Jobs for the Elderly sector

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 Fundraiser 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 24 April 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 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.

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced, registered nurse to support and lead our nursing unit in the absence of the Unit Manager or Deputy Unit Manager. The post holder will provide high-quality, person-centred care to residents, promote professional standards, and ensure a collaborative, supportive environment for residents, families, and staff. This role includes clinical leadership, staff supervision, and contribution to practice development in line with NMC regulations and Nightingale policies.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

• Act as the lead nurse in the absence of the Unit Manager/Deputy, ensuring the smooth operation of the unit.

• Support with rota planning, staff deployment, and management of nursing teams.

• Contribute to recruitment, supervision, appraisal, and ongoing professional development of staff.

• Ensure effective communication across internal departments and with external professionals, residents, and families.

• Promote a culture of respect, empathy, and professionalism, in line with Nightingale’s values and Jewish cultural observances.

• Support in managing complaints, incidents, and staff concerns following Nightingale procedures.

Clinical Practice

• Coordinate, deliver and evaluate high standards of resident care in line with CQC and regulatory standards.

• Maintain safe administration and control of medications.

• Promote and model effective multidisciplinary communication.

• Engage in clinical practice regularly to maintain clinical skills and support staff on the floor.

• Contribute to continuous improvement in nursing practice, patient outcomes, and resident satisfaction.

Service & Practice Development

• Work with the Unit Manager to implement changes and innovations in clinical care.

• Participate in quality assurance, audits, and evaluation of care standards.

• Ensure safe, effective, and up-to-date practices based on current research and clinical guidelines.

• Foster a learning environment for staff and students on placement.

• Mentor staff and support development of specialist skills in elderly care.

Education & Research

• Take responsibility for your own professional development and NMC revalidation (where applicable).

• Conduct bi-monthly 1:1 supervisions with allocated staff members.

• Promote evidence-based practice and contribute to training and development sessions for team members.

• Participate in service improvement initiatives and research where appropriate.

Health & Safety / Compliance

• Uphold Nightingale’s policies on fire safety, health and safety, infection control, and emergency procedures.

• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, medicines management, and legislative frameworks governing adult social care.

Site Cover

• Participate in the site-wide cover rota, including occasional out-of-hours responsibilities and working opposite the Unit Manager to ensure continuity of care and leadership.

Essential Criteria

• Registered Nurse with valid NMC PIN.

• Experience in elderly care or a similar setting.

• Strong leadership, communication, and clinical skills.

• Understanding of CQC standards and person-centred care.

• Commitment to cultural sensitivity and values of Nightingale.

Desirable

• Previous experience in a senior or acting-up role.

• Mentorship or teaching qualification.

• Knowledge of Jewish cultural practices (training can be provided).

Sponsorship 

Please note that this role doesn't provide sponsorship. If you now or in the future require a visa sponsor, please do not apply.