Appropriate adult volunteer volunteer jobs in Henley on thames, oxfordshire

Retail Regional Business Manager – Region 1 (Midlands, Kent, South Coast)

Service: Retail

Salary: £32,365 plus £480 home working allowance, per annum

Location: Home-based with regular travel throughout Region 1 (covering shops in Evesham, Hythe, Meads, Seaford, Warwick, and Whitstable); overnight stays as appropriate

Hours: 37 hours per week (full-time)

Contract: Permanent

Family Action & the Role’s Impact:

At Family Action we support people through change, challenge or crisis. It’s what we’ve done for over 150 years. We protect children, support young people and adults and offer direct, practical help to families and communities.

We see first-hand the power of family to shape lives, for better or worse, so we speak up for the

importance of family in national and local policymaking, amplify family voices and represent the changing needs of families in the UK today.

This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic and driven Retail Regional Business Manager to play a pivotal role in leading the success and growth of our Community Shop network. You will champion high-quality retail operations across your region, inspire and develop Community Shop Managers, and cultivate strong, positive relationships within local communities. With a focus on commercial performance, brilliant customer experience, and exceptional people leadership, you will help shape the future of our shops and strengthen their impact. This role offers the chance to influence strategic direction, support new store developments, and contribute meaningfully to Family Action’s mission and values while growing your own leadership and retail management expertise.

Main Responsibilities:

• Provide direct line management to Community Shop Managers, ensuring clarity of objectives and accountability and assist them in the day-to-day running of their stores.
• Maximise income from the Community Shops in the region by tightly managing expenditure and being innovative in income generation.
• Conduct regular shop visits to monitor performance, provide feedback, and document findings in visit reports.
• Develop and execute an annual business plan for the region and the individual Community Shops.
• Assist with the preparation of budget forecasts and monthly reporting.
• Monitor retail budgets, track expenditures and flag variances.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety, financial control, and all operational policies and procedures.
• Process Shop Teams’ petty cash claims and expenses and sign-off timesheets.
• Work with Recruitment and HR teams to fill vacancies and support Community Shop teams.
• Maintain staff and volunteer records – particularly around absence tracking and training logs.
• Work with and support Shop Teams to achieve financial targets.
• Keep up to date with developments in the charity retail sector at the local and national level and use this information to help grow the business.
• Support the Shop Teams in embedding the shops in their local communities.
• Allocate resources within the region and share best practices across the shops to maximise opportunities to achieve budgets.
• Serve as a liaison between Shop Teams and the wider charity.
• Deliver inductions, coaching, and training to Community Shop Managers and Shop Teams.
• Promote a positive image for Family Action among your team.
• Lead on creating high-performing cultures with a focus on customer service, operational excellence, financial control, and delivering budgets and targets (both financial and Gift Aid).
• Maintain P&L accountability for the region, controlling costs and monitoring budgets.
• Contribute to the development of the national Retail Strategy.
• Support on new site acquisitions, refits, and disposals in the region as required.
• Act as a key member of the Retail Senior Leadership Team, supporting strategic decision making.
• Uphold Family Action’s Health & Safety and Data Protection policies, reporting issues promptly.
• Promote and embed Family Action’s Equality & Diversity principles in all work.
• Adherence to Family Action’s Safeguarding policies and processes. 
• Work flexibly to meet the needs of the service, visiting shops a minimum of once per month and overnight stays as required.

Main Requirements (for details check the job description and person specification):

• Experience in managing multiple retail locations and teams
• Experience in charity retail or community-based initiatives
• Experience in P&L management
• Proven ability to deliver against financial targets and control costs
• Strong leadership and people development skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to work cross-functionally with other charity functions
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and retail management systems
• Full UK driving license and willing to travel
• Excellent commercial awareness and financial acumen
• High levels of organisational skills and attention to detail
• Competence in using EPOS systems
• Ability to work under pressure
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities

Benefits:

- an annual paid leave entitlement that commences at 25 working days, rising each April by one day, subject to a maximum of 30 working days plus bank holidays (pro rata)

- up to 6% matched-pension contributions

- enhanced paid sick leave and paid family leave provisions

- eye care and winter flu jabs vouchers

- cycle to work scheme

- investing in your professional development with ongoing quality training and career development opportunities

We are forward looking, ambitious and committed to continuous improvement. We are a people focused, can-do organisation, which strives for excellence in all we do and operates with mutual respect.

To Apply:

· Click the ‘Apply’ link below and fill out our digital application form

· Closing Date: 13th April 2026 at 23:59pm

Interviews are scheduled to take place virtually, with slots throughout the working day and early/late slots available.

All appointments with Family Action are subject to satisfactory Safer Recruitment checks.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:

We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process and you will be asked whether you require any adjustments if shortlisted for interview. We also make reasonable adjustments on the job, where required.

We are committed to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion in all that we do and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Intersectionality is important to us and we welcome applications from ethnically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ candidates and disabled candidates. We are committed to increasing the representation of these groups at Family Action because we know that greater diversity will lead to even greater results for families and children and we strive for our workforce to be truly representative of the diverse communities we support.

All candidates with a disability are welcome to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme and request priority consideration for an interview, provided they meet the essential criteria for the role.

To help remove financial barriers to working with us, we will reimburse reasonable travel costs if you are invited to attend an interview in person.

*Ordinarily Family Action appoints new starters at the starting point of the salary scale (with subsequent annual pay progression), unless you have experience that would justify appointment further up the salary scale or there are any other exceptional reasons.

Make a difference every day with PDSA  

About Us   

Join us to help keep even more people and pets together when times are tough. For over a century, PDSA have provided vital veterinary care for the pets of people in financial hardship.    

We’re now on a journey to expand our reach to support even more people and their beloved pets. To achieve this ambitious goal, we need passionate and driven individuals who are ready to embrace change and help shape a future-focused PDSA. Together, we'll build a stronger organisation to ensure our services help those who need us most for the next hundred years.    

If you're ready to make a real difference and be part of a team that's creating positive change, we want you to join us. Let's build a brighter future for pets and their owners, together.   

About you  

As a Project Communications Officer, you will play a key role in delivering clear, engaging and consistent internal communications that help frontline teams understand and adopt change across the Frontline Improvement Programme. The role involves developing tailored communication plans, crafting compelling messages for diverse audiences, and managing core channels such as newsletters, presentations and social platforms. A central focus is building strong relationships with stakeholders, supporting the Improvement Champion community, and showcasing project progress through impactful, human‑centred storytelling.

We are seeking someone to join the team on a 12‑month fixed‑term contract, working across our Pet Hospitals. We are looking for someone to join the team in this role and produce timely, high‑quality communication outputs, generating positive engagement from colleagues. The position also requires thoughtful planning, awareness of risks and the ability to use data and insight to measure communication impact, ensuring every message supports smooth change adoption across our Pet Hospitals.

This role is ideal for someone who has successfully delivered change communication plans and understands how to craft messages that help teams embrace new ways of working. You will bring experience using key communication platforms and navigating the complexities of a multi‑site organisation. Knowledge of programme and change management is essential, as we need someone who is agile, confident and comfortable working in changing environments while collaborating with stakeholders across the organisation.

This is a home‑based role with UK‑wide travel when required, primarily across the East and West Midlands. You will be expected to visit sites and attend team meetings at our Telford Head Office and Pet Hospitals across the UK.

Rewards, support and benefits    

We’re really passionate about being a great place to work, somewhere people feel proud of what they do, connected to a meaningful purpose, and able to make a genuine difference every day. Our teams are collaborative and supportive, and we encourage everyone to bring their ideas, individuality and passion for pets to work with them.  

As well as a rewarding role and a positive, people-focused culture, we also offer a wide range of benefits, including:  

• Flexible working options to support your work–life balance and individual circumstances.  

• 25 days’ holiday plus Bank Holidays, with option to buy or sell an extra five days. 

• Three paid special days off: Volunteering Day, Celebration Day and Wellbeing Day annually.  

• Generous pension options, with PDSA contributions starting at 5% and rising to 10%.  

• Life assurance providing four times your annual salary for added peace of mind.  

• AXA Health Employee Assistance Programme, with 24/7 wellbeing support   

• Retail, holiday and lifestyle discounts available through our staff Fetch benefits platform.  

• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave to support you and your family.  

• 10% discount on PDSA Pet Insurance plus access to staff veterinary services.  

To apply for this role, click Apply Now at the top of the page, create a candidate account and complete our simple application form.     

PDSA is committed to embedding a culture of diversity and inclusion within our teams that reflect the communities we serve. We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals are able to make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment, and in which all decisions are based on merit. We offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies and opportunities for flexible working arrangements to support team members from different backgrounds.   

If you have any questions or concerns regarding accessibility, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss via email or telephone reasonable adjustments that you may require throughout the recruitment process.   

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, adults at risk and all our colleagues and expect everyone who works for us to also share this commitment and to treat people with courtesy and respect.   

To support this commitment, our recruitment & selection processes are robust and rigorous. All appointments will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate background checks.   

Campaigning And Organising Assistant 

Salary: £25,550 per annum 

Location: Newark - Hybrid working with regular travel to other places of work.  

Office facilities are available at our Newark office. Office opening days are Tuesdays to Thursdays. There is a requirement to attend in-person the monthly team meeting at the Newark office. 

Full time: 35 hours per week  

Permanent contract 

Closing date for applications: 12th April 2026 

First interview: 20th April 2026 (online) or 22nd April 2026 (in-person at the Newark office) 

Second interview: 28th April 2026 

About Us 

We are a grassroots movement of people from a wide range of backgrounds and all walks of life, who believe that we need nature and nature needs us. We have more than 945,000 members, over 33,000 volunteers, 4,100 staff and 600 trustees. There are 46 trusts, each of which is a place-based independent charity with its own legal identity, formed by groups of people getting together and working with others to make a positive difference to wildlife and future generations, starting where they live and Work. 

The next few years will be critical in determining what kind of world we all live in. We need to urgently reverse the loss of wildlife and put nature into recovery at scale if we are to prevent climate and ecological disaster. We recognise that this will require big, bold changes in the way we work, not least in how we mobilise others and support them to organise within their own communities. 

About You 

We are deeply rooted in local areas and we work with communities of all kinds. We use two particular approaches to this element of our work, one which is known as Organising (working with people to help them to help Nature in their own way – for example listening to their concerns about their local green spaces and supporting them to make improvements), and one which is known as

Mobilising (helping people influence changes for Nature - for example changing Government policy by engaging with their MP). Our intention is always to influence nature’s recovery. 

This is an exciting time to join us. The purpose of this role is to support the Campaigning and Organising team as we develop a more equal balance between both approaches (“Organising” and “Mobilising”) so everyone can enjoy a wilder future. 

You are a natural communicator and work collaboratively. You may be starting out in your career and looking for a role where you can make a meaningful contribution and positive impact. 

In this role, you will be supporting work across the federation of 46 trusts to help mobilise supporters, driving locally-led action that contributes to nationally impactful campaigns, while building power within communities of all kinds so they feel more empowered to act for nature in their own ways. 

We are looking for someone who is methodical and resourceful and believes in the power of teamwork.

You will thrive in a fast-paced environment. You will be keen to learn, be open to new challenges and excited by the development opportunities this role offers 

Building meaningful, supportive relationships with Trusts and with communities is at the heart of what we do. You will play an important part in helping the Campaigning and Organising team to ensure everyone feels able to play their part, and help others take action too. 

If you have the passion and enthusiasm to inspire people to help nature thrive, we would be delighted to receive your application. 

We value passion, respect, trust, integrity, pragmatic activism, strength in diversity and we particularly encourage applications from people who are underrepresented within our sector, including people from minority backgrounds and people with disabilities as we are committed to creating a movement that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities. 

We are committed to increasing the diversity of its staff through its Levelling the Field recruitment pledge and as a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming recruitment experience for all applicants. Applicants with disabilities and from ethnic minority backgrounds, will be considered for the next stage of the selection process should they meet all the minimum criteria for the role outlined in the person specification detailed as essential criteria in the recruitment pack. This commitment is intended to help reduce barriers and promote equal opportunity; however, it does not guarantee an interview. 

We actively work to remove barriers throughout the recruitment journey and are dedicated to creating an accessible and supportive recruitment experience by offering reasonable adjustments at every stage of the recruitment process, as well as within the workplace. If you would benefit from any adjustments to support you during your application or interview process, please let us know and we will be pleased to put the appropriate support in place. 

We take our Safeguarding responsibilities extremely seriously. Please click here to read our commitment statement. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk. For applicable roles, applicants must be willing to undergo checks with past employers and Disclosure and Barring Service checks at the eligible level. 

We are also committed to creating a safe environment where discrimination, bullying, and harassment are not tolerated. We expect everyone to uphold, respect, and support our zero-tolerance policy.  

Please be aware we may not accept applications if we have reason to believe they have been wholly produced using generative AI tools. 

Communications Assistant

• 15 hours per week at £15.00 an hour (Actual salary £11,700 - FTE £27,300)
• Hours may be worked flexibly over a minimum of 3 days a week
• Home based with occasional prearranged in person meetings

The Communications Assistant will provide hands-on support to the Communications Manager in the ideation, creation and delivery of our regular external communications. This includes helping to grow our social media following, creating and scheduling content, sourcing and designing images, providing copywriting support, and responding to comments across our channels. The role will also involve drafting and scheduling newsletters and providing administrative support with our databases.

This is a 15‑hour‑per‑week role, with the potential to grow in the future. Ideally, we are looking for someone who can spread their hours across the week to support consistent content delivery, but we are open to discussing alternative working patterns for the right candidate.

The successful candidate will have experience in a communications, marketing or social media role. They will be proficient in Adobe Illustrator and have basic video editing and/or animation skills. Strong copywriting skills and the ability to adapt tone of voice for different channels are essential, as is confidence using Mailchimp or similar email marketing platforms.

We are a busy remote team, and this role offers plenty of scope to work autonomously and flexibly. You’ll gain experience across a wide range of areas and develop your skills in a supportive, hands‑on environment, with opportunities to contribute to the creative direction of our communications.

Closing date: 19th April 2026

Interviews: 29th April 2026