Animal welfare officer jobs

Location: Home based in Scotland with travel for meetings, events and farm visits

Start date: Preferred between 12 and 19 October 2026 to ensure a comprehensive handover (maternity leave commences 2 November)

The Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN) is a farmer-led organisation helping farmers restore the balance between farming and nature. We support farmers by sharing knowledge, resources, and case studies to boost food production, protect wildlife, and build climate resilience. We influence policy to secure fair rewards for farmers who care for nature and connect like-minded farmers across the UK.

Our network is open to all – farmers, the public, and organisations.

This role is a maternity cover role.

We are seeking an organised, enthusiastic and proactive individual to provide maternity cover and coordinate NFFN Scotland’s Knowledge Exchange (KE) programme of activities. 

The sucessful candidate will have a sound understanding of Scotland’s farming and crofting sectors, strong organisational and communication skills, and the ability to maintain and develop relationships and inspire change. This role involves hitting the ground running,  working closely with farmers, crofters, partner organisations, and the wider NFFN team to deliver a programme of impactful events, grow the network, and support knowledge sharing to accelerate the adoption of nature friendly farming practices.

This maternity cover role will play a key role in delivering NFFN Scotland’s KE strategy, contributing to the growth of our network and raising awareness of nature-friendly farming across the country. They will work closely with the NFFN Scotland Manager and the farmer-led steering group, as well as other NFFN staff involved in farmer and public engagement, to ensure alignment with the wider organisational strategy. Strong communication skills and the ability to engage confidently with a range of audiences are essential, as is a proactive and collaborative approach to working across teams and with external partners. 

This is a home-based role based in Scotland, and the successful applicant must be willing and able to travel to farms, meetings and events across the country, including occasional overnight stays. Valid UK driving licence, or an equivalent licence permitting you to drive in the UK is essential. 
 

For more information, and to apply for this role, please visit: 

https://forms.gle/Uchy69cRxCm8isAc9

Closing date for applications: 2 September 2026 at midday (12pm)

Interviews 8 and 9 September 2026

We are seeking an organised, proactive, and people-focused Business Support and Grant Manager to join our growing charity. This new full time role has been created to support increasing demand and offers the opportunity to contribute directly to projects that deliver lasting community impact. The position is offered on a two-year fixed-term contract, with the intention of becoming permanent. Some UK travel, including occasional overnight stays, will be required.

Reports To: CEO

Contract: Full Time Fixed Term (2 years) with the intention of becoming permanent

Location: Within commuting distance of Milton Keynes, with UK travel and occasional overnight stays. Hybrid working from home will be optional following an induction period of at least two months at the head office. 

Purpose of the Role: To provide effective business support and development assistance to the charity while managing community grants from application through to award, monitoring and reporting. The postholder will support organisational growth, stakeholder engagement, tendering for new contracts, and the delivery of grant funding that creates positive community and social impact.

Probation Period: Four Months

Key Responsibilities:

Business Support

· Support the day-to-day operational effectiveness of the charity.

· Coordinate, prepare and submit tenders and business proposals.

· Gather and collate information from internal and external stakeholders to support submissions.

· Ensure all submissions are completed accurately and within deadlines.

· Support the CEO and Grant Director with reports and presentations.

· Maintain accurate records, databases and organisational documentation.

Grant Management

· Administer grant programmes from application to project completion.

· Review and assess funding applications against agreed criteria.

· Undertake due diligence and eligibility checks.

· Attend community benefit fund Advisory Panel Meetings.

· Monitor grant expenditure and funded project progress.

· Review monitoring reports and evaluate project outcomes.

· Ensure compliance with governance, funding conditions and reporting requirements.

· Maintain accurate grant records and audit trails.

Stakeholder Engagement

· Develop and maintain positive relationships with funders, applicants, community groups and partners.

· Provide guidance and support to applicants throughout the grant process.

· Support the onboarding of new clients.

· Represent the charity at meetings and events and public consultations.

· Act as a key point of contact for stakeholders and grant recipients.

Community Benefit Funds

· Support the development and delivery of community benefit funds.

· Assist with planning, governance, assessment and reporting activities.

· Support research and community engagement initiatives.

· Contribute to ensuring funds deliver measurable and lasting community outcomes.

General

· Uphold the values, policies and procedures of the charity.

· Work collaboratively across the organisation.

· Undertake other duties appropriate to the role and level of responsibility.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

Experience

· Experience of preparing tenders, funding bids or funding applications.

· Experience of stakeholder engagement and relationship management.

· Experience of managing multiple projects and competing priorities.

· Experience of producing reports and maintaining accurate records.

Knowledge

· Understanding of grant-making processes and funding assessment principles.

· Knowledge of governance, compliance and accountability requirements.

· Understanding of community-focused or charitable activities.

Skills & Abilities

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

· Strong organisational and project management skills.

· Ability to assess information objectively and make evidence-based recommendations.

· Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

· Ability to build effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.

· Competent in Microsoft Office applications and database management.

· Ability to work independently and use initiative.

Personal Attributes

· Proactive and self-motivated.

· Professional and trustworthy.

· Strong commitment to fairness, transparency and integrity.

· Adaptable and solutions-focused.

· Passionate about supporting communities and delivering positive impact.

Desirable Criteria

Experience

· Experience working within a charity, community organisation, social enterprise or funding body.

· Experience managing community benefit funds.

· Experience of contract management or project delivery.

· Experience supporting senior leaders or board-level governance activities.

Knowledge

· Understanding of social value and community wealth-building principles.

· Knowledge of charity governance and funding environments.

Qualifications

· Degree-level qualification or relevant professional experience.

· Relevant qualification in business administration, project management, fundraising, grant management or a related discipline.

Other Requirements

· Willingness to travel across the UK.

· Ability to undertake occasional overnight stays.

· Right to work in the UK

· UK Driving License

We are looking for a person with an understanding of working with a values-driven team of people, in the charity or not-for-profit sector.

The person appointed will have an appreciation of the aims and values of the Sustain alliance and be excited by supporting our organisation in effective ways of working, whilst freeing up senior leaders and spokespeople to undertake influencing, communication, partnership development and fundraising activities.

The Operations and People Manager will help Sustain function effectively as an organisation and be a great place to work. This is a senior, trusted role working closely with the Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team (SLT), Senior Management Team (SMT), line managers and Trustees to strengthen our people, operational and governance systems.

The post-holder will lead practical improvements in HR, people processes, line management standards, staff development, onboarding, offboarding, organisational culture and compliance. They will combine sound judgement, strong systems thinking and a people-centred approach, helping Sustain keep processes clear, proportionate and well-managed, while supporting colleagues to focus on effective delivery.

The mission of the Sustain alliance is to catalyse systemic change in the UK’s food and farming system – securing a healthy, fair, and sustainable future for all people, nature and a stable climate. Working in collaboration with our alliance members and others, we run a range of advocacy work, projects and campaigns to achieve permanent changes in policy and practice; and to engage more people, organisations and communities in being food system change-makers.

As with all senior roles at Sustain, the person appointed to this role will work mainly at the Sustain office in London during their probationary period, and thereafter at least half of working hours at our office, whilst benefiting from the flexibility offered to all colleagues. This is part of senior role-modelling of the creativity, support, engagement and well-being benefits that in-person working cultivates between colleagues. This will be managed in coordination with other senior colleagues to enable good in-person coverage and connectivity across the week and across common holiday periods.

Role and responsibilities
•Strengthen Sustain’s people, HR, operational and governance systems so that the charity works effectively, fairly and well.
•Help Sustain be a great place to work, with clear standards, supportive line management, good staff development and a positive, inclusive culture.
•Lead on high standards and practical improvements in recruitment; induction; probation; appraisals; people and HR processes; line management skills, knowledge and tools; staff consultation; and organisational policies and practices.
•Support senior leaders, line managers and Trustees with clear advice, reliable processes, good records and proportionate and effective risk management.
•Develop and maintain systems that are simple, useful and appropriate for Sustain’s size, values, resources and legal responsibilities
 

Tasks and responsibilities:

Organisational operations and systems
•Lead on managing and developing the charity’s operational activities.
•Ensure that senior management actions that support operational effectiveness are managed and carried out in a timely way, via an accessible and accountable process.
•Lead and/or participate in a range of internal groups that support operational effectiveness.
•Support the Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and other relevant staff with governance matters, including:
oReporting to the Council of Trustees on operational and people matters;
oPerformance of the ‘Company Secretary’ role on behalf of Trustees;
oTrustee recruitment, induction and management of necessary information and processes;
oAppropriate compliance with the Charity Governance Code.
•Working with the Chief Executive and Chair of the Council of Trustees, help prepare and coordinate the agendas and the running of the quarterly board meeting and occasional (at least annual) staff and Trustees strategy day, as well as the Sustain AGM, Annual Report and Trustee elections (annual), as one of the key links in communication with and between Sustain’s Council of Trustees.
•Lead on development and implementation of one or more relevant chapter of Sustain’s Organisation Development Plan (ODP).

•Support the planning and running of events, working with Sustain team leads, partners, venues and contributors.
•Work with the Head of Finance, Head of Digital and Design and external suppliers to help ensure office, IT and operational arrangements are appropriate and support effective working.
 

People, HR and employment processes
•Lead development and implementation of HR processes, practical actions and transactions, using external HR and/or legal advisors for authoritative support and advice where needed.
•Lead on full lifecycle support for Sustain staff including:
oEffective and inclusive recruitment, onboarding and offboarding – implementing Sustain’s commitment to recruitment for diversity – working with SMT, finance and admin leads;
oCreating, grading, reviewing and updating job descriptions, working with line managers and the senior leadership team;
oManaging employment contract variances; funding precarity; end-of-contract and risk-of-redundancy processes, working with senior managers, line managers, affected employees and HR/legal advisors;
oCreating or supporting a range of opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds and identities to get involved.
•Act as first point of contact for HR queries, taking ownership of policies and process, culture and employee relations; informed by HR advice, consultation and annual staff survey, including overseeing an action plan to embed areas of good practice, and to pursue improvements in an accountable way.
•Regular review of job descriptions, grades, progression and staff benefits within Sustain to ensure we remain competitive within the sector.
•Provide or commission sector benchmarking data, analysis and recommendations to inform decision-making, using a methodology agreed with Trustee oversight, on matters such financial and non-financial staff benefits.
•Maintain and improve the Staff Handbook, Recruitment Handbook, and related policies, guidance, advice and other support.

Line management standards, learning and staff development
•Lead the development and implementation of clear, practical standards for line management at Sustain, working with SLT, SMT, the Line Managers Forum and external advisers where appropriate.

•Develop and oversee implementation of key processes such as annual appraisals, annual planning and objective-setting, and a suitable performance management process.
•Help ensure objective-setting, personal development and progression conversations are undertaken routinely, and that these and performance management are handled consistently, fairly and in line with Sustain’s values and legal responsibilities.
•Support line managers to run effective 1-to-1s, probation reviews, appraisals, workload conversations, development conversations, and difficult conversations where needed.
•Ensure suitable and sufficient ongoing learning opportunities and training for the staff team and the Line Managers group, driving the charity’s approach to consistent standards, personal development and career progression.
•Maintain and improve the Line Managers Handbook and related tools, templates and guidance.
Culture, EDI, staff voice and union liaison
•Manage and develop Sustain as a great place to work, with a working culture and practices that support effective delivery, as well as health, wellbeing and personal development.
•Serve as an active member of the Diversity Group, to implement and innovate on equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism, and to gather data to measure and report on impact and progress.
•Working with the CEO, provide a route for requests and suggestions from the Health and Wellbeing Group to be properly considered and actioned as appropriate.
•Develop and support ways for staff voices to be heard and influence policies, practices and organisational culture, and for staff to be able to raise ideas and concerns confidently and see actions taken as a result.
•Support structured staff consultation and union liaison processes, helping ensure they are well-organised, transparent, well-documented and conducted in line with Sustain's policies and recognition arrangements.

Governance, compliance and risk management
•Develop and update key resources, contributing to useful reference sets such as the Staff Handbook, Recruitment Handbook and Line Managers Handbook, including overseeing production, maintenance and updating of all policies, procedures and guidance relevant to operations and people.
•Ensure Sustain complies with all employment, health and safety, data protection, charity legislation and statutory guidance including filing at Companies House and maintaining organisational records with the Charity Commission, and managing the risk register and internal policies tracker.

•Ensure adherence to health, safety, diversity and safeguarding procedures in the office, in hybrid working and for events and activities; undertaking comprehensive risk assessments for events and activities; and ensuring appropriate risk mitigation, staff communication and updates to guidance.
Other
•Potential for this role to line-manage one or more member of staff, volunteer, paid intern and/or external consultant, offering 1-to-1 support for objective-setting, work delivery, coaching and pastoral matters.
•Any other reasonable tasks and duties, agreed with the Chief Executive, consistent with the nature and level of the role.

Person specification / What we’re looking for:

Qualifications and requirements
•Significant experience operating at a senior level in a people, HR, operations or an organisation development role, including responsibility for organisational systems and staff management. [E]
•Experience of working in a charity, not-for-profit, campaigning, membership, alliance or other values-led organisation. [D]
•Demonstrable commitment to the operations and people role through a relevant qualification, training or other continuing professional development (CPD). [D]
 

Experience
•Significant experience leading organisational, people or operational improvement and advising senior decision-makers. [E]
•Developing skills and learning plans, and commissioning and/or delivering learning opportunities including training, workshops, facilitation and/or coaching. [E]
•Managing employment contracts to improve employee information and job security, especially where funding is short-term and project-based, with insights into good practice. [D]
•Delivering training and/or guidance to improve people-related functions to be delivered by line managers. [D]
•Working in a unionised organisation. [D]
Skills, abilities and attitudes
•Confidence and experience to take a leadership role on operational and people matters, working with the Chief Executive, Trustees and senior managers. [E]
•Strong problem-solving skills, and negotiation skills and the ability and confidence to provide insightful and constructive proposals and advice. [E]
•Excellent project management skills. [E]
•Aptitude for managing financial information and budgets. [D]
•Ability to communicate clearly and sensitively in writing and verbally, including on complex, confidential or contentious matters. [E]
•Proficiency with computer software and records management. [E]

Knowledge
•Knowledge and experience of end-to-end management of staff team members and their development: recruitment, induction and probation; learning experiences, skills and training; personal and career development; performance management; support for health and wellbeing; and HR processes. [E]
•Sound knowledge of UK HR and employment rules and statutory guidance, and their implementation in good practice. [E]
•Knowledge of IT, online and practical systems for improving processes and efficiency. [D]
 

Attitudes and personal qualities
•Highly organised and self-motivated, with the ability to work flexibly, independently and meet deadlines; whilst having the judgment to know when and who to consult before proceeding. [E]
•High integrity, with a professional, diplomatic, values-led, solutions-focused and collaborative approach to working with individuals and a wider team. [E]
•Commitment and ability to work at our office in East London regularly. [E]
•Demonstrable commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and racial justice. [E]
•Commitment to the mission and values of Sustain, and an interest in healthy and sustainable food and farming. [D]

Application closing date: Monday 14 September at 5pm (BST)

First stage interviews will take place (via Zoom) on: Wednesday 23 September 2026

Second stage interviews to take place in-person (London office) on: Wednesday 30 September 2026

Early applications are encouraged.

For any queries, please contact our recruitment team.