with fresh thinking and debate; and brings together scholars, government, business and civil society to influence policy.

The Academy comprises five directorates: Communications & Marketing; Development; Policy; Research; and Resources, plus a Governance & Fellowship Team.

Working at the Academy

Our senior management team have worked with staff to foster a culture of collaboration, respect, and empathy, in which all contributions are recognised as we work towards our common goals. Our people strategy and working practices focus on building strengths and sharing insights, with learning & development, wellbeing, and equality, diversity & inclusion at the centre of how we operate as an organisation. Investing in our staff and encouraging a healthy work/life balance is central to our success, as we move forward and continue to grow. Find out more about the British Academy, including our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement.

Terms and conditions

The British Academy is based at 10-11, Carlton House Terrace, St James Park, London, SW1 – a Grade 1 listed building. We offer a competitive benefits package including a 35-hour working week; 34 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays; a subsidised canteen and an excellent occupational pension.

How to apply

We use Applied for our recruitment. Applied aims to overcome unconscious bias in recruiting. Instead of using CVs, candidates are asked to answer questions that test skills needed for the role. The responses are then anonymised and reviewed in a random order by members of the hiring panel.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, in line with our commitment to create a diverse and inclusive working environment, promote equal opportunity, and address under-representation. We will make reasonable adjustments to support disabled job applicants and offer an interview to those meeting the minimum selection criteria.

To find out more and apply, please visit our website via the apply button.

Closing date: Midday on 23 March 2026.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, reflecting our commitment to a diverse and inclusive working environment, equal opportunity and addressing under-representation. We will make reasonable adjustments for disabled applicants and offer an interview to those meeting the minimum selection criteria

This is an exceptional opportunity at one of the world's most prestigious universities at a time of extraordinary ambition and philanthropic momentum. 

Associate Director of Development – Principal Gifts
Employer: University of Oxford
Salary: £65,336 - £82,255 with scope to go beyond for a leading professional with outstanding experience and track record
Location: Oxford (Hybrid)

Here at the University of Oxford, we are recruiting three Associate Directors of Development – Principal Gifts to join our incredible team. These are new positions, part of an expansion of our friendly, collaborative and successful Principal Gifts team.

As Associate Director of Development – Principal Gifts, you will operate at the highest levels of the University to secure transformational gifts at the eight-figure-plus level, advancing Oxford’s mission and global impact.  Your work will help ensure that Oxford continues to attract the brightest minds, pursue world-leading research, and address the most urgent challenges facing humanity.

You will work closely with the Vice-Chancellor, Chief Development and Alumni Engagement Officer, Director of Development – Principal Gifts, and other senior leaders to align principal gift opportunities with institutional priorities and articulate a compelling case for support to some of the world’s most significant philanthropists.

Your impact will be enduring – enabling breakthrough discoveries, expanding opportunity for students, and strengthening Oxford’s position as a global leader in education and research.  The Associate Director of Development role offers the chance not only to secure transformational gifts, but also to shape the future of Oxford’s philanthropic culture and leave a legacy at an institution that has been changing the world for over nine centuries.

This is a chance to join a dedicated, professional and ambitious team at a time when Oxford’s fundraising is at unprecedented levels. With strong support from the Vice-Chancellor, a proven track record of principal gift success, and an unparalleled global reputation, you will have every opportunity to make your mark, both at Oxford and in your career.

You will be passionate about what we do here, not phased by complexity and ambiguity, and comfortable orchestrating a myriad of stakeholders.  We hope to hear from you!

The University of Oxford is partnering with Erin Hall-Westfall and Joanna Logan of Constellate Global Talent on this search.

Closing date: midnight on Monday, 6 April 2026.

Interested?

Please familiarise yourself with the attached Candidate Pack.
To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter.

Diversity and Inclusivity

The University of Oxford is committed to equal opportunity, and to being a place where everyone belongs and is supported to succeed. We recognise how the diversity of our community enriches our ability to deliver on our academic mission.

We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds, including those under-represented within higher education. No applicant or members of staff shall be unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

No agencies please

We’re an award-winning charity running local learning centres in the heart of the communities where the young people we support live. Our centres provide a high-impact education programme which includes practical learning support, pastoral care, and motivational and confidence-building activities for young people aged 7-18. Our aim is to enable students from the least advantaged neighbourhoods to realise their ambitions and achieve their wonderful potential.

As the UK’s leading university access organisation, our staff team is helping over 50,000 young people each year at its 44 learning centres and extension projects across England and Scotland, and we plan to scale-up our provision to 50 centres over the coming years.

We are looking for someone who will enjoy working each day with young people and who will thrive in a frontline, community-based, fast-paced and rewarding role. You will be taking up a fixed-term contract as an Education Worker at our
centre in Birmingham.

Location: IntoUniversity Birmingham
Contract: Full-time, fixed-term until August 2026
Applications close: 9am Monday 23rd March 2026
Start date: May 2026

Salary

£28,250 per annum

What could my day look like?

The Education Worker role is a frontline, fast-paced and rewarding role where no two weeks will look the same. A typical day will have different activities, possibly spread between the IntoUniversity centre, partner schools and the offices of a corporate partner.

In the morning, you might be setting off with resources to run a workshop for sixth-form students in their secondary school. In the afternoon you may be setting up the classroom ahead of running Primary Academic Support for young people in your IntoUniversity centre. On other days, you may be travelling to a corporate partner to run a business simulation workshop for 15 year-olds or leading a group of final year primary school students on a campus visit for their graduation.

As an Education Worker, you’ll always be delivering the programme as part of your centre team, which means that any delivery is always a team effort. 

About the role
We are excited to recruit a Community Organiser for our Newport Parent Power project. This role offers a meaningful, paid professional development opportunity. The Brilliant Club will work in partnership with Jesus College, University of Oxford, King’s College London and the University of South Wales to engage with parents in Newport. Newport Parent Power is an established project which utilises the community organising-based model first created by King’s College London and Citizens UK with South London Parent Power.

Parent Power supports parents and carers to develop skills in community organising and advice and guidance on accessing higher education, empowering them to make change to support their children’s future and ensure that they have a fair chance in education and their future careers.

Working with us, the Community Organiser will:

• Support local pupils from underrepresented backgrounds by empowering their parent/carers to become higher education experts;
• Receive community organising training from Citizens UK and develop transferable skills;
• Build campaigns to combat local educational barriers with parent/carer communities;
• Join a nationwide community of community organisers making a significant impact on university access.

About you
The role will best suit someone who:
Essential

• Has knowledge of challenges faced in Newport’s communities.
• Has a demonstrable passion for furthering The Brilliant Club’s mission.
• Can adhere to information security policies included in the charity’s ISO 27001 manual (information security training provided).
   

Desirable

• Has prior experience of community focused work.
• Understands the current climate in the UK school system and some of the challenges young people and parent/carers might be facing.
• Understands the barriers young people face to university access and some of the ways these might be overcome.

Martingale Postgraduate Foundation (Martingale) exists to fund and support the next generation of talented researchers. We believe that family income should not be a barrier to the pursuit of excellence, and our mission is to enable and nurture talented individuals from low-socioeconomic backgrounds to thrive within world-leading postgraduate research.

Martingale’s flagship programme is the Martingale Postgraduate Scholarship, which supports students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds to pursue and excel in postgraduate degrees, by providing:

• A fully-funded Living Wage Scholarship to pursue a one-year Masters degree or a four-year PhD.
• All tuition fees and research expenses, including a tax-free stipend for living costs.
• Tailored support to apply for Martingale courses at our partner universities.
• Access to Martingale programmes, including leadership training and connections with top academic and industry professionals.
• Membership of a pioneering community of talented researchers.

In the three years since Martingale launched, we are now supporting over 100 Scholars to undertake postgraduate degrees across our ten partner universities and have committed over £7.7m in Scholarships. We are continuing to expand our offer, bringing on new partners each year.

We are seeking an experienced, strategic and collaborative Head of Programmes to join our Senior Leadership Team and play a pivotal role in shaping our fast-growing Martingale Scholarship Programme.

As Head of Programmes, you will join our senior management team, overseeing the growing programmes team. Working closely with the CEO, you will oversee all aspects of Martingale’s Scholarship Programme from application to alumni, ensuring that the programme maintains a strong reputation for being both supportive and prestigious.

You will set the strategic direction of Martingale’s Scholarship Programme, working closely with the CEO on a day-to-day basis to ensure that as we expand across STEM the programme remains of a high quality and meeting Martingale’s mission. You will ensure that Martingale’s programmes are impactful, data informed and meet the needs of the scholars we are supporting. You will also be responsible for managing relationships with various external stakeholders including universities, funders and evaluation partners.

We are looking for a strong strategic leader with extensive programme experience including line management, partnership management and external relations. You will bring excellent organisational skills, strong attention to detail, a proactive mindset, and a strong alignment with Martingale’s mission. We welcome applicants from a range of career paths who are excited to be part of a growing, fast-paced charity delivering meaningful impact.

Martingale Foundation is incubated by Purposeful Ventures who provide operational and strategic support. The Head of Programmes will be employed by Purposeful Ventures.

About Purposeful Ventures

Our vision is for a fairer society where all young people thrive. We work with social entrepreneurs, organisations and philanthropists that share our vision. Through our work with these partners, young people are given opportunities in education and beyond, helping them reach their true potential.

Purposeful Ventures offers philanthropists and funders bespoke advice, using an evidence-based approach to help them to identify high-impact opportunities to fund. We then partner with visionary individuals and mission-driven organisations with strong theories of change. We help them turn great ideas into sustainable and successful ventures by offering fully individualised and very hands-on support, access to funding and a ‘high-challenge, high-support’ home. We do the minimum necessary and whatever it takes to succeed.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership of the Scholarship Programme

• Provide strategic oversight of the end-to-end Martingale Scholarship lifecycle, from selection and admissions through to scholar progression and alumni outcomes.
• Develop and deliver a multi-year operational strategy for Martingale’s Development Programme (MDP), ensuring scalability, academic excellence, and alignment with organisational growth plans.
• Continuously refine the scholar journey to ensure it is sector-leading, prestigious, and tailored to the needs of students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Build deep expertise in postgraduate education, research culture, and enabling access to inform programme evolution and innovation.

Admissions & Selection Strategy

• Lead the design, governance, and continuous improvement of a rigorous, fair, and high-quality admissions and assessment process across subject areas.
• Oversee shortlisting, interview frameworks, assessment centres, and final scholarship recommendations to the Selection Committee.
• Ensure alignment between Martingale’s selection processes and university partner requirements.
• Maintain oversight of scholar allocation, including place management, deferrals, intermissions, withdrawals, and reallocations.

Scholar Experience & Case Management

• Ensure effective advocacy for Scholars including maximising progression and retention across cohorts.
• Oversee complex scholar casework, including deferrals, intermissions, safeguarding concerns, funding queries, disciplinary action and university liaison.
• Ensure consistent, professional, and high-touch support across the scholar lifecycle.
• Strengthen cohort cohesion and long-term alumni engagement.

Safeguarding & Compliance

• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for Martingale, ensuring safeguarding policy implementation and record keeping in line with best practice in relation to vulnerable adults.
• Oversee data protection compliance relating to scholar and applicant data, in partnership with the organisation’s Data Protection Officer.
• Ensure programme delivery complies with charity, funding, and regulatory requirements.

Budget, Contracting & Financial Oversight

• Hold responsibility for programme budgets, ensuring effective resource allocation, cost control, and value for money.
• Oversee scholarship programme financial management, and work with Head of Strategy and Operations on onwards grants including deferrals, funding adjustments, and invoicing.
• Work with the Head of Strategy and Operations on university contracting, scholarship agreements, and financial reconciliation with partners.
• Ensure timely and accurate invoicing and reporting processes across programme operations.

University & Sector Partnerships (Programme-Focused)

• Lead programme-level relationships with university partners, including Heads of Departments, Graduate Tutors, CDT leads, and admissions teams.
• Ensure universities meet partnership commitments and that Scholars are appropriately supported institutionally.
• Contribute to partnership negotiations where programme design or operational delivery is concerned.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen university research culture and scholar support mechanisms.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Impact

• Lead development and oversight of Martingale’s Theory of Change and evaluation framework, working with our external independent evaluators.
• Develop robust systems to track scholar progression, outcomes, and programme effectiveness.
• Provide high-quality reporting to the CEO, Board, funders, and partners, evidencing impact and continuous improvement.

New Programme Development & Innovation

• Work with the CEO to design new subject expansions, pilots, or initiatives aligned to Martingale’s mission.
• Assess operational, financial, and reputational implications of programme growth.
• Develop business cases, delivery models, and implementation plans for expansion.

Team Leadership & Culture

• Provide senior leadership to the Programmes team, including line management of programme staff.
• Build a high-performing, mission-driven team with clear accountability and ownership.
• Develop succession planning and team capability as Martingale scales.
• Model Martingale’s values of excellence, professionalism, and thoughtful support.

Organisational Leadership

• Serve as a member of the Senior Management Team, contributing to organisational strategy and governance.
• Represent Martingale externally in academic, sector, and policy contexts where appropriate.
• Support Board and Committee reporting related to programme performance and scholar outcomes.

Key Requirements:

Essential Criteria

• Right to work in the UK

Experience and skills

Essential

• Significant experience leading and delivering high-quality programmes, ideally in higher education, research, scholarships, or a mission-driven organisation.
• Strong stakeholder management experience, with evidence of working effectively with universities, academics, funders, or equivalent partners.
• Proven line management experience, with the ability to develop and lead a high-performing team.
• Experience managing complex operational delivery, including planning, timelines, and coordinating multiple moving parts.
• Strong experience handling sensitive casework and providing professional support to individuals.
• Budget management experience, including planning and overseeing programme delivery costs.
• Excellent written communication skills, including producing clear reports and briefings for senior audiences.
• Commitment to safeguarding, wellbeing and compliance, with willingness to act as safeguarding lead.

Desirable

• Experience working directly with postgraduate research, PhD programmes, or doctoral training environments.
• Experience designing or overseeing selection and assessment processes (e.g. interviews, admissions, recruitment pipelines).
• Experience managing programme evaluation frameworks, including Theory of Change and external evaluators.
• Familiarity with contracting, invoicing, and operational finance processes.
• Knowledge of UK higher education systems and research culture.
• Experience working in a start-up, scale-up, or fast-growing charity.

Personal Characteristics

• Highly organised, proactive, and able to prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills: able to build rapport and trusting relationships, able to work co-operatively in a multidisciplinary setting.
• Strong judgement, discretion and professionalism, including ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
• A commitment to Martingale’s mission to support postgraduate students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Comfortable working in a rapidly growing and changing organisation with a degree of ambiguity – confident to create processes and ways forward where they might not yet exist.
• Creative and innovative: willing to think outside the box to maximise reach.
• Resourceful, able to act on initiative, hardworking, detail-oriented, and systematic.