Animal welfare jobs

Job Title: Project Manager – Northern Futures
Salary: £36,849 – £41,234 per annum
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Fixed Term until 31 March 2027
Location: Lobley Hill Community Centre, Gateshead – Programmes operate across the North East of England.

About us

Groundwork NE & Cumbria is a long‑established environmental and community charity with over 30 years of experience creating greener, healthier and more resilient places across the region. Our mission centres on Creating Better Places, Improving People’s Prospects, and Promoting Greener Living, helping communities thrive no matter the challenges they face.

We deliver hundreds of locally‑led projects each year, including initiatives that support young people into education, training and employment, helping them overcome barriers, build life skills, and reach their full potential.

About the role

Working closely with the Youth Programmes Manager, you will lead interdisciplinary teams to achieve performance, quality and compliance targets, ensuring the smooth and effective delivery of high‑quality services to beneficiaries. Using strong project management practice, you will motivate and enable your team, driving contract compliance and supporting continuous improvement.

This role focuses exclusively on the Northern Futures programme supporting 18–24‑year‑olds who are economically inactive and living with physical or mental health conditions, helping them gain meaningful work experience and receive personalised 1‑to‑1 support from Employment Coaches as they move towards employment, education or training.

You will also play a key role in developing the programme by identifying, applying for and managing smaller community‑focused projects that enhance support for participants and strengthen the wider impact of Northern Futures.

You will work solely on the Northern Futures programme, funded by North East Combined Authority

About you

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has strong project management experience, ideally within employability, youth services, community development or similar sectors.
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment and is confident making decisions under pressure.
• Has excellent relationship-building, leadership and communication skills.
• Understands compliance, performance management and quality assurance.
• Can inspire and enable teams to deliver high-quality services.
• Brings a passion for supporting young people to overcome barriers and achieve their potential.

A full driving licence and the ability to work flexible hours when required would be beneficial.

Closing date: Midnight on Tuesday 17th March 2026
Please note, should we receive a high volume of applications, we may look to close the role early, therefore we recommend an early application.
We reserve the right to close this advert at any time.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

Make yourself at home:

We want you to be yourself at Groundwork and we value everything that makes you unique. We recognise and celebrate your difference and together we make Groundwork a special and great place to work. As a Disability Confident employer, we offer a guaranteed interview to applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria for the role.

At Groundwork we ensure that we provide a safe environment for adults, children and young people to take part in any activity or service that we organise. We are committed to creating a culture that promotes safeguarding and the welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk. Our safer recruitment practices support this by ensuring that there is a consistent and comprehensive process of obtaining, collating, analysing and evaluating information from and about candidates to ensure that all the people we appoint are suitable to work with our children, young people and adult

This role is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure endorsed by the Disclosure and Barring Service.

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship – the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

No agencies please.

Senior Project Officer (Community Development and Training)
Reference: SPOCDT26
Location: Home-based within or near Devon (with travel across the county)
Contract: Fixed term until December 2026 (10 months)
Hours: 15 hours each week
Salary: £28,000 FTE per annum (£11,200 actual for 15 hours per week)

Groundwork South is seeking a motivated and experienced Senior Project Officer (Community Development and Training) to support delivery of our National Lottery-funded Communities Prepared programme in Devon.

Communities Prepared works with volunteers and communities across England to help them build the skills, confidence and knowledge needed to prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies. This includes supporting communities to plan for climate-related risks such as flooding, storms, heat waves, and severe weather.

This role will play a key part in delivering the final stages of the Devon Resilience Innovation Project (DRIP), a £7.3 million programme funded through the UK Government’s Flood and Coastal Resilience Innovation Programme and administered by the Environment Agency.

Working closely with partners including Devon County Council, you will engage with communities across Devon to increase awareness of flood risk and support them to strengthen their resilience.

About the Project and the Role

The Devon Resilience Innovation Project (DRIP) is testing innovative ways to improve flood resilience in communities across Devon. This role will focus on engaging 28 priority communities to assess uptake of support for community emergency planning and Flood Warden training.

Key Responsibilities

As Senior Project Officer, you will:

• Design and deliver a targeted community engagement plan across Devon.
• Raise awareness of local climate and flood risks.
• Support communities to develop emergency and flood plans.
• Help establish and support Flood Action Groups and Flood Wardens.
• Deliver training and workshops both online and in person.
• Work collaboratively with programme partners and stakeholders.
• Monitor and report on community engagement and participation.
• Track and evidence engagement activity and outcomes.
• Contribute to project meetings and programme reporting.
• Share learning with the national Communities Prepared team.

We are looking for someone with:

• Experience in community engagement or community development.
• Experience delivering training or workshops.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders or partners.
• Confidence working independently in a remote role.
• An interest in climate resilience, emergency planning or environmental issues.
• A willingness to travel across Devon.

Not all communities will take up the offer of support, so an important part of the role is ensuring engagement is clearly tracked and reported.

The role involves regular travel across Devon and occasional travel to Bristol for team meetings.

Knowledge of community emergency planning or flood resilience would be an advantage but is not essential.

Closing date for applications: 22nd March 2026
Interview date: 26th March 2026

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

Groundwork South is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all members of the community.

No agencies please.

Team: Philanthropy & Partnerships

Location: Homebased with some travel for meetings & events

Work pattern: 21 hours per week over 3 days Monday to Friday, specific days can be discussed at interview

Salary: Up to £22,539.57 per annum (pro rata of £37,565.95)

Contract: Permanent

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

Will you join us and make life better for cats?

Responsibilities of our Senior Corporate Partnerships Development Officer:

• The successful candidate will lead the development of new, long-term corporate partnerships, supporting the implementation of the corporate partnerships fundraising plan and increasing sustainable net income for Cats Protection.
• The Senior Corporate Partnerships Development Officer will be pivotal in driving new income for the charity, working as one with teams across the charity to identify new opportunities for potential corporate funding support.

About the Corporate Partnerships team:

• We sit within the Marketing & Income Generation directorate.
• The corporate partnerships team is split between new business and account management, made up of driven, passionate and dynamic corporate fundraisers
• We currently have a team of one full time Senior Corporate Partnerships Development Officer and a Corporate Partnerships Development Manager, in addition to a Lead Corporate Partnerships Manager who oversees the entire corporate partnerships team
• You will be managed by the Corporate Partnerships Development Manager, and you will work alongside another Senior Corporate Partnerships Officer to achieve a joint team target

What we are looking for in our Senior Corporate Partnerships Development Officer:

• Significant corporate partnership fundraising experience generating new business within a charity setting
• Extensive experience of developing strong relationships with supporters/ clients/colleagues
• Experience of presenting business proposals in person and via conference call
• Experience of managing commercial participators agreements, negotiating updates and changes where necessary 
• Excellent networking skills
• Familiar with the CIOF codes of practice relating to corporate partnership fundraising

What we can offer you:

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

Interested? Here’s how to apply:

Application closing date: 15th March 2026

Virtual interview date:  From 24th March 2026

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

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

If successful, your recruitment journey will include:

1. Anonymised application form

2. Virtual interview via Microsoft Teams

3. Final stage virtual interview

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

The Finance team provides finance and budgeting support to staff, managers and members of PCS. The department is about to embark on a digital transformation that will modernise how the Finance department operates for the Union. We are looking for a Head of Finance that will drive and lead this project whilst maintaining continuity of service operation to the union, members and staff and, to join a progressive union that values collaboration, integrity, and social impact.

Salary and Location

• Band 5, London Spine points 21-17 or Regional Spine points 23-19
• Starting salary: London £63,279 p.a. rising to £72,098 p.a. or Regional £58,877 p.a. rising to £67,689, in annual increments (pay award pending)
• PCS Clapham or Regional office

Successful candidates for the post of Head of FInance will be able to demonstrate:

You are a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, ACMA, CIPFA) and or have an MBA with:

• 5 years proven experience of managing a successful finance team
• Proven experience in strategic financial leadership
• Strong knowledge of financial systems, compliance, and reporting
• Project management and delivery in a financial setting
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Management of internal and external audit processes
• A commitment to equality, inclusion, and the values of the trade union movement

The main duties of the Head of Finance role include:

• Strong leadership and effective management of the finance team
• Lead and manage the implementation and optimisation of a new finance system to ensure cost-efficiency through service reviews and technology adoption
• Deliver strategic financial advice to senior stakeholders
• Lead the unions financial services, focusing on complex and high-impact areas
• Support medium and long-term financial planning for the Director of Central Services and Senior Management Team
• Oversee management accounts, year-end financial reports, and budget cycles
• Ensure compliance with VAT, Corporation Tax, PAYE, and regulatory reporting (e.g., AR21)
• Provide accurate financial data and strategic insights to decision-makers
• Strengthen audit processes and investment oversight
• Ensure integrity in transaction processing and ledger management
• Maintain compliance with data protection and service level agreements
• Support supplier relationship management

Excellent people and leadership skills combined with strong analytical skills, and problem solving ability, and an understanding of up-to-date finance technology will all be essential requirements for a successful Head of Finance.

Closing date: at 12 midday on Thursday 12 March 2026

Interviews will be held in person at PCS Clapham: Wednesday 25 March 2026

About PCS

PCS is the Public and Commercial Services Union, representing many thousands of members working in the civil service and related areas.

Employer Benefits

You will have access to a generous package of staff benefits including

• flexible working (including hybrid working)
• childcare and family support
• generous maternity/paternity leave
• 32 days leave and Christmas closure
• pension scheme
• employee assistance programme

Learning and Development

The union offers a wide range of learning and development opportunities. We will work with you to support your continued professional development.

PCS Recruiting Process

We use CVMinder to manage all recruitment activities. It helps us to maintain our commitment to equality and diversity by ensuring that we are fair and compliant with our recruiting practices.

Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified.

Candidates invited for interview are required to make themselves available on the date/s specified. Interview dates cannot be changed to accommodate candidates who are unavailable to attend on the specified date.

• CVs will not be accepted. Please see the job description/person specification and follow the application process.
• PCS is working towards equal opportunities and is positive about disabled people.
• All posts can be considered on a full-time, part-time or job share basis.

Please view our guidance for applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION: HEAD OF FINANCE

Ref: 0326

Grade: Band 5, London or Region

Salary:

London Spine points 21-17

London Starting salary £63,279 p.a. rising to £72,098 p.a.

Regional Spine points 23-19

Regional Starting salary £58,877 p.a. rising to £67,689

Location: PCS Clapham (London) or PCS regional offices

Purpose of the job:

Management and leadership of the PCS Finance Team and the provison of strategic financial advice to the National Executive Committee and other bodies.

Responsible for the management of the compilation and production of all management accounts, PCS annual audit, budgets, cash-flow and financial planning reports and annual reports.

Responsible for the integrity and completeness of the accounting records, ensuring taxation compliance.

To manage the modernisation of PCS finance system and to work with our providers to introduce digital products to support PCS primary financial accounting management system.

To engage stakeholders and drive strategic change to optimise the efficiency of the financial operations and contribute towards PCS overall strategic direction of the PCS Union.

Responsible to: Director of Central Services

Responsible for: Internal Audit & Funding Manager and Finance & Budget Manager

Contacts

External:

PCS members, elected officials and potential members. Employers, Legal, pension and other advisors. TUC, Members of other trade unions and related bodies. Senior Government Officials, Ministers, MPs, pressure groups, campaigning bodies and media, Auditors, financial institutions and Investment Managers.

Internal:

PCS staff and managers across Regions and Departments

Main duties and responsibilities

1.People Management

• Manage work allocation and workflow, future planning and support for Finance Team and Director of Central Services
• Motivate and manage individuals and the team as a whole to provide a high standard of service to develop and improve the skills and efficiency of the Finance team
• Check work standards and maintain consistent quality of delegated tasks
• Seek to continuously improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the team
• Through induction, the appraisal system and one-to-ones, identify staff training and development needs, train or organise formal/informal training for the Finance Team
• Proactively promote diversity and inclusion in line with the wider PCS approach
• Apply the staff conduct policies as and when required e.g. discipline, grievance, capability, dignity at work and IT security policies
• Provide advice and deal with complex issues related to staff management including disciplinary or grievance in consultation with line manager
• Ensure that the health, safety and welfare of staff is maintained and improved, in accordance with PCS and statutory policies
• Work effectively with lay officials. Provide advice to and lead relevant committees including the preparation and presentation of reports
• Deputise for line manager when required

2.Strategy and Advice

• Ensure the provision of strategic financial advice and guidance to a wide range of stakeholders
• Provide leadership in delivering the unions Financial Services, having direct involvement in more complex or strategic areas to support the delivery of the unions objectives
• Prepare and manage delegated budgets in accordance with the Unions overall financial policies and procedures ensuring services are delivered within the agreed budgets
• Provide medium and long term financial planning support to the Director of Central Services and Senior Management team
• Oversee reviews of service prices and providers, making proposals for savings and change, seeking to exploit changing technologies and methods to reduce costs, wherever possible, in line with budgetary and policy constraints
• Oversee statistical systems to produce reports and analyse information within the Finance department
• Monitor and report on issues and initiatives as requested

3. Strategy and Advice

• Ensure the provision of strategic financial advice and guidance to a wide range of stakeholders
• Provide leadership in delivering the unions Financial Services, having direct involvement in more complex or strategic areas to support the delivery of the unions objectives
• Prepare and manage delegated budgets in accordance with the Unions overall financial policies and procedures ensuring services are delivered within the agreed budgets
• Provide medium and long term financial planning support to the Director of Central Services and Senior Management team
• Oversee reviews of service prices and providers, making proposals for savings and change, seeking to exploit changing technologies and methods to reduce costs, wherever possible, in line with budgetary and policy constraints
• Oversee statistical systems to produce reports and analyse information within the Finance department
• Monitor and report on issues and initiatives as requested

4.Finance Systems

• Manage the introduction, implementation and continuous monitoring of a new finance system to provide effective budget management at every level of the union
• Provide detailed financial data and reporting, including management accounts and strategic advice, to the National Executive Committee/Senior Management Team
• Provide straightforward access to budgets for all budget holders to facilitate better planning and cash flow management
• Ensure resources are optimised to enable good decision-making across each command area
• Review and update where necessary current audit processes to ensure compliance with the Trade Union Certification Officer
• Provide investment oversight, forecasting, and asset management to the Director of Central Services, and produce relevant information to support spending and investment decisions
• Ensure controls are in place and adhered to, to manage management override risks
• Maintain professional financial relationships with suppliers and customers

5.Operational Management

• Oversee and ensure the integrity of the unions transaction processing at all times
• Ensure all liabilities are recorded, payments made, receipts banked and ledgers managed in line with best practice
• Ensure all service level agreements are adhered to by the Finance department, and developed where necessary
• Ensure data protection adherence and finance systems are secure
• Assist the Director of Central Services in managing relationships with suppliers

6. Group and Branch Funding

• Oversee PCS work with Special Member Auditors to ensure the completion of union group and branch audit procedures in line with rules and Finance Committee requirements
• Provide assistance to group and branch treasurers, including training courses
• Provide reports as required for the Finance Committee
• Ensure expenses are paid in line with Service Level Agreement requirements

7. Finance Training and good practice

• Participate in the dissemination of financial knowledge across the union. Organise and participate in periodic financial training programmes for budget-holders, treasurers and members

8. Communication

• Draft complex communications including briefs, reports, business cases, for internal and external stakeholders
• Draft papers, policies and regulations in relation to financial management
• Communicate with members by producing circulars and briefings, and by addressing meetings and conferences etc
• Represent PCS where necessary and liaise with outside professional bodies such as auditors
• Provide financial information as required by other areas of the Union, in particular treasurers, or other bodies

9. Team Working

• Proactively promote team working and collaboration
• Initiate, organise, lead and participate in team meetings as appropriate
• Maintain high levels of confidentiality of sensitive issues at all times
• Provide assistance to team members
• Manage and co-ordinate staff on issues arising from new working practises, one off projects, or annual projects such as conference

10.Equality

• Contribute to PCS policies on equal opportunities by developing innovative workplace strategies to tackle inequality and discrimination

11.General

• Contribute to the strategic development of the Unions policy objectives including the PCS planning process
• At all times implement and promote the PCSs equal opportunities policy adhering to the PCS Values
• Take due and reasonable care of self and others in respect of health and safety at work
• Participate in appraisal, training and development systems
• Act in a manner that enhances the work of the PCS and its overall public image
• In all work activities, comply with data protection legislation and PCSs requirements for the protection of personal information and the privacy of individuals
• Such other duties that may reasonably be required and that are within the level of the responsibility of this post
• Willing to work outside normal office hours and location on occasion. (e.g. attendance at Annual Delegate Conference)

Person Specification: HEAD OF FINANCE

Ref: 0326

Date: January 2026

Location: London or Region

ESSENTIAL FACTORS

QUALIFICATION

• Qualification in Finance and/or Business Management (ACA,ACCA,ACMA,CIPFA,) and/or MBA with minimum of 5 years' proven management experience in finance

EXPERIENCE

• People management including induction, work allocation, appraisal and conduct
• Experience of working at strategic management level in finance
• Management accounts production and compilation of year end accounts, external reports and audit processes
• Management of payroll and pensions administration
• Project management and delivery in a financial setting

TRAINING

(including continuous professional development)

• Evidence of ongoing training and continuing professional development
• Commitment to undertake job-related training
• Commitment to participation in appraisal and development review process
• Commitment to staff development

KNOWLEDGE

• Management Accountancy
• Financial management and taxation including VAT, Corporate tax and PAYE compliance
• Contract and regulatory compliance management
• Impact and use of Financial Digital and IT applications
• An understanding of and a commitment to trade unions

SKILLS

• Ability to communicate effectively using written and oral channels, including reports and presentations, with a variety of audiences
• Ability to negotiate and form effective working relationships internally and externally
• Ability to provide strategic and policy implementation advice and guidance
• Proficient with Reporting, Data Analytics tools and performance metrics
• Ability to deliver and adapt financial training to audiences without financial knowledge/expertise

OTHER

• Commitment to the application of Equal Opportunities policies and practices at work
• Understanding of own role in maintaining legal compliances within PCS (e.g. data protection; health and safety)
• Flexible approach to work and willing to work outside of normal office hours and location on occasions